Rotary Club of Kirkland
Monday, November 23, 2015 Meeting
President Rich Bergdahl called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  GG Getz, visiting from Georgia, led us in the Pledge.
Brian Tucker inspired us with notes from his daughter, Matty, who is studying in Paris.  Matty provided comments from survivors of the tragedy that occurred in Paris a week ago.  In summary live your life to the fullest and tell loved ones how much you love them every day!
 
Guests: 
Jack & Cheryl Bloodworth, former members of our Club (this scribe was delighted to see you!)
GG Getz, a former President of our Club.  GG has joined a Club in Atlanta and is the Fellowship Chair.
Aron Healy with Franklin Temple came to our meeting after attending the Rotary Omak-Okanagan fundraiser for those affected by last summer’s wildfires.
Carly Taylor, our Student of the Month, has been accepted at two colleges so far!
Rich Bergdahl’s family was in attendance:  His mother, Loretta Brown; his brother Bruce and Bruce’s wife Carol, both of whom just arrived from Alaska; and his mother-in-law Jodie Marks.
 
Announcements:
  • Rich passed around a card to sign for Herb Stier who is now in hospice.
  • Patti Smith briefed us on the $50,000 check presentation to the City Council last Tuesday evening.  Everything fell into place on this $140,000 project.  All the money raised came from the community. With our check, the Kirkland Parks Foundation’s help, and the City’s participation, the Waverly picnic shelter should be ready for our annual picnic next summer.
Joanne Primavera brought us up to date on several projects: 
  • The Turkey Trot was a success and she wants all of us to participate next year;
  • Food for the two families from John Muir was collected this evening;
  • There are opportunities to work at Hopelink helping families shop for Christmas;
  • Sorting and wrapping gifts at Hopelink; and
  • Signing up for gifts for two John Muir families
     
    Joanne will send out an email list for the gifts.  The gifts can be dropped off at Banner Bank.
 
  • Joanne took a quick vote and our Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction will be held on a Saturday in early March.
  • Dave DeBois is still looking for hockey fans to attend the December 5th game in Everett.  Dinner is earlier in the evening.  The tickets are $18 apiece and thirty members have signed up so far.  Dave will buy the tickets on Monday so contact him if you are interested in attending.
  • Dave also had the UW-WSU Football Pool available and all the squares were sold this evening.
  • Don Dicks informed us this is Rotary Foundation Month and gave us an overview of the work Rotary is doing around the world.  Contact Don or pay Rick Walter if you want to make a donation.  We have until next June and 100% participation is the goal!
  • President Rich announced the Board Meeting this week.  A nominating committee will be formed to find the President after Scott Becker’s and Steve Shinstrom’s Presidential years. 
  • Rick Walter asked that when donating; please specify donations to “Rotary International” or our own “Kirkland Rotary Foundation” so he can keep everything straight.  He also asked for a nominating committee for the next Treasurer!
 
Program
Jason Overleese introduced Laura Beausoleil from the Alzheimer’s Association who gave us valuable information on this disease that is fatal, has no cure, and there is no way to prevent it.  Keeping our brains active seems to help stave off the disease (more crossword puzzles!).  The Association earns money from several walks each year that are held from the end of August through the end of October.  This topic was of interest to Club members and several questions were put to Laura.  Contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alzwa.org for more information.
Thank you Laura for the interesting program!
 
Happy GG Getz Dollars
GG Getz informed us that Pat Dye, a former President of our Club, has had her first Grandchild.  His name is “Leopold Wilbur” and Pat is in California visiting him for the first time!
 
Joker Pool
Alice Volpe had the lucky ticket but failed to draw you-know-who.  There are 46 cards left and $700 in the pot.
 
Adjournment
President Rich reminded us of the Holiday Party on Sunday, December 13th at 5:30 PM at his home.  There will be a nominal fee for the catering so no potluck dishes are necessary.
Rich thanked everyone for attending, told us to enjoy every second of our life, and call someone this week!  He adjourned the meeting at 7:40 PM.
Submitted by Mike Hunter, Scribe for the Week