November 30, 2009 Spokesman
Posted by John Woodbery
The November 30, 2009 Kirkland Rotary meeting was called to order by President Jim Feek at 6:30PM (Ev Cox, thanks for the memories on punctuality reminders). The club was saddened by the news of Bill and Jo May Woods's tragic loss of their son Tom and wife and friends to a drunk driver yesterday. G.G. suggested we all individually send cards to Bill and Jo may at 211 Kirkland Ave. #508, Kirkland, WA 98033. A moment of silence was observed for their loss. Yours truly offered a rendition from memory of the 23rd Psalm as a moment of inspiration or at least comfort. God, if no one else understands the meaning of such senseless tragedies, is truly with us at these moments of indescribable loss.
We welcomed Assistant Governor Ezra Teshome as a guest. Also welcomed were Marilee Dicks, Don's wife, Karen Styner, wife of Jim and Karen also was celebrating a birthday. John Pruitt introduced John Wilson of Juanita High as student of the month with his sister Carolyn. Joanne Primavera introduced Jim Going, a Rotarian from Sun Lakes, Arizona as visiting Rotarian and Judith Hampstead was visiting Rotarian from Coos Bay, Oregon looking for a club in the area. . Brian Tucker introduced fellow Rotarian Leigh Reddy from the North shore Club. Apple Cup news by Chuck Brockway announced that Scott Radke won two quarters and Dwight Olson won the game and one quarter, all the proceeds by Dwight donated to our Exchange Student, not present tonight.
Dave Aubry announced that the Woodmark Hotel will permit a Rotary sign be permanently displayed in the Hotel Lobby. Dick Westin needed and recruited the final Salvation Army bell ringer tonight on the spot. Dan Bartel announced that two families will receive Christmas baskets so bring donations by 12/21. Barb Seaton thanked us all for 670 pounds of potatoes and turkeys for thanksgiving donations to needy families.
Patti Smith introduced Christopher Shanen, Kirkland Arts Center Director for our program. It was news of a sort but it appears that art is everywhere in Kirkland. Art fuels the economy and assuages the creative itch of many in the area. The Center is filled to overflowing with classes of all kinds and for all ages. There is an education outreach to 2200 students a year. The program titles included "Jump Start" for classes of those losing jobs in the economy; "New Friends" for mentally disabled students; "Links" a golf theme display; "Steam Boat"; "No" for protestors? "Brewtube" with utube and beer (that ought to be fun), "Redux", a winter party and "Artluck' a monthly art gathering. For the aesthetically inclined, feast your senses on the art scene in Kirkland. This town's for you.
Jim Feek closed with his usual Norwegian joke and supervised the drawing with Ezra Teshome getting the winning ticket but not the prize. President Jim ended with a quote from the late Chief Dan George that concluded with the memorable line, "may silence make you strong". With that, the bell was rung and we left. And a good night to us all and in the words of Charles Dickens "may God bless us everyone".
John Woodbery, Scribe