Novermber 23, 2009 Spokesman
Posted by Steve Brown
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
President Jim opened the meeting at 6:25pm, and Patti Sims led the pledge. After thanking Deb Gregorek for greeting, and Steve Brown for scribing, he introduced our guests and Visiting Rotarians.
Scott introduced his wife, Anne.
Shirley introduced her guest, Judith Hanson, who is also a Visiting Rotarian from Coos Bay, Oregon.
Dick introduced his wife, Sharon, and his son-in-law Brian. He also introduced Jerry's wife, Patty Marsh, who has a personal link to the evening's speaker, which we'll see later.
Patti Sims introduced our exchange student, Selis, who shared with us some of her recent activities, including a trip to Port Angeles and her recent Twilight Weekend.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dick W announced that he still has some open slots for Salvation Army bell ringing.
Bill W shared with the Club the riveting traveling activities of Shellie Gehring and David DuBois, then read a poem (or a prayer?) related to eating on Thanksgiving.
John O announced the upcoming Christmas Party at Lucia's on December 6 ($50/person) and the next Alcohol Awareness evening planned for January 16 at the Kirkland Women's Club (across from the Police Station) ($20/person). Sign-up sheets are on each table.
INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT
Gary Bruner then gave a deeply poignient and timely message of thanks for those men and women serving in our armed forces, sacrificing to make it so we all can enjoy our Thanksgiving. Please remember them in our prayers and blessings this Holiday Season.
HUSKIE/COUGAR MOMENT
Steve Shinstrom and Deb Gregorek led the members in a celebration of Huskie and Cougar athletics and academics, comparing both schools and their students with some heart-warming "stories". So glad the Apple Cup is only once a year!
SPEAKER
Before introducing our speaker for the evening, Dick Weston also regaled us with some stories and memories of his own of Apple Cup celebrations of years past. (Did I mention how glad many of us are Apple Cup comes only once a year?)
Jeff Sadorus is an official in the PAC-10, and we were so fortunate to have this opportunity, since public appearances by big-time football officials is very rare. For obvious reasons, they must be very careful what they say, and simply don't speak publically very often. However, we owe his appearance to the encouragment of his mother - Patty Marsh! Thank you, Patty!
Jeff, a Back Judge, first got involved in officiating in 1980 in Oregon, at first doing junior high and high school games. He started officiating PAC-10 games in 1984, then moved here in 1989. He shared his background, what it takes to be an official in the large conferences, and some of what his schedule is like during the season. Essentially, there is no normal week during the football season, which is usually 10-11 games, all over the country. While he has no favorite teams, he simply loves the game, which is what keeps him doing what he does.
Following his talk, he answered many questions from the audience, after which President Jim presented him with the certificate of appreciation, donating food to Northwest Harvest in his name. We were truly fortunate to have Jeff speak with us!
HONEY POT/ADJOURN
Patti Smith had the lucky number, allowing Selis to "draw" the winning duck - congratulations, Selis!
President Jim adjourned the meeting at 7:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Brown, Scribe