October 1, 2007 Spokesman

Posted by Steve Shinstrom 
 

President Rachel opened the meeting on October 1, 2007 and asked Gene Hernandez to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bob Webb offered the Inspirational Moment in song.  Reading the words, our club tried to sing along with Bob to help deliver the Inspirational moments.  To add to the experience, Bob directed the club to sing the song a second time - both times in different keys.  We were all grateful when the inspirational singing was over - and therefore inspired with gratitude.

Guests included:

  1. Katherine Kehrli's family
  2. Pascal Webber - our Rotary exchange student and the speaker for the evening
  3. Masaru Kibukaija (?)
  4. Allamjam (?) "Elijah" Kalif

(both guests of Gene Hernandez)

  1. Elanas (?) Spovida (?) Exchange student for another Kirkland Rotary club.
  2. Heidi Tucker, wife of Brian Tucker (Kirkland Rotarian)

  Announcements:

  • President Rachel then announced the official call for nominees for 5030 District Governor 2010.  To apply for the position or nominate another for the position go to the Rotary 5030 website before November 15th.
  • Also, a reminder regarding attendance: 1) to sign up at the front desk before each meeting, and 2) send Jeannie McRae an email when attending other functions or other club meetings.
  • Nov 3rd is our club's "Sparkling Wine Social".
  • Oct 13th is Bunco Night hosted by Steve Shinstrom. Email Steve is you wish to attend
  • Scribe and Greeter sign-up sheet was past around the tables.
  • Dee Dee Rusnak announced that pneumonia and flu shots for seniors project has been rescheduled to Nov. 29th and Dec 6th, 11:30am - 2pm at Kirkland Hopelink. 5 Rotarians are needed to support the effort each of these dates.
  • Bob Webb announced the 10th Annual Concert of the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band on (???)
  • The club was invited to attend the International Ballet Theater performing "Dracula" between October 25th and 31st.  And, invitations were distributed to the Masquerade Gala benefit for the International Ballet.
  • Announced that Jerry Marsh is at home, doing much better and would like to have visitors.
  • October 26th is Operation Warm Coat at John Muir Elementary.

  Club Information:

  • President Rachel and members of the Board presented "What Happens to Our Money". 
  • The community services budget was presented by Katherine.  The charitable recipients included First Harvest and East Side Baby Corner, Operation Warm Coat, Miracle League, Kamiakin Jr. High School Africa Project and others.
  • Patty Sims presented the Vocational Services Budget which included scholarships, student of the month meals, education of the Year award, Washington Business Week and others.
  • Patti Smith reviewed the budget for International Services which included youth exchange out bound and inbound, World Vision Aids Project in Africa in conjunction with Community Services and the Thunbalathu (?) Project with a matching grant with Port Elizabeth, South Africa Rotary.
  • Steve Brown announced the Capital Campaign Project from last year's surplus of funds.  Working with the City of Kirkland, a project was identified.  The City has planned to develop a Centennial Garden Arbor at HeritagePark. The project will be presented at the October Board meeting.
  • Copies of our club calendar 2007 - 2008 were distributed to members.

Main Speaker: Pascal Webber, Kirkland Rotary Exchange Student

Topic: Switzerland

Pascal fondly and humorously shared with our club his homeland of Switzerland.

The presentation included the geography, economy, history, culture, sports, demographics, politics and a sample of Pascal's life in Switzerland. 

Key points from this presentation for the scribe included:

Geography - The Swiss proudly shared that there are more peaks in the Swiss Alps than in the Austrian Alps.

Economy - Milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland in 1875.

History - Even though Switzerland was founded in 1291, much later and after many wars, Napoleon encourage national pride in Switzerland which resulted in the founding of modern Switzerland in 1812.

Culture - Traditional music includes Alphorn and yodeling. Yodeling is typically not performed for an audience but as spiritual upliftment of those yodeling.

Sports - Two of the main sports in Switzerland are soccer and skiing.

Politically - Switzerland has a Federal Council of 7 selected by the equivalent of our Senate and House.

Demographic - There are certain small areas of Switzerland where the population speaks Romanic language and they do not speak German.

Pascal's Home Life - Pascal loves and appreciates his homeland - Switzerland.

 

In closing, President Rachel helped our young winning ticket holder (one of the Kehrli boys) find the winning duck.