October 8, 2007 Spokesman

Posted by Jerry Campo 
 

October 8, 2007 Spokesman

 

 President Rachel opened the meeting and asked Ernie Norehad to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Brandon Honcoop presented the Inspirational Moment.  He recently saw John Wooden, the former head basketball coach at UCLA during their glory years, and took away this quote:

"There is no such thing as an overachiever, we merely achieve to the level we're capable of."  Good thoughts to live by.

Guests:

 

Stan Hill, neighbor, drinking buddy and friend of Bill Woods.

Dr. Shirley Metcalf, Executive VP of Instruction at LWTC.

Gail Auslander, Bob Auslander's better half.

Terry Coe, past president of the Redmond Rousers, coming by to check us out.

 

Announcements:

 

This Saturday, Oct. 13th is Tailgate Bunko Night, hosted by the Bunko Masters of the Universe, the Shinstroms!  This year, the Grand Poobah (sp) of Bunko, John Woodbery and his lovely bride Dee, will be making a return visit.  Don't miss it!  Contact Steve Shinstrom for details and food signups.

 

President Rachel announced that Joanne Primavera and Patti Smith submitted for a District Simplified Grant for matching funds from the District.  More to use for our local causes.

 

Pat Dye announced that Operation Warm will happen at John Muir Elementary on Friday, October 26th at 8:00 A.M.  We will be distributing coats to kids that need them; contact Pat to help out.

 

Dan Bartel informed us that you can make up on the Rotary First Harvest Web Site by completing their Tutorial.  On-line Meeting Make-up: You can now do an on-line meeting make-up and learn more about Rotary First Harvest by logging onto the Rotary First Harvest web site (www.firstharvest.org).  On the left-hand column click on: About RFH, then click on meeting makeup.  Select which video you want to watch and then answer about 6 questions about the video-you can then print out your make-up.

 

Gary Bruner announced the last work party at Rotary First Harvest's current site (Pier 91).  They will be moving; keep tuned as to where.

 

President Rachel announced many Rotary Anniversaries this month, led by Jerry Marsh's 39th!  Welcome back Jerry!

 

Pat Swenson filled us in on Reading Buddies at John Muir Elementary for this school year.  There will be two 'shifts' for volunteers, the first one starting Nov. 1st and running through mid-December, the 2nd one starting in January.  An e-mail has been sent out about the program.

Pat also has the phone tree set up to round up the wayward Rotarians whose attendance might be slipping.  Thanks Pat!

 

Dee Dee Rusnack handed out an activity sheet of the things Pascal Weber, our exchange student, would like to do.  He is currently at the Kehrli's, and can be reached at 425-803-3396.

Also, the Blaine Immunization Project will be on Nov. 29th and Dec. 6th, 11:30 - 2:00 at Kirkland Hopelink. Volunteers are needed to help the effort.

 

Jim Feek, representing the Kirkland Rotary Dance Club, told us about the great time all the guys had dancing together!  Seriously, if you sign up make sure you attend.  The info is on our club website.

 

Bob Webb announced that Bill Taylor and Dan Bartel will be our two-headed Head Duck next year!  Thanks for stepping forward Bill and Dan!

Thanks to Brad Green for the great Sponsor's cruise you put on; well appreciated by all and a great way to say Thank You to all the Sponsor's, yourself included.

 

On a sadder note, our condolences go out to the Taylor Family.  Sandy Taylor's father passed away Saturday.  You both are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Chancellor:

 

David Aubry was very crafty at extracting many Happy Dollars.  Dave, did you pay for your 'Cal is No. 2' cheer?  Just checking.

 

 

Speaker:

 

Our speaker this evening was Kirkland Chief of Police Eric Olsen.  Chief Olsen was promoted this past August, after being a part of the Kirkland Police Dept. for 19 years.  He started out as a rookie officer and has held many positions within the Dept. 

Many of the facts Chief Olsen shared with us is the size of the Dept.  There are 72.5 commissioned police officers and 32-33 non-commissioned support personnel, putting Kirkland in the top 4% in the U.S.

Kirkland is right up there with their Pro Ac Team, Fatal Team, Canine Unit and Family Violence Unit.  Some of these teams are often called out to help in other communities.

Believe it or not, there actually is a jail at KirklandCity Hall!  How many of us knew that.

Recruiting and retaining officers is always a challenge.  Kirkland PD is always active in this area and is near the top in pay, benefits and opportunities.

Chief Olsen stressed the KPD needs the support from businesses, Neighborhoods and schools to be successful.

 

Thank you Chief Olsen for all the fine work the KPD does for the community!

   

Last but not least, no winners on the Honey Pot.

 

Your faithful scribe,

 

Jerry Campo