Spokesman

Alice Volpe our International Director researched and recommended some good projects in 3 different countries.  We were able to provide 2 huts for children in Gulu, Uganda who were displaced by the war. We helped the fight against malaria through the simple purchase of mosquito nets for folks in Zambia. We helped purchase an X-ray machine for a children’s orthopedic hospital in Nepal. While she set these projects up before her extended stay in Hawaii, she was quite active in following up and trouble shooting the international grants

Jerry Campo, Club Service Director. Jerry is an example of a past president stepping up once again and taking on this important job for a second year.  We have enjoyed the picnic, golf tournament, salmon bake, bunko night and the Christmas party.

Dave DeBois, Community Service Director for a second year. He helped  research possible new projects and found a few on his own like Sophie’s Way, Rbotics Club and reacquainted us with Eastside Baby Corner.  This is our busiest committee with the most projects.

Chris Morgan, Program Chair. Chris did a fantastic job as Program Chair, as he brought us a multitude of very interesting programs covering a wide variety of topics.

Don Dicks has been International Foundation Chair for 3 years and has done a fine job.  He is retiring as chair this year so let’s show our appreciation for a job well done.

Barb Seaton has been Public Relations chair for many years. Even though Barb’s job in Seattle prevents her from attending some meetings she has continued to make sure the community hears about our activities. She also takes advantage of make-ups by participating in Miracle League.

Steve Shinstrom-has been our website and communications guy for a long time. He has supported each President by soliciting for scribes and greeters. While a lot of what he does goes unseen, he has also organized the 4^th of July parade and hosted Bunko night for many years. Steve often minimizes his contributions but his narrow escape from a medical disaster this year reminds us to not take him or any of our Rotarian friends for granted.

Bill Taylor- is another past president who stepped up to chair Rotary Cares. He rejuvenated the committee, and set up a phone tree to contact members we haven’t seen in a while and to send cards to those who are sick.  Thankfully he helped organize tonight’s Transition Dinner.

Pat Swenson-our enthusiastic chair of Reading & Math Buddies. It goes without saying she is loved and appreciated at John Muir and by Rotary. Pat secured a nice book discount at Barnes & Noble and arranged for and organized a gift wrapping event that brought in new revenue.

Mike Hunter- was our go to guy for Student of the Month. Mike is a friend to all and a gentlemen that I know the Students were at ease at our meetings and learned a great deal about Rotary from him.

Elizabeth Rusnak, Chris Rusnak and Neil Johnson did not hesitate to step up to fill the gap in Miracle League when Chuck Brockway became ill. Elizabeth and Chris have built a special relationship with almost every child.  Chris’ photographic talents are more than awesome. We appreciate his and Dee Dee’s dedication.

Neil Johnson-has taken on his responsibilities in recruiting Miracle League volunteers as if he was some big executive at Kirkland’s largest employer! I suggest we give him another job to do and it will be done well.

Chuck Brockway-it took three members to take over the work you have done with Miracle League.  I want to make sure you know how much you are missed not only as a very funny Rotarian but a dedicated member as well. Your work with Miracle League is so important. The way you work with the kids and how much you help them enjoy playing baseball is commendable.

Pat Dye- who was president not long ago, once again organized the successful Warm Coat project for John Muir students. Staff at John Muir is so grateful for our contributions to their students.

Dan Bartel-did a nice job scheduling First Harvest outings and in running the family picnic. These events build the camaraderie past president Dan knows is so important.

By now Rick Walter probably thinks he has been left out of the order.  Not so. I like to give special recognition to Rick. When a person joins a Rotary Club and has the CPA designation behind his name he is a big target for the job of Treasurer. I think Rick knew that and didn’t hesitate one second when asked to serve.  Not only has he done a fine job managing the money, doing reports, making deposits, paying bills and so on, after collecting for dinner at the front desk every Monday night, he downs his dinner and then takes on the role of Chancellor.  He has helped make our year a lot of fun...we’ve all enjoyed a good many old fashioned belly laugh’s during Happy Dollars.  He has taken a great deal of responsibility as a relatively new member and serves as a role model for what it means to belong to a service club. We want to recognize Rick’s contributions by presenting you with this plaque in appreciation...

Scott Rethke- Scott will bring fresh ideas and a heck of a lot of fun to our Club. So Scott come on up to accept your new President’s pin and the gavel.  Scott will encourage us to celebrate fun in Rotary, build fellowship and get involved.  Scott introduced the board for 2013-2014: