April 22, 2013 Spokesman
Rotary meeting minutes 4/22/2012
Diana Lanspa was our greeter
President Patty Smith called the meeting to order at 6:33PM.
Brandon Honcoop led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introductions:
Bob Auslander introduced our Student of the Month, Mark Asera.
It was announced that today is member Jim Hart’s 90th birthday.
Dave Dubois introduced ‘Visiting Rotarian’ Bill Woods, back from his winter sojourn in the sun. Bill announced that our suddenly wonderful weather was because he had brought the sun with him from California.
Dan Bartell introduced visitor Carol McCarty.
Pat Dye introduced her guests from Residence XII, and tonight’s speakers, Nicky, Chris, and Roberta.
Announcements:
Steve Shinstrom was here, for the first time in 3 MONTHS, without his collar. (editor note Yahoooooo) He announced that he was substantially healed and would be doing no more ‘stupid things’, at least physically, until further notice.
Bill Taylor, chair of our ‘Rotary Cares’ committee, announced that member Chuck Brockway has had to have more surgery, for an infection, but is in good spirits. He will need another round of surgery shortly.
Eric Olson announced that the club Golf Tournament will be at Bear Creek Country Club September 9th. Those who register before July 1 will get $10 off. Bring guests - one can also come just for the dinner following the golf.
John Pruitt reminded us that the Duck Dash is coming – his committee will make a presentation next week.
Elizabeth Rusnak reminded us that Miracle league starts this coming Saturday. This club has committed to providing all the people for this game. Game starts at 10, show up at 9:30 at Perigo Park in Redmond.
Dave Dubois announced that we have donated funds to two worthy causes – a homeless women’s shelter in Bellevue, and to the Lake Washington High School Robotics Club. There was a story about the club in the recent Kirkland Reporter.
Rick Walter collected Happy Dollars from many of those present – the sunshine found many of us in a generous mood.
Our speakers were the Residence XII team, as previously introduced by Pat Dye, who spoke on ‘Addiction – a Chronic Brain Disease’. Chris Song, Treatment Director, led off, and was followed by Roberta Romero. Ms. Romero, a recovering alcoholic, described her personal experience and how she had been helped by Residence XII. We learned that addicts come from all social strata and walks of life. Some are addicted to prescribed drugs. Half of all American families have a member with an addiction problem. 75% of addicts are employed; only 5.8% get treatment. The issue affects all members of a family, especially the children. The children of addicts have a greater likelihood of becoming an addict themselves. About 25% of all people admitted to hospitals in this country have an addiction problem. Also, of course, if an addict causes injury or death to others, the problem is spread beyond the immediate family in catastrophic ways.
We also heard about what goes on in Residence XII – the type of treatment program that is offered. The addict must learn how to have a good life without the drug. Other family members often require counseling to help them deal with the changes that need to occur in order that a recovering addict can more successfully continue on the new path. A free orientation and free classes on how to approach an intervention with an addict are also offered.
Elizabeth Rusnak won the drawing but did not draw the joker.
President patty adjourned the meeting at 7:39.
Respectfully submitted
David Aubry
Acting Scribe.