August 17, 2009 Spokesman

Posted by Pat Swenson 
 

Meeting called to order by President, Jim Feek at 6:30 p.m.  The flag salute was lead by Bob Norman.  Our Greeter for the evening was Wilson Anhar.  (President Jim thanked Wilson for stepping in when he saw there was no Greeter for the evening.)  An impromptu Inspirational Moment was given by our new member, Shirley Van Nostrand.  Shirley talked about the Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall and how much she was impressed by the sentiments of the viewing people.  Shirley told us the meaning of the crosses and diamonds that appear next to the names of the soldiers.  A cross indicates a "missing in action" soldier and the diamond indicates the person has been "found" (meaning they are now deceased).  Many other Rotarians also shared their feelings and deep appreciation for all the past and present service to our Nation by our soldiers.

 

Guests:   Greg Boch (friend of Shellie Gehring---more about Shellie coming up) No Visiting Rotarians.

 

Happy Dollars ($$$) There were many happy events shared, but special thanks to Bob and Caroline Norman for the venue for our annual Salmon Bake.  Their beautiful house and gardens, including the forethought of providing large tents for the event were all commented upon.  The Normans have graciously provided the use of their  home and luscious gardens for the past five years.  Thanks also to John Overleese for organizing and special thanks to Gary and Ingrid Brunner for all their hard work (ordering and preparing the salmon, preparing the salads and bread, as well as cooking and serving the food). 

 

Announcements:  G.G. Getz announced the upcoming party for Chuck Morgan on September 5th,  at the MerrillGardens in downtown Kirkland.  The event is from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m with cake and coffee/punch provided to attendees.  Please come and visit with Chuck; he misses all his fellow Rotarians.

 

Chuck Brockway announced the annual KITH Dinner on October 3rd, Saturday.  There will be two Rotary tables. Chuck's number:  425-455-2607 or email: CBrockway@frontierbank.com      The featured speaker for that night will be Robert Fulghum (noted author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten)  Tickets are $125 each.  For further details check:  www.KITHcares.org   or Call 425-576-9531 x104  Be sure to let Chuck know if you wish to be seated with the Rotary tables.  

 

Pat Swenson announced the publication of fellow Rotarian, Tim Perry (T. A. Perry) book:  Trilogy in Blue: From The Ashes  (A historical fiction placed in Seattle)  Tim is a former Chief of Police and professor of sociology and criminal justice.   For further information see Tim's website at:  www.taperry.com    (As Scribe for the night-liberty has been taken.) 

 

G.G. Getz is our Community Cares Chair.  G.G. will serve as "point person" for notifications concerning fellow Rotarians when they or their family member is ill or hospitalized.  Please direct such information to G.G. so the Club can be kept informed and provide support to that Member.

 

Carl Boruck, Club Treasurer, reminded everyone that dues are to have been sent in.  If you have not paid your dues, contact Carl immediately.  His phone:  425-453-0243 or email carl.boruck@sterlingsavings.com    Our roster of paid membership must be in to District for our new Rotary year. 

 

Felicity Burdick & Roy Selvidge, International Chair & Co-Chair, are holding a meeting to brainstorm ideas for international projects  August 26th meeting at 11:30 to discuss ideas.  Lunch will be provided.  Contact Felicity aa head count is necessary for food and choice of location (more than 10 people, they will not meet at Jim Feek's, if 10+, going to Anthony's HomePort  for lunch).  Felicity email:  felicity.burdick@gmail.com   (Congratulations to Felicity for being accepted at the University of Washington for her Masters in Social Work)

 

Joanne Primavera announced a "Chili/Cornbread/Cobbler" Cookoff and Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party on September 20th Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Kirkland Women's Club.  Choose one of the items (either chili, cornbread or fruit cobbler) to make and bring for the contest.  Alaska beer tasting will also be provided.  (You do not have to enter the contest to attend the event---please come and have fun.)  There will also be a Texas Hold'Em Poker card party.  This event will have a Western theme. Contact Joanne for sign ups at:  1gal@verizon.net    Let her know if you plan to attend and/or if you plan to enter one of the cooking contests. 

 

Patti Smith announced the annual Golf Tournament for September 14th.  Starting tee off time at 12:00 noon at Mt.Si golf course.  Cost to participate is $60 (golf and dinner) plus your golf cart.  Call the course directly for a cart.  If you do not have a foursome, sign up and you will be placed in a foursome.  Everyone is welcome.   If you wish to attend the dinner and not play golf, you are invited to do so.  Also, golf giveaways are needed.   Please contact Patti at:  425-803-0211 or email patti@psmithinsurance.com    to register.

 

 

Mary-Alyce Burleigh, Community Service Chair, provided a list of all the upcoming community service projects.  Some of the projects are a "one time" participation and several of the projects require an on-going commitment.  Please select the areas that are of interest to you.  You may reach her by phone or email:  maryburl@verizon.net   or 206-310-2504 or 425-827-8474

 

Inductions:  New Member:  Shellie Gehring  Sponsor:  Bill Woods  Mentor:  Pat Swenson

Shellie is an Account Executive with Colonial Life in Kirkland, specializing in benefits communications and voluntary employee benefits.  Please take the time to introduce yourself to Shellie and get to know her.  Welcome Shellie!!!!!!!!

 

Speaker:  Ken Davidson , principal in Davidson, Czeisler & Kilpatric P.S.  He has practiced law in KingCounty for 35 years.  Graduated from DukeUniversity with a law degree and  received a Fulbright Fellowship.  He was then appointed to the WSBA Committee on Public Defense where he was asked to serve as the chairperson on its Subcommittee on the Death Penalty Study.  In 2007, Mr. Davidson received the WSBA's Award of Merit for his work on the death penalty study and his years of service to the bar and the public.  His topic for discussion was a Hard Look at the Death Penalty in WashingtonState.   Mr. Davidson built his presentation around four (4) main questions.  #1:  Is the death penalty the best use of tax payors' dollars?  #2:  Is the death penalty applied fairly and evenly to all?  #3:  *If a person, such as the Green River Killer with 48 convicted murders, is not put to death, then who should receive the death penalty?  #4:  Do executions deter further murders in WashingtonState?  *Gary Ridgway received life without possibility of parole.  For more info see his summary at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/davidson1208.htm   

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Submitted by Scribe:  Pat Swenson