December 12, 2005 Spokesman

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:  Michelle (  ?  ), a manufacturer's representative, was a guest of and introduced by Brett Johnson.  Michelle has visited before and arranged for a couple prizes at last year's Duck Dash.

Genevieve (Gen) Cox, Ev's wife, passed away on December 3^rd.  Services will be at Kirkland Congregational Church this Friday, December 16, at 2 PM.  The club is sending flowers and a card for Ev was circulated.

Announcements: 

• Patti Smith announced we would have a "talent night" for our sweethearts on February 13^th.  She knows we have lots of talent and invites you talented people to sign up to make this evening memorable.
• Elizabeth  Rusnak announced that our exchange student Vlad will be changing homes soon and needs a place to stay from December26th through the 31^st.  He will be staying with the Kehlris for several days through Christmas.  Call Deedee for details if you can help.
• Michelle Neal thanked everyone who participated in the Thanksgiving food baskets and urged us to sign up for the Christmas gifts for our families from our three high schools.  Michelle circulated a sign up sheet and urged everyone else who wants to participate to do so on Club Runner.  The gifts (or money) must be brought to our meeting next Monday, December 18.
• George McAfee, the Head Duck man, announced that we are in the final period to have prizes and sponsors complete for the 2006 Great Puget Sound Duck Race.  The Duck Race tickets will go to the printer on January 19.  All sponsors and prizes must be in the hands of George and John to be on the tickets.
• In January the Woodmark will be renovating almost everything and the kitchen and meeting areas will be closed.  Kirkland Rotary will meet at Jimmy G's, Paula Gaines' restaurant attached to the Tech City Bowl on January 16^th and 23^rd.  We must sign up by the 4^th of January so there is a specific number for the restaurant and that may be difficult because next Monday 12/18 is the last meeting before the January 4^th sign up dead line, be sure to get to Club Runner to sign up for these meetings!!!

Joanne recapped the Christmas Party and the club thanked Craig Neal for setting the very special arrangements for this lovely party at Broadmoor Country Club.  About 85 of us had a wonderful evening with an excellent combo from New Orleans (where else from Michelle and Craig?), wonderful food, and spirited dancing by all.  There seemed to be consensus from the applause that we should try to do something similar next year.

President Joanne next called Bob Gassen and John Overleese to the front of the meeting to bestow on Bob his blue badge and thanked him for all the support he has given the club already as a member of our organization.

Past Past President (P cubed) Sturgell presented the slate of officers for 2006-7.  They are Steve Brown, President; Joanne Primavera, Past President; Rachel Knight, President Elect; Bob Webb, Vice President; Jeanne MacRae, Secretary; and Barbara Seaton, Treasurer.  There were no additional nominations and this slate was approved unanimously

Consistent with this Holiday Season (for most of us it is Christmas), Joanne made up a Holiday Song Sheet (well, really four sheets with seven songs).  Yours truly led the group in singing Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells.  It was quite spirited and fun.  Stay tuned for next week.

Program:  Dwight Olson introduced our speaker for the evening, Ralph Palmen.  Ralph heads an international recruiting company and has pursued this occupation all over the world.   He talked about his experience in Russia soon after the Iron Curtain fell in the 90s.  Particularly interesting for me were his comments regarding morality and the businessmen of the newly open Russian society.  He observed there was no moral grounding after the several generations where religion was outlawed during the communist period.   He also noted that during the communist era the black marketers were the only businessmen and they jumped in the vacuum created by the fall of the Soviet Union.  Mr. Palmen feels much optimism for Russia as they plow through all these major changes required to become a full and respected member of the world community of nations.  

Honey Pot:  The evening ended with two drawings for the honey pot.  Barbara Seaton had the first lucky number, but didn't get the money.  Then, Joanne asked a second ticket be drawn and John Woodbery received an IOU from our president for a plate of Christmas cookies.

Respectfully submitted, Bob Webb