Rotary Meeting Minutes December 12, 2016
The meeting was called to order by President Pro-Tem Rick Walter at 6:30PM.
Mike Hunter led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thanks to Rich Bergdahl for manning the front desk, with the able assistance Teri Ekert, who also Greeted.
Visitors and Introductions:
Jason Overleese introduced Rick Juma and his son Saleem, who will be our speaker.
Announcements:
- Joanne Primavera announced that Kirkland Rotary Foundation has received a grant from Tableau, a Kirkland Tech company, to purchase and install a picnic bench on the Cross-Kirkland Corridor at 62nd, with Rotary Emblems.
- The Salvation Army did not get back to us, so we will not be doing ‘Bell-Ringing’ this year.
- Terry Cole reminded us about the Kid’s Christmas breakfast/party and gift-shopping expedition to Fred Meyer, starting this Saturday with breakfast at the Peter Kirk Center. The majority of the funds for this effort, which includes a $150 gift card for each child at Fred Meyer, was provided by a generous donation from Club Member Bob Auslander.
- Because most members will be participating in Saturday morning’s activities, we decided to not have a meeting this Monday, the 19th.
- Chris Rusnak has had ‘minor’ heart surgery and is doing well.
Rick Walter did ‘Happy Dollars – everyone was very generous as the money went to our esteemed and efficient servers here at the Woodmark.
Don Dicks honored and recognized the following members were honored as new multiple Paul Harris Fellows: Bob Auslander, Terry Cole, Rick Ostrander, Bill Woods. Don Dicks was then recognized by President Pro-Tem Rick Walter as a new multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
Jason Overleese introduced our speaker, Saleem Juma, a law student and spokesperson for people who live with an ostomy as a result of ulcerative colitis. He also does modeling and produces TV shows.
He first developed symptoms at age 15. He waited a number of months before telling anyone about his symptoms, or seeking medical help. He had to have surgery to remove his large intestine and have a large ileostomy bag attached. He was determined not let that affect how he wanted to live. To help others with the same problem, he now speaks publically and blogs about his experiences. He has had problems with depression and chronic anxiety, part of which stems from his physical ailment.
There are chat rooms and support groups, but most are for people over 50. He is in his early 20s and wanted to be a resource for younger sufferers.
His current passion is to somehow assist in the development of synthetic organs to replace those removed as a result disease or trauma.
The meeting was adjourned at about 7:25PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Acting Scribe - David Aubry