Minutes of December 1, 2014 Rotary Meeting
 
The meeting was called to order by President John Pruitt-an unusually boisterous group was present and required multiple bell chimes to quiet down
 
The “mystery scribe” was identified as yours truly, Robert Cohon.
 
Visitors and Guests
 
The following visiting guests were introduced:
 
Eric Saunders of Kirkland Chiropractic
“Father” Ernie Norehad, who shared the story of “The Wizard Under The Sheets”
 
Announcements
 
1.         Dave Dubois / Christmas Families
 
Dave announced that a list has been circulated for gifts Rotary is giving to 5 needy families whose kids attend John Muir Elementary.  Please indicate what gift you will give and circulate the list so others know. 
 
Wrapped gifts should be brought to Banner Bank no later than December 19, 2014.  You can also give money that will be used to purchase gifts as well.  Please help make these families happy.
 
2.         Scott Becker / Christmas Cruise
 
The Rotary Christmas Cruise on the Argosy is this Saturday.  Boarding is at 245pm at Carrilon Point.  The boat leaves Carrilon at 330pm and returns at 6pm.  It will return in time for people to see the Nutcracker, featuring our very own Bill Woods as the “Grandfather”.
 
There are only 37 people signed up and we need 60 to break even.  Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and potential Rotary members to attend.  Let Scott Becker know ASAP about late sign ups.  Special discounts may be available!!
 
3.         Joanne Primavera / Apple Cup Pool Winners
 
Chalk up another victory for the Huskies!!  Sorry Cougar fans…maybe next year.
 
And the Winners were:
 
1st quarter                    Rick Walter (always a winner)
2nd quarter                   Patti Smith (not the rocker)
3rd quarter                    Patti Smith (the rocker)
Overall Winner            Mekonen Giogis
 
Congratulations to all!!
 
4.         Gary Bruner / Recognition of DV Hurst as a Paul Harris Fellow
 
Gary Bruner proudly presented DV Hurst with the Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of his many years of service to Rotary and the community.  Education is a big part of Rotary.  As President of NW College, DV has done a lot to help educate and improve our community.  Congratulations and many thanks to DV!!!  You are an inspiration and example for all of us to follow.
 
Speakers
 
Jason Overleese introduced our speakers Stephen Lamson and Bob Ewing.  Both of them founded and run sailing programs for people with disabilities.
 
Stephen L. Lamson
President/Founder
Gratitude Sailing, Inc.
9308 NE 123rd CT
Kirkland, WA  98034
425 503-1499
graititudesailingnw.com
 
Steve started Gratitude Sailing, 6 months ago after suffering from some bad personal health issues.  He was grateful he survived decided to “give back” through offering sailing excursions to people with disabilities of all kinds.  “Healing is healing”.
 
Gratitude has 2 boats, The Lady J, a 40’ Kettenburg kept at Leschi and a 43’ Kettenburg kept at C Dock at Shilshole.  Both are beautiful old wooden boats.
 
Gratitude does not charge for its sailing trips. They need money and a home for their boats and equipment.
 
Bob Ewing
Footloose Sailing Association
7683 SE 27th St.
PMB#239
Mercer Island, WA  98040
206 382-2680
 
Bob Ewing broke his neck in a diving accident in 1973 and is paralyzed from the waist down.  He started Footloose Sailing Association 23 years ago with the goals of getting disabled people out on the water, leaving their disability at the dock, and promoting personal growth and rehabilitation.  
 
Footloose started with 4 boats and has 8 boats now including two Martin 16’s, four access dinghies, and two Columbia 21’s.  The Martins have electronic winches so they can be sailed single-handed.
 
Events start the 1st week of May and are held every two weeks through the end of September, including an overnight trip to Blake Island.  Volunteers, who receive no pay for their work, run everything.  They need 22 volunteers per event, including skippers and crew. 
 
Footloose is “lean and mean” and runs on a budget of about $17,000.00, most of which goes to insurance, boat maintenance, and moorage. 
 
They charge a membership fee of $25/year and $10 per cruise. They need money and a home for their boats and equipment.
 
Housekeeping
 
Rick Ostrander reminded everyone to wear their Rotary pins to meetings and collected $5 for those who did not.  Rick Walter offered to sell pins in the lobby for $4 each.
 
Extra Time for “Father” Ernie
 
“Father” Ernie got extra time and told two more jokes.  Judging from the amount of paper he pulled from his breast pocket, it appears he spends a lot of time on the internet and there are lots more jokes where those came from.
 
Joker Pool
 
Approximately $120.00 was collected. Brandon Honcoop drew the winning ticket.  Pat Swenson had the winning ticket and drew the queen of spades.  Rats!  Only 18 cards left for next time.
 
Reminders
 
1.         Holiday cruise
2.         No meeting December 8th-do not come
3.         Board meeting December 10th
4.         Next meeting Dec 15th
5.         Off-site meeting December 22 at the Market Street Restaurant-dinner at 630pm
 
Thought for the Week
 
“Smooth sailing never makes a skillful sailor”
 
With that, the meeting was adjourned.  That’s All Folks!