January 11, 2010 Spokesman

Visiting Rotarians and Guests were introduced:  Greg Contreras, the new owner of The Pub in Kirkland Park Place and a sponsor of the upcoming Duck Dash, was introduced by Dan Bartel; Jerry and Camelia Lucas, another Duck Dash sponsor, was introduced by John Overleese; new Kirkland Councilwoman Amy Walen and her husband, Jim Walen were introduced along with Alex Parker and his parents, Rick and Joan Parker were all introduced by Bill Woods.  Judith Hanson a former Rotarian from Coos Bay, Oregon was visiting for the sixth (or seventh or eighth, etc.) time. 

President Jim also mentioned those Rotarians that were recently in the Kirkland Reporter:  Don Dicks (and Merrilee Dicks) for the Arts; Steve Brown for his announcement of his new job in Pennsylvania (he will be leaving Kirkland at the end of February) and Chuck Morgan for his past contributions to the City of Kirkland.

President Jim also talked about his recent trip to Aruba and attending a Rotarian luncheon where he was asked to buy a Duck Dash ticket.  You can imagine how surprised he was to learn about a Duck Dash in this part of the world.  Their tickets were each $5 (with a coupon for free dessert) and Grand Prize of a week in Aruba.  They raise over $100,000!  Jim purchased ticket number 361 -Good Luck Jim!

John Overleese reminded everyone about the upcoming Scotch Tasting at the Kirkland Women's Center on January 16^th at 6:00 p.m.   Cost $15 per person.

Pat Dye discussed the  5030 District Conference in Portland, Oregon on May 14 and 15.  See the website for details and registration information.

Dan Bartel thanked everyone that participated in last Saturday's Northwest Harvest for the Food Bank.

Steve Shinston requested sign-ups for Scribe and Greeters.  He also thanked Sarah Brooks for signing up for one meeting a month for one full year.  Steve is hoping this will inspire more Rotarians to do the same.

Brandon Honcoop announced the applications for scholarships are now out and in the high schools and that interviews for recipients will begin in March.  Also, DECA judging will be March 5^th with two sessions.  The morning session will be from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 and the afternoon session will be from 12:30 to 5:00.  Judges are needed.  See Brandon for sign ups.

Bill Woods thanked everyone for their visits with JoMae.  He contributed to the Food Donation fund, since he will be gone to the desert until April 1^st.  He also gave the Club a parting joke---he had to be there.

Elizabeth Rusnak announced the sorting of the name badges and assignment of numbers to each badge, so replace your badge in your numbered slot.  If you have a missing badge or a missing Rotary pin, please see Elizabeth and she will order you one.

New Member Induction:

Jim Going was introduced by Pat Dye.  Jim's sponsor is Pat Dye and his mentor is Joanne Primavera.  Jim was a previous member of the Paradise Valley Club in Scottsdale/Phoenix area.  Jim was a past President of his prior Club as well as holding several other offices in that Club.  He was the recipient of the Outstanding Rotarian award as well as other Service Above Self awards.  Jim requested the opportunity to go from Red to Blue badge in order to know our Club better.  Welcome Jim!

Special Guest Speaker:

Alex Parker was a requested guest speaker because he was our 2003 Charles O. Morgan scholarship winner.  He wanted to thank the Club because we showed confidence in him and his ability to attend college by awarding him the scholarship.   He graduated from the University of Washington with a political science degree and he believes the financial support and confidence in him made all the difference in his success.  It was a very moving and heartfelt speech.

PROGRAM:

Patti Smith (out of her handcuffs) introduced Chief Eric Olsen who in turn introduced two of his team leaders for the SWAT or SRT special forces team;  Officer David Quiggle and Officer Todd Aksdal.  

The primary purpose of the SRT team is to Save Lives.  The members of the team are all volunteers; they all have other regular police duties and do not receive any extra pay for the additional work.  All members receive special training in addition to their regular training.  The selection process for the SRT team is very rigorous.  There are five (5) phases:  Physical Fitness Test, Firearms Test, Scenario Test, Written Exercise Test and Oral Interviews.  All candidates must receive a minimum of 80% to pass.  The top three candidates go to the Chief and he picks the final selection.  Officer Todd also demonstrated the equipment that the members must wear or carry with them.  About 55 to 75 additional pounds!

Chief Olsen announced the start of the next CitizensAcademy that begins on February 2^nd and goes for 10 to 12 weeks (meeting once a week).  If interested, see the Chief.

Special Announcement:  ShorelineCenter Rotary has an event on February 13^th at 6:00 p.m. called Horse Crazy Shoreline Band.  See Jim Feek for details.

The lucky ticket was drawn by Amy Walen and she picked the lucky Duck (#3).  Amy donated the money back to the pot.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. with closing joke by President Jim.