January 22, 2007 Spokesman

Posted by Mike Hunter

Incoming President for 2007-08, Rachel Knight, called us to order at 6:32 PM. Jack Bloodworth led us in the Pledge. Diane Santeford gave a very Inspirational Moment about her granddaughter, Dannica, surviving a premature birth 11 years ago. Right after Dannica's birth when they didn't expect her to survive, Diane made her some promises if she lived (buy her a pony, give Dannica her diamonds, etc.) and I'm sure Diane is more than happy to now follow through!

Rachel thanked Michelle Hnatowich for greeting and Mike Hunter for scribing. Rachel also announced that she gets a month 'credit' next year in her Presidency for filling in for our President, Steve Brown. Steve sends his greetings and will return in February.

Guests: Visiting Rotarians: Miriam Gilbert, Duvall Rotary; and David Holmes, Northshore. Visiting spouses included Susan Danforth, Anna Aubrey and Stan Julien.

Paul Harris Fellows Presentations: Jim Feek presented PH Fellows to David Aubrey, Stan Julien (from his wife, Linda), Mike Hunter and George McAfee. Chuck Brockway also received his second PH Fellow. Congratulations to each of you for making a difference in the world and in our community!

Announcements :

Pat Swenson said the Ski Bus trip to StevensPass is postponed until late February due to members being too busy.
Dennis Newell invited everyone to Sweethearts Night on Monday, Feb 12. Please bring your significant other for an evening of Club talent and fun!
Pat Swenson reminded us of the St. Patrick's Day party at Bob Auslander's home on Saturday, March 17.
Dan Bartel invited everyone to the next Alcohol Awareness evening on March 10 at the Kirkland Lodge (thanks, Evan Perrollaz!). Port tasting will be the event of the evening.
John Woodbery announced the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction on April 14. David Aubrey is in charge of obtaining items for the auction.

Pat Swenson had a gift for Pat Dye (who wasn't present this evening) to thank her for the great Kids' Night last week. We really enjoyed the magician and the fun time!

New Member Induction: Tom Gant became our newest member. Rachel did the honors with Jim Feek being his sponsor and Gary Bruner his mentor. Tom is a retired physician and does sculpting, among other things, in his spare time. Please welcome Tom into our Club!

Program : Linda Julien introduced Dave Spicer, our speaker for the evening. Dave works full time for Agros International, which is an organization that is 'breaking the cycle of poverty' in Central America. Agros (which is Latin and Greek for 'land') purchases land then sells the land in small parcels to farmers to make a village.

Dave was an attorney and a Rotarian here in Seattle but after a few trips to Ethiopia, he decided to change his career and make a difference. The book 'MountainsBeyondMountains' by Paul Farmer was one of the inspirations that made him change paths.

Skip Li started Agros in Seattle in 1982. It began with the purchase of land in Guatemala. By providing land in small parcels to farmers, poor families can afford to send their children to school and raise their standard of living. Typically the land is paid back with interest over 10 years. Clean water, housing, health care, agricultural training, and education are also provided to make this program a success. Typically, 150 acres provides land for 30 families, totaling approximately 100 people.

The current track record for Agros is: 29 villages in place in 5 countries in Central America, with 1,000+ families and 5,000+ people. Five villages have completed the process and are now self sufficient. Agros has been recognized by the UN and the World Bank for their efforts.

Agros exists to restore hope and opportunity to the world's poor.

Thank you, Dave, for an inspirational program.

Honey Pot :

Carl Boruck won the drawing but failed to pull the right colored marble.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 P.M.

Respectfully submitted, Michael Hunter