January 9, 2006 Spokesman

Posted by Rich Bergdahl 
 

Monday January 9, 2006

 

The first meeting of the New Year was called to order at 6:29 pm by President Joanne Primavera.  Elizabeth Kemmish led the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Inspirational moment, shared by President Joanne, reminded us how important 'Purpose' is in our daily lives ⿦ with purpose, our efforts can create 'mountains'; without purpose, the result is often 'sand.'

 

Visiting Rotarians     

Jon Magnusson:  Seattle 4; classification: Structural Engineer; also, the evening's Speaker.


Guests  Sarah Taylor:A second time visitor, who is an Investment Broker with Edward Jones Investments in Kirkland, was introduced by Chuck Morgan.

Carl Buruck:  A first time visitor, who works with Sterling Savings at their new Central Way location in Kirkland, was introduced by Tom Sturgell.

Chris Anderson:  A first time visitor, who has recently moved to Kirkland and opened a granite and stone refinishing business, was introduced by GG.

Michelle Hnatowich:   Introduced by Brett Johnson.

Gail Auslander: Introduced by husband Bob Auslander.

 

Announcements

Michelle Neal:  Shared photos from the Rotary Christmas Party at Broadmoor County Club and thanked all Rotarians who generously participated in and helped with the Family Christmas Baskets.

Joanne Primavera and Katherine Kehrli:  Speaking on behalf of Felicity Burdick, reminded the club of the following two upcoming events scheduled for Rotary Community Service Day on Saturday January 21st:  1)  9am at Evergreen Hospital, Rotarians are need to help assemble materials for the Maternity, Women's, and Children's Center; and  2)  4pm-7pm at Kirkland Heights Community Center, Rotarians are needed to prepare and serve a spaghetti dinner for approximately 150 people (parents & children; dinner is scheduled to be served at 5pm).  Also, Katherine brought and delivered the pie plates purchased from Vlad to support his upcoming LWHS Choir trip.

Dennis Newell:  Sweetheart's Night is coming up on Monday February 13th and the Rotary Crooners are getting organized.  If interested in singing or accompanying with an instrument (piano, guitar, banjo, or the like), please give Dennis a call.  

Scott Becker:  Described the great work Michelle Hnatowich has done in already securing prizes for the Duck Dash...  keep up the good work...  much more is needed!

Joanne Primavera:  Remember, the next three (3) meetings will be held at Jimmy G's Restaurant located in Jet City Bowling Lanes adjacent to Bridal Trails Shopping Center.

 

Pat Swenson:  Presented the second "Getting to Know You" segment with very interesting and entertaining 'live' bios/updates from the four following Kirkland Rotarians:  Gary Bruner: Education, books, boating, and family are his passion.  John Ulvila: From Haley (Sun Valley, Idaho) to Kirkland... via Washington U. (not UW!).  Alice Volpe:   Spoke Japanese with a Brooklyn accent for 8 years.

Rick Ostrander:      Traveled Europe with Peggy for 6 months in 1971, via VW Squareback.

 

Joanne Primavera:

Read a letter recently received from Laura McCarthy (a Rotary Scholarship recipient) wherein she expresses her gratitude and how important the scholarship actually played in her decision to actually continue her education and enroll at Cascadia College.

 

The Chancellor was not called to duty this evening.

 

Program Jon D. Magnusson, P.E., Hon. AIA Chairman/CEO  MAGNUSSON KLEMENCIC ASSOCIATES  Structural & Civil Engineers

 

As a Seattle 4 Rotarian, Jon has attended several Kirkland Rotary meetings in the past tonight he is standing rather than sitting  and sharing very interesting facts and details about the many very noteworthy projects he has been involved with during his career as a Structural Engineer.

 

I could write pages about what he discussed  following, however, is a summary of the projects with which he had involvement and a few of the respective details shared:  Columbia Center Tower  The dirt excavated to build the parking garage below the Columbia Center Tower in downtown Seattle weighed 40% more than the entire building thereon. 

Hong Kong 83 Story (50 foot wide) Residential Tower

The fire water tanks were located on top of the building because the water therein acts as a dampening agent (shock absorber) during earthquakes.

Benoroya Hall

All of the wood veneer on the interior walls of the Concert Hall was cut from one single (and obviously large) log for acoustic consistency.

KINGDOME (Did not discuss.)

Safeco Field

The retractable roof spans 650 feet  and the structure expands up to 8 inches between the coldest nights and hottest days.

Qwest Field (Seahawks Stadium)

The bases upon which the 720 foot roof truces sit have no rigid connection so as not to transfer energy during an earthquake.

Experience Music Project (EMP)

The building's frame is an organic form, modeled after the human rib cage.

Seattle City Library Building  (Did not discuss.)

World Trade Center

Each floor measured 209 feet by 209 feet,  almost an acre per floor.

"I went into engineering because we get to use the best 'toys' !"

Jon D. Magnusson

 

Honeypot  Scott Becker held the winning ticket for the evening and, although he didn't pull the winning gift card, he did go home with a latte' in his pocket.

 

The meeting was adjourned at...  well... the speaker was so good, I forgot to look at the clock!

 

Submitted by Rich Bergdahl.