President Patty called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and asked Elizabeth Rusnak to lead us in the pledge. She then introduced Sandy Ekins, our first woman member and first woman president of Kirkland Rotary. Having joined in 1987 and being president during the 1992-1993 administration she reminisced about the day two men, one of them Bill Woods, came to her hardware store to “beg” her to join Rotary and the rest is history. Sandy continued to regale us with stories from our club’s past including the club’s first fundraiser, which was a garage sale!

After a warm greeting to Gary Redfern and Barb Seaton, Pat Swenson introduced returning guest, Sarah Crutchfield; Brandon Honcoop re-introduced Scott East; I introduced, for the 5th and final time, Diana Kohn and, for her first time, “French-Canadian”, Susan Lemaire; Bill Woods introduced Joann Wright; Dan Bartel introduced his brother, Rick; Gary Bruner introduced Chris Gorrell and Dave DeBois introduced Kay Zatine.

Birthday wishes were sung to the September nine, Joanne Primavera, Bob Auslander, Dan Bartel, Terry Cole, Brandon Honcoop, Bob Norman, Scott Rethke, Barb Stanton and Bob Webb. Happy Birthday!

Pat Dye announced the annual “Operation Warm” coat distribution to benefit John Muir Elementary to be held on Friday, October 5th, from 9-Noon. Volunteers are needed and Pat will send a reminder. Thanks, Pat!

Dan Bartel announced our first Rotary First Harvest work party of the year, which will be held on Saturday, October 13th. Volunteers are needed and Dan will send a reminder. Thanks, Dan!

Steve Shinstrom inserting from his editor position that Bunco is approaching and the theme this year?  (drum roll.......)   Ugly Sweater!!!  Food this year will be anything you can eat with a stick!!!  (toothpick)  Date is Oct 20th.  Starting time will be approx 6:00.  More to follow, including sign ups.

Chris Morgan introduced our speaker, Father Bob Sundborg, Seattle University’s 21st president. In his 16th year at Seattle U, he is an Alaska Native and member of Seattle Four Rotary Club. The title of his talk was “Racism, Immigration and Poverty. If we can put a face on it we give ourselves to it with our hearts”. He told us the story of 3 men who overcame significant adversity and thrived because others personally became involved and gave them the help, care and opportunity they needed to succeed and make their lives worthwhile.

The Joker Pool was over $5,000 and your humble writer’s ticket was drawn but, alas, the Jackpot was not to be his. Perhaps, next week. Yeah, that’s the ticket!

Scott Becker, Scribe