September 24, 2007 Spokesman

Posted by Bob Webb 
 

Madame President Rachel called the Kirkland Rotary meeting to order promptly at 6:30.  Mary Alice Burleigh led the flag salute and Evan Perrollaz  gave a touching lesson about a resident who was in his office complaining terribly on a daily basis.  Later, at the resident's memorial service, a life story of industry, superb parenting, and many wonderful traits became clear, much to Evan's surprise.  For Evan, and us, we are reminded not to judge a book by its cover & not everything is what it seems.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:      Diana Lansrud, a prospective new member was present.  GG introduced a friend of hers and I didn't get his name.  Pascal, our exchange student from Switzerland had a busy weekend including his first cross country meet at high school.  A list of activities Pascal would like is available and Elizabeth Rusnak can obtain it for you.

 

Announcements : 

  • Dan Bartel thanked the participants in the Eastside Baby Care workday in Issaquah last Saturday.  There was a huge amount of work to sort and package baby clothes, bedding, toys, strollers, etc. etc.  We were very welcome.
  • There will be a Champagne and Desert education session (sometimes called Mood Adjustment) on the first Saturday in November.  More later and/or contact Dan.
  • Joanne P. plugged the District Rotary Academy, which starts soon; signups should be in by this weekend.  The Academy is a monthly meeting of Rotarians from our district through the winter.  It provides lots of material on organization, programs, administration and decision making of Rotary International and how the zone, district, and club fit into this huge, successful organization.  For more info go to http://rotary5030.org/Leadership/academy.php or contact Joanne.
  • Please note Warm Coats Day at John Muir Elementary School is scheduled for October 26.  Pat Dye needs people to sign up in 2 shifts, 8:00 to 10:00, and 10:00 to 12:00.  I will need more volunteers for the 8:00 hour as that is when we will unpack and display the coats, so more bodies are needed for that task.  Please contact Pat to sign up!!!.
  • Michele Hnatowich is starting the Student of the Month program.  She will need people for interviews at our various high schools.  Please contact Michele.
  • The Immunization Program for the needy (elderly and others) will be rescheduled for a little later as the materials are not yet available.
  • A number of our members have been ill. 
    • Jerry Marsh is due to be released from Evergreen on Tuesday after having more problem with his coordination, speech, etc. 
    • Sharon Chambers had a malignant tumor removed from her abdomen but will need chemotherapy then radiation for the next several months.  She is doing well and is back to work part time. 
    • Chuck Morgan continues to have health problems.  GG reported that he was in to the emergency room again today (it seems to be a weekly occurance), but will be coming home this evening.
  • Bunko will be played at the Steve & Patty Shinstrom's on October 13.  There will be a football theme this year; come in uniform.  Details Steve.  Sign ups went around this evening.
  • During the day on October 13 there will be a District celebration of the 25th Anniversary of First Harvest. For more information see the District Calendar at http://rotary5030.org/News/distcal.php

  • Dear Club President:

      This letter is the official call for nomination for the office of District Governor, District 5030, for the Rotary year beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.  The applications should be sent to PDG Sally J. Gray, Chair, Nominating Committee, no later than November 15, 2007.  The Nominating Committee is scheduled to interview candidates on December 5, 2007.

Program : 

            Kevin Clark, CEO of Argosy Cruises was our speaker and talked about the history, status, and future of this local cruise ship line.  Apparently the Spring Street Water Taxi was the origianal organization which started in 1949 transporting passengers up and down the Puget Sound as well as servicing ships anchored in Elliot Bay.  In the early 1960s this organization became Seattle Harbor Tours, and Argosy Cruises bought Harbor Tours in 1993.  Mr. Clark is a CPA and had worked with various clients in business transactions, and became full time, rather than consulting, in 2005 where he is President and CEO.

            Argosy has 75 full time employees in the winter and swells to 200 in the summer.  They have 10 ships and will be building a new ship to service the thriving tourist/local cruise business in Lake Washington as Lady Kirkland is oversubscribed.  They currently have a taxi service to Seattle from Vashon and Kingston, take passengers to Blake Island, Tillicum Village and many private venues.

            Their largest ship was particularly interesting the Royal Argosy was built as a cruising luxury restaurant.  At particular times like Christmas and Husky football days, all the ships are entirely committeed and there are other opportunities that space might not allow.  Sometimes this very large ship has three events going on each of the three decks simultaneously.  There might be the usual cruise of Lake Washington or Puget Sound occupying the top deck, a large wedding reception on the next deck, and yet another gathering on the next deck down.

            Mr. Clark also talked some about a huge number of public agencies that control various aspects of the business and problems with the public wanting more passenger only ferries, but competition from the state ferry system.  The talk was very well received by the group and there were many questions.

 

Honey Pot :  The evening ended with Jack Bloodworth having the lucky ticket, but he unfortunately didn't pick the lucky duck. The pot is getting pretty rich; it should be about $70 next week

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM. 

 

Bob Webb, Scribe