The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting at Kabab House in Kirkland, and for the first time at this location. Rick Walter acted as president for this meeting and called the meeting to order at 6:24 p.m. Before the meeting, since the Kabab House does not yet have a liquor license, about three bottles of donated wine were opened for members. There was pretty good attendance as we tried a new meeting venue.
Margie Glenn led us in the Pledge.
Attendance: David Aubry, Bob Auslander, Cody Baker, Gary Cohn, Terry Cole, Donald Dicks, Sandy Ekins*, Rashmi Garimella, Margie Glenn, Isabelle Kalisa, Kate Koslosky, Jim Meniketti, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt, Daniel Sada Caraveo, John Storbeck, Alice Volpe, and Rick Walter. *Attended via Zoom.
Guests: Rémy Pairault and Angela Pritchett returned for their third visit as prospective members. Daniel Pflager attended for his first visit as a prospective member, and is checking us out. Stephanie Walter is also a guest, and was introduced by Rick Walter. Alice Volpe introduced guest and former member Al Hoviland.
During the past three months, club members and guests have been trying several different venues for club meetings. After spending year at Madison House in Totem Lake, the membership has experienced facilities and food at L'Experience Paris, Sparrow Restaurant, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Kabab House. During the upcoming meeting on Monday, September 23, club members will be asked to vote on the venue they prefer use for at least the balance of this year. Please show up, express your opinion, and cast your ballot.
Homeowners of America United leader Steve Horvath spoke with Rotarians this week about his work to facilitate ways in which HOA-type organizations can work effectively to advance the issues of members, comply with bylaws and regulations, and maintain the physical well-being of the grounds and buildings of the organization. Click on this link to see his PowerPoint presentation. Steve addressed the myriad conflicts that can arise because HOA members often do not fully understand their own bylaws, the applicable laws and regulations, and how to work effectively to resolve issues. He noted that sometimes members of HOAs have very different goals within the organization which greatly increases the difficulty of finding solutions to issues, because sometimes there is no consensus as to the goal. He discussed that, nationwide, about 20% of the population live in such communities where there is co-ownership of structures and grounds. He described how laws are mostly at a state and local level, and how those laws can impact HOA-type organizations. He noted that membership in Homeowners of America United is online and free; the organization has resources to help members understand how to be an effective property owner within a HOA-type organization. Fundamentally, Steve advised Rotarians to learn the issues, learn the rules, and get involved.
Past District Governor Kai Pedersen wants you to know that Rotarians are coming together on October 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Doubletree SeaTac ballroom for the DG Rachele Foundation Event 2024! District 5030 will be celebrating the incredible generosity of our district’s donors who make Rotary’s mission come alive. Whether they’re hitting a new tier of giving or earning their first Paul Harris Fellow recognition, this night is all about them—and you get to be the one who makes it happen! Rotarians will welcome special guest, Rotary International Director-elect Wyn Spiller, who will join the event to recognize and appreciate the esteemed donors.
The Holiday Gift Wrapping Party & Annual Holiday Dinner is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024. The club's holiday event typically begins at 5:30 p.m. with gift wrapping, with dinner to follow, and then the club holds it annual meeting for this Rotary year. Stay tuned for information on location and dinner cost, and how to participate in the gift purchasing and wrapping this season. Holiday gifting supports John Muir Elementary School families whose circumstances the school staff determines make them eligible for holiday gift donations.
Claire Vaitkus aspires to acquire knowledge of Alzheimer’s and science through enrolling at Kalamazoo College. The support of Rotary, her family, teachers, coaches, and employers through injury and COVID have been key factors in inspiring her love for science and for helping others. Claire has had a passion for volunteering and helping others find love in the sports with which she fell in love as a kid, and this was just the beginning of her goal of volunteering around the world. Claire’s desire to help others stems from her close experiences with Alzheimer’s.
During the year past presidents are stepping up to preside at meetings while our president is away from club activities. Thank you to those all of the past presidents who've volunteered to lead meetings during the year. There are several other roles that are necessary for smooth conduct of our meetings, whether in-person or virtual. Please sign up for several "open" meeting duties for this year.
Rotary dues statements were sent to active members on June 1, 2024, and were due by June 30, 2024. Reminder statements were mailed on June 15, 25, 29 and August 1 to all Rotarians with outstanding accounts. As of September 17, 94% of continuing club members had fully paid their dues, and five accounts had outstanding balances. Dues may be paid by credit card or debit card using the online Dues & Billing System link in the June 1 invoice, or using the link in the reminder statements, or by logging into your account on the website. Members may also pay by check through the U.S. Mail.
Past District Governor Kai Pedersen wants you to know that Rotarians are coming together on October 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Doubletree SeaTac ballroom for the DG Rachele Foundation Event 2024! District 5030 will be celebrating the incredible generosity of our district’s donors who make Rotary’s mission come alive. Whether they’re hitting a new tier of giving or earning their first Paul Harris Fellow recognition, this night is all about them—and you get to be the one who makes it happen! Rotarians will welcome special guest, Rotary International Director-elect Wyn Spiller, who will join the event to recognize and appreciate the esteemed donors.
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Claire Vaitkus aspires to acquire knowledge of Alzheimer’s and science through enrolling at Kalamazoo College. The support of Rotary, her family, teachers, coaches, and employers through injury and COVID have been key factors in inspiring her love for science and for helping others. Claire has had a passion for volunteering and helping others find love in the sports with which she fell in love as a kid, and this was just the beginning of her goal of volunteering around the world. Claire’s desire to help others stems from her close experiences with Alzheimer’s.
During the year past presidents are stepping up to preside at meetings while our president is away from club activities. Thank you to those all of the past presidents who've volunteered to lead meetings during the year. There are several other roles that are necessary for smooth conduct of our meetings, whether in-person or virtual. 
Rotary dues statements were sent to active members on June 1, 2024, and were due by June 30, 2024. Reminder statements were mailed on June 15, 25, 29 and August 1 to all Rotarians with outstanding accounts. As of September 17, 94% of continuing club members had fully paid their dues, and five accounts had outstanding balances. Dues may be paid by credit card or debit card using the online Dues & Billing System link in the June 1 invoice, or using the link in the reminder statements, or by logging into your account on the website. Members may also pay by check through the U.S. Mail.
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