Meeting Date: Monday, January 28, 2013

Scribe:  Elizabeth Rusnak

The meeting is called to order by President, Patti Smith at 6:30 p.m.

The flag salute was led by Diana Lanspa.  Tonight’s Greeter was Scott Becker.

Inspiration Moment:

Chief Eric Olsen introduced KPD Chaplain Bill Tate who gave the Inspirational Moment.  Mr. Tate told a story of a blind couple crossing the street through a very busy intersection while holding their children. As they got off course from the cross walk, all of the traffic came to a halt and motorists were shouting from their windows for the couple to “veer right” so they would safely make it back on course and through the cross walk. This story was an example of how each person can make a difference in another person’s life if we just take time to stop and smell the roses; and that we’ll always face interruptions while trying to reach our goals but we need to let others help us along the way. But most of all, the story was an example that we need to always be aware and thankful for the gifts that God has given us.

Introduction of Visitors:

Student of the Month: Ty Baird and her parents, and also the Student of the Month from November, Thomas Lewis.

Other Visitors: Anna Aubry, Patty Shinstrom, and visiting Rotarian Scott Easter

Ty Baird gave her outgoing Student of the Month speech. She thanked everyone for inviting her to the club and she said it was an honor to be the Student of the Month. She shared her involvement in the community, and project she organized for high school girls who couldn’t afford a prom dress. She accumulated over 80 dresses and then invited students from her school to come “shopping” at her house. A total of 15 students received a free prom dress. She was actively involved in sports until she tore her ACL, so she then focused her energies on activities at school, to include Senior Cabinet, ASB, as well as church involvement (where she organized a toy store for needy families). At the end of her presentation, Elizabeth Rusnak presented both Ty Baird and Thomas Lewis with Certificates of Achievement as Student of the Month, and also presented them with a yellow duck to commemorate our annual Duck Dash, and a card from Rotary First Harvest (where food was donated in their name).

Club Announcements: Club Service, Community Service, Vocational, International, or Foundation

President Patti Smith announced our Club adopted two sections (total ½ mile) of the corridor walking path in Kirkland for clean-up purposes. Once everyone has signed the release form (emailed last week by John Pruitt) then we’ll soon have a kick-off party for everyone who has signed up to help clean the pathway. Stay tuned for more news.

Rick Walter announced that 1) our credit card machine is not compatible with the IT upgrades that Woodmark did recently, so he is working to have that resolved. Bring cash or checks to pay for dinner for the next few meetings until it is resolved;  2) Still in need of someone to coordinate the joker pool; 3) Rick Ostrander will coordinate the front desk next week while Rick Walter is out of town.

Mike Hunter announced that 4 students were selected for Student of the Month from Lake Washington. Our student for February will be Brianna Balke, so please welcome her next week.

John Pruitt announced there will be an organizational meeting for Duck Dash next Monday at 5:30 (prior to our regular meeting). The official Duck Dash event will be held on August 10 (so mark your calendar now), and the Branding Party will be held at Lee Johnson Chevrolet on August 5th (thank you Brett Johnson!).

Eric Olsen announced that interviews for scholarship recipients will soon be underway, so please contact him for committee members if you want to help with the interviews.

President Patti Smith presented Bob Webb with a pin for adding to the membership of our club.

Scott Rethke announced that both Jason Overleese and Chris Rusnak have officially earned their blue badges.

Don Dicks presented Paul Harris Fellows to the following Rotarians: Brandon Honcoop (first time PHF); Dave Aubry and Jerry Campo (PHF+1); Cynthia FitzGerald (PHF+2); Scott Becker (PHF+3); Pat Swenson (PHF+4); and Steve Shinstrom (PHF+5).  Congratulations to all and thank you for your commitment to the International Foundation.

Program Speaker: Dr. Julie Miller was introduced by Chris Morgan. Dr. Miller’s bio can be found at: http://www.secretsofselfstarters.com/p/about-julie.html

Program Topic: Secrets of Self Starters is the name of Dr. Miller’s book.

About the program:

Dr. Miller talked about developing your vision, passion and perseverance as the basis for the self-starter. Self-starters color outside of the lines, takes risks, and pursues their goals/dreams. Dr. Miller has worked with thousands of individuals and companies and taken them from high potential to high performance. One of Dr. Miller’s case studies in her book is Kathy Casey who is owner of Dish D’Lish, and Kathy Casey Food Studios on Ballard Avenue. As a group project, Dr. Miller asked our group to pair up with someone and each person had two minutes to answer two questions: “What are you passionate about that would motivate you to overcome objections? In What circumstances would you never allow a “no” to stop you?” The common theme around the room was never let someone else deter your passions and visions. A Rotarian commented that passion, vision and perseverance were born from frustration, and he shared a story as an example.  Julie summarized her talk with a quote from Mark Twain: “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why.” Julie’s calls to action were: 1) choose an accountability partner; and 2) keep her posted on your progress by emailing her at julie@selfstarterzone.com. Success is a verb: take action and ignite the self starter in you.

President Patti Smith presented Dr. Miller with a book for her to sign, and the book will be donated to John Muir Elementary School.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Submitted by Scribe:

Elizabeth Rusnak