The January 30, 2012 Kirkland Rotary meeting was called to order by President Brandon at 6:30.  He thanked Scott Rethke for being greeter and Scott Becker and Rick Ostrander for manning the front desk. Bob Auslander led the flag salute and Joanne Primavera gave us all some great inspiration about the cousin of a woman and three teens who died in a car crash and her forgiveness of the teenage girl who caused the crash while drunk, but survived.
 
Rick Walter introduced our Student of the Month, Sam Schwabacher, Pat Dye introduced Visiting Rotarian Nancy Benedict, from the Seattle International Club and Chuck Brockway introduced Neil Johnson, COO of Evergreen Hospital, on his second visit to the club.
 
Megan Nakanishi announced that there will be a Duck Dash meeting at 5:00 pm, on February 6th. Everyone is invited to attend. Please be thinking of anyone or any business who might be interested in being a sponsor or advertiser of the Duck Dash!
 
Pat Dye gave us an update on GG Getz saying that she successfully moved in to her new home after unpacking endless boxes and crates. She also presented us with a banner from GG's new club in Atlanta, the Gwinnett County Rotary Club. 
 
Patti Smith introduced our speaker, Susan Ershler, who is also a member of Seattle 4. Susan is a business executive and professional speaker who tours the world speaking about seemingly impossible goals. She and her husband, Phil, have climbed all seven of the highest summits on all seven continents, culminating with their ascent of Mount Everest. She regaled us with the details of their first attempt to summit the world's highest mountain before having to abort the climb after 60 days, 3,000 feet from its top. A few years later they made the trip back to Everest and were successful and Susan earned the right to sign her name on the board behind the bar at the "Rum Doodle". As Phil had previously summited the mountain he put his signature on the board, for the second time, right next to Susan's. Her mantra to those she speaks is, "Project-Prepare-Persevere", to reach some big dream and "Don't lower the mountain to match yourself. Rise above it to achieve your dream" She also created the American Himalayan Foundation, giving a portion of her speaking fees, which supports its effort to keep Himalayan girls in school. This is not easy because of the poverty in Katmandu and some girl's parent's want to sell them into trafficking.
 
Megan had the winning ticket in the Joker Pool but drew the 3 of diamonds. There was $1,750 in the pot and it continues to grow.
 
Your Scribe for the evening, Scott Becker