President Patty Smith called the March 4, 2013 Kirkland Rotary meeting to order at 6:40PM.

New Member Robert Cohan was greeter and led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Introductions:

Mike Hunter introduced our new Student of the Month, Christie Chan, from Lake Washington H.S. 

Pat Dye introduced guest Rotarians from Bellevue, Dean and Debbie Franz.

Announcements:

President Patti announced that we are re-starting ‘Rotary Cares’ Committee for our club, chaired by Bill Taylor.  This committee will ensure that Rotarians in need of a tangible expression of caring receive it.  We have generally been good at getting cards and other indicators to members and families, but this will ensure an organized approach.

City of Kirkland cleanup of our half-mile of track is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at 1PM.  We will meet at 108th NE and the track crossing in south Kirkland.  The City will provide bags to collect trash and recyclables in, and will dispose of the detritus.  Refreshments will follow at Hector’s.  We will work unless it is pouring. 

The Shamrock Run is the same morning and the City is looking for volunteers.

Rotary First harvest work party March 9; meet at the Houghton Park & Ride at 8AM, work starts at 9AM.

Happy birthday was sung to March birthdays Mike Hunter, Don Dicks, Jim Feek, Tom Sturgell, Rick Walter, Carl Boruck.

Rick Walter collected Happy Dollars from many of those present – Brian Tucker got in first, ahead of your scribe, to announce that the University of California’s Women’s Basketball team had won the Pac-12 League Co-championship.

Our speaker was Bryan Johnston, author and TV commentator.  Ten years ago, he was hit by a truck, and fortunately was not seriously injured.  His new novel, ‘Man With a Gun’, incorporates this incident, and also the lingering controversy surrounding the Kennedy assassination.  Part of the discussion included some military trivia, and the physics and other issues surrounding the task of long-range shooting.  Included were some bits about various celebrities who served in the military.  Mr. Johnston learned much of this while researching the book.

Mr. Johnston also spoke of the ‘Fallen Heros’ project, whereby artist Mike Reagan, a Vietnam Veteran and portrait artist is creating a personalized legacy for each individual.  Mr. Reagan draws portraits of people who have died for their country and gives them to the families.  One dollar from each book sale will go towards this project. 

Mr. Johnston will sign copies of his book, available at a reduced price, after the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35PM.

Respectfully submitted

David Aubry

Acting Scribe.