May 2, 2016 Spokesman

Posted by Pat Swenson on May 06, 2016
 
Rotary Minutes for May 2, 2016
Scribe:  Pat Swenson
 
Our meeting was called to order by President, Rich Bergdahl at 6:30 p.m.  Our flag salute was lead by Joanne Primavera and Bob Auslander provided a lovely Inspirational Moment on the meaning of true love.  Rich took a minute to thank our evening’s Greeter:  John Woodbery, and the awesome services of Rick Walter for manning the front desk.  Our few visitors were introduced:  Amanda Chou, a Senior from Lake Washington High School (our student of the month) who told us she is a Rotoract member at Bellevue College and will be a Rotoract at Seattle University (which she will attend in the Fall).  Jason Chemchill accompanied our speaker and Rene, a Visiting Rotarian from West Seattle Club.
 
Announcements:
  • A request for more Volunteers for Miracle League game on Saturday, May 7th.  Please come help, starting time 9:30 a.m. and done by 11:30/12:00.
  • A request for RSVPs to Jason Overleese if you plan to attend next Monday, May 9th meeting for comedian Jerry Miner.  We need lots of guests and members to meet 50.
  • Rich read a Thank You note from Eastside Baby Corner—they are very grateful for our donations.
  • Dave DeBois asked that you let him know if you plan to golf in the June 20th tournament at Mt. Si.  Cost is $85.00 and includes golf, cart and food.  Please pay at Monday night meeting.  Notify Dave at:  debois31@comcast.net.
  • Rick Walter, Steve Shinstrom, Joanne Primavera, Rich Bergdahl attended the District Conference last weekend and all had a fabulous time.  Joanne hosted an event in her suite and the golf games were lots of fun.
  • Patti Smith said Duck Dash is “all under control”. 
  • Rich reminded about the next Board Meeting...   UPDATE:  BOARD MEETING IS NOW MAY 20TH at 5:30 at Re-Max offices.  Please let Rich know if you plan to attend.
  • Dave DeBois gave a brief update on the preliminary meeting with Studio East for a potential Halloween Haunted House.  We are in a fact finding stage to see if this fund raiser activity is possible, working with the City of Kirkland and Studio East.
 
Program:
Scott Becker introduced Ramiro Valderrama (a Rotarian from Sammamish) and Deputy Mayor of Sammamish (who is running for State Rep in the 45th District).  The title of his talk:
Citizen Activism and Participation in Sammamish.  The main issue under discussion was the Trails Program in Sammamish and the grass roots efforts to change the way communication occurs with the City and its citizens.  How getting the citizens involved (along with the Press) changed the outcomes of issues presented to the City Council.  He presented how the “initiative” process was obtained and used, bringing together various neighborhood groups and influencing the voting of the City.  Initiatives can be any issues that do not involve financial funding.  Ramiro covered the different problems that surround the Trails program in Sammamish and how the City and the County view the “rights” of each party. 
 
Rich reminded everyone about Scholarship Night on May 23rd and that there is no Meeting on May 30th (Memorial Day weekend).   Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.