August 19, 2013 Spokesman
The Kirkland Rotary Club meeting of August 19, 2013 began at 6:30 p.m. and was led by President, Scott Rethke.
Patti Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration was given by Scott Becker.
Visiting Rotarians:
Ezra Teshome, District Governor
District Governor-Elect John Enger from West Seattle.
Son Michael Phan, our new Assistant District Governor
Dale Hicklin, District 5030 Conference Chair (more about that later)
Guests:
Yobi Teshome, Wife of District Governor Ezra Teshome
James Nevers for the umpteenth time
The Rob Butcher, Chair, Summerfest
Phil Miller, guest of Scott Becker (who brings more prospective new members than anyone else)
Announcements:
Rob Butcher thanked the club for its participation in Summerfest. The attendance doubled this year and there were over 300 volunteers. Rob announced a new event, Oktoberfest, which will be held on September 28-29 (go figure).
Head Duck, John Pruitt, thanked everyone who participated in the Duck Dash. He had people stand up when their names were called and it looked like yo-yos in the audience, so many people stood up and sat down. John will announce the team winners after all the results are tallied. John was given a standing ovation and was nominated to be the Head Duck for ten more years. Everyone had such a good time this year and the enthusiasm and participation was overwhelming.
Chief Olsen again announced the Kirkland Rotary Golf Tournament, which starts at noon on September 9 at Bear Creek Country Club. $100 per person who wishes to play golf or $40 for Rotarians and/or spouses who wish just to participate in the dinner.
Jerry Campo announced the Salmon Bake next week, which starts at 5:00 p.m. at Rick and Peggy Ostrander's. Their address is: 9 Bridlewood Circle.
When you enter Bridlewood Circle, go to the left because they wish you to park on the inside part of the circle. You’ll see lots of cars. Bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert and implements to serve your item. If you bring an appetizer, please arrive at 5:00 p.m.
Program:
District Governor Ezra Teshome said the Rotary International Theme this year is “Engage Rotary, Change Lives.” He has chosen as his District theme, “We are The World.”
Governor Teshome would like every member to bring in one new member so Rotary can grow. He has taken Rotarians to his home country, Ethiopia, for several years to participate in a National Immunization Day. Although Ethiopia has been polio free for four years, there was an outbreak on the border of the wild polio virus because Nigeria is still not polio free. It is important that the NIDs continue. Even though Pakistan and Afghanistan are not polio free, the number of reported cases is the lowest ever.
Governor Teshome said the money we give to the Rotary International Foundation is now coming back to our district after three years. We can use it locally or globally in the areas of health, education, ending poverty, and bringing economic well-being. Clubs can join together to submit grant applications.
Dave Hicklin, the District Conference Chair, gave a humorous presentation to try to get Kirkland Rotarians to sign up for the District Conference, which will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel in Vancouver, B.C. on April 25-25. The cost of the conference is $350 and the rooms are $139 per night.
To register, go to: http://rotary5030conference2014.org/
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.,
JOANNE PRIMAVERA
Scribe