January 11, 2016 Spokesman

Posted by Elizabeth Rusnak 
on Jan 25, 2016
 
Rotary Scribe Format
Spokesman
 
Meeting Date: Monday, January 11, 2016
The meeting was called to order by Club president, Rich Bergdahl at 6:30 p.m.  The flag salute was led by James Nevers.  Tonight’s Greeter was: Dave DeBois. Front desk: Rick Walter.
 
Inspirational Moment: Samir Saluja shared his thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr. When Samir’s father was 10-years old, he met Mahatma Gandhi. Both men (King and Gandhi) believed in solving problems using intellect rather than violence; all should be seeking the truth; and diversity and inclusion gives us hope.
 
Introduction of Visitors:
Visiting Rotarians:  Doug Seto from Seattle #4
Student of the Month: Makiah Gilmer of Juanita High School (accompanied by Brad Burmester, staff member of Juanita High School)
Other Visitors: Katia Blackburn, and Dr. Jack Saluja (Samir Saluja’s father) visiting from Pittsburg (and he also celebrated his 82nd birthday – Happy Birthday Dr. Saluja!)
 
Club Announcements:
  1. Bob Cohn announced the food drive for Hopelink. A list of items needed was provided at the meeting, and then Joanne Primavera also sent the list via email. Please bring these items to the meeting on January 25th.  Items include canned meats, canned meals, cereal, dry beans, fruit (canned or fresh), pasta, peanut butter, rice, soup, tomato products, and vegetables (canned or fresh).  Also, most needed year-round non-food items include baby items (diapers size 3-6 months, baby wipes, and formula), hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, deodorant, razors, combs, brushes, etc.), paper items (toilet paper, paper towels, foil, Ziplocs, etc.), and household & cleaning items (dish soap, dishwasher soap, laundry soap, and general cleaning products).
  2. Ben Premack announced that Saturday’s work party at Rotary First Harvest was successful (apples and frozen corn on the cob were packed). A total of 11,200 lbs of corn was packed, providing 8,615 meals.
  3. Dave DeBois announced the Rotary Curling Night on January 21st. Come watch a game and learn about curling. A fun fellowship event. Pizza will be provided.
  4. Board meeting will be held January 13th at 5:45 at the Gateway Building.
  5. Rotary District Conference is April 29th to May 1st in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Sign up online (there’s a link to the District site on Kirkland Rotary’s website). Rich Bergdahl is forming a golf group for Friday morning, so see him if you’re interested.
  6. Rich Bergdahl read a letter from the Park Board, thanking our Club for our $50,000 contribution for the picnic shelter at Waverly Beach Park. This will also be recognized in Kirkland’s Living magazine.
  7. James Nevers/Ben Premack announced that when you purchase items on Amazon, we recommend doing so through http://www.smile.amazon.com. Doing so will ensure Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice (Kirkland Rotary Foundation!).
  8. Rich Bergdahl is asking for ideas for celebrating Leap Year (meeting on February 29th).
  9. Ben Premack proposed that $5,000 of the excess funds from Kirkland Rotary Foundation be donated to World Bicycle Relief to support education for young women by providing them a bicycle to get to/from school. A $5,000 donation is equivalent to 40 bicycles.
  10. Patti Smith asked that we all sign up for a team for Duck Dash.
     
    Special Announcements:
    Amy and David Mutual were presented with their blue badges.  Congratulations Amy and David!
     
    Happy Dollars:
    N/A
     
    Program Speaker: Melissa Garvey, Deputy State Directory with the Nature Conservancy, MGarvey@tnc.org,  206-436-6245, http://www.washingtonnature.org/
     
    Program Topic: Climate Change: How it is impacting us, what can be done, how you can get involved.
     
     About the program: Jason Overleese introduced Melissa Garvey
    The Nature Conservancy works in 100 countries. They are largely funded by donations, grants (state and federal) and increase in public/private partnerships. They have 3,500 employees throughout the world. They are focused on thriving nature and thriving communities. They work across all political spectrums including with tribes and local businesses. Forest fires are occurring more frequently than ever before. In eastern Washington, the state experiences more frequent droughts; and the western side experiences more floods. The sea level is rising due to flood and erosion. With respect to tackling climate change, they work with diverse stake holders to reduce carbon emissions. A Washington state program called Floodplains by Design develops a natural solution to reduce flood risk to communities (by setting levies back). A program called Forest for our Futures develops a master plan for forest areas that are healthy and resilient. The goal is to reduce wild fires by 50%. There is a published plan for managing the central Washington area.
     
    There was excellent audience interaction through questions, comments and suggestions from several Rotarians. This was a great proactive program that engaged the entire group.
     
    Lucky Ticket Drawing
    N/A
     
    The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
    Submitted by Scribe:
    Elizabeth Rusnak