The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Kirkland Eagles Club.
The meeting was called to order by President Kate Koslosky at 6:15 p.m. She then led us in reciting the Pledge. Terry Cole led us in reciting the 4-Way Test.
Attending: David Aubry, Gary Cohn, Sue Cohn, Terry Cole, Donald Dicks, Sandy Ekins (Honorary), Jocelyn Ellison, Monica Fratita, Rashmi Garimella, Isabelle Kalisa, Chris Kelly-Storbeck, Kate Koslosky, Rick Ostrander, Rémy Pairault, Joanne Primavera, Angela Pritchett, Daniel Sada Caraveo, Pat Swenson, Manassey Tetteh, and Rick Walter.
Guests included Alesha Khan, who has been approved for club membership and will be inducted at the August 4 meeting. Visiting Rotarian from Tucson Arizona Dick Carlson was again in attendance.
Announcements:
Jocelyn Reiter Ellison brought cookies for all to celebrate her 28 years as a Rotarian.
President Kate announced that we have a new Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo from Italy. He replaced the President-Elect who had to step down.
Program:
President Kate introduced our Club Assembly, where we were encouraged to sign up for a committee. She also gave a brief outline of the club’s goals for the year 2025-26. Included in this year’s goals are increasing club membership to 40 members and raising $50,000 to finance our various contributions locally, regionally, and internationally. We also heard from a number of committee chairs who gave brief explanations of their plans for this year’s activities. Kate also reminded us that chairs do not do all the work themselves – they need committee members to assist in carrying out the various activities that are planned. She reminded everyone that all club members need to participate in the various committees. Members who do not sign up for a committee by August 15 will be assigned to one. We may consider combining committees once the sign-up period is over and we know what staffing level each committee has.
There was some discussion of what type of activities committee members would be expected to do. As an example, Rémy Pairault described how public relations activities could include posting information on Facebook, or on the club’s website.
Going forward, club monthly meetings and regular activities will follow this format: the first Monday meeting will be in person; the second Monday will be a social event; the third Monday will be a committee-centered or volunteer event. The goal is to make Rotary interesting and enjoyable for everyone with good attendance. Part of this involves doing more volunteering and social events – we want a culture of fun and of giving.
We briefly discussed other club meeting venues, such as St John’s Church and Moss Bay Hall.
Dave Aubry announced that Jocelyn Reiter Ellison had suggested we bring in secure, non- perishable food items each week, and David or Anna Aubry would undertake to deliver them to St. John’s Food Pantry in front of the church office. More details on items wanted will be out later.
Joanne Primavera thanked everyone for attending this meeting.
Rick Ostrander reminded everyone to assist in bringing new [and younger] members in.
Rashmi announced that we will do a round of Happy Dollars, with Rick Ostrander going around the room to collect [and threaten??]. There were lots of very happy Rotarians, as quite a bit of money was collected.
President Kate thanked everyone for contributing input and dollars to this meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Dave Aubry, Acting Scribe