The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Kirkland Eagles Club. The Eagles kitchen was out of order, so thanks to Rick Walter who made a food run, we were able to have burgers, salads, and wings. Mr. Walter paid for the food himself, so please make sure you give him $10 for your meal.
The meeting was called to order by President Kate Koslosky at 6:18 p.m. She then led us in the Pledge.
Attendees: David Aubry, Cody Baker, Gary Cohn, Sue Cohn, Terry Cole, Jocelyn Ellison, Rashmi Garimella, Isabelle Kalisa, Chris Kelly-Storbeck, Kate Koslosky, Rémy Pairault, Joanne Primavera, Angela Pritchett, John Storbeck, and Rick Walter.
Guests were: Anna Aubry, Anna Bachinsky, Arzu Forough, Shannon Martin, Sheila Stanton from St. John’s Church in Kirkland, Vanessa Bair-Raskin, Wendy Yang, Paige Mandy, and Shaxe Li.
Richard Carlson was a repeat visiting Rotarian from Tucson, AZ.
Rotary Moment:
Joanne Primavera gave us a Rotary Moment by describing Rasmi Garimella’s, Isabelle Kalisa’s, and her experiences at the Calgary Convention. She then distributed individual 4-Way Test playing cards to all members. After we recited the 4-Way Test, she asked who had the highest-ranked card. It was John Storbeck with the Ace of Spades. He received an electronically-secure credit card holder as his prize. The Rotary Convention next year will be in Dubai.
Rick Walter reminded us all that next Monday we will meet for a social event at the Rotary Pavilion at Everest Park. The cost will be $10 per person at the event.
Dave Aubry will see about signing us up for a social event on August 14 at the Rotary Pavilion on the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
On July 28, we will provide meals to Sophia Way in Bellevue. Let Rick Walter know if you can help. He will be sending out more information.
We need items for the Gala and Auction in September. Remember – this will be our fundraiser that will pay for many of the things we do each year. Find some items or experiences that members will pay big bucks for!
Program:
Jocelyn Ellison introduced Paige Mandy and Arzu Forough from Washington Autism Alliance, a local organization that raises awareness and provides services to the area’s autism and related disabilities community. They serve 2,000 families per year.
They spoke to us about autism and how Washington Autism Alliance fulfills its mission to see that all families in Washington state have the resources they need to support the well-being of loved ones with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. They distributed more information about their organization and urged us to get involved.
Sheila Stanton from St John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Kirkland then spoke to us about the church’s long tradition of monthly community dinners. These dinners serve to help people who have difficulty finding balanced nutrition and also serve to build community by bringing together people from all parts of the community. The dinners occur on the last Saturday of the month; we were all encouraged to get involved. Rick Walter made arrangements with the church for the club to volunteer for the dinner scheduled on the last Saturday of October 2025. More information will be coming from Rick.
New Business:
President Kate described the preparations for members to vote on proposed revisions to Articles 5 and 8 of the club’s Bylaws. At this meeting 15 active members were present, exceeding the club’s quorum requirement for the conduct of business. President Kate asked for a motion from the floor to approve the amendments. A motion was made and seconded. Sue Cohn asked that the motion be divided. After explanation, Gary Cohn moved to divide the question. Dave Aubry seconded. The motion to divide the questions was defeated. President Kate then called on members to vote yes, then no, and for abstentions. The motion to amend Articles 5 and 8 of club’s Bylaws as described in the proposed amendments mailed to members on June 24, 2025 was approved by a majority of those voting.
Rotary Raffle:
The raffle ticket drawing was held to determine two winners. Dave Aubry won the first round and chose the bottle of wine. Rémy Pairault won the second round and received a lottery scratch ticket.
Adjournment:
President Kate adjourned the meeting 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Aubry – Acting Scribe