The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting at Madison House in Kirkland, with virtual attendance via Zoom. on March 18 2024. Acting President Rich Bergdahl called the meeting to order at 6:22.
Members attending were: David Aubry, Scott Becker, Rich Bergdahl, Michelle Cazeau, Gary Cohn*, Donald Dicks*, Jocelyn Ellison, Monica Fratita*, Rashmi Garimella, Mekonen Giorgis, Brandon Honcoop*, Jim Meniketti, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt, Daniel Sada Caraveo, John Storbeck, and Rick Walter. *Attended via Zoom.
John Storbeck collected our meal money, and our greeter was Rashmi Garimella.
John Storbeck led us in the pledge.
Guests:
Dave Aubry introduced Cody Baker, the new manager at the Banner Bank branch at Kirkland’s Park Lane, who is back for a second visit.
Rich Bergdahl introduced District Governor Kaj Pedersen, who will be our speaker this evening.
Rotary Minute:
Rick Walter spoke about the Rotary Club of Calgary and its service and community- building activities. Participation in Rotary activities brings its own reward – Rotarians get more out of Rotary than they put in. He also spoke about his recent experiences as a visitor at the Rotary Club of Scottsdale.
Announcements:
Past President Rich reminded us that there would be a special all-hands Zoom meeting on Thursday, March 21, form 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., to discuss the upcoming Rummage Sale.
Our next in-person meeting will be April 1, and will include a Rotary Student of the Month recognition.
John Storbeck announced that the club’s Post Office box receives many pieces of mail from various worthy causes. Let him know if you are interested and he will make this material available to anyone who asks.
Rich Bergdahl, our Rotary International Foundation Chair, reminded us that there is still time to contribute before the end of the Rotary year June 30. Contribute online or give it to Rich – he will see that it gets to the right destination.
Joanne Primavera brought back from her travels some fried grasshoppers that a few brave souls tried.
New Rotarian Induction:
Rick Walter formally inducted Daniel Sada Caraveo, our newest member, who has already been proving himself a valuable contributor. Not only did he and his wife participate in the Hopelink work party in February, but he has also seamlessly set up the Zoom portion of our in-person meetings each week he’s been attending meetings. Rick reminded us that Rotary is about giving back; Rotary alters one’s life.
Rick Walter then conducted a round of Happy Dollars, thereby proving that Kirkland Rotarians are both happy and generous.
Program:
Our speaker, District 5030 Governor Kaj Pedersen, spoke about the nuts and bolts of how money is managed at Rotary International. Funds raised in one year are held for three years, providing a source of income as the funds are invested, and also ensuring that there is a reserve available if needed. The earnings from these funds are enough to pay RI’s operating expenses. This kind of stewardship is just one reason why RI remains one of the most trusted charities.
He spoke about the Rotary Club of Kirkland’s long history, and the many activities it has financed and spearheaded in the community and in the wider world. He complemented our website and our track-record of accomplishment.
He announced a number of changes in how District 5030 operates, all designed to engage more members and make our activities more effective. The Rotary District 5030 Conference will be shifted from near the end of the Rotary year toward the beginning of the year so the conference can assist in informing and inspiring members for the upcoming Rotary year.
There are several recent trends that may prove obstacles our activities – inflation, COVID, and global conflict. But – now is the time for hope. He addressed membership engagement that is critical to our future hope. Rather than focus on recruiting new members, he wants to focus more on better-engaging our current members. Fellowship is the glue that holds us together. That will attract new members who want to be part of what they see.
We can assist by making our friends, neighbors, and contacts aware of the fact that we are Rotarians – this will also help attract new members.
DG Pedersen reported that 85% of recent membership loss has come from just a few of the largest clubs in District 5030. A task force is looking into addressing this – they appear to be making progress. This year there are two new clubs in the District and District membership is growing. The District’s website is being revised and also how the District communicates internally and externally. Changes are also being made to the Rotary Year planning process, with more diverse input and a rolling three-year window, rather than the incoming Governor simply pushing his agenda each year.
Comfort with the status quo can lead to a denial of the changing reality of a situation. People are looking for meaning - many people have said that the pandemic shifted outlooks toward the value of non-work activities. We are drawing on information while starving for wisdom. We as an organization need to use everything available to expand our reach and appeal.
Mr. Pedersen emphasized:
- Focus on Rotary core values.
- Connect with local businesses.
- Be prepared to change with the world.
- Times of great change are times of great opportunity.
This year, if a Rotarian is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow, a $500 donation will generate a match from the District, thereby making the donor a Paul Harris Fellow almost painlessly.
The latest Rotary magazine had THREE mentions of District clubs and/or activities. In addition, our club was one of the few that again achieved 100% participation in the Every Rotarian Every Year foundation contribution program. He presented Acting President Rich a banner recognizing the club’s status.
There were several questions from members about the District, membership, and District finances.
Scott Becker decided to postpone the Joker Pool drawing as the ticket box was AWOL.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry
Acting Scribe