The Rotary Club of Kirkland held a meeting on March 6, 2023 at SOI Thai Restaurant & Bar.
President Amy Mutal called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
President Amy Mutal led us in the pledge.
Attending were Pete Anderson, David Aubry, Bob Auslander, Scott Becker, Rich Bergdahl, Gary Cohn*, Terry Cole*, David DeBois, Donald Dicks, Doug Evanson, James Feek, Rashmi Garimella, Mekonen Giorgis, Margie Glenn, Brandon Honcoop, Isabelle Kalisa, Jim Meniketti, Amy Mutal, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt*, Steve Shinstrom, Alice Volpe, Rick Walter. *Attended via Zoom.
Guests:
We had quite a few guests. Kirkland Rotary Foundation (KRF) presented checks to representatives of the three organizations that were beneficiaries of the proceeds of last fall’s Kirkland Rotary Foundation Gala and Auction.
Greeters:
Jim Meniketti manned the front table and everyone was greeted as they arrived by attendees. Quite a few Rotarians were here including a few of virtual attendees, as we needed a quorum so we could vote on a revised constitution and revised club bylaws. President Amy announced we had 24 members present in person and via Zoom, meeting the club’s quorum requirement.
Student of the Month:
Student of the Month Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Orswell, accompanied by dad Jeffrey, mom Nicole, and school advisor Peggy Shay, amazed us with her list of accomplishments, lucidity of expression, and self- assurance as she told us a bit about herself. She especially likes history, and would like the lessons of history to incent us to do better going forward.
Announcements, Club Business, Committee Reports:
Steve Shinstrom reminded us of the upcoming club social event March 15 at his house, and signed up more attendees. Bring nibbles to share and the beverage of your choice.
Rick Walter then reminded us that March 15 is his birthday and that lavish gifts would be welcomed. (OK, he did not say that, but would probably still welcome lavish gifts.)
Rich Bergdahl reminded us all of the great work done world-wide by Rotary International (RI). He encouraged everyone help RI do its great work by making another donation. He noted that all of us have donated a small amount that is included in our annual dues. Be sure to let Rich know about any RI donations you make.
Pete Anderson spoke about the upcoming Rummage Sale, now our primary fundraiser. All members are needed to make the event a success. Committee sign-up sheets are on the tables. Contact Pete, Dave DeBois, or Rick Walter to sign up, or for more info.
Joanne Primavera, KRF treasurer, introduced and presented checks to:
- Helen Banks Roulon of Kidvantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner)
- Toby Nixon of Nourishing Network
- Sairah Siddique of Sophia Way/Helen’s Place
Each representative gave us a brief overview of their organization and its work, while thanking KRF for the foundation’s support.
President Amy announced action on the proposed constitution and bylaws membership amendment, noting that all club members received via email copies of proposed changes to the club’s constitution and bylaws. Every member also had an opportunity to have input.
President Amy then announced that the chair would entertain a motion to adopt the revised Constitution of the Rotary Club of Kirkland, as required by Rotary International, and as approved by the board of directors on February 23, 2023, and distributed to the membership on that date. Pete Anderson so moved, Dave Aubry seconded, and the adoption of the revised constitution was approved unanimously.
President Amy then announced that the chair would entertain a motion to approve the revision to the Bylaws of the Rotary Club of Kirkland, Article XI, Method of Electing Members, along with Appendices A and B which may be amended by the board of directors, in order to add corporate memberships to the club’s active members, as approved by the board of directors on February 23, 2023, and distributed to the membership on that date. Pete Anderson so moved, and Dave Aubry seconded the adoption of the revised bylaws article, and again the motion was approved unanimously.
Happy Bucks:
There were no Happy Bucks collected during this meeting.
Program:
Our speaker, Beverly Jacobson of Brock’s Academy in Woodinville, told us about this school. It is based on tailored, one-on-one education of primary and secondary school students grades K-12. The services offered include everything from full-time courses in the appropriate grade level to tutoring to assist a student in an area with which that the student struggles, to enrichment of the student’s grade-level material. Most classes are on a fee-basis, paid for by the student or their family. The school also offers education for students with learning disabilities, some of which is paid for by school districts. The school is accredited by Washington State’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The school is designed to support the whole student, with classes held either in-person or virtually. The philosophy is that students have learning differences, not learning difficulties. Children need a trusted adult in their lives. They also have a focus of not letting children back-slide during the summer months. They have noticed that COVID-19 had a big, negative impact on children’s behavior in class.
Next week is a Zoom-only meeting. Be sure to sign up for the social event at the Shinstrom’s.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Aubry, Acting Scribe