The Rotary Club of Kirkland held a meeting on November 15, 2021 at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. This was our third meeting at the Courtyard.
President Dave DeBois rang the bell at 6:25 p.m., calling the club meeting to order.
George Anderson led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attending were George Anderson, Pete Anderson, Dave Aubry, Gary Cohn, Dave DeBois, Don Dicks, Monica Fratita, Brandon Honcoop, Jim Meniketti, Ernie Norehad, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt, Alice Volpe, and Rick Walter.
Guests:
John Storbeck was back again checking out our Club.
Greeter:
Our greeters this evening were Rick Ostrander and Jim Meniketti, who manned the front desk.
Program:
President Dave DeBois introduced our speaker, Dr. Terry Macaluso, who is the head of school of Eastside Preparatory School in Kirkland. It is located in a former office park near Burgermaster. They have been growing very rapidly since their beginning 19 years ago, and are moving toward building their own campus. Eastside Prep was started by “Microsofties” as a prep school “that was not Overlake”. The school has grown to a budget of $22 million and 517 students in grades 5 through 12, with a class size of 18 students or less. The school wants a diverse student body composed of more than just ‘High Achievers’.
The curriculum is continuously evolving, with somewhat ‘project-based’ classes, and seminars that are topic-based. There are no grades in this format, which incorporates a system of independent study that has been reviewed and approved by faculty members.
The school fosters a culture of kindness which is easier to build in a smaller environment. This culture has also made it easier for everyone to transition back to in-person classes.
Questions from Rotarians brought out additional information about Eastside Prep:
EPS has a 20% acceptance rate with students representing a broad spectrum of academic skills and experiences. Young children and families should research the school during their 3rd and 4th grades for possible admission to the school during the 5th grade year. Financial aid is available, with full or partial scholarships available on a needs-basis only.
Announcements & Club Business:
Reminder: the November 29 club meeting will be a party and baby shower for our own Monica Fratita and her partner. Joanne Primavera will circulate a ‘wish-list’ to everyone shortly. Spouses and significant others are encouraged to attend.
The holiday gift drive could use more funds – donate on the Club’s website and use the “Holiday Gift” designation on the Donate page. Donations will be matched up to $3,000.
Club member Scott Becker has been injured in a fall and would love to hear from Rotarians.
President Dave reported that he is talking with the Kirkland Arts Center about a possible ‘Arts & Crafts’ club meeting at the Center. We would do a small arts and crafts project during the course of the meeting. The Center will provide the food, and we will bring the refreshments; the meal fee will be the same as at the Courtyard.
The Club is looking for support for the Club Service function as Monica will be out for a while.
There were a number of questions about the recent member survey exploring meeting venues and frequencies. Folks were open to various venues, but investigation has revealed that there are few locations willing and able to host our meetings at a cost we can bear. There are staffing issues throughout the hospitality industry. The results of the survey were published in the Spokesman, and will be updated this week.
The Program Committee is also looking for folks to help out. Please contact Gary Cohn.
Monica reminded us of the combined Gift Wrapping Party and Holiday Party starting at 5 p.m. on December 20 at the Kirkland Women’s Club. Food and drink will be provided, and the cost is $50 per person. Rotarians should sign up on the Club’s website. For the holiday gift shopping, people will be assigned 1-2 families to shop for – gift lists will be provided.
After brief discussion of upcoming program plans, members came to consensus to forego a club meeting during the week of Thanksgiving; there will not be a meeting on Nov 22. The club's calendar will be updated.
Happy Bucks:
Rick Walter led the Happy Dollars contributions. There were quite a number of happy Rotarians, including Ernie Norehad who just celebrated his 87th birthday, and shared a couple of doctor jokes. The club raised a fast $100.
Joker Pool:
There was not a Joker Pool this evening.
Adjournment:
President Dave rang the bell at 7:22 p.m. to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted
Dave Aubry – Acting Scribe