November 4, 2013 Spokesman
Rotary Club of Kirkland
Monday, November 4, 2013 Meeting
President Scott Rethke called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. James Nevers led us in the Pledge. Gary Bruner inspired us with a story about restoring Puffins to an island off Massachusetts.
Guests included Angela Marks, introduced by Bill Woods; visiting Rotarian Doug Seto from Seattle #4; and Student of the Month from Juanita High School, Haleigh Mana’o.
Announcements:
Scott Becker informed us the Argosy Christmas Ship Cruise/Dinner will be December 8th, leaving from the Seattle waterfront. Scott asked for a show of hands of those who would be interested in riding a bus from City Hall to the Argosy and lots of people raised their hands. The cost would be approximately $30 each for the bus, so with the cruise/dinner cost of $65 per person, the total is about $95 each. The evening bus ride and cruise will be from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Scott will have more details later, and we can pay in advance at the front desk.
Rick Walters asked members to turn in any unsold Duck Dash tickets to him.
Barb Seaton announced the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction will be on March 22 so mark your calendars. Gary and Ingrid Bruner have graciously offered to cook their great spaghetti dinner for the event. Let Barb know if you have any auction items. We’re sure the Dessert Auction will be a big hit again!
John Pruitt asked us to donate to the Rotary Foundation, especially since this is Rotary Foundation Month. Donations can be made at the front desk. Fifteen percent of our Club have already donated and the Board has agreed to match any donations during November.
DV Hurst will be in the Talent Show at Merrill Gardens on Thursday, November 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. The cost is $10 for dinner and the talent will begin after dinner.
Program:
Jason Overleese introduced our panel of representatives from four Greater Eastside non-profit agencies: Linda Benson from Nourishing Networks; Gerald Wright from Hopelink; Terry Pottmeyer from Friends of Youth; and Patti Skelton-McGougan from Youth Eastside Services (YES).
Each one of the presenters spoke at length about their organization and its purpose in serving those in need.
The mission of Nourishing Networks is to involve people in the community, including those people receiving services, in solving the hunger problem.
Hopelink has traditionally been a “Food Bank,” but now the model is to be like a grocery store where people can come and select the food and other goods they need.
Youth Eastside Services (YES) provides services to kids and works with parents, particularly on mental, stress, and violence issues.
Friends of Youth provides foster homes for children in Eastern King County.
All of these agencies are filling needs in our community in their own particular way, and they need our talents as well as funding.
In his concluding remarks, Jason asked each presenter to let him know how Kirkland Rotary can best help each of their causes.
Joker Pool:
No Joker Pool this week.
President Scott adjourned the meeting at 7:35 PM.
Submitted by Mike Hunter, Scribe for the Week