President Patti Smith opened the meeting at 6:30 PM and Alan Hoviland led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests tonight included: Scott Christopher, Executive Director Kirkland Arts Center; Elizabeth Redfern, former Rotarian; Joe Valentine; Jason Overleese; Christina Alper "Banker of Personality"; Judy Fitzgerald, retired educator; GG Getz our beloved former President now tolerating the Atlanta climate and Bob Cullen.

Bill Taylor gave a commemorative recall of the founding of the Kirkland Rotary Club 75 years ago through his memories from his Uncle Dick Taylor, a founding member. Apparently 16 of the founders did not live in Kirkland and somehow got a dispensation from Rotary District 5030 to remain. He recalled a "memorable" no program night in 1972 chaired by our deceased Rotary brother Jerry Marsh, then President. There was something about Moss Bay Days hamburger stand and a donation of "kiss the Pig" by Lee Johnson. The Rotary Spokesman used to be called the Lake Zephyr. Why bring back the "good old days"? In the 50 year anniversary pamphlet Uncle Dick wrote that the club had a Pig race and current member Bill Woods said it was a "could the pigs swim" race. Go figure! Bill Taylor's conclusion was that all remains that is good about Rotary: fun, fellowship, food and community and other avenues of service. His report passed the Four Way test, still alive in Rotary

Announcements: Bunco is coming October 20th at Shinstroms. The theme is "Ugly Sweater" and for food, bring anything you eat or display on a stick. Scott Becker reminded us of the Kirkland Performance Center Auction on October 27th. Pat Dye requested volunteers for "Operation Warm" on October 5th. Dan Bartel reminded that Rotary First Harvest will be on October 13th. We were reminded that nominations for District Governor are open still.

Happy Dollars were collected a plenty by Rick Walters. GG told us about her new club near Atlanta

Our speaker was Will Nichols introduced by Program Chair Chris Morgan who serves on the Board of Sports in School, a non profit he and his wife started to get more kids in need involved in sports activities. Will is a West Seattle Rotarian and has a history as a sports official in many sports. He invited us to share with our neighbor our sports experiences and a few shared for the group like Brian Tucker poll vaulter and "lucky shooter" D.V. Hurst. The organization focuses on poverty areas where kids need encouragement. No other organization is conducting sports to meet social needs to build self esteem, social equity, attendance improvement and enhanced graduation rates. They work with DSHS Social workers to help their kids belong somewhere out side of home. The organization has raised lots of money and some goes for scholarships for poor kids to participate in high school sports. Their activities have resonated with the communities they serve. He told one account of a kid named Tony who broke his tooth in basketball practice and could not afford to have it replaced. They got some volunteer professional help and got the kid back to good form.

Alice Volpe with a wad of tickets won the right to draw the Joker from only 7 cards remaining and alas, she lost but got her $10.00 for trying. The pot is going to be near $6,000 by next week and the odds get better and better.

The meeting closed at 7:38 PM.

John E. Woodbery, Scribe