Minutes from the September 28, 2015 meeting of Kirkland Rotary. 
 
Kirkland Rotary Meeting Minutes September 28, 2015
The meeting was called to order by President Rich Bergdahl at 6:30PM.
 Dan Bartel led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
John Woodbery impressed us all with a combination Rotary Minute and Inspirational Minute weaving together Paul Harris, Happiness in life, and Thomas Jefferson.
Guests introduction:
David and Amy Mutal, guests of Scott Becker; Larry Snyder of Chelan Valley Hope, about whom more later; Brian Henry, guest of Anne Hamilton; first women member and first woman President of our club [1982-83], Sandy Ekins.
Announcements:
Members hopefully on the mend include Gary Bruner recovering from back surgery; Mike Hunter recovering from hip replacement; and DV Hurst recovering from a fall.
President Rich announced that we have signed a contract with the Woodmark for next year’s meetings.  Our relationship with the hotel is good.
Member Eric Olsen is retiring as Chief of the Kirkland Police Department this week.  There will be a dinner celebrating the event October 9.  Make reservations with Patti Ball at the KPD.  Rotarians are encouraged to attend as we need to ensure that the Police Department gets a good look at their former Chief’s other life.
Candidate’s Forum was to be the next meeting, but it is being held at a non-Rotary venue sponsored by the Chamber, at a luncheon at the Woodmark.  Rich has sent out an email on the subject.
Scott Rethke announced that we will be having another wine-tasting social event at the Total Wine store in Bellevue, 6:30-8:30PM, November 13.  Cost is about $10/person.
We will be distributing Warm Coats at John Muir Elementary October 26.  Volunteers will be needed.
Anne Hamilton spoke about the Lake Washington Institute of Technology Foundation breakfast – she is urging everyone to sign up and attend.
James Nevers recounted his recent trip to Munich for Oktoberfest – quite the affair evidently.
Dave Debois spoke about a bike tour of the Loire Valley in France, with his wife.  Lots of Chateaux, food, and wine.
Dan and Wilma Bartel spent time in Germany visiting a former Club Rotary Exchange student .
Dan was thanked for his many years of service to the Club, organizing work parties at Northwest Harvest.  Speaking of which, we have one coming up the morning of October 10, as announced by Ben Premack, who has taken over responsibility from Dan Bartel.
Don Dicks, as co-chair of the Club’s Rotary International fund-raising efforts presented Paul Harris Fellow +6 [!!!] [pins to Pat Swenson, Scott Becker, and Anne Hamilton.
President Rich presented a check for $1607 to Larry Snyder of Chelan Valley Hope to go towards relie efforts for those impacted by the huge fire that is still burning in the area.  [Note that $1000 of the sum came from Ginny Johnson, the mother of former member Brett Johnson, who won one of the $1000 Duck Dash prizes, and then returned the money to the club to be used for a worthy cause.]
Jason Overleese introduced our speaker, Geologist David B. Williams, who spoke about the many man-caused changes to this area, including the Denny Regrade and the lake Washington Ship Canal which lowered the lake about nine feet.
Alice Volpe had the winning ticket, but did not draw the Joker.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43PM
Respectfully Submitted
Acting Scribe - David Aubry