The Rotary Club of Kirkland held a virtual meeting via Zoom on January 13, 2025 [Friday the 13th is on a Monday this month!].

Past President Gary Cohn presided, called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m., and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jocelyn Reiter recited the 4-Way Test.  

Members Attending: David Aubry, Bob Auslander, Cody Baker, Gary Cohn, Sue Cohn, Jocelyn Ellison, Margie Glenn, Isabelle Kalisa, Kate Koslosky, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, Angela Pritchett, John Pruitt, Daniel Sada Caraveo, John Storbeck, and Pat Swenson.

Rotary Moment:

Rick Ostrander spent a few minutes discussing the Rotary Classifications criteria.  The system started out as a way to ensure that club membership consisted of a diverse cross-section of professions among its members.  In this way members could expand their knowledge and understanding of a broad cross-section of their community.  Originally a club was allowed only one member in each Classification, and the Classification system became very specialized in its titles.

Announcements:

Be sure to register and pay on the club’s website to attend the Rotary Valentine’s Day Dinner occurring February 10 at St John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland.

The Salmon Bake is August 25, again hosted by Bob Auslander and Margie Glenn.  The event is posted to the website and is open for registration.

We still need folks to sign-up for meeting tasks including presiding officer, leading the Pledge, 4-Way Test, Rotary Moment, etc.

Youth Service Committee:  Jocelyn Reiter plans for the committee members to meet at the conclusion our next-in-person meeting. Decisions need to be made on several scholarship matters in order to get the application opened by February 7.

Rummage Sale Committee:  Cody Baker reported that the Rummage Sale Committee met today to discuss organizational issues.  They are really looking for sponsors/sponsorships.  Remember: we will need ALL members to pitch in to make this work.  They would like each club member to sign up at least three additional volunteers, part-time or for the full event. The event will occur during the last week of June, Tuesday through Sunday, at Rose Hill Middle School.  All members need to consider where they would like to work, especially during the event.

Membership Committee:  Two folks are in the membership pipeline, and there is no progress to report.

Programs & Speakers:  John Storbeck reported that he has assembled a slate of speakers.  He would like the city to present an update on the NE 85th Street project.

Happy Dollars:

There were several happy Rotarians!  Jocelyn Ellison was particularly proud of her son’s admission to a graduate music program. Gary and Sue Cohn celebrated a wonderful dinner with Bob Auslander and Margie Glenn, and Bob matched the happiness contribution. Dave Aubry celebrated Anna’s recovery from a knee injury and surgery. And Daniel Sada Caraveo celebrated his family's new rice cooker and the joys of steaming rice.

Registration is open for the club's almost annual Rotary Valentine Dinner for Rotarians, past Rotarians, and prospective Rotarians to gather in celebration of the Valentine's Day holiday.  The event is Monday, February 10 in place of a virtual club meeting, will be at the St John's Episcopal Church at 105 State Street in downtown Kirkland, and costs $50 per person. Committee chair Doug Evanson is leading the planning for the event and he needs volunteers. If you can help with setting up the event, or will bring some refreshments to add to the dinner, please click on Doug's name above and let him know you'll assist. Just click on the image in this article to jump to the event in the Club Calendar.

During the year past presidents are stepping up to preside at meetings while our president is away from club activities. Thank you to those all of the past presidents who've volunteered to lead meetings during the year. There are still a few meetings that need a presiding officer, especially January 27 and February 3, which are just around the corner.

 

There are several other roles that are necessary for smooth conduct of our meetings, whether in-person or virtual. Please sign up for several "open" meeting duties for this year. Our club needs your contribution to make the meetings effective and enjoyable for all of our membership. The meeting responsibilities matrix is available to you in the "Members" drop-down menu on the home page of the club's website. Like the committee table, the responsibilities table is updated regularly as club members add their names to the duties throughout the year. You may click HERE to jump to the table from this article. You may click HERE to send an email volunteering for meeting leadership and other duties.