April 14, 2025 Spokesman

Gary noted that a number of club members tried Prosecco Restaurant & Pizzeria to see if it’s a viable meeting location, and very much enjoyed the experience. The board is expected to discuss a specific night for the club to have dinner to experience the restaurant. Scott Becker reported that he had further conversations with the owner of the Moss Bay Beer Hall and the owner would be delighted to have us, with no minimum per person, and the option of having a buffet. The meeting room available to us is that which the club used in years past. Monday night football activities at the Hall present a problem. Several members asked about menus, and Gary responded he would place links in the next bulletin, The Spokesman.

 

Gary announced that Scholarship Awards Night will be Monday, June 2, and will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Kirkland. Four of the fourteen students who started applications submitted completed ones. However, Nichole Swanger reported that a bomb threat led to the canceling of classes at Lake Washington High School on Friday, April 11, and several students who had planned on obtaining help with their submissions were unable to access Nichole on campus. A majority of the Youth Service Committee have decided to extend the due date to Wednesday, April 23, as a result of the barriers students faced on April 11. Spring break is the week of April 14. We have enough funding from the club, the foundation, and individual donors for seven scholarships. Terry asked if the scholarship funds can carry over to the next year if not claimed, and Gary responded that this has been the board’s practice that past several years; individual donor contribution are restricted and always carried over unless the donor releases the club from the restrictions on the donation.

Gary reminded members that the Leadership Transition Dinner is on the calendar for Monday, June 16. Historically the outgoing president makes those arrangements. Since we don’t have an outgoing president this year, Gary will assist with the planning. The club’s board will need to make a decision on location and cost very soon so that the invites can be released.

Gary reminded members that the annual Rotary Salmon Bake is scheduled for Monday, August 25 and Bob and Margie Auslander are again hosting. Registration for the event is available on the club’s website.

During the prior club meeting, Rick Walter announced that the club’s board and the foundation’s board have decided to combine their efforts into the annual Rotary auction as an annual fundraiser, and it will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Kirkland Woman’s Club. John Pruitt added that the event is expected to being at 6 p.m., and the fee for dinner is likely to be in the $50 - $60 range again this year.