The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting on August 21, 2023 at the Madison House Independent and Assisted Living Community in Kirkland’s Totem Lake. Members gathered beforehand to socialize and enjoy refreshments. Some members attended via Zoom.
Rick Walter greeted members.
President Gary Cohn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., the start time delayed by 15 minutes due to food service delivery.
John Storbeck led us in the pledge.
Attending were Pete Anderson, David Aubry, Bob Auslander*, Scott Becker, Gary Cohn, David DeBois, Donald Dicks*, Sandi Ekins* (Honorary), Jocelyn Ellison, Rashmi Garimella, Margie Glenn*, Jim Meniketti, Amy Mutal, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, Joanne Primavera, John Pruitt, John Storbeck, and Rick Walter. *Attended via Zoom.
The club’s guests, introduced by Rick Walter, were Zac Baker, a banker in Kirkland with First Financial Northwest, and here for his fourth meeting; and Peter Peaquin, a health care judge who has met the qualifications for membership in the club. Also present were the speakers, Dr. Eric Murray, president of Cascadia College, Brittany Caldwell, executive director of the Cascadia College Foundation.
Announcements: President Gary reminded us that there are still three places open for the August 28 Salmon Bake at Bob Auslander’s. Rick Ostrander announced that Doug Evanson needs a few more tables and chairs for the event. David Aubry reminded us that the Kirkland Rotary Foundation Auction and Gala will be October 9 at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland, on State Street. We need items to auction. He also announced that the City of Kirkland will finally cut the ribbon on our latest Club Legacy Project, the Kirkland Rotary Central Station at Kirkland Ave. and Railroad Ave. This covid-delayed event will occur between 4 and 4:50 p.m. on September 26.
Happy Bucks:
Rick Walter conducted a round of Happy Bucks. Pete Anderson, Dave Aubry, Gary Cohn, Dave DeBois, Jocelyn Ellison, Amy Mutal, Kristin Olson, Rick Ostrander, John Pruitt, John Storbeck, and Rick Walter shared happiness and bucks for a total of $145. Thank you all for your generosity!
Some of our committee chairs reported they have committees and are looking forward to contributing to a great year for the club. President Gary announced that International Service Chair Isabelle Kalisa attended District training. President Gary also announced that there will be a two-part speaker series on services for the homeless.
Program:
Our speakers, Dr. Eric Murray and Brittany Caldwell, told us about Cascadia College and its foundation. Dr. Murray reported that both of them are touring Eastside Rotary Clubs and talking about Cascadia’s operations. The school was specifically designed as a transfer school so students could successfully go on to a four-year institution, specifically, the University of Washington.
Ninety-five percent of Cascadia students are accepted at UW-Bothell, as opposed to 25 percent of overall applicants. Enrollment at UW is down about five percent; at community colleges it is down about 25-30%. This is partly because in-person learning works better for community college students, and community colleges are often hybrid, with a lot of on-line classes. The college has been opening a number of new buildings, including one in Redmond. The school wants to extend its geographic reach.
Ms. Caldwell then told us about the foundation; she was hired as director a year ago from the Bothell Chamber of Commerce. Her focus is fund-raising and then using the money raised to provide scholarships and grants to students. Grants are given to students mostly for emergencies. The foundation is looking at other ways of assisting students. Cascadia Scholars is a new program to support underrepresented potential students. These programs have helped to increase student retention. Part of this effort has involved working in partnership with community organizations such as Rotary.
There were a number of questions from Rotarians. The average Foundation scholarship is $1,500, which pays for about one quarter at the school.
Scott Becker drew a ticket from the box. Jocelyn Ellison had the winner, but did not pull the Joker from the deck.
Following the program, members were provided time to discuss the results of the venue survey the club conducted and by general consent moved to a vote. [The survey results are on the club’s website.] Eleven members voted to stay at Madison House and four members voted to return to SOI. As a result, President Gary will make arrangements with the Madison House staff to hold meetings at Madison House for the foreseeable future.
The Wilde Rover site is not yet ready to discuss our possible use. John Storbeck will continue to follow up with George’s as a possible meeting site.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Aubry, Recording Secretary, and
Rashmi Garimella, Club Secretary