The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person and virtual meeting via Zoom on January 22, 2024, at Madison House in Kirkland. Acting President Amy Mutal called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
Members attending were: Pete Anderson, David Aubry, Rich Bergdahl, Gary Cohn*, Don Dicks, Sandi Ekins* (Honorary), Jocelyn Ellison, Doug Evanson, Rashmi Garimella*, Mekonen Giorgis, Isabelle Kalisa, Kate Koslosky, Amy Mutal, Rick Ostrander, John Pruitt, John Storbeck, and Rick Walter. *Attended via Zoom.
Greeters this evening were Isabelle Kalisa and Rick Walter.
Doug Evanson led us in the pledge.
Guests:
Guests included our speaker, Seth Muir, and Will Blakemore, both of Sail Sand Point; David Aubry introduced wife Anna; and Rick Walter introduced Daniel Sada, a software engineer and potential member, who is checking us out. Mr. Sada told us a bit about himself. We also welcomed Rotary Student of the Month Andy Alkin, his father Yuri, and his mother Anna.
Announcements:
Dave Aubry announced that we have a potential Hopelink work party set up for a Thursday in February, from 10 a.m. to noon. Everyone will have received an email. Please indicate to Dave which Thursdays you might be available. We can accommodate 10 volunteers.
Doug Evanson announced that the catered Rotary Valentine Dinner is set at Kirkland's Heritage Hall at 203 Market Street. Set-up is from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., and the party is planned from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12. Sign up by midnight on February 8 via the club’s website.
Acting President Amy announced that everyone needs to sign up for a Rummage Sale team – it will take all of us to make this event a success. Sign-up sheets will be on the table by the door.
Student of the Month:
Jocelyn Ellison introduced our Rotary Student of the Month for January, Andy Alkin, who told us a bit about himself. His family is from Ukraine, and he is a senior at Lake Washington High School. He wants to study Economics in college and has been very active in school. He has done a number of entrepreneurial projects, such as creating and publishing a school newspaper, and composing the words and music of songs. Rotarians may read more about Andy on the club's website.
Classification Talk:
Jocelyn Ellison gave us her Classification Talk. She has lived all over the U.S. and the world, has two children, and has studied and performed opera. She was born in Georgia, loves to cook, and loves the Olympic Games. She has attended multiple Olympics and has worked as a volunteer at the games. She knew at an early age that she wanted a life in music. She studied opera at Salzburg Mozart School opera school. She has crossed Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and taught music in Iowa. She has taught music classes in Japan where she was impressed by how dedicated and prepared she found the students. She has been a Rotarian for 27 years and believes that attending meetings in foreign countries is a fascinating and informative experience. She is now writing a book about Mary, Queen of Scots.
Program:
Our speaker was Seth Muir, from Sail Sand Point, and he gave a great presentation about the organization. It is the largest sailing organization in the area. They teach sailing classes to all types of people; some classes and activities are provided free to folks who otherwise might not be able to participate. They are an IRC 501(c)(3) non-profit and want to broaden sailing to a more diverse audience. They have programs for underserved groups, including the physically and developmentally disabled.
Once a person is certified in a type of boat, they can then rent a boat themselves. Washington is second only to Florida in the number private boats. As a graduation treat, students sail across the lake to Kirkland for ice cream.
They offer STEM programs and work with local schools, including the UW, to teach students to sail. They also have adult classes, currently with waiting lists. They also have corporate team-building activities available.
Most of their money comes from classes, rentals, and boat storage, but they also solicit donations that help fund their no-charge offerings. Staff are all paid employees, but there are volunteer opportunities available.
Sail Sand Point acts as a regional center of a network of smaller local sailing clubs. They do have a professional board of directors, the chair of which, Will Blakemore, is also a guest of the club tonight.
Our next meeting is Monday, February 5, and will be in-person at Madison House.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry
Acting Scribe