The Rotary Club of Kirkland held an in-person meeting at Madison House Retirement Community. Past-president Rich Bergdahl acted as president for this meeting, and called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m.
Members attending were: Pete Anderson, David Aubry, Scott Becker, Rich Bergdahl, Daniel Sada Caraveo, Michelle Cazeau, Gary Cohn*, Don Dicks, Sandy Ekins (Honorary), Jocelyn Ellison, Doug Evanson*, Jim Feek, Rashmi Garimella, Isabelle Kalisa, Jim Meniketti, Peter Peaquin, John Pruitt, Josephine Shi, and John Storbeck. *Attended via Zoom.
The greeters this evening were Rashmi Garimella and Judge Peter Peaquin.
David Aubry led us in the Pledge.
Guests:
Don Dicks introduced Jeremy Forman from Monroe, who is checking out Rotary clubs on the Eastside; David Lynx, Kirkland Arts Center Executive Director; Scott Becker introduced Cody Baker, the new manager at Banner Bank in Kirkland; Jocelyn Ellison introduced Rotary Student of the Month Reese Roberts and mother Megan Roberts; and Rich Bergdahl introduced Rabi Gupta, CFO of Lighthouse for the Blind of Seattle, as well as our speaker, Lighthouse for the Blind President & CEO George Abbott.
Rotary Minute:
Rich Bergdahl spoke about women in Rotary, and the fact that Sandy Ekins became a Kirkland Rotarian almost as soon as it became possible, and that she soon after became president of the Club. Ms. Ekins received a warm round of applause from attendees.
Announcements:
Dave Aubry announced that the Hopelink work party occurred Thursday, February 29, from 10 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. Eight Rotarians and wives sorted lots of packaged food. Afterward, several of us enjoyed a convivial lunch at the nearby Olive Garden.
Pete Anderson announced that we have a commitment for the rummage sale site at Kamiakin Middle School on July 13. Pete reported getting to know the Kirkland morning club president-elect at PETS, and noted his club members may join us in the event, and perhaps other club activities.
Kirkland Rotary Foundation President John Pruitt and Foundation Secretary David Aubry reminded members of the Foundation’s role and the Foundation Gala and Auction last fall. We raised over $13,000 and voted on where the funds are to go, naming three worthy organizations that will receive money in proportion to the votes received at the Gala. President John noted that the Foundation added $10,000 to the total, so the three recipients will receive together over $23,000.
President John then called upon Rotarian Isabelle Kalisa of Hero House to come forward to receive a check for $12,420.
Dave Aubry then conducted a round of Happy Dollars, thereby proving that Kirkland Rotarians are both happy and generous.
Student of the Month:
Jocelyn Ellison introduced our Rotary Student of the Month, Reese Roberts, a senior at Lake Washington High School. She has recovered from a serious auto accident and now plays varsity basketball. She wants to go away to college and is looking at several schools, where she can study business.
Program:
Our speaker this evening was George Abbott, CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle, who has been blind from birth and told us a bit about himself. He revealed that he lived for many years very near Rotary headquarters in Evanston, IL. He attended public schools, and has had a varied work background, for many years involving working on issues and services for the blind. He came to Seattle in January 2020 to take the job at Lighthouse, which turned out to be just in time for everything to be shut down by the pandemic. He has learned to use the computer and uses Braille. He got involved in learning how to help the visually impaired use computers.
Lighthouse for the Blind has been in Seattle since 1918. It was started to assist young blind men to learn to support themselves. There are now several hundred employees in Washington State, many of whom are blind, including in leadership roles. The organization is now coast-to-coast, and is engaged in manufacturing, including items for the U.S. military, such as canteens and cups. They also supply various items to the aerospace industry.
Lighthouse is a good place for the blind to learn how to work – some then leave for other jobs and some stay with Lighthouse. There is a difference between people who are blind at birth and those who become blind later in life. This often requires different approaches to helping the individual.
Lighthouse is expanding its activities and businesses so it can provide more services. Income from manufacturing provides resources for more programs and philanthropy.
Mr. Abbott invited Rotarians to tour the Seattle facility.
There were several questions from Rotarians, including inquiries on the issue of older people losing their sight, and the resources that might be available to assist them.
Our next meeting is March 11, and will be a virtual meeting. This will be followed by a March 18 in-person meeting at Madison House.
Rich thanked everyone who assisted in making the meeting a success, and adjourned us at 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Aubry
Acting Scribe