The Rotary Club of Kirkland held its regular weekly meeting online on November 2, 2020.
Attending were James Nevers, Dave Aubry, Joanne Primavera, Steve Shinstrom, Rich Bergdahl, John Pruitt, John Woodbery, George Anderson, David & Amy Mutal, Rick Ostrander, Dave DeBois, Monica Fratita, Brandon Honcoop, Mike Hunter, Gary Cohn, Don Dicks, Terry Cole, Margie Glenn, Jim Meniketti, and Scott Becker. Let me know if I missed anyone.
President James Nevers rang the bell at 6:17 p.m.
Jim Meniketti recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guests were Anna Aubry and Patty Shinstrom.
Announcements:
Dave Debois reported that because of COVID-19, our Warm Coats program has shifted to gift cards given through John Muir Elementary School to needy families. We will also be donating gifts cards at Eastside Baby corner for ‘basic learning toys’, such as blocks, that help young kids develop skills. Instead of our holiday breakfast, we will identify 6 - 7 families for whom we will buy items, including gift cards. This will be coordinated through the Lake Washington School District.
Our upcoming ‘virtual’ wine tasting event will see the wines ready for pick-up at Mr. DeBois’ office later this week. Watch for an email.
We collected Happy Dollars, and there were several happy Rotarians: Amy Mutal, Terry Cole, Steve Shinstrom, Scott Becker, and Dave Aubry.
Mike Hunter introduced Ndidi Opara, our Rotary Student of the Month, a senior at Lake Washington High School. She is a very accomplished individual: she plays the trumpet, is a published author, is interested in rap music and social justice. She is extremely involved in her school and in social/organizational issues.
Gary Cohn introduced our speaker, Karen Waters, president of Strategies 360, a leading political consulting firm. She spoke about her perspective on tomorrow’s election and how it seems to be going.
Job approval rating has been a good predictor of success in a presidential re-election bid. Mr. Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is not viewed favorably by most, according to polls.
She discussed how ‘swing states’ are currently leaning, especially in the presidential and senate races. She also discussed house races in general and what the prospects appear to be for each party.
In Washington state, she gave us an overview of the governor’s race.
Several questions from Rotarians regarding possible U.S. cabinet members in a possible Biden administration. Ms. Waters said that such information is very closely guarded by the Biden camp; no-one knows anything for sure. She suggested that, nationally, tensions are high due to a combination of the pandemic, the recession, and a contentious election, all at the same time.
We adjourned at about 7:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry - Acting Scribe