"Providing healthy food to people in need builds healthier communities"
2024-03-29 07:15 - 08:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Salvation Army Eastside Corps, 911 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98008, United States
David Bobanick – Executive Director
Harvest Against Hunger
David Bobanick, Executive Director of Harvest Against Hunger (HAH), has nearly three decades of experience in non-profit executive management. Since David joined in 2001, the organization has significantly expanded its impact at the local, national and international levels, resulting in the delivery of nearly half a billion healthy servings of produce for those in need.
David has led the creation and development of the national Harvest VISTA program, as well as innovative and award-winning programs focusing on shortening the connections from Farm to Community. In addition, David and the HAH team continue to build and scale nationally recognized programs with partners like the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, USDA, WSDA, Washington State University, the University of Washington and other partners to enhance food systems in communities across the United States.
About the Speaker
David has a degree in communications from Penn State University and has studied at the Non-Profit Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, as well as the Non-Profit Management Institute at Stanford University. David was also recently named a “Food Waste Innovator” by ReFED, and currently serves as a board officer for four local, statewide, and regional non-profit organizations.

"All in for Autism 2024 Event – Recipients of Benefits"
2024-04-05 07:15 - 08:30
Sheldon Sweeney – Wealth Advisor / President Elect
Snider Financial Group / Bellevue Breakfast Rotary
Our program will consist of two parts, a special interview with Spenser Freedman (son of Mitch Freedman) and an update from Marni Kurtz, Executive Director of Athletes for Kids Youth Mentoring. Mitch Freedman and Spenser will share some life experiences of Spenser growing up with Autism. We will also hear from Marni and others associated with Athletes for Kids Youth Mentoring and the positive impact gained from partnering with BBRC. The latter will include a current youth mentor and possibly a board member.
About the Speaker
Sheldon will introduce the presenters at this meeting.

"The Healing Power of the Arts" via Zoom
2024-04-12 07:15 - 08:30
Holly Jacobson – CEO
Path with Art
Whether we know it or not, the arts —in all forms– have been proven to have healing powers. Research confirms, arts interventions in a supportive environment have shown to be a powerful tool for individual and community recover (American Journal of Public Health). Trauma-informed arts instruction and practice is associated with: a reduction in the need for pain medication; decreased length of hospital stays; reduced overall health care costs; decreased incidence of depression; increased memory and cognitive function; and, improved communication and behavioral skills (Americans for the Arts).
Path with Art’s Holly Jacobson will share some of the science as well as stories of how Path with Art, is using the arts to help systems-impacted individuals, families, and communities recover from mental and behavioral health related issues. She will talk about some of the recent and ongoing studies that provide the science that shows how arts and music interact with our brains to provide a healing effect.
About the Speaker
With a background in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and communications, Holly’s professional experience spans both for and nonprofit institutions. She has created strategic marketing and product solutions for Microsoft, The City of Seattle, The Seattle International Film Festival, and others. A passionate advocate for under-represented voices, Holly co-founded Voter Action, a national non-profit organization with the aim to secure accurate election systems for all communities. She has presented on the role of arts in health regionally, nationally, and internationally including the Western Museum’s Alliance, the Regional Conference on Domestic Violence, the Conference on International Arts and Homelessness in both Montreal, Canada, and Manchester, U.K. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Seattle Arts Commission.

"The Current State of the University of Washington and Collegiate Athletics"
2024-04-19 07:15 - 08:30
Damon Huard – Assistant Athletic Director, Special Initiatives
University of Washington Athletic Department
As everyone who follows college sports knows, the collegiate sports landscape is going though massive change. This has significantly impacted the Pac-12, which in a few months will no longer exist. This morning Damon Huard will discuss the state of Husky Athletics and its influence within the broader landscape of College Athletics.
About the Speaker
Damon Huard currently serves as the Assistant Athletic Director of Special Initiatives for the University of Washington Athletic Department.
In addition to his work for Husky Athletics, Huard is the co-owner of “Passing Time,” an award- winning boutique winery in Woodinville, Washington.
A 1995 graduate of the University of Washington Foster School of Business, Huard went on to play professional football in the NFL for twelve years as quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his football career, Mr. Huard received many honors while playing in the NFL! With the Patriots, Damon earned two Super Bowl rings from Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII while with the Chiefs, he finished the 2006 season finish with a 98.0 rating as quarterback, ranking second in the NFL behind Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. As a three-year starter with the Huskies, Damon was the Huskies’ all-time passing leader with 5,692 passing yards upon graduation.
He and his wife Julie reside in Clyde Hill, Washington and have three young adults., two daughters and a son. They are empty nesters this past fall.

"BBRC Fund-Raising since 1985- Looking Back!"
2024-04-26 07:15 - 08:30
Bob Holert – Narrator
Bellevue Breakfast RotaryAt this point in time, Bellevue Breakfast Rotary is 18 months away from our 40th anniversary. Today we will go back in time to share how the fund-raising efforts have changed over the years and it will include strawberries, strawberry coolers, poinsettias, a little red Acura Integra, the Brothers Four, the Mamas and Papas and walk/runs! Stay tuned for a historic meeting!
About the Speaker
Bob Holert, BBRC Program Chair, will act as the Master of Ceremonies introducing subject matter experts with a deep knowledge of BBRC fund-raising over the decades!

"Still Doing what he Loves after 20 Years!" (Offsite location)
2024-05-03 07:15 - 08:30
Joe Fugere – Founder / Owner
Tutta Bella This morning Joe Fugere will speak on Tutta Bella’s journey from one Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzaria restaurant to seven as well as a food production company with a total of 400 employees. Everyone will have a chance to enjoy an Italian breakfast! Our meeting will be offsite at the Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria’s newly renovated location at Crossroads Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue.
About the Speaker
Joe Fugere is the founder of Tutta Bella, the Pacific Northwest’s first certified authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. Joe opened his first restaurant in 2004 and currently has seven locations in and around Seattle. The seventh location has just reopened in Bellevue at 156th Ave. NE and NE 8th after being used a food production location since shortly after Covid started. The food production for “Grab and Go” items has moved to South Seattle. The success of Joe’s business can be attributed to a passionate focus on building a meaningful business respected by employees, customers and peers and he works tirelessly on creating shared value for these constituents.
In August 2010, Joe had the honor of being selected to represent small business owners in a meeting with President Obama. One month later he was invited to the White House for the signing of the 2010 Small Business Lending Act, at which time the President recognized Tutta Bella for its contribution to economic recovery. That same year, Tutta Bella beat out 33,000 of its peers nationally by being named “Independent Pizzeria of the Year” and received “Business of the Year” recognition by the Greater Seattle Business Association.
Tutta Bella restaurants have received recognition from every business chamber to which they belong. The company has been named “Best of” in multiple trade and culinary publications and the Harvard Business School recognized Tutta Bella as one of America’s 100 fastest growing “Inner City” businesses. The company aspires to nourish lives by sharing traditions, authentic food, and love.
Thank you, John Martinka for securing this speaker!

"Washington's Efforts to Create the Nation's First Commission of Boys and Men"
2024-05-10 07:15 - 08:30
Blair Daly and Valerie Tarico – Grassroots Advocates & Writers
Washington Initiative for Boys and Men (WIBM)
A growing bipartisan group of state legislators have been trying for three years to get a bill passed establishing a Washington Commission of Boys and Men. Blair Daly and Valerie Tarico, leaders in the grassroots movement backing this effort, will present the case for a government commission tasked with improving the well-being of Washington’s boys, male youth, and men. They’ll describe barriers to success so far and ideas for succeeding with this groundbreaking legislative effort going forward. Males in Washington are more likely to be homeless, to die by suicide, to overdose on drugs, to end up in youth detention and prisons, to fail to complete high school, to lack a parent of the same sex in their house when growing up, to lack access to their children when they are parents, to be seriously injured or killed while earning money, and they are underrepresented in some professions of public importance, like teaching, social work, and mental healthcare.
About the Speaker
Blair Daly is the founder of Washington Initiative for Boys and Men (WIBM), which does advocacy journalism and grassroots political organizing focused on boys and men’s issues. WIBM initiated the grassroots campaign urging the legislature to create a state commission focused on improving the well-being of Washington’s boys, male youth, and men. A total of 14 legislators sponsored the bill in 2024, which was the bill’s third year of falling short of getting a public hearing. Among the sponsors of the commission on boys and men bill, over half are women, and there are equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans. Blair grew up in Bellevue and played baseball and jazz drums at Newport High School. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington, and for his day job he works on transportation programs for the City of Kirkland.
Valerie Tarico has a PhD in counseling psychology. She headed the Children’s Behavior and Learning Clinic at Seattle Children’s in Bellevue before opening a private practice focused on children and families and then transitioning to focus on writing and advocacy. She is a co-founder of the Progress Alliance of Washington and has served on nonprofit boards with a focus on broad, durable prosperity and women’s health. It is through these roles that she has become increasingly concerned about the challenges facing young men and boys.

"Malaria Partners International - Scaling for Success” Today's program is Zoom only!
2024-05-17 07:15 - 08:30
Jenny Andrews – Executive Director
Malaria Partners International (MPI)Jenny Andrews will discuss Rotary’s increased focus on the scalability of Global Grants and how a few Global Grants in Zambia grew to the first Programs of Scale grant going to the $6 million Program of Scale and now to the $30 million Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge.
Malaria Partners International Malaria Partners International is a Rotarian founded and led organization focusing on advocacy within the Rotary community and on projects and large-scale programs in the regions where malaria is most prevalent. Malaria Partners International works in close alignment with national malaria control programs in endemic countries and has established chapter organizations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and ten West African countries. MPI’s mission is to ignite an international Rotarian campaign for the global eradication of malaria. Our vision is that malaria is eliminated worldwide.
About the Speaker
A Rotarian since 1991, Jenny Andrews is the Executive Director of Malaria Partners International and has been working in the field of global health since 2007. She became interested in global health during her first trip to Ethiopia to vaccinate children against polio and has been involved with over a dozen Rotary service projects around the world. Prior to Malaria Partners International, Jenny worked at PATH, a global health firm focused on using innovations in technology to improve health around the world. In 1997, Jenny co-founded a business called Verus which focused on technology in the US healthcare industry and was named one of Deloitte’s “Fast 500” in 2000 and Puget Sound Business Journal’s “Fastest Growing Companies” for three years running. Jenny graduated from Miami University with a degree in biology and University of Oregon with a master’s in business administration.

"May Contain Tree Nuts": A Master Arborists Perspective on Arboriculture, in General.
2024-05-24 07:15 - 08:30
John Huddleston – Board Certified Master Arborist
SavATree
John Huddleston, Resident Rotarian and Board Certified Master Arborist will explain the science of Arboriculture, as he practices it. He will provide tips for what tree owners can do themselves to promote a healthy landscape, and what they should leave to professionals like his team at SavATree.
About the Speaker
John Huddleston is a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from the mile high mountain community of Idyllwild, above Palm Springs. He has been a tree enthusiast since a young child, climbing to the tops of cedars to sway in the wind with the birds and squirrels. As a self-identified Lorax, he began his career slowing the spread of pine bark beetles in the San Bernardino National Forest and became a Certified Arborist in 2006. During the financial crisis in ’08, John relocated to Marin County, CA to take on the virulent spread of Sudden Oak Death. It was here that he was mentored by the two very first Certified Arborists, Mike Green and Dave Anderson, as well as noteworthy PhD, Tom Smiley, who literally wrote the books on Arboriculture. John became a Board Certified Master Arborist in 2015, and a Registered Consulting Arborist in 2017, joining the ranks of less than 100 professionals in North America to hold both of these high credentials simultaneously.
John married the love of his life, his lovely wife April who is also a Certified Arborist, in 2018. Together, they were highly engaged in the community of Idyllwild, and chose to join Idyllwild Rotary Club in 2022. They have two amazing children, Odin, aged 4, and Lili, aged 1. Although they will always hold Idyllwild dear in their hearts, a constant threat of wildfire and a longing for a greener world inspired them to move the clan to Washington in January 2024. John is now a trusted tree advisor and residential sales Arborist for SavATree – Puget Sound.

"Playful Connection"
2024-05-31 07:15 - 08:30
Bobby Hughes – Director
Aardvark Design Labs www.aardvarkdesignlabs.com
What is the role of connection and play in design and innovation? How do we foster meaningful connections that go beyond surface-level?

Join us as we host, Bobby Hughes, director of Aardvark Design Labs, who will introduce his work in human-centered design and help you find ways to connect more deeply with your friends, colleagues, and fellow Rotarians.

About the Speaker
Bobby Hughes is an award-winning designer, facilitator, and director of Aardvark Design Labs. He uses playful facilitation to help people learn and apply human-centered design, grow their ability to collaborate effectively, and create ground-breaking products and services that people love.

Bobby has over 15 years of experience in design and innovation, including having led design efforts at Kaiser Permanente and IDEO, lectured and coached innovation at Stanford’s d.school, and worked with clients including Nike, Google, and The Gates Foundation. Bobby has a BS in physics from the University of Washington and an MS in Engineering/Product Design from Stanford University.

"Update on DECA for 2024"
2024-06-07 07:15 - 08:30
Lori Hairston – Executive Director
DECA Washington
Lori Hairston is the Executive Director for Washington DECA. This morning Lori will bring us up to date on DECA’s impact on Washington High School students as well as have some students that had success at the National Convention join her to share their presentations.
About the Speaker
Lori Hairston is the Executive Director for Washington DECA. Lori is a strategic leader, with twenty-nine years of experience in education. Her professional experiences include 16 years in Retail Management with Lamont’s, 10 years on the board of the Washington Association of Marketing Educators, and 12 years on the Washington DECA Board of Directors, including 9 as Board Chair. Lori holds an MBA in Management and Strategy.

"The Importance of Israel to American Jews"
2024-06-14 07:15 - 08:30
Daniel Weiner – Senior Rabbi
Temple De Hirsch SinaiSenior Rabbi Daniel Weiner of Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle and Bellevue will share an overview of why Israel is so vital to American Jews. In addition, he is willing to answer questions about the current conflict.
About the Speaker
Senior Rabbi Daniel Weiner believes passionately in building Judaism for the 21st century and in healing the world through social justice. Temple De Hirsch Sinai has grown to more than 5000 members and 1,600 families in two campuses in Seattle and Bellevue since he took charge in 2001.He has served congregations in Baltimore, Maryland and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His innovations in worship include producing “rabcasts” on video, streaming services on the internet, and leading a rock band in popular Rock Shabbat services. He tweets @rocknrabbidanny.Weiner and his team won the Union of Reform Judaism’s Fain Award for their campaign on gun responsibility. Rabbi Weiner’s efforts with other clergy contributed to the founding of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which drafted and helped pass a number of key initiatives, placing Washington State at the forefront of efforts to reduce gun violence.He is part of the first cohort of Rukin Fellows for 18 Doors (formerly Interfaith Family.com), an organization dedicated to embracing and supporting couples and families from multi-heritage backgrounds.He has served on numerous boards, including various committees of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, chaired local rabbinic boards, and served on multiple national boards of Jewish organizations. In 2023, Rabbi Weiner was elected to the Board of Governors of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.Rabbi Weiner cherishes teaching as one of his most critical rabbinic roles. He has taught at various colleges and universities, with a special emphasis on his role at Seattle University as instructor, member of various advisory committees, and a catalyser in the creation of the Center for Religious Wisdom and World Affairs.His rabbinate places a special emphasis on interfaith and ecumenical efforts, working closely with the Episcopal and Catholic Dioceses, and creating bonds of partnership and faith with local African American churches.His columns have appeared in The Seattle Times, The Forward, and Haaretz. Weiner wrote “Good God: Faith for the Rest of Us” about the dangerous polarization between fanatical faith and soulless secularism.Weiner is married to Cindy Tepper Weiner of Baltimore. They are the proud parents of Julia and Benjamin. He frequently enjoys the glorious climes of the Pacific Northwest while walking their black lab, Sadie.

"Washington State Finances and Long-Term Policy" via Zoom
2024-06-21 07:15 - 08:30
Mike Pellicciotti – Treasurer
Washington StateMike Pellicciotti, Washington State’s Treasurer will discuss his work improving the financial outlook for state and local governments, as well as working families and retirees in Washington. Please note this is a Zoom meeting only!
About the Speaker
Mike Pellicciotti (Pelleh-chee-otti) was elected the 24th Treasurer of Washington in 2020. As Washington’s chief financial officer, Mike is dedicated to increasing government transparency, protecting Washington’s financial health, and leading policies that best serve our state’s working families and retirees.Before being elected State Treasurer, Mike was an assistant attorney general and served North Pierce and South King Counties in the Washington House of Representatives. There he led efforts to increase penalties for corporate crime and get “dark money” out of politics.As State Treasurer, Mike is leading good government reforms and policy proposals to reduce financial barriers for all Washingtonians. Last year he was selected as a Rodel Fellow, the bipartisan recognition of America’s 24 most promising elected leaders.He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and received his Master’s in Rural Development as a United States Fulbright Scholar. His law degree is from Gonzaga University. Mike is a lifelong fan of Gonzaga Basketball.

No Meeting Today
2024-06-28 07:15 - 08:30
Our Rotating the Wheel event will be Saturday, June 29 at
Newport Shores Yacht ClubThis is a party to thank BBRC President Ruben Ladlad (2023-24) for his service to BBRC from July 1, 2023 thru June 30, 2024. In addition, we will be welcoming incoming BBRC President Sheldon Sweeney (2024-25) who will serve from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025! Please plan to join us!
About the Speaker
Our next regular Bellevue Breakfast Rotary meeting will be Friday, July 12, 2024.

No meeting today!
2024-07-05 07:15 - 08:30
Enjoy celebrating the – Fourth of July
and the weekend!Our next meeting is Friday, July 12th with a presentation on the new Seattle Aquarium by their President and CEO Bob Davidson.
About the Speaker
Hope to see you there.

"Building a World-class Aquarium in our Region"
2024-07-12 07:15 - 08:30
Robert W. (Bob) Davidson – President & CEO
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle’s waterfront is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation into a family-friendly destination for all of us. At its heart is the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, opening this year. Join Aquarium President and CEO Bob Davidson for a virtual tour of this amazing new space—and learn how this project will benefit our entire region and our shared marine environment.
About the Speaker
Robert W. (Bob) Davidson became president and CEO of the newly nonprofit Seattle Aquarium in 2010, after serving as CEO of the Seattle Aquarium Society from 2002. Davidson guided the Aquarium’s successful transition to nonprofit management, including negotiation of the Aquarium’s operating agreement with the City in 2009. He also played a key role in the $41.5-million public/private New Currents Aquarium expansion in 2007, which made Seattle the country’s ninth-largest aquarium by attendance. Before joining the Aquarium, Davidson was a leader in the $40-million project to revitalize Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo as co-initiator of Mayor Royer’s Zoo Commission, board president of the Woodland Park Zoological Society and executive director/CEO of the Zoo.

“Embracing Service Above Self” via Zoom
2024-07-19 07:15 - 08:30
Sheldon Sweeney – President (2024-25)
Bellevue Breakfast Rotary ClubBellevue Breakfast Rotary Club is run by a team, which includes all of us. Find out more about the Directors of BBRC and the Program Chairs as well as the duties of the various committees. Sheldon will introduce the Directors and they will share the scope of their area(s) of responsibility.
About the Speaker
Sheldon Sweeney is our newly installed BBRC President for 2024-25.

"Behind the Scenes: A Look at Our Exceptional Medic One Emergency Medical System"
2024-07-26 07:15 - 08:30
Kim Duncan Martin – Executive Director
Media One Foundation
After 54 years, Seattle and King County are still the best places in the world to have a heart attack. Medic One Foundation staff will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how our emergency medical system works, the critical elements for its lifesaving success, how citizens are an important link in the chain of survival, and the role the Medic One Foundation plays in supporting Medic One’s success.
The Medic One Foundation is a local nonprofit dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. By funding Medic One paramedic training, targeted research, equipment for fire departments, and CPR/AED and First Aid training for civilians, the Foundation is a major reason why our region’s paramedics and firefighters achieve a survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest that is two times greater than the national average.
About the Speaker
Kim Duncan Martin, Executive Director of the Medic One Foundation, is a seasoned leader dedicated to improving emergency care. With over two decades of experience in healthcare and nonprofits, including roles at Providence and Evergreen Health Foundations, Kim’s expertise is unparalleled.
Kim’s involvement with the Medic One Foundation began in 2000 as the Director of Finance and Philanthropy, where she played a pivotal role in steering the organization’s financial and fundraising endeavors. Her strategic guidance encompassed vital areas such as accounting, budgeting, human resources, donor acquisition, events and program management.
Since assuming the role of Executive Director in February 2021, Kim has led the Medic One Foundation to new heights. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its program services to include CPR/AED training and EMT scholarships, and led the Foundation to significant increases in contributions, surpassing previous levels of support.
Kim’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence drive her efforts to help build healthier communities through enhanced emergency care.

"INSPIRATION FROM THE SEAT OF A MOTORCYCLE"
2024-08-02 07:15 - 08:30
Dave Lovely – The Manic Nomad
Rotary
Who doesn’t like stories about travel? In this presentation, Dave focuses on life lessons that he learned or had reinforced over his past 10 years of traveling the world. Interesting stories from his travels that he accumulated are used to highlight those lessons in a way that they can be applied to oneself to make it through life happier and more fulfilled. A few of the life lessons you’ll hear about include compassion, challenging oneself, and appreciation. All the life lessons presented correlate to the essence of being a Rotarian.
About the Speaker
Dave Lovely was born and raised in Olympia, graduating from Olympia High School. One year was spent as an exchange student in Japan. He obtained a B.A. from the International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan majoring in Business Administration. Many years later he obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Washington.
Most of Dave’s working career was in the travel industry. He ran a cruise-only travel agency, worked as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ International Sales Director for Asia, founded a software company that developed travel agency-focused software, and was the Director of Cruise Product for Expedia.
Dave has been a Rotarian off and on for the past 38 years, having been a member of 6 different clubs in 4 Rotary districts. His primary interest in Rotary is the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
He has lived as a resident in Japan, Canada, and most recently Argentina. He speaks fluent Japanese and is working hard to get better at Spanish. He has 2 grown daughters, 4 grandchildren and is married to his Argentinian wife.
In 2014, Dave quit his job, transformed into The Manic Nomad, and started his quest to travel to every country in the world. To date he has visited 153 countries, of which over 100 have been on his motorcycle.

"My Entreprenurial Journey"
2024-08-09 07:15 - 08:30
George Wu – Entrepreneur
Representing himself
George will discuss his entrepreneurial journey while answering questions from BBRC member John Martinka.
About the Speaker
George Wu is a local entrepreneur. He is also a supporter (sponsor) of BBRC’s “All in for Autism” walk/run.

"Human Rights Movement in China” via Zoom
2024-08-16 07:15 - 08:30
Dr. Wen Chen – Activist
Amnesty International
The Chinese authority has arrested millions of citizens for their spiritual beliefs or political views. These prisoners of conscience have been tortured, forced to do slave labor, and killed for their organs. While it takes several years in the U.S. to wait for matching organs, most Chinese hospitals promise to find donors within weeks. Audiences will also hear about the Chinese government’s influence in the U.S., the awakening of Chinese people through innovations to bypass China’s Internet blockade, and the trend of quitting the Chinese Communist Party.
About the Speaker
Wen was born in China at the end of the Great Cultural Revolution. Being victims of the horrific atrocity that killed two million intellectuals and destroyed traditional Chinese culture, Wen’s parents had mixed feelings about her education. Despite their discouragement, Wen eventually won a national prize at a science competition when she was 16. Hence, she was accepted into a top university for undergraduate study. In 1994, Wen came to the U.S. for graduate school and received a doctorate in Biology at the California Institute of Technology in 2000. Because of her personal experience of being brainwashed in China, she decided to be a voice for the voiceless. Since 2012, she has given over 200 presentations to community organizations about Chinese culture, history, and human rights.
Dr. Wen Chen has been working for Caltech since 2000 as a biologist and information scientist on genomics and biological research. Part of her everyday work is to speak at scientific conferences and seminars at universities like UC San Diego and Harvard Medical School. In her personal life, she is an active member of the Amnesty International Chapter at Pasadena, a board member for Caltech Women in Biology and Biological Engineering, and a special event host for the Caltech Alumni Association. She lives in Pasadena with her husband and two daughters.

"State of Healthcare Update from EvergreenHealth"
2024-08-23 07:15 - 08:30
Jeff Cashman – Commissioner
Public Hospital District #2 (EvergreenHealth)
BBRC’s own Jeff Cashman will update us on EvergreenHealth in Kirkland this morning. As a Commissioner on their Board, he has intimate knowledge of the direction our local public hospital is going in continuing to provide vital healthcare services to eastside communities.
About the Speaker
Jeff recently celebrated his 37-year anniversary with the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club. He has held a number of Board Positions within BBRC, including Club President for the 1995-1996 Rotary Year.
Appointed to the Public Hospital District #2 (EvergreenHealth) Board of Commissioners in April of 2023 he was subsequently elected to a six-year term in November of 2023.
Recently retired, Jeff had 2 companies in the financial services arena, an administration and recordkeeping firm for company retirement plans, IPC Pension Services Company, (1978-1996) and then an Investment Advisory Firm, Cashman Consulting, from 1998-2022.
He has been a member of multiple Boards, including Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, United Way of King County and Small Business Improvement Council. In 1987 he chaired the Washington State Small Business Conference and co-chaired with Governor Booth Gardner the event in 1989. For his efforts in the 1987 conference, Governor Gardner named October 16, 1987 as Jeff Cashman Day in the State of Washington.
Jeff received his BA in Political Science from Washington State University and Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University School of Law).
Jeff and his wife Judy owned and worked together in both companies and have lived in Redmond for 35 years. They have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren

"From Bits to Bites - How Jack Timmons changed careers from high-tech to restaurants"
2024-08-30 07:15 - 08:30
Jack Timmons – Founder, Proprietor and Pit Master
Jack’s BBQ
Please join Jack Timmons as he tells his story of taking his love for barbecue and changing careers from MICROSOFT to the founding of Jack’s BBQ restaurants. Learn about central Texas style barbecue, and what it takes to run a successful business with eight locations.
About the Speaker
Jack Timmons grew up in Texas and has lived in Seattle for over three decades. In 2012, he attended BBQ Summer Camp at the Meat Sciences department of Texas A&M, then toured many historic barbeque temples of central Texas. Returning to Seattle, he bought an offset smoker, imported some post oak, mesquite and hickory, and started the Seattle Brisket Experience.
After more than a year of practicing the art of barbeque and serving old-school, succulent smoked meats to thousands of Northwest BBQ fans at “BBQ Raves”, Jack opened his first restaurant in the SODO (South of Downtown) area of Seattle – Jack’s BBQ.

"Shared security and prosperity: the Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and United States"
2024-09-06 07:15 - 08:30
Robin Twyman – Consul, Business & Government Affairs, Seattle
UK Government
Robin Twyman (British Consul, Seattle) will speak about the Special Relationship between the UK Government and the United States, the new UK Government’s priorities, and how they both directly impact the strong and prosperous relationship between Britain and Washington State.
About the Speaker
Robin Twyman has been Consul (Business & Government Affairs) at the UK Government Office in Seattle since January 2013. The Seattle office is a virtual part of the British Consulate General in San Francisco. Robin’s job is to promote political, economic and business ties between the UK and Washington State, with a particular focus on trade, investment, environment and innovation. Robin has been in the United States since 2009, serving as First Secretary (Trade Policy, Business Affairs & Agriculture) at the British Embassy in Washington DC before coming to Seattle. Robin was born in Canterbury, UK, and joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 1987. His diplomatic career has seen him serve overseas tours in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. His assignments have covered a range of foreign policy, security policy, communications and commercial diplomacy duties. Robin is accompanied in Seattle by his wife, Laura (from Cleveland, Ohio), and their two daughters. They enjoy travelling, music and outdoor pursuits.
Robin will be introduced by Kaj Pedersen.

"Hopeful Advocacy for Kids with Cancer"
2024-09-13 07:15 - 08:30
Lorna Day – Founder, Executive Director
Sam Day Foundation
Lorna believes that hope is essential for making a positive difference in the world, and a worthy companion for living through suffering and loss. She will share the story of her son’s struggle with cancer and how she has found purpose after losing him at age 15. Lorna will discuss the current realities of childhood cancer treatment and research, and how her organization is focused on developing more effective and less toxic treatments for kids with the most destructive cancers.
About the Speaker

"Macro-Economic Trends & Policy Challenges: An Outsider’s View" via Zoom
2024-09-20 07:15 - 08:30
Sergio Clavigo – Professor, Faculty of Economics – Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
Himself
Professor Sergio Clavijo will be addressing the recent macro-performance (growth, unemployment, inflation and interest rates) of the USA in comparison with Europe (27-members of the European Union); the main idea being to decipher the probability of a macroeconomic “soft-landing”. Then he will take a snapshot of the Emerging Markets performance (BRICs and LATAM). Finally, he will assess world policy challenges regarding fiscal, social, and institutional areas, with particular focus on the USA-November Presidential Elections.
About the Speaker
Sergio is a citizen of Columbia and will be joining us via Zoom. His brother Martin is a long-term BBRC member.
Sergio has a distinguished career as shown below. He is presently Professor of Economics at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. His academic background is: Ph.D. in Economics (1987), University of Illinois (Urbana); U.S.A; Master of Arts in Economics (1980), Univ. de los Andes, Bogotá; Colombia; Economist (1979), Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá; Colombia; High School (1973), “Woodrow Wilson HS” Long-Beach, California; U.S.A.
Professional and Academic Experience: Professor Faculty of Economics – Universidad de los Andes, Colombia currently; Executive Director of (think-tank) ANIF (Nat. Assoc. Fin. Inst., 2005 – 2019); Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Colombia, November 1999 – February 2005; Deputy-Minister of Finance of Colombia, August 1998 – October 1999; Advisor Commission on Public Spending; World Bank- UNDP Project, Bogotá, November 1995 – April 1997; Advisor Minister of Finance; July 1993 – September 1994; reappointed August 1994 – November 1995. Economist International Monetary Fund, Washington D.C.; Western Hemisphere Department; July 1991 – June 1993. Chief Economist (Special Studies Section), Research Dept. Central Bank of Colombia; and Editor of the Journal of the Research Dept, (ie. Ensayos sobre Política Económica); Sept.1989 – June 1991. Senior Researcher, Research Dept., Central Bank of Colombia; July 1987 – August 1989. Doctoral Studies, Dissertation: “Essays on Monetary Issues of Small Open Economies: Theory and Some Evidence for Colombia”; Chairman: S.Turnovsky; June 1984 – June 1987. Head of the Fiscal Division, Research Dept., Central Bank of Colombia; May 1983 – May 1984: Researcher of the Special Studie

Board participation includes member of the Colombian Stock Exchange Board (BVC), 2009-2020 and President of Colombia’s largest private Pension Fund Investment Committee (2007-presentl). Distinctions: Research Award “German Botero de los Rios” on Economics of 2012: Colombian Fiscal Policy 2012-2020 (Published as a Book); granted by Fedesarrollo (think-tank). Best Economics Book of 1998: “Fiscal Policy and State Organization in Colombia” (Published by Uniandes – Banco de la Republica). Visiting Scholar at the IMF in Washington, D.C., Western Hemisphere Department, 1995, 1997, and 2009. Fellow of the ‘Salzburg Seminar’-Austria, April 2000 and April 1997. Fellow of the Inter-American Development Bank (AIDB) Network of Ministries of Finance and Central Banks. First Place in the 1991 Latin-American Research paper Competition Organized by The Central Banks of Latin-America (CEMLA), with the paper “Stabilization Policies in Latin America: Some Lessons for Colombia”; January of 1993. First Place in the Research Paper Competition, Economics Department, Graduate School, University of Illinois (Urbana) with the paper “International Reserves and Foreign Exchange Black-Market Under ‘Crawling-Peg’: Theoretical and Empirical Issues”, Published in the National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper No.8, Special-Series, June 1986. Awarded the “American Field Service” Scholarship to study abroad his high school Senior Year, in Long-Beach, California; 1972-1973.

"Puget Sound Business Journal Update"
2024-09-27 07:15 - 08:30
Don Baker – Market President and Publisher
Puget Sound Business Journal
Don Baker of the Puget Sound Business Journal will share the changes going on at the PSBJ as the local business publication unveiled a new design and size this year, refocused its coverage to enhance the emphasis on key industries and geographies, as well as their plans for new events and programs in 2025.
About the Speaker
Don Baker is Market President and Publisher at Puget Sound Business Journal, and co-author of An Influencer’s World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Social Media Influencers and Creators. Don joined the PSBJ three years ago after spending 23 years with the business journal organization back east, having moved here from Ohio. Don and his family live on the Eastside.

"Opportunity Drives Success"
2024-10-04 07:15 - 08:30
Kim Lorenz – Author, Entrepreneur and Rotarian
Himself
Kim will discuss how to learn to visualize opportunity, act on it and change the way you think while improving your Rotary Life. This is discussed robustly in his book “Tireless”, a #1 Best-Selling, Award winning book written by a Kim and endorsed by several Global Corporate Leaders.
Every person can glean valuable insight from Kim’s experience, out of the box thinking and recognizing opportunity in front of us all. “Tireless” leaves readers fired up to seek out unseen opportunities and learn how to use our self-talk, as a force to improve and grow.
About the Speaker
Kim Lorenz is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and visionary who founded two companies starting at age 26. He built and ran them successfully, then sold both to Fortune 500 companies after 20 years. He then became a CEO for a Paul Allen company. Today, aside from writing books, he has been doing Humanitarian work globally with World Vision and Rotary for more than 22 years in more than 16 countries.
His humanitarian work now exceeds $60 million in reaching over 10 million individuals.
Kim earned his MBA from the University of Washington. He is a business consultant, proven leader, public speaker, and motivator.
A pilot for 43 years on wheels and floats, he also holds a US Coast Guard Master Captains license and is a Past Commodore of the Seattle Yacht Club. Kim lives with his wife Jill in Bellevue.
His book ‘Tireless’ hit #1 Best Seller on Amazon in 2020 and won First Place in 2022 at the Los Angeles Book Festival. “Kim Lorenz cuts through the noise of fake Facebook ‘millionaires’ having done the tireless work it takes to build multi-million-dollar companies from scratch.” The book is endorsed by several Global Corporate leaders.

"Major League Rugby - The Seattle Seawolves"
2024-10-11 07:15 - 08:30
Shalom Suniula / Rich Martin – Retired Rugby star / BBRC member and Seawolves videographer
Seattle Seawolves / Owner & Creative Director RB Content Lab
The Seattle Seawolves, a founding member of Major League Rugby, kicked off their initial season in 2018 and immediately won back-to-back championships. In the 2024 Major League Rugby season which ended on August 4, the Seawolves lost in the championship game to New England 20 to 11. Today we will find out more about the sport of rugby, the Seattle Seawolves team and the success the team has had since their inception.
About the Speaker
Shalom Suniula is a former rugby league and rugby union player, who played for the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby (MLR), and for the United States national rugby sevens team. He played rugby union for the United States Eagles XV’s, USA Sevens, and at club level for Belmont Shore RFC, as a scrum-half or fly-half. His brothers Andrew and Roland Suniula also played rugby for the U.S. Shalom led the Seawolves to the league championships their first two seasons in Major League Rugby and retired after the 2021 season.

"Poetry in the Modern World" via Zoom
2024-10-18 07:15 - 08:30
Joe Santi – Talk show poet / Poet for hire
Hugh Hewitt show / Himself
For thousands of years, poets were revered as sages and soothsayers, the conscience of humanity. Today, poetry seems to be relegated to the classroom, coming out into the sunlight for five minutes every four years at the next President’s inauguration. This morning “Tarzana Joe” will talk about the role of poetry in civilization and see if we can conspire to get contemporary poets the fame they richly deserve.
About the Speaker
Joe Santi is one of the few poets in America (maybe the only one) whose work is broadcast weekly on nationally syndicated talk-radio. As Tarzana Joe, he is heard on the Hugh Hewitt Show which airs on hundreds of stations across America.
As a talk-radio poet, Tarzana Joe’s weekly poems are commentaries on everything from the recent elections to popular culture. On the weekend before Valentine’s Day several years ago, he offered to write love poems for the gift-challenged. Overwhelmed with requests, he began a new career as a poet-for-hire.
Joe is originally from New York City. He attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Joe’s play “Blue Laws” was nominated for an L.A. Ovation Award as Best New Play in Los Angeles. He co-wrote the screenplay for “The Pickets” which was accepted into the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival.
Joe is a retired ice-hockey goalie and lives in Tarzana, California in the lovely San Fernando Valley.
