President Paul Chapman (PPC) opened his first meeting of the year by introducing Nic Wildeman to do the invocation and the pledge. Nic’s invocation was right in line since he was followed by Howard Johnson. The invocation follows:

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older, and will some day be old.

Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details – – give me wings to get to the point.

I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others’ pains. Help me to endure them with patience.

But seal my lips on my own aches and pains – – they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint – some of them are so hard to live with – but a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all – but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Howard Johnson introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. It was an easy job since even some of the members could not find the location. Howard forgot the “You are always welcome” sentence but PPC filled it in. Alex Chehab was the host and also had an easy time of it.

Howard was also recognized at the Rotarian of the Year. He was honored at the Rotating of the Wheels dinner as well

John Schwager gave an update on the golf tournament. No surprises here. They need sponsors and golfers.

Our hostess Kathy Haggart, president & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club Bellevue, welcomed us and acknowledged our donation that helped them get the building we were in. It is the only dedicated teen center in Bellevue. All in all they have 11000 kids using their facilities. They are $17 million into a $20 million capital campaign.

A slide show presentation of the Rotating the Wheels dinner was shown. It appears all that attended and a rollicking good time with the roaring 20’s theme. Sheldon Sweeney added to this with a history lesson of the 1920’s, Rotary and otherwise.

Sheldon Sweeney introduced Dave Lennox Special Olympics of Washington’s President & CEO.

If you thought the Special Olympics were just games held periodically, you would be wrong. It is all about development of the intellectually disabled through self-advocacy. There are 200 million worldwide with intellectual disabilities. They have programs for all that fit their level. Dave was joined by Molly who herself is intellectually disabled. Molly is employed by SWOA as their receptionist. Seeing her personality come through, it is easy to see why she got the job. Part of SOWA’s job is to change attitudes toward the intellectually disabled by exposure. They certainly accomplished that with this presentation.

PPC’s thought for the day and the Special Olympics Motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.

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