in this issue:

A recognition of Jane Kuechle’s final meeting with BBRC, an update on Antigua/Computers For The World, recognition of the Student of the Month and Rotarian of the Month for July, 2016, sponsorships for Rotary First Harvest for the new fiscal year, and a presentation by District 5030 Governor Terry Pickering.

 speaker program:

Paul Chapman introduced Terry Pickering, District 5030 Governor, who is with the Seattle International Club, but lives only 1/2 mile from our meeting site here at Glendale.  Among his talents, Terry is an oboist with the Tacoma Symphony (Paul was a bit confused and showed a picture of a hookah pipe instead of an oboe).

“Rotary is about relationships”, Terry said.  He shared some personal stories about his childhood, including a humorous one about borrowing his sisters bike, tying a rope across it to make it appear to be a boy’s bike.  He shared another story of his sister being ill and treated at a hospital wing that was built due to the efforts of a small Rotary Club from Burien.

Terry mentioned some questions for clubs to ask themselves, and suggestions for strengthening clubs:

Is the club diverse?  Are its members innovative?  Does the club communicate well, both internally and externally?  Are they using social media to get their message out?  Terry said clubs should evaluate themselves from the perspective of a guest.

Terry congratulated our club on its success, and pointed out we have excellent new member and existing member retention.  He also thanked our club for its support of the Rotary Foundation (District 5030 is #6 worldwide in per capita donations, and the BBRC is #3 per capita in the district.

The district’s plans to add to its membership initiatives, including club extension, youth services and building leaders.  As an example to club extension was reaching out to groups within communities, and possibly establishing satellite clubs within our communities.

Terry mentioned the upcoming District Conference taking place April 29 through May 1, 2016 in Couer d’Alene, and that Paul Harris and the Fellows (a/k/a the BBRC Band) will be performing.  Cards were passed out with details.  He encouraged BBRC members to attend.  He also mentioned some District Social Events upcoming, including the Des Moines Club’s “Brews and Blues Festival” taking place August 29, and a series of four “Fireside Chat” style meetings with the District Governor, the first of which will take place at Bellevue Brewing Company at a date to be announced.

club business:

President Paul Chapman opened the meeting.  Kit Bowerman gave the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, and Jane Kuechle welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians.

Next, Jeff Cashman recognized Jane for her gifts to the Paul Harris Foundation, and Ann Norman presented Jane with the Rotarian of the Month award for July 2015, in recognition of her recent work with the annual 5k/10k run, and for her service over the years.  This was Jane’s final meeting as a member of the BBRC, as she is moving to Boise to be closer to her family.  Jane spoke of her memories of being a member of the BBRC.  All gave Jane a rousing applause and standing ovation.  Good luck and best wishes to you, Jane!

John Martinka mentioned a hiatus will be taken this year for the trip to Antigua for the Computers for the World Project.  Please contact John with any donations for computer equipment.

Sheldon Sweeney and Carmela Ramaglia recognized Brady, our club’s student assistant for his work the past year, by awarding him the Student of the Month award, and singing a verse or two of “The Bare Necessities of Life”.

Katherine De Stephano solicited donations for Rotary First Harvest for the year to provide in recognition of our speaker programs for the upcoming year.  All slots for the year were taken. Thank you to all the members who volunteered.

Next, Ann Norman and Carmela mentioned the upcoming “Speed Croquet” Tournament, and a member representative from each table competed for the fastest time to complete the makeshift course.  Bob Holert was the winner finishing in 29 seconds!  The tournament takes place August 5.

PRESIDENT’S thought for the week:

“No one can whistle a symphony.  It takes a whole orchestra to play it” – H. E. Luccock (Yale Professor of Divinity)

About the Speaker