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Vol. 18, No. 31, JANUARY 30, 2006 |
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The Friday Program:
John opened saying that working in this arena holds “a little bit of awfulness, a little bit of humor, and not many people telling the truth.” He recalled one incident where the defendant, who was arraigned on a charge of marijuana possession, pleaded “Not Guilty” and as he left the courtroom, a baggie of pot fell out of his pants!
Fred Burrow, a Seattle #4 Rotarian and friend of several Vandals in the audience, was introduced to those annoying cheers. John Mix, Bob Vallat, Tom Helbling and visiting Rotarian Stan Foster rose to the occasion. Who would have thought that Friday was Australia Day? Well, it was, and Brian Evison came forward to give a quaint little Kangaroo to Tim Leahy, who promptly auctioned the stuffed toy off. The auction netted $35 for the Rotary Foundation and was purchased by 5-year-old Garrett Brooks. His daddy Bill Brooks often brings Garrett to Rotary and Friday was his lucky day! John and Jan Martinka received a certificate of appreciation from the Rotary Foundation for their work last year as Rotary Volunteers for Computers for the World in Slovakia. The duo is planning a return trip next month where they’re planning installation of at least 150 computers to schools in that East European country. BBRC members with contacts to provide used but in good condition computers to this program should call John right away. CLICK HERE TO READ THE RI CERTIFICATE The clock ticks right on through the New Year and it brings the reader up short when you consider we’re only two months away from the BBRC Annual Planning Retreat. Sayoko Kuwahara climbed aboard her soapbox to let members know she’s serious about this important event on the club’s calendar. This will be a first-time treat for the membership, as the Retreat will be staged the weekend of March 31 and April 1 in that quaint city of Leavenworth. Lodging and meetings will take place at the Enzian Inn. A new sign-up mechanism has been posted on the website, where you’ll find instructions for registration and all the information you’ll need to participate. Partners are encouraged to join their club members. It’ll be a great weekend of planning and partying! Classification Talk: Steve Bender
Steve and his wife Stella have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. “We’re on our third home, so I guess that runs in the family!” Steve said. He’s looking forward to becoming more involved in Rotary and the BBRC.
Paul C. Chapman, classification “Real Estate Financial Management,” is sponsored by Tom Smith. He is a Managing Director at CBE Richard Ellis Investor, LLC, in Bellevue. Cary Kopczynski is Paul’s mentor. Paul has two children, Ryan and Matthew, and they live in Bellevue. He enjoys reading, travel and wine tasting, and skiing, hiking, boating and snorkeling. He also plays the guitar. President Lingenbrink gave the induction message, commenting about the organization that Paul was about to join. “You get out of Rotary what you put in. We hope you’ll learn all you can about ‘Service Above Self,’ and the Rotary 4-Way Test.” In addition to his Red Badge and new Rotary pin, Paul also got a copy of the “ABC’s of Rotary.” A standing ovation greeted the BBRC’s newest member. The Rotary Goat was at the car wash for a bath, and thus did not participate in Friday’s induction ceremony. Goatherder John Mix apologized for the goat’s absence. “Some day, someone will get to ride the goat!” The Friday Program:
John opened saying that working in this arena holds “a little bit of awfulness, a little bit of humor, and not many people telling the truth.” He recalled one incident where the defendant, who was arraigned on a charge of marijuana possession, pleaded “Not Guilty” and as he left the courtroom, a baggie of pot fell out of his pants! The jury selection process “voir dire” provides a glimpse into how humor pervades the process. Taken from the French, voir dire is translated “to speak the truth,” purportedly pointing to the soon-to-be-impaneled citizens on a jury. Once, while quizzing prospective jurors in a murder trial, the defense attorney was working in front of the defendant’s table, speaking to a group of citizens. The attorney elaborately laid out the question of whether any one of the jurors might have been in a cemetery (where the alleged murder occurred) in the dark? No prospective jurors raised their hands, but the attorney’s client, seated behind him, raised his!
With the increase of meth production and use, there are many cases involving this home-made drug. One such case involved a fellow named Eagle Thompson, who was addicted to meth. Apparently, the night before his testimony before the jury, he consumed 14 beers, by his own admission. When asked by the prosecutor, “When is the last time you drank and how much did you consume?” the witness told the court, "Last night I had 14 beers.” When the attorney asked if he was drunk or hungover, there was a 2-minute pause while Mr. Thompson pondered the question. He then replied, “I think I’m hungover.” In another drug case, the defendant admitted to selling drugs and when asked if he had anything to say prior to sentencing, he answered, “Yes,” and proceeded to sing “Amazing Grace.” One think you don’t want to do is make the judge mad. On one such occasion, the defendant approached the bench in a menacing way, getting directly in the judge’s face. The judge responded by getting the defendant in a headlock and reportedly bonked him a couple of times with the gavel. On a more serious note, Sheeran put in a plug for support of a program called SOSA — Special Offender Sexual Assault program. “This is a program that may be threatened with heavy budget cuts. It’s a treatment program that is working and it should be retained. There are more than 300 offenders getting treatment through SOSA. I’d rather see these 300 enrolled in SOSA than the alternative of 30 offenders in prison for life. Let’s keep SOSA.”
He also commented about DNA testing, saying that this testing means that the criminal process is bolstered by this new method of gleaning data, giving the judicial system yet another way to determine guilt or innocence. One last thing: John, Jr., had a bit of advice: “Don’t name your kids Jesse James and your surname. It only gets them in trouble!” On behalf of the BBRC and Rotary International, John Sheeran, Jr., was presented a certificate indicating a book was being donated in his name to the King County Library System’s Ready-to-Read program, part of Rotary’s effort to increase literacy. Thanks to John Sheeran, Sr., for his introduction.
An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anesthesia he asked to speak to his son. "Yes, Dad, what is it?" "Don't be nervous, son. Do your best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife." • • • Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. • • • When you are dissatisfied and think you would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra. • • • I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. • • • First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. It's worse when you forget to pull it down. |
Lynn Gauthier put out an appeal for “gently used or new clothing which is being sent to Guatemala as part of a Rotary project.” The University Rotary Club is taking wheelchairs to the Latin American country and bringing clothing for the children through the organization Kids Without Borders. The clothing will be placed in suitcases for the trip south. Lynne said her donation is going to the Christian Children’s Fund in Gualan, Zacapa, for a foster child. The group also needs dental supplies. All of the stuff donated will be given to former BBRC member Alex Hubbard, who will accompany the donations and wheelchairs to Guatemala next week. Bring any donations to this Friday’s meeting, February 3.
Norm Johnson, the BBRC’s Immediate Past President, has come back strong from his tussle with cancer and again takes the helm of the BBRC’s Centennial Project, the Bellevue Play and Spray Park. “We’re back on track,” Norm says. “The project has raised nearly $500,000, which is enough to get us started toward completion.” Norm called a meeting Friday morning to get things moving again.
It appears that all slots have been filled in homes around the area to accommodate guests and hosts alike for the 11th Annual Valentine Dine-Around. Bob Moloney, master Cupid, quickly picked up more spaces from Bob McKorkle Friday morning which basically wrapped up the registration process. Couples will learn shortly where they will go for dinner and fellowship on Saturday, February 11. Stand by for that call that tells you where you go on that date. 
John Sheeran, Sr., a proud BBRC member and father of Friday’s speaker, introduce John Sheeran, Jr., for his behind-the-scenes look at “Fun and Games in the Prosecutor’s Office.” John Junior has had experience over the past decade handling several different aspects of courtroom antics. His presentation covered stories gleaned from his service in both the City of Tacoma and Pierce County.
President Lingenbrink welcomed a near full house to January’s final meeting. He introduced Tim Leahy to deliver the invocation and lead the pledge of allegiance; and Steve Vincent to greet three visiting Rotarians and have club members introduce their guests.
Martinkas Receive RI Honor
Sayoko’s Soapbox
Steve Bender, classification “Construction-Residential,” is a son of a builder and claims Bellevue as his home. “My father was involved in home construction and remodeling,” so much so that the Bender family moved all over the King County region from one remodeled house to another. My Dad remodeled homes in Mercer Island, Sahalee, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, and Medina, and we lived in each of them. We finally settled down long enough for me to graduate from Eastside Catholic High School. I went on to the UW and to PLU and have been associated with Bender Chaffee Corporation for eight years. Our company specializes in custom residential construction ... new and remodels. Over the years, we’ve built 272 homes.” 
The BBRC grew by one Friday morning when Paul Chapman became the club’s newest member.
John Sheeran, Sr., a proud BBRC member and father of Friday’s speaker, introduce John Sheeran, Jr., for his behind-the-scenes look at “Fun and Games in the Prosecutor’s Office.” John Junior has had experience over the past decade handling several different aspects of courtroom antics. His presentation covered stories gleaned from his service in both the City of Tacoma and Pierce County.
Prosecutor Sheeran told of gathering evidence as an important part of the job. A car accident resulted in suspicions of Driving Under the Influence. The woman in the car causing the accident claimed “she wasn’t driving. She was found seated in the passenger seat, but there was make-up all over the air bag on the driver’s side. Guilty!”
In answer to a question, Sheeran said that 95% of cases are plea bargained. The criteria are based on what can be proved. This process guarantees convictions while allowing a faster pace of cases on the court calendar. He was also asked about the “Three Strikes, You’re Out” law. This law applies to violent crimes when a defendant is armed with a deadly weapon. Sheeran pointed out it costs $32,000 a year to maintain one inmate in prison. 
The View from the Senior Desk