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Vol. 18, No. 48, MAY 29, 2006 |
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The Friday Program:
“Bellevue is ready for this kind of performance,” said Viktoria. She introduced Natasha, a member of Ballet Bellevue who performed a short clip from Swan Lake. Observed Field Reporter Kim Shrader, “She performed right between the bacon and the oatmeal.” President Steve opened the meeting by introducing Corr Pearce, who delivered the invocation and led the Pledge to the Flag, and Cletus Cummings, who greeted several visiting Rotarians, who indicated they would think twice before returning! Hey, we liked the greeting from the Press Table! A most important delegation gathered at the Press Table to confer wise counsel and create memorable quotations. Trusty Mark Hough (on furlough from Monroe Correctional Center), Rodd Kippen (with his new knee), Peter Stadelman (with his always smiling countenance), Bob Vallat (the finest non-secretarial attendance-taker), Jan Nestler (the beloved Matriarch of the BBRC), and Kim Shrader (the Singing President). Captain Kelly Nolan of the Salvation Army told members about a barbecue for homeless people on Memorial Day. The “Army” is a blessing in our midst and deserves our support. RI Foundation Roundup – Paul Chapman Recognition Don Chandler reported that the BBRC has once again surpassed the club’s goal of near $34,000 to the Annual Giving Campaign of the RI Foundation. Don reminded members of the “other goal,” that of enlisting EVERY BBRC Rotarian to contributing to the campaign, no matter the amount. “We’d like all of our members to participate in this important activity ... giving our club 100% participation in the RI campaign.”
Congratulations, Paul. You ARE jumping right in. No RINO for you!!!
Gately thanked the club for its continued support of Business Week, with the funds going for scholarships allowing students from around the state to be enrolled. “Business Week gives kids a chance at the Business Week experience. History tells us that many are inspired by what they learn and for that they become better students.” Promo for RTW: Aunt Maude & Claude
At this point, through the doors came Auntie Maude (J. DeWater) who lamented the passing of the Raffle. “It’s just a Pretty Darn Good Rotary Club now. You gotta work to make these new-fangled fundraisers work,” says Auntie. In came her sidekick, Claude (Andrew Face), on a doodlebug, and both had a conversation about Rotating the Wheels Dinner on June 30. Andrew said the theme was “Bikes, Heather and Claims.” Auntie retorted that she was expecting “Rotating the wheels on her Buick. And, the only reason she came back to visit was because of the Oatmeal.” Sayoko apologized to the club for “trying to delegate.” No matter, just mark your calendar for the first-ever RTW at the Glendale Country Club, 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30!
The Overlake Service League has a program of providing nutritious food during school breaks in the Bellevue schools to needy youngsters. Over a thousand boxes containing these snacks are made available throughout the year. The BBRC supported the program with a grant of $5000. Bob Moloney told about “Housing at the Crossroads, a truly wonderful place to put our money. Our grant of $7,500 helped the group get $2 million for transitional housing projects in Bellevue."
Steve Roberts explained about “Healthy Start, a program for new mothers who need lots of help. The program teaches these young mothers how to be mothers. The BBRC provided necessary emergency funds in support of Healthy Start.” A program initiated by the Foundation committee made a grant of $15,000 to Hopelink. This was a 3-month pilot project which has helped 10 families and 30 individuals who are deemed to be on the “edge of possible homelessness.” Will Einstein chaired support for this project. Kuechle reported that Request for Proposals (RFPs) have been circulated within the community and are now returning for consideration by the committee. From now until August when the grant recipients are named is the busiest time for this dedicated group of Rotarians. Each RFP is thoroughly researched by small teams as it moves through the approval process. The finalists are paid a personal visit by a team before the whole committee agrees on which organizations will receive grants for 2006-2007. A salute to the Foundation Committee for its great support of Rotary’s ideals. The Friday Program:
“Bellevue is ready for this kind of performance,” said Viktoria. She introduced Natasha, a member of Ballet Bellevue who performed a short clip from Swan Lake. Observed Field Reporter Kim Shrader, “She performed right between the bacon and the oatmeal.”
They have scheduled four productions in the Meydenbauer Center this coming year in December, March, May, and June. Fifteen dancers are contracted to perform in each production. There are about 150 total students involved. They study 7-8 hours a day and Viktoria says “their attitudes are wonderful.” When asked the range of participation by students, Viktoria said they are as young as five years old. “Normally, a student begins performing in a professional company when they reach 17 years old. It takes every day work for both boys and girls to attain this goal. The talent in the U.S. is amazing ... they work for the pure joy and happiness of learning and performing!”
President Steve Lingenbrink presented Viktoria with a certificate denoting that a book was being donated in her name to the King County Library Ready-to-Read program to support Rotary’s emphasis on literacy. Thanks to Bob Moloney for his introduction of Friday's speaker.
Bubba was bragging to his boss one day, "You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I know them." Tired of his boasting, his boss called his bluff: "OK, Bubba, how about Tom Cruise?" "Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends, and I can prove it." So Bubba and his boss fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise's door, and sure enough, Tom Cruise, shouts, "Bubba! Great to see you! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!" Although impressed, Bubba's boss is still skeptical. After they leave Cruise's house, he tells Bubba that he thinks Bubba's knowing Cruise was just lucky. "No, no, just name anyone else," Bubba says. "President Bush," his boss quickly retorts. "Yes," Bubba says, "I know him, let's fly out to Washington." And off they go. At the White House, Bush spots Bubba on the tour and motions him and his boss over saying, "Bubba, what a surprise. I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in, and let's have a cup of coffee first and catch up." Well, the boss is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced. After they leave the White House grounds, he expresses his doubts to Bubba, who again implores him to name anyone else. "The pope," his boss replies. "Sure!" says Bubba. "My folks are from Germany, and I've known the pope a long time." So off they fly to Rome. Bubba and his boss are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Bubba says, "This will never work. I can't catch the pope's eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs and I'll come out on the balcony with the pope." And he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican. Sure enough, 30 minutes later, Bubba emerges with the pope on the balcony. But by the time Bubba returns, he finds that his boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics. Working his way to his boss's side, Bubba asks him, "What happened?" His boss looks up and says, "I was doing fine until you and the pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said, 'Who's that on the balcony with Bubba?'" |
Friday Potpourri
