Friday Program:
"Your Local FBI Office & Ways to Stop Bank Robberies," Larry Carr, Federal Bureau of Investigation

Larry Carr, introduced by Ernie Hayden, specializes in bank robbery prevention in Western Washington. Our state has one of the highest rates of bank robberies. There were 3,553 bank robberies in Washington last year, meaning “there is a real possibility that [a bank] could be robbed today,” Carr said. Most bank robberies occur in the Puget Sound area, he added.

The state Legislature was recently asked to change the law regarding bank robberies because many such crimes were pleaded down to theft and even when convicted, the robbers were back out within months. Now they are a “strikeable” offense. Three strikes and a person doesn’t get out of jail again.

The rise in bank robberies is partially due to the growth of branch banks. With so many, banks can’t afford to provide on-site security. Also, bank employees are told not to resist during a bank robbery — the money isn’t theirs. Bank robbers know this. A robbery can get a robber $6,000 to $8,000 from a single teller.

To combat the robberies, the FBI recently developed a new program to empower bank employees. Instead of calling a security company, which usually calls the bank back to check on the reality of a robbery, bank employees are taught to immediately call 911. That gets police to the scene faster. Bank employees also are told to be aware of suspicious people and have a bank employee engage them before they can to a teller’s station to present a robbery note. That often prompts the robber to leave the bank.

Bank of America has been using the program. Where the bank suffered an average of 50 robberies a year, the total now is down to 13 so far this year. It is the least robbed bank.

Carr also talked about the D.B. Cooper case, in which a man boarded a plane in Portland, flew to Seattle and demanded money and four parachutes. The man bailed out of the plane as it headed south over southwest Washington. The FBI again looked at the case 30 years after it happened. The conclusion, Carr said, is that Cooper was not highly trained to pull off the hijack and ransom. Of the four parachutes, one didn’t work. He cut another open to use the lines to secure the bag of money he had been given.

The FBI concluded that Cooper wasn’t experience enough to bail out of a plan doing 200 mph into conditions of icy rain and a -7 degree temperature. He probably tumbled out the rear of the plane and didn’t pull the parachute cord.

Friday Potpourri

The meeting began with a musical production: “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.”

Steve Szirmai gave the invocation and pledge, and Jan Nestler introduced visiting Rotarians and visitors.

President Phil Salvatori noted that John Armenia had arrived and his return to the club was greeted with a round of applause. He looked fine after his recent cancer operation.

Reminder to the members: there will be no meeting on December 28, and both the January 4 and 11 meetings will be off-site at Newport High School and Newport Yacht Club, respectively.

Student of the Month: Kevin Yoo

Larry May introduced the Student of the Month, Kevin Yoo, a senior at Bellevue Christian with a 3.95 GPA.

Kevin has been involved with Kids Night Out through the YMCA, and his goal is to go to the University of Washington and perhaps major in medicine.

Foundation Awards

Cary Kopczynski discussed the importance of the Rotary Foundation and reminded members that the club seeks 100 percent participation. Approximately 75 percent of the members have already made their pledges.

Jenny Andrews was honored for reaching the $2,000 level of commitment and was given her first sapphire pin. John Martinka was honored for reaching the $5,000 level and received his fourth sapphire pin.

2008-09 Officers & Board Approved

The 2008-09 BBRC officers and board were approved by the members. They are:

President: Jenny Andrews
President Elect: Margie Burnett
Past President: Phil Salvatori
Secretary: Steve Vincent
Treasurer: Robin Callan

International Service: Bob Bowen
Community Services Director: Juan Hernandez
Club Administration Director: Hal Teel
Public Relations Director: Elena Howell
(John Martinka is stepping down because of increase Rotary service at the district level.)
Membership Director: Chris Ballard
Foundation Director: Fred Barkman
Sergeant At Arms: David Bolson

Web Fun

Let us give thanks ...

A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy two servings per night, and a few more on weekends, I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week. Therefore. in the last 3 1/2 years, I have had a chocolate caloric intake of about 180 pounds. I weigh only 165 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about three months ago! I owe my life to chocolate!

10 Life Lessons

1. Never give yourself a haircut after three margaritas.

2. You need only two tools. WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.

3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship "I apologize" and "You are right."

4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

5. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.

6. The only really good advice that your mother ever gave you was, "Go! You might meet somebody!"

7. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her — believe them.

10. Be really nice to your friends. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jane Kuechle, chair of next year’s Walk-a-Thon, said the 2008 event will be on April 26.

Ron Healey reported that all the tags have been taken from the Giving Tree and asked that the presents be brought back no later than Friday, December 14.

The annual Golfing with the Elves will be take place December 24, rain or shine, at 8:59, at the Mt. Si golf course. Contact Norm Johnson for more information.

Wendi Fischer reminded everyone to sign up for the Annual Holiday Breakfast. The commmittee needs to know how many guests you are bringing and how many of them are under age 13! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW! DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 17!