Greeters Joe Castleberry & John Armenia
An early start caught members off guard when the meeting was called to order by President Jenny at 7:23 AM. Roger Allington was welcomed back after time off with an ailing hip.
The invocation was offered by John Armenia followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Invocation:
Let us take a moment to consider the diversity within the Rotary Family. Let us recall that when we were invited to join Rotary, no one asked you or me if we were Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Pentecostal, Catholic, Jewish, an Agnostic or an Atheist. Rotary International’s membership represents all races, religions, and cultures. - With our friends beside us I ask that we join together to celebrate our differences, value the bonds of service above self between us, and our dream of a Polio Free World. With our friends beside us, let us join together to offer thanks for the meal and organization we share together today.
- As you pray, please consider Mother Teresa’s prayer that all men and women can say and reflect on: The fruit of Silence is Prayer. The fruit of Prayer is Faith. The fruit of Faith is Love. The fruit of Love is Service. The fruit of Service is Peace.
Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced by Joe Castleberry.
Student of the Month: Connie Zhang
Bob Holert introduced Connie Zhang as our Student of the Month from Sammamish High School. Connie carries a 3.9 GPA with a very heavy load of Advanced Placement courses, including “Hot Glass.” Connie’s community service includes over 300 hours at Overlake Community Hospital, as well as environmental service with trail maintenance and a Green week at SHS to promote recycling. Her future plans include college, with a career of Physical Therapy.
Connie’s proud mother, Toan Tran, looked on as the Student of the Month plaque was presented by Bob.
Classification Talk: Kaj Pedersen
Kaj Pedersen
Kaj joined the BBRC in May of ’08 with the classification of “Software Engineer.” Kaj has held a number of positions in the software development field and is now with Prado Systems. He actually referred to himself as a “coder” and has now moved on to the Dark Side as a “Manager of Coders.” (Editor’s Note: Those in the know tell me this is good preparation for “Cat Herding,” which continues to be an open classification at the BBRC.)
Kaj was born in Rhodesia and attended schools in Denmark and Scotland. He loves to travel, and his hobbies take him from the highs of mountaineering to the lows of scuba diving. He and his wife Clare and their seven-year-old son Sebastian have all become US citizens.
A new tax deduction arrived in the family of Ryan Scharnhorst on December 27th, when Ryan and Jodi welcomed Tanner Ryan into their family. (At seven pounds, three ounces in case the Sergeant At Arms is taking notes.)
November Rotarian of the Month: Paul Chapman
Now THAT'S a real Rotarian!
"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” That may be true of the US Postal Service, but the BBRC let a bit of snow and ice prevent the recognition of the November Rotarian of the Month.
This honor was bestowed by President Jenny on our Social Committee Co-Chair and one-man turkey delivery team, Paul Chapman. Unfortunately, Paul was not present to receive the award, since he was out running around promoting the yet-to-be-named BBRC 5K “Crossroads-runaround-walkathon.” The presentation was re-run later in the meeting for those who missed it the first time.
So, what’s the problem, Bippy? You don’t have a special someone for the 14th of February? Not to worry! The BBRC has created a way for all the singles, and those who want to be single, with a special “home” for the Annual Dine Around Dinner.
Wendi Fischer (Ms. “Send me an e-mail or I will forget it”) announced that since Dick Brown has arranged to have Valentine’s Day fall on a Saturday this year, we are all in his debt to sign up on the BBRC website as hosts or guests. Marital status does not seem to be an issue this year, if you don’t mind having your clothes in the front yard and sleeping in the car. So, let’s sign up!
Jane Kuechle promotes the BBRC 5KRun/Walk
Save the date, Sunday April 26th, for the third annual BBRC 5K Run/Walk fund raiser. This year, the club has engaged professionals to run about the Glendale CC during the regular Friday meeting to distract the membership while the Prez is conducting serious business. They have also contracted a professional event company to help us promote the Run/Walk and bring 1,000 participants to partake of the fun and excitement. So, each member is responsible for bringing ten others.
Live promotional music was provided at the meeting by the BBRC House Band, masquerading as the Fab Four. Special thanks to Andrew Face, John DeWater, Chris Monger, and Chip Erickson.
The Fab Four: Andrew Face, John DeWater, Chip Erickson & Chris Monger
New Member Proposed: Katherine De Stephano
Katherine De Stephano of De Stephano Consulting, dba Helly Hansen Bellevue, is a retail entrepreneur in outdoor performance apparel. Her office is in Bellevue Square and she resides in Fall City.
Katherine has been involved in fund raising for the Eastside Domestic Violence Program and Outdoors for ALL. She serves on the Bellevue Square Merchant Association Board and is very active, playing tennis, water skiing, and snow skiing. Her classification is “Outdoor Specialty Apparel.”
The BBRC has four open spots for high school juniors or seniors who belong to a Rotary family for the 2009 RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy),March 5-8. The BBRC will ask candidates to visit the club sometime in April or May to share with us his/her experiences at the RYLA Conference. Students who have participated in the last 2 to 3 years have found this experience very rewarding.
Contact Ruben Ladlad no later than February 27th.
Elder & Adult Day Services Anniversary Luncheon
Elder and Adult Day Services (EADS) is turning 25 years old on February 5th, and you are invited to attend the party! The "Leading the Wave" luncheon will take place from 11:30 am-1:15 pm at the award winning Golf Club at Newcastle, which has panoramic views of Mt.Rainier, the Olympic and the Cascade Mountains.
The event will feature a keynote presentation by noted researcher and speaker Dr. John J. Medina, author of "Brain Rules," who has the gift of making brain science fun and accessible. He is an energetic and engaging speaker, and you can read more about at www.brainrules.net.
There is no "charge" to attend, but a minimum gift of $100 donation will be requested at the event. Click here to RSVP.
This year's annual retreat is set for March 20 and 21 at the Enzian Inn in Leavenworth. Make your reservations soon by calling 800-223-8511 and using Group Code 8164. Rates are $128 for one person, including tax.
"The Return of the Red Hawks to Division 1 Men’s Basketball," Bill Hogan, Seattle University Athletic Director
Bill Hogan
Seattle University alumnus Bob Moloney introduced Seattle University Athletic Director Bill Hogan, an avid consumer of “Enumclaw Lager.” Seattle University is returning to the NCAA Division Basketball after an absence of 27 years. The reason for the return hinges on the fact that often in today’s world, the perception of an institution of higher learning is based upon a foundation built by the athletic teams, not the academic programs. Although a number of SU programs are nationally recognized, the University on the whole is not and feels that additional acclaim will be welcome. This will help in the recruitment of students and promote fund raising among the 40,000 SU alumni.
This is not a short term effort and has required five years and five million dollars in funding. The Key Arena will be the venue for the Red Hawks' home games. The first game, played on January 1, resulted in a 49-39 victory over Loyola Marymount. Twelve games are schedule for the Key in 2010. An anticipated revival of the inter-school rivalry with the University of Washington will resume when the Dawgs host the Red Hawks on Tuesday, March 3. The last game was played in 1980.
Mr. Hogan emphasized that mediocrity was not an option ,and the SU has a rich history in being nationally raked in the top 20 in a number of sports over the years, including basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and skiing. Much goodwill is expected to be generated with this effort, as well as expanded community support. Credit was given to SU President Fr. Stephen Sunborg for the renaissance of SU athletics. Bob Moloney is rooting for the Red Hawks, but his heart is still with the Chieftains.
For more information, or to sign up for your season tickets, click here.
In appreciation of his presentation, President Jenny explained that a donation has been made to Rotary’s Polio Plus eradication program.
Courtesy of Wally Mahoney
Words to live by — Zen Sarcasm
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
7. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
8. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
9. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
