• BBRC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER • VOL 21, NO 45, JUNE 9, 2009 •

IN THIS ISSUE

"The Literacy of the Heart — How Poetry (Writing) Plays a Part in Public Schools & Other Programs," Samuel Green, the first Poet Laureate for the State of Washington | Opener | Disco Party was Dy-No-Mite! | Notice About Parking | Scholarships Awarded | Proposed Member: Joellen Monson | BBRC Charity Golf Tournament Just Around the Corner | Work Party for Hopelink | Proposed Members: Kabani & McVicker | We’re Going to Boeing! Friday, July 10! On the Bus! Party Down! | Web Fun

NEXT WEEK

"The Ten Big Lies About America," Michael Medved, a nationally syndicated radio host, best-selling author, and veteran film critic. His daily three-hour broadcast reaches more than 3.5 million listeners on more than 200 stations across the country, drawing an audience that consistently ranks his show as one of the top ten political talk shows in the United States. Michael will be discuss his book The Ten Big Lies About America. [Brooks]

THOUGHT(S) FOR THE WEEK

Elaine Maxwell: "My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."

Opener

Jeanne Thorsen gave the invocation, quoting Voltaire: "Let us read and let us dance — two amusements that will never do any harm to the world." It was a good choice, given that the guest speaker would be Sam Green, the state’s first Poet Laureate.

Chip Erickson introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, asking them to name their favorite poet. Since most were quick of mind, Sam Green got the majority of the votes.

President Jenny announced that the BBRC once again received a presidential citation for its activities and good works.

Disco Party was Dy-No-Mite!
Click here to view the Disco Party Photo Album!

Things were groovy and people boogied down at the Fischers' house on Saturday night at the Disco Party! Afros, feathered hair, big sunglasses, silky shirts, silver boots, blue eyeshadow and golden chains adorned our barely recognizable Rotarians and guests.

Wendi and Chad Fischer prepared a traditional 70’s buffet, complete with pigs-in-a-blanket, tater tot casserole, tuna casserole, green bean casserole, celery with cheese whiz, and finger jello. Troy McVicker was spinning the tunes, and Rotarians and guests danced, played games, and danced some more. (You know it’s a fun party when no one is in the kitchen and everyone is on the dance floor!)

We discovered new member Paul Osborn is married to a “disco diva!” Theresa Osborn led the group in the Hustle, Disco Inferno, Rock the Boat, and other oldies and goodies. There was stiff competition during the hula-hoop contest and the Walla Balla competition (see incriminating photos). While the men did shine in the ball contest, Jan Martinka certainly won the style/technique award. Eventually the disco ball dropped and we called it a night, a very fun night!

If you missed this event, you missed out! These parties and events are great for spending time with your fellow Rotarians and friends in a relaxed, friendly, and fun environment. And, you never know what kinds of secret talents you will discover!

Members Inducted: Ben Leher & Matt DeJulio 

The BBRC gained two new members: Ben Leher and Matt DeJulio. The induction ceremony included a number of Rotarians passing on information about Rotary and the BBRC.

Ben Lehrer is a sales associate and marketing coordinator for Banners on a Roll. He has learned about Rotary through his father, who is an active member of the Redmond Rotary Club.  Despite his young age, Ben is committed to service above self.  He serves as Youth Advisor at the Jewish Community Center and volunteers for March of Dimes.  He lives in Redmond, plays the guitar, and loves baseball.  Go, Mariners!  Ben's sponsors are Steve Lingenbrink and Jenny Andrews.

Matt De Julio is the owner of the moving and storage company, Western Van Lines, in Kent.  He lives in Bellevue with his wife Julie and two children, Alexei and Lindsey.   He has visited our club more than a half-dozen times already and cannot wait to jump into the fun we have in helping communities. He is involved in St. Monica Church and School and Seattle Jesuit Club. Matthew is sponsored by Tim Leahy and co-sponsored by Jenny Andrews.

Scholarships Awarded

Tom Smith introduced four students from Sammamish High School who are this year’s BBRC scholarship recipients:

	Kayla Blau plans to attend the University of San Francisco and major in psychology.			Nadya Ali will be attending the UW and major in biology, with plans to go on to medical school.
	Connie Zhang also will attend the UW and major in sports medicine.			Ilona Idlis, another on her way to the UW, will major in journalism, with an eye to becoming a foreign correspondent.

Proposed Member: Joellen Monson

Joellen Monson is a manager and licensed mental health counselor at Therapeutic Health Services in Bellevue. She loves working with families and children. Her hobbies include writing, watching movies and reviewing them, and she lives in Fall City with her husband John.

Joellen has visited our club three times so far, and she has already jumped into our club fundraiser and is eager to get her hands on other club projects. Her sponsors are Jim Carney and Rourke O’Brien.

BBRC Charity Golf Tournament Just Around the Corner

Tim Moriarty appeared on the scene with his golf clubs and ball and asked if he could “play through.” It was a reminder of the upcoming BBRC golf tournament. The event begins with a shotgun start at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, July 27, at Eagle’s Talon course at Willows Run, Redmond.

The $180 per player cost includes greens fee, power cart, range balls, lunch and a free shirt or vest. Click here for for more details and a registration form.

Work Party for Hopelink

Ron Healey announced an upcoming work party to benefit Hopelink’s Avondale Apartments. Yard work, painting and more will be on the work schedule. It’s set for Saturday, June 20, with coffee and donuts supplied at 8:00 a.m. More details in the next few weeks.

We’re Going to Boeing! Friday, July 10! On the Bus! Party Down!
Chris Monger

Save the Date! We’ll have something to get you going and fill you up, when we arrange to meet at 7:00 AM and pull a morning tailgate. The precise location is still in process, but central to as many as possible in Bellevue or South Kirkland. More details coming.

We need to give Boeing a final head count.

• If you are on the list below, then you are signed up and done; no response needed.
• If you are not on the list below, but have had a change in plans and can join us, let me know.
• If you are on the list and can’t make it, let me know as well.

Boeing needs a final number by Friday, June 12, so any response is needed before then. No response means no change in your status.

The approximate schedule is as follows: buses will pick us up at 7:30 am; tour starts at 8:30 am (45 minutes); we depart for home around 9:30 am and have you in your vehicle around 10:00 am.

Proposed Members: Kabani & McVicker

Aisha Kabani is Vice President of Eagle Beverage and Accessory Products in Kent and resides in Bellevue. She is a member of the Women in Food Service Forum and involved in the Emerging Leaders Committee. Yes, she is the daughter of our long-time active member, Sadru Kabani. Her proposed classification is “Specialty Beverage Manufacturer."

Troy McVicker is a sales executive at Copiers Northwest and the owner of “Event Source NW.” He is no stranger to the BBRC, as he served as MC at our Red Dress party last November and got everyone, young and old, dancing. He is a member of the Bellevue Chamber, Kirkland Chamber, Woodinville Chamber, and Eastside Business Associates, just to name a few. Troy lives in Kenmore with his wife, Jami, and two children, Kaela and Zach. His sponsors are Steve Lingenbrink and Jan Nestler. His proposed classification is “Life of the Party.”

Today’s Program

"The Literacy of the Heart — How Poetry (Writing) Plays a Part in Public Schools & Other Programs," Samuel Green, the first Poet Laureate for the State of Washington

Rourke O’Brien introduced the guest speak, Poet Laureate Samuel Green, a distinguished poet and author of 10 poetry collections, including “The Grace of Necessity,” which recently won the Washington State Book Award for Poetry.

 

Green was named poet laureate in December 2007 by Gov. Chris Gregoire. He is the State’s first poet laureate. For nearly 30 years he has served as editor of Brooding Heron Press. Sam has been visiting poet and poetry teacher at Seattle University for several years and is active with the Skagit River Poetry Festival.

Almost as interesting is that Green, a Washington native, lives on remote Waldron Island where, he told BBRC members, there are fewer residents than people in attendance at Friday’s meeting.

With that, Green took BBRC members along on a fascinating discussion of poetry.

Green learned poetry in the back seat of the family’s car. When he and his brother would pick at each other on a trip, his father would recite poetry. He learned a lot of Robert Service poems and came to appreciate the discipline. He may spend two or three years working on a poem, going through 200 to 300 revisions, before he is ready to share the poem.

He talks regularly in schools to students who, he says, are “looking for ways to say the unsayable.” Poems, he noted, “are the tongues for the mute hearts of people.”

Children often use poems as a way to learn how to express their thoughts, Green said. He read several poems from students whose poems discussed past hurts and pain. All were moving.

Web Fun

It's Time to Barbecue
Courtesy of Steve Lingenbrink

We are entering the BBQ season. Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

(1) The woman buys the food.

(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.

(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill, beer in hand.

(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman. Here comes the important part:

(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.

(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat.

(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.

(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes. And most important of all:

(11) Everyone PRAISES THE MAN AND THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off," and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.