NO MEETINGS DECEMBER 24 OR DECEMBER 31!

"Grizzly Bears in the Cascades," Dave Knibb, Lawyer, Forester, and Author of Grizzly Wars: The Public Fight over the Great Bear. Dave will discuss whether grizzlies still live in the North Cascades (which are designated as one of six grizzly recovery areas) and what plans we can expect under the Endangered Species Act to save them.

Dave has had three careers: as a forester with the US Forest Service, Okanagan National Forest; a lawyer for 23 years in a Seattle law firm (and partner of BBRC member Mark Hough); and as a freelance writer. He has also written two law books and a book about the Alpine Lakes area in the North Cascades. [Brooks]

Opener

President Chuck rang the bell for the first meeting of 2011 directly outside the front door of Ben Bridge Jewelers in Bellevue Square. Questions abounded in the crowd about the exact price paid by Steve Luplow for the blatant promotion of his place of business. However, this “coincidence” fell under the category of missed opportunity and Mr. Luplow received no fine from our lenient SAA, Elena. Hmmm... might there have been an under-the-table pay-off to our Russian friend? Note to self: Examine her for new jewelry at next BBRC meeting.

Dustin Walling read a beautiful prayer in Sanskrit, then in English. It is from the Hindu holy book of Rigveda:

Asato Maa Sad Gamaya 

Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya 

Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya 

Ohm Shanti Shanti Shanti 

 

God, please lead me (by giving me knowledge)  

from the unreal to the real;  

from darkness (of ignorance) to the light (of knowledge);  

from death (limitation) to immortality (liberation)

Avid Duck fan, John Uppendahl, introduced our guests sporting a jaunty yellow and green ensemble in honor of the Ducks' new-found place in sports history. Go Ducks!

Family of Rotary

Dick Brown, dressed adorably as Rose from the Golden Girls, spoke as chair of the Cares & Concerns Committee to let us know that Tom Helbling is in Idaho, as his mother passed away last week. Also, Bill Rambo is recovering from his bout with illness, but ever so slowly.

Please stay in touch with both members and let them know that they are part of our Rotary family.

BBRC Annual Retreat

John Martinka reminded club members that the Annual Retreat is scheduled for March 18th and 19th in LaConner. The hotel still has rooms, and John encouraged everyone to come.

Christine Addison is leading the shopping contingent, and Norm Johnson will be organizing golf for anyone who wants to start the weekend wet and cold.

Rotarian of the Month: Bob Moloney

Chuck, in his nimble way, presented the Rotarian of the Month award to Bob Moloney, FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST. Way to be on time, Chuck!

No one really knows why Bob received this award — except, of course, that he’s Bob(!) — as this was not explained by President Chuck.

Plug for the District Conference

Colleen-the-Cruise-Queen, doing a dead-on impersonation of Sophia Petrillo (Blanche’s mother on Golden Girls) promoted the district conference in Portland from April 29‑May 1, 2011. District Governor John Matthews will refund the registration fee for anyone who comes away from the conference having learned nothing.

Rotary First Harvest

HoJo, dressed appropriately as a Top Chef, reminded everyone that Rotary First Harvest needs volunteers. In December, we had 40 members show up to the work parties which is great. But ... we are neck and neck with that pesky Kent club, so plan to participate in RFH over the next few months and bring as many helpers as you can.

We must win the coveted Golden (read plastic) Donut Award again this year!

Donations for TreeHouse

Ever the early bird, Madeline Gauthier arrived at 7:50, sneaking in covertly, exactly behind President Chuck’s podium, just as he was promoting Madeline’s TreeHouse project.

The unflappable Madeline took over and encouraged members to help foster kids by bringing clothing to the next meeting or by donating their JCPenney coupons to Madeline.

Martini Party, January 22

Paul Chapman invited the group to attend the BBRC Martini Party at his home on January 22nd, at 6:30 PM. We have it on good authority that Past-President Margie will be dancing (potentially on the table and wearing a boa), so you DO NOT want to miss this party!

SIGN UP ONLINE NOW!

PROGRAM

Annual Bellevue 10K/5K Kick-Off Meeting (Off-Site at Bellevue Square)

The BBRC made history today as no one scooted!

John Martinka applauded everyone for their great costumes but wondered why no team had chosen the Star Trek theme. Suddenly, Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk arrived, marveling at the weirdness of the people in what appeared to be a 21st century shopping hub.

Lt. Fisher arrived, to the delight of every male in the room, especially Mr. Spock, who found her outfit “pleasing.” She presented a report to Kirk and Spock about the purpose of a “fundraiser,” while fielding many questions from the very confused Mr. Spock.

Captain Kirk became so excited by this explanation (and presumably Lt. Fisher’s outfit) that he suddenly died. Fortunately for all, Captain Kirk was then resuscitated by a gorgeous and beautifully attired Ensign Howell, who led him away, presumably to everlasting bliss.

Jim Carney (a Top Chef) and Katherine DeStephano (Agent 99 from Get Smart) reinforced the importance of the fundraiser and gaining sponsors to help us make this the most financially successful 10K ever. Katherine announced that the club has doubled sponsorship numbers, compared to last year, but we have many sponsorship activities still available. The attendance goal for the event is 2,500 participants.

The two beneficiaries this year are Kindering and Seattle Children’s Autism Program.

Mimi Segal spoke briefly about Kindering’s mission and shared a story about a family who participated in the 5K last year. The mom told the little boy that Kindering used to be his school, back when he couldn’t walk, and Kindering helped him become such a good walker that he finished the race.

Eve Kopp from Seattle Children’s filled club members in on the Autism Center, a stand-alone facility near University Village. She explained that Autism creates deficits in social and emotional behaviors. There is a huge range in capabilities among those with Autism, and the condition affects boys more than girls. Because of the range, diagnosis is difficult and every child must be handled differently.

The center opened in August 2009 and brings together a plethora of resources for families and children. There are currently 14,000 children in Washington with Autism. One in 50 kids in Washington State has some level of Autism, and the Center is currently seeing 6,000 patients each year, with 1,000 more on a waiting list for 6-9 months.

The 10K will provide philanthropic dollars that will help provide more care-givers so that they can see more patients.

Carla Cummings (wife of BBRC member Curtis) shared her family’s journey with Autism. Their 18 year old son was diagnosed with Autism at age 4. It was very difficult at that time because there weren’t many resources. Through a lot of hard work, their son is now a freshman at the University of Washington.

Autism really hampers kids socially as they transition into adulthood. Despite that, Carla says people with Autism are pure souls, and she has started a non-profit to help people with Autism improve their social skills. Carla will have a booth at the race.

Currently the Bellevue 10K sponsors include:

• Brooks Running - $15,000 – Shirt Sponsor
• Overlake Hospital - $7,500 - 10 K Sponsor
• Starbucks - $7,500 - Warm-Up Sponsor
• YMCA - $5,000 – 5K Fun Run Sponsor
• Seattle Children’s - $2,500 – Kid' Dash Sponsor
• Steve Lingenbrink - $2,500 – Fast Start Sponsor
• Escape Outdoors - $2,500
• Sadru Kabani - $2,500
• Silicon Mechanics - $2,500 – Home Stretch Sponsor
• Chris Monger - $2,500 – Mile Marker 3 Sponsor
• Peter Powell - $1,500 – Mile Marker 2 Sponsor
• Norman & Kitto PLLC - $1,250
• Viking Bank - $1,250 – Mile Marker 1 Sponsor

Wendi reinforced the importance of securing more sponsorships and zillions of runners. She encouraged teams to pick schools to approach about participation. Event brochures will be available in two weeks. The event website is live at www.bellevuerun.com and people can register right now.

Chuck thanked the caterer, Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes, the sponsors, and everyone involved in making this event successful.

Web Fun

"Where is my Sunday paper?!"
Courtesy of John Mix

The irate customer called the newspaper office and loudly demanded to know where his Sunday edition was.

"Sir," said the newspaper employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on SUNDAY".

There was a long pause on the other end of the phone, and he was heard to mutter,

"Well, that's why no one was at church today."

• • •

British Humor: "My Blackberry's not working!"
Courtesy of Michel Carter

Note: "Orange" is a cellular carrier!