Invocation, Pledge & Introduction of Guests

Roger Allington noted that almost every American citizen knows the National Anthem, but not many realize that there is more than one verse to that declaration. The last verse is appropriate to this weekend's celebration of Independence Day and the beginning of the Rotary year.


Roger also gave us all something to think about with the new Rotary year. He read to us a short poem written by his wife, Reva, as she was recovering from illness at Virginia Mason hospital this past Christmas:

There are those who are alone and lonely; we are not alone.
There are those who are cold, such as the homeless; we are warm.
There are those who are hungry; we have enough food.
There are those without adequate medical care; we are receiving excellent care.
There are those who are unemployed; all of the outstanding staff here are employed.

Roger summarized by noting that we are all "Rotarians believing in service above self, and as we begin this new year we need to be aware of our country, the less fortunate in it, and the less fortunate around the world."

Kevin Jewell introduced "regular" Frank Young, along with another frequent visitor, John Matheson, both from the Bellevue noon club.

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Special Song for the 4th

President Chuck asked that we begin our new Rotary year with a special recognition of the 4th of July. The entire club rose to its feet to sing "God Bless America," led by Wendi Fischer and Christine Addison, accompanied by Tom Smith on piano.

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New Rotarians: Brian Hardy & Kevin O'Brien

President Chuck inducted two new members Friday, Brian Hardy, recruited by Matt DiJulio, and Kevin O'Brien, recruited by Brian Hardy.

Brian is a sales representative for CIGNA, and his classification is Insurance-Group Health. Brian and his wife Erika live in Kirkland with their three children, and he is active in the Boys and Girls Club and his church.

Kevin, previously a member at the Southcenter Rotary Club, works for Marsh USA, Inc., in Seattle, and his classification is Risk Management Consultant. He is active in Eastridge Baptist Church and is a member of the Seattle Philanthropic Advisors Network and the Financial Planning Association. He lives with his wife, Jericho, and two children in Renton.

This is a first: a new member bringing in another new member on the day he is inducted. Chuck laid down the challenge for the rest of us to be as mindful about recruiting during this next year.

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Rotarian of the Month: Tim Johnstone

Outgoing President Margie recognized Tim Johnstone as Rotarian of the Month for his outstanding service in many areas. On behalf of the Board, he has spear-headed the documentation project for all of our processes to give us better continuity for successors to board members and committee chairs. In addition, he was a key member in both the 2009 and 2010 Bellevue 5K committees, adding to the success of both events with his tireless efforts behind the scenes.

Well done, Tim!

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Rotary Academy Sign-Up

Chris Monger announced that it is time for the District 5030 Rotary Academy sign-up for the 2010-2011 class year. Applications are being accepted now, class starts in September, and graduation will be at the Washington Athletic Club next June.

The purpose of the Academy is to jump start your knowledge of Rotary. There are eight self-study lessons that include such topics as Rotary history, understanding RI processes and by-laws, avenues of service, and the RI Foundation. This course is excellent preparation for leadership positions in Rotary, whether you already are or are preparing to become a chairperson, director, or club president. Even if you have no specific leadership aspirations or plans, the course will give you a greater appreciation and insight into the traditions and processes of Rotary.

Chris, Jon Koshar (aka Kosher), and Morris Kremen are forming a study group to enrich the experience and make the lessons go faster. Chris is encouraging other club members to join the study group for fellowship and learning. Oh, yes, the meetings count as make-ups!

Here is a list of current and former BBRC members who have graduated from the Rotary Academy:

Please contact Chris Monger is you decide to register or if you have any questions.

Click here to download the Rotary Academy registration/information file (PDF).

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Golf Tournament Update

Robin Callan reminded the members that we are on the home stretch for fund-raising and sign-ups for the July 26th BBRC Golf Classic at Willows Run. We are on track with our number of sponsors, but it is now time to focus on getting members and guests to sign up as players.

Brian Evison and Robin both emphasized that next week we will be auctioning off celebrity participation: you will have the chance to bid on a VIP to join you for a round of golf. Come prepared next week to add a celebrity to your foursome!

Click here to register online for the BBRC Golf Classic.

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Golden Donut

Howard Johnson announced the unofficial results of the competition for the Golden Donut trophy. It appears that BBRC may have won again this year, bettering our 2009 record of 236 member sessions at Rotary First Harvest with a new record: 248!

Thanks to everyone in BBRC who supports RFH.

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Potpourri

NEW BOARD. President Chuck presented the new Board to the club. Here they are with pictures, in case you need a refresher: http://www.bbrc.net/board.html By the way, Chuck received a gentle refresher from the membership when he was reminded – oh, yeah, Margie is a member of his board as the Past President!



NEWCOMERS' CLUB. The New Member Committee is now chaired by past president Norm Johnson. The July meeting will be held Wednesday, July 7th at Jitter's on NE 20th, just east of Sears. For those who are conditioned to that meeting being held on a Tuesday, this is no typo: It really is Wednesday, and will be from now on.

BILL RAMBO UPDATE. Bob Moloney announced that Bill Rambo has had all of his tubes removed and is improving rapidly. Bill will be back to the club very soon.

2011 RI CONVENTION. Next year's RI International Convention will be held in New Orleans. The announcement was met with chanted mutterings from around the room: "Road trip, road trip ..."

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FRIDAY's PROGRAM

"The Challenger — Charlie Wiggins — for Washington Supreme Court Justice," Charlie Wiggins, Wiggins & Masters, Bainbridge Island

SPECAL PROGRAM NOTE: The BBRC Program Committee is very careful to provide balance when a candidate for political office is our guest speaker. It is our tradition to keep such presentations balanced by scheduling both candidates, so as to avoid any appearance that the Club is endorsing any particular candidate in an election. For that reason, Justice Richard B. Sanders, the opponent of Judge Charlie Wiggins in the upcoming election, is also scheduled to appear at the BBRC in the very near future.

Attorney Steve Waltar introduced our guest speaker by stating that he thinks he may have, at one time, actually dated our speaker's law firm partner.

Charlie Wiggins is an accomplished lawyer, judge, and public servant. He is running against incumbent Richard B. Sanders for a seat on the Washington Supreme Court.

The son of an Army Warrant Officer, Judge Wiggins learned the concept of public service at a very young age. He earned his bachelor's degree at Princeton University before also earning an MBA. After college, he served in the United States Army in military intelligence for four years. Because of his military service, he qualified for the GI Bill and used that benefit to go through law school.

Over the years, Judge Wiggins has practiced the law in a private firm which focuses on appeals. Additionally, he has served many years on the Court of Appeals in Washington, as well serving as a superior court judge and judge pro tem in King and Jefferson counties.

Judge Wiggins bases his campaign on the "Three I's: Integrity, Impartiality, and Independence." He focused his remarks on how his track record supports his qualifications in those areas, providing examples that contrast his opponent's record. He also was quick to point out that a fourth I — ideology — is the wrong approach for selecting a judge. He advocates that ideology should be kept out of the judiciary and that, instead, judges need to focus on their professional interpretations of the law.

Judge Wiggins' service to the community extends beyond his professional contributions. He has also been involved in hands-on public service through Habitat for Humanity here in Washington and with service outside of Washington, including such locations as Tijuana, Albania, and New Orleans.

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FRIDAY SNAPS