Opener

The 7:30 AM bell was rung by guest Timmy O'Brien, on behalf of President Chuck, to call the meeting to order.

The invocation was provided by Katherine De Stephano, who presented a reading of lyrics by Shell Silverstein, "Inside Your Head," followed by the pledge.

Ann Norman greeted the visiting Rotarians and guests including David Bobanick and John Cherry of the Mercer Island Rotary Club. David Hahn, a former member of both the Renton and Bellevue Sunrise clubs, was on hand. Frank Young of Bellevue Noon was front and center in his usual make-up chair.

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Member Inducted: Brad Baumann

President Chuck introduced new member Brad Baumann to Rotary and, in turn, Brad to the membership.

Brad is a Vice President for the Bellevue branch of Viking Bank.  His classification is Banking-Relationship Manager. Brad lives with his wife and children in Bellevue, and he is sponsored by new member Brian Hardy. These two have been friends since high school.

Please welcome Brad to the membership.

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Golden Donut Award — Rotary First Harvest

For the second year running, the BBRC has captured the Golden Donut, awarded to the club with the greatest number of volunteer hours at Rotary First Harvest. This past Rotary year the BBRC accounted for 248 volunteer days, a 5% increase over the previous year.

David Bobanick, Executive Director of Rotary First Harvest, presented the Golden Donut to Howard Johnson and the members representing the greatest number of hours. The presentation also included plates of real donuts, served by Kevin Jewell, Ron Healey, and Paul Osborn.


Rotary First Harvest has grown from an operation that prided itself three years ago by providing 3.2 million pounds of fresh produce to area food banks. This past June RFH provided 5.2 million pounds in one month. The need has never been greater. Former donors are now recipients.

David also mentioned that the Kent and Mercer Island clubs have taken a rather substantial lead in this Rotary year, and the BBRC needs to catch up. So, mark the second Saturday of each month, from nine to noon, on your calendar. Bring friends, family, and neighbors. There is plenty of work to go around.

Check the calendar for upcoming RFH work party dates.

I can haz doughnuts?

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Membership Development

Are you feeling the power? The power of suggestion planted by the Great Johntini? Johntini, a mentalist and renowned expert in ESP, can not only make suggestions, but can sense what people are thinking during a BBRC meeting. Examples included beer, oatmeal, and the return to the glory days of power.

Johntini also planted seeds to encourage members be on the lookout for potential members and to invite them as guests to BBRC meetings.

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Introduction of an "Approved Member"

President Chuck kept us on our toes with a new twist in the BBRC membership process. He introduced John Cherry and his sponsor Chuck Barnes as "Board Approved Members." Well, Chuck Barnes was Board Approved back in 1985, and following in the traditional steps, thought that this was the time to induct John Cherry into membership. Wrong! It was only a preliminary step to introduce John, not induct him. Confusion abounded: Do we stand and applaud? Or sit and clap? A third option was to sit silently and just wonder.

One thing for sure: August is Membership Development Month and it is through the efforts of new members like Brian Hardy and long-time members such as Past-President Barnes that the BBRC will grow and prosper.

Johntini left the room with a "pre-shower" thought: "Get Naked!"

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Proposed Member: John Cherry

John Cherry is a former member of the Mercer Island Rotary Club. He is the board chairman of Silicon Mechanics and lives in Kirkland with his wife. John's hobbies include boating, fishing, farming, beekeeping. He loves all sports, particularly soccer. His classification is "Technology Manufacturing," and he is sponsored by Chuck Barnes and Dick Brown.

Contact Membership Committee Chair Chris Rasmussen with any questions or concerns regarding this application.

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Summer Celebration Barbecue, August 28

Join us for the Summer Celebration Barbecue at the Monger house on Saturday August 28! The party starts at 2:00 pm. Come for an hour, come for the day! The address is 304 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Bellevue.

Food will include slow cooked ribs, brisket, veggie burgers, and other assorted items. A wide assortment of ice cold beverages will be available. Please bring a side dish to share. Everyone is welcome, including all partners and family members. The water is warm so feel free to bring a bathing suit to swim, float, or kayak. The music theme is, of course, summer! Wear your craziest or loudest summer shirt.

Wonderful summer weather has been promised by our illustrious club climatologist, Dick Brown (thanks, Dick!). This is a great opportunity to bask in the summer weather that won't be around much longer. We are conveniently located on the west side of Lake Sammamish, approximately 3 miles east of downtown Bellevue.

Besides enjoying the company of your best friends at BBRC, this event counts as a make-up! So, don't delay! RSVP to Wendi Fischer or Chris Monger with the number in your party.

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BBRC Poker Night, September 10

Mitch Freedman has scheduled the next BBRC poker night for Friday, September 10, 7:00 pm, at his home in Bellevue, 16838 NE Place.

Food and fun! Everyone is a winner at BBRC Poker Night!

Please RSVP to Mitch (Ph 425-401-9759).

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Mark These Important Dates on Your Calendars

John Martinka asked members to mark the following dates on their calendars:

• the BBRC Annual Retreat, LaConner - March 18th & 19th, 2011
• the 2011 Bellevue 10K, Bellevue Downtown Park - April 17th, 2011
• the Annual Charity Golf Classic, Willows Run - July 18th, 2011

Important future dates are listed on the BBRC home page and on the BBRC Calendar.

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BBRC Plays Croquet!
Wendi Fischer

It was a gloriously hot and sunny day as 12 members of the BBRC and 6 guests created 3 teams to take the field in the Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club's Annual Speed Croquet Tournament.

The Malletheads — Chris Boland, Chris Addison, Madeline Gauthier, Katherine DeStephano, Morgan Blackburn, and Jason Giesler — appeared to be strong contenders, as they had been doing subliminal training at night.

The Wankers — John Dewater, Robin and Gretchen Callan, Chris Rasmussen, Tim Leahy, and Matt DiJulio — seemed to be focused on hydrating themselves.

It was the WIDS Wackos — Wendi Fischer Paul Chapman Dion Bottoms Chris and esirae Ballard, and Steve Lingenbrink — who made a surprising effort, missing the finals by only one second!

Everyone had a blast, enjoyed great fellowship, and supported a worthy cause. We look forward to next year!

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FRIDAY's PROGRAM

"Business Class: Personal Skills for Professional Success," Arden Clise, etiquette consultant, speaker and business etiquette columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal

Arden Clise, of Clise Etiquette, an etiquette consultant, speaker and business etiquette columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal was introduced by her biker buddy, Larry Gill.

Arden gave the club an overview of etiquette and manners, which appeared to be well needed by unnamed members of the audience. Today's focus: business introductions, including hand shakes, eye contact, and the correct progression of introductions, based upon perceived power status and importance in the situation. For example, the speaker is always introduced to the Reveille writer, since in this case, the speaker has something important to say.

Networking Skills
Arden implored that we are not "hunting," but cultivating our business relationships. It takes time. In some cultures the brash, forward "American" way is considered impolite.

Handshakes
A fully extended hand, good eye contact, and no more than three "pumps." Time was allowed for a "hands-on exercise."

Business Card Protocol
Wait until asked to present your card. Present it with the printing facing the recipient. Do not write on the cards you have received until the presenter has left.

Business Meals
It does you little good if you work like a dog and eat like a pig. A diagram of a fancy table was shown and the clue to the location of the bread plate and your set of glasses can be remembered by simply touching your forefinger to your thumb and seeing if it is a lower case "b" or lower case "d," for bread or drinks.

The silverware is used with outside-in progression.

Seating
Allow your guests the best seats, i.e., the ones with the view.

President Chuck presented Arden with a thank you noting that 750 pounds of food have been donated to Rotary First Harvest on her behalf.

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