Invocation, Pledge & Introductions

Carla Cummings, a teacher and recent addition to the BBRC, started off the morning with a pop quiz. The intended lesson was to understand that those who make a difference in others’ lives aren’t the people with the most credentials, the most money or the awards – it’s the people who care! The 30-Second Pop Quiz will be posted on the BBRC Facebook page.

Another new member of the BBRC, Traci Tenhulzen, introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.

Frank Young —Rotarian of the Month Forever

One of our visiting Rotarians, Frank Young from the Bellevue noon club, announced that he is resigning from his regular club after 25 years, but he promises to continue to visit us at BBRC from time to time.

To ensure that Frank Young keeps busy and remembers to visit us, SAA Wendi Fischer presented Frank with some mementoes which included bubbles, Play-Doh, a pinky ring, and a bunch of other stuff she cleaned out of her kids' closets. President John Martinka then presented Frank with a plaque naming him “BBRC Rotarian of the Month Forever!”

Fellowship Opportunity: Wine Party

Robin and Gretchen Callan are graciously opening their home, located at 3321 Evergreen Point Road, Medina, to the BBRC for a Pinot Noir wine party on January 27th, at 6:00 p.m. We will taste five pinot noirs that represent different pinot producing regions of the world. There will also be some white wine on hand for the non-pinot noir group.

Dress is casual, and heavy appetizers will be served. Cost is yet to be determined, but it will be reasonable. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Paul Chapman.

Introduction of New Member: Tom Leonidas

President John Martinka, introduced BBRC past President and 5030 District Governor-Elect Steve Lingenbrink, who is the sponsor of our newest official BBRC member, Tom Leonidas. About 20 years ago, Tom was a member of the University Rotary Club – welcome back! Tom’s classification is Healthcare Technology.

Student of the Month: Chin Tang

Bob Holert introduced our student of the month, Chin Tang, a senior from Sammamish High School. She has a 3.92 GPA, is taking many AP classes, and she will be the first person in her family to attend college. Chin is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in various service projects in the area. Her real love, however, has been working with children through the Bellevue Youth Theater.

Chin plans to attend the University of Washington in the Fall to study Civil Engineering.

Blue Badge Upgrade: Jeff Kaiser

BBRC President, John Martinka presented Jeff Kaiser with his official BBRC blue badge, now that he has completed all the requirements of the red badge. Congratulations, Jeff!

Exchange Student Update

Our exchange student is trying to raise money for some of her activities while she is here and for a western safari with other exchange students before she heads back to Germany. She collected donations in exchange for some yummy Sugar Crunchies she prepared. If you didn’t get any goodies this time, she’ll be back!

Bellevue 10K/50K Update

Katherine De Stephano announced that our fundraiser – the 10K/50K — is fast approaching! It is scheduled for Sunday, April 29 – PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDARS! We had great results last year and are expecting even better ones this year. We are looking for more sponsors. Registration will be open soon!

Polio Eradication Efforts

It was announced by Wendi Fischer that, as of 2 days ago, it India has gone an entire year without any new cases of polio! This has only been possible through the continued efforts of many humanitarian groups, Rotary International being a key organization in the fight.    

Rotary District 5030 Conference

Our Rotary District Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is April 21-23. During this conference, BBRC member Steve Lingenbrink will be passed the District Governor title. Let’s all be there to support him!     

Reveille Announcement

Robin Stark will no longer be doing the Reveille. Due to the change, we will need more editors and proofreaders. If you are interested in helping, contact Mark Hough.

“Seattle Mariners 2012,” Jack Zduriencik, General Manager, Seattle

The program about current Seattle Mariner news, updates, gossip, etc. was given by Jack Zduriencik, Executive Vice President & GM of Mariner’s Operations. Also on hand to provide information was Kevin Mather, Executive Vice President of Finance & Ballpark Operations.

Jack Zduriencik conceded that although the last couple of seasons have been tough, there are “better days ahead!” He explained that the Mariners are building for the long-term and expanded on that statement by saying that drafting a player at the age of 17,18, or even 20 — it takes a while for them to mature into their potential. Often, there may be a 5-7 year lag between the year they are drafted and when they really come into their own and show their true potential. Last season the Mariners had 18 rookies – the most of any major league team!! They had the youngest club in the division. Drafting players when they are young; however, gives the fan base an opportunity to really get to know the players. Likewise, the players develop a real sense of loyalty to the community and the fans over the long run. It is a process in which he wants the team to be a meaningful and valuable part of the Seattle community. This well-established foundation ties in fans emotionally as we watch the young players become seasoned professionals.

The Mariners have signed some new talent recently. Munenori Kawasaki, an eight-time All-Star infielder in Japan’s Pacific League, officially signed with the Mariners on Wednesday, January 11th, as a Minor League free agent with an invitation to the club’s Major League camp in spring training. Hisashi Iwakuma, one of the premier pitchers in Japan over the past decade, signed a one-year deal with the Mariners and will compete for a spot in the club’s starting rotation when spring training opens. Returning to Seattle, veteran left-handed reliever George Sherrill has passed his physical and signed a one-year deal with the Mariners. The Mariners are still looking for a solid batter and Jack Zduriencik assured us that finding that player to fill the roster is a priority.

More efforts to improve the club include the challenge that’s been made to all of the Mariners — to become better athletes, healthier, more “total” players, and to get involved in the community.

Another effort to find talent in the future lies in the Dominican Republic. Kevin Mather has taken a lead in the project to build an academy there that will be state of the art and help to accumulate talent in the Dominican Republic for later recruitment by the Mariners.

A source of inspiration for the Mariners, the team’s manager, Eric Wedge, is described by Jack Zduriencik as “an intense, good, tough guy who is a leader and the players respond.” He likened his mannerisms to Johnny Cash and John Wayne. “It’s about the connection – he feels like he can make anyone better. He is positive and believes in every player – that they will get better.”

As a “thank you” for speaking, BBRC President John Martinka, presented Jack Kduriencik with a gift of 1,000 pounds of produce to be given to Rotary First Harvest in his name.