Becky Clark covers Philips Medical Systems

Who, but Erv DeSmet (greeter) would be able to find a battery operated bullhorn in the basement of the Sammamish Valley Grange. What better way to be greeted at 7 in the morning than by being welcomed by Erv on the Bullhorn.

President Rick opened the meeting by abdicating his responsibility and turning the meeting over to Linda Hendrickson. In typical efficient Hendrickson fashion, the meeting was immediately adjourned. This could, of course, only happen on April Fool’s Day.

After Laura’s report of her week in the life of a teenager, John Abbott introduced our speaker, Mr. Terry Sweeny, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Philips Health Care, located in nearby Bothell, Washington. Mr. Sweeney noted that the last time he spoke to a Rotary group was in Dayton, Ohio at the tender age of 17. His subject was “fencing” which could be construed to still be appropriate today.

Mr. Sweeney introduced the background of diagnostic ultra sound which was developed in the 60’s at University of Washington and was originally used in the nose gear of torpedoes. Research identified that the use of acoustic ultrasound had many useful applications in the medical field as the human body is largely made up of water.

The original company, Applied Technology Laboratories (ATL), evolved into $600 million in size and, in 1998, was purchased by Philips. These premium high end medical devices are produced right here on the Bothell campus. Philips also acquired Heartstream, a company that produces defibrillator machines in Seattle, and Sonicare. .. the toothbrush people. The company currently produces 5 billion dollars in equipment sales in North America, employs three to four hundred people in sales and marketing and owns 41 companies worldwide.

The ultrasound has evolved rapidly and now has the capability of producing images in 3-D and

Terry Sweeney of Philips Medical Systems

can be used to scan the brain, arteries, fetuses, inside and out of the heart, the abdominal cavity and can measure blood flow. It has many applications all across the body. The original machine was the size of a refrigerator; the current model is the size of a lap top, allowing for use in mobile situations including the battlefield. Philips is currently engaged in all areas of imaging, including CT scanners, magnetic imaging, nuclear medicine and radioactive tracing. The company is working toward real time diagnostics, including imaging cancerous cells down to the cellular level. One of the greatest challenges the company is currently facing is to convince the FDA (with a field office in Bothell) that many volunteers are needed to participate in clinical trials.

Erv DeSmet offered his appreciation for the manner in which his son was treated by the company and Jay Fiske was most relieved to learn that virtual colonoscopy’s are the way of the future. Jorge took the opportunity to ask Mr. Sweeney for a “virtual colonoscopy” donation for the auction, thinking (or not) that it would be a hot selling item.

After answering several questions from the interested audience, Mr. Sweeney concluded his presentation and graciously accepted the Club’s donation of 500 pounds of food for Rotary First Harvest.
Classified

Julian Denes was up for Classification Talk. Julian, a native Californian, graduated from UCLA and practiced law in the mid-west for a year and spent two years practicing law for a large firm in California. At that point he decided to move to the Great State of Washington and open his own practice. Fashioning his practice in the manner of his childhood hero, President Abraham Lincoln, Julian initially opened a general practice. He now finds himself, however, leaning toward criminal defense.

Julian made his first home purchase last year (not to worry – it’s a 30-year fixer), and immediately planted 12 fruit trees of various varieties; apple, pears and cherries. He is contemplating a grape crop as well. He went on to describe his two-year experience coaching kids’ soccer (7 and 8 year old), and now feels that he has an appreciation of what parents go through. This comment was met by many guffaws and much laughter; the general feeling being that he has barely scratched the surface of “parenting”.

Mr. Denes is rigorously pursuing sports; running and biking specifically. In 2006, he ran three marathons and is currently gearing up for the Iron Man competition and is competing in local events for the “build up”. He invited all Rotarians to the Seattle Marathon and will be running in the Vine Man competition in Santa Rosa, California on August 2^nd. The statement was made that the club members are 100% way behind him.
Julian closed his classification talk by complimenting Larry Leonardson, with whom he partnered in a difficult case, on his excellence.

It is the “case” that the jury is still out and that the judge has not yet received his check.

Mr. Jorge Gonzalez then took an “Auction Moment”. Mr. DeSmet delivered $2.00 bills to those who have brought in procurement items. It should be noted that the money can only be spent at Rotary and that Eric Greenwood has brought in the most items, to date. We are still seeking a nice foreign travel package.

Erv DeSmet reminded us about the SAS concert on Sunday, April 6^th and the reception following (catered by David Landau). Attendance at the concert will help keep the SAS music program alive. (Editor's Note: The school district called later in the week to advise us that a reception in the lobby of the theater would not be permitted and the reception was regrettably cancelled).

A reminder of Earth Day, April 22^nd, and the planting at Viking Gardens, including placement of the “name” plaques. It promises to be a “majestic” event and the first ever production by the Greater Grace Wine Appreciation Society. Those attending the dinner will be awarded a Charter Membership Certificate and commemorative wine glasses. The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Monte Villa Farmhouse with a fine pairing of food (donated by Leigh Henderson of Alexa's Catering) and six varietals of Northwest wines. Please see Mr. John Hughes for reservation information. (As of this posting, only two spaces are still available).

Art Haines gave a weather report for Pasco, Washington, (home of District Conference in May. As of Tuesday morning, it was 60 degrees and sunny. There will be a group dinner on Friday night (at the conference) and a reception Saturday evening. One could even stop and fly fish the Yakima River on the way to and/or from the conference. Please see Art Haines for reservation information. President Pisani stated that the Woodinville Rotary Club will be receiving a Citation of Merit at the conference.

Art recruiting District Conference attendees

Reminders:

Northshore Scholarship Foundation breakfast will be held on May 20^th.

District Assembly will be held on Saturday, May 31st from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Bellevue Community College

Annual Rotary Installation dinner will be held on June 24^th.

President Pisani gave a report on Blues in the Schools, recently held at Hollywood Elementary. He stated that the students “brought the house down” and that it would be good to have them give a presentation to our Club. (See photos below).

As a group, we celebrated Greg Riggs’ birthday (March 28^th). His oldest son has graduated from WSU, has a job and is finally paying his cell phone bill and taxes. The second son is attending

Culinary School and there are two sons left at home. Greg also noted that he, too, had hair like Julian’s – prior to having children. He also made mention of the fact that his best marathon time can be measured in days (as opposed to minutes) and that he now qualifies as finisher in the Iron Dad competition – which involves a high level of competency in driving kids around. He shared with the Club that he ran a fractional marathon in the Army (12 miles) and drank a lot of beer at the finish.

As Sergeant at Harms, Larry Leonardson stated that he was going to hand out free tickets, but we soon came to realize that it was an April Fool’s joke. This reporter was recognized for her “fashion statement” (as it relates to reporting only), Erv DeSmet was recognized as not being able to hear (from one lawyer to another) and Jorge was fined because he forgot to pick up his Boy Scout breakfast pledge card. Wayne Parris offered some kind of excuse for not picking up his, but the excuse was not recognized by the Sergeant. Kathy Kill was recognized for her work with United Way – she is the coordinator for Banner Bank for Metro East division branches. She stated that it has been a lot of fun and great work. Sgt. Larry offered kudos to Julian for doing such a great job for his client.

President Pisani noted that Terry Jarvis is tearing down the house that he used to live in next to Costco and that he is serving champagne and cookies and opportunities to operate the back hoe.

Roy Williams spoke about interviewing students at the high school (for scholarships) and congratulated the team on their good work. Tana Baumler even hired one of the candidates. There were three candidates for Walla Walla and one 47 year old mother of eight children, ages 6 to 26!

Meeting adjourned.

Becky "Ace" Clark reporting

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