The Ace Clark Report 
                                     Highlights of the meeting of Tuesday, September 11 

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President Pisani opened the Rotaryville meeting on a glorious Indian summer morning, reminiscent of that traumatic morning six years ago. In recognition of that fateful moment in our country’s history, Vicki Puckett respectfully led our group in a quiet and reflective singing of our national anthem.  To that, Don Fitzpatrick added a thoughtful prayer of reflection and request for understanding and tolerance.

President Rick welcomed guests Rob Whalen and Tana’s child Keesha and her child, Baby Taylin.  Rosa, our former exchange student, was both introduced and bid a fond farewell as she is leaving soon to return home.  President Pisani offered a standing ovation for exemplary Rotarian, Mr. Art Haines, as he has volunteered to be our leader at the District Conference to be held in Kennewick in spring, 2008.  There was a brief ceremonial “handing over” of the registration forms.

In recognition of the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001, Public Information Officer, Dave Leggett and Chief Dennis Johnson, representing the venerable Woodinville Fire and Life Safety District, gave a very informative presentation for CERT (Citizen’s Emergency Response Team) training.  Officer Leggett noted that we might be surprised at how integrated the Woodinville community is, in terms of how many of our citizens are CERT trained.  Indeed, by the show of hands, many of our own Rotarians have participated in the program and are currently trained.  Officer Leggett extended an invitation to all to attend the upcoming 7-week course, beginning soon.  Further information regarding the training program and its content can be found on the WFLSD web site at wflsd.org.  Officer Leggett also noted that it was not often a subordinate gets to “boss around” the Chief.  The Chief also made some comment referring to “unemployment”, as it relates to Officer Leggett.

At the close of Officer Leggett’s presentation, President Rick called for other business.  To that end, Bill Schink extended an invitation to attend a Rotary First Harvest work party on Saturday, October 13^th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to take place at several locations (lunch included).  A sign up sheet was passed around. This marks Rotary First Harvest’s 25^th anniversary.

Vicki Puckett offered an update on Mrs. Karen Forys, with an explanation as to what measures are being taken to assure effective leadership for the school district during Mrs. Forys absence.  On behalf of the Woodinville Rotary members, Rick Pisani will be visiting Evergreen Hospital with a card and gifts and our very best wishes for Karen’s recovery.

John Abbot offered insight into the studious nature of our new exchange student from France (Laura) and offered a sign up sheet of activities that this young woman would like to experience during her time with us.  John will be the schedule coordinator. (Ed. Note: In view of her sincere desire to attend a Sonics game, will someone be available to fly her to Oklahoma City?)

John Creason was invited to accept his membership name badge, however Mr. Creason would prefer to individually meet each member and obtain their signature prior to accepting his membership status.  All are invited to make the effort to meet John and thus help him accomplish his noble mission.

President Rick announced that there will be a Board meeting to be held at Banner Bank after the meeting next Tuesday, September 18^th.  Mr. President then gave a recap of the status of the upcoming auction.  To date, we have received approximately 120 reservations for dinner and approximately $21,000 in procurements.  President thanked all of the Rotary members for their efforts thus far and stated that he appreciates the immediate feedback he received regarding the mini-survey sent out the previous day.  As “failure is not an option”, further discussion was held regarding underwriting opportunities, deadlines (September 21^st for procurement items), the need for RSVP’s for dinner reservations and entrée choices, and the need for more wine.  We also need volunteers for set up and clean up (see Vicki Puckett).  Special recognition was given to Alan Nelson for his outstanding efforts to procure more than $15,000 in wine donations!  Recognition was also given to Susan Webster for her efforts to locate and recruit our speaker for the Fund a Need for Literacy campaign. (see list of literacy beneficiaries on page one of this week's club Newsletter).

In closing, President Rick gave Don Fitzpatrick and John Hughes all of 30 seconds in which to recap their year (due to birthday celebrations).  Being the oldest, Mr. Hughes elected himself to “go first”.  He stated that he is grateful for “good health, good fellowship, and lots of good friends and good memories of Rotary”.  Mr. Fitzpatrick seconded that with a brief “Me, too!”.  Jay Fiske, in an early birthday recap, chimed in with “Ditto”.  The 30 second goal was met.

Happy Dollars were donated, celebrating a new grandson (Linda Hendrickson), great soccer seats (Tana Baumler), great game scores by the Huskies, the Cougs and the Cornhuskers, #1 son being name as #1 tennis player at Woodinville High School (Rick Pisani) and a son’s marriage (Roy Williams). Meeting adjourned. 

                                           Respectfully submitted by Rotary Reporter Becky 'Ace' Clark