Highlights of the meeting of Tuesday, December 11, 2007
 

   The morning Rotary meeting of December 11, 2007 drew a full house of Woodinville Rotarians, ready to celebrate the fabulous 5^th Tuesday social held the previous week and recap the outstanding success of the annual Santa Breakfast and Operation Warm Coat.  The morning began with a rousing rendition of Holly, Jolly Christmas (after some time spent searching for just the right key). 

The former president of Edmonds Rotary was welcomed as was Nora Laughlin and dad Bill from the Village Volunteers clean water project.  Our lovely exchange student gave a brief recap of her week at Woodinville High School and extended an invitation to all Rotarians to cheer on the Lady Falcons at Wednesday night’s basketball game (December 12^th). 

Our Program feature 

Lisa Fox was introduced as our guest speaker and as the Vice President of the University Rotary Club.  Ms. Fox presented information regarding Partners for Work – an organization that works with developmentally disabled adults in partnership with businesses.  Ms. Fox noted that if each Rotary club in the State of Washington participated in creating three positions with Partners for Work, over 100,000 developmentally disabled adults would be able to take part in meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities. She encouraged Rotarians to use the leadership positions they hold within our communities to create work for this reliable, dependable and willing work force. 

Ms. Fox shared an excellent video, showcasing different companies and the partnerships they have formed with various developmentally disabled employees. The video spoke to the success that was being enjoyed by these relationships, not only by the employees but by the companies as well.  She acknowledged that “Rotarians get things done” and those Rotarians helping Rotarians opens doors and breaks down barriers.  She stated that there are currently seven clubs from District 5030 which are involved in Partners for Work.  Should anyone have an interest in pursuing Partners for Work, there is a “tool kit” available as well as a contact and information page available on the district web site.   She complimented Woodinville High School on the successful program at that site.  Vicki Puckett offered to bring the Transition Teacher (Joan Henkins) to speak to the Woodinville Rotary Club regarding the program.

Prez with Speaker Fox

Moving on to other business, Bill Schink promised to correct the incorrect Duty Roster he recently emailed to the membership and said he would re-send the correct one by email.  We were also reminded that Santa Claus will be coming to town next week and that behavior modification would be in order for some Rotarians in the coming week.  One can never be too careful at this time of year. 

Rave reviews were held for the 5^th Tuesday Holiday Social at Monte Villa Farmhouse.  It was agreed that the venue was fabulous, the food delicious and the company superb.  Even the music was good!  Leigh Henderson very generously donated the Farmhouse for this year’s event and it has been secured for next year’s event.  Roger Stark has agreed to provide the entertainment again, provided that he is “vertical” at that time. 

Susan Webster thanked each of the Santa’s Helpers who were present at Operation Warm.  It was a heartwarming and rewarding morning, with more than 300 coats being distributed.  Families were very grateful and the children pleased with their new coats.  Special recognition was given to Jay Fiske for his inspiration several years ago which brought Operation Warm to our club's attention. 

Susan also stated that it is time to wrap up the dictionary project, with deliveries scheduled for 91 dictionaries to be delivered to Wellington Elementary this week, in addition to Sunrise Elementary and Woodin Elementary.  The Club did receive a thank you letter from little Miss Anna Porter, noting that she was very appreciative to learn words like “particularly”.  Anna is a third grader at Eastridge Elementary.

Roger Stark, in keeping with President Rick’s educational theme, entertained us all by having various astute and esteemed Rotarians share historical lessons regarding the origins of common phrases such as “straight laced”, “minding your p’s and q’s” and, most particularly interesting, the history of where the lovely phrase of “it will cost you an arm and a leg” came from.  Thank you, Roger. 

    The Sergeant at Harm gave a congratulatory fine waiver to holiday party organizer Eric Greenwood, Roger Stark and the Pair O’ Docs for the fine entertainment at the 5^th Tuesday Social.  Jay Fiske was fined for not being here for Front Desk Duty, although he claims he was here for the “last three minutes”.  Perhaps the Sergeant at Harm should consider pro rating the fine?  President Pisani was fined for forgetting his badge.  Chris Boland offered a moment of silence for Steve Dolan (something to do with basketball, I believe).  Vicki Puckett offered Happy Bucks for her involvement with the national school accreditation committee meeting that was held in Las Vegas.  She was very appreciative of her fellow committee members.  

 John Creason won the raffle twice and being that he does not indulge in chocolate or wine, gave his opportunity to someone else.  It was noted that this was a very honorable gesture or that he needed “better training”.  It was also noted that Chief Johnson partakes in both wine and chocolate.

 In closing, Susan Webster reminded all good Rotarians again about the impending arrival of Santa and Ms. Claus. 

 Meeting adjourned.

                                                                    - - - Respectfully submitted by Becky Clark.