Al Marsh covers Friends of Hidden River

Julian Denes led a big turnout in the flag salute. This was followed by Karen McDonald’s thoughtful invocation, and a plea from songmeister Al Marsh for “Blue Skies.” (This last worked to perfection Tuesday afternoon. How does he DO that?!)

Guests included June Bartram (Don Fitzpatrick) and Joo Jung Lee, a Korean exchange student at Inglemoor High School (spending the school year with the Greg Gratz family).

Friends of the Hidden River (F0THR)

Visiting us today were John Schmied, of Skyview Jr. Hi, Marie Hartford, of Thoreau Elementary School, and Aaron Feik, retired science teacher from the Northshore School District. They treated us to an overview of the diversity of plans that FOTHR has developed for the environs surrounding the Brightwater project being built north of Woodinville.

Why the name “Friends of the Hidden River?” Well, says John Schmied, it sounded better than “Friends of Sewage.” The project incorporates some 114 acres. Of that, 72 acres are being devoted to the FOTHR. The park-like venue and community center have been in planning and development since 2002. It is projected to serve anyone from kindergarten to the community at large, to provide not only education in stewardship of the land but studies in applications of “green ventures” for private enterprise. The facility is located within 15 minutes of nine different school districts, so much of this emphasis is on exposing our youngsters to the importance of “going green.” In addition to the outdoor features, there will be a building containing a reception and display hall and state-of-the-art laboratories. Multiple classes can be accommodated here daily. It is hoped that this building will be operational by 2011. And, speaking of “going green,” the group will receive recognition for its efforts in the form of a “Green Globe Award” from King County, to be presented April 22 in conjunction with Earth Day.

Funding is still an issue. King County has committed $8.1 million towards the project, and the State of Washington is providing $1 million more. It is estimated that an additional $2 million will be required to finish, and private sources of funding are being pursued. There are currently some 70 organizations and individuals in the support group. Today our Woodinville Rotary Club presented FOTHR with a check for $5000.

From left, Aaron Feik, Marie Hartford, our Prez, and John Schmied

Club News

Our fall incoming exchange student, from Switzerland, is still in need of host families for the last two quarters of the 2009-10 school year. The first quarter is being covered by Alex Hopkins, and the second by John Abbot. Host families need not be members of Rotary, but must reside within the Woodinville High School district. If you or someone you know can provide hosting, please contact Larry Duffield.

Installation Dinner – NOTE!! – to be July 7.

Erv DeSmet and Terry Jarvis were recognized for putting on a very nice 5^th Tuesday social at the Red Hook Brewery. Good job, guys! Self portrait at right!

The April meeting of the Club board will be held Tuesday, April 21, at Banner Bank.

B-Days : Greg Gratz – life is good and the family and kids are doing great!

Vicki Puckett – admitted to the Big 5-0, and allowed as how she will become a technical grandma this year, tho’ she refuses to accept the label for at least another 20 years or so…Vicki also wants to thank the Club for all its support for Woodinville High School.

Sarge – Eric Greenwood ... Lots of happy dollars.

Notable : Erv “Ears” DeSmet, for actually volunteering to hop around in a bunny suit for pleasure of the West Hill elementarians

Jay Fiske – for attending his first book signing gig – his own!

Losing His Marbles – Dennis Johnson, who had his heart set on winning the $42

Francia – got to see both Brittney Spears and Snoqualmie Falls in the same lifetime! Oo-la-la!

Respectfully Submitted,

Al Marsh, Reporter

Next Reporter:
Larry Leonardson