Mark Gardner was also our speaker. His topic was the social phenomenon that is Facebook. To begin, Mark showed a fascinating video (also played at the recent District 5030 Conference in Victoria) which details the amazing speed at which technology is changing how we communicate with one another. (Called “Did You Know?”, it is about 4 minutes long and is available to view on You Tube.)

In polling our club, Mark found that perhaps 20% of our members have active Facebook accounts. By comparison, probably 95% of Americans under the age of 30 are on Facebook. Why? Because, he says, it is a “far more efficient means of communication than traditional E-mails...”. meaning that E-mails are actually becoming an outdated form of keeping in touch with our friends, colleagues, and acquaintances! Facebook has allowed people to reach out and contact others on their pages. Mark has personally reconnected with some old college buddies who saw his site, for instance.

Common concerns among less knowledgeable (read: “older”) people about using Facebook include lack of time and concerns about security. Mark points again to the increased efficiency of entering info on his page and allowing others to read it, rather than contacting friends individually. As for security, the owner of the page can set filters, to control who gets to see what.

Another startling application for Facebook is the possibility of supplementing, competing with, or even replacing current web sites for commercial purposes. “Web sites tend to be static, labor intensive and expensive to set up and operate, “he points out. On the other hand, younger employees are so knowledgeable about it that someone from within your company might well be able to set up a Facebook site. The best news? “It’s free! Free advertising!” Just exactly what DeLille Cellars has done, added Jay Soloff, stating that Veronica, one of their young employees, developed their Facebook site and manages it. Jay went on to mention a “fan site” feature that allows those visiting their site to quickly establish a relationship with it. In two weeks, he reported, DeLille Cellars recorded 654 fans!

The topic was fascinating and generated a lively discussion among the members. Thanks, Mark!

Almost Home

Erv DeSmet announced a film screening and workshop to be held at the Northshore Senior Center on Saturday, June 27, from 9am -1pm. If you have aging relatives this might be a valuable session to learn more about caring for an older adult suffering from memory loss. Cost is $10, which includes lunch!

Francia

Can it really be that a year has gone by? Next week (June 23) is Francia’s last visit with our Club! The following week she travels to California, and she leaves for home on July 14! Francia, you have been a pleasure to know, and it has been a delight to watch your self-confidence grow through the year. Hasta la vista!

Charity event: Wine'n Shine

Rorry Dunbar reported that acquisitions have reached $52,000. Slowly but surely...

Linda Hendrickson reported that some 1200 “save-the-date” cards are in the mail.

Golf, Anyone?

Jay Fiske is going to put together a little Club tournament later this summer at Bear Creek. Based on my last (and only) outing there, I’d personally like to put in a word for Wellington Hills.....(just kidding).

Da Sarge

MomTana went straight to the jugular with Jay Soloff for his “blatant ad” (regarding Facebook). Jorge Gonzalez ponied up a fiver for delivering his auction item....one year late. Happy $ flew thick and fast: Larry Duffield enjoyed France and the 24 hours of Le Mans, plus Paris (oooh la la!), Normandy, and the French national beverage. Jorge was delighted to deliver a new Audi to “some member” of the Boland family. Evan McAllister, dressed to kill (roadkill, that is) was heading east to Yakima on his baby blue hog. Vicki Puckett was pleased to see graduation (another year in the bag, Ms. P!)

And...oh yeah....Max Z. missed the marble. Now that’s news!

Al Marsh reporting from somewhere in England
Photos by Dennis Johnson, Snappy 2

Woodinville Rotary honored past president and charter member Marv Workman with a plate of donuts, a floral arrangement and a hearty "Happy Birthday" song recognizing the completion of another decade. Later in the day Marv assembled a handful of Rotarians at the Maltby Cafe to launch the "70 and Over Club" of which he and Maltby Bill Schink are new junior members. Wayne Parris was inducted as a senior emeritus member. Not about to miss the opportunity for a lunch at the Maltby, Steve Dolan sat in as a member-in-waiting.

Next Reporter:

Larry Leonardson
June 23

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