Inauguration day meeting report

On this auspicious day in history, a smallish group of committed Rotarians gathered to celebrate service to our community, while carrying out the serious business of having fun.

Susan Webster greeted all in her Obama inauguration pin, Obama ring, and carrying her Obama package of red white and blue. She donated these items to the raffle which Ken subsequently won.

Rotarians mingled, talking quietly except for Vickie who sat in her princess chair and typed away on the laptop.

Quiche and hash browns provided a slight change from the ordinary.

Vicki gave us a history lesson regarding the creation of America the Beautiful which we celebrated by singing all of the verses. Very appropriate.

Guests included David Holmes, designated make up person from Northshore Rotary. Prospective members Fred Kempe and Cherry Tinker also joined in.

Francia told us about her weekend at Leavenworth with “Ms Puckett”. Snow Shoeing was cold but fun. Francia and her girlfriends made dinner for Vickie and Blake and everyone had a good time. Francia told us about a video being created by several girls at WHS to show boys how to “act right”. For instance, wearing a belt is handy; opening doors for girls and picking up things they drop is polite. No Rotarians have been seen to model appropriate behavior. This is a video, therefore, which could do many Rotarians a world of good and we immediately scheduled her as a speaker later in the year.

President Chris remarked on the progress of our firesides, at which time we have the opportunity to discuss the history of our club and determine the course for the future. Get involved! This is a time for each of us to have input and to give direction to our activities. What are your dreams? How would you like to provide service to the community? How can we improve as a club?

Crimson Chris presented a blue badge to Karen McDonald and had the club participate by jointly swearing an oath to help Karen achieve her potential as a Rotarian. The oath was somewhat obscure and appearing to have been written over a glass of beer but that made some sense when Crimson Chris agreed to support the Huskies “at least some of the time”.

Sock hop at Fitz’s place next Tuesday evening! No morning meeting! Bring your favorite chick (or significant other) and your socks and have a good time. Don’t be square. See you later alligator…Ok, that’s enough of that.

John Abbott is spearheading a ski day at Stevens on Feb 3 or Feb 10. Who wants to go? Give John a call so he can plan. Probably will leave after the regular Rotary meeting. Car pool if you can.

Other events: Rotary Night at the hockey park in Kent on January 23. Centennial celebration for Seattle 4 on March 5. Bill Gates III will speak. (Google assures me that that number III is the rich Bill Gates.) $90 for dinner! I bet Bill doesn’t have to pay. This is how the rich get richer.

The Sergeant had a tough time finding the criminally liable. Fitz said he had a small cancer removed from his face but he had clearly been in a fight and was too modest to tell us about the other guy. Roger M. spoke up at the wrong time and paid the penalty. Pam admitted she had never been fined and happily offered the first of what will be many dollar bills in the future. Steve celebrated the 90^th (!) birthday of his father last weekend. John Abbott celebrated just being back home.

Jay Fiske capped the feeling of most when he remarked that that today America again transfers political power from one administration to another. No matter what party you prefer, peaceful transition is another difference between America and most other countries. We face significant problems in the country and the world and need to have our president, whomever he is, to be successful. The election of a black president is historic and shows we, as a country, are progressing. Let’s all hope that the “content of his character” will result in a better country for all.

Ken took raffle prize from Susan and then Pam went for the $16 pot and came up short.

Oh, yea. Crimson Chris promised a lot but came up empty handed in the speaker department. He says it will still happen. He is on the verge of a heavy fine but we will give him the benefit of the doubt and give him time to deliver.

Meeting adjourned early at about 8:10 am

Your scribe

Larry L

Next Reporter:
Baaab Russell
January 27