Becky covers Starlight Foundation

The late winter cold and frosty morning welcomed more Woodinville Rotarians and guests than the Old Grange Hall has seen for quite some time. The breakfast lined snaked all the way to the stage! Guests present were George Selg and Kathy Schroeder, representing the Pop Keeney Scoreboard fundraising group, Todd Banks, general manager from Kenmore Air, Scott McGraw, representing the Starlight Foundation, June Bartram guest of Don Fitzpatrick and, finally, Cherry Tinker representing the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation.

George Selg, a previous football player from Bothell High School, presented the program that is being undertaken to raise funds for a new scoreboard at the Pop Keeney football field. The current board is 23 years old. The goal (pun intended) is to dress up the stadium and inspire students by giving them public recognition, regardless of whether or not they are involved in sports. Principal Vicki noted that all three high schools have leadership classes and they will be putting together the information that will go on the board; it will be a great opportunity for the business and marketing students.

The board will be the first in the state that has this video technology. There are no Northshore School District funds involved in the project; it is all privately funded with levels of $10,000 (Gold), $5,000 (Silver) and $1,000 - $5,000 (Bronze). $105,000 has been raised since August with the fund drive closing at the end of February. Construction will start in April and the board should be ready for play by fall.

George provided an update on Miles Anderson, the recipient of the Pride Family scholarship monitored by our club. Miles is studying Landscape Architecture at WSU and is pulling straight A’s. He extends his appreciation again for the scholarship.

Mr. Steve McGraw, Executive Director of Starlight Children’s Foundation, gave a presentation about the Foundation which reaches “into the lives of children and their families when they are dealing with devastating illness”. He noted that the Foundation is different from many organizations in that the Starlight Foundation focuses on the social and emotional impact of catastrophic illness and that the assistance to children and families is long term during the time that they are dealing with some of the “most challenging and darkest moments of their lives”.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation is an important partner to the hospitals and is present in every pediatric hospital in the state. Very few staff members are employed; the operations are handled primarily by volunteers. Individuals or groups who want to be involved can visit the website at www.starlight-washington.org. Mr. McGraw encouraged our participation in a great organization.

Moving on to other items; our lovely Exchange Student – Francia – elected not to go to Tolo this week and instead, went to a movie in Redmond with Susan Webster. She also gamely attended the “50’s party”, graciously hosted by Fitz and June. The rest of the weekend was spent in a sleepover with friend and a trip to the mall. She is intending to take guitar lessons during the second semester.

Snappy took 82 pictures at the Sock Hop. Discussion followed regarding how to get the pictures to the participants of various events. The collective decision was made to publish the pictures on a link to the newsletter; however names will not be published in order to protect privacy.

Prezident Boland and fellow Rotarians welcomed Fred Kempe as an official member of the Woodinville Rotary Club as he received his Red Badge of Courage.

Announcements: District Conference in Victoria, B.C., May 1^st – 3^rd; see Art Haines for details and reservations. Tuesday, February 10^th is “Ski Day” and according to Prez Boland, the timing is “quintessential”. Bring your skis to the morning meeting and plan to depart after breakfast. There will be a special Rotary night for the viewing of our relative, Lucy, at the Pacific Science Center. Tickets are discounted to $15.00. And, finally, Erv DeSmet invited everyone to the Northshore Senior Center to see a presentation by adventuress Helen Thayer, on Sunday, February 15^th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00.

The Sgt at Harms had a field day collecting fines although he did generously give Rorry Dunbar a fine waiver for graduating to a cane, gave recognition to Jay Soloff for being mentioned in the PSBJ for being elected to the Board of Trustees of the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society of Washington (no mention of Woodinville Rotary, however) and a standing ovation was given to June for her incredible decorative talents which were in great evidence at the Sock Hop. Nearly all Rotarians who were present at the Sock Hop were given fines for various infractions from “wallflowering” (Tana Baumler), drinking (Gary Whitsell), tattle tailing (Fitz) to flirting (Johnstone). The list goes on extensively, however it is notable to this reporter that Principal Puckett received nary a citation. A standing ovation was given to Fitz and June for an outstanding 5^th Tuesday social event. We are now looking for ideas for March 31^st Fifth Tuesday Social ideas . . . with the suggestion being made to “go back to Don’s”.

President Boland gave his report on his attendance at the President’s Luncheon, with special comments regarding Having Fun is Serious Business and Roger Martindill gave a buck for having had the privilege of seeing our President in a suit.

As no one won the raffle marble, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Ace

Next Reporter:
Jorge Gonzalez
February 10

Sock Hop Photos