Becky covers Wine Trails author

Mostly all of the Rotarians showed up for the breakfast meeting, despite the icy conditions except there were no visiting Rotarians to introduce. There was, however, our guest, Steve Roberts, author of Wine Trails of Washington; an introduction and guidebook to the 12 wine country regions across Washington State. Little did Mr. Roberts know that he was running the risk of preaching to the choir . . . knowing this particular group of Rotaryville members. His presentation was most interesting as he outlined some very interesting facts, not the least of which is that Daryl Eckland looks like Woodinville winemaker Bob Betz.

Mr. Roberts, finding that, remarkably, there was not a guide book to be found, set about discovering and creating 32 different intuitive “wine trails” . . .from Woodinville to Walla Walla and all parts in between. 98% of the grapes for Washington wines come from East of the Mountains (sounds kind of like Modor, doesn’t it?), serving the needs of over 500 bonded wineries, 35% of which are on the West Side of the Mountains.. Of those, 238 are open to the public; it took the author over 8 months to visit all of them – meanwhile keeping his day job. Note: we never did find out what his day job was (is?). The author is self-published, is on his third publishing and has sold over 15,000 copies, three of which Greg Riggs is responsible for. We think Greg was looking for a donation for the Wine'n Shine auction but this reporter has not heard, via the grapevine (pun intended), as to whether or not he was successful.

At any rate, Mr. Roberts is of the opinion that the Washington wine industry is a great “utility player”; that we’re not known for anything “specific” but we are known for varieties. At this point, (at least not yet) Washington does not have a brand image that is known throughout the world although some speculate that we may become known as the Capital of Syrah and, according to the Wall Street Journal, Washington is ground zero for Syrah.

Of the wineries, no one produces more than 100,000 cases and, although we are second to California in terms of production, it is comparable to “Godzilla meets Bambi”. In our state, the wine industry is a two billion dollar industry, employing 17,000 people and hosting 2 million tourists every year. Most encouraging is the fact that wine sales are actually increasing despite the recession.

More information, including opportunities to purchase this book, can be found on WineTrailsnw.com. Coming soon will be Wine Trails of Oregon and Wine Trails of Idaho, which will be a thin book.

Wine Trails Writer Steve Roberts

Sgt prepares

Friend of Birthday Barbie

The meeting was then turned over the Prezident Chris (or he took it over), and introduced a potential member in Alex Racz, whose father had perfect Rotary attendance for 25 years. Alex operates Carbon Connections at Totem Lake and is a Woodinville resident.

Francia did not have a presentation this week as she is busy creating a special presentation for a power point delivery in the coming weeks.

Rorry gave us an auction update, sans cane, including the fact that Don Fitzpatrick always donates at least one item eleven months before the auction date and this year is no exception. We have 12 procurement forms already in and 25 cards have been returned ...we have lots of momentum so let’s keep it going!

Joe Truglio, from Lynnwood, gave an update on Community Service, announcing that 25 people have signed up for the Food Lifeline event on April 11; 21 for the morning and 4 for the afternoon. He also reminded us that the Cascadia Foundation Breakfast is on April 15^th, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Attorney General Rob McKenna will be the speaker, and Andy Woppler, now with Puget Sound Energy, will be emcee. We have 8 Rotarians signed up with room for more. Cost is $35.00

Greg Riggs announced that there is room for one more person at the annual Boy Scout Breakfast at Bear Creek Country Club on March 20^th. If you’re interested in being that person, please email Greg.

John Abbott announced that there will be a second attempt to put together a ski trip on Saturday, March 21^st. If interested, please let John know, and Joe (from Lynnwood) reminds that Lodge Skiing is a wonderful way to go. And, yes, Erv ... there is a TAPAS bar there.

a Larry Leonardson plans to attend CCC function twice! (See left)

Speaking of Erv, the Great (whatever he is . . .I can’t remember) reminded us about the 5^th Tuesday Social, to be held on Tuesday, March 31^st at Redhook Brewery. According to Erv, they also have beer. Moving ever forward . … .there is a Board Meeting at Banner Bank next week (March 17^th) at 9:00 a.m. and Greg Riggs reminded us to be sure to “Fleece Roger”. Mike Visse says that “yes, the donations can be billed to your account” but Roger has to keep track of the IOU’s. John Hughes would like the name of the signmaker (the Fleece Roger sign) as it will save us a lot of money when it comes time to make the signs for Wine’n Shine.

Roger's match is up to 700 dollars
for Rotary Foundation donations

A trio of Happy Birthdays
Rorry	Linda	Bill

March 9^th was Rorry’s birthday, the highlight of his year being a trip to Peru with a medical crew. Rorry did say that “business really sucks but both nostrils are above water” (I’m sorry . .. .but it IS a direct quote). Interestingly enough, Rorry also shares the iconic Barbie’s birthday (he is one year older) and found a Pink Barbie doll duct taped to his windshield. Now, what kind of a creep would do that??

On Valentine’s Day, (surely she gets sick of hearing that), Linda Hendrickson celebrated her birthday, rejoicing in #4 grandchild. She is grateful that all the kids still have jobs and college enrollment is up at Cascadia, so all is well.

Bill Gowin celebrated his birthday on February 10^th, a day that nobody remembered (it was a Rotary Breakfast morning, for Pete’s sake!). Bill has “stopped counting” but says that it was an interesting year and the first grandchild is on the way. He’s spent lots of time golfing in the desert and his youngest son is out of college.

Planning St. Patrick's Day lunch

President Elect and frequent Sgt at Harms Doc Al March told us about his three days of terror at his President Elect Training (PETS) and now he knows everything about Rotary. He enjoyed the whole thing.

MomTana reminded all about the St Patty’s Day luncheon at the Maltby Café on Tuesday, March 17^th at 11:30 ... call Tana if you would like to go.

And, in closing, since no one won the marble, Fitz regaled us with tales of the incredible Hole in One at the Desert Hot Springs course ... 230 yards, Par 3, made with a 3-wood.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ace, Reporter

Max surveyed color of marble ...

Next Reporter:
Al Marsh
March 17