Erv covers Cascadia college presentations

After our flag salute and invocation, we had a rousing rendition of the song “Puttin’ On the Ritz.” The significance of that tune was later made clear by Maltby Bill, our Wine’n Shine administrative guru.

Dr. Bill Christopher, President of Cascadia Community College, gave a very interesting report on the status of Cascadia. He talked about current enrollment and new construction projects. He also discussed the possible impact of Bellevue Community College seeking to be a four (4) year college. He mentioned other ideas of other communities, and he said that there is a need to have a common vision on where we are going with higher education in this area.

Mea Pen is a scholarship recipient originally from Cambodia. She is a freshman at Cascadia College. She told the Club about her studies and how much she appreciates the scholarship. (Mea ingratiated herself with member Rebecca “Ace” Clark offering a plug for Mea’s employment at Brittany Park.)

Another scholarship recipient is Tiffany Patterson. She is an Inglemoor grad, and she is studying English and Math working toward a major in psychology. She also thanked the Club for the help she is getting from her scholarship. (She clearly is a fashion maven.)

Treasurer Steve Dolan presented a Northshore Scholarship Foundation check in the amount of $5,000 to Linda Hendrickson which represented additional money for Cascadia scholarships for 2009-10.

Cascadia Community College President Bill Christopher received $5,000 check from Northshore Scholarship Foundation treasurer Steve Dolan to cover scholarships for students enrolling for 2009-10.

Sharing their college experience with us Feb. 24 were Tiffany Patterson, recipient of the Les & Vista Anderson tuition assistance grant, and Mea Pen, recipient of the 2008-09 Woodinville Rotary Club scholarship offered at the college.

Both scholarships are renewable for the next academic year and the club will again sponsor a $2000 scholarship for an incoming student at Cascadia in the fall.

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the 2009 Wine N’ Shine charity event. Bill Schink discussed the materials that were distributed in the packets on our tables. There were tips on how to procure items for this year’s charity event. The materials handed out included a list of past items that had raised good money. There were three (3) commitment cards included in the packet, and Club members were asked to write down an item on each of the blue cards which they would then commit to procure for the upcoming charity event. (Bring to Tuesday’s meeting and win a prize).

Morrie, our Assistant District Governor, reported on various aspects of the district, including membership and activities. There are currently about 3,400 members in our district. He indicated that on February 25, 2009, there would be an after-hours social for members of our district. (Auburn, anyone?)

Joe Truglio reported on community service activities. He mentioned the weekend activities at Food Lifeline where about 26 volunteers repacked over 8,000 pounds of Frosted Flakes that provided 2,560 meals.

Joe also mentioned that currently there are 28 people signed up for the January, 2010
Caribbean fund-raising cruise.

Erv DeSmet made a short announcement about the upcoming GGWAS event which will occur this Earth Day, April 22, 2009 at the Monte Villa Farmhouse, featuring fine Woodinville wines and the possible release of the famed, long-anticipated 2007 vintage of Reckonyard Gold pinot noir from our very own Grace Town Vineyards.

After the meeting, and out of earshot from the members, Terry Jarvis announced that a barrel tasting would be conducted soon of the 2008 vintage of Reckonyard, presently aging at a prominent Woodinville cellar.

With regard to raffle news, Charlie Russell went for the white marble but was unsuccessful.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 24^th day of February, 2009.

Ervin A. DeSmet

Rotary Newsletter Reporter

Sorry Charlie

Next Reporter:
Eric Greenwood
March 3