Becky covers Little Bit visit

A whole bunch of intrepid Woodinville Rotarians managed to find their way to the new barn out in Redmond, probably with the help of the little, itty, bitty signs that pointed the way by stating “event”. What’s up with that?? The only one, apparently, not able to find the place was your Trusty Reporter … even Pat Mann our guest from Ft. Meyers, Florida, found it! At any rate, our faithful caterers had the barn spiffed up with hot coffee and hot breakfast at the ready. We were welcomed by the singing of multitudes of Barn Birds (probably Starlings), and the lovely singing voices of our own Rotarians. We welcomed guests Janet Dolan, Scott Parris and Norm Noble.

We were led in the recitation of the Four Way Test and launched into the business portion of our meeting. Prezident Erv reminded us that housing is desperately needed for our Exchange Student for a period of a couple of weeks (August 25^th through mid-September). If you, or anyone you know, have availability, please contact Larry Duffield right away. John Abbott offered his testimony that their family has been involved in the exchange program for three years and have found the students to be bright, polite and helpful. He states that it is a very rewarding experience.

Prez thanked those who have returned their surveys and asked those who have not to take a few minutes, fill it out and return to him next week. They can be anonymous, he says. One thing that has come up, as a result of the surveys, is the desire to have the Classification Talks resume, which will be happening.

We are reminded that we three visitors coming next week; two from the Chamber and one from a local bank. We are to behave.

Our “beloved” Linda Hendrickson presented the current roster of Table Captains for Some Decanted Evening (October 9^th Charity event). We are up to 18 committed table captains, which is excellent. We need a few more, so please sign up. Share the captaining responsibilities if you would like, but sign up (please). The Audience Development Committee (ADC) will be dividing up the membership base and each member will receive a phone call or email from a fellow Rotarian. The purpose of this call is to encourage you to fill your table (tables of 10). You can pay for your guests or they can pay for themselves.

A reminder also to continue to procure items; it would be great if everyone could shoot for the end of July to get your procurement completed and done. Rorry would be very, very happy. There is a list on the web site that will show what has already been procured and from whom. Check it out: http://wrc.maestroweb.com.

Wearing the Sash of Honor (that was really matchy, matchy with his shirt), Chris Boland struck as Sergeant at Harms. With great grace, he offered our visitor from Florida a Universal Fine Waiver card. As Mr. Mann has not missed a meeting in 35 YEARS (an incredible accomplishment by any standard), he probably never has a fine, either. But, nice gesture, Sarg.

Janet Dolan had Happy Dollars (five of them) for the miracle worker that has helped her with the healing of her shoulder. Linda Hendrickson offered Happy Dollars in appreciation for the fabulous “Around the World” dinner that she attended and which was hosted and prepared by the Greenwoods, the Gonzalez’, the Ecklands and the Duffields. It was an auction item and a fabulous evening. Good thing to buy at the auction this fall. …

Andrea told us about her Super Summer Trip with 60 other exchange students from all over the world; best trip she’s ever done and it included San Francisco, Los Angeles, Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas (I think). She offered a very heartfelt and gracious “thank you” to the Woodinville Rotary Club for funding the trip; it would not have been possible for her to go otherwise. Next Monday, with mixed emotions, she will say goodbye to her friends in America and hello to her family and friends in Switzerland. She was hoping to stay in Washington a few more months so she could “experience real summer here”.

                                                  Program
     Introducing our guest speakers, Greg Riggs explained that Gary Whitsell had hosted a gathering of past Rotary presidents, wherein the need for a major, multi-year project was discussed. Previous projects have been the Wilmot Gateway Park and the Rotary Skate Park. Being involved in these projects brings the Club together and is a source of great pride for the members. There is currently a variety of projects being discussed, one of which is Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Stables and hence, the introduction of executive director Kathy Alm.
     Kathy gave a brief history of the riding stables, beginning with its creator, Margaret Dunlap. The goal is to improve the body, mind and spirit of those who face disabilities through learning to ride horses. The project was started in 1976 with four riders, two horses and one instructor. Today, Little Bit serves 200 children and adults each week with the help of 400 volunteers. There are over 200 on the waiting list and the wait is over two years. There is a range of disabilities but the largest (and growing) is autism.
    Kathy introduced Sally Gregg, Vice President of the Little Bit Board, who gave us background on the long and difficult discussions around expanding Little Bit.

Director Kathy Alm

It was a huge decision to acquire the current property and it was done so in order to accommodate the waiting list. The search took place over two years and there were many obstacles; wetland restrictions, size, cost, location, etc. The Board is very committed to moving this project forward despite the challenges of fund raising. 8.5 million has been raised however there is a remainder of 2.5 million that needs to be raised.

In terms of future plans, the barn is the therapeutic riding stable, there are 40 paddocks, which is double the number of the current 20. Upon completion of the phased development, the Center should be able to serve 500 clients per week thus reducing the waiting list to approximately 6 months. There are some septic issues right now and Bear Creek runs through the property so there are, of course, some wetlands issues. Little Bit will continue with the original site, hoping for it to become a training and research facility. You can learn more about Little Bit Riding Center at www.littlebit.org.

Kathy closed the presentation by stating the Little Bit has a great deal of respect for the Woodinville Rotary Club and the commitment to service. Over the years, WRC has given multiple gifts to Little Bit and was one of the first organizations to step up, financially, when the capital campaign was begun for the new property. It has been a “wonderful simpatico over the years”.

Meeting adjourned.

Swiss exchange student Andrea -- at her first meeting last September and her final visit July 13

Next Reporter:

July 20 - Larry Leonardson