Seattle 4 Rotary Meeting on August 24th

Posted by Paul Casey
President Beth Knox called Seattle Rotary Club #4 to order at 12:30 pm Wednesday, August 24, 2022.  The meeting was held via Zoom.  President Beth first acknowledged all indigenous people who were the original settlers.  She reminded Rotarians that Seattle Rotary is the 4th oldest Rotary Club in the world and the largest in our region.
 
President Beth introduced Rabbi Daniel Weiner with the Inspiration of the Day.  Rabbi Weiner said awareness is the key to understanding other people and their circumstances: awareness to taking care of people less fortunate; awareness to responding to needs unmet; and awareness to seek out those who need the most help.  May it be so.
 
President Beth asked Mary Goldie to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests. 
Seattle 4 Rotary Meeting on August 24th Paul Casey 2022-08-26 07:00:00Z 0

New Member Introduction: Brad Barber

Posted by Joe Phillips
 
Brad grew up in the Philadelphia area and after high school joined the Navy, where his first assignment was to the Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC, with his first ship assignment being the nuclear-powered USS George Washington.
 
After finishing his six-year tour of duty with the Navy in 2007, Brad decided to relocate to Seattle because he liked the outdoors and saw this as a region of opportunity not to mention one with a cool vibe.
New Member Introduction: Brad Barber Joe Phillips 2022-07-28 07:00:00Z 0

Featured Speaker: Mat Chacon, Shooting from the Front Lines

Posted by Paul Casey

 

President Beth Knox called Seattle Rotary Club #4  to order at 12:30 pm Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The meeting was held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle and via Zoom.

President Beth first acknowledged all indigenous people who were the original settlers on the land where this meeting was taking place.  

She said that last year, President Jimmy’s theme for Rotarians was to “Inspire Hope”.

Our theme this year will be to “Step Up”. Actions make us feel empowered and stronger.

Featured Speaker: Mat Chacon, Shooting from the Front Lines Paul Casey 2022-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

New Member Spotlight: Harisa Paco

By Ken Grant

It is my honor to introduce new Seattle 4 Rotarian, Harisa Paco. Harisa is a Certified Care Manager at Ageing Wisdom, working alongside fellow Rotarian Lisa Mayfield.  

Harisa was born in Bosnia during the midst of the war, fleeing to refugee camps with her family at the age of one. The family was eventually able to make their way to Croatia then the United States in 1993 after being sponsored by Edmonds Methodist Church. After being one of if not the first family to arrive in the US as Bosnian refugees, the family settled in Edmonds. 

New Member Spotlight: Harisa Paco Ken Grant 2022-05-11 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Supports Ukrainian Refugees & Women Rotary Leaders

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Mar 17, 2022
President Jimmy called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., in-person at the Westin and on Zoom.  Song leader Raymond Tymas-Jones accompanied by Ryan Bunbury led Rotarians in a St. Patrick’s Day favorite, When Irish Eyes are Smiling; and followed by Bill Center with the day’s inspiration focused on the plight of Ukrainian refugees caught up since 2/24 in Putin’s   unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.  In context with the recent ‘cold open’ where two cast members introduced the Ukrainian Chorus who then performed their anthem followed by the familiar intro, ‘live from New York’ it was Saturday Night’.   Ukraine has a deep, rich tradition of choral music.   “On this occasion, the performance brought me to tears,” Bill said.  “It's even more moving once you know the words of the prayer – so wise – selfless – and humble”.
Rotary Supports Ukrainian Refugees & Women Rotary Leaders Pete DeLaunay 2022-03-17 07:00:00Z 0

Viets for Afghans 

Posted by Paul Casey on Mar 09, 2022
President Jimmy Collins called Seattle Rotary Club #4 to order at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, March 09, 2022. The meeting was broadcast via Zoom only.  
 
President Jimmy reiterated the Rotary’s mission is to develop strong relationships, welcome diversity and advocate for different points of view. He updated the Rotary Club on the status of the Invictus Games coming to Seattle in 2025. President Jimmy said there is stiff competition, but he believes that our local representatives have made a very strong case for having the games in Seattle.  
 
President Jimmy introduced Linda Rough & Jevon Powell with the song of the day: “Try a Little Kindness.” Rough & Jevon took some creative liberty by injecting Rotary into the lyrics.  Trish Bostrom provided Rotarians with the Inspiration for the Day. Trish spoke of the grave concerns she has about Ukraine.  She referenced the two million-plus refugees who are suddenly without a home and suggested that Rotarians do everything humanly possible to help the people of Ukraine in their time of need.  
 
Nyasha Tunduwani, thanked Fiona Ronyai for all her work saying how effective she was in recruiting new Rotarians. Fiona will be joining her husband in expanding their business on Bainbridge Island.  
 
President Jimmy asked Joe Phillips to introduce the newest Seattle Rotary Club member:  Robert Gilmore, Wealth Manager. Robert grew up in Texas but found his way to Seattle in 2011. Welcome, Robert.
 
President Jimmy introduced Rear Admiral and former Rotarian president, Bill Center.  Bill led a Memorial for Admiral Tom Hayward who recently passed away. Admiral Hayward joined the Navy as a fighter pilot. He flew 140 combat missions in Korea and 36 combat missions over Vietnam. He became the Chief of Naval Operations.  Bill said that Admiral Hayward helped build back the Navy after neglect had set in after the two major wars. Upon his retirement, he dedicated his life to helping at-risk students. Admiral Hayward had been a member of Rotary since 1970. President Jimmy asked for a moment of silence in honor of the life of Admiral Hayward.  Watch a VIDEO of Admiral Tom Haywards life. 
 
Admiral Center was deeply involved with Ukraine when it was transitioning towards independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.  Many Ukrainians wanted to keep their nuclear missiles as a future bargaining chip. The response at that time was not to be concerned because western alliances would step up and help Ukrainians if future conflicts arose. Admiral Center said that he believes that disputes like we are seeing right now, will continue because we don’t learn from history. Admiral Center said he believes this conflict will be a protracted one. He shared four possible scenarios of how this occupation may turn out.  
 
President Jimmy thanked Admiral Center for the wonderful tribute to Tom Hayward and the summary of the conflict in Ukraine. He then introduced Jerilyn Brusseau.
 
Jerilyn introduced the main program speakers.  Uyen Nguyen and Thanh Tan fled Vietnam with their families at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. In demonstrating their appreciation for Washington’s legacy in finding homes for refugees, they formed a group called: Viets for Afghans.

 
Viets for Afghans Paul Casey 2022-03-09 08:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Robert Gilmore

Posted by Joe Phillips on Mar 09, 2022
It is my honor to introduce our newest member, Robert Gilmore.  Robert is Senior Wealth Manager at Trutina Financial. His classification is Financial Advising and Wealth Management, and his membership has been sponsored by Terry Van Nostrand.
 
Robert grew up in the Dallas area and attended Southern Methodist University, where he played on the football team and earned degrees in finance and English.
 
Robert started his career in finance as a derivatives analyst for Bank of America in New York and Charlotte.  How he ended up at Bank of America is a tale of serendipity.  One day he was walking across campus after football practice and ran into a gentleman who could not find his parked car, which Robert of course assisted him with finding.  Turns out this person was recruiting SMU students for Bank of America at a career fair and wondered why Robert was not at the fair, which naturally had something to do with football practice.  One thing led to another and after graduation, Robert was working with Bank of America in NYC in derivatives.
 
Problem was, after four years with Bank of America the Great Recession came along and delivered a knockout blow to derivatives trading.  Robert had to pivot and decided to get into personal financial planning.  He headed back to Texas and took a position with USAA.  Experiencing some challenges with its Seattle operations, USAA transferred him here in 2011 to help get their Seattle region back on track, which he did by 2017 when he transitioned to Charles Schwab to work as a financial consultant.  In 2020, he started with Trutina, where his clients are small business owners who he assists with wealth management and retirement planning services.
 
Robert met his wife, Heidi, here in Seattle where she is a nurse with UW Medicine.  They have two children, Robert III who is four, and Celina who is two.  Between family and the office, Robert is more than fully employed!  And if any of you are looking for an impossible task, then you can take on the challenge of converting Robert from a Cowboy fan into a Twelve.
 
Please join me in welcoming our newest member, Robert Gilmore!
Meet New Member Robert Gilmore Joe Phillips 2022-03-09 08:00:00Z 0

How "Gracenotes" Build Relationships and Goodwill

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Jan 06, 2022
Andrea Driessen’s TedX talk went viral one day after she described how Gracenotes engage the recipient and writer in meaningful ways; and how a simple note can help organizations and individuals be more effective, resilient, and empathetic.  Although a Gracenote is a euphemism for ‘thank you note’, these simple communications can have long-lasting benefits.
 
“Why do we wait so long to talk about someone until they have died?” she began. “How do we honor those who are very much alive?”.  She described how her dad reacted when she wrote his “living eulogy” as a repeatable tool for love and gratitude.
 
“We underestimate the impact of a Gracenote on the giver as well as the receiver,” she said. “Send a Gracenote to yourself via snail mail to gauge how your perspective changes…just the sense of holding the note as a receiver.”   A Gracenote can be a written note, video, photo collage, PowerPoint deck…the medium, she continued, doesn’t’ matter as much as the doing.
How "Gracenotes" Build Relationships and Goodwill Pete DeLaunay 2022-01-06 08:00:00Z 0

Duwamish River Coalition Aims to Remedy Years of River Abuse

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Dec 15, 2021
According to BJ Cummings, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition founder and community engagement manager for the UW Superfund Research Program, expansion of the Port of Seattle and the need for industrial land reduced the 12-mile Duwamish Watershed, from a river teaming with sea life into a five-mile-long shipping canal.  She described how a decades-long ‘call to action’ for future decisions about the Duwamish River is finally well underway.

“After 25 years of working on the Duwamish River, I’ve become a river junkie with the river deep into my heart, as our waterways tell us something about who we are,” she began, “and how the river is a reflection of Seattle’s history.” 
Duwamish River Coalition Aims to Remedy Years of River Abuse Pete DeLaunay 2021-12-15 08:00:00Z 0

Igniting Creativity, Fueling Discovery, and Enriching Lives through Glass and Glassmaking 

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Nov 17, 2021
Virginia McKenzie kicked off the meeting, leading us in song with Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head that featured cameos from the Rotary Music Committee members with their umbrellas, and Jaime Mendez inspired us.
 
Our member Jon Scholes of the Downtown Seattle Association provided an update on the state of downtown, especially after the recent election.  He said that “the recovery of downtown was on the ballot” and that there is now a new optimism based on the results.  People often ask him, what they can to do help downtown recover, so one answer is to “show up” and attend events eat out, etc.  He also asked any employers to let him know if your business is planning to reopen their downtown office so that it can be recognized.  President Jimmy thanked the official “cheerleader in chief of downtown.”
 
Virginia McKenzie announced the launch of a new, issue-driven Rotary club, the Pacific Northwest Rotary Club on Sex Trafficking.  Since our club is her new club’s official sponsor, she encouraged us to engage with them which could include taking part in one of their service projects.
 
Steven Shaw then introduced Deborah Lenk, the executive director of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma who gave an overview of this gem in our backyard and what it provides for the community and region, which was followed by her introduction to our main speaker, Preston Singletary
 
Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight, is the unique solo traveling exhibition on display at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma that tells the Tlingit origin story of Raven and his transformation of the world - bringing light to people via the stars, moon, and sun.  Raven leads visitors on a journey through the transformation of darkness into light.  Deborah announced that the next stop for the show will be at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian for a year starting in January!
Igniting Creativity, Fueling Discovery, and Enriching Lives through Glass and Glassmaking Dann Mead Smith 2021-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

Veterans Day Honors Those Who Serve Honorably

Posted by Pete DeLaunay
President Jimmy called the special Veterans Day meeting to order promptly at 12:30 p.m. to “celebrate and thank those who have served the nation in an honorable manner”.   The day’s song was an inspiring video of Joint-Base Lewis McCord-based servicemen and women over a medley of military songs produced at JBLM by the Army First Corps rock band.   
 
Tom Mesaros led the day’s Inspiration with his personal military experience in the Army – not facing danger each day – but well aware of “the risks and selfless acts to ensure our freedom and way of life from a veteran who got more serving than I ever gave”.
 
Rotarian anniversaries were acknowledged with a ‘Top Gun’ themed video, thanks to the talents of our Rotary office, followed by Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (SRSF) co-chair Dave Kraft for a campaign update. “Our goal is to raise $250,000 and as of this morning more than $130,000 has been donated or pledged,” he said.   He described how SRSF key grants have supported programs sponsored by the club’s Community Service Committee for Fare Start, Pike Place Market Food Bank, and Wellspring Family Services.  SRSF funding supports the club’s Business Mentor committee to mentor UW students and local businesses, and supports the Rotary Boys & Girls club with grants to expand nutrition to three meals a day, and air purifiers.  “These grants and their impact would not be possible without the donations of our members,” he said. “What we do as Rotarians and ongoing support of the annual campaign does make a difference”.  SRSF committee member Alvaro Jimenez concluded by saying “we are making a significant contribution to our community and making a positive impact even greater by contributing more”.   President Jimmy reminded Rotarians that membership includes an agreement to make an annual contribution to fuel grants for the good works we fund through SRSF.
 
As a retired Army Major General, President Jimmy asked fellow Army veteran and Rotarian Matt LeMaster to join retired Navy Rear Admiral, Bill Center in a discussion about Veterans Day.  “For military leaders, their success is based on the teams they develop,” president Jimmy said, “and that humility is a trait that is expected of senior military leaders.  I don’t know much about humility, but I’ve noticed those who have it don’t talk about it that much”. 
 
Army veteran and Rotarian Matt LeMaster introduced past Rotary president and Rear Admiral (ret.) Bill Center as a Naval Academy grad who rose to rear admiral and flag officer during 35 years in the Navy, and in 2020 he was named UW Distinguished Alumni Veteran.   
 
“I knew pretty early in my life that a military career in my future,” Bill said. “Victory at Sea with great Richard Rogers music and history of the Navy during WWII inspired me to someday be the Captain of a cruiser.  The day I graduated from high school I went out and enlisted in the Navy.”  Bill’s trajectory in the Navy took him to places he’d never seen and finally to that of a Naval engineer and National Security Policy planning.  
 
Matt LeMaster was an Army engineer before turning to a career as a trial lawyer.  “Each path in the military was a wonderful experience,” he said, “describing how his nephew is entering the service as an infantry officer calling from WSU with his assignment.”
 
At the 14-year point in his career, Bill was assigned to be a chief engineer on the aircraft carrier MIDWAY.  He was not excited about the assignment and could have resigned in protest, but as it turned out he would have “never become an admiral without that assignment”.   He said his wife would never let him leave the Navy as “she was worried about his ability to make a living in another line of work”.  
Promoted to admiral Bill found himself working on arms control operations around the world, including four years at the Joint Chiefs of Staff working on some “thorny problems” for the likes of recently deceased General Colin Powell and General Barry McCaffery. “General Powell was an incredible human being,” he said, “and it sad to see him pass.  
 
Bill lamented how the military community is somewhat isolated from the general population, and the “all-volunteer force is a huge success as we are now attracting extraordinary people in the military”.  He said a growing lack of understanding between the military and civilian segments is “not good for society or democracy.  We need a military that is part of the society as a whole”.
 
Admiral Center concluded with his reaction to those who spontaneously thank him for his service, whether in uniform or just wearing Navy gear. “People started saying ‘thank you for your service’ about 20 years ago after Desert Storm and the 9/11 attacks,” he said, “and now I say thank you by asking them to help a wounded warrior or homeless veteran.”    
Bill and Matt said Veterans Day can be celebrated with a parade or somber reflection at a veteran’s cemetery. “There are a lot of people who want to divide us,” Matt said, “but we are a great country and Veterans Day is a day to lock arms and celebrate each other and service to our nation”.  
 
President Jimmy concluded by saying “Seattle #4 values military service to our nation”.  He thanked past Rotary president Admiral Bill Center and Rotarian Matt LeMaster for their remarks.  
Rotarians won’t want to miss next week’s program, the Tacoma Museum of Glass story, as a world-class facility promoting glass art.   He recognized all military branches, including the Space Force, and paid tribute to all who have served the nation.   He concluded by asking Rotarians to seek out someone in their life and thank them for their military service. 
 
Rotarians inspire hope. 
Veterans Day Honors Those Who Serve Honorably Pete DeLaunay 2021-11-11 08:00:00Z 0

Education in Afghanistan:  Challenging on Many Levels

Posted by Pete DeLaunay

President Jimmy opened the Zoom session promptly at 12:30, asking Rotarians to save Wednesday evening, December 15, for the Seattle Rotary Holiday Party featuring the Rotary Rogues and other surprises.  The day’s song, I Am Woman, was led by Linda Rough accompanied by Jevon Powell, and followed by Nancy Cahill for the day’s inspiration -- still searching for the rule of law among all nations…find the wisdom as a nation to help the Afghan people.

John Steckler, of the membership engagement committee, directed the November member spotlight on Don Root, Chairman of the Board, GM Nameplate  https://gmnameplate.com/company/overview, who joined Seattle #4 in 1980.  Early on, Don embraced a work ethic, love for community involvement, and started working in his dad’s Hoquiam building materials store.  Don had enough of that, so he attended the UW where he graduated with a degree in business. He married his UW sweetheart – a bond that has endured 58 years.   Don joined GM Nameplate in 1960 as a sales person selling nameplates for consumer goods, medical and other electronic devices.   Don’s four sons joined the family business, and now manage divisions of a company that has grown to more than 1,000 employees. Don showed off some of GM Nameplate’s ‘parts’ for Lincoln, Corvette, Boeing, a steering wheel for Ford, and even calculators for Hewlett-Packard.    
Education in Afghanistan: Challenging on Many Levels Pete DeLaunay 2021-11-04 07:00:00Z 0

Diplomacy Day Offers Perspectives on Trade and Value of  'One' North America

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Oct 27, 2021
President Jimmy called the meeting to order promptly at 12:30 pm with two items of breaking news: Rachele Bouchand is the Rotary District 5030 Governor designee; and how our weekly meetings will continue as ‘Zoom sessions’ through December. He acknowledged attending diplomats and guests by name – recognized several diplomats that are posted here in Seattle.  Officers of the Consular Association of Washington were introduced, and U.S. Department of Commerce officials were in attendance for the Seattle Rotary  Diplomacy Roundtable’s 6th Diplomacy Day.    
 
He then introduced Chris Bostrom to lead the day’s anthem, ‘God Bless America’, followed by Rabbi Daniel Weiner with the day’s inspiration about the value of diplomacy for a common good; and “making a point without making an enemy”.
 
Seattle Rotary Service Foundation Chair, Dave Kraft, and SRSF annual fundraising chair Jon Bridge officially kicked off the 2022 campaign asking Rotarians to ‘step up’ with their tax-deductible donations.
The amount raised during the campaign determines the number and amount of grants. “This year the SRSF funded 30 different grants, having raised $231,000,” Dave said.  “This year’s goal is $250,000 with more than $101,000 already raised or pledged from the board and others.”  SRSF is awarding fine bottles of fine wine to those who donate at the Pinkham & Steele level ($1000) and early contributors.
For more information about SRSF grants review the annual report on the website. Jon Bridge said all members will receive an email asking for their donation or pledge to the SRSF and Rotary International.  Rotarians can donate online in one payment or monthly or send a check to the Rotary office.  Jon concluded by saying, “If you act now you won’t have to worry about us bugging you!”.    
 
President Jimmy said the work of the Seattle #4 Rotary International Service Committee is funded by the SRSF.  He asked fellow Rotarian and committee member, Alicia Flatt, for an overview.  She said the committee works to inform members about our foundation and Rotary International’s work around the world. “During the past five years the committee has sponsored 37 grants and projects,” she said, “as members are involved in a number of projects,”   She said the committee meets nine times a year via Zoom; and encourages members to get more involved by joining the International Service Committee.
 
President Jimmy asked Diplomacy Roundtable Co-Chair, Skip Rowland, to welcome guests for the Seattle Rotary’s 6th Diplomacy Day, focused on North American trade and the benefits of the U.S. Mexico-Canda Agreement (USMCA). Skip said the ‘soft power of diplomacy will enhance our quality of life as we prepare to open borders on December 8”.
 
David Woodward, Co-Chair of the Diplomacy Roundtable introduced the following three panelists: Héctor Iván Godoy Priske, Consul of Mexico in Seattle;  Jérôme Pischella, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at Consulate General of Canada in Seattle; and Alex Tercero Chacón, Mexico Desk Officer at U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC. 
Diplomacy Day Offers Perspectives on Trade and Value of 'One' North America Pete DeLaunay 2021-10-27 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Meeting Report

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Oct 20, 2021
President Jimmy opened the zoom meeting by introducing “two remarkable friends,” Bill Center and Todd Summerfelt, who led us in “You Got a Friend in Me.”  Trish Bostrom inspired us with her thoughts that were based on today’s program of opening doors for African Americans in the corporate world.
 
Jane Pryor introduced us to our new member Dr. Catherine Darley who has her own sleep medicine practice, The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine. She focuses on sleep advocacy and education and is also involved with Groundswell NW and WA Women’s Foundation. 
 
Futurist Richard Yonck started his short program with an overview video on “how we can explore the future.”  He said futurists like him don’t predict the future but instead “explore possible futures.”  They want to “work toward the preferred future.”  Some issues he addressed included:
  • The future is so much more than new technologies; what about the people, the planet, us?
  • We should learn and get informed about ways to realize the future we prefer; what kind of world do you want to live in?
  • The future is too complex to have one assumption, we want to have as many different perspectives as all of us create the future; it should be a group effort.
He concluded by wishing us “the future that you prefer.”
 
Our main program was introduced by our past president Karl Ege of Perkins Coie.  He introduced us to the Black Boardroom Initiative and set the stage for the need for more diversity on corporate boards.
Rotary Meeting Report Dann Mead Smith 2021-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Catherine Darley

Please welcome Dr. Catherine Darley, classification Health Care, to the Rotary Club of Seattle. Catherine was proposed by Liz McGrath and seconded by Carl Behnke.
 
A Shoreline native, Catherine graduated from Shorewood High School’s honors program and attended The Evergreen State College in Olympia. At Evergreen, Catherine discovered an interest in sleep medicine after participating in two sleep study research projects. After earning a dual bachelor’s of science and bachelor’s of arts degree at Evergreen, Catherine was offered a research assistant position at Brown University as a result of her research, where she remained for the next two-plus years.
 
Although Catherine liked doing medical research, she wanted to care for patients more. She returned to the Northwest to attend Bastyr University in Kenmore, where she earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine. Dr. Darley opened her medical practice, the Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine, in 2007.
Meet New Member Catherine Darley Jane Pryor 2021-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle Mayoral Candidates Have Different Points of View

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Oct 13, 2021
President Jimmy opened the meeting at noon in deference to the day’s lengthy program.  He invited Linda Rough for the day’s song, ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ accompanied by Jevon Powell; and followed by Nick Anderson for the day’s inspiration, ‘while we may share the same vocabulary many times we read from a different dictionary’. 
 
President Jimmy said Seattle 4 has a rich history of providing a forum for candidates for office, as the future economic vitality of our community depends on key leadership.  He asked members to submit their questions in the chatbox, and then introduced Mark Wright, KING-TV news anchor and past Seattle #4 president to interview Mayoral candidates, Bruce Harrell and M. Lorena Gonzalez, separately as schedules did not permit them to appear together.   For the purposes of this article, responses were grouped together by topic. 
 
Bruce Harrell began his remarks by focusing on his Seattle roots, from honor student at Garfield High School to being mentored at the Rotary Boys & Girls Club and playing football at the UW.  He said Quincy Jones introduced his mom & dad at Garfield and that Quincy is honorary chair of the Garfield High School centennial. “While on the city council I created a $100M rainy day fund, increased accountability at City Light, and worked with Seattle Police to increase bias training to prevent racial profiling and put cameras on officers and passed fair employment legislation.  As Mayor, I am looking forward to leading as this is one of the most important elections of our time.”
 
Lorena Gonzalez said she “Won’t apologize for being a staunch advocate for working families.  I built my career on fighting on behalf of working families. As a former migrant worker who worked her way through school, "we are dealing with an intersection of crisis from the pandemic to the economic recession,” she said. “My own husband spent half the year on the unemployment rolls.  I want to be a mayor who supports the people of the city instead of a few powerful interests that have controlled the city for many years.  Small donations are made by working people and small business owners.  As Mayor, I will make policy choices that will benefit working people in the city.
Seattle Mayoral Candidates Have Different Points of View Pete DeLaunay 2021-10-13 07:00:00Z 0

Member Spotlight - Laurie Black

Posted by John Steckler
As professionals, whether we are in the Non-Profit or the For-Profit field, many of us ask ourselves a similar question:
I know when my career started, but when does it end? Does it end when I retire? For many of us, the answer is, no.
 
Our Spotlight Member of the Month for October is a great example of a professional whose career defiantly did not stop when she retired and in fact, it flourished. Her name is Laurie Black and Laurie is categorized as an Achiever member of 0 to 5 years.  As a relatively new member, she is a great example of the type of new member we want to attract to join our club as we grow for the future. Let me tell you, her story.
Member Spotlight - Laurie Black John Steckler 2021-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

Governor Evans' Reflections of a Distinguished Career

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Oct 06, 2021
President Jimmy called the Zoom meeting to order promptly at 12:30.  He introduced Don Murphy accompanied by Freeman Fong leading Rotarians in the day’s anthem,  Star-Spangled Banner, followed by Faith Ireland for the day’s inspiration that focused on Governor Evans as a leader in education, public policy, and for all he has done in his long distinguished career.  
 
John Steckler of the club’s member engagement team provided the month’s member spotlight on new club member Laurie Black, her career with Nordstrom that included various managerial posts including as president of 50 Nordstrom RACK stores where she grew sales to more than $1B.   She retired from Nordstrom to join many volunteer non-profit boards, including 34 Boys & Girls Clubs in King County; where she now serves as CEO.  Nordstrom awarded her the Blake Nordstrom Public Service Award for her public service work.  Laurie represents the Nordstrom way ‘Whatever it takes.' 
 
President Jimmy introduced seasoned journalist and former Puget Sound Business Journal publisher, Mike Flynn, who moderated an interview with former Governor, U.S. Senator, and college president Dan Evans with his wife of 62 years, Nancy.  
 
Washington state historians will remember the 1964 election when Democrats won in a landslide when relatively unknown Daniel J. Evans was elected Governor; defeating popular Governor Al Rossellini who was running for a third term.   
 
“I spent 14 months getting to know the state and letting people get to know me mainly because a previous poll before the election revealed that I ran six out of six candidates,” Governor Evans said,” but I figured it was time for someone new and  the state’s voters agreed.”
Governor Evans' Reflections of a Distinguished Career Pete DeLaunay 2021-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Alex Liatsis

Posted by Jane Pryor on Sep 22, 2021
 I would like to welcome Alexander Liatsis as a new Young Rotary Leader, classification Real Estate. Alex’s proposer is Jeff Pyatt; his seconder is Mark Davis.
 
 Alex holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Canada. He was born in Toronto and earned his undergraduate degree in History and Political Science at Bishop’s University near Montreal, Quebec. A self-described history nerd with a strong interest in the Middle East, Alex earned a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University. Attending graduate school in Israel not only gave Alex the chance to study the region intensely and learn about the myriad issues at play there, but it’s also where he met his then-girlfriend, Madelaine Pyatt.
 
 After graduation, Alex returned to Canada, where he worked in PR in communications in Toronto, Ontario in stakeholder engagement projects across the province, including police reform and intercommunal bus transportation. However, after a few years apart, Alex and Madelaine rekindled their connection, which prompted his move to Seattle in 2017.
Meet New Member Alex Liatsis Jane Pryor 2021-09-22 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Partners with World Vision and Gates Foundation to Eliminate Malaria

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Sep 22, 2021
For the day’s Zoom session President Jimmy rang the bell promptly at 12:30 pm.  This was followed by Virginia McKenzie and Bill Center for the day’s song  When you’re smiling; and Cathy Gibson for the day’s inspiration.   Jane Pryor introduced new member Alex Liatsis, with the classification of real estate, as a Young Rotary Leader. 
 
The day’s short program featured Robert Bowery and Anne Jannetti of Compass Housing Alliance who described a research project developed in conjunction with the UW School of Nursing: Dementia and Homelessness. Are We Ready?  
 
As Compass Housing Alliance celebrates its centennial year, the organization manages 20 locations across the Puget Sound region, supporting 8,000 families experiencing homelessness every year.  The research project focuses on how best to address the needs of the aging population, starting with those in Compass Housing facilities.  “This is an example of community-based participatory research, managed by the University of Michigan as a national project,” said Ms. Jannetti.  An increasing number of those experiencing homelessness are older, as the objective of the research is to provide assistance to providers about the increasing needs of those with cognitive impairment experiencing homelessness.    
 
President Jimmy then invited Past Seattle 4, President Nancy Osborne, to introduce the day’s featured program about the scourge of malaria and how Rotary has joined with World Vision and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate it.  Nancy who founded Malaria Partners International reflected on more than a decade’s work that brought together Seattle #4, and Rotary Clubs around the world to implement projects aimed at eliminating Malaria.
Rotary Partners with World Vision and Gates Foundation to Eliminate Malaria Pete DeLaunay 2021-09-22 07:00:00Z 0

The Business Side of Seafair During Covid and Beyond 

Posted by Paul Casey on Sep 16, 2021
President Jimmy opened the Seattle #4 Rotary Club meeting on September 15th  at 12:30 P.M., at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle.  He marked the passing of Rotarian Jerry Burtenshaw.  Raymond Jones and Freeman Fong led with God Bless America.   The Inspiration of the Day was read by Joel Paget.  President Jimmy welcomed visiting Rotarians, prospective members, and guests. The Rotarians Anniversary Video was then shown.  Don Kraft was recognized for his Rotarian membership that has spanned 73 years.  He has been a member of the University Rotarians and the Seattle Rotary Club #4.  You read that right: 73 years!
 
Mary Johnstone reported on the Community Service Committee.  Ken Grant introduced Eric Corning, the main speaker of the day. Ken is a member of the Seafair Festival Board of Directors. He said that Eric is one of the pillars in our community. Eric Corning, President, and CEO of Seafair has been in the experience business for over 25 years, producing high-profile public events in Seattle and around Puget Sound.  
The Business Side of Seafair During Covid and Beyond Paul Casey 2021-09-16 07:00:00Z 0

Steve Raible - Voice of The Seahawks Previews Season

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Sep 08, 2021
 
President Jimmy opened the meeting with a remembrance of the 911 attacks on the World Trade Center buildings and Pentagon.  He introduced Music Committee co-chairs Linda Rough and Jevon Powell who performed a Seahawks version of the song of the day,  Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow; followed by Jamie Mendez with the day’s inspiration.
President Jimmy invited Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (SRSF) President Dave Kraft and SRSF Trustee Nick Anderson to announce the launch of the SRSF campaign for the coming year.  SRSF is a companion organization of Seattle #4 that collects and distributes funds in the community to support the service mission of our club.  Last year our club contributed $231,000 to SRSF, with $180,000 to specific grants recommended by our club’s service committees that propose projects to be funded by SRSF trustees who are all members of Seattle #4.   One funded local organization, Choose 180, provides alternatives to incarceration for young people.  Your contributions to SRSF that will launch at the end of October inspire hope.  Visit the Seattle Rotary website or click the link in this week's newsletter to view the SRSF’s Annual Report.  
 
President Jimmy introduced Rotarian, Eric Corning, who introduced the day’s program speaker, Steve Raible as an original Seattle Seahawk and fixture for half a century on KIRO TV  and as ‘Voice of the Seahawks since 2004 to preview the team’s prospects for the coming season.
Steve Raible - Voice of The Seahawks Previews Season Pete DeLaunay 2021-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

Traditional Leadership Cannot Rebuild an Uneven, Siloed America

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Sep 01, 2021
President Jimmy rang the bell promptly at 12:30 in the Westin Hotel’s Cascade Ballroom, followed by the day’s anthem,  America the Beautiful,  led by Cynthia Chirot accompanied by Burr Stewart.  Bill Center delivered the day’s inspiration that took the form of an update about past president Todd Summerfelt’s battle against cancer.  “Cancer is an insidious disease inflicting untold anguish,” Bill said, “as Todd has been grappling with cancer since the first of the year but doing better than expected. "
 
President Jimmy asked past president and KING-TV anchor Mark Wright to introduce and interview the day’s featured speaker, Paul Shoemaker, founding president of Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) (www.socialventurepartners.org), and one of the Northwest’s leading experts on activating social change agents, and how individuals can be the most effective.  His new book, Taking Charge of Change: How Rebuilders Solve Hard Problems (www.paulshoemaker.org/taking-charge-of-change) describes how the social, economic, and health challenges facing America in the 2020s are radically different than those we faced even one generation ago.
Traditional Leadership Cannot Rebuild an Uneven, Siloed America Pete DeLaunay 2021-09-01 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Dr. Yvonne Richards

Posted by Joe Phillips
It is my honor to introduce our newest member,  Dr. Yvonne Richards.  Yvonne is the Director of the Tutoring Center in Covington, WA. Her classification is Education, and her membership has been sponsored by Doug Seto.

 
Meet Dr. Yvonne Richards Joe Phillips 2021-08-25 07:00:00Z 0

A Reckoning as College Athletes Get Compensation from Third Parties

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Aug 25, 2021
President Jimmy calls the meeting to order promptly at 12:30 p.m. followed by the song of the day, “You Are My Sunshine’ led by Trish Bostrom accompanied by her banjo, and the day’s inspiration by Tom Mesaros.
The day’s short program featured Downtown Seattle Association President/CEO and fellow Rotarian Jon Scholes, who provided an overview of the ‘state of downtown’.   He began by thanking Rotary for meeting twice monthly downtown at the Westin, as a vital piece of the renewal and recovery of downtown. “We have turned a corner beginning with a $15M plan to revitalize downtown with additional beautification and events to draw people to the center city,” he said.  For information about the DSA’s collaboration with the City of Seattle, Visit Seattle, and private organizations visit www.loveseatown.com.  He reported some encouraging information: 87% of visitor foot traffic has returned compared to a normal week; hotel occupancy is at 70% and more people moving into downtown than ever before.  “There is still plenty of work to do,” he said, “including pivotal elections that everyone should get educated about including the Compassion Seattle charter amendment to help folks on the street get back on their feet”.
 
Seattle Sports Commission president and Seattle #4 president-elect nominee Beth Knox introduced the day’s featured speaker, Art Thiel, a respected local sports reporter/columnist who spoke about the impact of student athletes’ compensation and the reckoning of big-time college sports. Between the soccer festival, Seahawks pre-season, the Mariners being relevant, the Storm’s great win along with the Kraken launching has kept the veteran sports reporter busy.
 
“For more than 100 years the business of college sports has been the golden goose of the NCAA grip on amateurism,” he began. “It is all happening this summer as college football and men’s basketball have taken such a precedent over colleges and universities, where misplaced priorities have taken over college sports following recent rulings and Legislation that provide name, image, and likeness (NIL),  the term to describe reforms that are shaking college sports”.
 
A Reckoning as College Athletes Get Compensation from Third Parties Pete DeLaunay 2021-08-25 07:00:00Z 0

Why Homelessness is Higher in Seattle than in Chicago

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Aug 19, 2021
President Jimmy rang the bell promptly at 12:30 for Rotarians attending in the Cascade Ballroom at Westin for the in-person meeting and those attending via Zoom.  He introduced Don Murphy accompanied by Freeman Fong for The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by Trish Bostrom with the day’s inspiration.
 
The short program featured Kathy Williams and her team – Kirk Greene, Karl Ege, and Matt Albertson describing how members can support the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation’s Legacy Giving Campaign.   “Rotarians inspire hope today and tomorrow, and for more than 100 years our club has inspired hope through the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation,” Kathy said.  “With your participation, you become a member of the Legacy Society, and through the legacy giving program we can be sure SRSF can respond to the needs of the time.”  The Legacy Giving team asked each Rotarian to include SRSF in their estate plan.  Rotarians were encouraged to talk to their legal or financial adviser to set up a legacy gift.  More than 30 Seattle Rotarians have already joined the Legacy Society.
 
Program chair, David Fain introduced UW Homelessness Initiative co-chair Gregg Colburn, assistant professor of real estate at the UW School of Built Environments, to interpret his work describing factors contributing to long-term homelessness.  “I am in close contact with leaders in Seattle and the problem of homelessness is not being diagnosed properly – homelessness is a housing problem,” he began.  He described how the causation of homelessness is defined by addiction, poverty, mental health, and other factors that are not proper causes of homelessness.  “A person’s problem(s) no doubt contributes to homelessness, but why do rates of homelessness vary from city to city and what drives the variation?” he asked.
 
Why Homelessness is Higher in Seattle than in Chicago Pete DeLaunay 2021-08-19 07:00:00Z 0

How Virus and Smoke Cancelled Betz Family Winery 2020 Release

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Aug 11, 2021
Program chair David Fain introduced Steve Griessel, Managing Owner, Betz Family Winery who returned to Rotary to describe how his winery survived COVID restrictions and smoke impact on their 2020 release. During his first appearance, he offered an overview of the winery that was established in 1997.  His turn at the podium this time focused on how the winery survived during these uncertain times of virus and smoke.
 
COVID restrictions in March 2020, were a blow to Betz Winery as restaurants and public tastings closed.  A second blow came as wildfires raged bringing smoke to grape growing areas of Washington state, resulting in smoke tainted grapes/juice. Smoke taint permeates the skin of the grapes and into the juice, but it does not get into the vine.

“We make small-batch wines and never cut corners - with quality trumping everything,” he said, “ and the 2020 vintage did not meet our quality standard so we decided to cancel it.”
 
How Virus and Smoke Cancelled Betz Family Winery 2020 Release Pete DeLaunay 2021-08-11 07:00:00Z 0

Clemency Process Forges an Unlikely Friendship

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Aug 04, 2021
Steve Fleischmann, founder/chair of investment firm Fleischmann Capital, first came in contact with former prison inmates working in his dad’s office equipment store where former convicts were employed fixing typewriters.  While successful in business, his intimate knowledge of former inmates became a calling that led him to a full volunteer position at the Monroe Reformatory.  His mission there was asking men who were serving life sentences to help other inmates prepare for freedom.  He met Eugene Youngblood who had been convicted of a serious crime at age 18, receiving a 65-year prison sentence. 
 
“I cared about talking to inmates and learned how they wanted to be heard and listened to, and I learned about some incredible human beings – including Eugene Youngblood,” he said.  “Eugene had distinguished himself while in prison as a mentor and counselor. I wanted to become a part of Eugene’s team to be freed from prison that was held up following a clemency hearing.”  said Steve Fleischmann. 
 
Eugene then came to the podium to tell his side of the story. He first recognized Steve for his selflessness and how he had supported his path to freedom. He described how one mistake can taint a person’s life forever. “The truth of who you are is how you show up consistently,” he said, “as I began a transformative mission in prison to help change the lives of other inmates. We are all better than the worst thing we’ve done” as he described how he moved forward with his life while incarcerated. 
Clemency Process Forges an Unlikely Friendship Pete DeLaunay 2021-08-04 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Mark Miles

Posted by Jane Pryor
Mark Miles is Seattle Rotary’s new corporate representative for Pilgrim Africa. Pilgrim Africa is a nonprofit organization focused on treating and eliminating malaria and bringing STEM education to classrooms in rural Uganda.
 
Pilgrim Africa’s CEO, Dorothy Echodu, has been involved with Rotary for many years. The organization is currently wrapping up a Rotary Malaria Partners International grant focused on evaluating different case management approaches to malaria treatment. More than 200 Pilgrim Africa community health workers in 85 villages are testing and treating villagers for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea which are the top three killers of children under five.
 
Pilgrim Africa is also playing a role in responding to COVID-19. Due to COVID’s rapid spread in Africa, all schools and most businesses in Uganda have closed. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Pilgrim Africa’s Beacon of Hope School is being used as a COVID-19 triage and treatment center in partnership with Soroti Regional Hospital.
Meet Mark Miles Jane Pryor 2021-07-28 07:00:00Z 0

Disrupting Poverty Through Food and Training

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Jul 28, 2021
President Jimmy opened the meeting on a nice summer day which was our second in-person meeting since moving from all virtual.   Trish Bostrom and Jevon Powell led us in a rousing “This Land is Your Land.”  And Nancy Cahill inspired us with an Olympics-themed Inspiration for the Day with a focus on how the power of sports brings us together.
 
Jane Pryor introduced us to our new member, Mark Miles of Pilgrim Africa who is joining our club as their new corporate member representative.
 
We recognized our member anniversaries, which ranged from those celebrating their first year as members to a 37th year anniversary, with a “The Incredibles”-themed Anniversaries video.
 
David Fain provided a preview of next week’s meeting and John Steckler plugged the upcoming Rotary Mariners event on August 10th.  Then on to our speaker for the day. 
Disrupting Poverty Through Food and Training Dann Mead Smith 2021-07-28 07:00:00Z 0

Resilience and Persistence of the Pike Place Market Through the Pandemic

 

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Jul 22, 2021
The Pike Place Market is America’s longest continually running farmers market - established in 1907.  COVID changed everything for the market’s vendors as they traversed how to continue in business.  As executive director of the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) since 2017, Mary Bacarella oversees the market’s 500 small businesses – farmers, day-stallers, and brick and mortar retailers - but did not expect 16 months of pandemic related restrictions.  
 
Ken Grant served as an interviewer for the day’s featured program asking Mary, first about the difference between the Pike Place Market PDA and Pike Place Market Foundation, led by Rotarian Lillian Sherman.    “The PDA oversees the nine acres of the market’s historic district running the market including operations…or a little city inside the city,” she said.  The PDA has a staff of about 100.  The Foundation is the fundraising arm of the market. 
 
Resilience and Persistence of the Pike Place Market Through the Pandemic  Pete DeLaunay 2021-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Inspire Hope - Service Above Self

Posted by Paul Casey on Jul 16, 2021

With those words, President Jimmy Collins, officially ushered in his term as President of Seattle Rotary #4, at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle.  Because of the pandemic, President Jimmy marked the day as being the first in-person gathering of the Seattle Rotary Club since March of 2020. Additionally, this was the first public event at Seattle's downtown Westin Hotel, since Covid struck almost 16 months ago. The overall mood was upbeat and filled with renewed optimism.
 

Rotarians Inspire Hope - Service Above Self Paul Casey 2021-07-16 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Brenda Barnes

It is my honor to introduce our newest member, Brenda Barnes.  Brenda is CEO of Classical KING FM.  Her classification is Cultural Institutions, and her membership has been sponsored by Charlie Dickey.  In addition to her work at the station, she’s been active in the community as a member of the Community Development Roundtable and the International Women’s Forum.
Meet Brenda Barnes Joe Phillips 2021-06-16 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Ryan Bunbury

"My heart is in helping people find hope".  Ryan is the Lead Pastor and President of the Board of Calvary Christian Assembly and has found a home with Seattle Rotary 4. We thank Jimmy Collins and Harold Scoggins for proposing Ryan under the classification of  Religious Organizations. 
Meet Ryan Bunbury Gerry Maurer 2021-06-09 07:00:00Z 0

Member Spotlight - Assunta Ng

Assunta has been a valued member of Seattle Rotary in the media classification since 1991.  As John Steckler so eloquently expresses "Assunta inspires, contributes, excels, challenges herself and the world community around her."  View Assunta's fascinating story here.
 
Member Spotlight - Assunta Ng John Steckler 2021-06-02 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Jenn Gladish

Managing a busy branch of a major financial institution, being an active member of the Seattle Angels, helping meet foster family needs and, a single parent of three girls under nine years of age, including twins.  These are just a few of the many activities of Jennifer “Jenn” Gladish, our newest Seattle 4 Rotary member in the Banking classification.
Meet Jenn Gladish Eric Roecks 2021-05-26 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Rachel Smith

If you wanted to revitalize Seattle after this pandemic, who would you choose? A Southerner?  A wildlife biologist?  Chief of Staff to the County Executive? Climate Action Now coordinator for the Mayor of Seattle? A transportation expert?  Why not all of the above?  We welcome Rachel Smith, new CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and new Seattle 4 Rotarian.
Meet Rachel Smith Faith Ireland 2021-05-26 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Linda Lowry

Posted by Jan Levy on Apr 07, 2021
 
Please join me in welcoming Linda Lowry, classification Healthcare, to Seattle 4, and thanks to Sherry Calvert & Barbie Siefert for nominating Linda.  Entrepreneur, elite athlete, marketing consultant, lifestyle writer, and above all else, survivor.  These are words you could use to describe our new member, Linda Lowry.
 
Meet Linda Lowry Jan Levy 2021-04-07 07:00:00Z 0

Member Spotlight - Dan Varghese

Posted by John Steckler on Apr 07, 2021
Meet Dan Varghese - A Rotary Achiever.  An Achiever is a Rotarian who has been a member for less than 5 years.  Dan personifies the entrepreneurial Rotarians of the future. Thank you to Jaime Mendez for introducing Dan to Rotary where he has found fellowship with individuals "greater than myself but who share common values".   View Dan's story here.
Member Spotlight - Dan Varghese John Steckler 2021-04-07 07:00:00Z 0

Meet JB Menefee

Posted by Joel Paget on Mar 31, 2021
 
It is my pleasure to introduce to you John Brian “JB” Menefee as a new member.  JB’s classification is “Investments”.  His proposer was Liz McGrath to whom we express our thanks.  JB is excited to be a member of our club because it has a great reputation for serving the community, as well as the world.
Meet JB Menefee Joel Paget 2021-03-31 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Malcolm Waters

Posted by Eric Roecks
 
  • Starting five diverse businesses across Florida, Utah, and Washington
  • Serving as president of a growing, dynamic, and innovative company
  • Jointly parenting four “great human beings,” ages 15, 16, 17 and 18
 
These are just a few of the many accomplishments of Malcolm Waters, our newest Seattle 4 Rotary member in the Technology classification.
Meet New Member Malcolm Waters Eric Roecks 2020-07-08 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member DeWitt Jensen

Posted by Joe Phillips
It is my honor to introduce our newest member, DeWitt Jensen.  DeWitt’s classification is Engineering. He has been nominated by Einer Handeland and Ken Colling.
 
DeWitt was born and raised in Seattle, and it is here where his passion for the water and boating was nurtured.  His family founded Jensen Motor Boat Company in 1926 and manufactured over 250 wooden boats and repaired thousands of others over nearly a century of operations.  It was in that environment that DeWitt developed his own love of boating and wooden boats in particular.  In 1967, he and his father acquired Spencer’s Landing Marina on Lopez Island, and more than 50 years later he is president and owner. 
Meet New Member DeWitt Jensen Joe Phillips 2020-06-03 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member David Frum

 

Meet New Member David Frum

Introduced by Gerry Maurer

David Frum (pronounced Dah-Veed) was born at Bahia Blanca in Argentina. At age seven, his family moved to a kibbutz, a communal farm, in Israel.  He says that to this day his favorite vehicle is a John Deere tractor.  Let’s explore how an Argentine-Israeli farmer ended up in Seattle with an architecture practice that specializes in Health Care Design.
 
After his military service, David left Israel for Colorado Springs to attend Colorado College.  It was there that he met his wife Elizabeth Labadie from Portland, Oregon.  Two years after he left Colorado Springs for Minnesota, she followed and they married.  They relocated the family to Seattle in 1990, 30 years ago.
Meet New Member David Frum Gerry Maurer 2020-05-21 07:00:00Z 0

2020 Market Outlook

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Jan 08, 2020

Jack Ablin of Cresset Capital, who has three decades of money management experience and is the author of Reading Minds and Markets: Minimizing Risk and Maximizing Returns in a Volatile Global Marketplace, was back at our podium for the third time to present his economic forecast for the year.  “It was an honor to be invited back” he said and mentioned that he was going to reframe the normal economic forecast and focus his talk on “goals-based investing.” 

The reason to reframe the discussion is due to the shift from defined benefits provided by your company to having your own personal 401k; “there is now a whole generation of Americans fending for themselves.”

2020 Market Outlook Dann Mead Smith 2020-01-08 08:00:00Z 0

Partnership Aims to Eliminate Malaria and More

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Dec 11, 2019
Seattle 4 Rotary member and Rotarian Malaria Partners’ Board Chair, Jeff Pritchard, introduced Elaine Gibbons, Vice President for Global Engagement and Communications at PATH, and Neal Myrick, Global Head of the Tableau Foundation.  They described how their collective work went beyond intellectual engagement to help solve a problem. “We forged ahead to show how Tableau could deliver a fundamental benefit with a highly motivated PATH workforce to get the job done,” she said. “Our strategic partnership embarked on a multi-year commitment to access data tools to support the mission,” he said.

Their strategic partnership’s success was predicated on key values:  culture, commitment, competence, communication, and conflict resolution.  The work to tackle malaria started in Zambia with their Ministry of Health where the PATH/Tableau partnership provided software and funding to support the ministry.
Partnership Aims to Eliminate Malaria and More Pete DeLaunay 2019-12-11 08:00:00Z 0

The New Cannabis Industry:  How High Can It Go?

Posted by Bret Anderson on Oct 23, 2019

Beth Knox introduced JJ McKay, publisher of The Fresh Toast, a contemporary media firm.

Although JJ prefers vodka as his drug of choice, he develops digital content about cannabis.  His platform helps consumers, as well as doctors, understand marijuana and its uses. Cannabis is no longer carrying the same stigma it once did, and now more are willing to prescribe it. Until federal legalization happens, however, cannabis is not covered by insurance and not covered by malpractice.

Who supports it? Republicans, Millennials (citing that alcohol is harder on your system than cannabis) and people who want to make money.  Of course, we need to keep it away from kids. 

Alcohol, porn, tobacco, and cannabis are considered the four great sin industries. The market size for the big four today are cannabis $9.7 billion, alcohol $223 billion, tobacco $80 billion, and porn $25 billion.  By 2030, cannabis is expected to be a $50 billion industry and CBD is branching off from cannabis to form a large industry of its own.

The New Cannabis Industry: How High Can It Go? Bret Anderson 2019-10-23 07:00:00Z 0

Judge Jim Rogers Addresses Past and Present Issues Facing the Judicial System and Our Community

Posted by Paul Casey on Oct 16, 2019
Former Washington State Supreme Court Justice  Faith Ireland introduced our speaker, King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers. Ms. Ireland said that Judge Rogers was elected in 2004 and has presided over numerous cases that include civil, criminal, family law, dependency, and involuntary treatment. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and Georgetown Law School. He also served in the Peace Corps.  Ms. Ireland said that Judge Rogers would focus on two major issues facing the court system today: the state of the King County Superior Court system and the incarceration crisis.
 
Judge Rogers began his remarks by speaking about the importance of jury duty. He said that jury duty provided the most direct experience a citizen will ever have in finding out how the court system works.
 
He then provided a historical glimpse of how the court system was developed in the 1889 Washington State Constitution. A two-court system approach was adopted: Court of Appeals and Superior Court.  Currently, there are 53 judges and nine commissioners that make up the Superior Court of King County.  There has been a 60% change in the makeup of the Superior Court in recent years.
Judge Jim Rogers Addresses Past and Present Issues Facing the Judicial System and Our Community Paul Casey 2019-10-16 07:00:00Z 0

Critical Moment in Fight Against Malaria

Posted by Jesse Thomas on Oct 09, 2019
Malaria kills approximately half a million people every year, with 432,000 dead in 2017 according to the most recent data, and most of those deaths are children in the most vulnerable areas. Philip Welkhoff, Director of the Malaria Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, spoke to Seattle 4 Rotarians about the progress that has been made in the fight against malaria, the reasons for hope in the road ahead, and that urgent action is needed.
 
Welkhoff, who was accompanied at lunch by his wife, Martina, was introduced to Rotary at a young age. Speaking of Rotary as a force for good, Welkhoff told the story of growing up on the north coast of Haiti, where the water systems that they drank from were installed by Rotarians. Before joining the Gates Foundation, Welkhoff was the Director of Research at the Institute for Disease Modeling, where he helped develop computer simulations of malaria, polio and other disease transmissions to assist health professionals and scientists in working toward the eradication of these diseases. Welkhoff has his PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Princeton and joined the Gates Foundation in March 2018.
Critical Moment in Fight Against Malaria Jesse Thomas 2019-10-09 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle 4 Rotary Hosts Police Chief Carmen Best for National Coffee with a Cop Day

Posted by Susie Roe on Oct 02, 2019
On National Coffee with a Cop Day, we upped the game by having Lunch with a Police Chief.  Seattle Police Department Chief, Carmen Best, was our guest speaker who candidly shared the joys and concerns of being Police Chief in a major U.S. city.  A 28 year Seattle Police Department (SPD) veteran, Chief Best opined that the two most important qualities to make a good officer are hard work (“100% work 100% of the time”) and an innate commitment to serve.   The Chief explained that many calls are, at the core, officers responding to people in need. Officers provide services to those experiencing domestic violence, addiction, sexual assaults and homelessness.  She acknowledged there are times when the job entails arrests or dangerous situations but, more often, the job requires helping the community.   She said being an officer is more than a job, it's really a calling.  
 
Seattle 4 Rotary Hosts Police Chief Carmen Best for National Coffee with a Cop Day Susie Roe 2019-10-02 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member David Greenwood

Posted by Eric Roecks on Sep 18, 2019
Representing over 1.6 million square feet of office space.
 
Passing all four qualifying CPA exams on the first try.
 
Raising money to support those with developmental disabilities find employment.
 
These are just a few of the impressive achievements of David Greenwood, our newest Rotary 4 member – a Young Rotary Leader in the Real Estate, Commercial Office Leasing classification.
 
Meet New Member David Greenwood Eric Roecks 2019-09-18 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle 4 Rotary Celebrates the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Posted by Paul Casey on Sep 11, 2019
President Kim called the Seattle #4 Rotary Club to order at 12:30 p.m. on September 11, 2019. The Renaissance Courtyard Ball Room in downtown Seattle hosted the meeting. President Kim immediately acknowledged that this Rotary Club meeting was taking place on the 18th Anniversary of 9/11. 
 
Arnie Ness and Freeman Fong led Rotarians in the singing of America.
 
The Inspiration for the Day was led by David Brenner.  David said it is still hard to believe the horror of 9/11. He cited the quick and tragic demise of the twin towers along with the tremendous loss of life that still haunts us. Dave then asked Rotarians to contrast that shock with an incredibly honorable feat that started around that same time. Since 2001, Presbyterian Minister Ron Rice, a Rotarian guest from Seattle, has led an effort to provide functional wheelchairs to victims of polio in Nigeria.  Over 19,000 wheelchairs have been built and distributed since the beginning of the program. Nigeria just celebrated three years of being polio free but there are still thousands of Nigerians that were afflicted with polio prior to the immunization efforts. A short video, showing people with polio, literally crawling to their donated wheelchair was shown. Minister Rice said that the effort relies totally on donations. If you would like to find out more about Minister Rice’s wheelchair program, visit WheelchairsforNigeria.org
Seattle 4 Rotary Celebrates the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Paul Casey 2019-09-11 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Raymond Tymas-Jones

Posted by Rob LoBosco on Sep 04, 2019

When Raymond and I met last week for our interview, I had forgotten to do my cursory research to at least find a picture of him so I wouldn’t be pathetically eyeing everyone in the coffee shop. Fortunately, he did do his research and was eyeing me, so the field quickly narrowed.  I shouldn’t have worried. It’s hard to miss Raymond. From his sartorial excellence to his eminent grace and inviting smile, I figured if he wasn’t the president of Cornish College of the Arts, he should be. 

Meet New Member Raymond Tymas-Jones Rob LoBosco 2019-09-04 07:00:00Z 0

Civic Engagement Is Needed During These Times of Peril

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Sep 04, 2019

University of Washington professor, David Domke, is giving up his 21-year tenured job to “live out his truth” by dedicating his next chapter to foster, support, and amplify a democracy that is just and inclusive.  In other words, he is promoting voting rights across the U.S. through an organization called Common Purpose (www.cpnow.org) that aims to provide civic fieldwork by investing in the next generation of leaders to register and mobilize voters, build community, develop diverse leaders, and build partnerships with organizations like Rotary.

“The U.S. is in a perilous place not much different than the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941,” he said.  “A moment of terror in our society where it is harder to vote now than when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted by the Congress as the country’s most important piece of legislation ever.”
Civic Engagement Is Needed During These Times of Peril Pete DeLaunay 2019-09-04 07:00:00Z 0

35th Annual Hands Across the Border Rendezvous Featured Food, Jazz, Blues and a Peace Pole

Posted by Pete DeLaunay

The 35th annual ‘Hands Across the Border’ rendezvous brought IYFR fleets from Seattle/Puget Sound, Washington State, and Vancouver/Victoria, British Columbia, for an August weekend of fellowship, capped by the planting of a peace pole in Port Townsend.  Seattle Rotary’s Peacebuilder Committee has planted peace poles in public places, as a symbol of the priority Rotarians throughout the world place on promoting peace.

35th Annual Hands Across the Border Rendezvous Featured Food, Jazz, Blues and a Peace Pole Pete DeLaunay 2019-08-30 07:00:00Z 0

System Failure and Our Criminal Justice System with Scott Lindsay

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Aug 28, 2019
When asked about what we can do about our criminal justice system, Scott Lindsay said, “Help educate influential people.”  Our task is “to shape the conversation in different ways and start to lead that conversation.” 
 
President Kim introduced our guest speaker, Scott Lindsay, an attorney, who has previously served as the public safety adviser to the City of Seattle and was senior national security counsel to the U.S. House Oversight Committee. He also founded the Seattle Navigation Team that works with people in homeless encampments.
 
Scott started with images of two contrasting visions of Seattle and how the city is perceived as dealing with homelessness and drug/mental health issues: one is a recent New York Times article, “Seattle has figured out how to end the war on drugs,” and the other, KOMO TV’s “Seattle is Dying” special; a public health approach vs. a criminal justice approach to the drug, homelessness and public safety crisis in our city. 
 
“So which is it,” Scott asked, “the New York Times or the KOMO stories?”
 
 
System Failure and Our Criminal Justice System with Scott Lindsay Dann Mead Smith 2019-08-28 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Jon Zetlmaier

Posted by Faith Ireland on Aug 28, 2019

Meet new member, Jonathan Zetlmaier, classification: Financial Advising and Wealth Management. We can call him Jon for short, but some call him JZ for fun.

Although he graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Economics in 1997, Jon clearly appreciates philosophy.  On his Madrona Financial Group website, he quotes Helen Gurley Brown former editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine: Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort.

Meet New Member Jon Zetlmaier Faith Ireland 2019-08-28 07:00:00Z 0

JEFF ROBINSON DELIVERS A POWERFUL PRESENTATION ON RACISM IN AMERICA

Posted on Aug 21, 2019
 
Last week, Seattle 4 Rotary was proud to host Jeff Robinson who delivered a powerful chronicle of racism in America starting with our country's inception in the 1600s.  Special thanks to our Peacebuilders Committee, event volunteers, and nearly 600 attendees!!  Check out photos from this special program at Town Hall on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/seattlerotary4/
 
If you would like to learn more about Jeff Robinson and his forthcoming documentary, please visit his Who We Are project website  at: https://thewhoweareproject.org/.
 
JEFF ROBINSON DELIVERS A POWERFUL PRESENTATION ON RACISM IN AMERICA 2019-08-21 07:00:00Z 0

MEET NEW MEMBER MARSHA MUTISI

Posted on Aug 14, 2019
 Like many of us, the life of Marsha Mutisi is defined by a mix of circumstance, luck, adventurism, and selflessness. 
 
Her grandfather served as a United Methodist minister in what was the country of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).  Her father ran sales at Zimbabwe’s largest grain milling company, and her mom, events for the region’s leading advertising firm. 
MEET NEW MEMBER MARSHA MUTISI Charley Dickey 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

Summer in Seattle Celebrated with Craft Beers

Posted by Laura Rehrmann on Aug 14, 2019

“What a Wonderful World” our opening song led by David Woodward accompanied by Burr Stewart, was the perfect way to launch our meeting on a gorgeous summer day.  Todd Summerfelt followed up with an inspirational reminder to be adaptable and stay on an even keel during tumultuous times, a nice summer sailing analogy.  And our main speaker, Pike Brewing Company founder, Charles Finkel, quoted FDR by saying “now is the time for a beer” as evidenced by the beer tasting preceding our meeting.  We welcomed two remarkable new members, Crysti Chen, introduced by Rob LoBosco, and Marsha Mutisi introduced by Charley Dickey.

Summer in Seattle Celebrated with Craft Beers Laura Rehrmann 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

MEET NEW MEMBER CRYSTI CHEN

Posted by Rob LoBosco on Aug 14, 2019
I love welcoming new members into our club, especially younger members. But some are so young they make me feel a bit old. Well brace yourselves, this one makes me feel old…and lazy!
MEET NEW MEMBER CRYSTI CHEN Rob LoBosco 2019-08-14 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle's Innovation Economy

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Aug 07, 2019
Our member Mark Davis introduced our keynote speaker, Joe Ottinger, who he met 20 years ago through a former member Walter Schoenfeld who was Joe’s father-in-law.
 
Joe is the founder and CEO of Iinnovate that is based in Seattle. He is the author of two books, “Beyond Success: Building a Personal, Financial and Philanthropic Legacy” and “iInnovate- a guide for engaging in the innovation economy.”  Iinnovate “helps implement strategic change to accelerate growth and profit.” 
Seattle's Innovation Economy Dann Mead Smith 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Caitlin Grant

Posted by Bailee Neyland on Aug 07, 2019

Let me take you back to January 31st of this year when we held one of our networking events. Caitlin was there with her manager. Not only was it her first event with Rotary, but it was her first networking happy hour, ever!  While I must give thanks to her manager who urged her to come, it is Virginia McKenzie and Susie Roe, who we should give a round of applause to, as they proposed her to the club under the classification of Accounting.  Caitlin fell in love with the Rotary --the people, the passion of the group to better the community and change the world, and her ability to be a part of it all.

Meet New Member Caitlin Grant Bailee Neyland 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Alicia Flatt

Posted by Jane Pryor on Aug 07, 2019
Meet Alicia Flatt, classification Technology, proposed by Jane Tornatore and Michele Centanni.   Alicia was born in White Rock, British Columbia, a dual citizen of both the U.S. and Canada.  Her father is a professional drummer, her mother works in education, her brother and his wife own a CPA firm specializing in cross-border taxes, and her sister is a music teacher. Following the family music tradition, Alicia spent three years at Western Washington University where she majored in music.  Her instrument was the trumpet which she played in a rock/ska band, The Crawdaddies, for five years.
Meet New Member Alicia Flatt Jane Pryor 2019-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle 4's Annual Seafair Celebration

Posted by Paul Casey on Jul 31, 2019
On a picture perfect Seattle summer afternoon at Bell Harbor, President Kim rang the bell that officially called to order the Seattle 4 Rotary Club luncheon. President Kim summarized the importance of a very special custom that has been embraced by Seattle dating back 70 years: Seafair.
 
The Seattle Rotary Club officially welcomed the Navy to Seattle, which has become a Seafair tradition. Jimmy Collins introduced the Navy Band Northwest and Evan Vis sang the national anthems of the United States and Canada. Jimmy Collins then introduced the members of the Brass Quartet: Michael Bream, Darryl Forney, Mike Donaldson and Trevor Currie.
Seattle 4's Annual Seafair Celebration Paul Casey 2019-07-31 07:00:00Z 0

This Land Is Your Land

Posted by Laura Rehrmann on Jul 24, 2019

Woody Guthrie’s anthem to the sweep of the United States and our common stewardship of our land was a rousing opening to our meeting featuring Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

 

Interviewed by past Rotary president and KING 5 anchor, Mark Wright, Commissioner Franz explained her broad scope of work since taking office in January 2017.

 

This Land Is Your Land Laura Rehrmann 2019-07-24 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Chris Harrison

Posted by George Twiss on Jul 24, 2019

Meet new member, Chris Harrison, who is proposed by Rob LoBosco and Cindy Runger.  Chris is responsible for business development at Aldridge – Seattle. They are an IT outsourcing and services firm headquartered in Houston. Their clients tend to be mid-market firms with 25-250 computer users for whom they provide a complete turnkey service. Previously he was Senior Channel Manager for StorageCraft.

Meet New Member Chris Harrison George Twiss 2019-07-24 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Dorothy Miller

Posted by Bailee Neyland on Jul 24, 2019

Paul Harris once said that “Rotarians are very much more favorably disposed toward action than they are toward words.” And let me tell you, Dorothy Miller exudes just that, for she is quite the doer. 

Meet New Member Dorothy Miller Bailee Neyland 2019-07-24 07:00:00Z 0

Chef’s Passion Embraces Sustainability and Serves Locally Grown Food

 

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Jul 17, 2019

James Beard award-winning chef, Jason Wilson, oversees food preparation at ten local restaurants by mentoring chefs and instilling the importance of sustainability in the culinary world.  In partnership with local restaurateur, Chad Mackay, and in addition to motivating chefs, he established Fire & Vine Hospitality dedicated to building enduring sustainability.   “What we do is horrific,” he began.  "We take beautiful food, tear it apart then serve it in appealing ways.”

Chef’s Passion Embraces Sustainability and Serves Locally Grown Food Pete DeLaunay 2019-07-17 07:00:00Z 0

New President Kim Moore Launches Her Year

Posted on Jul 10, 2019
Totem Reporter - Gary T. Smith
 
Seattle 4’s new president grew up in Unalakleet, a small village on the eastern shore of the Bering Sea.  Her neighbors “were caring, resourceful, and undaunted by challenges,” she said.  “When I walked into Rotary 19 years ago, it was immediately apparent the Rotarians were just as welcoming, just as caring, and just as fearless.  I felt at home.  That is why I joined Seattle 4, and I’m still here today.”
New President Kim Moore Launches Her Year 2019-07-10 07:00:00Z 0

Meet New Member Dennis Williams

Posted by Joe Phillips on Jul 10, 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce our newest member, Dennis Williams, who is a financial advisor with Edward Jones.  He has been nominated by Craig Dawson and Skip Rowland and his classification is Financial Advising and Wealth Management.
 
Dennis grew up in Seattle and attended Western Washington University where he played on the tennis team.  He was President of the Black Student Union for three years and graduated with a finance degree.  He had an internship with Russell Investments for several years. 
Meet New Member Dennis Williams Joe Phillips 2019-07-10 07:00:00Z 0

The Boys in the Boat Inspires with History and Heart

Posted on Jun 26, 2019
By Susie Roe
 
It's a story about home and what it means to lose your home,
It's a story about being treated poorly, and  
it's a story about finding your place in the world.   
 
Citing these as the universal themes in the story of Joe Rantz and the amazing 1936 UW Men’s coxed eight, Daniel James Brown and Judy Rantz Willman spoke of the best-selling book, The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat Inspires with History and Heart 2019-06-26 07:00:00Z 0

We Need to Talk About Mental Health

Posted on Jun 19, 2019
By Jesse Thomas
 
Mental health impacts nearly all of our lives, whether it affects a family member, loved one, or those we see on the streets in our community. And the stigma around the topic means it’s not discussed. One in five Americans experiences a mental health incident in a given year. In King County, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10 to 24-year-olds.
We Need to Talk About Mental Health Jesse Thomas 2019-06-19 07:00:00Z 0
UNICEF Partners Around The Globe to Fulfill its Mission Mike Colbrese 2019-06-12 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Jonathan Bosch

Posted by Jane Pryor on Jun 12, 2019
I’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Bosch, classification Athletics & Sporting Events, proposed by Nancy Osborne and Mark Wright.
Meet Jonathan Bosch Jane Pryor 2019-06-12 07:00:00Z 0

Meeting Our Army Neighbors from JBLM 

Posted on Jun 05, 2019

By Bret Anderson

Jimmy Collins introduced our main speaker, Lieutenant General Gary Volesky, and pointed out that the United States Army celebrates its 244th birthday this year. He also invited members to join the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Freedom Fest on the 4th of July. RSVP to Jimmy if you'd like to attend.  

Lt. Gen. Volesky opened by placing JBLM in perspective for the state of Washington.  It is the second largest employer in the state and provides jobs for 50,000 people.  In a year, JBLM contributes nearly eight billion dollars to the Washington State economy. 

Meeting Our Army Neighbors from JBLM 2019-06-05 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Matt LeMaster

Posted by Charley Dickey on Jun 05, 2019
He runs like a Duck, he talks like a Husky and his blood flows Coug-crimson.  So, he must be a ….??  
Meet Matt LeMaster Charley Dickey 2019-06-05 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Jordan Hathaway

Posted by John Steckler on Jun 05, 2019
In the game of life, some people can get dealt a very difficult hand. How they let that, or don’t let that, dictate their life or their future and how they take advantage of new cards and new opportunities, tells you a lot about that person.
Meet Jordan Hathaway John Steckler 2019-06-05 07:00:00Z 0

Artificial Intelligence: Face Surveillance Must Balance Between Liberty and Security

Posted on May 29, 2019
By Pete DeLaunay
 
There is no denying how artificial intelligence or AI is growing at a rapid clip.  It is being developed by scientists and data analysts with no oversight to protect privacy and prevent abuse, particularly among vulnerable populations.  Rotarians learned about AI and the ominous implications of facial surveillance from a panel led by fellow Rotarian, attorney, and board member of an emerging organization called AI and Faith (www.aiandfaith.org), David Brenner.  The day’s program was a discussion of this technology and its potential abuses if not used properly, monitored, and vigorously regulated. 
Artificial Intelligence: Face Surveillance Must Balance Between Liberty and Security Pete DeLaunay 2019-05-29 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Teresa Moore

Posted by Jane Pryor on May 29, 2019
I’d like to introduce you to our newest corporate member, Teresa Moore, the executive director of Seattle CityClub, proposed by Jon Bridge and Lillian Sherman.
Meet Teresa Moore Jane Pryor 2019-05-29 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Alex Fan

Posted by Joel Paget on May 22, 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce to you the honorable Alex Kuo-shu Fan, who is the director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle.  During this introduction, there will be some pictures on the screens showing Director Fan performing some of his diplomatic duties.  He was sponsored by David Woodward, who we thank. His classification is Diplomat - Republic of China.  
Meet Alex Fan Joel Paget 2019-05-22 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan

Posted on May 22, 2019
Written by Dann Mead Smith
 

President Cindy opened our meeting on a beautiful, sunny spring day reflecting on the importance of sharing our Rotary story with others.  She encouraged us to use our phones at meetings to share Rotary and our meetings with the goal of encouraging others to join us.

She reported on the District Conference that was held in Spokane last week and specifically mentioned our own Mark Wright’s interview with Bill Gates and the Rotary International President at the event.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan 2019-05-22 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle Fire Department Heroic Achievements Honored 

Posted on May 15, 2019
Written by Paul Casey
 
President Cindy Runger welcomed Fire Chief Harold D. Scoggins and members of the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) at a recognition luncheon in honor of the SFD and other local agencies who work together to keep us safe. The gathering took place at the Westin Hotel Grand Ballroom to an overflow crowd of Rotarians and friends.
Seattle Fire Department Heroic Achievements Honored 2019-05-15 07:00:00Z 0
Denise Juneau Brings Passion and Laser Beam Focus to Improving Seattle Public Schools 2019-05-09 07:00:00Z 0

Integrating the Arts as a Strategy, Not a Charity 

Posted on May 01, 2019
Written by Pete DeLaunay
 
For more than 50 years, ArtsFund has promoted the value of the arts in King County, and recently commissioned The Social Impact of the Arts Study, about how art impacts communities.  ArtsFund Vice President Sarah Sidman said arts organizations contribute $2.4 billion and 35,000 jobs to the Washington state economy, as she delivered powerful results from the GMA Research study that showed how art changes lives in three areas: youth and education, health and wellness, and neighborhood vitality.
Integrating the Arts as a Strategy, Not a Charity 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Chris Johnson

Posted by Jane Pryor on May 01, 2019
I’d like to introduce you to Chris Johnson, classification Human and Community Services, proposed by Molly Carney and Paul Ishii.
 
 
Meet Chris Johnson Jane Pryor 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Alvaro Jimenez

Posted by Joe Phillips on May 01, 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce our newest member, Alvaro Jimenez, who is the founder of Gaudium Capital.  Alvaro’s classification is Investments.  He has been nominated by David Woodward and Jim Odom.
Meet Alvaro Jimenez Joe Phillips 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Geoff Ball

Posted by Faith Ireland on Apr 24, 2019
Please meet Geoff Ball, classification Human & Community Services, nominated by Jacki Lorenz and seconded by Joyce Robertson - thank you both.
 
Jacki describes Geoff Ball, who is the Director of Development for the Millionair Club Charity, as smart, funny and collaborative.  
Meet Geoff Ball Faith Ireland 2019-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Derek Ruckman

Posted by Jane Tornatore on Apr 24, 2019
I am proud to introduce Derek Ruckman to you.  
 
Derek joined Rotary for three reasons.
 
Heather Fitzpatrick, his proposer, is the first.  Because he admires the work Wellspring does, Derek asked to join the board.  The first question Heather asked was “are you in Rotary?”  Literally. 
Meet Derek Ruckman Jane Tornatore 2019-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

Futurist Admiral Owens Addresses the US’s Role in a 2039 World

Posted by Mike Colbrese on Apr 24, 2019
President Cindy Runger brought club member Paul Suzman to the stage to introduce the main speaker, retired Admiral Bill Owens. Paul mentioned that Admiral Owens, a native of North Dakota, is a former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, decorated war veteran, and business executive, who is currently co-authoring a book, which will be titled China and the US 2039: The End Game? Paul explained that Owens’s leadership was evident during the decade following the Cold War, which contributed directly to much of what today’s military does well.
Futurist Admiral Owens Addresses the US’s Role in a 2039 World Mike Colbrese 2019-04-24 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Bill Hammond

Posted by John Steckler on Apr 19, 2019
They say if you love someone, set them free. If they love you, they will return to you. If they don’t, well, they are stupid!
 
Standing next to me today is a very, very smart man. It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to our newest returning Rotarian, Bill Hammond, who rejoins us today under the classification of Health Care.
Meet Bill Hammond John Steckler 2019-04-19 07:00:00Z 0

A Celebration of Service for the Hidden Homeless

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Apr 17, 2019
Our President-Elect, Kim Moore, introduced our main program and our member Heather Fitzpatrick, CEO of Wellspring Family Services, who led a discussion of family homelessness.  She was joined by her colleagues at Wellspring; Derek Taylor, Walter Washington, and Bevette Irvis.
 
Heather reminded us that ten years ago our club celebrated its 100th Anniversary and as part of our centennial project built the Rotary Support Center for Families. Wellspring provides children education and counseling services in an effort to try to avoid the problems that come with homelessness and break the cycle of family homelessness.  Wellspring's Rotary Support Center for Families “works with adults to find and retain housing and works with children to succeed.” 
 
A Celebration of Service for the Hidden Homeless Dann Mead Smith 2019-04-17 07:00:00Z 0

Dow Constantine, the Constant Within an Ever-Changing Seattle Scape

Posted by Mike Colbrese on Apr 10, 2019
Rotarians welcomed King County Executive Dow Constantine, who began by saying that as a native of Seattle, he has watched over the last almost 58 years as the city has rapidly changed around him. His pride in the city and county became evident as he outlined the changes that have been made possible because of the county’s ability to empower its employees to be creative, passionate advocates for the people they serve. By empowering people, we allow them to become aligned behind the changes that are necessary to meet our needs and grow our infrastructure. Regional services such as sewage, transportation, and public health have improved because of that approach to improvement.
Dow Constantine, the Constant Within an Ever-Changing Seattle Scape Mike Colbrese 2019-04-10 07:00:00Z 0

Meet David McDonald

Posted by George Twiss on Apr 10, 2019
David has his own business, as he says, “helping people design and execute buy and sell strategies” He specializes in multifamily, residential, and investment properties.
 
Earlier career directions took David to banking and website design. Then he decided that the real estate industry would allow him to serve a range of clients, helping them be successful. 
Meet David McDonald George Twiss 2019-04-10 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Judy Kaiser

Posted by Joe Phillips on Apr 10, 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce our newest member, Judy Kaiser, who is doing cancer and infectious disease research at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center.  Judy has been nominated by Linda Cheever and Nancy Osborne and her classification is Health Care.
Meet Judy Kaiser Joe Phillips 2019-04-10 07:00:00Z 0

Making a World Class Community: A Discussion with Phyllis Campbell

Posted by Susie Roe on Apr 03, 2019
Phyllis Campbell, Chairwoman of all Northwest business of JP Morgan Chase, past president and CEO of The Seattle Foundation and heavily recruited board member (her board work has included both for-profit boards such as Alaska Airlines and Nordstrom and non-profit boards like PATH) addressed Seattle 4 on a subject she knows well - our community's journey to being a world-class city. Phyllis spoke of Seattle's vigorous civil spirit and can-do attitude she first noticed 30 years ago when she moved here from Spokane.  She felt this city would allow her to make a difference and, indeed, she has in her professional banking career and her work in the community.
Making a World Class Community: A Discussion with Phyllis Campbell Susie Roe 2019-04-03 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Pierce Murphy

Posted by John Steckler on Apr 03, 2019
Life is full of many chapters. Each one helps to define us and shape us. No one can read ahead so we must complete each chapter before we can move on.
 
Our newest Rotarian has completed many chapters.
 
Standing next to me is Pierce Murphy, who joins us today under the classification of Religious Organizations.
Meet Pierce Murphy John Steckler 2019-04-03 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Bailee Neyland

Posted by Joel Paget on Apr 03, 2019
It is my pleasure to introduce to you Bailee Neyland, classification Athletics and Sporting Events. She is joined here today by her boyfriend, Jared Brown, and her parents, Janece and Bruce Neyland. Bailee was sponsored by Brian Bruce and Jeff Pritchard, who we thank.
Meet Bailee Neyland Joel Paget 2019-04-03 07:00:00Z 0

The Federal Reserve and Seattle’s Role; Honoring a Fellow Seattle 4 Member

Posted by Jesse Thomas on Mar 27, 2019
In explaining how the Federal Reserve helps to promote a strong and stable economy, Darlene Wilczynski, Vice President and Seattle Regional Executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, started her presentation with a story of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in September 2017. As Puerto Rico went without power for 11 months during the crisis, the Federal Reserve saw a 700% increase in demand for cash after the storm, as no electricity meant no use of credit or debit cards. In response, the Fed flew cash to Puerto Rico repeatedly over those months in an effort to help ensure financial stability in a time of crisis.
The Federal Reserve and Seattle’s Role; Honoring a Fellow Seattle 4 Member Jesse Thomas 2019-03-27 07:00:00Z 0

Jawad Khaki Shares Reflections after Christchurch Massacre

Posted by David McFadden on Mar 20, 2019
He got a standing ovation – most of us would have stood even longer.  Jawad Khaki provided our club with some timely solace and inspiration after another horrible, hate-filled tragedy filled our lives.  A quintessential part of being a Rotarian is to build goodwill and spread peace around the globe.  During these difficult times, it was comforting to hear one of our local Muslim leaders provide his insights on how we can respond to and overcome hate and intolerance.  
Jawad Khaki Shares Reflections after Christchurch Massacre David McFadden 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

Fred Hutch Partners With Tech Community to Advance Fight Against Cancer

Posted by David McFadden on Mar 20, 2019
Taylor Shimizu introduced our program and reminded us it is a perfect complement to Gary Gilliland’s October program on eradicating cancer.  Mathew Trunnell is a man on a mission.  He was recruited by the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center to bolster their research capabilities using data analytics.  As Hutch’s chief data officer, Michael has been able to advance cancer care and treatment through innovative partnerships with local technology companies. 
Fred Hutch Partners With Tech Community to Advance Fight Against Cancer David McFadden 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Romanita Hairston

Posted by Jan Levy on Mar 20, 2019
Imagine standing inside the top of the Soweto cooling towers in Johannesburg and free-falling more than 200 feet down.  Sound scary?  I would call it terrifying.  Our newest Rotarian, Romanita Hairston, described this SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) freefall as her "most fun adventure.”  That’s what I call a risk taker!
Meet Romanita Hairston Jan Levy 2019-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

The 21st Century Zoo: One Zoo. Many Stories

Posted by Susie Roe on Mar 13, 2019
Alejandro Grajal, CEO and president of Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, first fell in love with zoos as a toddler.  A visit to the Madrid Zoo with his mother set him on his life path of science, including a stop on Jacques Coustou's Calypso as a biologist and earning a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Florida before coming here.  Alejandro came to Seattle three years ago drawn here, he explained, by the unbeatable combination of the Woodland Park Zoo's international reputation for zoo innovation and its emphasis on conservation.
The 21st Century Zoo: One Zoo. Many Stories Susie Roe 2019-03-13 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Paul Casey

Posted by Jane Pryor on Mar 13, 2019

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Paul Casey, classification Marketing and Public Relations, proposed by Pete DeLaunay and Doug Picha.

Paul was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and moved to Bellevue with his parents, arriving just before the Seattle World’s Fair opened in 1962. After graduating from Newport High School, Paul attended Washington State University, where he was student body president and graduated with a degree in political science and a minor in communications.

Meet Paul Casey Jane Pryor 2019-03-13 07:00:00Z 0

So Much Darkness in the World, But We Can Make a Difference for That One...

Posted by Bret Anderson on Mar 06, 2019
To begin the panel,  Japanese Consul General Yoichiro Yamada reminded us that behind success are many untold tragedies.  As part of his consular responsibilities, he has had to help Japanese women immigrants who have been abused or abandoned by their husbands.  These women are vulnerable because they are so totally dependent upon their husbands. Many don’t speak English or know their rights as residents in the U.S. These experiences led him to become involved in the general problem of vulnerable people who are in the same situation. There are so many that Washington State needs to take the initiative to solve this problem.
So Much Darkness in the World, But We Can Make a Difference for That One... Bret Anderson 2019-03-06 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Stephen Shepherd

Posted by Charley Dickey on Feb 27, 2019
Steve’s grandmother was a Pilot, but not the kind that comes to mind first.  No, she was an active member of Pilots International, a Rotary-like service organization in Texas.  A seed was sewn!
Meet Stephen Shepherd Charley Dickey 2019-02-27 08:00:00Z 0

 

New Seattle Chamber Leader Exemplifies Impact and Action

Posted by Gary Smith on Feb 27, 2019
Marilyn Strickland, selected last year to lead the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, illustrated in her talk to Seattle 4 that she embodies President Cindy’s twin themes of Impact and Action.
 
She called on Rotarians to be proud advocates and partners in supporting business, to recruit and promote diversity in the workforce, and to support restoring the practice of affirmative action.
New Seattle Chamber Leader Exemplifies Impact and Action Gary Smith 2019-02-27 08:00:00Z 0
Gonzaga on the Move in the Classroom, on Campus, and on the Court Mike Colbrese 2019-02-20 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Dan Varghese

Posted by Joel Paget on Feb 20, 2019
I have the pleasure of introducing to you our newest member, Dan Varghese, classification Technology.  He was proposed by Jaime Mendez and seconded by Alan Kunovsky, both of whom we thank.  Dan is joined here today by his partner, Theia. They have a seven-month-old son Elijah and live in Bellevue.
Meet Dan Varghese Joel Paget 2019-02-20 08:00:00Z 0
Blockchain 101: Hype or Not? Laura Rehrmann 2019-02-13 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Joe Smith

Posted by Jane Tornatore on Feb 06, 2019
 Joseph Smith was clearly meant to be in Seattle 4. 
 
Years ago, he was on a board with Nyasha Tunduwani, who told him of Rotary.  He was in Leadership Tomorrow, and Jan Levy told him of Rotary.  And then, one day, as Joseph was running in downtown he stopped at a light.  Jon Bridge stopped at the same light.  They ran to the next light, and the next.  They ended up running together for a couple of miles.  At the end, Jon gave Joseph his card.  (You know you are a serious connector when you run with your business cards.)
Meet Joe Smith Jane Tornatore 2019-02-06 08:00:00Z 0
Aquarium Expansion Anchors Seattle's Waterfront Transformation Dann Mead Smith 2019-02-06 08:00:00Z 0

Port of Seattle a Key Driver of Regional Economic Vitality

Posted by David McFadden on Jan 30, 2019
Steve Metruck, our featured speaker at this week’s luncheon, has a big job.  As the Port of Seattle’s Executive Director, Steve leads a far-flung operation that stretches from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard to SeaTac International Airport in South King County.
 
Metruck is finishing his first year at the Port.  He spent 34 years in the Coast Guard prior to becoming the Port’s top executive.  Steve retired as a Rear Admiral and along the way served a stint as the Coast Guard’s Chief Financial Officer.  Earlier in his career, Steve was in command of Northwest operations.  Metruck fell in love with Seattle and is excited to be back.
Port of Seattle a Key Driver of Regional Economic Vitality David McFadden 2019-01-30 08:00:00Z 0

Affordable College Education in Washington State

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Jan 23, 2019
Our program featuring the presidents of Washington State University and the University of Washington in a moderated discussion by KUOW’s Ross Reynolds on affordable college education was introduced by our member Craig Wright, the Assistant Dean for Advancement at the UW School of Law.  Craig introduced Kirk Schulz as the 11th president of Washington State University who came to our state from Kansas State University in 2016; and Ani Mari Cauce as the UW’s 33rd president who has been on the UW faculty since 1986.
Affordable College Education in Washington State Dann Mead Smith 2019-01-23 08:00:00Z 0

What's Next for the World Economy?

Posted by Laura Rehrmann on Jan 16, 2019
Making some sense out of the economic turbulence in our world, Chief Investment Officer Michelle Mathieu presented Seattle # 4’s annual economic update, the first woman to do so at our podium.  Michelle is a principal with Seattle’s Fulcrum Capital which manages $1 billion in assets, is woman-owned, and is ranked as the #1 woman-owned investment firm in the country.  It is the 7th ranked emerging wealth firm in the US. 
What's Next for the World Economy? Laura Rehrmann 2019-01-16 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Mary Johnstone

Posted by John Steckler on Jan 09, 2019
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While it is difficult to predict the future, one thing is very predictable. For any association, corporation or other organization to succeed and grow, they need a combination of both young and old members.
 
Age gives you the knowledge where youth brings you the energy. Well today, I have the pleasure of introducing our newest Rotarian who brings us both!
 
The highly technical term for this is a “twofer”!
 
Standing beside me is Mary Johnstone, who joins us today under the classification of Technology.
Meet Mary Johnstone John Steckler 2019-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

Bob Donegan, Ivar’s President, Shares the Story of Seattle’s Longtime Restaurant


 

Posted by Jesse Thomas on Jan 09, 2019
Bob Donegan kicked off the first Rotary 4 luncheon of 2019 with the story of how Ivar Haglund, "Flounder" of Ivar’s, built one of Seattle’s oldest seafood restaurants. Donegan, who joined the company in 1997, and is now President, has helped to fuel the success of Ivar’s through the tripling of employees, store count, and revenue since joining the team. Donegan, who serves on several boards of directors in Puget Sound, and moved to Seattle in 1984, was introduced by Michelle Stone, Community Relations Manager at Ivar’s, who had all Rotarians wear Ivar’s paper kid’s menu face masks for a playful group photo.
Bob Donegan, Ivar’s President, Shares the Story of Seattle’s Longtime Restaurant Jesse Thomas 2019-01-09 08:00:00Z 0

Gun Violence Debate Sets Sights on Regulation, Mental Health, and Carnage

Posted by Pete DeLaunay on Dec 12, 2018
Two knowledgeable debaters gave Rotarians a lot to think about when it comes to gun ownership, gun violence, mental health, and the carnage caused by weapons in the wrong hands. Well known conservative radio commentator John Carlson said increased penalties for those who steal guns, easing confinement standards for the mentally ill, practical ways to prevent mentally ill people from having guns and suicide prevention measures will reduce gun violence.  Former Rotarian, Gen. Peter Chiarelli (ret.) put the need for sensible gun regulation in context with the 2nd Amendment, advocating for the power of the state to license gun ownership and to regulate the type of guns sold to prevent homicidal carnage.
Gun Violence Debate Sets Sights on Regulation, Mental Health, and Carnage Pete DeLaunay 2018-12-12 08:00:00Z 0

 

Getting Enlightened About Aging

Posted by David McFadden on Dec 05, 2018
Dr. Eric Larson provided some great insights about aging at our club meeting.  Larson is vice president for research and health care innovation at Kaiser Permanente.  He’s an expert on aging well and shared insights from his new book, Enlightened Aging:  Building Resilience for a Long, Active Life.
 
Larson started by sharing about Van Shuler, a 100-year woman who he picked for a study on aging.  When he first arranged to meet with her, she explained that she was only available that day because she was leaving the next day for tango dancing trip to Argentina.  Shuler is a great example of enjoying life regardless of your age, and Dr. Larson suggested most of us have the potential to live into our 90s and 100s if we can follow Van’s example and live life to the fullest.
Getting Enlightened About Aging David McFadden 2018-12-05 08:00:00Z 0

Building a World Without Childhood Cancer

Posted by Susie Roe on Nov 28, 2018
Member Doug Picha, president of Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Foundation, introduced Dr. Mike Jensen of the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research.   
 
With the hopeful proclamation that "amazing cures are on their way,"  Dr. Mike Jensen discussed the premise and the promise of his medical research which is changing the landscape of childhood cancer treatment. Noting that the traditional cancer therapies of radiation and chemotherapy typically cause tremendous harm to children's bodies, Dr. Jensen has focused his 30 years of research on harnessing the body's own curative power via gene and immunotherapies. Dr. Jensen works with T-cells which he hailed as the "warrior cells" of our immune systems. He praised our immune systems for walking a tightrope every day, saying they must attack invaders without creating auto-immune reactions.  
 
Building a World Without Childhood Cancer Susie Roe 2018-11-28 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Andrew Lyon

Posted by George Twiss on Nov 28, 2018
Andrew oversees leadership and major gift stewardship programs for Compass Housing Alliance.  Compass provides day services, emergency shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing with 23 sites throughout the Puget Sound Area. They employ 300 staff with a $19 million budget.
 
 
Meet Andrew Lyon George Twiss 2018-11-28 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Michelle Stone

Posted by Jan Levy on Nov 28, 2018
I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce to you one of our newest and youngest members, Michelle Stone.
 
Michelle is the group dining and community relations manager for Ivar’s Restaurants.  She comes to us as a Young Rotary Leader and has the full support of her employer and my friend, Bob Donegan, who is here today along with Chris Gleason, Ivar’s director of operations. 
Meet Michelle Stone Jan Levy 2018-11-28 08:00:00Z 0

A Meeting of Hope, Progress, and Appreciation

Posted by Bret Anderson on Nov 14, 2018

Jan Levy likes smart, eloquent people. She was the perfect person to introduce Eric Liu, founder and CEO of Citizen University.  Here is a quote from the Citizen University web page where Eric describes himself:  

“I am the son of immigrants from China. As a second-generation American I am deeply conscious of the opportunities – and obligations – that come with my citizenship. That’s why all the work I do as a writer, educator, and civic entrepreneur is dedicated to making sure this country lives up to the promise of its creed.”

A Meeting of Hope, Progress, and Appreciation Bret Anderson 2018-11-14 08:00:00Z 0

From East Texas to the Middle East: the Ezell's Famous Chicken Story

Posted by Dann Mead Smith on Nov 07, 2018
Our featured speaker on this crisp and clear fall day was Lewis Rudd, the co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken. He was introduced by Skip Rowland, who delivered a passionate and heartfelt introduction for an extraordinary and determined man.
 
Skip said he was honored to be “part of this inspirational program; be the inspiration!” He introduced Mr. Rudd as a “brother from another mother” who was a high school dropout from Marshall, Texas, who served in the military and then moved to Seattle in 1977.
 
 
From East Texas to the Middle East: the Ezell's Famous Chicken Story Dann Mead Smith 2018-11-07 08:00:00Z 0

Meet Arlesia Bailey

Posted by Dominik Musafia on Oct 31, 2018
What strikes you first when you meet Arlesia Bailey is her bounty of positive energy.  Energy that has powered her through an impressive career at Children’s Hospital.  Energy that inspires her to lead with her head and with her heart as she puzzles through the complexities of her job that affect some 24,000 children per year who are treated in her facility.  
Meet Arlesia Bailey Dominik Musafia 2018-10-31 07:00:00Z 0

Peace Works Author Rick Barton Shares Insights on America's Role in Global Peacebuilding

Posted by Laura Rehrmann on Oct 31, 2018
America’s unifying role in global peacebuilding was the theme of our meeting featuring Ambassador Rick Barton.  What is our role in this turbulent world?  The program was the result of a collaboration between the World Affairs Council, Seattle Rotary, the Diplomacy Task Force, and the Peacebuilder Committee.   Jacqueline Miller, CEO of the World Affairs Council, interviewed the ambassador and Rotary members asked thoughtful follow-up questions. 
Peace Works Author Rick Barton Shares Insights on America's Role in Global Peacebuilding Laura Rehrmann 2018-10-31 07:00:00Z 0

The Last Days of Polio—Hard, But Near

Posted by Gary Smith on Oct 24, 2018
If polio had a collective consciousness, it might sense its pending demise. 
 
No matter.  Poliovirus only survives in the environment a matter of days or weeks.  It is only transmitted by humans, mostly through their waste.  If people cannot be infected, the virus will die out. 
 
And the vaccination strategy built on these facts is working, stunningly.  Wednesday, October 24 was the sixth annual World Polio Day and Rotary Clubs the world over paused to review progress. At Seattle 4, Past President and former competitive college bowler Mark Wright interviewed Dr. Jay Wenger, who heads the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation effort to help eradicate polio.
The Last Days of Polio—Hard, But Near Gary Smith 2018-10-24 07:00:00Z 0

Election Cybersecurity - Keeping Your Vote Safe

Posted by Susie Roe on Oct 17, 2018
Jimmy Collins introduced Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman.  The 15th Secretary and 2nd woman to hold the elected position, Secretary Wyman began by acknowledging Seattle Rotary member Ralph Munro as a predecessor and "favorite mentor," mentioning his practice of starting out with a joke.  Although she minimized her ability to tell a joke, Secretary Wyman brought the house down with a story about a senator and his choice between Heaven and Hell. She graciously recognized Seattle Rotary's role in supporting the Boys and Girls Club, founding Medic One, and in ending polio. 
 
Secretary Wyman assured us of the integrity of the Washington State voter system with facts supporting her confidence. Her office alerted quickly to detect and stop Russian attempts to hack into our system leading up to the 2016 election.
 
Election Cybersecurity - Keeping Your Vote Safe Susie Roe 2018-10-17 07:00:00Z 0

Meet Kela Hall

Posted by John Steckler on Oct 10, 2018
Fellow Rotarian and honored guests, it brings me great pleasure to introduce you to our newest Rotarian, Kela Hall, but you can call her KD. She joins us today under the classification of Business Consultants and Services.
Meet Kela Hall John Steckler 2018-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

A Cure for Cancer is Nearer Than You Think!

Posted by Bret Anderson on Oct 10, 2018
Karl Ege introduced his close friend and our speaker for the day, Dr. Gary Gilliland, President and Director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Gilliland thanked Karl for inviting him to come out west. He appreciated that he got more applause than John Steckler. Fred Hutch is the only cancer research center named after a professional baseball player. Fred Hutchinson died at 44 of lung cancer.  He likely would not have died had he been alive today, thanks to advances in cancer treatment.
A Cure for Cancer is Nearer Than You Think! Bret Anderson 2018-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

Washington State Solicitor General Noah Purcell Shares Tales of Stopping Trump’s Travel Ban and His Seattle Upbringing

Posted by Jesse Thomas on Oct 03, 2018
Growing up in Seattle, Noah Purcell, Washington’s solicitor general, learned the value of diversity in community at an early age as a Beacon Hill native and proud graduate of Franklin High School, where he was introduced to law on the mock trial team. Purcell was thrust into the national spotlight in early 2017 when he successfully argued Washington state’s victory in federal court that led to a temporary restraining order against President Trump’s travel ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries. As Purcell recounted the events to Rotarians, joined by his wife, Jasmin, in the audience, he said one of his proudest moments was the recognition he later received from Franklin High’s students, including many immigrants, refugees, and Muslim students, in support of Washington state’s stance against the ban.
Washington State Solicitor General Noah Purcell Shares Tales of Stopping Trump’s Travel Ban and His Seattle Upbringing Jesse Thomas 2018-10-03 07:00:00Z 0
Changing the Way America Eats, One Bite at a Time Gary Smith 2018-09-26 07:00:00Z 0

Seattle 4 Rotary Partners with Foster School to Aid Disadvantaged Businesses

Posted by Taylor Shimizu on Sep 10, 2018
 
For nearly two decades, Seattle 4 and the UW Foster School of Business have partnered to coach business students as they help companies in under-served communities grow.  Managed through Seattle 4’s “Rotary Business Mentors Committee”, this year-long program allows Rotary mentors and business students to complete consulting projects that help businesses grow.
 
Seattle 4 Rotary Partners with Foster School to Aid Disadvantaged Businesses Taylor Shimizu 2018-09-10 07:00:00Z 0
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