President Beth opened the meeting by describing how past Rotary 4 President Todd Summerfelt, who recently passed from unbeatable cancer, lived life joyfully and to its fullest.  She invited past Rotary 4 president, Kim Moore, to the podium to talk a bit about Todd, to introduce Todd’s family and acknowledge Todd’s 37 years as a Seattle 4 Rotarian.

“He was an exceptional member of our club for almost four decades,” she said. “Recently we created a word cloud for Todd and, before his passing he was touched by our words of appreciation.  He believed in family, faith and fellowship that he lived with humility and joy.”   Linda Rough led the Rotary Rogues in singing Sweet Low Sweet Chariot.   President Beth then acknowledged Don Kraft’s 74 years as a Rotarian and 74 years of perfect attendance. 

 

Rotary International has invited clubs to nominate a member to be Rotary District 5030 Governor. 

Jeff Borek put his name forward as District Governor nominee.  Although Jeff was not in attendance, he offered remarks about his interest, and past experiences with Rotary as qualifications for the position of District 5030 Governor.  Jeff’s nomination was unanimously approved by Seattle 4 Rotarians in attendance in person and online.

 

The day’s short program featured Shayna Daitch of Senator Patty Murray’s office.  She said Senator Murray shares Rotary’s service above self approach, and that Senator Murray is working hard for Washington State.  She described how Senator Murray has been warning about Republicans that want a national abortion ban, forcing women to stay pregnant no matter what.  “This is one of our top concerns,” she said, “as Senator Murray is fighting for abortion rights.”  She talked about Congressional directed spending as she explained how Senator Murray advanced eleven recent projects in the Seattle area, from supportive housing for urban natives to the electrification of the Seattle Ferry Terminal; and many other projects.   She also said Senator Murray secured $38M for the West Seattle Bridge.   She went on to describe funding Senator Murray secured for many other projects, including appointment of several Federal judges.

 

Prince of Programs, Ken Grant, introduced the day’s main program as his dear friend and Executive Director of Washington Filmworks, Amy Lillard, who oversees 126 projects that generate $147M in economic impact and thousands of jobs to the state.

 

She described Washington Filmworks’ production incentive program and the official state film office. “If you are looking to produce a movie in Washington State there are an abundance of resources,” she said.   She presented a slide deck that listed iconic movies that were filmed in Washington State.

    

She said filming locations, from Lake Crescent to Lake Chelan and Camano Island, offer great scenery and support from local communities.  “We provide incentives for film makers because it is good economic development,” she said. “Of the money film makers spend, about 50% is for cast & crew and the rest for local businesses.”   During the 2022 Legislative session funding was increased to match Canada and Oregon.  The new money will allow her office to support feature films as well as local film projects.

 

The state film office works with smaller production centers in Seattle and Spokane.  She acknowledged how local communities such as Eatonville would rise in support of film crews.

She said the state is not only attractive for film makers, but also advertising commercials especially car companies who value our curvy roads and seaside locations.  “Washington has some of the most beautiful locations ever,” she said, “as our location managers ARE our office and where we view our work out of motor homes, on the streets or wherever.”    

“I feel like the projects we fund are like our children,” she concluded, “with the most interest in the Tom Cruise film Maverick that was filmed on Whidbey Island at the naval base.  “They flew eight jets over the North Cascades and elsewhere for the film,” she said. “ The code name for the film Maverick was ‘island harbor’.    

 

VP of Membership Engagement John Steckler came to the podium to describe several upcoming events that can be found on the Seattle Rotary 4 website:  Networking mixer on 9/22,  9/25 garden party with 700 blossoms, 10/8  whale watching boat trip, and 10/13 tour of the International District and more.

 

VP of Programs Ken Grant described upcoming programs such as next week’s program about pickle ball in the prison system, followed by a Defamation League presentation, and on 12/14, the Mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell.

 

Sports teams have delivered crazy highs from the WSU win over Wisconsin, to UW dominating Portland State, and the Mariners giving new life to ‘refuse to lose’ with two solo home runs.  Then, on Monday Night Football, the Seahawks defied all predictions to beat the Denver Broncos.”    

 

 Thanks to meeting reporter Pete DeLaunay for another fabulous meeting report! We appreciate you!