Northwind July 9, 2015

Call to Order:  President Sharon called her first meeting to order and led us in the flag salute.

Invocation:  Marlene provided a poem she plagiarized, commemorating the beginning of the new Rotary year.    

Visiting Rotarians:  None 

Returning Rotarians:  Rollo returned from 2 weeks in Mexico followed by a week in Eastern Washington where he enjoyed warm (109 degree) weather.

Announcements:  Sharon shared a Thank You note from the Max Higbee Center with pictures of happy recipients of our donation.  She also announced that the board meetings will now be held on the 4^th Wednesday of the month at her office (Zervas) on Prospect Street.  These meetings will still be at 4:00 and the first board meeting of the new year will be on August 19, 2015.  There will be no board meeting on July 22. Pati will be organizing another Duck Ticket Sale on July 18 and again on Aug. 5^th.  Let Pati know if you want other dates and watch for her e-mails telling time and locations.  Laurie also had a thank you from Jennifer Fix of Peace Health and Whatcom Hospice, who was happy to have provided the program on the 18^th and is grateful for WCNR support. 

Happy Bucks:  Bill started the ball rolling with $4 for the 14^th anniversary of his retirement and $1 for being able to attend Mel’s birthday party.  (He came equipped with a picture.)  Julie was $5 happy for Sharon’s presidency, as were Marlene, Dale and Tim.  Jill was happy their boat is fixed and also happy about several family graduations, which reminded Dale that he is happy he gets to borrow from his 401(k) to pay for his daughter’s college.  Stan was happy to have had dinner with Marv and Mary Wolfe and says they are doing well.  Rollo was happy he gets to go to their cabin and will also see his daughter, who is working nearby.  Tim had apology bucks for harassing Sharon so soon into her year and he knew he was happy about something, but he forgot what it was.  Sharon was happy she only has 47 more meetings to go.  Laurie also had happy bucks, but forgot why, but it could have had something to do with the Mariners.  Jake was happy for the Women’s Soccer game and his remarkable 4^th of July spent at his sister’s on Orcas Island, listening to a violin prodigy.  (So good, he thought he was in heaven.)  Alina was happy she will soon be hiking and tent camping at Mt. Baker.  Pati was happy she sold Duck Tickets to Jake Locker.  Laurie gave Funny Bucks because Pati did not know who Jake Locker was, even after he signed his name to the ticket.        

Finemaster:  Tim so graciously volunteered to be the finemaster and of course, started the fines for anyone not wearing Rotary pins.  Rollo was fined $2 for questioning this.  $1 fine if you have not attended ticket sales at Haggens,  $1 if you have not signed up for this, and $1 if you don’t intend to.  Greg was fined $2 for being the last in and anyone not giving happy bucks was fined.  People were fined if they have not taken the time to visit with another Rotarian and Jim B. was fined because he said he would, if there was free beer involved.  Tim then opened the floor for others to fine someone and Sharon immediately fined Tim in justified revenge.  Bill, (unclear on the concept?) fined himself for not mentioning he was invited to visit his sister-in-law and will be taking a great train ride to do it.

Banners:  No Banners L 

Program:  Today’s program was a Club Assembly.  At this meeting it was decided we will be changing our TIME and MEETING PLACE starting August 6^th.  The meeting will now be held at NOON on Thursdays at the Gateway Center off SLATER ROAD, (under the Lummi Tribal information sign.)  Since we will be having lunch, (soup, salads, bread), we will be paying $150 per person, per quarter.  Watch for another email concerning this big change.  We are hoping to recruit more people from the Ferndale area.  We also discussed some fundraising and project ideas and discussed committees. The next Fellowship night will be on July 30^th, where we will meet around 5:00 at Chihuahua’s for dinner and beverages. Please RSVP Rollo or Marlene, with the number of people in your party.   Bring friends and family and again, watch for emails.   Also watch for emails from your committee chairs.   Let’s make this a productive and fun Rotary year!    

Drawing:  Bill donated a lovely screwdriver set, which Pati took home.  Rollo did not win the Jack Pot now valued at over $885.00, but he did walk away with a consolation prize of Walla-Walla onions!  The pot grows!  And with this, we all convened at Chihuahua’s for a beverage hosted by our new President, Sharon!  Good time had by all and so sad if you were unable to attend!

Next meeting:  July 16^th at Ferndale Library at 4:30!