Tattler Newsletter April 23, 2018 (Apr 23, 2018)

April 23, 2018

Opening

President Teri opened the meeting with her usual cheery greeting and quickly introduced the Rotary Brass who accompanied the singers with their brassy rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. In case you don't know, the Rotary Brass consists of the very talented Del VandeKerk, John Dunne and Doug Cole.

All during the lunch we were entertained with a slide show of past ski trip photos. Some perceptive members suspected there might be an ulterior motive for those photos of snow being shown on such a lovely spring day. They would be proven right a few minutes later in the meeting.

We were all happy to see Arlie Norman dash into the meeting, his first return after open heart surgery. He looks hale and hearty.

Announcements:

Major Project:

Brian Griffin announced the abandonment of the Estuary Park project. Another entity building a Coast Salish Longhouse on the shoreline, and the huge expense projected to address problems presented by the two major sewer lines running under the creek bed, were presented as the primary reasons. If viewed only as a salmon enhancement project, investment in the 29 miles of Squalicum Creek is a better investment. Padden Creek is only 2.8 miles long.

Peter Theisen, Co Chair of the Major Project Committee followed Brian and announced that the committee would be meeting again very soon to begin the process of finding a new project.

2019 Ski Trip to Sweitzer Basin:

Those suspicious members were right, The reason for the sking slide show was revealed when Cathy Buckley got up to make the sales pitch for the January 4^th 2019 ski trip. Sounds great, get your $200 per person deposit in early to insure your place. Call Cathy or Gary Goldfogel for information. And how about that fancy camera on Gary’s helmet. It seemed to reveal that he is a slow and cautious skier.

Major Awards Nominations:

These are being accepted by the Executive Committee for the Will J. Griswold Club Service Award, the David C. Morse Sr. Community Service Award, the Michael K. Mischaikow International Service Award, and the Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Award. They will be presented at our regular meeting on June 25th. Details are available on the tables, website, or from Sandee. Turn in nominations to Del Vandekerk, President Teri, President-Elect Sandy McIntire, or VP Cathy Buckley.

Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Work Party - May 5, 2018:

There is a work party on Saturday, May 5 from 9:00 am to 1:00 p.m. to help assemble a trail foot-bridge at the Stimson Family Nature Reserve, 2076 Lake Louise Road. A European/Continental Breakfast with coffee will be served between 8:15 and 9:00 at the trailhead parking lot. Contact Tim Fisher to sign up.

Guests of Rotarians:

Dominique Zervas introduced Kyle Gillette with Gillett Solutions

Jen Moehl brought Outgoing Exchange Students Ivy Burt and Ngoc Chau and Incoming Exchange Student Ivanna Platt

Scott Wallace introduced former member Dave Bradley

Rob Olson introduced his brother and sister-in-law Rick and Kathleen Olson from the Marysville Rotary Club

Presentations:

We were charmed by the Minister of Fun presentation of our two outgoing Rotary exchange students, Ivy Burt and Ngoc Chau. They were raising money for their upcoming trips to Japan and Sweden respectively. Your reporter saw the girls counting the donated cash after their presentation. They had a big stack of ones and fives which will surely help, but they are going to need some more.

If you can, send or bring a check to Sandee made out to The Rotary Club of Bellingham-and note it for “Rotary Youth Exchange” The girls need your help.

Program:

Dave Green of Skagit Valley Malting presented one of the most interesting programs of the past several years. The story of a home grown business that is riding the boom in craft beer brewing taking advantage of the unique growing climate and soils of Skagit County. A stirring story of entreprenurial success, he told us much about the making of beer and the distilling of spirits. Dave delivered his story with skill and humor. Just an excellent program.