Rotary Club of South Whidbey Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes, February 13, 2018
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER;  the meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Past President Bruce Enter.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None.
 
Guests:  our exchange student, Sophia Olsson, and our speaker, past president Marty Matthews.
 
Blue Ticket:  Jan-Marc had the correct numbers but didn't pull the red ticket.  Sorry Jan-Marc.
 
Happy Thoughts:
Terry Rose - saw a live performance of the tribute to Jim French (?)
Cristi Hughes - says her tulips are coming up.
Sophia - just happy
Bill - happy that it's getting lighter when he has to get up for Rotary
Jay - he and Carole will celebrate their 60th anniversary (2/22) by taking a cruise to the Caribbean 
John - Marie was invited to Arizona for a photo shoot and will also have a 3 month exhibit in Florida
Ryan - impressed by the Economic Forecaster that Windermere R./E presented last week.
David - he, too, is happy that it's getting lighter out in the mornings
Bruce - Saw Mama Mia and said it was fun.  Also celebrating wedding anniversary (18th ?) and birthday.
Jan-Marc - impressed by the Olympic Games, especial the two 17 year old "kids" who won gold medals
Linda - cheered by all the flowers that are popping out in her garden.
Marty - will be celebrating his 26th wedding anniversary
Ray - mentioned that several of us went to the fundraiser for Rotary First Harvest and in a followup call from ED David Bobanick we were told that they made $90,000 that evening.  Stay tuned for an update on some of the ideas that we might "borrow" from that fundraiser.
 
Club Business:
  • The 5050 District Training Seminary (district assembly) will take place on April 7th in Canada.
  • Jay reported that our wine fundraiser grossed $15,042 and our net was $9,147 - good work everyone and a great evening!
  • Ray mentioned that the Westside Club will be holding a garage sale sometime this Spring and they have invited us to participate - a good time to clear out your house in time for Spring Cleaning!
 
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was Marty Matthews, a double past president of our club.  this last year he spent 11 weeks in Houston and Florida helping with FEMA after the two hurricanes (Harvey and Irma) that caused so much damage in those two states.
 
 
Harvey was worse in that it stayed in place for 4 days, went out to sea and then came back inland.  Damages are expected to exceed $125 billion.  88 people were killed and 738,000 households applied to FEMA for help, although many received nothing for their requests.
Marty was one of the 4,000 inspectors who were brought in to talk to those people who were displaced.  He said that as an inspector he was often times the only person the people down there ever got to talk to about their damages.  The range of money that these people received was normally $500-2,000 with the maximum being $33,000.  Most of them received nothing.
 
In 2016 Marty worked in the Baton Rouge flooding.  He said these 2 storms were much worse.  After being called to Texas last August he was given 2 days to get ready and then was sent to Dallas where he was assigned to Victoria, Texas, 40 miles north of the Gulf where there had been 2-10 inches of flooding.  His only equipment was a tablet computer; FEMA sent him the names of the people he was to talk to and he averaged 4 to 10 homes a day (which took 10-12 hours a day).  
 
His job was to discuss the experiences that his "clients" went through and to ascertain damages based on the high water marks.  Anything over 2' of water damage was considered destroyed.  He would listen to the stories and make a note of it but was allowed no judgements.  He said that some were very  creative in their description of the damages and what it was worth.
 
After 6 days in Victoria he was sent to the Eastern border of Texas where the Sabine Waterway is located.  This waterway dumped into Port Arthur.  A 65 mile portion of the river dumped the rainwater into the Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the USA.  There were 2 major deluges and on 8/31 the dam was opened to relieve the pressure of the water.  Many homes had 4' of water in their homes which was judged to have destroyed everything in the houses. Anything over 2 feet of water was considered the max for damage.  Most of these homes and businesses were over this amount.  One particular home was built 80 years ago and when the dam was opened 32 feet of water went through the house - 2 feet over the peak of the roof.  The house is still standing but everything else was destroyed.  
Port Arthur got 2 major hits from the hurricane; worse was the fact that pumps which run on diesel had run out of fuel so there was no way to dump out the water.
 
Hurricane Irma had a lot of flooding, about 1-3" of water, but Texas received 4-6 feet of flooding.  Marty said his biggest problem was that most of the people he dealt with in Florida spoke only Spanish - he had to work with the older children who did speak some English, plus he had an app on his tablet that would allow him to write out his questions in English and then they would be translated for him for the "clients" to answer.  Fun!
 
After 9 weeks of this, Marty's wife Carole came out to visit him for 5 days - the first time he was able to be outside and he said it was fascinating - made up for the frustration of work - that part was tough!
 
Our speaker for February 20 will be past president, Jack Ng, currently a Port Commissioner for South Whidbey.
 
Our next Board Meeting has been postponed until February 27, due to Jay's traveling.
 
Meeting Minutes, February 6, 2018
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by ADG Ray Green.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Bryan Stucky, of the North Whidbey Island Sunrise Rotary Club was back again for a second week in a row.
 
Guests:  Our exchange student, Sophia Olsson
 
Blue Ticket:  Ray had the right numbers but didn't pull the red chip.  Sorry, Ray.
 
Happy thoughts:  
  • Bryan Stucky and the North Whidbey Sunrise Club has invited us all to attend that club's 25th anniversary celebration to be held on February 17, 2018 at 5:30pm at the CPO Club at 1080 W. Ault Field road in Oak Harbor.  Dress ike it's 1925 and come celebrate with them.  to RSVP call 360-579-2527.  The cost is $45.
  • Terry Rose has again given blood and he's figured out that over the years he has given 12 gallons of the red stuff to the local blood banks.  Thanks, Terry!
  • Sophia was still excited about attending YAIL this past weekend.  We'll have to keep her until she's 18 in order for her to attend RYLA - she looked agreeable to this.
  • Ken Frandsen, a former member of our club, passed away recently.  His son-in-law, Mike Hawley, also a former member of this club, has recently been assigned to the sheriff's office in Freeland.     
  • Bill Haroldson had to recently race his wife Carolyn to her dentist, then her doctor and then the ER at the hospital to find out that she didn't have an infection in her ear but a reaction to some medicine that she was currently using.  Everything is fine now, thank goodness.
  • David had a need to call a plumber, and miracle of miracles, the fellow called him back in a timely manner.  We need his name, David!
  • Bruce is glad that the Patriots lost!
  • Jan-Marc didn't know who to vote for since both teams are from the East coast, so he kept quiet.
  • Ryan gave a follow-up to Bill's talk about the locals on the island, saying that Omer was his great-grandfather.  But he is not related to the Dan Porter of the park in Clinton.
  • Jack mentioned that Jacob's love of basketball has resulted in him being in contact with several of the players on the UW team.  We see where Jacob is heading in his future!
  • Ray mentioned how wonderful but tiring YAIL was over the weekend with 70 young people.  He also tagged-team with the Grant Seminar that was also going on that weekend.  Not sure how many miles he put on his car but it was a lot.
  • Heath & Robin miss Sophia - not near as much fun now that she's moved on to another host family.
  • Russ:  couldn't hear him so don't know what his happy thought was.
  • Mine is that Marv & I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary on the 5th.
CLUB BUSINESS:
  • Thank you, Jack, for hosting our 5th Tuesday event at your beach place.  The dinner was wonderful (and not all from Costco!) and we all had a great time!
  • Registration for RYLA is now open - so recommend those young people aged18-30 to attend.
  • The Scholarship Committee, headed by Jan-Marc will be getting together soon as applications are due to the club by April 1st.  Let Jan-Marc know if you want to participate in the selection.  Also, if you want to be on the Grants & Awards committee for later this Spring.
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was our club secretary, Jay Ryan.  Jay spoke on the subject of Wills, what you should/shouldn't do when a close family member dies, or there is a divorce and how the rules keep changing and what you should know.  Since is was all legal stuff, I don't want to be quoted here and then get myself and you in trouble so if you have questions, ask Jay.  He's willing to come back and talk about the estate aspects of our lives.  Thank you, Jay.
 
Our speaker for next week will be former club member Marty Matthews on the subject of FEMA.  He spent 11 weeks with that organization after the recent hurricanes in Florida and Texas, serving as a house inspector and he has lots of stories to share with us  Join us for breakfast by at least 7:15 to that we can get the meeting started by 7:30.
 
The following week will our own Jack Ng, to talk about the Port Commission.
 
Meeting Minutes, January 23, 2018
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:33 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by President-elect John Plakos.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Bryan Stuckey from the North Whidbey Island Sunrise Rotary Club.  Bryan will become a frequent visitor as he will be spending some time down here for his business.  Welcome Bryan.
 
Guests of Rotarians:  our exchange student, Sophia Olsson and Cristi Hughes' daughter, Maya who encourage us to order some Krispy Kreme donuts to help support activities at her school, Island Christian Academy.
 
Blue Ticket:  Linda had the numbers right but didn't pull the red chip.  Too bad!
 
Happy Thoughts:  
Bruce is back from Hawaii having survived the fake bomb attack.
 
Club Business:
  • Correction to the Bulletin - Jay is speaking about Wills - not emergencies, on Feb. 6th.
  • Our wine committee fundraiser raised around $9,000 - final figures to be tabulated.  Congratulations to everyone's hard work!
  • John Plakos will be attending PETS (President Elect Training Session) the first weekend in February - have fun, John!  It's a lot to take in but it's great information.
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today is Eric Brooks, Director at Island County Department of Emergency Management.  Prior to this position Eric was in the US Navy for 21 years as an explosive ordnance disposal technician.  
 
 
With the latest earthquakes and the threats of tsunamis, Eric gave us the update on the County's Emergency Alerts & Community Notifications app.  This system allows Island County to send emergency alerts, severe weather warnings and community notifications that can affect us.  This is a free service that can be downloaded using the laminated cards that were handed out at the meeting.   If you missed the meeting you can sign up at info@alertsense.com
 
Eric also ranked the warning levels that are currently being used:
1)  information only - no risk of a tsunami
2)  Watch - all conditions have been met for a tsunami
3)  Advisory - a step up from Watch
4)  Warning - a tsunami is imminent.
 
There are several faults that can affect Whidbey Island and they are:
1)  Devil's Mountain West Fault - this fault hooks up with the Darrington Fault by the Deception Pass Bridge; an earthquake here would also take out part of the I-5 corridor, which would affect goods and services getting to the Island,
2)  Strawberry Point / Utsalady - this type of fault has a lot of movement - it's short & shallow and creates a lot of upthrust.
3)  South Whidbey fault - is huge.  It's deep and long and covers from Canada through Everett and even further south; hence, a much bigger result.
4)  Cascadia Subduction zone - impacts the whole area.  Bridge would be down and I-5 would be affect severely.
 
There are major risks for landslides on the whole island.  The A-Hab system is in Oak Harbor by the Water Tower near the high school.  But since the alarm is only heard 2-5 miles from it's location, it's not a good alert system.  Eric stressed the need for all of us to get the emergency alert system on our smart phones.
 
He mentioned several other critical aids/suggestions to have to help us get ready for "the big one" or its smaller brothers:  get a NOAA radio; get the phone app previously mentioned.  The Emergency Operations Center says to make sure your family is safe first and then work through the rest of the crisis:  have an out-of-town contact since local phone systems might not work but texting someone out of town might.
Contact the Island County Emergency Department for more literature on how to get ready for a crisis.  Good information is available at the following links:
 
 
 
 
Important Dates:
Next week's meeting is a 5th Tuesday event and will be at Jack Ng's beach place at 2467 Sunlight Beach Road, just south of Bayview.  Time is 5-7; cost is $15.00.  RSVP to Linda via return email.
 
Next regular meeting is February 6th, when Jay Ryan will give us the low-down on Wills, what they can/can't do and why you should have them.
 
See you at Jack's!
Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2018
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by president Linda Senff at 7:33 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Heath Gunn.  
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None
 
Guests of Rotarians:  Carolyn Haroldson, wife of our speaker, Bill, and our exchange student Sophia.  
 
Blue Tickets:  The pot stands at $106 and increased this week as Jan-Marc had the right numbers but pulled a white chip - sorry!
 
Happy thoughts:  Sir Nick will be leaving us - again - to return to Malaysia to finally!! sell his house there.  Safe travels, Nick!  David is just happy to be living here.  Jan-Marc announced that today was his parents 62nd wedding anniversary - congratulations!
 
Club Business:
  • There will be a Board meeting after today's regular meeting - all are invited to attend.
  • Dues are due - see Heath
  • Ray announced that there will be 57 participants at YAIL this year, including Sophia and our next outgoing student, Sawyer Moch
  • Ray also attended the Whidbey Westside meeting last night and announced that we've been invited to join them in a garage sale that they will be sponsoring in late April - more discussion to follow.  Let us know your thoughts.
 
PROGRAM:
Our own Bill Haroldson, current President of the Whidbey Island Historical Society, was our speaker today on the topic of the proposed restoration of the Story Pole carved by Tulalip Tribal leader William Shelton some 80 plus years ago.   Bill gave us some wonderful history of the pole, the carver, and the tribe itself.  
 
 
Chief Shelton was born on July 4th, 1868 at Sandy Point and was named Wah-Cah-Dub.   His parents lived at Possession Point.  He became the last Hereditory chief of the Snohomish Tribe.  His legacy was his efforts to bridge the gap between the white man and the native Americans.  A treaty was signed on 1-22-1855 which supposedly gave the Indians what they wanted: to learn the white man's skills, to receive health care and to retain their hunting rights in exchange for large areas of land.  The white man got the land but the Indians didn't get anything for it.  By 1957 Williams moved to the reservations where no services were available, the Catholic church banned their cultural rites and eventually Chief Shelton was named William.  It was while he was on the reservation that William saw the carvings done by his people and he yearned to learn the stories that went with them:  two kinds of totems were done:  totems for the family legacies and story poles for lessons and legends.
 
The "totem pole" at the fairgrounds is actually a story pole and it's the goal of the Historical Society to restore it, if possible.  Further information on this remarkable man is elsewhere on our website.  You are encouraged to search it out.
 
Bill hopes to return for an update after the pole is taken down to determine its condition and what can be done with it.  It has had no work done on it since it was put up years ago.
 
Next week's program:  Eric Brooks of Island County Emergency Prepared Department.
 
The following week, January 30th, will be a 5th Tuesday event, to be held from 5 to 7 PM at Jack's beach house on Sunlight Beach Road - $15 per person and he will provide wine, beer and finger food.  Address is 2467 Sunlight Beach Road.
 
For tomorrow's meeting, John Plakos is "on" for the inspiration and Cristi Hughes is to be our greeter.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2018
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Ray Green who gave details of the first ever Rotary Convention at which just 16 countries were represented.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None
 
Guests of Rotarians:  Our exchange student, Sophia Olsson and our speaker, the new Executive Director for Good Cheer, Carol Squire.
 
Blue Ticket:  Bill Haroldson had the right numbers but drew a white chip. Sorry, Bill.
 
Happy Thoughts:  Sophia has already used her Christmas present from the club:  her Ifly experience!  Wants to do it again~! 
Chris Woodford is back at home, as of Saturday and seems to be doing fine.  Give her a call.  
Not a happy thought but Linda was sorry to miss the club's Holiday Party, due to illness.
Terry Rose went to the Andrew Wyeth presentation - said it was wonderful!
 
Club Business:
Dues are due.  See Heath.
 
There will be a board meeting next week, immediately following the regular meeting.  All members are welcome so join us if you're interested in finding out how things are done in the club.
 
Heath reminded us that one of the goals of Rotary is to have every Rotarian participate monetarily every year.  Doesn't need to be much, maybe $10 to $25 dollars.  Let's all participate in this worthwhile endeavour.  Again, see Heath.
 
Our Scholarships this year will all benefit the Levi fund.  Heath's relatives and clients have been very supportive of this project in memory of his grandson, Levi.
 
We have enough money this year to support 4 students at $3,000 each.  Notice of our scholarships being available have been posted at the high school.  Thank you, Ray.
 
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was Carol Squire, the new Executive Director for Good Cheer, introduced by Good Cheer's past Board Chairman, Jay Ryan.  Carol has been on board for about 4 months, having replaced Kathy McLaughlin-McCabe in this position.
 
Rather than starting out with her background, etc.,  Carol distributed a Pop Quiz to us to see how much we knew about our Island and its demographics.  We did pretty well on some questions, not so well on others.  
 
  • Examples were the distribution of the population on the island (36M in the north end, 13M in the central area, and 14M for south Whidbey).  
  • The average annual wage in Island County is under $35,000 which equals about $17/hour.  Minimum wage is about $12/hour.
  • The percentage of children in Island Co. who were eligible for free or reduced price school meals was 27% in 2004.  By 2014 this had increased to 30-35%.
  • The question we missed badly was the number of emergency rooms visits.  Whatcom Co. had 9%, Island Co. had 30% and San Juan had 14%.  Island county had the highest percentage due to the fact that we don't have community clinics as the other two counties do.  Carol and Sandy Whiting (from Goosefoot) want to start a community clinic.
  • Some of us guessed that about 850 people use the food bank each month.  It's more like 1800 people!  The number of homeless using the food bank was assumed to be about half that first number, or about 400 and it's really about 250.
  • The 3 most significant underlying causes of poverty on Whidbey Island are lack of affordable housing, lack of medical and dental coverage, and not being able to make a living wage.
  • Good Cheer serves about 20% of the population on South Whidbey.
  • Most of the navy population is below the poverty level, which is $49,000 for a family of 4.  200% over federal minimum wage still qualifies people for food stamps.  A living wage doesn't mean a minimum wage.
What more could the community do to support Good Cheer:  become more aware of these statistics, and have more programs like what she was doing today and donations, both in money and goods.  One positive note is that drugs and alcohol addiction is not a huge part of the population.  Carol agreed to come back and give us more information as we ran out of time, having had an active dialogue with her on our "quiz."
 
Next week's (tomorrow's) program will be presented by our own Bill Haroldson, on the subject of the refurbishing of the story pole currently at the fairgrounds in Langley.
 
Special dates and assignments to remember:
Tomorrow:  Heath Gunn is on tap for the inspiration and Blake Durr will be our greeter.
Sign up for the District Conference soon - the cruise is almost sold out.  To book, call Valerie Tibbetts at 360-299-9390
 
See you tomorrow.
 
Meeting Minutes, November 14, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Jay Ryan.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  none
 
Guests of Rotarians:  The Swedish Beauty (Sophia) and The Beast (Heath)
 
 
Blue Ticket:  Once again the number drawn was a ticket purchased by Ray for Bob Woodford; and once again a white chip was drawn.  Sorry, Bob.
 
Happy thoughts:  Marie Plakos' 94 year old aunt will be with them for Thanksgiving - she'll be driving herself so be careful out there!!
 
Club Business:
-- Jay Ryan reminder us that we need to bring either two bottles of wine or a check for $40 for the Wine Fundraiser, which will be at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club on December 14th.
-- Our Holiday Party will be on December 20th, again at the Useless Bay Golf & Country club.  there will not be a morning meet on the 19th.
-- Nominations are due by next week's meeting when all the past presidents will be meeting to determine who will be President after John.  If you are at all interested in leadership - president or another position in the club - please contact one of them to let them know.
-- There will be a meeting of the Wine Committee on Nov. 29th at 4:00 at China City.
-- We still need silent auction items as well as the sale of tickets and sponsors.  All members are encouraged to take part in this event as it is our major fundraiser for the year.  All proceeds will be going for scholarships.
 
PROGRAM:
Jan-Marc Jouas led us through our website: how to log on, how to access the member area, how to send out emails, etc.  From the few responses that I've gotten, not everyone took it all in.  If you are one of the "dinosaurs" in the club, as I am,   contact him directly for further help.  Thank you, Jan-Marc!
 
November is Foundation Month and RI President Ian Riseley has sent out an update on our giving.  Last Rotary year, our Foundation received US$304 million in total contributions:  that included $140 million to the Annual Fund, $28 million to the Endowment Fund, and $108 million to PolioPlus.  All of those gifts are now hard at work, Doing Good in the World:  supporting Rotary's work today and strengthening our organization for tomorrow:  The Foundation approved 494 district grants and 1,260 global grants, with a total of $111 million in funding.
 
As you all know, polio eradication is the number one priority of Rotary and our Foundation.  It has been a historic year for polio eradication, with unprecedented new support and fewer cases of polio than ever before.  In 2016, 37 children were paralyzed by the wild poliovirus.  So far in 2017, that number stands at 13.  We are on our way to zero, and you can follow that journey with the updates that are published every week by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
 
As announced at our Atlanta convention in June, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has increased its commitment to our polio eradication initiative, and will match 2:1 all Rotary contributions up to $50 million dollars, for the next three years.  In total, more than one billion dollars in new funding for polio were pledged by governments and key donors in Atlanta.
 
Next week's program will be presented by Helen Price-Johnson, one of our Island County Commissioners.
 
Special Dates to Remember:
Please remember to keep Lauren in your thoughts and prayers this coming weekend.  If you're able, think about attending the Memorial for LeRoy this coming Saturday at 1:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
 
The District Conference cruise is almost sold out - check the district site for details and sign up - it should be fun!
Meeting Minutes, November 7, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by president-elect John Plakos.  
 
Visiting Rotarians:  our speaker, David Bobanick, Mercer Island Rotary
 
Guests of Rotarians:  our exchange student, Sophia; and Kelly Pinkley, an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer currently working with Good Cheer.
Blue Ticket:  Again a ticket bought by ADG Ray Green for Bob Woodford was the number called but this time it wasn't a winner.  Sorry, Bob
Happy Thoughts:  Sorry, I listened but didn't take any notes, although I do recall something about Sophia and her soccer team doing quite well in the the tourney but unfortunately not enough to win.  Good work, Sophia!
 
Club Business:
-- 5 of us from the club attended the 20th anniversary of the Whidbey Watershed Stewards (formerly the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure).  Thank you to Ray Green, Bruce Enter, Linda Senff, Jay (and Carol) Ryan, and Heath Gunn for attending, and a big thank you to Ray Green for giving the group there some history of Rotary's involvement, both in hands-on work and monetary "donations".
-- Wine committee meeting tomorrow at 4:00 at China City.
-- Reminder that the Wine committee needs either two bottles of wine from each member (valued at $20 each or more) or $40 for Jack to get a deal on some truly great wines.  
-- Silent auction items are still needed for our fundraiser - preferably high end items - see Jay.
--  Reminder that our major fundraiser of the year - for the benefit of scholarships - will be on December 14th at the Useless Bay Golf club.  All members are strongly encouraged to participate and to bring friends.
 
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was David Bobanick, Executive Director for Rotary First Harvest, a program of Rotary District 5030.  David has more than two decades of experience in nonprofit management and joined RFH as its ED in 2001 (just a week before 9/11).  Since that time he has led RFH to quadrupled the amount of produce collected and distributed annually and significantly expanded RFH's strategic impact at the local, national and international levels.  He has been a speaker at two International Conferences for Rotary International.  This last year RFH celebrated its 35th anniversary and announced that over 200,000,000 pounds of food had been collected and distributed at a cost of about $.03/pound!!
David has also developed Rotary-based hunger relief programs in other states and countries and serves on several state, national and international committees focused on agricultural development and hunger response initiatives, including serving as President of the Rotarian Action Group for the Alleviation of Hunger and Malnutrition.  
 
 
David participated in the inaugural Non-Profit Executive Leadership Institute at the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington as well as Executive Leadership Institutes at Stanford University's School of Social Innovation.   He currently serves as District Trainer for Rotary District 5030, just finished his second term as an Assistant Governor, is Past President of The Rotary Club of Mercer island and is an Assistant Rotary Public Information Coordinator for Zones 25/26.  (he also was a plenary speaker at Rotary's PETS training last year, something he's done for several years).
 
David was here today to give us a bit of history as to how RFH got started and to introduce Kelly Pinkley who is working at Good Cheer as an AMERIcorps volunteer.   Rotary First Harvest was started at the University District Rotary Club in Seattle when two members were shocked to see the empty shelves at their local food bank.  The word went out (courtesy of Mike Shanahan's police connections) and within weeks, massive amounts of onions and then zucchini was delivered to the Northwest Harvest food bank warehouse at Pier 91 in Magnolia.  Within a year the project had grown so large that even a big club like the University District couldn't handle the amount of food coming in, and the project was sanctioned as a district project - it's now been the longest serving district project in the history of Rotary. 
 
The board is made up of representatives of each rotary club in district 5030, with an executive committee elected to service as the governing body.  While being run from an office in District 5030, RFH is a state wide entity - with many farmers and trucking organizations working to get the food to the needy in our state and elsewhere.  Good Cheer is a recipient of gathered food from both Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline (organizations who each had as director a former director from RFH).
 
RFH seeks to develop and support programs that divert food waste from being dumped in our landfills. To do this, RFH actively solicits donations of surplus fruits and vegetables - typically in 40,000 pound quantities directly from farmers and producers.  While not cosmetically beautiful, or having other imperfections that make it not as valuable/saleable to grocery markets it is still wholesome and healthy with nutrients.  RFH acts as a non-profit produce broker, connecting existing but underused resources with agriculture, trucking and warehousing industries to collect and distribute millions of pounds of nutritious produce annually to food banks and hot meal programs across Washington.
As mentioned, most but not all surplus foods are donated in quantity.  Over the years another aspect of RFH was developed:  Harvest Against Hunger, which is a partnership between RFH and the Corporation for National and Community Service to place Harvest VISTA members at hunger relief program sites.  And this is where Kelly Pinkley was introduced.
 
 
Kelly is an AMERIcorps VISTA volunteer working with Good Cheer for this coming year in order to find those smaller farms be able to participate in donating their surplus foods.  Their mission is to increase local access to fresh fruits and vegetables by developing sustainable produce recovery projects.  Projects developed by harvest VISTA include establishing new or building upon preexisting gleaning, plant a row, farmers market recovery and community garden models.  HAH is committed to connecting and collaborating with individuals and organizations to develop and share sustainable programs that increase access to fresh and nutritious produce for people in need.  what this means for kelly is to find the farmers/growers and then find a transportation facility that can move smaller amounts of food that the larger trucking outfits aren't able to handle  She has a 3-year commitment to Good Cheer and then will be moving on for her second and third year.
 
The Rotary Club of South Whidbey has been doing its share of helping out our needy neighbors by gleaning (and transporting the food to Good Cheer) for the last 6 years.  Many thanks to those members who have participated.  We have turned in almost 7,000 pounds of food that could have gone to waste without our intervention.  Thank you!
 
 
Next week's program will be Jan-Marc Jouas explaining our website for us.  I know that I'm looking forward to it, as being the dinosaur that I am, my computer and I disagree on a daily basis!
 
The following week 11/14 our speaker will be Helen Price-Johnson, Island County commissioner.
 
Reminder:  November 18 at 1:00 is the Memorial service for Lauren Pool's husband, LeRoy, at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Let's get out and support Lauren.
 
REMEMBER:  NOVEMBER IS FOUNDATION MONTH = PLEASE WEAR YOUR MEDALLIONS TO THE MEETING.
 
Meeting Minutes, October 31, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
After a wonderful dinner provided by Jack Ng of China City, an informal meeting of our club began.  There was no pledge or invocation this evening nor happy thoughts or blue tickets.  President Linda did pass on a big thank you to the club members from Lauren Pool for the flowers sent to her after her husband passed away.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Mary Green of Whidbey Westside 
 
Guests were David's wife Connie; Jay's wife Carol; Linda's husband Marv; and Gary and Nan Roth.
 
Program:
Jay Ryan, Chairman of the Wine Club Committee gave some details for our fundraiser: 
--Date of the event is Dec. 14th at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.  
--Cost of the event will be $50.00.  
--Two tickets are included for each Sponsor donating $250.  Advertisement will consist of their names on a banner at the event and in the program for the evening.
--There will be a wine-grab at $20.00 a bottle.  Club members are required to donate either two bottles of wine with a value of $20/bottle or donate $40 so that Jack can acquire fancier bottles at wholesale prices.  
--Something new this year is that there will be a silent auction for a few high-priced items.  Put your thinking caps on for what would be a good item:  high priced bottle of wine; dinner for 8 or 10 at your house or a nice restaurant; run-away weekend to a nice bed and breakfast or hotel; run-away week to someplace warm.  You get the idea.
--tickets to the event should be available this week.  
 
Upcoming important dates and programs
 
NOVEMBER IS FOUNDATION MONTH - PLEASE WEAR YOUR MEDALLIONS TO THE MEETINGS BEGINNING THIS WEEK!
 
PROGRAMS:
11/7   David Bobanick, Executive Director of Rotary First Harvest
11/14 Jan-Marc Jouas will give us pointers on navigating our website
11/21 Helen Price-Johnson - Island County Commissioner will give us an update on county issues.
 
Important dates:
11/18 District Foundation Dinner in Langley BC - ask Bruce or Linda for details
11/18 Memorial Service for LeRoy Pool at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1:00 PM
11/23 Thanksgiving
12/14 Club Fundraiser
12/20 Club Holiday Party at Useless Bay G&CC
 
November is also Nominations Month.  If you are interested in being part of the leadership of our club, please let our President-Elect, John Plakos, or any of the Past Presidents (Bruce, Jack, Russ, Ray, Richard, or Heath) know of your interest.  Election will be held in December.
 
Meeting Minutes, October 24, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:45 AM.  There was no Pledge of Allegiance as we moved at the last minute from the Wifire conference room to China City because of a double booking by WiFire management.  Thank you, Jack, for providing a meeting place for us!  The invocation was given by Bruce enter.  
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None
 
Guests of Rotarians:  our exchange student, Sophia; and our speaker, Faith Wilder
 
Blue Ticket:  Again, none as Russ is still ill.
 
Happy Thoughts: 
Bill Haroldson was thankful that the South Whidbey Museum was not damaged too much when several tree branches came down on the building during the last storm.  He also gave praise to the Fire Department and to Blake Durr for their assistance in getting all the debris off the building.
 
Snowbirds are leaving:  Grunds are already gone and the Werttembergers are leaving this coming weekend - they think, as it's still terribly hot where they are heading (south of Palm Desert);  Nick is leaving for Malaysia tonight to close on his apartment over there.  He hopes to be back by the end of November.
Linda passed around a picture of herself and adopted granddaughter Maya Hughes from the Grandparents Day event held at Island Christian Academy last week.  They had fun together!
 
Club Business:
-- Today is World Polio Day and we're this close to beating this disease.  A lifestream taping of the World Polio Day event to be held at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Offices will be shown at 2:30 today - log on to the district website and follow the directions to participate in this event.
-- Tomorrow will be the 20th anniversary celebration of the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure, which members of our club were heavily involved in at that time.  We're all welcome to come and celebrate this occasion at 2:15 at the outdoor schoolroom.
--  Monday is Whidbey Westside's Halloween Party which we are invited to - an email was sent out with the details.
-- Tuesday, the 31st we will have our 5th Tuesday event at China City, starting at 4:30 (due to it being Halloween, we thought we should get out early so that we can meet any goblins that might be coming 'round for treats).  This will be our kickoff for our Wine Club Fundraiser.  Spouses and friends are welcome.
--  Our Holiday Party is taking shape and will likely be held at the Useless Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, December 20th.  
 
Program:
Our speaker today was Faith Wilder, President of the Board for South Whidbey Homeless Coalition.  Due to our move to China City we were unable to use the Powerpoint presentation that she had prepared for our meeting.  But being prepared, she had handouts of the information she was going to share via the Powerpoint presentation.
 
 
The goal of The Whidbey Homeless Coalition is "to make homelessness brief and rare in our community."  WHC was founded in 2014 when a 65 year old woman was found living in the bushes behind Good Cheer.  This situation caused many on the Island to realize that not all of us were fortunate enough to have housing.  During the period 8/1/16 to 8/1/17  a head count of the homeless was done and it was found that 564 households were registered as homeless - this included 1169 individuals.  Of these, 236 households had children (472 of them); 271 households were served by WHC and 221 households were awaiting service.
 
The core strategies of WHC are:
1) to find shelter for these people;  they now have 2 houses that they use: a house became available that is now the House of Hope wherein someone/families can stay for up to 90 days.  The Haven provides overnight facilities.  There's also a church-based home which has 30 beds but again, they have to move every 90 days.
2) to find Affordable Housing:  keeping in mind that finding rentals is hard to do on Whidbey.  Every time the rent goes up by $100/month, 16 families are made homeless.  Windermere and Tara real estate companies help find these rentals.  Also, donations are welcome.  Currently there is a 5th wheel in Oak harbor that is housing 4 people.  Currently all motel rooms in Oak Harbor are rented by the Navy due to housing shortage.
3) Housing Stability:  a lot of homeless people also don't have the life skills that we have so WHC provides mentors that have been trained so that guests and residents address life challenges, obey WHC's rules, have access to services and stay housed.
4) Outreach:  WHC is spreading their message throughout the community by speaking to groups like ours to get the word out about not only the need for homes for these persons but also for those things that make a house a home.  Good Cheer will divert donated furniture to outfit these homes.  Ryan's House, which we toured not too long ago, has a drop-in center during the day for children under 18.  They also rent their rooms to those in the 18-24 age range.  WHC does not work with the unaccompanied young.  However, they do take kids over 18 years of age and some of these are young men who have "aged out" at Ryan's house.
 
Additional statistics:
Since May 2015, House of Hope has served 112 individuals - 18 men, 52 women and 42 children
Since April 13, 2017, The Haven has served 122 individuals - 76 men, 38 women and 8 children
There have been 5 Master leases in 2017 - 19 individuals - 12 children
24 mentors have been trained
They have 140 volunteers at the Haven.
 
Whidbey Homeless Coalition's 2017 Goals are:
-- House 60 House of Hope Guests
-- train and pair mentors with all guests
-- increase Master Leases to 7 - 30 beds
-- Operate Haven Nightly (10,000 bed nights)
-- Locate Haven in Host churches.  Seek Permanent Haven Home
-- Develop Outcome Strategies for Haven Guests.
-- Reach/Inform/Engage Community
-- Implement a sustainable Fundraising Plan
 
** a key point that Faith made is that there are no housing or social services available on the south end of Whidbey Island.
check out their website for more information:  www.whidbeyhomeless.org
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:
5th Tuesday Event at China City beginning at 4:30 PM - early time due to Halloween and "early trick or treaters".
Meeting Minutes, October 17, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Dick Werttemberger.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Whidbey Westside Rotarian, Mary Green
 
Guests of Rotarians:  Robin Gunn; Cristi Hughes' daughter, Maya; our exchange student and speaker for the day, Sophia Olsson; 
 
Blue Ticket:  not done due to missing Rotarians - Russ is out with the flu and he has all the materials to help us work.  Thanks to Ray and Jay for filling in for the missing Bob Woodford and Russ DeWolfe.
 
Happy Thoughts:  
Nick says his property in Malaysia has sold!  Visitor Maya is raising money to go to Italy with her school mates.  Check out the website for Island Christian Academy for details as she'll be back next week to "push" for additional sales.  Linda gets to be Maya's substitute Grandma for the grandparents day festivities at Island Christian Academy today.  
 
Club Business:
--  Reminder:  our club's fundraiser will be on Dec. 14th at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.  All members are asked to bring in two bottles of wine, valued at more than $20 OR write a check for $40 (made out to the club) so that Jack can purchase even better wine for the event.
--  A straw vote was taken regarding the last meeting date of this month (the 31st).  Options were attending the Westside Rotary Club's Halloween party on the 30th (more details to come); have a regular morning meeting on the 31st to discuss the Wine Club fundraiser; have a 5th Tuesday event at China City at 4:30 to discuss the Wine Club Event.  The 5th Tuesday event won - this will serve as our kickoff for the fundraiser.  Bring your spouses/mates/significant others!  Jack will let us know the cost.
--  The holiday party is still being discussed - Jay spoke with Kendra at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club and we're working out the details.  Thank you Jay, Ray and Heath for stepping forward on this.
 
PROGRAM:
Just like last week, after another 10 minute detail due to technical problems, Ray Green introduced our current exchange student, Sophia Olsson, from Sweden.  She bravely started her program by showing her pictures on a laptop while she gave her speech.  Both girls (Sophia and Sarah) will be invited back once we figure out how to set up programs like this.  
 
Sophia is from Stockholm, which is the capitol of Sweden.  This city has about one million people.  The country is a parliamentary democracy, with a figure-head monarchy.  Her family consists of her Dad who is an engineer and also a major runner; her Mom who is a principal at the local high school; she is also Irish which I'm guessing is where Sophia gets her red hair; she has 2 brothers, one (name?) is 20 and the other one, Kevin is 21.  They do a LOT of traveling.  She loves soccer and has been playing since she was 6 years old.  Her team here is currently in the playoffs.  She also loves sailing.  Sophia also likes to make videos and she ended her program with her video titled "Trucky", which made several of us nervous about having her drive any of our own vehicles!
 
Dates to remember:
Oct. 24 World Polio Day - you can watch the program on a webcast (?) - ask Bruce.
Oct. 25 20th anniversary celebration for Maxwelton Salmon Adventures 2:15 at the facility.  Since South Whidbey Rotary was instrumental in helping this program get started, it would be nice if quite a few of us attended the festivities.  We'll be asking for volunteers this coming Tuesday.
Oct. 30  Whidbey Westside's Halloween party. More details coming.
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:
Whidbey Island Homeless Coalition with Faith Wilder.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
 
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:32 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Nick Zefferys.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None
 
Guests of Rotarians:  our speaker, Sarah Rodden; her Mother, Grace; our current host mother, Robin Gunn; our exchange student Sophia Olsson, and Jessica, co-manager of WiWire Cafe.
 
Blue Ticket:  Using a ticket purchase for him by Ray Green, the absent Bob Woodford won the pot with the red chip being pulled on his behalf by President Linda.
 
Happy Thoughts:  Robin (and Heath and Sophia) are happy with the birth of the new granddaughter, whose name was so long that I didn't catch it; Terry's announcement was brief: 16 - 10; GO HAWKS!  Nick had all 3 of his kids here for one day which is difficult to manage these days; and several people, including Cristi warned everyone to watch their credit cards as information is being stolen daily; Linda was happy that she gets to be a substitute Grandmother for Cristi's daughter Maya at Grandparent's Day at the Island Christian Academy next week.

Club Business:
There is a board meeting next week, immediately following our regular meeting; all are invited to attend.
 
October 24th is World Polio Day - more on this later
 
October 25th is the 20th Anniversary of the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure.  This will being celebrated this day at the facility and we are encouraged to attend the ceremony as South Whidbey Rotary was instrumental in building the classroom there.  The ceremony will run from 2:15 to 4:00.  It would be great if as many of us as possible could attend.
 
The Wine Club Fundraiser will take place on Dec. 14th at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.  Each club member will be responsible for either bringing two bottles of wine valued at $20 or more, or writing a check for $40 and giving it to Jack so he can use his sources to buy more expensive wines.  More information to come.
Be sure and check the weekly agenda that Bruce sends out for upcoming activities as well as the weekly assignments for Greeter and Inspiration.
 
Thank you to those of you who made the effort to get your breakfasts before the door closed at 7:30 this week.  I appreciate your efforts to not disrupt the meeting as it began.
 
Program:
Our speaker today was introduced by Vocational Director Ray Green.  Sarah Rodden returned to Whidbey after 11 months in Austria.  After 10 minutes of frustration in trying to get her computer to work, Sarah winged it for the rest of her program.  Thanks go out to those who attempted to get things working including Sarah's Mother who handed out Mozart chocolates to appease the "mob", and Jessica, co-manager at the Wifire Cafe who also had just moved back to Whidbey after living in Vienna for the last year.
 
Sarah lived with two host families in Salzburg and her first impressions were that there were a lot of churches, a fortress on the hill and a river running through town.  She took a two week German language class, along with all the other exchange students stationed there, and did a lot of hiking.  She did a LOT of traveling, going to Halstadt, Vienna (for the opera), Prague, Dresden, and Berlin.  A year-end trip saw her hitting other highlights of Europe.
 
Her first host family consisted of a Mom and Dad and two siblings;  the girl was an exchange student to NYC so Sarah got to use her room while she was gone.  Sarah mentioned that this family had no religious beliefs.  She mentioned this because her second host family was headed by a Protestant priest and she was interested in the difference their beliefs made in their lives vs. the first family.  She had the opportunity with her first family of preparing a traditional USA Thanksgiving dinner - the first time they'd ever had pecan pie!
 
Her second host family also had a Mom & Dad, and two siblings but in this case it was the son who was gone so that Sarah got to use his room. 
At the end of the year, Sarah and other exchange students got to travel again, throughout Austria, Monaco (saw all the wealth there), Italy: Pisa (saw the Tower), Lucca, Rome (coliseum) and the Vatican, Florence, Venice, Verona and Trieste.  But the Cinque Terre remains her favorite, due to all the colors.
 
The school system in Austria is much different than ours:  the students stay together in the same room and the teachers move to them; 25 students per class, with 13 classes.  No sports.  She's back on Whidbey and finishing her senior year.  She gave many thanks for the experience.
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:
Our exchange student, Sophia Olsson
 
Special dates to remember:  Wine Club meeting tomorrow at 4:00 at  China City.
 
Meeting Minutes, October 3, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
 
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:37 AM.  A moment of silent reflection was held in memory of those people killed or injured in Las Vegas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Ray Green.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Lyn Waldrop and Hank Adolfi, both from the Whidbey Westside Rotary Club.
 
Guests:  our speaker, Norma Smith and her assistant, Tucker Bronkema.
 
Blue Tickets:  John Plakos had the right number, but still not a winner.  the pot now stands at $28.50.
 
Happy Thoughts:  Cristi - her friends in Los Vegas are okay; Jay & Carol visited Gettysburg; Sophia got to meet Heath & Robin's new grandchild - #13 - first time seeing one so young!  Linda reported that her friends in Las Vegas for a wedding were okay as well.
 
Club Business:
Hank Adolfi - here to make two announcements:  1) he asked for volunteers a program called Rise against Hunger which has a fundraiser on Nov. 5th - go to www.riseagainsthunger.org for information; 2) 2nd announcement was to tell us about YAIL (Youth Adventures in Leadership) which will take place next year from Feb.2-4.  This is for youth ages 15-17.
 
Wine Club:  it's time to start advertising our own fundraiser which will take place on Dec.14th at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.  
 
We're all invited to participate in the 20th anniversary party for the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure, which we were instrumental in developing.  This will take place on Wed. October 25th from 2:15 to 4PM.
 
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was Washington State representative Norma Smith.  She has held this position since 2008 and represents the 10th Legislative District, which includes all of Island County and parts of Skagit and SnohomishCounty.  She currently serves as the ranking member on the House Technology and Economic Development committee, and as assistant ranking member on the House Capital Budget Committee.  Norma and her family moved to Clinton 28 years ago and she, too, was involved in the Salmon Adventure when she was on the School Board.  Her husband passed away in a medical helicopter accident on September 25, 2009.
 
 
Norma's main point was to say that things work better in Olympia between the parties than the media leads us to believe.  She had 3 issues that she wanted to talk to us about:
1) Water Issues:  She feels that monitoring the water rights should be a state responsibility.  However, the courts said it should be a county issue.  The Senate disagreed with the courts and are now attempting to find a fix.  She stressed that this is not a Dem vs Rep situation.  An example of the program is that Seattle has a senior water right that allows them to do whatever they want and to use as much water as they want.  Unfortunately, the people who live near the water sources aren't allowed to use the water on their own properties.  Not fair!
2)  Capitol Budget:   There is $1 Billion in school construction money; and there are 800 new beds in mental health facilities since the last budget but there is no vision Manager for these items as no one applied.
3)  Cyber Security - a growing concern!  The US government doesn't think that we should know about any monitoring that they do.  the state disagrees.  The biometric bill restrains personal history being given out - other than with law enforcement.  IT companies are unhappy with this as they want to collect & store & use our personal information.  Whidbeytel has strong guards in place.  Because we're "Washington" we get a lot of hits due to the "other" Washington:  DC.
 
Ryan's House - she was asked about this because of comments by prior speakers:  Lori Cavender of Ryan's House and Sheriff Mark Brown.  There was a lot of misinformation and because is wasn't considered newsworthy the full story wasn't told.  Ryan's House is now working with island County Humane Services to work out some of the problems.
 
At the end of her program, Norma again stressed that the people in Olympia worked hard together!
 
Upcoming dates of interest:
October 17th:  board meeting
October 24th:  World Polio Day
October 25th:  Maxwelton Salmon Adventure celebration 2:15 to 4 PM
Nov. 18th:  District Foundation Dinner
Dec. 14th:  Wine Club Fundraiser
Dec. 19th:  Holiday Party
 
SPECIAL NOTE:  PLEASE TRY TO ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 7:30 AM WHICH IS WHEN THE BUSINESS PORTION OF OUR MEETINGS STARTS.
IF WE WAIT FOR YOU TO GET YOUR BREAKFAST, WE LIMIT THE TIME FOR BUSINESS DISCUSSION AND Q&As FOR OUR SPEAKERS.  THANKS
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:
Sarah Rodman, returning exchange student
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, September 26, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
 
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM.  The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by an invocation given by Terry Rose.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Mary Green of the Westside Rotary club
 
Guests of Rotarians:  Blake's wife, Jessica; our exchange student Sophia Olsson; Heath's wife, Robin; John's wife, Marie; and their guest, Tom Hannify
 
Blue Tickets:  Linda had the correct ticket number but didn't pull the winning chip. Pot now totals $14.00;  Dick Werttemberger reported that he finally received his winnings, a grand total of $201.  He did not report how he intended to spend his winnings!  Several suggestions were mentioned by the crowd in attendance.
 
Happy Thoughts:  Lauren Pool has purchased a new horse; Today is Marion Jouas' birthday but no age was given - don't think she's joined the next decade yet. Heath is very happy to have Sophia staying at his house - he says she's a delight! and he encourages all of us to include her in our activities.
 
Club Business:  only a few notices before we turned the podium over to Jan-Marc.
--John Plakos brought our attention to an internet program that would be broadcast this date on the subject of The Rise of Islamophobia, hosted by the Carter Center.
--Bruce mentioned the Maxwelton Salmon Adventure 20 year celebration which will be held on October 25th (NOTE CORRECTED DATE) from 2:15 to 4:00 PM.  
You're all encouraged to attend as South Whidbey Rotary was instrumental in its formation.
--October 24th is World Polio day - more information will be given at a later date as to how we can celebrate this occasion.
--Bob Woodford is now at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville and he's doing better.
 
PROGRAM:
Our speaker today was our own Jan-Marc Jouas, USAF Lt. General (retired) giving some perspectives on Korea.  Before his retirement, Jan-Marc was the Deputy Commander, United Nations Command Korea; Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, Republic of Korea/U.S. Combined Forces Command; and Commander 7th Air Force at Osan Air Base, South Korea.  He was also the U.S.  representative to the joint committee for the Status of Forces agreement between the two countries.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in international affairs in 1979 from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
With apologies to Jan-Marc, your scribe was unable to get down all the particulars of your speech, but key thoughts are highlighted below:  To those of you who want more information, go on-line or contact Jan-Marc directly.
 
--NE Asia is vital to US economic and security interests.  
--The US Pacific Command is responsible for an area that encompasses California to India, and the Arctic to the Antarctic.
--It is key to remember that the Korean War ended with an Armistice, not a treaty.  If Kim should create an incident, we will automatically be at war - no discussion needed.
--It is also key to remember that "if they don't have the capability (ICBM) today, they will have it tomorrow" - quote by Jan-Marc.  They have a huge military, maybe not the most up-to-date but it only takes one badly trained pilot, (and they have lots) in one plane to ruin your day.  And chemical warfare is a possibility!
--the difficulties in dealing with North Korea's military is that it is extremely hard to find.  They have used their mountains to good effect.  Their missiles are very mobile and are hidden in those underground facilities.  But the good news is that once we find those missiles and facilities, we can win.
--they have a large submarine fleet; they can't go very deep but they are able to move their special ops personnel readily.  Same for an antique Bi-plane:  it's low and slow but can go everywhere, even landing on a golf course to deploy their special ops people.
--whereas the North Korean can rapidly reach South Korea, it will take 1 day to several months to deploy our joint forces.  It will be a regional conflict.
--There are over 100,000 US citizens who live in South Korea, most near the border with North Korea.  It will be very difficult to evacuate them.
--So what does Kim want?  3 things:  1) he wants to keep the current regime (his) ; 2) he wants the USA out of the area; and 3) he wants to be recognized as a "power" in the area.  Bad news!
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:
Washington State representative, Norma Smith.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, September 19, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:20 AM,  followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Secretary Jay Ryan.  The early start was due to the tour scheduled for today at Ryan's House in Coupeville.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  None
Guests:  None
Blue Tickets:   We have a winner!  Dick Werttemberger drew the red chip.  The total amount he won is a secret as Heath was not here today.  Stay tuned for the announcement!  Thank you, Ray, for handling the desk for us.
 
Happy Thoughts:  
Terry Rose announced that after weeks of being close to death, his dog Abby is doing much better - thank you to the vets for taking care of her.  Jay & Carol Ryan won't be here next week as they'll be touring Gettysburg to find out what really happened there!  Ray Green attended his 53rd high school reunion this past weekend - he showed us his badge with his HS picture on it; still shows a good head of hair but it was darker back then; what happened, Ray??  Jan-Marc announced that he has joined a lot of us in this decade by celebrating his 60th birthday yesterday.  Happy Birthday, Jan-Marc and welcome to the club!
 
PROGRAM:
Our program this date was a tour of the facilities at Ryan's House in Coupeville, given by CEO and founder Lori Cavender.   Established 8 years ago, the facility sits on 17.8 acres and is housed in a former motel, part of which was built in 1955 and the rest about 20 years ago.  There are rooms for the kids admitted to the house, as well as a drop-in center with books, games, TV, etc., even a therapy dog named Loki.  There's a kitchen with a volunteer cook, a closet for clean clothes and toilettries.  Most services are donated: food from outside sources, medical personnel on site, and mentors to help with home-work or any other issues the kids may have.  
 
 
 
 
 
What was shocking was to hear the background stories of some of the kids who are now being helped through this organization.  Last year over 200 youth ages 12-24 were living on their own on the island, with more than 104 of these youth enrolled in Whidbey schools.  The good news is that 5 of them graduated from high school this year.
 
Ryan's House for Youth is dedicated to the memory of Lori's brother, Ryan Busche, who in his late 20's along with his wife Abby, perished on Alaska Airlines flight 261 off the coast of California.  Ryan lived life on his own terms and was a free spirited, fun loving, self-assured young man, according to Lori.  He valued education and enjoyed his job at Microsoft.  Ryan was very outgoing, never knew a stranger, and was a great friend to the homeless.  He even spent time on the streets of Portland learning what it was like to survive on next to nothing.  Ryan's House on Whidbey Island was established in his memory to carry out his dream of helping at-risk youth.
 
Ryan's House serves all youth, ages 12-24.  The Drop-in Center is designed to be a place to come in out of the elements and find food, friendship, and adult support.  Youth over 18 can stay overnight, and host families are available for those under 18.  There are rooms for handicap persons, mothers with infants, and members of the LGBTQ community.  If they are in school they are still assigned 20 hours of chores a week.  If they are working they pay rent at 20% of their income, with raises of 5% every 6 months.  
 
On a personal note, I was very impressed by what they are trying to accomplish with only volunteers and donations.  I look forward to staying in touch with them.
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM
Our own Jan-Marc Jouas (USAF Lt. Gen. - retired) will be speaking on the situation with Korea.  Westside Rotary has been invited to attend and we welcome your friends, neighbors and spouses to attend as well.  Come early to get a (good) seat!
 
OTHER NOTES:
There will be no meetings on October 31, 2017, either regular or 5th Tuesday as we've been invited to a Halloween party on Monday, October 30th with Westside Rotary - details to come.
 
With the disasters in Texas and Florida, we're asking members to consider making a donation to the Foundation in order to purchase Shelter Boxes that will house those whose homes have been destroyed.  We'll get you the details soon.
 
Meeting Minutes, September 12, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by ADG Ray Green.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  our speaker, Sheriff Mark Brown, and Kent Tarpley here to visit his brother-in-law Dr. mark Jabbusch.
 
Guests:  Heath's wife Robin, our exchange student Sophia Olsson, John Plakos' son Chris, and Dr. Mark Jabbusch.  Welcome!
 
Blue Tickets:  ADG Ray Green stepped in for the ailing Bob Woodford and once again Heath had the winning numbers; but he - also again - drew a white chip.  Sorry, Heath!
 
Happy Thoughts:  Blake's in-laws will be arriving soon; Nick recently gave a Diversity Talk at TLC; Heath's oldest grandson is now a deputy sheriff - we rigged this in honor of our speaker!
 
Club Business:
Highway clean-up today at 9:30 - meet at the phone booth on the highway, near Classic Road.
 
Gleaning tomorrow at 1:00 at Anne-Marie's for apples.  These aren't needed at Good Cheer so they will be turned over to a local farm to make Cider.  Russ says that we might get some of the product!
 
The club is looking into donating a Shelter Box for one of the recently hit areas in Texas and Florida.  Please consider making a donation to this project so that we can possibly finance two of these items.  Thanks.
 
Program:
Our speaker today is Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who has been the Sheriff for the last ten years.  Mark was raised on a wheat ranch in rural Eastern Oregon that has been in his family for more than 80 years.  After graduating from high school, Mark attended the University of Oregon where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 (he's a Duck!!)  Following college Mark served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy and then began his career with the Washington State Patrol in June of 1974 where he served for over 30 years, primarily in Kitsap and Island Counties.  He was elected Island County Sheriff in January of 2007. 
 
 
There are 3 precincts within Island County:  Langley, Coupeville and Camano Island, with 8 officers at each office: one lieutenant, one sergeant and 6 officers.  The Sheriff feels they should have 15 officers at each.  He would also like to have two deputies on duty 24/7.  We currently have the lowest staff in the State of Washington which means fewer officers for our citizens.  Our property crime is basically stable and Island county currently has the 6th lowest crime rate in the state.  Most of our issues are with the mentally ill and those that are chemically addicted - both of these types of "offenders" (for lack of another word) require more time to process in order to get them the help they need.  The various offices receive 400-500 calls every two weeks.  There are new programs to help them but in 9 months, no one has entered any of them.  Whereas our property crime rate is stable, crime against persons is the lowest in the state so Whidbey Island is a good place to live.
 
Our jail is a 58 bed facility but our needs are for a 71 bed facility.  The Sheriff also addressed the death of an inmate during his time.  Since that occurrence, they've had a major change in how they deal with these inmates; standards have gone up, there is a new administrator and monitoring of these inmates has increased immensely.   However, legally, the officers cannot forcefully make any inmate eat or drink and this young man had died of dehydration.
 
It is legal to discharge a weapon in Island County as long as there is a proper backdrop.  It's also legal to hunt on the Islands.  Sheriff Brown predicts that this will become a legal fight at some point in the future.  For further information on various police matters, go to Island County website at www.islandcountywa.gov.
 
Lots of questions followed Mark's talk.  He was glad to be here but then stated that he'll be retiring in December of 2018 - we all thanked him for his service.
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM
We will be touring the Ryan's House Facility in Coupeville.  Please try to be at the WiFire by 7:00 for breakfast and Fellowship so that we can begin a short meeting at 7:15, allowing us to leave for Coupeville by 7:30, carpooling if you wish.
 
PROGRAM FOR SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
Jan-Marc Jouas will be our speaker on the topic of the current situation with North Korea.  Please feel free to invite spouses and friends to this meeting.  
 
Meeting Minutes, September 5, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order b y President Linda Senff at 7:34 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Past President Bruce Enter.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  our speaker, District Governor Lindagene Coyle
 
Other Guests:  no other guests were present
 
Happy Thoughts, Blue Ticket, Club Business: These functions were not done in order to give as much time as possible to our District Governor's speech
 
 
Terry Rose announced that gleaning would take place the following day at Deep Harvest Farm at 9:00 AM.  Email with details to follow.  Terry also brought to our attention that there would be a highway clean-up this coming Saturday, to begin at 10:00AM -- please note the time change.  We'll meet at the phone booth on the highway nearest to Classic Road.
 
Program:  Assistant District Governor, Ray Green introduced District Governor Lindagene Coyle and gave a bit of her background.  She emigrated from the USA in 1971 and has been there ever since.  She has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.  She began her working life in Vancouver at Opportunity Rehabilitation Workshop and then moved on to Douglas College in the counseling department as an educational planner.  Over the next 33 years Lindagene held several increasingly responsible positions at Douglas and then Kwantlen College.  She retired from Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she was Vice President and was honored with Vice President Emerita status.  She has been extremely active in her community in various capacities and joined the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club in 2002 where she became secretary, treasurer, president, Paul Harris Committee Chair and held other director positions.  In 2012 she moved to the District 5050 Rotary Club of White Rock.  She has held many district positions and has been on 3 international projects to deliver wheelchairs and experienced the emotion of putting people in their first wheelchair.  Lindagene is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, in the Paul Harris Society, and a Benefactyor.  She belongs to several Rotary Fellowships:  Wine, Singles, Convention Goers (she's been to 9), Gourmet and International Travel and Hosting, Whiskey, as well as the Action Group for Peace.  She firmly believes there is a Rotary Club for everyone.  (Editor's highlighting).
 
 
 
The purpose of her visit is so that we get to meet our district governor; so that the DG gets to know the individual clubs; and to hear from the clubs and their members.  It is a requirement for the DGs to visit!  The DGs are also responsible to share Rotary International priorities, to provide any updates and to share district priorities.
 
The Key areas of Focus this year are:
-- Membership and Club Growth - the #1 priority!
-- The Rotary Foundation with their program of EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) which means investing in Rotary and giving to the Foundation - this money is then returned to us in 3 years and this investment can be as little as $5 a year. (this is one of the Presidential Citation requirements and is a club requirement, not mine!)  Heath will be telling you more about this opportunity.
-- Leadership Development & Training
-- Youth Programs & the Youth Protection Policy 
-- Public Image and Communications - for years/decades Rotary has been the silent worker in its communities.  For the past fews years this has been changing and even if we're not outright boasting, we are letting our communities know what we've been doing.  We are a service club!  For this reason we are now keeping track of all kinds of service that each of you have been doing and logging it in.  We'll be telling you more about this.  Attendance is recommended but no longer is it a requirement to aim for a high percentage of attendance.  RI is more interested in how many people in our club contribute to their communities in the number of projects and hours spent.  We've already done Berry Sales, Wine Committee, Gleaning, highway clean-up.  So, we need your hours - keep track please!  And committee meetings count - if it's a service to our community it counts!  Stay tuned!
 
Lindagene encouraged us to stay informed:  read the monthly Peace Arch Journal; go online to the District Website, have a My Rotary account (easy to do); post on Rotary District your projects and fundraisers; have a Facebook account for public groups, and lastly for those of you still in business, post your businesses on Networking Plus to get your name out there!
 
Rotary International is slowly but constantly changing and if our club or an individual has an idea for change, they can contact the District and present their idea - but the deadline for this is 12/31/17.  This is your opportunity to influence RI.  PDG Wayne Wiebe is in charge of this process.
 
Lindagene covered more of the district's wish list (like having a visioning process and then a strategic planning session to plan where we want our club to be in 5 years as well as other ideas.  Her last one was to promote the District Conference next Spring - it will be a cruise from Seattle-Victoria-Vancouver-Seattle - mostly for fun.  So, check the website and make your plans.  Several of us have already signed up.  And remember, Lindagene is there for us!  Call her if you have questions and she'll do her best to answer promptly or have one of her staff get back to you.
 
NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:  Sheriff Mark Brown of Island County will be our speaker.  He'll tell us about how the sheriff's department is structured and about the current status of the county crime levels.  Be here for an interesting meeting!
 
Meeting Minutes, 22 - 29 August 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:35 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by President-elect John Plakos.  There were no visiting Rotarians or other guests present.
 
Blue Ticket:  the matching number was pulled by Bob Woodford but not the red chip.  Sorry, Bob. The pot grows - must be present to win!  Bob & Heath think the current amount to win is $166.50.
 
Happy thoughts:  Terry Rose reported that he has gleaned 550 lbs. to date.  Stay tuned for further opportunities to help our more needy neighbors!  We may even get to glean the first week of September.
 
John Plakos was back after an extended absence having been first in Kenya and then fighting some "bug" that he brought back with him.  Welcome Home, John! (Update:  John has had a relapse and is still fighting said "bug").  Keep both John & Marie in your thoughts and prayers.
 
Blake Durr reported that his wife, Jessie, is suspending her PT practice so that she can join him in his business, starting today!  Good luck to both!
 
Club Business: Nothing recorded.  On to the program for the day.
 
Program:  
Debby Colfer, librarian/manager of the Clinton Library spoke about all the information that can be found on the Sno-Isle Library System website.  She went through several "pages" online that dealt with checking out books and DVDs as well as the many programs that are offered, especially those for when the grandchildren come to visit.  You can also study languages on line, trace your genealogy and best of all you can make an appointment with a staff member to have them help you with your computer skills.  Also with your membership (it's free) you can get free printing up to a certain number of pages each month.  Debby also mentioned that there are Audio Books available for when you travel, some of them narrated by our own Terry Rose!  I talked with Debby later in the week and she felt that she barely scratched the surface of what one could explore online.  So, visit her and ask her questions about how you can become more savvy with your computer!  
 
FOLLOWING WEEK:  5TH TUESDAY EVENT AT THE GRUND'S BEACH FRONT HOME!
It was a beautiful evening and many of you were able to make it to the party.  Many thanks to Dick and Victory and their friends for taking care of our cars, delivering us down to the beachside (a little saner than Jacob does - no offense Jacob!), and feeding us with various kinds of pizzas.  It was a great evening.  Check out the pictures that Jan-Marc posted on our website.
 
THIS COMING TUESDAY:  District Governor Lindagene Coyle will be our speaker and I encourage all of you to attend.  She'll be bringing a message from the district and will also be presenting a short video pertaining to the next district conference which will be a cruise!  Yea!
 
Check out the Agenda that Bruce Enter sent out to see the changes in format for this important meeting - Several parts of our normal meeting will be dropped in order to make sure that Lindagene has all the time she needs to meet with us and answer our questions.  She'll also be meeting with the board after the regular meeting - all are welcome to this meeting, as you always are.  Try to be at the Wifire by 7:00AM to meet Lindagene, get your coffee and breakfast and be ready to hear her message to us at 7:30prompt!  
 
A NOTE OF ETIQUETTE:  it is proper that when the district governor is introduced for her speech (not when she's introduced as a visiting Rotarian) that we stand and applaud to greet her - same thing at the end of the speech.  We will not be required to sing either national anthem (amen!).  We will then move on to club business and any other news.
 
Meeting Minutes, August 16, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Happy Eclipse Day!  Hope you all have the approved/certified glasses and have already checked out the event of the day - carefully!
 
As you know, we didn't have a regular meeting last week as we moved our meeting to Wednesday in order to participate in the last Parks Department concert in the park. Many thanks to Ryan Porter for organizing all 3 of the Beer Garden events that we helped tend along with Rachael from China City.  Also, thanks to those of you who came as it gave a nice welcome to our new exchange student, Sophie.  I believe she will be at tomorrow's meeting for the rest of you to meet her.  And a BIG thank you to Jack and China City for all that they donated to make the Beer Gardens a success.  It was a beautiful evening.
 
 
Our speaker for tomorrow's meeting is Debby Colfer of the Sno-Isle Library System; she is also the librarian for the Clinton Library.  She will be talking about a lot of the programs that are offered by the Sno-Isle system, outside of just borrowing a book or DVD.  They will even help you with your computer issues!  So come with your questions!
 
There will also be a Board meeting following the regular meeting tomorrow.
 
We're almost to the halfway mark of the eclipse - go check it out!
 
Linda
 
Meeting Minutes, August 8, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Call to Order:  
The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Terry Rose.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  
Bill Lewis, South Everett/Mukilteo Club and Lyn Waldrop, Whidbey Westside Rotary Club.  No other guests were present.
 
Blue Ticket:  
Was pulled by Jan-Marc Jouas, but again there was no red chip showing.  The amount in the pot is still a mystery.
 
Happy thoughts:  
Sir Nick is back from Malasia but unfortunately their apartment still has not sold so he'll be needing to go back.
 
Bruce's granddaughter Amelie has left after being with them for 7 weeks - we enjoyed her presence at the Berry Sales.   She enjoyed the berries!  
 
Several of you mentioned that you were happy to have guests visit this summer but that you were even more happy to see them leave (you know who you are!) - enjoy the rest of the summer!
 
Ray Green mentioned that our exchange student from Sweden, Sophia, is arriving next week.
 
Club Business:
Terry Rose announced that gleaning has begun, or will later today.  He reported later that he gleaned at the Deep Harvest Farm where we've worked before, and brought in 74 pounds of braising/salad mix, bok choi, chard, green beans, cucumbers and heirloom tomatoes for the benefit of Good Cheer -  they were delighted with the produce!  Due to the newness of the Organic Farm School, and the fact that Good Cheer now has its own garden, and thus doesn't always need everything that we glean, the school has decided to pick and clean produce for us and all we have to do is pick it up on Monday afternoons and deliver it to Good Cheer - not as much fun but it'll keep our backs straight and our jeans clean this way.  Terry is working on other areas and farms where we could put our efforts.  Stay tuned.  Thank you, Terry.
 
Lyn Waldrop game today to invite us all to Westside Rotary's upcoming fundraiser, Black Tie & Blue Jeans, to be held on August 17, 2017 at the Historic Pole Building at the Island Country Fair Grounds.  It runs from 6PM to 9PM and the suggested donation is $60/person with special discounts for groups of Three or more.  Another email will be sent out with more details.
 
And for those who worked the Beer Garden at the last Parks' concert, please check your cars, homes, etc. as the cash box is missing.  The last Beer Garden Event will be this coming Wednesday, the 16th which will be in place of our regular Tuesday morning meeting on the 15th.  Please arrive by 6 PM and wear your badge.  If you have Rotary T-shirts, please wear them as well to help identify us to the community.
 
PROGRAM:
Our club Treasurer, Heath Gunn gave us a financial overview of our status to date.  Good news, we are solvent!  Other than that, ask Heath directly about any questions that you might have about the details to the Statements that he provided.  Thank you, Heath, for bringing us up to date!
 
REMEMBER:  NO MORNING MEETING ON TUESDAY THE 15TH.
 
Meeting Minutes, August 1, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Call to order:  The meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:37 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Heath Gunn.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Bill Lewis, South Everett/Mukilteo club - he must be going on vacation as he's making up all the meetings he'll miss while gone.  No other guests were present
 
Blue Ticket:  Was pulled by Past President Bruce Enter, but to no avail.  The amount of money in the bag is more than last week.  That's a direct quote from Bob Woodford and Treasurer Heath Gunn, who will bring us up-to-date when someone actually wins the pot!
 
Happy thoughts:  Ray Green was happy that he has lined up the first two host families for our incoming exchange student.  Jay Ryan celebrated a significant birthday over this past weekend - Happy Birthday, Jay!  Blake Burr has earned another level/award in Martial Arts, but being ignorant of this activity, I'm not sure exactly what he said - ask him.  Congratulations, Blake!
 
Club Business:
Correction to last week's minutes:  John Plakos let me know that the pictures of Cuba and the narration of last week's program were all his.  I had given credit for the pictures to Marie, and John said her pictures were equally good but not used in this presentation.  My apologies to both.
 
We MAY have berry sales this week - stay tuned for Russ' update (further on, berry sales were cancelled as only blueberries are available).  Russ said that he would look into the possibility of getting some frozen berries, but on a pre-paid basis only.
 
Ryan Porter reported that last week's Beer Garden at the Parks' Concert went well but he's going to look into getting more signage that specifically states that Rotary is selling the beer and wine.  Note:  the August 15 morning meeting has been replaced by all of us attending the final Parks' Concert on the evening of the 16th.  Please wear your Rotary pin and name badge and let's try for a good attendance at this function.  It sounds like a lot of fun!
 
Terry Rose reported that he's talked with several of the farmers regarding gleaning at their places and we should have an update soon from the Organic Farm School on this activity.  
 
The next 5th Tuesday event will take place on August 29th at Dick & Victory Grund's home.  Details to come.  Cost will be $10 and it's BYOB.  The menu will be home made pizzas and multiple side dishes.
 
PROGRAM:
The program today was suppose to have been someone from the Island Shakespeare group telling us about the plays being offered this year but they were a no show, even after all our emails and calls - not much we can do about that.  In place of the program, the time was filled with discussions on ideas for future programs, any possible hands-on projects to work on, and other activities that would get us out and about to inform the community about what Rotary does.
A committee of Bruce, Blake, Ray, Ryan and Jack was formed to look into this.
 
Our speaker next week will be our own Treasurer, Heath Gunn who will explain to us the mysteries of where our dues go, what they do, and how the money comes back to us in the future. Bring your questions.
 
See you next week!
 
Meeting Minutes, July 25, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Call to order:  Meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The Invocation was given by ADG Ray Green.  There were no visiting Rotarians this week.
 
Guests:  Tanvir Akhtar, a friend of Jack Ng, visited today and is a potential member.
 
Blue Ticket :  Was AGAIN pulled by Heath Gunn but once again he didn't win.
 
Happy Thoughts were given by all in attendance.  Outstanding thought of the week was the announcement by Jan-Marc that he and Marion celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on the 24th.  Congratulations!
 
Club Business:
Berry Sales:  Russ was not sure if we would have enough product to make it worth while to man our booth this coming Saturday.  He'll give us a call to let us know.  (Russ called later and said that he could only get blueberries so he felt it wasn't worth the effort.  Sales event cancelled).
 
Beer Garden at the Parks' Concert:  Ryan felt that the event went well.  He made announcements at the beginning of the evening and also during a break in the concert.  It was noted that just having the Rotary sign at the Beer Garden did not really advertise the product for sale.  The Committee will work on signage for the next concert, which will be Aug. 2.  Many thanks again to Jack and China City for providing the beer and wine and letting us use their banquet permit.  Thanks, too, to the Parks Department for waiving the fee to be a vendor there.
 
The Wine Club met this past week to discuss various issues regarding our upcoming event.  The date has been set for Dec. 14th and will be held at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  This is one of our major fundraisers of the year (and a lot of fun) so we hope everyone will participate.  Snowbirds excepted.
 
PROGRAM:  
John & Marie Plakos were supposed to be our speakers today, on the subject of their recent (3/17) trip to Cuba but as John has been ill for a couple of weeks, Marie stepped up for a solo performance.  She presented a slide show (which John narrated over Marie's beautiful photographs) of the various aspects seen throughout Cuba today.  The restrictions/sanctions from the USA are back in force so no tourists are allowed in the country.  What I particularly noticed in watching this program were the colors of the artwork and clothing that the people wore; the music that dominated their lives and their love of their very old American cars.  But underneath it all was seen the poverty that permeated their lives and the destruction that has occurred in their buildings and homes.  Everything was a contrast between beauty and poverty.  Other items of interest were the Russian Embassy with a tower on the roof so that their building was technically taller than the USA embassy; ballet is important to the people but due to lack of facilities we saw a dancer practicing on the beach.  Monuments to past heroes were everywhere.  Tobacco farms were BIG.  And the children playing baseball know more about the American statistics than we probably do (except for the really diehard fans!).
 
 
Thank you, John & Marie for a wonderful program!  They will be returning to Cuba in December so it will be interesting to see if they notice any differences.  We also hope to have them report on their recent trip to Kenya.  Stay tuned.
 
Speakers for next week will be from the Island Shakespeare organization.
 
Other dates to remember:
Helpers are need to work the Beer Garden at next week's Parks' concert on Thursday, Aug. 2nd - Talk to the sleepless Ryan Porter for details.
Put the date of December 14th in your calendar for the Wine Club Holiday Event.
 
Have a good week and we'll see you on the 1st of August.
 
Meeting Minutes, July 18, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Call to order:  Meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Past President Bruce Enter.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Bill Lewis, formerly of our club, now somewhere over in Mukilteo.  Welcome, Bill.
 
Other Visitors:  our speaker for the day, Rogelio Hernandez and Robin Gunn.
 
Blue Ticket:  Heath Gunn pulled a white chip - no winner, again!  
 
Happy thoughts were given by all in attendance with Bill Haraldson announcing about the new exhibit that the Historical Society will have at the County Fair this coming week.
 
Club Business:
Berries will again be sold this coming Saturday in front of the Goose.  Rogelio, Linda, Jay, and Jan-Marc signed up with Russ doing the pick-up of berries in Skagit and Ray doing the setting up/taking down of the booth.  Many thanks to all for their service each week.
 
There will be a Wine Club meeting on Wednesday the 19th at China City at 3:00.
 
This will be followed by our club's representatives handling the Beer Garden at the Park's Department Concert with the working hours being 5:30 to 8:30.  Ryan, Heath, Ray and Blake signed up to act as 'bouncers'.  There will be 2 more events where our help will be needed.  The Parks department waived the fee to participate if any funds raised went back to the Parks department.  China City allowed us to use their Banquet Permit and also gave us the beer and wine to sell.  Thank you, Jack!  
 
PROGRAM:  RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).  Ray Green did the honors of introducing this year's participant, Rogelio Hernandez.  RYLA is a program that is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and Districts where one develops their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.  Young people are chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expenses-paid seminar to discuss leadership skills and how to hone those skills through practice.  Those chosen are between the ages of 18 and 30.  
 
 
Rogelio reported that the rules are strict:  no drinking, no driving, no drugs, no dancing, no dating.  If you were late to a meeting (and punctuality was key), forgot your notebook or your water, you had to stand at the front of the room and sing to the group.  Punctuality was a hardship for today's kids as they tend not to wear watches; and all electronics were taken away at the beginning of the weekend.  Sad!  Needless to say, lots of singing occurred.
There were about 9-10 speakers over the 4 days, and loads of indoor and outdoor activities to hone skills.  The problem was the heat:  94 degrees!
The purpose of the seminar was to learn different ways to communicate, to think outside the box, and to learn how you could help others.  Most of the activities were timed and monitored. If you made an error, you had to go back to the beginning and start over.  And, believe it or not, Rogelio was chosen many times to be the leader of his particular group.  He stated that he liked almost everything about the seminar except for when he was "thrown over the ropes" - ask him!  But he didn't like the snacks as there was nothing healthy to eat!  
 
Final analysis:  Rogelio was a great choice to represent our club at this event!
 
Speakers at next week's meeting will be John & Marie Plakos, who will talk in detail about their trip to Cuba.
 
Have a good week and we'll see you on the 25th.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, July 11, 2017
Posted by Linda Senff
Call to order:  Meeting was called to order by President Linda Senff at 7:33 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  The invocation was given by Jay Ryan.
 
Visiting Rotarians:  our speaker, Barry Nickelsberg from the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club.
 
Other Visitors:  Marie Plakos, photographer extraordinaire!
 
Blue Ticket:  the pot stands at $120.00 - no winner today
 
Happy Thoughts were not done today so that we could allow more time to our speaker.  Although there was a major announcement by Ryan Porter about the birth of his daughter, Isla Marie, on June 10th.  Mother Jessie and daughter are doing well, Dad Ryan not so much due to lack of sleep.  Congratulations Ryan and Jessie!
 
Club Business:
--Russ stated that he needed 3 people for this coming Saturday's berry sales.  Bruce, Jay, Jan-Marc, John and Linda showed up to help - thank you!
--Ryan announced that workers were needed at the Beer Garden for next week's Park District Concert from 5:30 to 8:30 on the 19th.  Heath and Ray signed up to help.
--Board meeting next Tuesday, the 18th, following the regular meeting.
 
Mini-Program:
--Past President Bruce Enter gave end-of-the-year gifts to those Rotarians who hadn't been available to attend the June 27th dinner.  Ryan Porter, Jay Ryan and John Plakos were all recognized for their service last year.
--ADG Ray Green repeated his induction speech to Secretary Jay Ryan and International Service Director John Plakos as they, too, missed the Change of Command dinner.  
--President Linda handed out Rotary pins to the new officers and directors for 2017-2018.  Thank you all for your service!
 
 
 
PROGRAM:
Barry Nicklesberg, CAP, and Chief Development Officer for the Carter Center, spoke to us about the Carter Center which was established in 1982 at the end of President Carter's term.  President Carter chose to establish this Center instead of having a Presidential Library as he wanted to create a safe place to have talks between warring countries.  
 
Barry went on to split his talk between the achievements of President Carter during his term and the accomplishments of the Carter Center after his time as President.    As a witness to Jimmy Carter's character, he is the only president to not take the US to war in the modern era.  A humble man who didn't care whether he or someone else got the credit for an accomplishment but just that it got done!  An example of that is that Carter actually negotiated the release of the hostages in Iran but they were released on the day that Ronald Reagan was sworn in, so it looked like he was responsible.
 
 
A few highlights of Carter's term as President are:  he set aside more land for public use that any other president.  These lands totaled more than the state of California.  At the time of his inauguration there was only 1 woman out of 97 people who were federal judges.  there were 47 women federal judges when he left office.  He brokered the Middle East Peace between Israel and Egypt.
 
What he's done at the Carter Center:  He is working to return children to their childhood.  Children who have been used as warriors all come out of war with PTSD.  He wants to see them playing and being educated.  His organization has observed 103 national elections throughout the world (John & Marie Plakos have participated in these efforts).  President Carter has been to Korea multiple times.  
 
Barry also talked about the diseases that the Carter Center is working to stamp out:  Guinea Worm and River Blindness to name a couple.  Check out the Carter Center website (www.cartercenter.org) for more information.  
 
We were honored to have Barry as a speaker and thank John & Marie for coordinating Barry's schedule with our first meeting of the year.
 
A reminder of the Board meeting next week and the Beer Garden hosting on the 19th.
 
Meeting Minutes, June 20, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Dick Grund gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Our exchange student Oliver, Greg Richardson, Judy Feldman, Mel Watson, Ann Kutchor, Sharon Wieser, Mel Trenor.
 
Blue ticket: Visiting Rotarian Greg Richcarson got to pull another white chip out.  Pot now up to $108.00.  Time to buy tickts everyone, not many white chips left.
 
Club Business: Berry sales were brisk on June 17th.  Looks like good berries from here on out.  Need signups for rest of Saturdaysales.
 
REPEAT HELP NEEDED:  Contact Ray Green if you could even consider, or even know someone who would consider, being Exchange Student Parents for our incoming exchange student from Sweden.  This is a great experience, especially for a family that has a son or daughter considering being in the program in the next year or two.
 
PROGRAM:  Community grant awards were handed out to the following organizations:
            South Whidbey Historical Society
            Organic Farm School
            Time Together/Adult Day Program
            Enso House
            Island Beach Universal Access
            Senior Services of Island County
 
 
SEE YOU ALL ON TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 27th
 
Meeting Minutes, June 6, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Bill Haroldson gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Sandra Whiting, Oliver
 
Blue ticket: Oliver got to pull another white chip out.  Pot now up to $82.00.  This is getting interesting folks!
 
Club Business: Berry sales are 80% on for June10th.  Thanks to all that signed up.
 
Ryan Porter gave another briefing on the Park District Concerts this summer.  He is coordinating our effort, so please, please, help him. 
 
REPEAT HELP NEEDED:  Contact Ray Green if you could even consider, or even know someone who would consider, being Exchange Student Parents for our incoming exchange student from Sweden.  This is a great experience, especially for a family that has a son or daughter considering being in the program in the next year or two.
 
 
PROGRAM:  Sandra Whiting, Executive Director of Goosefoot gave us a great presentation on where Goosefoot is going.  They are going to be coordinating efforts with South Whidbey at Home, Whidbey Island Nourishes, Whidbey Island Land Trust, and Whidbey Watershed Stewards.  The last entity is maintaining the great nature walk we helped get off the ground in Freeland, so go for a walk in the woods.  Thank you Sandra.
 
Finally, the EOY celebration is June 27th, at Comforts Winery in Langley.  Cost is $45, so sign up with Linda Senff.
 
IMPORTANT DATE:  September 5th, our new District Governor, LindaGene Coyle will be visiting our club.   MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
 
Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Ray Green gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Joanne Primavera, Oliver Lauritsen, Traci Winn, Melyssa Smith, Katyrose Jordan, Alec Chinnery, Dean Chinnery
 
Blue ticket: Jan-Marc pulled a white chip on $66.  The more the better for next week. YOU MUST ATTEND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BLUE TICKET DRAWING!!!
 
Club Business: Berry sales are still on hold,, and there may be none this year as growers are scraping by just to fill their corporate accounts.  Russ will keep us updated. 
 
Ray Green is still trying to come up with a plan on a roof structure for the Salmon Adventure.  This is a particular challenge to keep cost and complications down, while still providing a lasting roof structure.
 
Bruce and Linda both gave a brief description of the District 5050 Conference Cruise, to be held on the Holland America “Eurodam”.  Go to the District 5050 Website to see the details.  Should be four (4) days of fun encircling the Salish Sea.  While on the 5050 site, consider signing up for the District Picnic on July 9th.  If interested in going, contact me as Mary and I will be going up for the day.
 
HELP NEEDED:  Contact Ray Green if you could even consider, or even know someone who would consider, being Exchange Student Parents for our incoming exchange student from Sweden.  This is a great experience, especially for a family that has a son or daughter considering being in the program in the next year or two.
 
 
PROGRAM:  We had the pleasure of hearing from three (3) of our student scholarship award winners.  Alec Chinnery is enrolling this fall in the Ballard Marine Academy, hopefully someday being a Tug Boat or Ferry Captain.  Melissa Smith is our big time dancer, enrolling in Green River Community to become a EMT. And finally, Katyrose Jordan, is enrolling at the UW.  She has her own show at WICA the end of the month WOW!  All of these young adults have parents that can be very proud of their kids!
 
Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Meeting was held at the Whidbey Organic Farm School, located at 6390 Maxwelton Road. 
 
After pastries and coffee, we heard from one of our Scholarship Students, Kari Husted.  She will be attending Yale University in the fall. 
 
 
Judy Feldman, the Organic Farm School Executive Director, gave an overview of the program.  Several students also discussed their reasons for attending.  Ten students are enrolled for an eight (8) month course, during which they learn everything about sustainable farming, from fixing a tractor to creating a viable business plan.  Over 170 types of vegetables and fruits are grown at the OFS each season. 
 
Since it was soooo wet with Washington liquid sunshine, we spent the time in the BIG barn that is used as a schoolhouse and storage building. A few intrepid Rotarians accompanied Judy afterwards on a tour of the fields, hoop houses, and greenhouses.  
 
Follow the school at organicfarmschool.org.
 
Thank you Linda Senff for setting up the visit!
 
Meeting Minutes, May 9, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  David LaBreque gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Oliver, Rachel Cook
 
Blue ticket: Jay Ryan pulled a white chip on $53.  THE ODDS ARE GETTING BETTER!
 
Club Business: Again, Linda is setting up a great meeting at the Organic Farm on May 16th.  We will be meeting there instead of at WIFI.  Be ready with your Wellies!  There will be DIRT!
 
Reminder:  Grants and Awards meeting May 18th, 5pm at China City.
 
PROGRAM: Bruce and Linda went over the highlights of the District Convention in Seattle.  Convention started with Duck Tours and Baseball Game on Thursday evening, and ended with Seahawks BLUE THUNDER Sunday at Noon.  Wow, what an experience.  Over $15,000 was raised for Polio Plus! Fantastic.
 
FYI:  May 23rd is when we honor our scholarship recipients.  HINT:  YOU WILL BE AMAZED BY THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, May 2, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Jay Ryan gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Oliver, Tim criswell, Stephen Merritt, Kathy Stanley, Mary Bakeman, Sharyl Harless, Jeff Cravy, James McNally, John Patton, David Pfeiffer.
 
Blue ticket: Bill Haroldson….so sad…only white!  $50 ready for next week.
 
Club Business: Again, Linda is setting up a great meeting at the Organic Farm on May 16th.  We will be meeting there instead of at WIFI.  Be ready with your Wellies!  There will be DIRT!
 
The Grants and Awards committee will be meeting at 5pm at China City on May 18th to review grants applications.  Contact Linda Senff for details.
 
Carli Newman, our next outgoing exchange student needs your help.  Consider making a contribution to her gofundme page.  https:/www.gofundme.com/carlis-exchange-year.  As of 5/4/17 she has raised $1035 out of $3000 she needs. 
 
 
PROGRAM: Terry Rose MC’d the outstanding teachers awards.  Principle Jeff Cravy introduced Kathy Stanley, Principle James McNally introduced Mary Bakeman, Principle John Patton introduced Sharyl Harless, and Principle David Pfeiffer represented Leah Tormey.  How fortunate we are to have such great leaders and teachers in our SW school system.  Each recipient was given a $100 gift certificate, flowers, and a Rotary cup.   Click here for more photos!
 
FYI:  May 23rd is when we honor our scholarship recipients.  HINT:  YOU WILL BE AMAZED BY THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you!
 
Meeting Minutes, April 25, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Terry Rose gave the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Warren Hughes, Oliver
 
Blue ticket: I had the privilege of pulling another white chip, missing out on $24. 
 
Club Business: Linda is setting up a great meeting at the Organic Farm on May 16th.  We will be meeting there instead of at WIFI. 
 
Next week we will be awarding our South Whidbey teachers appreciation certificates.  Learn what it is like to be a great teacher here on South Whidbey.
 
PROGRAM:
Our members got to stand up and talk about their businesses for five (5) minutes each (contribution of $5).  First up was Blake Durr and his iArbor business.  There were lots of great references from the audience.  Next up was Bill Haroldson talking about the South Whidbey Historical Museum.  Visit it in Langley.  Jan-Marc Jouas then gave us a brief overview of the Coupeville Port, and some of the things they are considering, both at the Coupeville Pier, and the Greenbank Farm.  Ray Green gave a short presentation on Building Source, his business in Freeland.  They are great with cabinets, and lots of other building and remodeling items.  Finally, Ryan Porter mentioned his company, Porter Insurance, located in Freeland.  They represent a lot of insurance companies, so they can get you a great rate on your insurance needs.
Thanks to all for participating, and we will do again soon for the rest of the businesses represented in our South Whidbey Rotary chapter.
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you!
 
Meeting Minutes, April 18, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Jay Ryan gave the inspiration.
Visitors: Warren Hughes, Oliver, Rachel Cook, Carli Newman, Erin Newman
 
Blue ticket: Jan-Marc pulled a white chip on $23. 
 
Club Business:
Russ stated that berry sales can’t start till about the beginning of June, as wet weather has really impacted berry growth. 
 
Rachel Cook asked for names and addresses of past exchange students.  She wants to get a Facebook page or blog going between all the students.  If you know of a name, please give to Ray Green.
 
Linda is getting committee sheets back and will hand out lists next week. 
 
 
PROGRAM: Carli Newman, our outgoing exchange student gave a great presentation on her new home country Poland.  She will be a great representative of our club and Whidbey Island. 
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you! 
 
Meeting Minutes, April 11, 2017
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. John Plakos led the inspiration. Birthday greetings were given to Richard, John, and Ryan.
 
Visitors: Warren Hughes, Rohalio, and Oliver
 
Blue ticket: John Plakos won $183.  Next week we start over. 
 
Club Business: Linda Senff passed out Committee signup sheets.  We really need all of you to serve in several areas so we can continue to serve our community and our members.  Please return next week. 
 
Ryan Porter mentioned that the SW Parks District is offering us the opportunity to man a Wine/Beer garden during the summer concert series in the park.  Dates are July 19th, August 2nd, and August 16th.  We will be following up with Doug Coutts to work out the particular’s.  This should be fun, so think about volunteering on those Wednesday evenings.   
 
PROGRAM: Nick Zefferys gave an update on what’s going on in his second home of Malaysia.  Happiness is the key.  I think we would all love to go there with he and his wife to really see and experience the country.  Who knows Nick, maybe there is a second career opening up for you in guiding!!!
 
PS.  Thanks to all that completed the member survey.  We will be getting the results soon and will share with you at an upcoming meeting.
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you!
 
Meeting Minutes, April 4, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Heath Gunn led the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Rachel Cook, former exchange student
 
Blue ticket: Russ did us all proud by pulling another white chip out of the bag.  Pot over $160.  We REALLY DO NEED A WINNER!
 
Club Business:
Bruce Enter, Lind Senff, and Cristi Hughes gave highlights of some of the sessions attended at the District Assembly on Saturday, April 1.  A good time was had by all, and we are all looking forward to the District Conference May 4-7, at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott.  If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late!
 
Berries start the end of the month, so get ready to sign up for Saturday Berry Sales at the Goose!
 
 
PROGRAM: Rachel Cook, a Rotary Exchange Student sponsored by our club in 2005, gave a great presentation on life after a year in Rome.  She has had quite the life, all of which she attributes to Rotary.  She has spent the last ten years in Canada, so uses “Eh” a lot.  I hope she stays on Whidbey Island for a while so we can all get reacquainted.  By the way, Bells Beach is named after her Great – Grandfather. 
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you! 
 
Meeting Minutes, March 28, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Terry Rose led the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Karl Penna from Fon duLoc, WI, Geryl Orbs, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: This time John Plakos pulled another white chip out of the bag.  Pot over $154.  We NEED A WINNER….so buy lot’s more tickets!!!
 
Club Business:
May 2nd is Teacher Award day.  Suggestion was made to give each of four (4) teachers a $100 gift certificate.  A banner will also be hanging over the street at South Whidbey High School.
 
Next week Linda will be handing out committee assignment signup sheets.  Please sign up for berries….will be starting the end of April, early May!!
 
 
PROGRAM:  Cristi Hughes gave a great classification talk.  She grew up in a small town in Texas, has had careers in teaching, Real Estate, and now Mortgage Business.  Almost forgot, she loves horses!!
 
Rotary is what you make it!  When you are not at a meeting, we miss you! 
 
Meeting Minutes, March 21, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM,  followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Ray Green led the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Karl Penna from Fon duLoc, WI, Doug Kelly, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: This time Oliver pulled another white chip out of the bag.  Pot over $140.  Pot is getting interesting!!!
 
Club Business:  Ray Green working with Salmon Adventure to determine project scope.  Cover over teaching area will be a great addition for both teachers and students.  More information as we get it firmed up. 
 
Just a reminder that berry season will be starting soon, so be prepared to give up some Saturdays to help the club.  Season will start end of April/early May.  Signups will be coming soon.
 
 
PROGRAM:   Doug Kelly, the Island County Hydrologist gave a great presentation on the water issues surrounding the Navy facilities at Ault Field in Oak Harbor and the OLF in Coupeville.  For more information go to the Island County Health Department website. 
 
Thanks to all of you for your help in making South Whidbey Rotary the place to be on Tuesday mornings!  Invite a friend, who knows, they might like it!!!!
 
Meeting Minutes, March 14, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Heath Gunn led the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Karl Penna, our perennial visitor from FonDuLoc WI, Tia Hughes, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: Jack Ng pulled another white chip out of the bag.  Pot is $128.  Someone has to have better luck than Jack!
 
Club Business:  
Ray Green is meeting with Salmon Adventure on Wednesday (March 15th) to go over drawing and requirements for the outdoor classroom cover.  Things are coming together to get this great little local project done by June!!!
 
Linda Senff notified us that gleaning will be starting soon.  Lots of good veggies going to Good Cheer!
 
ALSO NOTE:  Berry sales will be starting the end of April, so we will have a sign up page available soon.  Don’t fill up your Saturdaymorning  with other useless activities until you check on berry sales!!!
 
REPEAT: District Assembly is now open for reservations on the District 5050 website.  This is a great way to get to know about Rotary, and meet many other great Rotarians.  APRIL 1!!!  NO FOOLING!!  Club pays, so no cost to attendees.  We will be carpooling, so don’t even have to worry about driving.  JUST HAVE YOUR PASSPORT READY AND CURRENT!!
 
 
PROGRAM:   We all got to know David LaBrecque better.  He is one of our newest members, and we are lucky to have him in our Rotary family.  He and his wife Connie are new arrivals to the island, and we know they will become enamored with island life just like the rest of us.
 
Again I say, thanks to all of you for your help in making South Whidbey Rotary the place to be on Tuesday mornings!
 
Meeting Minutes, March 7, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. John Plakos led the inspiration.
 
Visitors: Joe Mosolino, Mary Enter, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: John Plakos pulled another white chip out of the bag.  Pot over $120.  WE NEED MORE TICKETS!!!
 
Club Business:  District Assembly is now open for reservations on the District 5050 website.  This is a great way to get to know about Rotary, and meet many other great Rotarians.  APRIL 1!!!  NO FOOLING!!  Club pays, so no cost to attendees.
 
PROGRAM: Joe Mosolino, from Windermere South Whidbey, gave a great presentation on what’s happening in Real Estate on Whidbey Island.  Bottom line is:  there’s lots of buyers, and not many sellers, so prices are going up.  Springtime should bring more houses on the market, as sellers start sprucing up their homes.  Thank you Joe for your analysis.
 
Thanks to all of you for your help in making South Whidbey Rotary the place to be on Tuesday mornings!
 
Meeting Minutes, Feb 28 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Heath inspired us all!
 
Visitors: Blake Durr, his wife Jessica and daughter Charlotte, Cristi Hughes, Rob Prosch, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: Oliver pulled a white chip on a pot over $100.  Now we can get serious in buying tickets!
 
Club Business:  Road cleanup event on Saturday was a bit wet, but very successful with eight (8) eager participants.  We gathered up a record twenty (20) bags of trash along two miles of Highway 525 in Greenbank. 
 
Linda Senff just got back from 2and ½ days of President Elect Training Assembly at Seatac Airport, commonly known as PETS.  She is just chomping on the bit to get started in July.  Oh, and almost forgot, she had another birthday!
 
Repeat:  Ray Green is working with Salmon Adventure on Maxwelton Road to determine scope of project to build a cover over their outdoor classroom area.  We’ll be looking for volunteers for a couple or three workdays in May.  Should be fun, and very much appreciated by future Salmon Adventure students.
 
 
Rob Prosch, District 5050 Membership Co-chair assisted me in inducting our two newest members, Blake Durr and Cristi Hughes.   Both became interested in Rotary from seeing us on Tuesday morning getting coffee out front.  We must have made a good impression, as they are both wonderful additions to our club.  Make sure you visit with them at meetings, and make them both feel welcome.  They will both be giving Classification talks soon, so we will find out all about them and their families.  Ray Green volunteered to be mentor for Blake, and Lauren Pool agreed to be a mentor for Cristi.  Thank you both.
 
 
PROGRAM:   Rob Prosch of the South Everett/Mukilteo Club and District Membership co-chair,  gave  a great presentation on Membership Matters.  Studies were made about what makes people join Rotary, and service to the local community is the biggest and best reason, friendship was second, and business connections third.  He gave us some great ideas on how to respond when people ask us about Rotary.  THINK GLOBAL, BUT ACT AND TALK LOCAL.
 
Thanks for all your help in making South Whidbey Rotary the place to be on Tuesday mornings!
 
Meeting Minutes, February 21, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order:  Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter at 7:35AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
Thank you all for getting settled in early, it really makes the meeting go better, and gives all speakers plenty of time.
 
Visitors: Blake Duer, and Oliver our exchange student.
 
Blue ticket: Russ pulled a white chip on $90.  SOOOOO SAD!  Better luck next time.
 
Club Business:  Road cleanup event was postponed on Saturday morning as weather was making it hazardous to be on highway.   This coming Saturday we will try again – 9AM at the telephone booth on Highway 525 in Greenbank.
 
Ray Green is working with Salmon Adventure on Maxwelton Road to determine scope of project to build a cover over their outdoor classroom area.  We’re trying to get it scheduled for a couple days in May.  This is a project everyone can help with and get some good hands on experience.  More information will be coming as we finalize the scope.  Should be lots of fun.
 
Another reminder:  Berry season will be starting the end of April/ early May. We will be asking for volunteers to staff the booth on Saturday mornings.  We’re just doing strawberries and raspberries this year.  Russ will be giving us information as we get closer to spring.  This is always a fun activity, and lots of South Whidbey residents look forward to our berries. 
 
Jack Ng led a discussion on our May 11th Scholarship Fundraiser.  All the South Whidbey Wineries are being asked to participate, as well as a number of South Whidbey eateries.  There will be lots of opportunities to help, so keep the date open.  Remember, the proceeds are going to our South Whidbey students.
Thanks for all your help in making South Whidbey Rotary the place to be on Tuesday mornings!
 
Meeting Minutes, February 14, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
(Please try and come early enough to get coffee and rolls before 7:30am so we can start on time)
 
Jay Ryan inspired us about the origins of Valentine’s Day, and everyone present had lots of HAPPY THOUGHTS for Valentine’s Day.
 
Visitors: Christie and Warren Hughes, Blake Duer, Julie Joslyn, Sharon Weiser, and Oliver our exchange student.  Last but not least, our former member, and now member of  the Mukilteo Rotary Club, Bill Lewis.
 
Blue ticket: Jack Ng pulled out another white chip.   Linda will update us next week on how HUGE the pot has grown to.
 
Club Business:  Road cleanup scheduled for Saturday, Feb 18th.  NOTE:  Event was postponed on Saturday morning as weather was making it hazardous to be on highway.   Will reschedule.
 
Again, consider attending the the District Training Assembly on Saturday, April 1, 2017.  Location is the Kwantien University in Surrey, BC.  This is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY for new members, and new board members, to really learn about Rotary.  Cost is $50, but reimbursed by the club. 
 
A lot of work is required to make our May 11th Wine Club Fundraiser a success.   Please consider taking an active roll.  Contact Jay Ryan for details.
 
The club is going to build a cover over a platform at the Salmon Adventure in Maxwelton.  Ray Green is getting an estimate of materials, and we hope to have a workday in April or May to construct the cover.  Please consider helping with this project.  More information will be coming soon!
 
 
Program:  Sharon Weiser gave a SUPER presentation on the work  done by Whidbey Island Senior Services.  Did you know that residents of Island County enjoy the longest longevity in the state of Washington.  Did you also know that almost 25% of residents of Island County are over 65!!!    They have served Island County for over 40 years.  CHECK THEM OUT FOR LOTS OF RESOURCES!!
 
Meeting Minutes, February 7 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. (Please try and come early enough to get coffee and rolls before 7:30am!)
 
Terry Rose again did a great job inspiring us for the coming week.
 
Visitors: Christie Hughes, Blake Duer, Marie Plakos
 
Blue ticket: Bruce Enter pulled a white chip.  OK, no winner again.  This is getting boring.  NEED MORE WINNERS!!
 
Club Business:  May 11th is the date for our next Wine Club Fundraiser.  We will be doing it at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club, with the proceeds going to our Scholarship Fund.  More information will be coming out in February, and plan on helping making it a success.
 
Ray Green showed pictures of the newly installed benches at the Sport Court.  Thank you for making it happen.
 
It was announced that the End of Rotary Year party is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27th.  Location is Comforts Winery in Langley.  Last year was a great success, so lets make this year even better. 
 
Signups are being taken for the District Training Assembly.  Location is the Kwantien University in Surrey, BC.  This is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY for new members, and new board members, to really learn about Rotary.  Cost is paid for by the club.  Please consider going.
 
A lot of work is required to make our May 11th Wine Club Fundraiser a success.   Please consider taking an active roll.  Contact Jay Ryan for details.
 
 
Program:  Marie Plakos gave a great presentation on her trip to Vietnam with Mobility Outreach.  Mobility Outreach International enables mobility in under-resourced areas of the world, serving over 22,000 adults and children impacted by limb loss and deformity. Through its global programs and partnerships, MOi provides non-surgical treatment to children with clubfoot, as well as prosthetic and orthotic services, physical rehabilitation, advocacy, and orthopedic surgical outreach to adults and children  What a great opportunity Marie had to document the trip and then be able to share with us the truly life changing cures that treatment brings to these patients.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, January 17, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  (Please try and come early enough to get coffee and rolls before 7:30am!)
 
Ryan Porter inspired us.  Thank you Ryan!
 
Visitors:   Oliver our exchange student, June Davis, David LaBreque, Cristy Price, Mary Jane Lundgren, Linda Jacobsen, and Marty Bauer
 
Blue ticket: John Plakos pulled a white chip.  No winner!
 
Club Business:   May 11th is the date for our next Wine Club Fundraiser.  We will be doing it at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club, with the proceeds going to our Scholarship Fund.  More information will be coming out in February, and plan on helping making it a success.
 
The next Rotary Leadership Institute is scheduled for Jan 21st at Mt Vernon.  See the District 5050 website for details.  If you are interested in assuming a greater role in our club in the future, think seriously about attending.
 
 
Program:  Mary Jane Lundgren gave a great presentation on her trip to Haiti, as part of a medical team sponsored by “Among the Reeds”.  The work they do is inspiring, yet heart breaking, when you see the poverty that exists in Haiti.  She, her husband Kevin,  Marty Bauer and Linda Jacobsen are  truly inspirational in their compassion.  Thank you so much for your presentation.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, January 3, 2017
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The first meeting of 2017 was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:40 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  (Please try and come early enough to get coffee and rolls before 7:30am!)
 
Terry Rose entertained us with a limerick and Heath Gunn inspired us!
 
Visitors:   Blake Durr, Mary Enter, Jane Helton, Oliver our exchange student, and our guest speaker Judy Feldman.
 
Blue ticket: 2017 Pot up to $30.  No winner!
 
Club Business:
Bruce and Mary Enter were presented with a Rotary Foundation Major Donor Level 1 award by Jane Helton, the District Foundation chair.  Please consider The Rotary Foundation in your own estate and giving plans for 2017.  (More photos available in Photo Albums)
 
 
Program: Judy Feldman gave a great presentation on the Organic Farm School, now located in the Maxwelton Valley.  Students learn Farming Skills, Business Skills, Community Skills, and Critical Thinking Skills.  Twelve students this year are learning how to make a living locally and on a small scale.  Check them out at http://organicfarmschool.org/contact/.  We will be doing a visit this spring and gleaning during the year. (More photos available in Photo Albums)
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, December 13, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Bill Haroldson inspired us, and as usual, there were plenty of people inspired!!
 
Visitors:   David Labreuque. Karl from Fon duLoc, WI, Blake Durr, Marie Plakos, and Leroy Pool.
 
Blue ticket:  Wouldn’t ya know it, the first week of the new drawing, and Heath pulls out the red chip….worth a big grand total of $6.50.  He was gracious in donating the HUGE amount back to the club.  This allows us to start 2017 with a brand new pot. 
 
Club Business:
Birthday greetings were given to AnnMarie Catlett,  as she wasn’t present the week before to get her rousing congratulations. 
 
Linda Senff passed out a questionnaire in November on projects and programs.  If you haven’t handed it back in, please do so the next meeting. 
 
REPEAT:  Again, YAIL candidates must be identified by December 30th, so if you know of a student between the age of 15-17, who would be interested in attending, Jan 20-22, please let Ray Green know.  It can be a life-changing event in their lives.
 
REPEAT: The Million Dollar gala dinner is scheduled for January 9th, 2017, featuring Rotary President John Germ.  If you are interested in going, the tickets are $125.00 Canadian, (that’s about $.50 American, just kidding, about $100 American if ordered by Jan 1st).  Address is Tsawwassen Springs, 5099 Springs Blvd, Delta BC.   You can register online at https://goo.gl/pKWth8.
 
NOTE:  TUESDAY DEC 20th is our holiday party.  There is no morning meeting this coming week.  Festivities start at 5:30pm at China City, so wear your gala apparel and be prepared to have a good time.  Cost is $25/person, and bring a little extra to help defray the cost of a special Christmas present for our exchange student Oliver.
 
 
Program:  Marie Plakos gave a very informative presentation on women’s issues around the world.  Her extensive travels have allowed her photograph and document women and their issues from around the world.  Thank you Marie, and we look forward to another presentation from you in the spring.
 
 
Meeting Minutes, December 6, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Everyone was inspired and had plenty of Happy Thoughts!
 
Visitors:  Our exchange student Oliver, David Labreuque., Robin Gunn, Mary Enter, Karl from Fon duLoc, WI, and Matthew Btogan
 
Blue ticket: OK, don’t go thinking there was a conspiracy or missed votes, or anything like that, but Linda Senff won the drawing with a pot of $473.00.  Congratulations!!  Now, back to the start again.  It’s never too early to win, the only criteria is you have to buy tickets, and you have to be present to win!
 
Club Business:
Birthday greetings were given to Eric Richmond, AnnMarie Catlett, Heath Gunn, and yours truly. 
 
Linda Senff passed out a questionnaire in November on projects and programs.  If you haven’t filled it out, please do so and bring to the next meeting.  This helps your board in planning for the rest of this year, and for next year also.
 
Again, YAIL candidates must be identified by December 30th, so if you know of a student between the age of 15-17, who would be interested in attending, Jan 20-22, please let Ray Green know.  It can be a life-changing event in their lives.
 
The Million Dollar gala dinner is scheduled for January 9th, 2017, featuring Rotary President John Germ.  If you are interested in going, the tickets are $125.00 Canadian, (that’s about $.50 American, just kidding, about $100 American if ordered by Jan 1st).  Address is Tsawwassen Springs, 5099 Springs Blvd, Delta BC.   You can register online at https://goo.gl/pKWth8.
 
PS….Thanks to all for all the work that went into planning and running the Rotary Wine Club Fundraiser.  We netted about $7500 to go toward the Castle Park Amphitheater.  WAY TO GO ROTARIANS!!
 
Program:  Heath Gunn gave a great classification talk.  He has lead a very colorful life, and it was so interesting to hear about his experiences.  If you ever want to have a great discussion with someone, call Heath!
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, November 22, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration was given by Ryan Porter, followed by reciting the Rotary Four Way Test.  We all had so many things to be thankful for!
 
Visitors:  Our exchange student Oliver, and David Labreuque.
 
Blue ticket: OK, don’t go to a casino with Bob.  There were only two chips in the bag, and he pulled the white chip.  So, at the meeting of December 6th, whomevers ticket is pulled wins over $400.  Hint:  I feel very lucky!!!
 
Club Business:
John Plakos was elected by the membership as the President Elect Nominee for the Year 2018-19.  Congratulations John!
 
Linda passed out a questionnaire on projects and programs.  Please fill it out and return next meeting.
 
YAIL candidates must be identified by December 30th, so if you know of a student between the age of 15-17, who would be interested in attending, Jan 20-22, please let Ray Green know.  It can be a life changing event in their lives.
 
This coming weeks meeting (Nov 29th) will be a Fifth Tuesday meeting.  Lauren Pool has been kind enough to invite us to her new offices of Savi Bank, at 5575 Harbor Ave, Suite 204.  Cost is $20.  Come have an evening of fun and socializing. 
 
Eric Richmond gave a presentation on the status of the amphitheatre project that we are coordinating with the Parks Department.  Lots of unanswered questions, but progress is being made.
 
Jack Ng volunteered to have the Holiday Party at his restaurant, China City in Freeland, on December 20th.  China City is a great location, and we look forward to this social event.  Thank you Jack.  Festivities start at 5pm.
 
Reminder: The Rotary Wine Club fundraiser is scheduled for Dec 7th at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Please bring two (2) good bottles of wine (over $20) anytime before so they can be auctioned off.  Contact all your friends to come! The wine will be fantastic.
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, November 15, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration was given by Jay Ryan, followed by reciting the Rotary Four Way Test.
 
Visitors:  Our exchange student Oliver, David Labreuque, and Matthew Brogan.
 
Blue ticket:  Linda pulled another white chip.  The Pot is well over $350 now, and you have a 1 in 2 chance of winning (That’s 1 White Chip and 1 Red Chip). These are the best odds you will ever see…. unless of course someone picks the white chip! 
 
Club Business:
Karlie Newman was chosen as our representative for Student Exchange next year.  She will be going to District to be interviewed.  Wish her luck…. she is a great candidate.
 
Our club had six representatives (three members and three spouses) at the District 5050 Foundation Dinner in Mt Vernon.  It was very inspiring, lots of fun, and over $15,000 was raised for the Rotary Foundation. 
 
The November 29th meeting will be a Fifth Tuesday meeting.  Lauren Pool has been kind enough to invite us to her new offices of Savi Bank, at 5575 Harbor Ave, Suite 204.  Cost is $20.  Come have an evening of fun and socializing. 
 
Next week all members are invited to stay after the regular meeting and attend the Wine Club Meeting.  Find out what is planned for the fundraiser on Dec 7th.
 
Program:  
Bob Woodford gave his classification talk.  He has certainly has had a colorful life, and we were very glad he shared it with us.  He comes early every meeting, and helps set up the room. 
 
Thank you Bob, John, and Russ for all you do in the mornings. 
 
Reminder: The Rotary Wine Club fundraiser is scheduled for Dec 7th at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Please bring two (2) good bottles of wine (over $20) anytime before so they can be auctioned off. 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, November 1, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration was given by Heath Gunn. Thank you Heath.
 
Visitors:  Tom Mozinga, and our exchange student, Oliver.
 
Blue ticket:  I pulled another white chip.  The Pot is well over $300, and you have a 1 in 3 chance of winning.  This could go along way toward paying for Christmas presents for the grandkids, or maybe just a romantic dinner for two at The Inn At Langley!
 
Club Business:
John Plakos updated us on Marie’s trip to Vietnam.  There should be some great pictures and videos when she returns.
 
Reminder, The Rotary Wine Club fundraiser is scheduled for Dec 7th at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Please bring two (2) good bottles of wine (over $20) anytime before so they can be auctioned off.Contact Jay Ryan for details.  This will be fun! I
 
If you have any interest in the Rotary Foundation, please consider going to the District 5050 Foundation Dinner, this year in Mt Vernon.  Date is Nov 12th.  Contact Ray Green or Bruce Enter for details.
 
Program:  
Oliver gave a great presentation on what’s it’s like to live in Denmark.  He is a great ambassador of his country, and is looking forward to playing soccer of South Whidbey. 
 
 
 
NOTE TO SETUP PERSONNEL:  Keep the American flag on the left, and the eagle facing out!!!!
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND INCLUDES WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS. MAKE SURE TO CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE A GREETER OR RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPIRATION!
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
 
 
Meeting Minutes, October 25, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:30 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration was given by Terry Rose.  Thank you Terry.  You always inspire us!
 
Visitors:  David Labreuque, Jane Helton, Mary Enter, our exchange student Oliver, and Scott and Christine Dudley
Blue ticket: Jan-Marc pulled another white chip.  The Pot is over $300, and you have a 1 in 4 chance of winning.  BUY PLENTY OF TICKETS!
 
Club Business:
Marie Plakos is leaving tomorrow, October 26th, for a trip to Vietnam with Mobility Outreach International.  We look forward to her return
 
Reminder, The Rotary Wine Club fundraiser is scheduled for Dec 7th at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Please bring two (2) good bottles of wine (over $20) anytime before so they can be auctioned off.  Tickets will be going out soon, and sponsorships are available.  Contact Jay Ryan for details.  This will be fun!
 
If you have any interest in the Rotary Foundation, please consider going to the District 5050 Foundation Dinner, this year in Mt Vernon.  Date is Nov 12th.  Contact Ray Green or Bruce Enter for details.
 
Program:  
Our District Governor, Scott Dudley, gave a very moving presentation on what it means to be a Rotarian.  As many of you know, Scott donated one of his kidneys to a fellow Rotarian from Canada, whom he had never met until close to the operation.  Thank you Scott, and come down the this end of the island anytime.  Scott also presented "Making It Happen" pins to Jan-Marc and Eric for their contributions to our club.
 
 
NEXT WEEK:  A presentation from Oliver, our exchange student from Denmark.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND INCLUDES WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS. MAKE SURE TO CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE A GREETER OR RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPIRATION!
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
 
 
Meeting Minutes, October 18, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration was given by Ryan Porter.  Thank you for inspiring us Ryan!
 
Visitors:  Tom Mozinga, a friend of Jack Ng’s, and our speaker Art Taylor
 
Blue ticket:  Ryan Porter pulled another white chip .  Pot is now over $300.   We could all use some extra cash for the holidays, so make sure you buy some tickets next week.  It’s all for a good cause, so splurge a bit!
 
Club Business:
Linda Senff handed out copies of the revised Organization chart.  Thank you Linda and Jan-Marc.
 
We celebrated Bill Haroldson’s birthday with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.  Rousing for our club that is.  We also wish Dick Grund goodbye for the winter, as he and his wife Victory are off to much warmer weather.
 
The Rotary Wine Club fundraiser is scheduled for Dec 7th at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Please bring two (2) good bottles of wine (over $20) anytime before then so they can be auctioned off.  Tickets will be going out soon, and sponsorships are available.  Contact Jay Ryan for details. 
 
JUST A REMINDER:  When you speak during the meeting, please stand up so everyone can hear you.  And, if your phone goes off during the meeting it is subject to confiscation and immediate destruction by Russ (just kidding, he saves the flip phones)
 
Make sure you attend next week, as our District Governor, Scott Dudley will be coming to tell us all about District 5050.  He is very inspiring, and you don’t want to miss this meeting.  Bring you wife, or husband, or best friend.  This is a great opportunity to introduce them to Rotary. 
 
Program:  
Art Taylor gave a great presentation on South Whidbey’s MOBILE TURKEY UNIT.   Now, you may think this is a presentation about S. Whidbey drivers, but no, it is about feeding over 470 people a Thanksgiving meal.  This has been going on for over 20 years, and is amazing to hear about.  If you are at all interested in helping to provide a Thanksgiving meal to needy and/or homeless neighbors, contact him at 360-321-9782.  They are always looking for more volunteers.  Also, if you know of someone who could use a Thanksgiving dinner, call him let him know to put on his list.  Thank you Art, you are a shining example of why we live on Whidbey Island.
 
 
I must apologize for letting the meeting run past 8:30am.  I will try and do better in closing the meeting on time, as I know that you all lead very busy lives, and I appreciate that you come weekly to join with us in supporting Rotary.  (Russ, please come back, we need you!)
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND INCLUDES WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS. MAKE SURE TO CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE A GREETER OR RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPIRATION!
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
Meeting Minutes, September 20th, 2016
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Past President Jack Ng at 7:40, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Our inspiration talk this morning was given by Richard Davis. 
 
Visitors:  Our exchange student Oliver from Denmark, our friend George Henney from Whidbey Tel, and Tammy Johnson and Linda Abbott from Kids First.  
 
Blue ticket:  Bob Woodford pulled out another white chip, leaving only five and the red chip in the bag.  The pot is approaching $300!    
 
It was an odd morning for happy thoughts, which included euthanizing an injured baby deer. 
 
Club Business:
Thanks to the club members who attended the All-Island Rotary Club social on September 16th at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. Although 33 Rotarians showed up, participation by north-enders was a bit sparse, given the distance they had to travel.  Recommendations were made to hold the next semi-annual get-together at a location in mid-Whidbey (Coupeville).   
 
Wine club meeting on Wednesday, September 21st, at 3:30. 
 
Committee rosters are posted on line – check the Club’s web page at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/811. 
 
IMPORTANT NOTE:  We will not have a morning meeting on Sept 27th, as Whidbey Telecom reserved the room. 
 
Our next meeting is on Oct 4th in Langley, at Useless Bay Coffee Company (on Second Street) at 7:30.  We’ll walk from there to the South Whidbey Historical Museum at the intersection of Second Street and Melsen Alley. 
 
The following week, on Oct 11th, we will meet at 5:30 PM at Double Bluff Brewery, behind the Clyde Theater.  During the evening Eric Richmond will give tours of his studio, Flat Rock Productions, which is next to the brewery. 
 
Learn more about Rotary at Rotary Leadership Institute, Sept 24 in Mt Vernon.  Go to the District 5050 website to sign up.
 
Check out our club’s agenda on line at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/811 for more upcoming events.
 
PROGRAM:
 
Tammy Johnson and Linda Abbott of Kids First – Island County spoke to us about their organization. 
 
  
 
Kids First is dedicated to fulfilling the unmet needs of children in foster care by building partnerships that link children with opportunities in Island County.
Founded in 2009, Kids First is a community-based, non-profit 501 (c) (3) partnership led by local volunteers that include Island County foster &  adoptive parents, grandparents, adult adoptees, social workers, small business owners, court appointed special advocates (CASA), retired educators, military veterans, & other compassionate volunteers.  
 
The Kids First Team promotes involvement by the entire community in helping children enjoy opportunities that are part of a normal childhood. These include music lessons, summer camps, senior pictures and outfits, hope chests, refurbished laptops, swimming lessons, sessions with a hair stylist, back-to-school gifts and gift cards for clothes.    
 
There are currently 65 children in the program. Neglect is typically the reason for a child being referred to Kids First, which does not duplicate funding by other agencies or resources.  A streamlined request for assistance is presented to the Kids First Team; if approved, one person will take the lead for each case.  Most families that support a child are not wealthy, just normal middle-class who are willing to make a difference.  As Tammy said, they “don’t need wealth, just love.”
 
Sounds like an organization we should consider when we give our annual grants to non-profit organizations.  Learn more about Kids First – Island County at http://www.kidsfirst-ic.org. 
 
 
THE AGENDA IS ONLINE AT OUR WEBSITE AND EMAILED EVERY WEEK.   CHECK IT FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, WEEKLY INVOCATION, AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS.
 
Day, location, and time that other Whidbey Rotary clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Jan-Marc Jouas
 
Meeting Minutes, September 13, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk this morning was given by Ray Green.  Following Ray we recited the Rotary Four Way Test.
 
Visitors:  Our friend Carl from Fon du Loc, WI, our exchange student Olivere from Denmark, our friend George Henney from Whidbey WIFI, and Jim Scullen from WICA.
 
Blue ticket:  I pulled another white chip .  Pot is now over $260.  Only 6 white chips left.  This is GETTING VERY SERIOUS! TIME TO BUY MORE ALOT TICKETS!
 
Club Business:
Reminder to attend the All Island Club get together this Friday, September 16th at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.  Cost is $10, and festivities start at 5:30pm.
Lots of schedule changes, so please check your agendas. 
 
NOTE:  No morning meeting on Sept 27th, as Whidbey Telecom has need for the room. 
 
If you are at all interested in learning more about Rotary, sign up for Rotary Leadership Institute.  The first offering of the year I Sept 24, in Mt Vernon.  Go to the District 5050 website to sign up.
 
Next week we have Tami Johnson coming to give us a presentation on Kids First!!  Don’t miss it!
 
Jim Scullen was given a few minutes to talk about the latest show at WICA, it’s called “November”, but being presented from October 7-22.  It’s a spoof on American Politics.  Sounds to good to miss.
 
Program:  
I gave Part II presentation on the Rotary Foundation.  This is the Foundation’s 100th year, so lots of events are being planned throughout Rotary to commemorate the event.  When we combine our efforts, with the District and International, our efforts get multiplied.  Think about a great project for our community. 
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS .  MAKE SURE TO CHECK
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
 
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, August 9, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter on Aug 08, 2016
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk this morning was given by Ray Green.  We are the best!
 
Visitors:  Eric Brooks, George Henney
 
Blue ticket:  Dick for the second week in a row pulled another white chip out of the bag.   The money pool is now over $200.   This is GETTING SERIOUS! TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business: Lots of events coming up, so check your Calendars.
Jan-Marc is doing an excellent job with our Clubrunner.  Check it out!
 
Program:  
 
 
Eric Brooks, from Island County Office of Emergency Preparedness gave a great presentation on where the possible hazard areas would be on the island.  He also handed out some great pamphlets and brochures. 
 
The following websites are very useful and contain a lot of information, so please check them out.
Emergency Preparedness Guide:
Emergency Alerts
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS .  MAKE SURE TO CHECK
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
Meeting Minutes, September 6, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk this morning was given by Heath Gunn
 
Visitors:  Our friend Carl from Fon du Loc, WI
 
Blue ticket: Jan-Marc pulled a white chip .  Pot is now over $235.  Only 7 white chips left.  This is GETTING SERIOUS! TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business:
A great turnout for gleaning last week.  Lots of apples!!!!
 
Lots of schedule changes, so please check your agendas.  NOTE:  No morning meeting on Sept 27th, as Whidbey Telecom has need for the room. 
Still time to sign up for UW/Portland State game…lots of Rotarians will be there. 
 
Still looking for members to attend the District Marketing meeting on Sep 10th, and RLI on Sept 24th.
 
Next week is Part II of Rotary Foundation, and on Sept 20th we have Tami Johnson coming to give us a presentation on Kids First!!  Don’t miss it!
 
Program:  
Jay Ryan gave a great classification talk.  This IOWA native has come a long way, and he and his wife got married in 1958.  That means they have been married for 58 years!  WOW! Congratulations!
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS .  MAKE SURE TO CHECK
 
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
Meeting Minutes, August 23, 2016
Posted by Karen Franklin
 
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 AM by President Elect Linda Senff.  After the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, inspiration was given by Heath Gunn, who always has something motivating to say.
 
Blue Tickets:  The winning ticket, number 965, was drawn by Oliver, our new exchange student.  He also happened to be holding the winning ticket so we were all excited that he might pull the red chip out of that blue bag.  Alas, it was one more white chip that came out.  That means the white chips are diminishing and that red chip should be easier to snatch.  The current pot is worth $235.50.
 
Program:  Dr. Rob Veith and Mary Gladhart from Mobility Outreach International gave an awe inspiring presentation of the work done by this organization.  The organization was founded in 1989 by Ernest M. Burgess, M.D. to help landmine victims in Viet Nam.  It was quickly discerned that the need was greater and should be extended to the rural communities and expand the services provided.  The mission, as stated on their website is “Our organization is committed to maintaining a talented, passionate global team that empowers individuals with disabilities and their local communities. Together, we seek to provide thousands of adults and children in the developing world with the lifelong gift of mobility.”
 
 
Today, 47 clinics operate in Viet Nam, Haiti, Sierra Leone and Bangladesh providing prosthetics and orthotics, orthopedic surgery and clubfoot treatment.  The before and after pictures shown demonstrated nothing short of miracles.  Babies born with severe club feet are easily corrected with a cast, adults with “neglected club feet” are a little more challenging but dramatic results were demonstrated with them also.  Imagine having to walk on the side of your foot or feet most of your life.  Then imagine that, through surgery or casting your foot is made straight and functional.  What a wonder.
 
I recommend a cruise through their website at http://mobilityoi.org/ to learn more about this amazing outreach.  There is so much more to see there.  You will be heartened and blessed.
 
Minutes by Karen Franklin
 
Meeting Minutes, August 2, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter on Aug 01, 2016
Aug 02, 2016
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk this morning was given by Ryan Porter.
 
Visitors:  Helen Price Johnson, Island County Commissioner
 
Blue ticket:  Our guest Helen pulled a number so Dick could pull another white chip out of the bag.   The money pool is now up to $190.  OK, time to get serious about buying tickets now.  Not many white chips left. TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business: We recognized Past President Jack’s birthday coming up in August.  Also, Marie Plakos has been asked display a number of her photographs at the Carter Center in Georgia.  Congratulations Marie!
 
A new organization chart and volunteer sign up list was distributed.  Thanks to Jan-Marc and Linda for all the work putting both items together.  Karen will be tabulating the signups and we will distribute again next week for those of you that haven’t volunteered.   Remember, the only way we succeed is by working together. 
Just a reminder to look at your agenda each week to see what events are coming up.  Lots of items coming up fast, like the 5th Tuesday event the end of the month.
 
Program:  
Helen Price Johnson gave a great presentation on what’s going on at the county level.  She represents the lower half of the island, and is always welcome at our club.  She reminded us to vote today. 
 
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS .  MAKE SURE TO CHECK
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
Meeting Minutes, July 26, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
July 26,  2016
 
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk this morning was given by our newest member, Annemarie Catlett.
 
Visitors:  George Henney
 
Blue ticket:  Our guest George pulled another white chip out of the bag.   The money pool is now up to $176. TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business: 
Jack Ng and Dick Grund will work together to put on a great evening at Dick Grund’s home on August 30th.  Last year was fun.  This year will be even better.
 
It looks like berry season is over.  Thanks to everyone that worked hard to put a good product out there for our customers, and to put a good word out for what Rotary does in our community.
 
Program:  
Annemarie Catlett gave a very interesting classification briefing.  Who knew that she was so outgoing.  She loves her kids, her dogs, and her horse.  Thanks for sharing your passions with us.
 
 
NEXT WEEK IS HELEN PRICE JOHNSON, OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS .  MAKE SURE TO CHECK
 
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
 
Meeting Minutes, July 19, 2016
Posted by Bruce Enter
 
July 19, 2016
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Inspiration talk was given by Ray Green. 
 
Blue ticket:  Dick Werttenberger earned the right to pull another white chip out of the bag.   The money pool is now up to A LOT OF MONEY.  Pretty soon there will be no white chips left.  TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business:   Linda announced a January 9, 2017 dinner that will feature our RI President John Germ.  It is part of the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation. More information as it becomes available.  President Bruce will be giving out more details in the weeks to come.
 
Linda also reported on gleaning being done by club members.  Over 130 lbs of vegetables were picked and given to Good Cheer.  THANK YOU ALL!
 
Program:  
The program was dedicated to Skagit Valley College. The Vice President of the Whidbey Island Campuses, Laura Cailloux, gave a great presentation on the programs that Skagit Valley College offers all over the North Sound.  Of particular interest is the South Whidbey Campus that is in the process of moving from South Whidbey High School to the Elementary School.  Brad Tuininga also gave a great presentation on the Skagit Valley College Foundation.  Hannah Bond is a great example of how the college can meet the needs of people in all stages of life.  Thank you all for coming.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INSPIRATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS
 
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Wednesdays
Minutes by President Bruce Enter
 
 
Meeting Minutes, July 5, 2016
MINUTES OF ROTARY MEETING
 
July 5,  2016
 
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Bruce Enter promptly at 7:35 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspiration talk was given by Heath Gunn
 
Blue ticket:  Dick Werttemberger earned the right to pull another white chip out of the bag.   The money pool is now up to $138.  Pretty soon there will be no white chips left.  TIME TO BUY MORE TICKETS!
 
Club Business:   Linda announced a January 9, 2017 dinner that will feature our RI President John Germ.  It is part of the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation. More information as it becomes available.  
 
Program:  
Sami Postma from the Island County Economic Development Council gave a presentation on Facebook usage.  Some of us learned some valuable privacy tricks, and ways to keep our posts to just those we count as friends.   Others, well, they stay with their flip phones.
 
 
The Board of Directors meeting was held immediately after the general meeting.
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, Useless Bay Country Club, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
 
Read more...
Meeting Minutes, June 14, 2016
MINUTES OF ROTARY MEETING
June 14, 2016
 
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Jack Ng promptly at 7:45 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Inspiration talk was given by Bruce Enter
 
Blue ticket:  Lauren Pool earned the right to pull another white chip out of the bag.  SO SAD!  The money pool is now up to $127.50.  TIME TO BUY SOME TICKETS!
 
Guests:  George Henny. Marion,  AnnMarie Cattlett, Macey Bishop and mother Julia, Iona Rohan and mother Patricia, and Chandler Hagglund and father Dale. 
 
Club Business:   
- Wine Club rebate check was given to club in the amount of $527.40.  
- Berry sales for last weekend netted $150.  So far we have netted about $850.  Next Saturday, June 18, we should have blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.  Come out to The Goose between 10am and 1pm and buy some, they are delicious.
 
We’re up to close to 60 attendees for the Awards banquet.   Bring your spouse/partner and have a great dinner and a couple glasses of wine.  Comforts Winery is a great location, and we will have a good time!!  Make sure to RSVP by June 21st.
 
Program:  
Three of our scholarship award winners were in attendance and gave us all reason to be hopeful for the future.  Macey Bishop will be attending University of Portland, Iona Rohan will be attending  the University of Washington, and Chandler Hagglund will be attending Washington State University.  Our fourth scholarship student, Dansy Thomas will be attending Portland Community College.
 
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, China City Freeland, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
 
Meeting Minutes, June 7, 2016
MINUTES OF ROTARY MEETING
June 07, 2016
 
Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by President Jack Ng promptly at 7:45 AM. 
 
Invocation given by Heath Gunn
 
Blue ticket:  John Plakos earned the right to pull another white chip out of the bag.  SO SAD!
 
Guests:  Marion, Angi Mozer, Curt Gordon, Jerry McKenna, and AnnMarie Cattlett
 
Club Business:   
  • New sign up sheet was passed for Installation/Award Dinner on June 28, 2016. 
  • Berry sales for last weekend netted $350.  So far we have netted about $700.  Several more weeks, depending on the weather and the availability of good berries.  Thanks to all that helped.
  • Heath Gunn is sponsoring a Bocce Ball tournament in August to raise money for scholarships.  More information as it progresses.  Hint: you can practice at Useless Bay Coffee in Langley.
  • We all sang Happy Birthday to Marion – she turned that magic number of 18.
 
Program:  
Curt Gordon from the Port of South Whidbey gave a great talk on what the Port is up to this year.  Lots of projects are going on all around S. Whidbey, from the fairgrounds, to Clinton Dock, to Lagoon Point.  It’s great to have an organization that is dedicated to sane economic development on the south of our beautiful island.
 
 
Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon speaks to Rotarians
 
PLEASE NOTE: THE AGENDA IS SENT OUT EVERY WEEK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEEKLY INVOCATION AND GREETER ASSIGNMENTS
Again here are the dates and times the other Whidbey Island clubs meet:
Oak Harbor Sunrise, Whidbey Golf and Country Club, 7am Wednesdays
Oak Harbor Rotary, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, 12pm Fridays
Rotary Westside, China City Freeland, 5pm Mondays
Minutes by Bruce Enter
 
Read more...
Meeting Minutes September 2, 2014
Posted by Linda Senff

 

 

The meeting was called to order by President Ray Green at 7:40 AM.

 

Invocation was given by June Davis.

 

Rotary Guests:  Nick Zeffreys, Malaysia

 

Red Ticket:  Mike Belangie won $10.00

 

Blue Ticket:  Dick Werttemberger pulled a white chip.  The pot is now over $606

 

Rotary Business:

 

Linda reminded the group that gleaning at Greenbank Farms was being done today at 9:00 AM.  All are welcome!  Come join the fun!

 

Happy Thoughts:

  1. Ray was happy that his septic tank was being pumped today
  2. Nick would be happy with a ride to Freeland after the meeting - Russ volunteered
  3. Russ’ in-laws are coming to visit, assuming they can follow his directions which might take them a few extra days to accomplish.
  4. Richard was happy for the 1st salmon caught while in his new boat.

 

Program:  Club Assembly

President Ray opened the discussion by mentioning several projects that the club has accomplished:

 

  1. The Basketball Court - it’s nearly done, just needing a new fence which will be coming soon.  this last weekend, the existing fence was taken down during a work party there.  The two “Fs” in the middle of the court will be removed as soon as  some extra tiles arrive - the “F” representing the Falcons can’t stay as this is not a high school court.  Ray will let notify club members when the Grand Opening will occur.  Kudos to Louis for his vision on this program.
  2. Berry Sales - frozen berry sales were a success but $700 was lost on the fresh berry sales - something to be discussed prior to next year.
  3. Texas Hold’em Tourney - Jack donated the beer & wine, which improved our bottom line - thank you, Jack!  Heath noted that we were only 20 people short of being a great success.  He suggests that we create a list of names of those who bought tickets that would include a stub with said name and email address, for future use.  Many thanks to Marge, June and Karen for their hard work on this project.
  4. Treasurer Karen mentioned that there is about $21,000 available in the Foundation account for new projects.  It was suggested that we be more hands-on for smaller organizations such as Read-to-Learn, Children’s Theater, Salmon Adventure, and the Wetlands. 

 

Suggestions for other projects were as follows:

  1. holding a garage sale possibly once a month, once a quarter?
  2. clean up the Veterans’ section of Bayview Cemetery
  3. clean up around the clinton ferry terminal
  4. create an amphitheater in the park for overhead protection of bands that play there.
  5. join with other local organizations/businesses to put up a new scoreboard at the high school.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 AM

 

 

 

meeting minutes may 7, 2013
Posted by Raymond Green

President Don opened the meeting at 7:30 and Bill Lewis gave the inspiration.

Guests: Jamie Scharich, Alex Bonesteel, Mellissa Layer, and Annie Deacon

Drawings: Red ticket - Bill Lewis, Blue ticket - Bob Hezel drew a white chip.

Happy thoughts: John Plakos was happy for the SUN, Heath Gunn was happy for all of Robins birthday parties, kEd Gemkow was happy he could now lift more than 10 lbs. Russ DeWolfe was happy for Hearts and Hammers and a great fishing trip. He was a "woodchuck" for the day and was glad Kevin Lundgren didn't kill him.

Rotary Business: Geoff Tapert asked for volunteers to help on Friday and Saturday at the Friends of Freeland project, and he got 5. The work went so well on Friday that Saturday was cancelled. Russ DeWolfe asked for help stuffing Berry Sales mailing envelopes. Several people stayed and we got it done in about 1 1/2 hours....good job. Richard Davis talked about the district grants and that the deadline for application is fast approaching. Ray Green gave a report on a very successful RYLA. Four people form Whidbey Island attended.

 

Program: Ed Gemkow, Jack Ng, Kevin Lundgren, and Alex Bonesteel  gave us a presentation about the new Wine Club and how to promote the sales of memberships. Jack came up with this idea of how to have a sustaining income to fund our club and all our projects. It can also be a funding source for other Rotary clubs. This has the possibility of being very successful. We just have to work at promoting the memberships. That is our job. Ed Gemkow talked about looking at the big picture which is a succession of several small pictures, which means setting small goals to achieve the larger goal. Alex Bonesteel gave us a great presentation on the Wine club website and how user friendly it is. He navigated through the ordering process which is very simple. There  are four different categories from which to order: the Premium Wine Club, West Coast Wine Club, International Wine Club, and the "90 plus" Point Wine Club. The pricing is between $39.00 and $75.00 per month. That gets you 2 bottles of wine each shipment. Shipping is FREE. There is also a gift package section to take care of your friends and family for those special occasions. Kevin Lundgren gave us several pointers on making "the sale". One good one is the "elevator speech". This can be used best when people ask "what is Rotary and what do they do? Put tother a few small "bullet points" about Rotary and include the things or projects that meant a lot to you. Some of the other pointers are: smile, be enthusiastic, be confident, push yourself a little outside your "comfort zone", avoid closed ended questions, listen, "ask for the order", follow up, and above all thank them. They might ask "what's in it for me?" Great wine and Rotary benefits, so the community does too.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 AM.

Meeting minutes April 23, 2013
Posted by Raymond Green

President Don Rowan opened the meeting promptly at 7:30 AM. Bill Lewis gave the inspiration honoring the first responders at the Boston Marathon tragedy, and wishing a speedy recover to all the injured.

GUESTS: Janet Fabo, Barry Leavitt (our speaker), and Lisa, our exchange student.

DRAWINGS: Ryan Porter won the red ticket drawing, and Karen Franklin pulled a white chip in the foundation ticket drawing.

HAPPY THOUGHTS: Karen Franklin was happy bout her new window. Marge Gemkow was able to cook in her newly remodeled kitchen. Heath Gunn had a great weekend at his daughter's in Spokane. Heath also announced he had $4200.00 pledged for the wine tasting event on May 7th. That money will go towards scholarships. Great job Heath. Janet Fabo was happy about recording her first album in her own studio. Dave Haworth was glad he got to see "The Full Monty" at WICA. Ray Green was happy he received his first shipment after joining the wine club.

ROTARY BUSINESS: Terry Rose announced that there would be no highway cleanup on the 30th because it was a 5th Tuesday. Then he asked if there are enough volunteers to do it anyway. There were, so the highway cleanup is on. Be at the "phone booth" at 9:00 AM Tuesday if you can help. Russ DeWolfe and Heath Gunn talked about the wine club progress. Ed Gemkow announced the official "kick off" for the wine club will be at China City Tuesday , the 30th. The cost is $10.00 each food and drink (wine of course) will be provided. Lets all attend. This has the potential of being a major fund raiser for our club, as well as other clubs. The following week we will have  seminar about how to best promote the wine club. President Don announced the nest board meeting, May 1st, 5PM at the Freeland Library.

SEARGENT AT ARMS: Russ made Terry Rose go to the wheel for getting his picture in the paper.

PROGRAM: Barry Leavitt spoke about foster care. He is with Youthville, a non profit organization the helps place children into the Foster Care system. Youthville began in 1927 in Newton, Kansas as a privately run orphanage. It is a faith base organization with Methodist roots. Mr. Leavitt came form Alaska after 30 years as a psychologist. He is also a foster parent now. His only "ask" of us today was to take away information so the message gets out to people who are considering being a foster parent. In 2010 there were 463,000 kids in foster care nationwide. 10,136 were in Washington. About 250,00 move in and out of the system yearly. The system serves kids from birth to age 21. That was recently increased from 18 to 21. The average age is 9. The average length of stay is 13.5years. Kids are taken out of the home for a variety of reasons, non of them good; In recent years the system has started tracking adverse childhood experiences.  28% for physical abuse, 21% for sexual abuse, 15% for neglect, 10% for emotional abuse. Most of the kids feel like no one cares or loves them.The need for qualified foster parents is great. To qualify you must be 21 years or older, single or married, have good physical  and mental health, be financially able to provide for the own family, pass background clearance check, own or rent a house or apartment that meets licensing requirements.

Meeting Minutes from 8/28/2012
Posted by Bruce Enter
President Don Rowan called meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and also led the club with an Inspiration talk. He was very inspired to work with fellow Rotarians over the weekend painting  the dugouts at Dave Mackie Field.   
Read more...