Whatcom CountyNorth Rotary
Northwind
December 20, 2007
Meeting to Order
: President Thulin called the meeting to order at 12:36, and Tony Cubellis gave the invocation.
Program
: We were treated to the third in a series of very special performances by student musicians from FerndaleHigh School arranged by Roger Lehnert. Today's program consisted of songs sung by the Swing Choir and the Treble Choir under the direction of Kay Egiman (sp). Some songs were accompanied by piano, but most were sung accupelo. All of the young ladies in the choirs were dressed in long black dresses, and the young men were in blue vests, white shirts and ties. They all looked very professional. The Swing Choir started out with three numbers: Let It Snow, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and In My Life. The Treble Choir followed with El Decembre, a Catalonian Christmas carol. The choirs then joined as one to sing Silver Bells. The Swing Choir finished off the performance with Happy Holidays/White Christmas medley, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, and Caroling Bells. Members of the club were asked to join in on some of these last numbers. Some were tentative at first, but quickly warmed up and seemed to really get into the spirit. Roger closed out the program by thanking the students, explaining that performing arts provide students with balance in their academic lives, and acknowledging that these students work for years to develop their very fine musical talents. Roger also acknowledged Joanne Danellon and Mel Hanson as being the past leaders in the Ferndale music department who laid the foundation for the strong musical programs that exist at FerndaleHigh School today. Thanks to all the student musicians and their teachers who performed for us over this three week period. These three weeks have been an extraordinary treat for all of us at Whatcom North Rotary. Thank you Roger for arranging all of this, and please send our appreciation along to all those who participated over this three week period.
Visiting Rotarians
: John Moles (Bellingham) and George Tsakumis (Vancouver) were our visiting Rotarians today.
Guests
: Jerry Landcastle's wife, Sharon. Stan Brunner's wife, Margaret, son, Don, and daughter-in-law, Rita. Tim Villhauer introduced Erin Nelson.
Birthdays
: Pete Kremen on December 28th, and Lynn Seelye on December 30th. Dick Metcalf's birthday of January 1 was acknowledged as well in his memory. We miss you Dick.
Returning Rotarians
: None
New Member Induction
: Eric Nelson was inducted into the club today by Randy Carr. Tim Villhauer is sponsoring Eric's admission into the club. Eric is a retired Navy recruiter and now manages the Horizon Bank branch in Ferndale. Welcome Eric, we look forward to getting to know you more. Go Navy!
Announcements
: Today's Happy Bucks will go as our combined tip to the Northwood Hall wait staff that do such a wonderful job for us all year long.
Tim Villnauer announced the slate of new officers for the 2008/2009 program year: President - Tim Villhauer, Past President - Greg Thulin, President Elect - Chuck Tull, Secretary - Marlene Sexton, Treasurer - Gary Tomsic, and Directors Maureen McCarthy, Paul Cooley, and Randy Carr.
The football pool needs some additional participation for the BCS Championship game as well as the Rose Bowl. Check with Tim Carpenter or online.
On January 19, 2008 there will be a Rotary Foundation Seminar held at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel just south of the OakStreetBridge. See President Greg for more details.
Happy Bucks
: Happy Bucks were rolling in today mostly to acknowledge the great service by the Northwood Hall wait staff. Jack Curnow was happy to be back from 10 days in Florida where the temperatures were in the low 80's and high 70's. Funny, Jack didn't look any more tan. Welcome back Jack and way to go in keeping away from those aggressive car tires down there in Florida. Tim Villhauer gave for the tip, advice not to vacation with Jack Curnow and for Chuck Tull as the President Elect. President Greg gave for the tip and to welcome Eric Nelson to the club. Randy Carr gave for the tip, for Eric coming into the club, and for the safe bet that Brian Finnegan doesn't return his calls. Brian Finnegan responded that he was busy and works more than 3 days a week like Randy. Rich Jacobson and Eric Nelson acknowledged the death and loss of a valued employee at Horizon Bank recently killed in an auto accident. This was a real tragedy and a senseless loss beyond all comprehension. Dick Nolan, Rome Sarwas, Dr. Gary Snyder and Dan Baker all gave for the tip. Marlene Sexton gave for her dad, something about Bill Grace and for the tip. Greg Iwasaki was happy for a 2 week vacation in Cancun and for also being able to see his son who is in medical school. Josh Wilund looked like he was on Cloud 9 today. He acknowledged that Dick Donahue is providing tickets to send 50 kids to an upcoming Sonics game. Way to go Dick. Josh also announced to the club that he got engaged. Congratulations Josh, and we hope that you and your future bride have many happy years together. Larry Pollett was happy about a recent ski trip, and his ability to get up and down a ski hill. Today's editor was sitting next to Julie Johansen who commented that the lift takes you to the top of the ski hill and then one simply slides down. Let's move on. Jake Smith gave toward the tip. Also he acknowledged that the performances by the Ferndale student musicians over the last three weeks reaffirms his thinking that the public school system is still a good one. Rich Jacobson was happy that the board of Horizon Bank has authorized a $15,000 pledge to the capital campaign for the Boys and Girls Club. Dick Donahue gave to the tip and was happy about the success of the Coug's basketball team. Dan Parsons was happy about his 6th wedding anniversary, a trip to Missouri to celebrate Christmas, and for being awarded the Ferndale Public Defender contract. Eric Nelson was glad to be inducted into the club, and asked everyone to love their families' everyday. We are never sure when a friend or a loved one might be lost. Thanks for the reminder Eric. Pete Kremen reflected upon two very good friends that have passed on - Jerry Chambers and Curt Mayberry. Scott Piper gave to the tip. Paul Cooley acknowledged that one of his store's employees passed away this last week, and that a ski-diving jumper friend was killed in an automobile accident recently. Ken Richardson welcomed Eric into the club and also gave towards the tip. Jerry Landcastle wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Stan Brunner acknowledged the Ferndale Choir students. He says that he was in his high school choir because his mother signed him up. Although he only sang five notes, he said that his limited range was apparently qualification enough for choir duty. I wonder what hand mom had in that. Phil Bratt gave to the tip, wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and beamed with the news that a time-share condo at Whistler in which he has part ownership was selected for a week of use in the 2010 winter Olympics. Scott Wallace gave to the tip, let us know of a successful goose hunting trip and that he saw Brad Peterson who was in good health and spirits. Laurie gave to the tip. Tim Carpenter gave to the tip, said something about Mel Hollinger, let us know of his biking adventures, and let us all know that you don't have to be a traditional Christian to enjoy the holidays and the blessings that come with this time of year. Lastly George Tsakumis gave to the tip and wished everyone a happy holiday season. Good session.
Finemaster
: Jack Curnow was today's finemaster. Due to the outpouring of Happy Bucks, Jack was left with little time, but he did a very eloquent job as finemaster today. He expressed his personal joy about Christmas, and acknowledged that many feel depressed around holiday seasons. So Jack cut right to the chase. He gave $1 for all Christians in attendance as well as $1 for all non-Christians in attendance. His hope was that everyone enjoys this very special season. Nice job Jack. Jack sat down, but Tony Cubellis felt guilty for not participating in the Salvation Army bell ringing and paid a self-assessed $20 fine.
Banners
: I failed to take notes on the banners, and I apologize to Stan. Stan does a great job with the banners throughout the year and generally baffles all of us with his messages in the banners.
Drawing
: Tony Cubellis - 7 of Hearts
Adjourned
: 1:29