Northwind 2/9/06

WHATCOM COUNTY NORTH ROTARY CLUB

NORTHWIND

February 9, 2006

Meeting called to order: Scott Piper led the pledge of allegiance.  The invocation was given by Pete Kremen who pointed out a number of historical events occurring on February 9^th; John Quincy Adams took office, in 1886 Grover Cleveland took office three years prior to Washington (along with Montana) becoming a state, Declaration of War by Roosevelt in 1942; the Beatles arriving in 1964, Boeing introducing their "Big Plane" in 1969 and twenty-one years ago Madonna introduced us to her own style of entertainment singing her hit song "Like a Virgin".

Visiting Rotarians:  Bob Banne & Mike Kirkland

Birthdays:  Scott mentioned the birthdays of Roger Lehnert (which he promptly denied) and Jim Anderson.

Rotary Minute:  Jim Bliss was called upon to give a "Foundation Minute".  His explanation on how he came to be standing at the podium was longer then his report, which was only exceeded by his explanation of why referees are good despite the many questionable calls arising during the Super Bowl.  Anyway, Rotarian study groups meet, travel and exchange ideas on different Countries. 

Announcements:  Scott Piper mentioned the Board had met and has officially adopted the "Metcalf Teen Center" addition to the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club as its next project, agreeing to raise $250,000.00 over the next three years.  Make your donations to the "Whatcom County Rotary Foundation" and checks are the preferred method of payment.

Scott also pointed out we need to have at least 50 participants at our weekly luncheons to avoid using club resources to subsidize our eating habits.

Tim Villhauer passed out to each member, a business card explaining in part "What is Rotary" as assistance in attracting new members.

Happy Bucks:  Happy bucks where donated by Ken, Winton, Brian, Dave, Adam, Tony, Larry, Jake, Rome, Rick, Dick, Bob, Paul, Mel and Roger.  Subject matter included no Grace, (Bill); daughters wedding, Super Bowl attendance, purchase of home and family growth, son admittance to USC (Curnow is now happy) and Adam will have a chance to test his borrowing power, one Rotarian's tortured soul having ties to both Seahawks and Steelers, skiing and a tortured version of acquiring the Colorado Two Step as a result of a Muslim conspiracy, a nice reference to a standing tree which was allowed to live because it wasn't necessary to make wooden crutches as a result of Rotarian efforts to eradicate polio, being lost occurred in Ohio and not Michigan as earlier rumored, WSU's three peat (the Dawgs are licking their chops as everyone knows every Dog has his day and the NCAA Tournament is just around the corner) daughter being a Rotarian, Mt. Baker Chartered by North Whatcom, successful sport events by Seahawks and WSU (no-one mentioned the Husky Volleyball Women's team being crowned National Champions; come on guys, is your bias against the Dawgs or the Fairer sex)  

Finemaster:  Max Legg was fine-master and those fined were Jim, Jake, and Brian, accountants Dick, Scott, Jerry, Rick and Gary.  Subject matters included misdirected support for handicapped referees, insensitive remarks directed to our brothers in the middle east, law enforcement officials attending functions under the guise of fraternal organization, patterning the administration of a City after a sister organization operating in Arkansas, no tax code reform because it is too complicated for Congress to understand, the Dow approaching 11,000 and the expansion of hospital beds at Joseph's South by 27.

Program:  Hillary Baumstarck introduced Michael Henniger, an administrator at WWU to present his program on early childhood development and education.  Mr. Henniger directed attention on pre-kindergarten education.  Early learning provides the solid foundation for social growth.  The first 3 years of a child's life are important for development of the brain, social skills and physical growth.  A child may acquire his/her prejudices during this time.  A child attaches emotional growth to the caregivers early on.  Caregivers and Parents need to read to the child and allow the child to participate in playground activities.  Parental involvement is essential to the development of the child.  

Editor of the week:  Lynn Seelye