Northwind 3/9/06
WHATCOM COUNTY NORTH ROTARY
NORTHWIND
March 9, 2006
Meeting to Order: President Scott called the meeting to order at 12:36pm; Sharon greeted the club in Chinese; Scott then led us in the pledge of allegiance. Tim Carpenter provided the invocation with a Sikh prayer â¿¢ that, according to Tim, originated in North Ireland.
Visiting Rotarians: Maureen introduced the visiting and guest Rotarians: From the Bellingham Club â¿¢ Bob Boule' and Larry Ziels; from Bellingham Bay Club â¿¢ John Sleeth; and from out of town, George Tsakumis.
Guest of Rotarians: Jerry L. introduced his wife, Sharon. Hilary B. introduced his guest, Erik.
Returning Rotarians: None noted.
Birthdays: President Scott didn't have any notes for birthdays; Jack C. volunteered that he was celebrating a birthday on March 11; Hilary B. announced he was celebrating a birthday on March 14. Happy birthday to both!
Announcements: While the members were eating their lunch and conversing, a video tape was being played showing the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club's auction and rummage sale. Dick D. met with the fundraising committee for the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club Auction and Rummage sale. This year is the club's 45th year of having this event. In its first year the club raised $5,000 - $6,000. The past year the club raised about $200,000-$250,000. Our club is looking at putting on a similar event. Right now the club is looking at having the event the weekend of the Old Settler's Picnic or the weekend after the Fair is over. The primary beneficiary of funds raised by such event will be the Dick Metcalf Memorial project.
Bob Boule' from the Bellingham Club announced that on April 6, 2006, "good scouting awards" will be presented; there will be a memorial in honor of Dick Metcalf given at this event â¿¢ Bob invites all those interested to attend.
Hilary B. reminded everyone that the fun run for Blue Skies will be April 15 â¿¢ registration forms are on the tables.
Paul C. announced that the Career Fair is the end of this month (3/31); those who want to volunteer please sign up.
Doug T. announced there will be a Dick Metcalf Memorial Project meeting after today's meeting.
Happy Bucks: Ed Brown was the first to jump to his feet for happy bucks â¿¢ his daughter, Kelli, gave birth to their 8th grandchild early Saturday morning; a boy named Wyatt â¿¢ Congratulations! Dave A. came out of the closet and admitted he is into ballroom dancing â¿¢ his wife and he have a competition in June. Bill G. â¿¢ happy he is retired from PSE during these rain/snow storms. Bob Boule' happy he could give an announcement. Gary C. - $100 donation to the Dick Metcalf project. Maureen C. â¿¢ WTA ridership is up and Herald always gets her stories right. Ken R. â¿¢ oldest niece gave birth to triplets. Tim V. â¿¢ trip to San Diego and Hawaii. Scott P. â¿¢ daughter performing at Carolyn's Comedy Club and invited back to national comedy theatre. Rich J. â¿¢ Tyler made golf team. Not to be outdone, Tim C. announced his granddaughter, Jessica, made Sehome golf team.
Finemaster: Jack Curnow was today's finemaster (picking an accountant during a busy tax season for finemaster is probably a bad idea). Anyone who didn't applaud Jack's birthday was fined; Jim Zervas fined for not inviting his daughter to Rotary; Sharon R. fined for being a partner of Jim Z.; Maureen fined (don't remember reason); Pete K. is too wishy washy in taking a position on the subdivision moratorium; Julie J. fined for sitting next to a CPA (Jack) â¿¢ even though Jack actually sat next to Julie; Tim C. fined for not knowing difference between Ireland and India; John Sleeth (guest) didn't stand up when introduced; Jerry L. pointed out Jack's "fashion sense" â¿¢ or maybe the lack thereof?; Nancy and Gary â¿¢ as new members and not introducing themselves to Jack; Roger and Doug fined because "they know why"; Dave A. â¿¢ wore long pants two weeks in a row (a record); Dick D. â¿¢ wise crack regarding the country club.
Banners: Tim C. guessed the "Ides of March" but was fined because he admitted talking with Stan about it.
Program: Dave A. introduced Karen Ssebanakitta, who is the Director of Oncology at the hospital and has been on the HospiceHospital ethics committee for 10 years and Carol Karen, who is the outreach coordinator for the cancer center and an 11 year breast cancer survivor.
Cancer is a prevalent issue in our society. Approximately ½ of all men and 1/3of all women will have a cancer experience in their lifetime.
In 1979, St. Joseph Hospital started the Radiation Therapy Center to treat cancer in Whatcom County. However, the Radiation Center was not able to handle and treat all types of cancer. As a result, in 1996 the St. Joseph Cancer Center was started. Prior to this, breast cancer patients had to go to Everett for therapy. With the opening of this center, breast cancer patients could receive treatment in Bellingham.
The St. Joseph Cancer Center dedicated itself to "exceptional medicine" and dedicated itself to providing "compassionate care" with support groups and educational opportunities.
In 2006 the Cancer Center is looking to expand by construction of a new room to house a tomotherapy unit â¿¢ essentially a CT machine hooked up to a radiation machine. This allows radiation therapy to be targeted exactly at the location needed. It is a $5 million project which is being made possible by a generous grant from the St. Lukes Foundation.
Kathy also discussed the Whatcom Hospice. Approximately 80% of Americans die in hospitals or nursing homes. Of those individuals, ½ are unable to make informed choices at the end of their life. Less than 25% of individuals have health care directives.
Hospice maximizes the quality of living in the last days of a person's life. It serves anyone with a life expectancy of 6 months or less; regardless of the diagnosis. It will serve young and old, even children; regardless of ability to pay.
In order to be admitted to the Hospice care a patient needs two things: certification by a physician that the patient has 6 months or less to live; and election by the patient to use the program.
Drawing: Gary Snyder's ticket was called â¿¢ but he pulled out the King of clubs. The pot grows bigger.
Editor this week:Greg Thulin