Whatcom County North Rotary Club

Northwind

September 13, 2007

Meeting to Order:  President Greg called the meeting to order at 12:30 A.M. and Gary Snyder gave the invocation.

Visiting Rotarians:  Dale Vander Giessen, Mt Baker Rotary; Mike Plenkovich, Bellingham Rotary and George Tsakumis from Vancouver Rotary.

Guests:  Tim Villhauer introduced his guest Dale who was recently promoted to assistant vice president at Horizon Bank located in Ferndale, Washington.  Rick Staeb introduced his son Tye.

Birthdays:  Deb Wiggs & Larry Pollett will be celebrating their birthdays this month so HAPPY BIRTHDAY you all!

Announcements:  President Greg announced that the Board of Directors, after much deliberation, has decided to forego the Ferndale rummage sale at this time.  He stated the return did not justify the time and effort necessary to put on the sale.  He urged members to put forth alternative ideas to raise funds for our many charitable endeavors.

Ken Richardson stated we have raised approximately $150,000.00 towards our goal of $250,000.00 supporting the Ferndale Boys & Girls Club proposed Metcalf Center.  He also stated many businesses' are giving "in kind" donations.  Tim Carpenter related his success in obtaining contributions stressing the need for member EFFORT.  Tye Staeb briefly related his experience while attending a Rotary Leadership Camp held in British Columbia.  He was impressed by the impact of hugs given by fellow attendees.  Tye said he expanded his knowledge of leadership skills and he wants to become a counselor for Rotary.

Sharon Robinson stated the current roster for Whatcom North Rotary has been printed and is on the back table for everyone to pick up two copies.  Brad Peterson's cancer is currently in remission and he was released from the hospital.  However, to inure his continued recovery, he will have to be vigil and receive further treatments from the University of Washington Medical Center.

Happy Buck's:  Josh Wilund conveyed Kudos to Whatcom North Rotary.  Rich Jacobson gave happy bucks for the athletic accomplishments of two Ferndale football players, Jake Locker and his son.  We look forward to these individuals participation in the purple haze and further inflictions on pain on U of W opponents.  Jim Bliss gave happy bucks for something.  Maureen McCarthy gave happy bucks in conjunction with celebrating her sisters' wedding with family and friends.  Bob Bowman's lovely little daughter is all grown up.  She, along with her girlfriends, are partying at Lummi Ferry Dock, consuming adult beverages, and hustling ferry riders for more upon discovering their six-pack containers were dry.  It is nice to know you still have that girlish charm and flirtations are second nature.  Let your fellow Rotarians meet the girlfriends they would probably make good members.  Jerry Landcastle gave kudos and happy bucks to Whatcom North Rotary and the Ferndale coach.  Brian Finnegan gave happy bucks for Locker and the enjoyment of travel to Tuscany.  Kudos to Paul Cooley, the Barkley Haggen store manager, for being chosen outstanding manager and store in the Haggen grocery chain.  Scott gave $21.00 for happy marriage of same number of years.  Tim Villhauer gave $5.00 in acknowledging Whatcom North scholarships.  George Tsakumis added $5.00 happy bucks.  Rick Staeb gave happy bucks in support of Ferndale athletic endeavors.  Ed Brown acknowledged the athletic endeavor of his two grandsons' who are also part of the Locker dynasty.  Jake Smith gave $43.00 for celebrating another anniversary.  My question is; who keeps hanging in there, you or Gayle?  We love you both.  Tim Carpenter gave a pep talk on raising contributions for the Metcalf Center and stated he was grateful he had not hit Tye Staeb while on his bicycle.  Dick Donahue gave dollars stating he enjoyed Italy while managing to avoid Brian.  President Greg enjoyed Pike's Peak with a college roommate.

Fine Master:  Scott Wallace inflicted the financial pain on Randy Carr for being last one in.  Max Legg for Moss Adams sponsored skeet shoot and his participation.  Rich Jacobson & Jerry Landcastle fined for wearing ties.  Weather watches fined.  Everyone who consumed a second cookie was fined.  Greg deciphered the banners showing fall and corresponding harvest.  Commentary along with fall, he now consumes oatmeal for breakfast.  Nancy Harrison & Gary Snyder were fined in conjunction with the hospital joining Madrona Medical Group to provide better and expanded medical care.  A dollar fine to everyone who supported a sports team.  The usual suspects (Ferndale, Huskies, Cougars, Seahawks and Mariners).  Brian Finnegan for remarks on contributions to Cougars of a buck but requesting change back.  Dave Engels for spelling of Pend Orielle (Pond-or Ray).  Ed Brown & Jake Smith for talking during the invocation.  I guess they felt they would have more success if they by-passed the middleman & addressed God directly about their respective concerns.  Rick Staeb was fined because of the quality or lack thereof of his son's enduring habits.

Program:   Scott Piper introduced Ferndale Football Coach Plenkovich who talked about the Locker boys and what they added to the Ferndale football program.  Jake attends the U of W and Casey aspires to join the Huskies.  Talked about upgraded sophistication in preparing for upcoming games, then following up with adjustments.  Told story of cow wondering onto the game field whereupon it was shot to death by a rabid Burlington fan and drug off the field.  Somehow, Ferndale was distracted and played poorly thereafter.  Talked about incorporating videos of the game into their review and preparation for next opponent.  All of the coach's look at footwork and indication of opponent's plays, critique both game plan and favored plays and individual players.  They also preview forth-coming plays and then practice Tuesday, Wednesday and on Thursday's in mixed formations.    

Drawing:  No Ace of Spades