Northwind 9-20-07

Whatcom County North Rotary Club

Northwind

September 20, 2007

Meeting to Order:  President Greg called the meeting to order at 12:30 a.m. and Winton Smith gave the Invocation.  President Greg said a sympathy card was being passed around to be signed by Rotarians expressing thoughts for the daughter of Cindy (our luncheon waitress) who was recently found as the victim of a suspected homicide.

Visiting Rotarians:  Rick Vander Giessen from the Mt. Baker Club.

Guests:  Tim Villhauer introduced his guest Nelson from the banking industry located in Ferndale.

Birthdays:  Larry Pollett and Terry Dawn â¿¢ A year older but still healthy and looking good.

Returning Rotarians:  Doug Thomas returning from exotic vacation lands where the sun never sets, all the time extolling the virtues of fresh seafood and the necessity of establishing a cold storage facility.

Announcement:  Reminder that the roster was printed and can be picked up at the back of the room.  President Greg announced that the rummage sale would not be continued at this time and urged members to suggest alternate fund raising events.  He also noted Rotary was calling for members to consider becoming team leaders.  Applications can be picked-up at this time.  It takes considerable commitment but rewards justify efforts.

That first stage of raising $250,000.00 for the Metcalf Center is nearing completion.  Whatcom County North Rotary has nearly $150,000.00 in monies received or pledged.  We now need to give attention to the 2^nd phase to raise the remaining $100.000.00 pledged by our club.  This would consist primarily of fund raising events.  Thanks to all Rotarians and friends that have pledged or given to date.  Marlene Sexton commented on a road trip to Los Angeles sponsored by Delta Rotary.  Scott Wallace gave an updated report on the return to good health being achieved by Brad Peterson via continued supervision by the U of W medical school.  Dick Donahue sold his Mariners Tickets to the Cleveland and Texas baseball games via auction.  Proceeds to be donated to Metcalf Center.  THANKS DICK!!! 

Happy Bucks:  Adeline Brown was late and last one in.  Larry Pollett enjoyed seeing his son and family while visiting Italy.  Pasta never tasted so good.  Scott Wallace enjoyed his lunch with Brad.  Paul Cooley returned to academia and thought campus life was better the second time around.  Phil Bratt returned to his childhood by moving equipment around the sandbox, though this time the sandbox consisted of his residential property and the equipment was substantially larger and considerably noisier.  Doug Thomas gave happy bucks glad to be back to the lovely northwest and gave thanks to Dick Donahue for his on going support of the Metcalf Center.

Fine Master:  Max Legg fined all Husky fans.  I thought I heard a Democrat talking.  It seems he supports the Troops but not the war on the field.  Fined Winton Smith for having a ladder on the roof of his Lexus.  Advertising??  I think I'll put a Courtroom on my Jag's roof.  Dick Nolan fined for effort of feds to restore faith in the economy by reduction of the prime rate.  Contrary opinion says a half point reduction shows how worried the economists are and our country is in worse shape then we knew.  Meanwhile, the dollar acts as a bottom fish seeking new lows.  Fined for active or inactive support of the soup nazi (Seinfeld).  Maureen McCarthy fined for employment by an entity that pays you full price for doing a good job but pays you even more if you do a better job.  "Hey taxpayers we are looking out for you."  Someone mentioned attorneys in the same breath as these contractors.  Contingent fees?  As a business attorney, I can't get my hands on the milk of that cash cow.  Any Tour d' France fan was fined.  Landis was found to have won the race with the help of steroids.  An ongoing problem seems most participants are on steroids.  They are not discovered only because they are not winners or leaders.  The event needs help.  Fined Tim for talking while chewing.  We all know with his Navy background, he knows better.  Scott, with the entire contingency of fellow Rotarians who are follicley challenged, made reference to Brad in the same sentence as bald causing undue angst.  Ken Richardson fined for the growth on his upper lip, which seems out of control as it expands around his face.

Banners:  Celebrating the equinox, which will occur this month.  Thanks Stan.

Speaker/Program:  Scott Piper introduced the speaker Jamie Hemmel and her program, "Friendly Visitors".  She pointed out the need for volunteer visits to the elderly, weekly home visits to seniors and development of new friendships.  This helps elderly's with their feeling of self worth and combating depression.  Participants found visits to be mutually rewarding.  Kudos to North Whatcom for their work in this area.  Also, help in areas of housing, medical/dental, health facilities and place for interaction.  Mel said he wants to sign-up and participate on either side of the program; visited or visitor.  Funding comes from grants, Whatcom County and Interfaith Coalition.

No ace of spades drawn.