Northwind August 18, 2011
Returning Rotarians. Laurie returns to us from a trip to Central OR to visit Sister, Brother and in-laws. Brian returns from successful fishing trips to Sitka and Desolation Sound.
Visiting Rotarians. George Tsakumis, Bill Kirby of Carson City, NE, Jeannie McGee and Graham Harris.
Guests. We were happy to be joined by Bill’s wife Chris, Marlene’s husband, Mark and Rocky’s wife Sylvia.
Announcements. Rick confirmed sales of portions of farm animals. Tyler made us aware of a party/celebration to benefit Children’s Hospital. August 28 in the Meridian Haggen parking lot. Live music, food from local vendors, and Boundary Bay beer have all been donated, so nearly 100% of proceeds will go to Children’s Hospital. Tim C. reminded us of the Zervas Group anniversary party on Friday, 8/19, the same day as Golf Fun 2011. Tim also let us know that he and Maureen were seeking members interested in joining a conversation regarding how to make our discourse conducive to attracting new members--including younger people, women, and people of color. Gary mentioned the Board of Directors supports this effort. Please contact Tim or Maureen if you’d like to participate or if you have ideas you’d like to share.
Happy Bucks. Ken was happy for a great motorcycle trip to CA. Bill was happy to be joined by Chris, to see Graham, and for a trip to the Fair. Pete R was sad that his wife recently required knee surgery. Maureen was happy to see Graham and Ray. Jeannie was happy to have begun volunteering with Red Cross. Brian was happy for his fishing trips and for successfully captaining a boat for the first time (and/or having someone on board who could do it for him). Sharon was happy that her out-of-town family could hit the big party at Hagen on the day after her wedding. Paul C was happy for a high altitude experience at which he practiced breathing—sans mask—at 25,000 feet and performing mental exercises at 17,000 feet. Julie was happy for five grandchildren at the Fair, and their blue ribbons for raising animals. Jake was $46 happy for 46 years of “marching to her drum.” Tim C. was happy to see so many spouses joining us, and to see Graham. Marlene was happy to see Graham and to be joined by Mark. Rocky was happy to be joined by Sylvia. Derek was happy for a HS reunion and a family reunion and for getting to enjoy both in warm Eastern WA. Max was happy to soak up some high temps at Medical Lake, and happy to return to temps in the 70s. Ray was happy for Caitlin, Ashley and Kollin and their work with their Lynden Livestock animals. Reminded us that many kids are still seeking sponsors.
Fines. Greg Thulin was the speedy Fine Master today. Tim was fined for his long speech. Brian was fined for referring to himself as a “boatlander,” an apparent contradiction in terms. Paul was fined for referring to himself in the third person in an email to the Fine Master committee. Gary was fined for calling Marlene Maureen. It was suggested he go with Morleen. Anyone who didn’t vote in the primary was fined, as was anyone who hires someone else to clean their gutters. The latter fine was doubled for anyone who never cleans their gutters. Fines were assessed for: hiring someone to do your landscaping, not going to the Fair so far ($1), not planning to go to the Fair ($2), not looking forward to kids heading back to school, not having had to wait in a long line at the border, not having been to Mt. Baker Theater recently, not knowing who Daniel Tosh is (other than someone Greg recently saw at MBT, that is), never having “high fived” yourself. Finally, because Greg is teaching son Carter to drive, anyone who hasn’t had a near-death experience recently was fined. Nice work, Greg.
Our Program today was Graham Harris. Graham shared with us an invitation and initial details about a WCNR trip to New Zealand in April 2013. He said the trip would be open to Rotary members and their wives, but I bet they’d make an exception for husbands too. The trip would include dinner at the Pukehoe Club, sightseeing in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, and the following highlights: National Museum, wine country, golf, glimpses of Maori culture and sheep farming tradition. Stay tuned!
Graham also shared many of the things that make NZ unique, with their love of sports as a recurring theme.
Drawing. Julie drew the winning ticket, but the Ace of Spades remains at large.