Northwind August 25, 2011

Returning Rotarians. Marlene from Las Vegas.
Visiting Rotarians. George Tskakumis and Jeannie McGee
Guests of Rotarians. Pete R’s wife Lynne.
Birthdays. Happy Birthday, Sharon!

Announcements. Gary passed around a card for our District Governer who’s suffering from major back problems. Also, there will be a Foundation meeting after the meeting. Bill announced the roster would be done soon. Please get your photos and photos of spouses to him ASAP. Tyler announced the Haggen Palooza event on Sunday from 1 to 5. ALL proceeds go to Children’s Hospital. Ray announced the need for a buyer for portions of a pig and lamb. Ken reported that Golf Fun went very well and raised $80K for eradicating polio.

Happy Bucks. Max was happy to have successfully moved his wife’s father into an assisted living facility, though it entailed a 1200 mile weekend road trip. Norm was happy for fun times boating with Randy. Scott was happy for crabbing with his nephew. Melanie is happy to announce she’s expecting. CONGRATULATIONS, Melanie! Jim B. was happy he finally sold his office building in Iowa. Jeannie was happy to be volunteering for the upcoming Dog Days Human Society fundraser. Bill was happy for the impromptu car show at a car club member’s memorial. Winton was happy for a good day of fishing on the Skagit River. Paul was happy for a camping trip with his wife, Donna at the Othello Tunnels. Rome was happy for salmon fishing on the Fraser River, though the fishing wasn’t so good. Jake was happy his granddaughter caught a 30-lb salmon on the Columbia River, and he added one dollar to his $47 from last week. His wife reminded him they just celebrated their 48th (not their 47th) wedding anniversary. Randy was happy for boating trips, first with family and then with Norm and friends. Rick was happy about the weather and Golf Fun. Julie had Thank You bucks for the wonderful dinner at Marlene’s house, purchased at our auction. Marlene also enjoyed the dinner and was happy to be back from 111-degree weather in Las Vegas. Derek was happy for a 3-day trip to Victoria. Tim V. had a great time at Golf Fun. Pete was happy his wife Lynne’s knee surgery was now behind her.

Fine Master, Tim V. Fines were assessed to: Anyone who yanked off their 110% attendance badges today, or arrived too early for Tim to tape one on. Derek for not being happy his wife has no morning sickness. Everybody who works at a store that sells tape that is not also in walking distance to NW Hall. Pete for not tying his shoes and for forgetting to introduce his guest. Stan for not being in attendance and therefore having no banners. Rome for being the last one in. Maureen for being invited to Sharon’s wedding but being unable to go. Norm for hoarding the Club laptop and plaques for the Youth Service Awards. Anyone not wearing their label pin. Anyone who shot someone at the NW Washington Fair. Anyone who missed both Golf Fun and the Rotary hike.

Program. New Member Talks from Nick Furnari and Derek Thornton.

Here are a few things we learned about Nick: He’s a native of Bellingham. Active supporter of Boys and Girls Club, and was an active participant when he was a kid. He attended Bellingham High, then graduated with the first senior class of Squalicum High School. That year, he set a record in track—fastest in the school’s history. Attended WSU and majored in economics. Met his wife at WSU. They’ve been together 10 years, married the last five. They’re expecting their first child in January and should know the baby’s gender in a couple of weeks. Nick’s wife is a Vet Tech at Animal Eye Care. She often picks up Sunday shifts at the Emergency Vet Clinic, which adds some adrenaline to her work. Nick enjoys sports and, as new home owner, he’s learning some basic home improvement skills. He joined Rotary because of Rotarians he’s met who demonstrate dedication to their clubs and to community service.

Here are a few things we learned about Derek: He was born in Wenatchee and raised in East Wenatchee. He enjoys many sports, especially running. The love of running runs in his family; it’s not unusual for 20-30 family members to sign up for fun runs together, including the older members of the clan. He comes from a farming family and enjoys the glimpse of the farming life he gets at his home in the county. He started his college career at CWU and finished at WWU, with a major in economics and political sciences. He ran track at WWU, but a goal of running a competitive marathon was thwarted when he sustained a (rare) stress fracture in his femur. Still, running was his ticket to a 2000 trip to Australia with a 3-day stopover in Hawaii. Ten years from now he’d like to retire and work as a “Church as a Business” consultant. Derek and his wife are expecting their first baby in October. They’ve already chosen a name for their daughter, Grace Ann. He was invited to join Rotary by Ray. In addition to being asked, it was our motto, “Service Above Self,” that drew him in.

Welcome to the club, Nick and Derek!