Northwind February 11, 2010

MEETING TO ORDER:   President Chuck called the meeting to order at:       12:30.  Gary Snyder gave the invocation.

GUESTS:  Larry Raney was Ray's guest. 

VISITING ROTARIANS:  Eric Vanerstrom from the Mt. Baker Club and George Tsakumis from Vancouver.

BIRTHDAYS:  None this week, but Bob Bowman's birthday would have been next week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1)  Larry Pollett has resigned from the Assistant district governor position, but he introduced Orphalee Smith, who will be taking his place for the final year, starting with the PETS conference next month. 

(2) Please continue to drop donations for Haiti in the jar at the check in table.

(3) Please also remember to give Tony any cell phones you are no longer using - the club can receive cash for each one that is turned in.

(4) Paul announced that Nancy will be a home host for the GSE - still need one more.  (5) Tyler announced that they have secured Haggen C.E.O. Jim Donald as the keynote speaker for the Career Fair.   (6) Tim Carpenter announced the results of the Super Bowl pool, including that Rocky and the Rotary Foundation were the big winners.  (7) Everyone should bring a bottle of wine to contribute to the "instant wine cellar" item for the auction.    (8) Dick announced that as of last week we had sold about 360 raffle tickets, amounting to $7,200.  We need $11,000 to break even.  Regarding the Auction and Raffle:  Jake is in charge of the items list.  Brian Finnegan is in charge of the table assignments.  Members who have already agreed to host or sponsor a full table include Julie, Greg T., Randy, Norm, Ray, Dick D.., Max, Jack, and Tim C.

HAPPY BUCKS:  Scott, for a W.S. College poncho, and Orphalee's new position.  Jack, for Scott's help with a bank.  Stan for the SEVENTIETH anniversary of his first date with Margaret.   George was happy for his daughter and 9-month old granddaughter's visit, also for the Olympics, and hoping that BC makes a profit from the expense.  Chuck was happy for Orphalee  and for the WSU sweatshirt from his niece - although he's not sure where he will wear it.  Larry was happy for Orphalee, but sad about the new meal expenses.  He hopes the board will reconsider as he feels it is an extra penalty on senior citizens.  Randy was happy for his success in the fishing derby although he had to throw back his wild-caught forty pounder, while a 24 pound fish won.  No matter, he's off to Maui next week.  Jim Bliss is happy for some cigars of questionable origin that he was given by Jake.  Sharon was happy for someone who repairs and donates used computers to kids in need, and also for the Meridian school bond passing.  Ray was happy that Washington D.C. is shut down by snow and cannot spend our tax dollars. 

FINEMASTER:  The finemaster was Lex Ludke.  He levied some fines on those who didn't bet on the Super Bowl, anyone not going to the Olympics, whoever forgot to do the Foundation Moment, and anyone who just generally feels guilty of something should fine themselves. 

BANNERS: The Banners related to Valentine's Day, which Maureen easily guessed, but also to something more sophisticated, which I missed or didn't understand.

PROGRAM:  Our speakers were Kurt Swanson and Tammy Berg, from Childcare Worldwide.  They are providers of education and food programs in Haiti as well as India, Kenya and Uganda.  They spoke about the current situation and level of need in Haiti.   They also make it clear why education programs can't succeed if the children are too malnourished or hungry to concentrate and learn.   

They are currently spending about $10,000 per week to feed 400 families in Haiti.  For $25 per week, an individual or club can feed a family through their program.  They also have 4,500 Child Sponsorship programs in place, throughout the world, which cost $35 per month and provide the means for a child to learn a trade, including school supplies, books, uniforms, and at the higher levels, tuition. 

A good question & answer session followed. And Tim Carpenter noted that he has sponsored a child through their program, and found it very rewarding.  More information is available about Childcare's programs at www.ChildCareWorldWide.org. 

Pete Reuse had the winning ticket, but did not get the Ace.