Northwind July 15, 2010
MEETING TO ORDER: President Marlene called the meeting to order at 12:30.
GUESTS: Jim Blaney, from the East Polk Iowa club is a guest pending his transfer to our club permanently. From the Bellingham Club, Peter Self and Ron Jepson.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Rick Staeb gave the invocation.
BIRTHDAYS: None this week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Graham Harris from New Zealand and longtime friend of our club has sent a letter indicating interest in teaming with his club on a project.
2. There will be an International Projects Committee meeting Friday at noon, at the office of Tim Villhauer.
3. Bill Grace needs all roster updates ASAP.
4. Upcoming events:
August 21, 2010 GolFUN (Contact Tim Carpenter)
September 29, 2010 RI President Ray Klinginsmith speaking in Richmond, B.C.
October 2, 2010 Rotary Leadership Institute in Mt. Vernon
October 7, 2010, District Governor will be visiting our club.
5. A check for $1,500 was presented to Junior Achievement.
HAPPY BUCKS: Bill, can't keep up with the 21 yr. old workers at his house but at least he'll always be younger than Mel. Scott was happy to finally have been awarded an Elk tag, and for two weeks in eastern Washington visiting his family and granddaughter. Leah was happy for the award to JA and that she brought her checkbook to pay outstanding IOU's. Marlene is happy about the eather. Dan Baker was happy for an oyster dinner with Julie and Bob that was purchased at the auction.
FINEMASTER: was Scott Wallace – Dick Donahue, Winton Smith, Tim Villhauer and Brian Finnegan were fined for outstanding IOU's. Julie for being younger than Ken, Leah for not knowing who the club president was. Anyone who took fewer than two cookies was fined. Ron Jepson for wearing a tie, but Tim Carpenter graciously agreed to pay his fine. Anyone who's talked on a cell phone while driving was fined $3, anyone who has texted, $10.
Banners – were about fishermen and the four way test.
PROGRAM:
Our programs were presenters from the Humane Society and The Literacy Council, who each were presented with a $7,000 check, a result of our 2009-10 fundraising efforts.
Laura Clark, the executive director of the Whatcom Humane Society spoke about the good that our donation would do, including the program in the libraries where kids can practice their reading by reading to dogs. She mentioned that due to the difficult economic conditions they received more animals than ever, and it is their policy to never turn away an animal. They are hoping to find a new building soon, as they are growing out of their current location.
Gina Gonzales received the donation to the Whatcom Literacy Council. She spoke about their expanding outreach programs to schools, churches, and Community Colleges. They also hope to expand to locations in Ferndale. They server over 500 students a year. The average age is 38-45, and 70 – 80% are English as a second language students.