Northwind June 13, 2013
MEETING TO ORDER: The annual Installation dinner of the club was called to order by outgoing (soon) President Laurie, who led us in the flag salute. The invocation was aptly provided by Marlene.
GUESTS: There was a great collection of family members present.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Assistant District Governor Orphalee Smith and Bob Moles, both of the Bellingham Bay Club, were in attendance
MEL’S STATUS: It is reported that Mel, who is in the hospital with a bout of pneumonia, is on the mend. Gary categorically denies that the excitement of his retirement party was the cause.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The tickets are now printed for The Great Duck Race, to be held August 24th. The tickets should be available next week at the meeting; Golfun will be held August 23rd at Homestead Golf Club in Lynden. Hurry to sign up your group before the random assignments are made. If interested, contact Tim C.
ADOPT-A-VILLAGE PROJECT: As you know, funding for this project whereby the club essentially “adopts” Sarippur Village in Bangladesh has been accomplished and work has commenced. The funds at the club level were provided by a gift of $25,000 from Mel Hollinger. That sum was matched by many generous donations from club members so that, with district and TRF matches, $175,500 was made available through the grant. Ken announced that contributions resulted in Paul Harris recognition for several club members: Laurie - Paul Harris Fellowship; Tim V. and Chuck Tull – PH + 1; Dick D. – PH + 2; Julie – PH + 3; Jake and Tim C. – PH + 5. The club has donated in excess of one million dollars in the last twelve years.
ATTENDANCE: Tim V. announced this last year’s attendance heroes: 1 year – Rollo; 2 – Norm and Gary T.; 8 – Marlene; 12 – Tim V.; 14 – Ken; 26 – Bill; 33 – Jim B.; 35 - Pete; 36- Stan; 40 - Mel.
ATTABOYS: Laurie thanked the board for its support over the last year, and wished Norm good luck, turning the meeting over to him temporarily. Norm, for his part, thanked Laurie for her leadership, her accomplishments and dedication to the club and Rotary International. While many, the proof and the capper was that our club was awarded the Presidential Citation, an award that required detailed planning prior to her term, and the discipline to follow up. Laurie was given a “Standing O”. Laurie: We all thank you for a great year. Laurie was rewarded with tickets to the Mariners game to be held the night Ken Griffey, Jr. is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Norm indicated that he intended to challenge us as to what kind of Rotarian we want to be. He also promised more family-oriented activities.
INSTALLATION: Orphalee took over the podium and immediately fined Ken and Norm. She also complimented us on our Presidential Citation; and particularly our efforts toward Vocational Service. She also noted, in reference to our major project in Bangladesh, that District 5050 is fifth in the world in giving to TRF.
First, a big thanks to Gary T. and Tim V. on the completion of their terms on the board.
Orphalee then inducted the new board: Norm as President; Rocky as President-Elect; Julie as treasurer; Rick S. as secretary; and Dale, Rollo, Ken and Marlene as board members (the Bowman- Richardson-Sexton coup is now accomplished). Next time you see any of these folks, past or present, thank them for taking on these largely thankless jobs.
DRAWING: Bill brought two plants which were raffled off. The winners were Patty V. and someone from the vast Bowman contingent. The drawing for the money was won by Dale but, in a surprise, the ace of spades was not drawn.
Scribe this week: Tim Carpenter