Northwind March 1, 2012
President Gary called the meeting to order at 12:30 and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jim Blaney gave the Invocation.
Laurie Lloyd led in the Four Way Test.
Returning Rotarians: Sharon Robinson from a nice Art Retreat
No Visiting Rotarians: Greg Thulin gave an update on George Tsukumis who had a recent bout of appendicitis but is on the mend. As soon as we determine if our club still has a Family Committee, we will locate a committee member who will send George a Get Well card.
Guests: Alina Coonc of Whidbey Island Bank was the guest of Ray George.
Birthdays: Gary Snyder today, Melanie Mohammad and Ray George both on March 3rd.
Announcements: Marlene told us the last opportunity to buy Jewelry for the Club Fund Raiser.
Norm reminded us to assist with the recruiting of Speakers for Career Fair on March 29th at Whatcom Community College. Dale Holt asked members to seek out a sponsor of the lunch who would provide the lunch for the event.
Tim V. passed along an article indicating that India was now off the list of countries where polio has been reported. We are down to three left.
President Gary announced that March is Literacy Month. He also read a thank you note from Greg Thulin’s son who recently attended Youth Adventures In Leadership on a Whatcom County North scholarship and was very thankful for the experience.
No Meeting on March 29th but all members are expected to participate with the Career Fair on that date in some manner either prior to or during the event.
The District Conference is right in our backyard this year on June 1-3 at Semiahmoo. A great opportunity to attend a District Conference and still sleep in your own bed.
Happy Bucks: Laurie Lloyd was $20 happy to announce her new financial services business, Spinnaker Financial Group at 1405 N. Forrest. She was also happy for the assistance of fellow club member Brian Finnegan and encouraged members of the club to look for assistance from our own club members when needing some type of professional help. Maureen was just to be sitting next to the Editor of the Northwind. Greg Iwasaki was happy about the Literacy Council’s program at Meridian High School. Bill Grace was $2 happy about voices in his head saying “a dull knife cuts more than a sharp knife” and he had the Band-Aid to prove it. Tim V. had some sad bucks that we recently lost Lt. Col. Buck Henry one of the Band of Brothers. Tyler had 5 apology bucks since he was an early leaver today. Derek had some happy bucks for assistance he received from fellow club member Rollo. Jake had some proud bucks that his 11 year old grand daughter was pictured in the Oregonian after catching a 43 inch Sturgeon. Norm was 2 dollars happy that he had gotten some professional assistance from fellow club member Brian Finnegan in a landlord dispute. Ray we $5 to be the guest of Alina Coonc. Dale paid off his $5 IOU. Gary was happy Stan was today’s greeter. Jeanne McGee had some optimistic bucks for an upcoming surgery and this weekend’s Home Show.
FINE MASTER: In his 16 years as a member of Whatcom North Rotary, Brian believes this is his first opportunity to be the Fine Master so you might expect some built up aggression and he didn’t disappoint. Right out of the shut, Mr. Villhauer was fined for having Dan Parsons as today program. Your Northwind Editor was fined for his employer’s unjust fine on Mr. Finnegan some 10 years ago which was not forgotten by today’s fine master. Brian and Julie met up at the Mt. Baker Theatre this week so therefore anyone who hadn’t seen a performance at the MBT this year had to pay $2. Max was fined the Max $5 for all the unjustified angst CPAs go through this time of year. Mel was fined $5 for bringing Brian into the club which most club members agreed with. Laurie was fined $5 for the cheating Oregon Ducks. Maureen dinged a buck for not sitting with the Finnegan Mob. Dan P was fined $5 for being the program. Norm had to pay for alleged comments about Brian’s participation in a recent Fishing Derby. Brian asked for a Recess of the Fine Master proceedings while he conferred with his client Greg Thulin, which Brian asked us to ignore in light of Attorney/Client privileges. The whole thing was just a ruse for Brian to get free legal advice so Greg wouldn’t bill him, however your Editor’s entire table saw a small digital meter, with 6 decimal places begin count the moment Brian mentioned Greg’s name. Rollo was charge Five Bucks for wide spread distribution of the Farmers Insurance Fight Song.
THE PROGRAM: Dan Parsons was today’s program and after successfully blocking all the exits of the building, he had a very captivated audience for his presentation of Rotary Trivia. His presentation included Musical Theme Songs, Booth Announcer, Dressing Room and Wardrobe changes.
Contestants were selected from the audience and had the opportunity to play for a $100 cash contribution to their favorite charity. Those chosen were Greg Iwasaki, Greg Thulin (the G men) and Maureen and Marlene (the M & M Ladies). If the contestants got stuck on an individual question, they had three life lines: Phone a Geezer, Poll the Women or Remove an Answer. In spite of our initial reservations and there were many, we actually learned a lot in a very entertaining fashion. We found out who was Dead, who Done and Who was Diggin’ It. The most important fact that came to light was how much money WCNR has spent on pens for our guest speakers.
The production may not be ready for Broadway but with some refinement and polish, it certainly could play the Whatcom County Rotary circuit. The Winner of Rotary Trivia was Planned Parenthood as designated by winning team of Marlreen.
Great Job Dan. Very Entertaining, just ask Dan.
Pete Ruese had the lucky ticket but drew the 6 of Spades. And as they say on Lummi Island, “the pot continues to grow”.
Rick Staeb Editor