Northwind March 15, 2012
President Gary called the meeting to order and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Maureen gave a few good Irish thoughts for reflection on how we look at the world and treat our fellow man.
Scott Wallace led us in the 4 and ½ Way Test.
Returning Rotarians: Scott Wallace from So Cal, Laurie Lloyd from a weekend meeting of her 750 new best friends at PETS, which include Norm’s Mom.
Visiting Rotarians: Jeanne McGee
No Guests today
Birthdays: Stan on 3.16 and today is our speaker Galin Emanuel’s birthday.
President Gary thanked Brian Finnegan for performing his Greeter duties today. He also gave a list of famous Rotarians: Col. Saunders, Charlie Chan, Jimmy Carter and Jack Kennedy.
Announcements: Laurie asked members to bring to next meeting the January and February issues of their Rotarian magazines. She’ll explain why later.
Timmy V reminded us of our club’s Fund Raiser/Fellowship event on Saturday May 5th at the VFW on State St. This event will feature a Chili Cook-off, a silent auction, and a dance. You are encouraged to invite guests.
Career Fair is in two weeks, 3.29 at Whatcom Community College and Max Legg has acquired a sponsor for the lunch, Moss Adams. Good Work, Max. Help will be needed both the day of the event but also on 3.27 organizing the registrations.
Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association work party is Saturday 3.24 from 9am-12n. as posted on their website: March 24th - Terrell Creek
Help NSEA, Whatcom County N. Rotary Club and the Chums of Terrell Creek restore habitat for coho and chum salmon by planting native trees and shrubs along Terrell Creek. From Bellingham, head north I-5 until exit #266/Grandview. Head west for about 7 miles, take a right onto Jackson Rd. Look for NSEA signs.
4.7 is Highway Clean up, see Cowboy Dan Parsons for details.
Happy Bucks:
Brian was happy about a San Diego vacation that included a Margarita or two with 15,000 other Parrotheads. Scott was happy about his 3 weeks in San Diego and 3 rotary makeups’. Maureen had $5 apology bucks for having to leave early. Ray George was $5 happy to be Alana’s guest today. Bill Grace was happy to pickup Jeannie for the meeting since she’s still recovering from leg surgery. Ken was $2 happy although he didn’t look it. Jeanne was happy to be up and moving and thankful for the ride with Bill. Rocky was $5 happy for not getting a ticket from the State Patrol. Mel was $1 happy that at least one of his hearing aids was working but you’ll need to talk fast since that one could go so too. Laurie was happy about the recent PETS conference and the Mariners were playing ball again. Norm was $5 happy about Mel and Jeannie being well enough to join us for the meeting and Max stepping up on the lunch sponsorship. Pete was happy about some recent business in Brazil. Timmy V was happy about a client recently getting back from Afghanistan. Stan had a sad buck since he can no longer find a ribbon for his typewriter.
Fine Master Max Legg: Ken was dinged a dollar for not being happy even though he gave a happy buck. Pete was fined for not knowing his log in name or password. Everyone who hadn’t filled their gas tank this week, paid a buck. Bill Grace was fined for not leaving home without his Rotarian Magazine. Maureen was fined $2 for breaking the Female Barrier at the All Dudes table and being Irish. Scott was fined for wearing short sleeves and extending the 4 Way Test to the 4 ½ Test. Jeanne was fined for taking up two seats with her recovering leg. If you’re not working on the Career Fair, you paid a buck.
The Banners: St. Patrick’s Day. Good Work Stan.
Gary then auctioned of the Cedar Bench that Bill Grace made. The bidding was frantic between Tim Villhauer and Norm Virge but Tim won out at $300. Norm immediately ordered another bench from Bill for another $300. Proceeds are designated for the Whatcom in Bloom organization. Way to step up guys!!!!
The Program was about the latest in Local Philanthropy, an organization called Pass the Hat and was presented by Galin Emanuele. Pass the Hat, is Galin’s own creation which has now become his passion. It was created out of a life changing event. He and his older brother were involved in an accident on I-5 when an uninsured motorist lost a trailer he was towing which was hit by Galin’s vehicle. His brother was killed in the accident and due to circumstances resulting from how the uninsured motorist was charged; there was no state compensation to Galin’s family to help cover medical costs, a funeral and other expenses resulting from the accident.
The concept is simple. Give just $2 a month. That is the most you can give. Everyone wants to help but not everyone has a lot of money to give, but most everyone can afford $2 a month. Philanthropy is not for just rich people anymore. 100% of the money stays in Whatcom County. A committee of Whatcom people decides each month how much money will be distributed and to what individuals. The Mission of Pass the Hat is to help families and get people inspired to be philanthropists.
Many people have help get this organization started. Whidbey Island Bank, Mindfly, Bellingham and Ferndale Police Departments, Mayor of Bellingham, Christ the King Church. In their first month they have generated $2500.
For more details go to: http://www.pass-the-hat.org/
The drawing: Scott Wallace 6 of diamonds. And as they say on the Lummi Island, “the pot continues to grow”.
Editor: Rick Staeb