Northwind, March 17, 2011

Visiting Rotarians. George Tsakumis and Peter Self

Guests of Rotarians. Dan Parsons brought his friend, Jeff.

Announcements. Gary Tomsic's father-in-law passed away. Susie's father passed away as well. Cards were passed around. Mark your calendars for April 28. There will be no regular lunch meeting. Instead there will be an evening meeting, to address our Strategic Five Year Plan. The meeting will be facilitated by Sue Sharpe and will bear little (if any) resemblance to the strategic planning meeting held last year. We received thank you notes from a student and a manager for our donation to the Youth Fair. The Career Fair is Thursday, March 31! Tyler is still in need of presenters. Former WCNR-member Laurie Pobuta invites members of our club to a Vancouver Rotary Club event. WCNR Club was the only club in our area to qualify for a Presidential Citation. In order to qualify for a Presidential Citation with Distinction, we needed to raise another $500 toward the annual fund. This $500, needed to be pledged THIS Thursday, was in addition to several hundred which had already been pledged by club members. Several club members present at Thursday's meeting quickly responded to the call. Tim V. reported that we grossed $46K at the March 11 auction. He expects the net to be in the neighborhood of $25K. Bill Grace brought in Dalia tubers from his garden.

Happy Bucks. Marlene was happy for her daughter earning "Teacher of the Year" award in San Diego. Julie was happy for her new iPhone. Rick S. was happy to have beer on the table for St. Patrick's Day and thankful for the work of the auction committee. Norm had a list of thanks for those who helped with the auction. Tim V. also had auction thank you bucks, especially for Norm. Rome gave $150 apology bucks for RSVP-ing to the auction, then having to miss it. Bill G. was happy all his clocks have now been changed, and happy for a green bandage after donating blood. Scott W. was happy for the fun he had at the auction. Paul was happy for the auction and skydiving. He was also wearing no green and hoping to get pinched. George T. was happy to have family visiting, including his grandson. Laurie was happy for the auction and the sunshine. Jim S. had sad bucks for Susie's dad. Ray was happy for winning the 50" TV. Dan P. was happy for March Madness and a successful auction. Tim V.-still in the spirit--auctioned off a six-pack of Stella Artois for $10. Marlene was the lucky bidder.

Finemaster Ken Richardson issued the following fines: Leah MacLeer for not showing up to be Fine Master. Tim V. for dressing like C. Everett Coop. Norm for taking too much time with his happy bucks. Ray, Rollo, and Larry for attending the auction at a discounted rate by joining another Rotarian's table. Max for a recent letter to the editor regarding taxes or dog poop, or both (?). Any and all tax accountants were fined. Anyone who has attempted to purchase potassium iodine was fined. Everyone lucky enough to be Irish was fined a dollar. Everyone not lucky enough to be Irish was fined two dollars. Anyone who missed the auction was fined. Anyone (Julie) with a new cell phone who couldn't figure out how to turn it off when it rang during the meeting was fined.
Banners. Stan put together a verdant display of banners representing St. Patricks' Day. Another panel showed all our Japanese banners, in honor of Japan's earthquake victims.

Today's program was Dr. Patricia McKeown, president of Bellingham Technical College. Dr. McKeown shared what's new on campus, including new programs and courses, new buildings, and new challenges, especially regarding budgets. She also talked about Basic Academic Skills Education and the role it plays in the community.

Dale Holt's ticket was selected in the drawing. No Jackpot.