Northwind May 31, 2012
President Gary called the meeting to order at 12:30 and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Marlene Sexton gave the Invocation with a theme based on the Four Way Test.
No Four Way Test as per above observation.
Dan Parsons was today’s Greeter
Returning Rotarians: None
Visiting Rotarians: George Tsakumis, Jeanne McGee and Harte Bressler
Guests: None
Birthdays: Greg Thulin June 3rd and due to mass confusion on President Gary’s part, Laurie Lloyd’s birthday maybe celebrated the entire month of June.
Anniversaries: Bill Grace is celebrating 26 years in Rotary, Dan Parsons 9 years although based on attendance it equivalent to 3 years.
Announcements:
Club BBQ June 14th; please RSVP on the Club Website
Installation Dinner June 28th
No lunch meetings 6/14, 28 and July 5th
Duck Derby August 25th Saturday
President Gary conducted the election of Members at Large for Whatcom County North Rotary Foundation Board.
Happy Bucks: Brian was happy about a recent trip to Vegas and optimism about the economy and his love for Canadian drivers. Dale Holt was happy about his daughter making the U16 soccer team and his wife’s birthday. Ken Richardson was $5 happy to remind us that $5 is the price of the Rubber Ducky tickets that will be available for sale next week. Marlene was happy about her daughter’s return home for several weeks. Bill Grace was happy about his Rotary Anniversary this month and the great car show they had Ski to Sea Weekend. George T was disappointed with the crazy shootings in both Vancouver and Seattle. Mr. Villhauer was happy about the great car show on Ski to Sea Weekend and the opportunity to play Santa during the parade. Dan Parsons was happy to win bucks and beers in a bar during the Mariners 21 run game. Stan had an unhappy buck that his son’s home was broken into. Sharon was happy to see Harte and that her new marriage survived the long weekend of moving. Tim C was happy about a Canadian encounter 20 years ago. Laurie was disappointed about cancelling her trail ride only to have the sun come out. Jake was happy about the Mainers win.
Fine master: Norm started with the banners which were recognized by a number of members as D-Day. Then the Festive Fining Flourished. Brian was dinged just because it made Norm happy to fine Brian. The group fines included not participating in Memorial Day activities or Ski to Sea events. Tim V for putting Norm on the Naughty List during the Ski to Sea parade. Jim Sands was fined for allowing Tim V to take his job as Santa. New baby orca in the pod so if you’ve never been on a whale watching trip, you paid a dollar. Attorneys were fined for the state’s Supreme Court decision on the new liquor sales law. Greg I was fined for not being happy about his boys doing so well. Marlene was dinged for some guy being evicted off Lummi Island. Jim Sands paid again for not being happy about the recent increase in improvement in the local housing market. President Gary was fined for his confusion regarding June birthday dates. Greg T was fined for posting birthday gift suggestions on Craigslist for his upcoming event. Laurie was fined for his “senior” moment last week when she was running the meeting. Derek was dinged for dressing so nice and making Dan’s apparel appear less then appropriate. Dale was for coordinating his outfit to make his badge colors. Jake was fined $2 for not being the last member in today. Julie was fined for leaving more than one copy of the Rotary Code of Conduct at the Finemaster’s table. Bill Grace was fined the last dollar fine of the day.
The Program. Derek introduced Mindy Gravley, the Program Director for Lydia Place. Mindy has worked there for 7 years, starting as an intern while attending WWU and working her way through various positions to her current role as Program Director. Lydia Place is a transitional home in Bellingham homeless women and children. The facility can accommodate 18 people at one time and is constantly full. Lydia Place started through local church organizations about 25 years ago.
The mission statement for the facility is to provide a multi-faceted program that supports women and their children in transition from homelessness to independence. They are funded through various means including United Way, fund raising and community donations. Lydia Place provides programs to their residents to make the transition from homeless to independence such as life skills classes, managing finances and parenting classes. Programs are also provided to the children on Coping Skills, Communicating feelings and Safety. They have helped over 300 families since 1989. There any many ways that you can help out Lydia Place including volunteer activities. For more information go to their website www.lydiaplace.org
Drawing: Bill Grace 4 of Clubs and as they say on Lummi Island, “the pot continues to grow”.
Editor: Rick Staeb