Northwind October 18, 2012
Norm greeted us today and Tim V. gave our invocation. President Laurie presided.
Returning Rotarians: Tim V. returned from “Austin City Life” in Austin, TX.
Maureen returned from a couple of weeks in Spain.
Visiting Rotarians: George Tsakumis, Bill Kirby and Jeannie McGee.
Guests of Rotarians: Hilary Baumstauk and our speakers, Dodd Snodgrass and John Michner from Port of Bellingham.
Announcements: President Laurie reminded everyone to please invite family and friends as guests. All guests are welcome--not only those who may be potential members. Ken reminded all to RSVP for the Foundation Dinner. Family members are most welcome! Bill Grace presented special wine glasses to Tim V—shaped like mason jars with stems. In appreciation, I believe, for his organizing the upcoming wine event. Tim V. reminded all of the wine event this Tuesday, October 23. Dan channeled through Norm to remind all of our garbage pick-up date on Saturday, November 3. 10 am at Birch Bay Bob’s. Sharon reminded us to make a donation—large or small—to the Every Rotarian, Every Year fund. Gary showed a video with a poignant message about the power of words.
Happy Bucks: The following folks were happy for the following things…Rollo and Dale have now been to all Rotary clubs and our happy to be in this one. Rick for several ‘thank you’ notes we’ve recently received, including one from Ferndale High School. Rick for his 35th wedding anniversary. Scott for a week in Minnesota, a make-up meeting at a tiny club in Ramsey, and some deer hunting. Bill G was happy to see Hilary. George for Jeannie, but sad this would be her last meeting for a while. Jeannie will miss us, but is happy to go. Rocky was happy for his 60th birthday, and happy when Ken shot him, it was only with a bb gun. Sharon had been covering the Northwind for Maureen (thank you!) and was happy I was back. Tim V. was happy for his trip to Austin with Patty, spending time with old friends and for a surprise rendezvous with Jerry and Sharon Landcastle. Maureen was happy for a trip to Spain, including a week of volunteering at an English language immersion program in the mountains (we’d call them hills). Gary T. was happy to have announced his retirement…though he didn’t announce when. Dale for club participation in the Food Drive. Greg T was happy about Carter’s recent tennis competitions, including districts.
Finemaster: Duties were shared by Tim V. and Rick S. The following were fined for the following things: Assorted people for not correctly answering Rick’s trivia questions regarding our ClubRunner website. Ken for having his big rig overflowing his space in the parking lot. Maureen, because a Seattle Metro bus driver apparently kicked a mother and child off of the bus due to a foul diaper. Anyone who didn’t go to the Monday morning fundraising meeting (apparently, Norm had breaky all by himself).
Program. Our program was presented by John Michner and Dodd Snodgrass of the Port of Bellingham. They shared some of the economic development tools used by the Port to recruit and retain businesses, and to help them start up and/or expand. In addition, we learned about many Whatcom County businesses having a major impact throughout the country through the export of their locally manufactured products.
Drawing: Tim C drew the winning number, but offered to forfeit. Rocky then drew the next winning number, but not the winning card.