Northwind October 27, 2011

Invocation:  President Gary also did the invocation, encouraging all to ask their own higher power to assist with the Rotary Way as well as return Mel to our club ASAP!

Four Way Test:  Pete R. did a stellar job of leading us in a recitation the 4 Way Test.

Returning Rotarians:  Marlene returned from San Diego where she enjoyed 85 degree temps and the kicking of her yet-to-be-born granddaughter, Madeline. Brian returned from Las Vegas where he also enjoyed the sun and Jimmy Buffet.  Bill returned from Glacier, where the restaurants were closed and one had to dine in Deming, (or just go home.)  Norm, not to be outdone, went to AZ and enjoyed 93 degree temps. And Randy, (for reasons unknown to this editor), blocked out a trip to Palo Alto. 

Visiting Rotarians:  After Rocky and Melanie were awakened, we learned that George T. was here from Vancouver, and Jeannie M. was here from Mexico.  As always, we are glad to see them! 

Guests of Rotarians: None.

Birthdays: None today and by order of President Gary, there will be none until sometime in Nov.  However, Nov. 1 marks the Induction Anniversaries of Brian, Rick and Max. 

Announcements:  Laurie announced Grape and Gourmet on Nov. 6^th (sponsored by B’ham Bay club.)  It was announced that Randy should “simmer down”.    President Gary announced the Foundation Lunch on Nov. 17^th.  We are encouraged to bring a guest to this extra special day to have Paul Harris fellows inducted.  Also, Nov. 19^th is the District Foundation Dinner at the B G & CC.  We want our club to be well represented at this black tie event.  Let Ken or Gary know if you will be going and tables can be reserved. Randy, (who could no longer contain himself), announced that due to Brian’s incompetence, he must “scoot” out early to repair damages at a bank. He continued to announce, thus leading to…

Happy Bucks:  … that he had gone to Palo Alto to see his sister and there was a 3 hour period that was not so good.  He also was a speaker at B’ham Bay club, (re: his Mexico trip), and this was well received.  He went on (and on) about how hard B’ham Bay works on the Grapes and Gourmet and eventually wound up with happy $ that last week marked his 10 year dental practice anniversary.    Tim V. had happy $ that Tim C. had channeled himself through Randy.  He also gave $ because there have been no new Polio cases in India for the past 9 months.  Bill was unsure if he could top Randy’s “program”, but gave $ (and a reminder) for blood donations and wearing a gold “tape” but would not disclose what team he was honoring.  Bill noted he joined Rotary 1 year after the Polio program started.  Marlene had $ for anticipation of her granddaughter (Maddie), who is due in Jan. Nick was happy to have gone to a game @ Cougar field.  Laurie refused to give happy bucks as she was saving her money for fines.  Jeannie was happy to have booked her flight to Mexico, thus sparing her from our winter and happy bucks for a clean bill of health!  (To the sounds of a hearty round of applause!)  Norm was $20 happy for Jeannie’s great news and feeling bad about something for Randy and demanding a refund on the “last game.”  Melanie was happy to have attended Leadership Whatcom and hearing Gary T. speak about the history of Blaine.  Gary T. had to be reminded how happy he was about Blaine’s 9^th consecutive good audit.  This reminded him of Mario Gobbato’s success at rushing.

Fines:  Paul Cooley played fine master today to a round of hesitant applause. (He also brought cookies to the podium.)  His fines:  Randy, for celebrating 10 years in the biz, while Paul will need 10 years to pay off his latest dental bill.  Brian for referring to Paul’s new location as a “demotion”.  Anybody who claimed to know where the photo on the cover of the Rotarian was taken.  (There was no mention of where the photo was taken, therefore anyone who had an answer was lying, guessing, or making it up.)  Brian, who, granted a “life-line”, was asked about the medical term for too much fluoride in the water.  (Randy very covertly supplied the answer: fluorosis)  George T. was fined for not knowing how many Canadians go fishing, (10%) and anyone who did not know the life expectancy of American women was fined, (82ish).   While having his cookie snack, Paul was able to ask about Rotary Foundation’s 1^st grant and who requested it.  President–elect, Laurie knew it was Paul Harris.  Anyone that did not know what Shell Oil was building, (a floating gas station), was fined.  Maureen was fined for not knowing that Bill Gates is the biggest backer of geo engineering to combat CO 2 in the atmosphere.  And anyone that did not know the best way to study for exams was fined, (Write notes, read them, throw them away.)  Maureen should have been fined for her response to the question, “what do you call people who study mold and fungus?”  (NOT “real fun guys”!) and apparently not dorks, either.  Tyler did not know the speed limit in Maine, (75 mph).  Bill was fined for not knowing pumpkins and turkeys originated in Mexico and that Jack- o-lanterns originated in Ireland.  Jim B. was fined $2 for not knowing the 1^st wrapped candy was a Tootsie Roll and Greg I. was able to name the team that, like Halloween, is orange and black.  (Cincinnati Bengals.)   And last, anyone that did not know what the LEAST frightening thing was:  Zombies, Vampire, Unicorns, or Initiative 1183?  (Getting away from our rule on no politics, Paul encouraged a  ?  vote on all of them!)

Banners: Stan is on strike and no banners today.

Program: In sticking with a Rotary themed program, (Vocational), Norm introduced Matt Carlson from Kulshan Vocational Services, which provides meaningful work for people with disabilities.  Kulshan supported employment has been partnering with local businesses since 1987 and some of the benefits of using supported employment are: an increase in diversity in the workplace, reduction in staff turnover and an opportunity to utilize a new labor pool. WA was one of the 1^st states to look at this model and realizes by hiring people with disabilities we decrease medical costs, increase good mental health and we put people back into the community. Several club members were familiar with this program and testified to the benefits, including that the employees bring happiness to the company and create a healthy corporate culture.  To learn more, go to : kulshanse@clearwire.net.

Drawing: Tim V. drew the 4 of hearts so the pot grows!

 Adjourned: 1:30Call to Order:  President Gary called the meeting to order at 12:30 and led us in the flag salute.