Northwind September 16, 2010
MEETING TO ORDER: President Marlene called the meeting to order at 12:30. Sharon gave the invocation.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Graham Harris, from Pukekohe, NZ. From Vancouver B.C., George Tsakumis. From Bellingham Club: Jon Moles, From Melaque Mexico, Jeanne McGee.
GUESTS: Graham's granddaughter, Nicole and Bill's "first mate, and only mate," Chris.
BIRTHDAYS: None this week.
RETURNING ROTARIANS: Marlene returned from Las Vegas where they celebrated the marriage of their daughter. There were a number of difficulties with the airlines, including her flight delayed and Rocky's luggage being lost for two days. Ray is back from the World Sign Association Meeting in Tahoe. He spoke about the great support that organization has provided to its current president, who has suffered some huge personal losses due to the earthquake in Haiti.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Fantastic news: Gary Thomsic has agreed to accept the position of President-Elect! Heartfelt thanks to Gary from everyone on the board, and the club.
2. Quick special board meeting will be held after today's meeting because there was not a quorum at Wednesday's regular meeting.
3. Please return your pledge cards to Julie, regarding the drive to match Mel's $25,000 donation.
4. Marlene needs dates to be set for the Youth Services and Career Fair as well as any other events that might affect our use of our number of lunches needed at Northwood hall.
5. Please RSVP for the October 3 Champagne Brunch for the Bucks for Banos fundraiser. You should have received an e-mail from the Bellingham Bay club.
6. Hold onto your blood, Bill Grace is organizing a friendly competition between our club and Graham's in Pukekohe, New Zealand to see who can donate the most blood. Don't donate now, or you will not be eligible again in time for the drive.
7. Marlene has been informed by the District Governor, that we are one of only two clubs in his district that do not sing at meetings. Many of us feel that this is a good thing. However it sounds as though Jim Blaney has some experience at getting Rotarians to sing well, so he may be giving it a shot now that he's here with us. Good luck with that, Jim!
8. Marlene read a special thank you note from one of the FFA club members we supported.
9. Bill has sent the roster to the typesetter, and will have a proof next week.
Upcoming events:
September 29, 2010 RI President Ray Klinginsmith speaking in Richmond, B.C.
October 2, 2010 Rotary Leadership Institute in Mt. Vernon
October 7, 2010, District Governor will be visiting our club
HAPPY BUCKS: Marlene was happy for her adventures in Las Vegas. Bill for the Roster completion and for Larry to be printing it, also that they now have electricity in their addition. Maureen was sad to see the end of Sunday bus service, but also glad to be visiting her new nephew in Philadelphia. Ray was happy for the seminars he attended at the association meeting. George volunteered $5 because his cell phone rang during the meeting. Chuck gave apology bucks for missing the board meeting, Scott was happy for a family reunion in Idaho and his 24th anniversary. Randy was happy for the speakers we'll be having today and glad he didn't have to take a bus to Philadelphia. Jerry was happy for his 50th anniversary, and his wife's going on a cruise.
FINEMASTER: Maureen McCarthy was the fine mistress (??) and fined anyone who did not bring their grandchild to the meeting, or at least offer happy bucks for having one. Those who have not RSVP'ed for the Brunch were fined. Sharon was fined for keeping Stan all to herself. Maureen noted that the Humane Society, which we have supported this year was in the news again for rescuing some abused cats (no fine), Tyler was fined for being such a great finemaster last week, and to welcome him to the committee. The new members this year were fined to make them feel welcome. Randy for getting the great program last week (why a fine?) Sadly I missed taking good notes on the remaining fine. my scribbles say: "Trivia.Strip.Hawaii." Anyone want to guess what that one was about???
BANNERS: According to Stan, there was no particular theme just some appealing banners. If you were a cougar, you might have found them appalling, and if you're a Husky you might have found last Saturday to have been a bit appalling as well!
PROGRAM: Our speaker was Amber Taylor, assisted by Dr. Curtis Smith DDS. Amber is the Dental Access Coordinator for the Mt. Baker Districct Dental Society which partnered with the Interfaith Community Health Center to conduct the Interfaith Donated Adult Dentistry Program to provide urgent dental care to patients who do not have dental insurance. The program has donated over $200,000 in services, including 825 separate "encounters" since its inception, and $42,000 with 191 encounters in 2009 alone. Over half of all dentists in Whatcom County have participated in the program.
DRAWING: Gary Snyder had the winning ticket, but drew something that looked like a 7 or 8 of Spades.