Northwind September 3, 2009

Whatcom County North Rotary Northwind September 3, 2009 Meeting to Order: President Chuck called the meeting to order and led the flag salute. Invocation: Winton Smith gave the invocation. Visiting Rotarians: George Tsakumis, Graham Harris, Dale Vander Giessen, Peter Self, Fred Sexton, and Phil Griggs. Welcome All! Foundation Minute: Dick D. shared an article, (sent by Mel H.), from the Northwind on Feb. 23, l984. It featured a review of "Reno days," a plane ride that Tim C. was happy to survive, piloted by Graham's son Martin, and an article on World Peace and monitoring elections in Nicaragua, with comments indicating that political bantering has been going on in the club for some time. Guests: Josh introduced his guest, Audrey, Stan's son, Donald joined him, and Jerry brought his "dear friend," Sharon on a stop-over to Ritzville. Birthdays: Even though it did not get announced yet, (at least it wasn't in last week's Northwind), we hope Nancy T. had a happy day on Sept. 1; We also want to wish Jerry L. a very happy day on Sept. 8 and a great day to Max L. on Sept. 9th! Hope everyone stays out of trouble on their big day. Announcements: Chuck T. reminded us to buy jackpot tickets as there is also the end of the month drawing for a gift certificate. (Jim B. won a $25 certificate at Chihuahua's last month!) Also, a reminder that good quality, GENTLY used books are needed to donate to our literacy program. If you have any, see Sharon or Marlene. We also need a laptop, new or used. Tim C. announced a Foundation meeting to follow the lunch next Thursday. (Sept. 10.) Gary T. announced he had sent the dues statements out on e-mail. If you need a hardcopy see him. Marlene announced that the club received a nice thank you card from Cheryl Lehnert. Chuck also announced that Bill G. is including a "memory page" in the new roster honoring members who have passed away this year. Bill G. announced the new roster will be out next week and if you need large print, it is available. Chuck and Larry described the VISIONING meeting scheduled for Sept. 17th (5:00-9:00 pm). There will be no noon meeting that day. The meeting will be held at Northwood Hall and a buffet dinner will be served at 5:00. Everyone is really encouraged to attend as this is a chance to work together in a group to determine the direction of the club. Again, it is very important that we get as many members to come as possible.we need your input! See you on the 17th! Happy Bucks: Bill G. was happy to have the roster done. Tim V. was happy to pay off his IOUs. He was also happy to receive the thoughtful comments regarding the Visioning meeting. Scott W. was happy that his little granddaughter is such a good paper-shredder. Chuck T. was happy that someone (didn't see who), at the "Rowdy table" donated a laptop. Laurie L. was happy to have survived a family reunion at her house. Graham was happy to hear his pilot son's name mentioned and also happy to be the first to wish all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as he heads back south. Jim B. was happy that his Social Security check hit the bank so he could give happy bucks for the Visioning discussion that not only had opposite views, but both views being correct. Gary S. is happy to be married for 44 years and to have had a wonderful dinner at Tim and Lynn C's. Pete K. had happy things to say about Bill G. and the great work he does to get the roster out. Tim C. was happy to have Gary and Alix over along with 2 other couples unrelated to Rotary. In the "small world" category, Tim knew the couples: one of the men was Larry P's best man at his wedding and the other couple once co-owned a condo with Tim. Gary T. was happy to see that Scott W. and Josh W. discovered that facial hair made them appear more sophisticated. (Gary and Tony already knew this trick.) Doug was happy that the Cougars are on a winning streak, but sad that he will be out of the state and will miss the Visioning meeting. Dan P. was excited about lingerie football on Sept. 11th. Bob B. was happy to see his "sponsor," Graham and noted the sponsorship was controversial even back then. Finemaster: Max L. noted that Stan and Margaret had celebrated 66 years of marriage, so everyone who was over 66 and anyone who was born after l966 were fined. Anyone with facial hair, (except the finemaster committee) was fined. Dan P. was fined for his unlocked bike. Jake S. was fined for dressing like it was winter. Maureen, George, Dan B., and Tim V. were all fined for not correctly answering the "trillion dollar" quiz. Even though we don't fine guests, Phil G. was fined for being the last one in. Tim C. was fined for trying to hand off a "million dollar bill." If you sat at a table with less than 8 people you were fined. Doug was fined for his funny logo shirt. Josh was fined because Audrey was wearing a B&G club pin and then he was fined for not having one. Tim C. encouraged a fine for Bob B. because Dale was sitting in Bob's normal seat and it seemed Bob was pouting. (Tim paid the fine.) Program: Julia Bozzo presented on the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center. Using horses, the center provides therapeutic horseback riding to adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. This was an interesting presentation and I encourage you to find out more about the center by going to their website at: www.nwtrc.org. Banners: The banners represented just some of the banners brought into the club in the first couple of years. The final banner represented the Chula Vista little league champion win. (Note: bring in more banners! Reminder: See you at the Visioning meeting on September 17th, Northwood Hall, 5-9pm!! Editor: Marlene Sexton