Northwind 5/11/06
WhatcomCounty North Rotary Club
Northwind
May 11, 2006
Meeting To Order:
President Scott Piper called the meeting to order at 12:35pm and Rick Staeb gave an inspirational Invocation. Greg Iwasaki welcomed the club with a friendly informal welcome in Japanese sounding something like "Osa" and a more formal welcome, as well.
Larry Pollett presented the Foundation minute, which said that we are 99% successful since 1999 in the Rotary commitment to eradicate Polio from the planet. However, there have been problems entering certain countries to vaccinate the people, which has slowed this process. The fight continues.
GUESTS AND VISITING ROTARIANS:
Visiting Rotarians were Patty Imhof, Stu Ellison and George Tsakumis.
GUESTS:
Tim Villhauer introduced his guest, Steve Bendtson from the Business Bank of Skagit County (soon to have an office in Whatcom County).
BIRTHDAYS:
No one admitted to having a birthday this week, but Scott Piper celebrated his birthday last week.
RETURNING ROTARIANS:None.
ANNOUNCMENTS:
Scott Piper has proposed new member Cheryl Fischer who is a Home Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo Bank on Cornwall Avenue.
Julie Johansen announced that there are still two spots available at the Pete Kremen fellowship dinner on June 4 and more hosts are still needed.
Tim Carpenter asked anyone who is interested in participating in the Golf Fun at Homestead golf course on August 11th please contact him. Entry fees are $110.
A special thanks to Paul Cooley who graciously donated the lunches for this year's Career Fair.
A reminder that we have the Youth Services Awards on May 18th. This is one of our clubs more important functions.
June 29th is our installation lunch. Bring your spouse and other family members and prepare for a group photo.
HAPPY/SAD BUCKS:
Ken Richardson was sad that someone forgot to introduce Assistant District Governor Bob Morse (our apologies, Bob). Bill Grace was 2$ happy that he had a wonderful time in Coupeville with his family and after mowing lawns and other chores he still had time to visit with his nephew. He is also happy that he sold a bench today. These hand crafted, spalted, elm benches are available for purchase from Bill Grace and proceeds benefit the Dick Metcalf Memorial Fund. Brian Finnegan was $60 happy and unfortunately the editor missed why he was so happy, but fortunately remembered the amount of his happiness. George Tsakumis was happy to return to our club after missing three weeks. Marlene Sexton was happy for her parent's safe return from vacation and also that both the dog and cat are alive and well. Paul Cooley was happy to see Lex Ludtke walking his two little Jack Russell Terrors...uh, Terriers. Also, Paul Cooley was happy for the (very big) shoplifter he recently "took down" in his store and that it was both a felony and assault charge (go Paul)! Nancy Harrison was happy to be back from Phoenix, AZ where St. Josephs Hospital placed among the top 100 in the USA! Tim Carpenter was happy for something, but the editor couldn't hear between the chewing. It was something about George Tsakumis having surgery and no longer needed glasses? And having the opportunity with the Golf Fun and that he just learned that, after knowing him for 20 years, Greg Iwasaki had Japanese heritage. Lex Ludtke was happy that he has discovered exercise and walks regularly morning and night. Ed Brown was happy to see his two grandsons. Lynne Seelye was very happy that after a wonderful weekend of bevies and frivolities, at the suggestion of Dan Baker, the Henry Island Boys donated $300 towards the Dick Metcalf Memorial Fund. Tony Cubellis was $40 happy to celebrate 39 years of bliss with his wife, Pat. Cheryl Fischer was happy that her son is playing in the Ferndale Little League and she was proud that during the last game, the bases were loaded and her son brought them all home! Bob Bowman was happy to be back from California and to find the dog and cat still alive. Phil Bratt was happy that his wife purchased a terrific 12 year old Quarter horse for him and Marlene Sexton gave another happy buck if her father doesn't get a horse. Hillary Baumstarck was happy to be going to North Dakota next week to visit his Mom and also that his son, who is a freshman, ran 2 miles in 10.54 minutes.
FINES:
Greg Iwasaki was fined for his wife's appearance in the Windward Paper. Ken Richardson fined for his "wise-cracks" at this mornings board meeting. Stu Ellison was fined regardless of the fact that he is a visiting Rotarian. Jerry Landcastle was fined for driving his wife's car and using her gas, instead of the city's. (Note: Jerry made mention that his wife is currently not feeling well). Mary Kanikeberg was fined for her request for an expensive sign for the school. Dick Donahue was fined for not turning off his cell, and for conducting business during a meeting (which hopefully covered the fine, plus). Bob Morse, after 35 years of being a Rotarian, was fined for not signing in, so that he could be welcomed. Tim Villhauer was fined for arriving after his guest. Tim Carpenter was fined for always "masticating" when someone calls on him. This word didn't show up on my spell check so here's a link to the meaning of the word. It's not as bad as it sounds, www.websters-online-dictionary.org ).
Banners: Mother's Day, as guessed by Rich Jacobson
PROGRAM:
Lex Ludtke introduced our program today. Our club had the distinct pleasure of hearing a little from three of our longest standing members through an "Old Member's" program. A few small notes on three big lives;
Mel Hollinger: Mel was born in Hayburn, Idaho because that is where his mother was. June 11th he will be celebrating his 90th birthday! All are welcome to his Birthday Open house on the 10th of June in Blaine. Mel would love for all members to come and mentioned that he's going to try to be there himself. Mel mentioned that his role as District Governor was probably one of his most enjoyable, next to being a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfatherand great-great grandfather.
Stan Brunner: Stan (always a little behind Mel) was born at Miss Smith's Hospital in Bellingham across form Elizabeth Park and has lived within two miles of Bellingham his entire life! Stan passed around an original roster from our club from 1974 (the editor was in grade 3 at the time, Wow!). There were many familiar (slightly younger) faces and it was very interesting to see this type of history (if you will).
Jake Smith: Jake began his talk by mentioning that his wife was the best thing that ever happened to him (and mentioned that it might have been a good thing that she didn't get to know him before she married him). He mentioned how blessed he was with friends and family. Jake practiced law in Lynden for many years and brought in a certain young "masticating" lawyer named Tim Carpenter.
Gary Cordrey drew the five of spades.
Editor this week: Lori Pobuta