Northwind March 12, 2009
Whatcom County North Rotary
Northwind
March 12, 2009
Meeting to Order:
President-elect, Chuck T. called the meeting to order at 12:35 and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Winton Smith gave the invocation.
Visiting Rotarians:
George Tsakumis from Vancouver B.C.
Birthdays:
Another Happy Birthday to Jack Curnow, (11th), and Happy B-day to Tony C. (15th, who took the day off to celebrate) and to Stan B. (16th)
Announcements
: Pete K. read a very moving letter from Brad Peterson. He is feeling well, but the bone marrow transplant did not take and he is accepting this. Brad stressed that life was great while it lasted and he is grateful to be shown "what is important/what is not". He is very grateful for his family and the support his family has been offered. This very poignant letter stated he has no major regrets and he is currently "enjoying the now." I know I speak for many when I say that just knowing someone with Brad's integrity is an honor. We should all take this lesson on how to live with such dignity, humor and authenticity. Thank you, Brad.
Pete R. announced the Career Fair on Thursday April 2. He is still waiting for return calls on some of the presenters and encourages folks to get the names to him. You have been told! There will be no Rotary Lunch that day (at Northwood Hall). We are all encouraged to help out at the Career Fair. Brian F. announced the May 8th Auction at the Bellwether. It will be a Caribbean theme. We are requested to each bring a couple of friends and a donation for the auction. This can be from a business or can be services or can be cash. Come see Dick Nolan dance the Rumba AND Bosa Nova! Look for e-mails concerning this event. Dan B. wants to fill 15 tables, but reminded us that we could handle 25 full tables. (10 at a table, 15 tables, let Brian do the math!) Jim Bliss had an announcement concerning attendance and make-up guidelines. Eric N. wants the information and names of people for Club-in-a-Club. Chuck T. discussed the District Assembly that is being held in B.C. on April 4th from 8:00-2:00. Committee Chairs and Board members should go (and the club pays.) So far, Marlene, Gary T. Chuck, and Tony have committed. Room for more. The District Conference is on May 28, 29, and 30 in Chilliwack and is a great place to learn all about Rotary. See the website for details.
Happy Bucks:
Tim C. started off with a public apology to Bob for a statement he made last week. Tim reports that the "worst part" is that Bob was right! He also had happy bucks for Willa's first birthday and for being able to finally get hot water out of the faucet just by using his reading glasses. Dick D. had $ for 10 days in Hawaii. Jim McK. had $ for 1,500 miles on the road, a sad buck for leaving his Indio Rotary Club and $ for being happy to be home. Scott W. was happy that Brad is going to Hawaii with his family while he is still feeling well. Jake gave $20 Nicaraguan "Cordovas" for his trip to Nicaragua to work on a water project. He described the trip as being 400% above what he was expecting.very fulfilling! Randy C. was happy to have a temporary occupancy permit on his office. Now all he wants is a "finished product." Gary T. was grateful for Brad's message and happy for the way he (Brad) feels about himself. Larry P. was happy to attend PETS with Chuck T. All 5 clubs were represented and the PolioPlus program is excellent. Jim B. was also happy with Brad's letter and happy that Jake gave him 4 cigars. I am sure they were legal! Bob B. was sad about Brad, but at the same time, happy for Brad sharing his feelings. Bob also said that Rome would be happy with a guitar that Bob found in the garage.
Finemaster
: Phil played finemaster today and fined Rome for leaving the table to conduct business. Jim B. got fined for not sharing the cigars. Dick D. and Laurie were fined because Madoff went to jail. (Laurie was very happy to pay this.) Dan B. was fined because he didn't know the Sears Tower was changed to the Willis Tower. Then Larry was fined for not knowing this and then we all were fined. Turns out that Phil apparently is the first to know! Max L. was fined for not knowing that this is the first time since l952 that ΒΌ of U.S. households paid out more in debt than they actually made. Maureen was fined because WTA got 11 new buses. Lawyers were all fined because a guy that got a DUI claimed "sovereignty" and lives in his own body, not Pennsylvania, and apparently it is legal in his sovereignty to drink and drive. Marlene was fined for not knowing the new rules on American Idol, but since she has never watched it, it made sense not to know, but never-the-less. and finally all Women were fined for President Obama establishing an advisory panel to deal with issues pertaining to women and children.
Banners
: Gary T. guessed they had something to do with animals and that was true: (Animal breeds and parts of animals.) Thanks Stan!
Program:
Good program today presented by Patricia Moss of WeSnip Spay Station. The Spay and Neuter Station goes where the clients are and provides free and low cost surgeries for dogs and cats. More information can be founded on their website at wesnip.org
Drawing:
Dan B. drew the 5 of spades. The pot grows!
Editor this week:
Marlene Sexton