August 17th Meeting Notes

Guests:

David Dennison, Lis Dennison, Little Bear Dennison: guests of Marion and George Henny

Derek Weaver: guest of Ashley Morrison

Jane Ducharme: guest of her son Billy Ducharme

Dennis Colar: guest of George Henny

Happy thoughts

Happy thoughts this week mysteriously include fish fillet, families enjoying family, a wedding anniversary (congrats Jerry and Ashley!), a manly day spent fishing, crabbing, and getting a mani-pedi, a 5oth birthday, and gratitude for being safe on Whidbey Island. The fires across eastern Washington and the rest of the west have been devastating.

Topics:

We are delighted to finally welcome our new member and seasoned Rotarian Dave Slepyan.

Our President, Lyn, gave a fiery Classification talk about growing up in rural Georgia.  The only girl in a family that was taught early on that every member was required to participate regardless of age.  At the tender age of three and four Lyn was out helping her family take care of cows, pigs, chickens and tend to the pecan trees, peanuts and the tobacca (spelling error intentional-Southern version).

Her family endured hardships including losing a tobacco drying barn to fire, but her early training and dedication to hard work took her from her birthplace to college and on to many diverse careers while being a single parent to her only son Eric. Her varied jobs included driving a city bus, waitress,  private detective, lifeguard, warehouse manager, swim instructor and many more that she has forgotten. She learned to hold down any job, and as many as possible to support her son. All of this lead her to other careers with the State of California as a Psychiatric Technician and to move up the ladder to hold other significant roles as a lobbyists for mental health.  During her time working for the correctional facility in California she was within arms lengths of hardened criminals like Charles Manson. She has finished her career of the past 22 years as a Practice Administrator for a local vision practice.

Lyn loves an adrenalin rush and still has a desire for adventures and fun.

She loves working out, wine tasting, cooking, gardening and spending time with her Rotary family.

Upcoming Events

August 21st, 5-7PM: Joint Social of all four Whidbey Island Rotary Clubs on Friday, Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. Time is 5-7 pm.  If you haven’t already signed up, please email Lyn and let her know. You are welcome to just show up.

August 31st: Whidbey Westside Social. Coming up at the end of August is a backyard BBQ “Crazy Dogs without Hotdogs” at Sharon and Gordy’s home.  More details to come.

Director reports:

Sharon gave a brief statement that the membership committee will be meeting on Tuesday, August 18th.  If anyone has any concerns or suggestions, please email them to her or anyone on the committee. We are here to make sure that everyone is served.

Doug gave a brief summary of all the account balances.

MEMBER BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS:

• Freeland Chamber of Commerce Golf Event, dinner and Wine tasting this Sunday, August 23rd.  For more information, please contact Lyn, Chet, or the Chamber office at 331-1980.

• Come to the First Saturday Art Walk in Langley on September 5th between 5-7PM, where you can see Gordy’s paintings on display at the Museo Contemporary Gallery. All are welcome. If you haven’t been to First Saturday or had a chance to check out Gordy’s work, now is your chance.

• George shared a new venture from Whidbey Telecom which will utilize a drone to capture great coverage of golf tournaments at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. More to come on this.