March 2nd Meeting Notes

We were pleased to welcome visiting Rotarians Alice Collingwood from the LaConnor Club and returning Rotarian, Dave Slepyan from the Anacortes Club.  Other guests were Karen Renz, Brad Schultz, Tracy Schultz, Pat and Dave Thompson.  Our special four legged fur guest “Sailor”,  the golden retriever, showed us his belly and demanded pets and scratches.

There were many happy thoughts including experiencing a “bluebird” day at Whistler, dining on outstanding lasagna, winning silver medals in wine competition and becoming a new exporter of wine to Japan, biking 27 miles, surviving a vacation with grandkids while learning how to cope with a flying Winnie the Poo…….we didn’t ask for clarification on that one but there were no apparent injuries.

Virginia discussed the upcoming social trip to Lake Chelan.  Many members are looking forward to doing a mini vacation with fellow Rotarians.  There are two dates being discussed and Virginia will let us know which one has the most votes.

Gordy talked about the upcoming fundraiser where Jose is going to meet up with Jack Frost in Maui this year.  Jerry and Ashley Morrison have graciously offered their home for the event.  Billy has offered his location for three car washes that will start on April 18.  

The date has been set for the Latin Swing Dance to be held June 20th at the Island Athletic Cycle Center.  These are all great fundraisers.  Let’s get the word out, sign up and start raising MONEY for our community projects!  

Lyn reported on the upcoming Meals on Wheels project scheduled for March 14.  It will be a busy month for projects as Clyde will be leading a team of volunteers, including Interact members, this coming weekend to help rework the landscaping at the Whidbey Children’s Theater site in Langley.  If you have any spare time stop by and lend a hand.

Jane presented a special recognition award to Ashley Morrison, Sharon Edberg and Lyn Waldrop for their contributions to the Christmas tree sales this past December.  Each were presented with a World Understanding and Peace through Rotary pin.

Alice Collingwood from Summit Assistance Dogs did an outstanding presentation about a program that trains and provides assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities.  The program is dependent upon volunteers to train dogs and much of that is accomplished by partnering with Monroe inmates who are an integral part of providing the intensive 9 week training program.  They have graduated 79 in the program to date where only 3 out of 10 make it to service dogs.  There are currently 30 individuals with disabilities on the wait list.  Pat Thompson and Sailor demonstrated how dogs dress themselves (jacket and leash), help remove gloves from an individual and several commands to lay down and sit and stand.  One of our Rotarians in particular (we won’t name names) became quite eager to become a foster home parent volunteer for the dogs.  We had to watch to make sure she didn’t leave with one of the dogs.