Soundings (10/12/10)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute and Invocation by Dick Stark

Visting Rotarians: John Moles, Peter Self, Fred Sexton, Dick Irwin, Richard Hughs and FRANK ZURLINE!

Guests: Chris Palmerton, Kim Sorensen (from Everett) and Marilyn Olson (the writer).

Rotary trivia: District 3272 Afganistan

Bill G, Bob M and Doug W each talked about the Copan, Honduras project to build a new restroom facility for a school there.  Sandra Guerra (Copan Rotary) came up and thanked our club for the support for the new building project.  She attended that school herself.  She said a good restroom building is especially important for the girls there.  Many of our club members have already donated financially to reach our goal - thank you! 

Bob Jones on G&G logistics: Please everyone pick a job and sign up for G&G volunteer work - still have 35 spots to fill.  Barry K reported on wineries: 27 so far signed up, trying to get to 30.  We will have a Rotary price break on pre-orders of wine.  Henry will Email the list of pre-order wines out to membership.  Tonja says she is looking for donations of bottles of wine to create a "wine cellar" which will be an auction item at G&G but proceeds going to "Bucks for Banos".  Leena says she needs items for the auction!  Eddie Hansen has tickets for sale at any of his offices.

Board meeting THIS THURSDAY at Barkley Company (2200 Rimland Drive, second floor above "On Rice" restaurant) 7:30 am as usual.

 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Tonja talked about son Ian (13 years old) keeps getting taller, and now needs a new cello - please help!
  • Steve Spitzer did some travelling for work (international standards for marine electronics), hosted an "international standards committee" here in little old Bellingham - thanks Eddie for taking the international guests on a Bay cruise;
  • Mike Kirkland's new venture (philanthropy) had its first meeting yesterday;
  • Gordon Plume flew down to SFO to work on a project, donated some bucks;
  • Dick Stark for successful cataract surgery last week, worked with Tony Larson in the past;
  • Pete Rittmueller had a ruptured appendix, lost some weight, Steve Kimberly and Sue Sharp helped a lot great service at SJH;
  • Tim Krell for LA Kings vs. Canucks game in Vancouver last week!
  • Christine Palmerton and hubby Chris were recently in Europe, grandson was born while she was in Italy, sad about the WWU boy;
  • Denise Bosman is sorry she'll miss G&G, attended her first collegiate football game last week had a great time until the actual game started...
  • Leena also went to football to see her son Garrett play at Simon Fraser;
  • Dan Pike glad to pass the budget on to council;
  • Harold Scott's dad had a fall in Maine and broke some bones but he is recovering well;
  • Ken Oplinger something about football;
  • Bob Jones for the Buckeyes;

Sergeant at Arms by Lynn Templeton
Fines for Ken and other non-pin wearers, Chris and Christine, all those running or who have run for elected office, Mike Kirkland, Tim Krell, the late arrival table, Phil "bumps" Hageman, geography trivia about colleges...

Program
Anna introduced Tony Larson, who is running for County Council District 1 seat - being vacated by Ward Nelson.  Tony runs the Northwest Business Monthly, and owned the Bellingham Bells.  He is married with two kids.  He had followed politics for many years but this is the first time he has jumped into the frey.  Tony says business and jobs have taken a hit the past year in Whatcom County, and he wants to look at how local government can affect and help local businesses thrive.  We need a vibrant economy to help the other important local factors that we value in our community such as the non-profit sector, the environment and even maintaining a strong tax base. 

Tony told the story of Corky Smith of Olivine Corp and his challenges with Whatcom County getting permitting for rebuilding a small bridge across the North Fork to their facility.  It ultimately took 18 months and was very costly dispuption to that business. Tony also mentioned the challenges of getting permission for the Cherry Point bulk terminal, as well as a potential BP project.  These and other projects would result in major local investment and spur job growth, but it is currently very tough to do business here. 

Tony says he could provide better leadership to the Council than his opponant (Jean Melious).  He says he will do a better job listening to his constituants.  This council position is also very important because it represents a "swing" vote on the council. 

Respecfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot