Soundings (11/10/09)
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Flag Salute & Invocation by Brad Cornwell
Visting Rotarians: Peter Kremen
Guests: Christine (develpment officer for B&G Club), Chris Palmerton, Kim Walker (First American Title), Dr David Lynch (President of Whatcom County Medical Society), John's daughter Sarah Hulbert.
Announcements:
Tonja looking for volunteers to attend the upcoming Rotary 5050 Foundation dinner in BC.
Christine announced the next Board meeting will be at 5:30 pm this Thursday evening at Hearthfire Grill, followed by a Fireside Meeting for new members at 6:15 pm.
Bill Gorman says the final G&G meeting 5:00 pm NEXT Wednesday at Lakeway Inn.
Lance said next Rotario dinner on Dec 5th at Lance Calloway's – Italian theme.
Denise says an anonymous donor will match up to $1000 any donations to help us get our Foundation over the $100K mark. Please bring checks or cash to next meeting!
Bucks in Bay
• Tonja sorry bucks for What Middle School fire, but glad no one hurt;
• John Hulbert happy her daughter's fundraiser initiative for Whatcom Middle School (through Whatcom Foundation) – displacement costs for teachers;
• Lynn Templeton for this Thursday's Breakfast Fundraiser (recognizing the achievements of Dick Stark);
• Dick Stark grateful for his B&G Club involvement, and spent some vacation time on the Big Island;
• Zachary Jones leaving Horizon Bank for Whidbey Island Bank;
• John Gargett went to Netherlands on a job, saw daughter in Germany;
• Patti Imhoff glad to be home after 4 weeks away;
• Mike Kirkland participated in a sailboat with 69 competitors this past weekend, he got first place in his division!
• Bill Geyer gave Honduras report and update;
• Tim Krell happy bucks for son's hockey achievements;
• Sue Sharp acknowledged St. Luke's Foundation, which was recently awarded the outstanding philanthropic association ($14million given away since its inception!);
• Matt Rose said it was a tough weekend for Husky fans, but happy Navy beat Notre Dame for second time in 40 years!
• Tonja proud of son Ian who was selected for Junior All State Orchestra;
Sergeant at Arms by Denise Bosman
Thanks Christine for organizing dishwashing duty! Then, fines for Dr. Curt Smith, women and men (women will soon outnumber men in the workforce), men who text, women who had morning sickness during pregnancy, opening of Mt Baker Ski Area, Eddie Hansen's pants, and thoughts for those who served in armed services.
Program
Bill Gorman introduced Congressman Rick Larson.
Rick talked about the unemployment rate, which is now at 10.2% (risen by 8 million new unemployed people nationally). His highest priority now is to fix the economy and help those who are at greatest need. Many economists credit the economic stimulus plan with stabilizing the economy. Much of TARP is being paid back already (with a good return). Government is winding down most of these TARP programs.
Economic Recovery Package: It worked well, but still much work to be done.
10,000 jobs in transportation jobs in WA were created, 2.4 million WA citizens got tax reduction, among other benefits that the package produced. A new bill is up for vote: Extend unemployment benefits, extended homebuyer tax credits. We need to open up banking credit to small business. Also the commercial real estate market is worrisome, with many loans coming due soon.
Financial system reform needs to be undertaken, so that people can buy houses, small business can get loans and credit, and help families get their 401K plans back in order so they can retire: We need better financial discipline for the industry.
Iraq's government wants the US Forces gone by 2011. With Afghanistan we need to develop a credible partner in power there. Rick supports McCrystal's analysis of counter-insurgency program and a military surge. We also need to help Pakistan to have a reliable partner there as well.
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot