Soundings (11/4/08)

Brent Walker said that a lot of wine was yet available from the Grapes & Gourmet bash, so if you have a mind for additional spirits in your life, call Brent.

Zachary Jones let us know that it was imperative to have the final dollar amount available from the G & G event, so if you have not 'coughed up your bucks', please do so now. There will be a complete report next week, so keep your name off of the Naughty List, and pay up. By the way, Zachary is available at the Cornwall Branch of the Horizon Bank in Bellingham.

New Member Installation:

We are all pleased to welcome our new member, Karen Haggen, who was sponsored by Mike Kirkland and Mike Hammas and installed by Past President, Ron Hardesty. Karen is a home grown lady of note, and her job title is Donor & Sponsor Relations Exec. for the Whatcom Hospice Foundation; she is married to Jeff Haggen. We will hear more about Karen when she gives her New Member Talk in the near future. Mike gave an excellent introduction of our new member and Ron, who is now known for his 'Top of the Line' installations, did a great job. We welcome Karen with an applause and a warm Rotary handshake..

Report on G & G:

As we all know, our Grapes and Gourmet (founded by our Past President, Barry Kramer) event was Sunday, 2 November at the Lakeway Inn, and it was a success by any standard. It seems that we made a profit of more than $60,000 (a full report will be available in the next week or two), and as we know, that money will be donated to many, many eleemosynary organizations in our community, A report was given by Christine Palmerton regarding the Auction, and it seems that there were some 31 auction items and a net of $4,126 was made thru that effort. Christine as well as Lynn Templeton gave kudos to the many members and others who helped to make this event a stellar moment for our Club. Hopefully we will not overlook any of those as we mention the following who gave of their time and talent to make our G & G a REAL HIT:

Tonja M. and Christine P., Barry K, Todd R, Steve B., Lesa B., Kathy C., Zachary J.and Jenni Moore, Donna E., Frank Z., Bill G., Brent W., Stan D., Ed Z., Bill B., Matt R., Dave E., Ron H., Denise B., Bob J., Pete R., Terry Beardsley, Dick S. Frank C., Dave K., Dan W., Harold (Scotty) S., Glendine B., Stowe T., Phil (X) H., Mike H., Bob Y., Lynn T., Dan P. Plus all of those who washed a myriad number of wine glasses on 1 November at the Lake Padden Golf and Eating Establishment of Barry K. And please note, there were many others who pitched in for the set-up, the clean up and the many other duties not recited. The Committee and the Club gives a BIG THANKS to all, and if your name was overlooked or not noted, please know that we still say THANKS.

Please see Stan Dyer's photo page for "Grape & Gourmet 2008" on our Website homepage (lower right side). Rated R-17.

Details of the G & G Event:

As we entered the Lakeway, we were directed to the second level after you were registered and 'banded', then up to the second floor, where the Auction was displayed with its 31 items. There was a very beautiful glass sculpture by David Wight, and it went for One Grand (that would be a Thousand smackers, Stumpy!); and of course, our Baker of note, Glendine, had her usual 'Pie of the Month' for sale, and it was bid up to Two Bills (that would be Two Hundred bucks, Sparky) by Frank C. and Donna E. with Frank picking up the 12 pie offer. Then off to the wine glass and plate pick-up spot and in we went into the main room, housing some 22 Restaurants and 35 wineries. There were chefs everywhere, putting together some very delectable items that made all of us know that we must get out and eat more. I noted about three ice sculptors, food 'to die for' (as my wife would say!); wine vintners having a ready glass for all of us to enjoy (a real tragedy that Carrie and I do not imbibe!---hey, we're trying to change!!).

The first 105 minutes were not as crowded as were the next 75 minutes. Seems that those of us who wanted to purchase the $125 tickets had a more leisurely event, and it was not at all as crowded as it was for those who sprung for the $75 dollar entry fee. think about it for next year---go for the $125 item!! Just cannot say enough about the food that was handed out; it was 'top of the line'!

The Big Fat Fish Company was nice enough to bring some very delectable sushi items from their establishment, and most all of us noted the interesting display where some of the sushi was located. For some reason, it reminded me of a past history lesson that had an interesting slogan, and that would be "California or Bust" (that was a slogan of the 1849 prospectors as they raced across the center section of the U. S of A. looking for their Gold in California). Actually, I do not understand the connection, but I would venture to say that Anna W. will be able to bring some light on that subject at our meeting next Tuesday!!?

The G & G Wind Up

We do not know the exacts of the event, but we understand that we netted about $60,000, and most all of the membership participated to one degree or another. However, there were about 17 members who did not get involved, and hopefully, next year that number will be reduced substantially. At our regular meeting on the 4th of November, Christine Palmerton was given a Standing Ovation for her work that she did---probably, many of the participants and workers deserve equal treatment for all that they did, also.

Bucks in the Bay

There were many who stood to the front of the room, and confessed many things that brought a few bucks to the larder, and I would be remiss if I did not at least mention that the following strolled to the front with their had earned shekels: Bill Gorman, Zachary Jones, Ron Hardesty, Jim Wells, Curt Smith (who is more than pleased that basketball season is nearly here and that the football season is disappearing from sight), Chip Hilarides, Christine Palmerton, Eddie (the fun guy) Hansen. Details of the fines will be related at a later time when the Soundings are not so cotton picking long.

Sergeant at Arms: Zachary Jones

Zachary got up there and immediately attacked the Club Photographer for taking pictures of the Fat Fish Company display, and that cost about three hard earned Social Security Dollars; Ron Hardesty was nailed for drinking too many Margaritas (hey, two isn't too many, is it?); Matt Rose was offered a chance to donate a buck or two, and he eagerly took the bait; there was a mention of the combined score against the of U of W and Washington State (114 points to 0!!!), so everyone who had gone to those two schools were fined a buck. Also, whoever went to WWU, was given a dollar because their team was the only winner over last weekend, and that would include the Ignominious Seahawks. There were more embarrassing moments for members, but suffice it to say that they are now forgotten!

Program:

Our President for the Day, Bill Gorman, introduced our program, and it was a triumvirate from the local Goodwill, to include Ms, Catherine McDonnell, Todd Mohorovich and Jim Hale. Each gave some information about the Goodwill Program in our Community, and what it did to train those who did not have a gainful employment; how it was involved with the local schools and how they have been able to create funds that are used in a very productive manner throughout our Whatcom County. Many have thought that the Goodwill Organization was just used to gather old and used items, and somehow rehab them; after the meeting, many of us have learned that this certainly is not all they do. A great program, and we say thanks to Bill Gorman for putting that info out there for all of us to hear.

A Note or Two:

On Thursday, 13 November, the Club's Board of Directors will be meeting at the IHOP (that would be the International House of Pancakes, Bucko) in Sehome Village, and all of us are encouraged to attend these very informative meetings. They start at 0730 hours, last about 70 minutes, and you also will receive attendance credit if you are there. Hope you will take us up on this offer.

Don't forget, the next Rotary International Convention will be held in Birmingham, England, where you would have a great Rotary experience if you went to that eventful assemblage. Plan now, and have a great time. And once again, we remind all of us that the Rotary International motto is SERVICE ABOVE SELF. ---I would say our G & G was a great example of that Motto.

We are informed by very reliable sources that our President (you remember him, Tim McEvoy) will be with us next Tuesday, and also for many Tuesdays in the future. Don't miss this very exciting program that will include Tim telling us a bit about Africa, Golf in Ireland and how it was at the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas -- oh yes, another one of his now famous jokes. In addition to Tim, we will have Frank Ordway, curator of The American Museum of Radio and Electricity, who will give us lot of larnin' as to radios, electricity and other sorts of trivia that we should know.

And that is it!

Respectfully submitted, Stan Dyer