Soundings (12/10/13)
Posted by G. Stowe Talbot
on Dec 10, 2013
Flag Salute & Invocation by Dannon Traxler
Visiting Rotarians: None
Guests: Bill Unaries’ guest Eric, Terry Myers’ daughter Kristin, Ashley Hills from C-SPAN.
Announcements
Dannon regarding fire: Donations can go to “Lawrence family fund” account at WECU, or today’s bucks in the bay.
Bill Geyer regarding major donation projects: The board is soliciting ideas from membership on major projects to which we can give during Christine’s presidency (up to $50K). These projects could be capital projects or otherwise. Deadline of January 15, 2014. Please Email the board or President Christine. Some current contenders: Interfaith Coalition, Food Bank, Wounded Warrior Project
Ashley Hill from C-SPAN, working cooperatively with Comcast, is conducting its “Cities Tour”, to provide historical and cultural coverage of communities outside the Washington DC area. This year they are spotlighting 20 cities across the US. The Bellingham segment, which will be shown nationally, will cover 10 different aspects of historical Bellingham. See the C-SPAN website, or watch live on the weekend of January 4 and 5 for the finished pieces. A copy of “The Brothels of Bellingham” was gifted to Ashley courtesy of Bryant Engebretson.
No board meeting in December!
Bucks in the Bay
Frank Chmelik talked about the ASB pond and the COB’s approval last night of the new waterfront plans;
Stephanie will be in Dallas for Xmas;
Dannon Traxler grateful bucks for all the community support given to the Lawrence family (her next door neighbors) after the house fire there last week;
Pete Rittmueller celebrated two men in his life who passed recently;
Bob Moles $ for Lawrence family;
Barry Kramer $ for Lawrence family, also he just drove back from Arizona very icy road trip;
Andy Clay $ for the Lawrence family, happy bucks for Celeste Mergens’ organization (Days for Girls) will be featured in next month’s Oprah Magazine;
Lance Calloway $ for the Lawrence family, went to ACT theater in Seattle with wife and kid enjoyed it very much;
Terry Myers missed meeting and $ for the Lawrence family;
Steve Kimberly $ for the Lawrence family, with story of the Brothels of Bellingham;
Tonja Myers $ for the Lawrence family, SJH provided outstanding service while her mom went to hospital last week;
Curtis Dye $ for the Lawrence family, grateful for Bellingham;
Dr. Curt Smith words on port project, Huskies going to the Fight Hunger Bowl, new coach at UW, Lynden football team won State this weekend (for the 6th out 7 past years);
Bryant Engebretson $ for the Lawrence family;
Dick Stark $ for the Lawrence family, 6 out of 7 State championchips for Lynden;
Glen Groenig missed meetings, Honolulu trip complete with trip to hospital;
Bob Becker $ for the Lawrence family;
Debbie Kiene $ for the Lawrence family, husband’s cancelled trip to Dallas.
Sergeant at Arms by John Templeton
Earrings selling for $10/pair. Fines for Flo, trivia on current events, Doug Wight fined himself. Twice.
Program
Membership Committee update by Bob Becker: This committee, among its many duties, screens new member prospects, inducts them into the club, shepherds them during their first few years. The committee hopes to find new members who are truly interested in joining, having enough initiative (time), and have to means to give to our programs (money). We, as current members, should be looking around for these potential good members. Historically we have targeted a total membership of about 115 where were at for many years. Membership has declined over the past 5 years, however. This year we started at 92 and grew to 98. Over the next year and a half, we would like to get to 115 members again. The committee will also focus on expediting the application process so it is achieved (from start to membership initiation) in a 6-week period. The new assimilation process: All new members will have a sponsor, a mentor, and a past president assigned to them, making sure they are engaged and happy in the club. Each new member will automatically be assigned to a committee.
Please search out and engage new members for our club!
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot