Soundings (2/17/09)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute and Invocation by Stan Dyer

Visting Rotarians: Addie Brown, Pete Kremen and Gary Snyder MD

Guests: None

Tim offered up his weekly chuckle, which concerned "circle flies" and state troopers.

Fellowship Event: Steve Brummel reported we are all invited to the March 7 WWU basketball game at Carver Gym (Vikings vs. Central WA). Tickets are $35/head, including pre-game food and drinks.

Fireside Report (by Stan): On Thursday, 12 February, under the direction of Club Service Director Christine Palmerton, our Cub had a Fireside Meeting at Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, and by all indications it was a success. Some 22 of our members attended, including 10 new members, 8 members of the board, plus 4 others who gave reports: Jim McCallum on Membership, Curtis Smith on the Club's History, Stan Dyer on the RI Foundation, Ellen Archer Thompson (sitting in for her dad, G. Dennis) and Archer Thompson (Ellen's son) who handled the entertainment.  A particular thanks to new member Steve Beringer, who set up our accomodations and repast at the Grill.  If you are a new  member and missed this event, another one will be happening before President Tim's year is a thing of the past --- see you then!

 

Bucks in the Bay 

  • Stan said the Fireside was a big success and thanked all involved;
  • Stowe gave $ for his family's trip to Hawaii, thanks to Stan for covering the Soundings and thanks to Frank Z for putting the trip together;
  • Dick Stark recommends we all support Sunrise Rotary's fundraiser "Oyseterfest" THIS SATURDAY at the BGCC benefiting construction of Whatcom Hospice House - tix are $100/ea;
  • Dannon Tasker had a great trip to San Francisco with her 9-year old son;
  • Eddie had a great Vanentine's Day thanks to Dennis Anrcher, also a reminder for upcoming fellowship events: Crab fest, golf, other ideas?
  • Vanessa Blackburn $ for some missed meetings and a week in Mexico (with baby!) visiting mom near Mazatlan, and a fun Valentine's Day;
  • Marla Sanger said she went to Eastern WA to celebrate her grandmother's 100 bithday, then did wine tour in CA;
  • Bill Gorman attended EDASC (econ dev assoc for Skagit Co.) lecture by a noted economist who argues that we are over the worst of it!
  • Tonja Myers enjoyed the Fireside meeting, and had a nice Valentine's Day surprise by Rob;
  • Ron said his Valentine's tradition is for the wife to pay the dinner bill!

Sergeant at Arms by Denis Bosman
Vanentine's Day fines, all who worked on President's Day, UW baketbal victory, Bill Unrein, Orphalee, Lesa Boxx, a funny "cougar barbie" video on YouTube, "carrara" means race course in Spanish and "corvette" means small warship.

Program
Bill Gorman introduced Tim Adrian and Gloria from "Freedom Laboratory Services, Inc." a regional lab and dignostics center, headquartered in Skagit County.  They have contracted with other labs to figure out how to provide lab services at lower cost, and to make their services accessible to low income patients.  Their fees are as much as 60-80% less than national average for similar lab services.  How do they do it? 

  • keep costs simple
  • charge the fee at the time of service
  • no insurance - patiant pays direct (patiant can then submit reimbursement from insurance)
  • online payment available.

The company will be opening a lab in Bellingham soon, on Meridian.  Also check out the Health Fair this weekend at the Ferndale Haggen store for a $12 "healthscreen profile" glucose test.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot