Flag Salute & Invocation by Steve Swan
 
Visiting Rotarians: Paula McCandlis from the Big Club
Guests: Andy Anderson, Sven Gilkey, Pete Wolkin, Nick Furnari (Skagit Bank)
 
Announcements
 
Terry Brown said that we have received three applications for our BBRC “Major Capital Project” funding: 
1) Skookum Kids (5-year plan, including Safe Place, respite and outreach)
2) Lydia Place for homeless households, proposing extensive remodel work and expansion.
3) NW Youth Services, serving vulnerable young people, proposing building a new facility with 40 small apartment units.
These proposals will be discussed at the next BBRC board meeting Thursday Feb. 11 at 4:30pm at Barkley/Talbot conference room (open to all BBRC members).
 
President Bill awarded two Paul Harris pins
  1. Bob Tull awarded with his FOURTH PH pin;
  2. Allen Stockbridge his first.
Congratulations, gentlemen!
 
New Member inductions: Past President Bill Unrein inducted two new members, Sven Gilkey and Pete Wolkin. Congratulations and welcome, guys!
 
Business Bucket: 
  • Eddie Hansen said that his office (Natural Way Chiropractic) offers weight loss programs, either individually or as a workplace program.
  • Harte Dressler introduced Jennifer Wright and Kira Bravo, two new partners with Metcalf Hodges accounting firm.  Also, Metcalf Hodges will be co-hosting (with NW Mutual & Peacehealth) a seminar about estate planning on Wed. Feb 24th, 4-6:30pm at the Bham Golf & Country Club.  Seating limited, so RSVP to Karen Haggen at khaggen@peacehealth.org or 360-788-6851.
John Sleeth says we are still seeking youth (18-25 y.o.) applicants for RYLA.  The site will be on MB Hwy like last year, the date will be May 12-15, 2016. see Website (http://ryla5050.org) or ask Nick Caples / John Sleeth.
 
Bucks in the Bay
  • Bill Geyer about court case he and his client won to build an assisted living facility near Blaine;
  • Terry Myers is back!
  • Scotty with shameless plug for us all to try and think of potential new member applicants for our club;
  • Mike Hammes paying up his BBRC 2015 dues!
  • Debbie Kiene proud of grandkids, also plug for Bourbon Street Bingeaux event - please sign up for this important B&G event!  Also update on Gio’s basketball career.
  • Dick Stark back from Palm Springs to massive rainstorm;
  • Andy Clay missed meetings, back from Nashville TN, hometown of President Polk;
  • Bob Moles proud of Kira Bravo and Jennifer Wright, also proud that 14 of our BBRC past presidents will all be gathering soon to attend their quarterly gathering March 1st, 6:00 PM at Orphalee's house.
  • Dannon Traxler terrible day hiking with kids, and county council meetings;
  • Allen Stockbridge went to Sundance Film Festival, and recommends Bellingham’s upcoming “Human Rights Film Festival” at Pickford Cinema;
  • Glen Groenig reminded us all to sign up for our next “hands on” project: “Stop Hunger Now” which will take place at St. Lukes Center (3333 Squalicum Pkwy), Feb 27th, from 9am-1pm. We will be working with volunteers from the other Rotary clubs, packing up meals which will be sent overseas. Details click HERE.
Program
Orphalee introduced County Executive Jack Louws, elected in 2011, previous served as Lynden Mayor and Lynden councilman, previously also ran his family-owned company Louws Truss Inc.  Jack talked about the county’s many capital projects:
  1. Funding for Sun House (with Sunrise Rotary) - a center serving those with mental health and chemical dependency issues;
  2. New phone systems, updated website, sheriff’s management system, a courthouse remodel, mental health court, EMS admin;
  3. Birch Bay berm, S. Fork Park improvements, Agate Bay stormwater improvements, criminal justice management system initiative, Silver Lake Park improvements.
  4. Sustainable budget, but will requires employees more efficient and that depends on getting them the best computer software systems.
  5. Buildings:  Northwest Annex needs to be completely replaced (demolished). State Street office will incorporate the old annex staff and become one-stop shop permitting office.  Civic Center and Girard Street buildings. Need new Sheriff’s office. Proposed mental health triage center expansion.
  6. Unanswered needs: New jail ($100M). Courthouse exterior is leaking and needs to be fixed ($31M)
Respectfully submitted, 
Stowe Talbot