Soundings (3/23/10)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute & Invocation by Stephanie Sadler

Visiting Rotarians: Pete Kremen

Guests: Allen Stockridge, Randall Duggin (RBC Wealth Management), Sarah R's daughter.

Dannon had a reminder about the April 3rd fellowship dinner at 5:30pm at Nona Rosa's and then Cabaret.

Monday the 29th (maybe at Lakeway, stay tuned) will be the follow-up meeting on our leadership initiative;

Chris reminded us about the volunteer opportunity (painting walls) at the new Pickford Dream Space April 10th, 10am-1pm.

Tonja shared the sad news that Ron Hardesty and Byron Sprague are both resigning from the club.

Student of the Month:  Harold Scott pleased for the return of Briana Milligan to our club  (she was here a couple weeks ago to talk about the Interact Club), this time she is here as our March SOM!  Dan Wilkerson gave some background on Briana.  She is president of Interact club at Squalicum, the club has averaged one community project per month over the last decade!  Briana said she volunteers for the organization "Animals as Natural Therapy", also volunteers as an usher at MBT, and was recently accepted to WWU! 

 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Tonja said her building was recently inspected, and she is continuing with Shakespeare performances!
  • Stephanie said she attended Rotary literacy seminar, also thanked Tim for a wonderful dinner!
  • Stan said the author of the book The Shack will be talking at Cornwall Church April 10th and 11th;
  • Tim Krell happy bucks for running into (figuratively) Bob Jones up on the ski slopes and he also saw Ron Hardesty (we'll miss him);
  • Patti Imhof birthday bucks, missed meetings because busy with Hospital work, leaving for NYC today;
  • Marla Sanger $100 to Foundation to celebrate daughter getting married Sunday!
  • Scott Walker bucks for 13th anniversary, a birthday, and a trip to Hawaii (Lanai and then Maui);
  • Curt had Husky bucks, wife had a minor stroke during surgery but doing okay now;
  • Lance for week in Puerto Vallarta with family;
  • Dannon spent last week in Seattle with parents from Louisiana;
  • Brad Cornwell $50 birthday and return of the Sounders this week;
  • Steve Brummel for week in Palm Springs playing golf;
  • Brent Walker thanked his brother for the trip to Hawaii.

Sergeant at Arms by Ken Oplinger
For all Huskies, shoppers at big box stores, George Bowen's new job, boat owners, Dave Ennen won a fishing derby, and trivia about today.

Program
Anna introduced Jim Brittain.  Jim grew up in Seattle, went back east to work for a while, and then ended up in Bellingham to practice law in about 1995.  He serves on board of Law Advocates and, like many local Whatcom attorneys, volunteers time to the organization.  The executive Director is Mary Swenson.  The organization was started by attorneys in Bellingham back in 1987 to address needs of low-income or disabled people who need legal services. 

The "adversarial system" of law that we practice in the US is the system of law that relies on the contest between each party, and an impartial jury or judge to determine the truth of the case so justice be served.  However, this system will not work if one party does not have access to equal representation.  This is where organizations like Law Advocates steps in.

Law Advocates created several programs, such as Street Law: Every other Saturday, three or so lawyers make themselves available for free consultation and referrals to needy individuals.  Every year about 200 lawyers donate their time to this program pro-bono(estimate value of $400K per year!). 

Jim gave several examples of how Law Advocates helped people last year.  They only do civil work, not criminal cases.  Their budget $225K/ year - as a private non-profit.  Money comes from fund-raising and from a foundation.  Family law has emerged as the main need, the biggest area of focus.  Housing law is another big one.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot