Soundings (3/24/09)
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Flag Salute & Invocation by Matt Rose
Joke by Tim McEvoy
Visiting Rotarians: Addie Brown, DC Morse and Phil Gubbins
Guests: Humphrey Blackburn, Elsie Walter, Student of the Month parents Jerry and Janice Smith.
Announcements
Bill Gorman said it's time to start thinking about Grape & Gourmet!
Student of the Month
Terri White, counselor at Squalicum High School, introduced this month's Student of the Month: Amy Smith. Teachers have said her work ethic is "off the chart". Amy has participated in the "Health Care Services" program, classes that show participants what the medical field and careers in the health care industry are like. Amy said she was in Squalicum's "Key Club", which this year has donationed to the diaper drive for the Opportunity Council. Also she has been volunteering at Assumption tutoring math. After graduation, she is planning to attend University of Portland for the nursing program.
Bucks in the Bay
Tim McEvoy had a great St Patrick's Day dinner at his place, complete with singing;
Tonja thanked Tim for hosting the dinner;
Denise's daughter is playing at Whitman (her team is nationally ranked!), and for great time in Hawaii for Patti's birthday party;
Ron Hardesty's daughter graduated from WWU and just got a job, he is sad about Huskies' loss, and is proud of our Student of the Month Amy Smith;
Curtis Dye a fun anniversary party with about 100 guests;
Stephanie Sadler had a wonderful trip though Africa, visited Mogastar Academy in Nairobi;
Scott Walker gave $100 to our Foundation, is honored to have been selected as Whatcom County Business Person of the Year, and thanks to brother Brent Walker, Dave Ennen and Bob Tull for showing up at the event, and recommends "new starts" in life;
John Stewart took a trip to Santa Fe with a new client;
Frank Chmelik had a funny story about his father and a Winchester shotgun.
Sergeant at Arms by Frank Chmelik
Started off with joke that competed very favorably in theme and quality with President Tim's joke. Fines for Orphalee who is a YWCA "superstar", college basketball, veterans can now salute the flag, Dave Ennen's fishing derby, and Chuck Walter.
Program
Program chair Bill Gorman reminded us that next week will be WWU President Bruce Shepard, then week after will be a history of BGCC, then a talk on organic foods, then "Brothels of Bellingham" by Dr. Smith. But today we have presentation of Engineers Without Borders (EWB): Gary Fortenberry, who works at CH2M Hill.
Contaminated water is the cause of 80% of all the world's disease problems. 1.2 billion people lack clean water. The vision at EWB: Clean water, sanitation, energy and community structures (schools, clinics, bridges, etc.).
EWB was founded in 2002 in Denver as a non-profit, humanitarian, volunteer organization with 12,000 members, 295 chapters and 345 projects. The focus on small, sustainable projects only. Solutions must be sustainable, and must bring a long-term relationship with the community.
EWB has strong connections with Rotary- and both share a commitment to bringing clean water to the world.
WWU student chapter has about 15 members; they are attracted to the international "without borders" part of the mission. Not just engineering students. They coordinate with professors and mentors.
NW Washington "professional" chapter is community-based and has multiple partners.
Projects:
Chisec, Guatemala has problems with water quality. Goal to help community address problem of suds in the water. They are considering building a communal "lavendaria". But first a trip will determine if this is the best solution.
Mae Ka Chan, Thailand has 75 orphans from the Hill Tribes and Burma conflict. The orphanage is very important to keep them away from dangerous urban environments. Project to build a building (dormitory) at a cost of $500.
Axim, Ghana is located on the West Africa coast. 22,000 people there have no access to clean water. Goal to provide them clean water in stages. Poorest community there first - a central, communal water distribution system. Then phase 2 would build more sanitation facilities.
What can you do? Join, sponsor an existing project, propose a new Rotary project, and spread the word.
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot