Soundings (4/19/09)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute & Invocation by Christine Palmerton

Joke by President Tim

Visiting Rotarians:  Ann Jones, Fred Sexton and DC Morse

Guests:  Henry Lee and Chris White

RI Grants Future Vision Pilot Program was explained by Tonja Myers.
The proposed "pilot program" would update the RI Foundation's mission and create a more effective and efficient way to help Rotarians develop grant projects.  Rotary International is looking for districts (like ours) to participate in this pilot program, so District 5050 is requesting all clubs vote on this matter.  Our District is also looking for suggestions to make grants simpler to apply for and administer.  The pilot project would essentially combine all grants into two types:
1) "World Grant" for international projects of $15,000 or more;
2) "District Grant" for local projects of $15,000 or less.
President Tim made the motion for District 5050 to participate in the pilot program, it was seconded by Tonja, the motion carried by the club unanimously.

Ron Hardesty is looking for a few more golfers to play in the Wednesday evening Rotary golf league at Padden.

Stephanie Sadler says the next Rotariodinner (Russian theme) will be at the Talbots Friday 24th April.  Also, May 13th will be the screening of scholarships at Squalicum High School; please contacted her if interested to help out.

 

Bucks in Bay

  • Tim McEvoy recently went to see part of the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA;
  • Stan Dyer has birthday on Friday (along with Eddie Hanson!) $123 to the Foundation (that's his age PLUS Eddie's);
  • Tonja says St. Francis childcare facility passed their annual inspection!
  • Glendine Barley was in Las Vegas;
  • Brad Cornwell for a birthday, missed meetings, and Sounders' victories;
  • Ron Hardesty fun time on boat;
  • Curtis Dye spent weekend in a lighthouse near Ilwaco;
  • Gordon Plume for birthday;
  • Dick Stark for two weeks in Palm Springs, saw Doug Wight there;
  • Dannon Traxler missed meetings while having a great vacation in Baja with family;
  • Stew Ellison gone for ten days in Mexico with Kathy C, stayed at private beachside house only accessible by boat!
  • Barry Kramer for four weeks in Phoenix, which was great except for his allergies, he drove back through Arches National Park (http://www.nps.gov/arch/ ) - highly recommended!
  • Steve Spitzer had a fun business trip abroad, in London and some other venues;
  • Tim Krell for a 48th birthday, and went to Whistler for ski trip with his son and some pals;

Four young chaquitas in Omaha,
Was waitin for the band to return from the show.
Feelin good, feelin right, its Saturday night,
The hotel detective -- he was out-a-sight!
We're an American Band! 
We're an American Band!

Yes. awkward indeed.

Sergeant at Arms by Lynn Templeton
The club sang Happy Birthday to "old man" Stan, fines for Tim Krell and Glendine for best dressed, Byron for most casually dressed, those who haven't yet filed taxes, car fines, Tonja was on the radio this morning discussing the recession, Brad Cornwell for his stunning tie, and history trivia.

Program
Tonja introduced Jeff Voltz, general manager of the new Bakerview Community Food Coop, who talked on the subject of organic food.  Jeff started in the grocery business back in 1986 in Berkley, CA, and since then has worked in a variety of locations in the grocery business.
The "Organics Movement" started as a systems approach to stewardship of the soil.
Certified organic food products have gone from $1billion in sales in 1990 to $45 billion in sales in 2010, but still accounts for only 4% of all grocery sales.  Certification is done by State of Washington with annual site visits.  The growth in Washington of "organic certified acreage" is impressive.  Whatcom County alone now has over 3,000 acres.  Jeff discussed the definition of such terms as:
-Organic
-Certified organic
-Transitional
-Integrated Pest management
-Salmon-safe & bird safe
-Conventional
-Sustainable
-Fair trade
-Local

Some of the concerning trends of consolidation and increased production/efficiency of the American industry: 
-In 1945 17% of population farmed, today it is less than 1%.
-In 1945 farmers captured $0.45 of every $1.00 spent at the grocery store, now it is only $.07.

Factoids:
60% of U.S. raspberries are produced right here in Whatcom County, but there is not a single local manufacturer of jam/preserves in all of Western Washington!  Also, Whatcom County has huge dairy production, but all processing (except for Edaleen Dairy) is elsewhere.  Therefore, there is a huge opportunity for bringing some value-added manufacturing to Whatcom County - keeping it local.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot