Soundings (5/24/05)

Matt Rose Flag Salute and Invocation

Guests Joe Morse, Phil from Columbus , OH, and Caitlin Williams (Robin's job shadow).

Other announcements:

1. Bob Moles reminded everyone about the Pure Water support brunch Sunday June 12, 11:00 AM at the Mount Baker Theatre. Raffle tickets are $25/each, you need to buy two to attend the brunch.  Come learn about our club's project in Honduras providing water filters to hundreds of families.  Phase I of the project is with Trujillo, Phase II will be with Copan.  Brunch needs to raise $7500, the club will kick in anther $7500, other clubs will raise $45000, which will give us $75,000; this will in turn be matched by Rotary International for $150,000 in total! 
2. Update on our "Rotary Centennial" project:  Ron showed us the proposed design for the bronze plaque that would be set in the pavement underneath the shelter at Taylor Dock.

Bucks in Bay
Patti - for Gerald as chauffeur in limo;Terry - trip to Las Vegas, Zervas Group received a National AIA award for a house design;
Joel Hile - Two weeks with son and grandkids in Knoxville, TN
Curt Smith - for fluoridation campaign petition;
Bonnie Hines - 200 anniversary of Battle of Trafalgar, trip in Europe on huge sailboat;
Scott Walker - 3 weeks in Fiji and Australia with brother Brent, trip of a lifetime;
Mike Kirkland - for lunch with the girls (Patti and Mimi);
Curtis Dye - San Francisco with family, daughter's 12th birthday at Neiman Marcus;

SAA - Carol Beecher
-all travelers
-Stan Dyer's midnight phone call;
-Gerald paid fine for John Barron, because of Barron Heating's excessive "eye pollution" during recent sales event (?);
-Ron's story involving a meter maid, a dog and mace;
-James Oxymoron (?)  Gerald fined again.
-Gerald's I-Pod, fined yet again;
-Mike Kirklan's girls' lunch;
-Byron S hat to Phil X;
etc.

Program - YMCA with Dave Harding

Our club has given the YMCA $5,000 this year, which will go to replace an aging caravan trailer for hauling gear for their "adventure school".

YMCA is a huge organization, founded in 1851 with many contributions to society.  example exapmle it was through the Y that basketball volleyball valleyball were invented, Boy Scouts was formed, Father's Day was invented, and Peace Corps was formed.  Each year about 40% of the US population is involved with YMCA in some way.  YMCA is one of the most recognized names/trademarks (thank you, Village People!). The Y is in 120 countries and has 130 million people involved. 

The Y came to Whatcom County in 1890 as a place for young sailors to go while in port.  The current building was purchased by the Y in 1942 as a hotel for soldiers returning from war.  Several proposals were put forth to move the Y, but the best choice was to stay in the current building.  Aluminum siding was put on the 60's, then removed in the 90's.

Budget is $3.8 million, 30% is raised through memberships, another 10% from charitable giving, only 2% from United Way.  Payroll is 2.3 million, many college students.  About 1000 volunteers also work at the Y.  6,200 members in 3 facilities.  700 kids in childcare, 500 teens in programs.  Work with Options High School kids, also have "hygiene passes" for homeless.  Core values:  "We build strong kids, families and communities".  For kids, it is a safe place, they're able to pair up with good role models, and be challenged them to succeed, develop skills and be rewarded.

Respectfully Submitted, Stowe Talbot