Soundings (6/12/07)
Visiting Rotarians: Bud Pep, Phil Gubbins, Ann Jones, Travis Huisman.
Guests: none
Announcements
Steve reported on our upcoming "Brewers by the Bay" fundraiser: Sunday August 5th, 2-6 pm at Depot Market Square, tickets $25 bucks each.
Orphalee encourages everyone to sign up for a committee on the sheet, otherwise she will assign everyone else to a committee.
Board meeting for June maybe next week at Barry's, stay tuned.
Windermere Golf Classic at BCGG next week, fundraiser for Whatcom Hospice and the hospital foundation.
Barry thanks to Orphalee for filling in while Barry was away on golf tournament in Oregon;
Bob Jones for computer story;
Ron Hardesty "life is great" bucks - daughter Claire had great time at RYLA;
Cy Lindberg is incoming programming chair for next year - please give him ideas;
Steve Brummel for successful (and sunny) WWU golf tournament; Dan Moore sad bucks for fire that nearly totaled his house;
Tonja Myers for successful fundraiser, and for upcoming trip to British Isles;
Sergeant at Arms by Robin Schmidt
Fines for those who didn't sit at front tables, Mariners fans, lightning, Brad Cornwell, Curt Smith and Scott Walker, Barry Kramer, Ed Zech, poem about flag.
Program
Tim introduced our own Sen. Dale Brandland. Dale, a Republican, is now in the minority party. He had low expectations for the last year, but pleased with his modest successes. He succeeded in changing mental health laws for taking mentally ill people into custody. He also succeeded in new laws allowing police to be able to give away any unclaimed property to any 501-c3 organization. Dale talked about his experience with a dead/blind man named Vaughn, for whom Dale helped get a new law passed about obtaining a license/certification to become "certified animal massage therapist. Also Dale's had success in strengthening the penalties for multiple auto theft. Worked with Kelli Lindville on Ferdale's Boys & Girls Club obtaining one million in state funds for the new facility there. Also obtained funds for Bellingham Food Bank, and Bridget Collins house.
Some votes were not so fun, and controversial:
1) "Simple majority" for school bond measures; allows the voters to decide if a simple majority will be acceptable on school levies, without qualification.
2) Legislation concerning domestic partners;
3) Changes in sex education in public schools;
Family leave bill passed: Maternity leave can receive $250/week. Funding source for this as yet unclear.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stowe Talbot