Soundings (7/6/10)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute and Invocation by Dan Pike

Visiting Rotarians: Gary Snyder

Guests: None

Announcements

Grapes and Gourmet: Anna says there will be an organizational meeting 5pm tomorrow at Best Western Lakeway Inn.  She is looking for someone to take a leadership role on ticket sales.

Brewers by the Bay: Steve says we need to buy/sell more tickets! Donna says posters are ready so please grab a few and post them!  Stew says please sign up for day-of-event volunteer duty!

Save the Date! Donna says a fundraiser brunch for the Copan school restroom project ("Bucks for Baños!") will take place Sunday morning, October 3 at Bellwether!

Mary Humphries was elected to head the International Committee.

Bucks in the Bay

  • Bill Gorman thanked Lesa for the party at Boxx;
  • Tim McEvoy 31st wedding anniversary;
  • Matt Rose says good work and thanks to Lesa and Chris for organizing the volunteer service project at Hospice House which is looking great, also spent 4th July weekend stripping the ceilings of his house;
  • Gordon Plume has some trusses for a building for sale cheap;
  • Bryant for a Rotary dinner, 41st birthday, and a wedding anniversary;
  • Chuck Walter gave his last $50 for oldest daughter getting engaged, then youngest daughter announced she is engaged - weddings set for next summer;
  • Leena Kirschman's son played in All-State football game, tomorrow's her birthday, home mortgages are at very low rates, she will donate $100 to Rotary for every loan she closes this month!
  • Scotty was in Maine for dad's birthday where is was TOO HOT!
  • Phil X missed meetings, and will miss Brewers.  Food Bank celebrated its second anniversary, 72,000 households have been served over past 2 years!
  • Dan Pike for missed meetings, and announced candidacy for Mayor's race for 2011;
  • Past president Tonja thanks for BBQ and Hospice House work, gave Dennis some doll diapers (?)
  • Curtis Dye for article in Herald about his company;
  • Aaron is going to have another daughter!
  • Dr. Curt Smith has a place on Lummi and that got an expensive new septic system;
  • Steve Kimberly has upcoming 38th wedding anniversary;
 
Sergeant at Arms by Lynn Templeton
Fines for Dan Pike, those who had fireworks, Stan, Dennis, Tonja for nice play, Denise, Tresha, boatowners, Stowe, non-attendees of the Boxx party, Mary, Mimi, non-ticket-holders for Brewers, Steve, and others.

Program

Board Committee chairs gave short presentations on the organization of the club:

Christine:  Club Service Committee oversees the subcommittees that deal with the internal working of the club, such as:
-sergeant at arms,
-flag salute and invocation,
-raffle,
-fellowship committee,
-membership committee, 
-website,
-the public relations committee, etc.

Matt Rose:  Community Service Committee oversees
a) charitable giving (to give away $20-30K per year to various non-profits),
b) community service projects (two per year),
c) bell ringing.

Anna gave a brief history of our fundraising: Since 1981, our fundraising started modestly with Bucks in the Bay, expanded to the infamous annual "rose sale", dinner rotarios started and have continued successfully, the infamous "Block Party" lasted about 4 years, there was a series of auctions, Barry came up with the idea for "Grapes and Gourmet" which continues successfully today, Todd and Steve came up with "Brewers by the Bay" which is also successful and is building in popularity.

Bob Moles discussed the International Service Committee.  Some of the current projects for us are:
-Copan Honduras (Bucks for Banjo's"?!) with a late January 2011 trip to Honduras - Mike Hammas will oversee construction-
-Pure Water project in Haiti together with Whatcom North Club,
-maybe something in Afganistan, and maybe project to help combat childhood slavery.

Denise Bosman says the Bellingham Bay Rotary Foundation started in 2000, recently reached our $100K mark, haven't yet made a disbursement.  Please consider including the BBR Foundation in your estate planning.

Lesa (for Lance) talked about Youth and vocational services Committee:  We sponsor:
-the Squalicum Interact club including stipend $1500 for a supervisor and six $100 scholarships,
-sponsor kids to attend the RYLA program,
-book drive for Birchwood Elementary,
-maybe a future Rotaract club?

Bill Gorman looks forward to a successful year and is very optimistic about the coming year(s), recognizing the enormous positive role of Rotary has around the world.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot