Soundings (8/24/10)

Posted by Stowe Talbot 
 
 

Flag Salute and Invocation by Frank Chmelik

Visiting Rotarians:  None

Guests:  Lynn's guest Christine Destry (Dev. Director at B&G Club), Steve Kimberly's guest, Steve Spitzer's wife Rita.

Announcements:

Lesa gave an update on "Bucks for Baños" brunch/fundraiser on October 3rd, 11am at the Bellwether Ballroon.  We are doing this project jointly with Whatcom North Club and the Copan Rotary Club.  Lesa says we need items for the auction and event sponsors! 

Anna said there will soon be an organizational meeting Grape & Gourmet - an announcement will follow!

 

Bucks in the Bay

  • Rod Bring wedding anniversary and cruising;
  • Donna thanks Stowe for Website help with Bucks for Banos, AND the Big Club announced $100K donation to Boys & Girls Club's Bellingham facility to upgrade their kitchen;
  • Steve Spitzer for missed meeting while in Tofino with kids, recommends the Stieg Larsson book trilogy;
  • Dick Stark for some great boating;
  • Curtis Dye 23rd wedding anniversary, boating with kids;
  • Bryant E missed meetings while in France;
  • Ken Oplinger was in Phoenix visiting family and helping move grandma to facility;
  • Terry Brown for 29th wedding anniversary;
  • Mary Humphries' husband recovering well, helped daughter furniture shop in Seattle, also thanks members of international services committee for their work!

Sergeant at Arms by Lynn Templeton
Had a check for Foundation, and then fines for Brent Walker, Dennis's tie, "this day in history" and other trivia.

Program

Today's speaker was Jackie Kendziorek, who was the GSE Coordinator for this year's trip to Brazil.  Group Study Exchange (GSE) is a part of the Rotary International Foundation, for young people aged 25-40, non Rotarians.  The exchange is between Rotary districts.  The idea is for the participants to see and learn how their professions are practiced in another ciulture.  Trip is usually about six weeks long.  During the trip the members live in the homes of Rotarians.  Heather Lewis was our club's sponsored member (she is a registered nurse at St. Francis).  They went to Disrict 4730, in the Southeast part of Brazil state of Paraná.  The team of six participants was chosen about nine months prior, so they had time to prepare for the trip and even start learning Portuguese. Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world.

Jackie showed slides from the trip and talked about all the activites and events they participated in.  In addition to visiting several clubs, they also had the chance to visit variou schools, interesting companies and do some sightseeing.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot