Soundings (9/9/08)

Fellowship Dinner: The Trio of Kathy Cheldelin, Lisa Boxx and Stew Ellison announced that there would be a special get-together for any who would like to enjoy a night out that included dinner, entertainment and many other bits and pieces. It would be at the Boxx Ranch and flower garden on Northwest Avenue, and the date is 28 September. The Cost is $50 per, and that money goes for Scholarships that our Club presents each year to the High School students. A sign up will be taken on Tuesday, 16 September. Oh yes, it was scheduled for Saturday, 27 September, but it is now on Sunday, the 28th. It is rumored that our own Ron Hardesty will provide some of that musical talent that is most enjoyable (sure hope he will sing the music and lyrics to 'Grandma's Lye Soap')!

President Tim Announced that the Club Board Meeting would be held at the IHOP on Samish Way, and the time is 0730 hours and the date is Thursday, 11 September. If you happened to miss this meeting, it must be mentioned that all members are more than welcome at these meetings, and they count as a 'make-up-'. Also, at this particular Board of Director's meeting, the new member application of Karen Haggen was considered, and her application was passed unanimously by those Board members present. Karen presently works with the Whatcom Hospice Foundation and her title there is Donor and Sponsor Relations Officer. This notice will be published three times in the Soundings, and if any member feels that Karen should not be a member, a statement to that effect needs to be sent to any one of the Board Members in writing, during this time frame.

A special welcome back to our member, Vanessa Blackburn who took a month or two off to have a little baby boy who came into this world close to 9.5 pounds.

Bucks in the Bay:

Bill Boyd for his 49 years on this planet (so, what happened to the hair?)
Tim Krell announced that he would never do that bike ride to Mt Baker again;
come on Tim, we have seen you in the 'Spandex', and think your legs would have a breeze on that ride!
Dick Stark for his recent cruise to Alaska and for the recent funeral for one great Bellingham resident.
John Hurlburt also talked about this individual, and John had known him for most of his life
Phil Hageman announced that his firm just received the contract on the new Montessori School in Ferndale---hey Phil, where will they find students to attend that school in Ferndale?
Bill Unrein had one great time on some yacht that went some place and belonged to someone (maybe it was one of Christine's);
Stew Ellison had a great crab hunt, and he showed us a future door prize of a bottle of wine (that bottle must have been two feet tall) that was of some 1982 Spanish vintage. He got it when he was married as a gift, and never uncorked same. I think it will be offered at the Boxx Blast on 28 September;
Stan Dyer tossed in 9 Dollars and 11 dollars to commemorate the 2001 tragedy that hit our country;
Donna Edquist to celebrate her BIG DAY, (and two other items), dropped in $100 for our Foundation
Eddie Hansen a buck or two to honor one great teacher he had in the past, and that would be Stephanie Sadler;
Denise Bosman a sad dollar to announce her daughter is no longer at home but is enjoying her higher educational endeavors in Eastern Washington;

Sergeant at Arms with Ken Oplinger in charge

Ken came up with a number of questions that were directed at various tables, and many of those questions were not answered correctly, so that cost a buck or two for each luncheon guest. We noticed that certain members were hit for various infractions, and those included (but certainly not limited to) John Templeton, Steve Brummel, Bill Boyd, Stew Ellison, Chip Hilarides and Denise Bosman

Program introduced by Chair, Bill Gorman

Richard Emerson, Campaign Director for the United Way of Whatcom County was our speaker, and he initially recognized many of our members who are directly involved with the United Way during this year, to include Bill Boyd who is this year's current chair. Most all of us are pretty much aware of the United Way Program, and Mr. Emerson acknowledged that fact; so, he gave a most interesting program that included a brief story about many in this community who are in need, and how the various non-profit organizations were directly involved with those needs of that individual. He particularly related stories that involved. The American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Lydia Place, Whatcom Center for Early Learning, Transitional Living Programs and others. And these stories showed how those organizations helped those needy individuals, and the fact that the United Way of Whatcom County does, in fact, help support those organizations. Also, Mr. Emerson related that the Administrative costs to operate this particular chapter are 11.9% . The Theme for this year is "Live United" Well, an interesting program, and for you who were not there, "Shame on You"!

A Special Note

This year the Club is attempting to improve attendance, and that means each and every one of us should take note, and be at the meetings. We have some interesting programs, and we would love to share them with you. In order to keep your attendance up to snuff as directed by Rotary International, we should be present a minimum of 60%, and we should not miss more than three meetings consecutively.

DON'T FORGET --DON'T FORGET, DON'T FORGET -----The meeting of 16 September will be with a Rep of the District, Barry Seaton, who will give interesting info on the RI Convention that took place in Los Angeles, as well as some interesting facts about next year's Convention in Birmingham, England ---we would like to have you join us. Also, President Tim will have a brief Club Assembly, and those five or six members who were overlooked a month or two ago, will be presented with their Paul Harris Certificates. (if they arrive in time from Chicago, that is!!).

Respectfully submitted,
Stan Dyer