Soundings (11/1/11)

Bucks in the Bay

• Phil X birthday check for foundation;
• Chuck Walter for an adventure in Maui;
• Brad Cornwell for  visited the Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation building, almost got arrested for trying to photograph it;
• Bill Gorman for missed meetings, and also got his genes mapped, discovered he is almost 100% cacasuian;
• Lance went to Pheonix for wedding, son danced in sprinkler in his tux;
• Steve Spitzer tales of his trip to Melbourne, Australia;
• Bob Tull 30 days in Italy and Israel;
• Art R says BTC remains undefeated (?!) and grandson going to State XC!
• Stan went on a cruise ($150 to foundation), the M/V Nautica of the Oceania Line;
• Gordon Plume was in Napa Valley potential winery project, and helping kids move;
• Tonja just bought a new car;
• John Templeton had 11 transactions in 11 weeks so business is good! 

Sergeant at Arms by Patti Imhof

Fines for Steve Spitzer, Bob Tull, Eddie Hanson, the Dans, Stan, Glen Groenig, Dannon, Tony Freeland (twice), Shannon, Bill Geyer and Steve Kimberly.

Program

Orphalee introduced Jane Helton, our District Governor for 2011-12. Jane is a Graduate Gemologist. She joined the South Whidbey Rotary Club in 2000, was club president in 2005-06, and AG from 2007-09.  Jane thanked us for our patience while she recovered from health issues she suffered in August.

This year’s Rotary Theme of President Kalyan Banerjee is “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity. We are to step back and contemplate the world’s need for health, food, water, sanitation and shelter, things we take for granted, but from the lack of which much of the world suffers. Our president makes this challenge to all, so we can reach out to the world. Rotarians are apt to consider having, rather than being.

In our businesses and professions we probably have a code of ethics. In terms of our vocational service, we should always act above reproach. We sometimes end up building our lives subject to various distractions, when we should be striving to be our best by doing our best.

Jane asked us about our first day as a Rotarian. How did you feel; were you welcomed; did you want to come back? Jane related that at her first meeting she felt special and welcomed when each member shook her hand (that she later learned the club members would be fined if they did not shake her hand did not seem to diminish the sense of welcoming).

Why did we join Rotary? Was it for fellowship or to promote our business? Had we heard about a community project the club had undertaken and we wanted an opportunity for service? A Rotarian can help someone who needs a hand up; there is an opportunity to give back to the community. While we can’t directly help those who are the victims of an earthquake or tsunami, we can help through the Rotary Foundation. Jane congratulated us on some of our local and international projects.

Jane told us about Rotary’s history with Easter Seals, which was founded by Rotarians who made some of the initial major donations to provide for crippled children and their families.

Jane then related a very moving anecdote involving a couple who could not have children, but who adopted a child. Since both of them were still in college, they alternated going to school while the other worked. The child they adopted turned out to have cerebral palsy, and required extensive medical care. The parents did not have health insurance, and could not afford the care the child required. Easter Seals stepped in and provided for them and their child. The mother was Jane. Rotarians can reach within, and be the change you want to see.

Jane also provided us with a short video of Semiahmoo, where the District Conference will be held June 1through 3, with the golf tournament the day before. Jane would like to see five couples from each club. The theme is “Set Sail at Semiahmoo.” For those who sign up early the cost is $295, and can be paid in installments.

Jane, thank you for your inspiration and service.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot