Soundings (3/10/15)

Posted by G. Stowe Talbot 
on Mar 10, 2015
 
Flag Salute & Invocation by Dean Fulton
 
Visiting Rotarians: None
 
Guests: Heather Powell (Exec Dir. B&G Clubs), Carlye Gillespie (Archer Halliday)
 
Calendar 
  • BBRC Board meeting this Thursday March 12, 4:30 pm at Talbot/Barkley office, 2200 Rimland Drive, second floor above On-Rice Thai Restaurant.
  • Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Saturday March 21 in Surrey BC 8AM - 3PM.
  • District Training Assembly, April 11, 8AM - 3PM.
  • District Conference April 30 - May 3 at Tulip Resort and Casino
  • Ciao Thyme dinner for support of our club’s International Projects will be Friday May 8th (time TBA), register and pay in advance.
  • RI World Convention June 6-9 Sao Paulo Brazil.
Attendance at these events, or any committee meeting, is eligible for attendance make-up credit.  Please report it to Stan D or Stowe T.
 
John Sleeth said the RYLA deadline is extended until mid March. Let John if you have a nominee/attendee.
 
Short Program by Bill Geyer who talked about the recent PETS conference at SeaTac, with over 700 attendees from several Districts around the Western States and Provinces. Main speaker was incoming RI President Ravi from Sri Lanka who spoke eloquently on the power of Rotary. Several other inspiring speakers and seminars. Veteran Rotarians should share your experiences with newer Rotarians, and the newer one should feel comfortable talking with everyone.
 
Business Minute
This week, Donna talked about her company, Applied Digital Imaging (ADI).  Many years ago they had started out as Steve’s Blueprinting.  Although blueprints and copying are still a part of their business, more and more they have expanded their capabilities based on customer needs, especially for point-of-sales signage for stores and supermarkets.  They recently purchased an amazing digital cutter and router, which can laser cut boards up to 8 feet in size.  
 
Bucks in the Bay
  • Pete Ritmueller for 42 year anniversary, recently lost 18 lbs!
  • Kendall for one year anniversary at Rotary, and for braces?!
  • Bill Gorman for “Luck of the Irish” fundraiser for project in Copan, also looking forward to working with all five incoming local club presidents;
  • Doug Wight turned 68, mom turned 90, and a wedding anniversary;
  • Dean Fulton with some Seahawks draft pick news;
  • Dick Stark excited about local success at state high school basketball tournament;
  • Curtis Dye attended Music Man, Luck of the Irish fundraiser, and a night on Lopez;
Sergeant at Arms by Flo Simon
Fines and teasing for various members.
 
Long Program 
Dannon Traxler introduced Bill Dietrich, a prolific local author, born in Tacoma, attended WWU, worked as writer at Bham Herald, Seattle Times, nominated for a Pulitzer for coverage of the Exxon Valdez spill. At the Times he wrote a lot about spotted owl, salmon, local environment, etc.  Also taught environmental journalism at Huxley College. Then he started writing novels, in particular well known for his series about American involved in the Napoleonic Wars. He used to be with main stream publishers, but now experimenting with independent publishing.
 
Bill first talked about the ongoing revolution in the publishing business, both journalism and books. Authors have always struggled financially to make a career of it. 30% books now sold are electronic, but popularity has plateaued. Women increasingly driving the market, buying the most. Due to Amazon and big box stores like Costco, it has been tough times on independent booksellers, but there has been some resurgence there recently. Bill told stories about how authors have to be tenacious to get published. 
 
Bill remarked that this the fastest moving time ever in history; transforming the planet and our knowledge of the world.  As a writer he feels fortunate to be a part of that process, conveying that knowledge.
 
Respectfully submitted, 
Stowe Talbot
 
Erik Dyrland wins the raffle