Flag Salute and Invocation by Ken Oplinger

Visiting Rotarians: Ray George from Whatcom North.

Guests: Bob Becker's guest Mike; and Stowe Talbot's daughters Victoria and Isabella.

Announcements

The RYLA application deadline was today March 20th - online only. Club voted on and approved two applicants recommended by Lance Calloway and Scot Swanson. RYLA is a 4-day leadership camp, April 25-29, for young people age 18-25. Cost is $375, but our club pays it. To be held here in Whatcom County.

June 1-3 is next District Conference @ Semiahmoo.

Two member applications have been approved by the membership committee and the board.  Before the club will officially approve them, however, for the next two weeks we will present their names to the general membership for comments, questions or objections: 

1)  Dean Fulton.  Sponsored by Shannon Terrell, reference from Narnee Obendorf, South Puget Sound Rotary Club President.  Dean is the Executive Director for the Bellingham Technical College Foundation.  He is transferring his membership from the South Puget Sound Rotary Club where he has been a member since 2005.  His accomplishments include 2X Paul Harris recipient, recognized as a Rotary Benefactor and was awarded Rotarian of the Year 2007-08.    In addition to substantial community service, Dean enjoys running, travel and family.   Dean and his wife Denise reside in Bellingham. 

2)  Teresa Myers.  Sponsored by Tonja Myers & Catherine Reis-Elbara.  Teresa is the Administrator at the Highland Care Center in Bellingham.  She is transferring her membership from the Sequim Sunrise Club where she has been a member since 2010.  Her prior club memberships also include Bainbridge Island from Fall 2008 – 2010, and East Grays Harbor Centennial Club from October 2005 - July 2008.  Teresa was active in the local Chamber of Commerce and is a long time member of the regional professional association in her field, and served as its Area Governor. She is active in her church and local community/civic celebrations.  Teresa was awarded a BC from WSU in 1995 and maintains an active Washington State Nursing Home Administrator License.   Her interests include sewing, crafts and “anything benefiting seniors”. 
 


Bucks in the Bay
  • Stephanie Sadler – Retirement 
  • Lance Calloway – He will Email correctly going forward. Eddie's soothing voice on the radio. He will be coaching a new semi-pro soccer team. 
  • Chuck Walter – Weekend with family in Caribbean. 
  • Stew Ellison – Daughter graduating from Western. 
  • Lena Kirschman – Auction for Boys & Girls Club of Whatcom County on April 27, 2012. 
  • Tony Freeland – Mother-in-law passed away. 
  • Ken Oplinger – Sounders win and daughter got to walk the team onto the field. 
  • Scot Walker – Birthday and wedding anniversary.
  • Charlie Sheldon – Took ferry to Juneau, Alaska. 
  • Rod Bring – Missed meetings. Week with mom. Grandson turned 1. Relative qualified for NY marathon. 
  • Lisa Schork – Missed meetings. 
  • Scot Swanson – Trip to San Diego. Second child will probably come sooner than expected. 
  • Doug Wight – Open house was great. His rental vacancies are at 1% in Whatcom County. Son went Key West, sold two sculptures and $50k each. 
  • Bob Tull – 64th birthday, was in Texas with family. 
  • Orphalee Smith – Until the end of the month, contributions towards Rotary International will be doubled (by District 5050), so if you are thinking about giving to RI, do it now.
Sergeant at Arms by Bill Geyer issued fines for:
  • Scott Walker 
  • Tony Freeland – Cincinnati Bearcat trash talking. 
  • Terry Brown – Same as above. 
  • People on vacation last 30 days or in the next 30 days. 
  • Charlie Sheldon – Not being invoiced for dues. 
  • Stowe Talbot – Theatre expected to be done before Thanksgiving (no fine). 
  • Dave Ennen – 3rd place in fishing competition. 
  • Frank Zurline – No Badge. 
  • Mike Hammes – Beard. 
  • Jim Johnson and Anna Williams. 
  • Anybody who has kids in grade school.
Program: by Erin McCallum, President of Enterprise Washington
  • Erin is a current Rotarian. 
  • EW's mission: Recruiting, training and electing business-minded legislators. 
  • EW's principles: 
    • Pursue non-partisan candidate recruitment and political action programs; 
    • Using non-partisan scientific data to drive strategic planning; 
    • Helps recruit, train and elect NEW legislators;
    • Ensures that political actions priorities are fully funded – we play to win;
    • Conducts all political operations within the laws and recommendations of the State of Washington. 
  • WA is a very diverse state, especially Whatcom County. 
  • The number one reason people don’t run for elected office: They are not asked. 
  • The Organization helped elected 9 Republicans and 2 Democrats. 
  • Why it matters - WA has a $500 million budget shortfall, $1 billion if including cash reserve requirements. Bipartisan leadership is essential. 
  • Provided slide showing 2012 preview of the competitive seats. 
  • Senate and House officials probably have bigger impact than Governors in general. 
  • Discussed how they determined who is “business-minded” - scoring system. 
    • Tri-Cities considered by EW as most business minded; 
    • Seattle/Capital Hill is considered least business-minded. 
  • Our 42nd District is considered by EW to be more in tune on fiscal issues. We have two freshman reps; and all three of our officials are over-performing. 
  • Money plays a big role. 
  • Cumulative contributions incumbents raised $309k vs. business community of $3mm. 
  • Business Institute – Tracks fundraising efforts. 
  • Washington Property Program / GROW – Sign up at EnterpriseWashington.org, share voting records, voter guides. 
  • Question/answers

Respectfully submitted,
Henry Lee