Soundings (3/6/12)

Posted by G. Stowe Talbot 
 
 
Flag Salute & Invocation by Tony Freeland

Visiting Rotarians: None

Guests: Margarita Vartanyan, Christine's soon to be daughter-in-law Natalie Dunbar, Kevin Beason.

Announcements 

Friendship team from Germany (probably 4 people), we are still looking for homestays here in Bellingham!  This will take place at the end of May, exact dates to be determined.

Glendine Barley says the RYLA application deadline is March 20th - online only.  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.  Please think of a young person to nominate.

Mark Turner says this Saturday is our volunteer service project at Black Mountain Boy Scout Camp. Camp Ranger Jeremy "Ox" Casados has asked for our assistance to install approximately 1/4 mile of wire fence along the north property line. Tools and equipment will be provided by the camp. Volunteers should bring work gloves, lunch, and water. Dress for the weather.  We need a crew of at least 6 people and expect the job will take 4-5 hours. Meet at 8am Saturday, March 10 at the southeast corner of Sunset Square to carpool from Bellingham to Black Mountain. Sign up by sending an e-mail to Mark Turner or on the signup sheet at tomorrow's meeting. Questions? Give Mark a call at 671-6851.

June 1-3 is next District Conference @ Semiahmoo.

Board meeting will be this Thursday at Dennis Archer office
 
Bucks in the Bay
Orphalee Smith for Tony Freeland's wife's clef palet volunteer work overseas;
Art Runestrandt, 84 years old, explained how he broke his femor bone in December, blah blah blah detailed medical conditions blah blah blah urine bottle;
Ken Oplinger wife got a new job (working for Lynn Templeton at B&G Club);
Doug Wight announced new office building opening this Thursday afternoon - please everyone come - also a 65th birthday!
Steve Brummel WWU basketball teams having a great year;
Dick Stark said local HS basketball teams did great at State (two State trophies!);
Donna missed meetings, attended the State basketball tourney in Eastern WA braving the snow over the passes;
Dr. Curt Smith teased Art, proud of the Lynden teams;
Stan Dyer with some serious $ for our Foundation, Jake Locker with be speaking Sunday at Cornwall Church;
Henry Klos for missed meetings and trip to Anahein.

Sergeat at Arms by Henry Klos
Trivia on the 1970's and 80's.  

Program
Steve introduced Kevin Beason, who heads the local chapter of Jobs for Washington Graduates (JWG) - a national drop-out prevention program (JAG) for at-risk teens:  
  • staying in school through graduation or GED;
  • pursuing post-secondary education;
  • securing a quality entry level job that can lead to a career.
Serves over 750K young people nationally.  The program started over 30 years ago, but the WA state affiliate is the newest (opened two years ago).  Five sites (in high schools) in Whatcom county.  The first step is to identify what kids might be at risk, and then figure out what barriers they have to graduating and getting a quality job (academic, personal, environmental and income).  JAG works to develop their "core competencies":
  • career development;
  • job attainment (how to write a resume, how to be interviewed, etc.)
  • job survival (how to be disciplined, show up on time, work as a team, etc.)
  • basic skills (reading writ in arithmetic)
  • leadership
  • personal skills
JAG is very effective and meeting its goals: 93% successful graduation rate.  How can you help?  Offering employment, internships, job shadowing, volunteering opportunities, and of course fundraising. 

Jim McCallum wins the drawing.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot