Flag Salute & Invocation by Brent Walker
 
Visiting Rotarians: None
 
Guests: Bob Yost! Jim Ferguson (Lesa’s husband), Terry Myers brought both daughters and a grandson!
 
Announcements
 
No board meeting in December, and no more lunches until January either!
 
Student of the Month
Nick Caples introduced our December SOM, Jordan Neyens, along with his parents  Brian and Cherie.  Squalicum councelor Cindy O’Brien said Jordan is an excellent student, taking several AP classes, and for volunteer work he is a longtime supporter of Relay for Life. He might go to UW or WSU.  Jordan said he started volunteering for Relay for Life (a cancer research fundraiser) since a young age (his grandfather had died of cancer).  The event consistently raised over $250K per year.  In 2014 the event will take place July 11 & 12. This year he will serve as their publicity co-chair. 
 
New member applications
 Two former members requested re-entry into the club. The membership committee approved the following for submittal to general membership:
  1. Bob Yost - banker @ North Coast Credit Union;
  2. George Bowen - banker @ Whidbey Island Bank;
These applications will be published in the Soundings for the next two weeks for comments and concerns.
 
Henry Lee said we are doing the Salvation Army bell ringing at Fred Meyer Lakeway on Dec 21st all day Saturday - thanks to the volunteers!
 
Bill Gorman is selling the “Brothels of Bellingham” books, $10/ea.
 
Bucks in the Bay
  • Christine back from NYC, saw Jimmy Fallon, good time;
  • Orphalee Smith grateful for the Chamber’s “Woman of the Year” award;
  • Brent Walker shared a story from former member Ed Zeck about drinking and driving.  And driving a cab;
  • Dannon Traxler thanks for donation to the Lawrence family, also her in-laws visited recently, and an upcoming trip to East Coast to see family;
  • Mimi Ferlin congratulations to Orphalee and Jim Talbot for receiving the Chamber’s “People of the Year” awards;
  • Terry Myers fun to have family here, glad mom also recovered enough to go home from Highland Care Center;
  • Jill Reid feeling blessed, happy holidays;
  • Celeste news on Days for Girls, the org was mentioned in Oprah’s O Magazine recently!
  • Patti Imhof congrats to Orphalee, attended Whatcom Chorale Symphonia saw Tonja there;
  • Bryant’s voice, proud of daughter’s math skills;
  • Bill Gorman $ to Foundation, honored to present the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement awards to Orphalee and Jim Talbot;
  • Stan Dyer $ to Foundation;
Program
The microphone was passed around and everyone told their favorite Christmas memories.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot