Becky Clark covers Aug. 26 - Gabby presentation

One of the last days of a Doubtful Summer dawned cool and clear, with many of our compatriots sailing through the waters of the Inland Passage to Alaska where, it was reported by the intrepid sailors, it was “pouring down rain in Ketchikan”. The remaining land locked Rotarians sang a rousing rendition of Willie Nelson’s “Blue Skies”, which was remarkably on beat and in tune, – the perfect start to a perfect day.

Alas, as our Head Technician was somewhere near Ketchikan and the Grange Hall was without the proper audiovisual equipment, our President suggested we “flip” the agenda for the morning. Whilst that was being done, the leaders of the Woodinville Fire and Life Safety District were able to come to the rescue, so to speak, to procure the needed equipment for our scheduled speaker.

Guests Pam Johnston, Debbie Wright and Sandra Rose were welcomed and Francia gave a brief rundown of her week. She registered for school and went school shopping, all in the same week, and reported that she “spent a lot of money”. One might draw the conclusion that this may be a world-wide teenage trait.

Being that the fire department personnel were still obtaining a projector, the meeting agenda was “flipped”, beginning with a reminder that the 2009 District Conference will be held in Victoria, BC this year. We were reminded, as well; that the Conference organizers are looking for video clips of what each Club is doing. If anyone is proficient at videography (or knows of someone), you are encouraged to come forward.

Our Wine and Shine Audience Development Chair, Linda Hendrickson, reminded us that there are only nine (9) tables left for captains and/or co-captains. Susan Webster is looking for a co-captain for her table; if interested please contact Susan. The chair of the Décor Committee, Vicki Puckett, asked for contributions of memorabilia related to your alma mater sports teams. Please be sure to put an identifier on the bottom of your item prior to giving it to Vicki who, by the way, knows that stuff is in your closet!

We are also reminded about the golf outing at Inglewood Country Club on Thursday, September 18^th. Rotarians are encouraged to get thee to the practice range and pray to the Golf Gods.

Moving ever onward, it was determined that if it’s August 26^th (it is), it must be Gordy Green’s birthday. In recapping his year, Gordy stated that the culminating event of an exciting year was the Pig Roast that was held at his estate earlier this month. He was amazed at the effort fellow Rotarians put forth and was most appreciative of all the help.

Sergeant at Harms, Larry Leonardson, levied an early departure tax on David Landau and a Dapper Dan award to the birthday celebrant (nicely turned out, in our collective opinion). Gordy tried to pay his fine with a fine waiver from April, 2004. That fact gives one pause to consider that perhaps some individuals need to be fined a little more frequently – it might encourage them to keep their finances in more current order. Max Zellweger was fined for the rumor that an additional crop is growing under, and in between, the vines at the local vineyards. Max simply stated that the possibility is not a bad idea (multi-tasking, as it were) and after all, all the proceeds go for scholarships.

President Boland thanked WFLSD Chief Dennis Johnson and staff for the expedient procurement of the needed equipment. Arnie was fined for missing several meetings (approximately 300) but was given a fine waiver from April 2004. We also celebrated Arnie’s birthday who declared that he was very proud of Gabby for making her trip and of his youngest son who just received his Doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

Jay Fiske offered Happy Dollars for making his publisher’s deadline as of 8:00 p.m. on the required date; look for the book wherever books are sold – the “Big Book of Benefit Auctions”.

Greg thanked Fitz for the recent airplane trip to Walla Walla (purchased at auction). Greg noted that the group made it there (and back) with no problems and assured the assembled group that Fitz did not participate in the wine tasting.

Bob Rosso offered a group wager for the Boise State/Oregon Ducks game. This reporter was not aware of any takers.

Prezident Boland announced that he and his college roommate finally got together this year for a golf tournament and won the whole thing1

Our program guest, returning Rotary Exchange Student, Gabby Wright gave a detailed description of her year in Ecuador, beginning with the latitude and longitude coordinates (0.0.0). She also gave us a treat – the fruit of the Yava which is a native fruit. Ecuador is a small country, about the size of Colorado, and has four regions; the Amazon, the Andes, the Pacific coast and the Galapagos Islands. Gabby lived in Quito, also known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. She told stories of shopping, the foods, transportation and monetary stories as well as the historical significance of the various sites she was able to visit. Gabby shared a wonderful array of pictures from bullfights, the Colonial District, the vast mountain ranges and Amazon vistas. She also announced that she will be returning to Ecuador with her grandmother in 10 months. As much as Gabby enjoyed Ecuador and the travels and friends she made there, her heart is in the Pacific Northwest and she is glad to be home. She expressed her deep appreciation to the Rotary Club, noting that this experience of a lifetime would not have been possible without Rotary support.

The meeting adjourned but not before Roger Stark won the white marble, noting that he does make his living with his hands. He very generously donated the $411 proceeds to the Marv Workman Business Scholarship Endowment, to a round of applause. Steve Dolan, on the other hand won the Oyster Granola.

Meeting adjourned.

Ace Clark, Rotary Reporter

Next Reporter:
Fitz - Sept. 9