Alan Nelson covers guv's official visit

Cruising down the hill from Casa Nelson up above the wineries, the valley this morning was full of mist and fog with the sun trying to peak through. With the calendar 'clicking' over to September and the football season beginning, it certainly seems like summer is over, though the 'sun dial' says there are a few days left. For this humble reporter, it is great being back in these pages with my inaugural column in the Crimson Chris (AKA Chris B.) regime. Hissoner gaveled us to order, with "Big Red" (AKA Dr. Roger S.) leading us in our flag salute, the Stanford Indian (AKA Erv D.) subbing for the Idaho Vandal (AKA Hugo) doing the invocation.

Crimson Chris stepped to the podium and introduced our guest speaker for this morning' Jesse Tam, District 5030 Governor. Jesse is Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Regal Financial Bancorp with being his first (and last) year as District Governor. Woodinville Rotary marks the 35th visit for Jesse out of 55 clubs that he is to visit this year, which is quite an accomplishment, considering he is only about 60 days in his tenure as our governor. Jesse is a 24 year Rotarian and he encouraged our club to continue to help the local community and use the synergistic power of multiple Rotary clubs to accomplish projects. He spoke of the first ever (for district 5030) after hours event that occurred a few weeks ago and the success of it. He is planning on doing more district wide events with the North Sound area next on the agenda. He spoke highly or our club and our increase in membership over the last few months. He encourage all of us to continue to invite prospective new members to a meeting, with the meetings being the impetus for someone to join. Lastly, Jesse encouraged all of us to attend the District 5030 conference in Victoria, BC and the International conference in Birmingham, UK. A standing ovation was given to Jesse upon his conclusion. This reporter joined in the ovation and would like to thank Jesse and his wife Lilly for taking the time to join us for breakfast this morning.

Giuseppe (AKA Joe T.) reported on the "Cruisin' with Marv" trip up north with the 29 adult members gaining a collective 279 pounds on the trip and all the attendees having a wonderful time. There is serious talk of this being an annual fund raising excursion. Eric G. spoke of the need for more "pre steroid" items for the silent auction and Giuseppe reported that the invitations are in the mail. Wayne P. and our local sheriff (AKA Don F) celebrated birthdays, though they 17 years apart. The local Hawkeye (AKA Dr. Al M) collected some guilt taxes and happy dollars.

In conclusion, Crimson Chris reported that there was no need for a joke this morning, his beloved Cougars provide the joke last Saturday on the field. With this being an election year, equal time was given to the Dawgs this past Saturday and they performed just as bad as the Cougars.

As usual, thanks for listening.

Alan Nelson, Rotary Reporter

Next Reporter:
Fitz - Sept. 9