Serving Bellingham for 80 Years

Meets every Tuesday Noon - Bellingham Golf and Country Club - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham Kiwanis Soundings

February 16, 2010

The February 16th meeting of Bellingham's Premier Service Club was called to order by President Jim at noon. Lyla Tjoelker agreed to lead us in America followed by the Pledge. Jim had 2 choices for invocator and so Barbara Audley graciously withdrew and Jim went straight for Bob MacIssac who did a fine job.

Guests:

Rhonda Shaffer introduced Meg who works for both the Bellingham and Ferndale Boys and Girls Club. Jim introduced an interclub-minus-one from Ferndale who introduced themselves; Dick Eddy, North Storms (our program) and Mel Hanson. Our permanent guest Bill Audley was introduced by wife Barbara. Ted Strand who arrived a few minutes late was also introduced but I'm not sure who his sponsor is.

Birthdays:

Young Mr. John Egan acknowledged that he had a birthday a few weeks ago and immediately started being harassed by Rich Emerson. There were also many jabs about having everyone older or everyone younger sing. In return, John asked Rich to sing a solo rendition of the birthday song. The solo was sung and it wasn't half bad! Bruce Jorgensen wanted to wait until next week which would be closer to his birthday. It appears he was financially embarrassed.

Announcements:

Tonight is a Green Bingo game without Captain Larry West. Can you believe he is lounging on the beach in Hawaii? Nancy Leavitt is taking his place and is ready to beat the last two weeks attendance records which have been over 70 players. Caller Dick Zagelow said it would be a piece of cake to have 80 in audience.

Barbara A. announced that the Board of Directors will be meeting at The Light House Mission New Life Center tomorrow at noon. Director Ron Buchinski will provide the lunch and the Board will be able to tour the playground site at the Agape House.

Layne Johnson (Community Service) announced that he had plastic bags for "The Neighbor To Neighbor" food drive for the Salvation Army Food Bank. We are being asked to fill the bags with non perishable food items along with help from neighbors and friends. This program replaces the "Walk and Knock" food drive and it is a lot easier than walking for miles, knocking on doors and asking for food. Let's get in and really support this effort. Layne will have the bags again at next weeks meeting.

Mr. Fundraiser, Ralph Gardner, reported on the Fundraising Committee breakfast and meeting last Saturday. Breakfast was held at the Lakeway Inn and the meeting at The Gateway Center. Those present were Joyce Gardner, Elizabeth Bennett, Danielle Paskewitz, John Howe, Nancy Larsen, Dick Zagelow, John Wilson and Rich Emerson (I hope I got all of us). The meeting was productive and planned marketing strategy for the potential mushroom composting project as well as the weekly Bingo Games. Ralph also announced that the Committee will meet this Thursday (18th) at the China Palace in Sunset Square at noon.

Interclub Chair, John Howe, reminded members about the Lake Whatcom Club interclub tonight at the Bob's Burger and Brew at Sudden Valley. Bill Audley taunted us with the program for tonight's meeting which will be 2 former police officers giving an inside report on the Officer shootings that have been plaguing us in the state. John reported that we have been averaging 2 Interclub's (a group of 4 Kiwanians attending another club's meeting) a month.

Happy Dollars:

John Wilson wanted to snitch on Ralph Gardner about last Saturday's meeting. Seems Ralph forgot his notes so he sent his wife Joyce back home to retrieve them while he went in and enjoyed a hot breakfast. By the time Joyce got back to the restaurant her breakfast was cold and Ralph had eaten most of it. It seems his notes weren't exactly where he told her to look so it involved a full scale search. Dick Z. thought Ralph should pay at least $5 for that one! In honor of Ralph's big boo boo, John read a series of very funny husband vs. wife jokes. Everyone had a good laugh….except Joyce who is probably still steaming.

Vaughn Hagen found a car wash ticket in his pocket as he was digging for his wallet and decided he better go get his car washed since they are only good until the end of March.

Bingo Caller Rich Emerson reported that he got heckled so bad at last weeks Bingo game that he had to turn his job over to Chelsea Roy. It seems the applause was deafening as Chelsea took his place.

Dick Zagelow is still enjoying the skiing his grand kids are forcing on him.

Barbara Audley, in honor of her 98 year old father, shared a very funny joke about older Italian men, golfing and wine.

Bruce Jorgensen paid a dollar to announce a new Community Service project in March where we will be doing a little sprucing up on the Big Brothers-Big Sisters building.

Rich Emerson asked Greg Wegrich to explain his red tee shirt that had "Believe" written across it. Seems Greg went to the Olympics yesterday and bought it and had a fantastic day with his family. Rich thought it should say "Make Believe" but I'm not really sure why!

Ralph Gardner read some play-on-word jokes for Rich that were real groaners.

John Howe found Rich's name tag on the floor which cost Rich big time!

Vaughn Hagen was announced as the "secret hand shaker" or knuckle knocker…whichever you prefer. Everyone who missed Vaughn had to cough up a fine, however it was announced that if you bought Vaughn lunch, he would probably give you a waiver.

Program:

Jan Armstrong introduced North Storms (Stormy) from the Ferndale Club. After telling us about himself and his life adventures, he talked about "ET….Not the Movie".

It was a very positive uplifting program about a terrible disease that he has been diagnosed with. It is called Essential Tremor and prevents him from doing many activities that most of us take for granted, like eating with normal utensils, writing, drinking a cup of coffee, opening a plastic bag in the grocery produce department, singing, playing musical instruments, etc. He made us repeat "Poor Me, Poor Me, Boo Hoo, Poor Me" several times reminding us that when we have to change our current way of living and adjust, that we should do it graciously and in good humor. Although there is no known prescription that helps, there are new studies that indicate that Vitamin B2 may have an impact on it after about 4-5 weeks treatment. He is looking forward to trying that treatment. Stormy taught us what a difference a positive attitude can make to help us through life's trials and tribulations.

After his presentation, Jim gave him a pen….this was not a good thing but he accepted it graciously and with a good laugh!

Next week's program will be about the Big Brother Big Sister program. Our own Dr. Bob Olson will participate in the program.