Slide show prior to the opening bell included pictures of Rotary events, Rotarian travelers, and Rotary gestalt.
Opening Bell: Open by President Alvestad at 7:28 am. Invocation: by Emma Conway. Pledge of Allegiance: by Mike Pinch. Song: “God Bless America,” by Hal Cline and speaker Honorable Justice Debra (aka Brenda) Stephens. Four Way Test: by Al Weaver. Greeters: None noted.
Visiting Rotarians: Introduced by Coach – Honorable Justice Stephens (Olympia) and Ralph Flick (GH MidDay). Guests: Hal Hodgins introduced his wife Gretchen, Honorable Justice Debra Stephens, her husband Craig Stephens, and Gig Harbor’s own Honorable Justice Charles Johnson. Ben Paganelli reintroduce John Guardia. Cindy Reed introduced Ralph Flick and his son Noah, our outbound exchange student. Jeff Harris reintroduced prospective member Ian Warren. Camilla Brocker introduced her mother-in-law, Omahan Betty Brocker.
Opening Comments: President Alvestad noted that the restrooms are now working. He also noted that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and was disappointed in the insensitive people that did not wear pink. He reminded the group that November is Rotary Foundation Month and men’s health issues month. For emphasis he shared a picture of Hal Hodgins celebrating “Movember” with a full beard.
Announcements:
- Calendar – President Alvestad highlighted the upcoming meetings including the Auction Committee (meeting under a green awning), Vocational Committee, RV Group, and Youth Services. Check your emails and the website for more information.
- Rotary 101 – President Alvestad reviewed Rotary Gestalt 1 and 2 and presented Rotary Gestalt 3, where there is fellowship for everyone from Gourmet Cooking to Magna Grecia (Great Greece). (Perhaps the two are related – do gourmet cooks use Great Grease in their cooking?)
- Birthdays – Walt Paulsen acknowledged October birthdays, including Steve Skibbs, Annmarie Huppert, Chief Kelly Busey, Fred Labeyen, Cindy Reed, Sharon Shaffer, Debbie Wittmers, Howard Mackert, Al Abbott, Stan Eastberg, Gary Glein, and Tim Toerber; as well as anniversaries.
- New Member Induction – Annie Arbenz introduced our newest member John Guardia and his sponsor Ben Paganelli. Ben shared how much he and John have in common and then either quit the club or went off on a scuba diving vacation, not clear. Duane Fister saved the day by conducting the induction and welcomed John as the “World’s Newest Rotarian” as of 7:46:45 am (PDT).
- Veterans’ Day Event – Ben Paganelli returned to make sure Rotarians plan to attend the Veterans’ Day Celebration on November 12. Cost for Lunch is $15, free for Veterans. Ben encouraged the group to invite Veterans, Vet Techs and people who like animals.
- Paul Harris Society Membership Presentation – Bob Martin shared some of the different ways to donate to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), including “Every Member Every Year,” “Sustaining,” and “Paul Harris Society Membership.” Bob introduced one-half of the GH Rotarians that are Paul Harris Society Members, those who choose to give $1,000 or more every year: Duane Fister, Jim Good, Rod Ladd, Ed Lindstrom, Debbie Miller, Jan Martin, and Don Rees. With the other half, introduced at a later time, this group helps the club meet its TRF $25,000 goal by giving more than half of that total!
- Basket Brigade – David Cathers announced, without a tear, that this will be the 25th year for the basket brigade. Last year nearly 1,600 families were served. He encouraged local businesses and groups to come up with challenges to help raise items.
- Sip ‘N Stroll – Lee Smith reminded everyone that the Sip ‘N Stroll is tomorrow. There are still tickets available and he could use a few more volunteers for backup.
Fines and Happy Bucks: David Cathers was the fine master. The group decided that Peter Glein, with one eye, would be safer on the road than Coach. Hal Cline was fined for forgetting the Honorable Justice Stephens first name (not an honorable thing to do). Cindy Reed was fined for her squirrel problem and reminded not to take it on an airplane. Paul was allowed to pass his $3 fine for his slides to someone else, but Mel Santos was absent. Annie Arbenz was fined for not wearing her badge as a good role model for new member John Guardia. Bob Martin and Rod Ladd were asked about an RV fire and Mark Hoppen was fined because “it’s been awhile.” Finally, Ben Paganelli was fined for pretending to not remember John Guardia’s name. Happy bucks were offered by Buck Frymier for Juanita Carbaugh’s pilgrimage and the latest prison program graduating class, and Steve Skibbs for the Boston Red Sox.
Drawing: Eric McGinnis ran the raffle. The pot was $237 and seven chips. Lee Smith won the 10 free tickets for next week and Rod Ladd won the right to draw from the chips for the chance at the pot. He drew the white chip for a consolation prize.
Program: The Honorable Justice Debra Stephens, Washington State Supreme Court, presented “Rights and Responsibilities Under Two Constitutions.” She introduced Justice Charles Johnson (to answer the tough questions). Justice Stephens spent some time on interpretation of the law, including “plain” language. Some examples brought back great “Schoolhouse Rock” memories of conjunction junction and the definition of the word “it.” She mentioned that ambiguity is a Justice’s best friend. She asked if a woman in a motorized wheelchair could go into a park. Coach quickly responded with, “no she can’t.” Other issues were not so clear. She compared the State and US Constitutions and finished by talking about the clash of rights and responsibilities under competing constitutional provisions.
President Alvestad ended the meeting at 8:35 am.
Notes by Chuck Cuzzetto
I see the "Taverna" sign, but don't know if they are coming or going!
