President Chuck opened the meeting, wishing all Club members and guests a happy "Leap Day."
Announcements:
Major Project Selection Committee - Peter Theisen and John Griggs, Co-Chairs
Reminder that the Major Project committee is taking applications for next year’s major project. March 30 is the cutoff date. Application forms may be found on the Club’s website.
Stop Hunger Now Project - President Chuck
President Chuck reported on the success of the Stop Hunger Now Project this past weekend. Approximately 150-160 people participated in packaging meals for shipment. In about 2 hours, approximately 42,800 meals were packaged!
Rotary District Events - President Chuck
Club members were reminded of two upcoming events: the District Conference at Semiahmoo from April 28th through May 1st; and, the Districting Training Assembly in Surrey, B.C. on April 9th.
Guest of Rotarians:
Del VandeKerk introduced Sally Baird.
Brad Burdick brought Jim Zoehror with Mt. Baker Theatre
Paula McCandlis introduced her husband Joe Dozal, Public Defender
Rick Kaiser brought his wife, Ann
Tim Farris introduced Andy Day, Battalion Chief with the Bellingham Fire Department
Teri Treat introduced speakers John Ritter and John Slagle
Presentations:
A Service Fund Grant check was presented to Mt. Baker Theatre for $500. While Mt. Baker Theatre has undergone many renovations since its construction in 1927, there are still some areas where safety standards are not up to par - particularly in the tower where workers climb to work on the roof. There are large openings in the floor which create an unsafe work environment. The funds will be used to purchase barricades to surround the floor openings.
Cathy Buckley reported on another successful Rotary ski trip, this time to Sun Peaks. Participating Club members had a wonderful time!
Program:
John Slagle and John Ritter joined us to share information about the new Technic Training Center in Lynden (the “Center”). The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides career and technical training opportunities for high school students to help them develop skills in woodworking, modern manufacturing, and business. The Center is sponsored by Lynden Door, and other local businesses, and was born out of the realization of the need for regional training in technical areas. The overriding goals of the Center are to transition youth into local jobs, mentor local youth, and train youth in industry and technology. It is a great advantage to the local community to have a well trained workforce.
The Center currently partners with local schools in Lynden, local businesses, volunteers and mentors to accomplish its goals. The first group of 14 high school students started just three weeks ago and are trained at the Center for 2 hours, every weekday, while earning high school credit for their time and efforts. The Center has compiled information on what local businesses are looking for when hiring, and is implementing these skills into its training, which include: professionalism; quality applicants; holding a foundation of skills; training in current technology; solution-focused learning; understanding of products; problem solving; creative thinking; and good attitude and character. In addition to the focus on wood manufacturing, the Center will train students on the following: safety science, material applications, hands-on skills, product design, CAD Design, CNC Machining, management, finance, marketing and sales. The Center has also created advisory committees to maintain relevance, accountability, and focus.
The Center intends to start serving more schools in the Lynden area by Fall of 2016 and expanding county-wide by Fall of 2017. In order to reach its goals, the Center needs continued community support and sponsorships. Such needs include access to high quality machinery, funds to cover costs for student participants, and supplies and materials (i.e. lumber, project hardware, computers, small tools, and machinery). For more information, interested Club members can contact John Slagle, Technic Program Director, at john.slagle@lyndendoor.com.
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