The Friday Program:
Celebrating the Camp Orkila Centennial

By the look of things, over half of the BBRC membership present Friday for a program on 100 years of service at Camp Orkila had either attended camping experiences themselves or accompanied their kids to this gem of an attraction on Orcas Island. Chris Pierce, Executive Director of the Greater Seattle YMCA Camping Services, brought back memories for many as the camp celebrates its centennial.

The camp’s early history was set when the pioneer Colman family of Seattle (builders of the Colman ferry dock) began inviting YMCA camping at the family’s Agate Beach property on the Northwest side of Orcas Island. This was in 1906. In 1938, the family deeded the 174-acre property to the YMCA as a permanent camp.

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Friday Potpourri

A light spring rain fell as the mid-June meeting of the BBRC beckoned members to Glendale Country Club. President Steve banged the bell and the meeting was underway. Bob McKorkle gave the invocation and led the pledge to the flag. Jenny Andrews greeted several visiting Rotarians, asking each of their memories of Father’s Day.

President Steve announced the memorial service for Ben Cashman, father of BBRC past president and member Jeff Cashman, will be held at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21. Ben was a Rotarian’s Rotarian, serving in many capacities over the years, including serving twice as club president and as District Governor in 1980-81.

Because of the annual golf tourney hosted by Glendale, there will be no BBRC meeting on July 7. Regular meetings will resume on July 14, and the make-up for the missed July 7th meeting will be the BBRC Charity Golf Classic, set for Willows Run Golf Course in Redmond on Monday, July 17, with registration beginning at noon.

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After a great deal of discussion and deliberation the BBRC Walk-a-Thon Fundraising Committee has decided to change the date of the walk-a-thon from September 2006 to late-April/early-May 2007. Although a finalized date has not been determined, the committee is tentatively looking at Saturday, April 28th.

The factors that entered into this decision include:

• More time to secure corporate sponsorships external of the BBRC
• More time to plan and prepare as well as more time to work within City of Bellevue guidelines for venue
• Longer promotional period, including the opportunity to publicize the event online and via the local school systems
• Between now and September 9th many people are vacationing, making it very difficult to pull off an event like the walk-a-thon
• Puts less pressure on BBRC members and provides greater separation between the golf tournament and the second fundraising event
• Additional preparation time brings a greater likelihood of success and improvements in the bottom line

Chair Jenny Andrews said, “We are aware that April is a busy time and will ultimately select a date that does not conflict with spring breaks, Easter, the district conference or the BBRC retreat, which will likely be held in March again this year. We are also aware that the weather is less reliable in spring than in September. Across the board, however, the people I’ve talked with feel that the benefits of moving the event greatly outweigh the risks.”

Moving the event does not mean that the walk-a-thon committee will slow down. They will continue to meet regularly and to make progress toward our club goals.

“Thanks to all of you who have been so generous with your time and so willing to do whatever it takes to make this walk-a-thon a success. Your efforts ensure that, even in the coming transitional year, the BBRC will live its mission to create enduring change in the communities we serve,” Jenny concluded

If you have any questions, please contact Jenny (Ph 425-643-7117).

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Latest News on Rotating the Wheels

An old-fashioned newscast featuring two old-fashioned reporters brought Rotarians up to date on Rotating the Wheels. Tom Harrelson and Tim Leahy reeled off several jokes, all meant to provide interest in the Rotary Year’s last Hurrah — Rotating the Wheels. This is where the current regime is replaced by a new one, all without a coup d’etat.

Members are asked to go the BBRC website and let the committee know 1) whether you’re coming and whether you’ll bring a guest or two; or 2) whether you’ll not be able to make it. They need to know that, too. No matter what your plans are, CLICK HERE and say YES or NO to Rotating the Wheels.

The party is Friday, June 30, at Glendale Country Club. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. Dress is Leather & Chains, if you’ve got ‘em. If not, be casual. Remember Easy Rider is your template. Share this announcement with your partners and let’s all join together and have a great time! Sign-up deadline is this Friday, June 23, midnight.

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Sponsorships, Auction Items Needed for Golf Classic

Chuck Barnes, head of the Corporate Sponsorships Committee, is hopeful that everyone will participate in the onrushing golf tournament. “Our goal is to reach $35,000 in sponsorships ... now we’re at $21,000. Howard Johnson is to be congratulated for his generous commitment of $5,000 which is destined to support the Bellevue Community College continuing education program. Microsoft is also in at $5,000.”

There are other sponsorships available. A Complimentary Hole Sponsor is priced at $200 a hole. Recently, Jim Givan offered to sponsor a hazard!

Bob McKorkle shared the microphone to tell his audience “how thoroughly ingrained in fundraising we are. We are sponsoring a Lifestyle Auction to close out the Golf Classic and everything offered will go for an exorbitant price. You, members, donate lifestyle auction items, and we turn around and auction them for exorbitant prices! If you’ve got wine as an auction item, contact Fred Barkman.”

Phil Salvatori added his announcement about the BBRC Putting Tournament. “Something entirely new is the Putting Tourney, which is set for Rainbow Run at the Willows Run course. It gets underway at 3:30 p.m. (contrary to other reports) where prizes will be doled out to the winners. Cost is $20 for kids 14 and under and most of the BBRC at 65 and older and $30 for adults. This is a perfect opportunity for those who don’t really golf to take their hand at the Putting Tournament. Sign-up sheets are available.”

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Jim Givan Invades Duvall

How many people do you know who have a display of 350 flags in their front room? We’re talking about former BBRC member and past District Governor Jim Givan. Colonel Givan has never been shy about his patriotism, nor his dedication to a cause, i.e., “Gimme an I!”). Jim was invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Duvall on Flag Day, so he and his wife Sheron brought the appropriate number of flags to bolster his talk.

The date for his presentation was Wednesday, June 14, which is Flag Day. “It seems we miss this date on our calendars as far as flying Old Glory is concerned,” said Jim. Most communities roll out their flags on Main Street for our major holidays, and Flag Day is one of them.

So, how many American Flags are there from the beginning? The answer is 28. On January 1, 1776, George Washington ordered the Grand Union Flag to be flown on Prospect Hill in Boston, where the Continental Army was laying siege to the British. That first flag had 13 alternating white and red stripes and the British Union Jack in the left corner field. That was the first American flag.

But, it didn’t last long, because a new flag was commissioned in May of 1776 which featured the 13 stars on a blue field, signifying the 13 original colonies. This is the flag that Betsy Ross is reported to have sewn.

On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved: That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

Between 1777 and 1960, Congress passed several acts that changed the shape, design and arrangement of the flag and allowed for additional stars to be added to reflect the admission of each new state.

• Act of January 13, 1794 - provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
  
  
• Act of April 4, 1818 - provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state, signed by President Monroe.
  
  
• Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
  
  
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
  
  
• Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizontally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically.

Today flag #28 consists of 13 horizontal stripes, 7 red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies; the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.

So, Jim and Sheron had 28 flags to show the progression of changes in the American flag. The Givans have what may be one of the largest displays of flags, a fact that is not lost on Rotary Districts and Rotary International, who has found that Jim brings his collection where it’s needed on his own dime. “I now have 350 flags, which represent about 200 international flags of various countries and particularly the 168 countries where Rotary has a presence.” This collection wasn’t built in one fell swoop, but grew as the demand grew.

“For instance, I needed the provincial flags of Canada, since our two countries are intertwined as far as Rotary in concerned. There was a demand for flags of the various nations, including those who belong to the United Nations, but may not have a Rotary presence. Pretty soon, I needed some U.S. State flags and before I knew it, I had all 50!”

Jim has devised a clever way to transport the entire display. He has a trailer which holds all 350 flags that are attached to wooden poles for indoor display, or PVC poles for outdoor display. Each flag is carefully wound around each pole and held with a rubber band. Then, a sleeve of Marine-Corps camouflage material slips over each individual flag.

Jim has 350 brass stands for each of his flags. They are stored and transported in a wooden box holding 8 stands. These form the outer shell of the protection of the flags as they travel. He’s taken the entire batch to several Rotary International or Zone meetings in California as well as displayed at last year’s Centennial Convention in Chicago.

In the near term, Jim’s flags will appear along the two-block downtown of Johnson City, Washington, for their annual Fourth of July parade. This little town is just south of Pullman and the celebration attracts thousands of people each July. On July 17, Jim will bring a selected group of flags to Olympia, when the nation’s Lieutenant Governors will gather for their annual meeting. At the same time, the Counsel Generals of countries with representation in the U.S. will also meet and Jim will bring along those flags.

Then, in his home of Yakima on July 20-22, the flags will fly at the Vietnam Moving Wall display.

We don’t know anyone who has a hobby like Jim has. And, we don’t know anyone who has a wife who helps Jim display the hobby. Sheron is particularly pleased to assist since Jim has moved his storage of flags to a special room in the garage, opening up her living room for the use it was intended.

The Rotary Club of Duvall enjoyed the visit of the Givans. And the Givans enjoy showing off the display of flags, especially on Flag Day.

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Alan Forney Hall of Famer

As some of you know, your editor moonlights as a Sports Clerk at the Everett Herald. While going through some back issues, a feature published in 2005 listed the “Top 50 Athletes in Snohomish County’s history.”

A familiar name and face popped up for #30. Our own Alan Forney was selected Number 30 in that 50’s list. Forney, a graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School in 1978, went on to become a member of highly successful rowing crews of the 70’s and 80’s.

Alan helped the UW Huskies crew to three Pac-10 titles from 1979 through 1981. In 1982, he competed in the World Championships for the U.S. National Team. In 1984, his crowning achievement was that year’s Olympics when he won a silver medal in the four-person event. Alan was enshrined in the University of Washington’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

A little late, perhaps, but congratulations, Alan!!

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The Friday Program:
Celebrating the Camp Orkila Centennial

By the look of things, over half of the BBRC membership present Friday for a program on 100 years of service at Camp Orkila had either attended camping experiences themselves or accompanied their kids to this gem of an attraction on Orcas Island. Chris Pierce, Executive Director of the Greater Seattle YMCA Camping Services, brought back memories for many as the camp celebrates its centennial.

The camp’s early history was set when the pioneer Colman family of Seattle (builders of the Colman ferry dock) began inviting YMCA camping at the family’s Agate Beach property on the Northwest side of Orcas Island. This was in 1906. In 1938, the family deeded the 174-acre property to the YMCA as a permanent camp.

In addition to the Orcas holdings, the Colman’s owned the 107-acre Satellite Island, which is 10 miles west of Agate Beach. The sale was made in 1947 for a mere $10,000. The same year, 1947, Robert Moran, founder of Rosario, donor of Moran State Park on Orcas Island and a noted shipbuilder, gave 10 acres at Twin Lakes to the YMCA. In 1974, the Y purchased the 190-acre Darvill farm adjacent to the Agate Beach holdings.

What began as a remote camp for white, Christian boys has branched out to include all walks of life. Pierce said that 21,000 kids will make use of the facilities this year. “We’ll begin the 100-years celebration with a kick-off next week at McCaw Hall.” He showed a snippet of the documentary DVD that’s been produced showing the visual history of this historic camp. “With the gift 100 years ago by the Colman family, Camp Orkila is a place filled with memories and emotion. Orkila has had a great impact on our community,” Pierce said.

The camping director enumerated some of the programs that have put their stamps on hundreds of thousands of kids and adults these past 100 years:

• Parent-child program, which speaks for itself
• Outdoor education, special introduction to 6000 campers each year
• Family camping and women’s wellness programs.
• Perhaps the most famous and looked-forward-to event would be YMCA Summer Camp. This year, it will host 4,500 kids, ages 8 to 17. The first summer camp session begins in on July 1.

Pierce pointed out that 70% of last year’s staff are returning, and were former campers themselves.

Not all is well in the world of camping. “It’s sad to note that the last few years have fallen on bad times for camping. Camps are being sold across the country for other development. They’ll be lost forever and millions of kids may not have the camping experience,” lamented Pierce.

Camp Orkila is not only one of the largest camps in operation in the United States, but it may be the best funded. “With so many interested families, we’ve been able to keep our facilities in good shape to handle all comers. Visitors are always welcome to come and spend a day and watch the kids play. The camp is always open.”

On the subject of resources, Pierce said a capital campaign is beginning with a goal of $3.5 million to upgrade the property. “We’ve raised $321,000 to send kids to camp this year. The Boeing Company has sponsored a publication entitled "100 Lessons Learned at Camp" – a perfect resource for our Centennial celebration.”

This Thursday, June 22, the McCaw Hall event will premiere the documentary DVD and people are coming from all over to participate. When asked about seeing Camp Orkila in action, Pierce said the “parent-child program is one of the best in the country and a day trip would fit well for a visit of that kind.”

The capital campaign is designed to preserve and protect the infrastructure of the camp. A new health center is planned, particularly serving children with diabetes. The Capital campaign is to bolster upkeep and bring the camp up to speed.

Our own Scott Sadler, Eastside YMCA Executive, added a postscript that the Y is going for a special $68 million campaign which will cover all the activities of the organization.

And, so ended the trip down memory lane with Chris Pierce, the YMCA camping director. He received a certificate for his visit, noting that a book has been donated to the King County Library System in support of Rotary’s Literacy program.

Thanks to Scott Sadler for his introduction.

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Web Fun

A Poem for Golfers

In my hand I hold a ball, white and dimplet, rather small.
Oh, how bland it does appear, this harmless looking little sphere

By its size I could not guess, the awesome strength it does posses.
But since I fell beneath its spell, I've wandered through the fires of hell.

My life has not been quite the same, since I chose to play this game.
It rules my mind for hours on end, a fortune it has made me spend.

It has made me curse and cry, I hate myself and want to die
It promised a thing called par, if I can hit it straight and far.

To master such a tiny ball, should not be very hard at all.
But my desires the ball refuses, and does exactly as it chooses.

It hooks and slices, dribbles and dies, or disappears before my eyes.
Often it will have a whim, to hit a tree or take a swim.

With miles of grass on which to land, it finds a tiny patch of sand.
Then has me offering up my soul, if only it would find the hole.

It's made me whimper like a pup, and swear that I will give it up.
And take to drink to ease my sorrow, but the ball knows ...

I'll be back tomorrow.

• • •

No Bull

A brunette arrives at the stockyard, inspects a bull, and decides she wants to buy it. The man tells her that he will sell it for $599, no less.

After paying him, she drives to the nearest town to send her sister a telegram to tell her the news.

She walks into the telegraph office, and says, "I want to send a telegram to my sister telling her that I've bought a bull for our ranch. I need her to hitch the trailer to our pickup truck and drive out here so we can haul it home."

The telegraph operator explains that he'll be glad to help her, then adds, "It's just 99 cents a word."

Well, after paying for the bull, the brunette only has $1 left. She realizes that she'll only be able to send her sister one word.

After a few minutes of thinking, she nods and says, "I want you to send her the word "comfortable."

The operator shakes his head. "How is she ever going to know that you want her to hitch the trailer to your pickup truck and drive out here to haul that bull back to your ranch if you send her just the word 'comfortable'?"

The brunette explains, "My sister's blonde. The word's big. She'll read it very slowly ... Com-For-Da-Bull!

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