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Nono’s Italian Family Get Together: Revisited It was slow-going, with multiple files in multiple formats too big to play on the internet without losing a lot of quality, which would make the Don very unhappy; but through perseverance and the power of Googling, we now have video from Nono's Italian Family Celebration. Thank you to John Martinka, Jim Kindsvater, and Ernie Hayden for their collaborative efforts. Jim used John's video camera, Ernie used Jim's camera, and John uploaded the files, running his battery out in the process! We are now experts in this subject (a joke; should be in Web Fun).
Tim Johnstone introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Alan Bohling outlined the day’s boating event and described the boats on hand, including a 53-foot yacht worth $1.6 million. Another was a 35-foot Colbalt capable of hitting 70 mph.
Jim Carney completed all the requirements of a new member and exchanged his red badge for a blue one. Members were treated to a golf skit to remind them of the upcoming golf outing July 30 at Willows Run.
Shortly after moving out from the Newport Yacht Club, a huge thunderstorm hit the area, dumping torrents of water. Those in the speedboats got thoroughly soaked. Those on the 53-foot yacht stayed dry, but the visibility was so poor that they stopped under the I-90 bridge to wait out the storm. It was then that lightning struck the bridge. No injuries, but like the team who rowed across the Atlantic, it made for memories and stories for the BBRC.
A Plug for the Rotary International Conference
John has been to two Rotary International conventions and said attendees learn so much more of the scope of Rotary. Highlights are the people you meet and the chance to partner with other clubs.
BBRC Rotary First Harvest Helpers Howard Johnson updated members on Rotary First Harvest, which would have another work party Saturday at Pier 91. The goal for the past Rotary year was to have the club supply 120 helpers for Rotary First Harvest. The year ended with the BBRC supplying 147 helpers.
Jeff Cashman led all others with 41, including one Saturday when he brought the baseball team he coaches. To honor Cashman’s effort, Howard presented him with a Starbucks card. Others singled out for strong effort included Paul Chapman, Jim Zidar, Kevin Jewell and David Bolson. They each received an ear of corn, in honor of sorting corn on a cold day in the Rotary First Harvest warehouse.
Proposed Members: Rambo, Shulman & Wescott William “Bill” Rambo Connie Shulman Phillip Wescott In accordance with our by-laws, if you have any comments on the candidacy of Bill, Connie or Phillip for membership, please contact Chris Ballard, Director of Membership.
"Row, Row, Row Your Boat! Nautical Tales & Rides!"
The effort was a two-year project, Dylan said. The four friends were looking to do something special together after college and saw a poster about the race. “We thought that was perfect,” Dylan said. They all moved to Seattle, took out loans, started a non-profit and ordered a hull. “Unfortunately, we didn’t know what we were doing,” Dylan noted. Fortunately, they had the help of the area’s strong maritime community to advise them.
As they set off off from New York, the wind was howling, but a strong current helped push them off to a good start. Once on the ocean, “we had a lot to learn,” Brad said. One thing was to avoid the international shipping lanes and the large vessels there. Another was dealing with Tropical Storm Alberto, which hit a week into the race. They read the weather reports and prepared, but still had to face 60 mph wind and 35-foot waves. The foursome road out the storm huddled together in one of the enclosures at one end of the boat, “getting way to close to each other,” Brad said. The team set a schedule of two-man teams rowing for two hours and then sleeping or taking care of other needs for two hours. That schedule continued 24 hours a day. "Days would go by," Dylan said, "when just brushing your teeth would be too much of an effort. What buoyed their spirits was the beauty of their surroundings. The four had dolphins with them every day and witnessed a stampede of dolphins one day. On the downside was constantly being wet. The team lived in their drysuits and kept the same clothes on for weeks on end.
When they seemed near bottom, they remembered their goal: the crossing and the race. Finally, one day, they heard an outboard motor, and as the craft pulled up, they were told they had just won the race. In celebration, Bryan opened a candy bar he had been saving for two weeks: “It was the best darn candy bar I’ve ever had.” Though they had technically won, the team decided to row the final 70 miles so they could complete a dock-to-dock experience. After 72 days at sea, they felt “incredibly grateful” to row to a safe harbor, Bryan said. As they approached the dock, people there went silent and “it really occurred to us what we had done,” Bryan said. At the end, they had something to drink, some food and “the best shower of our lives,” Bryan noted.
Actual Headlines of 2006 Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over Miners Refuse to Work after Death Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant War Dims Hope for Peace If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures Enfield Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
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Mitch Freedman gave the invocation and led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
President Phil jokingly reminded members that there would be a drawing for the 53-footer at the end of the meeting. 
Following the meeting, members embarked on their own sea journey, traveling on one of four boats provided by Seattle Boat. Like the rowers, members had their share of adventure.
John Martinka encouraged Rotarians to attend next year’s RI convention, which will be in Los Angeles. The goal is to have 10 Rotarians from the BBRC attend.
The day’s program had a nautical theme: Dylan DeValley and Brad Vickers told Rotarians of the race they and two friends made to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Four teams vied for the honor of being the first to row from New York to Great Britain. Three teams were from the United Kingdom. The U.S. team won the race.
"Preparation for the race took one-and-a-half years," Brad said.
There was an emotional toll, as well, Bryan said. Faces got sunburned and beards grew long — giving them the appearance of ZZ Top.
