John Moffat, program chair, in lieu of a couple of other guys biking in Europe, welcomed us to today's meeting. His brief overview of the evolving celebration of Memorial Day in this country ended with a reminder that it would be inappropriate to wish someone a 'happy Memorial Day.' Good advice for those walking in the parade.
Guests:
John Moffat introduced our speakers Alan Alatorre-Barajas & Jaime Friedrich
Members on Zoom: Loch Trimingham, Jack Westford, Sandy McIntire, Mike Bradburn and Monty McAllister
Club Events and Committee Announcements
There is No meeting next week, May 27th due to Memorial Day. The June 3rd meeting will be our annual Student Scholarship Presentation and will be held in the Syre Theater. You will need to order meals ahead so please register on clubrunner if you want a meal. If you do register and do not want a meal so indicate in the "Comments" section. Register by Wednesday, May 29 at noon as meals need to be ordered.
Memorial Day Parade
RCOB will be part of the downtown Memorial Day Parade this Saturday, May 25, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Members are encouraged to sign up to walk in the parade on the website at: bellinghamrotary.org or https://portal.clubrunner.ca/264/Event/memorial-day-parade
Watch for an email with information on where we are to meet prior to the parade.
Major Awards
The Executive Board is looking for nominations for the club’s Major Awards. People are encouraged to consider the criteria and send nominations to Executive Secretary Sandee Lindhout or the Executive Board: Doug Cole, Paul Grey, Steve Ban, John Moffat or Steve Gray. Nominations will be accepted through mid-May. Click Here for List of previous awardees
Memorial Park
Teri Treat gave aBig thanks to those who participated in the Memorial Park cleanup. It went swimmingly.
Music Committee
John Dunne announced Del VandeKerk will no longer co-chair the Music Committee effective July 1st. George Halsell has now accepted that responsibility.
This book provides a framework for maximizing your retirement, whether it's now or in the future. Retirement isn't about sitting around doing nothing. "Only by being physically, intellectually, and creatively challenged can individuals find satisfaction and fulfillment in their leisure activities." You must put thought and effort into building a successful retirement. Finances are part of that, but only part; this book talks about the other parts.
For example the author advocates making a "GET-A-LIFE TREE" by generating retirement activities by writing down ideas based on: Activities that excite you now, Activities that excited you in the past (but you have stopped doing), Activities that you have thought of doing (but haven't done yet), Activities that will get or keep you physically fit.
WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE? In the absence of meaningful activities, we will most likely fall into activities that are easy but do not provide real personal satisfaction. While these activities are fine to indulge in occasionally, they can also become the default in our retirement: Watching television for hours on end, gambling, shopping with no real purpose, junking out on food or drink, and rehashing yesterday's news.
PEOPLE HAVE THREE IMPORTANT NEEDS - PRE AND POST RETIREMENT: Purpose, Community, and Structure. Work hard to meet these needs into retirement.
EXERCISE - BODY AND MIND:
Keeping your physical health up forever is impossible, but that doesn't mean you should ignore it,
Your mind needs a good run too,
Learning is for life - be a lifelong learner,
Your wealth is where your friends are,
Travel and explore.
NATHANS FINAL THOUGHTS:
This is one of the better retirement books that focuses on things outside of finance that are critical to an active and fulfilling retirement. Unlike many other "self-help" style of books, this one actually gives you actionable items that you can utilize to brainstorm and plan with. Nathan recommends it for anyone who finds they are lacking direction in retirement or who is considering retirement in the near future.
Weekly Payment Reminder
VENMO:
@RCOB- Bellingham.
Give Sandee a call if you need help. 360-734-5532.
CASH / CHECK:
Yes, we still take these and saving on fees is appreciated.
Program Chair John Moffat introduced the speakers, giving an overview of their professional preparation, education, and experiences in our region.
Vamos Outdoor Projectprimarily serves youth from Latin America who are in Whatcom & Skagit counties.
In 2023 1145 students were served, 13 programs were in play with seven employees, a budget of $520k, and over 20 strategic partnerships.
The programs often include transportation, meals, equipment, bilingual and representative mentors. They have outdoor programs throughout the year, in seasons appropriate for that activity, including climbing, biking, swimming, watercraft, backpacking, and snowboarding. Several community partners, such as the community boat program and YMCA make the rock climbing, biking, and camping programs possible.
Vamos also does education-adjacent programming. In the summer they have enrichment programs for migrants and during the school year, they reach a broader range of Latine students with after-school programs in Bellingham, Lynden, Burlington-Edison, Nooksack, and Mount Vernon school districts. For example, they have a bilingual program where they read books produced by Latine authors and do artistic and physical activities. Their goal is for children to be motivated to speak, write, and read in Spanish.
Throughout all these programs they work to mitigate the effect of “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACE), by supporting physical and mental health, learning new skills, socio-emotional learning, and making friends. They frame their work as “developmental justice.”
In so doing, they establish trusting relationships with kids, connect families with local resources, and increase their engagement in schools and the community. A sense of belonging begins as they create a positive connection with their new home. They engage in outdoor spaces and activities, which grows their confidence. Students often realize they are more capable than they had thought.
Look them up on the web by clicking here. The Vamos office is at 4120 Meridian St. and their phone 360.483.9606.
Closing:
John closed by thanking our guests for their presentations and programs in our community. He thanked all for our continuing service, including the impending room cleanup of the room. He offered a quick reminder about the parade and parade signup and we were off.
RCOB apparel, including polo shirts, dress shirts, vests and hats is now available. These are items that every Club member simply must have in his/her wardrobe! Besides looking great, Club members will be contributing to branding for the RCOB as well as supporting our Club's Foundation, which will receive part of the proceeds.
Click on the button below for the the clothing catalogue, with the Order Form on the last page. Fill out the order form, turn it into Vinson Latimore at a meeting or email a scanned copy to embroidery@choicesscrubs.com.
Book Review
