Rotary Club of Bellingham Tattler - August 26, 2024
Tattler Reporter: Doug Cole
Tattler Editor: Catherine Riordan
Photographer: Brad Burdick
District Governor
Dave Duskin
Welcome
President Steve opened the meeting at 12:25.
Rick Kaiser led a spirited rendition of both the Star-Spangled Banner and Oh, Canada!, the latter to honor our special guest, District 5050 District Governor Dave Duskin. President Steve commented that as immigrants, he and his family sailed into New York harbor 67 years ago and he always equates the hearing of the Star-Spangled Banner to that momentous event.
Doug Cole gave the invocation which dealt with taking time to talk to those who might be isolated or under-socialized.
President Steve’s Paul Harris quote: “Living a life of purpose is the truest form of success.”
Peter Kirkman was our Minister of Fun, the topic being singers who recorded songs before they were later recorded by well-known singers, and are known to many of us today, but could we remember the artist? Big yield for the club $$$ !
There will be no meeting next week due to the Labor Day holiday.
Guests:
Among the guests today were:
Assistant District Governor, Mike Bates
Debbie Kiene, Youth Exchange Officer for Bellingham Bay
Sue Parsons, Counselor for the Rotary Youth Exchange for our club (Shauna's Mom)
Nathan Lipinski, guest of Bill Day's
Felicity Dye introduced our newly arrived Exchange Students: Antonio Goni Janeiro from Spain being hosted by the Ferndale Rotary Club; Ambre Gillet from France being hosted by Bellingham Bay and the RCOB Students Keisuke Yamagishi from Nonoichi, Ishikawa, Japan and Haset Mekuria from Bishoftu, Ethiopia. (see photo below too)
Cal Mann, Rotary Club of Silicon Valley
Aaron Booker introduced his wife, Kelly
Club Events and Committee Announcements
There will be no meeting next week, September 2nd due to Labor Day. But see below for Sept 3 event!!!
George Halsell reported on a successful Hands Across the Border gathering last Friday at the Blaine border crossing. The event sold out several weeks prior to the event. Thanks to George for being our representative!
Upcoming Social Event: Aaron Booker announced there are 27 spots still available for the Whatcom Museum History Sunset Cruise on Bellingham Bay with our own Brian Griffin.Sign-up for September 3rd sailing before Brian retires after 16 years. Board the vessel at the Ferry Terminal at 5:45 and return at 8PMSign-up here
Experience the rich history of Bellingham Bay up close! The cruise offers stunning views of parks, businesses, industry, and neighborhoods. You’ll sail past historic landmarks, shipyards, and vibrant harbor activities, including workboats, pleasure boats, freighters, and tugboats. Keep an eye out for harbor seals and water birds, too.
Brian Griffin will narrate the cruise, sharing his extensive knowledge of local history, along with current bay activities and trivia. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the community.
Scott Herman announced a "Welcome to Whatcom BBQ Rotary Youth Exchange event" on September 19th 6:00 pm. Event will take place at Eddie and Rhonda Hansen’s 2351 North Shore Rd Bellingham. More details and sign up to come! All Whatcom County Rotarians and Host Families are invited to a Welcome Picnic to meet our new Exchange Student
Date Change for the RCOB President's Picnic to September 28, 2024 at 5:30 at President Steve and Jan's home, 403 Bayside Rd., Bellingham. Click Here to register
It will be a Potluck! Bring hors d’oeuvres, side dishes, and desserts, as well as BYOB.
President Steve will supply the main dish
Parking at the house is limited, so we encourage folks to carpool and park on the street, Bayside Road.
Felicity Dye introduced our newly arrived Exchange Students and they are pointing directions where they are from:
RCOB Student Keisuke Yamagishi from Nonoischi, Ishikawa, Japan; District Governor Dave Duskin; Antonio Goni Janeiro from Spain being hosted by the Ferndale Rotary Club; Ambre Gillet from France being hosted by Bellingham Bay and RCOB Haset Mekuria from Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
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.
Introduced by Assistant DG Mike Bates, District Governor (DG) Dave Duskin presented comments in line with the theme in the current Rotary Action Plan: Impact, reach, engage, adapt. He used his own 50 years as a Rotarian to highlight each theme. Dave joined Rotary in 1974 in what is now the Arlington Rotary club. He retired as an attorney in 2015 and has been heavily involved in District 5050 affairs. He provided a preview to the 2025 District Conference which will be held at the Tulalip Casino and Resort May 2-4, 2025. Before closing, DG Dave presented recognition awards to two of RCOB’s hardest workers, Shauna and Ward Naf. Congratulations! He also presented a 2023-24 Rotary Club Citation to past president Doug Cole for the outcomes achieved during his presidency. (Yes, it was a very good year. Thanks Doug.)
Closing: President Steve closed the meeting at 1:33.
Doug Cole presented Doug with the 2023-2024 Rotary Citation
Ward and Shauna Naf were presented the District Governor People of Action Award ( Unfortunately Shauna was absent)
Assistant District Governor, Mike Bates introduced DG Dave Duskin
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.
