Rotary Club of Bellingham Tattler - SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
Tattler Reporter: John Dunne
Tattler Editor: Sandee Lindhout
Photographer: Aaron Booker
Guy Occhiogrosso
Bellingham Chamber of Commerce
Opening Welcome:
President Steve rang the bell, bringing the meeting to order at 12:30 PM. He based his welcoming message on the well-known quote from Paul Harris, “Service above self is the key to a fulfilling life.”
Guests:
Nathan Twining introduced our speaker, Guy Occhiogrosso with Bellingham Chamber of Commerce
George Halsell introduced his son, Simon, visiting from Boise, Idaho
Club Events and Committee Announcements
President Steve presented Shauna Naf with the People of Action award that she had missed during the visit by our District Governor two weeks ago. Congratulations Shauna!
She than showed why she received the award by promoting the new fundraiser “Mountainfilm on Tour,” which will be shown at the Syre Theater on Nov. 16 as a fundraiser for our Club. Tickets are $25/person. She said that they are looking for volunteers to work the event. Please see the Banner and link to it below for more information.
He then recognized Scott Herman for his work on the District Rotary Youth Exchange committee and the District RYE Country Officer for Latin America and Spain.
President Steve presented a long list of birthdays and wedding anniversaries. He noted all those who had membership anniversaries during September: JC Hickman, 37 years, Kathy Hughes, 22 years, Nathan Twinning 12 years, Jennifer Dowd, 2 years.
Felicity Dye updated the Club on our outbound student, Dawnlynn Chadwick, who is sending regular reports and photos from Monterrey, Mexico. Despite having some difficulty adjusting to the heat, she is having a wonderful time socializing with new friends. She likes her host family whom she describes as more spontaneous and fun-loving than her own family. Please see photos below.
Catherine Riordan was pleased with the turnout of Rotarians for one of Brian Griffin’s last history cruises. Catherine represented our Club, along with 13 other area clubs at the meeting of the International Service Club in Anacortes. She highlighted some of the projects the International Service Club has worked on.
Upcoming Event announcements:
September 29, 2024 RCOB President's Picnic at Steve & Jan's home. Click here to register
November 2, 2024 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? Call or text Brad Burdick at 360-303-3485 for more details or to sign-up.
Great food and conversation! Everyone brings something! Once you register, you'll receive an email with your secret location and instructions on what to bring. Options are either a salad, bread and hot side, or main dish or Dessert. But keep what you bring, and where you go a secret until you get to the host's door with your dish! That's part of the fun!
Singles and guests are welcome. Please check your calendar and contact Brad to sign up. You will get a confirmation email that will provide directions and food assignments. Let Brad know if you or your guest have mobility or dietary concerns and we will do our best to accommodate if possible.
Text or call Brad Burdick to sign-up at 360-303-3485 Today!
Nathan Twining, at the speaker’s request, gave a truncated introduction of today’s speaker, Guy Occhiogrosso, CEO and President of the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce.
Occhiogrosso has been a chamber leader in Whatcom County since 2006 and has proudly served the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2014. As President/CEO of this organization, he is responsible for the overall management and direction of the organization and its staff. He also advocates for members and the business community and serves as a community convener — someone who facilitates and engages in conversations about policies that impact the economic health of our region.
Guy asked the audience if we knew what the Chamber did. Those who responded focused on the Chamber's role in promoting Bellingham as a place to do business. However, for businesses to feel comfortable moving their business here, they need the infrastructure to support their employees. He stressed two issues that dissuade businesses from coming to Whatcom County: a lack of affordable/available housing and a lack of affordable/available childcare. He said that the Chamber was actively working on developing those resources.
At the end of the presentation there was the usual raffle drawing and then an additional two drawings to give away the two Bellinghamopoly board games Guy brought with him. Ironically, both went to George Halsell, who returned one of them to be raffled again. That one went to a member who already had one, so returned it to the raffle. Finally, it then went to Aaron Booker, who gladly took it to share with board game fanatics in his home. Aaron to the rescue again!
Closing: President Steve thanked all those who made the meeting possible, including this tardy Tattler reporter. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 with another hearty bell ring.
Rick Kaiser - Music
Members joining in!
Mike Plenkovich - Invocation
Museum History Cruise
September 3, 2024
Thanks Brian Griffin!!
Jan and Daver
Aaron & Kelly Booker
Marty Haines, President Steve and George Halsell
Felicity Dye narrates our Outgoing student, Dawnlynn Chadwick adventures in Monterrey, Mexico ending her 1st month
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.
