Rotary Club of Bellingham Tattler - OCTOBER 16, 2023
Tattler Reporter Tom Grinstad
Tattler Editor Tom Grinstad
Photographer: Aaron Booker
District Governor
David Lukov
Opening Welcome:
President Doug Cole brought the meeting to order somewhat early at 12:25. In his opening remarks, he quoted Martin Luther King, Jr., who said that “People fail to get along because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other. They don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”
The Rotary Brass gave a spirited performance of The Star Spangled Banner to open the meeting. They impressed everyone, even the district governor.
Guests:
Del VandeKerk introduced Pete Kirkman who joined the Rotary Brass also with visiting Rotarian George Halsell, Twin Falls, Idaho
Felicity Dye introduced our Exchange Student, Joao Vitor Haas de Macedo from Curitiba, Brazil
Members on Zoom: Steve Hager, John Harris, Catherine Riordan and Marty Haines
Mystery photo answer: John Moffat
Club Events and Committee Announcements
IMPORTANT - October 23rd we will be holding our regular meeting in Room 107/108 down the hall. Also November 6th.
The Community Boating Center is holding a ground breaking publicity ground breaking Friday, October 20th at 11:00 - 555 Harris Ave. Please attend. This was our 2021-22 Major Project.
There will also be a Service Project work party Sunday November 12th at 10-2. Bring gloves and rain jacket. You can go to Clubrunner to sign-up.
Dennis Williams announced the selection of the Major Projects Committee to help fund the new medical clinic at the Lighthouse Mission, which is currently under construction. Unlike previous fund drives each fund drive for this year and next will go toward funding the project for a total goal of $165,000.
Medical Clinic
Cost: $165,000
Our contribution would be used towards furnishing and equipping the multi-service healthcare clinic which we will share with local providers to ensure that our guests receive the medical care they desperately need. The clinic has two service rooms, two bathrooms, and a lobby. Guests have a variety of healthcare needs, ranging from common colds and infections to managing diabetes or undergoing cancer treatments. With our current one-room healthcare clinic located at our Base Camp facility, we have found that removing barriers, such as transportation, ensures guests will keep their appointments and get the healthcare they need. By bringing even more accessible healthcare to them, we will see more individuals in pain and discomfort be able to start the recovery process and journey to holistic health.
They are kicking off this years fundraising campaign and encourage members to get their donations and pledges in with checks made to the RCOB Foundation or paid by Venmo. Donations can be made to the RCOB Foundation, 2200 Vining St.,, Bellingham, Washington 98229
Dennis also reminded members that we have the "Giving Circle". Members who donate $1,250 or more to the Major Project are placed in the Giving Circle.
Our District Governor, David Lukov, gave People of Action Governor’s Awards to Felicity Dye for her many roles at both the Club and District levels, especially for her tireless work for the International Student Exchange program.
He recognized Shawna Naf for her tireless efforts with the Club, especially for her work bringing in new members.
The Board of Directors and the Classification Committee have approved the New Membership Application of Robert (Bob) Kuenzel proposed by John Moffat and Shauna Naf. He will be eligible for membership October 30th unless a written letter of objection is received on or before October 29th by Exec. Sec. Sandra Lindhout at rcob@comcast.net or 2200 Vining St., Bellingham, Wa. 98229
Board Briefs for October 12, 2023
Ward Naf and Teri Treat, Chairman of the Hands On Committee attending the meeting with concerns regarding meeting President Doug Cole’s goal of having 1 Service project per month. They are very disappointed with the membership participation of the projects recently with 6-8 participating. They have suggested that we go back to our traditional service projects, which total up to 6 per year unless participation changes and the board agreed. John Moffat thanks both of them for their efforts.
Dennis Williams, Co-Chairman of the Major Project Selection and Fund-Raising Committee attended. He presented the Committees recommendation to do a 2-year fund raising of $165,000 for the Light House Mission Medical Clinic in the new building. The first phase of the campaign will run October 2023 to June 30, 2024 for $82,500 and the second phase from October 2024 to June 30, 2025 for $82,500. The Board approved.
Greg Grant used the Rotary Moment to talk about his lifelong love of Lincoln cars, which began when he was 6 (5?) when a neighbor bought a new Lincoln. As a young man he began collecting various models of Lincoln's as well Lincoln memorabilia which he has stored in the “Lincoln garage”, where he has created an informal museum to the iconic Lincoln. He showed photos of the models he has in his collection. He invited anyone who was interested to call and arrange a visit.
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.
Assistant District Governor, Mike Bates, introduced our District Governor, David Lukov. Mr. Lukov is currently a funeral director and past president of the Mt. Vernon club. He started his career as a minister and then as a hospice coordinator. He began his talk noting that all civic organization from religious organizations to service organization have had declining membership. He attributed this to cultural changes and not to poor leadership. He asked the members present why they had joined Rotary. He noted that Rotary offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills. He then asked what made an effective leader. He illustrated he point with a story about three older men sitting on a park bench, reflecting on why their marriages had lasted so long. Two of them gave several reasons, such as common values and interests, resolving conflicts before bedtime, etc. The third, who had been married the longest said it was because of luck. Mr. Lukov translated that to mean the to be successful required opportunity in addition to other leadership skills.
He went on to ask how Rotary had broadened their perspective on the world and in our community. After several responses, he summarized that Rotary helped you feel part of something larger than yourself, analogous to a large family that works to make our communities and our world a better place.
In his talk he related four stories. Near the conclusion he asked questions about the first story, the three older men. All were able to answer the questions, which led David to reinforce the idea that stories are memorable. And of use in communicating with others. A way to recruit folks into Rotary is to tell your story – why is Rotary important to you?
He concluded his talk by announcing that there would be a one-day District conference on May 4, 2024 from 9-4 in the new auditorium at Mt. Vernon HS. The conference would be proceeded by bowling the evening of Nov. 3 and followed by a service project at Camp Korey, a camp for children with physical challenges on May 5th. Governor Lukov invited all to come and get their hands dirty.
Closing:
President Doug thanked all those who helped with the meeting and asked that everyone help with cleaning the tables. He also announced that the Board of Directors would be meeting with the District Governor immediately after the meeting.
Rotary Brass - Doug Cole, George Halsell, Del VandeKerk & Pete Kirkman
Dennis Williams - Major Project Announcement
Rob Olson - Minister of Fun
Mystery Photo - hunt for the answer in the Tattler
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.
Rotary Moment
