Presentations:
Joe Coons announced that the 2015 David C. Morse Sr. Award for Community Service goes to Margaret Curtis. Margaret has been President of the RCOB, a prominent business women in Bellingham for over 20 years and a leader and supporter of many Bellingham organizations. Community boards of directors on which she has served include the County Housing Authority, the Mt. Baker Theater, the YMCA, the Whatcom Land Trust, the Whatcom Community College and the Western Washington University Foundation. In her letter of nomination, she was specifically cited for her support of young people, especially young women, in areas of education and career development. Members of the Club join together in congratulating Margaret on her well-deserved receipt of the Morse Award.
Chuck Snyder, who next week will be installed as our next Club President, gave a brief overview of what he will emphasize and hopes to accomplish during his presidency. Chuck made of point of distinguishing between being “members of Rotary” and “Rotarians”, hence a major theme of his term will be to encourage all members to be “Rotarians”. Other plans include increasing interaction of our club with other clubs in the area, beefing up the club social activities, growing club membership and concentrating on development of an exciting meeting program.
Program: Bellewood Acres - Dorie & John Belisle
Program Chair Del VandeKerk introduced our program speakers John and Dorie Belisle, the founders and owners of Bellewood Acres. Bellewood Acres, now a major Whatcom County apple producer, operates a retail store and program space and has recently moved into the production of distilled spirits. In addition, the Belisle's are leaders in the community in the area of environmental stewardship.
Dorie and John did a humorous and amusing team presentation, Dorie taking the lead and John interjecting details and embellishment. The talk was accompanied by a slide show that showcased the facilities and many activities at Bellewood Acres. The Belisle's moved from Florida to Whatcom County in 1995 and with no experience in farming or apple growing established Bellewood Acres. In the beginning they raised Jonathon Gold apples but seeing a market opportunity ahead, soon began raising Honey Crisp apples. Haggen's was the first major customer for their products. Over the years the Belisle operation grew, they bought more acreage and moved to the current larger site on Meridian. They currently produce 22 varieties of apples, which are sold as fresh apples, made into cider (both hard and soft) and made into other apple-containing products. Bellewood Acre products are now sold by other major retailers such as Whole Foods and QFC.
Beginning in 2012, the Belisle's introduced an entirely new product line, distilled spirits such as vodka and brandy made entirely from their apples. This has provided a use for thousands of pounds of damaged apples that might otherwise go to waste, and is developing into a lucrative business. Their spirit products are exceptionally high-quality and have won major regional and national awards. Three vodkas have won awards in international competition.
Although the Belisle's are very modest about their contributions, both Dorie and John have been leaders in the development of sustainable farming practices and the restoration of streams in the farm areas. They have been active members of Farm Friends and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association and leaders in the introduction of efficient water use and land protection practices.
Great presentation, all we were missing was Samples!
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