Rotary Club of Bellingham Tattler - SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
Tattler Reporter and Editor: Tom Grinstad
Photographer: Del VandeKerk
Catherine Riordan,
Gail and Marty Haines WWU Academy for Life-Long Learning
Opening Welcome:
President Dougopened with some pithy remark. But your reporter was sleeping at his table and did not catch it. (Perhaps something to do with small changes-which is what this reporter has in his pockets.) The Prez and Mike Plenkovich did a little repartee about the Rotary tie the Prez was wearing.
Guests:
Mike Bradburn introduced Bob Tull and Mayor Seth Fleetwood
Brian Griffin introduced his wife Marya
John Moffat introduced speakers Catherine Riordan, Gail and Marty Haines
Rick Kaiser introduced BTC President Jim Lemerond
President Doug welcomed visitors Judy Coons, Andrew Moquin
Members on Zoom: Loch Trimingham, John Pedlow and Steve Hager
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Scott Herman new member talk Scott showed us where he began, in a stone dairy barn (built in 1811) in New Jersey, and then took us on a short story of his life. He did many of the normal things one does as maturing. He graduated from high school, college and got a Master’s in geology. He has a long history with Rotary, after high school, he was a Rotary Exchange Student in Chile for a year. After working in mineral exploration, he got working in the geothermal industry. His best decision was marrying Jen, and they have lived several places on the planet, but seem to like Bellingham really well. He’s a personable guy, get to know him.
The International Committee reported that last week’s haul from the passed hat for Honduras flood relief netted $325. If anyone would like to put their hard-earned money to work in that effort send a check to IPA c/o Archer Halliday, 1621 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.
Mike Bradburn got to the podium and related how easy (!) it is to get a street renamed in this town. Usually, the honoree is deceased. But not in this case. Basically, get the mayor on your side, and it gets done. Mike listed a few accomplishments that resulted in public benefit, that Brian Griffin spearheaded or was instrumental in. These included narrating the Whatcom Museum’s history cruises, involved in the establishment of the Parkade, the Farmer’s Market, the Fairhaven Village Green and others. And he has authored several books.
The mayor, Seth Fleetwood, then remarked how the city has managed to rename the street Brian Griffin Way. He had to slice through layers of city bureaucracy. The hardest task was to arrive at the official name as “Brian Griffin Way” not “Lane”. The choice by Brian and the Rotary club is Way.
Brian’s remarks were thankfully brief. He buttered up the city staff and politicians. He also noted that Rotary has been involved in inspiring and helping to achieve the accomplishments for which he is honored. Brian graciously shared the honor with the club and more specifically Rick Wright, a former member.
The dedication will be Monday October 16th at 10:30 a 12th Street in front of the Fairhaven Library (1117 12th St.)
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The program today was a presentation on the Academy of Life-long Learning, from here on out referred to as ALL. (Much shorter to type) This is a program in concert with Western Washington University (WWU). Marty Haines started off with an overview of the program, including a short history. He noted that many of the courses were offered by WWU profs. But now many are conducted by others. Many of the venues have now morphed to the cruise terminal. Classes are usually two hours once a week, for a maximum of six weeks. Every year, the courses change. Field trips were begun by Scott Babcock, who stated that you had to go to eastern WA for geology as everything was covered by plants in the western part of the state.
Catherine took the next portion asking how many in the audience were familiar with ALL. She noted that many retired folks are involved with ALL, both as students, instructors, and facilitators. She noted that the lack of parking at WWU has resulted in the use of different venues. Catherine noted the variety and number of courses offered this year. And in fact, if I heard correctly, our own Tim Farris will conduct a class. She has been spending most of her time in book and discussion groups. These are free to members. History nerds and world affairs aficionados have their own forums. These groups occur on zoom and sometimes have participants from other parts of the world.
I will not lay out all the courses and info that Catherine conveyed. The following URL will get you all the information: oce.wwu.edu/academy-lifelong-learning If I counted correctly there are 23 courses available this term (semester?). And all manner of things. Some highly intellectual, some not so much.
Gail Haines took the reins by talking about the field trips. She got hooked into the geology trips to eastern WA. She noted that the trips are by bus. One of the trips is to “The Marriage of Figaro” in Seattle. She welcomed any ideas for trips (or courses) from members of the club. She invited all to come along for the ride and the fun.
Catherine finished up noting membership benefits. The trio did a pretty good sales pitch. We all could benefit from one or more of the offerings from ALL.
For more info go to oce.wwu.edu/academy-lifelong-learning. They do a much better job than I in selling the program. After a couple of pertinent questions, the meeting was adjourned.
Closing:
There were no wise remarks at closing. And I certainly am not smart enough to send you off with pearls of wisdom.
Mystery Photo - Can you find 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.
