President Del welcomed us recognizing that this was his last meeting as the current serving President of our Club. He got right down to business with a very busy meeting agenda.
President Del reminded everyone that there will not be a meeting next Monday, July 3rd due to the Fourth of July holiday.
If you are interested in becoming a website sponsor, now is the time to sign up. The costs is $300 for one year for a rotating ad on the home page. The link takes people to your business website. There are up to 100 hits on the website per week.
Starting next week all Happy Bucks will go the general fund of the Foundation unless otherwise specified.
Paul Harris Fellowship Awards were given to the following individuals (total number received by each recipient in parentheses): Lisa Saar (2); Scott Hume (2); Bob Trunek (9); Teri Treat (3).
Guests of Rotarians:
Stephanie Bowers introduced Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa
Cathy Buckley brought Shauna Nag with Lones Group
John Inglis brought his wife Donna
Scott Hume introduced his wife Darlene
Monty McAllister brought his wife Donna
Rogan Jones brought Dan Cybula with Matsunami Glass
President Del VandeKerk introduced his wife Willy
In Coming President, Teri Treat brought her husband Matt and son Cooper
Bob Trunek introduced his wife Diane
Brian Griffin introduced Arlie Norman's wife Diane
Joe Coons brought his wife Judy
Presentations:
NEW MEMBER INDUCTIONS:
New Member inductions were given by Past President Joe Coons:
Dan Cybula proposed by Monty McAllister and Dominique Zervas was introduced by Monty McAllister and will fill the classification “Medical Device Distribution.” Dan is originally from New York and is now the president of Matsunami Glass USA a manufacturer of high quality glass microscope slides and cover glasses. Dan’s family will host an inbound Rotary exchange student. Dan enjoys hiking, yard work and visiting his family’s cabin in the Methow Valley.
Donna Inglis proposed by Joe Coons and Charlie Self was introduced by Charlie Self and will fill the classification “Massage Therapist.” Donna raised her son in Custer and owned Ferndale Massage and Wellness for many years. She has spent significant time abroad contributing in the areas of alternative medicine and healing. Donna enjoys volunteering at hospice, reading, cooking, traveling, walking and water skiing.
Rachel Long proposed by D.C. Morse and Jan Marchbanks was introduced by Daver Morse and will fill the classification “Property Management.” Rachel is the owner of Access Real Estate Services which she started with her husband after years working for hotel chains. Rachel is committed to giving back to her community which will be a great fit for Rotary.
RCOB MAJOR ANNUAL AWARDS:
Kathy Hughes presented the Will J. Griswold Club Service Award to Susie Thomson. Susie’s technical accounting expertise provides an invaluable service to the Club. Susie spends up to 70 hours per year behind the scenes doing work that many don’t know she does. Her unwavering commitment and support make her a perfect recipient for this award.
Mark Knittel presented the Michael K. Mischaikov International Service Award to Paul Grey, Bob Trunek and Dominique Zervas. The recipients of this award coordinated all aspects of a successful water project in Uganda that has forever changed the lives of the residents in that area. They are now coordinating a new project with a local Rotary Club. Paul, Bob and Dominique were each presented with the book “Doing Good in the World: The Inspiring Story of The Rotary Foundation’s First 100 Years.”
Doug Cole presented the David C. Morse Sr. Community Service Award to Tim Farris. Tim has been involved in countless charities, boards and foundations over the years. His commitment to our community is further evidenced by his coordination of hands on volunteering at Alderwood Elementary school which serves some of the most at risk youth in our community. Not only does he commit his time but he has recruited several other volunteers that participate and volunteer at Alderwood.
Steve Adelstein presented the Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Award to Kathi Hiyane-Brown. As the President of Whatcom Community College, Kathi promotes the highest ethical standards. WCC is on the leading edge in vocational training in the medical field, behavioral health and substance abuse in addition to nationally recognized cybersecurity training. Kathi was on the forefront of development of the new field of limited license legal technicians.
Program:
Outgoing President Del reflected on his year serving as Club President. This was a year of getting ready for the 100th anniversary year. President Del reflected that all clubs or only as successful as the members that serve to make it so. In the various areas of services, the following accomplishments were recognized:
Club Service. New shirts and social events were a big success. Vegas night was a bit hit and an event we look forward to seeing in the future. A big thank you to all who served on committees for the Club.
Community Service. Approximately $103,000 was raised for Lydia Place with 100% of the Club members pledging, which is a first. More than $9,000 was given to local nonprofits through service grants. The Club continued its success with the blood drive and ringing bells during the holiday season.
International Service. More than $35,000 was raised to support international service. Additionally, more than $16,000 was raised to fight polio and 54,000 meals were donated.
Vocational Service. Rotation Day continued to be a success as was our ongoing partnership with Whatcom Community College.
Youth Service. We sent 2 students to YAIL and put the exchange program into place.
Our Club is prepared to work for the next 100 years. Moving forward, outgoing President Del encouraged the Club to focus on membership. President Del gave a big thank you to the Board of Directors for their continual support and guidance and handed out gifts to outgoing Board members, continuing Board members and the executive committee. Finally, outgoing President Del announced he accepted a position as Assistant District Governor.
Changing of the Guard:
Past President Chuck Snyder gathered all Past Presidents to serve as a “jury” to determine if outgoing President Del was worth of becoming part of the “Past Presidents’ Club.” Luckily, after many questions from Past President Chuck Snyder and some laughs from the membership, Del was deemed worthy.
Past President Chuck Snyder then introduced incoming President Teri Treat recognizing that President Teri, as the 100th President to serve our Club, brings a lot of energy and new ideas to the position. President Teri commented that all of those who live in Whatcom County have undoubtedly been touched by Rotary in some way; the list of Rotary’s support in Whatcom County is endless. President Teri then commented that Whatcom County needs to know who we are and we should promote Rotary as the perfect way to give back to our community. President Teri is grateful to be a member of this Club. She announced next year’s theme “Continue the Legacy: Celebrating 100 Years of Rotary Club of Bellingham.”
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