President John Moffat called the meeting to order at 12:30.
Bob Kuenzel gave a heartfelt introduction to the song “We Shall Overcome,” a familiar piece based on an old Black spiritual. Its use today speaks to fundamental Rotary values – feeding the hungry, offering support to refugees, providing health care for all, protecting the environment, voting rights, and promoting peace – all of which are currently under attack.
Brad Burdick opted for a Spring theme for his Invocation. He pointed out that growth is “rarely quiet, but always hopeful.” Our work matters because it helps people grow and thrive. Service done in community with others is powerful.
Guests:
George Halsell introduced our speaker Marcus Roskamp, Exec. Director of Camp Kirby
John Moffat introduced Bob Tull and Steve Woods, Club applicants.
Members on Zoom: Lock Trimingham and Doug Cole
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Board Briefs March 19, 2026
The membership application from Bob Tull was received from proposers John Moffat and Marty Haines to fill the classification “Law-Retired”. The application was approved and will now be published in the Tattler. He will be eligible for membership if a letter of objection is not received by Exec. Sec. Sandra Lindhout, 2200 Vining St., Bellingham, WA. 98229 before April 5th.
A letter of resignation was received from Ron Jepson, and it was accepted with great regret.
Ward Naf, Chairman of the Hands On Committee, requested funds to purchase 12 reflective yellow Rotary at Work vests. The Board approved the request.
It is time to start asking for nominations for the RCOB Major Awards from the membership, selected by the Club Exec. Committee of Steve Ban, John Moffat, Nathan Twining and George Halsell. The awards are presented at the Changing of the Guard on June 29th. Click here for information and award history.
Sandee reported that this year’s MountainFilm will be November 7, 2026 and next year’s meal packing will be March 13, 2027.
The Rotaract Club at WWU has requested funds from each of the Rotary Clubs in Bellingham to take 8 of their members to the 2026 District Conference in Harrison Hot Springs, BC from May 1–3, 2026. They reached out to the other Bellingham Rotary Clubs and Bellingham Bay will send 2 and Sunrise will send 4. The cost for our Club for 2 will be $657.00. This was approved by our board, and we were glad to hear the other clubs were involved.
The District Assembly is April 11th in Surrey, BC, 8AM - 2:30PM. We are required to pay for a minimum of 4 attendees $180 US ($45 per person for any additional). Steve Ban & George Halsell are registered. This will be promoted at upcoming meetings. Contact Sandee if you would like to attend. The club will pay for the registration.
The next Board meeting will be on April 16, 2026, at 4:30pm on Zoom
District Events
The Rotary 5050 District Assembly will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Kwantlen Polytechnical University, 12666 72nd Ave., Surrey, B. C., with registration beginning at 8:00 am and running till 2:30. All officers are encouraged to attend, as this provides leadership training, goal-setting and networking opportunities
The District 5050 Conference will be held at Harrison Hot Springs, May 1-3, 2026. Members were urged to consider attending. This link will take you to additional information:
Committee Announcements
Hands On Committee
Ward Naf announced upcoming service projects with the Community Boating Center (April 25) to refinish their tables, and the Ken Imus Clean Up in Fairhaven (4-11-2026). Details to follow. Our club is looking into other groups joining us, including Rotaract (a strategy that worked very well this past weekend with the Meal Packing).
Social Meeting March 30
Catherine Riordan reminded us that the last meeting in March will be a socially focused dinner meeting. For fun and engagement, there will be an activity involving photos we have on our phones. Optional Homework: find a picture on your phone that you love and tells something about you.
Steve Ban reminded us that these Social evening meetings were put together in response to members' requests to have more variety to our meetings. He urged us to sign up so that we might be able to continue them.
Catherine also announced that the Social Committee will meet immediately after this meeting.
Justin Guillory gave his second RCOB New Member Talk, where we learned of his heritage and homecoming. He was a member of our Club until 2016, when the arrival of his fourth child required his time and efforts elsewhere.
Justin developed a strong sense of community early. Of Nez Perce, African American, and
Hispanic ancestry, coming from rural Idaho, he moved to the Olympia/Tacoma area in his high
school years, and moved on to Washington colleges, ultimately receiving his PhD in Higher
Education Administration. Football helped ease the culture shock he experienced moving to
more urban settings.
He began his administrative career at Northwest Indian College (Nez Perce) in the Office of Multicultural Services, then as President, focusing on access, identity, and community. Now President of Whatcom Community College, Justin strives for every student to become successful, have a sense of community, and one of belonging. He is very grateful for what the Rotary Club of Bellingham offers this town, and that we meet right here on his campus.
Justin is married to Sunny, has four children, and three furry residents of his home. They have lived in Whatcom County for nearly twenty years. He treasures his rich and diverse heritage, and definitely lives the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
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.
George Halsell introduced Marcus Roskamp, Executive Director of the non-profit Camp Fire Samish, which runs Camp Kirby.
Established over 100 years ago, Camp Kirby endeavors to connect young people to the outdoors, each other, and themselves. A youth development organization, the camp is located on 47 acres on Samish Island. It has a mile and a half of frontage on Padilla Bay, and its extensive facilities offer archery, trail hiking, an exterior climbing wall, and tidepool exploration, to name a few. It is all outdoor-based and technology-free.
For seven weeks in the summer, campers in grades 2-12 can have a traditional camp experience, either as a day camp or a weeklong sleepover adventure. Last year, 750 kids participated in the overnighters, and 250 day campers attended. Returning campers find that there is a different theme each week, and there are choices to be made among the diverse activities. Three youth leadership programs are also offered.
During the Spring and Fall, fifth grade classes from Whatcom and Skagit County school districts can attend the Outdoor Education camps, generally for
three days and two nights. Due to state funding cuts, these programs, featuring tidepool, beach, and forest ecosystems exploration, bird identification, and traditional camp activities, are in danger of being limited or eliminated. Marcus is in talks with school districts to try to figure out a way for these vital outdoor programs to continue. The camp is also working on accessibility and individual success plans for those with limited mobility.
Marcus stressed that young people are in crisis these days, due to depression and excessive screen time, and need to reconnect with nature to heal. Outdoor programs offer an antidote.
Marcus closed by telling us about Camp Kirby's upcoming annual fund-raising auction on April 25, and Rotary YES (Youth Engaged in Service) Day on October 17. More information can be obtained at campfiresamish.org.
Closing:
President John Moffat thanked all the Rotarian helpers for this day’s meeting and
rang the bell to adjourn at 1:32PM.
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.
Presentations:
