"Social InSecurity? - What's Really Going on With Social Security?"
Opening Welcome:
President John called the meeting to order five minutes early due to the stacked agenda. We sang along to two verses of “America the Beautiful” played by the Rotary Brass, highlighting the gratitude we all feel at Thanksgiving and always.
Steve Gray expanded on this theme for his invocation, expressing gratitude for community and for the fellowship we have in Rotary. We are thankful to have the ability to be active, to lead with kindness, and to make a positive difference in others’ lives. To place service above self is at the heart of the season.
George Halsell revealed that Rotary has a different theme each month, which the roster of speakers often reflects. This month’s theme is Foundation. He urged us to donate to the Rotary Foundation before year’s end, suggesting possibly a goal of having 100 percent Paul Harris Fellows in our membership. Fellowship points can be given away or shared if one is so inclined. December 2 is Rotary Giving Tuesday. Each dollar donated to the Rotary Foundation goes towards our fundraising goals and is tax-deductible. Stuck on gift-giving this year? Give gifts to the foundation in honor of friends and family. George followed up his speech by showing a Rotary Foundation video. Contact Sandee and she will help you if needed.
Nathan Twining presented us with a Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz, encompassing the history and traditions of the day. Many Happy Bucks were offered up honoring both Larry Halgren and Shauna and Ward Naf for their tireless work on projects for the good of the order.
2025-2026 Major Project - Skookum Kids Presentation:
Paul Grey introduced Ray Deck III, CEO of Skookum Kids. Ray has earned several local awards of late, including CEO of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and the Peacebuilder Award. Ray thanked us for our support, which will enable his organization to replace aging minivans which are used to transport children to and from appointments, sometimes across the state! Eighty percent of foster children have court-mandated visitations. Eight of his employees coordinate and manage those trips. Ray is grateful for Rotary’s having chosen to fund this program this year.
We welcomed the CEO of Skookum Kids, Ray Deck III, Jen Bowden, wife of Scott Herman, and visiting Rotarian John Bosche, a member of the Rotary Brass. In addition, Dick Tucker and Catherine Riordan joined us from home recovery via Zoom. George Halsell introduced the speaker, our own Nathan Twining. John Moffat introduced a friend visiting, Steve Woods. Scott Herman introduced his wife, Jen.
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Sad News: It is with sadness that we announce the passing of long time member Ralph Rinne, Monday November 24th at 101.
We will be honoring Ralph Monday December 1st. Ralph joined the RCOB 6/31/2000 with the classification "Medicine-General Surgeon-Retired" and was a Paul Harris Fellow +2.
Bellringing will be December 20th at Lakeway and Bakerview Fred Meyers at both doors. Rick Kaiser has taken over as Chairman for Dick Tucker in lieu of his hiking accident on the Rotary hike.
It will be 10:00am-6:00pm with 2 hour shifts, but you can always sign-up for more than one shift :)
CLICK HERE to register for your preferred time and location.
Steve Ban, Chairman of the Nominating Committee:
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of candidates for the 2026-2027 Rotary Year. These candidates, and any nominated from the floor at our meetings on November 24 or December 1, will be eligible for the election on December 8.
President - Nathan Twining
President-Elect - George Halsell
VP/Program Chair - Mark Knittel
Board Members (club members vote for 2; the 2 with the most votes will be elected):
Aaron Booker
Justin Guillory
Scott Herman
Sue Parsons
November 20, 2025 Board Briefs:
Shauna gave a report on the MountainFilm with estimated results of approximately $18,221 net proceeds and is reporting it to the membership today.
A resignation from new member, Pierce Roberts, was received with sadness. Pierce recently moved to Lake Stevens, got married, and has inquired about joining Lake Steven’s Rotary Club. He will be missed.
Plans were discussed for the December 15th Evening social meeting. It will be held at the Holiday Inn at the Airport 5:30 – The Social Committee is helping to plan.
The Board discussed evening meeting dates for 2026. President John suggested they be January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27, none in May as the last Monday is Memorial Day, and June 29 which is Changing of the Guard. It was determined that March 30th would be a social with spouses and no speaker. It was also determined that the Changing of the Guard will be an evening meeting with spouses. The locations will be determined at the December 18th Board meeting.
Service Fund Grant proposals were approved by the Committee for $1,000 each. The following grants were approved, and the sponsors will be asked to schedule their presentations.
Fresh Start sponsored by Joseph Garcia
Knitted Knockers sponsored by Paul Grey
Wildbird sponsored by Del VandeKerk
Orca Food Pantry sponsored by Larry Halgren
New Standard By-Laws and Rotary Club Constitution format from RI update were studied by George Halsell and Bob Kuenzel and have made recommendations. A short discussion was held and will be tabled until the December 18th Board meeting.
Bernard reviewed “A Voyage for Madmen” by Peter Nichols. This book spotlights the nine men, some seasoned sailors and some novices, who set out to sail around the world for a cash prize in 1968-69. Bernard stated that this book was a mosaic of character studies, and he featured four of them in his report. He found the men to have an interesting mix of talent, abilities, and finances. More than a treatise on sailing, this was a human drama of psychological inquiry. Only one of the sailors completed the trip.
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.
"Social InSecurity? - What's Really Going on With Social Security?"
George Halsell briefly introduced Nathan Twining, today’s speaker and topic, “Social InSecurity What’s Really Going on with Social Security?”
Nate began by explaining the history of the program and, more importantly, how it is funded. While the fund was started to secure a basic financial future for individuals who might struggle otherwise, it is not the same as a personal savings account.
Nate described who receives benefits and the critical issues of timing. He highlighted the program’s percieved fragility and demise, the causes of projected shortfalls, and possible alternative programs/approaches. He was not foretelling any major changIn the end, a better understanding of the Social Security Program and its changing funding can help individuals plan their retirement more prudently.
Closing:
President John Moffat thanked all the Rotarian helpers for this day’s meeting and rang the bell to adjourn.
Rotary Brass: John Bosche, Doug Cole, John Dunne, George Halsell and Del VanveKerk
George Halsell - RI Foundation announcement
Larry Halgren - Report on Rotary Brainstorming meeting
Rick Kaiser - Music
Shauna Naf - Report on MountainFilm
Steve Gray - Invocation
Steve Ban - Announcing 2026-2027 Nominations - Elections 12/8
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.
Book Review
