Rick Kaiser got us up and singing along to “In the Good Old Summertime” followed by Brad Burdick using a recent Andy Grammer concert as inspiration. He linked Grammer’s lyrics to Rotarians’ gratitude for a sense of purpose and open hearts for the work ahead. President John Moffat relied on Paul Harris’ writings to connect the simplicity of a more rural setting to the development of a more frugal approach to life.
Guests:
Ward Naf introduced Whatcom Community College President Justin Guillory.
Shauna Naf’s guest was Tim Burger from Grand Central Collision, who extended his appreciation for Rotary values.
George Halsell introduced our guest speakers for today, Sierra James and Dr. Joseph Garcia from the Whatcom Center for Early Learning.
Sue Parsons brought along Carla Serrat, a 2018-19 inbound Rotary Club of Bellingham Exchange Student from Spain who is visiting Bellingham for three weeks.
ZOOM ATTENDEES: Loch Trimingham, Sandy McIntire, Pete Kirkman, and Monty McAllister
Club Events and Committee Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENTS: After an almost comically long list of wedding anniversaries was announced, we raked in many Happy Bucks celebrating said anniversaries. Adding to that pot was the number of wrong guesses for Minister of Fun Nathan Twining’s Whiskey Business trivia quiz.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
John Dunne told us that the Homelessness Committee will be meeting directly after this meeting.
John asked anyone interested in exploring the activities of the Homelessness Committee to contact him at jedunne@uw.edu. He encouraged Rotary members to volunteer at places or programs of their choice that serve homeless people, e.g., The Lighthouse Mission or Skookum Kids. Some members may choose to attend city and county meetings to personally advocate for the homeless population, who have no official voice in our local governments. (RCOB as an organization is not ready to advocate on particular issues, but individual members may well be.) Dunne would be happy to discuss this with anyone interested.
Ward Naf let us know that the Mountain Film Committee will be meeting soon.
Shauna Naf informed us that the Membership Committee will meet next week after the regular meeting.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER if interested in a Great Harvest Sandwich for $16.00. Bring your own beverage if desired.
See the registration page for designated parking.
August 25th Potluck at Booker's
Monday Evening 5:30 - 8:00
(no daytime meeting Aug 25th)
2612 Park St., B'ham
Aaron & Kelly will provide pulled pork from Aaron's smoker as well as grilled chicken. Other dishes will be potluck, and drinks BYOB. If you haven't already registered, please mention the dish you will bring on the registration form so the social committee can balance the offerings.
Live music from Bellingham High School Musicians and some BHS Show Stopper choir members will be featured!
Monty McAllister introduced the members of the Major Projects Committee. They have narrowed down the candidates to four applications that meet the criteria of addressing homelessness and/or the welfare of children and youth. All four have made presentations to the club in the recent past and have funding requests for a similar amount. They are:
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which serves selected counties in the US by providing a book a month to children from birth to age 5. The capital outlay here would be the books, which cost $32 per child per year. This program currently serves over 4,000 children in our county, but could serve thousands more
Whatcom Clubhouse, a mental health initiative that currently operates a day center. They need to refurbish a facility, including a kitchen and laundry facilities for occupational therapy and promoting independence, and meeting rooms for small and large group sessions.
Skookum Kids needs two additional vans to transport children for temporary foster care. Their aim is respite fostering with a target for family reconciliation. when possible.
Homes Now, Not Later needs to purchase and install more tiny homes to relieve the homeless population at their Northhaven location and possibly an additional location yet to be d.
Advisory ballots were distributed, with ranked voting 1-4 requested.
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.
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.
