President Steve opened the evening social meeting at Lombardi’s restaurant by recognizing the beautiful flowers that have begun to bloom in May. The turnout was exceptional (n=52), with almost every member bringing a spouse.
The Paul Harris quote of the week is, “Giving is not just about money, but about giving your time, talents, and love.” This quote recognizes that true giving involves more than just tangible assets. The true power of giving is not in what we part with but in how we share things we care about with others.
Because Steve did not announce the May birthdays and anniversaries (both wedding and club) last week in the first meeting of the month, as he typically does, he did so tonight. Information is below.
Guests:
Spouses of Rotarians: Janis Ban, Kelly Booker, Gail Bove, Sharie Burdick, Lynn Day, Curtis Dye, Leslie Farris, Gail Haines, Sandi Halgren, Melanie Halsell, Ann Kaiser, Donna Kirkman, Joanne Knittel, Karen Lerner, Donna McAllister, Phil Thompson, Bonnie Trenouth, Lisa Twining, Willy VandeKerk, Robin Williams
Special Guests: Exchange Students Haset McKuria from Bishoftu, Ethiopia and Keisuke Yamegishi from Monoichi, Ishikawa, Japan and Keisuke's family Masayo, Nobuto and Takahiro Yamagishi
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Announcements:
There will be a board meeting this Thursday, May 15, on Zoom at the earlier hour of 3:30 p.m. Anyone who wishes to attend should contact Sandee for the Zoom link.
The Memorial Day parade will be on Saturday, May 24, and all are encouraged to participate. Sandee will let everyone know when and where to meet to walk in the parade. PLEASE SIGN-UP ON THE LINK BELOW SO WE KNOW WHO WE NEED TO COMMUNICATE WITH.
Booth at Ski to Sea, Sunday May 25
The club will also have a booth at the Ski to Sea race on the 25th. It will not be far from the finish line.
May 24th 12-3: Whatcom Memorial Day Parade. We will march, along with other Rotary clubs and the float. Please sign up to get last-minute meeting instructions on our Clubrunner Website Click here
May 25th we will have a Rotary booth in Fairhaven at the Ski to Sea event. Be sure and visit.
Committee Announcements:
Major Projects Committee
Doug Cole, co-chair of the Major Projects Committee, asked members to contact him or co-chair Monty McAllister if they have suggestions for the major project for 2025. Doug reminded the members of the three priorities that should be considered in choosing a major project: child care and youth, food and farms, and homelessness. Doug also said the committee is looking for new members and urged folks to join the committee.
Major Awards
NOMINATIONS FOR MAJOR AWARDS ARE NEEDED:
RCOB Annual Award Nominations are being accepted thru May.
We will be presenting awards June 30th at the Changing of the Guard. Send nominations to Exec. Secretary Sandee Lindhout or the Executive Board: Steve Ban, Doug Cole, John Moffat and Nathan TwiningClick Here for Complete Information
The Will J. Griswold Club Service Award, named after our Club’s founding president, a highly-respected citizen and attorney who came to Bellingham in 1903. He established a private practice in 1912, and help found our Club in 1917. He is described as “a citizen of worth and has ever conformed his practice to the highest ethics of the profession”;
The David C. Morse Sr. Community Service Award, named after a Club Member who has served the Club faithfully for over 61 years as of his 91st birthday June 30, 2004, and who set a remarkable standard of community support, both financial and in terms of personal time and effort throughout his lifetime;
The Michael K. Mischaikow International Service Award, named after a Club Member who, as an expatriate of Bulgaria who had been subjected to the rigors of three totalitarian regimes there, and later, as an American citizen and a professor at Western Washington University, worked tirelessly in projects furthering international understanding and peace; and
The Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Award, named after a Member of our Club who became President of Western Washington University in 1994, and who is a leader in her field of chemistry, winning several prestigious national and international recognitions, and has been also selected to lead several higher education professional and trade organizations.
These awards are not based upon popularity or popular vote, they are awards for long-term service. Accordingly, the committee is careful not to select a member for an award because of very recent service only. Normally, because the awards are intended to recognize any exemplary Rotarian, the award should not be made to a current or very recent Club Officer, except when special circumstances (such as age, illness or relocation) dictate overlooking this caution. Because these awards are unique to the Bellingham Rotary Club and because they are given for a substantial period of service, they are the highest honors that the Club can give to its Members.
Closing: Because of the nature of the evening social meeting, Steve brought the formal meeting to a quick close, thanking all who made the meeting possible. He then adjourned the meeting and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner visiting with our fellow club members.
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.
