President SteveBan opened today’s meeting at 12:29. Bob Kuenzel with his guitar led us with two verses of “Summertime.” (And the living is easy…) In light of the approaching Independence Day holiday, Paul Grey provided a patriotic-themed invocation: “May our selfless acts lift up others. Freedom is a privilege and a responsibility.”
Being the first meeting of the month, birthdays, anniversaries and club and club anniversaries were noted, including Bob Morse’s 54th anniversary of RCOB membership.
Guests:
Nathan Twining introduced our speaker Kellen Wiggins with Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club
Scott Herman introduced our Exchange Student from Brazil, JV, Bellingham Bay Exchange Student from Finland Verna Karmala and Bellingham Bay members Carlye Gillespie and Debbie Kiene.
Members on Zoom: Loch Trimingham, Doug Cole, Pete Kirkman and Mark Knittel
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Earlier this year, Felicity Dye gave us a presentation of her and Curtis's trip to India. There is another tour coming up and she asked that we put this information in the Tattler. If you want more information, please contact Felicity.
You travel with other fellow Rotarians only and it's 110% value for the time and money you invest. You will have to experience it to believe it.
So here is the update:
8th Incredible India Diwali Edition - 25th October to 9th November 20242. – 75% Booked with only 6 slots left. We have friends from RYE Team Taiwan and France joining in for the trip.
9th Incredible India Utarayan Edition - 14th January to 28th January 2025 – We are left with only 10 seats from our batch of 25. Rotary friends and their family members from Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Slovenia and the UK are joining the January tour
John Dunne, having just returned from several weeks of travel in Scotland, presented us with a banner from a Rotary club in Edinburgh.
In preparation for our Hungarian visitors arriving in late August, President Steve will be offering us lessons in basic Hungarian phrases such as this:
Helló. Üdvözöljük Bellinghamen. “Hello. Welcome to Bellingham. (Don’t worry. It sounds exactlyas it looks!)
Joao Vito Haas de Macedo (JV) from Curitiba, Brazil. our Squalicum High School exchange student, JV offered an emotional and tearful farewell as he returns to Brazil, thanking the RCOB and those who made his stay such a positive experience.
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.
Minister of Fun Larry Halgren offered condolences to Mike Diehl for several summer construction projects surrounding his business, a threat to Tom Grinstad for still not revealing his birthday (this reporter recalls the date being February 30), a mild fine to Paul Grey for successful prawning, curiosity to Teri Treat as to her horse related injury and a welcome home to Sandy McIntire from a trip to Japan and his and Mamiko’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Our new president reminded members of his preference for how Happy Bucks are to be introduced: “PRESIDENT STEVE and fellow Rotarians…”
Program Chairman Nathan Twining introduced Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club president Kellen Wiggins. Kellen has the appearance of aa typical rugby player, a solid physique. Rugby originated in England in the early 19th century. The first recorded Rugby match in the US was in 1874 between McGill and Harvard. Professional rugby in the US was founded in 2017. Rugby has been included in the summer Olympics since 2016.
The sport of rugby is the third most watched sporting event in the world behind only the summer Olympic Games, and soccer World Cup, (which the rest of the world calls football). Full rugby teams are 15 persons each who meet on 100 meter pitches – basically the size of a soccer field.
Rugby values teamwork, respect, integrity, passion and discipline. Rugby clubs often engage in local community service and youth development programs. Whatcom County has two adult rugby clubs, three high school clubs and six youth clubs. Chuckanut Bay Rugby is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Local competition is held at the deWilde Rugby and Polo Fields a few miles northeast of Ferndale. Their six pillars are: communication, membership, fundraising, facility, club programs and coaching. For more information you can visit their website, chuckanutrugby.com they are looking for volunteers.
Closing:
Brand new President Steve smacked the bell with a mighty wallop, which left a ringing in this editor's ears.
Bob Kuenzel - Music
Paul Grey - Invocation
Larry Halgren
Minister of Fun
John Dunne - Flag Exchange from Edinburgh, Scotland
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.
Presentation by Exchange Student JV
