President Steve Ban opened the meeting precisely at 12:30 with little fanfare, but with earnestness.
Opening music was presented by Bob Kuenzel on guitar, joined by president Steve, singing four verses of “Turn, turn, turn,” adapted from Ecclesiastes by Pete Seeger. Brad Burdick offered the invocation, citing numerous world sociologic problems which Rotarians might counter with individual efforts to make the world a better place. Tying into this thought, President Steve’s Paul Harris quote was, “Life is short. Make it count by doing good.”
Guests:
Members on Zoom: Jack Westford
Club Events and Committee Announcements
May 12 Rotary Meeting date change: PLEASE REGISTER SOON AS WE NEED TO TURN NUMBERS IN BY 5/5/2025 TO RESTAURANT.
The May 12th meeting will be changed from a noon meeting to a dinner meeting at Lombardi's, 21 Bellwether Way Ste. 112 with spouses invited at 6:00 pm.
We will hold a short business portion and then an evening of socializing.
We will meet in the private dining room with a Super Club Menu for $29.00 each with individual checks.
We must confirm numbers by May 5th so please register on this Clubrunner Event page. Below is the registration page.
Dennis Williams announced the completion of our two-year Major Project, the funding of a medical examination room at the new Lighthouse Mission facility. RCOB raised a total of $165,036.09. Thank you and congratulations to our members and thanks to Dennis and Dave Blair for heading up the campaign!
Roland presented a book report on “Young Men and Fire” by Norman Maclean, a recounting of the August 1949 Mann Gulch Fire in Montana which killed 15 smoke jumpers. Maclean concentrated on organization under stress. You may recall that Roland funded his college expenses by working as a smoke jumper.
He recommends the book as an evaluation of how and what decisions are made under extreme duress. (I heard more than a couple of remarks about picking up the book - ed.)
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.
Program Chair Nathan Twining and RCOB Foundation president Teri Treat provided an overview of the club foundation and Rotary International Foundation. The RCOB Foundation was founded in 1998 as a means of facilitating member tax exempt contributions for community welfare projects. The current RCOB Foundation balance is approximately $1.8 million with a goal of distributing 4-5% of the assets annually via education scholarships and Service Fund grants. The funds are held in a well-diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds in Vanguard and are governed by a written Investment Policy Statement. Nathan discussed the tax differences for the club and the foundation and how using various strategies a member might contribute should they take (or exceed) the standard deduction or if they qualify to take the full benefit of Qualified Charitable Distribution via their 401k.
A portion of annual club dues are earmarked for the RCOB Foundation. Additional funds contributed by members specifically for the annual Major Project go into the Foundation for distribution. Some past RCOB Major Projects are Boulevard Park, Hospice House, Bellingham Food Bank, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center and over $1 million in Scholarship Awards. Current Foundation board members are Teri Treat (president), Dave Blair, Dennis Williams, Scott Wilson, Nathan Twining and DaverMorse.
The Rotary International Foundation is rated by Charity Navigator with four stars. A portion of member dues also goes directly to the R.I. International Foundation. Over the years RCOB has contributed over $742,000. When a member has contributed $1000 to the International Foundation they receive a Paul Harris Fellow award. RCOB has 56 Paul Harris Fellows (some are multiple) and one Benefactor.
Closing:
With a master's touch Pres. Steve rang the closing bell. Go forth and do good works.
Bob Kuenzel - Music
Brad Burdick - Invocation
Larry Halgren - Minister of Fun
Fred Kaiser presented his PHF +2 award. Congratulations!
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.
