President Chuck opened the meeting by noting that today (January 21) is the anniversary of the 1905 discovery of the world’s largest diamond ever found. Discovered at the Cullinan mine in South Africa this gem, weighing in at 3106 carats (1.33pouinds), is known as the Cullinan Diamond. It was cut into 9 large stones and about 100 smaller ones. The largest, known as the Star of Africa I, along with its little sister, the Star of Africa II, are on display at the Tower of London, the stone having been gifted by the Transvaal Provincial Government to King Edward VII.
President Chuck also gave a brief update on the Sun House project, which is progressing well. A full report will be forthcoming when the project is complete.
The Social Committee is developing a Hosted Wine Tasting on Thursday, 18 Feb, at the Mt Baker Theater. Stand by for more on this upcoming event. There appears to be no basis to the rumor that Past President Brad Burdick will teach conga lessons.
Guest of Rotarians:
Teri Treat introduced former member Jeff McClure and speakers:
Dan Dunneis the President of the Board of Kulshan Community Land Trust. He owns CAZ Energy Services, an insulation company, and CAZ Environmental, an asbestos abatement company
Mike Robertsis the Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity, and chair of the construction committee. Before his retirement, he designed and built homes for his company, Cascade Energy Homes.
Ray Dellecker is the President of the Board of Habitat for Humanity. Prior to his retirement, he was the vice President of Marketing of a software development firm.
Students of the Month in Science:
John Griggs introduced Sierra Davis from Bellingham High School and Aunt Kari Davis and Father Bryant Davis
Dennis Williams introduced Kira Smith from Squalicum High School and her Father Daron Smith
Presentations:
New Member induction: John Inglis was proposed by Sandy McIntire and Brad Burdick to fill the classification "Technology Exposition Management" Sandy introduced him and Brad performed the Past President portion of the induction. Welcome John!!
Special Presentation by Phil Gubbins:
The Rotary Foundation, the major engine of the world’s largest non-governmental and non-religious service organization, employs several means to recognize Rotarians who have made contributions. We are most familiar with the Paul Harris Fellowship. When cumulative donations reach a level of $10,000.00 Rotary International recognizes a Rotarian, or as in the present case, Rotarians as Major Donors.We are proud to announce that Jan Marchbanks and D. C. Morse have been honored by Rotary International on behalf of the world wide membership of Rotary International in recognition of their magnificent example of Service Above Self. Congratulations Jan and D. C. and thank you for all you do for Rotary!!
Programs:
We were treated to a presentation by the Kulshan Community Land Trust and Habitat for Humanity on an affordable housing project of 24 units being designed for construction on Telegraph Rd. The project will, with support from Jeff Mc Clure and the Whatcom Community Foundation, construct townhomes on property owned by the Kulshan Land Trust, with the buildings owned by deserving local families. The design is stunningly set on a property with a stream and lake (complete with an island) and easy access to employment, shopping, public transportation and hiking trails.
The thrust of the project is to give deserving families an opportunity to generate equity in housing which might otherwise not be possible. Buyers buy the home from Kulshan, pay Kulshan a modest fee to cover taxes on the property, experience a 1-1/2% per year appreciation on the home, and sell the home back to Kulshan when ready. This will maintain this development as a steady supply of affordable housing in Bellingham.
This is important because at this time only about 1/3 of working families can afford a home in Bellingham.
Habitat for Humanity participates to construct the home using sweat equity, and providing a mortgage at 0% interest. The Whatcom Community Foundation will participate to provide charitable funding for financial support of the Habitat loan through the Threshold Fund. Habitat noted that nationwide their success rate for loan repayment under these arrangements is very high (98%).
During the brief, but lively, Q & A following the presentation we learned that the property (2-1/2 acres) was originally purchased in 2007, and was sold to Kulshan for less than this purchase price after the drop in real estate values. The homes are planned as four buildings of six unit townhomes, of 2 to 3 bedrooms each.
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