The opening welcome was given by President John Moffat, who called us to order via Zoom, by ringing his resounding tiny bell from his quarters at Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. My, but Zoom has seemingly endless features for our Rotary group.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Rotary Brass played the joyful song: Lift Every Voice and Sing. The music was performed in a non-lyrical style.
MINISTER OF FUN Nathan Twining explored new venues in this session which was less a quiz session and more a time of enlightenment. For example, are you aware that 90% of the earthly population resides in the Northern Hemisphere? Chances of a repeat lightning strike are one in 8,192. I am hardly classified as a Super Bowl fan, but I was astonished and interested to learn that the NE Patriots have been featured in 20% of past Super Bowl Games. Nathan, thanks for the enjoyable session!
GUESTS:
George Halsell introduced our speaker, Dave Pethick
Sandy McIntire introduced our "Take a Vet to Lunch" guest Lisa Mitchell and Paul Pelot with WorkSource
Visiting Rotarians: Bryan Hennessey from Ferndale Rotary and John Bosche from Bellingham Bay who also played in the Rotary Brass
Zoom attendees: John Moffat, Aaron booker, Jack Westford and Dick Tucker
Club Events and Committee Announcements
John Dunne addressed the role of Rotary members in supporting homeless projects sponsored by the Homeless Council. Specifically, he asked us to take direct roles in support of (1) Shelter Duty or (2) Outreach Teams, whichever most interests the individual.
Special Meeting: Attention was called to the special meeting on March 9th Proposed revisions to the Bylaws and Constitution will be voted on by the membership
For the benefit of those few who might not be familiar with mark-ups such as this:
Text that will be deleted is indicated by strike-throughs (like this). Text to be added is indicated in red (like this).
Roland Trenouth reminds us of our 2026 meal packing event which is scheduled on March 14, 2026 at Assumption Gym at 8:45-12:00. The goal is to pack 35,000 meals and raise $12,400 to pay for the materials. This is only possible through the efforts of partners and volunteers like you. The meals packed will be sent to Sierra Leone, providing over 1,000 students with nutritious meals, foundations to their physical and academic health.
We are way behind on the fundraising goal for this year's major project, according to Monty McAllister. He reminded us of the club's expectation that all members contribute annually to the major project and encouraged those who haven't done so to make their donations as soon as possible. Monty McAllister called our attention to obligations we have made to specific club projects. “Get on it.”
Project Purpose:
Skookum Kids is seeking $140,000 to assist with the purchase of three slightly used vans. RCOB would contribute approximately $85,000 of this total with the remainder obtained from designated donors. While currently serving 200+ families each year, acquiring these vehicles will significantly improve Skookum Kids' ability to serve more children and families throughout Whatcom County and Northwest Washington for years to come.
Our donation will enable the organization to replace aging minivans, which are used to transport children to and from appointments, sometimes across the state! Eighty percent of foster children have court-mandated visitations.
Sandy McIntire introduced Veteran Murrillisa (Lisa) Mitchell, Administrative Assistant. Paul Pelot provided more details on the program and recognized the important role RCOB, especially Jack Westford and Roland Trenouth, have played in supporting veterans in our community.
Lisa shared her military background and work history, which includes extensive and varied responsibilities. She spoke with enthusiasm and made it clear that she likes working with people who enjoy hard work. Her professional summary is available from the link below. Lisa lives in the area and is seeking professional employment outside the military after recent government layoffs.
George Halsell introduced our speaker, Bellingham Assistant Fire Chief Dave Pethick, who began his presentation by drawing attention to how obligatory service is foundational to both Rotary and the Bellingham Fire Department. Trust in their professional assistance is the reason for 911 calls every 21 minutes in Whatcom County.
Ass’t Chief Pethick went on to explain how the Fire Department and associated
agencies serve our community: Helping people every day. Their core values are central to their work: Caring, problem-solving, responding under pressure. Today, they respond to a wide range of hazards, protecting life and property. Paramedics go on all calls.
There are six fire stations in Bellingham. New software enables them to coordinate responses more efficiently across the county; response time is critical. He explained dispatch options, the life cycle of 911 calls, and issues related to nighttime responses.
Emergency Medical Services are involved in 85% of all assistance calls. 46% of those receiving assistance are between 60 and 89 years of age.
In 2025 there were over 20,000 assistance responses.
Today Community Paramedics are bridging gaps in care 10-15 times a month. They help to determine where those picked up will go.
The Fire Department is focused on people and readiness. An important part of that is having the tools that help professionals make better decisions; dispatch systems for example include AI. Pethick says they are looking for the system that will work for the long term
In the Question and Answer period, personnel issues were discussed (e.g., overtime and staffing levels), as was the importance of having a trusted source of information in emergency situations.
Closing:
With thanks to all involved in logistics and presentations John adjourned the meeting and, we'll assume, headed out to the sunshine.
Steve Gray - Invocation
Rotary Brass: John Bosche, Doug Cole, John Dunne, George Halsell & Del VandeKerk
Paul Pelot - Take a Vet to Lunch Program with WorkSource Whatcom
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.
TAKE A VET TO LUNCH PRESENTATION:
