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Rotary Club of Bellingham Tattler
June 2, 2025
Tattler Reporter:  Hans Erchinger-Davis
Tattler Editor:  Tom Grinstad
Photographer:  Mike Diehl
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS BY RCOB FOUNDATION
Opening Welcome:
President Elect, Nathan Twining, opened the meeting, in the absence of President Steve Ban,  by welcoming our special student, parent and administrator guests.
 
He was followed by Doug Cole doing the Invocation and our Rotary Brass playing.
 
He wished all our members Happy Birthday and club anniversaries listed below.
 
He then turned the meeting over to RCOB Foundation President, Teri Treat.
Guests:
Student attendees and their guests:
  1. Emily Horst - Phil Millard Athletic Scholarship and parents Reiko & Peter Horst - Squalicum
  2. Ty Hoffmann – Phil Millard Athletic Scholarship and parents Kelly & Mark Hoffmann - Squalicum
  3. Sydney Karri – Phil Millard Athletic Scholarship and father Ed Karri - Sehome
  4. Grady Evans – Phil Millard Athletic Scholarship and parents John & Jana Evans - Sehome
  5. Daniel Torres-Duque – Michael Mischaikow Scholarship - Bellingham HS
  6. Viola “Vi” Kroontje – Outstanding Academic Achievement and parents John & Lesa Krootje - Lynden Christen
  7. Kyla “Paloma” Cleveland – Vocational Excellence and family friend Charlotte Davis - Options
  8. Ella Prichard – Best Overall and parents Shirley & Tony Prichard - Sehome
  9. Ryan Neem – Outstanding Academic Achievement - Bellingham HS
  10. Hunter Willkie - Most Improved - Squalicum
Additional guests:  Dean Fulton with BTC, Foundation Director: Nicole Ebersole with Western Washington University Fdn. Director of Donor Relations; Rose Hill, Whatcom Community College Fdn. Scholarships; Kendra Norton with Whatcom Community Foundation.
 
Kathi Hiyane-Brown introduced the new President at Whatcom Community College, former member of RCOB from 2013-2016 Justin Guillory
 
Visiting Rotarians:
Dean Fulton and John Bosch with Bellingham Bay Rotary Club
Club Events and Committee Announcements

NEWS MEETING LOCATION FLASH:  WE WILL BE MEETING IN THE SYRE STUDENT CENTER, ROOM 107/108 JUNE 9TH.  THERE WILL BE NO LUNCH AVAILABLE, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN.  Click here for map

Major Awards - Last call June 15th

The Executive Board is looking for nominations for the club’s Major Awards that will be presented June 30th at our Changing of the Guard. People are encouraged to consider the criteria and send nominations to Executive Secretary Sandee Lindhout or the Executive Board:  Doug Cole, Steve Ban, John Moffat, Nathan Twining or Steve Gray.  
 
We are looking for Website sponsors for the next Rotary year starting July 1st.  It is a great opportunity to advertise your business and support Rotary - $350 for the year.  Check out the current sponsors on our table tents and website by going to bellinghamrotary.org.  Contact Sandee if interested.
 
Meeting Updates:
June 30 
Changing of the Guard
5:30
Holiday Inn at the Airport
Evening meeting in lieu of the Regular noon meeting
Come try the venue as a potential location for future meetings.    We will start at 5:30 for socializing, followed by a buffet for $30 and program.  Spouses and guests will be invited.  PLEASE REGISTER AHEAD AS WE NEED TO TURN MEAL NUMBERS IN BY JUNE 16TH.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
July 28th noon meeting is cancelled and we will be holding a noon general meeting Thursday July 31st at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club.  We will be served a buffet for $29 so again stay tuned for online signups.  This will be another opportunity to try a potential venue for meetings, although we would have to change our meeting days to Thursday as it is not available on Mondays.  After trying all the locations, we will put it to a vote to the membership.  Stay tuned for sign-up information closer to the event.
 
Social's planned:
 
Monday Evening - July 28th Potluck at Bookers', 2612 Park St., B'ham 98225 from 5:30-8:00. Aaron & Kelly will provide pulled pork from Aaron's smoker as well as grilled chicken.  Everything else is potluck.
 
We are planning to have some live music from Bellingham High School Musicians and some BHS Show Stopper choir members.
 
Go to this page for details and sign-up
 
Whatcom Memorial Parade!
 
Thanks you for all that participated including Mike Diehl, for arranging the tow vehicle and Shauna and Ward Naf.
 
Shauna and Felicity held down the Fairhaven Booth getting the word out about Rotary also!!
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.
 
PAYPAL:
MAIN PROGRAM:
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS BY RCOB FOUNDATION
President-Elect Nathan Twining, introduced RCOB Foundation Board President Teri Treat, to emcee our annual student award program.
 
Teri noted that this year we are handing out over $99,356 in scholarships.  She thanked the Foundation Board members for their service, Dennis Williams, Dave Blair, Nathan Twining, Daver Morse and Scott Wilson.  

Teri began the program by calling on Felicity Dye and Shauna Naf.  They reflected on how the Rotary Club of Bellingham serves youth in the community - from service fund grants of $1000 to major projects of over $100,000.  Opportunities for youth to service exist from the Interact Clubs; Sehome High sponsored by the RCOB and Squalicum High by Bellingham Bay.  There is also Rotaract at Western Washington University
 
We also help youth throughout the world: the ARES project, Copan Honduras with the IPA, and meal packing with Children of the Nations
 
MountainFilm is coming up November 15th. As a fundraiser for the RCOB, this event is important for us to keep us providing funding to the important non-profits in our community who are watching out for youth. www.MountainfilmOnTourBellingham.com
 
We also showed our excellent Centennial Video from 2017 which brought back a lot of memories.  You can find the video on our home page of our website at http://bellinghamrotary.org
 
STUDENT AWARDS:   * Attended
  1. NON RCOB FDN FUNDS – HELD IN INSTITUTIONS FOUNDATONS – generally $1,500 each based upon  balances held.
 
ADMINISTERED BY WWU: 
ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM ENDOWMENT WITH WWU SCHOLARSHIP: $1,500
  1. Angelina Bellefeuille
  2. Marley Evans
ADMINISTERED BY WCC: 
A.  ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM ENDOWMENT WITH WCC WAS NOT DISBURSED THIS YEAR – NEXT YEAR THERE WILL BE 2 AWARDS
 
B.  ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
  1. Emilyn Garfias
  2. Jacob Isom
 
ADMINISTERED BY BELLINGHAM TECHNICAL COLLEGE – Dean Fulton
ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM ENDOWMENT: $2,326
     1.  Sean Wheeler
 
RCOB FDN NAMED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS HELD IN RCOB FOUNDATION:
 
THE ERSHIG FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP   (4)  $6,540 Total   
  1. Jenny Foland
  2. Jose Hernandez Murillo
  3. Michael St George
  4. Esmeralda Suarez Cruz
ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM FOUNDATION DAVID C. MORSE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (2) $4,275 total  
 
     1.  Michael Smith
     2.  Daniel Zeller
DOUGLAS BLAIR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (2) $4,215 Total 
 
     1. Taryn Bos
     2. Ariel Tsuffis
 
ADMINISTERED BY WHATCOM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WHATCOM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PROGRAM: 
  1. PHIL MILLARD MEMORIAL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP  (6) $4,000 EACH FOR A TOTAL OF $24,000 
         a.  Sydney Harri – Sehome* Attending WWU for teaching Special Education, and running cross country and track. 
         b.  Grady Evans- Sehome*  Attending UC Santa Barbara to study Biology with a premed emphasis
         c.   Jacob Kuhn- Bellingham
         d.  Malia Hanks– Bellingham 
         e.  Emily Horst – Squalicum*  Attending University of Washington in nutrition studies
         f.   Ty Hoffmann- Squalicum*  Attending Villanova University for Business and Finance
  1. MICHAEL MISCHAIKOW SCHOLARSHIP  (1)  $2,000    
         a.  Daniel Torres-Duque* My goal is to earn a degree in mechanical engineering and specialize in mechatronics to study robotics, biomechanics, or develop methods to create cleaner power. I plan to use my skills in CAD, physics, and design to develop practical solutions that improve daily life. I also want to mentor younger students in STEM, helping them explore engineering opportunities. Long-term, I hope to work on innovative technologies that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency in mechanical systems. Plans to attend University of Washington
 
      3.  ROTARY CLUB OF BELLINGHAM FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR: $3,000 EACH FOR A TOTAL OF $30,000
     a. Most Improved: (3)
        1)  Hunter Willkie – Squalicum* Attending Whatcom Community College for general education, desiring to transfer to WSU to study architecture
 
        2)  Joyce “Arlo” Lee – Options  Study environmental science hopefully at Washington State University.
        3)  Cailyn Jewell – Mt. Baker   When I envision the person I want to be after I earn my degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education, I see myself teaching in a tight-knit community similar to my high schools. My goal is to create a safe space for students to reach their full potential in the same way that my teachers have supported me in reaching mine. I believe that I will make a great Chemistry teacher because I understand the importance of embracing every child's learning style to maximize understanding of the subject.  I plan to attend Washington State University.
 
     b. Outstanding Academic Achievement: (2)
       1) Rylan Neem – Bellingham* I hope to major in environmental studies, chemistry and/or physics, which will enable me to pursue a career in environmental science and advocacy. As I believe that climate change is the most pressing issue facing our world today, I hope to play an active role in efforts to slow it. My role could take many shapes, including working in government with the EPA, NPS, or DNR, engaging in scientific research, or working for nonprofits who are working to reduce climate change in our local communities. Plan is to attend Colby College.
       2) Viola “Vi” Kroontje* Attending La Sorbonne Université in Paris, and then desiring to transfer to UW for artifact conservation. I enjoy studying the classics and the history of the world. Archaeology would allow me to mix my talents in science and history with my interest in fiber arts, textiles, and artifacts.
 
     c. Vocational Excellence: (3)
       1) Dhavyon Everidge – Mt. Baker  Electrical engineering (Composites Specialization (AAS-T)) 2-year BTC; Architecture 4-year at WSU
 
       2) Joshua “Josh” Andres – Ferndale  I would like to go to a four year film school to get a degree in Film Production, with a hope of becoming a director. My dream is to tell the best stories possible through the unique lens that God has given me.  Unsure, would like to go to Biola University: Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts
       3) Kyla “Paloma” Cleveland – Options* I plan to get my Esthetician License at Evergreen Beauty College followed by a Masters Esthetician License at Washington Laser Institute. Once complete I would like to provide laser services to help people with scaring, uneven skin tones, and tattoo removal.
 
     d. Best Overall Student: (2)
       1) Ella Prichard – Sehome*  I intend to pursue a double major in comparative literature and history alongside a minor in creative writing at Stanford University. Afterwards, I hope to obtain an MFA while teaching undergraduate humanities courses. Concurrently, I plan to query and traditionally publish my debut novel, beginning my career as a speculative fiction novelist. I also hope to dedicate my time to non-profit work by elevating creative writing education, literacy in schools, and marginalized voices in publishing.
       2) Larson Rische – Lynden Christian  I am pursuing becoming a Physical Therapy Doctor. I will major in Biology and Chemistry on a pre-med track.  I plan to attend Northwest University
 

Closing:

Congratulations to all these outstanding students!

Doug Cole - Invocation
George Halsell introduce our Rotary Brass
 
Rotary Brass:  John Bosch, John Dunne & Doug Cole
Full House to celebrate our Students
 
Shauna Naf
 
Felicity Dye
 
Group photo of students
 
Sydney Harri  - Phil Millard Memorial Athletic Scholarship - Sehome
 
Grady Evans - Phil Millard Memorial Athletic Scholarship - Sehome
 
Emily Horst - Phil Millard Memorial Athletic Scholarship - Ty Hoffmann
 
Daniel Torres-Duque - Michael Mischaikow Scholarship - Bellingham
 
Hunter Willkie - RCOB Foundation Scholarship - Most Improved - Squalicum
 
Rylan Neem - RCOB Foundation Scholarship - Outstanding Academic Achievement
 
Viola "Vi" Kroontje - RCOB Foundation Scholarship - Outstanding Academic Achievement - Lynden Christen
 
Ella Prichard - RCOB Foundation Scholarship - Best Overall Student - Sehome
 
Kyla "Paloma" Cleveland - RCOB Foundation Scholarship - Vocational Excellence - Options
Thank You to our Sponsors:
David Blair
360-739-5200
Dab@DunhamCellars.com
Teri Treat
Managing Partner
360-746-8597
The Naf's vacation home in Mazama
360-303-6671
Steve Gray
AVP Senior Real Estate Loan Officer
NMLS#107828
360-920-1805
Steve.Gray@PeoplesBank-WA.com
Paula McCandlis
360-714-0900
pmccandlis@brettlaw.com
Upcoming Events
John Bosche-Policy & Economics of Wind Energy
WCC Phyllis & Charles Self Learning Commons Center Room 160
Aug 11, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
 
LUNCHEON AND TOUR OF THE LIGHT HOUSE MISSION
Light House Mission
Aug 18, 2025
11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Potluck at the Bookers'
The Bookers
Aug 25, 2025
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
Holiday - Labor Day
Sep 01, 2025
 
Kathleen Olson - District Governor Elect
WCC Phyllis & Charles Self Learning Commons Center Room 160
Sep 08, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
 
View entire list
 
Fred Kaiser
38 years of Service
Tim Farris
27 years of Service
Rob Westford
20 years of Service
Steve Gray
11 years of Service
RICK KAISER
11 years of Service
Mike Mallory
4 years of Service
 
Pete Kirkman
1 years of Service
 
 
 
 

June Birthdays -
Celebrate in Style!

  • Charlie Self
  • Jack Westford
  • Rob Olson
  • J. C. Hickman
  • Dominique Zervas
  • Roland Trenouth
  • Dick Tucker
  • John Moffat
Got Your Rotary Apparel?
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. 
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
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