President SteveBan rang in the first meeting of 2025 at exactly 12:30. RickKaiser introduced the opening song from 1899, My Wild Irish Rose. We were invited to lock arms and sway but that invite was mostly declined. Paul Grey offered the invocation with a theme of growth, hope and determination for the new year.
President Steve’s Paul Harris quote was, “Don’t wait for opportunities. Create them.”
It is with sad news that we announce the passing of Rev. Al Archer on January 5, 2025 in Mesa Arizona at the age of 88. He and Ruth had just recently moved to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to his son, Jon. To send a card: Ruth Archer, c/o of John Archer, 201 G. Greenfield Rd., #49, Mesa, Arizona 85206
Al has been a member of RCOB for 42 years and became "Honorary Member" after retiring as Director of the Light House Mission.
Dick Tucker introduced Major Shevaun Malone, with the Salvation Army
George Halsell introduced Ahna Wahlen who is with Driftwood Interiors Design and realtor with Exp Realty
Paul Grey introduced Pierce Roberts, a pilot with Allegiant Airlines
Scott Herman brought his friend, Jessica Bartelds
Sandee Lindhout introduced Dr. March Hipskind
Steve Ban introduced Mohammad Sajid Arghandaiwal, past Rotarian in Afghanistan and has recently moved to Bellingham
Bill Day brought Roen Schoenlein
Members on Zoom: Doug Cole, John Moffat (both in Hawaii) and Monty McAllister
Club Events and Committee Announcements
IMPORTANT - The WCC "Canteen" will be opened for food next week, January 13th.
The District Conference will be held May 2-4, 2025 at the Tulalip Resort Casino in Marysville: Click Here for Flyer
Shauna Naf reminded members to update their VIP challenge score cards. Several members have reached their goal, thus earning the valuable prize of a RCOB shirt!
Major Project co-chair Dave Blair reported that at present we have a 72% member participation for either a pledge or a payment for this year’s project, which is the medical examination facility at the new Lighthouse Mission facility.
Board Briefs – December 19, 2024
Sandee also reported that the Salvation Army Bell Ringing on December 14th raised $2,453.84
With sadness the Board approved the resignation of Paula McCandlis due to personal reasons. This will create an opening of a Board of Director through 6-30-2025 and Fred Kaiser has agreed to fill the opening. He was scheduled to join the board 7-1-2025.
A student, Justin Barras, at Sehome High School is trying to start an Interact Club. Felicity Dye and the Exchange Committee are looking into the process. A teacher has already volunteered to mentor the club.
President Steve reminded us that the District Conference is May 2-4 at the Tulalip Resort – the early registration date is 12-31-2024. John Moffat and President Steve are planning on attending.
Thank you for raising $2,453.84 this Bellringing Season, 2024 presented to Major Shevaun Malone.
Our Christmas bell ringing Chairman Dick Tucker was on hand to present to Major Malone of the Salvation Army, the check for the amount collected during our bell ringing day in December.
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.
Nathan Twining introduced our speaker, Brandon Burbank, who spoke on “Embracing Your Mental Health.” Brandon considers himself a mental health advocate and is the author of the book, “Comeback to Success.” Brandon told of dealing with severe depression after high school which lead to hospitalization at age 19 and subsequent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.
He related the challenges of finding support during a of time feeling neglected as well as learning techniques of self-help. He credited his Christian faith in helping to navigate a path to wellness. Several more hospitalizations followed and through that process he learned how to balance his life to better avoid trouble when situations or medication problems began to threaten his well being. At age 23, part of Nathan’s current strategy of maintaining his mental health is writing, public speaking and sharing empathy by working at the Whatcom Clubhouse, a support center for those dealing with mental illness. (Whatcomclubhouse.org)
Closing:
Prez Steve closed the meeting with a sound smack on the bell and thanking all who contributed.
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.
