President Brad opened the meeting and Don Anderson led us "Star Spangled Banner."
In Memoriam
Brian Griffin recounted the illustrious life of former 37 year Rotary member Howard Mitchell. He passed away this past week. A pilot with a storied military career, and WWU Economics Professor, served on various Board of Directors he will be missed. We all raised a glass in his honor.
Announcements:
It is time to sign-up to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). If you have a candidate between the ages of 18-30 please contact Nathan Twining and Megan Stanfield for information. The dates are April 23rd to 26th, 2015 at a large, retreat acreage in Washington State off Mt. Baker Hwy. Our club has budgeted to send 3 students.
There will be a District Training Assembly on Saturday, April 11, in Surrey, B.C. See Sandee if you wish to attend.
The District Conference will be held at Tulalip Resort and Casino April 30 – May 3. Registration information is available on our club website.
If you wish to update your membership information or picture, see Sandee for an instruction sheet or give her the information.
Each member should have received an e-mail survey from the District or Sandee. Please take a few minutes to respond when a board member calls and also complete the e-mail survey.Click Here for the Link if you did not receive it. Also let Sandee know if you did not receive the survey from her earlier.
The date for this year’s Wacky Wickets has been set: Saturday September 26th. Save it on your calendar and start putting together your team
The service Fund Committee presented $1000 check to Mike Cohen of the Bellingham Food Bank. Doug Cole was the sponsor and the money will be used for a new food scale that will be used in their newly expanded space.
Students of the Month were presenting honoring their excellence in the area of Community Service, introduced by Cathy Buckley were: Yvonne Cartwright presenting Bellingham HS student Sadie Steele, Mike Meggysey presenting Sehome HS student Megan Johnson, and Chuck Snyder presenting Dillon Rinauro from Squalicum High School.
Guests of Rotarians:
Debbie Ahl introduced her husband, Bill Ziels. He is the new CEO/Executive Director of the YMCA.
Doug Cole introduced Mike Cohan, Director of the Bellingham Food Bank
Students of the Month visitors - Theme: Community Service
Bellingham High School - Sadie Steele and her dad Rod Steele and grandfather Larry Steele introduced by Yvonne Cartwright
Sehome High School - Megan Johnson and her father Martin and grandmother, Pauline Petterssen introduced by Mike Meggysey
Squalicum High School - Dillon Rinauro and his parents Jennifer and Joe Rinauro introduced by Chuck Snyder
Program: Medical Teams International
The program was introduced by Debbie Ahl. Tammy Messina from Medical Teams International presented an interesting program detailing the mission and scope of the organization known as Medical Teams International. Their Mission:“To demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.”
They follow a four pronged approach to fulfilling their mission:
Disaster Relief. They immediately respond to both natural and man-made disasters.
Global Health initiatives. Ebola response is most currently the program they are working on. They have had a presence for years in Liberia and have had ongoing programs, tamping down that epidemic. In Guatemala they have been working on women's health, and children and newborns. The need worldwide is great - 7 million children don’t reach their 5th Birthdays, and 300,000 women die each year in childbirth. On going programs provide stoves, sanitation programs and safe drinking water.
Dental Care. They provide ongoing dental care to those currently unserved in the US. Here in Whatcom County they are serving 300 patients through the Interfaith Coalition and Lynden Boys and Girls Club
Engaging others. They are always recruiting others to join the cause, both medical and non-medical professionals
Their motto is "Rise, Mobilize and Make a Difference."
Thanks Tammy for an informative and inspiring program. For more information visit their website at www. Medicalteams.org
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