Having just returned from the Rotary exchange in Budapest, President Steve Ban opened RCOB meeting # 4847 at 12:30. Overcome by jet lag, Steve’s opening remarks were spoken in his native tongue. Fortunately, due to the thoroughness of all the lessons he’d shared with us, the audience understood most of what was said.
In theme with the season, the Rotary Brass played the theme from “The Adams Family,” arranged by our own George Halsell.
Brad Burdick delivered the invocation, highlighting the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, Dia de Muertos, which involves friends and family gathering to pay respect and remember friends and family who have died.
The Paul Harris thought was, “We rise by lifting others.”
Guests:
Nathan Twining introduced our speaker, Edwin Martinex with Onyx Coffee
Catherine Riordan introduced Jaime Friedrich with Vamos Outdoor Project
Rick Kaiser introduced our "Take a Vet to Lunch" guest Gerry Creighton and Paul Pelot, Veterans Employment Representative with WorkSource Whatcom
Mike Mallory brought his daughter Shannon Mallory
George Halsell introduced his wife, Melanie who played with the Rotary Brass
Members on Zoom: John Dunne, Dick Tucker who remarkably did not move a muscle during the entire meeting, Loch Trimingham, Shauna Naf and Mike Bradburn
Club Events and Committee Announcements
Rick Kaiser introduced our “Take a Vet to Lunch” guest Gerry Creighton. Gerry is a Web developer and software engineer with 20 years of experience. He’s worked for a number of employers, including the FAA. He served in the Army 1984-1990 and is an avid mountain biker. Contact Gerry or Rick if you might know of any possible employment opportunities. Click here for Bio
Major Project 2024-2025 to the Lighthouse Mission Medical Center:
We havekicked off the second year of our Major Project Fundraising for the Light House Mission Medical Center. Please get your pledges in soon.
For our newer members: In order to substantially increase capacity, LHM has been constructing a 75,000 square foot, purposefully built facility, created to be the hub for homeless services in our community.
In addition to shelter, it will offer a multi-service healthcare clinic and welcome community partners to provide medical and dental care. Notable partners include SeaMar Medical Clinic, Opportunity Council, UnityCare, PeaceHealth Hospital, City of Bellingham, and Whatcom County. Bringing these services to our guests onsite will create better healthcare outcomes. This healthcare clinic is the Major Project for last year and this Rotary year for a total goal of $165,000. We are half way there!
(ReminderRotary social events are providing participation points for the V.I.P Challenge)
November 2 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
Brad Burdick again plugged “Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner”. The hosts are in place. Brad sent an email message to those planning to attend, the message gives the specific home address to which you are assigned. A two remaining slots are available. Text or call Brad Burdick to sign-up at 360-303-3485.
Great food and conversation! Everyone brings something! Once you register, you'll receive an email with your secret location and instructions on what to bring.
Text or call Brad Burdick to sign-up at 360-303-3485 Today!
Nov 16th Mountain Film Festival - RCOB Fundraiser
Rick Kaiser announced that Dave Mauro will MC the Mountain Film On Tour Movie November 16th at 7:15pm at WCC Syre Theater. Shauna Naf provided additional information. Watch your email inbox for an invite that you can forward to friends and family. Doors open at 6 pm. It lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes. As of today, 111 tickets had been sold. Sponsors for the event and / or raffle items are still needed. Contact Shauna if you wish to purchase tickets for the benefit if WCC students. Tickets are $25.
Our club is the lead sponsor of the event and is using it to raise funds for the club. Food and beverages (and a raffle) will be available for purchase. In the spirit of service above self, Shauna encouraged members to do one or more of the following:
Catherine Riordan introduced Jaime Friedrich who shared information on a $1000 Service Fund recipient VAMOS Outdoor Project, an after-school program bilingual program in Bellingham schools. The goal is to promote a love of reading and to celebrate and affirm the language and culture of Spanish-speaking students.
Nathan Twining introduced our speaker, Edwin Martinez, founder and CEO of Onyx Coffee. Edwin comes from a coffee farming family in Guatemala and started Onyx here in Bellingham in 2007. Onyx imports Guatemalan coffee to the US and distributes to 450 roasters on both US coasts. A strong goal for Onyx is to promote a reliable and sustainable product to customers while promoting community and dignity to the coffee farmers. Edwin highlighted some of the difficulties in growing and processing coffee with minimal mechanization in what can sometimes be very unpredictable conditions.
Due to steep slopes, picking is done by hand. Most small growers in Guatemala live in poverty. 100 lb. bags of dry beans are hand loaded into containers, each container holding abound 40,000 lbs. Once in the US and after inspection, Onyx’s beans are warehoused in Los Angeles, Oakland, Bellingham or New Jersey, if they are headed to the US east coast. Bellingham operations consist of sales, marketing, accounting and some distribution. Hammerhead, Tony’s and Fidalgo Coffee are several local roasteries using Onyx coffee beans and Hammerhead and Camber serve Onyx sourced coffee at their retail outlets.
Closing
President Steve closed the meeting at 1:33. We did not go marching out to the tune of the Addams Family, however.
Rotary Brass - Doug Cole, Melanie and George Halsell, Del VandeKerk & Pete Kirkman
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.
