Susie Thomson, RCOB Foundation Treasurer since 1999
Dennis Williams, RCOB Foundation President with Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation Scholars
Teri Treat, RCOB Foundation Directorwith Phil Millard Scholarship Students
Rotarians on the move Memorial Day Weekend
Rotary booth in Fairhaven at Ski to Sea Race
June 6, 2022
Opening Welcome:
With a mighty whack on the bell Paul Grey, soon to be president for real, opened one of our favorite meetings--the student awards. He went on to recognize all members with birthdays in June. Then he got a little carried away with himself and was going to honor those with wedding, (not club) anniversaries in June. But he was soon corrected and completed his duties without a hitch.
Book Review by Dennis Williams - The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson, A Saga of Churchill, Family and Defiance During the Blitz
Eric Larson is a best-selling author of mostly nonfiction books, including The Devil in White City, which won the 2004 Edgar Award in the Best Fact Crime category. He also wrote Thunderstruck; In the Garden of Beasts; and Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. Larson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia School of Journalism. He began his career in journalism with the Bucks County Courier Times in Levittown, PA and later became a feature writer for Time and the Wall Street Journal. His stories have also appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and Harpers. He and his wife reside in New York City and maintain a home in Seattle.
The book begins on May 10, 1940, when Hitler invaded Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, sending shockwaves throughout the world, and especially in Great Britain, since this invasion swiftly led to the defeat of France, Britain’s only significant ally. Earlier that day PM Neville Chamberlain had resigned and King George appointed Churchill to replace him, even though he was not the King’s first choice. He was view ed by many as “flamboyant and wholly unpredictable as well as capricious and meddlesome, inclined toward dynamic action all at once.”
But Churchill won over the British public in short order, in large part thanks to his famous speech on June 4, 1940, in which he proclaimed, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” He then turned to one of his colleagues and said under his breath, “And we will fight them with the butt ends of broken bottles, because that’s bloody well all we’ve got.”
The methodology that distinguishes this book from the myriad of books about Churchill and World War II is that he relies heavily on personal diaries from several individuals in Churchill’s inner circle. Maintaining these diaries was quite likely in violation of British laws relating to official secrets. Much of this material has only recently become available. Thus the reader learns a great deal about Churchill’s family - his wife Clementine, his daughter Mary and his son Randolph. The diary of his personal secretary, Jock Colville is particularly revealing about conferences involving his boss. There are also illuminating excerpts from the diaries of scientist and advisor Frederick Lindemann and military assistant Pug Ismay. Larson’s profiles of his aides, advisors and colleagues add valuable context to Churchill’s role in the war.
The book ends in May, 1941, prior to America’s entry into the war. During the 1-year period covered by the book, the reader learns in detail of the successful excavation of over 300,000 British troops from Dunkirk, many in private fishing and pleasure boats. Churchill’s optimistic projection of the number of troops that could be safely excavated was 50,000. The Blitz and its effect on British citizens occupies much of the middle portion of the book, and throughout, Churchill is begging Roosevelt to send arms and munitions, since he realizes as soon as France falls to the Nazis, the only way Britain can survive is to bring in the U.S. Roosevelt is faced with strong isolationism sentiment as well as laws prohibiting the sale, lease or transportation of arms and munitions to foreign countries. When Roosevelt was finally able to obtain congressional approval of the Lend-Lease Act, the tide of the war begins to slowly turn against the Nazis.
Larson paints a vivid portrait of Churchill’s personality, which was intense and erratic. There are many things to admire about The Splendid and the Vile, but one of the high points is his vibrant writing style. The book reads like a novel, and even though everyone knows the outcome, Larson keeps the reader turning the pages.
Support Rotary in Ukraine
Message from our District Governor for District 5050, Bev Harrington:
My Fellow Rotarians:
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds in Ukraine, we ask "what can we do from so far away?" Here is the most comprehensive information I have received to date.
Financial contributions are easily made online to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund. A link to view the projects that are already in place is also provided below.
You and I and Rotarians from around the world can make a difference.
All donations made online at Disaster Response Fund | My Rotary, including the use of available district designated funds (DDF), need to be received by April 30, 2022. Grant applications to take advantage of the funds will be available now through June 30, 2022. This will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, but Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
In addition to the support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs. You will find a comprehensive list of projects at this link, with the contact details and websites.
Thank you for all that you do to promote peace
Club and Committee Announcements:
Rotary Cruise
Marty Haines announced that the cruise set for June 27th has a couple of boats and a likely limit of thirty-two attendees. Several boats are not available this year (evidently heading north for the first time in two or three years now that Canada is open again). Let Marty know if you can volunteer your boat. If you want to go on the cruise, but have not filled out the form, you can also contact Marty to register for the event: (360)739-0204 or mghaines3@gmail.com.
Memorial Day Parade
Teri Treat shared that the parade marchers were small in number but mighty in spirit. If you didn't march, you missed a good exercise time.
Work Party at Base Camp
Ward Naf reminded us that a work party is scheduled for Thursday, June 16th, 4:00 pm – 7:00 at Base Camp. This is a good opportunity to get out there and do good. See registration instructions below
Student Exchange
Shauna Naf announced that the student exchange program will be opening up for the 23/24 school year. This is a one-year opportunity to live and study in another country, something we all should have done in our youth.
Website Sponsors Needed !!!
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 website by going to bellinghamrotary.org. Contact Sandee if you are interested. Thank you for your support.
Rotary Days of Service
Doug Cole noted that there will be another Whatcom County Rotary Days of Service on June 18th at 9:30, to enhance the WeGrow Garden. Further information will follow.
The five Whatcom County Rotary Clubs are involved with the upcoming work party, which is in conjunction with the District 5050 "Day of Service." There is a $5000 district grant to help cover expenses for the project. Also working alongside Rotarians, it be Rotaract and Interact members as well as students from Options High School.
The project will involve installing support structures in a garden which is located across from the Food Bank, benefitting WeGrow. The garden's vision is to bring to the forefront of the minds of youth and adults the increasing importance of food security and understanding the value of sustainable crops while providing a public space for intergenerational community engagement, education, youth programs, vocational training, and public encounter. The WeG ow garden serves as an educational space for school groups, non-profit youth agencies, and the public.
Important Date Announcements:
June 16th: 4:00 pm Base Camp Grounds Cleanup & Dinner Service Project
We are having a service project at Base Camp downtown. We are in need of a few more volunteers so please consider signing up so this project can be successful for this important community organization. This service project will not be physically tough; we are going to weed and maintain some gardening beds in front of the building, along with some other general maintenance activities that are needed. All you need to bring is a pair of gloves and a water bottle, along with a Rotary shirt if you have one. We will have "Rotary at Work" vests to wear if you don't have a shirt. The ser ice project will not be very long, probably 2-3 hours.
If you are interested in joining us, please register:
1. Sign up on ClubRunner so we know you are coming.
2. Use the directions below to take care of what the Mission needs. It will require you to set up an account, verify your email, register for the event, and sign the waiver. Once that is all done please email me letting me know so I can have them double-check their system and make sure we are all good to go for next Thursday:
All members of the volunteer party must create a profile on Volunteer Hub to account for your hours for our liability insurance and to digitally sign our consent forms. We are to create a profile and sign up for the event at http://lowbarrier.thelighthousemission.volunteerhub.com/, registering for the event "Rotary Base Camp Cleanup". It is v ry important that all members are registered inside of the Volunteer Hub Platform. If any person in your party has questions or complications along the way, please send them my email address and I will be delighted to assist. (this is a multi step process, you need to create an account, then once that is done and you have verified your email, fill out your profile, then sign up for the event. It will have you sign a release.)
June 18th - Whatcom County Rotary Days of Service at 9:30, to enhance the WeGrow Garden. Further nformation will follow.
June 20th - Changing of the Guard
June 27th Rotary Cruise to Eliza Island at Dick Tucker's cabin.
Marty Haines reported that this year's cruise will return to Dick Tucker's home on Eliza Island. Limit will be 32 and you are allowed to bring one guest. BBQ cost will be $20 for a meal including water. You can bring other beverages of choice. Please pay Sandee ahead of time. Call Marty (360)-739-0204 or email mghaines3@gmail.com to sign-up. Sign-ups will also be on the tables at the meetings.
You will still receive an email from Sandee each week prior to the Monday 12:30 meeting if you are unable to attend in person (you can start logging in at 12:00 for short socializing) with the link for that privacy-protected meeting. If you have n done so, please download the Zoom app on your computer (you need a camera and microphone on it), iPad or phone. There is no cost to you. If you cannot do either, you can also call in. On the invitation, there are US phone numbers you can call and enter the meeting ID number also indicated on the invitation.
Four Points is now requiring a Contract thru March 2022. We will continue t evaluate other locations for a permanent location. Lunch will be $22 for a sit-down meal. We must notify them by Wednesday at 4:00 pm each week prior to the Monday meeting as to the number of members attending. We are sending out meeting "Invites" weekly and members are asked to sign-up ASAP. You can also sign-up by going to the event section of our website at bellinghamrotary.org. If you sign up for a meal at the meeting, you will need to pay the $22 even if you don't wind up attending the meeting after the numbers are turned in. If you plan to attend but not eat, PLEASE indicate that on your sign-up so we don't overorder meals and still make sure there is enough seating.
Four Points also will not collect the payment weekly, so the Club will collect payments prior to the meeting or at the door.
We urge members of the RCOB to set up a Venmo account for ease in payment of Meeting lunches, Happy Bucks, Minister of Fun, Dues or donations to the club. Our account is @RCOB- Bellingham. If you do not have a Venmo account you can set up an account with your computer then download the app. on your phone (just Google "Venmo" and you will find all the information you need) You then attach it to a debit or credit card (a fee on your end) or attach to your checking account at no cost. Payment will be sent di ctly to the RCOB checking account. When you use it for the first time it may ask you the last 4 digits of the RCOB phone number which is 0282. Give Sandee a call if you need help. 360-734-5532
Other payment options are to bring a check in the correct amount to the meeting made out to RCOB or cash in the exact amount to speed up the payment process. There is also the PayPal option as usual and we are set to take payments at the meeting. We have a QR Code that you scan and simply click to pay thru paypal also.
Website and Phone App instructions:
Here is a tutorial on how to login for the first time. (Click here) Go to belling mrotary.org first. In order to login you need t know your user name and password in your Clubrunner account. The user name is Yourfirstnam Lastname.264 unless you have changed it. Example: Sandra.Lindhout.264 the password is initially set by Clubrunner at 264 unless you have changed it. Sandee can see your Username from her computer but not the password. She can also change your password for you from her computer at your request if you run into problems.
Once you have originally created your User Name and Password you can download the ClubRunner Mobile app on your phone:
Please contact Sandee at 360-734-5532 or rcob@comcast.net if you run into any trouble.
Guests:
Former member, Kim Perry, joined us in person while visiting Bellingham.
Reece Carpenter, President of Bellingham Rotaract join us on Zoom.
Members attending on Zoom: Bob Morse, Loch Trimingham, Susie Thomson, Catherine Riordan, Lynda Hinton, Mauri Ingram, Dick Tucker, Vinson Latimore, Ken Marzocco and Scott Wallace.
Students and guests attending:
David C. Morse Memorial Scholarship $6,000 total
Emily Mackey on zoom
Daniel Staton
Patric Neevel on zoom
Phil Millard Memorial Scholarship $24,000 total
Grace Doud - Squalicum High School and Kasey Potzler family friend
Annika Dank - Sehome High School and mom Marid Hendrickson
Mazy Wright - Bellingham High School and mom Melody Wright
Kylie Zerbes - Bellingham High School and mom Lisa Zerbes
Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation Scholarships Awards $3,000 each
Most Improved:
Kai Leedy - Sehome High School
Roza Wariyo - Bellingham High School, teacher Betsy Rocks and Sister Destu Wariyo
Rossy Sierra - Squalicum High School on Zoom
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Mia Case - Sehome High School and Joe Case
Best Overall Student
Diane Park - Sehome High School
Annika Jonson - Home School/WCC and mom Stephanie Jonson
Presentations:
Rotaractors
Reece Carpenter gave a short presentation on Zoom regarding the Rotaract chapter up at WWU. Possibly she was trying to entice the graduates we celebrate today into the Rotary life. The local Rotaract chapter is a way to gain community service experience relatively painlessly.
Program:
Scholarship Awards
Susie Thomson led off the program with an explanation of the Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation and how it funds the scholarships. This year the foundation is awarding $98,980 in scholarships to deserving students.
RCOB endowment scholarship administered by WWU was awarded to Destiny Reynolds, who was unable to attend.
RCOB endowment scholarship administered by WCC was awarded to Uyen Lee, who was unable to attend.
RCOB endowment scholarship administered by BTC was awarded to Isiah Squires, who was unable to attend.
Five Billee and Herb Ershig scholarships were awarded this year. They went to: Michael Allison, Amanda Hartman, Ryder Magnuson, Anthony Neubert and Isideo Perez. None of these awardees were able to make the meeting.
David C. Morse scholarships at Bellingham Technical College were given to four deserving students. Josue Gonzalas was unable to attend. Emily Mackey is in year two of the machining program. She is going for a BA in Environmental Engineering (?) (This reporter’s fingers are not fast enough to catch everything). Daniel Staton is also in the machining program and is aiming to gain his certificate and perhaps do programming. Patric Neeval is a C&C operator, going to school so that he can advance from this position to higher level occupation.
The Douglas Blair Memorial Scholarship awardee this year is Hope Jamison, who was unable to attend.
Teri Treat had the admirable task of awarding the Phil Millard Memorial Scholarships (in the amount of $4,000 each) to six recipients. Grace Doud is going to study chemistry at the Colorado School of Mines, in Golden, Co. Annika Dank sadly had to leave prior to her recognition. (She had a concert she was involved in.) Olivia Quinn was unable to attend. Mazy Wright from BHS is aiming to become a physical therapist. Tucker Swarens was unable to attend. Kylie Zerbes is headed to the University of Alabama to study biology with the ultimate goal of becoming an optometrist.
The Michael Mischaikow Scholarship, awarded to a student with at least one parent who was an immigrant, was awarded to Flora Becker. She was unable to attend.
Dennis Williams announced the awardees of the Rotary Club of Bellingham Foundation Scholarships. These are administered under the Whatcom Community Foundation Dollars for Scholars program. Awards by category were:
Most Improved Student(s) Kai Leedy of Sehome is hoping to become a teacher. From BHS is Rosa Wariyo, who after her education will become a businessperson. Rossy Sierra from Squalicum attended by Zoom and said that she will attend U of WA and study sociology.
For Outstanding Academic Achievement: Mia Case from Sehome will go to San Diego State University to study physics. Ava Decker of Lynden Christian will attend Lipscomb University in Nashville to study nursing.
Awarded a scholarship for vocational excellence was Baylee Christie from Ferndale, who was unable to attend. Also from Ferndale was Malachi Dunham who will study welding at BTC. Kyle Danz of Sehome was unable to attend.
Best Overall Student awards were two. Diane Park from Sehome attended by Zoom. She intends to go to Harvey Mudd College and concentrate on a STEM curriculum, but has not focused on a particular career path. Annika Johnson is a home study/WCC student who intends to go to TCU and study piano performance. Who knows, perhaps she will return employed at WWU as piano artist…
