We met today upstairs in Room 210 in the Self Commons. President John Moffat opened the meeting at 12:30. The Rotary Brass played My Country Tis of Thee and Paul Grey gave the invocation provided by Steve Ban, who at the last moment was unable to attend.
Guests:
George Halsell introduced our speaker, Brittany Gratias who will be speaking on Zoom
Monty McAllister introduced our Exchange Student, Janka from Hungary
John Moffat introduced Bob Tull and Steve Woods
Bill Day brought his wife Lynn
Visiting Rotarian Bill Kirby from Carson City. It was revealed that bill graduated from Sehome in 1972
Members on Zoom: Shauna Naf and Steve Ban
Club Events and Committee Announcements
District Events
The Rotary 5050 District Assembly will be held this Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Kwantlen Polytechnical University, 12666 72nd Ave., Surrey, B. C., with registration beginning at 8:00 am and running till 2:30. All officers are encouraged to attend, as this provides leadership training, goal-setting and networking opportunities
The District 5050 Conference will be held at Harrison Hot Springs, May 1-3, 2026. Members were urged to consider attending. This link will take you to additional information:
Committee Announcements
Hands On Committee
The Ken Imus Clean Up in Fairhaven is this Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10:00-1:00.
The Rotary Club of Bellingham will be joining the Fairhaven Association (the club is a new member) in a service project. Wear your Rotary Gear.
Saturday, April 11th - The Ken Imus Clean up Day from 10:00-1:00 We will be picking up trash, sweeping, possibly gardening.
Arrive at The Hub (1106 Harris Ave, suite 103) at 10 am. We will work until approximately 1:00pm.
Bring gloves, sweeping and weeding supplies.
Wear Rotary gear please.
Contact Ward Naf if you can participate at wardnaf@gmail.com or 360-303-6671
Community Boating Center
Ward Naf announced upcoming service projects with the Community Boating Center (April 25) to refinish their tables. Stay tuned for more information.
Bob Tull was inducted as our newest RCOB member by Past President Larry Halgren. President John read off an impressive list of Bob’s community involvements over the years. Bob was a past member of both Whatcom North / Ferndale and Bellingham Bay clubs, the latter where he was a 35- year member and past president. Welcome Bob!
Having completed all the necessary requirements, recent new members Bernard Bove and Joseph Garcia were presented with Rotary Certificates of Membership.
Joseph Garcia and Bernard Bove receive their "Blue Badges" Congratulations!
Larry Halgren did the Past President portion of Bob's induction
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.
Brittany Gratias presented Days for Girls via Zoom from her home in Hawaii. The program opened with this statement: “500 million women and girls of reproductive age do have what they need to manage their periods.” Period poverty is defined as a lack of access of menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management and education. Days for Girls advances the cause of menstrual health by focusing in four areas: Education and Information, Faculties and Services, Providing a Positive Environment, Care and Treatment. Implementing these concepts will thus provide freedom for women and girls to move ahead in life. The cost of ignoring menstrual issues can result in health challenges, early childhood marriages, shame & isolation, absenteeism in school or work, each or as a whole resulting in decreased productivity.
In the United States alone, 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products; 1 in 3 women reported missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. There are16.9 million low-income people in the US who are at risk of experiencing poverty. Days for Girls produces and distributes a small, compact “DfG Kit” that provides needed items during a period. They also provide an “Ambassador of Women’s Health” curriculum for those wishing to provide education on the topic along with “Men Who Know” curriculum to better educate men. Days for Girls has reached 3.9 million women and girls in 145 countries. Their newsletter may be found at daysforgirls.org.
Closing:
President John closed the meeting asking for help to clean out the room to its original condition. And may the week be kind to you.
Rotary Brass: Doug Cole, John Dunne, George Halsell & Del VandeKerk
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.
Member Activities:
