President Chuck opened the meeting, noting that participation was considerably up from the previous week!
Don led us in America the Beautiful, and Nathan Twining did a great invocation.
Announcements:
Cathy Buckley talked about the upcoming ski trip to Sun Peaks, February 8 – 12 and told the Club that this was the last chance to join in – if you want to go, get ahold of her soon!
John Moffat announced that 17 people have signed up for the Blood Drive, which will be out in the parking lot at Northwood Hall on October 5th. You can sign up at next week’s meeting. Please support this important need!
Nathan Twining did a final push for Wacky Wickets, which is next weekend. If you haven’t signed up with a team, or to volunteer, do so this week! This is a great event, with lots of laughs and fun. Don’t miss it!
Guest of Rotarians:
Teri Treat brought her husband Matt and also introduced Jeff McClure's wife Debbie.
Brad Burdick introduced Ray Deck III with Skookum Kids.
President Chuck Snyder brought Seth Burke with Back In Action Physical Therapy
Presentations:
President Chuck presented two Paul Harris awards; Frank King received his first, and Jim Vos, inexplicably, received his first AND second. No one was quite sure how that worked out, but congratulations to both members! (Sandee noted: Jim received this honor because of previous contributions and his donation to the Rotary International Foundation when he purchased the auction items offered by Rotarians at a recent meeting)
Tim Farris was the recipient of an award for bringing in two new members to the Club. Way to go, Tim!
Brad Burdick, on behalf of the Service Fund Committee, introduced the recipient of a check for $1,000.00 which went to Ray Deck with Skookum Kids. Skookum Kids provides a safe, warm place for kids who are transitioning from their home into foster care. The home in the Happy Valley neighborhood requires a fence to surround a retaining pond, making the property safer for the kids. Our Club’s donation will make that fence a reality! If anyone wants to volunteer to help construct the fence, please let Brad know! Construction begins October 13th.
Program:
Today’s program featured Jeff McClure from RMC Architects and Teri Treat as the architect and developer of the renovation taking place at the former Lynden Department store, which began as Waples Mercantile in the early 1900s. Billy Waples was a well-known entrepreneur and civic leader, who established the store, brought the railroad and electricity to Lynden. He also was instrumental in putting together the Northwest Washington Fair.
When the Department store burned in 2008, it was a shock to the entire city, emotionally and economically. The historical structure has sat empty in the middle of downtown Lynden until now.
McClure and Treat intend to renovate the old building into a mixed use structure, maintaining historical accuracy in its construction. The Inn at Lynden will feature 35 rooms on a Mezzanine and second floor. The ground level will feature Avenue Bread, Village Books, Paper Dreams, and Tap Room. The Inn will become a place to meet, and to enjoy. Tourism in Lynden will also benefit from the new Inn.
The City of Lynden has been very supportive and helpful during the process of researching the reality of the renovation into a mixed use commercial and hotel building. Other Whatcom County hotels also assisted by sharing their experiences.
The ground floor retail shops are planning to be open before Thanksgiving, and the Inn will open prior to Christmas 2015.
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