New Club President Del VandeKerk was musically introduced for his first “official” meeting of the Rotary year by the Rotary Brass' rendition of "Hail to the Chief."
Announcements:
Tattler Sponsors
The Club is looking for 6 additional Website Sponsors for 1 year at a cost of $250.00. Go to the website at bellinghamrotary.org and check out the rotating current ads. They are all linked to your business website. Current sponsors have had a number of views. Contact Sandee if you are interested.
Wacky Wickets Cancellation Announcement
Wacky Wickets, the goal of which was raising funds, having fun, and involving the community, has had less-than-resounding support this year. So, Wacky Wickets, which was introduced 3 years ago by former Bellingham Rotarian and Past-Club-President, Gregor Hodgson, will be cancelled this year. The committee is working on developing an alternative event that will fulfill the same purposes. Stay tuned for further developments.
Golf Fun
John Macpherson invited everyone to participate in fun golf event. This year’s event will be held August 12th at Hazelmere Golf Club (in Surrey, B.C.). The cost is $110 for a scramble format, with dinner following the golf. If you’d like to participate, let John or Nathan Twining know. For further information consult our ClubRunner website.
Attendance Committee Recommendation
Please try to make up meetings when traveling. If you cannot make up a meeting just mail in a postcard from your out of town location and that will be considered a makeup
Board Briefs July 12, 2016
President Del kicked off his 2016-2017 Rotary year by leading a Board discussion on the timing and process for Fund Raising in our 100th year.
Del also reported that the 2016 Wacky Wickets fundraiser has been cancelled due to not gaining traction. The board discussed a plan for replacing WW that will meet the 3 goals of raising funds, getting more members involved and an opportunity to invite non-members to a fun and exciting event. More information will be coming soon as plans develop.
The resignation from Kevin Allen was accepted with regret due to his moving back to his family home in Silverdale, Washington.
Guest of Rotarians:
Sandy McIntire introduced Bellingham Festival of Music Artistic Director Michael Palmer, Board Chair Karen Berry and Board Member Robert Goodwin.
President Del introduced former RCOB member and Guest Artistic Coordinator member of the Bellingham Festival of Music, D. Andrew Moquin.
Presentations:
New Member Certificate
John Inglis was presented with his membership certificate by President Del, having completed all the requirements to move from the newcomer Red Badge to the official Rotary Blue badge. Congratulations John!
Karen Morse Vocational Service Major Award
Tim Farris presented the Karen W Morse Vocational Service Award to Dr. Greg Baker. Dr Baker, as the Bellingham School District Superintendent, oversees a staff of 1,300, and about 11,000 students housed in 22 schools. His leadership implemented the policies known as “the Bellingham Promise.” The outgrowth of that implementation has been the “One Schoolhouse” approach, which has ensured that resources are equitably distributed across the district. He has led the cause for Early Childhood education, supported an effective nutrition program in the highest poverty schools, and moved the district to full time kindergarten and developed "Promise K" to provide pre-kindergarten programs to the most needy students. Community leaders view him as “bold, courageous, data-driven, and always open minded to seeking the better idea." The Rotary Club of Bellingham is pleased to present the Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Award to Dr. Greg Baker. Congratulations Dr. Baker!
Programs:
Sandy McIntire introduced the Artistic Director of the Bellingham Festival of Music, Michael Palmer, Karen Berry, Chair of the Festival of Music Board of Directors, and Bob Goodwin, who produced the a promotional video for the Festival which was shown today to the Club. The 6 minute video had beautiful scenes of Bellingham with background symphony music conducted by Michael Palmer.
Maestro Palmer spoke of the 23-year history of the Festival of Music, stating that it has become one of the premier music festivals in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together world renowned musicians, serving together to bring the audience beautiful music that speaks to the human heart. He thanked the Board of Directors for their ongoing support, and for making the Festival a reality each year. He outlined this year’s last concert, upcoming on the 17th of July, featuring Piano Concerto no.24 in C minor (Mozart) and Requiem Mass in D minor. Michael also went over the schedule for next year's Festival, which will feature an expanded string selection, with the Calidore String Quartet, Pablo Villegas on guitar, Zuill Bailey on Cello; and winding up the 2017 season will be a celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th anniversary on July 21st.
Karen Berry followed the Maestro, and due to time restraints gave an off-the-cuff, but informative, discussion of the various outreach programs developed and run by the Board of Directors. From pre-concert talks, to concerts in the community, to support of music programs in the Bellingham schools, the Festival of Music is instrumental in supporting music throughout Whatcom County.
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