Tattler Newsletter September 12, 2016 (Sep 12, 2016)

September 12, 2016

President Del VandeKerk opened the meeting by mentioning this is the 99^th year of our Club and the 4,498^th meeting. In recognition, we sang both the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful, accompanied by Don Anderson on piano and President Del on trumpet.

Announcements:

Tim Farris shared information on volunteering at Alderwood Elementary School. He and several other members have served as adult volunteers for two hours, one day a week, over the past year and he is seeking others to volunteer as well. The demographics of Alderwood make it one of the more challenging schools in the Bellingham School District. Contact Tim if you would like more information.

Tim also introduced two guests, Michael and Sheila Plattner, a young Swiss couple he recently met while he and John Macpherson were hiking a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Michael and Sheila completed the entire PCT this season, from Mexico to Canada, approximately 2,600 miles. They have been house guests of Tim and his wife, Leslie.

Sasha Seiden from Bloodworks Northwest announced the Rotary blood draw scheduled for September 26 at Northwood Hall from 9-3, both before and after our regular lunch meeting. Contact Steve Ban if you would like to participate.

Josh Burdick was introduced. He has been hired to make a video documenting RCOB’s 100 years in Bellingham.

Guests of Rotarians:

Tim Farris introduced Michael & Shelia Plattner

Lisa Saar brought Bill Mirand and Robin Kagan

John Moffat introduced Sasha Seiden with Bloodworks Northwest

Teri Treat introduced Josh Burdick with Veritas Media Productions

Program:

The History Committee shared a look at “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” an overview of the RCOB’s approaching 100-year anniversary.

Marty Haines provided a “yesterday” look, reminding us that Rotary was formed by Paul Harris in 1905 in Chicago as a business club. As a group, they were encouraged to provide service to the community and maintain high ethical standards in business and community affairs. The 4-Way Test was adopted in 1942. The second club was formed in San Francisco in 1908. The Bellingham club formed on September 10, 1917 with 31 charter members. It was the 331^st Rotary club. Now, there are 34,282 clubs and 1.2 million members.

From 1985 to present, the RCOB has supported the community with $2,288,000 in gifts greater than $10,000 each. In additioin, the Service Fund contributions have averaged around $14,000 per year during this time. In the past, BRAVO auctions were a means of raising funds for our major projects. This has changed to simply “writing a check.” Some of the major project supporting gifts have benefited the following: Lighthouse Mission, Bellingham Food Bank, Hospice House, YWCA, BTC Fisheries Program, Pickford Theater, Boys & Girls Club, Brigid Collins House, Sun House, and the Bellingham Theater Guild, to name just a few.

As a “Today” subject, Brian Griffin told the story of RCOB’s participation, and crucial role, in developing Boulevard Park, one of the most visible and successful of our major projects. The park opened in 1980.

Nathan Twining then presented about "Tomorrow." Our next fund raising event, “Vegas Night,” will be held at Mount Baker Theatre on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 PM. It will feature entertainment, games, food, refreshments, and, of course, the occasional Elvis sighting. RCOB members are encouraged to participate by joining a committee, volunteering for the event, selling tickets, inviting friends, and donating prizes.