President Teri opened the lunch with a welcome to the Rotary Club of Bellingham. Celebrating 100 years of service to Whatcom County.
The national anthem was performed wonderfully by Marina Purdy, one of our “student of the month” recipients.
The club sang happy birthday to our Outgoing Exchange Student in Leer, Germany, Izzy Cybula and long time member Ralph Rinne, who celebrates 94 years! Birthday cards were placed on the tables for members to sign and will be mailed to Izzy.
Announcements:
Brad Burdick reminded us that the Las Vegas Night fund-raising event is scheduled for this Friday March 2 at the Mt Baker Theater from 6:00-10:00 pm. The cost is $100 per ticket and can be purchased from RCOB members or by calling Mt. Baker Theatre at 360.734.6080. Ticket sales have exceeded last year.
The event will include : One Free Drink (Cash full bar available for additional drinks), Fabulous Food, Stack of Gaming Chips, Live Entertainment including a Lounge Singer, Astounding Circus Acts and Elvis will be in the house. All of this will be followed by a Lightning Auction and Door Prizes.
Arlie Norman is home from open heart surgery. He is not yet taking visitors, but home healing and resting. Please keep Arlie in your prayers for a quick recovery.
President Teri announced that we have been anxiously waiting to announce and recognize the success of our Centennial Major Project for the Rotary Club of Bellingham Scholarships. This announcement was celebrated by several Happy Bucks and a “sparkling cider” toast at the end. Numerous happy bucks were made from committee members and others to congratulate the committee chairs for the RCOB Foundation Scholarship Major Project Fundraiser, DC Morse, Tim Farris, Dale Kinsley and Greg Baker for their leadership and heartfelt support of increasing our annual Scholarships. Susie Thomson and Sandee Lindhout for all the hard work of processing payments and keeping the information organized. The Major Project outreach committee members: Dave Blair, Del VandeKerk, Jan Marchbanks, Robin Halliday, Mark Knittel, Steve Ban, Marty Haines, Loch Trimingham and Dominique Zervas for all the follow-up. A total of $469,000 was pledged; $1,400,000 in the total endowed scholarship fund, providing 30, $2,000 scholarships annually; 100% participation of club members on the campaign. Congratulations to everyone and the students who will benefit from our efforts. President Teri and the committee want to thank all of the membership for their generosity in achieving our goal.
Happy Bucks followed: Brian Griffin sold a $1,000 Ukulele, and good comments regarding the annual ski trip. D.C. Morse started us off with a generous $469 for $469,000 in pledges and his personal thank you; Kathy Hughes, President of the RCOB Foundation followed with another generous $469 for the $469,000 pledges and the 5 Leadership Gifts; Dale Kinsley, Katherine Deets, Mauri Ingram, Dennis Williams and President Teri followed up with $100 each for 100% participation; Susie Thomson, RCOB Foundation Treasurer followed with $140 for $1,400,000 net assets in our Scholarship Endowment Fund; Greg Baker finished with $30 our bringing up the number of scholarships to be given each year to 30.
A Service Fund Grant to the Habitat for Humanity/Salmon Habitat Restoration @ telegraph townhomes was awarded earlier this 2017-2018 Rotary year in the amount of $1,000.00 and they would like to invite the membership to join Habitat for Humanity and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association to restore stream side salmon habitat and to kick-start Phase 1 of the 52 unit Telegraph Townhomes Project. It is Saturday March 3rd from 9am-12pm at 1050 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham, Washington. Click here to see the flyer.
Guests of Rotarians:
Marty Haines brought Gail Ridenour with the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra
Jen Moehl introduced Nathan Conant with Blue Kayak
President Teri and Dominique Zervas brought Cheryl Nelson
Students of the Month (Music)
Bellingham High School student Hosted by Yvonne Cartwright was Zachary Murdzia, who plays the oboe, and his parents Mark & Cindy Murdzia
Sehome High School student hosted by Steve Gray was Anya Grimm and her parents Jeff & Stephanie Grimm
Squalicum High School student hosted by Scott Hume was Marina Purdie and her parents John & Lynda Purdie
Presentations:
President Teri presented Steve Adelstein with his Paul Harris Pin +2 which means it is his third Paul Harris recognition. Congratulations Steve.
Rotary Rapper Kim Perry let loose with a song to introduce the “students of the month.”
Zachary Murdzia from Bellingham HS performed on the Oboe to great applause. He is a select member of the Seattle Youth Symphony; All State honors band; various other school clubs, including sports, and academic honors. He created a “double reed” instrument among other achievements.
Anya Grimm from Sehome HS is involved in various programs including “animals for therapy.” She belongs to various school clubs and possesses vocal skills while exceeding in various AP courses.
Marina Purdy from Squalicum HS excels at various AP courses, is ASB President, and has numerous musical accomplishments. A member of the national honor society, participant in sports, all the while performing volunteer work in her community.
Program:
Donna Inglis gave her New Member speech within the allotted time, briefly introducing her community involvement and passions.
Shauna Naf, Via PowerPoint presentation, outlined her professional occupation and her duties on the farm. She prides herself on her creativity in cooking, building tree forts, etc. She enjoys event planning.
Teri closed with comments regarding the clubs Centennial Success in scholarships… See you Friday at Vegas Night.
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