Bellingham Bay Rotary Club
 
Club Information

BBRC

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:30 PM
Zoom meetings (during COVID)
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month
Contact Club President if you'd like to be our guest
Bellingham, WA 98227
United States of America
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February Note
2021-22 Slate of Officer: 
Per the BBRC bylaws (Article 3, Section 1), the following slate of officers is being shared with the membership. Additional nominations to this slate will be accepted until February 15, 5:00 pm. A separate email ballot will be sent out after Feb. 15 with the finalized slate. Watch your emails.
 
 
Past President
Mike Bates
President 
Lance Calloway
President Elect
Lesa Ferguson
VP/Program Chair
Tim Krell 
Treasurer
Carlye Gillespie
Secretary
Inga Drechsel
Director (year 2 of 2)
Tony Freeland
Director (year 2 of 2)
Erika Buse
Director (year 2 of 2)
Sean Stimac
Director (year 1 of 2)
Mark Turner
Director (year 1 of 2)
John Bosch
 
Service Above Self: Volunteers for COVID vaccinations  
 
As we have mentioned previously we have been asked as Rotarians to make ourselves available on a volunteer basis to help out with vaccinations within the community. Turns out that a collaborative effort on the part of many of the healthcare providers and the Whatcom County Health Department will be putting on large scale vaccination clinics in the future. All volunteers must register in order to be covered for liability.  Please consider signing up in order to be of service to your community.
 
Here are directions for navigating to the sign-up pages:
 
1. Click on the following link: whatcomcovid.com
2. In blue horizontal navigation bar at top of page, click on "volunteer."
3. Under Emma Clark's video, you will find  (a) information about current volunteer opportunities, (b) a link to a sign up form for general volunteers, (c) a link to a sign up form for medial licensed personnel volunteers, (d) a link to a sign up for for case contract tracing investigators.
 
 
January Note
2021-2022 Slate of Officers....
Per the BBRC bylaws (Article 3, Section 1), the following slate of officers is being shared with the membership. Additional nominations to this slate will be accepted until February 15, 5:00 pm.   
 
Past President
Mike Bates
President 
Lance Calloway
President Elect
Lesa Ferguson
VP/Program Chair
Tim Krell 
Treasurer
Carlye Gillespie
Secretary
Inga Drechsel
Director (year 2 of 2)
Tony Freeland
Director (year 2 of 2)
Erika Buse
Director (year 2 of 2)
Sean Stimac
Director (year 1 of 2)
Mark Turner
Director (year 1 of 2)
John Bosch
 
We have resumed our 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month zoom lunch meetings .
 
Highlights from the 1st half of the Rotary year as we prepare for the 2nd half. We.....
 
Launched mentoring program with WWU Roteract (contact Steve White if interested)
 
Started a community service pen pal program at Christian Healthcare Center and Alderwood Park Healthcare Center
 
Had a successful Turkey drive for food back-  2,000 turkeys purchased
 
Established Stan Dyer Day of Service (stay tuned this coming spring!)
 
Gave $10,000 for Hurricane relief in Copan, Honduras 
 
Ratified new BBRC Bylaws & Constitution (ok....not exciting but a lot of work by the board!)
 
Had members making news: Guy Occhiogrosso recognized by National Association of Chamber Executives top 40 under 40, Heather Flaherty selected as the Chamber 2020 Young Professional of the Year, Flo Simons as Interim Police Chief (1/4)
 
Lets also take a moment to remember the loss of two Rotarians: Jeff Hill & Jerry Simons
 
December Note
 
Wishing everyone the best as we close out 2020. Our next Tuesday lunch meeting will be January 12th, 2021 at noon via Zoom!
Monday (Nov 23) Notes
Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! Great news to share about our Food Bank Turkey Drive: The goal of purchasing 2,000 turkeys was accomplished. Thank you to Tony Freeland & Mike Hammes for organizing this annual event, and for mobilizing Rotarians and friends of the club to help achieve the goal.
 
Charitable Giving Committee-Accepting applications NOW 
 
 The Charitable Giving Committee awards small grants to non profit community programs in the range of $1,000 – $2,500. Please circulate the attached application to any community organizations you think might benefit from one of these grants. Application deadline is December 31, 2020.
Questions? Contact Mark Turner, Committee Chair. 
 
Toys for Tots- Supporting the holidays
 
Since many families struggle financially during the holiday season, and this year has additional challenges, the  Board has voted to donate the $250 (usually given to our Holiday program entertainment) to the Toys for Tots program. There are many worthy charities that would welcome donations this year, but we hope this small gift to Toys for Tots helps a family enjoy the holidays with a little less stress. 

 
Help for Copan, Honduras 
 
As some of you heard from Bob Moles during our last Tuesday lunch meeting, Copan, Honduras was hit hard by Hurricane Eta. Our club has a long history of projects in Copan , thus hearing that our friends in the area are struggling is a tough one. The Board, along with the International Committee, is considering  how we might help. We will provide additional details as they arise. In the meantime, if you have questions contact President Mike .
 
New Mentoring Program with WWU Roteract Club- Sign up now!
 Quick reminder that the club is participating in a mentorship program with - same as last week the WWU Roteract club.
Please take a moment to complete the brief questionnaire that will be used to match Rotarian mentors with Roteract mentees: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmDxpbKBeNIR2bccj0r8YNREFdPNAzsEIfgWoQQPs0I0jKGQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Questions? Contact Steve at sjwhite46@comcast.net  
Monday (Nov 9) Notes
Did you know that the Rotary theme for November is “Rotary Foundation Month”? In addition to supporting the Polio initiative, here are some additional initiative supported by  the foundation. You can go to the  RI Foundation website to read more:
HEALING THOUSANDS: Rotarian and physician Pia Skarabis-Querfeld has spent years building a network of volunteer doctors to help refugees in Berlin, Germany.
REBUILDING LIVES: Rotary clubs worked together to help Puerto Ricans rebuild their homes and hearts after Hurricane Maria.
THE POOWER OF LLIGHT: A grant helped a club in Durango, Colorado, USA, install more than 200 solar lights in remote, off-the-grid Navajo homes.
 
Wine Sale through the Bellwether- A pseudo Wine by the Water/Grape & Gourmet event!
Even though we can’t gather and host our Wine by the Water fundraising event this fall, the Bellwether is extending an opportunity for us to purchase wines, and collect some fundraising dollars ($1/bottle) while doing so!  With the holidays coming up, and the dark days of winter, think about stocking your cellar with some wines and help the club raise some money.  Below is an overview of information from the Bellwether. Complete details, along with the wine list and order form, are in the Monday emails from Tresha.
 
Wine order due date: Monday, November 16th by 5:00PM
Minimum orders: All orders must be a 6-bottle minimum of each selection
Order form: Complete the order form and return to Hotel Bellwether (drop off at front desk, email: wineshop@hotelbellwther.com or fax to 360-392-3101, ATTN Wine Shop)
Payment: Hotel Bellwether’s wine shop will tally your order and send your invoice via square for credit card payment. If you prefer a different method of payment, please call 360-392-3179 or email wineshop@hotelbellwether.com and we are happy to accommodate
Pick Up: At Hotel Bellwether on November 30th, 2020. There will be an option for no-contact pick up. For any guests choosing to stay for dinner or drinks – the Lighthouse Grill will waive the corkage fee for the evening of wine pick up so you can uncork your first bottle!!
 
Questions?Please reach out to Cory DeWispelaere-Rusch / Food & Beverage Manager
wineshop@hotelbellwether.com / 360.392.3179  
 
 
 
Food Bank Turkey Drive- Thanksgiving is just around the corner
Time is almost out for you to make a donation to the Food Bank  Turkey Drive. You can either make a donation by clicking this link, or by making a check to the following:   
1.     Make check payable to Bellingham Food Bank
2.     In check memo line put: Bellingham Bay Rotary (or BBR)
3.     Mail check to: Mike Hammes, 4290 Pacific Highway, Bellingham WA 98226.
 
 
New Mentoring Program with WWU Roteract Club- Sign up now!
Quick reminder that the club is participating in a mentorship program with the WWU Roteract club.
Please take a moment to complete the brief questionnaire that will be used to match Rotarian mentors with Roteract mentees: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmDxpbKBeNIR2bccj0r8YNREFdPNAzsEIfgWoQQPs0I0jKGQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Questions? Contact Steve at sjwhite46@comcast.net  or call at 206-972- 5531. 
 
 
 
 
Monday (Oct 12) Note
 
 
 
    Our next Tuesday lunch meeting is October 27th via zoom. Contact President Mike if you'd like more information, or would like to attend as a visitor.
    Information below includes:
    1. Message from President Mike
    2. Jerry Simons- Past President of BBRC passes
    3. Thanksgiving Turkeys for Food Bank-Donate now!
    4. Charitable Giving committee-Call for members
    5. District 5050 Blood Drive Campaign
    6. Rotary International Foundation- What is the foundation benefactor?
     
    1. Message from President Mike
     
    Interact/Rotaract: I am happy to let you know that we have been able to expand our card writing program to an additional convalescent center.  In addition to the Lynden facility we are now writing cards to the residents of the Alderwood Park Convalescent Center here in Bellingham. This is being accomplished by the members of both Squalicum High School Interact Club as well as the WWU Rotaract members. With their help we are able to reach an additional 40 people who are very grateful to receive some correspondence. Thank you Interact and thank you Rotaract.
     
    Additionally, we are in the inception stages of establishing a mentorship program with WWU Rotaract students.  In the current environment there will be opportunities to meet the students via zoom. I want to thank Steve White for taking the lead on this program. I’m sure we will all hear from him shortly about how we can plug into this important outreach.
     
    New Committee Chairs: Thank you Mark Turner and John Bosch for agreeing to chair the following committees:
    Charitable Giving Committee:  Mark Turner chair
    The International Committee:  John Bosch chair
     
    I will be interested to see what new perspective they bring.
    **************
    2. Jerry Simons- Past President of BBRC passes
     
    For those of you in the club who had the pleasure of knowing Jerry, here’s a link to his full obituary. Jerry passed away on September 12th in Anchorage Alaska.  The club has sent a card to his family expressing our condolences.
     
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    3. Thanksgiving Turkeys for Food Bank- Donate now!
     
    As promised here's information about how you can make a contribution to this year's  BBRC Food Bank Turkey Drive.
     
    Electronic payments can be made by using the following link: https://www.classy.org/campaign/Rotary-Turkeys-2020/c305180
     
    If you prefer to mail a check, here's the information
    1. Make check payable to Bellingham Food Bank
    2. In check memo line put: Bellingham Bay Rotary (or BBR)
    3. Mail check to: Mike Hammes, 4290 Pacific Highway, Bellingham WA 98226.
    If you have any questions, reach out to Tony.
     
    Also…. Did you know that based on the CARES act, you are able to take a $300 charitable giving deduction whether you itemize or take the standard deduction?  Make sure to keep your receipt from your donation to the turkey drive! Of course, you should always consult your own tax accountant to verify specifics for your individual situation, but here’s a longer explanation:
     
    The CARES Act, among other coronavirus relief efforts, has instituted a provision allowing people to deduct $300 for charitable contributions. If you are married and filing jointly, your deduction is still limited to $300. Taxpayers can take this universal deduction no matter whether they itemize or take the standard deduction on their taxes.
     
    Deductions under the CARES Act must be in cash (including checks and credit card payments) and given to a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions to non-operating private foundations, support organizations and donor-advised funds don’t fall under this new deduction. Because the CARES Act deduction is a universal above-the-line deduction, you can list your contribution as an adjustment to income on your taxes.
    In short, with the CARES Act, if you donate up to $300 in cash to a qualified organization, your adjusted gross income will be reduced up to $300.
     
     **************
    4. Charitable Giving Committee-Call for members
     
    Message on behalf of Mark Turner, Chair
     
    The Charitable Giving Committee is responsible for soliciting applications and then awarding modest grants (up to $2500 but usually in the $1000 range) to worthy non-profit groups in Whatcom County. The committee does its work from now through February, with most of the work in January as we review applications and decide where to invest our money. This is one of our most important committees and your work on it has direct impact on our community. Mark Turner took over as chair of the committee this year and is seeking at least two new members to replace those who have stepped down or left the club. Let Mark know you're interested by email to mark@turnerphotographics.com.
     
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    5. District 5050 Blood Drive Campaign
     
    A message on behalf of District Governor Carol Tichelman
     
    We have decided to start a friendly and voluntary blood donation campaign in district 5050.  We want to encourage our members, their friends and families who are able, to participate in this life-saving humanitarian act.  One blood donation can potentially save up to three lives.  If your members are unable to donate blood, they might be able to donate much needed plasma.
     
    There will be District recognition given at the end of the Rotary year by Area, as that is the only way our friends in Washington can enroll.  Bloodworks Northwest does not offer individual person or Club tracking for groups – but they have set up a tracking system for us by Area. 
     
    Here's how the donation process will work for U.S. Rotarians in District 5050:
    1.        Your members (and their family and friends!) will click on the blood drop link on the right side of the attached eFlyer when scheduling an appointment.
    2.       When they show up for the appointment, they will be asked if they are from a specific group and will reply Rotary.
    3.       Donation totals will be available each quarter. Your members can also encourage their friends and family to use the attached eFlyer to link their blood donation as part of your Club’s donation record.
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    6. Rotary International Foundation-  Who is a Rotary Foundation Benefactor?
     
    A Rotary Foundation Benefactor is a person who has notified The Rotary Foundation that they have made provisions in their final estate plans to Rotary for US$1,000 or more, or who has made an outright gift of US$1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment. Benefactors receive a certificate and insignia to wear with a Rotary or Paul Harris Fellow pin. They are listed in the Benefactor Report and identified in the Club Recognition Summary.
     
    Clubs with 100% member support of Rotary’s Endowment are eligible to request a Rotary’s Promise Club electronic certificate. Qualifying support may be a commitment for a future gift to The Rotary Foundation in an estate plan or an outright gift of $1,000 or more to the Endowment.
     
    A US$1,000 gift to The Rotary Foundation creates a legacy of helping people live better lives around the world. Today there are over 100,000 Benefactors worldwide.  Will you join them by making a gift of $1,000 to Rotary’s Endowment or by leaving a gift to Rotary in your estate?
     
    Monday (9.28.20) Note
    Our next zoom lunch meeting is Oct. 13th. Mary Bissell, Executive Producer of Surviving R. Kelly Series, will be our guest speaker. If you haven’t made a zoom lunch meeting yet, we’d love to see you! Our zoom meeting link is in the Monday emails sent to the membership.
     
     
    Information below includes:
    • Message from President Mike
    • Jeff Hill-Update and way to support
    • Community Service: Thanksgiving Turkeys for Food Bank
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is the endowment fund?
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    Message from President Mike
     
    As most of you know, Jeff Hill, who is a member of our club, has had a protracted battle with cancer. I can imagine that this has had a profound affect emotionally and financially. A ‘GoFundMe’ page has been established to help Jeff and his family. The link is provided below for your convenience. For those of you who are able to contribute financially I encourage you to so, and/or send him a get- well card.
     
    Unrelated, I wanted to let you know that our card writing program has been a big hit at the Lynden Health Care Center. So now, with the help of our Interact students at Squalicum High School and our Rotaract members from Western, we are expanding our efforts into a second convalescent center. Starting in October these students will be writing cards and establishing pen-pal relationships with the residences at Alderwood Convalescent Center. I am certain that this correspondence will be very uplifting to the patients. 
     
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    Jeff Hill- Update and way to support
     
    Below is a link to the most recent update on Jeff (recently released from hospital). 
     
     
    His family has requested support in the form of gift cards to either Whole Foods or the Bellingham Co-op. The address to mail gift cards is: 6187 Hamilton Ave Ferndale WA, 98248. An alternate option is to either purchase gift cards or donate directly through the website.
     
    Please consider if there is something you are able to do; even a card of support would be great! We want to surround Jeff and his family with the support and love of this Rotary community.
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    Community Service- Thanksgiving Turkeys for Food Bank
     
    Its that time of the year again when we begin ramping up our efforts to help the food bank provide Thanksgiving Turkeys! Information about where to send your checks will be provided shortly, but start thinking about what you can contribute and who you know that might be willing to contribute too. The bar is already set high by an individual donor who has committed $3,000!
     
    A big thank you to Mike Hammes and Tony Freeland for getting this organized this year. Lets do this Rotarians!!
     
    Tony has another service project in the works for December, but if you have ideas for future community service project contact Tony .
     
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    Rotary International Foundation-   What is the Endowment Fund?
    Gifts to Rotary's Endowment ensure that future Rotarians will have the resources they need to design and implement sustainable projects year after year. Donations to the Endowment Fund can be made as an outright gift or a planned gift, such as a bequest in your estate. As of the 2018-19 Rotary year, Rotary’s Endowment totals US$374.5 million and has US$828.9 million in commitments.
     
     
    Monday (9.21.20) Note 
    Did you know that September is Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month? Click here to read the article “Advancing Literacy and supporting students during a pandemic.”
     
    Information below includes:
    • Message from President Mike: Mentoring opportunity with WWU Rotaract & Interact Service Project
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is a Major Donor and Arch Klumph Society Member?
    • Community Service Projects: Updates
    • September Birthdays
    Message from President Mike: Mentoring opportunity with WWU Rotaract  & Interact Service Project
    I want to share with you that the new Rotaract President, who is a student at Western Washington University, contacted me this week. She and her members are interested in the possibility of establishing a mentorship relationship with our club.  I look forward to exploring that possibility with her and her members and what that might look like. I will keep you informed of any progress that is made.  She also indicated that they would like to be made aware of any volunteer projects that we are involved in so that they could consider their engagement as well. 
     
    Unrelated, I spoke with the Interact Advisor from SQHS this week and she indicated that they are searching for socially distanced volunteer opportunities.  I shared with her the fact that the club is writing cards to patients in assisted living facilities.  She thought that sounded like a great idea and indicated her willingness to have her students write cards as well.  As a result of these conversations I believe we will be able to expand our efforts into a second assisted living facility.   
     
     
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    Rotary International Foundation:  What is a Major Donor and Arch Klumph Society Member?
     
    Major Donor – The Rotary Foundation recognizes individuals or couples whose combined giving reaches US$10,000, regardless of the gift designation. This recognition level can be achieved only through personal contributions. Major Donors may elect to receive a crystal recognition piece and pin(s) commemorating the gift at each new recognition level. Since Rotary’s Major Donor recognition began there have been over 30,000 Major Donors.
     
    Arch Klumph Society – Donors whose cumulative gifts total US$250,000 or more are recognized as Arch Klumph Society members. Recognition includes an induction ceremony and your picture and biography in the Arch Klumph Society interactive gallery at the Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Members also receive invitations to society events, along with membership pins and crystals that commemorate their giving level. Since the society’s creation in 2004, there have been over 700 Arch Klumph Society members.
    **************
    Community Service Projects: Updates
    Inga, coordinator of the CHC skilled nursing facility Pen Pal project, reports that the letters received thus far are much appreciated! Approximately 8 of our club members are sending monthly cards to residents monthly. Thank you to those were able to participate in this service project, and for the smile you’re putting on these folks’ faces!
     
    Tony is working on coordinating another fall service project. It will likely be something associated with the holidays in December. Stay tuned, and contact Tony if you have any ideas for future community service project we can engage in this year.
     
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    September Birthdays
    Happy Birthday to the following Rotarians with September Birthday:
     
    Steve Brummel- Sept 2nd
    John Purdie- Sept 5th
    Brent Walker- Sept 8th
    Martin Meade- Sept 11th
    Sean Cool- Sept 25th
     
     
    If you have a September birthday and don’t see your name above, contact Tresha  so she can update our membership data!
    Monday (9.7) Note 
     
    Happy Labor Day all!
    Please join us tomorrow (9/8) for our Tuesday lunch meeting.  Carol Tichelman, Rotary District 5050 Governor, will discuss how we (as Rotarians) can continue to do our good work during this COVID time. She will also talk to us about her international volunteerism experiences as a Rotarian. We will have another Wheel of Fun winner ....this week a gift card Village Books/Paper Dreams... and another mystery guest.
     
    Can you guess ourmystery guest's profession... This person lives in San Diego, is concerned about your health and wellness, has worked with veterans, and spends a lot of time in a classroom. Special hint: If you've been attending our Tuesday zoom lunches, you may they are a repeat...but they're not! ;-) 
     
    Information below includes:
    • Paypal is back!
    • Club Zoom meetings: Lessons from the first two month
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is a Paul Harris Society Member?
     
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    Paypal is back!
     
    The club has a new and improved PayPal account ready for our use (i.e., you shouldn’t be assessed service fees on your credit cards now!). If you’ve participated in bucks in the bay, been assessed fines, or been absent from our meetings and thus owe fines for that ;-), here’s the link for payment:
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    Club Zoom meetings: Lessons from the first two month-same as last week
     
    One positive outcome of our Tuesday Zoom meetings is that we are seeing a number of member that we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing at in-person meetings on a regular bases (Guy, Denise, Erik, Flo, Marlys). That has been a real treat!   
     
    We have also learned that managing meetings via Zoom can be tricky, so we are going to try some new protocols in September:
    1. The Program must go on!:  To respect everyone’s schedules (including our speakers), we will start the programs promptly at 1:00. This may mean that we skip the SOA portion of the meetings, and rely on ourselves to assess personal fines and pay up!
    2.  You’ve been muted!: To manage the meetings more effectively (e.g., distractions, turn-taking, time) Lesa will be putting everyone on mute.
    3.  Hands up!: As would be the case in our face-to-face meetings, please raise your hand if you’d like to speak. Either Mike or Lesa will call on you. Remember to unmute yourself at this time…remember, Lesa will have muted your mic 😉
    If you have any additional suggestions for how we can improve our Tuesday Zoom lunches, please let President Mike know!
     
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    Rotary International Foundation-   What is a Paul Harris Society Member?
     
    The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.  Paul Harris Society contributions also count toward Sustaining Member (Annual Fund contributions only), EREY, Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor recognition. Recognition consists of a chevron style pin and a certificate provided by your District Paul Harris Society Coordinator.  Paul Harris Society members are listed in the Paul Harris Society Report. Are you interested in taking the next step in supporting our Foundation? Contact the RI foundation!
     
    Monday (8.31.20) Note
     
    Happy Monday everyone! Hard to believe this is the last day of August….where did the month go?!?
     
    During last week's meeting, we had an excellent program by Dillon Honcoop from Whatcom County Farms, our mystery guest was a FBI agent from California, and Brett won the NautiGirl prizes via the Wheel of Fun. Hope to see ya'll in September! Here are our upcoming September programs:
    September 8th: Carol Tichelman, Rotary District 5050 Govenor
    September 22nd: Felicity Dye, Rotary Youth Exchange
     
     
    Information below includes:
    • Message from President Mike: Community Service:  Do you have a suggestion?
    • Club Zoom meetings: Lessons from the first two month
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member?
    • Food Bank volunteer opportunity: same as last week 
    • 2020-21 Club Budget: same as last week
     
     **************
    Message from  President Mike- Community Service:  Do you have a suggestion?
     
    As the club continues to search for and be presented with volunteer opportunities we feel that it’s important to hear from you as to the types of community service you would like to perform.   In our club survey 80% of you indicated that it was either important or very important to perform community service.  If you have a project in mind or know of a unmet need in our community please reach out to Tony Freeland  or myself. Also, for those of you who weren’t able to attend the orientation question/answer zoom meeting regarding food bank deliveries that information was recorded and is available upon request  Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you the link  
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    Club Zoom meetings: Lessons from the first two month
     
    One positive outcome of our Tuesday Zoom meetings is that we are seeing a number of member that we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing at in-person meetings on a regular bases (Guy, Denise, Erik, Flo, Marlys). That has been a real treat!   
     
    We have also learned that managing meetings via Zoom can be tricky, so we are going to try some new protocols in September:
    1. The Program must go on!:  To respect everyone’s schedules (including our speakers), we will start the programs promptly at 1:00. This may mean that we skip the SOA portion of the meetings, and rely on ourselves to assess personal fines and pay up!
    2.  You’ve been muted!: To manage the meetings more effectively (e.g., distractions, turn-taking, time) Lesa will be putting everyone on mute.
    3.  Hands up!: As would be the case in our face-to-face meetings, please raise your hand if you’d like to speak. Either Mike or Lesa will call on you. Remember to unmute yourself at this time…remember, Lesa will have muted your mic 😉
    If you have any additional suggestions for how we can improve our Tuesday Zoom lunches, please let President Mike know!
     
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    Rotary International Foundation-  What is a Foundation Sustaining member?
     
    A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member is an individual who personally contributes US$100 or more each Rotary year to the Annual Fund. These contributions also count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year), Major Donor, and club recognition. Use the Club Foundation Banner Report to see your club’s Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members. For $10 a month, you too can be a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member and help provide life-changing opportunities for those in need on a yearly basis!
     
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    Food Bank Volunteer Opportunity-same as last week
     
    President Mike recently contacted the Whatcom Volunteer Center to determine if there were unmet needs in the community that we in Rotary could assist with.  Turns out that there is a great need for drivers to make deliveries for the Food Bank to high risk individuals and families who are unable to pick up food at any of the Food Banks.
    Below you will find more information about this volunteer opportunity.   Please consider making a difference in this way.   The following information was provided by the Whatcom Volunteer Center:
     
    During the COVID pandemic Whatcom Unified Command, the Bellingham Foodbank and the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County have been working to get food bank boxes delivered to high risk individuals and families throughout Whatcom County who are not able to pick up food at the regular food bank locations. Each Friday volunteer drivers currently deliver about 800 boxes to people in need.
     
    Starting in September, we are going to need 30 volunteers each week to help out with deliveries and support on site. Deliveries start around 8am each Friday and usually go until about 12 or 1pm.  This is a no-contact volunteer opportunity. We have lifted age restrictions for this project, so as long as you are low-risk health wise, we are grateful for your support!  An online orientation for the foodbank delivery project was recorded.  If you are interested in helping out, please go here: https://whatcomvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=521579 
      
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    2020-21 Club Budget-same as last week
     
    The Board approved the 2020-21 budget during our August board meeting. Check your email for a copy of the budget, or contact President Mike.  
    Monday (8.24.20) Note
     
     
    This Week: Tomorrow’s  zoom meeting (8.25.20) features Dillon Honcoop from Whatcom county farmers as our guest speaker. We will also have another Mystery Guest. See if you can guess this person's occupation, here are a few hints: 
     
    This person lives if Los Angeles CA, they are a Federal employee, and their mission is "To protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States." What do they do.....  
     
    Information below includes:
    • Message from President Mike: 2020-21 Club Budget & Food Bank Volunteer Opportunity
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is a Paul Harris Fellow?
    • Honoring Stan: Day of Service & Memorial Scholarship   
     
     
    Message from  President Mike- 2020-21 Club Budget & Food Bank Volunteer Opportunity
     
    2020-21 Club Budget: The Board approved the 2020-21 budget during our August board meeting. Contact President Mike for more information.
     
    Volunteer Opportunity-Food bank drivers: I recently contacted the Whatcom Volunteer Center to determine if there were unmet needs in the community that we in Rotary could assist with.  Turns out that there is a great need for drivers to make deliveries for the Food Bank to high risk individuals and families who are unable to pick up food at any of the Food Banks.
    Below you will find more information about this volunteer opportunity plus a link to a orientation meeting of August 26th.  Please consider making a difference in this way.  
    The following information was provided by the Whatcom Volunteer Center:
     
    During the COVID pandemic Whatcom Unified Command, the Bellingham Foodbank and the Volunteer Center of Whatcom County have been working to get food bank boxes delivered to high risk individuals and families throughout Whatcom County who are not able to pick up food at the regular food bank locations. Each Friday volunteer drivers currently deliver about 800 boxes to people in need.
     
    Starting in September, we are going to need 30 volunteers each week to help out with deliveries and support on site. Deliveries start around 8am each Friday and usually go until about 12 or 1pm.
     
    This is a no-contact volunteer opportunity. We have lifted age restrictions for this project, so as long as you are low-risk health wise, we are grateful for your support!
     
    We are holding an online orientation for the foodbank delivery project next Wednesday, August 26th, 3-4pm. If you are unable to attend, no worries… we will be recording the session and will send it out.
     
        Orientation meeting information:Time: Aug 26, 2020 03:00 PM Pacific Time 
        Join Zoom Meeting
     
        Dial in          +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        Meeting ID: 876 0640 8135
        Passcode: 586659
     
    If you are interested in helping out, please go here: https://whatcomvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=521579 
     
    If you would like to get a head start on the paperwork process, we are pre-screening volunteers under the banner of our Volunteer Chore Program, because this is the most efficient way for us to process background checks at this time.  Steps to pre-qualify:
     
    Please fill out the attached paperwork and email it back to Leah DeAngelis <leah_deangelis@oppco.org>
     
    Please also include a picture of your photo ID (driver’s license ideal) and if you would like to be available for driving positions, please also include a picture of your auto insurance ALL TOGETHER IN THE SAME EMAIL.
     
    You may print and take a photo of the completed application and send it as an image.  We will be running a Washington State Patrol background check and National Sex Offenders Database check for all volunteers and will notify you when you are cleared. If you are already a Chore volunteer, then there is no need to fill out the paperwork, simply let us know and you will be pre-qualified.
      
    Thank you again for your willingness to help out during these challenging times!
     
    **************
    Rotary International Foundation-  What is a Paul Harris Fellow?
     
    Established in 1957, Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given to individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Rotary Foundation grant. Recognition consists of a certificate and pin.  Paul Harris Fellows can also be given on behalf of someone through Foundation Recognition points or through a combination of points and outright donations. Since it’s creation, over 1.6 million people have become Paul Harris Fellows, including notable figures such as U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk.  Use the Club Recognition Summary to see your club’s Paul Harris Fellows.
     
    Are you ready to become a Paul Harris Fellow and join your fellow Rotarians in financially supporting The Rotary Foundation?
    **************
    Honoring Stan–Day of Service & Memorial Scholarship  
     
    At the August 13th Board meeting, it was decided that we will honor Stan Dyer and his 50+ years of service to Rotary in the following ways:
     
    1. Stan Dyer Annual Day of Service:  When discussing ideas about honoring Stan with Carrie (his wife of 30+ years), Carrie felt an annual day of service would be a fitting tribute to Stan. According to Carrie, at one point Stan served on 30 Boards!! For those of us who had the honor of knowing Stan, that’s probably not surprising. The 1st annual Stan Dyer Day of Service will hopefully be this spring (COVID-willing). Stay tuned for this day of service and fellowship. Right up Stan’s alley!!
     
    2. Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship: The Board also agreed to name one of our current 7 scholarships the Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship, and awarded it to a student going into the health professions (either as a practitioner or administrator as Stan was).
     
     
    Monday (8.17.20) Note 
    Last Week:  Thank you to everyone who joined us last Tuesday (8.11.20) for our club meeting. The program by Chuck  Prosper (CEO for Peace Health) was very informative, and, as usual, Mike had an exceptional mystery guest (Prosecuting Attorney for San Diego).
     
    Information below includes:
    • Honoring Stan: Day of Service & Memorial Scholarship  
    • 2nd Half Dues: PLEASE PAY  
    • Rotary International Foundation: What is Every Rotarian, Every Year? 
     
     
    Honoring Stan–Day of Service & Memorial Scholarship  
     
    At the August 13th Board meeting, it was decided that we will honor Stan Dyer and his 50+ years of service to Rotary in the following ways:
     
    1. Stan Dyer Annual Day of Service:  When discussing ideas about honoring Stan with Carrie (his wife of 30+ years), Carrie felt an annual day of service would be a fitting tribute to Stan. According to Carrie, at one point Stan served on 30 Boards!! For those of us who had the honor of knowing Stan, that’s probably not surprising. The 1st annual Stan Dyer Day of Service will hopefully be this spring (COVID-willing). Stay tuned for this day of service and fellowship. Right up Stan’s alley!!
     
    2. Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship: The Board also agreed to name one of our current 7 scholarships the Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship, and awarded it to a student going into the health professions (either as a practitioner or administrator as Stan was).
     
     **************
    2nd Half Dues- Please Pay
     
    As of 8.14.20, we have 37 members with outstanding balance….thats almost half of our 77 membership roster. If you haven’t paid, please log into club runner (or contact Carlye) and pay your 2nd half dues.  Without lunches (bucks in the bay/fines) and fundraisers we REALLY need our membership dues paid so we pay for our ongoing club expenses (e.g., international dues, etc)
    **************
    Rotary International Foundation- What is “Every Rotarian, Every Year” All About?
     
    This initiative by the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees  encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to: Participate in a Foundation program that is making a difference in the world Contribute to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount
     
    The Rotary Foundation even has banners to celebrate clubs where every member contributes at least US$25 to the Annual Fund with a US$100 per capita during the Rotary year.  Today nearly 1/3 of Rotarians participate in this initiative. In 2019/20 The Rotary Foundation was able to award over 1,300 global grants for large scale sustainable projects due to the generosity of these Rotarians. Think about what Rotary could accomplish in the world if all of our 1.2 million worldwide members each gave at least US$25 to our Foundation’s Annual Fund.  If you are a part of the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” initiative – I personally thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation and its work.
     **************
    Honoring Stan–Day of Service & Memorial Scholarship  
     
    At the August 13th Board meeting, it was decided that we will honor Stan Dyer and his 50+ years of service to Rotary in the following ways:
     
    1. Stan Dyer Annual Day of Service:  When discussing ideas about honoring Stan with Carrie (his wife of 30+ years), Carrie felt an annual day of service would be a fitting tribute to Stan. According to Carrie, at one point Stan served on 30 Boards!! For those of us who had the honor of knowing Stan, that’s probably not surprising. The 1st annual Stan Dyer Day of Service will hopefully be this spring (COVID-willing). Stay tuned for this day of service and fellowship. Right up Stan’s alley!!
     
    2. Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship: The Board also agreed to name one of our current 7 scholarships the Stan Dyer Memorial Scholarship, and awarded it to a student going into the health professions (either as a practitioner or administrator as Stan was).
     
     **************
    2nd Half Dues- Please Pay
     
    As of 8.14.20, we have 37 members with outstanding balance….thats almost half of our 77 membership roster. If you haven’t paid, please log into club runner (or contact Carlye) and pay your 2nd half dues.  Without lunches (bucks in the bay/fines) and fundraisers we REALLY need our membership dues paid so we pay for our ongoing club expenses (e.g., international dues, etc)
    **************
    Rotary International Foundation- What is “Every Rotarian, Every Year” All About?
     
    This initiative by the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees  encourages “every Rotarian, every year” to: Participate in a Foundation program that is making a difference in the world Contribute to the Foundation’s Annual Fund at a sustainable amount
     
    The Rotary Foundation even has banners to celebrate clubs where every member contributes at least US$25 to the Annual Fund with a US$100 per capita during the Rotary year.  Today nearly 1/3 of Rotarians participate in this initiative. In 2019/20 The Rotary Foundation was able to award over 1,300 global grants for large scale sustainable projects due to the generosity of these Rotarians. Think about what Rotary could accomplish in the world if all of our 1.2 million worldwide members each gave at least US$25 to our Foundation’s Annual Fund.  If you are a part of the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” initiative – I personally thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation and its work.
    Read more...
    Soundings (5/20/20)
    Soundings (5/20/20)
    Flag Salute & Invocation by Tim Krell
     
    Guests: None
     
    Visting Rotarians:  None
     
    Announcements by Mike Bates
     
    We will conduct a zoom meeting like this every two weeks: June 2, June 16, and June 30.  The next meeting on June 2 will feature our Squalicum HS scholarship recipients and new member talks.
     
    Northwood Hall is now closed and will not be hosting Rotary groups going forward. We are looking strongly at the Holiday Inn (Airport) as a future meeting venue. The big club (Monday) is also considering the Holiday Inn. 
     
    The traditional “Changing of the Guards” celebration is being deferred; more information to follow when available. 
     
    Business Bucket by Bill Gorman
    Bill is proud to announce that he has purchased and installed a Shimpo brand pottery wheel for his home, and planning to hone his skills as a ceramics artist!
     
    Read more...
    Lunch Meetings Resume via Zoom
    The club has  resume Tuesday lunch meetings via zoom, on a bi-weekly bases through the end of the Rotary year. Watch your emails for the zoom meeting invites.
    February 2021
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