Flag Salute & Invocation by Inga Drechsel
Visiting Rotarians: Chris Vasquez wife Debbie.
Guests: None
New Member Application: The membership committee and board have approved the application of Erika Buse, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Bain. She is sponsored by Tonja Myers. Please address and concerns or questions to Scotty or President Curtis.
Announcements
Student of the Month: John Purdie introduced our SOM, Rhea Rughani. Rhea is an outstanding student who has taken many AP and honors classes, she is an active Interact Club member, conducted a lot of volunteer work, competes as an ice skater, plays the cello, and is involved in Future Business Leaders of America. Her student counselor, Kelly Boyer, gave Rhea high praise. Rhea herself came to the microphone and said she has volunteered a lot at St. Jospeh Medical Center and plans to be a nurse. She helped start the organization “India Umbrella” that donates to educational initiatives in India. She will donate her $100 honorarium the organization "Days for Girls". Congratulations, Reah!
Tresha and Curtis asking for replacement for Flo with Sergeant at Arms.
Brewers by the Bay will be Sunday, July 29th.
Changing of the Guard Party planned for the evening of Tuesday July 10th, 4-8pm at Stew Ellison’s house. It will be family friendly event, a crab feed, plus brats on the grill!
Memorial Weekend opportunity: Everyone welcome to join the All-Whatcom Rotary float at the Ski to Sea Parade on Saturday May 26th!
Bill Geyer and Curtis presented Paul Harris award to members Jim Johnson and Mimi Ferlin (their second!).
Business Bucket bad joke by John Templeton.
Bucks in the Bay
- Stan gave $500 for the Foundation;
- Curtis picked up Johnny from college and he will be home for the summer working at Moseri Construction;
- Tresha missed meetings while at dentist, then jury duty, glad be back!
- Debbie Kiene will be gone for a couple weeks while on a river cruise in Europe;
- Stew Ellison was in Santa Barbara saw Ken Oplinger, also been fishing in the SJ Islands;
- Harte Bressler missed meeting racing sport cars last week;
- Bill Geyer bucks in memory of Judge Ira Uhrig;
Sergeant at Arms by Flo
Eddie fined $20 for his time “training” at the Bellingham Police Department, and fines for jury duty.
Program
Brad Cornwell introduced Heather Powell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Each year over 5,000 youth participate in B&G programs at the four clubs (Bham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine) in Whatcom County. She came from Wisconsin in 2013. She is a member of Sunrise Rotary.
Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The club is the premier provider of affordable after school youth services in the county.
After the schooldays ends, B&G Clubhouses provide safe, positive environments for kids during the afternoon. The Clubs serve youth age 8 to 18 years old. Besides the facilities in Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, and Lynden, they now have two “21st Century Community Learning Center” sites at Mount Baker Junior High and Kendall Elementary to serve the communities in east Whatcom County.
Heather talked about her childhood in Wisconsin and the summer job working on grandparents' farm. The life lessons she learned there (while herding cows!) gave her insight and confidence to lead people - and cows.
She is very proud of the new "satellite club" opening in Paradise / Mount Baker area serving those populations who most need the services of B&G Clubs. Heather also started an initiative to get better and healthier food in the clubs, which in turn has lead to better behaviors by the kids. Kids need to develop social skills, need to hear how they are doing, and need to learn to serve others.
Eric Chambers wins the raffle!
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot