Flag Salute & Invocation by John Templeton
 
Visiting Rotarians: Nicholas Challenge (Anacortes), John Dunn (Monday club)
 
Guests:  Tim Brockman (WCC Professor of Business & Law), Karen Burke (DVSAS) Terry’s daughter Mandy, Josh Burdick, Curt Dye’s daughter Anna.
 
Calendar 
 
June 6-9 RI World Convention in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
June 30: Tuesday Evening meeting 5:30pm at Northwood Hall “Changing of the Guard” dinner.
June 19: Bellingham Bells baseball Rotary night with Nick Caples.
July 2, 5:30pm at Bellwether Hotel, Meeting of Past Presidents.
July 10: Terry Brown hosts Rotario dinner.
July 16: Crab Feed at Vartanyan Estate Winery (1628 Huntley Road).
July 26: Brewers by the Bay.
August 8: Gordon Plume’s Rotario Dinner.
 
Short Program by Tim McEvoy.  Action for Africa is a local Whatcom County organization dedicated to work in Lesotho, Africa. The project involves 25 villages, and 10,000 people.  Lesotho is making good progress on several fronts:  The small country went from 25% water access to now 78% access to clean water. Action for Africa has helped with water access, and also installed over 300 pit toilets.  They have also built school buildings.  Also worked for increased food security and irrigation. Perhaps the biggest challenge ahead for the country is the huge incidence of HIV-AIDS (almost 23% of entire population is infected).
 
New Member Invocations:
Mark Turner introduced Michael Tilley, who came to Bellingham recently from Ohio, now owns PakMail and Minuteman Press.
Karen Haggen introduced Alan Artman, who recently moved here from Alabama, now he is CFO of Faithlife.
Harte Bressler did the official honors.  
 
Vocational Bucks:
Bill Gorman talked about the Lummi Commercial Company helping them message their recent purchase of 60 acres at I-5 / Slater exit.  See the Facebook page called Lummi Story with three videos about interesting aspects to the tribe.
Scott Walker talked about his company, Carpet One, which is a partnership with brother Brent, doing a “Dream Home Makeover” contest with KAFE. Also, program that all Carpet One dealers, together with Mohawk Industries, operate a private foundation (over $100 million) to build housing for severely disabled veterans.
 
Bucks in the Bay
  • Curtis Dye and family is now officially inside the house, Anna graduated from Emery College with honors looking for work;
  • Brent Walker 41 year wedding anniversary;
  • Lesa Boxx for her new grandson!
  • Tongue Myers went to Portland with BHS choir on tour, also attended breakfast honoring several students (kids of our members);
  • Christine Palmerton having a great month for family: son Miles graduating WWU, daughter also graduating in Seattle from college, another son accepted into FBI.
  • Tim Krell with some cycling stories;
  • Mark Turner’s son got married ten days ago with big wedding party;
  • Bill Geyer upcoming birthday, upcoming anniversary;
  • Harte Bressler went to Auburn WA racing on the track with his BMW, lots of fun;
  • Harold Scott talked about survey on how to attract younger members, some takeaways: Need more hands-on volunteer projects, need lower financial barriers to entry;
  • Bob Becker with a plug for Rotary’s youth exchange program and the benefits to home-hosting;
  • Jill thanks Windermere Real Estate for support B&G Club!
  • John Sleeth health update;
  • Glen Groenig thanks Stowe and BCS for tour!
  • Mimi thanks Stowe and Glen for tour, also granddaughter turned 16 and had a wonderful party out on Strawberry Point!
Long Program 
Tim McEvoy introduced Blaine Wentzel from Willows Inn on Lummi Island, he is now a two time James Beard Award winner.  Blaine grew up in Olympia WA. Blaine said he moved here five years ago to run the restaurant at Willows Inn, after working seven years at the famous Noma http://noma.dk restaurant in Copenhagen.  Part of the pleasure of living and working here in PNW is the availability of ingredients and all the passionate foodies.  100% of the produce is grown locally, either grown in their garden or foraged in the forest and beach.  Salmon from local reef-net fishing takes place July - September.  Herring roe on kelp from Sitka is a special treat that they prepare from time to time.  Six or so chefs work at a time, plus a couple interns (called stages). 
 
Lesa Boxx wins the raffle.
 
Respectfully submitted, 
Stowe Talbot