Flag Salute & Invocation by Christine Palmerton
Visiting Rotarians: Julie Johansen, Dakota White (Rotaract)
Guests: Emilio V (from NWYS), Bob Moles' daughter, Suzanne
Announcements
Eddie, Bill Gorman and Bill Geyer announced that the Memo of Agreement was signed by Mayor Kelli this morning! More progress on the Docks project.
Thanks to our SeaFeast volunteers!
The Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring a volunteer work party on Saturday 9/28 in the morning at the NW Soccer fields baseball diamonds if anyone is interested.
VFW (Oct 12th): Our Community Service Committee and Anna Williams have organized a great opportunity for us to serve our Bellingham community by painting a room at the VFW Post, 625 North State Street, on October 12th. Six (6) spots need to be filled, if interested contact Tony at tfreeland@freelandengineering.com.
Bellingham’s three Rotary clubs will be putting on a joint fellowship gathering on Thursday October 17th, 4:30 - 6:30pm, at Twin Sisters Brewery, with catered food.
Wines by the Water - October 19th at the Hotel Bellwether. Special “Rotary” tickets available for early entry at 4 pm. General admission to the public starts at 5:30. The event runs until 8pm. The special Rotary ticket includes entry into a door prize drawing which will be held at 5:30 before GA admission. Each Rotarian is being asked by the board to purchase two tickets at $95 each. See Christine Palmerton (cpalmerton@msn.com) for tickets now, or via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grape-and-gourmet-presents-wines-by-the-water-tickets-66490381521?aff=eac2)
Our Community Service Committee and the Special Olympics Washington Bellingham have organized a great opportunity for us to serve our community by supporting a fundraiser bowling competition at Park Bowl, on October 26th. We have volunteer shifts available from 8-12pm, 12-4pm, or 8am-4pm, contact Tony if interested: tfreeland@freelandengineering.com.
Lance announced that AGC, the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County and the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce will host jointly an interactive forum for Whatcom County council candidates and a debate between the candidates for county executive. It will take place on Oct 9th at 5:30pm at the BIAW (650 Baker Creek Place). Seee here for details: https://www.agcwa.com/events/10551
Student of the Month
John Purdie introduced our SOM Elizabeth “Lizzie” Schermerhorn and her mom Carla. Lizzie is a senior at SHS; she is well known as an outstanding student, a member of the school chorus, the culinary club, the mentors’ club, the Interact club, and the athletic training program. Jason Parker, head of Squalicum Choir department, talked about how he has worked with Lizzie for three years: She always puts needs of others in front of herself. Lizzie herself talked about the satisfaction of helping through the Interact and Lemon Clubs (which is like Rotary). Congratulations Lizzie!
Bucks in the Bay
- Brad Cornwell enjoying watching the world cup rugby matches on cable;
- Lance thanks to Eddie, Bill and Bill for the Docks project, and football bucks;
- Bob Moles proud for of daughter, grandson Dakota (a Rotaract member), and for his wife Julie Johansen for her generosity;
- Dr Curt Smith for high school reunion (BHS 1953), and the Brothels book going out of print!
- Tim Krell class reunion in Nebraska;
- Brent Walker for forgotten birthday;
- Bryant Engebretson with info on the pre-event wine sale opportunity ($1 per bottle will go to BBRC) - look for the wine list in you Email inbox;
- Bill Geyer reminisced about Byron Elmendorf and his efforts to fund and build the Taylor Street dock;
- Inga Dechsel missed meetings, a visit with her sister, and she went to see inlaws in CA;
SAA by Mark Turner
Fines for misc. sins.
Program
Lance introduced Bob Moles and Mike Hammes to show slides and talk about the Honduras school projects. The story begins with Sandra Guerra, the Mayor of the district Copan Ruinas, longtime friend of Bob and Mike, and also is the owner of a store and restaurant called Casa de Todo. Sandra approached Bob and Mike to commit to build a school in the village of La Zonita. A school existed there, but served only a handful of little kids, that met at a table under a plastic tarp. After financial commitment was received, a plot of land was identified on which to build. Excavation was tough because of its location on a steep hill. The team decided to build a very sturdy struture, to last for the long term. They not only built the school building, but also the food prep area, baños, and a small lodging room for the teacher. They hope to replicate the success of this school arrangement in other areas of the country. Our club has had a huge impact down there, so we should be proud. The beauty of the BBRC club is that it is a platform for all of us to made big projects happen. Let’s challenge ourselves. Sandra recently decided to name the school “Escuela Roberto Moles” in honor of Bob. Hugo Rene and his team were the builders. It is now up and running and serves grades 1 - 6th.
Erika Buse wins the raffle.
Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot;