On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Fidalgo Island Rotary celebrated the 24th anniversary of its chartering. In an event fondly known as "Charter Night," members gather annually to remember how the club was founded, honor those who have worked so hard to bring it to life and marvel at how far it has come. Normally, this event calls for a little pomp and circumstance - in years past, FIR members have hosted a nice dinner, inviting club alums, Rotary dignitaries and members' families to join in celebration of Fidalgo Island Rotary and all we have accomplished. However, in keeping with the theme of the past year, things looked a little different this year. 
Members met on Zoom on Tuesday night, but boisterous spirits were not lessened by virtual connections. Susan Guterbock acted as the event emcee, playfully quizzing the group about Rotary trivia, from when Fidalgo Island Rotary was chartered (Jan. 3, 1997) to when women were allowed in Rotary (1989.) After trivia (congrats to Kandy and Barb for earning the highest scores!) all members in attendance blew out a birthday candle in their own home for FIR (although some members made due with a vanilla scented Yankee candle or a book light). While it was not our usual affair, it was still a beautiful was to celebrate FIR and connect with each other, and certainly a celebration members will remember for years to come! Thanks for the Family of Rotary committee for bringing us together and putting the event on! 

 

On Jan. 27, the Anacortes American published a story about Brandi Black, an Anacortes resident and Connie Kelley Scholarship recipient. The story details Brandi's past with substance abuse and her journey to recovery during the past six years. Two years ago, Brandi applied for and received the Connie Kelley Memorial Scholarship through Fidalgo Island Rotary, which helped her attend Skagit Valley College to get a degree in counseling. This year, Brandi graduated, and plans to pursue a career in counseling to help others and continue to give back to her community. 

“She is just a success story,” Youth Services chairperson Lynnette Setmire said in the article. “She’s an easy person to support.”
Fidalgo Island Rotary is extremely proud and excited for Brandi; we can't wait to see what amazing things she will accomplish! To read the full article about Brandi, click here. 
 

The Connie Kelley Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship awarded to a Fidalgo or Guemes island resident who plans to begin or continue with vocational or technical training. This scholarship is in memorial of Connie Kelley, an outstanding member of our club. This year, the deadline is flexible due to COVID-related challenges. If you or someone you know is interested in the scholarship, please download the scholarship application from our website homepage or email Fidalgo Island Rotary at fir.thefunclub@gmail.com.