|
|
|
 The Sou'wester
|
Stories
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on Jun 14, 2013
Cindy Denbo, giving the Past President's Charge for New Member Christine Jones
Marc Matteoli receiving the "coveted" Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka mug for his program on the
History of Humboldt County Aviation.
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on Jun 14, 2013
The Brotherhood of the Broken Leg
Alister Shirazi receives his Blue Badge
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on Jun 07, 2013
|
|
Posted by Nancy Kay
The Board of Directors has approved the membership application of Heather Paup. Heather was proposed for membership by Kristin Zeller. She is a physical therapist with EPT Rehabilitation. Her classification will be Physical Therapy -- Rehabilitation. Please send any comments or concerns to President Marie.
|
|
Posted by John Moore on Jun 04, 2013
Ted and Susan of Project Amigo
Friday’s meeting was opened by our distinguished guest president for the day – last year’s RI President Kalyan Banerjee. What a tremendous honor to have him run our meeting. He was greeted with special banners from the back table, commemorating this outstanding event.
Stu Russell led the pledge, followed by a nice invocation by Laura Eastman. Tim Danielson introduced our visiting Rotarians Ted Rose and Susan Hill from the Rotary Club of Colima, Mexico, and one of our own past presidents, Jim Bartlett. Cyndy Day Wilson introduced her daughter Katie.
Laura Morris has raffle tickets for the Back Packs For Kids raffle that will be done at our regular meeting of August 30. The top prize is a $3,500 cruise package (that you can upgrade or modify if you wish – this would be a credit to whatever you do, apparently). Tickets are $10 apiece, or 12 tickets for $100. Tickets will continue to be available until the drawing or until they sell out, whichever comes first, so pick up some from Laura at one of our upcoming meetings.
Jerry Colivas was happy to report that Jack Alderson is doing well and we’re happy to have him back with us again. Haider Ajina reported that the Interact Beach Cleanup will be June 6th – we still need drivers and a little help, so please contact either Haider or Greg Hufford for details.
At this point in the meeting, Ken Singleton took over the gavel from past RI President Banerjee and Ken began doing what he does so well – extractions. He started with Haider Ajina who denied that he and Ken were separated at birth. Ken made Haider smile when he told him that scientists had developed sheep that glow in the dark, and the whole thing sheared Haider of $25.
Laura Morris celebrated her 7th anniversary with a trip to Arizona and dinner out locally. For dessert, they’re going to spend a night or two in Fort Bragg for a little kayaking.
Ken extracted $25 (for Project Share Life) from Steve Brodhag, alleging that Steve single handedly cause a decline in Ken’s revenue in the late 1990s. Ken offered up algebraic proof of his assertion, and no one challenged his logic. Come to think of it, maybe they just weren’t paying attention.
Mark McGowan recently celebrated his 27th anniversary with Karen, and was relieved of $15 to mark the occasion. Ken then turned on his neighbor of 32 years, John Goff, and extracted $25 from John for providing a spot in Ken’s back yard where nothing will grow anymore. If you have any weeds or spots in your yard you’d like to turn into a dead zone, John will take care of it for a couple of 6 packs as I understand it. Calligraphy is no extra charge.
Mary Lou Riley won the drawing this week, got $10 and didn’t have to play any games to get it – nice week to win the drawing!
Ted Rose and his wife Susan Hill moved from Humboldt County to Colima, Mexico to help set up Project Amigo to teach poor children how to read. Before they began their program, they presented Ken with banners from the Rotary Club of Colima and a banner from Project Amigo.
Not only does Project Amigo teach the kids to read, they also provide them with some medical and dental care that they otherwise would not receive anywhere. They also provide junior high and high school scholarships to help the kids be able to afford to go to school. Sending their kids to school is a financial sacrifice for many of the parents who, for financial reasons, would prefer to have their kids helping them work, but the parents are willing to sacrifice the short term gain for the long term benefit they know their children will receive from a good education.
If you’d like more information about Project Amigo, their website is www.projectamigo.org. Your financial contributions would be greatly appreciated – and if you’re interested in helping out face to face, they have numerous Humanitarian Service Work Weeks schedule this year. You would fly into Guadalajara, and they will pick you up at the Guadalajara airport, drive you to Colima, feed you, water you and take care of your needs while you’re investing your time helping on the project. These trips are during the winter (Dec – Mar) when a trip to the warmer climate of Mexico is always attractive to a Humboldter. For information on these trips, see their website at www.projectamigo.org
|
|
Posted by Kenneth S. Singleton on May 28, 2013
It was a beautiful day in Humboldt County on Thursday, May 23, 2013. The sun was shining bright and the DF’s showed in full force for their usual Thursday gourmet luncheon gathering at Angelo’s pizza parlor. With the support of DF's (distinguished fellows briefly for that moment) the signup sheet for our Friday, May 24, 2013 meeting on the “Madaket” reached its maximum capacity of 41 people.
Come Friday, May 24, 2013 morning the ground was wet and there was a slight drizzle. The weather looked bleak. It was foggy and hey whose genius idea was it to schedule the meeting on the “Madaket” in the middle of Humboldt Bay when we all know the weather here is so unpredictable. However, we were committed to the fare for the “Madaket” and the box lunches were also ordered and paid for. There was no backing out. Rain or shine our Rotary meeting was going to take place on the “Madaket”.
By mid-morning the sun lifted the veil of the fog. The drizzle was gone and the ground began to dry. Wow what a beautiful day and a great idea to schedule our Rotary meeting on the “Madaket” in the middle of our fabulous and pristine Humboldt Bay.
By noon we all started boarding the vessel. Thirty seven (37) Rotarians and guests checked in. Four of our fellow Rotarians could not make it due to a change in their schedule. Our former banker and two times former past president Steve Brodhag was the purser of the day and with the banker’s blood still in him made sure everybody paid. With the help of our fine Rotarian Burnie Kemp and with box lunches labeled with individual’s name and the choice of lunch ordered, the distribution of lunches went smoothly. We all managed to eat our lunch in logistically tight quarters with some sitting and the rest standing. After the safety drill and at fifteen minutes past noon the “Madaket “left shore. With the sound of the horn by the captain our official guided tour of the Humboldt Bay began.
The skipper was outstanding He provided us with the history of logging, Native American culture, shipbuilding and other shipping activities on the Humboldt Bay. He had a good sense of humor too.
Here are some interesting facts obtained from the “Madaket’s” website. The “Madaket is the last survivor of seven original ferries that transported mill workers and families around Humboldt Bay. Built in 1910 and refurbished in 1989, she remains as a reminder on Eureka’s bustling waterfront era. Since the completion of a local bridge in 1972, that put the ferry business out of business, the vessel regained a new life as Humboldt Bay’s harbor cruise flag boat. Owned by the Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum and operated by Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruises, she continues to be the oldest vessel in continuous service in the United States, boasts the smallest bar in the state and is a California historic vessel.
Thank you to all who graciously signed up for the cruise. We had a good fellowship meeting.
|
|
Posted by Kenneth S. Singleton on May 21, 2013
President Marie Liscom rang the bell and tried to call the meeting to order, however the sound system was not working. With little bit of help from the Elk’s Lodge staff the sound system was finally restored and her 42nd meeting of the year got rolling. With all the confusion she forgot to remind us that the club has been in existence for 45 years.
Pledge: Judge Morrison, while waiting for the sound system to be restored took charge and led the pledge.
Invocation: Ken Singleton after waiting patiently for the command from President Marie, did the invocation.
Greeter: Cindy Denbo our beautiful past president was our gracious greeter. There were no visiting Rotarians. Alister Shirazi introduced us to his mother as his guest. She came all the way from San Diego for his graduation from Humboldt State University. Congratulations Alister. For his graduation Alister wanted to give something back is alma mater. Last Friday he had a fund raiser for HSU economics department. He was $250.00 short of his goal. To help Alister reach his goal past president Jay Sooter chipped in $50.00 and to further sweeten the pot he agreed to match any contributions from other Rotarians. PP Cindy Denbo and Carl Willoughby immediately came to Alister’s rescue and contributed $50.00 each. Kassidy Banducci introduced her guest Josh Lemley whose dad Dwayne Lemley was our former member of our club. Nancy Kay brought her daughter and grandson as guests
Sunshine Report: All of the members were glad to see Jack Alderson at the meeting, back from his recent heart surgery. Welcome back Jack. We recently lost a former member Dr. James Nisson. He was a local dentist and there was a sympathy card circulating around for all the members to sign.
Announcements: President Marie recognized and thanked all the Rotarians that were involved in the City of Eureka May Day Cleanup Project. Two students from our Interact club have been selected to attend the RYLA (rotary youth leadership awards) camp. President Marie also informed us that the Interact Club will be participating in the Relay for Life fund raiser and their goal is to raise $700.00. Members were asked to donate to their fundraiser and or participate in the Relay for Life walk. President Elect Marty Lay announced that on Thursday, June 6, the Interact Club is going to undertake the beach cleanup project and sought few volunteers help to transport the interact students and also BBQ after the cleanup. Bill Morrill presented Rachel Callahan the “economic fuel” leader and Cecelia Torres the ‘Economic Fuel’ winner to the club. Cecelia’s business plan was “Barter Books” which is already is working at HSU campus and she hopes to start it at the CR campus next year.
Ken Singleton reminded all the members that the May 24, meeting is going to be held on the “Madaket”. Signup sheets and the choice of lunch menus were on the table. The cost is $20.00 per person which includes your choice of lunch and a ride on the “Madaket”. Members are urged to board the vessel between 12 noon and 12:15pm. At 12:15 sharp the vessel will leave shore and we will be provided with a guided tour of the Humboldt Bay. He pleaded for more members to sign up since 40 are needed for the club to break even. There is room for 4 more people on the Madaket. Please call Ken Singleton 442-5739 at his office or text him on his cell phone 707-407-7016.
Recognitions and Fines: President Marie lamented that she is behind in collecting fines and recognizing our fine members. She was looking for people to tap their fine commitment. She began to single out John Vandermolen whose picture was in the paper. Unfortunately John had no idea what she was talking about but his memory was quickly refreshed about the good deed the of Humboldt Builders Exchange. Seems they volunteered labor on a Saturday to help the Timber Heritage Society work on their facility. He tapped out by parting with$41.00.
Quiet Sam Kennedy was at the prestigious Ingomar Club the night before and ordered one of the an expensive shot of scotch on Mike Dominick's tab. Not hard to guess who ratted on Sam. It was an easy task for President Marie to extract $75.00 from a dentist without the use of forceps and or any local anesthetic. Sam felt no pain and tapped out. Way to go painless President Marie.
However, to get Judge Morrison to part with $10.00 was no easy task. He let it be known that he was happy to see Marty Lay, a “true pants wearing president” as our next club leader. Tenacious President did not give and let Judge Morrison tell us how a story about how he was intimidated when he visited the Eureka Club 30 years ago and then unknowingly sat at table and robbed a Eureka Club member who had been sitting at the same seat for 30 years. During the whole meeting all eyes were on him. Since then, if he needs to attend the Eureka Club Judge Morrison always goes a little bit late and makes sure he never sits at the wrong seat again. Judge John Morrison is one of the charter and founding members of our club. Showing no mercy, President Marie singled out President Elect Marty Lay for his recent adoptions. Yes we all felt as if President Elect Marty Lay had lost his slide rule when he spoke of his recent adoption of not one but two children. Surprisingly his two new children are two well behaved pussy cats. Cost President Elect Marty Lay $65.00 to tap out.
Raffle Drawing: Kassidy Banducci’s guest Josh Lemley won the raffle and took home $10.00 for winning President’s Marie’s “bewakoof” game, translation: very challenging game.
Program: Ellie Dawkins introduced our own member Carl Willoughby as our program. Carl is a respiratory therapist. He received his degree from UCLA and is member of several professional organizations and has received several awards. He informed us that as medical provider he is required by law to take several continuing educations classes to keep his license current. When he moved to Humboldt County he realized that to satisfy the licensure requirement of attending continuing education he had to travel out of the county to San Francisco or Sacramento. Adding the cost of classes, travel, lodging and loss of work made the cost of continuing educations very expensive for members of his profession. He therefore founded the “North Coast Respiratory Education Committee” and began providing continuing education locally. It was a very successful idea and they have now partnered with the local nurses of the three local hospitals and offer the classes jointly. They now get attendees from outside the area. His organizations get local speakers and for cost of $55.00, an attendee gets two meals and 6 units of credit. They are able to do this at such reasonable cost because the conference is partly subsidized by drug companies, medical gas suppliers and other medical related businesses. Carl and Ellie talked about different respiratory ailments and rehabilitation involved. Pulmonary fibrosis-hardening of the lungs caused primarily by industrial exposure, antibiotics and environment. They mentioned COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which includes emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. It was interesting to know that an individual can survive with only one lung. A damaged lung cannot be reversed but with treatment can be stabilized and with rehabilitation and education the maximum use of the lungs can be obtained. Upon presentation of the coveted rotary mug to Ellie and Carl, the meeting was adjourned.
Reminder: Our Friday, May 24, 2013 meeting is going to be on the “Madaket”. Our entire meeting and program will consist of the narrated tour by the skipper of the “Madaket”. We should be back on shore by 1:15pm.
Written by Ken Singleton
|
|
Posted by Nancy Kay
The Board of Directors has approved the membership application of Andrew Shaw (Drew). Drew's was proposed for membership by Bill Morrill. He is a financial advisor with Edward Jones, and his classification will be Investment Securities. Please send any comments or concerns to President Marie.
|
|
Posted by Kenneth S. Singleton on May 15, 2013
The Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka team at the City of Eureka May Day Cleanup. Not everyone is pictured!
President Marie Liscom rang the bell with such an authority that everybody in the room stood up to show her respect. She brought our 41st meeting of the year to order and did not let us forget that our club 45 years old.
Pledge: Bill Ruff (soldier-like) led the pledge of allegiance.
Invocation: Troy Vizenor presented a very thoughtful invocation.
Greeter: Stu Russell was our greeter and let Marty Lay do the honors of introducing our visiting lone visiting Rotarian. Marty our own president elect introduced Jessica McKnight also president elect of Arcata Sunrise club. Incidentally Jessica graciously signed up to visit our club again on May 24, 2013 when we will be having our meeting on the Madaket. Thanks Jessica. Kristen Zeller proudly introduced Heather Paup, her sister-in-law. Heather is a physical therapist and is a working partner at EPT. Proud mom Kassidy Banducci introduced her two beautiful children Elliot and Grant. Cindy Denbo introduced two guests Chris Jones-Executive Director for Tri-County Independent Living (a nonprofit organization that serves and supports people with disabilities), and Betsy Lambert-former news director at KIEM –Channel 3.
Announcements: Incoming President Marty thanked the present board members and the incoming board members for attending the mini-retreat. Much was accomplished at the meeting and he is open to any suggestions and welcomes all the help so we can accomplish the Rotary mission. President elect Marty welcomed and introduced our newest board member Matt Nilsen and Rick Roberts our Present elect for 2013-2014. Both of these fine Rotarians were voted unanimously.
Melinda Ciarabellini made the final call for members to sign up for the City of Eureka Community May Day Cleanup on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 1-3 pm. There will a free BBQ and dance at the foot of “C” street with live music provided by the local Delta Nationals band. Everybody involved in the clean-up is invited. All the necessary cleanup supplies will be provided along with a free T-shirt for those who signed up.
Mary Lou reminded us the past presidents are working hard in planning President Marie’s debunking. At the last meeting three past presidents presided over the meeting. Debunking is definitely on and the date and time to announced. The debunking committee is open to and welcomes any and all suggestions to be passed to on to past presidents.
Alister Shirazi our young honorary member who is graduating from Humboldt State University this spring announced that he is doing a fund raiser for HSU Economics Department. He wants to give something back to the economics department and the money will be used to fund the scholarships. The event is free and will be held at the Couple Cups coffee shop in Arcata this evening. He is looking for sponsors and thanked Mark Dias, Greg Dale and Mike Dominic for helping him.
President Marie announced that she has two applications for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp.
Ken Singleton let it be known that the club’s next off site meeting is going to be held on the Madaket on Friday, May 24, 2013. The program is going to be the guided tour of the Humboldt Bay. Members are urged to embark the boat at the foot of “C” street between 12.00 noon and 12:15 pm. There is plenty of parking on “D” Street. The whole trip will last about 75 minutes. The cost is $20.00 person which is includes your choice of lunch and ride on the Madaket. Since the club is chartering the Madaket we need at least 40 members to sign up just to break even. So please bring your spouses, significant others and guests. So far 23 people have signed up. Please email Ken at “kennethssinsgleton@sbcglobal.net” or call him at his office 442-5739 or sign up at the meeting.
Recognitions and Fines:
Mary Lou was recognized for her birthday and she gladly tapped out by contributing $40.00
Maura Eastman shelled out $25.00 even though even though April 12 was not her birthday.
Greg Dale whose daughter is running for Dairy Princess tried to take all the credit for her good looks but we all know better. He eagerly passed on his fine to John Ennis who tapped out with the remaining balance of $13.00.
Steve Brodhag who thought what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas soon realized only the money stays in Vegas. Lucky for Steve he still had some left to pay for the fine.
Kassidy Banducci gladly tapped out for her third 29th. birthday.
Stu Russell was called upon and recognized for his 70th. birthday. Stu and his wife Sharon planned a getaway to Ferndale and stayed at the famous Gingerbread Mansion bed & breakfast inn. While staying in Ferndale they returned to Eureka as tourists and visited the old town. To make his birthday even more joyous the owners of the inn treated Stu and lovely bride Sharon to dinner at the Ivanhoe. Happy Birthday Stu and we all wish you many more!
Drawing: Our visiting Rotarian and president elect of the Arcata Sunrise Rotary Club Jessica McKnight won the raffle. It is assumed that our president elect Marty Lay will do the honors of selling the tickets next week.
Program:
Melinda Ciarrabellini introduced Bill Damiano Chief Probation Officer-Humboldt County who presented a very interesting program. He informed us about “the realignment law”, which was put into effect six months after it was signed in April 2011, was proposed as a direct response to a U.S. Supreme Court order for the state to reduce its prison population. The law intended to reduce overcrowding in state prisons by allowing around 500 non-violent, non-sexual or non-serious criminals to serve their sentences in county jail. Judges may also give ‘split sentences” under which defendants serve part of their sentences in county jail and the rest under mandatory supervision by a county probation officer. This means less serious felony offenders now face county jail time or split sentences, while before they would have been sent to state prison. Bill feels that after an individual serves time in state prison it is harder to rehabilitate them but with the split sentences he sees hope in changing them. With the realignment program the local county jail officials are shouldering more responsibility in holding criminals for longer period of time instead of sending them to state prisons. Now local jails are crowded and with few beds available large numbers of offenders have been released from jail into programs like “post release supervision.” Presently drug dealers, car thieves, petty theft criminals and other low level offenders are cited and released due to shortages of beds. Lots of questions were raised and only time will tell how this prison realignment is working. There were many more questions to be answered but time ran out, and with that President Marie presented Bill with the coveted ‘Rotary mug.’
|
|
Posted by Nancy Kay on May 14, 2013
Christine Jones, the Executive Director at Tri-County Independent Living, has been proposed for membership by Cindy Denbo and approved for membership by your Board of Directors. Comments regarding her proposed membership should be sent to our beloved President Marie.
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on May 03, 2013
Photos of the two 2013 Hoopsters Basketball League teams sponsored by the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka. Thank you Mike Dominick for hosting the Tacos, Tequila and Beer fundraiser and to those members who attended!
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on May 03, 2013
President Marie Liscom called us to order for her 40th meeting of our 45th year.
The Pledge was led by John Ennis.
Invocation was presented by Kristin Zeller who had an appropriate and positive message for us.
Greeter, and Past President, Jay Sooter introduced one visiting Rotarian and three guests.
Announcements:
Past President Jerry Colivas presented the Sunshine Report, saying we should continue our prayers for Jack Alderson and that Past President Don Bachman was doing well and was in attendance.
Greg Hufford thanked those who had helped with the Backpack Buddy Night Fundraiser and told us that raffle tickets were on the way for a $3500.00 credit at Dalianes Travel. Tickets are $10.00 or 12 for $100.00. The Buddy Night event was a success but the net proceeds have not yet been finalized.
Then President Marie thanked Greg, Laura Morris and Marty Lay for serving on the event committee.
Mike Dominick presented the club with a thank you letter and photos of the two Hoopsters teams we sponsored with the proceeds of the “Tacos and Tequila” event.
Melinda Ciarabellini unveiled our plan for a “Cleanup Saturday“, that will happen on May 11, 2013, from 1-3.00 P.M. We need volunteers for the cleanup to show-up at the Truesdale Trailhead behind “Shamus T-Bones” And best of all, there will be free refreshments at the Fishermen’s Plaza, with T-shirts and music by the Delta nationals!
President Marie reported that there will be a discussion regarding RYLA in the near future. We are working with Zoe Barnum staff to assess students' interest.
Past President Steve Broadhag brought us the hot news that our new Vice President will be voted-in by the Marty Lay's incoming Board of Directors next Thursday. It seems that when a new officer needs to be selected in mid-term it is handled this way. Rick Roberts is the nominee.
Ken Singleton updated us on our May 24th, 2013, voyage of the Madaket. The cost will be $20.00 each, including a choice of sandwiches. Please sign-up with Ken. We need 42 travelers to make the trip.
Marty Lay presented two visitor banners to President Marie-one from Past President Rex Wilson’s club and one from Santa Rosa.
President Marie then introduced us to our newest member, Cyndy Day-Wilson, our Eureka City Attorney. Cyndy hales from Idaho, is married to a pilot and has two children, horses and dogs (which she will tell us about during her craft talk). Past President John Moore gave her a nice “welcome aboard’ message (The Past President's charge). Cyndy received her red badge and today’s most important member accepted her coveted, (ooooooh!!!) Rotary “stuff”. Welcome Cyndy.
Past President Mark McGowan was honored for the accomplishments of his son, who was awarded a $500.00 scholarship from our local Elk's Lodge and also a $4,000.00 scholarship from the National Club.
Les Merrill was recognized for his accomplishment of 49 years of wedded bliss. He did own-up to the fact, however, that they had tried a legal separation, but it didn‘t work out. Les generously tendered $50.00.
Troy Vizenor admitted that he was one step closer to a permanent seat at the “old guys” table, having reached the ripe old age of 46.
Raffle Winner: Past President Don Bachman demonstrated the concentration and physical and mental conditioning necessary to win the beanbag game, when he sank both beanbags.
Program: Vice President Rick Roberts introduced David Tyson, ex-City Manager and Finance Director in Arcata and Eureka. David explained how a major deterrent to the development of the Eureka port is the lack of inland transfer capability. The alternative rail concept is to tie Eureka to the Sacramento Valley and thus provide a way to expand the port facilities and use.
In the past ten years, the demise of the railroad has led to a drastic loss of port business in spite of the fact that we have tremendous potential here. The proposal is to effect a feasibility study which would advance the consideration of an alternate route. Interest is growing in supporting such a study in the interest of economic development.
We appreciated David's clear and succinct presentation of this complicated matter. To show that appreciation, David was presented with the coveted (oooooh!) Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka Mug.
Written By: Don Bachman
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on Apr 26, 2013
President Marie Liscom rang the bell and called the meeting to order. It was her 39th meeting of the year and she reminds us weekly that our club is 45 years old.
Pledge: John Ayers led the pledge.
Invocation: Laura Morris did the honors in presenting the invocation prayer.
Greeter: Maura Eastman was our greeter and introduced visiting Rotarians-Tom Eastman and Nancy Fernandez. Carl Willoughby introduced his guest also the honored speaker his wife Erszi Willoughby.
Sunshine Report: Jerry Colivas informed us that our past president Don Bachman is under the weather and recovering well. Jerry also presented with us with the good news that our past president’s wife is cancer free and Jack Alderson is home from his recent heart surgery.
Announcements: President Marie Liscom reminded us about the upcoming district conference on May 31st. thru June 2nd. In Santa Rosa and encouraged as many members to attend.
Marty Lay also made the last call for tickets sales for the fund raiser towards “Backpacks for Kids”. Fifty dollars per person gets you dinner and dancing to the music of Dr. Squid.
Melinda Ciarabellini urged members to sign up for our next Community Service Project during the City of Eureka's "May Day Cleanup”. We will be working at the Elk River Trail at the Truesdale Vista Point near the new Shamus restaurant. It was the last day to sign up if you plan to get your T-shirt otherwise show up with gloves. Bags, pickers and water will be provided and the cleanup is from 1-3 pm. After the cleanup everyone involved is invited to BBQ and dance with live music by the local “Delta Nationals” band in Old Town afterwards.
Mary Lou Riley called upon all the past presidents to attend the next debunking meeting on Monday April 29th at 5:30pm at the Elks Lodge. Any debunking ideas and suggestions are welcome from the general membership and can be passed on to the past presidents.
Recognition and Fines: President Marie admitted that she is behind in collecting fines and that she has plenty of bags as parting gifts for those who tap out and reach their “fines” commitment. To start out she immediately called upon:
Bill Ruff and lamented that we have not seen him lately at the meetings and recognized him for his birthday that was in January and for the opening of the Easter Seal pool. Bill had an excuse for missing all the meetings because he was sick with an upper respiratory virus. He did go to the doctor and was told the bad news that it was a viral respiratory infection and there are no medications to fight the infection and the good news was that the disease was self-limiting and he would be miserable and has deal with it for three or more weeks. Bill still standing, declared himself healthy and busy with the supervision of the Easter Seals Pool, He was also away on a trip to Santa Cruz to comfort a family friend of 40 years who passed away. President Marie was able to extract $100.00 from Bill and rewarded him with a bag. Don Hartman who was on the campaign committee for the Easter Seal pool commented the pool has been renovated and it is a must see project.
Ron Harris was gone away for two months to Maui to make use of his island home there. He did make up at the Maui Rotary club and came away with interesting observation. The club over there meets for one hour. The door opens at noon visitors go thru the buffet line and an hour later the president rings the bell and the meeting is over. There are visitors from all over the world attending the meeting to their make up, but there is no time for fellowship. Ron mentioned that to their president and was invited to their board meeting. Ron went to their board meeting and gave them a brilliant idea to have the meeting last half an hour longer so that visiting Rotarians can mingle and know one another better. His suggestion is under consideration. Welcome back Ron. Ron was tapped out and as usual and customary showing respect to Matt Nilsen he passed part of the fine to him. By the way he does that to Matt every year. Ron was in a very generous mood and passed a $100.00 fine to Haider and helped him to tap out too. Haider mumbled in Arabic –translation “that is what friends are for”.
Ken Davlin was recognized for his January 10, birthday and his 37 years of marriage. He also just came back from Kauai and while attending a makeup meeting Ken met the Kauai County Engineer whose daughter happens to attend HSU majoring in engineering. Ken himself is HSU engineer graduate. It is indeed a small world. Ken then went on to update the progress of his two daughters. His would-be actress daughter was working for Lucas Films which was recently bought by Disney. She survived the massive layoff after Disney took over and was given a raise and a promotion. His other daughter married an Air Force graduate who now flies U2 reconnaissance plane. Ken gladly tapped out and shelled out $100.00
Drawing: Congratulations Ron for winning the raffle ticket and having the privilege of selling tickets next week
Program: Erzsi Willoughby DVM was our speaker. She is the lovely wife of our member Carl Willoughby. She has worked in private clinical setting before and felt she was not giving her best to her patients. She started her own practice and is now a one woman show. She is in essence a traveling veterinarian who makes house calls and provides one on one care. By visiting and providing care at the pet owner’s home the environment is more relaxed and she gains the animal’s trust. With the modern technology and her smart phone she is able to perform all the tasks and makes necessary referrals if the animal needs a clinical setting care.
Written by Ken Singleton
|
|
Posted by Marie Liscom on Apr 19, 2013
President Marie opened the meeting in drag, looking more like Steve Brodhag than herself. The Pledge was led by Alister Shirazi, followed by an invocation from Ken Singleton. Greg Hufford greeting us today and introduced 4 visiting Rotarians – Chuck Ellsworth, Nancy Fernandez, Hans Eide and Harold Stauffer.
Kristin Zeller and Cindy Denbo brought guests today, and Jay Sooter (soon to be a member again) joined us as well. Jerry Colivas reported that Jack Alderson is home from his surgery and is doing pretty well – we hope to see you back soon, Jack. Greg Hufford promoted the Backpacks 4 Kids dinner coming up next Friday (26th!) at the Adorni. Tickets are still available so please contribute to this worthy cause of providing lunches for some of the neediest kids in our community.
Mary Lou Riley noted that the next Debunking meeting will be Monday the 29th at 5:30 at the Elks Lodge. All past presidents are urged to attend and bring your fun ideas (sorry Marie – you won’t be allowed to participate… yet).
Melinda Ciarabellini announced again that our next Community Service project will be the May Day cleanup of the new Elk River trail. Bring your gloves (Marie – that’s work gloves, not baseball gloves) and you can enjoy a free BBQ and dance in Old Town afterwards.
Prez Stevie Marie let us know that our inbound exchange student is a 16 year old girl from France – her name is Vion – and we have secured her first two host families, and are looking for the third host family. Updates on her arrival will be provided as we get closer to the time.
Mary Lou Riley was nicked $25 for her photo in the paper for the Elks installation of officers. Troy Vizenor happily contributed for his 25th anniversary (well… 15 years + 10). And John Morrison again graced us with his presence and claimed he only came today because the meeting wasn’t being run by a “pushy broad”.
John Dalby was happy to tap out today to celebrate his bank’s new branch in Arcata which will be opening later this year. For this he received a nice dish of somewhat stale M&Ms. Larry Goldberg turned 60 and added to the club’s kitty for that milestone.
John Ayers is apparently going cougar hunting next week, in between possible meetings with the NLRB and other agencies.
The drawing today was won by Ken Singleton, and instead of getting to play Marie’s game, Steve gave him a hershey’s candy bar (thoughtful gift for a dentist, for sure).
Hans Eide and Harold Stauffer from the Arcata Sunrise club were our speakers today, and they talked about one of their international projects in Cambodia – the Cambodian Academy at Mongkol Barei. Hans discovered on an earlier trip to Cambodia that school is compulsory for Cambodian children – except for the poor, who are expected to help their parents in the rice fields. Realizing that education was their ticket to a better future, Hans worked with local officials to change things for the kids. He found a fairly new but unused Catholic school building and went to work raising money for the school through Rotary. They got the enrollment up to about 30 kids or so, when they learned they would no longer be allowed to use the school building in the future. They then went to work to acquire the land (a rice field), raised the funds to build a 4 classroom facility and the school is now running at what appears to be full occupancy. The school provides breakfast and lunch for all the students and it only costs $250 to fully fund one student for a full school year (which includes the meals).
|
|