Club Bulletins 2010-2011
Rotary Minutes July 20, 2010
By Doug Ingold
PRESIDENT THROWS THE MITT ON THE MAT!
Much applauded lasagna with pesto-coated bread, a salad and a brownie for dessert. Our President is handy with the bell (a quick learner, he) and we rose to our feet with the clang.
PLEDGE: The naturalized Mr. Elie led us, and did so without bursting into “Oh, Canada!”
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast continued his silent protest by holding up a sign much as would an Olympic gymnastic judge. (Apparently the gentleman believes that after years of service he is entitled to a quiet lunch unencumbered by visiting Rotarians or the lack thereof.) The score Mr. Quast presented was “Not Really.” Which caused some of us to look around to see if there were any sort-of-but-not really-Rotarians of the visiting kind. I saw none.
GUESTS: Garth Epling and Stephanie Lefevre.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy informed us that Bea’s son Chuck is in the hospital with a serious infection and that Elsie Olsen has suffered a stroke and is not doing well.
OUR PRESIDENT REPORTED that the Marten going-away party was fun. It lacked Rotarians (which is perhaps why it was fun) though Greg brought out his extended family.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY FAIR BARBEQUE CONTEST. President Syd has thrown down the hot mitt for the August 12th contest and with the help of Peter and others, intends to bring home the “charcoaled” bacon.
GARTH gave a report on last weekend’s Reggae on the River. Ten food booths, 3,500 people, 30 cases of wine, lots of children, a family-friendly event.
CAROLYN reported on a recent board meeting (another family-friendly event). We’ve got $20,000 to spend and most of it is promised. The budget will be finalized next month.
OUR PRESIDENT, in the absence of the FINE MASTER, collected money from those deserving to be assessed including DOUG ($50.00) for having his mug and book on the front page of the Redwood Times, BILL ($10.00) for Blue Star Gas making the national news with its new propane as auto gas plant in Salem, Oregon. KELLY excelled at the 4-way test and was not assessed, (A blue badge is coming her way since Harold is taking her to Ferndale Rotary tonight.) STEVE BOWEN looking profoundly tan admitted to a trip to Hawaii. He gave one hundred bucks, half to Paul and half to the club.
BRIAN E reported that his niece, Lysandra, now 40 years of age, was Garberville Rotary’s first exchange student. She recently told Brian that the experience was life-changing for her.
PROGRAM: Brian introduced Stephanie LaFevre who coordinates the Educational Talent Search at HSU. Stephanie came to Humboldt in 2009. Her husband works for BLM in the King Range and they live in Benbow. Because she lives in SoHum she is able to focus much of her talent search time at South Fork. This is a federally funded program that reaches out to students from sixth grade to college with a focus on children of limited income who would be the first in their family to attend college. Despite those parameters, Stephanie does not turn away any student who seeks her help. They get help with study skills, time management, test taking including the SAT and ACT, setting goals and trying to achieve them, career choices, etc. The goal might not be college but could be a vocational career or admission into a service program such as the Peace Corps. There is no charge to the student. This was an interesting and informative program that evoked a number of questions from the mob. Thanks to Brian and Stephanie for bringing it to us.Rotary Minutes July 13, 2010
By Doug Ingold
HATLESS PANAMANIAN ROTARIAN APPEARS!
The sandwich array with green salad and a lemon wedge. Our president did not need a dancing clown this week to hand him the beloved bell. When the time came he struck it mightily.
PLEDGE: Susan led us.
INSPIRATION: Clif offered up a prayer for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast, who our new President refers to as James, perhaps noting his butler-like demeanor, had the pleasure of introducing two visiting Rotarians: Darrell Guilette, the itinerate vet and quasi Panamanian, and Erin Dunn, CEO and assistant District Governor.
GUESTS: Marten Takets, our exchange student from Hungary at his last meeting, Chelsea Hebard, our exchange student soon to depart for Denmark, Martin Abshire, John Angus, Russ Rally, Nina Williams, Garth Epling.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy was absent but “James” had enjoyed coffee with Sherm and spoken by phone with Louie. We were happy to welcome Harold back after eight weeks of therapy. He seemed his usual ebullient self. He is alleged to have done will at a casino but we must await the fine master to learn more.
OUR PRESIDENT told a chuckler about a deer crossing and a city slicker.
He also read a charming letter from Robyn Lindsay thanking the club for a scholarship.
RUSS RALLY talked about cemeteries, this to a crowd of which many of us already have one leg knee deep into the subject. Russ visits cemeteries wherever he goes and laments the deterioration of headstones which he eloquently referred to as “monuments to the common man.” He and Erin are organizing a Halloween party at Fortuna’s Newberg Cemetery in which stories will be told about the people whose remains are housed there, hoping thereby to awaken us to an interest in our history.
MARTEN TAKETS donned his pin-heavy blue blazer and summarized his year for us. He described it as a great year, a life changer. He enjoyed playing soccer in part because at home he is not too good and here he was. He also played baseball for the first time and suffered nothing worse than a black eye. He thanked each of his three host families, really enjoyed his broadcast journalism class, shooting guns, skiing, Hawaii, the District Conference, and the western safari trip. Marten appears to have been an adaptive and successful exchange student who we will remember for the bravery he showed trying to teach us to dance.
GREG announced a final party for Marten to take place Friday at Tooby Park at five.
DARRELL announced the completion of a project we helped fund, but did not described the project. He belongs to the only English-speaking Rotary club in Panama. He is one of the few speakers of Spanish in the club.
THE FINE MASTER declined to fine, stating the lack of time. Our President suggested he might want to look at the parking laws in G’ville, suggesting the FM himself might be finable. FM accepted the news and agreed to pass the information on to his dear wife, whose for-sale vehicle has apparently been languishing in a two-hour spot.
PROGRAM: Nancy introduced John Angus a graphic designer, publisher and a man who has done many things for local non-profit organizations. John grew up in New Jersey, moved to California in 1977, eventually attended marketing classes in Irvine and arrived in SoHum in 1988. For eight years he worked with Music for Little People where he was the art director. He has not been an employee with Music for Little People for years, but still designs the catalogue with Leib Ostrow. Since leaving M for LP he has worked as a free-lancer. A few years ago he purchased the Real Estate Guide (a monthly publication) and the annual Avenue of the Giants Travel Guide from Glenn and Pam Sicklesteels. He has expanded those projects. A hundred and forty thousand of the travel guides are published annually and the website gets 70,000 visitors. John was generous in thanking the many people who have been his customers or in other ways have helped him along the way. Today he can work wherever a fast speed internet connection exists and he recently spent several weeks in Mexico but was able while there to continue his business. Thanks to John and Nancy for an interesting program.Rotary Minutes July 6, 2010
By Doug Ingold
CLOWN ATTACK!
The new administration of President Syd Lehman began calmly enough with barbecued chicken, small baked potatoes, veggies, green salad and a lemon wedge. But then it appeared as though the poor man had lost the beloved bell even before he could ring his first meeting to order. Instead we heard a thud as the gavel struck the podium followed by report of a nightmare in which he dreamed he had lost the bell and forgotten the words of the pledge.
He asked Ernie to lead us through the complex recitation following which Craig inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast who is retiring from his famous role introduced his last visiting Rotarian: Chris Brannan. Visiting Rotarian FTTB, as Mr. Quast cleverly phrased it.
GUESTS: David Thomas and Gary Wellborn.
COMMUNITY REPORT. No Tammy, no news.
ANNOUNCEMENT: President Syd then sought to comfort the elderly among us by promising that he would conduct himself and the meetings in a serious and mature manner. No sooner had he finished this pronouncement when the side door flew open and Diane Lehman appeared in a clown suit, dancing and holding the beloved bell for all to see!
AFTER THE laughter subsided, we learned that we had no program, perhaps because of an undefined emergency to the south.
DAVID KATZ was welcomed back. He is on crutches, three weeks after knee surgery and doing well.
KELLY LEHMAN is our new Membership Chair and there is a membership seminar in Santa Rosa in August.
DEBUNKING. Syd and Greg are talking about a debunking party to be held at Dean Creek Resort. Date and time to be determined.
PRESIDENT SYD thanked the many Rotarians who helped with the food booth at the 4th of July celebration. The club grossed $3,400.00 and the fireworks were said to be the best ever.
MR. QUAST was asked to stand and be acknowledged for having donated NINE gallons of blood. He was able to stand in spite of the loss.
PAUL HARRIS POOL. The squares were full and the drawing was conducted. Seth Johannesen won the fellowship. Congratulations to Seth and thanks to Greg for his good work.
BIRTHDAYS: David Katz, Bill Stewart, Karyn Lee Thomas, Kent Scown and Shon Wellborn.
ANNIVERSARIES: David Katz, Shon (her and Gary’s 30th), Greg.
SPOUSE BIRTHDAYS: Shon, Kelly and Clif.
All of the above paid $5.00 for each recognition.
TOWN BANNERS. Greg and Peter were acknowledged by President Syd for putting up the Garberville Banners. Others claimed lesser credit.
DUES AND DON’TS. Susie passed out bills for the club’s annual dues: $179.00. Lunches, if you buy the batch, are $195.00. Both are now due though you can pay fifty of the dues via fines if you are willing to take the heat.
FINE MASTER: FM hit SHON with ten for not being in the building when her “sponsoree” Kelly was inducted. Carolyn paid the fine for Shon, or at least part of it. ERNIE was indicted for parking his truck so that a ladder blocked the sidewalk. Excuses faltered in the face of the FM’s determination and Ernie paid an unknown amount. Then he got hit with another ten for an old incident involving a ladder and a fire truck.
ENERGY UPDATE. With no program available, Bill gave us an interesting update on the energy front. A lot of natural gas reserves have been found. We may have a hundred years to get alternative sources up and running. This is good because to date all alternative energy sources are expensive. Gasoline usage is down 8 or 9 percent. Smart meters are coming our way and we will be paying more for electricity used during peak hours. Thanks to Bill for an interesting off the cuff program.
And congratulations to Syd for a successful first meeting.
Rotary Minutes June 29, 2010
CLUB DINES IN THE COMPANY OF LARGE TRUCKS AND HOSES!
Tables were set out in the Redway Fire Hall and we had sandwiches in boxes, salads in boxes and a large chocolate cake (no not a box cake) with white frosting commemorating the end of President Peter Connelly’s term as our faithful leader. Fresh air floated through the hall and the conversation was lively until PP still in possession of his wits and the bell gave one of them a loud and final clang.
PLEDGE. We faced bit of a flag-like bunting and PP led us.
INSPIRATION: PP also expressed our gratitude.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Legend holds that the Buddha once gave a sermon that consisted of his simply holding up a flower. The similarly enlightened and wordless Mr. Quast held up a small sign on which had been written the word “No.”
GUESTS: Kelly Lehman, Garth Epling, Bill Routan
COMMUNITY REPORT: Don’s thumb is better, Jason Freeman fell from a two-story escalator in San Francisco and is expected to survive, a toddler fell from a three-story window in Redway and suffered only a chipped tooth and a cut chin. (Morale: If you’re into falling, do it early.)
SYD and THE FOURTH: Syd is still looking for a couple of folks to help cook and sell food at the Heider Cook Shack on the evening of the 4th. Contact him.
COMMUNITY PARK. In a report appropriate to our setting, Steve Dazey described the control burn that took place at the park this past weekend. It served as a training experience for local fire fighters and helped continue the study of habitat and the grasshopper sparrow, the largest colony of which west of the Mississippi is reportedly found at the park. Ernie and Brian Harper were among those participating and they described the training.
INDUCTION! Clif presented Kelly Lehman with all the paraphernalia that welcomed her into the club and ended her string of free lunches. Daddy-in-law, and soon-to-be pres, Syd, standing in for Kelly’s sponsor Shon, spoke highly of Kelly and Kelly, store manager of Umpqua Bank, spoke modestly of herself. With Kelly as a member we not only look better but our average age is significantly reduced. Welcome Kelly. PP ended the presentation with the immortal words of Roger Adams: You get out of Rotary what you put into Rotary.
FINE MASTER. Greg began by saying that he had seen Roger over the weekend and he is doing well. He then began filling up the Paul Harris Pool with ten dollar fines:
First Doug for the publication of his new novel, The Henderson Memories.
Then Skip for his beard
Then Carolyn, for letting Nancy steal the introduction of Bill
Then Ernie for having a fire truck with a dead battery
Then Kelly for being a new Rotarian
Then Don for a phone call
Then Jesse for a reason that can’t be deciphered in your scribe’s notes.
The pool filled, the Fine Master rested.
JOKES: Nancy, Ernie, and Bea all told good jokes.
Rotary Minutes June 21, 2010
SUMMER!
Chicken satay, veggies, rice, green salad and a cookie provided the gastronomical entertainment. We had no belfry but we had a bell and a President who rang it.
PLEDGE: President Peter led us
INSPIRATION: Craig offered our thanks
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast introduced Johanna Rodoni.
GUESTS: Kelli Lehman, Garth Epling, Tom Quast, Elizabeth Johannesen and Bo Tarabanovic
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy reported that Harold is doing well, Syd was back with us, Susan’s Mike was hit by a ricocheting bullet that resulted in a black eye. Louis is house bound but clear headed. Don burnt his thumb cooking.
ASIAN DINNER. Don, brandishing his taped thumb, announced that he had tickets for the Asian Food dinner to be held at the Healy Senior Center this Saturday from five to nine. Tickets are $12.00 or $20.00 for two.
FOURTH OF JULY. Syd passed the sheet again for volunteers to staff the cook shack at the 4th of July party. Help is needed for the later hours.
CAPE MENDOCINO LIGHTHOUSE. Bea introduced Bo Tarabanovic who is heading up the lighthouse preservation society at Shelter Cove. The famous Fresnel lens, which was removed from the light house and located at the fairgrounds in Ferndale before the lighthouse itself was moved from Cape Mendocino to Shelter Cove, is now being taken by the Coast Guard from Ferndale to be restored. The preservation society hopes that the lens, once restored, will be delivered back to Humboldt, preferably to Shelter Cove. In anticipation of this, the members are preparing plans to construct a building that will house the lens. The lens cannot be housed in lighthouse itself because outside light will damage the elderly glass. Proposed plans were passed around and a lively exchange accompanied the passage. In good weather a hundred visitors a day regularly view the lighthouse on weekends and maybe 40 on weekdays.
BOARD MEETING MINUTES. Carolyn reviewed the latest board meeting. The board is looking for comments about how the membership wants to handle political campaign speakers. Bunny pointed out that if we are going to allow campaign programs, we must offer equal time to all candidates.
KARYN informed us that she has recently hired a homeless man to work for her. He has provided very good service for a reasonable rate and if others are interested in hiring this person, they should contact her.
GREG PFAU had the Paul Harris pool. Not all squares are filled. He passed it around.
O’DENNIS thanked those who had helped with the Rodeo Parade.
NEXT MEETING. It looks like a fifth Tuesday but it will be a regular meeting at the usual time and place.
PROGRAM. Seth introduced Garth Epling who owns and operates the business known as Emerald Technologies. The business began in Garth’s home in 1998. In 2002 he moved it into the Orange Cat Bookstore and in 2005 to its present location adjacent to Umpqua Bank. Emerald Technologies provides computer service and sales and such related items as domain hosting. Garth went through a long list of free items that can be obtained online. These included a Google phone number that allows you to make free calls in the US and Canada and very cheap calls throughout the world. Other freebies include Google Docs, Open Office, AVG anti-virus, PICASA, an image editor, Google Earth, and a free media player. Other programs were mentioned by the mob and a number of members spoke highly of the quality of service they have received from Garth. Thanks to Garth for an interesting program in this exploding field.Rotary Minutes June 15, 2010
By Doug Ingold
ROTARIANS SARINADED ANDVEGGIES MARINATED AS PROGRAMS ACCUMULATED!
To the joys of stuffed pork loin and spuds and other more marginal veggies interspersed with nibbled green salad, we received the added benefit of having a guest sing and play her guitar for us while we ate. See below. Because we had two programs coming our way, lunch was cut short and the bell banged with such fervor that your scribe almost dropped his fork. (Which he needed to do anyway, to take up his pen.)
PLEDGE: Our Lame Duck (but strong armed) PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig offered a succinct one.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast had two visiting Rotarians to introduce and he waxed enthusiastic but not obtuse. The Rotarians: Paul McGinty and Joe Mark.
GUESTS: Garth Epling, Elizabeth Marshall Maybee and Lauren Pancoast.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy reported that Kenny Lewis is recovering well. Skip informed us that Syd is recovering from gallbladder surgery and looking for volunteers for the July 4th food booth. A sheet was passed.
The Rodeo is this weekend. Lou Moroni will be grand master. Dan Healy is handling sound and needs some volunteers.
PROGAM NUMBER ONE. Skip Stone introduced Elizabeth Marshall Maybee who he met at a recent Vietnam veteran celebration. Elizabeth, as she showed us, is an accomplished singer and guitar player who provided us with a program of songs that she entitled “American Music.” She began with songs from the Revolutionary War (Yankee Doodle) and proceeded through our history up to the near present (Bridge over Troubled Waters). The songs were primarily of a patriotic, spiritual (including gospel) or inspirational nature. The result was a pleasant review in song of our military and spiritual roots. Thanks to Skip and Elizabeth for a creative and refreshing program.
PROGRAM NUMBER TWO: Bill Stewart introduced Joe Mark, the head man at St. Joseph Healthcare Systems in Humboldt. Joe with the assistance of Paul McGinty had come to describe their capital campaign which is designed to raise funds for a new facility at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. The St. Joseph Healthcare Systems employ 1,300 people in Humboldt County and thus is one of the county’s largest and most important employers. The new facility will cost 127 million to build and another 15.8 million to equip. Constructed to survive an 8.5 earthquake, it’s the place to be when there is a whole lot of shaking going on. We saw photos of the proposed project now under construction. We also learned about other challenges the community will be facing. Joe estimates that around 50 doctors will be retiring in the near future from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. A large percentage of nurses will also reach retirement age soon. Joe believes that the recent healthcare law will help by increasing the number of insured citizens. The new facility should be complete by March of 2011. If you want it (or some part of it) named after you, see Mr. Mark or Mr. McGinty. They’ll be happy to help. Thanks to Bill and our speakers.
Rotary Minutes June 8, 2010
By Doug Ingold
The feast was Chinese and it was enjoyed at the Cadillac Wok at a long table where forks and chopsticks flashed and the conversations hummed. The courses were multiple and roundly praised by those sitting in the vicinity of your humble scribe. We dined at the Wok because today was the day to vote . The meeting was devoted largely to the intake of nutrients and we had no program. President Peter had, however, brought the beloved bell and at its ring, those who still could rose.
PLEDGE: President Peter led us and we all turned in the direction of the Post Office where the flag waved atop a pole, though few of us could actually see it.
INSPIRATION: Craig provided a post-feast grace.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast spoke not a word but went straight to his work signally all that needed to be said with a Nero-like thumbs down.
GUESTS: Gary Welborn, Bill Routan, Kelli Lehman and Garth Epling.
COMMUNITY REPORT. No one had given any hot tips to Tammy but we learned that Harold is doing well and that Syd is recovering rapidly from gallbladder surgery.
BUNNY announced that we would be doing the hamburger stand again this year at the 4th of July celebration. Volunteers are needed. Shifts won’t start until 3:00.
CAROLYN reminded us of the ongoing summer performances to raise money for local school music programs. The performances have been put together by Brad Jenkins. This Sunday, the 13th, Kathi McDonald and friends will be performing at 2:00 at the Peg House. Carolyn and a number of others are going. She encouraged the rest of us to join her.
PRESIDENT PETER reminded us to vote if we have not yet done so, and that the board was meeting in the evening. That said, we wandered one by one out into the sun.
Rotary Minutes June 1, 2010
By Doug Ingold
We enjoyed the sandwich array with green salad and a disc of cinnamon roll for dessert. President Peter entered his final month bell in hand. With strength of arm and a clang he lifted us to our feet.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig interceded for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast was quite beside himself with two visiting Rotarians and a word unknown to all but Steve Dazey. The Rotarians were Erin Dunn and Paul Hagen. Notice well that the word was notabene.
GUESTS: Garth Epling and Kelly Lehman
COMMUNITY REPORT: Kenny Lewis had a triple bypass. Bob Burke has died. Clif’s daughter Brittney has been badly bitten by a dog. Harold Mendes is receiving medical treatment. Susie’s aunt died a few days short of her 101st birthday.
ERIN DUNN is District Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations to Erin.
THOSE OF US (which is to say, most of us) who did not know that June is Rotary fellowship month paid a buck.
DENNIS BOURASSA had a tale to tell from his journey to Guatemala where he had gone with Brian for a Rotaplast project. They treated 108 kids and then a volcano erupted laying a half inch of ash everywhere, following which the ongoing rain turned into a tremendous storm and all the roads and bridges are out. Dennis found his way to Mexico with the help of a former beer truck driver. He flew out, arriving home last night. The others, including Brian, are apparently still in the country.
ERIN DUNN informed us that our club had won the District’s number one (for a medium sized club) award for going Green. Karyn, who is responsible for initiating and carrying out the process that made our club carbon neutral, received the award on behalf of the club. She also received applause from the grateful membership.
BIRTHDAYS ETC. Susie’s birthday was today and we sang her a song and she paid. Jim Quast and Sue are celebrating their 46th anniversary. Susan Gardner and Mike are celebrating their 29th. Nancy’s Jerry has a birthday this month. Each involved coughed up $5.00. A-Dennis later confessed that he had an anniversary this month. PP said he was aware of that but was holding off levying a fine for another week. Save your money, Dennis.
A SUPER SEMINAR was introduced by President Peter but the subject was dropped in the face of rising chaos. Ernie was chastised.
PRESIDENT PETER informed us that the Redway FD barbeque successfully fed 550 hungry people.
TAMMY thrilled us all by announcing that she and Charlie have agreed to host our new exchange student. Tammy has already been in contact with the young lady who is only fifteen.
BUNNY told a good joke.
PROGRAM: Seth introduced Paul Hagen, an attorney who lives in Arcata. Mr. Hagen is married and the father of two daughters. He is a member of the Eureka Rotary Club and is running for District Attorney. Mr. Hagen grew up in Rockford, Illinois. He is running for the office because he believes in the democratic process. The people are the government and government has an important role to play in society. He has served as a prosecutor in Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties with an emphasis on environmental issues. After visiting over three thousand homes during the campaign, he has learned that people are most concerned about plea bargaining and marijuana. Mr. Hagen believes that plea bargaining is a necessary part of the process but care must be taken to charges offenses correctly and to insist on acceptable penalties in any plea bargain. He believes the “three strikes you’re out” alternative should be used sparingly. He is very concerned with meth manufacture and sale and he answered a number of other questions in a direct manner. Thanks to Paul for his interesting presentation and to Susan for keeping minutes in my absence.
Rotary Minutes May 25, 2010
by Susan Gardner
Tropical chicken was served with rice even though the weather seemed more like the dead of winter.
Prez P led us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the blessing by the blessed Mr. Parkinson.
Visiting Rotarians
Mr. Q announced there were three visiting Rotarians including Eureka Rotary Club member and Humboldt County Undersheriff Mike Downey, Fortuna Sunrise Rotary Club member and Humboldt County Assessor candidate Johanna Rodoni, and former Garberville Rotarian Chris Brannan.
Guests
Guests included Annette Downey, wife of Mike Downey; Syd’s guests included his wife Diane, son Blake Lehman, and Scott Carlson from Legend of Bigfoot. Also in attendance was guest Garth Epling from Emerald Technologies. I can’t for the life of me remember who brought him, but I think it was Seth.
Word of the Week
Today’s word was paraphrastic which is defined as having the nature of or being a paraphrase. Mr. O said the definition was succinct, which means characterized by clear, precise expression in few words, which this was not I might add. Mr. O later found out his definition was incorrect. I was really confused at the end of all this. Maybe someone else can explain it to me.
Harold
Whoopie Harold will be away from the club for a few weeks as he is in the process of receiving medical treatment and is expected to be back with his infamous cushion very soon. The club suggested we send him a hurry-back-soon card. Tammy said she would do that.
County Fair
The club has been invited to participate in a barbecue contest on the opening day of the Humboldt Fair on Thursday, August 12. Guy Fieri from the Food Network and former Ferndale resident is supposed to partake of the festivities. Between Ernie and Carolyn we should have this one in the bag, especially if they serve desserts with the barbecue.
Club Honored
Former Garberville Rotarian Chris Brannan said due to the fact that we did not have a representative at the recent District Conference, he felt honored to announce that the Garberville Club had received first place in the environmental category for medium-sized clubs. And, out of the 45 clubs in District I, we were in third place for the total amount of $$$$ raised for Polio-Plus with $6,000.
Fourth of July
Mr. Syd announced that Rotary would once again be manning a food booth at the Garberville-Redway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July event in Benbow. So, starch your aprons and volunteer to help. We raised around $3,000 last year, so it is definitely a worthy endeavor for the club.
Rotary Awards
Mr. Syd said he enjoyed the Rotary Awards at Miranda on Mary 18, but was surprised he was chosen as the emcee of the event upon his arrival. Good job Syd!! We had a delicious lunch prepared by the culinary arts students and advisors.
June 8 Meeting
Due to the election, we will be meeting at the Cadillac Wok on Tuesday, June 8. The Healy Senior Center will be used as a polling place on that day. PLEASE VOTE!!
Fines
The finemaster was on the prowl next. Some of us were lucky enough to attend the Fortuna Rotary fundraiser at the Riverwalk Lodge recently. Thanks for being my date, Bea. You are the best, although we did lose you in line a few times. Some of those Fortuna Rotarians are really tall.
And then, there were the lucky drawing winners who were Don O, or Mary as he claimed, whose ticket was the last one drawn for the evening and made them $1,000 richer – again. They are the luckiest people I know. Mary gave Don $100 of their winnings to put towards his daughter’s PH. Next was Dazey’s Supply who won $250, of which Carolyn said she wasn’t giving it to her boss, but was giving it back to Fortuna’s club for their scholarship fund. The lovely Donna Mendes won a nice digital camera, and last but not least, our finemaster said his wife won a laptop, of which he paid $20.
Thanks to Mr. Pfau and the Prez, the entire room of around 300 people sang happy birthday to our foreign exchange student Marten Takets. He really seemed surprised and loved every minute of it.
The program, which was Jon Brooks was next and then Mr. Syd brought the meeting to a close with a really wimpy looking bell. What the heck happened to our Prez anyway?
Rotary Minutes May 11, 2010
Rotary Minutes by Susan Gardner
We began by dining, once again, on sandwiches and salad, with chocolate chip cookies to satisfy Ernie’s sweet tooth. I sure wish that rabbit would make his lettuce a little bit smaller.
The Pledge was followed after being led by the visiting Brian Walker, followed by words of inspiration by Clif.
Visiting Rotarians
Mr. Q introduced Eureka Rotary Club member and Paul Harris Fellow Sean McLaughlin from Access Humboldt, who would be Seth’s guest speaker.
Mr. Q also said that I had turned in the definition from last week’s word, which was cerebration, meaning the process of using your mind to consider something carefully. I was awarded $25 towards my Paul Harris. Thanks President Peter.
Guests
Other guests included the absolutely, adorable and extremely well behaved Elizabeth Johannesen, who just happens to be Seth’s daughter.
Dennis Abshire introduced his brother Nick, from Boise, Idaho, and his CHP son, Martin.
Carolyn actually remembered to introduce her “Bill.”
Greg (a.k.a. Cute Boy) introduced Marten Takets our foreign exchange student.
Baseball
The very proud Marten told the club how he had gotten his very first hit in a baseball game against Ferndale. It was great to see America’s game so well represented and a player so proud.
He also made a plea to the Rotary Club to help him pay back Greg for expenses incurred by his participation for the prom. The club jumped on that one and rescued the very deserving Marten from his financial obligation to Greg.
Prez Peter
When no one could tell Prez Peter what Rotary month May is, we were all fined $1 for him to tell us it is Celebration Month.
The Prez announced we would sing Happy Birthday to Seth, Mr. Q, and Marten. He also recognized anniversaries for Steve D., Tammy, and Bill Stewart, who really wasn’t quite sure when his anniversary was.
Karen said she was proud to announce her David’s 74th birthday on May 31.
Everyone paid for their individual honors.
Events
Ernie reminded everyone that the Redway Fire Department BBQ is Saturday, May 29 from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Radio Shack and Calico’s, or from any Redway fireperson, or of course at the scene of the event.
Greg reminded everyone about Fortuna Rotary’s oyster feed at River Lodge next Thursday, May 20.
The next club meeting, on May 18, will be held at South Fork High School in the old junior high cafeteria for the annual Rotary Awards.
There is no board meeting tonight.
Travels With Brian
Brian Walker just returned from a Rotary trip to Peru where they treated 81 patients in seven days at an estimated cost of at least $500,000. Most of these were burn victims. Brian drove all the equipment and supplies from San Francisco down to L.A. where they boarded a plane for Peru.
He said they treated quite a few kids along with the adults. One man had no kneecap when he arrived, but the volunteer docs made him one. Another man had his nose bitten off in a fight, so they built him a new one.
He is leaving once again in the next couple of days with Dennis Bourassa for a trip to Guatemala.
Fines
The fine master hit up Mr. Q for $5, which Prez Peter paid, because Greg said no one ever understands what Mr. Q is talking about. I wasn’t sure what Greg was talking about.
Carolyn paid some obscure amount because every time she and sweetie Bill go anywhere out of Humboldt County, he makes her take her passport. Maybe he’s worried that when they go to Arizona she might get deported. She paid for going to Scottsdale and to a Diamondbacks baseball game. She came home with a hat.
David Katz went to England, Holland, Whales, and Portugal in March and recently traveled to Portland for a trade show. He paid $100 towards his P.H.
Karen coughed up an IOU for $50 for a trade show trip to Rosarita Beach, Mexico. I went to Rosarita Beach once, but I sure don’t remember drinking much coffee while I was there.
Greg paid $20 for a recent trip on his motorcycle through Death Valley and beyond. He said instead of it being the temperature of the sun like it was during his trip with Brian W, it was only 82 degrees, which was pretty decent. He was also given a piece of paper left over from his plaque award at his debunking last year that said, “Cute Boy Forever.” He was given explicit instructions from Prez Peter to put it in his scrapbook.
The program was next and the end.
Rotary Minutes May 4, 2010
By Doug Ingold
Asian chicken, rice, veggies, a green salad with tomatoes and onions, a cookie for dessert. President Peter hit the bell with great authority and those not diving beneath a table rose to face the flag.
PLEDGE: PP led us.
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Mr. Quast got our gray matter roiled when he tossed ‘cerebration’ into his introduction of the lively Erin Dunn.
GUESTS: Les Scher, Kelly Lehman, Paul Gallegos, Natalynne De Lapp, Kelly Lehman.
COMMUNITY REPORT. No news.
LES informed us that he is having a birthday party on Saturday night at Persimmons Gallery and we are all welcome.
BIRTHDAYS: Herb and Carolyn each paid ten and we sang
ANNIVERSARY: B-Dennis and his Carolyn had one and he paid five.
SPOUSE B’DAY. O’Dennis’ Susan had one of those and he paid five as well.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE? No takers.
THE HIGHLY RENOWN AND LONG VENERATED Redway Fire Department annual BBQ with Twango will be held on May 29th.
ARTS ALIVE is this Friday.
ANNUAL AWARDS’ LUNCHEON will be held on Tuesday May 18, 2010 at Osprey Learning Center.
NANCY told a funny lawyer joke that would have been more appropriately attributed to Hedge Fund Managers.
GREG assured the uncertain that the golf tournament is coming.
FINE MASTER PRESENTS!
ANNOUNCEMENTS. Greg needs help on exchange program and Tammy agreed to assist. We need a first host family for our exchange student coming in from Denmark and Susie agreed to be named as a tentative host. Erin described how nondomestic she is and how, in spite of this handicap, being a host mother has still worked well for her. So if you are ‘on the edge,’ Erin says to give it a try. Marten is staying at Greg’s and it is working out.
FINES: Jeff was about to be assessed when the FM allowed B-Dennis to make an announcement about the park project and by the time Dennis had finished and Bill had added a few words of wisdom, it was time for the program and Jeff was left clutching his unemptied wallet.
PROGRAM: Karyn introduced Paul Gallegos, who is completing his second term as District Attorney and is a candidate for a third. Paul answered a number of questions from the audience including such subjects as the future of the office, plea bargaining, the failure of his department to respond to citizens complaints and a couple of specific cases. We learned that his department files 10,000 cases a year and cannot possibly bring them all to trial. Plea bargaining is an excellent way to dispense justice systematically. Mr. Gallegos stated that most people are law abiding within varying perameters but for those who are not his department ‘tries to find them a new address.’ Thanks to Karyn for bringing Mr. Gallegos to pay a visit.
President Peter asked if anyone wished to express opposition to the Dennis Bourassa’s proposed Community Park project and no one did.
Rotary Minutes April 27, 2010
By Doug Ingold
VISITORS FROM INDIA
The array of sandwich choices, green salad and lemon wedges. Our President had the bell and summoned us to order.
PLEDGE: PP led us.
INSPIRATION: Craig presented a prayer well crafted for the circumstances.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast found a Rotarian visiting us from the state of Punjab India: Dr. Ravi Paul. Mr. Quast also wowed us with farrago which Nancy defined earning 50 bucks toward a Paul Harris.
GUESTS: Our other Indian guests were: Harpreet Singh, Dr. Shveta Mahajan, Himani Mahajan, and Meenakshi Sood. Other guests: Kristin Vogel, Kelly Lehman, George Truit, Christina Huff, Harry Jasper, Scott Carlson and Jon Brooks.
Community Report: Tim Hare and Billy Winters have died.
Dennis Bourassa introduced to the membership his proposal for a project at the community park. More information will follow.
O’Dennis has forms for the exercise Challenge at Redway School
PP questioned table leaders regarding the recruitment of new members. Ernie, A-Dennis and Syd all had information to share.
Nancy won $50.00 toward her Paul Harris for giving a satisfactory definition of farrago,
Darryl sent photos and coffee from Panama. The photos were passed and the coffee distributed.
The Boy Scouts are celebrating 100 years of scouting. Their Jamboree will be held this summer and they are looking for scouts who might want to attend.
PP exchanged banners with Ravi Paul. We learned that Dr. Paul’s club has 76 members, that he has been a member since 1980 and was president in 1990-91.
Bea announced that she is hosting a gathering for Johanna Rodoni on Wednesday. Syd is having one for Jon Brooks the day of the meeting.
PROGRAM: Karyn introduced the program and began by thanking everyone who helped make the visit a success. Each of the members of the Group Study Exchange spoke to us and showed us a photo gallery of their cities, families, workplaces, landmarks and terrain. They all come from District 3070 in Punjab. There are 104 clubs in the large district. India has more than a million Rotarians, 5.75% of which are women. Dr. Paul reported on the Rotary projects his club is connected with including a child labor project, eye hospitals, a water project and a library in a government school. Meenakshi Sood is an engineer who loves to dance. She showed us her family and some of the country in her area, which, surprisingly, is very similar to our own and known for its winter sports. Himani Mahajan is a microbiologist and a teacher who lives near the border with Pakistan. She showed us a photo of the famous and beautiful Golden Temple. Dr. Shveta Mahajan is a dentist in Jammu, the City of Temples and the winter capital of her state. Harpreet Singh is a newspaper man. He lives in Jalandhar and is very interested in astrology. The paper he works for is published in three languages and prints 2.5 million copies a day. Our five charming guests gave us an entertaining and instructive tour of their region of India. Thanks to them and to Karyn for doing so much to get them here.
Rotary Minutes April 20, 2010
by Doug Ingold
QUAST GAME SHOW PREMIERS!
Very tasty chicken, rice, veggies, green salad and a cupcake well topped.
Our President had the bell and a comment on how slow we are to rise when the food is agreeable.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig offered our thanks
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast could find no visiting Rotarians but his choice of words have spawned a game show. See below. Will we soon be seeing him on cable?
GUESTS: Darryl Cherney, Brad Jenkins, Barbara Lindsay, Robyn Lindsay, Jim Lowry, Lucian Eddisford and for a short time Carol Van Sant.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy reported that Pat Ziganti had died.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. The able Mr. Anderson presented teacher Jim Lowry and student Robyn Lindsay. Mr. Lowry extolled Robyn’s accomplishments in the English department, focusing on her senior project with Temari balls in particular and Japanese culture in general. Robyn explained that she is headed toward U.C. Davis where she intends to study genetics and perhaps go to medical school. Clif gave her a certificate and a check for $100.00, a sum he suggested might purchase one-third of a textbook.
BOARD MEETING. Carolyn reported on last week’s board meting
PP presented a problem and a solution. The club has $400.00 from the food and gate receipts at the basketball game. The funds have to be contributed by a person to satisfy the picky Paul Harris. The solution: The person who can correctly define Mr. Quast’s weekly esoteric terms will get fifty bucks donated in his or her name. This week’s winner was Susie who correctly defined them both.
CAROL VAN SANT pitched the upcoming Walk in the Park to be held on May 22nd. The group is seeking sponsors, walkers and seekers of a good time. Some of the proceeds will help maintain the park, others will go to the schools.
BRAD JENKINS has put together a string concerts to take place at the Peg House. The first one is also on the 22nd. Profits will go to the schools and Brad is looking for people to house musicians, attend the concerts and raise awareness.
TAMMY said that the Booster Club is holding a golf tournament on May 2nd to raise funds to provide transportation for teams. Cost to play, $50.00.
THE GSE TEAM from India arrives on Sunday. There will be a reception at PP’s pad at 5:30. Bring a salad or an hors ‘d oeuvres and join the fun in meeting our guests.
PAUL HARRIS CHALLENGE. PP wants a report from the table leaders by next week.
SPECIAL DAYS. Nancy has a birthday on the 27th. We sang and she paid five.
Harold has is 64th anniversary. He gave a hundred and received a round of applause.
Brian Elie’s wife has a birthday and he paid five.
PROGRAM: Poor Ernie’s meal went cold while he and Darryl Cherney went in search of a cord that would allow Darryl’s Mac to project to our screen. No luck. But Darryl was still able to provide us with a lively and entertaining report on his recent trip to southern Africa including an animal skin, a number of newspapers with lively headlines about the deteriorating situation in South Africa and a book of the work of South Africa’s most respected cartoonist. In addition to South Africa, Darryl visited Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. Darryl reports that the African National Congress, the party of Nelson Mandela, has become very corrupt but the animals in the Kalahari and elsewhere are amazing. He saw lots of animals, Victoria Falls, the famous dunes in Namibia and most everyone giving President Zuma the finger. The whole area was sanitary and clean, the tap water safe, and the South African press lively. He found it harder to meet black Africans in South Africa than in the other countries he visited. Thanks to both Ernie and Darryl for an entertaining and enlightening program given under difficult circumstances.
Rotary Minutes April 13, 2010
by Doug Ingold
LIONS ON THE LOOSE
The chicken had been tetrazzinied and the bread focacciad; the salad was undressed and the wedges were lemons. President Peter had both bell and gavel and we stood at his command.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig prayed for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast threw out a word out I did not recognize and could not find from my hasty phonetic spelling. Mr. Quast could not find what he was searching for either, that being visiting Rotarians. He did not behave obdurately while he sought them.
GUESTS: Kelly Lehman, Julie Johansen, Jerry Wilson, Joe Ashenbrucker and Saxon Rowe.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy had received no news.
SAPPHIRE PIN: Clif stepped forward to recognize a member who had just earned his second Paul Harris Fellowship. This pin bears a precious stone and it was awarded to the honorable Syd Lehman.
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY: While he stood before us holding his new pin, Syd reported on the District Assembly that he and Susie attended. He participated in a workshop on social networking and claims to now understand Twitter. He will answer any questions you have, assuming your question is composed of 140 characters or less.
PAUL HARRIS POOL. The pool itself seems to have been somewhat dampened by a coffee spill but Greg promises it will be back next week.
A GOOD FIRST SUNDAY. Craig responded to PP’s querie by saying his first Sunday as pastor of his new church was a success. No fine, just a congratulations.
JULIE JOHANSEN. told us that Redway School is now in second place in the Governor ‘s Challenge. The school is going for a bonus challenge and she handed out a second set of physical exercise charts.
POLIO PLUS. O’Dennis told us that the club had raised more than $5,000.00. He specifically recognized B-Dennis who had raised over $500.00 just by missing some free throws.
BIRTHDAYS, ETC. Tammy’s Charlie had his birthday on this date and she paid $5.00
David Katz’s Annie also has a birthday this month and he paid the same
G.S.E. The Indian exchange group will be arriving on Sunday the 25th of April and will stay through the meeting the following Tuesday. A reception at PP’s on Sunday. Arrangements have been made for them to stay over at homes of local people.
RELAY FOR LIFE. PP’s daughter is working on this project and he passed around a form.
FINE MASTER. Greg started with announcements: He had six tickets left for the big Fortuna Rotary Club fund raiser at River Walk on Thursday May 20th. He sold two of them and now has four. Marten is in Greg’s home but does not have his own room and if a space is available for him, it would be better for everyone.
FINES: O’DENNIS paid $6.00 because St. Mary’s made the sweet sixteen
CRAIG was hit for being in Las Vegas for his son’s wedding. He donated $100.00 to Paul Harris.
BRIAN ELIE had a fine time in Hawaii. He attended a make up meeting that cost him $90.00 but he had $20.00 left for the club.
GREG fined himself for his son’s effort at a 3 on 3 tournament and his own talking on a cell phone while driving. The amount of the fine was not revealed to this scribe.
CAROLYN was welcomed back. She paid $20.00 for the privilege.
SHON was seen by FM in a very attractive new truck. She acknowledged that the truck belonged to her Gary. Cost $20.00
HERB. Was recognized for honoring the Garberville Sanitary District’s 78th anniversary by bringing a cake to the board meeting. He paid $20.00.
Rotary Minutes April 6, 2010
The sandwich array with green salad and a cookie. Balloons, complements of the Wilder Bunny, welcomed Carolyn back to the front table. President Peter brought us to order with the beloved bell and as he pledged he held his right hand on his heart and kept his left on the bell itself, knowing there lurked in the crowd persons willing to risk a hundred bucks for a dash of glory and excitement.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Don inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: With all the dignity of a Roman Senator Mr. Quast offered us bread and circuses but no visiting Rotarians.
GUESTS: Karyn’s brother and sister-in-law John and Jan from Australia, Geisce Ly, Ph.D. who would be presenting the program, Harry Jasper, hospital administrator.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Mr. Quast had visited Louie and reported that he had lost weight but could communicate.
DON was asked to stand. He was proud to remember 32 years of marriage. He paid (probably five).
SOS MARDI GRAS: PP attended. He gave a report with Syd and others filling in. It was estimated that the event brought in $13,000.00 and the bar approximately $6,000.00. The former perhaps does not include the latter. Syd and other Rotarians handled the bar.
KARYN attended a Rotary leadership training program. She was not eager to attend, the program being from 8-5 on both a Friday and a Saturday. But she found it to be an ‘amazing’ class and she recommended that the club sponsor someone to attend every year.
A G.S.E team from India is coming our way in three weeks. The club is looking for families to host them and businesses for them to visit. There will be a reception party on 4/23 and we will be hosting them for two and a half days. They will attend our meeting on 4/27.
O’DENNIS reported on the exciting basketball game between Rotary and the Redway All Stars which the club and its ringers won 41-40. O’Dennis estimates that by the time all the contributions are in, we will have raised close to $4,000.00. There may be a rematch, this time softball or baseball.
PP provided a summary of the last board meeting
JIM QUAST asked our guests about Anzac Day. John gave an interesting report on this important Australian memorial holiday.
BILL STEWART, who seems to have taken up commercial modeling in his later years, had an opportunity to extol the virtues of the St. Joseph Hospital. Bill believes cancer treatment at St. Joseph Hospital is as good any anywhere.
Rotary Minutes March 23, 2010
by Doug Ingold
SERMON DELIVERED TO IMPERFECT PASTOR AND HIS CAPTURED ACCOMPLICE
Curried chicken with potatoes and other vegetables, rice with sauteed greens, a green salad and a cookie for everyone who deserved it. President Peter had two bells on the table, the real and the
not real. Was he trying to confuse near-sighted thieves? We heard a tuneful sound and rose to face the music.
PLEDGE: Brian Harper led us
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast raising his gaze from his navel found no visiting Rotarians, but moments later one appeared as if manifested by his focused meditation: Richard Phillips. The wordsmith’s word this Tuesday was a choice one: omphaloskepsis.
GUESTS: Doug and Carol Campbell, Marten Takets, Dalton Pfau and Dr. Erin Orazem (the ‘real’ doctor according to her father the ‘lock’ one)
COMMUNITY REPORT: No Tammy, but Ernie reported that Anna Hamilton is garnering national attention with her ‘post-marijuana’ planning. And O’Dennis reported on a recent visit to see Louie.
BEA described her and Bill’s delivery of dictionaries to Beginnings, Whitethorn and Whale Gulch schools. Bea’s report coupled with the colorful photos in this week’s Redwood Times tell a happy story.
BIRTHDAYS: Ernie and Bunny stood and got sung to and assessed.
PRESIDENT PETER, we can be assured, is not pleased when the beloved bell is stolen. Turning the podium into a pulpit and displaying advanced cross-examination skills, PP confronted Craig who soon confessed that he was indeed both a pastor and a bell thief, it being he who swiped the bell and passed it to Ernie the week previous. Craig offered penance of $100.00 toward his Paul Harris, which was quickly accepted. PP wanted the same from Ernie, who offered ten. The haggling ended at fifty.
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY is 4/10. Sign up early and you save ten bucks. Syd and Susie are going.
SYD also said the Rotary bar at SOS Mardi Gras still needs volunteers. A sheet was passed.
NEXT WEEK IS fifth Tuesday and we will be shooting hoops for Polio Plus and it’s a hundred bucks if you choose to not participate. We’re trying to raise $2,000 and the school will be serving us tri-tip sandwiches after the game.
NANCY passed around possible new banners for downtown G’ville. We voted on which we preferred.
FINE MASTER
Greg had tickets for the Fortuna 5/20 Oyster BBQ
Susan was questioned about her trip to Arizona. She had a great time and offered $100 to PH.
A-Dennis made the reflections in the paper, having come to town in 1988. Ernie’s sharp interrupting wit resulted in a split fine. Eleven from Dennis and eleven from Ernie.
Nancy paid twenty for a copy of the Times-Standard with a picture of her plants (daffodils) in it. Shon paid the $20.00 for her.
Rotary Minutes March 16, 2010
by Doug Ingold
WAS AN UNDERHANDED BELL THEFT ATTEMPTED UNDER THE NOSE OF THE UNDERSHERIFF? (This story is under reported.)
Sausage and veggies on a bed of polenta. A green salad with tomato chunks and onions. Wedges and curls for dessert. Soft music behind the chatter. Our President possessed his wits, his watch and our bell and the four working in combination verticalized us at the appropriate time.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig interceded for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast had a live one: Mike Downey.
GUESTS: David Thomas, Tom Frazer, Joe Gauvain and Julie Johansen
COMMUNITY REPORT. No news being good news.
CHALLENGE from guest Julie Johansen the principal at Redway School. The school is participating in the Governor’s Challenge, which is part of the Active Kids Program. The students need to participate in regular physical activity and 100% of them are. In the state-wide rankings, Redway School is currently number one in the challenge competition. Part of the program is to involve community members.. Julie handed out activity charts that Rotarians can fill in and deliver back to O’Dennis. The winning school will get a $100,000.00 grant for fitness equipment.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Greg introduced his good friend Joe Gauvain and Joe’s teacher Tom Frazer. Joe is a senior and the award is given in the culinary arts branch of the vocational education department. Greg knows Joe well and told some spicy stories about him. Tom stirred in some sweet words. Joe informed us that he will soon be dining at a U.S. Coast Guard mess.
SYD announced the District Assembly in Ukiah on April 9th and 10th. The ninth is largely social and the tenth will provide classes where you can learn more about Rotary.
MARDI GRAS sponsored by SOS will take place on March 27th at the Benbow Brew House. Like last year there will be good food and prizes, and a Texas Hold’em tournament. Rotary will do the bar and the club needs volunteers.
MARTEN still needs a host family.
PP acknowledged the good work Brian Harper has been doing donating his time to teach woodworking skills at SF. Brian received a round of applause and a splinter. (Part of that was not true.)
WINE TASTING sponsored by an Arcata Rotary Club will take place on Saturday the 20th from 5:30 until 9:00 in the Kate Buchanan Room at HSU. 18 wineries, good snacks. $35.00 at the door.
THE DON BROWN call and response continued. Skip has dug up a photo of the mysterious Mr. Brown in an Elvis outfit. It will be sent to the appropriate authorities for fining.
GREG introduced the Paul Harris Pool. One hundred squares, at $10.00 each. Numbers and letters will be assigned and drawn and the winner gets a Paul Harris Fellowship in the name he or she chooses. The chart was passed, names were signed, bills fled wallets.
PP informed us we need new members and each table was assigned the job of coming up with one or more. Each table picked a leader to help get the job done. Does that mean we now have assigned seats?
HERB announced that he and his wife Karen Lawson will be among the performers at So Hum Tales taking place at the Mateel Community Center this weekend with performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
PROGRAM. Craig introduced Mike Downey the Undersheriff of Humboldt County. (As the program was being introduced it appeared that Ernie attempted to steal the bell and was spotted by PP who asked that everyone give Ernie a hand for contributing $100.00 to the club. Nothing more is known.) Mike has been with the department for 24 years and is a candidate for Sheriff, though he never mentioned that fact during his presentation. Since he was a deputy first in Shelter Cove and then later in Garberville he is well known here. The undersheriff is the assistant to the sheriff and runs the day-to-day business of the office. The office is a large one with over 300 employees. It provides a broad range of services including, but not necessarily limited to, animal control, airport security, the local jail, the County’s only SWAT team, service of legal papers, court room security, resource officers in schools and normal criminal investigations. Mike led us through the different departments explaining their purpose and how funding is secured and utilized. He was happy to tell us that we now have 24 hour service at the Garberville substation, that the food at the jail is great, that the animals at the pound are well cared for and because of an aggressive adoption program very few of them are killed. Thanks to Mike for an informative program.Rotary Minutes March 9, 2010
by Doug Ingold
THE END OF AN ERA?
It was the sandwich array, a green salad and a cookie. Only one non-musical outburst from the sound system. President Peter had the bell and summoned us to order.
PLEDGE: PP asked us to follow him but we decided to harmonize instead.
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Jim was happy to introduce Erin Dunn.
GUESTS: Anna Hamilton, Richard Phillips, Renee Heider.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Susan is back!
PRESIDENT PETER delivered a book of old Rotary bulletins to Renee that Roy had given to him, and apparently, Renee had given to Roy. She also got a redwood tree suitable for planting.
SYD said he, Erin and Greg attended the PETS conference in San Jose last weekend. He met a number of interesting people and sat in on some interesting and helpful programs (some more interesting or more helpful than others). The conference will benefit his coming presidency.
O’DENNIS talked about the Polio Plus challenge on 3/30. He handed out sponsor sheets. You will have one minute to shoot as many free throws as you can. Sponsors can bet on each miss and each score. You can hire a substitute for $25.00 and if you don’t go, and don’t hire a sub, you can be released from purgatory for a cool one hundred dollars. After the shots, we have a game with the seventh grade all stars and then rest and recuperation at Calicos or the emergency room.
FINE MASTER charged SYD $20.00 for being MIA at the last PETS presentation.
When PP admitted that he had no memory of whether he missed some of PETS, the FM charged him thirty-five and asked for an IOU.
KARYN reported on her two week trip to San Lucia. Very expensive and an unfortunate swim through a school of jelly fish on the last day. She paid $20.00 and earned our sympathy.
ERNIE paid five to tell a PETS-spouse story. Good story.
BEA volunteered ten bucks(?) She has won two $100.00 prizes in a $300 Club.
BIRTHDAYS: DON and STEVE BOWEN. We sang, they aged and paid.
PROGRAM: Ernie introduced Anna Hamilton, a.k.a. Anna Banana. Anna had come to speak about the possible legalization of marijuana and the affect this change will have in all of Humboldt and particularly SOHUM. Before Prop 215, according to Anna, the price for marijuana was $4,000 a pound. Now it is $1,600 a pound and she thinks it will fall to $500 (Later Bill suggested the price will be under a $100.) Anna believes the community needs to pro-actively prepare for this eventuality. On March 23, 2010 from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at the Mateel Community Center there will be a forum to address the economic impacts of legalization. Anna’s premise is that many more than growers will be affected including people in support industries, unrelated businesses, property values and property taxes. She believes it could lead to a vast dislocation of young people and that people of all ages and from all branches of the community should get involved. Thanks to Ernie and Anna for openly confronting this issue.
Rotary Minutes March 2, 2010
by Doug Ingold
MUSIC OF MASS DESTRUCTION
It was called Chicken Tetrazzini and it came with a green salad and a bread roll with pesto sauce. For dessert a lemon wedge. All conversation ended as we approached the half hour when Ernie once again commandeered the sound system and battered us with what at a much lower decibel register might have been called music. Our president had the bell and when the noise faded we could hear its ring.
PLEDGE: PP led us
INSPIRATION: Craig reflected on the relative generosity of the American people, using Haiti relief as an example.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast found two quasi visiting Rotarians in the form of Brian Walker and Herb Schwartz, but confessed that they were not really visiting Rotarians.
GUESTS: Mary Anderson, Mike Hislop and Malcolm Campbell.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy reported that Susan Gardner will likely be back next week.
QUIZ FROM PP: What is March? To the many of us who did not know that on the Rotary Calendar, March is literacy month, it cost a dollar.
SPECIAL DAYS. B-Dennis’ spouse had a birthday and he paid $5.00. Tammy and Jesse had birthdays, we sang and they paid.
THE WILDER BUNNY had two gifts for Nancy. One was a wooden sign for her daffodil business and the other was a plaque for being Citizen of the Year. Both of these would have been handed over at the celebration except they were not available. Bunny then informed Nancy that the party was over and she was now just a normal citizen again.
MARTEN HEADS FOR THE BASEBALL DIAMOND and then to Diamond Head. We learned that Marten has made the SF baseball team even though he has never played the game before. He needs equipment costing $107.00. A hat was passed and the club coughed up $161.00. Susie suggested the surplus could be used on the Hawaii trip.
BRIAN WALKER REPORTS on the Venezuela Rotaplast trip that he headed up. It was a success. 97 kids and adults were operated on, including some interesting and unusual operations. The services provided were valued at about $450,000.00. Brian told a number of warm stories about the patients. He commended Dennis Bourassa’s fine contributions and Dennis complemented Brian on the great job he did. Brian is off to Peru in April, El Salvador in May and Mexico later in the year. PP handed Brian documents for his latest Paul Harris.
O’DENNIS announced Fifth Tuesday events on the 31st. You will be shooting free throws at Redway School and you are expected to sign up persons who will pay for each shot you make. There may also be a game between the sixth and seventh graders and club members and after all that, those still ambulatory will head to Calico’s for food, beer and wine. The proceeds go to Polio Plus.
HAROLD was chided by PP for not selling pheasant dinner tickets for a recent event in Fortuna. Harold admitted that he had been going to Fortuna less than before but intends to get back into it.
FINE MASTER. Greg began by acknowledging Malcolm Campbell who drove a UPS truck in sohum for 13 years and for all he had given the community. The FM thanked and then challenged Brian W for not having valid make up cards for his travels. Brian did have a stack of make up cards but they did not stack up with the FM. Jim Quast confessed that ‘througher’ was not a word, though as Ernie pointed out, it is ‘righter’ than some. Bea paid for sending out a candidate’s night announcement and then misspelling the name of the candidate. Ernie paid $15.00 for the musical attack.
PROGRAM.
Don Orazem introduced Mike Hislop, an investigator with the DA’s office and a candidate for sheriff. Mr. Hislop was here two weeks before as the boss of Wayne Cox. Mike informed us that he has been in law enforcement for 30 years, 27 of those in Humboldt, and that he is married and the father of a four year old son. For twenty-four years he was a member of the Eureka Police Department. He has a bachelors degree and other education in the field of law enforcement. Mike sees three issues with law enforcement in the county. The first is the budget and he thinks we need to streamline and be more efficient with the use of funds. Second is the level of distrust between the public and law enforcement and he thinks law enforcement needs to work to have more positive contacts. Third is leadership integrity. He thinks that leadership has gotten too insular and needs to get out into the community, eliminate favoritism in the department and be good to its word. Mike suggested that he is good at thinking outside the box, and that he is capable of bringing outside money into the department. He gave us several examples of innovative projects he participated in with the EPD. Mike thinks we need a new jail, that meth is a huge threat, that legalization of marijuana might hit the county economy big time. Thanks to Mike and Don for this interesting program.
Rotary Minutes February 23, 2010
by Doug Ingold
DR. KIM TOURS SIBERIA!
(And we go along for the ride)
Platters of different sandwiches on focaccia bread with a green salad and a cookie large enough to impersonate a Frisbee. President Peter walked the room appearing to search for a spare bell, picked the old black sub off the piano leading to speculation that our beloved treasure had gone a wandering. But when the hour came, and after Ernie had again threatened our hearing and sanity with a blast of ‘music,’ PP produced the original and rang us to our feet.
Pledge: PP led us.
Inspiration: Craig prayed for us.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast appeared to invent a new English word (see below) when he proudly introduced Dr. Kim Bauriedel and followed his introduction by emitting a whoopie-derived outburst when he sat down.
Guests: Virginia Graziani, Jesse’s Steve, Emily Totten, Aletta Sauer, Jerry Wilson,
Community Report. We learned that Louie and Fay were not well and that Bill Condon had died.
JESSE’S Steve told us that spotted owls mate in March and logging is prohibited that month so as not to disturb the frolicking couples.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif came forth with plaque and check, Aletta Sauer and Emily Totten. Aletta, appearing on behalf of the math department, had a number of superlatives to describe Emily’s character and behavior in math and in everything else. Emily not only does very well herself but also helps other students, is a roll model and active in a number of organizations. She is also a singer, we learned. Emily, who was our exchange student in Hungary last year, plans to study International Relations. She has a number of college applications out there and may end up in Paris, on the East Coast or in California.
ALETTA also announced a SF tour tonight at five, and a SHUSD board meeting at six where a possible bond issue and parcel tax will be considered.
PP ANNOUNCED that we had received a card from Alonzo Formosa thanking us for the scholarship he received last year. PP passed it among the mob.
CAROLYN gave us the gist of the last board meeting. We gave the Merchants’ Guild $300.00.
And we learned that you can direct your Paul Harris donations to the Polio Plus campaign.
FINE MASTER. Greg began by thanking everyone who helped and attended the Chamber Citizen of the Year dinner on Saturday, and he congratulated C.O.Y. Nancy Wilson.
Next he announced that Marten our exchange student needs a new host family at the end of March.
He then questioned Mr. Quast about the ‘word’ ‘thorougher.’ Jim paid $5.00 but will get the money back if he can thoroughly prove thorougher is word-worthy.
Brian Elie paid $20.00 for an erupting phone
Ernie paid ten for the blast of sound but was congratulated for new sales area at Branscomb Center.
Jesse was fined five on general principles and then confessed to a birthday and so paid $10.00.
Harold was scolded for Whoopie cushioning but the FM confessed that his own ten year old son had had one for a few days before FM accidently stepped on it in the middle of the night. So FM paid ten for his skiing trip where the cushion-stomp took place and Harold appeared to run free. He did later confess to this scribe that he had snuck a cushion into Craig’s pocket. So if you are wondering, Craig....
There was more inconclusive back and forth about PP’s unrepaired vehicle. PP did pay $20.00 for something.
B’Dennis recently returned from a Rotaplast trip to Venezuela under the direction of Brian Walker where they operated on 93kids. He and Carolyn also took a kayaking trip among the alligators of the Everglades. No fine for helping the kids but he paid $10.00 for the alligator paddle and then got Whoopied as he sat down.
PROGRAM. Brian Harper introduced Dr. Kim Bauriedel who returned to bring us current on Siberia in general and the projects we contributed to in particular. Dr. Kim has been visiting Siberia and working on projects there for a number of years. He began by presenting PP with a bar of Siberian chocolate and a Siberian pine cone. The Doctor spent ten weeks in Siberia in the fall of last year. Siberia is about the size of the US but has only 30 million inhabitants. Most live in the south and the distances between cities are long. Dr. Kim traveled extensively during the trip, visiting twelve different Rotary clubs, numerous hospitals, schools and orphanages. We saw photos of the people he met, the food he cooked, the facilities he visited and the projects that are underway. From the orphanage where our funds were utilized we saw photos of the gleaming new cookstove and dishwashing sink. At the TB hospital the new playground equipment will be installed this spring and we saw the factory where it is being constructed. A project he is presently working is designed to provide computer programs and keyboards for the blind at a school for the visually impaired. Dr. Kim and his wife presently make their home in the Republic of Ireland but obviously he continues to travel the world raising funds and making wonderful use of them.
Rotary Minutes February 16, 2010
By Doug Ingold
ARMED MEN AND RUSSIAN GUESTS (A COINCIDENTAL PAIRING)
We had barbecued chicken, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes amid pools of melted butter, green salad, and a cookie. Our President had the bell and he rang it early because significant activity was planned.
Pledge: PP
Insp: Craig
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast was very pleased to introduce Johanna Rodoni and Lisa Slack.
Guests: Larisa__, Nicholai__ and Anastasia Vasheulova, all from Russian and on a friendship exchange with a Eureka Club, Virginia Graziani, John Wideman(?), Martin Abshire, Wayne Cox and Mike Hislop.
Community Report: Tammy reported that Alan Baird’s daughter had died.
Announcements: There were none.
Fine Time: Though time was short, PP could not pass up the failed bell theft that occurred last week. Harold was summoned but responded only reluctantly. Various tactics failed, including not having his wallet and the assertion that far from stealing the bell he was actually dancing with it. PP persisted. He wanted a $100.00 but in the end accepted a plea bargain for $50.00.
PROGRAM: O’Dennis introduced Wayne Cox an investigator with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s office who had grown up in Southern Humboldt, and his immediate boss, Mike Hizlop, who, it happens, is running for Sheriff. Mr. Hizlop made a few introductory remarks and Mr. Cox presented the program.
The subject was the mysterious disappearance of Blue Lake resident Curtis Huntzinger in 1990 when he was 14 years old, and the long, sporadic and often astonishingly bungled investigation that went “cold” various times before Wayne Cox took an interest and in his spare time put the pieces together and with the help of many others including the boy’s parents, eventually found the body of Curtis Huntzinger and got the confession and conviction of Steve Hash, the man who had killed and buried him.
Rotary Minutes February 9, 2010
by Doug Ingold
DANCE HALL DANDIES, ONE AND ALL!
Sandwiches, including cheese, turkey, pulled pork and a BLT with only the B being ersatz. Green salad for all and a cookie for those who were good. Near the end of the meal we were able to observe first hand a dis-synchronicity when Ernie arrived at 12:30 before President Peter. Ernie amplified his arrival with a blast of “music.’ But President Peter, not to be rushed, hit the bell when his watch hit the hour.
Pledge: PP asked that we repeat the pledge after him but we decided to recite it synchronously.
Inspiration: Clif soliloquized.
Visiting Rotarians: Did you hear periphrastic? I heard periphrastic. But Mr. Quast found no Visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Darren Thomasini, Virginia Graziani, Jerry Wilson, Marten Takets,
Community Report: Ebie? Miller, Betty Weiss, a gentleman named Wheeler have all died.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ETC.
WEDNESDAY the 10th, a Founders’ Day celebration at Redway School 5:30
PRESIDENT Peter returned to the online makeup option and offered to help Frank learn this skill.
BICYCLE rides in the Napa Valley on April 17th sponsored by the Napa Valley Rotary Club. 15, 25 and 50 mile rides.
THE DISTRICT is looking for a volunteer from the club to help organize for the conference on March 10th
HAROLD gave a report on the Ferndale bash. Good decorations, good table, good times but other than PP not a bundle of winnings.
PRESIDENT Peter was criticized for having a truck that was mal-shaped. He suggested parts were on the way.
FEBRUARY is what Rotary month? World Understanding. And each of us who did not know that paid $1.00.
KENT said his twenty years of marriage had been a ‘piece of cake’ He paid twenty.
SYD reminded us about the Citizen of the Year blast starring Nancy on February 19th
FINE MASTER:
FM focused first on Frank and Frank sort of passed the 4-Way Test.
BRIAN ELIE as Frank’s sponsor was implicated. In the end he was fined ten and Frank 20 and Frank paid both.
SETH admitted to a new 4-wheeler and having his company’s name appear in the NCJ. He paid an unknown amount.
ERNIE was hit for the earlier music outburst.
PRESIDENT PETER was fleeced for his winnings in Ferndale
BRIAN HARPER was squeezed for not having a program. He admitted guilt and paid $100.00 toward his Paul Harris.
HAROLD AND GREG confessed to sneaking Marten into the Ferndale bash and each paid ten.
EVERYONE who enjoyed breakfast complements of Bill’s winnings paid five.
GREG admitted to winning a Super Bowl Pool and paid $100.00 to PH
STEVE BOWEN also won 500 and paid $100.00 to PH
AND THEN IT WAS DANCE TIME.
MARTEN TAKETS, our exchange student who seems to be noticeably taller every time I see him, told us about his rich experiences as a folk dancer. He dances with a group from his high school and has performed in different places in Hungry and in other countries. He described the different dances his group performs, the costumes they wear and he demonstrated some of the dance moves, including one very complicated sequence. Finally, he called us to the floor and we all tried to dance while Ernie played DJ. It was a lively and entertaining experience. Thanks to Marten for providing a good program.
Rotary Minutes February 2, 2010
by Doug Ingold
THE STRAIGHT DIRT! (OR A SOILED TALE!)
Chicken satay neatly (and tightly) strung along a stick dripping with peanut sauce if you wanted it, white rice and colored veggies including onions, carrots and squash. A green salad with tomato wedges. For dessert one of those spirally things. The bell is still in the possession of our trusted President and he gave it such a clatter that we sprang from our chairs to see what was the matter.
THE BASICS
Pledge: President Peter led us.
Inspiration: Clif inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians: It was a traumatic meeting for the good Mr. Quast. In a state of mild depression after the promised arrival of Erin Dunn failed to materialize, he could find no visiting Rotarians. Then sitting down he detonated a whoopie cushion. He had barely reached a state of relative calm when Erin Dunn did appear and the revived Mr. Quast leaped up again to announce her arrival.
Guests: Bill Routan, Mary Anderson, Peter Ryce, Carol Van Sant, Jonathan Hooper, Cathy Miller and John Casali.
Community Report. Earl Lewis has died. Steve Dazey’s sister has suffered a stroke.
REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS ETC.
FROM the front lines of river cleanup and homeless camps, John Casali reported that there have been suicides, attempted murders and successful ones. Tons of garbage pile up and the young campers do nothing to help. He is still struggling out there but the authorities do nothing. He pled with everyone to call the supervisor and sheriff’s office in Eureka.
THERE will be a county-wide chamber mixer on Friday February 5th from five to seven (or six to eight) at the Benbow Inn.
O’DENNIS had copies of Roy’s Super Bowl Pool.
HAROLD reminded us that he and Donna will be hosting a ‘refreshment’ party at their motel room before Saturday’s steak and lobster fund raiser in Ferndale.
AS HAROLD was speaking mysterious flatulence sounds erupted around him. The atmosphere of an out-of-control third-grade class descended upon us.
JOHN SCHMIDT of the town square board is requesting donations to finish the job.
A STUDENT of the month named Robyn sent us a thank-you note.
YOU CAN pick up a Super Bowl day breakfast-in-a-bag at Redway School. Give yourself some nutrition before starting on the beer and chips.
A CENSUS-worker recruiter announced that she is looking for people who want a job. Workers make $11.50 an hour and if we don’t get workers, we don’t get counted and less of Fort Knox comes our way.
DOUG was accused of having a birthday. He was sung to and had to pay ten.
A-DENNIS admitted that his Pat has a birthday and he also paid ten. A-Dennis was forced to pay a second ten when he was charged with abandoning his guest.
SETH denied buying a motorized vehicle from Dazey’s Motor Sports but confessed that last week he failed to post the much-treasured weekly bulletin.
ON-LINE makeups were again promoted. No one admitted to having done one.
ROTARY has raised one-hundred-five million of the two-hundred million we are committed to raise to match Bill and Melinda’s gift.
Rotary Minutes January 26, 2010
by Doug Ingold
ENERGY INVASION!
We were all sandwiched in this Tuesday with a choice of four kinds of the famous repast and a salad to go along with the one or two the diner managed to select. For the geometrically inclined, dessert included lemony triangles. The acoustically attuned rose in response to the beloved bell and the rest of us got up because it seemed like a going thing.
THE BASICS
Pledge: President Peter led us.
Inspiration: Craig spoke for us.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast appeared pleased to have found a live one. He introduced Johanna Rodoni.
Guests: Darren Thomasini, Mary Anderson, Valerie Spires, Klark Depew and Michael McAllister.
Community Report. We learned that Susan Gardner will be having an operation and is not expected back for several weeks.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STUFF
Master Harold made his final pitch for the Ferndale steak and lobster fund raiser on Saturday February 6, 2010. He still has four tickets and rooms are available.
Radar’s resignation was rescinded and his leave of absence extended to the delight of everyone.
President Peter reminded us again of the importance of making up missed meetings. It can now be done online and may be both painless and interesting.
PP also raised the possibility of the club becoming a ‘sustainable’ club. Just what a ‘sustainable’ club is was left to the imagination but we were promised illumination beyond the present darkness.
There will be a crab feed in Sebastopol on Feb 13.
John Cassel will give the club an update next week, but there will also be a program.
PP would like us to promote ambassadorial scholarships.
Harold bought a diamond pin from PP. He wanted to pay $200.00 but PP would only accept $100.00. I presume this treasure has something to do with Paul Harris or it may be that Harold is about to marry Donna again.
FINE MASTER
The ever-gluttonous FM began with B-Dennis who confessed to having been in Mexico, though the experience was hardly your typical Margaritaville-week-on-the-beach vacation. Dennis was shivering at 7,000 feet in Chiapas while trying to retrieve a friend’s hotels that had been confiscated by the Zapatistas a few years ago. No luck on the hotels, but he was assessed only $20.00 for the ‘pleasure’ of reporting the incident.
Bill Stewart was forced to stand and recount his adventures in Las Vegas where he manned a gas booth and saw some neat new equipment. He too paid $20.00.
Carolyn, who has retired more often than Brett Favre and Michael Jordan combined, has done it again, this time from Dazey’s. But then the new manager, Darren Thomasini, offered her a deal and now she is heading up the motor sports division. This admission seemed to induce an episode of uncontrollable advertising that infected not only her but also the FM. Each paid $20.00.
Steve Bowen was fined for parking in the spot reserved for the program presenters. The fact that the presenters were already in the building, that Steve didn’t know the rule and that the FM had himself parked there the week before, mattered not a wit. Cost him $20.00.
The FM graciously offered Steve the right to fine him. Steve assessed $20.00 but the FM was broke and Skip paid $20.00 on behalf of the FM. Thus was the apple polished.
Harold was called to his feet and threatened with a fine if the whoopie cushion did not soon re-appear. Getting a bit dull, are we?
Skip reported that he had only recently discovered three grandchildren when his long estranged daughter contacted him. He paid $50.00 for the pleasure of reporting this good news.
Sunshine Tammy has another Super Bowl Pool. This one for the SF booster club at $10.00 a square. It passed around.
PROGRAM:
Rotary Minutes January 19, 2010
by Doug Ingold
MENDO AIN’T NOTTINGHAM!
But first we ate a splendid casserole with a bed of polenta, some nicely done veggies and Italian sausage along with the usual salad and a nifty little rolled thing for dessert. Mr. Quast was eager to get us started, perhaps because he had the program, and he took to banging with an eating utensil on various objects in his vicinity. Unfortunately, glassware is no longer permitted at our tables and the sound of a spoon on a plastic water pitcher reminds one more of a duck with laryngitis than the clarion call of the beloved bell. However, in good time, President Peter produced the bell and brought us to our feet.
Pledge: PP led us
Inspiration: Craig asked for help in the coming storms.
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast was eager to introduce two visiting Rotarians, Cathy Gott and Sheriff Tom Allman, both from the club in Willits.
Guests: Sgt. Ken Swithenbank
Community Update. Tammy had heard no news.
Carolyn reported on the last board meeting. The board spent no money and the members are working on a plan for the club to raise funds for polio plus. Carolyn doesn’t know what or where but she promised we would have fun.
PP said that maybe at the Feb 23 meeting we would shoot free throws to raise the loot.
PP also talked about attendance. While he did not mention numbers he indicated that club attendance is down. He proposed on-line make ups. Interesting, easy and fun.
We discussed the Haiti earthquake. Rotary has a program where you can donate by texting.
I believe the number is 90999. You call and your money is pulled through your phone and sent to Haiti. Craig pointed out that Coast to Coast will match any donation made through its stores. We also learned at RI is sending Shelter Boxes to Haiti and Greg and Ernie told us stuff about Shelter Boxes.
Blood Bank is still looking for Rotarian blood.
Karen Tobin, on behalf of the Tobin family and in honor of Wade Johnson send $100.00 to the HAF Rotary Scholarship program
Jim Quast had an update on box tops and the Wilder Bunny remembered the box tops she had been carrying around for some time.
Seth has come up with a device for getting program dates assigned and anyone who had not yet presented a program this year, could not leave the facility without having a date assigned to him or her.
Clif came forward again this week and presented a second Paul Harris Fellow to Brian Walker. Brian was commended for all the good work he is doing these days through Rotoplast. Brian gave $200 toward his third PH and updated us on his endeavors which include a Rotoplast project in Venezuela at the end of January, B’Dennis will be joining him, then in two months another in Peru and in July a third in Mexico. He has been working almost full time at the warehouse but now they have a warehouse manager and Brian is free to do other things. He will be blogging on the Garberville Rotary Club blog while in Venezuela.
FINE MASTER!
The FM began by recognizing the famous Nancy Wilson 2009 Citizen of the Year. She paid five and the former COYs in the club paid ten each.
Brian Walker was challenged about makeups. Brian had an excellent defense but the FM was stern and took six of Brian’s remaining seven dollars.
Blue Star Bill was charged five for his self-serving introduction of Cathy Gott, Blue Star’s manager in Willits.
PROGRAM
Mr. Quast introduced Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman as a local boy who has made and done good, recounting numerous examples of his international work including police work in Kosova and disaster relief work in India (with Brian Walker). This South Fork graduate has also received recognition for personal bravery. Sheriff Allman is finishing his first term in office and seeking a second. Tom reminded us that his father had been a member of our club. He believes that government is finally coming of age, learning to be more efficient and adopting strategies for regional cooperation. He described some of the projects he has started as sheriff. He has set up a bakery where inmates produce all the bread used by the department (200 loaves a day). Two of the inmates have become certified and are now employed on the outside as bakers. The Departments posts all bookings on a website which gets 6,000 hits a day and the Department is now selling advertising on the site, (bail bondsmen, etc.), the funds going to help provide education programs for inmates. He had a soft-ware program created that shows a young person how he or she will look after a few months of meth use. The department is now selling this program to other departments and agencies. Search face2face/meth for more information. Tom is also working on setting up a regional detention facility with Lake County. We learned that ankle bracelets now have g.p.s. so you might as well forget about sneaking around the corner for a cool one. Lots of questions from the mob. Thanks to Jim and Tom for an interesting program.
Rotary Minutes January 12, 2010
PIGGED OUT!
It was the other white meat roasted with potatoes and carrots, a green salad on the side and a cookie for dessert. President Peter had bell, book and gavel (the book being for the library) and promptly rolled us to our tootsies with a clang.
Pledge. Most of us followed PP
Inspiration: Craig interceded on our behalf.
Visiting Rotarians: In the absence of Mr. Quast, the distinguished Mr. Orazem flowed with an abundance of language but found less than a ‘paucity’ of Rotarians.
Guests: Harry Jasper, Bill Routan, Laura Sayles, Mr. Standish and Jack Shaley.
Community Report. Ms. Tammy reported on the death of Wade Johnson and Shon’s mother. She also announced that our own Nancy Wilson has been named Citizen of the Year for 2009.
Student of the Month. Tammy remained standing, proceeded to the front and mike in hand introduced our latest Student of the Month: Laura Sayles and her teacher Mr. Standish. Mr. Standish was happy to present Laura as his selection from the social sciences department at South Fork. He described Laura as a capable, community oriented student. Laura agreed. She indicated that she loved doing community service and recited some of the things she has done. She plans to study nursing, probably at Santa Barbara Junior College.
The flow of awards continued when Clif welcomed Brian Harper as our latest Paul Harris Fellow. Clif gave a fine description of some of the many good things RI does with the money Brian and others have donated and Brian graciously acknowledged our applause.
PP then turned to raising money:
Greg has his birthday this month as does Peter, Frank and Steve D. They stood, we sang, they paid $5.00 each.
Syd is celebrating his 52nd anniversary and wrote a check completing Diane’s Paul Harris Fellowship.
The ever resourceful and effervescent Harold had more tickets to sell for the 2/6 Ferndale, steak and lobster party.
PP announced that the club is looking for someone to coordinate the local Rotary contributions to the Blood Bank. The board will also discuss how we can bring the Polio Plus campaign home.
THEN IS WAS THE TIME OF THE FINE MASTER
FM began with Brian and Brian, being Elie and Harper, who with their significant others had just returned from a wine exploration in South America, specifically Argentina and Uruguay, including the falls at Iguaçu and a visit with Sabrina, a former exchange student. Lots of good wine, good prices and good times. Each paid $100.
Karyn confessed to a new-to-her car purchased only the day before. She paid $50.00 toward David’s Paul Harris
Bea agreed that her phone had rung during a recent meeting and she paid $20.00
Frank came in after the bell. He had a very good excuse but since he still hasn’t learned the 4-way test offered to pay, I think, $100.00
Ernie was badgered for sound system failures but I don’t recall that money was passed.
Greg paid $11.00 (maybe five came from Ernie) for a snow boarding trip.
Rotary Minutes January 5, 2010
ROTARY GOES PAPERLESS (AND IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO HAVE YOU)
There was a fire in the fireplace and lasagna on the plate, joined by bread with pesto, a green salad with tomato wedges and a cookie for dessert. President Peter had all the precious implements in his possession and for the first time in the new year got us to our feet.
Pledge: PP led us.
Insp. Craig provided the inspiration.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quest had a poly-syllabic word for mono-syllabic words but it all came down to no visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Rupta Lambley, Linda Brodersen and Joanne Herbert
Community Report. Tammy reported that Brian MacClaren had died.
Paul Harris recognition. Clif presented Steve Dazey with his second Paul Harris fellowship. Clif spoke of the importance of the program. Applause followed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ETC.
PP reminded those of us who were not sleeping that January is Rotary Awareness month.
We had received a thank you note from the Tobin family and a check for $1,000.00 from the Roy Heider family.
PP spotted Don Orazem walking with his family at the Polio walk in Fortuna over the weekend. Query: Was he wearing those fancy suspenders?
A home has at last been found for Marten our exchange student. (Good to know the lad is not out in the elements.)
Harold has one ticket left (though he can get more) for the Ferndale February 6th fund raiser. Lots of big prizes and good food and good company.
BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES AND OTHER PUNISHABLE OFFENSES.
B-Dennis and Craig have birthdays this month. We sang and they paid 5
Herb’s spouse has a birthday and he tendered a century note toward Karen’s Paul Harris.
Don’s spouse has a birthday and he gave ten toward a daughter’s Paul Harris
Seth has an anniversary and he gave five.
Tammy confessed (somewhat belatedly) to a ski trip and gave 50 toward her Paul Harris
It cost Carolyn ten to buy back her hat. Worth it to have a hat in January
OTHER STUFF
After some discussion, and acting on Karyn’s suggestion, the members decided to discontinue printing copies of the bulletin and to distribute the news on our website. So modern have we become!
PP and the rest of us were happy to see Jesse back
Jeanie had statements for this quarter’s meals and made demand for funds owed from the Christmas party.
PROGRAM
O’Dennis introduced Linda Brodersen, Rupta Lambley and Joanne Herbert who had come on behalf of the Schools’ Foundation and SOS for South Fork High School.
Linda began by thanking the club for its earlier contributions to the Foundation and informing us that twenty years had now passed since the Foundation began to raise money. Last year it donated $23,500 to various programs (mostly music and art) around the District. SOS is a branch of the Foundation and will be subject to the same scrupulous accounting procedures. The Foundation also continues to raise funds for all schools in the District. Rupta and Joanne spoke about SOS and the urgent need to upgrade text books and physical facilities at the high school. The goal of SOS is to raise $73,000.00 for desperately needed items. Some money has been raised and some improvements made and this has raised morale at the school. Efforts are being made to establish an alumni program at South Fork. Questions about the age and future of the facilities were raised and discussed. In spite of all the problems and because of community support, the schools remain accredited. They continue to offer art and music programs and to graduate good students who are succeeding at the university level. Thanks to Dennis, Linda, Rupta and Joanne for the interesting program and for all their efforts to help educate the community’s children.
Rotary Minutes December 22, 2009
Chicken satay with rice and vegetables, a green salad, and a lemon square or a cinnamon roll for dessert. No one was reported stabbed by a satay stick, no food fights were observed, no one squealed his tires rushing to his table or ran a stop sign coming through the door. It’s always calmer when Martin Abshire, armed and ready, is in the room. President Peter had the bell and rang us to our feet.
Pledge: PP lead us
Inspiration: Clif inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians. In the absence of Mr. Quast, A-Dennis discovered 21 Rotarians who were visiting with each other.
Guests: Melissa Reynolds, Martin Abshire, Patrick Sweeney and Forest.
There was no community report
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STUFF
Susan is looking for a place for her daughter to rent
Harold had tickets and motel rooms for the Ferndale Steak and Lobster fund raiser on Saturday February 6, 2010. Several members signed on.
Frank was not yet willing to try the 4-way test but he did offer to pay $10.00
Martin Abshire reported on the status of the Garberville-Redway road which is closed because of instability and will remain closed until nature or humans bring the hovering debris down and clean it up.
PP reported no backpacks for next two weeks
No Rotary meeting next Tuesday.
PP reported that the holiday party was a success, good food and bar, and a gave special thanks to O’Dennis for setting it up.
We passed a holiday card and the hat for Rob, the cheerful meal-guy.
PROGRAM
Susie presented the program introducing Melissa Reynolds who is the Southern Humboldt Youth Case Management person with the Youth Service Bureau, a branch of the Redwood Community Action Agency. Melissa had with her Patrick Sweeney, her boss, and Forest, a local youth benefitting from her services.
The Youth Service Bureau offers services to help prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system and the child welfare system. The services are available for youth between the ages of 12 and 19. Melissa does a daily check on between 20 and 25 young people. She has an office at the SF library and keeps supplies, food and clothing to help youth during difficult stretches. She also provides counseling for youth and conflict resolution between families and youth. A significant number of these youths are on their own. The biggest problem is instability at home, often, but not always, caused by drug use or poverty or both.
Melissa is also heading up the Rural Host Home/Shelter Program which is a demonstration project funded by the Federal government in 18 or 19 counties nationwide to try to develop homes in rural areas that can serve as temporary housing or shelter for youth between 12 and 17. These homes will go through a licensing program similar to a foster home and youths would stay from one night to up to three weeks. Melissa, Patrick and Forest answered a number of questions from members. Thanks to all for an interesting and informative program.
Rotary Minutes December 15, 2009
BELOVED BELL RETURNED FROM BENEATH A BRIDGE!
LAWMAN NOT IMPRESSED WITH PRESIDENT’S CUSTODIAL CARE!
Lively crowd, lots of sandwiches of various types and flavors, green salad with tomato wedges, a macaroon for dessert. PP beat on a pitiable black substitute of a bell to get us to our feet.
Pledge: PP led us.
Insp: Clif spoke for us
Causus Interruptus:
As if in answer to last week’s plea Deputy Swithenbank suddenly entered the room with bell in hand. After some ‘trash’ talk and a $100.00 payment to PP’s Paul Harris, the bell was returned to its rightful possessor. We moved on:
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast denied turgidity but not turbidity. He found no visiting Rotarians
Guests: Sharon Latour, Bill Routan, Mary Baker, Carol Tilghman, Barbara Lindsay, Ken Swithenbank, Robyn Lindsay and Tina Rovie.
Community Report. No news
Student of the Month. Tammy introduced Robyn Lindsay student and Tina Rovie teacher from the SF foreign languages department. Ms. Rovie had much praise for Robyn a senior from Casterlin. Robyn plans to go to UC Davis. She is leaning toward a major in a biological science.
Jim Quast reminded us about box tops and informed us that the food pantry at the Presbyterian church could use additional volunteers.
Syd urged us to attend the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday at Redway School at 6:00
Harold said there would be a Ferndale Rotary fund raiser on 2/8, the annual steak and lobster feed at $150.00 a couple.
Carolyn reviewed the minutes from last week’s board meeting, to wit:
Radar’s leave was extended, Casterlin music program got some loot, the dictionaries have arrived and will be distributed in January, David and Sita and Martin and his host family will be our guests at the Christmas dinner tomorrow night.
PP informed us that there will be no meeting on December 29th
Help with the backpacks are needed for this Thursday
The holiday Dinner is tomorrow at Cecil’s. Cocktails from 6:00, dinner at 7:00
We broke for the annual group photo, which because of the weather we did inside.
Birthdays: Bea, Harold, Brian E. We sang and each paid five except that Harold donated a $100 to his Paul Harris.
Spouse Birthdays: Kent and Greg, fives as well.
Anniversaries: Nancy, Seth, Ernie and Doug, each paid five.
Brian E was fined $5.00 because PP believes that Frank, Brian’s recruit, is not getting his act together fast enough. It was Frank’s hard job to collect the five.
Greg talked to us about the student exchange program and Marten in particular. Marten is a wonderful kid but we need a host family beginning in January. Also each of us should involve him in our activities whenever possible.
Time did not permit the Fine Master to do his work this week
PROGRAM. O’Dennis introduced our neighbor and former member Pastor Sharon Latour. Sharon’s subject was PTSD and she began by describing the U.S. as a PTSD nation, a description she illustrated with articles and magazine covers. Stress is serious business. It ruins lives and it kills. PTSD is on the increase with our troops. Soldiers are coming home and killing their spouses. One person Sharon knows worked at Dover Air Base for a few months. Of the 179 bodies returned to the US during that period, 17 of them had died from suicide. 40% of our soldiers are now reporting problems with stress. They experience guilt resulting from their survival when others did not, or what they had to do to survive. The mantle of ‘hero’ weighs heavily on their shoulders, in part because a ‘hero’ is not supposed to suffer emotional distress and should not need help. A sense of isolation is a big part of PTSD. Getting help is still seen as a stigma. Chaplains have it over mental health officials because they keep no notes that could later affect a soldier’s career.
The biggest problem is redeployment. One of the few good things about the Vietnam conflict was that a soldier had to serve only one tour. Of the almost two million men and women we have sent to our current wars, almost a quarter million have gone back twice, 91,000 have gone three times and 48,000 have gone four times. Sharon’s advice was quite simple. If you know someone who needs to talk just ‘shut up and listen.’ Thanks to Sharon and O’Dennis for presenting perhaps the most powerful Rotary program this Rotarian has attended.
Rotary Minutes December 8, 2009
BELL SWIPED, SHERIFF FAILS TO SHOW
A sour look on our President’s face but the food was good: gnocchi, chicken and veggies in a white sauce, green salad with wedges of tomatoes, a frisbee-like cookie for the diners. At the appointed hour, PP ruefully slapped the gavel against the collection plate. The bell had gone missing and PP claimed the sheriff was in transit and a lock-down was in place. As we recited the pledge each contemplated how he or she might look in an orange jumpsuit.
Pledge: It was PP himself who led us
Inspiration: Craig prayed for return of the bell, among other things.
Visiting Rotarians: Diffident he wasn’t and its antonym I failed to recognize as Mr. Quast scanned the tables and reported no visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Emily Totten, Marten Takets and Bill Routan (though you never would have known it had you left early, see below)
Community Report: Tammy thanked the club on behalf of the SF Boosters for its support of the annual classic basketball tournament. And next Tuesday, it will be the varsity against the alumni, both boys and girls.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STUFF
Backpacks volunteers meet Thursday at five at Calicos
Holiday party at Cecils on Wednesday December 16, 2009, dinner at 6:30
Paint the Town. Peter was joined by Dennis Bourassa and Brian Harper last Saturday and they pretty well wrapped up the project. Peter hopes to do another house.
Anniversaries etc. Steve Bowen paid 5 for 33 years of marital bliss and another five for his wife’s birthday.
Syd had two items: The Chamber mixer is Friday December 11th from five until seven.
The Planning Commission is coming to town on December 17th at Redway School at 6:00
Nancy spoke on behalf of the Friends of the Library: The friends are looking for more funds to install an automatic door at the library. And they are receiving donations in honor of Bette Phelps.
Bunny told a joke that was funny enough to avoid a fine and talked about the Christmas lights in G’ville.
While passing on the joke, the Fine Master assessed The Wilder Bunny’s trip to Hawaii and Kirby’s birthday. She paid ten for each.
Karyn after some ‘broad’ comments by the fine master, confessed to two weeks on the eastern shore of Mexico. She donated $100.00 toward David’s PH.
Bea had her purse in her lap and didn’t want to talk about it. She paid $5.00 to silence the FM
Since she only had one, Syd threw in five and the club was one ahead.
Tammy admitted her badge was on her desk and her desk at her office. FM thought this was so potentially lucrative that he demanded a five spot from everyone not wearing a badge. Only Tammy and O’Dennis had to pay.
Jim thanked Skip for his box tops for education donations.
As we were about to settle back for the program, Carolyn asked if we had forgotten to introduce guests. We hadn’t, but she had. It cost her $20.00.
PROGRAM: Greg introduced Emily Totten who last year was our exchange student in Hungary. She resided near Pécs, which is also the home of Marten Takets, our resident student this year. Emily gave us a slide show and told us stories about her host parents, the city and towns where she resided, the food and drink she enjoyed, the journeys she took, the beautiful buildings she saw, the friends she made, the history she learned, the language she tried to learn and the maturity she developed in the process. Greg summed it up best when he thanked Emily: “This is one of the best things we do as Rotarians.” Thanks to Emily, Marten and Greg for a very pleasant and well-presented program.
Marten announced that at our fifth Tuesday on the 29th he would teach us some Hungarian dances. So, shine your shoes!
PP offered a plea bargain but no bell was produced and no deputy appeared. We walked out into the cold sun, the guilty, the innocent and the bell-less.Rotary Minutes December 1, 2009
MAN WHO LIVES IN 18TH CENTURY REPORTS ON INSURGENTS
But first we ate pasta with what looked like chicken, pesto bread, salad and a pumpkin roll or limon triangle. PP was a accused of being too tender with the bell and so he gave it a second rap that resounded through the hall.
Pledge: Seth led us
Inspiration: Craig spoke for us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast had the pleasure of introducing Erin Dunn after a brief soliloquy on the subject of the pledge and the words, ‘follow me’, when we aren’t really following at all. I, too, have pondered this fascinating subject on sleepless nights.
Guests: Bruce Williams, Bill Routan, Janis Branscomb, Jesse Gray and daughter Sophia, Ray Rafael, Diana Crowell.
Community Report. Brigette Brannan’s father has died, A-Dennis’s father is hanging in there.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Syd had chamber news (with some help from Bunny). The Planning Commission is coming to SoHum on December 17th to hear citizens on the general plan. Time and place to be determinednews:
Friday December 11th the annual Chamber holiday mixer.
There is a decorate your window contest going on
December 18th a lighted truck parade.
Citizen of the Year Ballots are available
Also Chamber will be recognizing 5 important citizens who have recently died.
Erin Dunn announced a 1/1/10 walk and pancake breakfast to eradicate polio sponsored by the Fortuna Sunrise Club. Walk starts at 10 at Rohner Park. She had flyers and a strong pitch.
O’Dennis announced that Rotary’s holiday party will take place at Cecil’s on Wednesday 12/16 $50.00 covers everything but your booze.
Steve Bowen informed us about the Pegi Hooven Benefit of Love Saturday December 5th at Vet’s Hall.
FINE MASTER
Greg began by thanking O’Dennis for all he does for the club
Then he went after Don for having a new vehicle deftly brushing aside arguments that it really belonged to Mary and the Credit Union. Don threw 20 at Paul Harris
Each of us who did not help out at the Casino paid 10 for absolution
Ernie and Susan were challenged about a photo and paid $10.00 each
Herb was dialed for using his cell phone in the building. Seth was implicated, excuses were flourished and each paid $5.00
Frank was asked about the 4-way test and in an act of contrition, heaved $100 toward Paul Harris.
Seth told us about his new project bringing the 21st century to Route 36
PAINT THE TOWN
PP hopes to finish the house on Saturday, weather permitting. Helper are encouraged.
Rotary Minutes November 24, 2009
It was a sort of Thanksgiving Day warm up with chicken, veggies, salad, cookies, and lots of it. As the assembled hoard was busy wiping its greasy fingers, PP produced the beloved and well-protected bell, and brought us to our feet.
Pledge: PP deferred to Mr. Pledge, Brian Walker, who led us.
Inspiration: Craig provided the inspiration
Visiting Rotarians. The mob was happy to see Mr. Quast again and to learn, or at least hear, an obscure word that the gentleman dropped like a rose on his way of introducing Johanna Rodoni.
Guests: Jesse Eldridge.
Report. We learned that the father of A-Dennis, an occasional visitor to our club, was nearing the end of his life. Craig told us his son is healing.
Announcements:
The Ferndale Club is raising money for “Socks for Soldiers” and is hoping other clubs will chip in.
A District leadership class will be held in December. Costs $85.00. PP has info.
Carolyn reported on the recent board meeting: Meal costs are going up to $15.00 beginning in January. If you bring a speaker, give Carolyn her or his full name and address. Radar has resigned. We’re looking to send $2,000 to Festival of Brotherhood (more below). If you signed up to ride the bus to Ferndale, you need to pay even if you didn’t go. The club will make up the small deficit.
O’Dennis reported that Rob is returning to host our meals. Silverware and china will be coming next week. The Club has been subsidizing meals for some time and the price increase is necessary.
The annual Christmas Party will be mid-week on December 16 or 17. Details to follow.
Jim Quast is collecting and distributing Box Tops for Education found on General Mills and other food products. Cut them out and give them to Jim.
Carolyn asked who wanted new Rotary ID Cards.
Steve Bowen reported on the successful Cameron Varnell fundraiser.
Brian Walker gave us an update on his interesting and altruistic life:
Festival of Brotherhood. Brian is just back from Mexico. He described the four programs to which we contributed $500.00 each: One that teaches crafts to women, a women’s shelter (a kitchen), a school (a computer lab) and a disabled adult and youth organization. He also visited and updated us on last year’s pre-school project.
Rotoplast. The District will be running a program in Mexico next year
Greg talked to us about Casino night and thanked all those many club members who helped it be a success. The evening grossed over $14,000, though the net profit is not yet known. The attendance was smaller but lively. Greg assured us that if you didn’t help out, you will be asked to contribute.
Program: Jeanie Eldridge introduced her nephew Jesse Eldridge a young chef and presently the chef at the Eel River Café. Jesse presented a well-prepared and charming program designed as a menu beginning with Amuse Bouche and ending with Dessert, all of which was well-seasoned with an interesting Powerpoint presentation. Jesse was born and raised in SoHum and is a graduate of SF. His life changed in 2005 when his family purchased the Eel River Café. He had always enjoyed cooking but was also very interested in music and math. Spurred on by the family decision, he participated, during his senior year, in the SF Culinary Arts Program where he learned a lot from teacher Tom. Tom supported him again by supporting his application to the prestigious the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Jesse did very well there working and eating his way through 26 difficult classes and an 18 month Externship at the El Dorado restaurant in Sonoma. When his mother was injured he returned home and took over cooking at the Café. Now he busy preparing good food at the Eel River Café and training SF Culinary Arts students in his kitchen. Thanks to Jeanie and Jesse for a very informative and inspiring program.Rotary Minutes November 17, 2009
FOOD RIOT AVERTED WHEN FOOD ARRIVES!
(Is it possible to have a food riot with no food?)
When it got here it was good. Such gourmands as B-Dennis and Syd expressed enthusiasm for the delicious sandwiches (choices of bbq pork, turkey (with cranberries and pesto), mozzarella, etc) and a couple of nice salads to choose from. PP had the beloved bell (having averted a conspiracy two weeks before) and rang us to our feet. But what is the mysterious black bell doing on the podium?
Pledge: PP led us.
Inspiration: Craig in a new seat interceded on our behalf.
Visiting Rotarians. In the absence of our treasured Jim Quast, PP surveyed the room, but found no Visiting Rotarians and no polysyllabic words
Guests: Pastor Sharon Latour, Teacher Melinda Bailey and Student Ted Reuter.
Community Report. We learned that Skip’s mother had died.
Student of the Month. To get the master teacher and the honored student back into the classroom as soon as practical, PP introduced Clif who introduced Melinda Bailey from the science department who introduced Ted Reuter, a senior taking advanced biology. Clif praised Ms. Bailey. Ms. Bailey praised Mr. Reuter. Mr. Reuter informed us that he is headed to a junior college to fulfil his general education requirements and then to a four year school and that he possesses interests as diverse as archeology and theater. Ted walked away with a certificate and a check.
PP thanked Harold for all he did to set up the Ferndale trip last week.
Syd reminded us that Casino Night is this Saturday. Greg told us how good the food and drink is going to be. Decorations were discussed and volunteers assembled.
PP reported that the redwoods being felled beside Calico’ actually belong to Sherwood Forest and also mentioned that Radar is so busy that he has resigned, at least temporarily, from the club.
CONSPIRACY REVEALED. A near catastrophic bell theft was averted two weeks ago when Our President, spotted three individuals purloining the treasure. He named names and assigned rolls and assessed fines. O’Dennis was he who took the bell. Harold, “the Portuguese Godfather” was the alleged instigator and Kent was nabbed seeking to remove the treasure in a bed of lettuce. Restaurant owners are quick to note a disappearing salad, especially one with a brass crouton. Each paid ten.
Birthday. Clif had a birthday. Kent conspired to lead us in song. Clif paid a fin.
PP said that Ferndale was fun but the meeting only lasted ten minutes
Susie sought to collect three bucks from each of those who had dined at the ten minute meeting.
Greg had a report from Dr. Kim saying that the two Siberian projects, the orphanage (a kitchen appliance?) and the hospital (a blood gas analyzer), have concluded successfully.
FINE MASTER
Greg reported that his son had made good use of his new third-grade dictionary.
Stanford has been winning big football game or games (there was confusion on the point) but graduate Steve Dazey was moved deeply enough to transfer $100.00 to his Paul Harris.
The FM referred to a front page photograph of the groundbreaking ceremony honoring the Garberville Sanitary District’s new wastewater treatment facility that included four Rotarians along with Sarah Palin and President Obama (both looking somewhat thin) and a single goat. The four Rotarians, B-Dennis, PP, Herb and Bill Stewart were assessed ten each. The goat and the luminaries got off free.
The FM confessed to an award for son Ryder at his school and announced that the undefeated Bulldogs are in the championship game this Sunday at the HSU arena. He paid $20.00.
PP announced that the backpack program is set up for the next two weeks and that while Emma Worldpeace is no longer involved with forming a Rotaract club, the proposal is still alive.
PP asked the Question for the Day: Why is it said in a sports tournament that the participants are “seeded?” All eyes turned toward the vacant seat of Mr. Quast.
PROGRAM. O’Dennis introduced Sharon Latour who had come to thank the club for its donation to Teen Challenge, the biannual professionally facilitated effort to eliminate bullying and other self-protective behaviors. We watched a DVD of a session filmed at a high school in Yuba City that allowed most viewers to exercise their tear ducts. Sharon praised the program and informed us that SF will have a session soon. Her concern is lasting impact. She believes the lessons learned at the session are lost unless some form of regular reinforcement is implemented. O’Dennis promises that Sharon will be back in a few weeks to speak to us again.
Rotary Minutes November 3, 2009
FEAST IN A SMALL ROOM WITH A LARGE CROWD
Because of the election that did not happen, the mob was moved back to the gracious confines of the Humboldt House Inn and the meal was catered by Amelia’s. We enjoyed polenta with veggies and sausages, bread with pesto and a green salad. Everyone carefully read Susan’s excellent minutes of the previous week’s meeting. President Peter produced and clanged the bell which seems to be protected by an invisible $100.00 shield.
Pledge: Pres Peter led us
Inspiration: Clif inspired us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast seemed to fear we would mistake him for a black beast but Hallowe’en is over and neither a beast nor a visiting Rotarian was found.
Guests: Gary Welborn, Bill Routan, Mary Baker, Andy Durham, Lauren and Sue Pancoast and Marten Takets, our exchange student,
Community Report: Marilyn Parker is in the hospital, Skip’s mother is ill.
Martin Takets presented the club with a banner from his home club.
Our President had ANNOUNCEMENTS
November is Foundation month and Clif had worked up some figures to show where the various members stood regarding Paul Harris donations. This was passed around.
Peter is still working to form a local Rotaract club.
Backpacks: restart of program has been a little rocky, money slow in coming as are permission slips back from parents. The program sent 3 packs out first week and 8 last. PP thinks we will get back to 28 in time.
THERE WILL BE NO REGULAR MEETING NEXT WEEK. THE MEETING IS IN FERNDALE.
PP reported that Hallowe’en in downtown Garberville was a great success. He described some clever costumes.
Harold now has a school bus to take us to Ferndale and seats are available. Cost is $30.00
Leaves Redway school at 5:00 or so.
Steve Bowen reminded us of the wine tasting benefit on Saturday at the Benbow Inn for Cameron Varnell
Pres Peter attempted to sell an original Wilder Bunny doodle but there were no takers. Obviously the economy has not yet rebounded.
FINE MASTER
Greg reminded us of Casino night on November 21 and urged us to attend and get others to come as well. There will be an auction and we need things to auction off.
There were no badges in sight and FM wanted to know why. No fine and various explanations.
Doug told a road story.
The Wilder Bunny won $250.00 in the World Series Pool and donated $150.00 to Paul Harris
Ernie also won $250.00 and after an eloquent argument about how he should be able to retain all of his winnings, completed Janice’s Paul Harris.
Carolyn completely forgot to introduce Bill this week and then her phone went off. She paid $30.00 and looked chagrined.
The SF Cubs football team plays in Laytonville this weekend and the undefeated Bulldogs have a tournament at SF.
Paint the Town continues this Saturday.
PROGRAM:
Shon introduced Mary Baker who in turn introduced Andy Durham, a vet from the Iraq war and recent graduate of HSU, who served as Mary’s tech man. Mary is a licensed clinical social worker and the team leader at the Vet Center in Eureka. She is a veteran herself as were many of those sitting in the room. Vet Centers were established by Congress in 1979 and are part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Vet Center works only with veterans who have served in war zones, but that includes any war zone from WWII up to the present conflicts. Mary talked to us about PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a normal reaction to the stress of combat and is accompanied by chemical changes in the brain. She illustrated her presentation with visual episodes presented on a tv. The Center’s services are free to the vets and apparently their families. Women now constitute 15% of our military forces and in our present wars are often placed in highly stressful combat situations. They too are now suffering from PTSD. The club members thanked Mary and Andy for their interesting and moving program.
Rotary Minutes October 27, 2009
Garberville Rotary Club Bulletin
This week’s dining delights included a delicious spinach salad and clam chowder with bread and a muffin for dessert.
The Pledge was led by Greg Pfau, followed by words of inspiration about starfish read by Prez Peter.
When asked if there were any visiting Rotarians Mr. Q said something about “gravitas,” which according to the dictionary I have means seriousness or sobriety, as of conduct or speech. I didn’t think there was any such thing as a sober Rotarian. He said something else but I couldn’t write fast enough, before announcing there were no visiting Rotarians.
Community Tammy announced we have lost two more of our valued citizens: Bettie Phelps and Meimi J. Chapman.
Craig Parkinson said son Nathaniel had broken his jaw in three places playing baseball and spent a few days in the hospital after surgery. Get well soon Nathaniel.
From the Prez
Prez Peter passed around a thank you card from Marie and Ray Raphael thanking the club for their donation to Nick’s Interns for trail improvements.
He then thanked those who attended the Foundation Dinner and gave special recognition to Ernie, Dennis and Susan O’Sullivan, Dennis A, and Clif for their help at the Redway PTA Fair. The Ern said they did just fine, with only a few burned buns.
He also thanked Bea, Kent, and Susie for helping put the student backpacks together. The Prez said that there is no funding for this program this year, but we would continue as a club helping our local kids to make sure they received their backpacks with the much-needed food.
He encouraged everyone to pitch in this Saturday, Oct. 31 to finish up the work on Katherine Behel’s house.
Chamber News
Rotarian Syd Lehman said the Chamber Halloween program was scheduled for last Saturday in downtown Garberville with a costume contest, scream contest, and trick-or-treating. He also said the Citizen of the Year Chamber Dinner is scheduled for January so start thinking about who you want to nominate for this great honor. He also indicated there may be some new ideas and changes in the works.
The 4th of July contract for fireworks has been signed for next year. The Wilder Bunny talked about the holiday lights and how because the trees have grown so large, the lights will be wrapped around the bottoms of the trees this year. It should be very festive and if you see anyone messing with her lights tell them to stop it. She also said to look for your donation letters to be out in the mail soon.
Stuff
Whoopie Harold announced that the School District would be providing transportation to Ferndale on Nov. 11 for a minimal cost.
Happy Birthday was sung to our very own Dr. Frank Di Bari, who paid $100 to his Paul Harris in honor of the day. He and The Bea had some kind of connection about “La Familia.”
Dennis O announced that due to the election (what election???) we are meeting at the Humboldt House Inn today. He also explained how the Heider World Series Pool works.
Exchanging Student
Mr. Pfau announced our outgoing Rotary Exchange Student will be Chelsea Hebard, who is a senior this year at South Fork. She will find out on the ski trip in January where she will spend next year.
Agua, Por Favor
Mr. Pfau also said that our project in Culiacán, Mexico with the Tres Rios Rotary Club had been funded. We will be contributing to a new water filtration system and stainless steel tank for a small village there.
A Fine Day
Mr. Pfau began by announcing that Brian Walker and Nancy Wilson had both won baskets at the Foundation Dinner. Brian was not in attendance, however Nancy was hit with a $10 request, which the ever-gracious Skip paid.
Brian Harper took a weekend trip back to New Jersey to visit his mom - $100 to his Paul Harris.
The Bea took a weekend trip to the Little River Inn and missed the Foundation dinner - $100 to her Paul Harris. It should be noted, however, that she at least bought a ticket to the dinner.
Secretary Carolyn paid I think $5 because her grandson, John, won a bicycle. His twin brother, Cody, didn’t win. Guess Grandma will be buying another bike.
The Finemaster also remarked about how the bylaw committee, consisting of Carolyn, Dennis O, Dennis A, and Susie had attempted to revise the club’s Rule of 85, only to discover that it was never in the bylaws to begin with – never mind!! I think it was decided that if you qualify you still have to pay for your lunches, but don’t have to make up missed ones. I’m still confused.
The Finemaster was bragging about his son’s Southern Humboldt Bulldogs Single A football team, who is 7-0 and kicking butt, or is that kicking the ball. Good luck in the playoffs. I’m not sure but I don’t think he paid for the privilege, but don’t quote me on that.
And finally, the Skipster wanted to thank Dennis A for updating the Paul Harris banner. Nice job Dennis!!
Welcome Back Doug!!
Rotary Minutes October 20, 2009
ANOTHER GREAT SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT PROGRAM
But first we savored the tenderloins of the other white meat bathed in a mushroom gravy, accompanied by rice and green salad scantily clad in red tomatoes and purple onions and for the decadently inclined a large and tasty brownie. The bell was hidden from view but not missing. It got tapped at the appropriate time and we rose and faced the flag though some, it was reported, appeared fixated on Greg’s left shoulder.
Pledge: President Peter led us
Inspiration: Clif inspired us
Visiting Rotarians. Neither donnish nor demented, Jim Quast saw no visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Mike McAllister
Community Report. Wayne Terry has died and a number of members spoke highly of him. We were sorry to learn that Jesse Dale’s son, Tyler, fell from a roof and badly injured himself. Louie is doing well.
Carolyn entertained us with a report from last week’s board meeting
Pres. Peter says he needs help with the backpack program. Come to Calico’s this Thursday around six.
Polio Plus is making progress. Only 215 cases reported last year.
Greg told us about the schedule for the Foundation dinner this Saturday. (Lots of hospitality)
O’Dennis needs help for the PTA barbeque also on Saturday.
Bill, our resident historian, informed us that the club had been particularly important during the beginning years of the PTA fair.
Pres. Peter had some appreciations to send out:
O’Dennis received a round of applause for the struggles he went through to find us a meeting space last week.
Brian H was thanked for fixing the Rotary sign.
Ernie was complimented on his blog on the club website.
Harold pitched the November 10th Ferndale meeting and had a signup. The club decided to call that the official weekly meeting.
Steve D reminded us that the Community Park had an application before the BofS on Tuesday the 10th at 2:30. Supporters are encouraged to attend.
O’Dennis passed the Roy Heider Rotary World Series Pool
Skip had a birthday. He offered money to defer the singing but we sang anyway.
FINE MASTER
Brian E paid $20.00 for a trip to the Monterey Jazz Festival
Steve Bowen was fined $20.00 for reading a newspaper during the meeting the previous week.
Steve’s argument that he was reading about Rotary didn’t fly.
Clif was asked about his retirement and recent trips to Oregon. We learned that his daughter had gotten married on September 13th. He bought 7 raffle tickets
Pres Peter challenged the spelling of the FM and FM told a great hors ‘d oeuvres story but he paid 10 dollars anyway and bought a raffle ticket for Don
Steve had tickets for the Benbow Inn wine tasting fund raiser
Rotary Minutes October 13, 2009
O’DENNIS PLAYS MUSICAL MEETING ROOMS!
Third time was the charm, and given the weather the next choice would have been an ark.
We found ourselves damp and eating sandwiches, chips, macaroons and apples at the Humboldt House Inn after plumbing problems at the Senior Center, double booking at the Civic Center and the gracious withdraw of the Soroptimists’ board from the dining area of the HHI.
And a jolly gang it was. Pres Peter had gavel and bell and got us to our feet.
Pledge. A replica of old glory was located on Greg’s sleeve and he graciously, if not gracefully, rotated while Peter led us in the pledge.
Inspiration: Clif gave thanks for the rain.
Visiting Rotarians. The lively Erin Dunn was introduced by Greg
Guests: Estelle Fennel, Tina Christiansen or Christianson, Bill Rutan, Houston, Joe Dill, Scott Harrison and Brent Brodersen.
Community Report: Tammy announced that Wayne Terry was dying.
Student of the Month. Tammy introduced her former teacher Scott Harrison of the SF art department who introduced Brent Brodersen as student of month in Art. Scott thinks Brent is great. Brent is a junior and his plans are not certain but he did exhibit a charming grace and a lively sense of humor.
Announcements:
Erin Dunn, our assistant governor, is compiling a list of persons who might provide service to the district in time of need. She passed a sheet.
Bunny usually decorates the hall on Casino night but she will be unavailable. She was seeking help and she got it from Susie, Bea and others.
Carolyn had brochures about volunteering to teach reading to kindergartners and passed them out.
Harold reminded us about the Ferndale 11/10 party
O’Dennis had the Roy Heider World Series Pool ready. $25.00 a square. If the pool fills the club gets $500.00.
Greg had Foundation dinner invites and Casino night posters.
Pres Peter reported on a successful start for paint the town. Doug Moody and crew have done Katharine Beal’s roof, Club members have prepared the walls for painting.
Greg said the outbound exchange student will be selected soon. Always looking for host families.
FINE MASTER GREG RAISES CAPITAL
Upholding the office of president, Peter refused to be fined for missing 5th Tuesday meeting but did agree to buy a foundation raffle ticket.
Harold was caught stealing the bell some time ago and paid $100.00 by buying raffle tickets.
Craig admitted his phone had gone off at a previous meeting. He bought a ticket
Carolyn was accused of introducing Bill with less ceremony than when they first got together and bought a $100 worth of raffle tickets.
Karyn was caught playing with her cell phone (calling numbers to see if anyone else’s was on) and this led to the purchase of $100.00 worth of tickets.
Tammy’s daughter made the newspaper again last week and she bought $100 worth of tickets.
Greg, after prompting from Tammy, admitted that his son had been in the paper last week as well. He then gave us a fatherly play-by-play of his sons’ recent accomplishments and bought $100 worth of raffle tickets.
PROGRAM. Seth introduced Estelle Fennel, the Executive Director of Humboldt Coalition for Property Rights (HumCPR). Estelle said that an important meeting is coming up with the Planning Commission that will discuss timber and agricultural land in relation to the new general plan. HumCPR believes that the current proposed draft plans represent a serious threat to rural residents. The planners are biased, they want to focus all growth within urban areas. The mechanism the planners will use to reduce or eliminate rural living is through regulation. This may result in forced parcel mergers, and restrictions on who can live where. The planners seem to think that residents on rural land owners are the problem, but Estelle asserts that rural residents are part of the solution because they care about the land and make good stewards. The challenge is to get the planning commission to recognize that the land and environment can be protected without taking away the rights of people who want to occupy their own property. Tina Christianson informed us that planners think rural living is unsafe and the current drafts of the plan will bring back strong code enforcement. Estelle and Tina encouraged everyone to attend the meeting Thursday evening at the Board of Supervisor’s chambers. Thanks to Estelle and Tina for an interesting and topical program
Rotary Minutes October 6, 2009
SURPRISE PROGRAM.
It was all rather southwest at the table: Fajitas, beans, green salad, Texas pecan bar. At the front podium, Mr. Gregory Pfau standing in for Pres Peter, who was otherwise detained, had the bell and gavel and brought us to our feet.
Pledge: We did and Greg led us.
Inspiration: Clif inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians: Jim expounded on how succinct he was and eventually informed us we had no visiting Rotarians.
Guests: We had one guest, Martin Abshire, who soon learned how risky it is to be a guest of this mob.
Community Report. Tammy had no news to report and no gossip she cared to repeat.
Harold had an announcement. Ernie had to hold the mike for him because Harold, in a pose that was extremely characteristic, held a clipboard with a signup sheet in one hand and a whoopie cushion in the other: Harold is hoping to revive the Ferndale trip on November 10th. No bus, but perhaps a car caravan? The clip board was passed.
Greg reminded us of the Foundation dinner on the 24th of Oct. He has dinner tickets and we will have raffle tickets which are 25 each or five for a century. Raffle tickets count toward your Paul Harris.
Greg questioned our resident wordsmith whether he was familiar with the word Karmagedden, a word Ernie had used. Jim assumed it combined Karma and Armageddon and probably came from Janice. Ernie admitted that Jim was correct on both points.
Greg had casino night posters to hand out. Nice poster but the word hors ‘d oeuvres retains its unique spelling from previous years.
Greg read us some terse advice given to potential exchange students. Beginning with, Adapt or Fail.
The Foundation organizers are looking for photos of Rotary projects
We were reminded of the November 7th wine tasting fund raiser at Benbow
October 24. The PTA bbq. O’Dennis believes he can find the help he needs.
Special Occasions:
O’Dennis had a birthday the day of the meeting. He bought a Foundation raffle ticket.
Frank’s spouse had a birthday in Sept. He had already paid but paid again, buying five raffle tickets.
Susan’s Mike had a birthday and she bought a raffle ticket.
Paint the town is still on. Peter needs help.
We had no program and Susie explained why.
Ernie was asked what Rotary month October was. He made a daring attempt but missed.
Turns out it is Vocational month.
Jim read a good joke and Greg followed with another.
A’Dennis volunteered his son for the program and Martin provided a very informative and interesting report on the California Highway Patrol, it’s staffing and activities in SoHum. He dismissed rumors (no quotas, no fine money goes to CHP, no bonuses), handled adroitly all the attempts by we lead foots to learn just how fast you “really” can go before you are pulled over, and entertained us with the story of the first speeding ticket he issued in SoHum. Thanks to Martin and Dennis for a very interesting impromptu program!
Rotary Minutes September 22, 2009
The sun stood above the equator; the rib was prime and came from a cow, potatoes came along as well as did some chard with mushrooms and a green salad. Scone and ice cream for dessert. As the meal ended the sound of silverware on glass chattered among the chattering classes but President Peter had the bell and gave it a wack when the time came, thus once again averting revolution.
Pledge. Pres Peter led us.
Inspiration: Clif interceded for the rest of us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast finding no visiting Rotarians returned to the theme of his successor suggesting that while he was Tweedledee, his successor would be Tweedledum.
Guests: Chelsea Harrison, volley ball player, Laura Fernandez, Michelle Vandenack, Aleta Sauer, Michael McAllister and Tasha McKee.
Community Report. No news
Student of the Month. Tammy introduced teacher Aleta Sauer and student Michelle Vandenack. Michelle is Student of the Month in accounting technology. She is headed toward Santa Rosa JC. Her teacher suggested she would make an excellent employee. Tammy presented the certificate and promised a check for one hundred bucks.
Tammy next introduced Chelsea and Laura who made a pitch for business people to advertize in the SF year book. They passed out order forms.
Carolyn presented the minutes from last week’s board meeting.
NEXT WEEK IS THE FIFTH TUESDAY, WE MEET AT FIVE AT PERSIMMONS.
O’Dennis reported that we would soon be making some changes to the lunch program including the Over 85 rule. No longer will this ‘honor’ justify not paying for missed meals.
Bill, Steve Dazey and Jim Quast paid an amount I did not catch for spouse birthdays
I believe Harold also paid five.
Flu shots will be available at the public health center next week. Swine flu shots come in Oct.
PP reported that Paint the Town is scheduled for the same day as Homecoming so if you want to back out you may.
Also that the back pack program is going on and steps are being taken to get more back packs back, if you know what I mean.
Also reminded us about the Foundation dinner on 10/24
Also on 10/24, the PTA fair. We need people to step in for Roy who always worked there.
Bill reported on the Blue Star golf tournament in Mt. Shasta. Our Greg played.
You might win a River Cruise in Europe if you buy a $50.00 ticket from the Valley of the Moon Rotary Club. Only a thousand sold.
Polio Plus. We will be asked to contribute again this year. Details will follow
Steve B reminded us about the wine tasting fund raiser on November 7th.
FINE MASTER
David donated 100 after his Hawaiian cruise.
A-Dennis admitted to a new truck and paid 25
Tammy’s daughter made the paper and although she argued valiantly, she paid 10
PROGRAM
Herb introduced Tasha McKee of Sanctuary Forest who had come to talk to us about water and the lack thereof. We learned that much has changed in the last decade. There used to be enough water for people, fish and other wildlife. This is no longer true:
The reasons are: 1. A longer dry season. Was 3 months, can now be 5
2. Clear cuts have reduced and compressed the amount of soil above the bedrock and this is where the earth stores its water.
3. Young forests use more water than mature forests. Our forest is very young
4. Roads cut off the natural flow of water and this leads to water coming to the surface and thus evaporating.
5. Human use. We expect to have and need more.
Conclusion: We need to store winter water for summer use and reduce or discontinue taking water from the rivers and streams during the dry season.
The state’s water rules are backward and counterproductive. We are moving to more regulation of rural building and water use. But Tasha’s group is working to help property owners acquire and install water tanks in exchange for promising to forebear pumping during the dry season. A fascinating program with a lot of new information for this old hippy. Thanks to Herb and Tasha.
Rotary Minutes September 15, 2009
Tasty paella with claims, mussels, etc. Green salad with tomato chunks. For dessert a celebration cake. (See below.) President Peter had his bell and he summoned us to our feet with the hour came, or to be precise, the half hour.
Pledge. PP led us.
Inspiration: Craig sent a message up.
Visiting Rotarians: Darrell Guilette, DVM and John Goff, CPA.
Guests: Suzie Schultz Dazey, Matthew Dazey and Bill Routan
Community Report: We learned that Harvey Baker had died.
Darrell, the migratory vet and Rotarian, is now a member of a club in Panama. He thanked the club for donations to projects he has going there.
The President’s phone was answered by Ernie and handed to PP who hung up.
Carolyn gave us an opportunity to celebrate Steve Dazey’s 35 years in business in Redway. She played an interview with Steve that had aired on KMUD in which Steve gave us a history lesson of his business and the community. What started off in 1974 with a $500.00 down payment to buy into a lot for storing milled wood has developed into the multi-faceted business in a beautiful building that is a community landmark. Carolyn passed around a photo board. A beautiful chocolate cake with white frosting was delivered to the front, sliced by Steve and passed out to the mob. Dazey’s also donated $1,000.00 to Paul Harris.
Jim has a $700.00 credit at Am-Track he is interested in selling for a good price.
Nancy reported that a dog had been killed by a mountain lion.
Greg had gotten an email from Dr. Kim in Russia and the matching grant has been approved.
President Peter had club announcements:
The backpack program begins on Oct 23 and volunteers are encouraged.
Emma Worldpeace is still working on forming an interact club.
The Foundation is October 24th in Scotia.
FINE MASTER GREG
But first Harold held forth:
1. The bus service has gone away. Perhaps cars to Ferndale? Bea suggested a limo.
2. Harold’s 12 year old grandson killed a buck and Harold had framed photos to pass around
3. Harold’s been in Redway 53 years and his wife is having a birthday. He donated $100.00.
the FM got $35.00 out of Carolyn because Dazey was misspelled on the cake
Doug got summoned for his trip and gave $100.00
Peter claimed his phone did not ring but only vibrated but Ernie grabbed and answered. Peter was fined $20.00 and authorized to pass it on to Ernie, which he did.
Steve Bowen has a new grandson he calls George. He paid $300 on a Paul Harris
Karyn described a leadership coffee association conference and seemed to escape a fine.
Syd was told that the word ‘golf’ originally referred to ‘gentlemen only, ladies forbidden’ He did not appear convinced that this was true, but paid $5.00 anyway.
Jim was accused of rolling dice for dimes at the Paradise Café. He’s won $0.20 and paid $5.00.
Brian H paid $100.00 in honor of Randi’s son’s marriage last week.
Casino night will be November 21 not November 12 as was erroneously reported last week. Greg still needs help.
CLUB ASSEMBLY. And it did, sort of assemble.
Ernie described vocational service. Nick’s interns, SFHS culinary arts, adult education. He encouraged us to bring new business owners to meetings.
Karyn spoke about international projects such as Darrell’s in Panama. Also exchange students and GSE teams
Craig talked about youth including the dictionary project, student of the month and RYLA camp.
Nancy talked about community service, landscaping such as in front of Signature Coffee and at the hospital, the Paint the Town project, an automatic door for the library. She hopes the club will make a donation.
Skip spoke of the Foundation and raising funds for Paul Harris. Club has had 78 PH Fellows, 9 benefactors and has contributed during its life time, over $116,000.00
Dennis could not be here for Club Service
Thereafter the mob broke into smaller clusters and discussed various projects.
Rotary Minutes September 8, 2009
RETURN OF THE WHOOPIE! WATCH YOUR BOTTOM!
Beef Stroganoff, a classic Russian dish. The derivation of the name is buried in the Russian past but may be found again when the arctic ice melts. Also rice with peas and corn, green salad with tomatoes and various fruits, and for dessert ice cream and apple pie.
Pledge: President Peter led us in the patriotic pledge
Inspiration: Craig gave a short but to the point inspiration.
Visiting Rotarians: Jim Quast contemplating his own demise made allusion to a famous comic strip pair but found no visiting Rotarians, and that is the long and short of it. (Except that sitting down, the poor man got badly whoopied)
We had no guests.
Community Update: (Formerly the sunshine report and various other monikers) Whatever the name, there was none.
Craig was accused of having an anniversary. He readily confessed but had paid last month, and was thus saved by the doctrine prohibiting double jeopardy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jeff reported on the good things daughter Lillie is doing in Florence and on the results of her raffle including the $100.00 he won for Rotary which sum he donated half to the club and half to Paul Harris.
Harold is looking into another joint Ferndale dinner and asked who might be interested. Enthusiasm was shown. It will be November 10th.
President Peter enlightened us about the Homework Hotline which we sponsor and which helps students with math and science questions
PP also talked the following:
The blood bank, and encouraged us to contribute and to indicate that we are Rotarians.
Passed out a Paint the Town signup sheet. Club will put a new roof on Kathleen Beal’s house and stain the exterior. Ten thousand has been set aside for this project.
Informed us that Ray and Gale Nyles donated 500 lbs of Alaska salmon for the hospice fund raiser
Our Prez raffled off three Stand Down prizes: Bea won a hat, Karyn a coffee cup and Bunny a calendar.
Nancy made good use of the Soroptimists’ loaner closet and let us know that it has lots of useful hospital type equipment housed in the Evergreen Business Park and is under used.
Steve Bowen talked about the wine tasting on November 7th at Benbow, a fund raiser for Cameron Varnell.
We also learned that Persimmons Garden Gallery and Wine Tasting is holding a re-opening celebration on Saturday September 12. Open at noon, music starts at five.
Brian Elie related a pleasant story of generosity reported in the Times-Standard.
Fine Master: The fine master had much to do and not enough time to do it but:
Corrected report from last week regarding Chris’ letter. He is delivering to the board, not reading it aloud.
Pointed out that the Eel River Cleanup Crew is out working and accepting donations.
Announced that Casino Night is on 11/12 at the Mateel and he needs help.
FINES:
Harold was fined $20.00 for the whoopie cushion escapade and Bunny paid five for being his supplier.
Ernie was accused of damaging a fire truck. He had a good defense but not for the live cell phone. Cost him ten
PROGRAM: Bill Stewart introduced former member Mark Bryant. Mark was happy to report that the Garberville Sanitary District was the first district in the state to get stimulus money, a grant of $3,000,000 to redo the sanitation system. Between this and an earlier grant of $5,300,000 the District has received $22,000 per connection to improve its facilities. Mark had an interesting PowerPoint presentation and got to answer a number of questions. We learned that the system is energy efficient and green, all gravity flow, very clean effluent, and soon it will be producing its own chlorine. The work will begin by the end of November and be finished by November 2010, and the moratorium lifted. Clearly Mark and the GSD board have been working hard for the community. You can learn more by visiting garbervillesd.org, and while there check out the goat cam.
Rotary Minutes September 1, 2009
Garberville Rotary Club Bulletin
Rotary Minutes September 1, 2009, by Susan Gardner
South America was the region of choice for today’s lunch with fajitas, black beans, rice, salsa, and bread pudding with peach cobbler.
Prez Peter led us in the Pledge followed by some inspiring words by Retired Clif.
Mr. Quast had two words for us this week. I think these are what I heard him say, but I’m not sure.
• obloquy - 1. censure, blame or abusive language aimed at a person or thing, especially by numerous persons or by the general public; 2. or discredit, disgrace, or bad repute resulting from public blame, abuse or denunciation
• catachreses - 1. The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean “flagrant.” 2. The use of a strained figure of speech, such as a mixed metaphor.
Now, all we need to know is why he used them. Your guess is as good as mine.
He also said there were no visiting Rotarians (more on that later).
Guests included the globe traveling Bill Ruttan, who had just returned from a trip to Germany to see his daughter. He was, of course, Carolyn’s ongoing guest. When is this guy going to join the club officially so she doesn’t have to keep introducing him?
We were also very happy to welcome our new Rotary Exchange Student Marton Takats from Hungary. Marton presented two beautiful ceramic figurines to the club. He was joined by Emily Totten who is back after spending her time in Hungary. These two amazing kids were the guests of Rotarian Chris Brannan, who informed the club that he was now a member of the Fortuna Rotary Club and therefore was actually a visiting Rotarian. Chris also stated that our illustrious past-president Mr. Greg Pfau, who was not in attendance, was supposed to have read a letter out loud to the club explaining Mr. Brannan’s move to the club up north.
Dennis “O” gave a brief update on Louis Spaggiari, who doing fine and has decided to grow a beard.
Prez Peter reminded everyone about the Foundation Dinner to be held at the Scotia Inn on Oct. 24 for $50 a ticket.
He also gave fair warning to all committees to be prepared to give their presentations to the club on Sept. 15.
A Fine Time Was Had By All
Paul Harris did rather well today.
Because I wasn’t there at the beginning of the month, my birthday was missed. I was actually underwater with “The Bea” for my birthday - $100 towards my Paul Harris
Clif - $250 for his 25th wedding anniversary
Herb - $100 for his 18th wedding anniversary
Peter - $100 for his 24th wedding anniversary
And then, Mr. Stewart gave $10 for Marlyn’s 81st birthday.
Rotary shirt twins Bunny and Skip both coughed up $5 each, followed by Brian Harper who contributed $100 to Paul Harris for having fun on his birthday sailing and playing the ponies at the Fair in Ferndale.
What????
Skip told a joke, which I couldn’t hear and didn’t understand – microphone please!
Steve Bowen gave an update on Redway School student Cameron who is still going through chemotherapy but is, at the moment, cancer free. There will be a benefit held on November 7 at the Benbow Inn to help raise funds to help the family cover expenses. More info to come on that, although Steve is looking for auction items.
Interacting
Prez Peter said Emma Worldpeace is trying o get an Interact Club started at South Fork. This is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. There will be a meeting on September 14. Please contact the Prez if you would like to help get this going.
Garden Celebration
Secretary Carolyn announced there will be a celebration held at the Humboldt Botanical Gardens. Join them for the grand opening of the Dedekam Ornamental Terrace Garden on September 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sign Back In Place
The Prez informed the club, and especially Mr. Ernie, that the Rotary sign had been put back up at the end of town.
Mr. “E” then introduced Mary Baker and Andy Durham from the Vet Center, who gave a wonderful presentation about the upcoming October 2-4 Stand Down to be held at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.
Welcome back Doug!!!!
Rotary Minutes August 25, 200
Garberville Rotary Club Bulletin
Rotary Minutes August 25, 2009, by Susan Gardner
I would like to begin this bulletin with a GREAT BIG APOLOGY to Dr. Frank Di Bari for misspelling his name in last week’s bulletin and in the Redwood Times. I was just following what the very capable Doug Ingold had printed the previous week. So while Doug is gone and can’t defend himself, I’ll blame it on him. In all reality it was my fault. I should have checked with someone in charge or perhaps asked Dr. Di Bari himself how to spell his name. Once again, please accept my apology.
*******
Things were pretty much back to normal with the DG’s visit in the history books and the bell back in the very capable hands of Prez Peter – at least for the time being as Mr. Mendes was not in attendance.
The hungry mob dined on lasagna, salad, and yummy chocolate chip cookies. Mr. Prez led us in the Pledge and expressed how very grateful he and we should be for living in such a beautiful place.
Mr. Quast introduced visiting Rotarian and veterinarian Darrell Guellete, who know lives in Panama where he is a member of the local Boquete Rotary Club.
Guests of Rotarians included Secretary Carolyn Jordan’s guest Amy Shadwell and Dennis O’s guest the new School Superintendent Michael McAllister.
Greg Pfau read a letter from the Humboldt County Library thanking us for our donation.
Prez Peter announced that the annual Foundation Dinner will be held at the Scotia Inn on October 24. He also announced that the Garberville Rotary Club’s President-Elect will be the very dynamic bar meister Syd Lehman. Congrats Syd - $10 please to pay for that honor. Prez Peter also said that the Fortuna Rotary Club will be holding a golf tournament on September 4. A sign-up/information sheet was passed among the crowd.
Prez Peter also said that the program on September 15 will be all the club’s committee chairs – so be prepared to present your case.
According to the Prez the DG’s visit went well, but Greg whined that Prez Peter had it way too easy with such an informal visit.
Karen Lee-Thomas received a nice compliment when the Prez announced that she may be in contention for the new Rotary Green Award. Nice going Karen and keep up the good work.
Our Hungarian foreign exchange student is here and we should be receiving more information and hopefully a visit from him soon.
Mr. “Q” made the sad announcement that former Rotarian Glen Good had passed away and that the family would be holding a celebration of his life on Sunday, August 30.
Carolyn said that the new mini-club flags had been ordered but the company had lost the one we sent. She put out a plea for anyone who had one to please let her know. Ernie distracted me and I didn’t hear who volunteered theirs – but thanks from the club whoever you were.
Darrell Guellete showed a short video and made a plea for the school in Panama that his local club is supporting. The school is extremely poor and is in need of everything from running water to windows, to proper sanitary facilities.
The program introduced by Seth Johannesen was Michael Kraft and Tina Nerat from the Small Business Development Center.
With about 10 minutes to spare Fine Master Greg took advantage of the time to instill some monetary hurt on us. Bea and I were both fined a meager $5 for being flipped out of our raft during a recent trip down the Trinity River. It was well worth the fine and I’m ready to go back right now. Brian Elie put in $100 for a Paul Harris in honor of his new grandson.
And Ernie, who still hasn’t recovered the Rotary sign that is currently at Blue Star Gas, paid his IOU of $130, which had another $20 added to it for I’m not sure what and for his new badge.
To finish things up Greg read a letter from Dr. Kim thanking us for working with the Eureka Rotary Club to upgrade a kitchen and bathroom in Siberia. The board voted to continue to support his efforts overseas.
Rotary Minutes August 18, 2009
Rotary Minutes August 18, 2009, by Susan Gardner
With the District Governor Kirk Brown in attendance with his lovely wife, Ellen, the very well attended group (good job everybody) was served up salad, cheeseburgers, and a fruit dessert that “The Bea” thought was pizza.
At the request of Prez Peter world traveling and very patriotic Brian Walker jumped right into the Pledge of Allegiance before most of us could get our hands over our hearts.
Craig Parkinson gave us some inspiring words.
The very eloquent Jim Quast introduced our visiting Rotarians, which included the DG and wife, and Erin Dunn from the Fortuna Sunrise Club, who later introduced the DG. Mr. “Q” also welcomed the very tan Dennis Bourassa, who we only see on occasion, along with Mr. Walker who is off to India on another Rotoplast trip.
Mr. “W” said they are planning on surgery for 130 kids on this trip. You are totally awesome Mr. “W.”
Guests this day included Robin Ellie, Dr. Frank DiBarri and his wife Lynn, and Bill Ruttan. The DiBarris were accompanied by their service dog, who alerts to problems with diabetes.
Syd Lehman was so proud to announce that his new grandson, Parker Emmett Lehman, weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces, that he added $100 towards wife Diane’s Paul Harris.
Former Prez and fine master extraordinaire Greg had help this week from Mr. “W,” who seemed to greatly enjoy jacking up the fine amounts on the unsuspecting victims. To start things off, because he jumped the gun on the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. “W” had to pay his own fine of $10. Because Herb Schwartz pawned his program on to Seth Johannessen he anteed up $20. Herb had some excuse about being out of town when his speaker spoke. AEE David took a wonderful trip to Alaska with his loved ones - $40 please!
And then it was Ernie’s time in the spotlight once again. The DG had inquired as to why the Rotary Wheel wasn’t at the entrance to town. Seeing as I rarely get out of town, I’m not sure if it was the south or north end they were talking about, and Greg had no clue which way was north or south. Dennis “O” said he had informed Mr. “B” that he had the wheel at Blue Star. Apparently it was found somewhere over by the old Williams Chevrolet building by Stephen Dazey. There was also some discussion regarding a story about blackberries on Ernie’s blog that apparently went on and on. Mr. “B’s” only defense was, “All my stories are based on fact.” He was also nailed for an ear-shattering malfunction of the sound system, which unfortunately happened again this week. In the end he promised, via an IOU $130, including various fines and $100 towards somebody’s Paul Harris.
Rotary’s newest member Dr. Frank DiBarri was fined for parking in the speaker’s space. He was fined $10, but I’m not sure if Prez Peter enforced that one or not seeing as he was just inducted.
Everyone was glad to see Nancy Wilson feeling better and back on track. She made a request to the club members for help in cleaning up the area that caught on fire at the south end of town, or was that the other south?
Prez Peter questioned Greg about the reappearance of the bell, which was decorated with a pretty gold bow and sitting on top of the cupboard at the Senior Center. Nancy made the comment, “It wasn’t Greg because he couldn’t have reached that high!”
Greg responded by saying, “There’s only one person to ask – Harold!” All eyes were on Mr. Mendes, who said, “A good president will pay to get his bell back.” He also explained he had nothing to do with it and had been out of town for two weeks. I too was out of town for two week, so Prez Peter, I had nothing to do with the bell’s disappearance – honest!!
Apparently, the day the bell disappeared the Prez followed, or should I say stalked Mr. Mendes and met him at Cloud Nine, where Mr. Prez subtly searched Mr. Mendes’ truck for the missing chunk of precious metal to no avail. So, it seems that Mr. Mendes is totally innocent, or is he?
Rotary Minutes August 11, 2009
BARE KNEES SPOTTED!
Spaghetti with a tomato sauce, a green salad with chunks of tomatoes and onion.
For dessert, vanilla ice cream with strawberry slices and a sprinkling of something dark, perhaps blueberry fragments? Problems with the sound system had everyone’s ears ringing we were still able to detect a bell-like sound emanating from behind the lectern where stood the still bell-less PP. We rose.
Pledge: President Peter led us.
Inspiration: The nattily clad Clif inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast had the pleasure of introducing Joel Bartlett and his wife Mary. Both of Springfield, Oregon, he a present Rotarian, she a former one.
Guests: Martin Abshire (back in the area), Dr. Frank DiBarri, John Schmidt and Susan Mazer.
Community Report. Tammy was happy to point out that our dear Nancy was present. (Applause followed.)
President Peter opened the meeting for announcements
Syd was happy to inform us that son Blake and daughter-in-law Kelly are the proud parents of Parker Emmet Lehman.
Our Treasured Jeannie, keeping an eye out for the club’s financial well-being, informed those who have ordered magnetic badges that money is owed. $11.00 each as I recall.
O’Dennis announced that an informational meeting would follow the regular meeting
When everyone felt fully announced PP resumed command.
Clif was asked to stand and did, but he refused to go so far as stand on a chair. We all admired his kaki-colored kilts. He described them as utili-kilts, or something like that. His explanation was helpful because I had assumed the plaid had been removed because it represented ancient gang markings. He was not fined.
PP informed us that next week District Governor Kirk Brown will make a very quick trip to the club. Arrives at ten and leaves after the meeting. Meeting to be held at regular place. Mutterings about the brevity of the visit were heard.
PP wants the committee chairs to get their info to him in preparation for the visit and he announced a board meeting this evening. Bring your project ideas to the board meeting.
Shon’s Gary has a birthday and she paid.
PP asked if there had been any bell sightings. None reported. PP admitted that he had been searching web for bell-lore, a new bell, anything to ease this sense of loss. PP reported that all clubs steal bells and that this has been going on for years. However, VR Joel Bartlett said the bell had not been stolen for years at his club, thus re-salting PP’s wounds.
PP informed us that a Club’s testicle festival made Saturday Night Live. Everyone had a ball over that.
PP told us to bring more guests. The club is doing good work and more people need to know about it.
Program: PP introduced John Schmidt and Susan Mazer who had come to talk about the Garberville Town Square. John and Susan are two of the eight-member board overseeing the project. They had some large posters of the plans and also a computer generated presentation which John talked us through while Susan ran the machine. We received a thorough description of how the park will develop. Already much work has been done as passersby can attest. Drainage has been improved, a rock wall constructed, water pipes installed and loads of gravel delivered and spread. Eventually, the park will turn greener with a small lawn, a number of trees and some rhododendrons and other drought-resistant plants. There may be an arbor. There will be lighting. Large or loud gatherings are not contemplated. Questions were asked and answers given and it was clear to most if not all that a lot of time and effort has gone into the planning of this project. Parking remains a concern. John reminded us that from the beginning the question wasn’t square or parking. The question was square or commercial building. Thanks to John and Susan for a lively and interesting program.
Rotary Minutes August 4, 2009
A SHATTERING EXPERIENCE!
Two kinds of pizza, barbequed chicken wings, green salad with chunks of tomato and for dessert the red watery melon. Tables covered with drawings of roads, music on the speakers, no bell in sight. But PP had the gavel and when he brought it into contact with a water glass, the sound brought us all to our feet and the glass in many pieces to the floor. Safety alert: Get the bell back in PP’s hands!
FORMALITIES
Pledge. PP led us
Inspiration: Clif inspired with eloquence about the natural beauty surrounding us.
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast did not want to hide his feelings but if there were visiting Rotarians hiding in the room (perhaps under the drawings) he could not find them.
Guests: Eric Lund, Eric Shada, Rip Kirby, Elizabeth Johannesen
Community Report. Why isn’t anyone bringing poor Tammy some gossip? Bea’s grandson got the flu in Hawaii, Nancy hopes to get to a meeting soon.
ANNOUNCEMENT KINDS OF THINGS
Greg reported that he had received the bill from the Benbow Inn for the golf tournament and John Porter had written off $947.00 in expenses. Applause followed and Syd suggested a thank you note.
Skip had a brochure on Rotary Foundation giving and explained the details
PP gave Skip a blue badge. Applause followed.
PP noted Greg’s mention in the latest issue of Rotary Wheel.
PP: The backpack program is uncertain but still possible.
PP: Budget time is coming. If you have ideas for projects, get them to PP. He is working on a project called ‘Paint the Town’ in which a strapped person gets their house painted by club members and other volunteers.
PP: Rotary has a credit card. If you are interested talk to PP
FINE MASTER
The FM thought there was money to be found in relation to the photo that enlivened the bulletin. He went first to Kent, who talked a lot about miniature donkeys but claimed the one is the photo was not his. Then FM approached your’s truly, who pleaded innocent. Finally, Ernie, paid $10.00 for entertaining us with the photo.
FM informed PP that he had been approached by a non Rotarian who wants $150.00 for the missing bell. Said the price would go up soon. FM will get more details especially where the money will end up, presumably not in the wallet of the blackmailer. Perhaps it can be used to replace Senior Center glassware. PP gave a detailed description of his fruitless search for the bell. He felt betrayed and violated by the theft. FM said he would get used to it.
FM tried to fine PP $5.00 but PP used the “Abshire” defense.
We learned in passing that A-Dennis’s father is quite ill.
BrianH and Syd have birthdays this month. We sang and they paid
Syd and Ernie paid for spouse birthdays
BrianE and Craig paid for anniversaries.
Bea wanted to be compensated for manning Greg’s phone last week but had no luck
PROGRAM:
Bill, looking snazzy in a blue blazer, introduced Eric Lund and Eric Shada engineers from CalTrans who had come to talk about the Richardson Grove realignment. The road was paved between 1915 and 1920 and has pretty much stayed unchanged ever since. At one time, CalTrans contemplated 101 as a four-lane road from San Francisco to the Oregon border. This is no longer a goal. To bypass Richardson Grove alone would have cost 300 million a long time ago. Richardson Grove is the last bottleneck for long trucks on the route. No large trees will be cut down, the curves will be more uniform but the route will actually be more curvaceous, if I may borrow a term from the 50's. Excavation work about roots will be done very carefully to avoid damaging the trees. The problem is that on long trucks (STA Trucks?) the rear wheels do not track perfectly. Since these trucks can carry significantly more freight the realignment may actually result in less trucks. It was agreed by most that this will not increase the number of pass-through trucks. Mr. Lund received two redwood starts and a Rotary pen. Paparazzo Skip was back on the job taking photos. Thanks to Bill and the two Erics for an interesting and informative program.
Rotary Minutes July 28, 2009
A LARGE BUT MINIATURE ASS IS BIRTHED IN SOUTHERN HUMBOLDT!
In honor of the triple digit temperatures outside, the food was served cold inside but some hardies still managed to drink coffee. Chicken pasta, a Greek salad with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries for dessert. Water glasses were tinkling as we approached 12:30 but PP was not pressured to panic, which would have made him a PPP. When the correct time arrived, we heard the bell and dutifully rose.
PLEDGE: Brian Harper led us
INSPIRATION. Don quoted Aristotle (in translation) with some old but sound advice.
VISITING ROTARIANS: James Quast gracefully introduced Max Abrahamsen who would present our program.
GUESTS: David Thomas, Jesse’s Steve
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy deferred to O’Dennis who informed us that the trailer hauling Patrick Mayer’s belonging through Canada to Alaska rolled and burned. No injuries but all possessions aboard were lost.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SUCH:
Syd has a pair of sunglasses left at the debunking
David Thomas has tickets for the 7th annual Salmon Fest to be held on Saturday Sept. 5th at Shelter Cove. Salmon will be coming from Alaska, but hopefully not through Canada by trailer. Tickets $25.00.
Greg. Our former P thanked Syd for the great debunking, great meal, great skit, Seth’s wife Megan made the cake. The gracious Greg handed out service above self awards at the event and to Jim and Doug at this meeting.
Syd thanked all who helped with the debunking
PP: Dues are due
He will be ordering shirts and if you want one you should contact him.
August is membership and extension month.
PP assessed a fine against anyone not wearing a badge or a pin. Syd circulated with the tray.
PP: Birthdays: Shon and Kent. We sang they paid
Clif and Shon: Spousal birthdays. No song but they paid
Anniversary: Greg but he passed for fine master
Ernie paid last week’s IOU (which should give him a higher credit rating than the State of California)
Harold was questioned but released.
FINE MASTER:
Harold’s liberty was short lived. Accosted for not being at debunking, he paid $100 to PH
Tammy was fined for her vacations but Syd paid it. No amount reached these ears.
Greg reported on his own 4,300 mile motorcycle trip through the northwest including the Providences of BC and Alberta. He paid $40, one half for the trip and one-half for the anniversary.
Kent’s family has a new addition named Alice. She is larger than Piccolo Pete who was born at the beginning of July, but she is still a miniature.
PROGRAM:
Shon, standing in for Carolyn, introduced Max Abrahamsen who is the executive director of Humboldt Botanical Gardens. Max was born in Eureka. He left when he was 21 and has recently returned. The gardens are located just north of the CR campus and have been evolving since 1991. We learned that there are 300,000 plant species in the world and 30% of them are in Asia while 20,000 can be found in the US. The organization holds title to 45 acres. It has an annual budget of $200,000 and an ambitious master plan which is only partially developed. The gardens are now open for the first time. Present hours are 10-2 on Saturdays but Max and the nine-member board hope to extend the hours beginning in September. Max is working to involve both CR and HSU students and faculties. The Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation currently has 665 members and over 3,000 volunteer hours have been donated. Max had photos but our projector appeared to have ingested the wrong mushroom and began flashing chartreuse whenever it got hot. Or maybe the hot flashes had something to do with its age. Thanks to Max and Shon and Carolyn for the informative program.
Rotary Minutes July 21, 2009
BELL THIEF PLANKED!
But first we had chilli with cornbread and a green salad with a short cake topped with fruit and whipped cream for dessert. Ernie learned that Our President has secured our beloved bell to a dense and substantial slab of wood. Aspiring thieves should come armed with a chainsaw or forklift. Ernie’s edification was observed by PP whose memory did not fail him at fine time.
RITUALS:
Pledge: A’Dennis led us
Inspiration: Don inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians: Jim Quast risked defenestration but the windows were all closed and he could find not a single visiting Rotarian.
Guests: Ken Miller, Kirsten Vogel, Elizabeth Johannesen, Terri Klemetson and Jesse’s man.
Community Report: Susan standing in for Tammy reported that Nancy was home and recovering.
Susan’s brother-in-law Mark suffered a “mild” heart attack
The sordid theft at Persimmons resulted in $4,000 of Hospice money being stolen from the safe along with many things belonging to the business.
BUSINESS
Seth informed us that he is now in charge of the programs. You will be assigned a date and your assignment (as opposed to your assignation) will be posted on the website.
Syd reminded us that the debunking is this Sunday at four at his and Diane’s Redway home. Bring some anti-pasta (a word I chose because it is easier to spell than hors d’oeuvres) and be prepared to honor Greg.
Jeff Haas announced that daughter Lillie (former student of the month and Rotary scholarship winner presently attending HSU) is heading to Florence to study art. To help raise funds she is holding a raffle with some of her artwork as the prize. Tickets costs $10.00 each and Jeff has them.
Carolyn reported on last week’s board meeting. Summary: We need more participation if programs are to survive.
DEBITS AND CREDITS
David, Karyn and Bill celebrate birthdays this month. We sang, sort of, and they paid five each
David got hit for the same amount in honor of his anniversary
There is an immunization trip to west Africa coming up. If you are interested contact Peter
Susie says that Darrel is coming our way, though he may not be able to attend a meeting
Ernie, about to be fined for the failed bell theft, cleverly attempted to divert PP’s attention with an animated display of proper microphone handling. It didn’t work. The more he talked the more he paid. Final total: $30.00
Bill related a pleasant conversation he had with a Rotarian from Arizona which led him to the subject of member participation.
Peter confirmed the importance of participation. With most everyone feeling guilty about their lack of participation, we sat back for the program.
PROGRAM
Seth standing in for Herb introduced Ken Miller who had come to talk about the Richardson Grove road-widening project. Mr. Miller is opposed to the project but unlike most opponents, his stated concern is not the trees but the affect this road work will have on the county and our quality of life. He believes we need to look at the consequences and the alternatives to opening up 101 to large trucks and he contends that Cal-Trans has framed the issue in such a way that the consequences and alternatives are not at issue. Cal-Trans has done this by declaring that the modifications will not result in more trucks. He contends that this is not correct. The changes will result not only in more local traffic but also in pass-through long-haul truck traffic headed for Route 5 with the result that there will be more pollution and less safety. His proposed alternative is to establish a maritime highway using barges and small containers. The federal government is promoting this concept. Barges, he contends, are very energy efficient. A lively comment period followed Mr. Miller’s presentation. Most if not all disagreed with his analysis. Brian Elie raised the problem of barges entering and leaving the bay. Bill argued, among other things, that long haul shippers will not use 101 unless they have shipments to Eureka and that hydrogen is not a realistic power source for barges. Bea recounted numerous traffic accidents in the grove and she is convinced the project will improve safety. Mr. Miller defended his positions ably and in good spirit. The discussion was stimulating and informative. Thanks to Ken Miller, Seth and Herb for bringing it to us.
Rotary Minutes July 14, 2009
For Bastille Day we made our own Tacos and enjoyed them with rice and black beans followed by a cookie or two. Lots of bell-like sounds went off and finally we all stood to face the flag humbly hidden behind the speaker.
Pledge: Skip led us
Inspiration: Craig inspired us
Visiting Rotarians: Don eloquently introduced Jim Quast, back from his coast-to-coast train trip, who introduced three visiting Rotarians: Jeff Marsee, Ahn Fielding and Doug Edmond.
Guests: George Truett, Blake Lehman.
Community Report: Susan Gardner standing in for Tammy announced the death of Glenn Sicklesteel and the burglary of Permissions. Suspects had a pickup.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SO FORTH
Syd had three: 1. Chamber Mixer Wednesday the 15th at Blue Star Gas 5:30
2. Debunking on July 26th at Syd’s house. Passed a signup sheet
3. Today’s All Star Game reminded Syd of the absence of good friend Roy.
Pres Peter announced that he has signed an executive order conferring a blue badge on Skip who has thus ‘skipped’ the usual process.
FINES: In the absence of Greg, Ernie passed among us with the collection plate but PP was in charge of assessments
1. Ernie was himself fined for being locked in a bathroom at the tire store. Don avoided a fine for advertizing even though he persistently chided Ernie for not calling him to the rescue. Ernie was assessed ten but paid twenty because he had no change.
2. Jim Quast sketched his train trip and family visit and was assessed twenty which Steve Bowen offered to pay since he gave Jim back train advice.
3. Brian Harper was confronted about his absence last week. He said he was working and the matter appeared to be dropped.
DUES: Carolyn informed us they were due and we will be getting invoices
BOARD MEETING TONIGHT AT BSG
PROGRAM: Clif introduced Jeff Marsee, President of CR who presided over the program with the verbal assistance of Ahn Fielding and the technical assistance from Doug Edmond who presented the PowerPoint images. We learned from Ms. Fielding that CR has a master plan to enhance existing programs with District wide planning to improve transfer opportunities, and with an emphasis on agriculture, fire sciences and forestry and including new subject areas such as electrical, welding, solar installation, physical therapy etc.
Present Marsee then presented CR’s proposals for Southern Humboldt. CR has offered to purchase the old school facility on Sprowel Creek Road for $100,000.00. It promises to spend up to another $900,000.00 to renovate the facility resulting in four high-grade classrooms, including a computer lab, a restored theater and a 200 space parking lot. Possibly recreation fields in the rear. This will be a permanent facility owned by the College. It will provide career training, improve opportunities for local students to get into a community college and transfer to a four-year institution. He envisions participation by high school students, helping them to prepare for the college experience, personal enrichment and career improvement classes for more mature students and training for employees of local businesses. In the question and answer period Pres. Marsee acknowledged that there are other bids and that CR’s bid is well below the appraised value. But he argues that CR’s commitment to improve the facility and provide a permanent college presence in the community will be a great value. This time CR won’t leave, he assured us.
Thanks to Clif and the CR staff for a timely and informative program.
Rotary Minutes July 7, 2009
ANOTHER PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER!In a violent-free meeting, (no hurled badges, no apple crisps in the face, no microphones on the noggins, though one bell was stolen even before the food was consumed and recovered before it was digested, and Ernie did seem to serve a brief stint as acting president) Peter Connolly became the President of our Rotary Club and Greg Pfau retired to the position of Fine Master. In the meantime we ate sandwiches, potato salad, green salad and apple crisp.Pledge: Ernie, in an act of radical self-mobilization, stood up and announced it was time to pledge. He led us.
Inspiration: Clif prayed for us all.
Visiting Rotarians: Don Orazem, after a gratuitous slur at the hardworking keeper of these minutes (Don “took umbrage” but where he took it, or where he left it, was not revealed) the gentleman introduced Erin Dunn.
Guests: Mike Gardner, Diane Lehman, Diana Crow.
Community Report. The ever-alert Tammy spotted Nancy riding past the front of the building and was thus able to report that she was out of the hospital. We also passed a card the club had received from Nancy.PRESIDENT PETER SPEAKS:
PP will be asking us for more money for Polio Plus
PP also wants to increase our membership and he wants to garner some younger members.
PP reminded us that the debunking will take place on July 26th at Syd and Diane’s
And that the District Governor will visit on August 18th.
Our new Rotary International motto is “The Future is in Our Hands.”
PP also wants to finally get an Interact group started through our club.
And he wants us to save a parking space on the street at the front of the building for the person presenting the program and suggested that the elderly should get first dibs on the parking spaces adjoining the building. A-Dennis asked what was meant by elderly but I failed to remember the answer.
PP appointed Greg Fine Master, and he accepted with what appeared to be glee.Greg relayed a report from Brian Walker who is traveling with the Western Safari. We learned that Brian trekked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, swam in the Colorado and trekked back to the top in 15 hours. 50 of the 55 students accomplished this feat. They were leaving Las Vegas
today and everyone was still present and accounted for.Susie: ABC denied our request for a liquor license for the Snoop Dog. So, no work, no loot. Erin Dunn and Diana Crow are trying to drum up support for a Trader Joe’s in Fortuna. They passed out cards containing info about how to contact Trader Joe’s and express our wishes.
FINE MASTER
1. Poor Skip, his red badge still dripping fresh paint, was wrongly accused of stealing the bell. His position was precarious until gentleman Syd rose to take responsibility. Skip generously donated $100.00 to start Susan’s Paul Harris.
2. Bunny paid a vintage fine of $5.00. She described how her husband left her standing at Benbow and discovered her absence when he stopped in Garberville to let her out of the car.
3. Harold also had a vintage fine but no one could believe it, so he passed the questionable obligation to Herb, or rather Greg passed it for him. Herb paid $20.00.
4. Karen discovered a half brother is Australia and paid $20.00
5. Craig paid $15 after describing the lumber trucks in Macedonia.Susie reported that we grossed $3,219 on the 4th. Great fireworks.
Syd reported that Greg had taken food away from a customer at the Heider Shack. After Greg explained the facts, we realized that the hungry man deserved worse. Greg also won the 50/50 chamber raffle ($372) and gave the money back to the chamber. Is this guy a saint?Ernie and Janice saw Sherm and Amy hanging out in a Mexican restaurante in Ukiah.
PROGRAM: Shon introduced Syd who with the able assistance of Diane educated us on Bosson Heads. These small hand-painted sculptures made from gypsum were produced in England between WWII and 1996. Syd and Diane received four heads from Robert Wyckoff and his wife and have since become collectors. They own a 180 heads and travel annually to attend the meeting of the Bosson society, a society with 300 members. These small beautifully detailed heads are charming and much valued. Examples include famous people such as Churchill, Dickens (also his characters) Henry VIII and a couple of his wives, Mozart and Poncho Villa. But also ethnic characters such as dessert hunters, military figures, a Romanian, etc. The molds created by Fred Wright were destroyed when the business closed. Thanks to headhunters Syd and Diane for an informative and interesting program and congratulations to Peter for a successful first meeting.
Rotary Minutes June 23, 2009
Chicken and dumplings in a bowl, a lively anti pasta salad on a plate, apples that had endured crisping for dessert. Our President at his last regular meeting had his bell and his wits about him and brought us successfully to our feet.
Pledge: We were led by the honorable Bill Stewart
Inspiration: OP gave us a quote from Samuel Langhorne Clemens who was a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi. (“by the mark twain,” incidently, is a term indicating that there is 12 feet of water beneath the boat and it is thus deep enough to safely pass.)
Visiting Rotarians: Don eloquently found none.
Guests: Frank Di Barri, Bill Routan, João Palomo, Janice Branscomb, Max Abrahamson, Dr. Wendy Joyner and Steve Heilig.
Community Update: Shon reported that Nancy’s recent back operation had gone very well and she is recovering.
The July 4th signup sheet was again passed
OP reported on the rodeo parade and rodeo and the rabbit captured by one of his sons during the “animal scramble” and the son’s witty observation soon thereafter.
We received a thank you letter from one of the scholarship recipients. A lad named Devon.
June has five Tuesdays and there being no finer cause for celebration, the club will meet at the Peg House next week at 5:30. Lonely is he who comes to the regular meeting.
Our President and the Club welcomed back Karyn Lee Thomas who had taken a leave of absence to help her father during his final days.
Karyn’s Rotary anniversary was in April and OP gave her a belated opportunity to speak of the moment she became a Rotarian. Karyn had been inspired by the student exchange program.
João was congratulated on his successful year in our community and he was presented with a check for the money we raised for him the week previous.
Debunking: July 26 at Syd’s house beginning around three. There is a pool.
Susie, a former president but still empress (which is for life, no term limits on empress), offered the club a deal it could not refuse, namely holding the liquor license for a People Production’s Snoop Dog concert at Redwood Acres on July 8th. Syd graciously offered to be at the bar and watch the loot.
Ernie was wearing a badge, unfortunately it was the wrong one, and he paid an unknown amount.
Shon was subjected to questioning regarding a confusion in program scheduling, but Syd confessed and Shon was released without charge.
Radar paid $10.00 for the new paint job on his motorcycle–the bike in black.
Doug escaped a fine for his wondering minutes.
PROGRAM. Brian Elie introduced Steve Heilig who heads up the San Francisco Medical Society and who graciously appears us before every year or so to give an update from the medical world. This year Steve talked about the present effort to reform the nation’s health care system We learned that in terms of health indicators our nation is not doing well, though in terms of spending a lot of money on heath care we are doing better than anyone else. Steve is not willing to predict the come out of the reform effort. The powerful pharmaceutical and insurance industries are prepared to preserve their turf. The famous “public option” may offer great promise or it may be so shaped as to be meaningless. Steve’s proposal in part is for an alcohol tax of a nickel or a quarter a drink to raise funds. He also described how the universal coverage program Healthy San Francisco is working, and it seems to be working well though a law suit is pending. A lot of hands went up and a lot of questions were answered. Thanks again to Brian and Steve for an informative program.
Rotary Minutes June 16, 2009
MOBS DESCEND ON ROTARY MEETING
But first we ate claim chowder and you had your choice of a regular bowl or a bread bowl. If you chose the bread bowl it was important to remember not to eat the bread first. Also green salad and for dessert apple crisp. Our President had his bell and gavel and soon we were on our feet and facing the flag only two days after Flag Day.
Pledge: Ernie led us
Inspiration: Our President quoted inspiring words from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. a highly regarded Supreme Court Justice. As a young soldier at the beginning of the Civil War Holmes was crouched behind a barricade watching Confederate troops advancing on Washington DC when he noticed the tall President standing beside him in his stovepipe hat. Oliver shouted, “Get down you fool!” Lincoln promptly did thus making the Gettysburg Address and a lot more possible. To bad Oliver wasn’t at the theater.
Visiting Rotarians: Don Orazem pinch hit for Jim Quast. He somewhat pedantically told us how pithily he was going to introduce the two visiting Rotarians: Erin Dunn and Richard Cooper
Guests: (This may be a partial list) Bill Routan, Linda Sutton, Frank Di Barri, Barbara Truitt, Grace Lindsley, Skip Stone, Jennifer Wright, Pam Merritt, Julia Minton, Cynthia Elkins, Man- Who-Walks-in-Woods, Deanne Huber (?)
Community Report. Carolyn had kind words to memorialize Helen Murrish who died over the weekend. Our President welcomed back Bill Stewart, Dennis Bourassa and Bea and gave us news from Brian Walker who is busy in Egypt with Rotoplast. Our thoughts went out to Nancy who was under the knife the day of the meeting.
Syd had sign up sheets for persons able to volunteer at the 4th of July festivities.
OP asked O’Dennis to talk about Rodeo this weekend. Dennis is looking for help with the parade.
OP had a report on the Redwood Run. No death or serious injuries that he knew about.
Greg celebrated João’s time with us as an exceptional exchange student. We passed the hat and raised over six hundred bucks to help pay for his participation in the Western Safari.
June is Brian Harper’s anniversary month and he had kind words to say about Rotary and the community.
FINES:
Brian remained standing to pay for his recent travels. He offered a $100 toward his Paul Harris
Doug paid $20.00 for his trip
Syd paid $10.00
Carolyn read the minutes from the latest board meeting and then was charged with a thrice- ringing phone at last week’s meeting. She donated $100.00 to her PH
PROGRAM: Herb introduced Barbara Truitt, Linda Sutton, Woods, Deanne, Julia and Grace, each of whom spoke in turn about the Quail as a bus service for the elderly and the disabled. The Quail has been in operation since 1979 and provides wonderful door-to-door service not only in Southern Humboldt but also to Fortuna and Eureka. Many use the service to make medical appointments and to shop. We heard several glowing reports about the service and the driver and how the service is being threatened and how necessary it is and how proposed alternatives will not fill the need and how baffling the bureaucratic funding process is. The service needs more riders and the community needs to declare its support. Herb is working with the group to try to save the Quail. The rest of us need to hop on for the ride. Thanks to Herb and his guests for an informative program.
Rotary Minutes May 26, 2009
The lasagna came in two kinds and was bolstered by a fresh green salad followed by a choice of cookie. Our home-stretch president, Greg Pfau, had the bell and the force to give it a wholesome whack.
Pledge: Our President led us.
Inspiration: Our President also inspired us by quoting Eleanor Roosevelt.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast found no Visiting Rotarians but he had found a joke. If bad jokes, portent desperate times, we’re in trouble.
Guests: Frank Di Barri, Bill Routan, Ryan Hill, Shelby Kelley and Marg ____________.
Community Update. The community was scoured but nothing bad was found to report.
The Leggett School Scholastic Achievement Awards were presented by Our President
The Harold Murrish award went to Shelby Kelley who will attend UCSD and study pharmacological chemistry.
The Prinz-Suaven (sp?) award went to Ryan Hill who will attend Oregon State and study mechanical engineering.
Golf tournament is this Saturday and OP gave the troupes the final send off
GSE Team. OP also reported on the visit of the GSE team which consisted of six Brazilian guests. Members of our club spent the day with them and transported them from south to north. Eight club members also attended the dinner at the Scotia Inn that evening. Conversations had with members of the team show that cultural exchanges really to what they are intended to do. Unfortunately 20 members of our club signed up for the dinner and only eight showed. Those who did not, should pay for the meals.
Dictionary Letters: Our President entertained us with letters from Redway School third graders waxing eloquent on the subject of their new dictionaries.
Next Tuesday’s meeting is at Dean Creek Resort where money will be raised for Polio Plus. If you attend you pay 20 if you do not attend you pay 40
Fines:
Ernie paid $5.00 for advertising at the award’s ceremony
Jim Quast paid $5.00 for the “joke” referred to above.
Doug paid his bills for missing the Scotia meal, missing next Tuesday and a prize for the golf tournament.
Greg paid $100.00 to wife’s Paul Harris.
Program: Ms. Nancy Wilson introduced Mr. Harry Jasper who has been the administrator of the Southern Humboldt Healthcare District for the last four and a half months. Harry first updated us on the progress the district board has been making to clarify the District’s core values and mission. The District’s overall goal is to become the healthiest community possible. He then turned to the national healthcare scene and we learned that 95% of healthcare dollars go to treatment rather than prevention and of that 80% of the 95% is used to provide late-life treatment and care. Finally Harry illustrated the basic unfairness of the system by using four examples. One patient has Medicare, one has great insurance, one has lousy insurance and one has none. In each case the hospital receives a different amount for providing the same service and the patient pays a different percentage of what is owed. The example made a very complex situation more understandable. Thanks to Harry and Nancy for such an interesting program.
Rotary Minutes May 12, 2009
The shepherd, tired of eating wolf day in and day out, made a stew with a lamb, and wishing to honor the snowy mountains that are his lonely home, covered the stew with bright, white and well-mashed potatoes. We also had salad and for dessert an apple crisp. Our President’s arm has become much stronger over the past eleven months; he clobbered the bell and scared us to our feet.
Pledge: He also led us in the pledge.
Inspiration: He also offered wise words from a man with large ear-lobes who found enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree.
Visiting Rotarians: The erudite Mr. Quast found no visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Peter Ryce, Chestine Anderson, Frank Di Barri, Skip Stone and Bill Routan
Community Update. Steve Dazey described a visit he and Suzie paid to Sherm and Amy Hensell now living in Ukiah and encouraged us to do the same.
We learned from our President that Dennis Bourassa is out of the hospital and in the home of his mother-in-law where he is making a steady if challenging recovery.
The GSE team will be here next week. We make the transfer on Wednesday and have the dinner on Thursday.
Ernie reminded us about the Redway Fire Dept bbq on May 23. Tickets are 10 pre-sale and 12 at the door. Come chow down.
Next Tuesday we meet at Miranda for the annual awards luncheon.
The golf tournament will be on Saturday May 30th Same format as the last two years. We then had a mini meeting to work out details. OP was pleased with the progress.
Syd and Diane are back from Texas. They experienced a heavy storm but had a good trip. Syd paid 20 to cover his ten dollar fine and Kent’s ten for arriving after the bell had rung.
Bea was fined ten for sitting beside the secretary’s boyfriend even through she was instructed to do so by the Secretary, at least that was the way I understood it.
Carolyn had a birthday today. She was assessed ten but Kent paid.
Our President said he had only four more meetings as President although seven Tuesdays remain between now and the end of his term. This discrepancy was not explained.
Program. The Wilder Bunny introduced Peter Ryce and Chestine Anderson from Beginnings, Inc. Peter led off with an outline of the 35 year history of Beginnings. Beginnings began as a Montessori program first in Garberville, then in Redway and soon on to Briceland. Over the years the organization has been involved in a broad range of educational, community and international activities. On going include: the Octagon, home to many community activities, Children’s House, the Montessori preschool, Skyfish School, an alternative elementary school, Beginnings Volunteer Fire Department, the Yin Yang Pavilion, home to Briceland Tae Kwon Do and other marshal and meditative arts, a food and nutrition program, a Red Cross Disaster Center and so on. Chestine discussed Beginnings current capital campaign to complete the expansion and restoration of the Octagon building including a new kitchen, ADA bathroom, office space, window replacement etc. The members seemed highly impressed as they were reminded of the many accomplishments of this community treasure. Thanks to Peter, Chestine and Bunny.
Rotary Minutes May 5, 2009
Sgt Chris was on hand and did a sterling job of greeting the arriving Rotarians and guests. In honor or Cinco de Mayo, we enjoyed spaghetti with meat sauce, mixed vegetables with asparagus, green salad, garlic bread and white cake covered with white frosting and dotted with strawberry slices. Always good to avoid a cliche when possible. OP had the bell and gavel and after the feeding, got the large gathering to its unsteady feet.
Pledge: Carolyn led us and it was a pleasure to hear our dreary voices supported by those of twelve 4th graders.
Inspiration. OP provided a quote that led us back to NOW.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast found a number of prospective Rotarians but no visiting ones.
Guests: Hal Lephoff, 12 4th grade violinists from Redway School, Nick Abshire, Skip Stone and Nina Haedrich
We had no community report but Hal Lephoff described the music program at Redway which runs from kindergarten through 4th grade and may next year extend to fifth. The classes begin with percussion, proceed to recorder and on to violin. The same songs are used with violin as with recorder so students can concentrate on learning the instrument. Hal and Nina had words to say about the connection between music and academic success. Violin lessons begin in 4th grade. This year there are 30 students working on violin. The twelve well-behaved students introduced themselves and played seven short songs for us including “Jingle Bells” and “Go Tell Aunt Rhodi.” Rotary has helped sponsor this program for several years which first began ten years ago, the year most of these students were born.
Our President reported on a fund raiser he attended in Fortuna that pulled in twelve grand.
At this year’s memorial portion of the District Conference, Roy will be among those remembered.
We were reminded again of the meeting at the Scotia Inn on Thursday May 21st when the Ferndale, Garberville and Fortuna Clubs will welcome the GSE team from Brazil. Cocktails at 6 dinner at 7. On Wednesday the 20th the club will transport the team from G’ville to Fortuna. OP suggested a ride along the Avenue with lunch. A number of members signed up to join him.
On May 19th at Noon we will have the Annual awards luncheon. It will be held in Miranda at the old junior high, or the present Osprey site. Go to either place and you’ll be in the right spot.
OP and Patrick reported that the PTA Bike Fair was a great success in spite of the rain.
A new month and thus new reasons to raise revenue:
Birthdays, Herb, Seth, A-Dennis, Carolyn and Mr. Quest. Each paid five except Carolyn who volunteered ten.
Spouse birthdays: O’Dennis,
Anniversaries, Steve appeared surprised that his anniversary was coming up and the surprise cost him an extra five or a total of ten. B-Dennis and his Carolyn also have their anniversary this month and we got a report from Chris on Dennis. The surgery went well and he is recovering and doing some walking. He hopes to be released on Friday or Saturday.
Bill is celebrating his 45th and spoke of how happy and grateful he was to have spent these years with Marlyn.
Our President provided an update on polio eradication. In four countries the disease remains endemic: Nigeria, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. The number of reported cases is down slightly so far this year. Well down in India but up in Nigeria, though this might just reflect better reporting.
We were reminded again that we will be raising our Polio Plus share on June 2nd.
$20 if you come. $40 if you don’t
Ernie paid $20.00 toward his wife’s Paul Harris
Chris paid $10.00 for being an AWOL Sgt last week.
OP produced a photo of Carolyn with Bea seeming to be squatting behind her. Various explanations were offered but Bea paid ten and we all went home.
Rotary Minutes April 28, 2009
Sgt Chris did not show but Sgt Quast was on hand to greet. The food was Mexicana with pork, rice, black beans, corn tortillas, green salad and a cookie for a topper. The rumor that swine flu can be caught by eating port appears to have only taken hold in Russia, which reportedly has banned pork imports from Mexico. On the other hand, in Israel “Swine flu” is called “Mexico flu” for reasons having to do with religious sensitivities, a decision beyond my reasoning capacities to explain. All is well in SoHum because the President had his bell and brought us to our feet.
Pledge. Mr. Pledge honored us with his clear leadership.
Inspiration: We shared a moment of silence for the late John Strong.
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast welcomed back our famous world-traveling, good-doing Rotarian, Brian Walker, who is both a member and a frequent visitor.
Guests: Our guests included Christina Huff, Emma Worldpeace, Mike Gardner, Skip Stone and C.J. Carter
We had no community report in the normal sense but C.J. Carter took a moment to present her position that the allegedly heavy hand of the law is destroying business in Garberville. C.J. reported that come evening both the Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s office are lurking around waiting to nab anyone driving or walking. She stated that not only drivers are being stopped but persons walking to their motel have been detained for being drunk in public as have passengers in cars. C.J. believes this conduct is damaging local restaurants, bars and the theater.
Our President informed us that Rotarians at Work was a success. A number of members worked on both the north and south ends of Garberville and made considerable improvements. Thanks to all who participated.
On Thursday May 21 the Ferndale, Garberville and Fortuna Clubs will meet at the Scotia Inn to welcome the GSE team from Brazil. Cocktails at six, dinner at seven.
Ernie has more BBQ posters
Brian Walker reported on his gadabouting service to humanity. He is a regular at the Rotaplast headquarters in San Francisco where he preps each mission. He will soon be off to El Salvador as mission director and then to Egypt where he will serve as quartermaster and guide to the pyramids. Following that he will join Chris on the Western Safari trip with the exchange students where he will descend to the depths of the Grand Canyon and climb to the heights of Half Dome. He has already been on four Rotaplast trips this year and he contributed $100.00 toward his Paul Harris, and almost all of this is true.
April being his anniversary month, Brian Elie had an opportunity to reflect on his Rotary experience. He talked about his satisfaction of working with Bunny on Super Schools and his exchange student experiences. Brian joined in 1993. His sponsor was Vern.
FINE TIME: Brian Elie paid ten and discussed which came first, the chicken or the golf ball.
Susan paid $20.00 for a new car
O’Dennis left early last week and paid $2.00 for slighting the feelings of OP
Don paid $5.00 for his anniversary.
Jeff was happy to pay $20.00 and brag about his daughter Angie who was prom queen (João was king) Angie is also an athlete, an excellent student and on her way to UCSC.
Brian Harper back from Mexico paid a 100 toward his Paul Harris.
Seth back from a backpacking trip in New Mexico paid $20.00
Skip paid an unknown amount. Even though he is not officially a member he had received some help from OP installing windshield wiper blades.
PROGRAM
Jeff introduced Christina Huff and Emma Worldpeace both of whom are associated with the Family Resource Center. Christina is the coordinator. Emma is a former SF student and now a graduate of UC Berkeley who for her thesis did a study of the youth in our community.
Christina reported on the California Healthy Kids Survey for 2008. The survey is a questionnaire completed every other year by students in the 7th, 9th and 11th grades. In the area of external supports for students, the community did relatively well, that is good caring relationships, high expectations and meaningful participation both in school and in the community. However, the community’s students engage in significantly more high risk behavior (drug and alcohol use) than students in the rest of the state. Finally, our students are dying at a rate more than twice that of other communities in the area.
Emma then told us about the Youth Alive gathering held in March by the Family Resource Center. Out of this came nine project groups that are working to provide a support system for community young people. One group has already held an Art Camp weekend that was a great success. There are also: a Teenage Grief Group, a Suicide Prevention/Emotional Wellness Group, an Outdoor Adventures Group, a Motorcycle Advisory Group and a youth Mentoring project. The Family Resource Center is looking for funds and for kids and adults to participate in these and other related programs. An interesting and well presented program. Thanks to Christina and Emma, and Jeff.
Rotary Minutes April 21, 2009
In the old Brass Rail days when we were served barbequed ribs dripping in sauce, the members were provided bibs. Apparently we’ve gotten more mannered because we are now permitted to have at them “bare.” In that respect, and that alone, we’ve come to resemble high-wire performers working without a net. To make matters more challenging, Holly Sweet walked around offering sips of wine. No disasters were reported and in good time our President summoned us with the bell and gavel.
Pledge: Our President led us
Inspiration: Our President also inspired us with words of Ralph Waldo Emerson
Visiting Rotarians: Our own Mr. Quast entertained us by introducing our own Dennis Bourassa as a sort of visiting Rotarian. It was a pleasure to have Dennis back.
Guests: Holly Sweet, Jim Lowery and Alonso Formosa.
Community Update: Tammy had received no news but OP reported on the dying John Strong, former District Governor. Our noble Brian Walker is in SF with Rotaplast and headed next month to Ecuador.
Student of the Month. Craig did his usual fine job of introducing teacher and student, this time Jim Lowery from the English Department at South Fork and Alonso Formosa, his choice for this year’s student of the month. Mr. Lowery described Alonso as being very hardworking, a possessor of a positive attitude and endowed with strength of character. Alonso told us he is headed to U.C. Santa Cruz, his major as yet undeclared.
Carolyn reported on last week’s board meeting while standing beside OP and getting his approval or disapproval before each revelation. Apparently we have both a classified and an unclassified version of board minutes.
District conference is May 14-17th and if you want a discounted room you probably had to have reserved it before you read these minutes.
The student exchange host family problem continues to fester. Chris, OP and those interested were going to talk about it after the meeting.
Saturday April 25th is Rotarians at Work day and club members will be cleaning up both ends of Garberville. Meet at 10:00 at the south end and wear your Rotary shirt.
June 2 will be the day the club raises funds for Polio Plus. The meeting will consist of a fun day of miniature golf at Dean Creek. Peter will provide food. It will cost you twenty if you come and forty if you don’t.
O’Dennis is celebrating his entering Rotary this month. He joined in 1988 and entertained us with what life was like in Rotary when he joined.
Fines to make up deficits:
Bill Stewart, David Katz and Steve Dazey each paid ten.
Doug was granted a waiver, Clif and Bea paid ten each for badge shenanigans.
OP paid four and was happy to tell about his son’s fine driving with a learner’s permit.
PROGRAM. David Katz introduced Holly Sweet. Holly is the owner and genius behind Persimmons Garden Gallery, a gallery, store, restaurant, bookstore, clothing manufacturer, garden, etc. in Redway. Holly began by setting out examples of her wares and led us through a quick history of her entrepreneurial adventures in Redway, starting with a small sewing center at Straight Talk about God, then Stitch-it which made swim wear, then a video store, then an art gallery, nursery, tasting room, small café, garden. Persimmons is the official tasting room for Briceland Vineyards, Whitethorn Vineyards and Elk Prairie Vineyards. We learned about the Humboldt Wine Association and received a map with all the County’s wineries and tasting rooms. Just as we thought she had covered everything possible, Holly brought out a tree! Turns out she and her husband Michael are raising olives. She sold the tree to Susie and educated us about the expanding business of growing olives in Humboldt. We got an insight into the conversion of olives into oil and what role virgins play and how young trees produce green olives and more mature trees produce dark ones. Oh, yes, there’s music and food at Persimmons and you can sit in a garden and buy the table and chairs you’re sitting on. Thanks to Holly for a most entertaining and informative program and to David for inviting her.
Next week you will be greeted by Sgt. Chris.
Rotary Minutes April 14, 2009
Perhaps clocks are out of rhythm, perhaps Greenwich mean time is falling into disfavor and soon everyone will have both their own personal time as well as their own Facebook page. Whatever the reason, there were multiple false alarms after the crowd had devoured its linguini, garlic bread, green salad and the nifty lemon thing that served as dessert–utensils tingling against glassware, mutterings among the mutterers, but then at the appointed hour, our steady if fasting president, came forth with bell and gavel and we rose to face the flag.
Pledge: Our President led us
Inspiration: Craig inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast was happy to introduce Jacqueline Debets
Guests: Ken Fordham
Community Report. Tammy had received no news but Nancy announced that Kent had a new baby, which turned out to be a miniature donkey. Mr. Scown entertained us with news from the world of small donkeys.
Chris is still looking for a family to host next year’s exchange student
Syd informed us that Anne Lindsey will be at the Senior Center this evening to speak in support of Plan A of the proposed general plan. Don’t check your calendar, it has already happened.
Ernie announced the annual Redway Fire Department Deep Pit Barbeque on Saturday May 23. He had flyers
Our Pres reported on the funds the district has so far collected in the current push for Polio Eradication: $54,000 plus. Our club has yet to contribute but we are discussing it.
No one appears to have watched the HBO special, the Final Inch, but OP has it saved and will.
Reminder 4/25 is Rotarians as Work. We’ll be hearing from the board on this as well.
OP passed around a montage of photos from Roy’s burial created by Shirley Greel
C.J. Carter has challenged the community to present Roy stories to the local papers.
We returned to the spousal birthdays problem of last week. Tammy had one, as did David Katz, Brian Elie and Don Orazam. All paid five but Don who was presumably busy making someone’s lock say “un.”
Kent had to pay twenty for his new four-hooved family member.
Seth arrived after the bell and paid ten
Ernie had no badge, but then neither did OP. Both paid ten
April is Bunny’s anniversary month in Rotary and she had a special tale to tell, being the first female member of the club. Bunny joined in 1990 shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Rotary International could not revoke a club’s charter because it admitted a woman as member. Bunny actually had a relative in the small Duarte, California club that first admitted women in 1976. Bunny, who served as our Club’s president in 2001-2002, also discussed the opposition to her membership that appeared in our club at the time she joined.
PROGRAM: Steve Dazey introduced Jacqueline Debets who is the Economic Development Coordinator of the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Services Department of Humboldt County. (Try saying that fast.) Jacqueline appears to know a lot about our local economic environment and she was happy to dispel some myths. A couple of examples: we are not a retirement county, our average age is 36, and the old canard about no available jobs is simply not true. Some business sectors have been thriving in Humboldt and they pay well and provide good career opportunities. She reported on a study of the last 15 years of private-sector economic activity in the five county region (Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, Trinity and Siskiyou). The study looked at a number of variables including quality of employment and firm growth, export strength etc. It found that there are six areas that have prospered over the study period: Diversified Health Care, Building and Systems Construction and Maintenance, Specialty Agriculture, Food and Beverages, Investment Support Services, Management and Innovation and Niche Manufacturing. Known together as Targets of Opportunity, they now provide 39% of the private sector jobs but pay 53% of its wages. They provide good career opportunities and bring money into the region. Jacqueline believes we should coordinate our educational and economic development efforts to support and encourage development in these areas. Her program was stimulating and very interesting. Thanks to Steve for bringing Jacqueline, and to Jacqueline for an excellent program.
Rotary Minutes April 7, 2009
Members were greeted with a cheery welcome at the door from Sgt Bea. We fed on prime rib from a late bovine, a mound of mashed spuds, spinach cooked with mushrooms, green salad, and for dessert a nifty cookie. Our President had the beloved bell and gavel and announced the call to order with a solid tone.
Pledge. A’Dennis led us
Inspiration: OP quoted George Elliot but if the quote was from George Elliot, the 19th century English novelist, OP got the sex wrong. George was the pen name for Mary Anne Evans. Which does nothing to tarnish either the quote or Our President.
Visiting Rotarians. OP announced that we had none, standing in for Mr. Quast who had to eat and run.
Guests. Estelle Fennel and Bob Morris
Community Report. Tammy announced the memorial celebration for Ruth Colwell. This Saturday at the Civic Club
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STUFF
Rick Silva from the local Shriner’s club described the services available to children through the Shriners Hospitals. For info call 800-237-5055
OP discussed Roy’s memorial celebration and thanked the Rotarians who helped out in the bar. (Many Rotarians helped reduce the inventory but some actually helped pour.)
Chris attended the District Assembly which happened the same day. He passed around some material on next year’s incoming exchange student. A lad from Hungary.
April 25th is Rotarians at Work Day and the club is thinking about it.
Tonight HBO has a program called “The Final Inch” on polio eradication
May 14-17 is District Conference. It’s in Petaluma this year.
OP read a number of letters from Whale Gulch 3rd graders who recently received dictionaries. Very charming
Syd reported on a meeting he had with Ruth Colman head of public parks. She is in favor of the dam at Benbow but has no money. Syd was less enthusiastic about Steve Horvath’s contribution to the meeting.
April Birthdays
Nancy got sung to and paid 5
There was some confusion about spousal birthdays and anniversaries and OP promised to return to the subject next week.
OP also declared badge box trouble and fined Bea, Jeff and himself for not having a badge. Chris admitted that he was wearing OP’s badge. He pulled out some loot , but was not fined. He did give the badge to OP who did not have to fine himself.
Brian Harper’s net worth was reduced by ten for arriving after the bell had rung. OP: “It’s all right to miss the meal but it costs ten if you miss the bell.”
PROGRAM: Syd introduced Estelle Fennel and Bob Morris, who had come to talk to us about CPR and the County’s update to the general plan. CPR stands for Coalition for Property Rights. CPR is a broad-based county-wide organization attempting to watch over the County’s planning process as it revises the general plan. According to Estelle and Bob new proposals threaten to extinguish the right to build on rural properties. The people preparing the drafts are trained in urban planning and their proposals will result in the ‘urbanization’ of the county. Estelle and Bob believe the best way to protect rural properties is to allow people to build on them, though the organization does not support the subdivision of rural property. Property owners should contact their supervisor and push for the right to continue building on rural properties. Lots of questions were asked and answered. Thanks to Estelle and Bob for an interesting program.
Rotary Minutes March 24, 2009
By Susan Gardner
The lunch of sandwiches, green salad, potato salad, and cake awaited the hungry mob.
President Greg led us all in the pledge, followed by a few moments of silent remembrance for Roy Heider. I think this was probably the quietest I have ever seen this group. Roy was a true gentleman and we will all miss him greatly. I’m sure he is up there putting together some kind of pool. At least the Orazem’s won’t be able to steal that one.
Mr. Quast, who actually refrained from using any big words, eloquently introduced the day’s guests who included Rotarian Mike Moreland from Eureka, and Terry Klemetson and Simon Frech from KMUD.
Community updater Tammy Harrison sent a beautiful plant to Syd and Diane Lehman to show the club’s sympathies for the loss of their grandson in a tragic accident up in Washington. Tammy also sent three cards around the room to be signed for Heider’s family, the Lehman’s, and to wish Sherm a rapid recovery from his bout with pneumonia. Tammy also let us know that the vivacious 103-year-old Ruth Colwell had passed away. She was a true lady and will be missed by the community.
Prez Greg announced that Dr. Kim had received the grant money and thanked our club for their gracious donations to help with his continued work in Russia.
Ern announced that the annual Redway Volunteer Fire Department barbecue will be held on Saturday, May 23 from noon to 7 p.m. I’m sure we will hear more about this in the weeks to come.
Nancy Wilson made the announcement that Ann Lindsay, M.D. and the Humboldt County Health Officer will be making a presentation about the Humboldt County General Plan and the Health Impact of Plan Alternatives. The meeting will be held on April 14, at the Healy Senior Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Chris Brannan talked about a play in Ferndale happening on the same day as the District Assembly to be held at CR on Saturday, April 4.
Dennis O’Sullivan said that the fifth Tuesday celebration will be held at the Garberville Civic Club beginning at 5 p.m. on March 31. The culinary arts class from South Fork will be providing some tasty treats for all of us to enjoy. This is an important meeting to attend as some Paul Harris Fellows will be honored. Mr. Heider completed a total of eight, and should be an inspiration to us all.
Dennis also announced that Roy was buried on Tuesday in a private family ceremony. However, he did demand a party, which will take place at the Garberville Veterans Hall on Saturday, April 4 beginning at 2 p.m.
Prez Greg read some of the letters he had received from the third-graders at Skyfish School in response to the dictionaries they received. Considering how somber the group was these adorable letters helped to cheer us all up.
Bill Stewart remarked about how old the Civic Club is and how important it is for the community to continue to support this group and the historic building itself.
Chris Brannan joined the Garberville Rotary Club in March of 1991. In speaking about what Rotary has meant to him Chris talked about how he finally got Facebooked!! Is that legal? He said his Rotary Exchange students kept bugging him to get tuned in. Chris said he has connected with over 300 kids over the years and now that he is on Facebook he is in contact with many of these exchange students from the past, including two who even ended up getting married.
Ern said that Brian, who works for him at Radio Shack (isn’t that advertising?) can remember when he got his dictionary in third grade and still treasurers it today.
Craig P remarked that Roy always took great pride and delight in delivering the dictionaries to Leggett School. Jesse Dale volunteered to continue this endeavor in Roy’s name. I am sure he will be there smiling and looking over her shoulder.
Rotary Minutes March 17, 2009
By Susan Gardner
Although it was St. Patrick’s Day the lunch of the day was beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes, spinach, salad, and warm cookies for dessert.
Steve Bowen led the pledge to our flag and “Q” used a really big word to let us all know there were no visiting Rotarians.
Guests included Karyn-Lee Thomas’ husband David, Steve Bowen’s wife Annie, Brian Harper’s partner Randi, and Brian Elie’s wife Robin.
For the Community Update Tammy Harrison announced that Garberville Rotarian Sherm Hensell had just gotten out of the hospital after a bout with pneumonia and was resting at home. And local Garberville resident Ruth Colwell, who is 103, is in Jerold Phelps Community Hospital.
Our very own Craig Parkinson introduced Tom Frazier, head of the Culinary Arts Program at South Fork High School and this month’s student of the month, Jennifer Schneider. She will be attending Santa Rosa Junior College.
Ern read an email from Doug Campbell from Confusion Hill, who is requesting the tourist attraction be designated as a historical place of interest. Campbell was asking for letters of support from club members.
Mr. Irish, Dennis O’, asked everyone to attend the upcoming School Board charette to be held on Saturday, March 21.
Prez Greg was still looking for more Sgt. in Arms for the upcoming District Assembly to be held at CR on Saturday, April 4. He also encouraged everyone to attend the District Conference to be held at the Petaluma Sheraton May 14-17.
Susie M emphasized that all the foreign exchange students from our district would be putting on a program that was well worth seeing and encouraged everyone to attend.
Carolyn J gave a brief summary of the board meeting stating that the club donated $250 to a Babe Ruth baseball team and that Sharon Latour had officially resigned from Rotary due to too many other demands on her life.
Prez Greg announced that March 31 was the fifth Tuesday with the destination to be announced. He also said there would be a Paul Harris presentation at the meeting and urged everyone to attend.
Chris B told us about his great trip to Hawaii with the exchange students saying they had a very busy itinerary and it was a lot of fun spending time with the kids.
Because someone fortuitously absconded with the prez’s bell a few weeks past, the club raised $1,900 for the Schools Foundation.
The other Mr. Irish Patrick Mayer actually received his real blue badge from the Prez.
Bill Stewart couldn’t find his own badge, so he decided to be Herb for the day. He was fined $10 for impersonating a lawyer and Ern’s mouth cost him $5 when he said the other way to say Herb was “Bill.” I didn’t quite get it, but then I am very blonde.
Miss “M” said that she thinks anyone who absconds with the bell should be called an “abscoundral.” Beat that one Mr. “Q.”
Steve Bowen forgot he had raised his arm to volunteer to pay the SOS donation. But he paid up willingly without be asked to.
The dictionaries are in the process of being delivered to the third-graders at our local elementary schools.
We then enjoyed a wonderful travel program about Cuba from Karyn-Lee Thomas.
Rotary Minutes March 10, 2009
By Susan Gardner
Club members donned their bibs for spaghetti and meatballs, rolls, salad, and vanilla ice cream.
After much slurping the meeting was rung to order. I must admit I was somewhat in the dark regarding the return of the presidential bell, but it was rung and our very own Prez led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Red, White, and Blue. I had very reluctantly missed last week’s gathering.
Mr. Q stood up on the wrong side of the table and used small understandable words to let everyone know there were no visiting Rotarians.
We were blessed with a superfluity (that’s for you Mr. Q) of guests including Terri Klemetson from KMUD, Megan Johannesen (wife of Seth), Gary Pritchard-Peterson from BLM, Marcia deChadenedes from the California Coast Geotourism Project, and program participants Patti Watson, Rick Rutherford, and John McManus from Singing Trees Recovery Center.
Vacationing Rotarian Tammy had no updates from the community except to say how proud she was of her daughter, Chelsea, who hit a homerun in a softball game against Fort Bragg, which they won. Go Cubs!!!
President-to-be Peter said he had a great time at the PETS Conference. I have three dogs and three cats myself.
Prez G recruited Sgt. at Arms for an upcoming Rotary event at CR to be held Sat., April 4. He got two very willing volunteers in Syd Lehman and Susie Mattila.
He also announced the pending arrival of the GSE team from Brazil who will be on the Northcoast May 20-24. More to come on this as the date approaches, but we will be hosting some kind of something for these visitors.
Harold M tried once more to sell tickets to the Fortuna Sunrise’s upcoming event at Riverwalk. He then announced he and Donna would be heading east to Virginia to visit family and would be gone for 2-3 months. He will be greatly missed.
Redway School Principal Patrick Mayer was blue-badged, but then the bells rang, and I don’t mean the school bells, and he was fined $20.
Dennis O was questioned by the Prez regarding an email he sent to club members absolving himself and Susan from anything to do with the absconding of the ringer. However, O gave up his boss Mr. Stewart as the thief, with absolutely no arm-twisting required. O tried to terminate S, but S said that would be O’s last act.
Continuing on with the bell thievery, $1,700, or was it $1,900, was raised for the schools by very giving club members.
Having raised quite a sum for our schools, the fine master was very kind this week and instead asked Ernie B to stand up and acknowledge the fact that he has been a Rotarian since 1980 and has been president twice. Good job Ern!
Rotarian Bea A introduced her daughter and two representatives from Singing Trees Recovery Center as the program of the day.
Rotary Minutes March 3, 2009
Our choice of three soups, focaccia bread, caesar-like salad and a nifty dessert.
And you could take seconds! Our president had to bang a spoon against a water class since our beloved bell was stolen following the previous week’s meeting.
With an element of surprise and despair we rose to face the flag.
THE BASICS
Pledge. Harold led us
Inspiration: Craig inspired us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast welcomed Johanna Rodoni and welcomed back Roy Heider
Guests : Linda Brodersen and Sita Formosa.
Community Report: Tammy told us she was feeling better
It was great to see Roy back. He expressed his thanks for all the cards and calls he had received. He also suggested that if you are going to take some time off, a hospital is not the best place to do it.
We learned that B-Dennis had positive news on his medical treatment which is ongoing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rotary Club of Fortuna has its wine fund raiser on March 21st.
Our Pres passed a thank you card from Whale Gulch School
We got a brief report on the Southern Humboldt Schools Foundation Mardi Gras event, learning the names of a number of Rotarians who volunteered their time at the event. Later, in the program we learned more detail of the funds raised.
Harold had his weekly promotion. This time for the Fortuna Noon Club’s April 30th dinner. Tickets are $125.00 per couple and there are prizes as follows: 3 at a $1,000.00; 3 at $500.00 and 3 at $225.00
Healdsburg Sunrise Club is being chartered on April 1st and we are welcome to join them.
Mr. Exchange is in Hawaii with his sun screen and 40 exchange students.
MARCH EVENTS
Birthdays, Tammy, Steve B, Don, Bunny. We hurled a song at them and they paid $5.00
O’Dennis and Susan are celebrating their 38th anniversary. It cost him $10.00
Peter, who became a Rotarian in 2002, told a moving anecdote about a Rotary Club meeting he attended in Kenya.
Harold joined in March of 1958. He graciously contributed $100.00 to a Paul Harris
Steve Bowen joined in 1991, told a story and paid $5.00
David and Don paid $5.00 because they didn’t know that today was ‘square root’ day, but Doug did.
David was called up again because the name of his company appeared in a photo in the Saturday Evening Post. That cost him $20.00
Patrick was accused of languishing but he has finally earned his blue badge.
Our Pres contributed five because he didn’t know it was square root day either until the meeting.
PROGRAM Clif introduced Linda Brodersen and Sita Formosa long time members of the Southern Humboldt Schools Foundation. The Foundation has existed since 1988 and Linda has been on the board since the beginning with Sita joining few years later. Over the years the Foundation has raised and donated almost a million dollars to the schools. The Foundation has no paid staff and board members serve for free. Thus all money raised goes to the schools. The number of students in the district has dropped dramatically in recent years from over 2,000 to a present number of 795. Income has also been reduced dramatically. Linda explained that at its inception, the Foundation was raising money to provide ‘extras’ now it is helping fund essentials.
The effectiveness of Linda and Sita’s program was demonstrated at the end, when 13 members of the club offered to donate a $100 each to the Foundation if our president’s bell could be located and returned to him. Thanks to Linda and Sita for the program and for all their good work and to those generous Rotarians who helped at the Mardi Gras event or offered their hard earned cash.
Rotary Minutes February 24, 2009
Jesse, our Sgt this week was welcoming and on the job. We ate pork (the other white meat, other that is than rattlesnake), spinach, mashed potatoes, green salad and a dessert containing ice cream, chocolate and other stuff. When the time came Our President gave the bell such a pronounced wallop that we leaped to our feet, faced the flag and clutched at the center of our cardio-vascular system.
Pledge: Mr. Pledge himself, on loan from Rotaplast, led us.
Inspiration: Our President quoted Henry Ford. The words were inspiring, and it was a pleasure to hear talk from a major automobile manufacturer that had nothing to do with receiving federal bailout money.
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast introduced a quasi-VR, Brian Walker, and a full-blooded VR, Dennis Hazelton.
Guests: João Palomo, Katrina Warner, Brigette Brannan, Gloria Vlez and Casey Norton.
We did not have a community report.
Dennis Hazelton promoted a Fortuna Club’s oyster and prime rib fund raiser on April 30 at Riverwalk. This party is on a Thursday night and starts at 5:30 and ends around nine. Lots of money to be given away.
Our President informed Jeanie that both she and her husband have birthdays this month
and she probably paid something.
Brian Walker gave us a report on recent Rotaplast programs in Oaxaca and Venezuela. Brian was Mission Director for the Venezuela program
Student of the Month. Clif introduced Gloria Vlez a new SF math teacher from New Mexico State U. Gloria introduced Casey Norton who shines in the math department. Casey told us he is headed for HSU. He enjoys both math and biology and is looking toward a career in environmental resource engineering.
President Greg attended the Shamus Tbone feed and pronounced it good.
Harold has tickets for the Oyster and Prime Rib bash mentioned above.
Kent and Carolyn passed out black book sheets for members to update and return.
Kent was fined ten for being late last week.
Chris was fined a like amount for almost forgetting to introduce his wife.
Ernie received a trip for Fort Bragg, complements of the Redway Fire Dept and complained that he had to be nice all weekend. OP was not moved and assessed him ten.
Harold was fined ten for teasing a guest. Instead he paid 50 toward a Paul Harris and apologized to the guest.
Radar modeled a t-shirt promoting OP’s business and was fined $7.00?
Ernie was fined $5.00 for making less than rousing remark
PROGRAM: Chris introduced João Palomo, our exchange student from Brazil. João informed us that he lives is São João Bautista a community of 80,000 folks located in the state of São Paulo. João appeared in his blazer bedecked with buttons, flags and photos and gave us an interesting program complete with PowerPoint on his country and its various states and regions. Brazil contains 26 states divided into five large regions. These include the northern Amazon region which is very large and forested and still contains some aboriginal people who have had little if any contact with the outside world; the southern-most region with its more temperate climate and German and Dutch influence, the vast interior including the capital of Brasilia; the northeast including Salvador with its strong African influence; and the south central region which includes such large and famous cities as Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, home of the largest percentage of the population and the center of Brazil’s commerce and industry. We learned that Brazil has a population of 180,000,000. We enjoyed photos of plants, animals, fruits and foods common to Brazil. João told us that when he returns home he will study for a career in business administration. Thanks to João for an informative and well-presented program. Jesse drew the ball that made her Sgt again next week. And we all went home well fed and well informed.
Rotary Minutes February 17, 2009
The chicken was hanging out with the dumplings, the salad well-dressed, the cannoli so stuffed with chocolate mousse they were unable to walk. Our Pres returned from Las Vegas with stories, the bell and gavel and after a false start instigated by Harold, lifted us with a ringing tone.
Pledge: Harold led us after first trying to lead us out of the building.
Inspiration: Our President inspired us with a quote from Samuel Clemens’ nom de plume.
Visiting Rotarians: The estimable Mr. Quast introduced Dave Somerville from Fortuna.
Guests: a late-arriving but program-presenting Stephen Quiggle.
Community Report: A thank you card passed for Roy, presently recouping at daughter Lynda’s and expected home by the end of the week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND STUFF
Tammy had raffle tickets raising funds for SF girls softball uniforms. Prize was a cord of wood.
OP had a great time at the Ferndale fund raiser and described it vividly
One of the Arcata clubs is having a wine festival on Sat. March 21st at the Kate Buchanan room.
The dinner in Carlotta appears to be sold out.
Syd is looking for help at the bar for SOS on 2/28. He got some.
We got an update on the girls’ basketball team.
Another from Brian Walker via OP on his recent Rotaplast trip to Venezuela.
Bunny told an amazing but true dog story.
ASSESSMENTS
Brian Elie paid $20.00 and described his fine time in Mexico
Bea told a Mexico story
Tammy had to pay $20.00 because her daughter can accurately throw a basketball under pressure from behind the 3-point line.
Seth paid $5.00 for being late even though he was volunteering to collect the fines.
Susie was apparently a shining light in a very glittery and public Las Vegas orgy. She, for doing, and Carolyn and Peter, for telling, all paid $10.00.
Harold passed around a photo of a coconut crab attacking a garbage can. He donated $20.00 to Paul Harris because of his false start referred to above.
OP fined himself an unknown amount for not setting his relief pitcher up properly last week, though he and Meghan did enjoy Elton John.
PROGRAM:
Jessie introduced Stephen Quiggle, a counselor of the young, both in SOHUM and Leggett. Stephen talked about creativity, asking the question: What is a successful society?
He observed two qualities in the young. They say they’re bored. They think they’re entitled. This, Stephen suggests, is not a formula for creativity. The young are not in touch with their imaginations, not committed to what inspires them. Solutions to boredom consist of involvement in projects larger than the individual. Stephen challenged us to consider what skill or subject each of us could teach as part of an enrichment program at the teen center or school.
Thanks to Stephen and Jesse. Was that Jesse who offered to be Sgt next week?
Rotary Minutes February 10, 2009
Vintage meatloaf with mushroom sauce (a favorite Rotary recipe from the Brass Rail pre-salt era), mashed potatoes, Popeye spinach, green salad; for dessert black and white pudding which was really brown and yellow. No bell, no President , but we were fortunate to have Mr. Chris complete with glassware and silverware and a good bang for the buck.
Pledge: Patrick led us
Inspiration: Craig inspired us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast found the vibrant Erin Dunn amongst us.
Guests: Carol Jarvis, Patti Tarabonovich, Ken Forden and John Rogers.
Community Report: We learned of a death in the Mullins family, and reports on Roy and B-Dennis.
Rotary 2 minutes, twice.
Seth updated us on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation renewed commitment to Polio Plus.
The Foundation contributed $100,000,000 which was or is being matched by Rotary. They have now offered an additional $255,000,000 for which Rotary is obligated to raise a second $100,000.000. We have until 2012 to raise the second slab. This information corrects last week’s report.
In his two minutes Clif provided more detail. When he called for hands, many in the group remembered knowing someone who had polio. Rotary has been working to eradicate polio since 1985 and has raised 1.2 billion dollars on this effort.
Syd described the club’s role at the Save Our Schools fund raiser at Toths on Sat Feb 28th. Rotary will do the bar and Syd is looking for help. A number of good men and women volunteered. Profits will go to SOS
Chris entertained us with a report on the Rancho Cotati, non-event fund raiser. Buy a ticket and stay home.
Last call for the Earth Club Chocolate sale on Friday the 13th at 5:30 Senior Center
Buy some chocolate at take it to the wine tasting at the Senior Center the next day from one to six.
We have nine people signed up for the Fortuna Sunrise Carlotta dinner on Feb 23.
Erin Dunn gave us some details about the dinners
Harold reported on the good times and good winnings at the Ferndale Steak and Lobster fund raiser last Saturday. Club members brought home around $1,200.00. All the winners present paid ten except Don who donated $60.00 toward a daughter’s Paul Harris.
Ernie was slapped with $5.00 for speaking out of turn.
Steve Bowen’s cell phone cost him $20.00.
PROGRAM: Ernie introduced Ken Forden, who did the talking, and his able assistant John Rogers, who ran the PowerPoint production. The subject was local hardwoods and what uses we can make of them. Ken is the moving force at Whitethorn Hardwoods, a division of Whitethorn Construction. John is formerly with the Institute for Sustainable Forestry and a former woodworker. Local hardwoods from which usable products can be derived include: Tan Oak, Madrone, Black Walnut, Cypress, Chinquapin, Pepperwood, Live Oak and Maple. The good people at Whitethorn Hardwoods produce slabs, flooring, architectural woodwork and doors. Other local craftsmen use local hardwoods in other ways. Whitethorn Hardwood prefers to purchase lumber but they will buy logs. All of their wood is kiln dried; the kilns are heated with propane. They also offer advice to wood workers involved with local hardwoods. We viewed a lengthy list of companies who tried making money from local hardwoods and no longer exist. Ken acknowledged Bob McKee’s patience and dedication to this project. Ninety percent of our local wood flooring is imported from out of state. But Whitethorn Hardwood is growing. It keeps a supply of more that 100,000 board feet in its inventory and fifty percent of its sales are out of the area. We saw images of beautiful floors, furniture, doors, walls and a sculpture all made from local wood.
This was an informative and interesting program. Thanks to Ken, John and Ernie.
No book could be found but Bea promised to get it to Ken to sign. We found no ball to draw and no pouch to draw it from and no sergeant to draw it.. Rumor has it our President and his wife are hanging out with Elton John in Las Vegas. A well-deserved break.
Rotary Minutes February 3, 2009
Sgt. Brian Harper was here and applauded. Pork Enchilada pie, a puree of beans, green salad and a cookie for dessert. Our President, bell-less but not clueless, managed to get us to our feet.
Pledge: Our Pres led us
Inspiration: Craig provided the inspiration
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast had a live one, David Griffiths from Ferndale, but that didn’t prevent him from briefly entertaining us.
Guests: Sequoia Cross and Bonnie Griffiths
Community Reporter: Like a good news anchor Tammy delegated the reporting to those most knowledge in the room. We got updates on Roy, B- Dennis and Louie.
Syd described the Chamber Citizen of the Year event as the most attended, the funniest and the most successful ever. He extended his thanks to Rotarians who were involved.
President Greg missed the dinner because he was on a ski trip at Mt. Shasta with the exchange students. He told us several entertaining and some moving stories about the students.
We learned about the great Chocolate Auction sponsored by the SF Earth Club to be held at the Healy Senior Center on Friday February 13th starting 5:45 pm.
O’Dennis assured us that Roy would distribute the money from the Super Bowl pool.
President Greg passed the signup sheet for the Fortuna Sunrise dinner on Monday February 23
He also had tickets (winning tickets if the past is any indication) for the Phillipsville VFD fund raiser, winner receives a trip to Las Vegas or $2,000.00. Tickets are $10.00.
Room is still available on a crew going to India for hands-on polio eradication. Takes place between Feb 24 and March 4th. Costs $1,895.00.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation upped their gift from $100,000,000 to $255,000,000. Rotary’s obligation is not increased.
Craig gave us a two minute Rotary talk on the dictionary project.
Our President announced the end of the recession. (Unfortunately it was Pres Pfau and not Pres Obama, but we were happy to learn that business is picking up at his shop.)
Ernie announced that next week’s program will be on local hardwoods
We had no program today because the speaker was ill.
While he was up Ernie paid an unknown fine for his work as MC of the Chamber Dinner
With no program in sight, OP moved to raise revenue by selecting a victim from each table.
Susan paid $5.00, Susie paid $5.00, Jeff paid for his Rotary anniversary with a story and a fin, Doug was called on but Jim ended up paying, OP demonstrating once again his wisdom, A-Dennis paid five for his wife’s birthday, Steve Dazey had a Rotary anniversary and paid with a story and $5.00, Don paid $20.00 for telling the truth (admitting that his phone had rung), Bea paid $10.00 for not telling a story, Harold paid $5.00.
A ransom note was read regarding the bell. OP paid and the bell and gavel returned.
Ernie told a joke and paid again
Susie told a joke that was good enough to avoid a fine
VP Peter described a new fund raiser to replace Super Schools, along the lines of Winesong in Fort Bragg, to be called Feast of Fields.
Rotary Minutes January 27, 2009
It looked and tasted like beef and it might have been prime rib and it was served with mashed potatoes, a green salad and for dessert a cookie, or if you could pilfer one, maybe two. Our President did not eat but he had in his possession all the accessories necessary to perform his responsibilities. At the appointed hour, or half-hour, he clanged one object against the other and we dutifully rose to face the fully visible flag.
Pledge. Seth led us
Inspiration. Our Pres led a moment of silence to honor the Rotary exchange students killed or wounded by a shooter in Portland, Oregon. More below.
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast, having sampled brevity and finding it distasteful, passed around his favorite 29 letter word but settled on the pronouncing “nugatory,” which according to Mr. Quast means the same thing and saves the printer 22 letters for use elsewhere. No visiting Rotarians were discerned amid the elocution.
Guests: Jessica Gardner and Marty Messinger
Community Report. Roy is in the hospital but sounds like he is doing well. Others died including Randy Davis, Spencer Lyon and Vic Bertain.
Our Pres passed a signup sheet for the dinner on Monday evening on February 23 in Carlota.
Also a thank you note from Dr. Kim.
Syd reminded us of the Chamber Citizen of the Year dinner on Saturday the 31st.
Harold made his final pitch for the Steak and Lobster Ferndale fund raiser on Saturday February 7th. He has 26 people signed up and is hoping for four more.
Tammy, after a lengthy disclaimer, passed a Super Bowl pool that is a fund raiser for the SF Boosters’ Club
Our President described the violence in Portland that killed two exchange students, one out-bound from Portland, one visiting from Peru, and injured several others.
After the mayhem we were happy to hear of healing. Chris described his and Brian Walker’s Rotaplast trip to Oaxaca. In the end 37 children were operated on. He had kind words for the team, for the local staff and facilities, for the all-women Rotary Club in Oaxaca and for the bonding that such a project inspires.
Yo-Yo Harold bounced back up. He’s looking for someone to buy into a ticket for the afore-mentioned Steak and Lobster party and share it with Estelle Fennel. This had been Roy’s project but he will not be able to attend.
President Greg displayed a couple of newspaper clippings, complements of Steve Dazey. One described 12 cases of polio in Humboldt County back in 1951. The second was a full page ad taken from the NY Times about the Rotary polio project.
Fine: Brian Harper returned with his wallet but no excuse for last week’s absence. Our Pres lightened his load and reduced his guilt by taking twenty green ones.
Program: Susan Gardner introduced Mary Messinger supervisor for maintenance of Humboldt County roads in the Southern Humboldt area. He is responsible for 250 miles of road, fifty miles of which are unpaved. The budget provides him with $750.00 per mile. Mr. Messinger’s budget and staff are half the size they were when he began the job. While costs have increased the number of miles have not decreased. He and his staff of five (two equipment operators, three truck drivers, plus a part-time aid) are basically applying band aids to road problems. He is responsible for overhead problems, drainage problems, surface and subsurface problems. As an exception to the patch approach, last year his office did a serious re-surfacing of Briceland-Thorne road and a part of Alderpoint road with the help of crews from other areas in the County. He had high complements for KEKA because it provides current weather and road conditions and the Redwood Times for its coverage. Marty had some interesting statistics on Average Daily Traffic: North end of Garberville:7,900 vehicles, Briceland-Thorne: 2,400, Sprowl Creek at the park:1,400, Alderpoint Road: 1,600. Lots of questions were asked and answered. Marty liked the book he signed for the library so much he wanted to take it home. Thanks to him and Susan. Brian came forward, drew the green ball which allowed him to name next week’s Sergeant. Brian named, and thus redeemed, himself. (Assuming he shows up.) Craig was chosen for the Rotary 2 minutes.Rotary Minutes January 20, 2009
Power again transferred peaceably in Washington and we ate turkey sandwiches, or for the more adventurous, bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches, plus fresh-made potato chips, green salad and a brownie. Our president had the bell, the gavel and a chance to demonstrate for his wife, the fine tones he can get from these instruments.
Pledge. Doug led the pledge in red, white and blue
Inspiration: Our president found words from President Wilson that seemed to reflect the Rotary principal of service above self.
VR. With stunning brevity, Mr. Quast found no visiting Rotarians
Guests. Meghan Pfau, distinguished wife of our distinguished President, teacher Rob Standish and students Bailey Barnick and Elaina Kaye
Community Report. The SF Cubs play basketball tonight at South Fork.
Dennis Bourassa is reported doing well and being good spirits
Susan Gardner’s father died
Kent reported that Shag Coker had died this morning.
OP hopes to have some of us join him at the regular Monday night fund raiser in Fortuna on February 23
On Feb 28th there is a fund raiser in Clearlake and also the Save our Schools Fund raiser at Toph’s in Benbow. So you have a choice as to where you want to thin your wallet.
Harold still has tickets for the Ferndale fund raiser on Saturday Feb 7th.
Our President encouraged us to check out the letter in this week’s Redwood Times from Heidi Holtermann-Henning, our exchange student in Switzerland. Heidi appears to be having a good time and being a good ambassador for our club and country.
Brian Walker called OP from Oaxaca this morning to report on the Rotaplast clinic where he and Chris are working. Business is slow. Less patients showed up than anticipated and two-thirds of those had to be turned away. But he is enjoying Oaxaca.
Students of the Months. Because of inclement December weather we had no presentation last month. Today we made up for lost time by having two. Craig Parkinson introduced teacher Rob Standish who in turn made us acquainted with Elaina Kay and Bailey Barnick. Elaina is student of the month in social sciences and Bailey represents the foreign language department. Mr. Standish sang the praises of both. Bailey will be our exchange student next year. She does not yet know which country she will be in. The year following she intends to enter a film school in Vancouver, BC. Elaina is very involved in community activities and intends to enroll at either HSU or UC Santa Cruz.
David Katz celebrated his Rotary anniversary by saying that he is still in the process of becoming a “real” Rotarian.
Doug did a two minute Rotary program on Rotary in Brazil
Greg pointed out that he had passed the half-way point in his Rotary career. Roy said he was happy, and Greg could not get a real answer as to whether Roy was happy because half of the year was gone or because half remained.
Our President saluted Jim Quast who every morning walks and cleans up liter in Benbow. A number of Benbow residents threw $5.00 in the pot in honor of Jim’s good service.
Syd reported on his vacation to the south of us which consisted of visiting a lot of museums and eating good food. He paid $10.00 for the pleasure.
Bunny reminded us of the Citizen of the Year Dinner on January 31st
We had no program
This week’s sergeant Brian Harper was AWOL. Herb standing in for him, drew the yellow ball and had it been Brian he would have made $20.00. About what it will probably cost him for not showing up, (Unless he has a doctor’s note.)
Rotary Minutes January 13, 2009
The modest crowd was greeted by Sgt. Bunny. We fed on lasagna, both fin (salmon) and feather (chicken), green salad, and for dessert ice cream with warm blackberry crumbly as they say north of the 49th parallel. Our Pres had on a white shirt and was in full possession of his faculties and the beloved bell and gavel. At the half-hour, duly appointed for such matters, he summoned us to our feet.
IN THE BEGINNING
Pledge. Whoopie Harold was authorized to lead us and Ernie ran forward under the full gaze of all to liberate the flag from its hiding place so all could see and pledge.
Inspiration. Our President enlightened us with some words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Visiting Rotarians. After confessing to a violent, one might say terrorizing, attack on some innocent flesh in a supermarket, Mr. Quast surveyed the room and found few Rotarians, none of whom were visiting.
Guest. Lt. Adam Jager, who would present the program.
OP posed the question: What is January? To which honor student A-Dennis informed us and him that January was Rotary Awareness Month. (This is apparently designed to keep Rotarians aware, or at least awake, during the dark days of January.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS, ETC.
Harold had his clipboard and his message, reminding us of the Ferndale Fund Raiser on Saturday February 7, 2009. He has tickets, he has rooms, he promises a good time. And the board went round and round.
The Wilder Bunny announced the Chamber’s annual Citizen of Year dinner on January 31 at the Redway Fire Hall honoring Diana Totten, Citizen of the Year 2008.
Our President reported on a meeting he had with Linda Brodersen of the Save our Schools Foundation. SOS will be hosting a fund raising event on February 28th.
Chris reported on a Rotary-related meeting in Eureka that covered such topics as calendar date-sharing and the back-pack program. In the discussion that followed we learned that 27 children are taking advantage of the local program, and other children, including Greg’s son, are helping with the project.
On February 23 there will be a BBQ fund raiser in Fortuna.
Our man B-Dennis is in good spirits.
Craig told us we would have two students of the month in attendance next week.
We learned that both Chris and Brian W are leaving for Oaxaca later this week for a Rotaplast session.
FINES
Harold had a splendid argument to justify his scattering of advertizing pens across the tables: Helping those of us who need to sign estimated income tax checks by the 15th. The Pres seemed to momentarily accept the argument but Harold paid $20.00 for the ‘good deed.’
O’Dennis also told a fine lie to justify this cell phone usage but confessed and handed $5.00 to Sgt Bunny.
Chris, careful reader of the minutes, noted both last week’s fines for those without badges and this week’s absence of a badge on Our President. Greg offered up $5.00.
PROGRAM
Harold introduced Adam Jager. Adam has been with the CHP for 22 years and is now the Lieutenant in charge of the local office. He is the youngest of eight children and a 1981 graduate of Saint Bernard’s High School. His brother Frank was Humboldt County’s coroner for many years and is presently a member of the Eureka City Counsel. Adam completed the police training program at CR, got an AA and began work with the Eureka Police Department. A year later he got into the CHP and soon found himself working the LA highways. He made his way back to Humboldt, served on the Drug Task Force and now heads up an office responsible for the area from just north of Willits to Jordan Road. The office has 19 officers and Adam had some statistics. We had eight fatalities in 2008. The usual number is between 12-18. On the other hand tickets for speeding, seatbelts, and driving under the influence were all up. The Lieutenant does not believe that gas prices significantly reduced the amount of traffic though he admitted that truck traffic was down. He was complimentary of the local volunteer fire departments. They work well with his department. He also had favorable comments about Diana Totten’s Tech Rescue program. His office does a lot of non-traffic related work and this is typical of rural areas. Adam answered a lot of questions but didn’t bite when Harold tried to find out how fast you can ‘really go’ before you get a ticket. Thanks to Lieutenant Jager for an interesting program.
Bunny drew the green ball. She picked Doug to give a two minute Rotary presentation next week. Brian Harper will be Sgt next week. We all drove slowly home.
Rotary Minutes January 6, 2009
Chicken Tetrazzini, cooked spinach+, a green salad. Pudding for dessert.
Our President had the bell and he opened the first meeting of the new year.
Pledge: Our long-term Sgt, Patrick, led us in the pledge. Fortunately, no one appeared to sprain a neck locating the flag which was hidden behind the speaker and the Christmas tree, as if something Santa forgot.
Inspiration: OP provided a very timely quote that reminded us of the many things we have to be thankful for.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quest led us on an interesting S&M tour of his bedroom but neither he nor we found any visiting Rotarians
Guests: Debbie Scaife and Harry Jasper
Community Report: Sunshine Tammy lost her dog and her daughter lost her health for a few days and her family lost much of its vacation as a result. Tammy lost any interest she previously had in Colorado.
Harry Jasper, the new healthcare district administrator, introduced himself and passed around a photograph of his beautiful family.
Debbie Scaife revealed her future plans which fortunately for us includes remaining at the hospital as a staff nurse.
Birthdays: Craig, Steve Dazey, Greg and Dennis Bourassa, who celebrated his 65th on the meeting date. We sang and they paid five
Don got a head’s up on Mary’s birthday and paid a single.
Syd and Diane are celebrating their 51st anniversary this month. Syd was assessed $5.00 but paid $51.00.
Announcements:
Harold has arranged for Adam Jager, head of the local CHP office, to present next week’s program.
Harold also has tickets for the annual Ferndale Rotary fund raiser on February 2nd. First prize is $4,000.00. Tickets are $150 per couple, rooms are also available for an additional charge.
Roy has a Super Bowl pool and is looking for people wanting squares
Carolyn described the distribution of Super School funds. She also informed us that members of the Tobin family had contributed $40,000 to set up an endowment for achievement awards to be administered by the club.
Chris reported on the upcoming Rotaplast return trip to Oaxaca. He will be gone ten days.
OP informed us that the club reached its goal in Polio Plus contributions in 2008. (We dutifully applauded ourselves.) We also received a thank you note from RAINS for money we gave that organization.
Don and Radar both joined Rotary in January of 1988 and both have served as president of this club. Don and Radar spoke of the honor they felt for being asked to join the club. And the pleasure and satisfaction they have received from being Rotarians.
Fines:
Ernie was fined $10.00 because his dog Twizzie attacked Santa Claus and in front of a camera no less. Lump of coal next year for the dog.
In a fine that reminds us once again of Lord Acton’s famous adage, that “All power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Susan was fined $5.00 for describing in her beautiful minutes for December 23rd that the President’s explanation of the Rotary Foundation had been ‘long.’ When Doug rose to Susan’s defense he was slapped with a $5.00 fine and poor Roy, who was so apparently was so upset by this injustice, spilled his water and was fined $5.00 himself.
Still hungry for loot, OP demanded $1.00 for every Rotarian who was not wearing a pin and $2.00, or was it $5.00?, for he or she not wearing a badge.
Tammy described her ski trip referred to above and paid $20.00.
Greg fined himself because his son was named all tourney at a basketball tournament.
Program: Our own Bill Stewart was back to educate us on the possible parallels between the decline of the Roman empire and present conditions in the good old USA. In Bill’s opinion Edward Gibbons book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, is one of the five most important books ever written in the English language and holds truths relevant for us today. Bill began by describing his good fortune to be stationed at Wiesbaden, Germany as a young Air Force officer shortly after WWII. Bill described the beautiful accommodations and the short time he had to enjoy them since he was soon transferred to a tent in a rural area of France. Fortunately in France he was able to enjoy the many traces left by the Romans two millenniums before. This included roads, some with the tracks of Roman wagons still visible, bridges and a beautiful aqueduct. He also met Jacques a wonderfully bright Jewish former resistence fighter from Paris who introduced him to the local people and culture.
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire was published in 1776. It was available to our Founding Fathers and influenced them greatly. Bill believes that many of the qualities that characterize our constitutional system, such as checks and balances, state’s rights etc. were formulated by our Founding Fathers to help us avoid the fate that fell to Rome. In Rome affluence led to graft and on to dictators. An inattentive populace grew more concerned with entertainment than governance.
Following Bill’s presentation, Herb suggested that the Obama campaign and the internet connections it spawned may provide the closeness and the sense of community that will help keep our republic healthy.
Bill was thanked for his interesting program.
Patrick drew the blue ball and after coughing up five bucks named the Wilder Bunny as next week’s Sergeant at Arms.