Club Bulletins 2011-2012
Rotary Minutes January 17, 2012
By Doug Ingold
President Karyn was back, bell-in-hand, and she brought along her husband to enjoy the chicken tetrazzini-like entre, the baguette-like bread, and the green-like salad. The daring also got a cup-like-cake for dessert. Then at the moment of the hour’s half-pastness, our President clobbered the bell and up we rose.
PLEDGE: Bea led us.
INSPIRATION: Craig provided the prayer.
VISITING ROTARAINS: Doc Don found none, not one.
GUESTS: David Thomas (the First Gentleman back on his feet), Rebecca Brown, Leslie Yale, Ray and Marie Rafael, Virginia Graziani, Gordon Boraks and Adam Jaeger.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy had no news.
OTHER STUFF:
PRESIDENT Karyn thanked David Katz for conducting the meeting last week.
SHERM. O’Dennis said the club had been invited to help with Sherm’s memorial service on January 28th.
O’DENNIS also outlined the school bus demonstration being planned for Sacramento. Students and community members will be heading to the capital next Tuesday (the 24th) to circle the capitol to protest the State’s reduction of transportation funds. In the meantime, call your representatives.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Clif, the guy with the cute tail, introduced teacher Leslie Yale (beware of the rhyme there) who is with the SF Science Dept. and who sang the praises of Rebecca Brown, the student of the month for science. Rebecca, a student in Ms. Yale’s physic’s class, was described by her teacher as bright, focused, respectable, always present and a joy to teach. Rebecca plans to attend California State Monterey. She wants to major in marine biology and photography and she hopes to spend one of her undergraduate years in Australia studying and helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Congratulations to Rebecca.
FOUNDATION. Cliff reported that our participation with the Foundation is less than 100% so far this year and we need to correct that. Also the amount of our average contribution is below what we would like. You will hear more about this.
JOHN CLARK reported that he attended a Rotary meeting in Texas where he was treated very nicely. He displayed and contributed the banner he brought back. His contribution of $100.00 produced a round of applause.
DICTIONARIES. They’ve arrived and it may well be they have new words in them. If you want to share the pleasure of distributing dictioneries to third graders contact Craig.
FERNDALE. Harold still has one ticket (For a couple $150) for the Steak and Lobster feed on February 4th in Ferndale.
BACKPACKS. The program will resume later this week. Susie asked for help and she got offers from Garth and Bea.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. Doug passed along a message from Dee Way at the Chamber office asking that persons who were planning on buying their tickets at the door to call her office in advance so she can anticipate how many citizens plan to attend.
Rotary Minutes January 10, 2012
By Doug Ingold
And so the mob gathered to feed on chicken and rice, mixed veggies and a green salad with a brownie for dessert. In President Karyn’s absence, President-elect David was our acting president. David had brought along a Tibetan bell consisting of two brass cymbals joined with a length of twine to serve in place of the beloved bell. Unfortunately the exotic device was purloined before David reached the front of the room and he was forced to use the faux black bell, that least musical of all instruments, to get our attention.
PLEDGE: Bill led us.
INSPIRATION: Clif memorialized two great Rotarians who had left us in the previous week: Howard French and Sherm Hensell.
VISITING ROTARIANS: We were not so blessed.
GUESTS: Greg Knostman, Kathryn Lobato, Kate Russell, Chris Witt and Heather Hostler.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy confirmed the deaths of Sherm and Howard, also George Liddy and Meghan Pfau’s mother.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SUPERBOWL: O’Dennis had the annual Super Bowl Pool that he passed around at $25.00 a square.
FERNDALE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: Harold has tickets for this event to be held on February 4th.
BOARD MEETING RECAP. Those present could only report that there was pizza and good wine. Apparently, very good wine and plenty of it.
REDWOODS REGIONAL MEETING. David attended and read off a list of upcoming events.
DR. KIM’S WINE. Susie proposed to sell for $50.00 and Brian H agreed to purchase for $100.00 which went to Paul Harris.
ESTELLE announced a campaign fund raiser at the Benbow Inn on March 10th.
SCHOOL BUSSING. Once upon a time in this country we had forced bussing of school kids. Now we have no busses at all. O’Dennis gave a report on a recent school board meeting in which 200 people attended. Because of budget cutbacks, the District gave lay-off notices to 14 bus drivers and support personnel. He urged citizens to call their assemblyman and state senator.
BLONDE JOKE. In President Karyn’s absence, the tradition continues. David had a joke on hand.
BIRTHDAYS. Peter, Steve, Craig and Darren. And the acting Pres demanded twenty each.
BEA’S NEW CAR has its problems but it is new and Bea paid $25.00 for the honor.
HAROLD’S BIRTHDAY happened last month, his 85th and he contributed that amount.
SETH AND ERNIE had anniversaries and each paid. (Seth $11.00 and Ernie $40.00 reflecting the vintages of their marriages.)
BILL HAS BEEN IN THE CLUB 56 YEARS.
RAFFLE was won again by Jim “Mr. Raffle” Quast.
BELL BACK. Craig proposed to Acting Pres David that he could buy back his Tibetan bell by purchasing two squares in the Super Bowl pool. The deal was struck and the bell magically returned.
PROGRAM: A-Dennis introduced Chris Witt, Kathryn Lobato, Kate Russell and Heather Hostler all from the Humboldt Area Foundation which is one of 650 community foundations in the United States. Kathryn serves on the board. The others are members of the staff. Chris Witt related the story of Vera Vietor whose original donation created the Humboldt Area Foundation. The gift of her and her husband’s home plus two million dollars has since 1972 led to the distribution of grants and scholarships totaling $55 million. We learned that there are different kinds of funds. With some the donors direct how the funds are used; the distributions of others are directed by the Foundation or by committees set up by the Foundation. Some are endowment funds, others are expendable funds. Kathryn told us about the Southern Humboldt Fund which she set up with a contribution of her own and which is actually a collection of funds designated by their contributors to aid the southern Humboldt community. Distributions of these funds are directed by committees formed of groups of people who live in the community. Grant maker Heather Hostler explained that the grants from the Southern Humboldt Funds are awarded annually on November 1st. Last year applicants requested over $100,000 in grants and there was $16,000.00 available to award. Members of the crowd had a number of questions.
Thanks to Dennis, Chris, Kathryn, Heather and Kate for an informative program. And thanks to David for a fine job as acting president. With his bell back in hand, he was able to end the meeting on a pleasant note.Rotary Minutes December 20, 2011
By Doug Ingold
No bell, no gavel, no President, almost no Rotarians, but good barbecued chicken, rice, veggies, green salad and one of the familiar desserts. In time Mr. O’Sullivan placed himself behind the podium. He announced that Pres Karyn was sick and that he was in charge. Though he produced no evidence to collaborate this claim of authority we rose in ragged response to face the flag.
PLEDGE. We were ably led by Haley Mulder, a fifth-grade student from Redway School.
INSPIRATION. Clif prayed for us. (Greg rushed to deliver Clif a microphone but Clif rejected it, apparently confident that the intended listener could hear him without it.)
VISITING ROTARIANS. The ever-eloquent Mr. Quast leaped to his feet just as the tardy Lock Doc was coming through the door and announced that we had two visiting Rotarians: Kim Bauriedel and Bert Campton.
GUESTS. Jim Lowry, John Clark, for the last time, Haley Mulder, Hannah Crenshaw, Julie Johansen and Isabelle Maggiani.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Peter has been operated on to have some heart vessels opened but appears to be doing fine. Both Nancy and Pres Karyn have a bug. Donna Mendes continues to suffer from shingles. OUR MAN GREG IS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. Get your directory update in. If you want to submit a digital photo it will help validate your state of health or decay for future generations. Acting Pres Dennis thanked Shon and others for helping with the Rotary-hosted Chamber Holiday Mixer.
ELECTION. No last minute candidates emerged and Doug will be Secretary next year. All other positions remain the same.
NEW BLOOD. Clif welcomed John Clark to the front along with Susie who was acting as a stand-in for Peter, John’s sponsor. John was welcomed to the club, given a red badge, taught the Roger Adams’ quote and is now a Rotarian. We learned his wife is Carol, that he has a lot of experience volunteering and knows bicycles. Welcome John!
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif introduced Jim Lowry from the Department of English at South Fork who in turn introduced Isabelle Maggiani, a senior in honors English. Mr. Lowry said a lot of complementary things about Isabelle, and Isabelle informed us that she hopes to attend Boston University next year and that she is currently reading Kurt Vonnegut. One can do worse.
REDWAY SCHOOL APPRECIATION. Clif was back before us introducing Haley Mulder, Hannah Crenshaw and Principal (and Associate Superintendent) Julie Johansen. Haley and Hannah are fifth-graders who were active in raising funds for Polio Plus, through their Purple Pinkie campaign. Redway School collected almost $1,000.00 in the campaign. Clif produced a formal Appreciation which he presented to the three guests in honor of the school’s efforts.
JOKE. Acting Pres Dennis confessed to not being blonde so he did not tell a blonde joke. He did tell a story about his brother (if he has a brother) who was not present to defend himself.
RAFFLE. As if he had not done enough already, Clif won the raffle.
Rotary Minutes December 13, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Chili Verde, rice+, green salad with some color, the usual desserts. A lady with a bell and a spoon informed us it was time to cut the idle chatter, get to our feet and face the flag.
PLEDGE: H-Brian led us
INSPIRATION: President Karyn reflected on the good news of Scott Bliss’s successful operation and the remarkable show of community support that preceded it.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Quast, ever alert for nuance, found two visiting former Rotarians: Alan Katz and Marylee Bytheriver.
GUESTS: In addition to those above, John Clark and Jim Gergits.
COMMUNITY REPORT: SCOTT BLISS’S lungs replacement appears to have gone remarkably well. Bill reminisced about RUTH NICHOLS, who died recently. During the early decades of Garberville Rotary it was common to sing a few songs at the meetings. Ruth attended the meetings and played the piano.
CORRESPONDENCE: We received a note from Mark of the Ferndale Club thanking us for the visit and threatening to reciprocate.
CHAMBER MIXER: It’s this Friday and Rotary is hosting.
TRACY THE CRIME STOPPER: Our man Tracy described how he helped convince a local woman not send almost $4,000.00 to get her grandson out of jail in Peru when her grandson was neither in jail and nor in Peru.
ELECTIONS: Several positions are up for election. Doug agreed to be nominated for Secretary, thinking someone would rise to oppose him. He had no luck but there’s still time for a write in campaign. The election takes place next week.
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES: Several members joined in Decembers past including Jim “It has been a blessing in many ways” Quast, Craig, Susie and David.
RAFFLE. Guest Jim Gergits won the raffle.
Rotary Minutes December 6, 2011
By Doug Ingold
For the last meeting of 2011 we enjoyed chicken satay, rice, veggies, a green salad and one of the usual desserts. The tables were holiday-decorated and arranged to accommodate the piano. Delicious chocolate candies compliments of Rob formed the centerpiece of each table decoration temping some to start with dessert. In the absence of President Karyn, acting President Bill removed the bell from a secure location, produced a diminutive ball-peen hammer and with a single if robust blow brought the skewered chicken eaters, each in his or her own way dripping with peanut sauce, to their tootsies.
PLEDGE: Susan led us
INSPIRATION: Doug recited a Scottish blessing borrowed from Robert Burns.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Don found the world-hopping “at large” Rotarian Brian Walker.
GUESTS. We had no guests.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We learned that Leland Lewis had died, that former club-member Howard French appears to be near the end of his life, and that First Gentlemen David is suffering from dizzy spells.
BRAIN WALKER REPORTS. He is back a week from India where we was doing a site visit for a Rotoplast project that will take place in the spring with a side visit to the Taj Mahal. He will soon be headed to Bangladesh.
DAYS OF NOTE. For which tribute was paid:
Birthdays: Bea, Brian E and Harry.
Anniversaries: Ernie, Doug, Nancy.
Spouse Birthdays: Estelle, Kent; Bunny got a pass.
NO MEETING ON DECEMBER 27, 2011.
THANKS TO ROB. Susie presented Rob with a card signed by those of us present and money collected from the members in gratitude for the fine service he has provided us this past year. Rob responded by saying the work is a “blessing” to him. Then we all applauded each other.
HEALY SENIOR CENTER RAFFLE. Estelle had raffle tickets and seemed to do an excellent job selling them.
THE ROTARY RAFFLE winning ticket was held by the ever-jovial Mr. Quast.
PROGRAM. With the talented Kent playing the piano and leading the singing, we sang a collection of Christmas songs that were interspersed with members personal Christmas memories that included experiences from such far away spots as Bavaria, Ireland, Holland and Canada and from times long past. It was for this lucky participant an altogether delightful meeting. Thanks, to Bill, Kent and everyone present.Rotary Minutes November 22, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The famished Rotarians pushing against the food table exhibited a feeding frenzy in their eagerness to reach the turkey, dressing, mashed spuds, sweet spuds, cranberry sauce, salad and pumpkin pie. Tis once again the season when our lust turns toward the bird which would be our national symbol had Ben Franklin had his way. In keeping with the season, and since the gavel is still missing, our President struck the bell with a very large wooden spoon. And the meal having ended and the bell having sounded, we stuffed birds rose to face the flag.
At our President’s request, we shared a moment of silence in remembrance of our past president, our good friend and fine Rotarian, Syd Lehman.
PLEDGE. Shon led us.
INSPIRATION. Craig remembered Syd and his family.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Sgt. Quast reported no visiting Rotarians.
GUESTS. Brittney Anderson, Roberta Twitchler, John Roark, John’s mother and his siblings.
FERNDALE CONFAB. Susie reported that the joint meeting was a fun success. They feasted on Cornish game hen. Harold allegedly tried and failed to steal the bell which had been transformed into a 90 pound anvil for the occasion.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Craig went to St. Joseph Hospital to see Molly Brown and also ran into Molly’s neighbor Milton Anderson who was in the next room. Hank Jasper is also in the hospital. Harold’s Donna is enduring a bout of shingles.
HOLIDAY PARTY. It will be next Tuesday the 29th at Cecil’s. Bar opens at six, dinner for those still standing is at seven. Come celebrate together
CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY. Rotary is hosting this event on Friday December 9th at the Credit Union. Come celebrate together again.
THE AFGANISTAN CARE PACKAGE. We have raised $500.00 and Susan passed a card for signing.
BIG BUCKS. President Karyn reported that since 2000, our club has donated to the world in the forms of cash or programs more than $576,000.00.
BACKPACK PROGRAM. Susie described how the school’s foundation applied for a grant to help with this program and how the grant will free up some money in our budget to assist other worthy programs.
HISTORY STORAGE. Pres Karyn described how we got storage space and a file cabinet with the help of Blue Star Gas, Dazey’s and Brian Harper.
HUMBOLDT FEAST. Ernie reported that the club is moving toward holding the first of these events at Dean Creek Resort.
ELECTION COMING UP. There are three openings: Vocational, Club Service and Youth? Ernie, Nancy, Brian and Craig have agreed to run again. No other names were volunteered.
RAFFLE LOSS AND RAFFLE PROFIT. If you didn’t buy a raffle ticket, you had to pay $1.00. A-Dennis had bought one and he won.
PAUL HARRIS. Clif gave out a Paul Harris Fellowship and his daughter Brittney, the famous Portland dog-care-giver, accepted the honor and honored her father with a hug.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Tammy did the honors, introducing Roberta Twitchler, teacher, and John Roark, student. Ms. Twitchler teaches food and restaurant management at SF. She described John as very dependable and helpful. John told us he is headed toward CR to study auto and diesel mechanics, and from there the world.
BLUE BADGERS. President Karyn conducted a ceremony in which Harry, Nate and Estelle went from red to blue.
FINE MASTER. FM Greg sold badges to Tammy and Ernie. Peter was fined ten for phoning Ernie and Ernie was fined ten for having his phone on. H-Brian is back from Vermont and is a recent winner of the 300 club raffle. He generously gave $100.00 to the club.
Rotary Minutes November 8, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Delicious chicken, rice, veggies with peanuts, green salad, the wedge dessert. Pres Karyn was back with bell, securely locked, and a faux gavel, which in combination, got us to our feet.
PLEDGE: Harold led us in the pledge after explaining why it was so important to him.
INSPIRATION: Craig spoke on our behalf.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Don found none.
GUESTS: Gary Welborn, Dr. Peter Lehman.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy reported that the SF ladies’ volleyball team is playing in the sectionals at South Fork on Saturday. Doors open at six, game is at seven, there will be a meal for sale.
Ernie had seen Dennis Bourassa who is recovering well from his surgery.
Estelle saw Syd and he continues to visit with guests.
FERNDALE. Our great impresario Harold has worked out the details on the Ferndale trip on the15th. Car pools leave Redway School at 5:45.
COME TO THE NOON MEETING ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2011 AND YOU WILL DINE ALONE, ON NOTHING.
PRES KARYN thanked Skip for standing in for her last week. David is still in pain from broken leg and they will be seeking a second opinion.
NANCY reported that her Jerry is recovering from back surgery but it is taking him longer than he had hoped.
SUSAN AND TAMMY reported on Tammy’s nephew, Ian, and his experiences with the military in Afghanistan. Susan is proposing we put together a care package for his unit.
CLIF was acknowledged for his 23rd anniversary with the club. He reminisced about his year as president and a ponytail that came, went and has again returned.
PRES KARYN and DAVID are celebrating (more quietly than originally planned) their 32nd anniversary and she donated $32.00 to the club.
HOLIDAY PARTY will be on the fifth Tuesday of this month, the 29th. Details are still forming in the mind of the honorable Mr. O’Sullivan.
WINE TASTING at Benbow. Imbibe and bid on the auction items on Saturday Nov. 12th from two to five at the Benbow Inn, all in support the Friends of the Redwood Libraries.
FINES AND CONFESSIONS. FM GREG admitted to harassing TAMMY. BILL described a family division at this weekend’s Stanford-Oregon game but felt they could surmount it. ERNIE confessed (a SUSAN-forced confession) to having a fake Rotary button on his badge. Then there was the clock which has again wandered off to other time zones. CRAIG’S granddaughter is walking to the applause of the Garberville Rotary Club.
BLONDE JOKE. This week’s joke was keeping with this and last week’s programs: Windows that pay for themselves.
Rotary Minutes November 1, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The sandwiches, the salad, the cupcakes. A guy named Skip (a former paparazzo, now acting Pres) sat behind the podium half hidden by a large metal pot that would in time serve as a feeble excuse for a bell, a bell which when struck made a sound so unmusical that each and every member of the mob jumped to his or her feet with an alacrity that suggested the earth itself had begun to tremble.
PLEDGE. And so we did, Peter leading us.
INSPIRATION. Craig inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Don reported we had a dearth, but no visiting Rotarians.
GUESTS. The following were tracked down and identified: Ben Winker, Annie Katz, John Clark.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Skip began by reading an inspirational report suggesting how we might best pass the time we have left on this earth. Tammy reported that President Karyn was absent because our First Gentleman David had fallen yesterday and broken a leg. Estelle gave us an update on Syd. He too had suffered a fall but was getting on.
FOUR-WAY NATE. Our man Nate recited the four-way test with class.
BLONDE JOKE. In Karyn’s absence, Jim told a blonde joke.
WORLD SERIES POOL. Winners in the club included Brian Elie, Kelly and Garth.
FERNDALE VISIT. Harold sought out people to go to Ferndale. In the end, not enough folks signed up to take the bus so we will be carpooling.
UPCOMING DATES. Acting Pres Skip reminded us that Friday is Veterans Day and that early Sunday morning the clocks will pause for an hour. (And just when we got the big one working!)
FINE MASTER. FM Greg. New month, new special days. Birthday: Clif, spouse birthdays: Craig and Doug, anniversaries: Estelle and Bunny. Everyone paid five except Estelle paid (was it 20?).
Doug paid $50.00 for his recent trip to the east coast.
Everyone who had not rotated their seating location paid a buck
Brian gave the two-fifty he won on the pool to Paul Harris.
Garth gave $20.00
Ernie described his swim with his fishes and paid $10.00
O’Dennis was praised for getting the clock fixed.
Peter described the harrowing but injury-free descent of the Calico sign.
Tales were told of the hoards of costumed children on the streets of Garberville on Halloween.
The Past Presidents’ group is compiling a club history and is looking for old documents and records.
Rotary Minutes October 18, 2011
By Susan Gardner
FOOD: Pasta with red sauce, chicken and veggies, along with the obligatory green salad, and bread was on the menu for the day. There were also some very decadent pastries, which I gamely tried to ignore and looked at like a work of art, and therefore inedible.
PLEDGE: Our very own returning Brian Walker talked about how out of all the countries he has visited, there is just no place like home and the good old U.S.A. He said there isn’t anywhere else he would rather live. We then followed him in the Pledge.
INSPIRATION: Clif Anderson inspired us once again with his words of wisdom and thanks.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Don Orazem introduced Rotarian-at-Large Brian Walker, Tom Semingson, who now has his very own badge, and the visiting D.V.M. Rotarian Darrell Guellette who now lives in Panama.
GUESTS: Ernie the Branscomb introduced Briceland’s Fire Chief, Tim Olson, who couldn’t believe he was getting a free lunch without having to give a program. Nancy Wilson introduced Garberville Librarian John Christensen. Peter Connolly introduced, I think, Don Clark. I couldn’t really hear what he said.
John Christensen told us how much he appreciates all the donations and help the Garberville Rotary Club has given to the library. He said other Rotary Clubs in Humboldt County have also stepped up to help their local libraries. He also wanted everyone to know that the Benbow Hotel & Resort is planning on holding a fundraiser with the proceeds to benefit the Garberville Library. He asked that we all keep the silent auction in mind for this event and to please attend the event to show our support. He said the library does not receive county funding for new books and materials and is very appreciative of the club’s donations of a book each week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Bea said she, Estelle, and Susie all went to the Art & Swine event in Fortuna and had a great time. She said the Rohner Park facility is a great venue for such events with a large covered pavilion. Four clubs were represented at the event.
THE WANDERER RETURNS: Brian W. just returned from his latest Rotoplast trip to the Philippines where they performed 70 procedures. This was his 16th time traveling to some remote part of the world to lend a “hand” (see more about this below). He said this is one of the best Rotary groups to work with and they made it as easy as possible in dealing with supplies and Customs.
Brian deserves a hand (or should I say) he travels with his hands – all five of them. He actually took along five prosthetic hands to donate to those who might be missing that very important appendage. His roommate thought he was some kind of body-parts snatcher. They actually ended up finding a very poor man who was missing a hand and made his life a little bit easier. He was living in a 10x10 room with no indoor shower and was very thankful for the kind donation.
Brian’s next Rotoplast trips will be to Bangladesh and Liberia. He also thanked Prez Karyn for such a good newsletter and said it allows him to check up on us.
PANAMANIAN: Darrell Guellette said he volunteers for Spay Panama and helped with 1,140 spay and neuter surgeries in five days. Darrell, Brian W. and Prez-to-Be David Katz are all planning on attending the International Rotary Convention in Thailand.
HARRY’S EXCUSES: This may sound like a movie title, but Harry Jasper has been missing in action for a few weeks. It’s no wonder he’s still wearing his red badge. He made up some lame excuses about his hospital duties and having to go to Washington State to visit his adorable sons. He did say he is planning on a makeup meeting or two at the Lewiston, Idaho Rotary Club next time he visits his kids. It’s time for that blue badge Harry.
PREZIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Prez Karyn said Skip Stone has stepped up to the plate and will be the past-president advisor.
Dennis O was finally awarded the honor of being Rotarian of the Month. The Prez said, “He’s behind just about everything we do in the club.” Congrats Mr. O. It is a well-deserved honor.
YEAH TRACY: Tracy Stowe repeated the Four-Way Test very eloquently. Good job! The Prez said she needs those red badges back soon from all you stragglers to give to our new members.
I GIVE!! Okay, okay!! Even after dying my hair red for the day, Prez Karyn is bound and determined to pick on me every week with her joke telling. By the way Prez, as you very well know, “blondes really do have more fun!”
PROGRAM: Nancy W. introduced Nate Bush as the program in the absence of Shon Wellborn. Nate told us all about what it takes to run a major grocery store. Great program Nate!
Rotary Minutes October 11, 2011
By Susan Gardner
FOOD: Yummy ribs, veggies and chocolate cupcakes were enjoyed by all.
PLEDGE: Tracy Stowe talked about visiting foreign countries and seeing police armed with automatic weapons and being very thankful to live in this country. We then followed him in the Pledge.
INSPIRATION: Clif Anderson inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Don Orazem introduced Curt Vartell (excuse the spelling of his name) from Eureka Rotary’s Old Farts Club (Don’s words, not mine!) and the effervescent Erin Dunn from the Fortuna Sunrise Club. Darren Tomasini explained that Curt was an old friend and his guest for the day.
GUESTS: Brian Elie introduced his lovely wife, Robin. Tammy Harrison introduced her guest speakers Leslie Goff and Somer Wallan.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Prez Karyn announced the board meeting that night. She passed around the sign-up sheets for upcoming events.
She also made the big announcement about our club receiving the $1,500 grant from the district for her very presidential project, which is the mural on the wall of the Community Credit Union.
The Prez made a passionate plea for more help with the Youth Exchange Program. Don Orazem agreed to attend the board meeting and Tammy agreed to handle the outgoing part of it. We need to decide very soon if we are going to continue this program. We cannot have an outgoing student without an incoming one.
Clif sold more Foundation raffle tickets, which will go towards your Paul Harris. Foundation tickets for the informal black tie dinner are also still available.
HONORABLE BILL: U.S. Veteran Bill Stewart told us about his Honor Flight trip back to Washington, D.C. He was only 17 when he joined the Maritime Service in 1945 to fight for his country in World War II. Other local veterans who joined him on this trip included George Mullins and Fred Green. Former resident Bud Slagle also made the trip. Bill said they were very fortunate and were not searched and didn’t have to take their shoes off at the airport, which was welcomed by the older veterans.
He said they took four buses with 99 veterans and 40 assistants to the various memorials and monuments in Washington including the World War II memorial. With tears in his eyes, along with others in the room, he talked about receiving three letters from kids from Idaho thanking him for his service to his country.
HEALY SENIOR CENTER: Estelle Fennell said the Healy Senior Center is in dire need of an on-demand hot water heater and asked the club to possibly help with the cost. She also said a lawsuit had been filed against the county regarding lack of public participation for the General Plan Update.
WORLD SERIES: Dennis O’Sullivan passed around the Roy Heider Memorial World Series Pool sheet.
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Erin Dunn announced a great PR opportunity for the club. Prez Karyn will be video taped for a 60-second promotional spot to air on the Eureka television channels. The spots will alternate between our area’s 12 Rotary Clubs.
BEAS AND BUNNIES: The Bea and the Wilder Bunny were putting together the basket for the Foundation Dinner and asked for local donations. Tracy very nicely volunteered a donation from Ray’s Food Place. Yeah Tracy!!!
ARE YOU JOKING? Prez Karyn told another blonde joke. Now, not only is she making fun of blondes, but also Irish blondes. I just happen to be both of those. Thanks Prez! I think I’ll dye my hair bright red.
PROGRAM: Tammy introduced Leslie Goff and Somer Wallan who gave a very inspiring program about Tough Mudders. Those people have to be insane to do what they did.
Rotary Minutes October 4, 2011
By Susan Gardner
Once again, Doug has abandoned the club and left me to do the bulletin. If anyone else would like to take it over, my feelings won’t be hurt at all.
FOOD: A warm meal of chicken and vegetables, salad, bread, and dessert awaited the large and hungry crowd.
PLEDGE: Seth Johannesen recognized all our past, current and future patriots who have made many sacrifices for our freedom. Bill Stewart was on his way to Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight and hopefully will give us a full report when he returns.
INSPIRATION: Prez Karyn read an inspiration from the Dali Lama, which some of us agreed was kind of depressing, but a true reflection of life.
VISITING ROTARIANS: None whatsoever.
GUESTS: I missed who the guests were because I forgot my camera and had to run outside. I didn’t see any strangers in the crowd. But, I know Seth brought his adorable daughter Elizabeth with him. She is so quiet you never know she is there. Must have something to do with good parenting. Congratulations Seth and Megan for teaching your kids all about manners and respect – something that is greatly lacking in our very own community and the world today.
COMMUNITY UPDATE: Tammy announced that Redway resident Ted Courtemanche passed away. And Joyce Peterson had a devastating stroke and is not doing well.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Shon W will be ordering magnetic badges for $15. Let her know if you want your magnetic personality displayed via a new and shiny badge. Ernie bragged about how he only paid $5 for his.
Clif said he still has raffle tickets for the Foundation Dinner: 5 for $100 or $25 each. Dennis O passed around the Heider World Series fundraising poster. It’s only $25 a square with a possibility of eight different ways to win. And, the best part is you don’t have to know a thing about baseball to collect your winnings.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Prez Karyn passed around sign-up sheets for upcoming Rotary events.
GREG’S PLEA: Along with levying and collecting fines, Greg P said, “WE NEED MONEY!” There will be no Casino Night this year. He asked for those interested in fundraising to stay after the meeting and a group of us did that. We discussed fundraising possibilities along with the Humboldt Feast at the Community Park in September and the annual golf tournament in May. The Bea suggested selling tickets for a 12-person dinner party at her house. I’m in Bea! Any other ideas – step right on up and let Greg know.
ERNIE: The Ern let us know that October is Vocational Services month. He handed out a double-sided sheet with the history of the Four-Way Test on it. He said Rotary originally began as a business/booster club and has evolved into what it is today. He said we should all use the Four-Way Test in our personal lives and business practices. This is good advice for all of us.
PREZ REQUEST: Prez Karyn requested photos from the past and also asked club members for blonde jokes. I refuse to accommodate her with the second request. How about we go back to Polish jokes instead? She then proceeded to tell a really bad joke about an Arizona crater and a blonde. I’m still trying to figure that one out. Oops – is my hair color showing again?
HAROLD’S DILEMMA: Mr. Mendes said a woman in Redway who is known as “The Raven Lady,” is saying really hurtful and untrue things about him and his family and asked for the club’s support – which he always has.
A FINE TIME: We sang Happy Birthday to Dennis O, Skip, and Tracy and then they paid up for the privilege. Seth and I coughed up $5 each for our spouses’ birthdays. Happy birthday Megan and Mike.
Greg sold fashion show tickets for the Community Park event, which had already been paid for by, I think, Doug. Anyway, somehow the club made $40 on the deal.
SIGN AND TIME: Ernie was asked why the Rotary sign isn’t up at the north end of town. Tammy says she gave it to him months and months ago. Dennis O was questioned as to why the town clock still isn’t telling the right time. He promised it would be fixed by Halloween. I wonder if this is just another ghost story? Dennis blamed it on Ernie saying he didn’t show up to work on it when he was supposed to.
RAFFLE WINNER: Harold had the ticket right before the winning ticket, but whoever had the winner probably couldn’t see the numbers, so the club kept all proceeds. Next time, everyone should bring their spectacles.
PROGRAM: Seth introduced Merry Maloney from the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. She brought along Carson and Big Owl. This was an amazing program – thanks Seth!
Rotary Minutes September 27, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Beef enchiladas, rice, green salad, the triangle desserts. Our president had bell and gavel and called us forth with same.
PLEDGE. Skip spoke of his family’s history of military service and led us in the pledge.
INSPIRATION. David quoted Mother Theresa.
VISITING ROTARIANS. To insure that he does not forget how, Don Orazem allowed Jim Quast, Sergeant-in-Chief, to introduce Tom Sensingson.
GUESTS. Michael McKaskle, Natalie Finch, Aleda Sauer, John Clark, Jim Gergits, Todd Barton, Steve and Stephanie Finch.
COMMUNITY REPORT. The Civic Club celebrated its 90th birthday and we sent flowers.
Jerry Fernandez is reported to have cancer. We learned that Syd is moving toward the end of his life. PRESIDENT KARYN announced that we may do something next week to express our thoughts.
JEANNIE announced changes at RRHC including implementation of electronic records that may temporarily disrupt patient services.
GARTH reported having a small laptop stolen from his business and passed around two photos of the culprit. Darren and Ernie also spoke about the increasing shoplifting problem.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING. Darren announced that next week at 11:00 there will be a membership meeting for new members and anyone else who wants an update.
FOUNDATION RAFFLE. Clif has raffle tickets for the Foundation Dinner on October 15th. Tickets are 25 bucks each with five for 100 and all money goes toward your Paul Harris. Lots of prizes. BUY NOW! The event will take place at the Sapphire Lounge at the Blue Lake Casino.
HAROLD announced that the annual visit to Ferndale will take place on November 15th. If we get enough signups we’ll have a bus. Bus will leave about 5:30
ART AND SWINE. Come pig out at the four-club dinner hosted by a Fortuna Club on October 20th.
KENT, the dry wit, announced a Flea Market sponsored by the Jerold Phelps Foundation this Friday and Saturday. They’re frying fish on Friday, peddling cinnamon rolls on Saturday morning and steak sandwiches that afternoon. Vendor space is for sale cheap.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Tammy introduced Natalie Finch, student, and Aleda Sauers, teacher. Natalie has been declared student of the month by the business department. Ms. Sauers reported that Natalie is so good at accounting she is now serving as teaching assistant for the first year class. Last year she also created an accomplished business plan for setting up a spa, beauty parlor. Natalie said she is off to get her AA degree in business and then to beauty college with plans to open a salon. Congratulations, Natalie!
FINE MASTER GREG had little time but considerable hunger for loot. CRAIG was shown a newspaper photo of himself operating a backhoe in 1977. No fine for the photo but he paid $5.00 for not having his badge affixed to his breast.
CLIF house-set in Portland while his daughter and husband were having adventures in Cambodia. Clif offered and paid $50.00.
NATE described his “cloud nine” wedding and paid $50.00.
HAROLD, having placed an advertising pen at each place setting, now perused the afore-mentioned 1977 paper and gloated about the prices he was able to offer his customers in 1977. The FM, who had been willing to ignore the pens, now fined the noble gentleman an amount undisclosed to this scribe.
PROGRAM. A-Dennis introduced Michael McKaskle, the chair of the board of the Redway Community Services District. Michael described some of the new things happening at RCSD. They have a new office and a new water collection system that has eliminated the need for strict conservation measures. Michael also explained how the sewage system works and how the District’s treatment facility has enough storage to accept septic collections from the north of the county and how its own sludge is or will be going up to a bio-gas digester in Fortuna. Michael acknowledged the good work Ken Dean has done for the District over the years. Finally, he talked about the new rates the District is proposing to the community. In the discussion that followed it became clear that the proposed rates are less than those of many surrounding water systems. Thanks to Dennis and Michael for an informative program.Rotary Minutes September 20, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The marvelous brown cooked flesh of cow, a snow bank of mashed potatoes on some portions of which was pooled butter, a mixture of veggies, the green salad and for those who like their cake in a cup, a brown one with a discreet white disk of frosting. President Karyn got the large and lively crowd to its feet.
PLEDGE. Peter spoke of the sacrifices paid by his father and grandfather and then led us in the pledge.
INSPIRATION. Tammy inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Tom Allman, Sheriff of Mendocino County.
GUESTS. David Thomas, first gentleman, Deputy Ken Swithenbank, Kristen Vogel, John Clark, Kim Kemp (famous redheaded black belt blogger) a mystery guest named Judy who Ernie said would eventually appear.
WE HAD NO COMMUNITY REPORT.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH delayed.
ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH. Susie got the award for September which includes, in addition to the glory, a pin and a parking place. Apparently one can hold this position and not surrender her position of Empress of the World.
LIP-DUB. We watched a video of the Celebration Lip-Dub promo and everyone who did not participate, that is everyone other than Karyn, Ernie and Susie, paid a buck.
ESTELLE announced her candidacy for Second District Supervisor.
FOUR-WAY TEST. Tracy caught off guard was not able to repeat the test. His sponsor Skip will be hunted down. Estelle did repeat the four magic sentences.
BAD BLONDE JOKE told. (The adjective referring to the joke, not the blonde.)
FINE MASTER.
FM Greg wanted to fine Karyn for the joke but Ernie paid $5.00 on behalf of our president.
HARRY paid $20.00 for a number of trips.
BRIAN HARPER has an anniversary and a spouse birthday, and paid for both.
STEVE paid for his wife’s birthday, now past.
TAMMY crossed the Rubicon, thus casting her die, and paid for the privilege.
DOUG was asked about his vacation but the FM being unaware of last week’s program graciously paid the fine himself.
BRIAN E went to the Monterrey Jazz Festival again this year and paid.
BEA went back to Mexico as promised and got to herd some baby turtles into the ocean after they had found their way out of their eggs and up to the surface without the help of Bea or her flashlight.
SHON went to Vermont and was so happy to be back she paid $10.00
ESTELLE was asked to pay for her political ad described above but Brian E paid $20.00 on her behalf.
PROGRAM. Jim Quast introduced Tom Allman, Rotarian, SoHum native and Sheriff of Mendocino County. The Sheriff appreciated the good food he had just ingested and expressed concern for his 18 year old son who is working in the Alaska wilderness and has not communicated with his parents for 16 days. Sheriff Allman addressed two subjects: Operation Full Court Press and AB 109.
Operation Full Court Press is the name given to a six-county joint federal-county program to eradicate marijuana grows on public lands and to reclaim those lands for public use. While there were 152 arrests from 150 encampments, only 17 were illegal aliens. The reclamation effort far exceeded the law enforcement one. Over 57,000 pounds of garbage was removed, much of it hauled out by hand, and including 40 miles of plastic pipe. The cost was 1.2 million bucks, most of it spent on reclamation. Sheriff Allman reported that the environmental costs of such grow scenes are staggering. In addition to trash, they discovered and removed eleven dams on the headwaters of the Eel. More than forty people associated with the Sierra Trail Club volunteered to help remove debris.
AB 109 is an Assembly Bill that takes effect on October first. It will significantly change how prisoners are housed in California. Formerly all prisoners serving terms of more than one year were housed in state prisons. Now many of them will spend their time in county jails. This law is the result of a ruling from a three-judge federal court to reduce overcrowding in our state prisons. Sheriff Allman sees challenges but good possibilities here. The recidivism rate is 70% in state prisons but 35 to 40% in county jails. One problem is that convict camps like Eel River may disappear. The inmates of these camps provide valuable services to the communities where they are located. In answer to a question, Sheriff Allman closed with a powerful statement in support of treating inmates with dignity rather than humiliating them as a notorious Arizona sheriff is wont to do.
Thanks to Jim and Tom Allman for an interesting and informative program.
Rotary Minutes September 13, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Lots of food and few eaters. Chicken, small potatoes with various other veggies, a green salad and the usual desserts. President Karyn had in her possession the beloved bell and gavel and got us to our feet.
PLEDGE: Jim, with his usual eloquence, explained what the pledge means to him and then led us in saying the words.
INSPIRATION: Jeanie provided an inspirational quote.
We had no visiting Rotarians and no guests.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Everyone was happy to see Steve back with the club after suffering a series of injuries precipitated by a late-night fall into a canyon while camping. A fractured shoulder, a fractured vertebra, a number of broken ribs, gashes about the head and loss of a lot of blood. Steve described his amazing adventure and remarkable recovery. He seemed cheerful and looked great.
TIMES-STANDARD. Tracy had good news for all readers who have been bemoaning the loss of the Times-Standard in Southern Humboldt. Papers will be delivered to his home in Fortuna. He will bring them daily to Garberville and have them for sale at Ray’s Market.
NATE MARRIED. Tracy also reported that he had attended Nate’s marriage and can attest that is it a done deal.
LIP-DUB. The event announced by Erin Dunn at our August 9th meeting was held on Sunday the 11th. Ernie, Susie and President Karyn attended. Karyn described the occasion, Ernie added his impressions. Erin is supposed to visit in the next couple of weeks to show us the results.
THANK YOUS. We received a note from Gabe Miclette thanking us for the scholarship he received from the club and another from the District Rotaract Chair for a donation received from the club. Apparently our district is a leader in forming these clubs.
REDWAY SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM. The club has received a request for a donation which the board will consider. President Karyn emphasized that the club needs to raise more money to enable us to support this and other worthy programs.
STUDENT EXCHANGE. We are facing a deadline of October 15th if we wish to participate in the exchange program beginning in the fall of 2012. We cannot send a student out if we are not able to accept a student. By that date we need to provide the names of Rotarians willing to serve the following two roles. One will be responsible for the incoming student and the other will head up the committee to select the outgoing student.
VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH. On the Rotary calendar October is Vocational Service month. Ernie, who chairs this avenue of service, is asking members to consider making a small statement explaining how they apply the 4-Way Test in their business. This would be similar to the statement members are currently making regarding the pledge.
BOARD MEETING. President Karyn reported on last week’s board meeting. The club has applied for a grant from the District which would help pay for a mural on the wall of the Credit Union. The mural will depict a number of iconic SoHum locations including the swimming hole at Alderpoint. The Rotary Wheel will also be included. Shon has offered to pay for the non-graffiti coat that will be applied on top. This coat means that anything applied to the coated surface can be removed with soap and water. Ernie raised the interesting question of how, once the coat has been applied, can the mural be changed or restored. Perhaps there is a coat that removes the coat but then…
The club is looking for a project at the Senior Center. Anyone with an idea of what is needed and doable should contact Karyn.
The club gave $500.00 to the National Marrow Donor Registry Program. The project was the subject of last week’s program.
ART & SWINE. On October20th there will be a bash open to all members of the four Eel River Valley Clubs: Ferndale, Garberville and the two in Fortuna.
HAF. Humboldt Area Foundation has money available for grants. Susie read from a letter describing the process. Much of the money comes from the Monroe Tobin estate.
BLONDE JOKE. Karyn told her weekly joke. Beware of blonde fisherpersons.
HAROLD’S FUNNY MONEY. Harold offered to donate a “fifty-five” dollar bill to the club in honor of his 55years in the community. Bill attested to the bill’s authenticity and then donated an “eleven” dollar bill of his own. Both Harold and Bill celebrated Humboldt’s unique beauty and its unique currency.
RAFFLE. Harold then won the raffle.
Rotary Minutes September 6, 2011
By Susan Gardner
Lunch for the day was salad, sandwiches, and desert.
The meeting began a few minutes early due to a longer than normal program.
INSPIRATION: Garth Epling gave us some inspiration when he talked about how good it is to come home to Southern Humboldt no matter where in the world your travels have taken you to. I’m always glad to get back to my own bed and my animals. You can take your pillow with you, but it’s kind of hard to fit that king size bed into your carry on.
PLEDGE: Greg Pfau talked about growing up back east and saying the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school. He also said the flag means a lot to him and that he even pays to have it embroidered on his work shirts. He is a true American.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Our visiting Rotarians included our guest speaker Nyle Henderson, who has been a member of Rotary for 25 years and was president of the Southwest Rotary Club twice. He was joined by Cathy Gott from Willits Rotary.
GUESTS: I had the privilege of introducing my husband’s, cousin’s wife, Cindy Lewis, who owns The Gutter Guy with her husband, Bobby. She was there not only to enjoy the lunch and the program but also to promote her Beauti Control event to be held at the Garberville Vet’s Hall on Friday, September 16. Men are welcome too, and bring your wife, or significant other.
Ernie Branscomb welcomed his guests Loren and Sue Pancoast. Sue’s sister, Garberville resident Linda Hartman, is currently on the bone marrow registry list and is looking for a compatible donor.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Prez Karyn thanked Dennis and Susan O’Sullivan for having us all invade their home for the 5th Tuesday event.
She also encouraged everyone to come join in the fun with the Lip Dub Saturday and Sunday at River Lodge in Fortuna.
The board meeting was to be held Sept. 6 instead of next week.
Cards were passed around for Nate, Steve Dazey (who stopped by before the meeting), and Dennis Bourassa.
A count was taken for a vote on the revised bylaws adding places for the Foundation Director and the Membership Director. It passed. However, no one could figure out whether or not Ernie was for or against it. I think both his votes were counted by voter tally person Empress Susie.
Prez Karyn announced that the international convention will be held in Bangkok, Thailand. She said Prez-elect David Katz is planning on attending and she hopes to join him. She invited all those interested to make the trip, also.
CONGRATS! Nathan Bush was congratulated on his upcoming wedding Saturday, September 10 to Satiya. She was taken in by Pastor Dave and Janet Sanchez when her mother died when she was only 14. Nate invited us all to join them at Arrington Apples in Eureka to “party down!”
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy wasn’t there but our thoughts and prayers went out to Dennis Bourassa who is undergoing cancer treatments.
FINE MASTER: The finemaster was back in action and nailed Ernie for his cell phone ringing. He also caught up with Bill Stewart, Peter Connolly, Jim Quast, Harold Mendes, and Herb Schwartz, who either paid for spouses’ birthdays or their anniversaries – it was somewhat confusing, but they all paid up.
Craig paid for his vacation up to the Oregon coast. He said he and Linda stopped off at the mouth of the Rogue River and were fortunate to be extremely close to whales spouting off. They also saw a lot of other flora and fauna while on their trip. Things couldn’t have been better, at least until they were almost home when they blew a tire on their trailer, just this side of Fortuna. But friends came to the rescue and all was good with the Parkinsons.
The finemaster himself, paid some amount for his recent trip to Montana and also because the Southern Humboldt Bulldogs youth football team beat Fortuna 20-6 in their opener.
Rotary Minutes August 23, 2011
By Susan Gardner
Pasta with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and various other veggies, along with salad, bread, and dessert was on the menu for today’s meeting. The meeting was delayed a bit for a new-member orientation.
PLEDGE: Dennis O’Sullivan told us about how grateful he is for our flag and this country. His family immigrated to this country, as did many of our own relatives, and he is thankful to be an American. He said he shows his respect by saying the Pledge of Allegiance at each Rotary meeting.
INSPIRATION: Susie Mattila read a quote, which I couldn’t hear very well from someone really old who lived long ago. Maybe next time, I will put my hearing aide on.
VISITING ROTARIANS: We didn’t have any.
GUESTS: Ernie introduced his guests Estelle Fennell and Kathleen Creager. Then, Garth introduced his guest speakers from KMUD Sarah Reid and Simon Frech.
ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH: Prez Karyn honored Garth Epling for being August’s Rotarian of the Month. He gets to park in a special place for a month. Yeah Garth!!!!
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy asked that we keep good thoughts going to Dennis Bourassa, who is undergoing another round of chemo. Please include him in your prayers during the day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Ferndale Rotary Club invited us to diner tonight on really short notice.
Bill Stewart announced the Garberville Sanitary District meeting tonight, which is an important one. They could lose some of their funding for improvements due to state mandates.
FIFTH TUESDAY: Next Tuesday we will not meet for lunch, but rather at Dennis O’s for cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. No need to bring anything other than yourself and a guest.
DONATION: The board voted to donate $500 to help build playground equipment in a town in Siberia, where there are 10,000 disabled children.
INTRODUCTION: New member, Tracy Stowe, manager of Ray’s Food Place in Garberville, told us a little bit about himself. He is a Humboldt native and was born in Scotia. He was previously the manager at the Fortuna Food Mart before it became a Ray’s.
NEW MEMBER: Sponsor Ernie Branscomb and Prez Karyn inducted new member Estelle Fennell. Ernie told us a long story about how he met Estelle. Something about Bear Lincoln and Covelo. I dozed off for a few, so I’m sure I missed some important details of the story. Way to go Ern. Congratulations on bringing Estelle into the club. And here I thought I was your favorite victim all these years.
PROGRAM: Garth Epling introduced the program, with guests Sarah Reid, KMUD station manager, and Simon Frech, who is the radio station’s technical director. KMUD is preparing to celebrate 25 years on the air, which is totally amazing. Simon has been there since the beginning and has seen many changes over the years. Even with funding cuts, KMUD continues to prosper and improve with age. Congratulations to everyone who has made it happen and welcome to Sarah Reid who is contributing her valuable experience to making it even better.
Rotary Minutes August 2, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The array of sandwiches lined up and ready, a familiar green salad, the usual geometry of desserts—which is to say, the triangle and the circle. The crowd was small and rumor spread of a vast Shon-led exodus to the sins of Nevada. Included among the escapees were our president and apparently the bell and gavel. Bell-less and only acting, Pres. Dennis (Mr. Three-Pointer) O’Sullivan still managed to get us to our feet.
PLEDGE. Don led us after expressing his relationship with the pledge.
INSPIRATION. Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Don found none, and commented that he saw only a few non-visiting Rotarians
GUESTS. Mary Anderson, Julie Johansen and Jim Stewart.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy had no news to report.
APPRECIATION. Gratitude was expressed to the four members who worked to clean up the landscaped area at the south end of Garberville: Peter, O’Dennis, Brian H. and Nancy. (Others signed up but didn’t show which led to a bit of grief, see below.)
BLONDE JOKE. In Karyn’s absence, O’Dennis told a political joke that did not involve hair color.
FINE MASTER. Because Greg has missed a few meetings recently, Pres Dennis billed him $10.00 for the “privilege” of being Fine Master. I have no evidence that this was paid, or should have been.
JEANIE won a grand in the all star game pool and donated a $100.00 to Paul after announcing that she doesn’t even watch football. Apparently not baseball either.
DAVID was challenged about his new car, but had paid the week before and was released. He explained that the new car is an all electric Leaf that can make it from Arcata to Redway with eight miles to spare.
WORK PARTY NOSHOWS were Susie, Don and Susan. Susie and Don each paid ten. Susan will be hunted down next week.
O’DENNIS was asked about the big Garberville clock which has been right only twice a day for some while now. Stuck on six when some suggest it should be running or at least set at4:20. The club had received a donation of $500.00 to get the clock back in operation. Dennis explained the problems and is still hopeful it can be fixed, whether in time for the donor’s wife’s birthday is another question. Bunny agreed to send the wife, Marcy, a birthday card, which will have to satisfy her until the great hands again begin to move.
PROGRAM. O’Dennis introduced Jim Stewart and Julie Johansen who together comprise the new joint superintendent team at the Southern Humboldt Unified School District. Jim is also the principal at South Fork and at some outlying schools, and Julie is principal at Redway and at some outlying schools. At Dennis’s request, Jim began by describing a week he just spent in Southern California courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps. He and a group of other educators in the northern California/Southern Oregon recruiting region got to experience boot camp from a safe distance, though close enough to get yelled at by sergeants , fire a weapon, enjoy a recruit’s meal and tour an F-16 fighter jet. Jim came away impressed with the quality of the personnel and the training.
Jim grew up in Ohio and LA and has a degree from HSU. His first teaching job was in Gridley. Julie grew up in Fortuna, got her degree at Chico. Jim and Julie believe the team approach will work well. They emphasize that the District is one district however far flung. They will be re-establishing a curriculum committee so that all students have had the same preparation when they arrive at junior high and high school.
Jim emphasized that though there have been cutbacks, South Fork offers a full array of classes with electives in Spanish, Art, Band, ROP, Physics and Calculus. He would like to reinstate Shop but in the meantime there is a small engine repair club that meets after school and where kids get some hands-on tips.
Julie described the Writing Pilot program in 7th and 8th grade that will be a continuation of the Step Up to Writing program that is or will be a part of the curriculum at all elementary schools in the district. They also have excellent computer-driven math and reading programs where students can track their own progress through visual feedback. According to Julie such programs are very motivational.
The program concluded with a description of phase one of the Measure “O” construction project. The electrical system is already being updated at Redway, a “relocatable” building will relocate to Whitethorn, a student services building will arrive at Redway, a junior high “school-within-a-school” will appear at South Fork as will new changing facilities for males and females at the gym.
O’Dennis closed the program with disturbing news about the loss of $230,000.00 in transportation funds. If you have contact with Wes Chesbro, talk to O’Dennis.
Rotary Minutes July 19, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The flesh was pork, the grain was rice, the vegetables were of mixed origin. The salad was the usual salad though not the same salad. No one left the cake out in the rain, but someone had written on it, and dropped some flowers upon it and covered it with frost, err frosting, though not necessarily in that order. We learned that the little cymbals our bellbegone President was using to get our attention were actually “Zills” which are one of the less interesting parts of a belly dancer’s attire. They did however serve to get us, and our food-expanded bellies, to our feet.
PLEDGE. Ernie led us in the pledge after placing it in a personal context that was meaningful to him and inspiring to the rest of us.
INSPIRATION. Bunny inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Don recognized four: Our District Governor, Maureen Merrill, Pat Whitchurch, Erin Dunn and Johanna Rodoni.
GUESTS. David Thomas (our First Gentleman), Peter Wilson, Patti Anderson, Tracy Stowe and Nate Bush (who were attending for the last time as guests)
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy informed us that CJ Lyons had died at the age of 20, that Steve Nordell had died, that Randi Perkins had broken her leg (only a few weeks after breaking a bone in her arm) and that Tammy’s nephew was deploying for Afghanistan.
DAVID KATZ was called to the front and presented with a pin for being the president elect. He also had a birthday, an anniversary, won a wine raffle at Fortuna and had bought a new car. His offer of a hundred bucks to settle his account was met with applause.
ERIN DUNN. It was her birthday and the birthday balloon for Karyn was passed on to her.
CLIF’S PATTI was also celebrating a birthday and Clif borrowed some money from her and paid.
THE WEEKLY BLONDE JOKE involved a brunette in honor of the District Governor.
ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH. Karyn selected Brian Walker as our first Rotarian of the month. Brian has now been on 15 Rotaplast missions. This year he has been in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic and on the Western Safari with the exchange students.
RAFFLE. Don Orazem won.
PAT WHITCHURCH introduced our District Governor MAUREEN MERRILL. Maureen is a charter member of the Windsor club and a former club president. Her husband Mike Merrill was once our district governor. She is a former District Rotarian of the Year and has attended 13 Rotary International conventions. We all stood to welcome her and those of us near the front got to admire her spectacular boots.
PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS. Maureen introduced Clif and Skip who presented PHF pins to the following: Seth, Brian Walker (A PHF for his sister Wendy and Brian promptly made a donation equivalent to one-half of a new PHF.) David Thomas (and thus a sapphire pin for Karyn), Patti Anderson (a fifth for Clif) and seconds for Herb, Peter Connelly and Steve Dazey. Steve was not present and will receive his next week.
NEW MEMBERS. Tracy Stowe and Nate Bush, and their sponsors Darren and Skip, came forward. Governor Maureen began by acknowledging and thanking the sponsors for the work they had done to bring new members into the club. Only 35% of Rotarians ever bring in a new member. She gave a pin to each sponsor. Then she and the mob welcomed Nate and Tracy into the club. She gave them red badges and encouraged them to “jump right in.”
DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS: Governor Maureen fitted herself with Karyn’s zills and told a story of how she once performed a belly dance as part of a Rotary fund raiser. The point of her story, as your humble scribe understood it, was to illustrate how you can “jump right in” and how working as part of a larger organization allows a person to accomplish much more than he or she could ever accomplish alone. She also related a story that RI president Kaylan Banergee told about a burnt out architect. The story revealed how “just going through the motions” can be damaging not only to others but also to yourself. She believes in three principles for club success: Have structures in place so all members can participate in numerous activities, undertake projects that “touch the heart,” and have great meetings which means among other things entertaining meetings. Great meetings, she made clear, are the responsibility of every member and not just the president. She encouraged each of us to “think big and act now.” Her program was filled with high energy and good spirit and was met with a standing ovation. Our thanks go out to our District Governor for visiting our club, presenting the program and serving as an inspiration to the members.
BELL RETURNED. After Governor Maureen finished her program, Susie came forward and delivered the missing bell to our President who accepted it gracefully while lamenting that now the beloved gavel had gone missing.Rotary Minutes July 12, 2011
By Doug Ingold
At the second meeting of President Karyn’s term we had pasta with meatballs and zucchini, a green salad, bread with pesto and a cupcake so elaborately decorated it brought lust to the eye. Our bellgone president had in her possession a humble little noise maker that she tapped with the beloved gavel producing thereby a sound, which, while timid by the standards to which we are accustomed, was sufficient to get us to our feet.
PLEDGE. Susan led us after an eloquent description of what the flag and the pledge mean to her.
INSPIRATION. Don quoted from Albert Einstein, a man, Don admitted, who was even smarter than he is.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Don found and welcomed Erin Dunn.
GUESTS. Former club member Shawn Masterson, outbound exchange student Anais Austin, Jerry Wilson, Tracy Stowe, Nate Bush and Hezekiah Allen.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We had none.
A MAN ACCUSED. Brien Elie, former Canadian, was called to the front of the room by our president who is also, it appears, a forensic specialist. President Karyn donned dark classes, passed a mysterious beam from a dark and mysterious device across the palms of Brian’s hands and pronounced him guilty of bell theft. The denial was vague but persistent. The president remains bell-less and Brian escaped without immediate censure.
THANKS. President Karyn thanked the former presidents who served during Syd’s illness.
PETER has taken on the chair of International Service. This earned him a round of domestic applause.
SPECIAL DAYS. Kent, Bill, Shon and Karyn have birthdays; Shon and Greg have anniversaries, Shon has a spousal birthday. They all paid and so Shon can relax for twelve months.
PG&E SHUTOFF. Susan encouraged us to call PG&E and urge the company to cancel the proposed electrical disconnect scheduled for twelve hours on Thursday July 28th..
HUMBOLDT FEAST. Peter explained the plan for this ‘green’ event. There will be from 35 to 50 booths at the community park featuring food and drink produced in Humboldt. Entrance fee is $50.00. You get a glass and get to sample all the food and drink along the way. It will take place on September 17, 2011 between eleven and six. There will also be a live and a silent auction. Much help is needed to pull this off.
WORK PARTY. Nancy is putting together a work party for Saturday July 30th to “regarden” the turnaround at the south end of Garberville. A signup was passed.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR. The DG will be here next week. There will be an hors d’oeuvres party (bring your best) at the O’Sullivans on Monday evening the 18th and the DG will be presenting the program on Tuesday the 19th at the usual time and place.
ANAIS AUSTIN is leaving in a month or six weeks for Brazil where she will serve as our exchange student in the northeastern state of Pernambuco. She described her family whom she has met online and the town of 117,000 where she will be living.
BLONDE JOKE TWO. Beware of blondes offering to paint your porch.
FINE MASTER: Karyn was fined for accusing Brian. Brian paid $20.00 and so did Karyn.
Ernie paid $10.00 for flagrant advertising.
RAFFLE. Shawn Masterson won the raffle and drew a card which he promptly sold to O’Dennis for $20.00.
Rotary Minutes July 5, 2011
By Doug Ingold
And thus began the reign of the red-crowned President Karyn Lee Thomas. Tautly tethered above the tables were red balloons shaped like hearts. Tiny hearts were also scattered along the centers of the tables. A re-occurring slide show taken from the debunking entertained us as we ate. Other things, however, remained unchanged: the usual sandwich array, salad, a cupcake, a meeting begun with a bell and ending without one.
PLEDGE: At our president’s direction Shon eloquently explained what the pledge meant to her. She then led us in its recitation.
INSPIRATION: Skip offered an inspiration.
GASIOUS DISCHARGE: As the members sat down there erupted a Whoopee cushion barrage that appeared to emanate from every seat but that of Harold Mendes. Had Harold managed to place a cushion on every chair without anyone noticing? Or had Harold himself been the victim of a vast conspiracy of devious Whoopee subversives? Only the Fine Master would know for sure.
VISITING ROTARIANS. H-Brain found none.
GUESTS: Estelle Fennel, Stan Templeton, Elizabeth Johannesen, Linea, Tracy Stowe.
STAN TEMPLETON brought us up to date on his life in Bakersfield and that of his extended family.
HEARTS. President Karyn explained the hearts by saying that she wants our actions in Rotary to come from the heart. She referred us to the admonition of our new RI president Kaylan Banerjee who has asked that we look within as we reach out.
O’DENNIS was thanked for a very pleasant and entertaining debunking that was well attended and well enjoyed.
PRESIDENT Karyn then introduced the club’s officers and directors: David, the Pres Elect, Susie the treasurer, Shon the secretary, and the board O’Dennis, Nancy and H-Brian (a shared committee head), Ernie, Craig, and soon Clif and Darren.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Nancy reported that Jerry has whooping cough and she encouraged everyone over fifty to get a shot.
CORRESPONDENCE. A thank you note from Gabe Miclette was passed around.
BUSINESS. Pres Karyn called for a board meeting at five and informed us that the District Governor would be coming in two weeks, that being the 19th.
RAFFLE: We now have a raffle that works like this. Tickets cost a $1.00 and can be purchased at each meeting. At the end of each meeting there will be a drawing. The winning number gets 50% of the proceeds, the club gets 40% and 10% goes into a pool that will be won at the end of the year by the person holding the best poker hand obtained from cards drawn each week by the winner.
HUMBOLDT FEAST. Peter informed us that the project is a go and he passed a signup sheet for those members willing to help.
CHAMBER’S FOURTH. Greg and Bunny reported on a successful event. But next year, the 4th being on a Wednesday, the event, which costs about $20,000 to put on, may not happen.
HEIDER ALL STAR pool made the rounds.
BYLAWS: Doug reported on the proposed bylaw amendment that will add two positions to the board of directors, namely the heads of the membership committee and the foundation committee. The proposal will be presented to the membership for a vote.
LINEA TRAVELS. Linea described her east coast Rotary trip. She leaves us on July 16th.
FINE MASTER. Greg said that Linda Brodersen was very grateful for the Paul Harris Fellowship that was awarded her at the debunking.
Harold paid $20.00 for being the only member without a Whoopee Cushion
Susie paid $20.00 for a ten day trip taken with her mother in a rented RV.
Craig has a new vehicle and offered up $100.00
Skip and Bunny had on the same shirts again but were not fined. Instead everyone was fined who did not have on their person both a badge and a pin.
52 BLONDE JOKES. President Karyn told the one for week one.
PROGRAM. E-Brian introduced Estelle Fennel who had come to talk about the redistricting process the county is undergoing as a result of the census. The populations of Districts two and five have grown too large which means some boundaries will have to be adjusted. The task, which is headed up by Clerk-Recorder Carolyn Crnich, is quite complex. The goal is population equality in all districts while preserving cities, communities of interest and not placing the home of a sitting supervisor outside his district. An early proposal called for splitting District 2 longitudinally and adding the western part to District One. Estelle believes this would be very detrimental to Southern Humboldt because it would remove Shelter Cove and other western communities from the rest of Southern Humboldt and align them with Ferndale, with the result that the Southern Humboldt community would end up being a small fraction of two districts rather than a significant fraction of one. Her argument is that this proposal would violate the “community of interest” requirement. She urged interested persons to attend a meeting in Scotia on July 26th. Estelle assured us that redistricting will happen and soon. The board intends to vote on August 16th. For more information you can call her at 923-1013.
Brian Harper won the drawing. He collected $20.00 and drew a card. Having no beloved bell to clang, Karyn adjourned the meeting with a thud produced by gavel on wood. She alleged that the bell had been coated with a magic substance that would stain the hand of he or she who pilfered it. Everyone left with their hands in the pockets.
Rotary Minutes June 28, 2011-Debunking
By Doug Ingold
O’Dennis and Susan made the weather call and set us up for an evening meeting in the Blue Star lobby with round tables, white table cloths, white plates and wine glasses with a subtle ad. The hors d’oeuvres (including Ernie’s grilled-on-the-spot zucchini) were varied and tasty, the crowd large and lively with a few children to add some sparkle. The meal was pork, small potatoes, asparagus spears and a chocolate cake with white frosting decorated in recognition of the honored guest, the man-in-the hat, President Syd Lehman. Kent poured the wine, able as always.
Peter served as master of ceremonies. Guests were introduced. Peter then introduced Clif who described the virtues of the Rotary International Foundation and gave out a club-sponsored Paul Harris fellowship to Linda Brodersen in recognition of her many years of work on behalf of our schools. Linda seized the opportunity to speak of the need of the community to continue supporting our students.
Peter then introduced Karyn who gave awards to both Bill and Harold for among other things having been active Rotarians for fifty or more years.
Attention then turned to President Syd. In the freezer section of a refrigerator in the lobby Peter found a trophy with a bell atop which he delivered to Syd. Syd reflected on Rotary’s world-wide effort to eradicate polio. He then delivered the beloved bell to Karyn as cameras flashed and applause rattled the windows.
Rotary Minutes June 21, 2011
By Doug Ingold
On this the last day of spring or the first day of summer or the longest day of the year, or not (I understand it is actually three days from now), we had the pleasure of seeing President Syd standing before us in a nifty hat (that he later replaced with a crown), a colorful shirt, a gavel and no bell. (Bell-less in Redway) The food was grilled chicken pasta, green salad, and the usual desserts.
PLEDGE. Susan led us.
INSPIRATION. Clif offered thanks on behalf of all of us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. None appeared.
GUESTS. Nate Bush, Max Abrahamsen, Denise Lea.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Syd informed us that his cancerous growth had shrunk by 20%.
JOKES. The mob having applauded this news then chuckled as he read a series of jokes.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS. Syd went through the birthdays and anniversaries but everyone had already paid and he could extract nothing from anyone.
WE HAD NO CORRESPONDENCE.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS.
DEBUNKING. Next Tuesday we meet at the home of O’Dennis and Susan at 5:30. Bring an hors d’oeuvre. A signup sheet was passed.
O’DENNIS was congratulated on a successful rodeo parade. He thanked a number of persons who helped.
HUMBOLT FEST. Peter has an application to present to the community park. This event will be in September and it will be a fund raiser.
4TH OF JULY. Bunny passed a signup sheet for people who were willing to work the gate at the annual chamber event.
JERALD PHELPS FOUNDATION 300 RAFFLE. Harry had tickets and a good pitch.
CONFESSIONS.
HAROLD has a fifth great grandchild and gave a $100.00
SYD gave $20.00
BRIAN E. gave twenty to report the Vancouver BC outpouring of community support for the city and those who suffered losses during the riot following the Stanley Cup loss.
BEA gave an unknown amount for riding in the Rodeo Parade with a candidate for mayor of Emerald City, Larry Basquez.
KARYN emptied her purse for misspelling Syd’s name ($13.00)
NANCY publically accused O’Dennis of speaking ill of her and O’Dennis, his defense imprecise at best, coughed up $10.00
PROGRAM. Bea introduced Max Abrahamsen, the executive director of the Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation, and Denise Lea, the horticulturist at the gardens and the person in charge of the education programs. The gardens comprise 45 acres just north of the main campus of College of the Redwoods. They are enclosed by a fence that protects it from deer and other large intruders. We enjoyed a number of photographs of the gardens projected on the large screen including shots of a native plant garden, a rare tree, the nursery, the greenhouse/welcome center, the logo Iris and an earth sculpture entitled “All Happy Now.” As Denise explained, the gardens have a strong connection to youth and adults through a variety of education programs. Students and faculty from both CR and HSU also utilize the facilities. It has an active docent program and an army of volunteers who tend and weed the gardens. Max is initiating a fundraising campaign to involve more members of the Southern Humboldt community with the gardens. He is hoping to raise $25,000 this summer through new memberships with the result that a trail in the park will be named the Southern Humboldt Trail or something similar as decided by the community. Humboldt Botanical Gardens Foundation is a membership organization with annual fees beginning at $20.00 for students, $25.00 for seniors and up. Looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thanks to Bea, Max and Denise for an informative program.
Rotary Minutes June 14, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Chicken Satay with a peanut sauce, rice, veggies, a green salad and a chocolate cupcake for the sweet tooth. Bea Anderson returned to a position of power she last held in 2004. It was clear from the beginning that she had not lost her touch, producing at the appointed time a clang of the hidden bell and thereafter running an organized and efficient meeting.
PLEDGE: Harry led us.
INSPIRATION: Craig inspired us
VISITING ROTARIANS: Erin Dunn and Pat Richards.
GUESTS: Nate Bush, Tracy Stowe, Lauren Oliver, Carrie Reynolds, Barbara Kennedy, Gary Hughes, Bruce Edwards.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy found Sunshine and no bad news.
WE HAD no correspondence
ANNIVERSARY. Susan paid five
ROTARY FLOAT: It appears the Heider Cook Shack can float, or at least it will in the Rodeo parade if we can find someone to haul it.
DEBUNKING. Still on for the evening of Tuesday June 28th at the home of O’Dennis and Susan.
Bring an hors d’oeuvre.
BEER BOOTH AT THE RUN Greg and Tammy appear to have done the work along with Dee at the Chamber. The Chamber will get any profits.
FEAST OF FIELDS: Peter says it is still pending.
SKIP reported on delays in vehicle registration as the Pols argue over fees. Relax until you get a notice from DMV. Then act within 30 days.
HARRY is headed for tonight’s board meeting and hopes thereby to turn red into blue.
ERIN told us that our guest Pat Richards will be the next Dist. Gov and that we should all come to the mini-district assembly at the River Lodge this Friday from noon to five. Karyn said the club would pay your $30.00 admission fee.
FINE MASTER: It was end-of-the-year feeding time for the Fine Master and he was in fine form. Among those assessed:
SUSAN for a trip to Alaska: $20.00
BUNNY and SKIP for wearing identical Rotary shirts. Bunny $10.00 and Skip $20.00 (There was the matter of the wine.)
DAVID who’s Annie won 50 bottles of wine in Fortuna. $20.00
JIM who told a joke and paid $20.00
H-BRIAN for running off to New Orleans $20.00
PETER for also being spotted in New Orleans $20.00
CLIF because his daughter is celebrating two successful years at a dog minder in Seattle, or is it Portland? $45.00
JEANIE for having a new granddaughter $100.00 to Paul Harris
HARRY for recently seeing his boys get out of school for the summer $20.00
NANCY for a cross-country train trip $35.00
BEA for telling a cowboy motorcyclist joke (amount unknown)
PROGRAM. Herb introduced Gary Hughes, the new head of EPIC, and Barbara Kennedy from Weott, an active opponent of the proposed 101 modifications at Richardson’s Grove. Gary told us that the state park system is undergoing a stewardship a crisis, that the system is 1.2 billion behind in maintenance, that the threatened park closures will not save money in the long run and will unfairly impact the north coast. He believes the EIR on the project fails to address substantial issues. EPIC has filed suits both in Superior Court and in Federal Court. Barbara sees the project as part of a larger Cal-Trans effort to open up all our access points, 101, 199 and 299 to big trucks and express-like four-lane traffic. They both want the project placed on hold until more information has been secured. There followed a lively and civilized discussion in the best spirit of the club. Thanks to Herb for once again bringing us a lively program, and to Gary and Barbara for presenting their case to us.
Rotary Minutes June 7, 2011
By Doug Ingold
It was the sandwich array with salad and those lemony wedges. We looked up to discover that the distinguished Mr. Orazem had returned to power after an absence from office of fourteen years. He still had the knack and brought us deftly to our feet, all facing in the correct direction, hands over our still-beating pumps.
PLEDGE: A-Dennis was assigned and performed as assigned.
INSPIRATION: Mr. Quast, the erstwhile Sgt (Retired), read a thoughtful piece on patriotism.
VISITING ROTARIANS: H-Brian found none, having scoured the room with an attentive eye.
GUESTS: David Thomas, Cristina Bauss, Virginia Graziani, Robert Sutherland, Jim Lamport and Dan Glaser.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy acknowledged real sunshine. We later learned that Dan Healy had fallen and broken his knee.
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS: President Don thanked those who participated in the awards ceremony two weeks prior.
CORESPONDENCE: LINEA has invited us to her graduation; DON AND SUE PFAU thanked us for inviting them to the awards luncheon; we have been INVITED to a “Mud-Slide” make up mini District Assembly to be held on Friday June 17th from Noon to five at River Lodge in Fortuna. Lots of GOOD THINGS HAPPENING and for 35 bucks you get a lunch.
THE GREAT WINE DIVISION: Skip reported that his generous sister shared the wine she and her husband won with other members of the family including Skip.
RODEO: The horses have a virus, but the show will go on. Bea is heading up the Rotary Float and she and others would be meeting and scheming after the meeting.
DEBUNKING. The evening of the last Tuesday in June (i.e. the 28th) will be the debunking of Syd. The festivities will take place at the lovely home of O-Dennis and Susan. Syd will be there to have his bunking undone.
RELAY FOR LIFE. Kelly is running, her kids are walking and she is looking for sponsors.
SENIOR CENTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST is this Saturday.
WINE AND ART on Saturday in Fortuna. A Fortuna Rotary Club is holding this event and Harold has already sold all his tickets.
GSE TEAMS. The District will sponsor two, one to Turkey and one to Burgundy. Participants must be between 25 and 40 and non-Rotarians, though each will be headed up by a Rotarian.
WINE FUNDRAISER. Greg reported that while Skip’s sister got the wine, we got $9,800.00.
REDWOOD RUN is on and the beer booth will be shared with the Boosters and Tammy will be running between them.
KARYN asked for the remaining surveys and explained her question on the pledge.
FINES:
Susie has a birthday, and Kelly, Darren, A-Dennis and Mr. Quast have anniversaries. Since this is Darren’s 21st, he gave $21.00. Since this is Jim’s 47th, he offered up $4.70.
KARYN went to New Orleans, attended a makeup meeting and came back with a club banner and some stories. She paid $200.00 to complete David’s Paul Harris.
Rotary Minutes May 17, 2011
By Doug Ingold
It was chicken with a barbeque sauce, small whole potatoes with veggie sidekicks, a green salad and a cookie. Our acting President this Tuesday was Greg. He didn’t have a microphone but he did have the bell.
PLEDGE: Harry led us.
INSPIRATION: Craig interceded for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: HBrian found two: Erin Dunn and Tom Sensingson
GUESTS: David Thomas (First Gentleman to be) and Max Abrahamsen
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy saw President Syd. He has completed his heavy treatment and looked good but tired. Rumor is he will be Grand Marshal of the Rodeo Parade.
HUMBOLDT BOTANICAL GARDENS: Max Abrahamsen the development director at the gardens invited us all to stop by. He also offered to do a program and Karyn agreed to coordinate that with him.
DONUTS: Krispy Kremes are available as a high school fundraiser. Tammy is the person to see.
RODEO PARADE. Greg is drumming up support for a float. Harold in his ancient rig was suggested as one possibility
FIEST OF THE FIELDS. Peter says he and others are talking about it. The date is September 17, 2011 but it is still in the planning (or should I say “planting”) stage.
REDWOOD RUN. This event is not guaranteed to happen but Greg thinks we should do a beer hall if it does.
SCHOLARSHIPS. We had only three applicants this year but O’Dennis says they are all strong.
NEXT WEEK IS AWARDS DAY. The meeting will be held at the East Gym at South Fork. The restaurant students will be feeding us. Come and enjoy.
FIFTH TUESDAY. The May 31st meeting will take place in the evening at Peter’s Pad. Booze and conversation at 5:00. Dinner at 6:00 or so. The wine drawing will be held that evening.
DEBUNKING. The debunking this year will take place on the last Tuesday in June. That will be an evening meeting even though it is not the fifth Tuesday of the month (In case you are counting). Details to follow.
TOWN WORK PARTY. O’Dennis announced that this will take place on Wednesday May 25th
Starting at 1:00. He and Ernie will work on the clock. A work party is needed for the south end turn around.
CRIME WAVE IN SOHUM. If your car or truck is missing you are not alone. Greg’s family had one stolen as have many others.
HARRY SHINES: All red badge Rotarians have to be able to recite the 4-way test but Harry did five perfectly, adding “Is it cool?” to the front of the line.
ERIN REPORTS. Erin told us about the good times at the District Conference in Reno. “Not a dry eye in the hall,” when the exchange students sang to the GSE team.
PROGRAM. Ms. Karyn Lee-Thomas, our Present Elect reported on the Vision Planning Session held in February and the follow up since. The vision planning session was a five hour event facilitated by District Rotarians and attended by sixteen members of our club. The participants were challenged to look five years ahead and to think big while exploring such issues as What we Stand For? What are the attributes of our club? What do we envision for club service? Vocational service? Community service? New generations? Club size? International service? Fund raising? Rotary Foundation? Leadership development? Karyn described the resulting goals and the steps needed achieve them. There is no question that the club has exciting challenges ahead of it. She also described some possible structural modification the club might consider and she passed out a survey that she expects each member to answer and return to her.
Many thanks to Karyn for her enthusiasm, skill and beyond-the call-of-duty hard work. And now she does PowerPoint!Rotary Minutes May 10, 2011
By Doug Ingold
It was a small crowd that gathered for the sandwich array loved by some and unwelcomed by others, a green salad and one of the usual desserts. Our acting president Bea Anderson stood tall before us and tore us from our scintillating conversations at the appropriate time and place.
PLEDGE: Susan was asked to lead us, which she did after rearranging the flags so the one we were pledging to was visible.
INSPIRATION: Clif asked for blessings.
VISITING ROTARIANS: We had none
GUESTS: Bill Routan, Ron Copenhofer and Frank Bacik.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Ernie expressed his gratitude that Bill Routan had not run over him when he had a chance recently.
He also announced the death of Jim Knox and described the fire department memorial service that will be held for him.
BBQ: The Redway Fire Department will hold its annual BBQ on May 28th.
HONOR FLIGHT: We passed around a card for a WWII veteran who will be flying back to Washington DC
FIFTH TUESDAY. May 31, 2011 will be a 5th Tuesday party at Peter’s at which time we will also hold the Instant Wine Collection drawing.
AWARDS TUESDAY: The annual Rotary rewards luncheon at South Fork High will be held on Tuesday May 24, 2011.
FEAST OF THE FIELDS. This will be a fund raiser and a celebration of Humboldt County abundance. A short planning session was scheduled to follow the meeting.
KARYN. Our President elect informed us that the Rotarian magazine is going digital so you can read it on your IPAD or other electronic device (not including your electric toothbrush or can opener).
RODEO PARADE? Karyn says we may participate this year. It you have suggestions get them to her.
WOE IS US, WE HAVE NO FINE MASTER IN THE BUILDING. But Bea found some birthday or anniversary worthies:
Carolyn, a birthday
Karyn’s David’s birthday
Tammy’s anniversary
Jim Quast’s birthday, for which he announced he had received an S.U.V. (Which he will be happy to explain to you)
They paid, we sang.
JOKES WERE TOLD
SENTENCES WERE READ: SENTENCES WHERE THE CONCLUDING PHRASE REQUIRES YOU TO RE-THINK THE INITIAL PHRASE. Bea read off a string of them and gave us the name such sentences are called but I didn’t catch the name and can’t remember one of the sentences she read. Woe is me!
Rotary Minutes May 3, 2011
By Doug Ingold
There at the helm sat Skip Stone our president for the day and beside him the ever capable Shon Wellborn. The food was chicken tetrazzini with pesto bread and salad and a cupcake for dessert Mr. Stone had in his possession for all to see the beloved bell.
PLEDGE: In the absence of Brian Walker, Jim Quast led us.
INSPIRATION: In the absence of an immortal, Clif led us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. HBrian acknowledged Tom Sensington
GUESTS: Robin Elie, our delightful exchange student Linea, our soon-to-be exchange student Anais Austin, the Johannesen clan including Megan, Elizabeth and Annabella.
COMMUNITY REPORT. While we had no community report, Pres Skip initiated a moment of silence for the persons who died on 9-11 and Ernie described how he had acknowledged the death of Bin Laden at his place of business
GSE TEAM visit. Greg described the club’s part in the ongoing visit to the District by the team from Japan. They got a tour of Benbow, visited the redwoods, Bernie Korbly’s burl factory etc. He found the members of the team to be very interesting, outgoing and informative. He thanked Peter and David Katz in particular for their efforts.
BUNNY announced the Chamber forum taking place that afternoon.
CLIF honored Brian Elie for reaching his third level Paul Harris Fellow and gave him a new bejeweled pin.
LIGHT BULBS. Craig shed considerable light on the changing world of bulbs. Going out are the incandescences and coming in are the CFLs. The new take less energy and last longer. They also cost more, contain mercury, are slow to light up and if one breaks, you got a mess. People are upset.
PROGRAMS. Both Ernie and Karyn encouraged us to find and bring in good programs, especially those highlighting new businesses.
WINE RAFFLE. Sell your tickets and bring in the loot. It all happens at the end of the month.
BIRTHDAYS. Herb and Seth paid for their birthdays, O’Dennis had a spousal birthday.
PROGRAM: Susie introduced Linea our 16 year old from Denmark, actually, as we learned, from Albertslund which is a community in greater Copenhagen. Linea gave us a very informative and interesting PowerPoint lecture on her home country including its size (which has changed considerably over the years), location, history, culture, economy etc. Did you know that Denmark is the world’s oldest monarchy and has been a constitutional monarchy since 1849? That Denmark once controlled the British Isles? That Denmark is the protectorate of Greenland? That the languages of Denmark, Norway and Sweden are so closely related that the citizens of those countries can understand each other? That Denmark is about one-tenth the size of California while its population is about one-sixth that of California? That Denmark is a member of the European Union and NATO but still has its own currency (known affectionately as DKK)? That it has a tax rate between 30 and 60% but free most everything including healthcare, education and a pension starting at 67? That Legos come from Denmark? That everyone in Denmark starts learning English in grade 3? That they are all Lutherans but not really? That the Danes love soccer and handball but not the handball we call handball? That they love jokes, family and hugge? That they really dance around the Christmas tree? That the population is educated, prosperous and fun loving? Well, thanks to Linea’s excellent program now we all do. After the program a Rotarian shouted out with enthusiasm: That was the greatest program ever by a visiting exchange student! And she’s sixteen. Thanks, Linea for being with us this year and sharing your country with our club.
Rotary Minutes April 19, 2011
by Susan Gardner
Yeah – no sandwiches this week. Instead, we had meatballs with pasta with the ongoing salad and vegetables and I don’t know what for dessert. I can’t eat it anymore, so I don’t look.
Past and Stand-In Prez Dennis O’Sullivan asked Clif Anderson to say the invocation before Mr. Quast asked us to pledge along with him.
Visiting Rotarians
We had no visiting Rotarians. Lucky them!!
Guests
Rotarians with guests included: Susan Gardner with Jerold Phelps Community Hospital Administrator Harry Jasper, for the last time, as Mr. Jasper has officially been inducted – yeah Harry! Also visiting were South Fork High School English teacher Jim Lowry with student of the month Katrina Warner and our Rotary exchange student Linnea Lücking.
Words From the Prez
Dennis O. announced the our very own Lock Doktor, Don Orazem, was in the hospital recovering from surgery from a nasty staph infection. We wished him and his lovely wife, Mary, the very best.
Not-So-Sunny Tammy
Tammy Harrison made two unhappy reports about CJ Beaton, who has bone cancer. He is the grandson of Stan and Irene Randall. She also announced that Jed Sherman has brain cancer. We send out thoughts and prayers to them and their families.
More Words from Dennis O.
The acting prez said there were no correspondences and that Ernie B. had been dropped from the program. Apparently, Ern was going to instruct us all about the proper use of the microphone. Good luck with that. I guess it will be postponed until Harold returns.
Mr. O thanked all who had replied to the website for Redway School Principal Julie Johansen and encouraged those who hadn’t to do so. Thanks to Julie, the students and staff at Redway School and our local Rotarians we will have around $5,100 to send into PolioPlus. Special congrats to our very own Craig Parkinson who raised $600 all by himself shooting freethrows. However, we weren’t told if that was for the ones he sank, or the ones he missed.
Next week’s program will be a Caltrans engineer. It should be a good one. Don’t miss it.
Also, we will be meeting at South Fork High School on May 24th for our annual Rotary Awards luncheon. More to come on this.
Student of the Month
South Fork High School English teacher Jim Lowry introduced Katrina Warner as this month’s student of the month. Katrina was very comfortable in front of a crowd and used the microphone correctly, event without Ernie’s instruction.
Induction
Our very own Jerold Phelps Community Healthcare District Administrator Harry Jasper was finally officially brought into the club. His sponsor was Susan Gardner. Congratulations Harry!
The Finemaster Returneth
After being gone for what seemed like meeting after meeting Greg Pfau, the illustrious finemaster extraordinaire returned to say the wine ticket sales were going well and that all tickets were now out and being sold. A total of 44 bottles have been collected with more promised. If you haven’t had a chance, stop by Specialized Woodworks and check out the beautiful 72-bottle wine cart made by Brian Harper. This will be given along with the bottles of wine to the lucky winner on May 31st.
Fines included: Brian Elie for taking a trip to Hawaii on the day the tsunami came ashore; The Bea for also being in Hawaii at the same time as Brian; and Greg for taking a bunch of fifth-graders on an overnight field trip. You are a very brave man Greg!
Program
The program was presented by Susan Gardner in honor of Rotarian Bea Anderson. The DVD called California’s Gold was shown featuring The Bea and Huell Howser. It was mostly about the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, but also about how good of a tour guide The Bea can be, if you can keep up with her.
Rotary Minutes April 12, 2011
by Susan Gardner
Various sandwiches were the fare of the day with salad followed by gooey cupcakes. Ernie led the Pledge followed by inspiring words by Clif.
Visiting Rotarians
We had no visiting Rotarians. Lucky them!!
Guests
Rotarians with guests included: Susan Gardner with Jerold Phelps Community Hospital Administrator Harry Jasper.
Words from the Prez
Past and Stand-In Prez the Wilder Bunny thanked everyone for their participation in the PolioPlus/Purple Pinkie fundraiser at Redway School. The total raised will be almost $5,000 after all the pledges are turned in from Rotary members. Redway School raised $244 from the snack shack, $347 at the door, and $378.75 for their purple pinkies. Thank you Julie Johansen and Redway School. Also, the 7th grade Mustangs beat Rotary in a game of hoops 64-59.
Past-Prez Peter was congratulated on his defense. Tammy was scolded for running over one of the 7th-graders, and Clif was congratulated for taking a charge and landed on his better side.
Principal Johansen gave the winning 7th-graders in-room suspension where they were given tasty rewards and told to tell their classmates how rough it was during their suspension.
The wine raffle tickets are all out. Now sell, sell, sell, so I can win the wine and the beautiful wine rack built by Rotarian Brian Harper.
Prez-Elect Karyn Lee-Thomas
Our Prez-Elect Karyn told everyone they had time to make amends if they missed the recent District Assembly. Because Highway 101 was closed by the slide, there is going to be a mini-assembly on Friday, June 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Foreign Exchange Students
Increased requirements are being asked of those families wanting to host foreign exchange students. The State Department has requested we do more extensive background checks for anyone transporting or spending time with Rotary foreign exchange students. The club voted to try to work around this problem and it was to be discussed at the board meeting that night.
Fines
Due to time constraints and the fact that the finemaster was not in attendance everyone got away this time. Although, remember it is time to ante up on your PolioPlus pledges.
Program
An amazing program from the North Coast Honor Flight was presented by Peter Connolly. Our very own Sgt. Ken Swithenbank will be taking his father, Des Swithenbank, to Washington D.C. to see the World War II memorial in early May. Hopefully, Ken and Des will come to the club and report on their trip when they return.
Rotary Minutes April 5, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Chicken Tetrazzini, pesto bread, green salad and wedges. Acting President Clif stood behind the podium and before us bell-shy but in good voice.
PLEDGE: Shon led us
INSPIRATION: Our acting president asked O’Dennis to select someone who would provide the inspiration and O’Dennis selected our acting president who proceeded to provide the inspiration.
VISITING ROTARIANS: In the absence of a visiting Rotarian Mr. Quast seized the day, and he did it in Latin.
GUESTS: Hal Lepoff, Julie Johansson, Elizabeth Johannesen, Charlene Leamons and later the kindergarten class at Redway School.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We learned that Craig’s young granddaughter had been hospitalized with a high fever but was now safely back at home. The Sgt reported that the former Lock Doctor, Bob (last name escapes me) is not well but still attending Rotary meetings.
Kelly reported that Syd is in good spirits and only missed one day of radiation treatment because of the slide.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: AP Clif had people to thank:
O’DENNIS who set up the Fifth Tuesday event that was a great success. O’Dennis explained how arrangements were made in that large void that exists between languages.
BUNNY was decorated for decorating for the Fifth Tuesday event.
HAROLD reported on the satisfaction expressed by the Ferndale guests.
DON pointed out how the Ferndale crowd came down in a limo while we go there in a school bus
O’DENNIS and JULIE reported on their visit to Redway School to discuss Polio Plus and the enthusiasm shown by the students. Students, who got purple pinkies for contributing, donated over 300 bucks to the effort.
BRIAN HARPER was lauded for crafting a 72 bottle wine rack that will go to the lucky winner of the instant wine collection.
SUSIE and DON attended the District assembly. Don reported back on the new requirements for student exchange host families. Apparently the new rules are required of all exchange programs and also apply to persons other than host families, such as Seth when he and his family took Linea with them on their recent trip to Disneyland. The requirements include a “Life Scan” which consists of finger prints that are shipped to the FBI. Don is supportive of the program but recognizes that it will be a challenge in our community.
WE RECEIVED NO CORRESPONDENCE.
BUT ROTARIANS DID HAVE BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
NANCY’S birthday is on 4/27 and we sang for her.
HAROLD and DON have anniversaries this month. It will be Harold and Donnas’ 65th and Harold offered up 65 cents but later multiplied that by 100.
TAMMY and E-BRIAN are celebrating spousal birthdays. E-BRIAN gave over ten. Other assessments are not known.
RED BADGE/ BLUE BADGE. KELLY got a hug from the AP and a blue badge.
PRESIDENT ELECT KARYN attended the regional meeting and reported on last week’s meeting of the strategic planning group.
NANCY was very proud of her seven year old singing granddaughter who has a walk-on part in a production of La Boehme.
ERNIE told us the H-Brian kept another house from burning down. Ernie also advised us to put water on a fire if you can do so safely while waiting for fire department to arrive.
Rotary Minutes March 22, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Chicken satay, veggies, rice as white as fresh snow, a salad. A cookie. Ernie left the sound booth and became our president for the day complete with suspenders, bell and gavel. With Skip subbing as DJ we still had music until the bell rang and it was time once again to start class.
PLEDGE: Greg led us
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS. HBrian being absent Sgt Quast took charge with a one-word mouthful and no visiting Rotarians.
GUESTS: Marty Messenger, Virginia Graziani
COMMUNITY REPORT: We heard about various deaths and illnesses from a variety of sources that flew about too fast for your scribe to record.
APPRECIATIONS. Lots of Rotarians appreciated the contributions made by other Rotarians
CORRESPONDENCE
ACTING PRES ERNIE handed Greg three letters from 3rd grade dictionary lovers. Greg read them with gusto.
SGT QUAST was assigned and read a letter that appeared on Ernie’s blog. The letter was in response to Ernie’s suggestion that persons using large or unusual words are mistreating readers. If Ernie is correct, we were mistreated.
ACTING PRES ERNIE read a letter from Larry Meyers District 5130’s point man on the Polio front.
He had facts and figures. In three of the four countries where polio is still endemic, the disease is losing and we are winning: India (42 cases last year and one so far this year), Nigeria (21 last year, one so far this year), Afghanistan (25 last year and 1 so far this year). But Pakistan is more problematic (144 last year and 15 so far this year), and one non-endemic country (Congo?) had 33 last year and 6 so far this year.
KARYN REPORTED THAT our region of the district used its disaster preparedness money to help repair the damage caused in Crescent City by the recent tsunami.
O’DENNIS. Our unsung hero and three-point shooter, O’Dennis, brought us up to date on next week’s basketball game and fifth Tuesday party. Fifth Tuesday will be at the Cadillac Wok around 5:30 and we will be joined by the Ferndale Club. Basketball against Polio at Redway School will be on Wednesday: free throws beginning at 4:30, game at 5:30. Also he and Karyn will have two sessions at Redway School to talk to students about the reality of polio.
KELLY LEHMAN has earned her blue badge and will now coordinate her colors with the rest of us.
NANCY read a letter from her friend in Christ Church, NZ about the affects of the quake two weeks after the event where there have been 200 deaths and lots of ground turned to soup.
STUDENT EXCHANGE. Susie explained how demanding the program has become. Host families need to be finger-printed and checked for criminal records, their homes visited and photographed etc. Susie is going to the District Assembly to learn more but she does not believe under the new rules that we will be able to find host families.
PROGRAM. Ernie introduced Marty Messenger from Humboldt County Maintenance. Marty had come to the meeting as a guest but after being fed got subpoenaed to present a program. Marty told a woeful tale of deteriorating roads and shrinking budgets. The 2010 budget was one/third the size of the 2009 and the 2011 was 20% of one of them. The 200 plus miles of road, however, have not shrunk. Then to cheer us up, after one day of spring, he told us we have another big storm coming with lots of snow and rain. Then we learned he has a difficult time finding people who will do the work, though he is very happy with the performance of Zack, Tammy’s son. The rest of the time he answered questions and there were a lot of them. Thanks for Marty and Ernie for stepping in in our time of need and providing an entertaining and informative meeting.Rotary Minutes March 15, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Chicken Enchiladas with rice and green salad and a cupcake for the indulgent. Skip Stone, our former president and, among many other former offices, our former paparazzi, possessed his wits and the bell and gavel. And lo it came time as prescribed by the rules, and he did dutifully bang the bell and we did indeed rise.
PLEDGE: Ernie pledged in suspenders.
INSPIRATION: Craig sought comfort for the many suffering in Japan.
VISITING ROTARIANS: AP Skip acknowledged Sgt. Quast who acknowledged the tan Brian Harper, who acknowledged Erin Dunn and Tom Sensingson.
GUESTS: Dave Taylor, Tom Frazier, Casey Lockhart, Patti Rae, Jack Foster and Kyle Ferguson.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Kelly informed us that Syd has a new chemo regimen and is today beginning radiation treatment.
OTHER STUFF:
KELLY promised Corn Beef and Cabbage if you get your appetite to Redway School the evening of Saint Patrick’s Day. Ten bucks if you’re normal, five if you’re not, which is to say young or old.
CLIF, cleverly clad in kilts, gave a report on our club’s contribution to RI. 69.4% of us are Paul Harris Fellows. Some wag wanted to know who the .4 was. Suggestions were given. 15 are multiple PHs. We have seven benefactors, eleven sustaining members. In our history the club has contributed $139,159.00 or so.
SKIP challenged us to a clever game where all the numbers added up to 110 or 111.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH Clif introduced Tom Frazier from the SF Career Vocational Ed department who introduced Casey Lockhart, a whizz with computers, who does volunteer work at the Senior Center and who is a member of many clubs at school. Casey intends to go to CR and pursue a degree in Computer Support. He hopes to stay in Humboldt. We gave him a check to help him on his way.
KARYN had fun and found inspiration with 600 other folks at PETS, a.k.a. President Elect Training Seminar.
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIP money is available to a person with two years of college and a desire to be a leader and to study abroad. Know a candidate?
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY. Takes place on April 2nd in Mendocino College in Ukiah. Erin Dunn says this will not be your “grandpa’s district assembly”. She handed out personal invitations from our District Governor-Elect, Maureen Merrill and encouraged us to check out the website referred to in the letter.
STUDY GROUP EXCHANGE. Erin also informed us that the Japanese people coming this spring will be here. They do not live near the disaster area.
STUDENT EXCHANGE. Susie needs help. The work is getting more complex and she hopes one or more of us will attend the District Assembly and get up to speed on the process so as to better assist or replace her.
BASKETBALL FOR POLIO ERADICTION. O’Dennis says it still on Wednesday the 31st. Get your sign ups.
FIFTH TUESDAY. On the 30th at the Cadillac Wok unless you hear differently.
FINE MASTER. Greg expressed his admiration for the people of Japan and the noble manner in which they are responding to the string of disasters that challenge them.
BRIAN H. has been to Mexico and South Carolina and he paid $100.00 to Paul.
KARYN has also been to Mexico and she paid $20.00
PETER was acknowledged for the long hours he served tending bar at the S.O.S. event last weekend. Garth, Kent, and perhaps others helped.
SKIP thanked all those who contribute to the club.
Rotary Minutes March 8, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The sandwich array with a variation: a goat cheese and olive sandwich. Green salad and for dessert the cinnamon roll. Dennis O’Sullivan was our acting president this week and he had the foresight to bring along the bell and gavel. His tap was genteel but sufficient to bring the small mob to its feet.
PLEDGE: The Wilder Bunny led us
INSPSIRATION: Craig performed the service.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Not only did we have no visiting Rotarians, Brian Harper was not available to tell us so and Sgt. Quast had to leave after greeting us at the door.
GUESTS: Our guest was Lorraine Carolan.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We learned that Julie Willows had died at the age of 98.
APPRECIATIONS: O’Dennis attended the Carnival put on by the hospital and school foundations and said the performances were great.
Nancy appreciates the good treatment people are getting at the District clinic.
Susan informed us that Kella is retiring from ambulance service and will begin working at the District clinic.
Carolyn gave us an update on her mother’s efforts to recover from a stroke. No visitors yet but she enjoys receiving mail. Cards can be sent to Nadine at P.O. Box 276, Redway, CA 95560
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SHON solved a mystery when she learned it was Karyn who had made up at Arcata Sunrise on January 14th.
SETH reported on the great trip he, his family, and Linea had over three days at Disneyland including Linea getting her photo taken with Nicolas Cage. Now she is off to Hawaii.
KARYN asked that tonight’s board meeting be put off for a week. Was done.
O’DENNIS. Fifth Tuesday is the 29th and we will be hosting the Ferndale Club at Cadillac Wok.
POLIO BASKETBALL. Will be held on Wednesday the 30th of March. Sheets were supposedly passed but not to our table.
O’DENNIS reported that President Syd is not feeling well and is unable to make an appearance at the club at this time.
O’DENNIS paid $40.00 for his 40th anniversary.
FINE MASTER.
Darren and David were spotted in a newspaper photo sitting in the new bus stop shelter. Darren described the savings he earns by riding the bus, assuming the driver thinks to stop for him. No fines were levied.
O’DENNIS described the Imagine Humboldt meeting. You can imagine Humboldt fifty-years hence yourself by Googling Imagine Humboldt.
TAMMY had raffle tickets for a quilt in support of Make a Wish, a program that raises money to send ill children on vacations
O’DENNIS encourages people to contact state senators and assembly members about getting the tax extension measure on the ballot.
PROGRAM. Ernie introduced Lorraine Carolan a local midwife and physician’s assistant. Lorraine first arrived in SoHum in 1969 and was a founder of Redwoods Rural Health Center. A year ago Lorraine journeyed to Haiti to assist the medical effort following the earthquake. Her motivation began in 2005 when she regretted not going to Louisiana to help after Katrina. She arrived in Haiti a couple of months after the quake and the devastation was almost total. She worked at a hospital built by Adventists, the only hospital that remained standing. During the first week she delivered up to 12 children a day working 15 to 20 hours a day. During the second week she helped prepare rooms for delivery and recovery and operated a street clinic performing women’s exams behind a sheet hung up along the street. Aftershocks were still happening and she observed that everyone who had survived the quake was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder causing them to be very frightened by every tremor. At the same time the people of Haiti were clean, neatly dressed, positive and even joyous. They had strict religious beliefs ranging from Voodoo to Roman Catholicism. She also found great ineptness in what remained of the government to the extent that donated supplies languished on the docks because a tariff was required to get them out.Rotary Minutes March 1, 2011
By Doug Ingold
It came in like a lamb but the food was chicken tetrazzini according to the Italian sitting across from me. That and salad and for dessert a cookie. Some not-to-be-named members managed to score two of them. Skip had assigned us seats for the day and handed out little yellow Post Its with our assignments as we came through the door. Our President this week was the venerable Bill Stewart who was making a comeback after being out of office since 1973. Rumors that he had sought the office as a member of the Bull Moose Party are unfounded. He had secured the bell and gavel, however, and roused us with a melodious clang.
PLEDGE: Don led us
INSPSIRATION: Clif spoke for us
VISITING ROTARIANS: Sgt Quast was back in polysyllabic form and scanning the room found Johanna Rodoni
GUESTS: Four brave ones showed themselves: Joe Gouvain, a SF graduate and now a member of the Coast Guard headed to Nebraska to sail on the Missouri, Harry Jasper, Danielle Daniel and Christina Huff.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Shon enjoyed the company of Syd and Diane yesterday and reported that both were in good spirits. Syd showed a good appetite.
SPECIAL DAYS:
Tammy, Ernie, and Bunny had birthdays and it cost them each five. Bunny has arrived at Medicare.
O’Dennis is about to celebrate forty years of married life.
FUND RAISER GREG: The wine raffle is going well. Everyone now has their tickets. A few souls still need to choose a wine and deliver it. A sheet was passed.
FINE MASTER GREG: David Katz was very proud of his new nine pound grandson. He paid $100 to Paul
Herb had two good vacation weeks in Belize, and three challenging work-weeks in Hawaii. He paid $20.00
Kelly has been recognized by her employer and is off to Portland in a couple of weeks to bask in the recognition.
CARNIVAL. Harry had posters and information about the Carnival celebration this Saturday March 5th at the Mateel Community Center. Tickets are $25.00 and you are promised a good time.
HONOR FLIGHTS. A-Dennis announced that money is being raised (goal is $30,000) to sent one thousand local WWII vets to Washington DC to visit the memorials located there.
PROGRAM. Peter introduced Christina Huff from the Family Resource Center and her able assistant Danielle Daniel, a SF grad, a San Francisco State grad and now an AmeriCorps member serving in the community. The Family Resource Center is located at Redway School. The Center administers a number of programs that aid students and their families. One program, Rotary has been involved with, Backpacks for Kids, now has a new name Weekend Food for Kids. Needy families receive food every Thursday to help them through the weekend, a time when the local food bank is closed. Our Peter and Debbie Connelly have shouldered a large part of this effort on behalf of Rotary. It now serves 18 families with a total of 32 children. Rather than give an allotment of food the program is moving toward establishing a pantry where participants can choose what they want. Other programs include First Five Playgroups, a Parent Workshop and Support Group, student support groups, a meeting space, on-site medical services and professional counseling. One program, the Youth Service Bureau, is seeking to establish homes were students who need to get away from their parents can stay for up to three weeks. Persons interested in becoming host families should contact the Center. Questions were asked and answered. Thanks to Christina and Danielle for bringing us up to date on these programs.
Rotary Minutes February 22, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Fried Chicken, small red potatoes cooked with onions and squash. A green salad and the usual desserts. The crowd was small but lively. Our acting President Dennis Abshire had both bell and gavel on hand and used them to get the chickened-stuffed to their feet.
PLEDGE: Darren led us
INSPIRATION: Craig inspired us
VISITING ROTARIANS: Sgt Quast found none
GUESTS: Irish Rybicki, Margo and Marlene McReynolds
COMMUNITY REPORT: Carolyn’s mother Nadine Basquez has suffered a stroke. Tammy’s employee Faith Hoffman has had a daughter.
SMALLTURNOUT. Acting President A-Dennis thought the poor attendance was because the members heard him coming. He then issued a fiat exempting himself and all former Presidents from fines. Then he took it back, in part, and imposed a one dollar fine on anyone not having a Rotary pin on their person. Purses were pillaged.
INSTANT WINE COLLECTION: Greg is playing in the snow but tickets are being sold. For those in doubt, yes only 500 will be sold.
DISTRICT ASSEMBLY. April 2nd. Somewhere in Ukiah.
POLIO PLUS. The District has donated $365,000. Our club has donated $2,630 and we are well up here relative to our size.
BASKETBALL POLIO PLUS. O’Dennis, once he got the dates straight, explained the plan. You will shoot 10 free throws. You will find sponsors who will pay a sum for each one you make. You can hire someone to shoot for you. For a hundred bucks you can just forget the whole thing. To be followed by a game: The Rotary All Stars (a dimly lit group) against the 6th and 7th grade boy and girl all stars.
PROGAM: Shon introduced Margo McReynolds a 15 year old student who has been educating herself about leadership. To date she has attended three important leadership conferences. The first was in Washington DC where she was surrounded by young ladies wearing pink, a color she does not like. In addition to classes they visited Harper’s Ferry which she found very moving and spiritual. At the second conference in San Jose, she had to play soccer as if she was FDR which cramped her style. But in the talent show she danced. Her third conference and her favorite so far was in Boston. This conference focused on respect and acceptance of others. The attendees met with members of a Native American tribe and they visited the U.S.S. Massachusetts
But the high light for Margo was a visit to Salem, the scene of the witch trials. Now Margo is excited about a fourth leadership conference, this one in Australia and New Zeeland this summer sponsored by People to People. About two hundred participants intend to go including Britt Johnson, also from South Fork. The trip will cost $7,000 and she has already raised $2,000.00. In addition to leadership conferences Margo has participated for two years in Recycled Youth where she has played among others Sarah Palin. She has also attended a writer’s workshop at HSU and a Youth Summit at CR. She hopes to go away to learn and then come back to work in Southern Humboldt. Thanks to Shon and Margo, and to Dennis for stepping up as our Pres.
Rotary Minutes February 16, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The sandwich array, green salad and a cupcake with hearts affixed. Acting president Greg sat at the head table hidden behind a row of wine bottles. He surprised us by possessing both the bell and the gavel, which, with a quick movement he struck together, causing us to leap to our feet.
PLEDGE: Harold led us
INSPIRATION: Greg read the stirring words of a RI President from decades ago.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Emeritus Sgt. Quast introduced Tom Sensingson.
MOMENT OF DISORIENTATION: Hearing the bell struck by the gavel, seeing a former president back at the helm and having Sgt Quast introduce a Visiting Rotarian, caused some of we more elderly members to experience a moment of heightened disorientation. However, the ambient confusion soon returned to more normal levels when we realized that Sgt. Quast had not introduced us to a new word.
GUESTS: Our exchange student Linea, Harry Jasper, Cole Moody and Leann Green.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy informed us that a member of Kiwanis named Danielle Whittmire (sp?) had suffered a slight stroke.
LINEA reported that she played basketball this year and is now headed into the track season. She is excited to be going to Disneyland with Seth and his family. (Later a hat was passed to help cover this trip.) Linea informed us that Valentine’s Day is also known as “Singles Awareness Day.”
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif introduced Leann Green, South Fork’s new foreign language teacher. Ms. Green had gracious words to say about Cole Moody, February’s student of the month, who is a wonderful student in Ms. Green’s Spanish class and only an eighth grader. Cole is capable and hard working, and while he didn’t have much to say to the elders sitting before him, he is a good friend of Harold’s grandson.
CORRESPONDENCE:
On Saturday April 16th there is a Rotary sponsored Wine Valley bicycle tour.
On Saturday April 2nd the district assembly will be held in Ukiah.
Gov. Jim Flamson reported that in a club in the District, the Windsor Club (?), all of the members are Paul Harris Fellows.
Our ambassadorial scholar in Egypt is safe but coming home.
We were entertained when Greg read several letters from young recipients of dictionaries.
ANNIVERSARY. February is the birth month of Rotary. The first meeting was held on February 23, 1905 in Chicago. Question: Was Paul Harris the first Paul Harris Fellow?
FINE MASTER. Greg changed hats and turned to collections:
CAROLYN paid 20 for a cruise to Mexico.
BRIAN ELIE confessed that his new smart phone is too smart for him. While he can call and be called, he can’t turn the damn thing off. He paid an unknown amount for eruptions during the Vision Planning Meeting.
HAROLD was fined for advertising his wonderful grandson. He paid 20 and threw in an extra five for your scribe. We can thus conclude that nothing critical of Harold will ever appear in these minutes.
SUSAN has a new granddog. It cost her 20.00
CRAIG has paid for his granddaughter but he confessed to a trip to Orlando and paid 20.
BILL put down a 20 buck deposit on the trip he will be taking to Italy next month.
INSTANT WINE COLLECTION TICKETS SHOULD ARRIVE TODAY. GET READY TO SELL.
PROGRAM. O’Dennis introduced Tom Sensingson, a visiting Rotarian from the Redding area, and a frequent and welcome visitor at our meetings. The voters of the Southern Humboldt Unified School District recently passed a bond issue and some of the bonds have been sold. Tom is an architect retained to help the District plan upgrades of the various district campuses, working in close cooperation with the board of trustees. Ultimately, all campuses will be improved. Tom showed us several preliminary drawings of proposed changes both at the high school and at Redway elementary. A high priority at South Fork is to create a “school within a school,” namely a junior high that will be situated within, but largely separate from, the high school. The two schools will share some facilities. A second priority is remodeling the shower-locker rooms at the SF gymnasium. The administration offices will also be reworked and other changes made. At Redway, new buildings will be constructed and some old ones removed. All plans are designed to make the facilities more comfortable, more attractive and more efficient. Tom believes that a school that provides a good sports program and good buildings will attract more students. Tom offered to present additional programs as the plans evolve. Thanks to Tom and O’Dennis for an informative program.
Rotary Minutes February 9, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Tasty pork enchiladas, rice, green salad, the usual dessert. Bea was our president this week and she managed to collect our attention and direct it toward the flag.
PLEDGE: Kelly led us
INSPIRATION: Clif was poetic.
VISITING ROTARIANS: BrianH found none hiding in the hall.
GUESTS: Cap Rountree, Anne Staunton
COMMUNITY REPORT. We eventually learned that Randi Perkins had broken her wrist while exercising and that Bea sat around drinking wine with Syd.
METALIC BADGES. You want one, you see Shon. She about to order. Cost you twenty pictures of President George (the first one).
FERNDALE FUND RAISER. Bea proclaimed the meal alone worth a hundred bucks: the beef prime, the lobster delicious, the times good.
SUPER BOWL POOL. Bobby Crenshaw and Gabe Miclette took away loot. As did two Rotarians, Tammy and Jim. See details of club extraction below.
MARDI GRAS. O’Dennis tells us that on March 12, 2011 there will be a party for the school’s foundation. The party is Rotary sponsored and help will be needed.
WINE FUND RAISER. Bottles are coming in. Seven so far. Sign up, buy and deliver.
VISION PLANNING. It is tonight!
FINE MASTER.
TAMMY accosted. Found not guilty of causing Randi Perkins to break her wrist but did plead guilty to winning $500.00 in the SBP. She paid $50.00
JIM won $400.00 and paid $40.00.
SHON won $50.00 at Ferndale and paid $10.00
O’DENNIS won $100.00 in pool and paid $10.00
DARREN’S wife won $100.00 at Ferndale and, according to her husband, quickly spent $200.00. Darren paid $20.00
KELLY told a joke judged good enough to avoid a fine.
CONFESSIONS:
BEA paid $20.00 because she too had won at Ferndale
GREG was reminded that he won table money at Ferndale and paid $20.00
TAMMY won in the Booster Club SB pool and paid $12.50
O’DENNIS won in the Giddiup pool and paid $10.00
BEA has become a movie star as a shining light among the lighthouse aficionados. Don’t remember if she paid for this or simply announced it.
Rotary Minutes February 1, 2011
by Susan Gardner
In honor of our very own little Italian Bea, pasta and meatballs were on the menu for the day and were happily gobbled up by the crowd.
Yours truly was honored to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was delivered as eloquently as usual by Clif Anderson.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Brian Harper looked around the room and announced there were no visiting Rotarians and only one guest – Hospital Administrator Harry Jasper, who in the end should have been my guest, but ended up as Carolyn’s. So sorry Carolyn!! I’ll get him next time.
The Red and the Blue
Darren Tomasini was presented with his blue badge having fulfilled all of his requirements. Good job Darren!!
Rob Update
Many members were surprised to find out that our wonderful assistant and server, Rob, spent five days in the hospital after being scratched by a cat. We were all very happy to have him back. He is a true asset to us all. We love you Rob!!
Sunshine
Tammy reported that Faye Spaggiari had moved to Fortuna to be closer to family.
Kelly gave an update on Syd and said he is holding his own and has started his chemo. I stopped by to visit with him on Tuesday and he looks darn good. All of our prayers are with him, Diane, and all the family. We look forward to seeing you back soon Syd. Kelly said he is as ornery as ever, which is a good sign.
Announcements
Guest Harry Jasper announced the Hospital Foundation’s upcoming fundraiser at the Mateel Community Center on Sat., March 5. They will be holding the 1st Annual Southern Humboldt Brazilian Carnival along with the Southern Humboldt Schools Foundation. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now.
*****
Fill-in and Past-President Bunny Wilder told a funny joke, but I wasn’t quick enough to write it down. Heck, I can’t even remember why I am writing this instead of the verbose Doug Ingold. It must have something to do with the fact that he was the program.
*****
Past-President Peter Connolly reminded everyone to get your bottles of “good quality” vino to Greg or bring it to a meeting. Someone reminded everyone to use the portable microphone when speaking to the club, because some of us more mature members can’t hear.
*****
Dennis O’Sullivan handed out new exercise sheets for Redway School. Come on, the sun is shining and we should all be able to fill those up. Make sure you get them back to Dennis at the end of the month.
The Rotary All-Stars vs the 7th grade Redway Mustangs basketball game will be held on March 30 at Redway. If you don’t play, or find someone to shoot for you, you will have to pay a hefty price, so get your tennis shoes on and start practicing. All that practice can go on your exercise sheet.
*****
Incoming President Karen Lee-Thomas reminded everyone about the Vision Planning meeting next Tuesday at 5 p.m. She also said the GSE team will be here from Japan at the end of April and will need transportation.
*****
The Garberville Library has received our Rotary check and wants to know what kind of books we would like them to purchase. Check with Nancy Wilson if you have suggestions.
*****
The District Assembly is April 2 and Karen would like at least 20% of the club to attend.
*****
Nancy made a short comment about Bea being the fill-in president next week. Hey Nancy, you’re not exactly a Mr. Quast yourself former high school basketball star yourself.
*****
Harold reminded everyone about the Ferndale steak and lobster dinner coming up and said he and Donna would be partying down in their room before dinner.
*****
Bunny thanked everyone who attended and helped with the Citizen of the Year dinner at the Benbow Hotel to honor John and Teresa Porter.
*****
Mr. Quast, gave us some word I couldn’t understand, or spell, because I couldn’t hear what he said. Microphone please!!! He also paid $19.56 for the year he graduated from high school and told us about being honored with induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Being one of six honored, he was the most senior jock. Congratulations Mr. Q. It is very well deserved. We’ll see you at the Redway game and will depend on you to get a triple, triple.
*****
Seth wanted to make sure if you are going somewhere interesting, please try to include our exchange student, Liñea. She would appreciate seeing more of our area.
*****
Tammy ran three miles during the Clam Beach Marathon and ended up 75th out of 212 runners. Go Tammy, Go!!!
Fines, Fines, Fines
Finemaster Greg Pfau announced that the Senior Center had asked everyone to sign a birthday card for Evelyn Rusk, who is turning 101 on March 8!!!!
Greg also said he had the winning ticket to sell for the Phillipsville Volunteer Fire Department’s trip to Hawaii. The drawing will be held very soon so see Greg soon.
Harold’s phone rang, which cost him. He also gave generously to the PVFD.
Because Kelly’s badge is still very red, she bought another square for the Super Bowl. Hey, cut her some slack she has two rambunctious boys and a husband to take care of and keep healthy.
Program
The program was next with Rotarian Doug Ingold who gave us all a lesson on the history of the Constitution. It is always good to remember how and why our country’s laws were formed and who has control of what.
Thanks Doug and I will be glad to turn this over to you next week.
Rotary Minutes January 25, 2011
by Doug Ingold
The usual sandwich spread, the familiar green salad, the usual desserts. There was no coffee but we were armed to the teeth. In the absence of Rob, allegedly attacked by a cat, the Wilder Bunny and others assisted with clearing the tables. The guy-who-could-get-in-your-car-in-a-minute stood before us tapping a cup with a spoon. We rose and faced Acting President Don and there beyond his shoulder was Old Glory.
PLEDGE: Bea
INSPIRATION: Clif
VISITING ROTARIANS: We were honored to have in our presence District Governor Jim Framson and his sidekick Paul Knoblich
GUESTS: Mike Gardner, Ron Pulitano, Vicki Pulitano, Ken Swithenbank, all four guests plus Susan Gardner, and including Ken Swithenbank, were in costume, though Ken’s looked the most official.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy had no news. She did have a card for Syd that was passed around but seemed to miss my table.
CORRESPONDENCE AND STUFF
KELLY LARSON who had come to the club on December 14th seeking support for sending some local art enthusiasts to the Building Creative Communities workshop in Colquitt, Georgia sent us a letter saying funds had been raised and they were on their way.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. The big night is coming this Friday, the 28th. Bunny said tickets are still available.
SETH HONORED. Applause greeted word that Seth had stepped forward to help transport our in-country exchange student and our new out-going student from Ukiah to here or vice versa.
HAROLD HONORED. Applause recognized Harold as well for his tireless efforts to sell tickets and arrange good times for Rotarians. He still has three tickets left for the Ferndale bash on Saturday February 5th.
KARYN REPORTS:
THE FARTHEST FROM THE BIGGEST. Karyn attended a meeting in San Diego of one of Rotary’s biggest clubs with 550 members. She got a bottle of wine for being the VR who had come from the greatest distance.
VISION PLANNING. That gathering will take place on Tuesday the 8th. Board members will be there and other members are invited.
REDWOOD REGIONAL MEETING. Karyn attended, as had Jim Framson and Paul Knoblich. The District is forming a new club, the 46th, that will help bring in a new generation of Rotarians but using a slightly different format. She also learned more about Green Plus, of which there is more below.
GSE TEAM will arrive here on Sunday May 1, 2011 from Japan and members are needed to help with travel and lunch.
DISTRICT AWARDS. The club needs someone to promote our good deeds and bring back District awards.
GREEN PROJECT. We need a green project and Karyn is looking for suggestions.
BRIAN WALKER will be nominated by the club for Rotarian of the Year.
SUPERBOWL POOL. O’Dennis reported that he will bring copies of chart.
POLIO BASKETBALL. We’re going to do it again. A basketball game of the ancients against those young and athletic Redway School kids and a free-throw shooting contest for which you will need sponsors. The moment of truth will take place in late March or early April.
WINE CELLAR FUND RAISER. Peter had a pass-around sheet with various types of wine and people signed up to purchase one bottle. Should be good, $25.00 or better.
DICTIONARIES. Some are to be delivered, others have been.
BLUE BADGE. Garth’s went from Red to Blue and he got a hand as well.
ROTARY MINUTE. Don asked a few questions that we all puzzled over, and some answered.
GREEN PLUS. Paul Knoblich stated that the program begun in Calistoga managed to get the Calistoga club and many of its members to live in a more environmentally sustainable manner. If we can spread this process to other District clubs it may become the next great project for Rotary International as soon as Polio Plus has completed its work. The goal is a world-wide grass-roots movement led by Rotary.
GUILT-RIDDEN FINES. Acting President Don asked but got no answers. No guilt acknowledged, no fines paid.
PROGRAM. Dressed as if she had just gotten off a buckboard and was on her way to an ice cream social, Susan introduced three similarly dressed speakers: Ron Pulitano, Vicki Pulitano and Susan’s husband, Mike Gardner, a.k.a. Cap’n Roundtree. I counted six side arms among the three of them and a table of rifles and shotguns beside the podium but Ron began it all with a song. The four were on hand to tell us about a phenomenon known as cowboy action shooting. They are members of the Mad River Rangers which is itself part of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). They engage in shooting events that are taken from scenes in Western films, novels and the historical period that lasted for about 35 years between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the twentieth century. There are now 90,000 such shooters found in all fifty states and 18 different countries. Participants have a very good time at local events and international ones known as End of Trail events. Last year over 1,600 shooters participated at the End of Trail that took place on a ranch owned by SASS in New Mexico. They believe in the Code of the West which includes: A handshake makes a binding deal, respect for women, helping those in need and being true to your brand, which can apparently be translated as loyalty to your employer. All members, like Cap’n Roundtree, have aliases gleaned from Western films, novels, history and a healthy sense of humor. Vicki told us of websites that specialize in traditional clothing of the type our presenters were wearing. Ron indicated that this can become as it has for him and Vicki, a full-time and somewhat expensive hobby, but a very satisfying one. Though live ammunition is involved, gun safety is strongly enforced and there have been no accidents. Thanks to Susan and the three presenters for a program very much enjoyed by the members. And thanks to Don for serving this week as our president.
NEXT WEEK. Doug talks about Our Constitution: Past, Present and Future.
Rotary Minutes January 18, 2011
By Doug Ingold
The delectables were chicken pasta, pesto bread, a green salad and a cookie for the good at heart (who were able to enjoy it before they learned in the program of the questionable value of said cookie.) Emeritus President Nancy took the helm this week and brought her own bell, a pleasant sounding imitator of the beloved one.
PLEDGE. Bea led us
INSPIRATION: Craig inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Tom Sensingson
GUESTS: Martin Abshire, Amber Patzlaff, Lenia, Amanda Harrison, Sandy Harrison, Jim Stewart, Debbie Jo Johannesen, Sarah Johannesen Murray, and Andrew Murray.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy deferred to Jim Quast who reported having recently seen President Syd. Syd was at the store but feeling very weak. He starts Chemo this Friday. We all wish him well.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CRAIG gave an update on his now 13 day old granddaughter. The young lady is doing very well
BRIAN WALKER, Nancy reported, will be honored at a black-tie dinner in San Francisco on I believe March 16th. Brian will be receiving the District Volunteer Award. Bea pointed out that while he was here last week, Brian tiled the Chamber of Commerce floor. No wonder he is thought of not just as Mr. Pledge, but also as Mr. Volunteer.
HAROLD is selling tickets very quickly for the Ferndale Steak and Lobster and Raffle night on Saturday February 5, 2011. He has four tickets left at $150.00 a couple and he wants to get rid of them.
SUPER BOWL POOL The squares have been drawn, the price has been set at $25.00 per square and the board passed around. All we need to know now is who will play and what the score will be.
POLIO PLUS. District contributions are out. Our club has contributed over eight thousand so far which ranks us 13th in the District, a ranking that, given our size, makes us glow with pride.
KARYN who is already performing some presidential duties attended a District-wide event and read to us wise words from the RI president elect who is from India
THE GSE TEAM coming this spring is from Japan. Erin Dunn is heading up the project. Members interested in helping should attend a meeting to be held on January 25th. See Karyn for details.
VISION PLANNING. On February 8th, the Board and other interested Rotarians will engage in a Vision Planning workshop that will last from three and a half to four hours. You get a meal in addition to a vision. It takes place at 5:00 at a place to be determined.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif introduced Jim Stewart who was pinch hitting for the Social Studies Department but is in fact the principal. Jim introduced Amanda Harrison, student of the month. Jim described the senior Amanda as a school leader, and class president. She was also a soccer star. Amanda told us she is headed toward either UCSD or UCSB with the idea of becoming a business major and eventually an events coordinator. She got her check and was promised a certificate.
DICTIONARIES. Craig announced that the Dictionaries are here and if you want to help deliver them, contact him.
FUND RAISER. Peter informed us that Greg has a sound money making idea for the club. Every club member buys a bottle of good wine, price to be set by the club. We get a total of 50 bottles. We sell up to 500 tickets at $20.00 each and the winner gets all the wine. The drawing will take place on May 31st at a fifth Tuesday.
CRAB FEED. Soroptimists International will host a crab feed on January 23rd. $20.00 in advance. $25.00 at the door.
PROGRAM. Seth introduced his sister, Sarah Johannesen Murray, and her husband Andrew Murray who operate a business known as Western Botanical Medicine near Whitethorn. Sarah and Andrew are practicing (licensed in England) medical herbalists and they manufacture organic herbal medicines. They gave tips on how to support our immune system in this time of colds and flu. First rule from Andrew: You are in fact what you eat. Second rule: Poly unsaturated oils, a.k.a. seed oils such as from corn and sunflower are not good for you. They suppress the immune system. Indeed, according to Sarah, the problem started in the 1920s when paint manufactures began using petroleum in place of these oils. The farmers needed an outlet and started marketing the oils as food. Good oils are olive, coconut oil, butter and beef or lamb fat if organic. These fats support liver and thyroid health which is fundamental to a strong immune system. Eat liver, eat raw carrots, drink orange juice. Echinacea does work as a prophylactic. If you realize you are entering an a virus-rich area, take a dose36 hours beforehand. Vitamin D is very good for you. If you don’t get enough sun, you might try light therapy. Keep warm. If your temperature is 98 degrees your immune system is running at50% efficiency. At 99 degrees it is fully functioning. (This is why we get fevers.) If you drink vodka eat butter! Thanks to Sarah, Andrew and Seth for a fact-filled, sneeze-free program.
Rotary Minutes January 11, 2011
By Doug Ingold
A familiar cluster of sandwiches, a familiar green salad with onions and familiar wedges of tomato followed by the usual choice of desserts. An unusual acting President with an unusual bell that was better than the faux black bell but more school-marmy than the beloved bell of memory. Acting Pres Clif rang the bell and we leaped eagerly to our feet to face the flag.
PLEDGE: Harold led us in this as he does in other things.
INSPIRATION: Craig’s message was brief but clear.
VISITING ROTARIANS: John Gullam
GUESTS: Noah Battles, who, we learned, had attended South Fork when the much-honored James Quast was principal.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy reported that a memorial service for Patti Lewis will be held on January 22nd at the Vet’s Hall beginning at 2:00. Craig was happy to inform the mob that he has a new granddaughter who weighed in at eight pounds six ounces.
THE BOARD will be meeting tonight.
FERNDALE STEAK AND LOBSTER. Harold has some tickets left (whether “some five” tickets or “exactly five” tickets was debated). The event will be held on February 5th.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR. Bunny reminded us that Citizens of the Year John and Teresa Porter will be honored for their service to the community on the 28th at the Inn.
REDWOOD REGIONAL MEETING. This is a meeting of Rotary Presidents-elect? and others on the 28th at a place to be determined.
DAYS OF OUR BIRTHS. Pres Clif summoned Greg, Steve and Peter for their birthdays, Don for Mary’s birthday, and commanded them to pay five each. Craig, so happy with the granddaughter was he, that he confessed that he too has a birthday in January and promptly paid. True President Syd, it was announced, has an anniversary.
ROTARY QUESTIONS were posed by AP Clif: Ernie, and others answered.
HAROLD’S VINTAGE CAR, we learned, was described by Dist Gov. Framson as one of the highlights of his club visits.
NEW TYPE OF ROTARY CLUB. Bill informed us that in SR they are starting a new type of Rotary Club for young professionals. One hour meeting in late afternoon and no meal.
JIM QUAST HONORED. Clif read from a newspaper about the exploits of the young Jim Quast who lettered in three sports in high school with something like ten letters and assorted other honors and starred on his college basketball team. Jim received an enthusiastic, if belated, standing ovation from the mob.
FINE MASTER. Greg started by confessing that it was his phone that rang a couple of meetings ago and offered to pay, and then bragged that one of his sons was on the SF basketball team that defeated Eureka, and volunteered to pay for that. He asked Craig about the granddaughter and Craig volunteered $100.00 to Paul Harris (applause followed). Harold told a story about the ability of ten quail to survive a night in a freezer and the fright he received when they flew out the next morning.
Rotary Minutes January 4, 2011
By Doug Ingold
Lasagna, salad, the usual dessert choices. Ernie at the fore, his hair neatly combed.
He had no bell but captured our attention with a microphone.
PLEDGE: Don Orazem was asked but he deferred to Mr. Pledge himself, Brian Walker, who led us all the way
INSPIRATION: Craig offered us comfort
VISITING ROTARIANS: H-Brian found none. The exact status of Brian Walker is not clear
GUESTS: Rodney Barr
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy reported lots of bad news in recent days: Deaths of a small child, of a young woman, a middle age man, and Patti Lewis. A mild stroke for Jodi Adams. Our President Syd is reported in good spirits, doing some walking and heading into chemo.
ERNIE, our acting pres, encouraged everyone to keep their cell phones on.
KARYN reported that David Katz has offered to serve as president beginning in July 2012. This news was greeted with applause.
ERNIE, the day’s teacher, began by asking questions of a former teacher: Jim Quast. Jim answered an impressive list of questions about Rotary. Bill told us about two members of our club who had served as District Governor, and about an impressive soda fountain owned by one of them, O’Dennis questioned an answer and had a badge to prove it. Bunny had other
answers and so did Brian Walker.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NANCY had informational flyers about the Friends of the Library. We learned that the new ADA door is installed and operating. If you can open the door yourself you help charge the system for the reader who cannot.
ERNIE said a few words about the memorial service held for Louie Spaggiari.
O’DENNIS had exercise sheets to pass out
BUNNY reminded us that the Chamber’s Citizens of the Year Dinner honoring John and Teresa Porter will be held at the Benbow Inn on Friday January 28th. Meal is $40.00. Lots of fun stuff planned.
HAROLD informed us that Evelyn Hartman had died and that the Ferndale annual Steak and Lobster feed is set for February 5th. Lots of good deals on a room and breakfast and a table for all. $150.00 per couple for the event.
BRIAN WALKER filled us in on his experiences since he last saw us in May, 2010. He has been in Guatemala and in Peru, helped his mother through the last months of her life, been working at the Rotoplast office and will be heading back to Guatemala in March.
PROGRAM. Ernie asked Bill Stewart to improvise a program and Bill came through with description of the energy crisis we will soon be facing. He informed us that gasoline is headed toward and past $5.00 a gallon and the affect on rural communities such as ours will be significant. The Gulf oil spill was very damaging, and we are not taking advantage of the drilling areas available to us. Sixty-five percent of the oil we use is imported. According to Bill the smart money is betting we will fail to adapt well to this problem. China is now starting to cash in its bonds and is using the money to buy up valuable assets in the United States. Private vehicles will remain basic. Our nation is so large and has developed with the automobile as part of our lives. Bill things there are three ways out of this situation: 1. Stop using petroleum to produce electricity and move toward nuclear power which is considerably safer and cleaner than it was a few decades ago. 2. We have a 100 year supply of natural gas and we need to exploit it. 3. We need to start using propane to power our vehicles. In Europe, propane is known as “auto fuel”
Thanks to Ernie for acting as our president for the day and to Bill for an informative program.Rotary Minutes December 14, 2010
by Doug Ingold
VITUALS: Parts of chickens, a small round red potato, veggies, salad with onion slices and tomato wedges, and for those desserting, a chocolate cupcake. On the tables we SEES boxes of chocolate complements of Rob. In the absence of our President, Peter Connelly stood before us with a faux bell. He used it to bring the mob to a semblance of order.
PLEDGE: Peter led us
INSPIRATION: Craig spoke for us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Johanna Rodoni
GUESTS: DJ & Karen Miclette, Gabe Miclette, Linia, Gloria Valdez, Kelly Larson.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We learned of the death of our long-time fellow Rotarian Louie Spaggiari. Our President is going under the knife tomorrow, as is Cameron Varnell.
MEMORIAL a memorial for Louie has been tentatively set for the veterans’ hall on Monday the 20th at 2:00.
POLIO WALK. Lots of people are after Erin Dunn’s hair. Johanna Rodoni had tickets and posters and a pass-around sheet. The walk is on January 1, 2011 at Rohnert Park beginning at 9:30. It is only 1.5 miles long and it ends with a pancake breakfast.
EXERCISE REPORTS. O’ Dennis accepted completed exercise reports for the Governor’s Fitness Challenge and even had a few blank ones for people with good memories.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif did the honors this month introducing both Gloria Valdez, teacher in the math department and Gabe Miclette, student, star in the calculus class as well as many other places. Ms. Valdez referred to Gabe as a fantastic student who will be much missed next year. Gabe said his plans for next year are the same as the last time he was before us: Kinesiology or Bio Science or Engineering at UC Davis or somewhere else. To the pleasure of all, he also identified and explained the many patches on his letter jacket.
ROB APPRECIATED. A hand was passed and sums collected and handed to Rob in gratitude for his serving us this year. He spoke kindly of us as well.
FINE MASTER
BRIAN HARPER talked about enjoying himself in Hawaii and reported having spotted Brian Walker both on the beach and in a security line at the airport. He volunteered $50.00.
KELLY was confronted about a new car but successfully avoided a blow to the wallet when she pointed out that her father-in-law had already fined her.
KARYN had high praise for the food, the scenery and the prices in Vietnam. She also gave us a brief rundown of David’s medical condition that caused them to shorten the trip. She donated $100.00.
GREG reported that the Steve Bowen memorial at Benbow was a wonderful event and that the Porter’s had dedicated a stool to him at the bar.
BUNNY announced the John and Teresa Porter are Citizens of the Year Elect.
MEAL statements will be coming your way for the next quarter but the bills will be reduced by the two non-meetings at the end of this month.
ROTARY MONTH. As all others sat silent, Mr. Quast knew that December is family month.
PROGRAM. Herb introduced Kelly Larson who arrived in Redway two months ago to record an album of original music and has gotten involved with a group of creative locals who are working to refurbish the old theater at the local C/R campus building and to develop the local economy around a creative arts base. To further that goal some local dancers and performers are hoping to attend a Building Creative Communities workshop in Colquitt, Georgia. It will cost $1,200 a person and they would like to send two or three people. Colquitt, Georgia is apparently a community that has successfully drawn tourists to see locally written and produced theater productions, art murals and other creative endeavors. Kelly answered a lot of questions and favored us with a song. Thanks to Herb and Kelly for a “note worthy” program.
THERE WILL BE NO MEETINGS UNTIL TUESDAY JANUARY 4, 2011.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL.Rotary Minutes December 7, 2010
by Doug Ingold
TROUGH: The sandwich array, green salad with dunup onions and tomato wedges, and for desert a pumpkin, cream-cheese dealie that Annie Bignon referred to as a ‘pinwheel.’ President Syd had both bell and gavel and stood his ground against all takers.
LOYALTY ACKNOWLEDGMENT: A-Dennis led us.
DECLARATION OF FAITH: Craig spoke on our behalf.
ROTARIANS AWAY FROM HOME: Erin Dunn and Tom Sensingson.
GUESTS: Annie Bignon
COMMUNITY REPORT. Jim had called Louie’s home. Louie is not well. Fay had a knee recently replaced.
OTHER STUFF: The sixty-ninth anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor was remembered by some elders. President Syd told a story about a small kid on a plane, and related a Jeopardy answer.
DECEMBER DAYS OF NOTE:
Bea, Harold and Brian E have birthdays this month.
Ernie and Doug have anniversaries.
Bunny’s spouse has a birthday. And everyone paid $5.00.
CRAB FEAST DECLAWED. Karen called it off because of scheduling and other complications. Maybe next year?
WALK FOR POLIO. Erin Dunn is threatening to shave her head if enough people show up on January 1, 2011 for the Walk for Polio in Fortuna. The walk costs $10.00 but you get a breakfast and you get to walk off the previous night’s toxins. Registration at nine, start walking at nine-thirty. Come see Erin Dunn as a Buddhist monk.
STEAK AND LOBSTER in Ferndale again this year. Harold said it will be held on February 5, 2011 and he will have tickets.
DARKNESS DESCENDS ON ROTARY CLUB. The club will not meet on Tuesdays December 21st and December 28th.
GOVERNOR’S CHALLENGE. Your activity log should be turned in next week.
Rotary Minutes November 23, 2010
by Doug Ingold
Chicken Satay, Quinoa and veggies, green salad and for dessert a cookie. Our President had the bell and a substitute gavel and he got us to our feet before anyone was stabbed with a satay spear.
PLEDGE: Harold led us.
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Tom Allman
GUESTS: Martin Abshire
COMMUNITY REPORT: President Syd reported on his hospitalization over the weekend and his return to us. We were happy to see him back though many of us didn’t know he was gone. Also, Lou Moroni is recovering from a mild stroke.
TRANSFER PROBLEM: President Syd also reported that he will be presenting a proposal to the board regarding the future handling of matters such as the recent refusal to admit a transfer applicant.
WEEKLY JOKE. President Syd related a tale about a female heavy-sleeping Catholic student.
DAYS OF NOTE: Clif had a birthday a day before the meeting and was sung to in spite of his protests.
Bunny is celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary.
Craig and Doug have spouses celebrating their birthdays in November.
NEW YEARS DAY WALK FOR POLIO in Fortuna.
CASINO NIGHT. Greg reported that the event was held on a night of very bad weather. The turnout was low but a good time was had by those who did come. The club will likely break even but Greg believes the event still has life and should be tried again. He thanked the many club members who helped. President Syd pointed out how Greg’s whole family had assisted. Applause followed in honor of all those who helped bring the event to life.
FIFTH TUESDAY, HOLIDAY PARTY. Next Tuesday, November 30th , we will be meeting at Cecil’s for cocktails at six and dinner at seven. Costs $60.00 per person but the club will pay half for a member. So a couple pays $90.00. O’Dennis is still working on a bill reduction.
CHAMBER EVENTS COMING UP. Arts Alive on Friday December 3rd, Madd Jazz etc.
STEVE BOWEN MEMORIAL. December4th at 3:00pm at the Benbow Inn.
PROGRAM: Jim Quast gave a brief introduction to Tom Allman, the Sheriff of Mendocino County. Tom informed us he was raised within 400 yards of where the meeting was being held and his father was a member of our club. Tom is a member of the club in Willits.
Tom talked first about Proposition 19which he opposed but he believes it will be back and with some changes he would support it. He spends 30% of his time on marijuana issues. There are presently 18 agencies involved in dealing with marijuana activities in Mendocino which makes the situation very complicated and expensive. Marijuana will not go away. Some form of legalization may be the answer to getting marijuana off the front page which would give him and his staff more time to deal with other problems.
On the subject of other problems, the Sheriff is working to lower the jail population in Mendocino County. It is already down from 305 to 220. His goal is 200. The secret is a new model of GPS ankle bracelet which allows a person to be released and still monitored.
Tom’s third issue was the Mendocino National Forest which has become a haven for marijuana production and resulting wide spread environmental degradation. There were three fatal marijuana-related shootings in the forest this year. Next year, Mendocino and the other counties surrounding the forest will attempt to greatly reduce the activities there.
He also talked briefly about meth labs and he suggests that the secret is to make Sudafed available only by prescription.
Rotary Minutes November 16, 2010
by Doug Ingold
We enjoyed a fire in the fireplace and the sandwich array with a green salad and a lemon wedge. Our President possessed the bell but struck it with an alternative gavel, the whereabouts of the beloved gavel is unknown to this scribe.
PLEDGE: Yours truly led the mob in pledging allegiance to an absent flag.
INSPIRATION: President Syd provided the inspiration.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Tom Sensingson
GUESTS: Leslie Yale, Gabe Miclette, Karen Miclette, D.J. Miclette, Linia, Al Cook, Megan Johannesen.
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy yielded to Nancy who described husband Jerry’s recent trip to ER and the acquisition of some stents. Vessels are open and Jerry is home.
STORY OF THE WEEK: President Syd told a story about a blind risk-prone Rotarian in a bar full of strong women.
FOUNDATION DINNER. PS described the lovely basket he prepared and all the goodies that went into it. Ernie described the pleasant evening at the dinner and the moving speech by a polio survivor.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Tammy introduced Leslie Yale (science teacher) and Gabe Miclette (honored student). Ms. Yale described Gabe as one of the brightest students she has had the pleasure of teaching. Gabe is off to college but just where and what major is yet to be determined. We learned that in addition to school and his many athletic accomplishments Gabe is also learning to become a pilot.
CASINO NIGHT. This Saturday (11/20). Help was recruited and posters passed.
STEVE BOWEN MEMORIAL. Will be held at the Benbow Inn on Saturday December 4th and 1:00 pm.
FIFTH TUESDAY is November 30th and it will also serve as our holiday party. Details next week.
FINES: In the Fine Master’s absence, President Syd assessed a 20 buck fine against Kelly for her new car.
Bunny was assessed a similar amount for possessing an undisguisable tan that she picked up in Hawaii.
We learned that everyone owes $17.50 for the bus trip to Ferndale, but it was not clear this was true whether you went or not.
PROGRAM. David Katz introduced Alan Cook who is the owner of Solar Hot Water Plus in Arcata. (Not sure this is the correct name.) Al gave us the current information about both solar hot water systems and to a lesser degree solar electrical systems. Solar hot water systems can be used to provide both water for direct use in a building and for heating a building. Al answered the question: Are they economical? by saying “Usually, but not always.” There is an economy of scale so a person living alone who rarely showers may not make his money back. Conversation is also not practical if the home is located in a grove of tall redwoods. However, under most circumstances the investment is recouped, and the larger the family the sooner the payback. Modern systems are very productive even in foggy Arcata and McKinleyville and require very little maintenance, probably none for the first fifteen years. We learned that the California tax credit has almost disappeared but the Federal one remains in place at least until 2016.
Several questions were posed by the assembled masses and responses provided by Al and by David. Thanks to both for an interesting program. Al Cook signed a book for the library and was encouraged to escape with a Rotary pen.
Rotary Minutes November 9, 2010
No minutes from evening meeting in Ferndale.
Rotary Minutes November 2, 2010
Election day, no minutes from meeting at the Cadillac Wok
Rotary Minutes October 26, 2010
No minutes taken
Rotary Minutes October 19, 2010
by Doug Ingold
IN MEMORIUM
The sandwich array with salad. The President with a bell.
PLEDGE: Skip led us
INSPIRATION: Craig provided a prayer
STEVE BOWEN’S death was announced as the members stood. President Syd read a letter the club had received from Annie, his widow.
VISITING ROTARIANS. Tom Sensingson
GUESTS: Brent Brodersen, Scott Harrison, Martin Abshire, Adam Jaeger, Dee Way, Linea, Dave Taylor and Linda Brodersen
STUDENT OF THE MONTH. Clif introduced teacher Scott Harrison and student Brent Brodersen. Mr. Harrison heads up the art department and Brent is his star student. Brent is skilled in both two dimensional and three dimensional art. He’s a skilled potter and is now working with acrylics. Brent plans to go to college, perhaps UC Davis, but has not yet selected a major. Congratulations to Brent.
DISSENTION. President Syd announced that there was some dissention in the club regarding the board’s recent decision to not admit an individual to membership. He proposed a private meeting of the members. After some discussion it was generally agreed that a meeting would be beneficial but the time and place were not set.
DISTRICT GOVERNOR. President Syd read a kind note the club had received from Gov. Jim Flamson.
PROCLAMATION. At Pres. Syd’s request the Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation in support of Rotary’s efforts to eliminate polio and the walk on World Polio Day in San Francisco this coming Sunday. The proclamation was delivered to our president and he has or will pass it on to the District Gov.
MURDER IN EUREKA. The Eureka Rotary Club will be murdering a millionaire at the Morris Graves soon. You are invited. Bring your own millionaire.
PTA. O’Dennis announced that the PTA event took in over ten grand. How much of that came from the meals served by Rotary is not known. Dennis thanked the Rotarians who assisted but I could not get down all of the names. Bill Stewart pointed out that the club has been active with PTA since the beginning.
FERNDALE! Grab your cowboy boots and your beef chew’n dentures and join Harold and others at the Ferndale club on November 9th. Harold has a bus.
HAITI. Kelly announced that her brother has been doing good relief work in Haiti. He is going back soon and the kids there need vitamins. She was looking for donations. Karyn rose to the occasion, informing us that Dr. Kim does not need the $500 we had set aside for him, so we are buying vitamins with some of the money and using the rest to prepare a package that Karyn and David will deliver to Vietnam in November. A double dip happy ending.
FOUNDATION RAFFLE. Clif has tickets. $25.00 each or five for a $100.00. It counts toward your Paul Harris.
PROGRAM. The Wilder Bunny hosted the program introducing Linda Brodersen and Dee Way, the Garberville-Redway Chamber of Commerce President and Executive Secretary respectively. Linda told us about the many Chamber activities proving that it is more than Christmas lights and 4th of July parties, though those are both great things. Among other activities the Chamber is also promoting tourism: Garberville, the Avenue of the Giants, the King Range and Shelter Cove. Linda acknowledged Nancy Wilson last year’s Citizen of the Year. Time for next year’s nominations and if you want to help string lights this season you are more than welcome. Dee described the budget which is derived from membership dues and 6% return on the bed tax. Because Dee has found a way for the organization to live within its means, all funds raised for special events, such as the 4th are used for the special event. We learned about the website, the Merchants’ Guild and the homeless issue. Thanks to Bunny, Linda and Dee for an informative, fast-moving and entertaining program.Rotary Minutes October 19, 2010
by Doug Ingold
Chicken enchiladas, rice, salad, the usual choice of desserts. The bell got banged.
PLEDGE: Bea
INSPIRATION: Clif
VISITING ROTARIAN: Chris Brannan
GUESTS: Annie Bignon, Karen Lawson, Megan and Elizabeth Johannesen
COMMUNITY REPORT: Bea’s daughter has come through a successful surgery, Nate Lewis has suffered a stroke, Steve Bowen may be on a donor list.
SHOE BOX GIFTS. Megan and Elizabeth demonstrated a shoe box gift including odds and ends that would be of value to a person age 5 to 9. The boxes will be sent to low-income children in other countries. We passed the box and raised $378 for the project.
DENNIS B thanked the members for their contributions last week to Rotaplast and the club thanked him for matching it and for taking on the project. He and Chris leave Sunday.
PRESIDENT SYD told a joke about a mechanic. The laughter was, shall we say, drowned out by the moans.
STEVE BOWEN announced a fund raiser for Cameron Varnell’s family. A wine tasting on 11/6 at the Benbow Inn.
SUSIE thinks we should pay for our lunches, and since we haven’t she is sending us bills.
FOUNDATION DINNER is November 3. There will be raffle tickets to sell and they count toward your Paul Harris. The dinner is $60.00 per fork.
THE ROTARY POLIO + walk in San Francisco is this Sunday. Costs $25.00
DISTRICT CONFERENCE will be in Reno in May, 2011 and you can take a train from Martinez.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL convention is also in May in New Orleans. You can take a train there also.
PRESIDENT SYD honored O’DENNIS with a platter from Fire and Light in gratitude for the ongoing generous hospitality he and Susan have shown the club. A pleasant surprise for O’Dennis who was heard to mutter as he walked to the front that “I knew I shouldn’t come today.”
KARYN our Pres Elect just got back from Pre-Pets in Lower Lake exhibiting enthusiasm and organizational skills. Both the District Gov and our President will be women next year. And next year is the 20th anniversary of women coming into Rotary. Is that right? Karyn is looking for historic photos of the club.
KELLY announced a Chamber mixer on Thursday from 4:30-6:00 at Umpqua Bank.
BUNNY reported that the Chamber Board had met with Mike Downy about the transient problem. While the people seem to be transients, the problem is not. Mike will do something.
ELECTION DAY. We will probably eat Chinese.
FINE MASTER. The FM gave Don Orazem an opportunity to explain his travels behind the former iron curtain. It was love that sent him and Mary to Bulgaria where their daughter was getting married. He paid $20.00.
THE UNDEFEATED BULLDOGS are playing sometime Saturday at SF. They are fun to watch.
PROGRAM. Herb introduced his wife, the writer/psychotherapist Karen Lawson. Karen has just published a psychological suspense novel entitled FINDING THE LOAST COAST. Karen’s inspiration came from a mysterious disappearance that happened on our coast in 1996 just when she was first moving to our area. A woman disappeared and has never been found. The mystery remains unsolved. Karen described how this mystery took hold of her and sent her to her writing table. And then how it led her into and through the long process of writing a novel and getting it into published form. Her tendency, as she talked, to hug the book in her hands, reflected the satisfaction she has achieved. Her presentation also demonstrated how much enthusiasm she put into the project. Dennis Bourassa reported that he is reading the novel and very much enjoying it. Thanks to Herb and Karen for sharing the experience with us.Rotary Minutes October 5, 2010
by Doug Ingold
Chicken Satay strung along a stick, a mixture of veggies, white rice, green salad with tomato wedges and onions, a treat from the cookie jar. A good crowd to welcome the District Governor and his wife. A president with a bell and later a good joke.
PLEDGE: Erin Dunn
INSPIRATION: Craig
VISITING ROTARIANS: Gov. Jim Flamson, his wife Kathy Flamson, Erin Dunn, Chris Brannan
GUESTS: Darren Tomasini in his final guest appearance.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Dan Healy injured his knee, exchange student Linea twisted her ankle in a soccer game, Vern Bonham has suffered a heart attack. Giants are in the playoffs and Louie is happy.
NOTED DAYS:
O’Dennis had a birthday, $5.00. We sang.
Also his Susan for another $5.00
Seth’s Megan. $5.00
UPCOMING:
10-24-10 The Polio Plus walk along the embarcadero in SF
11-13 Foundation Dinner North
May, 2011 District conference in Reno.
Also May 2011, Rotary International in New Orleans
STORY: President Syd told a story about a bagpiper who performed for the wrong hole.
INDUCTION. Darren Tomasini was inducted into the club by DG Jim with sponsor Carolyn standing by. Darren described his youth and his present work. Welcome, Darren!
O’DENNIS had the World Series Pool, also known as the Roy Heider World Series Pool
Dennis also reminded us of the social at 5:00 this evening at his place.
HEALTH CARE REFORM and a tax on real estate transactions were lamented.
GREG read to us letters from dictionary recipients. He then gave Peter a pin for being president last year and that set off a flurry of radical pin giving. Peter gave one to Syd. Syd gave three (Shon as secretary, Susie as treasure and Karyn as incoming Pres.), Jim Flamsom gave one to Peter Connolly as the club’s motivator.
HAT PASSED for Rotaplast. (We raised $765.00 which B-Dennis will match)
BACK PACK work starts Friday.
PROGRAM: Erin Dunn introduced District Gov. Jim Flamson and the mob rose to its bunioned feet to welcome him. Governor Jim has lived in Calistoga since he was three months old and is a member of the Calistoga Rotary Club and a past president. He is also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and has received many honors for his Rotary work. For many years Jim ran an insurance agency that had been owned by his father. At the same time he worked as a tax preparer in a practice owned by his mother. He has served as a volunteer with many organizations outside of Rotary including Scouting and a volunteer fire department. He has been married to Kathy for 38 years. She is also a Rotarian and a past club president. Jim first joined Rotary in 1976. He talked about the “Rotary Moment” that turns a Rotary member into a Rotarian. He passed on three goals from Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith: Bigger, Better and Bolder. We learned that internationally Rotary is not growing. In the US membership is flat and some parts of the world it is shrinking. So Bigger means more members. Better refers to such things as youth exchange and he related an interesting story about how their own son benefited from his experience as an exchange student in Brazil. By Bolder, Jim thinks we need to address global warming and he praised Karyn for the work she has done to make our club a leader in this field as well as the work done by his own club. He also had encouraging news on the polio fight. In the four troubled countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria, the number of cases is well down from last year: Fewer than 100 and no new reported cases since June. Jim finished with some moving quotations. It was a well presented and well-received program. Thanks to Jim and Kathy for their presentation and for their service to our organization.
Rotary Minutes September 28, 2010
By Doug Ingold
We ate sandwiches. We ate salad with raw onion. We age lemon wedges. We drank water, we drank coffee, we soiled our napkins and placemats, we told each other tales. Then the bell rang and we all stood up.
PLEDGE. Ms. Nancy led us
INSPIRATION: Clif offered a prayer on our behalf
VISITING ROTARIANS: Brian H was happy to introduce Tom Semingson, an architect from Redding who wore a white shirt and tie.
GUESTS: Darren Tomasini, Toni Genaro
COMMUNITY REPORT. Tammy had no catastrophes to report but did announce that the graduates of South Fork would be coming home this Friday. They won’t find a football team but they will enjoy two soccer games, a JV football game and a good dinner. The proceeds are earmarked (not always a nasty word) for the Boosters.
IN LIEU OF the weekly joke, President Syd recited the uncanny coincidences between the presidencies and deaths of JFK and Mr. Lincoln.
AUTO DOOR. Nancy said that the automatic door is finally installed at the library and a ceremony will be held at four on September 29th to celebrate the many ins and outs that will follow.
NEXT WEEK. Tuesday October 5, 2010. The Dist Gov is coming! Polish your shoes, grease down your comb-over. Polish your comb-over if you want to add a little color. Board meeting at ten, lunch at noon at the usual place, a social late in the day to be arranged.
WORLD SERIES POOL. Clif passed the board.
GOVERNOR’S FITNESS CHALLENGE. Clif passed out the form so Rotarians can document their active lives. Clif suggests that doing dishes counts as being active. Watch out for the rinse cycle!
CRAB FEED. Karyn wanted to know who was coming to, and who would sell tickets for, the Crab Feed on Saturday January 8, 2011. Plan to buy two tickets and sell at least two more.
IT’S BACKPACK TIME again. Peter will be looking for help. Susie and others offered. Greg reported that he had received an anonymous donation of $500.00 to support this program.
DENNIS BOURASSA was called upon by the President to report on his trip, saying he would not be fined. This temporarily deflated the Fine Master who had planned to score big on month-long trip to Europe. Dennis described a week of hiking in the Alps of Switzerland, a week or so in Tuscany and time in a boat on the rivers of Italy. He is off in two weeks for Hidalgo, Mexico for Rotaplast. Money is needed for this District-sponsored project. Next week Dennis will pass the hat and will match whatever we put in.
HAROLD thinks the November 9th date will work in Ferndale and passed his list around. He is thinking now we’ll take a bus.
SUSIE claims the end of September is the end of the quarter and everybody owes a $196.00 trough fee for the next three months. You will get an email, and if you don’t pay, that is just the beginning of your troubles.
PRESIDENT SYD reminded us of the Rotary District Regional event at the Eureka Inn on Monday 10/4. Yes, the Eureka Inn.
FINE MASTER. He had only a couple of minutes so instead of assessing fines, Greg told about his search through northern California and southern Oregon for a golf course where rain was not falling. Finally found one in Weed and happened onto a Rotary sponsored tournament.
PROGRAM: Shon introduced Toni Genaro who owns and operates Insuring Humboldt a business that serves as an agent for small group health insurance plans. Toni has lived in Southern Humboldt for ten years. Formerly with Rebecca Coker Insurance, Toni has been working in the health insurance field for a number of years. She knows the language and complicated ins and outs of the business. She got our attention by unfurling some long forms that a novice would have to understand to make a reasonable choice on plans. Toni was happy to point out that her fee as an agent is paid by the insurance companies and that your rates are the same if you get the plan through her or directly from the company. She also works with Medicare supplemental insurance. She assured us that the recently passed health care reform law is very complicated and that the benefits are only now beginning to take effect. Toni answered a number of questions. Thanks to Toni and Shon for an interesting and informative program.Rotary Minutes September 21, 2010
by Doug Ingold
Ribs, saucy and warm, rice, white and infused with bits of vegetables. Salad, and the usual dessert choices. Shon was back up front. Our President had the bell, the sun was directly above the equator and all was right with the world. We stood at the President’s command.
PLEDGE: President Syd led us
INSPIRATION: Karyn acknowledged and honored World Peace Day.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Brian could not find any.
GUESTS: Darren Tomasini, Aleta Sauer, Blake Rouser(?) and Ian Ivey.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We had none
STORY. Our President told a story that could be interpreted as being critical of the most noble of professions, the law.
REDWOOD ROTARY REGIONAL MEETING. This is still being held on October 4,2010 and we now know that the theme will be vocations.
VISIT BY DISTRICT GOV. October 5, 2010 the DG will arrive and will present the program. There will be a board meeting that morning and a social that evening.
SHERM AND AMY will be honored this afternoon from 4-8 at the Senior Center for their 70th anniversary.
STUDENT OF MONTH. Clif did the honors, introducing teacher Aleta Sauer and student Ian Ivey. Aleta, on behalf of the Career Technical Education Department at South Fork, spoke enthusiastically about Ian who has been very active in this newly designed department. Ian has made two or more films, works as the frozen foods manager at Ray’s Food Mart, runs cross country, owns his own gleaming white Mustang, and in general is a capable young man. He is also articulate and verbal and is headed toward HSU and CR. He was given the certificate and 100 bucks for gas.
AMERICORD Blake Rouser (sp?) in an HSU graduate who has decided to settle in Humboldt and is now a youth advisor at SF. He introduced himself to the mob.
HAROLD MENDES rose to speak to the gathering about a new trip to Ferndale. He hasn’t spoken to the folks at Ferndale yet but he intends to and he is confident they will tolerate, perhaps even welcome, us on Tuesday November 9th. We’ll be carpooling, and he had a signup sheet. Dinner is $15.00 and you’ve already paid for it whether you know it or not.
ST JOE DONATIONS. Both Harold and Bill Stewart spoke to us about the importance of funding the new wing at St. Joseph’s in Eureka. They have had excellent treatment there and on behalf of future generations it is important that we support the facility.
FREE LUNCHES to end for Darren. An informational meeting was scheduled to take place following this meeting and soon he will be wearing a badge.
BOARD MEETING. The board met and Shon had a report. Among other things, the club has gotten so rich off our meal contributions that the board has decided to host up to two speakers a week. Also in the memory of Paul Brannan the club made a donation to Hospice, the Schools and the Library.
STEVE BOWEN made a moving speech about Cameron Varnell. He asked that we pray for the young man
NO PROGRAM. In the absence of a scheduled program, the ever nimble President Syd came up with a novel idea. Certain, pre-warned, Rotarians spoke about their personal experience with Rotary. We heard from Skip who was sponsored into the Fortuna Club by the father of our soon-to-be newest member Darren Tomasini. Ernie described his early days with the Club. Syd talked about Gene Fox bringing him in and the youth exchange program. Syd also said we need to make a stronger effort or we may lose our student exchange program. Susie was associated with Rotary when married to Darrell and when that marriage (and Darrell) went south, she joined herself. Harold told about his 50 plus years with the club and the pleasure he has taken in visiting other Rotary Clubs both within this country and without.
We were about to adjourn when Bunny hopped up with some Gary-Wellborn-for-hospital-board signs. We were about to adjourn again when Clif stepped forward to give Harold Mendes a jeweled pin to commemorate his latest Paul Harris Fellowship. Harold has been responsible for about eleven or twelve of them.
We then, really did adjourn.
Rotary Minutes September 14, 2010
By Doug Ingold
Chicken with lots of nifty veggies, a green salad and a pumpkin roll. Shon was back and rejoined President Syd at the front table. She was not eager to talk about her fall. Our President possessed the bell and got us feetward.
PLEDGE: O’Dennis led us
INSPIRATION: Craig sent up a message on our behalf
VISITING ROTARIANS: Johanna Rodoni
GUESTS: Kathryn Labato, Tim Metz, Barbara Truitt, Annie Katz, O’Susan.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We had none. Perhaps Our President was too eager to tell his joke, which he told well, better than the joke deserved.
NEWS: The District Gov will be with us on October 5th. There will be events surrounding that.
REGIONAL DISTRICT MEETING. This meeting will be held on October 4th, I believe in Fortuna. No one could explain the function of the meeting.
SIGNIFICANT DAYS:
Clif had an anniversary on the first and though he grumbled about not being warned in advance, he did come up with $52.00 or two bucks for each year of marital bliss. The loot went to Paul Harris, Polio Plus.
Peter had an anniversary on the 7th and he paid $50.00 to the club.
Brian H had an 8 year anniversary and a sixtieth birthday. He threw in $60.00.
Steve Dazey paid an unknown amount for something that happened on the 9th. Whether it was an anniversary, his or Suzie’s birthday is unknown to this humble scribe.
Jim Quast paid $5.00 for Sue’s birthday.
SAN BRUNO. President Syd relayed info from the District gov. about how Rotarians fared in the gas line explosion. None were killed but some did have their homes damaged or destroyed. A fund has been established to help them. Ernie’s sister works in a dental office nearby. The office lost some patients.
ROTARY FOUNDATON DINNER NORTH. November 13 at the Ingomar Club. Details to follow.
PETER reported on the event at the King Range on Saturday. He cooked up meals for a hundred and some and raised $2,000 for the club. Bea said Peter’s food was outstanding.
PTA. Peter passed the signup sheet again for the October 16th PTA Fair. We are doing the food and will need quite a bit of help.
REDWAY SCHOOL FITNESS. O’Dennis reported that the school won the regional award and received $6,000.00.
JIM had received a call from Louie celebrating that the Giants were in first place.
BOARD MEETING TONIGHT.
TWO THANK YOU NOTES. One from Jessica Osborne Stafsnes who presented last week’s program and one from Erin Lindsay who received the Ray Hartig scholarship this spring.
PROGRAM: Steve Dazey introduced Kathryn Labato and Tim Metz. Kathryn is the executive director and Tim is a board member of the Community Park board. Steve, who is not presently on the board, described his original vision for a regional park that would provide civic, educational and recreational benefits to the community. He began working on the project eleven years ago. He thanked Bob McKee for helping to make his dream become real. He referred as well to Rotary’s contributions. Three of the original six park board members were Rotarians and Rotarians other than himself donated $60,000 to the park’s purchase.
Kathryn and Tim have been involved with the park for ten years. As Tim taped up maps, Kathryn explained the board’s proposed general plan amendment which will convert the 430 acre park from an agriculture exclusive designation to multiple zoning with an overlay of public recreation. 305 acres will retain their agricultural designation. 97 acres will be set aside for higher impact uses such as playing fields, events, group camping for educational purposes. Tooby park will also lose it agricultural exclusive zoning. Finally there will be an area set aside for housing. There are also plans for events. The proposal is for an unlimited number of events (weddings, memorial services etc.) of less than 500 persons per year. Five events with attendance between 500 and 1,200 and one event with up to 5,000 attendees could also be held in a year. The proposal is now in the public comment period which will continue into October. Written comments should be sent to Michael Richardson at the Planning department. There were a number of questions from and comments by the assembled masses all of which were deftly handled by Ms. Labato and Messrs. Metz and Dazey. Thanks to them for a lively program.Rotary Minutes September 7, 2010
By Doug Ingold
The sandwich array with green salad and cinnamon rolls. Our president wore a bright shirt and had the bell securely in hand.
PLEDGE: Brian Harper led us
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Brian Harper was pleased to introduce Karen Cebreros who belongs to a club with 550 members.
GUESTS: Barbara Truitt, Gary Welborn, Darren Tomasini, Michelle Comeau, Jessica Osborne Stafsnes and Dana Habeck.
COMMUNITY REPORT. We learned that Paul Brannan had died and that Shon has fallen and injured her back.
JOKE: Syd implicated Kent in a joke about animal birth.
ANNOUNCMENTS:
There will be a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on October 24, 2010 to raise money for Polio Plus.
The debunking supposedly went very well at the home of the ever-gracious Dennis and Susan. Peter is alleged to have avoided a dunking by claiming “wet bone” disease.
Peter spoke about the King Range 40th anniversary celebration on September 12 at Shelter Cove from 1-5 and about the PTA Fair on October 16th where the club will BBQ with Peter’s guidance and help from others. Signups were passed.
Steve Dazey encouraged people to attend the Community Park scoping session on Thursday 9th at the barn. Takes place between 5 and 7
On September 18th, the Healdsburg Rotary Club is presenting Shakespeare Abridged: three actors, thirty-seven plays, 90 minutes. (During the dull moments you can text your friends.)
Karyn is working on the crab feed, maybe on January 22, 2011.
FINE MASTER:
Even the Fine Master had announcements: He’s hoping that Casino Night will take place on November 20th and he asked Karyn to speak with the Mateel about the date.
A friend of Greg’s has been killed while driving an ATV. He was not wearing a helmet and Greg encouraged all of us to wear one.
FINES:
Carolyn was nabbed for ten after making a remark about buying an ATV at her place of employment.
Syd was pinched for the quality of his joke and then asked to describe his recent trip to Wyoming. He paid an unknown amount after providing a wealth of detail about the trip and the quality of French fries to be found in the high desert of eastern Oregon.
Doug was assessed ten for his trip to BC
The club has had three winners in the 300 club drawing: Jim, Brian H and Steve Dazey. Each paid ten.
PROGRAM: Nancy introduced Jessica Osborne Stafsnes, Michelle Comeau and Dana Habeck, all of whom are involved with the Community Health Alliance of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The Alliance, having received a substantial grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has focused on improving the quality of life for people living with chronic illnesses.
We learned that 32.3% of Humboldt County adults have one or more chronic illnesses. While that figure is somewhat lower than the state average, 66% of Humboldt adults are considered high users of medical services and that is higher than the state average. Nationwide, 27% of adults are responsible for 66% of medical costs. Thus both good economics and good medical care encourage helping persons with chronic illnesses to better ‘self manage’ their conditions. To that end the Alliance has created Our Pathways to Health which is a free six-week workshop available to people with a chronic disease. The course is not disease specific. The course program was designed at Stanford and is offered periodically throughout Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. It is ‘peer’ driven; many of the leaders began as participants. The goals include helping participants set achievable goals, work with others, find support and answers, manage stress and develop productive relationships with healthcare professionals. Jessica and Michelle read testimonials from a number of the 345 people who have already graduated from the program. Club members were encouraged to take the course, or to sponsor one. Thanks to Nancy, Jessica, Michelle and Dana for an informative program.
Rotary Minutes August 24, 2010
by Susan Gardner
We Rotarians and guest dined on chicken, salad, veggies, and dessert. The cruising Carolyn Jordan led us in the Pledge, followed by The Serenity Prayer with the Wilder Bunny.
Visiting Rotarians
Brian E told us we were without visiting Rotarians once again this week.
Guests
Rotarians with guest included: Tammy Harrison, who introduced us to the incoming Rotary Exchange Student. Her name is Linea Lücking and she is from Albertslund, Denmark. She will be living with Tammy and Charlie for the first part of her stay here. If you would like to be a host for Linea, please let Tammy know.
Community Sunshine
Tammy talked about the great time they had on the exchange student trip to the American River. There were 17 inbound students and lots of fun. She said the food was fantastic.
Tammy also told us about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program called Take Back the Tap, which encourages the use of reusable drinking bottles instead of plastic throwaways.
Announcements
Previous Prez Peter said that the King Range 40th Anniversary celebration is on Sunday, September 12 from 1-5 p.m. at the Shelter Cove Community Hall. Rotary has decided to help serve the food that day to raise funds. Peter will barbecue the meet and they are expecting to feed between 200-500 people. Peter needs club members to volunteer to help serve.
Empress Susie said there has been some discussion of the Rule of 85, which currently must equal your age, plus years in service. This allows you to be excused from attendance rules. The new proposed rule would make you ineligible until you are at least 65. Bea and Ernie said they don’t care. I wonder why? There was a vote and I think we voted to keep it the way it is, but I’m not sure. I guess I need to pay better attention.
Finemaster Greg said the debunking is on for Tues., Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. at the O’Sullivans on Sprowel Creek Road. Cocktails and oysters will be served beginning at 5 p.m. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can.
Hospital Kent agreed to be the appointed one to serve the adult beverages.
The Wilder Bunny and acting Prez Karen told us about plans for a new fundraiser to take the place of Super Schools. The plan is for a crab feed to take place on Jan. 22 at the Mateel. Along with lots of seafood there will be a silent auction and more. If you would like to be on the Bunny Brigade please let her know.
Secretary Shon was commended by acting Prez Karen for volunteering to attend the District Leadership Conference.
Contractor Dennis B said he is getting an estimate from Yellow Dragon to build a new barbecue.
Super Clif said he was dismayed that Bunny and Skip hadn’t consulted with each other this week about their meeting attire. Let’s get it together guys!
Paul Harris Congrats
Paul Harris Foundation Chair Clif presented Dennis O and Steve B with their sapphire laden pins for their second Paul Harris milestones. Congrats guys!!
Clif thanked everyone for their contributions to the Polio Plus Project. He said polio has been a part of his life in that his grandmother struggled with the disease.
And a fine, fine it was
Cruising Carolyn told us about her rocking adventures aboard a cruise ship to Alaska. She said it was kind of boring at times, but she and Bill had a lot of fun - $20.
Acting Prez Karen told us about her trip to Monterrey to visit family and to the aquarium. She said it was truly amazing and that everyone should go. This was a pretty sneaky way to avoid a fine seeing as the Prez is exempt from such things.
Rafting Bea told us about her 22nd trip on the Rogue River in Oregon. She and daughter Patti had a great time as usual. The Bea also said son, Chuck, is finally back on his feet after a really bad case of pneumonia that landed him in the VA Hospital in San Francisco for a few days. I forget how much she paid for sharing.
Speaker
Mr. Quast introduced the guest speaker, Ken Dean, from the Redway Community Services District.
Rotary Minutes August 17, 2010
by Susan Gardner
Various sandwiches were the fare of the day with salad followed by yummy lemon bars and pumpkin rings. Skip led the Pledge followed by inspiring words by Clif.
Whoopie!!!
Mr. Mendes caused a rather rude sound to emanate from the seat of Dennis B.
Visiting Rotarians
We had no visiting Rotarians. Lucky them!!
Guests
Rotarians with guests included: Nancy Wilson with hubby Jerry, and newly almost appointed Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District Board Member Michael Hoffman. Kelly Lehman introduced Clover Willison from Clover Willison Insurance Services. Susan Gardner introduced Redwood Times reporter Mary Anderson, and Herb Schwartz introduced our guest speaker who was Noelle Melchizedek Senior Planner Natural Resources Services.
Michael Hoffman introduced himself and gave a brief speech. His wife’s great-grandmother was Julia Wood, one of the original settlers of the Wood Ranch in Redway. They bought their property near Whitethorn 18 years ago and have lived here for the past three. He has planted 500 quince trees and 1,100 apple trees.
Words from the Prez
Prez Syd told a funny story about a carpenter who was working for Dennis Bourassa who didn’t know there were left and right, or is it up and down, nails and kept throwing away the ones with the heads on the wrong ends. I personally don’t see what the problem was with that. But then, that’s why I’m not allowed to have a hammer at home.
The Prez told us that on Oct. 24 we have been invited to join our Rotary International Club President, Ray Klinginsmith, for a 1.2 mile walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to help raise awareness for the polio project. If you would like more information, ask the Prez.
The Prez also mentioned that there are various trips coming up to various countries to help with the immunization against polio. See him if you are interested.
The return of the ‘Katz’
David Katz made another meeting and was asked about his knee brace. He said his surgery, which included a meniscus repair and removal of a bone spur, went very well and he is on the mend.
Announcements
The Wilder Bunny said the Soroptimists would be playing bingo Friday, August 20 at the Senior Center and encouraged everyone to come try their luck with the dancing balls.
President before Syd – Peter – announced that the reason the Garberville Rotary Club didn’t make it to the barbecue contest at the fair was that it was too early in the morning and too complicated. Fortuna Sunrise won the contest with their roasted pig and prime rib. The fact that members of their very own club were on the judges’ panel had nothing at all to do with it. I smell a pig.
Nine new trash cans are needed for the Rotary recycling project in Garberville. Nancy said she would have to see if there was enough money in her fund to cover it. Craig said he would look into prices as long as True Value could have their name on them. Isn’t that advertising and therefore a fineable offense? No problem – the cans will be inside the nice wooden covers!!
Peter also asked if the club wanted to work the barbecue for the upcoming King Range 40th Anniversary Celebration on September 22 at Shelter Cove. He said there is good money to be made. Dennis B. asked if the Rotoplast team could volunteer and reap some of the rewards.
Speaking of barbecues, Syd said that Rotary’s mobile barbecue has basically bit the rusty dust. Parts of it are possibly salvageable. Suggestions were made to talk to the CR instructor who will be teaching a welding class at the high school. Dennis B said he was going by Yellow Dragon and would talk to Harrell Snodgrass about making a new one.
Fines
The fine master was back from a crazy trip to the 70th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Run. He said there were 750,000 bikers in a town with a normal population of 3,200. On average, each visitor spent $750 during his or her stay. Wow!! That’s a lot of beer, even for bikers. Pfau said your $20 ticket allowed you to purchase a $30 hamburger and a $10 beer to wash it down. The five-MAN discriminatory group traveled 3,800 miles in eight days, with 920 miles the first day alone. He paid some obscure amount for his trip.
Now onto the important business of fines:
• Herb – Tried to electrocute a Blue Star Gas employee at his house - $25
• Herb (again) – Made a cross-country trip through South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy Horse on his way to take his daughter to Brown University. He said he spent the entire trip in the back seat of her car with some kind of plants - $5
• Bunny – Wore her Rotary shirt to the meeting - $10
• Skip – Wore his Rotary shirt to the meeting just to match the Bun - $10
• Skip (again) – Shaved off his beard and had his photo in the Times-Standard during the Fortuna Autorama - $10
• Ernie – I forgot to tell him to turn off his phone. Sorry Janis - $20
* Peter – Happy Birthday - $5
That’s all for now. Hurry back Doug! We miss you.
Debunking Update
The debunking will be held on Tues., Aug. 31 at Dennis and Susan O’Sullivan’s house.
Rotary Minutes August 10, 2010
by Susan Gardner
Turkey Tettrazini was on the menu for the day. Ern led the pledge, followed by words of inspiration by Clif. Prez Syd told a funny story about Don O making a locked car call. Something was said about one of the other doors being unlocked. I couldn't hear what else Mr. O said, so I didn't really get the joke, or did I?
Visiting Rotarians
I don't think there were any, except for maybe David Katz.
Guests
Guests included the return of Rotary Exchange student Miriam Schwaaf and her father, Heiner. They were the houseguests of Charlie, Tammy, and Chelsea Harrison. Miriam said she had just finished high school in Germany and was moving to Cologne to work on international studies. She thanked the club once again for making her year in Southern Humboldt so great.
The mysterious visiting Rotarian David Katz introduced his guest Jim Lamport and Seth introduced his guest speaker Allison Jackson.
Words from the Prez
Prez Syd told the club that Rotary�s polio campaign is still working very hard to eradicate this horrible disease. He said there are still four countries, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India where approximately 520 cases have been diagnosed. Rotary International still needs to raise $59 million to match the Gates Foundation pledge.
Citizen Nancy
Citizen of the Year, and Hospital Board President Nancy Wilson announced that Mark and Brook Phelps had officially presented their letter of resignation. Brook�s last day is Thursday, August 19 and Mark will be staying until the end of October. We all wish them well in their new endeavors in Oregon. Nancy said two of the ER docs will be moving to the clinic to fill in and the district is in the process of looking for a new chief of staff. She also encouraged people to run for the board and said, �It�s an interesting job.�
Hospital Support
Steve Bowen also encouraged people to run. He reminded all of us what happened the last time nobody ran � Darryl Cherney was appointed. (Update: Seven people have officially entered the race. They are incumbent Corinne Stromstadt, Judith Gonzales, Gary Wellborn, Michael Hoffman, Barbara Truitt, Mary Krissie Branzei, and Keith Brooks.)
The Wilder Bunny said that it is time to show the hospital board, and especially Nancy, our support. Please come to the next board meeting on Thurs., Aug. 26 and show your support for this board. Let�s not let this negative and hateful vibe continue. Show your support for our hospital. It�s time to move on into the future.
Books on the way
Susie Mattila said that she was having a hard time getting books but would keep working on it.
Library door
Citizen Nancy said the county was holding up the money that has been raised to install a new automatic door at the library. The $4,200 was raised specifically to replace the door but was thrown into the county�s empty pot with the rest of their non-existent funds. Hopefully, this money will be returned to the library, where it belongs, very soon.
Water and other things run downhill
Prez Syd said the Redway Community Services District is still struggling to begin work on their new system, after years of permits and jumping through more hoops than a circus dog. The fact that the state hasn�t signed a budget has a huge affect on all of us. Please contact your legislators and tell them to get with it.
Debunking
The debunking is supposed to happen Aug. 31. Where and when no one knows.
Fines
The fine master was not in attendance but some of those truthful Rotarians stepped up to the plate without him. Don O paid a fine for something. I couldn�t hear. Kelly Lehman paid for her son Parker�s birthday. He was 1 year old. And Brian Elie coughed up something for his youngest grandson who will be 1 on August 21.
Steve Bowen paid up for totaling his vehicle.
Speaker
Humboldt County District Attorney candidate Allison Jackson was the guest speaker. She was introduced by Seth.
Rotary Minutes August 3, 2010
By Doug Ingold
FINE MASTER FINDS NO VICTIMS BUT HIMSELF
The tables had been radically rearranged causing those of us who are calcified by habit to search longingly for a familiar seat while wondering dazedly and carrying our sandwiches, green salad and lemon wedge. In the midst of it all, our President held onto his bell and brought us to our feet when the appropriate time had arrived.
PLEDGE: A-Dennis led us.
INSPIRATION: Craig pled our case.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Mr. Harper found none and reported same.
GUESTS: Gary Wellborn, Harry Jasper, Richard Barnick, Jerry Wilson, Garth Epling and Darren Tomasini.
COMMUNITY REPORT: We learned that Craig’s back was better
SEATING: While President Syd took no credit, and accepted no blame, for the new seating arrangement, he did seize the opportunity to fine everyone a buck who had the audacity to sit with his or her back toward him and Shon. This is called earning respect one Dollar at a time.
JOKE: President Syd continued his tradition of telling a joke disguised as a true story.
ROTARY SYMBOL: A Rotarian traveling through the pleasant community of Garberville, California noticed the Rotary symbol on the wheelchair ramps and emailed President Syd to say how impressive that was.
LEADERSHIP SEMINARS: October 15 and 16, 2010, March 25 and 26, 2011. Karyn who has participated in one, calls them ‘Amazing’.
ROTARY MONTH. Jim knew it was membership month
BBQ competition is still on for August 12th at the Fair. Peter has promised to help.
SPECIAL DAYS:
BIRTHDAYS: Syd, Susan, Brian H. We sang.
ANNIVERSARIES: Brian E (33) and Craig (33).
SPOUSE’S BIRTHDAY: Ernie and Syd.
Everyone named paid a fin for each recognition.
DEBUNKING: This is set for the fifth Tuesday of August which is the 30th. Plans are still being planned.
HOSPITAL DISTRICT. We had a discussion about the deteriorating situation at the hospital. Bunny wants the club to encourage a return to civility on the board and among the community. Susan revealed that Harry Jasper had received a death threat. Nancy talked about two new important developments: Funds have been awarded for the hospital retrofit, and the District received a grant for a new computer system. Harry gave a brief report. Syd is going to prepare a draft letter from the club that he will present to the membership next week.
GARTH EPLING ADMITTED: Seth conducted the induction, President Syd repeated the traditional words of Roger Adams, Garth received a red badge and was told how to turn it blue.
Garth said a few gracious words and acknowledged the loss of the free lunches.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Nancy asked for suggestions on good community projects. Got an idea? Send it to Nancy at nwilson@asis.com
FINE MASTER. Greg had a long list of offenders but each of them had been dunned in his absence and in the end the lone victim was the fine master himself. He paid for being late to the meeting and for a recent houseboat trip on Trinity Lake.
BILL told us stories about his recent visit to the Bohemian Grove and hobnobbing with Arnold S. and Henry K. the opera fan.
PROGRAM: Susan introduced Richard Barnick the owner and operator of Tsunami Surf and Sport, and also a 54 year old avid skate boarder. Richard explained how adults helped him as a young man and he has been returning the favor for a number of years here in SoHum. For 13 years he has been working to establish a skate park in the community. He is close to completing one at the Community Park. The original half pipe there is being replaced with a new skate board structure. The framing is in, the sheeting is bought and paid for but the facility needs insurance coverage and cannot pay for it himself. He knows of approximately 40 skaters in the community, and while he has gotten less than enthusiastic physical help from the young boys, the enthusiasm for skate boarding is there and he is confident the facility will get a lot of use. He is looking at various options for the insurance, but he emphasized that his presentation was a status report not a request for funds. Questions were asked and answered. Thanks to Richard and Susan for this interesting program.Rotary Minutes July 27, 2010
by Doug Ingold
Delicious chicken, tasty (but “ugly” according to Carolyn) veggies, rice, green salad and a brownie for dessert. President Syd had the bell in his possession and brought us to our feet.
PLEDGE; Tammy led us.
INSPIRATION: Clif inspired us
VISITING ROTARIANS: In his first day in office, Brian Harper introduced Mike Moreland, a visiting Rotarian and past club president.
GUESTS: Garth Epling and Rio Andersen.
COMMUNITY REPORT: Tammy reported that Elsie Olson and Helen Hoopes have both died.
Our former exchange student, Marian, is returning with her father for a visit. She will be at the meeting on Tuesday August 10th.
OUR PRESIDENT AND OTHERS HAD THINGS TO SAY:
After finishing your Rotarian magazine think about placing in it an office where members of the public will have an opportunity to see it and learn more about Rotary.
Rebecca of the Senior Center has raffle tickets for sale and is also looking for items for its yard sale to take place on August 28th and 29th.
President Syd told a motorcycle mechanic joke and lamented Greg’s absence.
Some folks have yet to pay their dues or their meal statements. Susie is calling for compliance before she calls the Sheriff.
President Syd received an email from Wave Cable requesting private info. He checked with Wave Cable and they had not sent it. Be aware!
County Fair Cook Off is off the back burner. Our competitive squad may have a practice session.
CONFESSONS:
Brian Harper had a very pleasant vacation in Cabo and paid $100.00 to Mr. Harris.
Karyn had an interesting trip to Alaska and paid $20.00 to the Club.
Shon has a cute new BMW hardtop convertible that can do more tricks than a fourteen year old Romanian gymnast. She paid a century note to Mr. Harris.
BRIAN, just back from Cabo, joined Ever-Ready Ernie to save a home from fire.
SUSAN offered five because her furnace has just been delivered.
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