Club Bulletins 2008-2009

Rotary Minutes November 11, 2008

Chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, cooked spinach, green salad and for dessert vanilla ice cream topped with apple pie filling.  Our Pres retains the bell and got our attention with a ring

Pledge: Our Pres led us in the pledge
Inspiration: OP also provided the inspiration, reminding us that it was Veterans’ Day. He recognized and we applauded the veterans among us.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast was happy to introduce Jay Sooter who gave a brief report on a Project Fair in Mexico, from which he had only recently returned, and to which he invited us all.  
Guests: Mike Gardner, Steve Burns and Tyler, David Kidwell, Mary Orazem and a gentleman whose name I didn’t catch.
Community Report. Sherm was in the hall but Tammy was not and no one had community news to report.                                 

Birthdays: Clif and Sherm were sung to and paid the price
Spousal Birthdays: Craig, Eric and Doug, paid for the heads up.
Clif was recognized for his anniversary in Rotary. He joined in November, 1988.
Roy was recognized for is anniversary in Rotary. He joined in November, 1961. Both spoke about when they first became Rotarians.

November 22nd is Casino night and OP had posters for display.
Next week November 18th is the Ferndale meeting. Harold reported he had five spots left on the bus which leaves Redway at 5:00. Show up at the Healy Center and you’ll go away hungry.
We voted by show of hands to amend the bylaws. The vote appeared to be unanimous.
OP passed around a letter of thanks from Maria Boone who is now resettled in Oregon.
Patrick Maher was challenged on the four-way test and passed beautifully.
Our President and Brian Walker just returned from the Festival of Brotherhood in Mexico. They visited 35 projects and enjoyed great Mexican hospitality. They committed our help to two water projects.
O’Dennis was grilled on the lack of ritual at the previous week’s “meeting.” To which Dennis responded, in effect, that there was too much food delivered in too many courses to permit a meeting, not to mention that it would have interfered with the Chinese Soap Opera on the TV at the Wok.

Program: Doug went on and on.
Then he drew a green ball and Clif will provide us with a two minute Rotary primer in some upcoming meeting.  

Rotary Minutes October 28, 2008

            The flesh of cow in brown gravy with mushrooms, white rice, cauliflower with melted cheese, green salad and for dessert cake of carrot.  Our President put some strength behind the gavel and the bell had us hopping to our feet.

RITUALS:
Pledge: Radar knowing we had no microphone, led with a strong voice.
Inspiration: Our President quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast gave us a new word (that I failed to remember) but found no Visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Carolyn Bourassa and Denise Vandenbos.
Community Report. Tammy had seen Fay who informed her that Louie is doing better
            Bert Stevens or Stephens had died.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ETC:
Our Pres reported that the PTA fair went well but attendance was down. 330 burgers prepared and 140 sold, plus the hot dogs.  O’Dennis and his Susan, Peter, Clif, Shon and Our Pres were among those doing the work.
Syd stood to acknowledge that Susan’s service to the club is remarkable. His observation was acknowledged with applause.
The first backpack event was successful, 23 were delivered. Some chaos according OP but in the end it worked and will become smoother as we go along. Could use a couple of helping hands each Thursday at five.
 OP had heard from a nurse working with Sarah, the terminal cancer patient from Texas, who did see the Redwoods. The trip was a success for her and her family.
Our club was so well represented at the Foundation Dinner that Ed Fullerton has invited us down to the District South dinner. Black tie optional, which presumably means it could be yellow.
Ernie arrived after having been roundly lambasted for his earlier absence especially since he was to have been Sgt for the day and responsible for a two minute Rotary moment. His Rotary moment proposal was not enthusiastically received. Acknowledging his potential culpability, Ernie said he had arrived in time for fines.
Casino Update.  November 22nd at a place with a mysterious name in Benbow, but apparently the former, restaurant, school etc. We had a general discussion of how we wanted to go about the program this year. It will be a general fund raiser for the club. 
Harold paid ten for some reason. Nine seats are still available on the bus.
NEXT WEEK’S MEETING WILL BE AT THE CADILLAC WOK because of the election. No program but you can get a flu shot with your wonton. If you go to the Senior Center all you will get is a ballot.

FINES:
            Jeannie was about to gain a blue badge and catch a fine but the party was put off because she still has one hurdle to hop over.
            Ernie was accused of committing five sins which will not be numerated here and paid $50.00 and was welcomed back into the club’s good graces with applause. The money will be applied to his wife’s Paul Harris.

PROGRAM. 
            Dennis Bourassa introduced his second program in three weeks. This time it was Six Rivers Planned Parenthood. He introduced his wife, Carolyn who serves on the seventeen member Board. Carolyn, in turn, introduced Denise Vandenbos who is the CEO of the organization which has its main office and clinic in Eureka and a branch in Weaverville. Six Rivers serves Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte Counties. We learned that Margaret Sanger was the first leader in the birth control movement. Her work led to the founding of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  The Federation works both nationally and internationally and at present is involved in projects in Africa, among other places.   Six Rives is an affiliate of the Federation. Six Rivers was started by two couples in 1975.  By 1996 the organization was seeing 10,000 clients a year. In 2008 that figure will reach 18,000.  The function of Six Rivers falls into three categories: Clinical Services, Education and Advocacy. The clinic does everything from cancer screening to vasectomies. Ten percent of its clients are men and it sees clients a young as twelve.  The education branch works closely with schools. Most family planning. life-skills training in the schools is provided by Six Rivers.  Abuse, date violence, parent-child communication training, pregnancy avoidance are all part of the program.  Curiously, young woman are entering puberty eleven months earlier than women were a few years ago.  Part of the educational branch is a theater program involving young people who perform skits at local schools. Advocacy takes place on both the state and national level. The branch is opposed, for example, to Proposition 4 on this fall’s ballot. Six Rivers has an annual budget of 2.8 million. Thanks to Dennis, Carolyn and Denise for an informative program.  Chris was nominated to give us a two minute Rotary program at a future meeting.

Rotary Minutes October 21, 2008

            The Rotarian greeting us and keeping order this week was Sergeant Brian Elie.
The turkey came early to town this fall and made its way to our table along with mashed potatoes, a nice gravy, cranberry sauce, green salad and pumpkin pie topped with cream that had been defeated, er whipped. Our President is still in possession of the bell and he struck it forcefully to being us to order.

Pledge.  Bea led us
Inspiration: Our Pres quoted Gandhi
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast was succinct; he found none.
Guests: We had three guests: Johnny Deam, who would provide the program, Georgia Sack, who would soon become our student of the month, and Scott Harrison, who would  anoint her.
Community Report. Tammy told us than Nancy was doing better and Nancy assured us that she indeed was.  However, we learned that Louie had been hospitalized. He was home but not recovered.  Roy encouraged us to be thinking about both Louie and Fay.
Carolyn reported on last week’s board meeting to wit: The Christmas party may turn into an elegant cocktail party. Details to follow.  We gave out money: Festival of Brotherhood, a grand; Dr. Kim, a half grand; Redway School marquee, a half grand; RAINS a quarter grand, Rotaplast a grand matching Dennis Bourassa’s grand to the same organization; SHCHD, 40% of a grand plus muscle to do landscaping. The Board is also recommending a change in bylaws and you will be getting the details in the mail.

Redway School PTA Fair is Saturday and the club will be cooking. Come help. Ernie is already making patties.  3:00-7:00
Harold reported a good response on the bus trip to Ferndale on Tuesday November 18th 25 seats sold, 19 left. Bus leaves at 5 or so. Back around 10:30.
November 8th is Rotary Day at the UN. We learned from OP that Rotary played a role in the creation of the UN.

 Jim Quast’s Two Minutes of Rotary. Jim gave us an interesting and well-received report on a Virginia Rotarian’s work to repair bridges around the world. Jim focused on the bridge in Ethiopia that is 400 years old but has had a missing span since the late 1930s and was recently repaired.

Student of the Month.  Seth introduced Scott Harrison, art teacher at SF.  Scott praised Georgia Sack’s diligence and talent. Georgia intends going to HSU and majoring in astral physics with an art minor and then heading down to UC Berkeley for graduate school.

OP reported that 23 club members attended the Foundation dinner and the club was recognized for the turnout. Everybody really enjoyed the speaker.

Sponsor Eric asked the OP to call on Sponsoree Jeannie for the 4-Way Test test.  He did and she performed perfectly and was rewarded with applause.

Karyn reported on her efforts to get the canned  PSAs on the radio. We need to make our own and she is looking for a microphone to pull that off.
Also Karyn is going to Cuba in two weeks and is looking for donations of  medical and school supplies to take along.

Fines: Spousal birthdays: Susan and Seth paid five each
            Ernie paid twenty for his trip to Hawaii and told a very funny underwater story.
            Bea assured OP that her IOU had been satisfied.

Steve Bowen has signs supporting Nancy’s campaign.

Program: Seth introduced Johnny Deam, whose family owns American Syntactics Inc., a Weott based computer assistance business. His father began the business in 1983  making surge protectors. Now they provide services to businesses on all kinds of computer related issues including networking, security, internet, data bases, etc.  Internet services are expanding rapidly. All the programs you need are now available free online. Google even has  word processing and spread sheet programs that you can use for free. The programs and your files are stored on-line and you can access them from any computer.  Johnny recommends using Webmail for security reasons, saying the programs are much improved. It is also now possible for Johnny to take over your computer and work on problems from a remote location. Viruses are less a problem than they used to be but SPAM is ever worse. He often loosens up security systems to get computers to work better and faster.  He also offers classes and will be having one in Sohum soon.  Thanks to Johnny for an interesting program and to Seth for bringing him along.

Brian Elie our Sgt drew the green ball and appointed Ernie to make next week’s 2 minute presentation and also to serve as sergeant.

Rotary Minutes October 14, 2008

            The meat came in the form of a sliced loaf, which before that had been grass-fed Humboldt bovine, and was covered with a gravy containing mushrooms. The spuds were mashed, the butternut squash yellow and delicious and grown in the Community Park. The salad was green, the ice cream splashed with chocolate sauce. OP had bell and gavel at the ready.

Pledge. Mr. Pledge was called upon and responded with vigor.
Inspiration. Our President again inspired us.
Visiting Rotarians. Not only could the polysyllabic Mr. Quast not find any visiting Rotarians, there were very few non-visiting Rotarians in the hall. Our Pres thought the poor attendance  might reflect his performance to date but Chris put it down to the heavy drinking that normally accompanies Columbus Day.
Guests. Not one.
Community Report. Tammy is awaiting your emails so she can report community news to the club, her email is tharrison @novb.com. Nancy continues to improve.

Our President lamented missing last week’s birthdays. We sang to O’Dennis and he paid five.
            Eric paid the same for his anniversary
            Spouses are having birthdays but their spouses were not in attendance and could not be honored with an assessment.

The Foundation Dinner is this Saturday. Raffle tickets still available. 19 members of the club  have bought tickets.
Whoopie Harold is making plans with the lads at Ferndale again. The annual bus ride and get together will be on Tuesday November 18th. Bus will cost $25.00 a seat and the meal $15.00. But if you’ve paid your meals in advance the good food will only cost you three.
There will also be a fund raiser at Ferndale in February so save your loot.

Flu shots on Wednesday 9:30 to Noon
Chris reported that João had a good trip to SF over the weekend. Chris is still looking for host families.
Brian Walker, one of our white-hatted globe-trotting members, is headed to Ethiopia in November  for a Rotaplast program
OP referred us to the latest Rotarian Mag and the article on Diane O’Dell who is in an iron lung.
The board is starting to plan the Christmas party.

Fines:
Harold was questioned about the donations he received to offset his fine last week. OP worried that Harold may have turned a profit. Harold professed that he had donated all contributions plus his fine to the club.
Kent admitted that two of  his and Kella’s 13 miniature donkeys won prizes at an event in Santa Rosa. The trophies were reputed to be larger than the animals.  He paid 20       
Brian Harper recently fined for having a new boat, won second prize in a boat race at Whiskeytown Lake. He paid 20.  This boat is proving buoyant but costly.
OP passed out photos of a nefarious surgical event involving Dr. Chris, Nurse Bea and patient Don. Chris paid 20 because he also had a new car, Bea paid 20 for some reason and Don paid 10.
Tammy was thanked for the good work she has done to improve the bleachers at the high school football field.  The JV team won its first game and the varsity defeated an undefeated team.
Kent was fined another five but I can’t remember why.
Bea told a joke that cost her five and added to her IOU

Program.  The program was presented by Dennis Bourassa and Chris Brannan, two of our other white-hatted, globe trotters.  Dennis and Chris along with Brian Walker have been  team members of the District 5130 Rotaplast program in Guatemala.  Chris began with a moving description of why the services are so important to the children who receive them. Dennis described his work at programs both in Guatemala and Oaxaca, Mexico.  Most of the children are between three months and five years of age. Usually, a hundred or more get surgery at a session.  Rotary provides around 15 such programs a year. We then watched a nicely prepared slide show on the 2007 Guatemala program. Particularly interesting to his viewer were shots that merged before and after portraits of young patients.  Our District is unusual in carrying out its own program and it is expensive, $60,000.00 per program.  Our club is a proud contributor both in money and in volunteers, such as Brian, Dennis and Chris, who not only go but pay their own expenses.
            President Greg said it was hearing a program on Rotaplast presented by a surgeon while visiting a club in Hawaii that turned him into a real Rotarian.  Brian Harper, our Sargent for the day, drew the green ball which allowed him to appoint someone to present a two-minute program about Rotary next week. He chose the loquacious Mr. Quast to perform that function. Brian Elie will serve as Sgt next week.    And thus sated with good food and inspired by our fellow Rotarians we departed to the outside world.

Rotary Minutes October 7, 2008

Pizza in large thick chunks. Green salad.  Ice cream and cake. Our Pres has both bell and gavel and all is well with the world. We rose in an orderly fashion and found the flag cleverly hidden behind the speaker.

Pledge: A-Dennis led us and seemed to know all the words.
Inspiration: Our Pres repeated the 4-way test and knew all the words.
Visiting Rotarian: The former Sgt knew a lot of words none of the rest of us knew but could not find a single visiting Rotarian.
Guests: Our Pres remembered the guests and several were introduced: João Palomo, Nita Williams, Kelsey Stillwell and Aletta Sauer.
Community Report. Tammy urged us to email her any news we want in the report, her email is tharrison @novb.com. We learned of Shawn McKee’s death. Nancy Wilson is recovering from back surgery.

Foundation dinner. 10/18 at Riverwalk in Fortuna. Nine members signed up and OP is looking for more. Buy raffle tickets. It will count toward your Paul Harris.
The applause went around when mention of the fifth Tuesday party at the O’Dennis family home. It was even suggested that the club officially thank Susan for marrying O’Dennis!
A young lady dying in Texas wants to see the Redwoods. If you are interesting in helping with the experience, contact OP
Radar was honored for generously donating three rooms to house dealers who will be in town for Casino Night on November 22.
RI’s Counsel on Legislation is looking for resolutions to propose to the world Rotary community.
Roy still has some squares available in his World Series Pool.
Eric reminded us that quarterly lunch bills are due. So, soon as your mom gives you your lunch money, give it directly to Eric. No buying bubble gum, no soda’s at the fountain. Give the money to Eric, okay?
B-Dennis announced that next Wednesday and Thursday at the Senior Center between the hours of nine and noon, Carolyn  will shoot you with the flu virus for a very modest fee.
Herb is looking for a house sitter so he can go to Nevada and help pull Barak to victory. He also reported on a Garberville water district repair and a possible 15 additional connections.

Student of the Month. Seth served as MC.  He introduced Kelsey Stillwell (student of the month for September) and Aletta Sauer (teacher in business and technology). Aletta reported that Kelsey is always in class doing diligent work. She is also a leader both in the classroom and on the sports field as well as being homecoming queen. Kelsey said she wants to go into the Air Force after school and then get her education as a personal trainer or perhaps a massage therapist.  

Fines:   Harold was fined $20.00 for handing out pens with advertising logo. Many members felt this was unfair and threw money Harold’s way to help cover his expenses.
            Syd had no Rotary pin because his broke. He gleefully paid five to get a new one
                        Ernie was fined for whining. Seth paid $10.00 on behalf of Ernie and A-Dennis paid ten              on behalf of Ernie who was recognized by all as a good guy.
Roy finally talked OP into fining Bunny $10.00 for the old slur and then Roy paid the fine!

Program: Ernie introduced Brian Walker who talked to us about Habitat for Humanity. Brian has been working on projects in Clearlake where 13 HforH homes have been built. Brian has participated in three of them. The homes are architect designed, typically have two or three bedrooms and one bath and 1,500 square feet of floor space, radiant floor heat and solar electrical panels on the roof. The family gets them for about $75,000.00 with an interest free loan. If they sell them within five years they owe money to Habitat. The family also works 500 hours on the project. Often the lots are donated and the work completed in three to six months.  Brian typically works a couple of days a week.
            Next up was Bill Stewart who described work he has been doing as a consulting engineer to help create more energy efficient equipment using propane. Bill has been working on developing more efficient generators that serve as back up to solar powered homes. These are possible but are expensive and the market is limited. Briggs & Stratton has not been helpful but some Japanese manufacturers are. Bill has also been working on hydrogen fuel cells. Propane is an excellent source of hydrogen.  Some fuel cells are operating at remote locations.
            Thanks to these two good men who are going good work for the good of all of us and were willing to step in at the last minute to provide an interesting program.
            Seth drew the blue ball and it cost him $5.00. He named Brian Harper as next week’s sgt.

Rotary Minutes September 23, 2008

We ate chicken and  rice and green salad and vanilla ice cream.
                        Our President has the bell back and we hopped to our feet at the sweet sound.

Pledge. Jeannie Eldridge led us
Inspiration. When the person providing the inspiration proposes we sit down before she starts, we suspect we are in for a bit more inspiration than we want or deserve. But Sharon’s message was brief and interesting.
 Visiting Rotarians. Here is the word the former Sgt said before he said, “No visiting Rotarians:” Persiflage, which is defined as a ‘light, frivolous or flippant style of writing or speaking.”
Guests: Carolyn Liden and Mike Gardner
NO COMMUNITY REPORT
BUT SHERM SHOWED UP!

Carolyn described the board meeting. Most what she covered has been or will be discussed in the regular meetings and thus will not be reproduced here.
Sharon informed us that the new members project consists of disseminating information regarding disaster preparedness. She distributed a USGS earthquake preparedness booklet to members. The committee will also be posting a list of basic supplies for a family of four for seven days and these will be posted near the water shelves at local markets. Also a brochure will be delivered to school kids.
Sharon then informed us that she is taking a leave of absence so she can help out at the high school.
Fifth Tuesday is next week at O’Dennis’s house. Margaritas will be available from five on.
Foundation Dinner tickets are available from OP as are raffle tickets. Raffle ticket purchases count toward a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Peter reported on progress with the Backpacks for Kids project
Chris passed around an email from each of our exchange students.
OP reported that Wheel News wants an article on our Carbon Neutral project.
We learned from the man himself that Eric has resigned from RRHC and may or may not be continuing with the club.   
Sherm reported that the new public address system allows him to hear the speakers.
Roy announced that he is assembling a World Series Pool that if filled will bring  $500.00 to the club.
Magnetic name badges are now available. It is not clear if you have to have a pacemaker or some other form of metal lodged in your chest for these badges to work. They cost more to ship than to make.  Appr. $15.00. Price subject to change if you need an implant.
Roy and the Wilder Bunny retold the SOB story and Roy paid $20.00, proving there is no statute of limitations in this club.
Carolyn entertained us with a false alarm.

Program: B’Dennis introduced our new member Patrick Maher who talked to us about Alaska where he lived for 25 years. For 15 years he conducted research for the University of Alaska during which time he got to visit most parts of our largest state.  The final ten years he was in education.  Alaska was purchased in 1867 for 2 cents an acre and was at the time known as Seward’s Folly because many folks thought it was a waste of money.  Everyone one of those people subsequently died, presumably from embarrassment.  Alaska was admitted to the union in 1959. Juneau, the capital, is unique among state capitals in that it is not accessible by road, but only by boat and plane. Many people in Alaska still live in the ‘bush’ meaning in locations that are not accessible by road. And many still live a sustainable lifestyle meaning their main source of food is fish or wild game.  Patrick believes that high fuel prices may end the subsistence life style because it can cost more than $800.00 a month to heat a home in the winter.  Alaska is divided into boroughs not counties. Patrick also educated us on the state’s Permanent Fund that pays out dividends from the extraction of oil and natural gas. Last year each resident received $2,000.00 and each adult got an extra $1,200 to cover fuel costs. The state has no income tax and one university with three campuses.  Patrick also lived in the same town as Sarah Palin and reported as follows: She is very charismatic, a religious conservative, a social moderate, inexperienced in national and international affairs. Was tough on big oil. If we met her, Patrick said, we would like her. Patrick then responded to a number of questions. The program was very interesting. No drawing was held but O’Dennis was appointed Sgt for the next regular meeting. Make sure your shoes are shined and your creases straight.

Rotary Minutes September 16, 2008

            Eggplant Parmesan, beef, chicken, green salad. And for dessert Roy Heider birthday cake baked by Carolyn the Magic Chef. Three bright balloons complements of the Wilder Bunny graced the honored man’s chair. It was gavel against water glass that got us to our feet.

Pledge. Our President led us
Inspiration: Jim Quast, the de-noncommissioned Sgt, quoted from the 18th century
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quast, sneaking through a stealthy course and avoiding pithy and loquacious among other perilous characterizations, found no Visiting Rotarians.
Guests: Jeannie Eldridge, Patrick Maher, Susan Butler, Maria Boone.

Our Pres gracefully acknowledged Maria as an honored guest. Maria who had kept our coffee cups full for many years when the club met at the Brass Rail is moving to Medford, Oregon.
Carolyn referred OP’s attention to the box on the table which had allegedly been delivered by UPS. OP informed us that it was from Pebble Beach Golf Course. When opened it revealed a number of golf balls and the beloved bell which OP in a burst of enthusiasm referred to somewhat presumptively as ‘my bell.”
Community Report. CR Tammy had heard no news, but we did learn that Dennis Bourassa’s mother is continuing to not do well and he was flying down to see her. Our President’s maternal grandfather has suffered a stroke.  We passed a card for Merle Dailey’s widow.
“Cat in the Hat” Syd was called to induct two new members.  He brought Jeannie Eldridge and her sponsor Eric, and Patrick Maher and his sponsor Sharon to the front of the room.  Syd conducted a gracious induction. Both new Rotarians presented brief biographies and we learned among other things that Patrick used to hang out in a gym with someone named Sarah Palin. Jeannie is CFO at Redwoods Rural and Patrick is principal at Redway school among other places. Paparazzo Susan snapped shots.
We celebrated Roy’s birthday with a song accompanied by Kent on the piano. We enjoyed the cake and Roy made a clever speech including the fact that the Wilder Bunny, the club’s first female member had called him an SOB at her second meeting.  Unfortunately CDF denied a permit for candles and OP had the papers to prove it.
Fifth Tuesday. Once again the generous O’Dennis family has offered to host a special event. It will be fifth Tuesday and will feature a Mexican theme with Kent concocting wild margaritas.  Tuesday October29th
Foundation Dinner is still on October 18th. Looking for signups.

Fines: Sgt Tammy was handed the plate, retrieved from the Wilder Bunny’s hand bag.
            Bunny accused Harold and Harold claimed he was being picked on. No one paid
Chris escaped a fine last according to the Pres though my report is that he paid ten. This week he paid another twenty. Same offenses.
Bill Stewart was recognized but not fined. OP had taken part in a golf tournament near Lake Shasta for Blue Star Gas employees and significant other important people.
Brian Elie was happy to celebrate his daughter’s recent marriage. He donated $100. To his Paul Harris.
            Doug paid $20.00 for his recent visit to British Columbia
            OP assessed fines against the newest members for not having yet put their badges on.
Sharon paid $5.00 for each of them. Ernie was also hit for no badge. Not clear that he paid
            Harold celebrated 52 years in the community and paid that amount

Program: Karyn introduced Susan Butler, former club member now dividing her time between Humboldt and San Francisco (San Pancho) in Mexico. The club has donated to Entre Amigos, a community development organization created by Nicole Swedlow a California native  now living in San Pancho.  Among other things Entre Amigos operates a bilingual library, a scholarship program,  a recycling program and recently created a new park using a lot of recycled items  We got to enjoy a slide show taken and assembled by Douglas Fir of the community and surrounding area,  the people, the items made from recycled products and art that appears throughout the community. Susan reports excellent cooperation between the native population and the new gringo residents.  Susan who started the library donation program in Garberville got to sign a book that will be donated in her name. Sgt Tammy drew the 20 buck ball and we all left happy.

Rotary Minutes September 9, 2008

            We fed on salmon, potatoes au gratin, a mixed vegetable dish, green salad and for dessert ice cream with blackberry sauce.  Not a bell in sight but Our Pres had a firm grip on the gavel and managed to alert us without fracturing the water glass he banged it against.

Although OP got our attention he got no respect. Ernie had a live mike and promptly took center stage. We immediately became aware of looming black speakers threatening us with aural annihilation.  Ernie introduced OP as “our President for the day” and gave  A-Dennis the task of scurrying about to deliver the mike to whomever was speaking.

Pledge: With the permission of OP, A-Dennis led us in the pledge to the flag which was presumed to be located somewhere behind the speaker.
Inspiration. OP had a clever quote
Visiting Rotarians.  Sgt Emeritus had nothing to say, refusing to speak into the mike, and no one to introduce
Guests: Arleen Olson,  Janice Branscomb, David Thomas, Tyler Jr. Jeremiah Dale, Mark Rybeck, Jeannie Eldridge and Patrick Maher.
Community Report: Sunshine Tammy, recently promoted to Community Reporter Tammy, informed us of the death of Merle Daily a former president of the club.  Chris informed us that Dennis Bourassa’s mother is not doing well.

OP led announcements etc
* Foundation Dinner North at Fortuna on Sat Oct 18th.  Looking for slides to add to the happy hour festivities and for people to sign up and go.
            * A workshop to train people to attract  new members. See OP if interested
* Arts Alive event went very well. OP reported great site prep by Shon, great food by Carolyn, great displays by committee heads.  Photographic evidence was presented to show that Sherm was the first woman to join the club
            * We got to watch three Rotary public service announcements
Carolyn reported that we received a check from Dazey’s and encouraged members to take advantage of next year’s special sale by writing Rotary on their receipts.
Chris reported that both of our exchange students have been in contact with him and are doing well.       
OP led a discussion on a new Casino Night. Saturday November 22nd was chosen, site to be determined.
Herb was summoned to his feet for his sixth Rotary anniversary and Susie for her 12th. Each spoke.
OP passed a thank you note from Michael Radenbaugh who received a scholarship this spring.

Fines:
Roy was fined five but paid ten so he could make an announcement about his Soroptomist career.
            He explained that Maria, our former waitress, was moving to Oregon.
Chris was hit for joining the Ingomar Club. Paid 10 and explained the club’s focus.
Karyn told an entertaining story about her adventures in Alaska. She paid 20
Program:
            Brian Elie introduced Arleen Olson ,local photographer. Arleen came to introduce her book of photographs called Humboldt Wild. It contains landscape photographs from all parts of Humboldt along with its people and  special events.  She has been working seven years on the project and has self published the book with an initial printing of four thousand copies. Arleen, who was inspired by National Geographic magazines as a child, began her photography career as an archeology photographer in Arkansas first while attending school in New Jersey and for five years thereafter under the direction of an Arkansas photographer.  Later she worked with EPIC and for a number of years has had a private studio in Southern Humboldt.  The project, though a lot of work, has been a long-term dream, one she was willing to mortgage her house to fulfill. In addition to the book she showed us a booklet of 12 postcards with photos taken from the book. Everyone enjoyed the photographs and the presentation.  Thanks to Brian and Arleen.

Rotary Minutes September 2, 2008

By Susan Gardner
I think David Katz was supposed to be our official greeter, but I think he missed the boat, or at least was a few minutes late in docking. But stay tuned, he would shine a little bit later on in the meeting.

We dined on green salad, and some kind of Kung Pao, sweet and sour, and Swiss steak, followed by poppy seed cake.

President Greg tried to ring his bell, but alas it had grown legs and walked off once again. So, he banged his gavel on something.

We all stood at attention as Harold led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Bunny recited the “Give Us Serenity” words of wisdom, which we can all relate to and should take heed to more often.

Jim Q used a big word, that I didn’t quite catch, just to say there were no visiting Rotarians. Eric F once again introduced his repeat guest Jeanie Eldridge, who is becoming a regular, regular, regular. Chris Brannan brought along our visiting Brazilian exchange student Jao and returning exchange student Emily Morrell-Nyokka.

Tammy Harrison announced that Don Emard is recovering from heart surgery and doing well. She also gave us some not-so-good news that Past President Merle Dailey was not doing so well. Let’s all keep Betty and Don Dailey in our thoughts and prayers.

Eric F talked about the St. Joseph Health System Community Building Initiative Grant that RRHC had applied for. Thanks to this grant one of the many good things that will come out of it is that WISH clients will be given a chance for vocational education. To date, the St. Joseph Health System has invested around $500,000 into the Southern Humboldt area.

Craig Parkinson announced that Moises and Alicia Rosas-Lopez are holding a raffle to help raise much-needed funds to pay for her kidney transplant. They have put up their vehicle as the first place prize. Many of you will remember Moi as the very funny and entertaining cook at the Eel River Cafe.

Dennis O was asked if we had a place to meet on the fifth Tuesday. He said not yet, but call him if you have any ideas. I guess that means he will be cooking at his place.

Finally the Prez got a word in edgewise. He made the announcement that he had spoken to someone about using the Old Williams Chevrolet building as a site for the still-in-the-works Casino Night and would be pursuing that.

He also reminded everyone about Arts Alive this Friday Night and to come by the Community Credit Union to support Rotary. Ernie wanted to know if we needed the new PA system there and he even volunteered to sing. Everyone agreed we didn’t need the PA system or Ernie’s lovely voice scaring people away.

Then, Prez Greg said he would be attending a meeting about the Backpacks for Kids program at Redway School and he volunteered to be the club liaison. He also asked for volunteers to help stuff the backpacks each Thursday. This will only take about 45 minutes to do. Sharon L volunteered the Presbyterian Church and the Food Pantry as the location for such stuffing.

Chris B said that the organizers for the San Francisco Rotary Parade to take place on Sunday, November 9 wanted a lot of specifics if we wanted to partake in the mile to a mile-and-a-half walk. No one jumped up, so we won’t be carrying our banner down Market Street.

Prez Greg called on Bill Stewart to congratulate him on his 52nd-year anniversary in Rotary. Bill began his acceptance speech by saying that 1938 was a special year for Garberville. It was near the end of the Depression and people were excited about the World’s Fair coming to San Francisco. There was a lot of interest in completing the Redwood Highway to connect us to the Bay Area. The town fathers considered incorporation even back then and already had Dwight Knapp crowned as mayor. Then the Garberville Rotary Club was formed. Bill came home from the service in 1955, just in time for the flood. He was invited to the Rotary meeting and it was all over. There was no city government here, so Rotary took on the role. He also said he is very proud to be part of the organization. Back then, every member was “required” to participate and volunteer for the benefit of the community, and he said he thinks it should be the same today. Please join in helping Bill help “your” community become a better place to live.

Spousal birthdays were announced, but I was too slow to get all the names down. I think Ernie was talking to me at the time.

That’s when David K rose to the occasion and collected a few fines. Someone gave to his or her Paul Harris, but I didn’t hear.

Chris B announced foreign exchange student Emily as the program and she talked about her time in Belgium.

David K drew a green ball and we all had to pay $2.

Then Prez Greg hit something and we all went back to work or home for a nap, or wherever Rotarians go after lunch.

Rotary Minutes August 26, 2008

By Susan Gardner
Don Orazem repeated his fine job as greeter again this week, welcoming entrants to another fine Rotary meeting. He now has plenty of job experience to be a “real” greeter at Walmart. He just needs some training in how to properly hand out the carts. Maybe he could volunteer at Shop Smart or Ray’s.

We dined on green salad, lasagna, bread, and blackberry sorbet.

President “Ring Your Bell Finally” Greg rang the bell.
We all stood at attention as Dennis A led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Prez read us some words of wisdom, for which I can’t remember and I’m not any wiser. He thanked Ernie B for the fantastic PA system. Thanks Ern!!

Jim Quast went on and on and on about how there were no visiting Rotarians. Then, Eric F introduced his repeat guest Jeanie Eldridge, who is becoming a regular, regular.

Prez Greg brought up the fact that the Mateel is booked almost every weekend and there may be a problem scheduling Casino Night for the fall. Other locations were discussed with Beginnings, the empty building at the golf course, and Williams Chevrolet being among them.

Prez Greg asked for and Chris Brannan jumped in to volunteer to be the liaison for the upcoming San Francisco Rotary Parade.

Prez Greg then brought up the fact that he was having trouble finding a tent, or tents, big enough for the New Year’s Eve celebration. The cost may be prohibitive also with one estimate at $3,000.
Empress Susie volunteered to search the rest of the universe for other tent renters.

Arts Alive Rotary Style, which will be held at the Community Credit Union courtesy of Rotarian Shon W was discussed. Chris B will be putting together a presentation of the foreign exchange students and Brian W will handle the Rotoplast presentation. The amazing and talented Nancy W has her storyboard all ready to go. All Rotarians are asked to stop by on Friday, September 5 beginning at 5 p.m. for setup, or 6 p.m. for the show.

Jim Michaels was chosen by the Prez to be the team captain at the Rotary golf tournament in Fortuna on the same day. He said it was a tough job, but he would do it.

Nobody stood up to make any announcements, so there weren’t any.

FINE TIME
After last week’s plethora of Paul Harris donations it was going to be tough to reach such a lofty goal. However, Shon W who had gone on a wonderful cruise to Alaska anteed up $100 for her Paul Harris. She said the trip was a family reunion, with 12 members attending. Her comment was, “There is no ship large enough for her family.”

The “Bea” went on another whitewater rafting trip -- this time with her daughter Patty. She paid $20 seeing as this was her 20th trip in 20 years. That’s a lot of wet pants!!

Then there was Herb Schwartz who Ernie B threatened to send to the basement of the big house. Apparently, Herb was walking into Branscomb Center to send something via the big, brown truck, when the alarm went off. Ernie wanted to call the sheriff and have Herb hauled off immediately. When they got to checking it was discovered that whoever originally sent whatever it was that Herb was sending back, they forgot to remove the “bug” which set off the alarm when you entered, or exited, the store. Dennis O jumped in and said, “I’ll donate $10 just to get this story over with!!”

Finally, Rotary host Jim Quast introduced the program, who was the Executive Director of Food for People Anne Holcomb. She gave an excellent presentation about this organization. Rotarians were especially interested to learn about the Backpacks for Kids program, which provides kids with much needed food over the weekends when they don’t have the school lunch program available.
Holcomb was thanked and presented with a book to be donated to the Garberville Library. Oh, and she was given a treasured Rotary pen to remember us by.

The bell rang, and we all departed.

Rotary Minutes August 12, 2008

GEOLOGY, BOTANY AND GHOSTS

            Sandwiches of various shades and makings, home-crafted thick potato chips, green salad, blackberry cobber (it’s good for your eyesight!). Still no bell and the sound was flat. The poor man needs his bell back! 

Today’s Sgt of Arms was O’Dennis who kept jumping up from his meal to greet each late arriver.

Pledge: Carolyn
Inspiration: Our Pres quoting Helen Keller
Visiting Rotarians. Mr. Quast found four live ones: Tracy Curtis, Jason Curtis, Kathleen Jones and good old Ray Jones.
Guests: Estelle Fennel, João Palomo, our exchange student, Dave Stockton, our program.
No Community Report

Notable events: Craig and Chris had anniversaries and each paid a fin
Announcements, Correspondence, etc.
            Foundation Dinner on 10/18 and will have a great speaker
            Skip Stone sent his regards
            Foundation Seminar on 8/23
San Francisco Rotary Parade on November 9th commemorating one hundred years of Rotary in the City by the Bay.  We can march or create a float if we want
            Word from Brian Walker who is Rotoplasting in Peru and is short a surgeon.
            Heidi Holtermann is off to Switzerland
A mob of Rotarians will be gathering in Belize to check out the possibilities of going good in Central American. I didn’t get the date.
            There was talk about Rotary getting very involved in a New Year’s Eve fireworks party.
                        I didn’t get the date. (That was a joke)
BEA’S PHONE RANG AND SHE WAS SITTING RIGHT BESIDE THE GUY COLLECTING THE LOOT.
We have planted 2,500 trees in Honduras thanks to Karyn and you couldn’t find our carbon footprint if you had a magnifying glass. We applauded Karyn.
             Peter told us about the special games parade on Friday.
            Mr. Branscomb insisted that it was not proper for Rotarians to use each other’s last name.
            Seth wants help with graphics for the new club website. Nancy offered a solution
            We passed a thank you card from Miriam written very clearly and correctly
            We passed the photo of a 4H sheep to see if anyone wanted to purchase it.
Our Pres reverted to Fine Master after lamenting that the collection plate had disappeared.
            He also made a pitch to get his bell back and hinted that he might we willing to buy it back.
Harold paid for a whoopie cushion cartoon Our Pres had found.     
            Jim Michaels and family trained to North Dakota and back. He reported oil wells in every                         back yard, the wreck of a derailed train and good and bad service. He paid twenty. Ten for the trip and ten for the program.
Chris told us about finding 20 gallons of aviation fuel in the cockpit of  his plane. Fortunately he was not in the air at the time. Do single engine planes have bilge pumps?  No fine.
Our Pres fined himself 20 bucks for taking a bunch of boys on a camping trip without cell phones, which seems to be to be punishment enough.  But he’s the Fine Master.

Thus sated, we settled ourselves for the program. Roy introduced Dave Stockton who is the executive director of the Visitors’ Center at Burlington.  We learned about the center, its 25 to 30 volunteers and its 100,000 visitors a year, many of which are repeat customers.  We learned among many other things how JT Grant came north from San Francisco in the1890s and started the movement to save the trees and how the ladies were the spark that made it happen through the Federation of Women’s Clubs. How John Miriam (?) worked with a boy named Monroe Tobin to discover fossils along the south fork of the Eel. That  redwoods have been around for 200,000 years and have a complex and highly adaptive arrangement of  chromosomes.  And through all of this we heard very entertaining stories and at the end, as if for dessert, a ghost story. Many thanks to Dave for a most entertaining and informative program and to Roy for presenting it.
            O’Dennis drew the blue ball and is fine free next week.
            And you lucky folks will have a professional doing the minutes for the next three weeks.
Thanks, Susan.

Rotary Minutes August 5, 2008

            We had polenta pizza and a mixed salad with smoked salmon and blackberries among other delights. A peach cobbler with fresh organic peaches for dessert. No bell in sight. Our Pres bashed the gavel against a water glass and got the large mob to its feet and facing in the right direction.

Pledge: Jessi led the way
Inspiration: Clif inspired us
Visiting Rotarians: Mr. Quest found three: Erin Dunn(who reminded us of the District 5130 Foundation Dinner on Saturday October 18th at River Lodge), Hellene Campbell and Bruce Campbell
Guests: Our new exchange student Joaõ (who presented us with a banner from his local club and a Brazilian Flag),  Chelsea Harrison and Clif Clendenen (to whom Herb proposed a triumvirate)
No community report

But we did have birthdays: Syd, Susan and the absent Brian Harper. We sang and those present paid. Spousal birthdays included Syd and Ernie
We also had anniversaries: Louie, Jim and Brian Elie.

Our Pres introduced into evidence the following written documents: a note from the Dist Gov and Spouse thanking us for a good time, a note from Tom Tobin III about a scholarship in Tobie’s memory, a note from Pat Bonham re rodeo buckle.
Everyone agreed the debunking had been a splendid affair and special thanks went to Peter and A-Dennis.
The GSE team is going to Brazil in the spring and is looking for applicants for team leader and members
Our Pres has info on a trip to the village we are helping to adopt.
He also has a reading list for each of us. The list includes Rotary Basics and ABCs of Rotary.
            He will pass them around and the test will follow
Arcata Sunrise is moving its meetings to Days Inn in Valley West. So if you are at the old place and no one is there, and you find these minutes in your pocket, now you understand.
Redwood Summer Games is August 16th and we need four to help
Rotary PSAs are appearing in some places. (We later learned they are available for use locally)
Jessi reported that the new Rotarian’s group had its first meeting
Syd’s report on Benbow dam turned into a broad discussion and historical review with comments coming from various quarters. Ernie disagreed with Syd’s claim that you never could water ski from Benbow to Piercy. Ernie claims you still can, but it needs to be in the winter and you need to be drunk.
Unfortunately the dam discussion did not last long enough and Doug was fined ten bucks for his letter to the NC Journal. Bunny won $500.00 in the All Star Game Pool and paid an unspecified amount. Roy was thanked in absentia for putting the pool together, Bea and Carolyn paid for their rafting adventures, Radar has a new car but will be fined next week at which time he will probably have two.
Merle Daley, former member and pres in not well.

Program. A-Dennis introduced Bruce Campbell from Sebastopol, a former District Gov and Chair of the 5130 Foundation Committee.
            The Rotary International Foundation takes in a lot of money and uses it in good ways. Last year it received $113,000,000 up ten percent from the year before. Also the Bill and Melinda Gates 100,000,000 challenge grant to help wipe out polio, which we need to match in three years. In our district the average Rotarian donated $149.00, our club members averaged  $115.00. We have two programs for raising money. Every Rotarian Every Year, that is 100% participation and Sustaining members who contribute $100 a year. In our district last year 62% contributed something and 52% gave 100 or more.
How is this money spent?
            The Humanitarian side:
            1. The program to eliminate polio which is now confined to four challenging areas: India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
            2. Matching grants such as the Adopt a Village program
            3.  Simplified grants that are used by clubs in the district for projects in the district
4. Volunteer grants in which a Rotarian gets funds to visit a foreign city for some worthy purpose.
            5. Long term disaster recovery. A concept that rose out of the tsunami crises. Money goes to clubs in the disaster area to help with recovery
            The Educational side:
            1. Rotary World Peace Program, (UC Berkeley hosting one of seven around the world has twenty students in a two year program)
            2.  Ambassadorial Scholars for people at or near the end of their college years. 100,000 students have taken advantage of this.
            3. University teachers. Short foreign study program of up to six months
            4.  The GSE program. One Rotarian leader, four non-Rotarian members
If you know anyone who might wish to participate in any of these programs, get hold of Bruce.  Bruce answered some good questions and we thanked him for the interesting and well-organized program.

            Our Pres announced that our exchange student to Switzerland has learned that she must take a mandatory language program costing 900 bucks. The family is not able to pay and several members contributed on the spot.  Thanks to them.

Rotary Minutes July 22, 2008

IF YOU HAVE EVER TOUCHED THE BELL, GUARD YOUR DNA

            The salad was nicely arranged in a large aluminum bowl ringed with tomatoes and nearby a rich variety of additions awaited the discerning diner. In addition we had chicken with cous-cous and a peach cobbler. Even with a forensic scientist in the room Our Pres still had no bell and so banged the lonely gavel against the oft-battered collection plate, an activity that produced a sound so unmusical that we stood up to see what catastrophe was about to befall us. And so it began.

Pledge. Mr. Orazem was asked to lead the pledge and he did and we followed
Inspiration: Our Pres quoted our former dist gov who was quoting a book written by a guy who stopped learning after kindergarten.
Visiting Rotarians: Ex-Sgt exclaimed at some length and with considerable humor and brought forth Allen Dow, a visiting Rotarian on a motorcycle.
Guests: Mary Orazem, Betty Lin Blanke, Mark Rybeck or Rypeck and Leslie Goff and her son Kolby both of whom made a brief appearance, Leslie to resign and Kolby to look cute and begin to cry. 
We had no Community Update

Our Pres thanked the board members for their good work in relation to the Gov’s visit.
Just as we thought everything was under control, in trooped a group of young people wearing aprons (and one NY Yankees cap) and accompanied by two adults. It was the gang from the Restaurant Intern Program who are putting on a feed Thursday evening at the Benbow Lake-less State Park. Come at six, bring thirty bucks and be ready to enjoy a good meal.  Tickets are at Blue Moon
 Peter passed out slips of blue paper, one to each member, each with a date on which the member will be responsible for the program.  If you have no ideas, talk to Our Pres.
We also learned that Peter is our Pres Elect.
Our Pres thanked Brian Harper for getting the flag and banners to the Benbow Inn last week.
Syd informed us of a meeting regarding the Redway Post Office on Thursday at 5:30.
            He also gave us an update on the struggle to save Benbow Lake.
A-Dennis reported on the debunking which will be held next Tuesday beginning at 5:00 at the home of Peter Connolly. He passed around a signup sheet. Directions: Go to airport and follow the signs.  Peter will be cooking.
Chris told us about some good times he recently had with the father of Bank, a Thailand exchange student who was here a few years ago. Bank’s father said that Bank profited greatly from his experience in sohum.
In the midst of Chris’s attempt to speak Harold’s cell phone erupted and moments later Our Pres reverted to Fine Master, directing Sgt Ernie to secure Harold’s phone and deliver it to the person of Our Pres. Harold got the phone back along with instructions as to how to turn in off, all in exchange for $25.00.  Jessi paid $20.00 for trying to do Roy a favor but getting the date wrong. The ex-Sgt paid ten for a visit to Gold Beach, O’Dennis told us about his fourth grandchild. If he was fined I missed it. Our Pres fined himself for his 19th anniversary and for abandoning his spouse of 19 years in the lunch line at last week’s meeting leaving Brian Elie to buy her lunch.  He paid a hundred to start a Paul Harris Fellowship for Meghan.

Program: Sharon Latour introduced Betty Lin Blanke, who was back by popular demand after having come as a guest and community volunteer and admitting in front of all present that she was a forensic scientist. Betty told us about her work which she carries out for a firm in SoCal from her home. Betty is a graduate of UCLA. She works for a private firm that does a variety of forensic work, mostly for the defense in criminal cases, including firearm and DNA analysis.  Unless you have an identical twin, your DNA is unique in the world.  It can be captured from your toothbrush, the glass you drink out of, the cigarette butt you throw away, the ski mask you decked yourself out in when you robbed the bank, the hair you left in the sink, the semen on the sheet, the spit or blood you recklessly spilled on the airbag as you were crashing into the redwood tree. And it lasts forever.  Word of advice: Before you commit a crime, listen to Betty. 

There was no drawing but Our Pres was shot at twice from close range and we all saw who did it.
The bell was not found.

Rotary Minutes July 15, 2008

This was the day the Dist Gov came and brought his wife and we all dressed up and went to the Benbow Inn and got to see Our Pres and Our Assistant Gov wearing fine ties. We made our own sandwiches and enjoyed a Caesar salad and some fruit and a cookie for dessert. And while everyone was relaxed and having a “proper” time admiring the white tablecloths, some ne’er-do-well stole the beloved bell and not the Dist Gov nor Our Pres or even his remote sensing device complements of homeland security was able to find it again.  So glasses were tapped and a gavel waved and we all finally stood up and faced the flag that had been lugged in for the occasion.

Pledge: Ed Fullerton, our Dist. Gov., led us.
Inspiration: Craig offered the prayer
Visiting Rotarians:  The ex-Sgt could not find any though he did admit that the Dist. Gov. qualified and would be introduced later.
Guests included: Herb’s wife Karen, Don’s wife Mary, Karyn husband David, Syd’s wife Diane, Clif’s wife Patti, Chris’s wife Brigette, Our Pres’s wife Meghan, Our Gov’s wife Carol, Jim’s wife Gina, and Sandy from Travel Time.

When everyone had been properly introduced and acknowledged, Our Pres thanked Dennis O’Sullivan and Susan for hosting what was reported to be a very pleasant social the evening before. Then Syd and Diane were recognized for hosting the going-away party for Miriam, and Tammy celebrated for welcoming Miriam into her family for a year.  With each announcement hands were slapped together, as is the custom in this culture.

The annual special games will be held on August 14-16th and we will be doing the BBQ.
On July 31st we will participate in a golf party at Baywood and Our Pres was looking for swingers. He found some.
Shon has agreed to host the public relations presentation at Arts Alive
Birthdays were recognized but no fines assessed: Folks present this week but not last: Kent, Karyn and Shon.

Our Pres over-saw two special presentations:
            Sherm Hensell was presented with a Life Time Service above Self Award handed to him by the Gov. Sherm has been a member since 1951, served as Pres in 1956-57 and has had perfect attendance since the Moors were chased out of Spain. Harold recounted a trip he and his wife took to Hawaii many years ago with Sherm and Amy.
            Louie Spaggiari received a Service above Self award from the Dist. Gov.  Louie has been a member since 1983. He is a Paul Harris Fellow. Roy reminded us of the many contributions Louie made to club construction projects over the years.

Program: Our District Governor Ed Fullerton was introduced by Assistant Gov. Chris Brannan who told us that Gov Ed was a member of the Petaluma club and was a pilot for Pan Am for many years including being the Chief Pilot of the Atlantic region.  Ed joined Rotary in 1997 and has been going strong ever since.  The Gov built his presentation around his personal experiences of becoming a pilot despite discouragement from a teacher. He used his executive experience as a metaphor to describe the 45 club presidents as his pilots who are working to fulfil the goals of Rotary.   He had kind words to say about our president and board. He saluted the objective of our Rotary International president who wants to reduce the 30,000 preventable children’s deaths that will happen world-wide this year. He also gave us an update on the polio plus program indicating that there are now 1,000 cases a year and we are poised to make a big push and get the number down to zero. He and his wife recommend calling on the community to help raise the funds to match the $100,000,000 challenge grant provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
            At the District level Our Gov wants to increase the District’s coffers so it will be able to fully fund club projects. He is asking for an average of $200.00 per member for this cause. A quarter of a million dollars is needed.
            He also promotes the Every Rotarian Every Year concept meaning that every Rotarian contributes something every year, i.e. 100% participation whereas at present it is hovering around 50%..
            We need to push for new members. Not only the oldest social club, Rotary is also composed of old and older members.
            He also promoted the following projects:
             Adopt a Village program: Water, Sanitation, Health and Education.
            And the Dictionary project which started with his club
            Governor Ed Fullerton presented an interesting and challenging program and we expressed our gratitude with a standing ovation. 

Rotary Minutes July 8, 2008

On this warm July day we enjoyed an all American lunch of fried chicken, mashed spuds with gravy, cole slaw, green salad and a berry cobbler dessert. Our Pres, his bell safe after last week’s post-meeting attempted heist which had been thwarted by a clever and previously undisclosed warning device, brought us to our feet with that most cheerful of sounds.Pledge. Peter led us in the pledge, having once again served as official greeter and sgt in the absence of Ernie who was alleged to be working on an air conditioner.
Inspiration. Our Pres provided one.
Visiting Rotarians. The unranked and former non-com Jim Quast introduced Barbara Caldwell.
Guests: Miriam (at her last meeting among us) Chelsea Harrison and Chris Parker.
Community Update. See You Tammy, not knowing her new title or assignment had nothing to report.  We learned from Carolyn that Myles of Credit Union teller fame, had gotten scratched up in a motorcycle accident but was on the mend.Announcements:
            Chris announced that Miriam is leaving and our new student from Brazil will be arriving is early August. Chris needs someone to pick him up and host him for a week.
            Nancy reported that she is considering not running for a new term on the hospital board and encouraged others to consider running. Steve Bowen expressed a similar course of action.
            Roy needs help with All Star pool. He has 35 empty slots .
            Tammy is giving a going away party for Miriam on Thursday.
            Miriam described her western safari trip
            Harold announced that he had no announcement.
            Carolyn gave a rundown on last week’s board meeting including  new projects such as citizen of the month and teacher of the month to go along with student of the month.
            Our Pres wisely modified his earlier edict on early departures.  Sit at the back, apologize to Our Pres and to the person giving the program and you can escape for free.
            Our Pres announced the following new projects: The club is budgeting $1,000.00 and challenging the four newest Rotarians, Aaron, Sharon, Susan and Jessi to come up with a community project.
            At the August 1 Arts Alive he wants a Rotary informational center to be open and running at the Credit Union.
            The topofthetown turnaround now has water to the sprinklers, thanks to ever-ready Brian Walker.
            A-Dennis, Bea and Carolyn all joined the club in July and each told us what special event turned them into a Rotarian.
            Birthdays: Sharon, David, Bill, Karyn, Kent, Radar and Shon all have birthdays this month. Some were present, others not. We sang to all and those present paid.
            Clif confirmed that yesterday had been his wife’s birthday and that he had spent several hours of it in an emergency room with one or more kidney stones.
            Fines: Syd and Bea shared a ten buck fine because Syd had sympathy for his dog.
            Tammy escaped a fine after describing her vacation and rush back to volunteer at the 4th non-event.  Daughter Chelsea was less impressed with their trip then was her mother.
            Next week the Dist. Gov visits. Monday social at 5:30 O’Dennis and Susan’s; the board will meet the Gov Tuesday morning at the Benbow Inn and we commoners meet him there at noon.
            Our Pres described his recent motorcycle trip and paid $20.00 for the pleasure of driving over 180 degree asphalt.
            As we turned to the program, Jeff , exercising his new prerogative, made an eloquent and fine-free departure.Program: Nancy introduced Barbara Caldwell, the executive director of the Humboldt County chapter of the Red Cross.  The local chapter is one of 700 chapters in the US and part of an international federation of 185 organizations world-wide.  The organization receives no federal tax money. The RC responds to disasters and helps us prepare for disasters before they happen.
            The chapter has trained emergency preparedness teams in Shelter Cove and Briceland and was on standby when the recent Paradise Ridge fire threatened structures west of Garberville.
            On the subject of preparation, Barbara’s goal is to have every Rotarian prepared for a disaster. The likely disasters in our county include: earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, wildfires, power outages and pandemics. She passed out lists of suggested contents for disaster kits and hinted that a good club project would involve members working together to outfit themselves and members of their community.  Planning should take place at different levels, individually, in the family, at the workplace and the school. Know the risks, make a plan, have supplies. Bill informed us of how helpful the Red Cross had been when he was civil defense director during the 1964 flood.  Thanks to Barbara and Nancy for an interesting program.            We closed with a drawing. We now have four colored balls in a bag. The Sgt of the day draws one. Red, he or she remains Sgt for another week; green, every member coughs up $2.00; yellow the Sgt walks away with $20.00, and Blue the Sgt is fine free until judgment day. Peter drew the yellow, got the loot and everyone else saved their two bucks to place on a nag at the Humboldt County Fair.

Rotary Minutes July 1, 2008

And so it was that on the first day of July in the year of our Lord 2008 the young and stalwart Gregory Pfau assumed the role of Our President of Our Rotary Club of Garberville, California on the western edge of the great and smokey state of California. May the term bring him and his fellow Rotarians joy, prosperity and wisdom. The tables had been rearranged, the podium placed at the north end rather than in the middle and an official greeter, Sgt for the week, Peter Connolly, welcomed all with a handshake. To celebrate this momentous occasion we fed on choices of tasty mussels, tri-tips with mushrooms and rice, a “pork bun,” a chickenish dish and a green salad. Later desserts were passed out and quickly consumed. Our President survived the lunch with bell in  hand and drew us to our feet with a clang.Pledge. To welcome Our Pres the members rose but faced away from him and the flag. When the herd finally got repositioned, O’Dennis led us in the pledge.
Inspiration: Clif prayed for us all.
Visiting Rotarians: Jim Quast, stripped of rank but hardly humbled, gainsaid that we had any visiting Rotarians.
Guests: The honorable former club president and songster Gene Fox, Jeanie Eldridge and Lauren (Luna) Ivey.
Community Update (formerly known as the Sunshine Report which makes the former Sunshine Tammy now See You Tammy) and even with all those changes there was no Tammy and no news to report.Our Pres welcomed Brian Walker back from his leave of absence. He successfully recited the 4-Way Test and the Rotary Motto.We passed a Thank You card from Nick’s Interns and learned that the July 4th fireworks had been canceled. A cell phone rang. Our Pres tracked it down, found it in the hands of Ernie, grabbed and broke it!
In the wake of this act of destruction he announced a couple of new policies, to wit:
Any cell phone going off will cost the culprit $25.00 or well more than a gallon of gasoline.
Early leavers should sit at the rear of the room, apologize both to Our President and the to person presenting the program and pay $25.00 into the club’s coffers.
Our Pres passed around an article he had gotten from Herb re club income
We learned that the District theme is now Make Dreams Real, which comes from RI’s dynamic new president D.K. Lee.  District goals include a ten percent net increase in membership, the formation of two new clubs, a concerted effort to match the Gates Foundation challenge grant by raising our share of $100,000,000 over the next three years, plus a Rotary Foundation donation of $200.00 per member per year.  Save your pennies.

Our Pres talked about the floods in Iowa but recognized that their urgency may have been reduced by the recent fires in the area.

Syd said some of the Rotary trash cans in G’ville need to be replaced and Brian Walker volunteered to solve the problem before sunset.
Syd also gave more details on the cancelling of the fireworks display and party.Debunking and District Gov plans have been altered and now are as follows:
July 15th District Gov is here and time and place of meeting will be announced
July 29th Debunking is  at Peter’s. Cocktails at 5:00 and then so forth.Clif presented Bill Steward with a cap memorializing the USS Wahoo which was built during WWII in the shipyards at Vallejo by Bill’s mother and a few others.Syd remembered that it was Gene Fox who brought him into the club.  Although a fine against Gene for this offense was discussed, the statute of limitations had long passed and Our Pres turned to extracting cash from David Katz, who was on this day celebrating his second wedding anniversary. He was fined five but said he was so happily married that he gave ten.

Program: Peter introduced Lauren Ivey, now Luna Ivey, our former exchange student in Italy.
Luna presented her program with a unique twist. She used her PowerPoint program to provide subtitles while she gave the program in Italian!  They say talk is cheap, but in this instance, talk was action, and it gave us a vivid illustration of how she had benefitted from the exchange. Luna resided in Milano with three different host families.  She studied at an art school and we got to see some of her work on the screen.  After describing the wonderful food in Italy she passed baskets of fococcia bread she had baked that morning. Reports were very positive. Luna got to travel to Rome, Florence, Venice and elsewhere in Italy and made it across the border to Southern France and into Switzerland on ski-trips.  The experience seemed to have given her a permanent infection since her goal now is to do more traveling, probably to some less developed countries, perhaps in the Peace Corps. She thanked us for giving her this opportunity and we thanked her for a fine program.

Drawing. The rules have changed. There are now three balls in the basket and the acting Sgt gets to draw one. Depending on which one he draws, the following will happen.  He will receive a “fine-free” pass that he can retain or sell as he chooses,  each member of the club will pay $2.00 or something else, that I can’t remember,  will happen. Peter drew #31 and got the pass.  And so it began.

Rotary Minutes June 24, 2008

            A  large crowd gathered for President Susie’s last meeting. We fed on hot dogs, potato salad, green salad, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. The Pres had the beloved bell in hand and got us started with a mellow tone.

Pledge:  An unknown leader but the usual flag and pledge
Inspiration: The Pres herself
Visiting Rotarians: No Sgt and no visiting Rotarians
Guests: Wes Chesbro, Jerry Wilson, Janice Branscomb, Greg Creager,  Kathleen Creager, Steve Heilig, a woman named Carol and Mark Bryant
Sunshine. None alluded to

Syd gave us a report on the status of the Benbow Dam which has been damned by State Parks and Benbow Lake which is not now and apparently shall not again be. Comments were made.

Syd  also called for assistance at the 4th of July party. Two sign-up sheets were passed, one for parking and one for the food shack.

We also learned that there is a new (presumably newly discovered) fault line that runs through the area, and is reported as being in several different locations.

Eric made a passionate assertion that Southern Humboldt Working Together is the united voice that can speak for the community.

A-Dennis has determined the will of the gods and the annual debunking will take place on Peter Connolly’s home turf in the evening on Tuesday July 15th, time and details to follow.

Brian, Mr. Pledge, Walker is just back from a Protoplast clinic in Venezuela where palates were repaired and excess fingers removed.  We got a graphic report.

Karyn reported that Ruben Mood, roast-master at Signature Coffee and single father, has lost his home by fire. Donations can be made at SC and at the Credit Union.

The Fine Master had rumors of bribery on his mind. Ernie confessed that he had given Judge Nancy one dollar and his crew had been judged the winner of the water fight. He received the trophy and each paid five.

Program.  Ernie introduced Wes Chesbro, our former State Senator and current candidate for State Assembly.  Mr. Chesbro had been “term-limited” in the Senate and our present assemblywoman, Patty Berg is about to be “term-limited” in the house, and so he is the democratic candidate to replace her. He presently serves on two local boards–Open Door Clinic and Humboldt Bay Housing–and two state boards, the Mental Health Oversite Board and the California Integrated Waste Management Board. In 1990 the state adopted a law that called for reducing solid waste to landfills by 50% and by 2006 it had reached and surpassed the goal, having reduced the amount by 54%. Mr. Chesbro believes California is the world’s leader in this regard. On the subject of term limits, Mr. Chesbro said they have increased gender and ethnic diversity in the Senate and Assembly but the lack of experience and lack of time to establish relationships, reduces trust and tends to make the bodies more partisan.  Since he is a former chair of the Senate budget committee, his comments on the state’s present financial crisis were of special interest. He made three central points. One, the state should allocate its money toward investments, such as early drug and medical intervention, to save later costs. Second, the state should adopt some time-limited tax increases while cutting expenses to see us through the present crisis, and Third, when times are good the state should set some funds aside as a reserve against the inevitable return of times like the present.
            Thanks to Wes Chesbro for an interesting program, and to Ernie for setting it up.
            President Susie formally passed the bell and gavel on to her successor, Mr. Greg Pfau. And so the question lingers: What exactly does the Empress of the World do when she retires?
Doug won the raffle and grabbed the cash.

Rotary Minutes June 17, 2008

In the waning days of the reign of the Empress of the World we ate barbeque (choice of ribs or chicken)  and potato salad with green salad and more cake than you could imagine. The President gave the beloved bell a couple of sharp bangs as if she wanted us to not only stand but jump!

Pledge. Who led I do not know but we did
Inspiration was provided by the Sgt.
Visiting Rotarians.  As if exercising those basketball-player legs, the Sgt was down and up again to introduce Phil Dwight visiting Rotarian from Ferndale.
Guests: Terri Klemetson, Marian Mapes-Bouck, and Jeannie Eldridge (and what exactly was Mark Bryant? Not introduced as a guest, but claimed to have gotten a free lunch purchased by Roy.)
Sunshine. No report on sunshine, no mention of sunshine, no sunshine.

Our President spoke:
            About Every Rotarian, Every Year.  Which means contributions to Rotary International. This past year 63 percent of us, and a fraction, whoever that was, donated to RI. That put us above the District average but well below the Napa grape stompers who were close to a hundred percent.  Phil Dwight made the mistake of asking about Ferndale.

            About the bylaw change which we voted on by voice vote and no-one opposed. So it all worked as smoothly as in the House and Senate except where was C-Span?

A-Dennis is trying to find a time and place to throw our President into a pool of water, and also to debunk her. Everyone who has his or her own opinion on how and where this should be done is invited to a pre-debunking party at Blue Star Gas on Wednesday June 18th at 4:00.  Be prepared for differences of opinion.

Jessi Dale turned in her red badge in exchange for a blue one and a round of applause.

Nancy as chair of the community services committee is looking for new projects. If you have an idea, get it to Nancy.  The Pres said this applies to all other committees as well

Ernie tried to count the number of people who would be bringing guests next week to hear Wes Chesbro. Tip: If you need to cheat on a math test, don’t look over Ernie’s shoulder.

Eric has been assigned the gate at the 4th of July blast and is looking for help. The “old women” in the Heider Shack (the President’s words, not mine) are also looking for assistance.

Mark reminded us that PG&E will cut the juice this weekend, but at a time when all god-fearing souls should be in bed anyway.

Someone said the rodeo banners were great.
With that accolade we moved on to the program. There was some confusion as to who would introduce Mark Bryant, but B-Dennis, always a good man to have available in a pinch, stepped forward and did the job. Mark had come to talk about the Garberville Sanitary District and its various redemptive projects.  We learned that the District was formed under state law in 1932 and has five board members consisting of four Rotarians and a plumber. (That sounds like it should be funny but I don’t know why.)  The GSD has taken on its shoulders several of the community’s problems.  For example it has a waste treatment facility that produces an effluent that satisfies state standards but has to be replaced anyway because the standards are changing. Then moving back toward the source we learned that the pipes collecting and transporting the sewage (which have been around since good men from the WPA hand-dug the trenches and installed them) are now leaking. This doesn’t mean all that sewage is getting away but rather that a lot of non-sewage is getting in and thus needs to be treated, pressing the system to its capacity. Finally, the District has taken on an elderly water system dying for an overhaul. The new waste treatment facility will adopt the genius of HSU Prof Bob Gerhart and develop an enhanced wetlands approach similar to the Arcata Marsh. Mark says the effluent will be drinkable water and thus purer than the river into which it will be deposited. But before that can be built, the pipes need to be replaced. And then there is the water system. Some grants have been promised, others are pending, loans are lurking. All together it will cost around nine million dollars or based on the latest figures, about what we spend in Iraq every thirty minutes. (Sorry couldn’t resist.)  Rates will go up. Maybe 100 percent.  It was very comforting to know the community has  such good people working on these complex problems. No drawing was held but the library got a book on penguins signed by Mark and Mark got a pen with the Four Way Test. Thanks to Mark for a very informative program!

Rotary Minutes June 10, 2008

It was build your own fish tacos, with fish from Shelter Cove, corn tortillas,  beans, rice, cole slaw, green salad and ice cream for dessert (or on your taco if you preferred).  Susie had the bell and rang us to our feet. (At least she had it at the beginning.)

Pledge. A-Dennis led us
Inspiration.  Bea offered a wind-calming prayer.
Visiting Rotarians: And the Sgt offered to calm his usual windiness and introduced Cindy Denbo who in addition to being a Rotarian would present the program.
Guests: Jeannie Eldridge was our guest
Sunshine. Sunshine Tammy had no news to report.

President Susie had her last chance to make birthday and anniversary assessments and began by snaring five from herself, which entitled her to a song, and which we delivered.  She tried to get a spousal birthday from David but appeared to be talking about  the wrong spouse and the wrong date and so he retained his money. Nancy paid five for Jerry’s birthday but alleged that she would recoup it from her man.  Both the Sgt and A-Dennis paid for anniversaries.

Announcements
Ernie has determined that Wes Chesbro will present the program on the 24th of June. If you plan to bring a guest, let Ernie know because he expects a crowd and wants to alert Rene.
Sharon gave a final update on Safe and Sober Grad night this Friday. Looking for donations of food that can be dropped off at the Church on Friday, also help with setup and cleanup.
Tammy informed us that Miriam has garnered more awards. We need host families if our exchange program is to remain vital.
And speaking of vital, Steve Bowen says that everyone who is breathing should come to the debunking, the time and place of which is still to be determined.  Other interesting thoughts on the subject  were presented by Bill Stewart, Bea and Ernie.

Program
            Nancy introduced Cindy Denbo (and the bell disappeared in an president-absent moment). Cindy has left the library and is now the executive director of Area One Agency on Aging, which as she freely admits is a most unpleasant moniker, though a right-worthy institution.  It all began in 1965 when the Congress passed and the President signed a law on aging. In 1980 the State of California did the same.  The local agency is a private non-profit corporation though that is not true of all such agencies. Patty Berg was its first executive director. Its jurisdiction includes both Humboldt and Del Norte counties and has an annual budget of $2,350,000, forty percent of which comes from the feds, thirty-four percent from the state and the balance from the counties. Its mission is to help seniors live safe, healthy and independent lives by providing services in four areas: 1. It trains and maintains a registry of trained in-home care givers. They receive 30 hours of training.  2.  It provides health insurance counseling primarily by helping citizens deal with medicare.  It counseled 4,600 people in the last year.  3.  It runs RSVP VCR which organizes senior volunteers to work with Food Bank, Hospice etc.  4. It provides a senior information program through the Humboldt Senior Recourse Center.  While it has no Southern Humboldt office its counselors do come here and many of the other services can be obtained by telephone or email.  There are 30,000 seniors in Humboldt and they make up 18% of the population. Many, 18% , are care givers themselves. Over 400 are the primary care givers for grandchildren.  Cindy closed by describing the coming  boomer retirement. Boomers make up 31percent of the population and 45% of them have not set aside adequate resources to retire. Many believe they will have to work for the rest of their lives. Ninety percent intend to stay where they are.  At the present time it costs $14,000 a year to provide in home care for a senior and $94,000 to provide institutional care. Her agency is working to keep more seniors in the first category.  Thanks to Cindy for an informative program.

Nancy won the drawing and got the cash. (Maybe now Jerry won’t have to come up with that five.)  

Rotary Minutes June 3, 2008

            To keep us from infecting the good voters of Redway, the meeting was moved to the Cadillac Wok. The festivities began with a spicy soup and ended with chunks of melon and fortune cookies and in between there were approximately seven courses, though in the midst of the feeding frenzy your scribe lost count of the exact number. After everyone was sated, Pres Susie instructed us to stand and pledge to the left arm of the Fine Master.

Pledge: And so, in harmony, we did.
Inspiration: Nancy provided it and later paid for it.
Visiting Rotarians: Several members questioned the health of the Sgt after he answered the proverbial question with only three words: Nary a one.
Guests: Ruth Beltzen, Kella Scown, Tyler the grandson, David Thomas, Janice Branscomb, Joshua Jackson and Betty Blanke.

The Fine Master was called to grasp a buck from every non-voter and promptly did.

No sunshine was reported but having lost our good friend Sam Gabriel we sent our condolences to Bonnie with a card.

Guest Betty gave a pitch for Friday night youth and safe and sober grad night to be held June 13th from ten to three. Volunteers are sought.

The Pres informed us that we had gotten a thank you note from Thomas Tobin

Ernie pointed to an election day party for Estelle going on at Madrone. We learned that there will be three victory parties tonight, one for each candidate.  Since everyone is winning, apparently, the Second District will be represented by a triumvirate.

Tammy gave an update on exchange student Miriam who is gathering in awards both academic and scholastic even while traveling the globe.

Herb informed us of JJ Hull’s memorial on 6/22

Chris reported on the 14 exchange students who stayed over at his place and then enjoyed the Summer Arts Festival.

Ernie is promising Wes Chestbro for one of the July meetings.

Fine Master time:
Syd was hit for a trip but had already paid so the FM paid 5
Peter did not have fun on AMTRAK, though he may have paid something in exchange for complaining.
Brian Harper owns a Prius and paid 100 toward his Paul Harris
Nancy had to pay five because the FM was not impressed by her inspiration. So much for freedom of religion.
David Katz had been traveling. Not clear if he paid, and if so, what
Doug was assessed twenty for his trip.
O’Dennis didn’t really vote twice as alleged and so avoided assessment.
Louie was applauded for being in the room
Roy paid 5 for a reason that missed me.
Sharon fined herself for a recent trip to Colorado and elsewhere. Great to have a minister in the club who confesses to such things.
Susan had the pleasure of announcing her daughter’s graduation from Sonoma State and paid 20 for the privilege.

So far as I could determine no food was thrown and no one was stabbed with a chop stick, though in reading her fortune cookie, Carolyn appeared to come out.

Rotary Minutes May 13, 2008

            We fed on crepes, stuffed with chicken and wild mushrooms, also green salad and fresh fruit for dessert.  In the absence of our President, the accomplished Dennis Abshire assumed the roll of acting President for the day. He brought a bell and his ball-peen hammer and got things going with a clang.

Pledge: Jeff led us in the pledge
Inspiration.  Craig acknowledged the beautiful day in his inspiration.

Visiting Rotarians: The Sgt was very happy to welcome a crowd of Ferndalians including: Tom Bess, Phil Dwight, David Trustolli, Glenn Martella and Jerome Davis.

Guests: Heidi Holtermann, our soon-to-be exchange student in Switzerland, Emily Totten, our soon-to-be exchange student in Hungary, Miriam Schwaaf, our present exchange student from Germany, Jerry Walsh and Jeanie Eldridge 

Sunshine. No news.

O’Dennis told a joke that featured the Sgt but failed to fly.

Greg reported on the golf tournament which he characterized as a success. All the costs are not in but the gross exceeded eleven thousand buckaroos.

O’Dennis reported that the permits for the Rotary sponsored Rodeo Parade are in place.
Also that a memorial service will be held for Rogan Coombs at the ranch on Sunday, the exact time is not yet known.
            Finally, that next week is the Award’s meeting at the high school.

Ernie had tickets for the Redway Fire Department BBQ on May 24thfeaturing the mysterious Twango  McCallan and his band.

Harold was happy to report good news on the health of his granddaughter and almost as happy to peddle some tickets for the Fortuna Noon Time Club’s Art and Wine show on Sunday June 8th.

Jessi Dale finally had an opportunity to shed her red badge. Confronted by an acting president with a ball-peen hammer, she successfully repeated the four-way test and was awarded a round of applause.

The Fine Master a loot-seeking entertainer began by questioning Bea. Seems she had given away her stud-finder for the golf tournament raffle and now was seated with the four gentlemen from Ferndale.  Cost her ten

O’Dennis was called to pay for his sorry joke but the FM then made a wager. If Ernie could tell a better joke, he, the FM, would pay O’Dennis’ fine. Ernie did and the FM did. 10 bucks.
Acting President Dennis was fined for assuming the role of FM when he put Jessi on the spot with the four-way test. Dennis claimed sovereign immunity but was assessed five.

David paid ten for a trip to San Diego and then another ten because he felt cheated that he was not assessed last month for his wife’s birthday.

Sharon is working on restoring the Safe and Sober grad night with the junior parents arranging the party for the seniors. Will be at the church and Sharon is looking for Rotarians to volunteer to help.

It was program time and Tammy introduced Miriam Schwaaf, our exchange student from Germany who has been a resident at Tammy’s house this past year, and an occasional guest at our meetings.  Miriam provided a power-point presentation that gave us pictures and maps of her country, discussed the economic, political, education activities as well as sports and geography.  We learned that the reunited Germany has sixteen districts, a strong economy and a vigorous  educational system .  The value of its exports exceed those of any other country on earth.
Miriam has one sister and enjoys horseback riding competitions. She has two more years in the gymnasium and then will move on to the university where she intends to study languages. Sounds like a good choice, given her skill with English. Thanks to Miriam for an excellent program and to Tammy for hosting her throughout the year.

Don Orazem won the drawing and was present to collect the cash.  

Rotary Minutes May 6, 2008

Fine little pink slices of flank steak, pinto beans, well-seasoned rice, green salad and dessert, the steak sliced and  served by Chef Rene himself.  Pres Susie had the beloved bell and the only slightly less treasured gavel, and using the two in concert,  rousted us from our conversations and directed our attention to the flag.

Pledge: Being closest, and duly appointed, Craig led us.
Inspiration: The Wilder Bunny gave out the word and devoted time and kind words for the late supervisor Roger Rodoni.
Visiting Rotarians. The Sgt was there but then disappeared and the Pres introduced Barbara Browning
Guests: Jeanie Eldridge and Abby Abshire

Sunshine: None reported

Announcements and other falderal.  (Unless otherwise indicated Pres Susie reported) 
We received a thank you note from the Fortuna Rotary club for the participation by many members in their fund raiser
Prior to the RI conference in LA there will be a water conference organized by Rotarians to look at water problems around the world
On Sat May 17th in the fair city of Willits there will be a localization networking conference.
Harold was back and had tickets to sell for a raffle to be drawn at the Fortuna Art and Wine party on Sunday June 8th.  Lots of wine to be won
Susan and Bea reported on Roger Rodoni’s memorial service which was attended by many.
Susan asked that the club consider donating to the scholarship fund being established in Roger’s name. The pres suggested the board would discuss it.
Nancy informed us that she and Jerry are appearing in a play, Coming of Age, at the Mateel Saturday and Sunday May 17th and 18th
O’Dennis reminded us that the Annual Awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday May 20th at the  former junior high in Miranda
Ernie announced the Redway Fire Department’s annual deep pit barbeque will be held on Saturday the 24th of May from Noon to 7:00
Chris told us that our exchange student Miriam will be presenting the program next week

Herb, Seth, A-Dennis &Carolyn were properly assessed ($5.00) for blatantly becoming another year older. O’Dennis was hit for the same and B-Dennis was pasted for his anniversary.
 The banners are being noticed and enjoyed.
The program giver was ill and so we turned again for our edification and education to the Master
Bater, oops, Finer, who proceeded to give us an operation’s room discourse on this Saturday’s golf tournament.  Prizes are needed, sponsors needed. Friday is work day
The FM also has thoughts on the future of super schools including auctioning off projects needed in the schools, an idea originally proposed by Mr. Dazey. There was a lot of discussion.
The Fine Master then turned to his core task, that of lightening wallets.
            Peter paid five for the phone call he received last week       
            Ernie paid five for setting up Peter by calling him.
            B-Dennis paid 20 and gave us a brief talk on his recent trip to Japan

Susie reported that in completion of an earlier commitment the Sgt paid five because V.R. Barbara had graduated from her red badge.

The FM returned to action squeezing twenty each from Brian E and Brian H for running off to Greece without us.  The food and wine were great.
Aaron, we learned, is now managing both of our supermarkets and paid an unknown amount for
            the privilege.
Carolyn told an entertaining story about her recent encounter with a deputy sheriff who had to work very hard to get her attention. The FM got her twenty.
 The FM fined himself for expanding his business and Seth paid the fine for squealing on him to the FM. The amount is not known but this scribe.
The FM also thanked the hospital folks for having an emergency room available for his son who was bitten on the shoulder last weekend by a dog.

That ended the day and we were dismissed and then we all froze to watch the balls spin and the winner picked and Roy named. But since was not in attendance,  no money changed hands.

Rotary Minutes April 29, 2008

            To celebrate the fact that April has five Tuesdays this year, the mob moved its  mosh pit to beautiful Southern Humboldt Community Park. We dined well-wrapped  in the barn on delicious sandwiches, salad and chocolate cake catered by Amillias.  Pres Susie had the bell and gavel and rang us to our feet at the proper time.

Pledge. The lack of a flag was remedied by the patch on Greg’s shirt and being the center of attention anyway, he agreed to lead the pledge.
Inspiration. Absolutely no one was inspired.
Visiting Rotarians. The Sgt was uncharacteristically brief. He found no visiting Rotarians though he looked in every stall.
Guests: We had a passel of guests including such dignitaries as Jerry Wilson, Janice Branscomb, and Herb’s wife Karen.
Sunshine. We learned from Sunshine Tammy that there will be a memorial service for Roger Rodoni on Wednesday April 30th.

Announcements and stuff:
Nancy suggested we look up next time we pass through Garberville. The banners are in the air. Nancy also informed us that Lori Dangler, the earthquake lady at HSU, is looking for diaries that report on the 1906 quake.
Chris thanked Syd and Diane for the fine lunch they provided for the Nigerian GSE team. Unfortunately, only four Rotarians attended. The great food was provided by Peter.
Pres Susie reported on the good time at the Ferndale meeting at which the Nigerian contingent provided a lively program.         
Jeff publicly expressed his gratitude for Steve Daisy’s vision in creating the park where we were gathered. The gang concurred with applause.
Pres Susie displayed a flyer showing a sale at Steve Daisy’s business in which you can donate 5% of the sale to your favorite charity.
We had no program but Clif distributed Paul Harris Fellowships to Roy, his 7th, Nancy, Karyn, Doug and Clif’s daughter, which he accepted on her behalf. Nancy and Karyn had gracious words to say about Rotary.
The Fine Master then gave an interesting talk on the subject of fund raisers. He began with details about the upcoming golf tournament. Door prizes are needed. Get them to Greg.
He also reported on the meeting with the Mateel CC regarding Casino night. He thought the meeting was positive.  Then he branched out into fund raising in general initiating an interesting discussion on the marketing of fund raising events.  We should be talking more about what people are donating for rather than what they are buying with their donation.  Finally the master turned to fines: Peter paid $20.00 for winning big in Fortuna even though he gave most of it back. Bunny paid 20 for the laptop she won, Bea paid ten for the phone call she received at our last regular meeting, Susan paid ten for writing the word “wench” in the Redwood Times when she meant to say “winch”, Steve paid 20 for the flyer that Susie had advertized for him, Ernie paid 20 for blatantly promoting his wife’s new business and Greg fined himself 20 for going to Loflin, and that might not be spelled correctly. At meeting’s end, the mob rushed to the table for the remaining sandwiches. 

Rotary Minutes April 15, 2008

Roy had his first sampling of paella and pronounced it good. Along with the Spanish treat came green salad and a dessert consisting of ice cream and a cobbler-like goodie filled with apples and cranberries.  We were happy to see that the ubiquitous plastic water bottles had disappeared from our tables to be replaced by a pitcher and water glasses. Our president was in possession of the bell, the gavel and her wits and thus we began with a timely and tuneful tone.

Pledge.  The pledge was led by Ernie who also provided some inspiration, thanking God that  Mr. Pledge was not present.
Inspiration: The Sgt had a rhyming inspiration.
Visiting Rotarians. The Sgt, who apparently failed to notice one of last week’s two visiting Rotarians could not find a single one this week.
Guests: Mary Sanger, Kella Scown and Elizabeth Johannesen, who was almost overlooked by her father.
Sunshine. Sunshine Tammy yielded the floor to Carolyn who informed us that Sherm was home from the hospital. We also learned that Sam Gabriel was not well.  A card will be sent.

Announcements and other worthy commentary:
President Susie discussed car pooling to the district assembly
She reminded us that the district conference is in San Francisco and there will be golf tournament beforehand.
 Cycle for Sight is a fund raiser for the Napa club on April 26th
Herb, speaking on behalf of the Garberville Sanitary District, gave the parched Garbervillians an update on the water main breakdown which has left one-third of the community without fluid. The break should be unbroken later in the afternoon.
Sharon reminded us of the open house at the Presbyterian Church on Friday the 11th between 5:30 and 7:30. Come see Brian Harper’s great wood work.
Harold was back looking more like his normal self. He had meal and raffle tickets, or actually he didn’t  but promised he could get them, for the Fortuna bash this weekend.
We learned from Brian E that the Benbow Inn will no longer host Super Schools.  We need to find a new location or new event. The Scotia Inn was mentioned. Our Pres stressed that the secret was elegance.

The Fine Master:
Roy was given a license to tell a joke. You know Where’s Waldo? Well this was Where’s Bill?
            The golf tournament will be on May 10th at Benbow
            Jessi Dale paid $20.00 for going to Nicaragua.
            Jim Michael admitted to being fineable but asked for a week’s leave.
            Bill paid up last week’s IOU
            Brian Harper paid $20.00 for the free advertising Sharon has been giving him.
Ernie paid $20.00 for his cruise, but he got to describe the lack of virgins and culture on the islands of that name
Kent Scown tried to explain why his wife was sitting with Radar rather than himself and managed to escape fine-free.
Chris was honored for being recognized by the District for being the fine fellow he is by being selected as one of the few to attend a couple of workshops.
Roy confessed to a trip to the Grand Canyon last month. A new tire in Fresno cost him $252.00 and the highway patrol stopped him in Arizona and offered him a job. The fine master slapped him with a two dollar fine but generous Roy paid three.  Although he has been around for awhile, it does not appear to him the canyon is getting any deeper.

It was Program time and Eric introduced Mary Sanger.  Mary is a nurse practitioner who has lived in SoHum for 33 years and in that time has worked at RRHC and the hospital and the hospital clinic as a nurse, a midwife etc. She recently provided two years of end-of-life care for her husband Werner.  She is setting up a new program with Eric at RRHC to provide home health outreach. The patient receives a what is a visit to a clinic, but instead the clinic, in the form of Mary, comes to them. Insurance, Medicare and Medical all reimburse  this form of service. She serves the same basic geographical area as the healthcare district and has been doing it for several months. She wants to get the word out so that more people can tale advantage of the service. Typical patients include those needing post hospital care, the frail elderly, ob patients who are bed bound, those chronically ill who cannot easily leave home.  They need not be under the care of an RRHC doctor to be eligible. She can help them get equipment, give injections, care for wounds, provide support for care givers, get the patient more active. The goal is helping the members of the community become more able to “age in place.”
            Thanks to Mary and Eric for an informative program. 
            Chris won the drawing and was present to collect.  

Rotary Minutes April 8, 2008

 We made our own sandwiches with choices of meats, cheeses, onion and tomato, and enjoyed them with flavored potato chips, cole slaw and mixed fruit with yogurt for dessert. It was tax man day but neither the bell nor the gavel had been confiscated and so President Susie was able to launch the meeting with a bang.

Pledge.  Susan led us.
Inspirations. The Sgt inspired us with words from the Course on Miracles.
Visiting Rotarians: The Sgt went Teutonic on us aber Er hat nicht ein Visiting Rotarian gefunden.
Guests:  Miriam Schwaaf, who could have written it correctly, Luna Ivey, Patti Burke Anderson, Jeanie Eldridge, Nathan Cook and Brian Sargent.
Sunshine: Carolyn reported that Sherm is home from the hospital but going in for surgery; Bea told us that Sam is on the decline and we passed a card for him; Susan announced that Leslie had a healthy nine pound son and we passed a card for her. Greg told us that Gail Brooks had died.

Announcements etc.
Sharon reported a successful open house and the launching of the Friday night teen center.  She gave a t-shirt to the Fine Master but did not explain why, though it seems obvious that anything that helps keep the gentleman clothed should be encouraged.

The pres announced that she and Greg had attended the regional presidents’ meeting and proudly displayed three large Rotary banners that the club now owns.

She also had info on the DA’s program for fraudulent checks and those who write them.

Carolyn reported on the last board meeting.
            We learned that our events are becoming to expensive for us to attend, that we have with some encouragement donated five grand of the fifty that we received from Monroe to the senior center and other things of considerable interest.

THERE WILL BE NO NOON MEETING NEXT WEEK. THE CLUB WILL MEET WITH THE FERNDALE CLUB TO ATTEND THE GSE GROUP PRESENTATION.

The luncheon with the GSE team will happen on Saturday the 26th at Syd’s

Syd also reported that the Chamber is having a meeting on April 30th to discuss the Redway Post Office and that the Hospital Ball was a social and financial success.

Student of the month. Clif introduced his spouse Patti Burke Anderson, South Fork’s prima and soon to retire math teacher, who introduced Luna Ivey, our exchange student in Italy last year and student of the month in math.  She was described as a student who was able to successfully take calculus first and pre-calculus and trigonometry second.  Luna is heading toward UC Santa Cruz and will be exploring psychology.

Kent announced that our own fine master who won $300.00 at the hospital ball had donated it back to the hospital foundation. This earned Greg a round of applause but cost him 300 rapidly depreciating dollars.

Ernie was about to introduce the program but gave Greg a moment to question the members on how we might best react to the Mateel Community Center’s “borrowing” of our gambling idea. The mob was not happy. A letter and a personal appearance were recommended.

Program.  Ernie introduced Brian Sargent who recently returned from a trip to China. Brian’s trip was unusual. Rather than go as part of a tour, he and a friend traveled to China to visit the friend’s brother who is teaching English in Shanghai. Together with a Chinese friend of the teacher they toured the city, traveled to an island between the mainland and Taiwan where there are no motorized vehicles and then inland on a 16 hour train ride to the Wuyi Mountains.  All along the way Brian had taken interesting photos and collected pleasant stories with which he entertained us.  Thanks to Brian and Ernie for an interesting program.

No drawing we held.  

Rotary Minutes April 1, 2008

Prime rib but no ribs, kale from the community garden and mushrooms from under a tree, mashed potatoes, salad, ice cream covered with chocolate sauce, your choice of merlot or chardonnay. President Susie had the bell but used a table knife to bang it since she was gavel-less.

Pledge: Don led the pledge but no one seemed to notice that old glory had been replaced by the Union Jack and that hidden discreetly behind the flag was a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

Inspiration: President Susie inspired us all by confessing of her many sins, appearing contrite and fining herself a buck.  We all felt cleansed.

Visiting Rotarians: Sgt Quast introduced Gregg Foster and Wilf Wilkinson.

Guests: Trish Stanley, Diane Lehman, Tara Stetz, Joan Cardellino, Jethro Tull, the agronomist.

Sunshine: Sunshine Tammy was completely ignored until the end of the meeting when she insisted on being heard so she could tell us that Sherm is in a hospital in Redding and Cathy Newman is going in for a second surgery.

Announcements:
Because there is so much work to do, the Peace Fellows are graduating early this year, on April 19th, and you are invited if you want to buy a ticket and go to Berkeley.

No one has come forward to host the new exchange student. Rather than have the lad living on the banks of the Eel somewhere between Redway and Dean Creek (Is there even a school bus stop along there?), President Susie is asking that we all consider friends and relatives who might enjoy having a young Brazilian in their home. Failing that, Pres Susie announced we will draw lots on the Fifth Tuesday.

GSE.  The Nigerian team will present a program at the Ferndale club at 6:00 on Tuesday April 22nd. Our club is invited and we will have no regular meeting on that date!  Eleven members expressed an interest in going.

Whoopie Harold, cleverly disguised as Bea Anderson (what did he cut off to accomplish this?), had tickets for the bash in Fortuna on April 10th and raffle tickets, the prizes of which are large amounts of cash and other stuff  If that wasn’t enough he also made a pitch for the Fortuna Sunrise Club’s fund raiser at the Ferndale Playhouse this Friday the 4th. The play is Hair. Steve Bowen asked if it was a nude performance, as if he couldn’t buy a ticket and find out for himself.

Nancy was directed to stand and confessed to a birthday. She got a song and it cost her five.