Rotary Club of Eureka, California

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka
December 9, 2013

Lunch Menu:  Salad bar, chicken Kiev, beef stroganoff, scalloped potatoes, assorted vegetables and dessert.

Called to order by President Ziggy at 12:30pm

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Steven Lafferty.

The Invocation was led by Bruce Rupp, who called for a moment of silence in memory of Eureka Rotarian, Dick Nash who recently passed away.

Visiting Rotarians

Mike Brown, Fortuna; Les Merrill, Southwest.

Guests of Rotarians

Dr. Kim Bauriedel introduced his good friend, Dr. David O’Brien, who recently moved back to Eureka to take the position of President and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital.

Student Guest

Our Russian exchange student, Daniel, was supposed to participate in a wrestling tournament in Oregon but it was cancelled because, in his words, “Americans can’t drive in the snow.”  He did take 1^st place at a tournament in Crescent City out of 24 people in his weight class!

Birthdays

Jay Bahner on December 15^th and Greg Bowen on December 10^th.

Announcements 

Logger Classic-  President Ziggy said that the Logger Classic was left out of this year’s budget.  We need to raise $2,000 in order to participate. (We’ve been a sponsor of this event for over 20 years.)  If you can help by making a donation please let him know.

Toys for Tots-  Greg Gardiner said that last year Toys for Tots provided gifts for 5,000 kids.  This year they will provide even more.  If you can help there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers.  This Saturday there will be a toy sort at Western Web where they will figure out how many toys they have so far and what they still need.  They will start at 9am and it will take 4 to 6 hours.  There will be Christmas music playing and it’s always a lot of fun.  On the 19^th of December there will be a lunch at the Elks Lodge for 140 middle school kids.  On Sunday the 22^nd will be the biggest event they hold, at Eureka High School, where they distribute gifts to kids. 

Christmas Party- If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, but want to go, contact Mike Cunningham prior to Thursday, December 12^th.  Please bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

Recognitions

Greg Williston was fined $50 because he misses his exchange student, Dan, who has since moved to the Bauriedel’s.  

Ted Loring was maxed out on his recognitions and received a t-shirt because Chuck Ellsworth was cleaning out his house and shared some photos at Rotary of Ted with hair.

Raffle

$10 to: Hank Ingham       $10 to: Will Kay

Guest Speaker

Ikolo and Sarah Griffin reside in the Bay Area, but have been living in Eureka since mid- October as the artistic directors of the annual Nutcracker Ballet.  A husband and wife team, they are both professional dancers as well as artistic directors.  They will also be dancing in the ballet, performing as the Arabian Couple in the 2^nd act, as well as a couple of other parts. 

They said the performance is a community driven ballet.  They are holding 4 to 5 ballet classes a week with youth in the area and are excited about adding their own fresh perspective to the traditional ballet. 

The Nutcracker will be held at the Arkley Center, which is being reopened just for this production.  Dates and times are available on their web site: www.atlpublishing.com/North_Coast_Dance or at North Coast Dance: 426 F Street, Eureka; Eureka Fabrics:  412 2nd Street, Eureka or Parasol Arts: 211 G Street Eureka.

They have been dancing for many years, Ikolo for 30 years and Sarah for 20.  Many of those years they participated in the Nutcracker Ballet in other markets.  Ikolo was a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet for many years and has traveled in Europe with the Dance Theater of Harlem as well.  Sarah was also a dancer with the Dance Theater of Harlem, which is where she met Ikolo. 

They are excited about the upcoming Nutcracker Ballet and hope to build upon this year’s performance by engaging the community more as they visit schools and local youth groups to encourage youth to engage in the art of dancing.

Meeting adjourned at 1:19 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alicia Cox