April 28, 2014

-->

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

April 28, 2014

Lunch Menu: Salad bar, ribs, BBQ Beans, chicken Alfredo, rolls and dessert.

Called to order by President Ziggy at 12:30pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Thomas Strickland.

The Invocation was led by Greg Williston, who asked for special prayers for Dan Price who is having surgery on Wednesday and won’t be able to surf for 3 months.

Visiting Rotarians
Liana Simpson, Old Town; Brad Mettam and his wife Diane from Bishop Rotary.

Guests of Rotarians
Steven Justus introduced Kate Russell, from the Humboldt Area Foundation, who accompanied them on Honor Flight last weekend. Liana Simpson introduced her guest, Marc Matteoli. Tom McMurray introduced his niece, Ainsley Duncan, from Duncan Chiropractic, Greg Pierson brought Dean Beck, Vice President at Pierson Company

Announcements 
Gregg Gardiner – Firesides are coming up next week and the week after. Only 40% of the club is signed up to attend. If you haven’t signed up please do so. This is our opportunity to really know what it is we could do to make your club the best club possible.

Gregg Gardiner- talked about the Honor Flight. He asked the Rotarians who had gone on the most recent flight over the previous weekend to stand up and talk about their experience. Keith Crossley, Pat Folkins, Steven Justus, John McBeth, Jay Bohner, Bruce Rupp and Gregg Gardiner all went on the flight as guardians for the Veterans who were able to come. They all had an amazing time and talked about how much they personally got out of the trip. Almost all of them were brought to tears at some time in the conversation as it was such an emotional experience. They said, “If you have the opportunity to go you should definitely do it.”

Recognitions
Alicia Cox was fined for leaving the Backpack for Kids function early and still winning two raffle prizes. She received a Rotary t-shirt.

Paula Patton was fined for giving Dennis Hunter a big head. A photo of the ceremony for Jim Howard with Dennis Hunter in the background ran in the Times-Standard and captioned his title as “Past International President, Dennis Hunter”. Paula received a T-shirt.

Bob Morse received a T-Shirt and will receive a 6 pack of beer (when Ziggy remembers to bring it) for participating in the recent river clean up in Blue Lake.

Sally Arnot received a T-shirt when Ziggy presented her with a copy of a newspaper article from 2004 that highlighted the Arnot’s many contributions to the Arts Council over the years and proclaimed them as “Living a Legacy in Our Community.”

Those people who recently won money or lost money in the basketball pool get prepared… As soon as Ziggy finds his list, you’re getting a T-shirt!

Spengler-Howard Raffle: $10 each to Dean Beck (Greg Pierson’s guest) and Brad Mettam.

Speaker
Ziggy introduced our guest, Kirk White… General Manager of the Bayshore Mall.

Kirk has been with the Bayshore Mall for just about a year, starting in May of 2013. Previously, he worked in shopping center management for 14 years. In 2012 when the previous management group, General Growth, went bankrupt, one of their subsidiaries, Rouse Properties, took over the management of the mall and brought Kirk in as General Manager.

In 2013 the mall brought in 42,000 new square feet of retailers. The interior of the mall was completely repainted, the floor was replaced, seating areas are now being added and landscaping around that seating will be finalized in 2014. The old play area was removed and will be replaced with a new play area that has an ocean theme including a boat and a whale for kids to play on. So far over $10 million dollars in improvements have been made.

Their plan for 2014 includes replacing all of the Food Court tables and chairs with new furniture. The signs out front will be replaced with new signage in the new colors of the shopping mall, which will be reflected in the Food Court makeover.

The mall was at 60% capacity when Kirk came in and it is now at 80%. They had a large retailer that was coming in that backed out at the last minute leaving a large space that had been cleared for them empty on one wing. Kirk is currently working on filling those empty spaces and says he has a number of national retailers interested. Nationals are interested in our market because it is a protected market with a small amount or no competition for 150 miles.

The Ray’s Building was owned by Ray’s (sold to Ray’s by General Growth) but there is a bankruptcy hearing on May 6th and the mall is hopeful that they can buy back the Ray’s building. If they are successful they will divide that building into two or three retailers. It will not be a grocery store or a restaurant.

Guessing, Kirk said he believes the mall employs between 1,000 to 1,500 employees.

Meeting adjourned at 1:23pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Cox

April 21, 2014

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

April 21, 2014

Lunch Menu: Salad bar, stuffed bell peppers, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls, dessert.

Called to order by President Ziggy at 12:30pm.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tom Schallert.  The Invocation was led by Bruce Rupp.
 
Visiting Rotarians
Laura Morris Southwest Rotary, District Governor, Elaine Campbell, Past District Governor, Bruce Campbell, Brad Mettam and his wife Diane from Bishop Rotary
 
Announcements
Ziggy stated we will be taking a new Club photo after meeting. 

Carlton Nielsen- Firesides begin next week. If you haven’t signed up already or seen the many emails he has sent please sign up on sheets located at each table. It’s important to attend so our incoming club president is aware of what its members expect.
 
Steve Allen- Small Grant Applications are Due May 31st.

Christian Hill- If you are a winner of the March Madness basketball poll see Christian to retrieve your check.

Gregg Gardiner- Honor Flight is leaving Thursday. They’re a little short on people due to sicknesses, etc. that have resulted in some cancellations. If you know of a WWII veteran, Korean or Vietnam veteran who haven’t been to Washington yet, please let he or Steve Justus know. Also, they still have room for more Guardians. Vets go for free. Guardians pay $1,000.
 
Recognitions
Nancy Dean received a t-shirt and a six pack of Steelhead for her hard work in cleaning up the Mad River on Saturday.

Spengler-Howard Raffle:  $10 to John Bradley and Mike Martin.

Guest Speaker
District Attorney candidate debate conducted by the League of Women Voters’s Byrd Lochtie. 

Candidates Present: Arnie Klein, Alan Dollison, Elan Firpo & Maggie Fleming.
 
Questions asked:
 
-What, in your opinion, is the biggest problem in Humboldt County that needs to be dealt with?

-Please express your opinion on the legalization of marijuana.

-What is the largest number of employees you have had complete authority over, including hiring and firing.

-Who is your largest campaign donor and what amount have they given?

-What are your opinions on our homeless issue in Humboldt County?

-What is the first thing you would change in the DA’s office?

Regarding realignment:

-How has it changed the way we prosecute petty crime?

-How will you punish drunk drivers, etc. if you can’t put them in jail?

-What do you think about panhandling?
 
Following is a link to an article that ran in the Lost Coast Outpost on the debate: http://lostcoastoutpost.com/2014/apr/21/da-candidates-trade-jabs-latest-debate/.

Meeting adjourned at 12:35pm.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Cox

April 14, 2014

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka
April 14, 2014

Lunch Menu: Salad bar, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert.

Called to order by President Ziggy at12:30 pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jason Eads.

The Invocation was led by: John Gierek Jr.

Visiting Rotarians
Two visitors from Bishop and Chuck Dominic from Arcata

Guests of Rotarians
None.

Announcements
Fireside signs up sheets are on the table. Please sign up.

Christian Hill is not here today. Since he has the checks for the winners of the March Madness competition, there will be no money presented today.

John Bradley reminded everybody that Backpacks for Kids needs your support to help fund the annual program. Tickets are $50 for the BBQ and dance on Friday, April 25th at 6pm at the Adorni Center.

John McBeth said that Honor Flight is taking off on 4/23. There are openings for 4 veterans and 5 guardians. Veterans travel for free. Guardians pay $1,000. If you know of somebody that is interested in going please contact John, Steve Justus or Gregg Gardiner.

Work Day- Don’t forget this Saturday is clean-up the Mad River day in celebration of Earth Day. The event will start at 8:45, and end around noon. We will meet at Stardough's in Blue Lake to get gloves and instruction on where to go in the morning.

Lisa Slack announced that the Redwood Coast Beer and BBQ Cook-Off is coming up on Saturday, May 31, 2014. The Clarke Museum is teaming up with Redwood Acres to present this fundraiser. To enter the BBQ cook-off (Jason Eads and Carlton this means you!) fill out the online application available on the Clarke Museum web site.

Nancy Dean said that Rotaract will be holding a fundraiser for Backpacks for Kids…. It’s a baseball tournament. Bring canned food for Food for people. More information will be coming.

Nancy Dean introduced Chuck Dominic from Arcata who is going to train all Rotarians present in Youth Protection to meet Rotary requirements. Those not present today will be required to complete the training online.

Chuck explained that the Youth Protection Training was adopted by Rotary in compliance with laws guiding all youth exchange programs. The program is now 10 years old and Rotary International requires that each club receive an official training. Nancy Dean is our club contact. We listened to a short presentation that basically explained if anyone working with youth becomes aware of a problem they should (1) Remove the child from the situation that is causing a problem. (2) Contact Nancy to find out what else do. (3) Do not discuss the situation with others.

Spangler-Howard Raffle: Jim Howard and Paul Brisso.

Guest Speaker
Ziggy introduced Dr. Kim Bauriedel, who has visited Siberia 5 times since 2001. He is going to talk about the differences he has seen between 2001 and his most recent trip in 2013. Ziggy said we keep sending him to Siberia but he keeps coming back!

In 2001 Dr. Kim Bauriedel first visited Siberia as part of a Group Study Exchange. He mentioned that the program has been revised and is now called Vocational Training Teams. It’s a much more focused program. A 4 member VTT team from Russia visited last week and Kim thanked the host families… Joan Davies, Nancy Dean, Lisa Slack (& Kim and his wife), for letting the visitors stay with them. He also provided real Vladivostok T-Shirts to Bruce, Carlton, Alicia and (when he’s there, Dr. O’Brien) in thanks for their participation while the team was in town.

Kim said Rotary didn’t really begin in Russia until about 20 years ago. Over the past 12 years he has seen some significant changes occur. The photos he showed from 2001 to 2013 depicted a significant difference:

Map of Rotary District 2225

Newer, safer apartment buildings are being built. The food supply has increased with large grocery stores being built, many of which carry American food. Apartments for families that were 700 square feet are now being built at 2,000 sq ft. Some single family homes are being built for the wealthy. Dishwashers are being installed in newer construction although culturally there is resistance to using them as many Russians feel that you can get the dishes cleaner by hand washing and they use the dishwasher for the storage of pots and pans. Power is still a problem. Most of their power is fueled by coal which has polluted much of the atmosphere and is a leading cause of lung problems, particularly in children. The life span of an average Russian is 68. Many Russian Orthodox churches are being restored and built (although there isn’t a lot of attendance by anyone under 60 years of age). The average income of a Russian citizen is 25% of a citizen from the United States. A Toyota Highlander in Russia sells for $55,000. Although 55% of the population smokes cigarettes, they are starting to see some no-smoking signs in public areas. Access for disabled individuals is improving. You are starting to see some wheel chair ramps, etc. The average home mortgage interest is 15%.

Programs the Rotary Club of Eureka has participated in the following programs:

Ø Neurological Equipment for Tomsk Children’s Hospital in 2010-2011.

Ø A second grant the following year helped purchase equipment to aid in treatment of kidney issues. It has helped to save many children from having to have surgery.

Ø We helped purchase a tractor for a home that houses many children with disabilities to help with the growing of vegetables

Ø We assisted with the building of a part for kids with disabilities in Krasnoyarsk in 2011-2012.

Ø In 2012-2013 our donation helped an orphanage for kids with Down Syndrome transform a cement covered area into a playground.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Cox

April 7, 2014

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka
April 7, 2014

Lunch Menu: Salad bar, chicken fried steak, pork chops, scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls, dessert.

Called to order by President Ziggy at 12:20pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Jim Howard.

The Invocation was led by: Greg Pierson.

Visiting Rotarians
Liz Smith- Arcata, Mike Brown- Fortuna, Diane Nedder- Bishop.

Guests of Rotarians
Welcome to all. Given the large crowd we won’t make individual introductions today. Thanks for coming.

Student Guests
Eli Savage- Our outgoing student. Dan – our exchange student

Announcements
John Bradley- reminder Backpacks for Kids fundraiser is coming up. Tickets are $50 and includes a Fancy western Barbecue dinner and dessert, dancing with Dr. Squid, auction action and no-host bar. Friday, April 25th at the Adorni Center.

Dennis Hunter recited a wonderful poem about a Shoe Shine man. He told us that copies of an article written by Jeremiah Scott, Jr. for the Humboldt Historian was on each table for us to take with us. Pat Folkins escorted a very surprised Jim Howard to the front of the room amidst a standing ovation and the accolades began…

Jim Howard arrived in Eureka when he was 6 months old. Today he is 98 years old. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Eureka since 1973, (41 years).

Past President Will Kay talked about Jim’s many attributes including his ability to make people feel better which is why Will calls him Doctor.

Pat Folkins talked about Jim’s many Paul Harris Fellowships since 1978 and presented him with a gift of 3 half-penny’s found in England by our own Rotary Club member and resident treasure hunter, Mike Martin.

Mayor Frank Jager, Presented a proclamation from the City of Eureka noting Jim’s outstanding service to the city. Jim ran his own shoeshine shop in Eureka for over 30 years serving locals and traveling visitors such as boxing champ Joe Louis and Senator Alan Cranston. He was a member of the Eureka Housing Authority, an elected City Council member numerous times, president of the Eureka chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Melanie McGuire from the Humboldt County Board of Education thanked Jim for his help in raising over $160,000 through the Spengler Raffle which has impacted over 11,000 students and provided over 7,000 medals as well as many ribbons. She presented Jim with a 1st place medal and a plaque from Garry Eagles who was unable to attend.

Virginia Bass- representing the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, read a proclamation noting Jim’s many achievements and presented him with a framed plaque.

Denna Hanson, representing State Assemblyman Wes Chesbro, and Zuretti Goosby, representing State Senator Noreen Evans, thanked Jim for his service and presented a framed plaque.

John Driscoll, representing Congressman Huffman, provided Jim with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Elizabeth Smith presented Jim with a proclamation thanking him for his work with the NAACP.

Past District Governor and Past President Dave Dillon Talked about the history of the Spengler Raffle. Bill Spengler was a Eureka Rotarian in the early 1990’s. He started a raffle that was used to purchase shoes for kids at cost. The raffle at that time was .25¢ per week and the winner received $1.00. In 1936 the donation went to 50¢ and the winner received a percentage of the total pot with the money raised going to provide scholarships for kids to go to camp. Jim Howard took on the responsibility of collecting money at each meeting and handling the counting of that money, etc. and has done that for many years. In Jim’s honor, the raffle will now be known at the Spengler-Howard Raffle.

A new bucket inscribed with the new name was given to Jim who drew the 2 winners of the first Spengler-Howard Raffle. Nobody claimed the first $10 so it was given to Dan our exchange student and Jack Macdonald was the winner of the second $10.

Jim then stood and thanked everybody for their kind words and corrected a couple of errors in reporting. He actually served 5 terms as City Council Member from 1932-1990.

The meeting was adjourned and a large group photo was taken by father and son team Don and Jeff Leonard.

Meeting adjourned: 1:30pm

Respectfully submitted,
Alicia Cox