June 4 2018

President Bruce Smith opened the 42^nd meeting of the Rotary year with the flag salute and then called on Tom McMurray Jr.  to give us the invocation.  We had just finished a repast that included Meat Lasagna, ham slices, scalloped potatoes, salad bar and dessert.  McMurray mentioned that Tom Schallert’s brother had passed away.  A card was circulated for former Rotarian Jim Hoff, who was battling cancer in Texas. It was noted that Jim Davis was in the audience. He has ALS. 

 

Carly Roberts gave a report on the Backpacks for kids program.  They need additional packers on Thursday afternoons to fill the packs with food. Two new Rotarians were inducted into the club.  Lane Strope sponsored Lynn Bedoff who is the Business Manager at Times Printing.  Tom Schallert brought forward Katy Woodhouse who will replace Tom at the Blood Bank when he retires next year. It was good to see new members. Attendance at club meetings has been sparse, though today’s meeting was well attended.

 

Then it was time to help out Rotaract and Rotex a subgroup handling youth exchange. Former Rotaract President and exchange student to Taiwan Shelley brought out 3 freshly baked apple pies and auctioned them off raising 425 dollars.  Bruce made an announcement that June 18^th will be Dave Dillon Day.  Dave is a former District Governor and long-time member of the club.  Make sure you come and honor him for all his contributions to Rotary. 

 

Our speakers were three members of Humboldt Roller derby. They were founded in 2007 and played their first game in 2008. Their mission is to provide members ,fans and volunteers a competitive family friendly sporting experience at both a national and international level in the full contact sport of roller derby by empowering women and juniors while giving back to the community The sport is very intense.  Training requires 8 hours a week, 11 months of the year and they don’t get paid. The North Jetty Bettys and the Widow Makers play only in Humboldt. The Redwood Rollers are the “A” team sanctioned by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association and ranked internationally. They have some home games coming up on June 9^th at Redwood Acres.  You should go.