November 22, 2010
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka
Ron Pierre led the pledge of allegiance and Greg Williston the invocation after reading a lengthy list of modern day battles on and off the gridiron that have come to epitomize "Thanksgiving." Greg aptly reminded us that giving thanks to God is the true meaning of the holiday Americans will observe on Thursday.
Guest of Rotarians
Kim Bauriedel introduced Dale Stockley; Mike Cunningham introduced Anthony Antoville; Carol Rische's guest was Rose Gale-Zoellick & Gary Philp introduced CC Cree owner of the Irish Shop in Old Town.
Special Occasions
Don Leonard announced his birthday today, and reminded us of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy 47 years ago--also today.
Announcements
Dan Price announced the return of Christmas to the Eureka Inn on Sunday November 28th. At 13:00 Sunday there will be a chance to hang some ornaments and hear a couple of choirs sing Christmas Carols. At 4:00pm the grand festivities begin with the Arcata Interfaith Gospel choir, and other choirs from Eureka High along with food and other fun.
The Rotary Christmas party is December 1st at the Ingomar Club and deadline is fast approaching. Contact Mike Cunningham.
Carol Rische announced the third small grant award of $1,000 to Rose Gale-Zoellick for the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project. It will likely go to a computer that will be networked for a good cause--quicker breast cancer diagnoses.
Kim Bauriedel introduced his good friend and newest member, Dale Stockley. Dale is an educator who recently retired. He is married and has two children and was a member (and Past President) of Rotary in Fortuna but lives in Eureka, and therefore is joining our club.
Hank Ingham introduced our truly newest Rotary member, Stacy Lane. Stacy is the Executive Director of the North Coast Schools Insurance Group and North Coast Schools Medical Insurance Group.
Recognitions
Rick Littlefield received the first recognition from our hooded Grim-Reaper-President. Rick and wife Betty took a recent trip to Spain to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Rick and Betty visited Malaga, Cordoba, Sevilla and The Straits of Gibraltar replete with monkeys. It cost him a $100 contribution on behalf of his wife's Paul Harris Fellowship.
Fred Griffith's daughter was awarded Sports Hall of Fame Honors at College of the Redwoods and quickly mentioned George Owren's daughter was inducted as well. George was fined $30 and Fred $50. The girls on the team were good friends and had 3.49 GPAs according to the proud fathers. Fred Whitmire was also included in the recognition for some reason that only Fred Griffith understands: but he paid Coach Whitmire's bill as well for a total of $100.
Program
Dale Maples introduced Chuck Hubler who along with others made a trip to Haiti with Faith Center Foursquare Church in Eureka and their Pastor Matt Messner. Haiti is a stone’s throw away from the richest country in the world, and before the earthquake it was the third poorest country in the world. Chuck painted a brief sketch of Haiti’s history, which has intertwined with France, Germany and the US over the past three centuries—often with tragic results for the Haitian people.. Chuck and Dale showed us a video of the orphanage in Haiti. They arrived to find the cistern and entire orphanage in bad shape after the earthquake. They jumped in to help the orphanage with their plumbing and water supply as well as helping rebuild much of the ruins. None of the tasks were easy due to lack of supplies and infrastructure. Many of the buildings had little or no mortar, let alone rebar, thus making them vulnerable to the ravages of last year’s earthquake. The team from Faith Center gave testimonies about their intention to bring hope as well as help to the people of Haiti. They brought $50,000 to Haiti as cash in their pockets. The island looked like an Apocalypse had hit with people living literally in the streets of Port Au Prince. Chuck urged us not to send money to Haiti unless there is someone to accompany the gifts to make sure it ends up in the right hands. Another crew will be going back in the March of 2011 to finish the roof. Donations for the project can be sent to Faith Center.
The meeting was adjourned with a robust ring of the bell by President Nielsen, as if to say “Happy Thanksgiving.�
Respectfully Submitted,
Dan Price
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