February 14, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka |
| President Carlton Nielsen receives a Valentine's Day cookie and tulip from the lovely Rotaract ladies. |
Carlton Nielsen, our revered president, took the helm once again on his titanic rotary year. The honorable (by most accounts) Mike Brown was asked to do the pledge, and then Ron Pierre came to the podium for the invocation.
Representatives from Eureka High, wearing yellow matching shirts, announced that April 13th was “Live Strong” day and that supporters of people living with cancer would be asking for donations.
Bob Morse updated us on the Dictionary project that Rotary sponsors. It provides 3rd graders with books. He singled out the aforementioned Mike Brown and his faithful companion Hank Ingham for traveling all the way to Van Duzen Elementary 20 miles past Bridgeville. Mike related their harrowing adventures, the 10-foot snow drifts, hostile natives, and how they risked their lives crossing bottomless chasms by rope bridge to bring those 8 dictionaries to a passel of grateful ragamuffins. Hank Ingham, at great expense, had produced a photograph of the occasion. They then displayed bags of a mysterious green herb that had been given them by the appreciative town folk.
On a totally unrelated note, Chuck Edwards has been appointed to a commission which will evaluate those who apply to open pot dispensaries in Eureka.
Carlton announced that the District Assembly would be held April 2 in Ukiah. A shared van is available for Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
Backpacks for Kids is switching to Grocery bags for kids because the backpacks aren’t being returned. To donate a bale (400) of bags see Chuck Ellsworth and give him $50.
Brian Papstein was recognized for donating the proceeds of the Trucker’s Parade, which is sponsored by KEKA.
Kim Bauriedel then came up and discussed happenings in Siberia.
John Bartholomew introduced Phillip Smith Hanes, the county Administrative Officer. He oversees the county’s $303 million dollar budget. 2/3 of that money is received from state and federal sources to support programs that are mandated by those same entities. Only 1/3 is within county control. The general fund is about $50 million of that. The current sustainable level of funding covers only 92% of current expenditures. Phillip hopes to fill the gap by employee negotiation (salary and benefit reductions) revenue enhancements (new taxes and fees) and community participation (putting up with reductions in basic services). He noted that current county employees have 29-33% of their salaries matched by the county for their retirement. Must be nice.
Reported by Hank Ingham.
Carlton announced that the District Assembly would be held April 2 in Ukiah. A shared van is available for Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
Backpacks for Kids is switching to Grocery bags for kids because the backpacks aren’t being returned. To donate a bale (400) of bags see Chuck Ellsworth and give him $50.
Reported by Hank Ingham.
Very informative blog. I especially like the insights on Siberia. Greg P.
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