Rotary Club of Eureka, California

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka
February 27, 2012
 

Lunch:  Pork and pasta

Weather:  Sunny and cold

S&P 500:  1367

Mindy Bussman led us in the pledge.

John Gierek did the invocation.

John Bartholomew announced the visiting Rotarians.

Bill Ruff and Don Hartman, both from Southwest Rotary, attended.

Guests:

Russ Harris brought Chris Whitt from HAF.

Carlton brought Steven Lafferty of Stewart Telecom.

Anthony Antoville brought his lovely wife, Anne. 

There were no student guests today.

Our exchange student, Tonje, was present and told the group about her recent trip to Hollywood.  She also had a friend come visit from the Bay Area.

Announcements:

President Pierson did a per-emptive strike and opened the meeting fifteen minutes early because “He’d been to Ireland and had a lot to share with us’-including a bottle of Irish Whiskey –but more about that later. 

FUN FACT:  It takes just under 2 minutes to properly pull a pint o’Guinness!

The so-called “Sunshine Report” advised us to wish a speedy recovery to John Winzler, who will be out of the hospital soon after about of Appendicitis, and Lisa Slack, who is going in for surgery soon. 

Our fearless leader opened with a slide of the small town of Kinvarra in Ireland, where, according to the sign, they were celebrating Mardi Gras, which proved, he said, that we didn’t make all that up about our upcoming fund raiser Mardi-Go-Braugh.  He then auctioned off a bottle of 12 year old Red Breast Irish Whiskey, which Aaron Tilch purchased for a mere $110. 

The Prez then took some time to review his Rotary Year.  To date the club has donated over $40,000 to worthy causes.  The big fundraiser so far was for Backpacks Buddy Night, which raised $15,000.  We granted six EHS scholarships @ $750 and established the Harvey Harper $1,000 vocational scholarship.  Dr. Kim won the Global Alumni Award for Zone 25 and came in second in the District Governor’s race.  Tom Schallert went to Nigeria again.  We funded the EHS Logger Classic Tournament.  We refurbished the Ernest Pierson Scoreboard at Cloney Field.  The club’s expenses include $6,700 a year to rent the Wharfinger Building. 

Greg then presented certificates of appreciation to Kim Bauriedel, Scott Guild, Gregg Gardiner, and Anthony Antoville. 

Anthony Antoville

Dr. Kim

Scott Guild

Greg Gardiner

We then were introduced to a new member, Steve Allen of Winzler and Kelly.  He is an environmental resource engineer.  His latest project is the clear cutting of Richardson’s Grove. 

Ted Loring offered tickets to Rotary Night at NCRT at the end of March.  The play is “Much Ado About Nothing.” 

Program:

Our program, introduced by Jason Eads, was Bill Ruff of Vector Physical Therapy. 

Vector is refurbishing the old Easter Seal Pool Complex, which they purchased.   The pool, when finished, will be the only warm water therapy pool (92 degrees) between Ukiah and Eugene Oregon.  Construction is scheduled to be finished in early 2012, or when the $2.6 million dollar fund raising campaign is completed.  The goal will be reached through donor pledges, grants, in-kind contributions, and a public fundraising drive.  At that point the club adjourned to the dock behind the Wharfinger, where our President, attired only in a neon blue Speedo, demonstrated his solidarity with Vector’s Pool therapy by jumping in the bay.  He later explained he’d asked for a stipend from the Board and they had told him to “take a flying leap” 

Today’s vocabulary word; “feckless” adj. – A description of Greg’s leadership skills. 

Contributed by:

The Other Hank and John Harper