Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka December 15, 2014

Eureka Rotary Burl for December 15, 2014

The Pledge of allegiance was led by Dennis Hunter and Greg Williston gave the invocation, quoting from the Psalm that encourages all to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 100). Greg encouraged us with the imminent expectation of hearing Limited Edition, who will bring joyful music rather than noise.

Greg Williston

Visiting Rotarian
Les Merrill from Southwest Eureka Rotary

Guests of Rotarians
There were many guests due to the presence of Limited Edition.*
Russ Harris brought his wife Dianne; Bruce Rupp his wife Marilyn; Lisa Slack brought a friend, Scott Leonard; Paula Patton

Paula Patton

 her husband Rick; Mike Leggins brought Linda Wise who also works for Recology; Matthew Owen brought his daughter Molly.

Ted Loring Jr. introduced our outgoing exchange students, Mateo Montoya and Bryce Hutchins, who are perhaps going to Europe or South America; they’ll find out in a few months.

Charles Young, director of Eureka High School’s Limited Edition introduced all of his choir by name. [I regret that I lacked time and space to record them all. –ed.]

Limited Edition

To Forgive at Christmas? Or not to forgive: that was the Question

Charles Young wears his PHF medal

What to do with December birthday members who refuse to sit at the front table? By popular vote we forgave the December birthday boys and girls who were not sitting at the front table (‘Tis the Season to be Jolly--and apparently, forgiving).


Announcements
Athletic director at Eureka High School (EHS) Omar Khattab

Omar Kattab

 reminded us that the 38th Loggers’ Classic basketball tournament begins Thursday and continues until Saturday. He would like to see us all out there this weekend and induced us by giving away tickets. Teams are coming from all over our region and even over the hills from places like Redding. Mr. Khattab thanked us very much for what we do for Eureka High School athletics.

President Greg reminded us that if we make our goal of $2,000 we will nothave to listen to patriotic music from Marine Corp Band. So, contribute now, says Carlton Nielsen, who made a generous donation for motivations not revealed.

Carlton Nielsen

Toys for Tots is going strong during the holidays, and Paula Patton was recognized for her amazing support of this program. If interested in providing support to this great program, please talk to Carlton Nielsen, President Greg Gardiner or Pat Folkins.

According to our club president, today is Bill of Rights Day. December 15th 1791 the first ten amendments to the US Constitution were drawn up and put into effect. He read many of those rights that we tend to take for granted.

Raffle
A missing bottle of wine will be delivered to Jay Bahner;

Linda Wise almost won the 310 dollar prize and her poor luck met with many empathic sighs.

Linda Wise draws for the pot.

Program
Limited Edition sang their hearts out with a lively selection of

Limited Edition

 Christmas music including: Joy Shall Be Yours in the Morning, Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls, a medley built around the Twelve Days of Christmas that was difficult, fun and energetic. They also

sang a version of We Three Kings and closed with their traditional Carol of the Bells as they intermingled with our club members throughout the hall for their final gift of harmonious Christmas joy.

Since the next two Mondays are ‘dark’—Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Respectfully submitted,


Dan Price

* If I missed a few guests please forgive me

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka December 8, 2015

The Pledge of allegiance was led by Jay Bahner and Steve Justus gave the invocation. Steve encouraged us to remember Wayne Wilson in our prayers as he is recovering from a lengthy surgery.

Steve Justus

Visiting Rotarian
Virginia Galloway from Dallas, Georgia (she says it’s a much different city from the Texas version).

Guests of Rotarians
Paula Patton brought her husband Rick; Tom Schallert, his wife, Tess. Neil Carnam brought Cedar Ruben; Scott Hammond was a guest of Greg Williston, and Jay Hockaday brought his wife Lisa.

Our exchange student from Belgium, Lisa Pireau, has been up and down the length of our state, having recently traveled to San Diego and back.

Keith Crossley introduced Paula Patton who became a Paul Harris Fellow and received the customary recognition and standing ovation.

Gregg, Keith, and Paula

Greg Sparks, new Eureka City Manager, joined our club and received his Red Badge and other tokens.

Gregg and Greg

Robert Morse drew a lucky ticket and won a bottle of wine. Dennis Hunter got a lucky ticket, but no wine (sorry Dennis).

lucky winner

Program
Diane Mettam reported on ShelterBox, which provides long-term tent structures,

Diane Mettam

stoves, lamps, tools, water filtration, and other basic necessities for those who have lost their homes due to natural and man-made disasters around the world. Contents of each tent are tailored to the area where they will be sent. The $1,000 price covers the cost of contents, training and shipping to groups or families. These shelters have been sent to every continent except Antarctica. Diane said they are able send out these boxes because of many generous donors including Rotary Clubs. As Rotary International’s first Project Partner, Rotarians are also instrumental in cutting through local red tape. Many of the Response Team members, who deliver and deploy the boxes following disasters, are also Rotarians. Notable deployments include: The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, Haiti earthquake of 2010, and the Northeastern US Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Current deployments include the Syrian crisis and other Middle Eastern countries like Kurdistan, Lebanon and Iraq as well as the ongoing typhoons in the Philippines last year.

Tom Schallert

Our second guest speaker, also from our own Eureka Club, was Tom Schallert. Tom presented us with an update from his program titled: Toward Improved Blood Safety and Availability in Nigeria. Tom began by thanking Past President Steve Justus for helping get him involved in making blood safer in Nigeria. In Nigeria the median age is 19, with average life expectancy around 47 years. Tom showed many pictures of different projects in Nigeria including one that funded Malaria prevention, a huge problem in Africa. In addition, we saw a Rotary donor refrigerator, and battery backup for emergency power for a hospital.. Tom said that blood testing in Africa is pretty good in spite of the fact that they have little equipment. Tom showed pictures of Be Redeemed, a 2000,000 member church where they receive support and help. When the pastor was asked why it’s so big, he responded, “It’s the sermons.” Tom added that blood projects need tribal leader support, and our stereotype of uneducated Africans was shattered when Tom mentioned that one of the tribal leaders pictured had a Harvard MBA.

Rotary gets a check.

Tom listed some of the problems: for example, the plasma is not always stored well; blood donations are often wasted and stored poorly or labeled inappropriately; overall, the demand for blood is three times greater than the supply in Nigeria. Blood scarcity seems to be largely a communication problem. Other obstacles include Islamist Radicals like Boko Haram teaching that Western education is a sin. They also have problems with security and cultural corruption. However, much medical equipment including a Bloodmobile is being sent to Nigeria, and our local blood bank and our club's support for the program is being used as a model for some Rotary international training programs.

Speaker Tom gave kudos to John Gierek and Kim Bauriedel YRWBGIH (Your reward will be great in heaven) for their tireless efforts to support this project.

Finally, the little girl who survived because she was able to have a blood transfusion makes it all worth it. Tom will donate to The Rotary Foundation in advance of the date of his daughter’s new child (his grandchild). He gave money instead of blood. Dr. Kim Bauriedel also spoke with other District 5130 Clubs and between them and our club, donated $2800 dollars to our blood project.


Respectfully submitted,


Dan Price

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka November 17, 2014

Greg Gardiner asked past District Governor Dave Dillon to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. A prayer by Samuel Johnson was quoted to remind us what we have to be thankful for this coming season.
Lisa, the exchange student shared with us what had been going on in her life
Rotarian minute was read. The Rotary Foundation has focused its efforts on six major areas: Peace and conflict, prevention and resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, paternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development. The theme of the Rotary this month is the foundation month. Club board has decided to provide some encouragement for those who are trying to achieve the Paul Harris donations made in November will be matched in recognition points.
Diane Mettam received a round of applause for turning in a full Spare Change canister. She also asked about receiving a new one.
Announcements:
Mike told us about the Christmas Party, which will be at the Elks Club. Cost will be $40 per person as opposed to $80 per person. It’s on December 20th. There will be Gift baskets and small door prizes and a Photo portrait. The Elks club will be decorated in splendor and the president will have a special gift for Rotarians who come to the Christmas Party.
Jay spoke about the annual fund raiser on Valentine’s Day. 350 people at the Adorni Center. Chance to wind some great prizes like a TV or computer. $150 per couple.
Quick update on the Boys and Girls club was brought up roof was almost done. Should be done by the end of next week.
The Rotary was in danger of not being able to support the Logger Classic that they always do, but they raised the two thousand dollars they needed right on the spot thanks to the generosity of many esteemed members.
Raffle Diane Mettam won the wine and Lisa the exchange student won the opportunity to win the 50/50 pot and did not.
The Guest speaker David Raymond spoke about his passion for the Rotary and ways that we can give to the Rotary. He let us know rather than cashing out stocks to donate it works better if we donate the stocks to the Rotary itself. He also spoke about giving after passing away, or promising to give a certain amount before passing away.
Dark for Thanksgiving.
Need help trying to get the pins to stick on our PHF board we need to have your ideas or volunteer.
Greg gave the thought for the week

Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka December 1 2014

Lunch Menu: Salad bar, beef ravioli, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetables rolls, birthday cake
Called to order by President Gregg Gardiner at 12:30pm
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jim Howard
The Invocation was led by Pastor Matt Messner

Matt Messner

VISITING ROTARIANS: Don Morrill- Davis Sunrise, Bill Morrill- Southwest Eureka, Jennifer Budwig- Fortuna Sunrise, Liana Simpson- Old Town Eureka

Jennifer Budwig

GUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Carlton Nielsen brought Deborah Claesgens, Executive Director, at Sequoia Park Zoo; Pat Folkins introduced his wife Sheila Folkins, Jason Eads introduced Hal Joiner from North Coast Fire & Security Systems (also Jason’s BBQ Partner).
STUDENT GUESTS: Doris and Marissa, President and VP of Eureka High School Interact recently held a bake sale to raise money for Coats for Cold and are now working on fundraising for Toys for Tots.
BIRTHDAYS: Jim Howard turned 99 today and appropriately wore a t-shirt

He's 99

 that said, “So far this is the oldest I’ve ever been.” He received a gift and a standing ovation from the club. Dave Dillon told us a little bit about Jim’s life

Dave Dillon

. Jim has been a Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Eureka since 1973 (41 years). He was born in Georgia and opened a shoeshine parlor in Eureka that he owned for many years. He sat on the City of Eureka Housing Authority board for many years and was a Eureka City Councilperson for 18 years. Everyone was invited to help themselves to a piece of birthday cake. Other birthdays… Don Leonard, Hank Ingham, Jack Macdonald, Jay Reed.
ANNIVERSARIES: Bert Campton celebrated his 30th Anniversary of being in the Rotary Club of Eureka

Burt Campton

 and paid a fine of $1 per year. Jay Bahner will be celebrating his 33rd wedding anniversary
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Visitor Jennifer Budwig announced that Fortuna Sunrise will be holding a New Year’s Eve fundraiser this year to benefit Polio Plus. Tickets are $50 and are available at Redwood Capital Bank. The event will be from 8pm – 12:30 pm at The River Lodge and include complimentary Champagne. Liana Simpson has tickets for a fundraiser Old Town Rotary is holding to benefit local youth projects. Drawing will be for a brand new John Deere 4 wheeler ($5,000 value). Tickets are $10 each. Jay Bahner

Jay Bahner

 reminded us that our annual fundraiser is on February 14th please send in your money. Jay is mailing tickets to those people who didn’t pick them up. Mike Cunningham said the annual Christmas Party will be at the Elks Lodge on December 20th. Tickets are $40 per person. YOU NEED RESERVATIONS. Please contact Mike Cunningham, Keith Crossley or Bruce Smith for tickets/reservations. President Greg said 6 people who volunteered to donate money to the Logger’s Classic have not yet done so. If you volunteered please get your money in. If anybody else would like to donate $100 please talk to Gregg.

 Ziggy said that the nominations for President elect/elect will be Matt Owen, Treasurer- Jay Reed and Secretary- Dan Heinen. We will be voting at an upcoming meeting. As per our by-laws If you have somebody else you would like to present for one of these offices you need to get the signature of seven other Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Eureka and give to Ziggy.
RECOGNITIONS: President Gardiner asked all Rotarians who have known Jim Howard for 0 to 10 years to stand up. Each person was asked to either fill out an IOU (conveniently left on each table) or leave a check on the table. Then… all who have known Jim for 10-20 years were asked to give .75 cents per year. 20 to 30 years and 30 years plus were asked to give .50 cents per year. President Gregg Gardiner announced that there was a red apple at each place setting in honor of National Red Apple day. He called upon Dr. Ted Welton and Dr. Kim Bauriedel to explain the value of red apples.

An apple a day...

 Dr. Kim enlightened our group to the helpful medicinal benefits that all red fruits and vegetables offer of shrinking prostates. President Gregg said it was also National Aids Awareness Day and that Aids is a serious disease that continues to affect and kill many people.
SPENGLER-HOWARD RAFFLE: A bottle of Riverbend Cellars wine was won by Bill Morrill. Bert Campton drew from the deck of cards for the joker and a pot of $250. No go. Pot will go up by $20 to $270 at the next meeting.
GUEST SPEAKER INTRODUCTION BY: Hank Ingham. Hank introduced Bill Morrill who used to be employed by Hank at KIEM TV but Hank said he offered to introduce him anyways.

Bill Morrill

Bill has been a Humboldt resident since 1972 and is a descendent of the Russ family. He has a background in music and theatre and is an award winning film producer. He is currently producing a 3 part series for the Clarke Museum that will be airing on PBS in February.
GUEST SPEAKER: Bill presented a very interesting slide show documenting many historical aspects of our local area including a painting of Fort Humboldt done in 1854 that showed the huge amount of forestland that wan all the way to Humboldt Bay. He also had some images of ships that had been built and utilized here on the northcoast. In the early to mid 1800’s one of the only ways of traveling was by ship and it was fraught with danger. Later as cars were being utilized a trip from Eureka to San Francisco on the original Redwood 
Highway took 3 days to drive one way.

MEETING ADJOURNED: President Gardiner adjourned the meeting at 1:30 with a quote from Abraham Lincoln, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." And… a quote from President Bill Clinton, “Our mission in this new century is clear. For good or ill, we live in an interdependent world. We can't escape each other. Therefore, we have to spend our lives building a global community of shared responsibilities, shared values, shared benefits.”
Respectfully submitted, Alicia Cox