May 16, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

President Carlton Nielsen convened the meeting at 12:30.  Gary Todoroff, recently returned from Africa, led the pledge, and Lisa Slack the invocation reading a prayer from Emily Dickinson.

Guests of Rotarians

Lowell Maffia (with the Red Lion) was the guest of Larona Farnum. Eric Bergel’s guest was Fred Hane. Tom Macmurry had his son Thomas at his table; Ken Stodder’s guests were Burt Nordstrom and Mary Wells, and Bill McAuley had Gregory Schauer at his table. Ted Loring had son David as his guest, the latter sharing about his studies including biochemistry.

 

Announcements

Eric Bergel gave us a brief biographical sketch of our inbound exchange students: one is from Norway another from Brazil. He encouraged us to be good hosts to our exchange students because it could change a life and that life might be your own.

 

Pat Folkins said Honor Flight recently sent thirty-nine veterans to Washington DC with eleven guardians.  Pat expressed special thanks to Blue Lake Casino who loaned us a van to transport vets to the airport. Most of the veterans were in their 80’s and 90’s. On a related subject, there will be a fund raiser at Blue Lake Casino May 26^th for Veterans. Tickets are $50 and are available from Blue Lake Casino or Pat Folkins.

 

Red Badgers were asked to stand up and they got a lecture about what was needed to graduate to the blue badge.  I believe there were seven who got the word on how to switch from red to blue.

 

President-elect Greg Pierson said the 2011 District Mini-Assembly is Friday June 17 noon to 5pm at River Lodge Conference Center in Fortuna.  Greg also urged us to sign up for a Committee on one of the many sign up sheets at our tables.

 

CC Cree (also known at “Cindy” by others—her badge is bi-nominal) said she has managed the Irish Shop since 1994.  She travels widely to look for merchandise to sell at the shop.  She is married with three kids and several grandchildren.

 

Recognitions

Teresa Sims returned from a trip to Ecuador to the Amazon jungle where she was looking for natural cancer cures.  It is not on her short list to return any time soon.  She donated $80 to our service fund.  Gary Todoroff has been for many weeks in Bulembu, Swaziland, a total travel time of 48 hours away. Gary helped install the hydroponics from American Hydroponics in Arcata on behalf of our club project sponsored by Rotary Eureka, Rotaract and Overseas Resource Link.

 

Program

Ken Fisher is a 1972 graduate of Humboldt State University in economics and Chairman, CEO and Founder of Fisher Investments. He spoke to us concerning economics, a topic on which he has authored some seven books. He was happy to be able to stand in front of us after a harrowing trip through Jedidiah Smith State Park. He began with the bold assertion that capital markets exist to humiliate as many people as possible and take as much of their money as possible. We laughed and he said he was serious, but the market is an equal opportunity humiliator. History shows market patterns but we seem seldom to learn from them: for example, if the stock market remains strong the economy is likely to recover.  One constant of the market, according the Mr. Fisher, is its length of concern into the future.  The “fret-zone” is 90 days to 30 months in the future.  

 

Presently, we see high unemployment and employment is not that high; but he countered that all time world GDP is at its highest level ever and there is not always a direct inverse proportion between employment and unemployment.  Closer to home, Mr. Fisher said that California has become too dependent on income tax and capital gains taxes, and therefore has been hard hit by the recession.  When asked about inflation he thought it would not ignite unless factory production increases rapidly and steeply. He also was asked about the Lehman Brothers debacle and if it had perhaps contradicted his earlier assertion that the market only looks forward between three and 30 months. He responded that Lehman Brothers was killed by high level federal regulators and he did not have time to fully explain it in detail, although he did provide some details that went over the head of this reporter.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan Price

May 9, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

President Carlton Nielsen convened the meeting at 12:30.  "CC" Cree led the pledge of allegiance and Bill McAuley gave the invocation, later announcing the recent passing of Glendyne Callison, wife of past president Jim Callison (1977-78).

Guests of Rotarians

Shirley Folkins-Roberts belongs to Rotary in Reno

Lowell Maffia (with the Red Lion) was the guest of Mary Johnson.  Pat Folkins introduced several members of his family: wife, Sheila Folkins; grandson, Clint Nylander; daughter Molly Nylander; daughter Shirley Folkins-Roberts. 

Rotaract Club guests were Carly Robbins, Klark Swan and Jessica Ponsano.  They announced Rotaract will host a fund raiser to benefit Crescent City’s Harbor Relief on Saturday May 14^th at 5-7pm at the Wine Sport (F and 3^rd in Old Town Eureka).  Tickets are available for $50.  For more information e-mail lostCoastRotaract@Gmail.com or call 497 6236.

Greg Gardiner introduced two guests from Eureka High school theater department: Kira Hoey and Heather Maywell. They are performing at Runeberg Hall (Wabash and Union) and other “eventful” places because the Eureka High auditorium is out of commission.

Student Guests 

Gabriel Umidon was actually present in the flesh, having traveled widely to see friends and even returning to school on occasion.  He spent his spring break in the Bahamas, garnering envious groans from our club.  Gabe failed to mention that he is also running Track for Eureka, thus becoming the first exchange student ever to letter in two sports.  In addition, Gabe is taking calculus, physics, history and a host of other difficult classes. Way to go Gabriel! that will stop the envy.

Jim Davis and Dan Price paid tribute to Bob Crichton, long time member and secretary of our club and member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka. His funeral will be Tuesday (May 10^th) at the First Presbyterian Church. 

Announcements

District Conference report. We won the award for the club that least likes to serve chicken, and perhaps unrelated, our President Carlton Nielsen will be assistant District Governor next year.

Greg Gardiner says thirty-nine Word War II Vets will travel from Eureka to Washington D.C. where they will tour the nation’s monuments including of course, the WW II Monument.

Recognitions

Greg Foster was recognized for taking a trip to Austin, Texas regarding airlines that he hoped would expand service to Eureka.  Horizon Air pulled out of Eureka shortly after consultations on expanding their flights here. For $80 he agreed not to talk to United Airlines.

“J” Warren Hockaday was asked how things are with the Chamber of Commerce.  “Very well,” he assured us, “Unless you are a tree” (in proximity to the Chamber).  The tree was a victim of hit-and-run accident recently, but "J" suspects the landscape architect who wanted to remove it.   “J” said there are a number of businesses pulling together to improve the community.   The $90 “J” was fined, got shared with Greg Gardiner who paid $10 of the fine.

Program
Kim Bauriedel introduced us to his work at The School for the Blind in Biysk, Siberia. This is a Rotary Foundation project in cooperation with Lions International. Marty Van Zandt, Chair of Eureka Lions Club (district 4-C-2) was introduced by Kim and informed our club that after hearing a presentation from Helen Keller over 85 years ago Lions Club has provided eye care for millions worldwide.  Lions Club thus becomes a logical partner in the project to provide eye care for children in Biysk. 

Biysk is one of two cities to be founded by imperial decree and is primarily a mining town with about 200,000 residents.  Cases of blindness are higher than expected due to the mining chemicals in the area.  Because of housing shortages, many blind children end up in homes and orphanages where they get better care and assistance.  Rotary and Lions Club are collaborating to help blind kids learn to use computers, reducing the effects of their visual handicap and enabling many to get decent jobs.  Kim Bauriedel and Carlton Nielsen both received plaques from Marty to note the inauguration of cooperation between our clubs.  Long may the cooperation continue.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan Price

May 2, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

April 25, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

Lunch: Stir Fry with Chicken or Tofu

63 degrees and overcast at meeting time.

President Carlton Nielsen was absent, President elect for 2012-13 Nancy Dean called the meeting to order. Carol Riche led the Pledge and Dan Heinen led prayer

There were no visiting Rotarians, no student guests, and our exchange student Gabriel was on vacation in the Bahamas. And yet here I am, taking notes in Eureka. Sigh.

Mary Johnson brought a guest, Nick, the new Safeway Pharmacy Manager.

Mike Cunningham brought a new to the area attorney, Arthur Nielsen.

Birthdays and Anniversaries are in the book, congrats to all.

From May 6^th-8^th, the district conference will be held in Reno. 2-for-1 drink coupons and $5 in free slot play are available to anyone interested in going.

Today's Presidential Hat: Fisherman’s Fisherwoman’s Cap.

Dan Heinen’s youngest daughter was married recently. He likes the in-laws and sent the happy couple to his timeshare in Cabo for their honeymoon. $100.

John Fullerton and Mike Cunningham were each fined $30 for being accountants. Seems cheap to me, and most likely deductible.

Craig Hansen had a new house built, which took 15 months. After a dizzying recitation of various numbers associated with the project, he was fined $48.50.

PROGRAM

Lori Dengler is a geology professor at HSU and a world-renowned Earthquake expert. She heads to Japan in a few days and reminded us that in the event of an earthquake, we are all going to die there are a few things you should remember.

First, stop, drop, and roll until the fire is out. Drop, Cover, and hold on while the shaking is still going on. Assuming you have maintained bladder function, try and count how long the earth moved. Over 20 seconds and there is going to be a tsunami.

Lori pointed out that since we meet at the Wharfinger, we should walk, to prevent traffic jams, and to head toward Broadway, to avoid being killed. Lori says the tsunami can strike in 8 minutes and that the trip to Broadway is a ten minute walk. At this point the mathematically inclined club members began inching closer to the door.

Dr. Dengler also said that to avoid a tsunami, you should stay dry. I should have gone for my PhD, this stuff is so easy!

To lighten the mood, Lori suggested that in the event of a real emergency, “no one will come to save you,” and “you should have a weeks worth of food on hand.” Thanks Doc!

Fred Griffith asked a long question about either living at Target or using low income housing to block the oncoming wall of water, and the meeting ended 4 minutes early.

--Gambling Interlude—

$10 GP, $10 JMcB

Respectfully Submitted,

John Harper

April 18, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

Flag Salute and Invocation

Fred Whitmire led the pledge of allegiance and Ryan Fray the invocation.  

Guests of Rotarians

Club President Carlton Nielsen’s brother Erik Nielsen and his girlfriend Inese Krole graced our meeting, Lowell Maffia was the guest of Mary Johnson and Nick Bertell attended with Stacy Lane.

Visiting Rotarians

Our only visiting Rotarian was Kathy Philp from Fortuna, guest (and wife) of Gary Philp.

Student Guests 

Our exchange student Gabriel Umidon arrived safely in the Bahamas.

Announcements

Nancy Dean represented our club at the local science fair and commended the event and its sponsors.

Kim Bauriedel introduced Doug Lanning as our newest Paul Harris Fellow, after giving a bit of the history on the Paul Harris Foundation.   Currently the Foundation collects about 100 million dollars annually to relieve poverty, increase literacy, provide health care and support many other causes.

Eric Bergel says we will soon be getting two female exchange students: one from Norway and another from Brazil. Both are musicians and quite young at age 14 years.  He would like to find more host families.

Tim Gallagher reclaimed his lost credit card from President Nielsen (apparently without fine). 

Recognitions

Bill McAuley survived the tax season and arrived at Rotary only to face a fine; but he argued that he should get a credit for showing up the same day that Brian Papstein was speaking. Fine was reduced from $30 to $20.

Jason Eads did very well in a recent cook-off of the California Barbecue Association. He was pleased, as were the judges, with his ribs, chicken and other savory animal body parts.  That’s $80 Jason.  He decided to complete his second Paul Harris Fellowship.

Birthday

Ken Stodder turns eighty-five this week and assured us that he was not there when Paul Revere rode to warn his neighbors. 

Program

Brian Papstein needs no introduction to our club and soon found out that a majority of our club have either spoken, advertised or been associated with Eureka Broadcasting. In radio there are two distinct separate customer bases: listeners and  advertisers.  These two have little or nothing to do with one another—at least on a personal level.  Radio should provide a slice of life, and while no station reaches “everybody,” because each has to try to find its niche in terms of music style, age group, ethnicity, every station hopes to reach somebody.  Brian says that today’s radio stations are often doing a delicate balancing act between free speech and politically correct mandates put forth by the FCC.  A lengthy question and answer period ensued.  E.g., How do they know how many listeners they have in our community? Surveys by Arbitron and others, says Brian.  The average American spends about three hours per day listening to their radios and Brian spends many more keeping Eureka Broadcasting on the air and serving the community. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan Price

April 11, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

Jesse Clair led the flag salute and Tom McMurray offered a prayer, giving thanks for our many freedoms and all those who uphold them.

Visiting Rotarians

None.

Guests of Rotarians

Nick Bertell was a guest of Stacy Lane.  Michael Kraft was a guest of Gregg Foster, Thomas Mulder a guest of Joe Mark, Ron and Kat Combs were guests of Dave Kuta, and Eric Bergel’s guest was Brian Gerving.

Announcements

Greg Pierson said that the information from the Fireside talks will be very helpful when his regime begins and if we haven’t participated already he would like us to sign up by contacting him or his father Hank. 

 




Pat Folkins thanked Scott Guild for serving as our NCAA auctioneer and President Carlton for buying many losers. Winners will be announced and paid next week. 

Bob Palmrose celebrated his 80th Birthday today....Happy Birthday, Bob!

Gregg Gardiner talked about the honor flight program for WWII Vets.  Gregg, Keith Crossley and Steve Justus are putting together a fund to assist those whom Tom Brokaw called “Our greatest generation.” These funds will allow vets to visit the WWII Memorial, which was recently completed in Washington, D.C.  About a thousand WWII vets are dying every day, so time is of the essence.  Seventy applications have been received from our area so far; 150-170 applications are expected. Some more funds could be used for this project.

Mike Martin recently returned from a gold digging adventure, having found some rare and precious coins.  He was given a bright and shiny disc from President Carlton for $60. Thanks Mike.   




Jim Howard made a donation of $100 which this author believes goes to the vets.

President Carlton, sporting a hat from the Rotary Club in Siberia, encouraged those who no longer look like their picture to get a new one. 

Delicious oysters were passed around while we were all getting and receiving fines, softening us up for the coming presentation on those tasty shellfish.

Program

Greg Dale is General Manager of Coast Seafoods Company. He addressed the club on the tools and trials of his trade. Dale claims the oyster industry actually brings money into the county as opposed to pot that circulates it within the county. Oysters are environmentally friendly and sustainable, having been used as a food for thousands of years. Native Americans farmed them early. The indigenous Olympia oysters that were native to our area were pretty much wiped out by San Francisco’s appetite for the tasty (and expensive) things. Oysters have been raised in Humboldt Bay since about 1910.  More success came after 1950 when the Eastern oysters replaced the native oysters.  In the 1950’s Japanese oysters came across the Pacific; these oyster “seeds” were propagated in Humboldt Bay around 1955.  Roger Smith built oyster racks in the 1960’s and within a year they all fell over because they were eaten by worms.  Later versions of the rack were pressure treated.

Amazing BBQ'd oysters enjoyed by all during Greg's presentation.

In the 1990’s the oysters were switched from bottom culture to long-line culture because keeping them off the bottom allows a better harvest. Most of the oyster sales from Humboldt are within the US, but they are also shipped to Singapore, Japan and Korea.

The French eat a lot more oysters than Americans and have a better love life according to Greg.  There are currently forty-nine employees working in oyster beds in Greg’s business and Greg said nothing about their love lives.

In order to grow, Greg says his industry needs continued good water quality and a stable regulatory environment--neither are easy to come by. But, Greg is still excited about the potential to expand the oyster business in Humboldt by allowing bids for expanded oyster
beds.

According to Greg shellfish improve the estuary health by serving as the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Our city and county have spent a lot of time improving the quality of water in Humboldt Bay so that oysters can be grown.   Dale closed by thanking the city and county for placing a high priority on keeping our bay clean and healthy and thus a good area to grow oysters.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dan Price

April 4, 2011
Meeting of the Rotary Club of Eureka

Lisa Slack was called upon to lead the pledge.  Ron Pierre gave the invocation.  His message was “There’s a lot of good in the worst of us, and a lot of bad in the rest of us.” He looked meaningfully at our president when he said “worst”.   

Kim Bauriedel then came up to tell us that a new district governor had been selected.  Kim had applied for the position, filed the paperwork, and done the interview.  Then, he said, God sent him a message.  The day he was to go to Ukiah the big slide happ

ened.  The committee picked Lane Campbell of the Sebastapol Club to be DG, and Kim said it was probably for the best as he was a little OCD for the DG position.   

 

George Owren asked for help in stuffing “Backpacks for Kids”.  He needs volunteers on Thursdays at 5:15pm.   

 

President Carlton reminded the club that Firesides will be held this week and next.  He is hosting one on 4/12 and said “If you don’t like the current administration, don’t come.”  I wouldn’t put out too many snacks, Carlton.   

Carol Rische granted $2,500 to Mobile Medical Office.  Terri Clark Exec Director and PDG accepted the check that was for training staff.   

The parade to the podium continued with Gregg Foster introducing Michael Craft accepting a check for $500 for junior achievement.   

The president frisbeed Mike Downey his blue badge.

Gregg Gardiner introduced Jessie Klair, new Rotarian and owner of McDonalds in Eureka at 4^th St, Arcata and McKinleyville.  He came to the US at 13, learned English, got a job at McDonalds and worked his way up from clerk to manager of 19 locations.  He saved his money and bought his own stores.  He is living the American Dream.  The rest of you are slackers.   

 

Dennis Hunter gave the PP speech.  Tom and Tess Schallert brought their daughter Monica up, and endowed her with a Paul Harris Fellowship.   

John Gierek Jr. broke his string of non-attendance to make the announcement.  John had a baby six months ago, and said he was too embarrassed to attend because he had stretch marks.   

President Nielsen then forgot the drawing for the second week in a row, and asked Murl Harpham to introduce our speaker, Bill Gillespie, interim chief of the Eureka Fire Department.  He proceeded to relate the history of the department.  In 1864 the department was created.  The first piece of fire fighting equipment was “The Torrent” a hand pumper.  More efficient steam pumpers followed.   In 1903 they installed a citywide fire alarm system.  Back then; firemen worked a 72-hour shift.  Now days they work 48 hours, and then get 96 hours off.  The Eureka Fire Department shares resources with the Humboldt Fire Department.  He said Measure O had helped his department maintain its workforce.   

Carlton then concluded by asking if we knew any astronauts, headhunters, muleskinners, dominatrixes, or spider monkeys that would make good Rotarians.  Stacy Lane informed him that all the spider monkeys had joined the Southwest club because it was the “fun club”. (not true, Hank!  lol)  Meeting over.

 

Submitted by

Hank Ingham