Volume XII, Issue 21: December 21, 2012

A Word From Fa!

Fa Sillapajarn, our Exchange Student from Thailand told us that she had dyed her hair over the previous week. "My host father took about 100 pictures!" Some of those photos made their way to Facebook, and thus to the Sunrise Spirit. President George told Fa that the Club's Christmas present is the AHS yearbook.

Announcements
President George reminded us that the New Year will bring the preparations for the Spring Fundraiser. It's an all-hands affair, as always, and it will be held on March 9, 2013. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Terri Clark is a former Governor of District 5130, and during her gubernatorial reign, she and her colleagues devised a "Kahuna" pin, featuring the Rotary emblem. She presented one of the pins to our own Kahuna Kavinta in honor of his service.

Terri then presented our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Ron Sharp received the honor, due in large part due to a gift from his wife, President-Elect Barbara Browning. Congratulations to both Ron and Barbara!

Special Days
Sir Charles Giannini (a.k.a. "Chuck") and his lovely wife Barbara celebrated 41 years of marriage on December 11th - sorta. Chuck said that he attended a Planning Commission meeting that evening, but they were able to have a wonderful anniversary dinner on the 12th.

 Two of our favorite Sunrisers were also married 41 years ago. (To each other!) High school sweethearts Craig and Janice Newman celebrated their anniversary with a trip to Ashland.

December 18, 1971

Your Editor's birthday was December 20th, and he celebrated with a dinner out with his wonderful wife Shelley.

Jessica's Recognitions
Jessica McKnight delivered a few choice recognitions last Friday, and she started by asking Randy Mendosa how he planned to spend the holiday. Randy said that his family would be visiting Ukiah, where they would be sleeping on the basement floor of his brother's home. When Jessica asked about Ukiah, Randy said, "I spent a week there one day!"

Joyce Hinrichs may need to use the Mendosa home for overflow lodging for Christmas. She will be hosting dinner for 40! She said that she spent holiday time in San Francisco the previous week, visiting with her daughters.

A Christmas Treat
One of our Club's traditions is a December visit from the Arcata High School Madrigal Choir, under the direction of Carol Jacobson. The group presented holiday music from around the world. Click on the links below to sample some of their musical cheer!

Carol of the Bells / Still, Still, Still 

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella 

and from 2011 ...

Santa Baby, featuring Megan Breyer!

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Volume XII, Issue 20: December 14, 2012

Announcements
President George, aka Kahuna Kavinta, reminded us last Friday that we are part of an incredible organization - 1.2 million Rotarians working around the world to accomplish Rotary's mission:
"... to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders."

Fa Sillapajarn, our Club's Exchange Student from Thailand, told us about her week. She went to Bayshore Mall with her host family (the Swensons) to shop for Christmas gifts, then she saw the "Life of Pi" in 3-D. Fa said that she has also been doing some cooking.

The Kahuna gave a shout-out to the Arcata Tigers Basketball Team, which won its Arcata Invitational Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2009.

Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth told us that the AHS College and Career Center's Pancake Breakfast, held in conjunction with the AIBT, was once again a resounding success, with a lot of volunteers working hard all morning to keep up with the demand. The event raised $5,000 for the Center.

Angelo Baciagaluppi told us that he has changed jobs. He is no longer with Nylex, but is now with Network Management Services, where he is an Systems Engineer. He also said that he is now the proud owner of a Subaru BRZ. He said, "I got the car I wanted."

For Your Calendar

• 12/21 - Meeting: The ArMack Madrigal Singers will provide holiday music
• 12/28 - No meeting this week - go easy on the eggnog
• 1/4     - Meeting: Our first of 2013, with news about the newest Plocher - Alexander!
• TBA    - We present Dictionaries to local third graders
• 1/11   - Meeting: A report on Scott Heller's Honduras Adventure
• 1/18   - Meeting: Community-Supported Art, with Anne Bown-Crawford, of AAI
• 1/25   - Rotary Youth Exchange Ski Trip & Outbound Orientation
• 1/25   - Meeting: Fourth Foundation Friday!

Craft Talk: Tomas Chavez
One of the duties of a new Sunriser is to give a brief presentation introducing himself or herself to the Club, in what we call a "Craft Talk".  Last Friday, it was Tomas Chavez's turn.

Tomas Chavez

Tomas was born August 11, 1982 in Bellflower, California. When he was five, his family moved to Hesperia, in San Bernardino County. Tomas said that he enjoyed a "strong family base" as he grew up. He is very close to his sister, even though she is nine years younger than he is.

When he was 18 years old, Tomas moved to Humboldt in 2000 to attend HSU, figuring that he would get his degree and move back to Southern California. However, the area held its allure for Tomas, and here he stayed after he graduated in 2005.

During much of that time, Tomas was dating Heidi, who had also attended Hesperia High. Between, 2000 and 2009, Heidi moved to Humboldt County, and the couple began living closer and closer. In 2009, Tomas and Heidi were married. In 2011, their son Cruz was born.

Tomas worked for two local Best Western motels part time while attending school, then full time following his graduation. He was looking for a change in 2006, so he went to Sequoia Personnel Services to see what might be available. At the end of his meeting, he started to leave, but was called back in. He was offered a position as a Personnel Consultant. He has been very happy there, noting that there is very little turnover, and he has the opportunity to help people every day.

Romi's Recognitions
Our Recognition Leader last Friday was Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth, who called on Past President Scott Heller. He said that while he was earning his divemaster certification, he incidentally asked Robin Meiggs if she would marry him. Oh, did I mention that the proposal took place underwater? Robin agreed, but she did write on the whiteboard, "Did you get my parents' permission?"

Brenda Bishop had a recent change of employers. She now serves as the Executive Director of Humboldt Domestic Violence Services. "It's a lot different from the [Arcata] Chamber [of Commerce]," she noted.

We heard that Rotary Kid Mary Crow has joined a volunteer organization - the Brownies! That's awesome, Mary!!

Don Rosebrook is very proud of his wife, Jennifer. She was named 2012 California History Teacher of the Year for the outstanding work she does at Arcata High School. Don said that she realizes that this is a Big Deal - "It's not like it's Wyoming!"

Brandi Easter started a new tradition this Thanksgiving - crabbing! She said that several people went out, with groups segregated by gender. Although one of the women ended up in the water briefly, she climbed back into the boat and refused to return to dry land. That was representative of the spirit that allowed the women to outfish the men.

Coordinating the Response to Domestic Violence
Our Guest Speaker last Friday was Kim Schneider, the Crisis Director for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services (HDVS). Kim's main topic was the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team, or DVERT. She noted that, although the program is "not as enhanced as we could be," the group does work well with other agencies, including the District Attorney's office. The program provides a coordinated response to violent acts, but it also serves as a gateway to the victims' compensation fund.

Kim Schneider

Kim said that HDVS is very successful in providing services to survivors of domestic violence, and she added that the process (for survivors) is grueling. The organization was founded in 1997, and serves as one of the first responders to domestic violence situations. The agency may receive a call on its crisis line from a survivor, or it may be contacted by law enforcement. Frequently, Kim will ride along with Eureka Police officers, and she provides assistance in crisis situations (not all of which involve domestic violence).

The group's goal is to provide an immediate response to survivors, which in turn increases the likelihood of that survivor fully participating in the program. HDVS provides counseling, assistance in obtaining restraining orders, safety planning, and financial assistance. Kim emphasized that domestic violence is not limited to man on woman, nor is it limited to heterosexual relationships. 

For more information, visit Humboldt Domestic Violence Services online. Their Crisis Line is 707-443-6042 or toll-free 866-668-6543.

Volume XII, Issue 19: December 7, 2012

Announcements

Past President Scott Heller has returned from his long stint in Honduras. Scott may be "past" as our President, but he is current as a Dive Master, Rescue Diver, and a  bunch of other titles. He said, "I worked every day" to earn his new status. He did acknowledge that his instructor gave the group an occasional day off, but most days included at least three dives, and lasted from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.  This left no time for Rotary makeups, but it did help him lose 20 pounds. Great to have you back, Scott!

Our Exchange Student from Thailand, Fa Sillapajarn, celebrated Thanksgiving with Janice and Craig Newman. In addition to the usual feast, they also baked lots of cookies. Fa also took time over the break from school to take in the local fall colors and do some holiday decorating. She also moved in with her second host family - the Swensons. This is the family of our Outbound Exchange Student to Italy, Colin Swenson. Fa said that her new host sister is helping her with her pronunciation of American English.

President George provided some well-chosen words to express our sadness at the recent passing of Kevin Ebbert and three members of the Kuljian family.

Kevin, who served as a Navy Seal, was killed in action on November 24th in Afghanistan. Both his mother Charlie Jordan, and his mother-in-law Susan Jansson are Sunrisers. Our deepest condolences go out to them and their families.

Although there was no direct connection between our Club and the Kuljians, the family was well-known in the community. Howard Kuljian was an ecologist for Six Rivers National Forest, his wife Mary Scott was a survivor of breast cancer who worked with the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project, and their son Geddie was a junior at Arcata High School.

President George expressed his thanks to Taste of the Holidays Chair Ron Sharp. Ron, in turn, thanked his committee and everyone who volunteered. The final numbers aren't in yet, but the Sunrise Spirit will keep you posted. And ... if you haven't turned in your ticket money yet, please do so as soon as possible.

George also expressed his gratitude to the Fellowship Committee for putting together our recent Fifth Fellowship "Friday" - an evening of basketball and food at Humboldt State. Kahuna Kavinta singled out Bob Johnson, Rina Brodhag, and (of course) the host - Dan Collen. 

Logan White, Exchanger-To-Be

And the accolades continued as George thanked everyone who helped with the Foster Youth Dinner the previous evening. Sunrisers served about 350 guests a holiday dinner consisting of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, mac & cheese, salad, and rolls. We also provided gift cards for 30 young adults (and we passed the hat on Friday).

Finally, thanks also to those Sunrisers who helped out at the Jerry Paul Classic Arcata Invitational Basketball Tournament (AIBT). Although there were still two nights left in the tourney as we met, we have since heard that Arcata High took the crown.


We had special guests last Friday - Logan White and his parents. Logan is our newly-selected Outbound Exchange Student for next year, and I'm sure we will hear more from him in the weeks to come.

 

 

Special Days

Dawn Elsbree and her husband Andy recently celebrated their 23rd anniversary. The couple had a lovely dinner at Abruzzi's.

Dick and Shelley Johnson's anniversary was a few days before, but the celebration was put on hold when Dick was admitted to St. Joseph Hospital for abdominal surgery. No candlelight dinner when you're on a clear liquid diet.

Rob McBeth's birthday was November 14th, but who knows what he did? "We went to dinner somewhere," he said. I'm sure he had a great time, though. (If he didn't, please don't tell him.)

Four days later, it was Mark Bruce's birthday. He told us that he received a Franklin Delano Roosevelt action figure. Every home should have one!

As part of his birthday celebration, Don Rosebrook was on hand to see Stanford football team upset the number one Oregon Ducks in Eugene. The family also went to the museum (OMSI?). A few days later (on his actual birthday), Don had dinner with family and friends.

Mark and Cammy Burtchett share the same birthday (November 30th), which must make it easy to remember. They celebrated with a skiing trip to Bend, Oregon.

On December 5th, Jessica McKnight hit a milestone birthday - Number Forty! Her celebration included a continuing education class (Whoo-hoo!), but her co-workers did take her out the previous night. And ... she had a party planned for Saturday night at her Rio Dell home.

Expanding the Humboldt Live Program

Our Guest Speaker last week was Jim Ritter, of the Humboldt Live! program. Jim last visited in early June, telling us that the program planned to expand beyond Jacoby Creek School and Sunny Brae Middle School, and so it has. Humboldt Live! is now in place at Pacific Union, and will soon be "Live!" in Fortuna. 

The program helps middle school and high school students with the process of planning for their futures, and more importantly, it allows them to see how their academic goals can align with their career goals. Several Sunrisers have assisted in the program, discussing their jobs or providing job shadow opportunities for students. 

Jim mentioned several ways that individuals can help:

• Host 1-3 Arcata High School/Six Rivers High School students for a 3-hour Job Shadow on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 9 am to noon.
• Host 1-3 Jacoby Creek School 7th grade students at a shorter Job Shadow on Monday, April 22, 2013, 12:45 pm to 2:30 pm.
• Host a 40-minute junior high school class tour to share ideas and information about how and why your business is successful.
• Serve as a guest on a leadership or career exploration panel along with other professionals.
• Write a "Letter to Our Youth", sharing your insights and life lessons with students.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Jim at humboldtclublive@gmail.com, or call 707-839-5114.

Jim Ritter of Humboldt Live! with the Kahuna

Volume XII, Issue 18: November 9, 2012

PLEASE JOIN US FOR 

"A TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS"

Thursday,  November 15th from 5 to 8 pm

Arcata Community Center

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our Exchange Student from Thailand, Fa Sillapajarn, got a taste of American artistic culture when she recently attended "Arts Alive!" in Eureka. Her verdict? "I like it!" She will be exposed to American "Foodie" culture at this week's Taste of the Holidays.

We received word that Arcata House, a local nonprofit that helps locals with transitional housing, has merged with the Humboldt All-Faith Partnership to form the Arcata House Partnership. The organization will continue to operate emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing for the homeless. Their First Annual Drive-By Drop Off event will be held this Saturday, November 17th, so take your gently-used home furnishings and the like to the Arcata United Methodist Church at 1761 11th Street between 1 and 4 pm. If you would like to donate but can't make the event, or if you would like more information, please call 822-4528.

Don't forget the following dates:

• Saturday, November 24th - Fifth Friday Fellowship at the HSU Jacks Basketball Game
• Thursday, December 6th - Foster Youth Holiday Dinner
• Thursday, December 6th through Saturday, December 8th - The Jerry Paul Classic Arcata Invitational Basketball Tournament (AIBT)

RECOGNITIONS WITH BOB!
"What is up?" That was the question posed by Recognition Meister Bob Johnson last Friday. He had some inside info on Jessica McKnight and Romi Hitchcock Tinseth. Both were in Texas at the beginning of the month to show their support for Airman Sky Tinseth on her graduation from Basic Training. Romi said that her daughter is now headed for Biloxi, Mississippi, where she will be one of only 17 airmen to attend tech school, and only two of those are women! Congratulations and best wishes, Sky!

Bob then asked about our plans for Thanksgiving:

• Sir Charles Giannini will be traveling for the holiday. He plans to do some hunting with his son and his grandkids in the remote areas of Eastern Oregon.
• Harry Johnson will be in Mt. Shasta, although he wasn't sure whether skiing was in the forecast. Bob asked if he had been in Mexico recently, volunteering at the dental clinic. Harry said that he is planning to go down in a few weeks. 
• St. Bernard's Football Coach Jason White said that he doesn't have any plans yet. "I'm hoping that we will be practicing." That was a reference to his team's progress in the North Coast Section Playoffs. His guys face the Ferndale Wildcats this Friday. Good luck, Crusaders!
• Angelo Baciagaluppi said that he will probably dedicate part of the holiday to drywall. He is sure that the family will be in town, and since his wife doesn't enjoy cooking as much as he does, he will be in the kitchen on the big day.
• Patty Stocum and her husband, Visiting Rotarian Jon (from the Old Town Eureka Rotary) said that their annual tradition is to spend Thanksgiving at their property in Hyampom, in Trinity County. They have invited our former Exchange Student Marianna Sanchez to join them. Patty said that they built a barbeque outside this year, and that's where the cooking action is expected to take place.
• Maggie Kraft will be celebrating her sister's birthday next week, and then she plans a return to Botswana for a few weeks. She will be back for New Year's Day, but she said that while she is there, "I'm hoping to see a well."

SIMPLIFY YOUR HOLIDAYS
Our very own Barbara Browning was the featured speaker last Friday, and she gave us some great ideas for making the holiday season more relaxed and more meaningful. Here are her thoughts:

1. Examine your existing traditions. Ask yourself what you enjoy most about the holidays, and what you like least. Sometimes, traditions persist because we assume that they are important to another member of our family or social group. An open discussion with your loved ones may lead you to discard unwanted customs. "Remember," Barbara said, "Less can be more."
2. Enjoy meaningful traditions. With meaningless traditions out of the way, you can focus on the ones that do provide meaning to you.
3. Engage your kids. Set realistic expectations for the holidays, including activities and gifts. Barbara said that one of the traditions that she and husband Ron Sharp keep is having Christmas breakfast with the grandchildren. 
4. Make something. There is something very personal about a handmade gift. Barbara shared her recipe for cinnamon candied almonds (it's reproduced at the bottom of the page). She also shared samples, which were delicious!
5. Choose meaningful activities. This leaves "the best of yourself for the people and activities that mean the most to you".

If you answer these questions, you can decide which traditions to keep and which to let go of:

• Do I love this?
• Do I honestly have time for it?
• What is the worst thing that will happen if I say no?

As Barbara says ... "Relax and enjoy the season!"

Volume XII, Issue 17: November 2, 2012

What's Goin' On?
Our Rotary Exchange Student from Thailand, Fa Sillapajarn, enjoyed Halloween as an angel!

Angel Fa

Fa was on the Arcata Plaza for part of the festivities, but left before the going got ... shall we say ... a bit rambunctious.


Lynda Moore announced that the Eureka Symphony will honor veterans of World War II on November 12th. The concert will take place at the Arkley Center for the Arts, and it will feature anthems from the various armed forces, and other patriotic music. Admission is free for WWII vets and their spouses, $12 for other adults, and $5 for children. The event will begin at 5:30 pm.

Lynda also said that Margaret Gainer and Kathrin Burleson are editing a book detailing the experiences of WWII veterans. If you know someone who should be included, please let Lynda know - she'll make sure the connections are made.

Bob Moore reminded us that to reserve Saturday November 24th. That's the day that our Club will celebrate November's Fifth Friday Fellowship meeting. We will gather at HSU to take in a Jacks basketball  game. Details will follow.

Ron Sharp reminded us to sell those tickets for A Taste of the Holidays. It's coming up on Thursday, November 15th.

The Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise Cross Country Championships were held on Friday, October 26th, and they were a great success! Thanks to all who helped out at the event, and a special thank you to Dewey Kiefer and Arcata Lumber for the medal stand they created.

As you update your calendar, remember that December is a busy month, and the busy stuff starts early for Sunrisers. On Thursday, December 6th, we have not one, but two events - we are sponsoring and serving the Foster Youth Holiday Dinner, and it's also the first day of the Arcata Invitational Basketball Tournament (AIBT). The AIBT continues on Friday the 7th and Saturday 8th, so be sure you've eaten your Wheaties that week!

History With Cam Appleton
Last Friday, we heard quite a bit about the history of Jacoby Storehouse from Cam Appleton. He said that Augustus Jacoby built the building with two stories and a basement. The Storehouse provided supplies to the mining camps for many years. Cam's great-great-grandfather, Alexander Brizard, purchased the Storehouse in 1881, after his old store was destroyed by fire.

Cam Remembers the 1800s

In 1907, Alexander's son expanded the building's scope of operations, filling it with retail stores. Cam recounted that the third floor (where our Club meets) housed an appliance and furniture store, and that the telephone switchboard was also located there. The second floor held dry goods, ladies' fashions, and an employee kitchen. There was also a freight elevator in the back. On the ground floor, which now houses Abruzzi's and Chase Bank, there were a dry cleaners and fish market. Next door to what was now called the Brizard Building (but connected by several walkways) was a grocery store. Next to that, and also connected, was a sporting goods shop.

In 1973, small retail businesses were suffering from the arrival of shopping malls, and so many of the Storehouse's shops closed. But in 1977, the building was re-opened, featuring many small business spaces, and it served as an incubator for several retail shops in Arcata. Cam managed the Storehouse from 1984 to 2005. He said that Bill Chino and Chris Smith of Abruzzi's and the Plaza Grill purchased the Storehouse in 2001.


Special Olympics Northern California
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." That is the Special Olympics Oath. Our featured speaker last week was Ken Musante, who serves as the group's head softball coach and as an assistant swimming coach.

Ken Musante

Ken noted that Special Olympics started in the early 1960s as Eunice Shriver began an effort to provide people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to participate in competitive sports. The first International Special Olympic Games were held in 1968 as a result of her vision. Today, the Special Olympics organization helps more than three million athletes in over 150 countries.

Today, Special Olympics Northern California serves over 170 athletes in Humboldt County, ranging in age from 5 to 70. The program is open to anyone with an intellectual disability, and the competitions are held at all skill levels. All of the services are provided at no cost to the athletes, without government funding.

The athletes compete in several sports - aquatics, soccer, bowling, softball, bocce ball, and basketball. The competitors are empowered to reach their full potentials, and they learn to live physically active lives.

Ken noted that only 10% of disabled adults in the U.S. hold jobs, while over half of the adults in the Special Olympics program work. He said, "Our athletes are diverse. Our benefits are immediate. And the experience is humbling."

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, please visit their website at www.sonc.org.

Volume XII, Issue 16: October 26, 2012

FANTASTIC FOURTH FOUNDATION FRIDAY!

Last Friday, we heard from our Exchange Student from Thailand, Fa Sillapajarn. Fa said that her recent trip to San Francisco with her fellow District 5130 Exchangers was "really fun". The group traveled to the Bay Area the previous Friday, and the evening was spent playing basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Then they were off to the City, taking in Union Square, Chinatown, and Pier 39. On Sunday, she went to the Oakland Coliseum to watch the Raiders beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime. Fa also told us that she plans to don an angel costume for Halloween.

Angelo Baciagaluppi said that Mad River Brewing Company will be selling tickets for A Taste of the Holidays at its Blue Lake Tap Room. How are your ticket sales going? Remember, TOTH is one of only two fundraisers that help our Club do all of our important work in the community and around the world.

A few short notes ... Bob Goodman said that the Tasting Room at Robert Goodman Winery now includes a full bar ... The Club received a note from North Coast Children's Services, thanking us for our participation in the recent Pastels on the Plaza ... November has five Fridays, so we will hold a Fifth Friday Fellowship meeting on Saturday, November 24th. We will meet at 7 pm to attend the HSU Jacks basketball game vs. Holy Names University. Due to space limitations, the meeting will be limited to Sunrisers and their family members only. Thanks to Dan Collen for setting this up ...

Colin's Cheese

Colin Swenson, our Outbound Exchange Student, sent news from Trieste, Italy. "This weekend I will participate in The Barcelona, one of the largest sailing regattas in the world with around 2,000 boats participating each year. I've also been spending a lot of my free time doing photography, one of my hobbies." He sent along some of his photos, one of which "a hunk of Parmesan cheese", seen here.

DEWEY KIEFER REVEALS ... SOME
We love Craft Talks - where new Sunrisers get up and let the rest of us get to know something about them. Last week, it was Dewey Kiefer's turn. Although he was born in Bend, Oregon some 43 years ago, Dewey has lived on the North Coast since he was a kid. He and his wife Kathy have two daughters (and if their names are wrong, please let me know). Shayla is a senior at Arcata High School, and Jessica is in eighth grade at Sunny Brae Middle School. 

Dewey has worked at Myrtletown Lumber for 6 years, and he appreciates the teamwork he enjoys there. He has worked in lumber mills in the past, and his career goal is to become a designer "at some point".He enjoys fishing, and he is a fan of the Raiders and the Yankees.

Dewey joined our Club because he wanted to do something for the community, and he has known Bryan Reeser and Donnie Rosebrook for quite a while. Why fight the inevitable?

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS AND RECOGNITIONS!
Joyce Hinrichs celebrated her birthday on October 14th ... and then some. She ran in the Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon on her birthday, but her travels began the Thursday before. Those travels included stops in San Francisco (the race venue), Santa Rosa, and Sacramento. While in Sacramento, she was the Keynote Speaker at the Annual Training Conference of the California State Foster Parent Association, providing "A View From the Bench". Joyce also chaired a workshop at the conference. She said that Halloween would mark the "official end" of her birthday season.

Rebecca Crow celebrated her birthday by going to a "movie in the theater - without kids". The family also took her out to dinner and provided presents. "Max got me a Lego set!" she said, and Mary gave her some lotions and other goodies from Bubbles.

Cam & Terri

The recognition session was hosted by Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth, and it was very interesting. However, it may not translate well to this blog. She had all of us hold up all of our fingers (I'm pretty sure we averaged five per hand). She then listed various activities, and told us to put one finger down each time she named an activity  we had not participated in. As a group, Sunrisers are an interesting and adventurous lot, because a lot of fingers remained aloft for quite a while. 

FOUNDATION FOURTH FRIDAY
Foundation Chair Terri Clark got the Rotary Foundation portion of the show off to a great start by presenting Cam Appleton with an award for being District 5130's Youth Exchange Rotarian of the Year! Congratulations, Cam! 

She also presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to Jayce Shultz, the grandson of Cindy Sutcliffe. Terri said that Jayce is the second youngest Paul Harris Fellow from our Club. (The youngest, of course, is Terri's grandniece, Faye, who received the honor almost prenatally!)
As is our custom, we held an auction to raise Foundation Funds, and here is a list of the items, and the generous donors and bidders:

• Kathy Fraser provided a gift certificate for North Soles Footwear. This was picked up by Lori Breyer.
• Lynda Moore won a catered dinner for six plus two at her home. The donation came from Jessica McKnight and James Hitchcock (they are the plus two).
• A truly frightening Orrin Plocher (see the photo) donated a large bucket of Halloween candy, which was purchased by Dewey Kiefer.
• Donnie Rosebrook pitched in four tickets to the HSU Lumberjacks final home football game, along with t-shirts. Joyce Hinrichs snapped those up.
• A handmade traditional outfit from Pakistan's Swat Valley was donated by Brenda Bishop. The winning bidder was Matt Babich.
• Rotary Kid Mary Crow is working hard to become a Paul Harris Fellow, so she and her mother Rebecca donated two batches of 5 dozen holiday cookies each to be baked to order. Joyce Hinrichs and Amy Bohner will be enjoying the baked delights, thanks to their high bids.
• Brenda Bishop's second contribution (of three total) to the auction was two dozen Halloween-themed cupcakes ... under glass! Donnie Rosebrook scored those.
• Angelo Baciagaluppi donated two certificates. each good for two hours of computer service of any sort. The winners were Lynda Moore and Susan Jansson.
• A "Big Basket O' Stuff" was donated by Dan Johnson. It included candy, a yard ornament, and many other goodies. This was purchased by Bryan Reeser.
• Brenda Bishop's last (but definitely not least) contribution of the day was a container filled with "Witch's Brew", also known as homemade Kahlua. The package included martini glasses in a Halloween motif. Ceva Courtemanche was the winner.
• The final package of the morning was a "Girl Stuff Basket", donated by Julie Schaefer. The basket included nail polish, body spray, and other such finery. The high bidder was Rina Brodhag.

Once again, thank you to all the donors and to the bidders. Thanks to you, the Rotary Foundation has an additional $1,100 for its fine work throughout the world!

Jayce with Cindy and Terri

Volume XII, Issue 15: October 19, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last week, we had a visit from Mike Crumbo, a Rotarian from Indiana. He said that the Greenwood/White River Rotary Club has 24 members, and meets Wednesdays at 6:30 am. Mike was in town to visit his daughter and her family, including Mike's new grandson.

Kahuna Kavinta with Mike Crumbo

Fa Sillapajarn, our Rotary Exchange Student from Thailand, said that she was all ready for her impending "Bluesbuster" trip to San Francisco. Each year, our District's Exchange Students head for the Bay Area for the weekend, and our Exchangers invariably cite it as a highlight of their years. I'm sure that Fa will weigh in at our next meeting.

Carol Jacobsen of the ARMACK Orchestra visited last week, along with two of her students (including Kahuna Junior, aka Georgie Cavinta). The trio was promoting their fundraiser, "The Black Pirate". This is a silent movie starring the swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., with music and sound effects provided by the swashbuckling Orchestra. The movie was screened last week at McKinleyville High School, and it will continue this week at Arcata High. Your next chance to enjoy this multi-dimensional event will come Thursday at 7 pm. It will be repeated Friday at 7pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 7 pm. The event will help support the Orchestra's travel to New York to participate in a music festival and perform at Carnegie Hall next April.

Another ARMACK musical contingent will be performing Friday at the Veteran's Memorial Hall. The  "Howlin' Moon Blues Review" will feature the ARMACK Jazz Band, along with performances by musicians from the Arcata Arts Institute. (Rotary "Kid" Brody Johnson is part of both groups.) The event will begin at 8 pm, and tickets are $10 per person, which will provide finding for the Jazz Band's trip to the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival.

Here are some things for your calendar:

• November 15:  A Taste of the Holidays - it's our Club's Fall Fundraiser, and your help is needed! 
• November 24:  Fifth Friday Fellowship Event - Tailgate party at the HSU Jacks Basketball Game.
• December 6:  Foster Youth Holiday Dinner - Prep or serve, it's a great way to help our local foster youth.
• December 6-8:  The Jerry Paul Arcata Invitational Basketball Tournament - The first night coincides with the Foster Youth Dinner, so we could use help then, but don't rule out a Saturday shift!

Volume XII, Issue 14: October 12, 2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ember works on our Pastel ...

Last Friday, we welcomed back Marianna Sanchez, who was our Rotary Exchange Student from Mexico during the 2010-11 year. She told us that she graduated from high school in Mexico, and she is taking a year off before moving on in her formal education. Part of that time will be spent here, so she will be attending our meetings while she is in town. How long that will be is not certain: "I bought a one-way ticket, so ..."


Our current Exchange Student, Fa Sillapajarn from Thailand, recently participated in Pastels on the Plaza, a benefit for Northcoast Children's Services. She also attended Homecoming at Arcata High School.

Speaking of Pastels on the Plaza ... (Don't you love smooth segues?) ... the square sponsored by our Club was drawn by Ember and Vivian - two artists from the Arcata Arts Institute.

... with Vivian Harp

And while we're on the subject of fundraisers, the team lists for finding auction/raffle prizes for A Taste of the Holidays were announced at our last meeting, and tickets were distributed. If you weren't there, watch your mail, then start selling. The event is fast approaching (it's on Thursday, November 15th).

Other stuff that's on the Sunrise Horizon:

• October 19 - Youth Exchange "Bluesbuster" Trip to San Francisco
• October 20 - Lost Coast Rotaract Club's Art & Wine Pairing Event

AN UPDATE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief John McFarland and Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Desmond Cowan were at Friday's meeting to deliver an update on the Benefit Assessment that was approved by property owners in July of last year. Chief John said that his department has accomplished many things as a result. For starters, all deferred maintenance on its equipment has been completed, additional personnel were hired, and a reserve firefighter program was established.

Desmond Cowan

Desmond told us that the department is now comprised of a combination of on-duty paid firefighters and volunteers. He encouraged us to contact him if we are interested in volunteering in any capacity. Desmond also said that he wants us to reach him if we have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the Fire Department's operations. "I don't want anyone with questions unanswered." He even provided his cell number (498-5781).

John said that what we have in Arcata is "a showcase example of how fire services can be offered economically with quality". For more information about the Arcata Fire Department and/or the Benefit Assessment Review, visit their website by clicking on the Arcata Fire Logo below.

SPECIAL DAY AND RECOGNITIONS

Karen and Kahuna Kavinta with Jessica looking on

Last Friday was Karen Burgesser's birthday. Since it was early in the day, she didn't have much to tell us ... yet ... about that. However, after we sang "Happy Birthday" to her, our Recognitionist du jour, Jessica McKnight, asked Karen to tell us of her recent travels. It seems that she journeyed to Paris and London! She came home with a cold, she was still suffering from jet lag, and her luggage took an extra day of  vacation. In spite of the end-of-travel hardships, she had a great time. "I don't know," she said, "if there's an adjective more awesome than awesome." The trip was part of her mother's 80th birthday celebration, and Karen noted that although "it's a challenge to travel with two octogenarians in Europe," they all had a great time. She brought a gift for Kahuna Kavinta - a crown pin commemorating Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

Also in Europe recently (but only for a whirlwind trip) was Susan Jansson. Susan was in Italy for three and a half days at the invitation of exercise equipment manufacturer Technogym. The company's facilities encompass 60 square miles, and they employ about 1,000 people. The event drew people from around the world, and featured speeches by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Economic Development Minister Corrado Passera. The keynote address was delivered by Former President Bill Clinton.

Ian Schatz had a longer vacation in Hawaii with his family. No former Presidents were involved, but he did get to chase sea turtles and hang out.

DRAWING BACK THE REDWOOD CURTAIN
Our Featured Guests last week were Clint Rebek and Peggy Metzger of the Redwood Curtain Theatre. Clint is RCT's Artistic Director, and Peggy serves as its Executive Director. 

Clint Rebik and Peggy Metzger

The 2011 Season was the group's first in its new home at 221 First Street, in Old Town Eureka. The entrance to the Theatre is through Snug Alley. The final production of the current season, "Dusty and the Big, Bad World" will premiere on Thursday, October 25th, and it will run through November 17th. Clint and Peggy described it as a political comedy that involves a PBS program. The plot has taken on added relevance with the reference in the first Presidential Debate to Big Bird and PBS. Both say that it is not to be missed. 

Redwood Curtain Theatre was established in 1989, with its first productions staged at the Eagle House. The company was formed because there were locals who wanted to be professional actors, but didn't want to have to leave the area. Since its beginning, RCT has helped the area become a magnet for arts tourists. 

Although the group's intent was to be part of the cultural scene in the Old Town area, they did relocate to the Eureka Mall for seven years. However, in 2010, they were able to begin the process of moving to their current location.

RCT will soon announce the productions that will make up its 15th season, which will open in mid-February. And in January, the group will hold its Live Radio Show fundraiser, with a lot of help from Sunrisers Jessica McKnight and Laura Montagna. 

Peggy and Clint extended three invitations to us, as individuals and as a Club:

1. Come to the shows,
2. Become corporate sponsors, and
3. Take advantage of RCT's Benefit Nights

Unlike some of the other theater groups in the area, RCT maintains a company of players for its five-play season, Clint and Peggy encouraged us to consider auditioning for the 2013 season. Auditions will be held at the theatre on Saturday, October 27th. 

For more information about Redwood Curtain Theatre, please visit its website:

Redwood Curtain Theatre

Volume XII, Issue 13: October 5, 2012

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Last Friday, we opened our meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a recitation of the Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say, or do ...

1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will It build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Is it fair to all concerned?

Fa with Kahuna Kavinta

The Four-Way Test was devised by Herbert J. Taylor, who brought it to Rotary when he became a director of Rotary International in the 1940's. Taylor devised the test during the previous decade, when he was turning around his failing aluminum distributing company.

President George also shared the October message from District Governor Michael Juric. If you missed it, click on this link: Michael's October Update.

RECOGNITIONS WITH LORI

Former Club President Lori Breyer was in charge of recognizing Sunrisers last Friday. Her theme du jour was "The Bridgers". Lori explained that those who were born prior to 1945 are the Builders, the 1946-1964 group are the Boomers, from 1965 to 1983 came the Busters, and those born between 1984 and 2001 are the Bridgers.

The first Bridger that Lori asked about was a Bridger Bruce - Mark Bruce's son Adam. Mark said that Adam is doing well at UC Berkeley, where he is involved in research with the winner of a Nobel Prize. He did have a girlfriend, but that only lasted about two months. That's probably because Adam is so busy - he has oneyear to go before graduating. Mark had his own news as well - The Man In White (Mark) will be performing at the Bayshore Mall this Friday, October 12th. He said he will be playing from 5:30 until he's tired.

Dawn Elsbree's son Nicholas is also working in a lab at Berkeley, and doing quite well. Her other son, Trevor is attending Cal Poly, and riding the occasional surfboard. Her daughter Claire is more than happy to be riding horses closer to home.

Bob Johnson's two Bridger sons are also doing well. Patrick is working as a Medical Assistant in the Open Door Clinic's Community Outreach Program. Aaron is in his second semester at the University of Hawaii, and Bob told us that this is "the hard semester" for students.

Our Club's JOYC ("Justice Of Your Club") has two Bridger daughters, and they are living near one another. Kayla graduated from college last year from the San Francisco Academy of Arts University. JOYC tells us that now, she's considering applying to law school! Her sister Lacey's field is science - she is working toward her degree in Biology.

Lori had an update on a Bridger who is also a former Rotary Kid. Hayley Madsen was married a few weeks ago, with a number of past and present Sunrisers in attendance.

Lori closed by mentioning her own Bridgers - Alli, who is doing well in Southern California; Kate, who is still at home (and working on homework during our meeting); Natalie, also in SoCal, studying Psychology; and Megan, who is in her freshman year at the University of Nevada, majoring in Accounting. Her other "daughter", former Exchanger Noëmi Schöenenberger, is also doing well back in Switzerland.

SAWA DEE!!! EXCHANGE STUDENT FA SILLAPAJARN'S PRESENTATION

It's always a treat when our Exchange Students provide us with a glimpse into life in their home countries, and last Friday was no exception. Punyanuch Sillapajarn is better known as "Fa", and last week she talked with us about her native Thailand.

Fa said that the Thai ruler, King Rama IX, has had the longest reign in the country's history. The King is the head of state, he leads the Thai armed forces, and he upholds the Buddhist religion. He is also the Defender of All Faiths, which is important since, as Fa told us, culture, faith, and tradition are central to the Thai way of life.

Thai culture has many elements. Thai dancing is a very important cultural touchstone. Marriage in Thailand is also important, and it involves two main parts - the legal part and the ceremonial part. One important cultural element is the Tak Bat, or morning alms, where Buddhist monks are fed by the faithful.

Fa also talked about other important parts of Thai culture, including Thai boxing, the delicious food, and (it's a separate category) dessert. She also noted that the geography of Thailand contains a variety of features - mountains, waterfalls, and of course, the sea.

Fa told us that there are many festivals in Thailand. She mentioned the Loi Krathong Festival, celebrated throughout Southeast Asia as an example. Krathongs are generally small vessels or rafts that are floated on a convenient body of water. These are launched under a full moon, usually in November. The floats contain coins, food, flowers, and a candle. Fa's home town of Nakhon Sawan has a big celebration in honor of the Chinese New Year.

Fa said that she has a big family, which includes her Rotarian father, Kaisin; her mother Punyanat; her older brother Chawametha, who is 19; and her 12-year-old sister, Apinpom. Fa has a lot of experience with Rotary, helping her father's club with its Casino Night, and attending the District 3350 Youth Exchange Orientation Camp.

In case you're wondering what "sawa dee" means, Fa explained that it is a multi-purpose phrase. It can either mean "hello" or "goodbye", depending on the context. (Much like "aloha" for Hawaiians.) So, whether you're coming or going, when you see Fa, now you know what to say!

Volume XII, Issue 12: September 28, 2012

GOOD MORNING, FA!

Fa Sillapajarn, our Rotary Exchange Student from Thailand, told us that she had recently attended a baby shower. “It was sooo cute!” she said. She had also planned to take in a presentation for prospective HSU students, to be given by Sunriser Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth. Although Fa made it to the correct room, alas Romi did not. Fa’s coming plans include lunch with Sunriser Cindy Sutcliffe.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kahuna Kavinta (aka President George) told us that leaves of absence were approved for Julie Schaefer and Scott Heller by our Board. Don't worry, they'll be back within about three months. On the other hand, George also told us that John Wesa has decided to leave the Club for now. John still plans to contribute, and he hopes to return to our ranks someday.

Terri Clark told us that she recently met her grand niece Faye Taylor Clark, who was born September 3rd. Little Faye is already a Paul Harris Fellow, and she owns three quilts - all courtesy of Great Aunt Terri.

We heard last week that our Club will continue our tradition of hosting and sending Rotary Exchange Students again next year. As usual, our Club will join with the Arcata Noon Club to host an Information Night for prospective Outbound Exchangers at Arcata High. We'll let you know when the date is arranged - if you know of any students who might be interested, please tell them to watch for the meeting.

The Rotary Foundation Dinner North is coming to Fortuna's River Lodge on Saturday, October 13th, starting at 6 pm. To register, click on this link: FOUNDATION DINNER. But don't be slow!

Here are some other events that should be on your radar (or at least your calendar):

• October 15th  - Youth Exchange "Bluesbuster" Trip to San Francisco
• November 15th - A Taste of the Holidays

CRAFT TALK With CRAIG REED

Editor's Note: New Sunrisers are presented with a red Rotary Badge when they join our Club. One of the requirements for attaining the Coveted Blue Badge is to give a Craft Talk. This is an opportunity for the new Rotarian to tell us about their personal history - how he or she came to be a Sunrise Rotarian.

Craig Reed was born in Livermore, California, and raised in Cameron Park. When he graduated from high school, he decided to attend Humboldt State  University."Eventually," he said, "I got my degree in Theater Arts." He said that it may not have been the most relevant major, given that he is a Network Engineer for Humboldt Open Door Clinics. However, he noted that he is not your stereotypical information technology professional. "IT guys have a reputation as being hostile and combative," he said. "I try to knock that down." 

Craig became acquainted with Rotary in the fall of 2010, when he served as a member of a District 5130 Group Study Exchange team that visited Japan. Thedestination was perfect for him. As a kid, Craig and his family had neighbors from Japan, and he took Japanese in high school. Craig and fellow GSE team member Jillian Yerby visited our club in August 2011 to recount the highlights of their adventure. (See Sunrise Spirit Volume XI, Issue 5 for more information.)

That set the Rotary Wheel in motion. He learned more about Rotary and about our Club from Terri Clark, who had worked with him at Open Door, and his co-worker Angelo Bacigaluppi agreed to serve as his sponsor. 

Craig's family includes his girlfriend and her two children, and his own child. He said that they are not yet married ... yet. "That will be rectified soon," he stated, "but she doesn't know that yet." The family is also owned by a cat. And we welcome them all to our Club's extended family.

RECOGNITIONS WITH ROMI

Last week, our Recognition Maven was Romi Hitchcock Tinseth, and she told us that Max Crow had recently celebrated a birthday. Max told us that he just turned six, and that he celebrated by playing laser tag with friends. He also had a special treat - popsicles with candles! We sang "Happy Birthday" to him - another treat, but maybe not quite as special.

Our last meeting also saw the return of the game Liar, Liar. In this game, a Sunriser says three things about his or her life. Two are true, and one is false. A second Sunriser is selected to ferret out the falsehood. 

Our first Liar was Dean Krushke. He said that (1) he has swam/swum across Lake Tahoe six times, (2) he has a "very useful degree in Microbiology", and (3) he played Minor League Baseball. Ceva Courtemanche got it right - she correctly guessed that Dean hadn't made the Minors. (He said that it had been "a pipe dream".)

Liar Number Two was Dewey Kiefer, who claimed (1) that he had set a record by drinking a fishbowl-sized glass of margaritas in 24 seconds, (2) he is descended from Daniel Boone, and (3) he was an early neighbor of Glenn Tinseth (Romi's hubby). I failed to write down the Lie Detector, but I did catch that the first statement was ... shall we say ... less than true.

Our Final Liar of the day was Past President and Past District Governor Harry Johnson. Despite his credentials and knowledge of the Four-Way Test, Harry took some liberties with the truth. He said (1) that he is and was a Charter Member of our Club, (2) That he was born and raised in Humboldt County, and (3) that he has caught a bigger fish that Kahuna Kavinta. I don't know whether Tomas guessed correctly (sorry, Tomas), but the second statement was untrue.

FOUNDATION FRIDAY AUCTION

Most Foundation Fridays feature our special auction, where Sunrisers (and anyone else who happens to be in the room) get the chance to bid on prizes donated by other Sunrisers. The proceeds are donated to the Rotary Foundation, with half of the purchase price credited to the donor, and the other half credited to the winning bidder. Here are the details from last week's auction:

Prize Description	Donor	Winning Bidder
"Snack Attack" - a selection of snacks plus a Figueiredo's gift certificate	Rob McBeth	Cindy Sutcliffe
A Cooler filled with beer, wine, and snacks	Donny Rosebrook	Terri Clark
Four HSU Basketball tickets - baseline, with complementary beverages	Ian Schatz	Rina Brodhag
Special Zucchini Bread hand-made by Rotary Kid ...	Mary Crow	Mark Burtchett
Two HSU Basketball tickets	Mark Burtchett	Jessica McKnight
Chocolates Galore!	Dawn Elsbree	Laura Montagna

Thanks to all of our donors and purchasers. Your generosity added up to a $515 donation to the great programs of the Rotary Foundation. There will only be one more Foundation Auction this calendar year, to take place on October 26th. That will be a perfect opportunity to get some special holiday gifts, so be there!