A Moment with Noëmi
Noëmi Schönenberger, our Rotary Exchange Student from Switzerland, had a quiet week leading up to our last meeting. I hope she caught her breath, because she was headed into Memorial Day weekend. If you're in Indianapolis, that means Indy Cars, but in Arcata, we're talking Kinetic Sculptures!! We'll hear her take on the race soon ...
Rotarian of the Month for May
As usual,Rina Brodhag was staffing the front counter last week, collecting money and checking in Rotarians and guests. President Scott walked up to encourage her to be in the meeting area at the start of the meeting. Unfortunately Rina showed her customary dedication, so she was still counting cash and tallying up guests when Scott named her Rotarian of the Month for May. Scott noted that "Rina only gets to eat half of her breakfast". She also does a superb job as our Club Secretary, and (sometimes) as Scott's secretary. Thanks for all you do, Rina!!
Recognitions with Romi
Last week's Roving Recognitionist was Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth. She asked Barbara Browning about an article that ran in the Times-Standard on Sunday, May 20th on Mind Mapping. Barbara said that Rotary "Kid" Megan Breyer had contacted Barbara to say that the article inspired her to use Mind Mapping to plan her upcoming Graduation Party.
Romi then launched into a trivia game designed to bring the history of two prominent Sunrisers to the attention of the latest wave. I deliberately used the singular "history" because the Rotarians under discussion met in high school and were married back in 1971. Each served a term as Club President, and both served as Club Secretary. They have two musician sons - 37-year old Michael, and Ryan, who is 33. Of course she was talking about Janice and Craig Newman, who have also hosted 13 Exchange Students and who have attended 7 Rotary International Conventions. Both have been very active at the District level, especially with the Youth Exchange program.
Foundation Final Friday Auction - Part Won
Our first item on the auction block last week was a ginormous plate of cookies, which were donated by someone whose name was not recorded by Your Editor. However I did provide the winning bid, once Auctioneer Bob Johnson saw me fidget.
Angelo Baciagaluppi provided the next prize - a gift certificate valued at $180 for computer/network services from his business, Nylex. Travis Schneider won, and will be tuning up his system in the near future.
One full hour of massage sounds soooooo relaxing ... Ceva Courtemanche was the donor, and Angelo Baciagaluppi was the winner. He may need it after he tackles Travis's computer.
Then came "Romi's Reciprocal Ripper" - a Makita reciprocal saw that was snapped up by Harry Johnson. The power tool came from Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth's toolbox.
Is tequila as relaxing as a massage? Jessica McKnight donated a complete margarita-making package, and you'll have to check with winner Amy Bohner to get the answer.
World Community Services Committee Report
During a break in the auction frenzy, several members of the World Community Services Committee reported on the projects they (and we) have supported this year, Here are the highlights:
- Our Club continued its support of the Mongkol Borei Primary School in Cambodia. Our contribution of $2,000 funds a classroom of 25 students from financially disadvantaged families.
- In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Eureka, we helped purchase playground equipment for children in Tomsk, in Siberia, Russia.
- We coordinated with Barbara Rabia O'Loren and the Roshni Centre for Women to provide a Women's Family Planning Workshop in Pakistan.
- In Cameroon, we provided funds to allow 17 Baku Pygmy children to attend primary school. This was supported in part by a Rotary District Simplified Grant.
- Nine Clubs from Rotary District 5130 (including ours) participated in a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant to provide support for AIDS orphans in Nigeria.
- We supported a microcredit lending program in Colombia, providing small loans to individuals starting businesses.
- Our club rovided fluoride treatments for the children of Cofradia, Mexico with the help of Project Amigo.
- In Botswana, we are working to provide a clean water system for an impoverished village.
Our thanks to the committee members: Chair Howard Stauffer, Co-Chair Jim Maher, Bryan Reeser, Bob Goodman, Barbara Browning, Jacqueline Debets, Harry Johnson, Rebecca Crow, and Julie Schaefer. (If I missed anyone, I apologize.)
Foundation Final Friday Auction - Part Too
The second half of the auction began with a bottle of wine, which represented a larger contribution from Travis Schneider. The package also included 3 dozen oysters and a stay at his company's newly refurbished campground on the Eel River. Outdoorsman Bob Johnson was the winner.
The next package was donated by Ron Sharp and Barbara Browning. It was tickets to any show in this year's Dell'Arte Mad River Festival, along with a stay in the couple's guest house in Blue Lake, including a homemade breakfast. Orrin Plocher will be the beneficiary of Ron's and Barbara's largesse, er generosity.
Two platters of cookies were donated by the Mendosa family. Rumor has it that they were baked over open candle flame during a power failure. One plate was purchased by Ian Schatz, and the other went to Joyce Hinrichs.
Auctioneer Bob Johnson contributed two rounds of golf at Baywood Golf and Country Club, which were snapped up by Dick Johnson.
Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth provided an Earth Bag, which contained an ice cream maker and coffee. The winning bid was made by President Scott Heller.
Our last item was definitely not the least. It was a basket filled with local Humboldt goodies and a $50 gift certificate. Matt Babich won that prize.
Thank you to all who donated and purchased items. With your help, we raised another $960 to support the great programs of the Rotary Foundation!
The second half of the auction began with a bottle of wine, which represented a larger contribution from Travis Schneider. The package also included 3 dozen oysters and a stay at his company's newly refurbished campground on the Eel River. Outdoorsman Bob Johnson was the winner.
The next package was donated by Ron Sharp and Barbara Browning. It was tickets to any show in this year's Dell'Arte Mad River Festival, along with a stay in the couple's guest house in Blue Lake, including a homemade breakfast. Orrin Plocher will be the beneficiary of Ron's and Barbara's largesse, er generosity.
Two platters of cookies were donated by the Mendosa family. Rumor has it that they were baked over open candle flame during a power failure. One plate was purchased by Ian Schatz, and the other went to Joyce Hinrichs.
Auctioneer Bob Johnson contributed two rounds of golf at Baywood Golf and Country Club, which were snapped up by Dick Johnson.
Romi Hitchcock-Tinseth provided an Earth Bag, which contained an ice cream maker and coffee. The winning bid was made by President Scott Heller.
Our last item was definitely not the least. It was a basket filled with local Humboldt goodies and a $50 gift certificate. Matt Babich won that prize.
Thank you to all who donated and purchased items. With your help, we raised another $960 to support the great programs of the Rotary Foundation!
