Volume XI, Issue 45: June 22, 2012

Announcements

Angelo Baciagaluppi is now a Blue Badger! When he gave his Craft Talk on June 15^th, Angelo completed the final requirement for full Sunrise Status. President Scott retrieved his temporary Red Badge, replacing it with the coveted shiny new Blue Badge. Congratulations, Angelo!

George Cavinta announced that we provided the Humboldt Crabs organization with a check for $1,000. The funds will allow several underprivileged youth to attend their baseball camps this summer. George was told that this year’s camps will be the biggest ever.

Craig Newman gave a Youth Exchange update. He noted that, although last Friday was Noemi’s last meeting with us, our Exchange Student for 2012-2013 will be arriving soon. Her name is Punyanuch Sillapajam, but she prefers to be called “Fa”. The details of Fa’s arrival will emerge over the next few weeks.

Noëmi ’s Farewell Address

Noëmi is taking President Scott's heart with her ...

Friday was Noëmi ’s last meeting with us (as an Exchange Student). “I had so much fun,” she said. She thanked the Club, along with her host families. Her father Alex, her mother Daniela, and her brother Yannic were also at Friday’s meeting! Noëmi prepared a video farewell and thank you, which she titled “A Year Through the Eyes of and Exchange Student”. Here is the link to the show: NOEMI.

We will miss you, Noëmi . Please be sure to visit us soon … and often!

Rotarian of the Month … and ROY!

Your Editor was President Scott’s surprise selection for June’s Rotarian of the Month, so objective reporting is out of the question. Fortunately, Scott also announced his selection for ROY, or “Rotarian of the Year” – Bob Johnson!

Are you sure that's me?

Bob is a charter member and former Club President, and he has been very active for all of those years. He brought the Taste of the Holidays to our Club, and he chaired the event for many years. This year, he has been most visible as the Chief Recognizer, bringing his distinctive style to the task. Scott prepared a “Rotarian of the Year” video tribute to Bob – just click here: ROY

ROY Recognizes Others …

Bob Johnson remained “on stage” as the meeting moved into its Recognition segment. First, Bob asked Julie Vaissade-Elcock to discuss a recent Times-Standard article she wrote explaining HARP loans. Sir Charles Giannini chimed in, noting that he had recently refinanced his home … or his daughter’s home …

We then saw a 3-second video of Orrin “O.P.” Plocher riding a wooden rocking horse that he recently built. O.P. said that he uses the horse often – “I just sit on it and watch TV.” If the video goes viral, he may be watching himself!

Ian Schatz apparently has several aliases, including Mr. Sowerberrie, the Professor, and Amahl. These are all roles he has played in his acting career with the Ferndale Repertory Theatre. All three characters can be found in musicals: Mr. Sowerberry is from “Oliver!”, the Professor is found in “South Pacific”, and the last is the title character from “Amahl and the Night Visitors”.

Another “Singing Sunriser” is Mark Bruce, who did some minor braggin’ on his son Adam, who is studying Physics at U.C. Berkeley. Mark said that Adam is working with last year’s Nobel Prize winner, Saul Perlmutter. Dr. Perlmutter recently published a paper on his research, with Adam credited as a co-author!

Another Rotary Kid Scholar, Kayla Watson, was fodder for braggin’ by her mudder, Joyce Hinrichs. Kayla recently graduated from college and plans to do post-graduate work in Speech Pathology.

Kyle Visser was back – he was teaching a morning class for his church during the school year, which meant that he was unable to join us at our meetings. Kyle was feeling proud himself – his wife Natalie recently graduated from her nursing program and passed her state boards.

Winding Down

Last week was not Scott’s last meeting as Club President, but it was the last one he would have any control over. Sooooo … he seized the opportunity. We all received Arcata Sunrise 20^th Anniversary pins and a bottle of “Pinot for Polio” wine – the corresponding donation to the Rotary Foundation was credited to each of our Paul Harris Fellowship accounts. Wow! It was yet another example of Scott’s generosity and his commitment to Rotary’s ideals.

Terri with Robin

Foundation Chair Terri Clark asked Robin Meiggs to step forward. Robin is the coach of the Humboldt State Women’s Crew team and she is also President Scott’s better half. Now, she is also our newest Paul Harris Fellow. In accepting the honor, Robin told us how much Rotary has meant to Scott, especially during his term as Club President. Rotary changes lives, indeed.

Showing Rotary on every dive ...

Scott announced that he will take a 3 month sabbatical beginning in September. He plans to travel to Honduras to pursue his divemaster certification. President Scott closed our meeting with a video recapping his presidential year. I strongly encourage you to take the a few moments and take a look at it by clicking here.

Thanks, Scott, and best wishes for a successful debunking …

A bonus photo of Bob and Scott - Your account will not be charged.

Volume XI, Issue 44: June 15, 2012

Catching up with Noëmi ...

We finally got a chance to see the photos of our Exchange Student from Switzerland, Noëmi Schönenberger, throw the first pitch at the Arcata Ballpark. The occasion was our Kids, Crabs, and Rotary event, which doubled as our farewell party for Noëmi. 

She had even more excitement the following weekend. On Friday, June 8th, her father Alex arrived for a visit; the next night was the Senior Prom; and Sunday was her 18th birthday! "The time just flew by," she said.

... and Gracie!

I think it was coincidental, but our Outbound Exchange Student, Grace Lovell, returned from Chile on Noëmi's birthday! Grace was at our last meeting, with her parents, Harriet and Brian, and she provided a great presentation on her year. 

She was on the mainland in Talca for the first seven months of her adventure. Talca is about 150 miles south of Santiago, in the middle of Chile. She made many new friends, including other exchange students, her host families, classmates, and "even a llama or two," she said. "I made some friendships that will last forever."

Patagonia and the Atacama Desert were among the exotic places she was able to visit. Grace saw glaciers and a volcano and many new animals. Among these were llamas (of course) and penguins. But not just any penguins - these were Humboldt Penguins!

President Scott with the Lovells and the Schönenbergers

In April, Grace moved to Easter Island (or as she called it in her blog, "Easter-Freaking-Island!". While she was there, she learned Rapanui - the native language of the island. 

Although Grace never quite got the hang of soccer, she had a great experience. For more details of her entire year, mouse over to the sidebar and click on the link to her blog, "Exchange Student Grace in Chile".

Visitors Abound

We had a very special Visiting Rotarian last Friday - Noëmi's father, Alex! He exchanged banners with President Scott, then thanked us for taking care of his daughter. With Alex were Noëmi's mother Daniela, and her brother Yannic.

We also had two Arcata Sunrise Perpetual Scholars give updates on their academic progress. Tom Salamunovich is doing well at Cal Poly, and Alesha Bellar is working hard in the Child Development Program at College of the Redwoods.

Craft Talk - Angelo's Tall Tales

The Craft Talk allows us to get to know our newer Sunrisers, as they tell us about their lives and what led them to join our Club. Angelo Baciagaluppi told his story last Friday.

Angelo Baciagaluppi

He was born in the Dominican Republic to an Italian mother and a Dominican father (or maybe it was the other way around). As a result, Angelo is multilingual. He now speaks English, Italian, and Spanish, but he says, "all with an accent!" (The "tall" in the tall tales heading refers to the fact that Angelo is 6'6".)

He met his future wife Michelle when she was an exchange student in the Dominican Republic. They were married in the spring of 2000. "We're still together," he said. "Better, we're still happily married!" Angelo and Michelle have two children, Diego - who is seven, and five-year-old Emma. In 2000, the family bought a house in McKinleyville, but they have since moved to Trinidad.

After moving to Humboldt, Angelo worked in many capacities for Six Rivers Bank, but he began working for Nylex in 2005 as a Network Engineer. His boss is Carlton Nielsen, who served as the 2010-2011 President of the Eureka Rotary. Carlton encouraged Angelo to join Rotary, and he found us (and vice versa).

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EDITOR'S NOTE: This edition of the Sunrise Spirit would not have been possible without additional reporting by Sunrise Sleuth Janice Newman. Thanks, Janice!!!

Volume XI, Issue 43: June 8, 2012

Announcements and Business ...

Kate and Noëmi

Last Friday we had our annual visit with the Top Ten Percent of Arcata High School's Graduating Class, but there was a little Sunriser Business to take care of first. President Scott told us that the Arcata Rotary (aka the Noon Club) has invited us to join them for their annual Fun Day on Wednesday, June 20th at Merryman's Beach House on Moonstone Beach. More details will follow, but save the date.

Two special people celebrated birthdays recently, and we honored them both. Rotary "Kid" Kate Breyer turned 14 on Monday, June 4th, and Exchange Student Noëmi Schönenberger turned 18 on Saturday, June 9th. Despite what you see in the photo to the left, both birthday celebrations were age-appropriate ...

Our 2012 Scholarship Recipients

Each year the Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise provides financial assistance to deserving graduates, but the Class of 2012 made the task difficult for our Scholarship Committee, according to its chair, Jason White. The group selected four outstanding students to be honored. The first four graduates each received a one-time scholarship of $1,000. In the photo below from left to right are Scholarship Chair Jason White, Jazmen McGinnis, Shoshana Lescht-Smith, Matt Nelson, Gregory Arena, and Arcata Sunrise President Scott Heller.

Class of 2012 Sunrise Scholars

Shoshana Lescht-Smith has played varsity soccer for four years, has been a member of the AHS Interact Club for two years, and has volunteered as a Hebrew school teacher, for teen court, and for the Youth Relay for Life. Shoshana will major in Biology at Santa Barbara University, then she plans to earn a PhD and pursue a career in science research.

Jazmen McGinnis was voted the MVP of the AHS Cross-Country team this year, and she also was a member of the track team. She volunteered in the Creeks Project Club and she was part of the Be the Change Program. Despite her busy academic and athletic schedule, she also works at CVS Pharmacy. She plans to attend College of the Redwoods in the Fall, where she will continue running cross-country. Her long-term goal is to work in health care, possibly in the field of physical therapy.

Matthew Nelson was a member of the AHS Madrigal Choir, and he also served as an officer in the National Honor Society. He volunteered time for Hearts of Haiti and Relay for Life. Matthew will attend Santa Rosa Junior College in the fall, but then he intends to transfer to UC Davis to study anthropology, with an ultimate goal of gaining his PhD and perhaps going into education.

The recipient of our RCAS Memorial Scholarship, which provides $1,000 per year for the next four years, was Gregory Arena. Gregory is a violinist in the ArMack Orchestra and he is a former History Day winner. He grew up in a household devoid of technological trappings - no television, no cellphone, no X-Box. After he read "My Side of the Mountain", Gregory challenged himself by trying to survive outside on his own. He will attend UC Berkeley to study botany and biology with an eye toward environmental research, possibly regarding global warming. 

Focus on Your Passion (and Join Rotary)

Our featured speaker last Friday was Rollin Richmond, President of Humboldt State University ... and a Visiting Rotarian. Rollin noted that Humboldt State was the first university to adopt a Graduation Pledge, twenty years ago. The HSU Pledge is short - only 21 words, in fact - but it is powerful. "I pledge to thoroughly investigate and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job opportunity that I consider.” Rollin encouraged the graduates, to consider making such a pledge regardless of their chosen schools.

Rollin Richmond

Rollin counseled the students to focus on their passions, not financial considerations when pursuing their careers. "Choose your values," he said, "and set realistic but challenging goals." He is a scientist first and foremost, so he hopes that many of the bright young men and women in the audience will opt for research careers. "Prepare yourselves for a lifetime of curiosity," he advised.

Here are more of Rollin's suggestions:

• Try new things
• Prepare financially for college
• Be sure to find time for yourself
• Learn how to manage your money
• Use your college advisors
• Don't let roadblocks get in your way

Rollin also recommended that the students join Rotary. It's an organization that brings you into contact with community leaders. It also provides significant community support. And, Rollin said, "It's fun!"

Volume XI, Issue 42: June 1, 2012

Star-Spangled Crabgrass?

Thanks to Laura Montagna for this photo

 Throughout President Scott's reign, we have started each meeting with the playing or singing of our National Anthem. Last Friday, we were treated to a surprise rendition by  the Crabgrass Band, in honor of our Kids, Crabs, and Rotary event coming that Sunday. (It was believed to be the first Arcata Sunrise visit by the Crabgrassers since the inauguration of Your Editor as Club President back in the 1990's.)

Thank you also, Karen Burgesser

Noëmi's Nëws

Exchange Student Noëmi Schönenberger had her first encounter with Kinetic Sculptures over Memorial Day Weekend, and her reaction was, "I've never seen anything like that before!" Only in Humboldt County (and maybe a few other places, now). She also said that she received her Arcata High School yearbook last week, which was also a first for her. Noëmi said that they don't have yearbooks in Switzerland. After she gets home and shows it around, maybe she'll start a new trend! 

Maggie's Back!

Honorary Sunriser Maggie Kraft returned early from her Peace Corps posting in Botswana, and she is now the new Executive Director of the Area 1 Agency on Aging. Maggie said that she had worked hard during her time in Africa, and it was hard to leave. Although she is looking forward to the challenges of her new position, "It's really weird to go someplace and really immerse yourself in it." 

Humboldt Live 

Jim Ritter was at last Friday's meeting to talk about Humboldt Live. The program used to be known as JCS/SBMS Live, but it continues to expand. Humboldt Live engages junior and senior high school students, offering mentorship and career exploration opportunities. Their activities this school year have included job shadowing and panels of professionals discussing their careers. 

Jim Ritter, Lynn Jones, and Tristan Czerwinski

Sunny Brae Middle School teacher Lynn Jones said that this year, Humboldt Live was offered as an elective, and it had quite an impact on the students who participated. Student Tristan Czerwinski told us that he enjoyed the job shadowing program. He plans to be a helicopter pilot someday, and he said that he learned that "actually having a job means that you're not having fun all the time". 

Program participants were able to hear from panels of doctors, veterinarians, coaches and student athletes, and attorneys. Sunriser and attorney Mark Bruce was a member of one of the panels. Overall, 81 students participated in the program this year.

Fly Humboldt!

Our featured speaker last week was Don Ehnebuske, the Executive Director of the Redwood Region Economic Development Corporation (RREDC). With him was Emily Jacobs, of the Aviation Division of the Humboldt County Public Works Department. Don noted that the Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is a significant economic driver for Humboldt County. Many of our local businesses rely on the airport to ship their goods, to bring in customers, and for many other reasons. 

Don Ehnebuske of RREDC

The average cost to passengers flying into and/or out of ACV increased sharply when United Airlines became the only option for travelers. The Fly Humboldt effort is recommending that a coalition of organizations once again offer a minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) to an airline to provide competition. Previous MRGs were in place with Alaska Airlines and Delta, and significant benefits were seen, Don said. 

The main benefits come in the form of jobs - construction jobs at the airport, export jobs in several industries, and professional jobs. Don said that the "hidden economic benefit" comes from the 30,000 to 40,000 additional passengers we would see each year. Each of those passengers pays $4.50 to an airport construction fund, for a total of about $135,000. That amount is then matched on a 19 to 1 basis by the Federal Aviation Agency for local construction. The FAA mandates that local contractors should be used on these projects if possible. Historically, about 90% of the work has benefited local construction firms.

Don said that he anticipates that the following entities will provide funds for the MRG:

• $750,000 - Small Community Air Service Development Program Grant (SCASDP)
• $250,000 - Headwaters Fund
• $200,000 - County of Humboldt Funds
• $100,000 - Businesses, Local Governments, and Community Funds

This would mean a total of $1,300,000 available for a miminum revenue guarantee. Don emphasized that the funds would not be paid to the airline until the services were provided. 

Don said that he is hoping for letters of support to local government agencies to encourage them to participate. The expected return on investment is high; Don said that it should bring millions of dollars to the local economy. For more information and to follow the effort, keep an eye on the Fly Humboldt page on Facebook.