Volume XII, Issue 1: July 13, 2012

Klub Kahuna!

The Rise of the Kahuna

We began the first meeting of the reign of Kahuna Kavinta (aka President George Cavinta) with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a recitation of the Four-Way Test. President George and Past President Scott Heller then swapped jewelry for a while, situating the President's Pin and the Past President's Pin on the proper lapels/collars. Then, it was time for ...

"George, I'll sing the Star-Spangled Banner, if you want ..."

Announcements

Dues are due. You have a few options for paying your annual dues. You can mail your check to PO Box 4197, Arcata, CA 95518 or you can bring your payment to a Friday meeting. Either way, please get paid up quickly, so we don't have to untie Rocco.

Former President Robert Goodman has agreed to serve as this year's Foundation Vice-President. He was duly elected by the other Former Presidents. In other Board of Directors news, Barbara Browning has ascended to President-Elect status, which left her Directorial position open. In its first meeting of George's year, the Board appointed Jessica McKnight to fill the slot for the remainder of Barbara's term.

President George told us that there will be a change to our schedule this year. In months that contain five Fridays (such as August of this year) the Club will not meet at its regular time. Instead, we will congregate for fellowship at a predetermined time and location. Foundation Final Friday will now be rechristened "Foundation Fourth Friday". (There will be a quiz, so I hope you've been paying attention!)

George also introduced us to this year's theme from Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka - Peace Through Service.  "A belief in the power of service lies at the very heart of Rotary," says President Tanaka. "Through service, we become more tolerant ... [and] with mutual respect, we live with others in peace." For more from President Tanaka, please click on the link to your right - President Tanaka's Message. His message will change monthly, so be sure to check it often.

Paul Harris Fellows ... Again!

Scott, Terri, and Cam

As Terri Clark noted, just because you've become a Paul Harris Fellow is no reason to stop contributing to the Rotary Foundation. Just ask two of our long-term PHFs - Charter Sunriser Cam Appleton has completed his second round of donations, which makes him a "Plus One", according to Terri. And Past President Scott Heller is a "Plus Two". Thank you both for your dedication and generosity!

 

 

 

 

 

Recognitions

Regular Recognitions will return at our next meeting, but President George did point out a few special days (and months). 

Janice Newman recently celebrated her birthday/birthmonth, as her son Ryan traveled from Santa Rosa for a visit. After that, she and hubby Craig did their own traveling - to the Newport Belle Riverboat Bed & Breakfast in Newport, Oregon. The B&B is a paddlewheel steamer, and they had a great time.

Orrin Plocher said that the highlight of his birthday celebrations was a trip to a B&B in Blue Lake, operated by ... Barbara Browning and Ron Sharp? Well, there was a huge mattress involved, at least. On his natal day, O.P. said that he and his wife Cristina played cards and enjoyed each others company.

Julie Vaissade-Elcock and her husband Stan had a romantic anniversary dinner at the Sea Grill the night before our meeting. I learned on Facebook that Stan gave Julie a heartfelt hand-written love note and a box of candy (which he had won at his Rotary Club). Julie met Stan when he hired her out of high school. They've been together for 32 years!

Brian and Susan Reeser's anniversary was also last Thursday night. Brian said that their plan was to go to Larrupin's Friday evening to eat mussels. They met when both were attending Arcata High School, and they got married 15 years ago!

Maggie Kraft and Erto

Honorary Sunriser Maggie Kraft provided the first presentation of the new Rotary year. Until recently, Maggie was serving in the Peace Corps, working at a school for the disabled in Botswana and helping other disabled people in nearby villages. On Maggie's daily three-mile walk to the school, she would pass through the whole village. One day, a woman she regularly greeted asked Maggie if she could help her son Erto, who had been born with clubfoot. 

Maggie said that she didn't know at first if she had the resources to help Erto. But she remembered, "In the Peace Corps, they train you that everything is impossible ... and that everything is possible." She put the 18-month-old Erto's story online, and the support began to come in. 

Treating clubfoot (also known as talipes) is a long process called the Ponseti Method. It is both costly and uncomfortable for the child. It is initially treated by placing the child in leg casts that stretch the ligaments and other soft tissues slightly, with the casts replaced regularly. Five to six casting sessions are generally needed before the child moves on to braces. 

Erto was older than most children who receive the treatment, but he has responded well so far. He still has quite a way to go, and the need for financial support continues. If you would like to read more about Erto, and donate to his therapy, please visit Maggie's blog: Ms. Maggie in Botswana.We will hear more about Maggie's African experiences later this year.