Welcome to the Sunrise Spirit –
the Weekly Newsletter of The Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise
We hope that you will attend one of our lively Friday meetings,
whether or not you are interested in joining Rotary.
We meet (almost) every Friday at 7 am in the Plaza View Room
of Arcata’s historic Jacoby Storehouse.
For more information, please visit the RCAS Website.
Rotary Vision
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create
lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
The RCAS Calendar
RISE: “Rotary Involvement Strengthens Everyone“
- February 19 – RCAS Charter Celebration! High Tea at Baywood Golf and Country Club, 2 to 5 pm
- March 31 & April 1 – District Training Assembly
- May 4-7 – District Conference at Konocti Harbor Resort
- May 27-31 – Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia
For Openers
President Vanessa lauded the AHS Interact Club for their work on “Coats for the Cold” – getting warm garments to those who really need them in these very cold times. She also praised those who contributed to Maggie Kraft’s recent Birthday Fundraiser that provided funds for the Arcata House Partnership.
We also discussed a living wall to be built soon, and the work we are doing in conjunction with Trillium School and Cal Poly Humboldt to set up a water catchment system, and several other projects. And our World Community Service Committee is taking on a project to help fund a fire truck that will serve a small village in Mexico. The Committee pitched in $500, then five individuals donated an additional $100 each to bring the total to $1,000. Our Club will also be sending $500 in discretionary funds to support relief efforts in Turkey and Syria in the wake of the disastrous earthquakes that claimed the lives of so many.
“There’s No Substitute …”
Our Featured Speaker was our President-Elect, John Gullam. He spoke to us in his capacity as Director of Donor Resources for the Northern California Community Blood Bank. He provided a brief history and profile of the organization, noting that “… on paper, it doesn’t make sense to have a blood bank here.”
But they are a very vital entity, both locally and throughout the state. John said that blood banks are very well connected. If your donation is not used in our community, you can rest assured that it will be sent to help someone in need.
Those with O negative blood are considered to be “universal donors”, since that blood type is compatible with all other types. John said that O positive is nearly as compatible, so those are the two types in the highest demand. However, all blood types are needed, so don’t shy away if you’re not in the “O” category.
John said that the percentage of the population that donates blood is higher in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties than the national rate (3.6 percent here vs. 3.0 percent nationally), but it still could improve. He encouraged us all to check out the organization’s website at NCCBB.net to check your eligibility and to make an appointment!
Full Meeting Video Link: