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
Dick Johnson told us about a potential brush with fame. He was contacted recently by the contestant staff for Jeopardy!, and asked to participate in an online audition, after taking the at-home test late last year. If he did well enough, he will be called back for an in person audition. He reassured his fellow Sunrisers that if he makes if onto the show, fame will not go to his head – “I’ll remember thirty percent of you!”
Peggy Metzger reported that she and her partner Kali celebrated her recent birthday by going to dinner with a few close friends. Peggy’s two adult sons “stepped it up”, but Your Editor was unable to make out quite what that stepping up entailed. But I’m sure it was great … Rebecca Crow did some celebrating also, with her husband Abe. Their anniversary was January 2nd, and the fun included waterfalls … Sophie Saucedo’s birthday arrived right on schedule this year – January 15th …
We had some members of the Arcata High School Interact Club on hand, as well as Alan Lowry, who is a member of the Arcata Noon Rotary. Jessica Jones is also a member of that Club, and she brought along Debi Dörfliger, their Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Switzerland … we also heard (via video) from Sierra Paliaga, who reported on her experience at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) …
We applauded Shannon Maciel for earning her Blue Badge … We also saw photos from the Cambodia Academy, where our support is helping them construct and supply a new kitchen area … Closer to home, we saw that the Water Catchment Project that we are working on in conjunction with Cal Poly Humboldt and Trillium School has begun …
Debi Dörfliger (the aforementioned Exchange Student from Switzerland) provided a brief presentation about her home country, her family, and herself … she is also raising funds for her Exchange Year activities by selling bouquets for Valentines Day … She’s also hosting a fundraising “Swiss Meal” on February 11th …
Arcata City Manager Karen Diemer was on hand to provide updates on recent developments … She also discussed some staff changes at City Hall …
Foundation Final Friday!
“You don’t have to stop at one.” That’s the advice from RCAS Foundation Chair Terri Clark regarding donations to your Paul Harris Fellow account. Our members have taken her advice to heart, and two of those generous folks were honored at our meeting. John Gullam and Lisa Hemphill have donated multiples of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, and the became Paul Harris Fellows Plus Two and Plus Seven, respectively! Thanks to both of them, and to all who continue to help fund the projects of one of the most efficient and effective charitable organizations in existence. Don’t stop at one!!
Those who donate and/or purchase items for our almost-monthly Final Friday Foundation Auction are among those who don’t stop at one. Here is a list of the January 2023 Auction:
- Past District Governor Dustin Littlefield offered a very nice Rotary shirt that incoming Club President John Gullam won (and will wear during his reign, perhaps).
- Charli Murphy and Crystal Perez provided a three-hour session with Ron Ceramics. Claire Ajina was the winning bidder.
- A Valentine’s package that included a bottle of Old Growth Zinfandel, Dick Taylor Chocolate, and a bouquet delivery was donated by Malinda Damme-Hinton was purchased by Holly Martel.
- Jessica McKnight contributed a lovely woolen crocheted throw. That will help keep JOYC (the Justice Of Your Club – and the winning bidder) warm during the winter nights.
- A small plant in a lovely planter was Rebecca Crow’s donation, and it was purchased by Past President Ian.
- Our Club offered a basket of assorted wines and beer that had been originally donated to RCAS for a Taste of the Holidays. Our intrepid Auctioneer – Amanda Nelson – snapped this one up.
- Marty Lay baked a pecan pie for the Auction, and now he’s headed back to the oven, because we had two winning bids, from President Vanessa and from Charli Perez. (And because Marty is a generous soul.)
- Lisa Hemphill donated a package of bracelets and four bottles of wine, which were won by Holly Martel.
- Holly provided the next prize – a large beverage tub packed with the essentials for a “Boozy Brunch”. Of course, one must have vodka from Humboldt Distillery, coffee, salted caramel, bourbon, beer, and much more! Bob Johnson’s bid topped them all!
- Our last package was a cutting board with crackers, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, wine, and more. It was donated by Charlie Jordan, and the winning bid was offered by JOYC (see note above).
The total earned for the Rotary Foundation came to $1,355! Thanks to all who donated prizes, and to those who bought them!
Full Meeting Video Link: