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.
Usually, we meet on most Fridays at 7 am in the Plaza View Room
at Arcata’s historic Jacoby Storehouse,
however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are meeting online.
Please visit the RCAS Website for the meeting links.
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 Calendar …
RISE: “Rotary Involvement Strengthens Everyone“
- June 12 – Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup – be at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center at 10 am
- June 12-16 – The 2021 Rotary International Convention – Online!
- November 11-14 – The Zone Institute, tentatively scheduled for Tuscon, Arizona
- October 8, 2021 – The North Coast Ethics in Business Awards
- June 4-8, 2022 – The 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas.
For Openers …
Following a review of the Rotary Vision and the Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Sunriser Bob Johnson told us that he and his wife Susan will soon retire, and that their business – Shady Lady Window Coverings – is for sale. Contact Bob if you think you’d look good in shades.
President Maggie welcomed members of the Arcata High School Class of 2021 and their families. Then, Lisa Hemphill told our visitors the purpose of the Backpacks for Kids program.
Maggie showed a slide that had three pieces of advice for graduates: 1. Be a learner; 2. Be a maker; and 3. Be a giver. Sunriser Dick Johnson added that the graduates should be flexible, in both their education and their career paths. Sunriser Mike Pazeian called upon his forty years of experience as a teacher, advising them to “find your passion, and help others”.
Investing Responsibly
Andrew Olig is a Vice President of Calvert Research and Management, and he was our Featured Speaker. He addressed the Academic Top 10% from Arcata High School’s Class of 2021, noting that Calvert was the first Wall Street group to divest from companies and organizations associated with human rights abuses. He told us that this is an exciting time for firms involved in responsible investing, because it is growing at about three times the rate of other investing practices.
Companies are responding positively, Andrew told us. Most want to be able to tell their investors and their employees that they are helping to support positive outcomes.
Calvert itself is dedicated to improving environmental outcomes, societal outcomes, and investment outcomes. They look for opportunities to invest in companies that are seeking to increase their corporate responsibility. This is an opportunity for investors to use capital to drive positive change.
Andrew was asked what advice he would give the new graduates about investing, and he responded, “Start early.” He also suggested that they be active and aware investors.
The AHS Academic Top Ten Percent
In keeping with RCAS Tradition, we honored the Academic Top Ten Percent of Arcata High School’s Class of 2021. AHS Principal Jim Monge reminded the graduates to “start early on your career”. He also advised them to have a plan, but to be flexible and roll with the changes. And he noted that the students have had “a great support system through high school,” and he suggested that they build and maintain an infrastructure that will continue to support them in the years to come.
Not all of these graduates were able to attend our meeting, but here is a list of the AHS Academic Top Ten Percent:
Vocational Scholarships
- $500 to Evelyn Miranda Garcia, who will attend College of the Redwoods this fall, with a goal of becoming a dental hygienist
- $500 to Travis Hoffman, who will enter an an apprenticeship program to become an electrician
Academic Scholarships
- $1,000 to Ella Waterhouse, who will attend the Montana State University
- $1,000 to Maiya Brown, who will attend the California School of the Arts
- $1,000 to Marisa Mendosa, who will attend Pacific University
- $500 to Miles Johnson, who will attend UC Santa Cruz
- $500 to Zoe Leonard, who will attend University in London, England
- $500 to Kate Plumley, who will attend the University of Southern California
- Our recurring scholarship, which provides $1,000 each year for four years to a deserving student was awarded to Madisen Berube, who will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the scholarship winners, and to all of the members of the Class of 2021. We know it was a challenging year, and we look forward to your leadership in the years to come.
– Click here to view the complete meeting –