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 12-16 – 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.
Gratitude and Recognitions
President Maggie informed us that it was No Pants Day, but no Sunrisers stood up to show that they were sharing in the celebration.
On a more serious note, Maggie also advised us that May is Older Americans Month, and she reminded us that the majority of adults who are over 50 have experienced some form of “everyday ageism”. She encouraged us to participate in a June 3rd webinar on the topic – “Still Kicking: Confronting the Intersection of Ageism and Ableism”. Contact Maggie for more info.
Charlie Jordan told us some of the things for which she is grateful, including her discovery of “the depth and breadth of kindness” she has observed in the wake of the pandemic. She also shared this quote from Desmond Tutu: “A good deed doesn’t just evaporate and disappear. Its consequences saturate the universe and the goodness that happens somewhere, anywhere, helps in the transfiguration of the ugliness.” She reminded us that we are all “transformers of the universe”.
We heard from a few folks with May birthdays, including Bryn Coriell. Actually, we heard from Jennifer, because Bryn was getting breakfast for one of their kids (along with coffee for Jen). They are planning a backpacking trip for his 45th birthday on May 21st. Bob Johnson’s birthday is Saturday, May 15th, but he doesn’t have any plans … yet.
RCAS Webmaster Ed Christians has put out the call for new faces on the section of our website that tells visitors “Who are Arcata Sunrise Rotarians?” There were several takers (givers, really), but the more the merrier! If you would like to participate, please send Ed a portrait photo and a brief statement about why you joined, why you’ve stayed, or what our Club means to you.
Service Above Self
President Maggie said that later in the day, Tom Tellez and others would be hosting a barbecue lunch for about 35 to 40 folks who volunteered to come to our community to help provide COVID-19 vaccinations.
Thank you, John Gullam and Stephanie Lane for packing the week’s Backpacks for Kids. Next week, Vanessa Griffin will be hosting the pack-a-thon (which actually is not a big time commitment), so contact her if you want to help.
Charlie Jordan provided an update from our World Community Service Committee. She said that the group hasn’t been meeting lately, since they spent their allotted funds. But they wanted to touch base to wrap up the year and to make tentative plans for 2021-2022. They renewed their commitment to the Navajo Water Project, and they would also like to continue their efforts to provide homes to deserving families in Guatemala. Charlie said that at least two local Rotary Clubs have expressed interest in expanding their roles in that effort.
Our Golf Tournament – the Sunrise Scramble – is on track for August 21st. Dustin Littlefield said that our outreach will begin in mid-May, and he is hoping that players will register early to get a great spot.
An Update from Arcata City Manager Karen Diemer
We are always happy when Arcata City Manager Karen Diemer joins us at an RCAS Meeting, as she did on May 7, 2021. She reminded us that Equity Arcata issues a quarterly newsletter, and she encouraged us to sign up.
Karen told us that City Council has established several priorities going forward:
- Developing a homelessness reduction program, including providing additional services
- Increasing community outreach by Arcata Main Street in the Valley West area
- Growing social services and mental health services here, and coordinating with the county
- Creating a Police Oversight Board to review citizen complaints
- Improving the infrastructure that exists in the axis between Humboldt State and downtown Arcata
She also discussed two major developments currently in progress:
The 30th Street Commons Project is a partnership between the City and the Yurok Indian Housing Authority, and the project is now fully funded. The project will provide 36 units of affordable housing near the intersection of 30th Street and Alliance Road.
The Creek Side Annexation Project will provide varied types of housing on land that has been proposed to be annexed into the City. Karen said that the plans call for the extension of Foster Avenue.
The City also has a Strategic Arts and Culture Plan that is currently in draft status. Karen encouraged us to check it out online and provide comments and suggestions.
– Click here to view the complete meeting –