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
- June 4-8, 2022 – The 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas.
Gratitude, Recognitions, and Fellowship
President Maggie started our meeting with a look at the Rotary Vision Statement, and the Rotary Statement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness.
Although she was not a guest, we have missed Susan Diehl-McCarthy recently, and we also welcomed guest Monique Molina.
Maggie said it was National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day”, and she awarded the prize to Rachel Damme and her son Isaac. It was also Healthcare Decisions Day, so Maggie asked whether we have an advanced care directive in place.
Opportunity Door Number One led us to Gratitude and Recognitions, and Mike Pazeian told us that he appreciates Lisa Hemphill’s lead in heading up the backpacks for kids program. He also commended Amanda Nelson for her leadership with the meals to seniors program. He was thankful that he got his second COVID shot the previous day, and he’s thankful for our organization allows him to help others.
Howard Stauffer was next up, and he told us that about six months ago, his doctors found a cancerous tumor in his left lung. However, following a successful operation, his most recent scan showed that the cancer has not spread. Howard is also thankful for his wife, son, and daughter, as well as his supportive circle of friends, and our Rotary Club. He is also very grateful that he lives in Arcata, California.
Pres. Maggie told us that the Big Kahuna – Past President and Honorary Member, George Cavinta recently had some health issues. His medical team found that he had an aneurysm. George is on the mend, but please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Earlier in the week, there was a Sunrise Swednesday with a Breakfast for Dinner theme. President Maggie said that she got together with Charli Murphy (AKA Crystal Perez) and Tom Tellez to cook and she said it was delightful!
Service Above Self
Amanda Nelson reported that the deliveries of Meals for Seniors went very well, as we wrapped up that program for now (unless some new issue comes up). Golfing Sunrisers should sign up for Southwest Eureka Rotary’s Stephen Brodhag Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, June 11th, and/or our own Sunrise Scramble, which will take place on Saturday, August 21st. We will hear more about the latter tourney in mid-May.
Charli Murphy (AKA Crystal Perez) was not on hand, so President Maggie reported that she (Charli/Crystal) has been working hard to coordinate and fill the paid internships that were provided by a District 5130 grant. Maggie also praised Tomas Chavez and Sequoia Personnel for volunteering to handle all of the payroll issues involved in the project.
Arcata’s Strategic Infill Redevelopment Program
David Loya was our Featured Speaker last week. He is the Director of Community Development for the City of Arcata, and he joined us to discuss the City’s Strategic Infill Redevelopment Program. About three years ago, his office announced a “bold new plan” for housing in Arcata. We are “in the thick of it now,” he said.
The Strategic Infill Redevelopment Program was created to align the City’s redevelopment policies with the needs of the community and available resources.
David noted that “development is not a bad thing”. In that spirit, the program is working with developers while seeking input from community members about the process. David said that his department is “driving engagement in ways that have not happened before”.
The key to the program is the development of another plan – the Arcata Gateway Area Plan. This plan seeks to add housing to an area of the city that
was previously used mostly for industrial purposes. The area covers 106 acres bounded on the southwest by Samoa Boulevard from I Street to O Street, with its farthest northeast boundary reaching a small section of 15th Street.
For more information, please visit these pages on the City of Arcata’s website:
– Click here to view the complete meeting –