June 18, 2021

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 26 – Meet at Bigfoot Taproom in McKinleyville at 5:30 pm for fellowship
  • August 22 – RCAS Sunday Afternoon Barbecue at the Griffin
  • 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.

Door Number One: Gratitude and Fellowship …

For President Maggie’s last meeting (almost), we had a “Presentation of the Rotary Swag”. Maggie had encouraged us to wear our Rotary finery, and many of us complied, showing off pins, shirts, hats, and scarves.

Maggie shared her “Presidential Gratitude” – she let her board members and committee chairs know how much she appreciated their help and support, and she presented Charli Murphy (aka Crystal Perez) with a special award for working so hard on our Mentorship Project this year.
President Maggie noted that we did a lot during the pandemic year, including hosting virtual visits from former Exchange Students and from RI President Holger Knaack!

We also learned about two upcoming fellowship events. On Monday June 28th, we will gather at the Bigfoot Taproom in McKinleyville at about 5:30 pm to hang out and chat. Looking ahead, we will have a get=together complete with a barbecue on Sunday, August 22nd at the Griffin.

Door Number Two: Service Above Self

President Maggie recapped our fundraising activities, which were quite impressive for a pandemic-clouded year. Past President AJ Gonzales shared some of the highlights of the Community Service Committee’s activities, as well. And we also heard from the World Community Service Committee and the Foundation Committee.

Then President Maggie announced her selection for the 2020-2021 Rotarian of the Year – Vanessa Griffin! Since she joined RCAS in 2017, Vanessa has been a VIS (Very Impressive Sunriser), and the honor is well-deserved. After noting that Vanessa will serve as our Club President for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year, Maggie dubbed her business – The Griffin – the Official RCAS Clubhouse, as well!

Door Number Three: The Rotary Foundation

Our Club does a lot to support the amazing work of the Rotary Foundation, and Kevin Eisenberg – the District 5130 Foundation Chair (and Past District Governor) – was on hand to recognize President Maggie for becoming a Level Two Member of the Bequest Society, which means that she has provided that her estate will include a generous gift to the Foundation.

Kevin reminded us that Maggie was an Exchange Student and an Honorary Member of our Club before she joined the Peace Corps to serve in Botswana. There, she joined a local Rotary Club, and upon her return, she became a leader in our Club. He noted that, as a Bequest Society Member, Maggie’s commitment to Rotary and the Rotary Foundation will continue beyond her life. David Mark-Raymond, who serves as the District 5130 Endowment Chair, noted that Maggie has dedicated her life to helping others.

Maggie shared some closing words, asking us to think about diversity and equity and how they relate to the Four-Way Test. She reminded us of the value of working and talking with people who do not necessarily share all of our views.

 

 


– Click here to view the complete meeting –

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