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, while we are under the Shelter In Place order, we are meeting online.
Please visit the RCAS Website for the meeting links.
The Calendar …
RISE: “Rotary Involvement Strengthens Everyone“
Watch here for events as they return to our Calendar …
A Big Morning – Announcements and The Latest from Thomas!
There were a lot of announcements at the last RCAS Meeting in March.
President AJ gave instructions on how to enter the raffle via Venmo, and he also debuted links to our virtual meetings on the RCAS web page.
Our Exchange Student from France – Thomas Spengler – provided an update. He’s been busy in the Hemphill backyard, but it’s not all work. He also got to play Cornhole. Thomas also talked about what sheltering in place looks like in France.
Recognitions included Brandi Easter’s “Virtual Plunge” to support the Discovery Museum. She took the plunge with her fellow Sea Beasts. Crystal Perez (aka Charli Murphy – although sometimes I think it’s the other way ’round) told us about the great time folks had at her art show. She also said that she recently became Auntie Crystal to her new niece Allie (or maybe it’s spelled “Ali” … or ??).
Our Club has taken to Facebook and Instagram to help get the word out about current hours and offerings from several local businesses that would have been promoting their wares via our “A Taste of Spring” fundraiser.
Romi Hitchcock Tinseth came up with a great idea to let medical professionals know that we appreciate the sacrifices they are making during the COVID-19 crisis. She suggests that we lace our social media posts with the hashtag phrase #RotaryThanksHealthcareHeroes. Kinda says it all, don’t you think?
Rebecca Stauffer is a retired pediatrician, and she provided helpful advice for dealing with the coronavirus situation. She was followed by Joyce Hinrichs, who provided an update on steps the Superior Court is taking to deal with the crisis. Then Gregg Foster discussed the latest responses from local governments.
Finally, Inga Townsend, the Director of Student Services at Arcata Elementary, gave an update on how the Backpacks for Kids program is operating in this age of social distancing. Sunriser Mike Pazeian gave his perspective as a Student Teacher Supervisor at Humboldt State.
How Horses Help Healing
Sunriser Amy Scolari was the Featured Speaker for the March 27, 2020 RCAS Meeting. Amy is the Development Director for Wild Souls Ranch in Fortuna – a nonprofit corporation that provides therapy for foster youth, adopted youth, and youth experiencing challenges using horses. Amy told us that the correct term is Equine Assisted Growth and Learning.
Wild Souls Ranch was founded in 2013 by Savanah McCarty, who wanted to help young people who were at-risk. Savanah knew from personal experience that horses could provide needed support and healing to youths in need. Those in the program learn the value of hard work, develop a strong sense of self, practice communication skills, and understand the importance of family values and relationships.
Don’t miss a minute!
(Click here to view the video of the full meeting.)