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, due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are again 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“
- October 23 – RCAS Blood Drive Challenge (Make your appointment online)
- October 23 – Virtual District Conference (via Zoom)
- October 31 – Ciencia Para Todos Haunted House
- November 7 – District 5130 Foundation Celebration (via Zoom)
- November 11 – Veterans Day Flag Ceremony at 4:30 pm on the Arcata Plaza
- November 11-14 – The Zone Institute, tentatively scheduled for Tuscon, Arizona
- June 4-8, 2022 – The 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas.
For Openers …
President Ian welcomed our guests and visiting members of local Rotaract and Interact Clubs, then he reviewed upcoming events, which included a reminder that Backpacks for Kids is underway.
There was also a call for assistance with the Haunted House that will be operated by our friends at HSU’s Ciencia Para Todos. They could use a few extra hands on Halloween from 2 to 5 PM at Carson Park in Valley West. They would also appreciate donations of small prizes for their costume contest.
And Ian thanked the Fellowship Committee for presenting a guided meditation session earlier in the week.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Romi Hitchcock Tinseth provided the day’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Moment, as she reminded us that our Rotary Club lives on “unceded land of the Wiyot Peoples” (the Wiyot Tribe and the Bear River and Blue Lake Rancherias. These groups maintain their connections to this land through their culture, ceremonies, and stewardship as they always have. Other native peoples whose land we occupy include the Yurok, Chilula, Hupa, Karuk, Mattole, Nongotl, Sinkiyone, Tolowa, Wailaki, and Whilkut.
We may acknowledge the harm that was done over the years, as lands were taken from these groups, that does not repair the damage. Romi called for us to educate ourselves, honor those who were here first, honor their traditions of preserving the land and its bounty, celebrate and support tribal communities, empower Native Youth, and pay the Honor Tax.
Paying the Honor Tax is a way of recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Native Nations, implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It was created by individuals, businesses, and organizations, and it is a voluntary payment – one-time or recurring – that helps to support our local Native groups. Learn more by visiting www.honortax.org.
Recognitions
President Ian recognized Past President Maggie Kraft, as her organization – the Area One Agency on Aging (A1AA) – was on the move! The nonprofit that helps so many seniors in our community was moving to a new location near the Courthouse in Eureka last Friday.
And Sunriser Ken Pocasangre participated in the 125th Boston Marathon on October 11th, but he had to play through the pain. Ken pulled a hamstring a few weeks before the event, but he persevered. An elite runner, without a doubt!
And during the weekly raffle, Nick Torres reminded us to save our change for when we return to in-person meetings. Donating that amount to the Club will offset the loss of the regular “Dollar on the Table” draws that we’ve been missing.
An Update from the Lost Coast Rotaract Club
Our Featured Speaker was Laquita Agwiak, the President of the Lost Coast Rotaract Club. She said that her group has been meeting online, but also meeting outside. They helped the Friends of the Dunes with a recent fundraiser and with a Coastal Cleanup. Club Members also celebrated Navaratri – a Hindu festival that took place earlier this month.
Laquita said that, although their membership has dropped during the pandemic, they do intend to create and launch an international project soon. They also want to help the local Rotary Clubs with their projects, and President Ian offered our Club’s help on projects and events when we are needed. Crystal Perez discussed her experience as a Rotaractor, and she noted that it was an enjoyable time. It also made transitioning to RCAS easier. Sophie Saucedo also shared her experience as a Rotaractor and a Rotarian – at the same time! And Ken Pocasangre noted that he was also a member of the Lost Coast Club!
President Ian’s Closing Haiku …
Wherever we stand
This beautiful place we live
Indigenous Land