In the Beginning...
The meeting was called to order by our “as yet to be impeached” fearless leader Bill Gilbreth who gave us a heartwarming and inspirational story regarding feeling like the lone fire hydrant in a room with 78 dogs. We all smiled and were reminded to continue appreciating his leadership.
Pradeep in his invocation took us to the other side of the world, one we usually associate with violence and terrorism and gave us a deeply honored tradition over 1400 years old: “Melmastia”; an Afghan Pashtun requirement that profound respect and hospitality be shown to all visitors regardless of any distinction, be it race, religion, economic status or national affiliation and is always offered freely without hope of a returned favor. He reminded us that as Rotarians we are called to help all disadvantaged peoples around the world with the same heart. And to pray for all Rotary brothers and sisters in the good work they do.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Alexia Parks is a visiting Rotarian from Boulder, Colorado
Our Special Guests were:
Michael Scar, husband of our past Past-Prez Suzzane
Bryant Huber who has graciously agreed to begin taking over the AV duties
Bill Huber, Bryant’s dad visiting from snow country, Michigan
Sabriga Turgal: who just moved into our valley and is most welcome.
Fining-Judy Gabriel
Judy made a grand entrance at the last second, keeping us all on the edge of our seats hoping
that maybe just maybe we would be spared the trial of her laser like ability to extract penance.
But of course she came in and made us all laugh and intrigued with questions on the drought
and snowpack in the mountains. Our own Al West was a climate scientist taking measurements in the Sierra’s back in the 50s and 60s and shed some light on the subject as well.
There were many admissions of guilt and needed penance, too many to mention here, but a few of the highlights are:
Bob Skankey just turned 86 and in the next life will just skip 85.
Alan Jacobs has been married 46 years
Leslie is just back from a month of doing good work in India
Lerie, discovered how much oil there is in a car engine and reminded us to stay out of her way if we see her on the road.
And our own Grant (Rocky) turned 60 and is “no longer a Pup”. Sorry Rocky the Pup ship sailed a loooong time ago.
We won’t divulge those who missed their questions and paid the fine, leave it that almost
everyone got it wrong, except of course Brett who pulled some number from the air and pretty much nailed it. There was a proposal from someone in the club to, from this point forward, fine Brett when he gets a question Right; seems only fair.
The Program--Equine Therapy with Reins of H.O.P.E
Keeping with the high standard set by the previous administration Patricia and her committee
has yet again brought a program that is right here in our community and doing amazing things.
Since 2006 Reins Of H.O.P.E (Human Opportunity Partnering with Equines) has used horses to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP); helping those with behavior and mental healthchallenges, including our returning vets and their families.
There are 16 horses in their stable, currently located at the Juvenile Detention center, but
looking for a permanent home. This type of therapy requires everyone to work as a team, the
horse, a mental health expert and an equine expert. Primarily teaching the clients how to trust and connect, some for the first time, in relationship. This trusting starts first with the horse, once he or she learns to trust and relate to the animal they can take it into the world, “not just to feel better but to do better.”
Why are horses’ particularly good at this connection? Several reasons actually; they are prey
animals, so very sensitive and always asking “am I safe, can I trust…” Which is also what many abused and neglected clients are subconsciously asking. There herd instinct also gives each other space to be themselves without judgement and a set social structure.
Horses also pay attention to all the smallest clues, heartbeat, shallow breathing, smell and
tension among many other things, so can sense when someone is employing the subtle
dishonesty used to defend and shroud their true fears and feelings. Eventually this allows the
person to remove the mask, to see and actually feel the stories they have built around
themselves.
If you’re a horse its great duty, all ground work, no riding, alot of attention, real connection with the herd and a soul connection to someone who really really needs a friend they can trust.
This was a beautiful presentation and it’s obvious that Laurie Leis, Samantha and Karen are
deeply attuned to the animals and honored to be able to facilitate this true miracle for the many people who are lucky enough to walk into their barn.
Bill Gilbreth closed the meeting, just a little later than normal.
