In the beginning...
At 12:10 President Deirdre Daly rang the bell to commence the November 9th meeting.
Fred Coleman led us in the flag salute and Al West gave us a thoughtful invocation. Then we escorted our guests and ourselves to the buffet for a delicious lunch buffet.
At 12:20 President Deirdre rang the bell and thanked Fred Coleman and Bill Prather for setting up the room for our meeting; Mike Malone and Andy Gilman for warmly greeting all of our members and guests, Mike Malone for the roving mic, Suzanne Scar for manning the front table and serving as our Reminder Editor. Thank you Ginger Case for lunch! She extended a warm welcome to all of us for being at this meeting.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Our Visiting Rotarians this week were Newby Herrick from the Ceres Club and Jason Codey from the Thousand Oaks Club.
Upcoming Programs
Bill Prather gave us the update on upcoming meetings:
November 16th-Dr. Marty Pops will speak about current medical school requirements.
November 23 is Dark. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Announcements
Andy Gilman, as one of his red badge assignments…so President Deirdre claims, explained “What is the Rotary Foundation?”.
Don Reed announced that the Rotary Foundation meeting is next Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. at The Emporium.
Leslie Bouche announced that this month is “Rotary Foundation Month” and she will make a presentation next week on Global Grants.
Cheree Edwards said the 2019-20 Rotary Board of Directors will be announced soon.
Bret Bradigan donned the Irish top hat and gave us a whopping story.
Confessions & Fining:
Terry Beckett was our Fine Master as Bill Gilbreth rounded up the dollars. Cheree Edwards, Jack Jacobs, Deirdre Daly, Bill Prather, Bob Davis eagerly confessed. While Christine Golden, Mike Malone, Janet Campbell, Suzanne Scar, Jane Spiller, Dave Watson and Cheree were interrogated about the Rotary Foundation. Great subject that brought in big bucks.
Program: David Scarlett – Craft Talk
David was born in Maidstone, England and was raised in a rough suburb of London. From childhood David loved to entertain and jumpstarted his career as “Joseph” only to be outshone by baby Jesus. He has entertained both on the stage and during his many years of traveling through 46 countries as a Hot Air Balloon staff, Travel Guide and many other exciting jobs. His latest employment was promoted by his ex-wife and supported by fellow Rotarian, Betsy Watson.
He is the Executive Director of the Gables, after a few years at the Gables as Activity Director. His pride and joy are his two children who are 10 & 19 years old. Besides his kids, acting and traveling David loves soccer and shouting at the TV….and of course, The Gables. He looks up to Churchill, Mandela and Gandhi and his motto is “I want to give more to those who have less.” What a great new member for our Rotary Club!
Global Grant for Economic Development for Women in Bosnia
Kay Bliss gave us a presentation on our Global Grant for Economic Development for Women in Bosnia. What started out as a relaxing vacation overseas for Kay and Marty, ended up changing the lives of many in Stolac, Bosnia. After their visit, Kay and her International Committee saw a need in this war-torn, poverty stricken area and decided to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Mostar (to oversee) in the aid of rebuilding a community. Our International Committee brought in more than $71,000 through a Rotary Global Grant for an agricultural business that many of the Stolac community participated. Our Rotary Club contributed $4,433, other Rotary Clubs contributed $18,900 and The Rotary Foundation’s Contribution was $47,667. Kay and her team provided training, equipment and marketing strategies for this community and continue to do so. To date: 400 kg of tomatoes sun-dried and packaged in 5,500 jars for sale; over 2,700 jars have been sold. Beneficiary growers reported an average increase in income of 21.3% over previous year.
Closing Thoughts:
“May our happiness increase with our usefulness. What Rotary will be 100yrs hence, none living can imagine. There is nothing impossible to Rotary now.”
Paul Harris, 1915
