March 25th Meeting Notes
President Alex opened the meeting by having all the members recite the 4-Way Test. He then called on Mike Ortiz to lead the pledge. Athenea Luciano gave the Inspirational Message citing how well Rotary brings people together. Our Virtual Greeter, Arilla St. Laurent, introduced our guests and Joel Doss performed an upbeat rendition of our welcome song.
Arilla then took the mic to present a new program being considered by the Couch Potato Group. They are working to create a coffee table book featuring club members in humorous situational poses including masks related to the covid-19 lockdown. Mike Fuqua polled the members to determine whether members are interested in submitting a photo for the book, which was 60/40 to proceed.
Alex called on Russ Haskell who shared some good news regarding our candidates for the 4Way Speech contest. Three of our four contestants competed in the next round, with one winning the round and another advancing to the semifinals.
Arilla reported on Family of Rotary. Bill Brehm was in attendance after successful surgery. Arilla was sad to report that Bill Angus’ mother passed away.
John O’Neill as Finemaster called on Bob Vaughn who donated $20 in recognition of reconnecting with some close friends he had not been in touch with since 2007. Sonny Googins gave $25 to celebrate her grandson who graduated from EMT training. Bill Brehm put in $25 in appreciation of Smokin’ Jim Hyldahl’s tasty creations.
Alex then thanked John O’Neill as Scribe, Mike Fuqua as zoom coordinator and Bill Angus for his newsletter-editing prowess.
Mike Ortiz introduced our speakers Sitia Austin, the youngest member the local NAACP, who went on to become president of the chapter and an officer of the national organization. He then introduced Reggie Branch who wears many hats as an officer in the NAACP. They described the history and mission of the organization, which was founded in 1909. They described the organizational structure and future plans. The members posed many questions.
Dan Barrios presented Arilla with her ruby Paul Harris pin, recognizing $7000 in TRF donations. Nice going Ariilla! Doug Dawson reported that Mary Ellen Barrett, Deputy Attorney General for Human Trafficking has been nominated as Peacemaker of the Year for her work in stopping youth prostitution and human slavery. Mike Fuqua informed us of an April 29th meeting for our club foundation update. He also said that years’ Vines and Vittles fundraiser has been canceled this for this year, but should be back in 2022.
