It was a delightfully eerie luncheon on October 31st. The tables were adorned with special decorations featuring a striking combination of black and orange accents, and our fellow Rotarians embraced the spirit of Halloween by donning an array of costumes, from Harley Quinn to the Blues Brothers. On this bewitching day, we convened to explore the vibrant world of Calmecac, a group dedicated to rekindling their cultural heritage through the performance of indigenous dances from various regions across the Americas.
Following President Todd's call to order, Dennis Godby graced us with a profound "thought for the day," reminding us of the importance of opening our hearts to different cultures. He wisely cautioned against harboring contempt for other cultures, emphasizing that preserving our own rich cultural heritage need not come at the expense of disparaging others.
We were thrilled to participate in another round of "Todd’s Tuesday Trivia," which this time had a dance-themed twist. It's worth noting that only five individuals were humble enough to admit they weren't exactly great dancers. The remaining participants, upon hearing the question, appeared to develop a newfound enthusiasm for their salads.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Last Thursday, on October 26th, a select group of our members had the pleasure of experiencing the timeless classic "Les Misérables." Before the show, they savored a delightful meal at Mayahuel, making it an evening to remember.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Rotary Networking Night on November 16th, taking place at Wildwood Kitchen and Bar at Pavilions. While Rotary is covering the cost of the food, the responsibility for the bar tab falls on each attendee.
For those who want to join the fun, Bryan Murray is spearheading the committee for the 2024 "Golf for Kids" event. Don't hesitate to reach out to Bryan to get involved.
Virginia Wade had an important announcement regarding our next volunteer day at Loaves and Fishes, scheduled for November 30th. Volunteers are needed for both morning and afternoon shifts. Additionally, starting on November 17th, Loaves and Fishes will be collecting donations for their Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys, cranberry sauce, and all the trimmings. Please note they can only accept prepackaged items; no home-cooked meals, please.
LET’S GO SKIING DONATIONS
We hit the slopes with a cascade of birthdays! Major Rio Ray and Justino Santana have both reached the magnificent milestone of 50 years. Meanwhile, Maggie Hopkins also celebrated her birthday with a heartfelt donation from Jamie Furlong in her honor. Moira Doherty is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild. Kathy Herrfeldt extended her support by giving a donation for Sarah Hodge, who is still on the road to recovery; our prayers and thoughts are steadfastly with her during this time. Lastly, Past President Brian Van Camp made a special gesture to honor Bryan Murray.
Our speaker for the day was Jaime Lemus, who introduced us to the fascinating cultural dance group, Calmecac, which translates to 'House of Roots.' Comprised of indigenous individuals hailing from various parts of the Americas, their primary mission is to inspire people to reconnect with their cultural heritage and overcome the sense of displacement that can often be experienced. Jaime firmly believes that understanding one's culture and roots paves the way for enduring success.
What's truly remarkable about their dance performances is their reflection of the natural world. They draw inspiration from the elements and the movements of animals, such as the wind or the agile steps of a deer. The regalia worn by the dancers is carefully crafted to mimic nature and is unique to the spirit of each performer.
Although Calmecac boasts an impressive roster of 400 active dancers, it's worth noting that thousands of indigenous individuals across California participate in similar cultural practices. Jaime also shed light on the rich traditions of indigenous communities, encompassing ceremonies marking the coming of age for girls and boys (a three-year commitment), as well as traditions associated with weddings, funerals, and a multitude of other significant life events.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated greeters for the day, Elfrena Foord, PP Thom Gilbert, and Mike Gilligan, for warmly welcoming our members. We also extend gratitude to Virginia Wade, who took on the role of this week's photographer, and to Megan Masten, this week’s Pulse reporter.
A special round of applause is due for PP Diane Woodruff, PP Susan Sheridan, Justino Santana, and all those unsung heroes who have been diligently setting up our meetings in recent weeks, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Last but certainly not least, immense appreciation to Dennis Cook, our generous wine sponsor.
Please note that there will be no meeting on November 7th, but we eagerly anticipate reuniting with everyone on November 14th, when we will delve into the topic of "Governing for Racial Equity," with insights from Kelly Rivas, racial equity advisor to Mayor Steinberg.
