The Prez reported that Charter Night will be held on Friday, February 24^th at the Del Paso Country Club. We are a Golden Anniversary Club, chartered on February 23, 1955, exactly 50 years after the founding of Rotary. The event starts at 6:00 pm with a no host bar and the lively sounds of jazz performed by the Rio Jaz Band, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm.  Rotarian’s meals are free, guests’ meals should be paid for in advance, if possible.  Please mark your calendars for this special event.  A signup sheet will be passed around at the next meeting

Greg Cotta reported that the wood for the enclosure is now ready thanks to the efforts of club members to prepare the lumber for the project.  A work party is scheduled for Friday, January 20^th at 10:00 am, for 4 to 6 hours.  We need about six people to help, two to haul soil and two to finish the construction of the enclosure and two to stand around and look like they are working.  Please let Greg know if you can help. 

This just in… The Prez has locked in our next off-site lunch at the State Library for April 11.  Al Vassar, Communications Manager for the California State Library, has been a guest speaker a couple of times and has offered to take us on a tour of the library in the past and the Prez took him up on the offer.  Al will be taking us where few people ever go. You will not want to miss this opportunity to see stuff, most of which you never knew existed.  We will be brown-bagging it at the library cafeteria.  The brown bags will be provided. White bags will be available by special request only. 

 

The Prez reported that the club board, after much debate with great emotion being shown by all of the members, unanimously approved Tyler Johnson’s application to join the club. The plan is to induct him on January 31^st.  It is rumored that Gary Johnson will be attending the meeting as well.  You will not want to miss this Johnson & Johnson event.

 

Bill Hambrick reported that the most popular club event, The Dictionary Sticker Party, will be taking place soon, the date is yet to be determined.  Bruce Stimson asked if the sticker party’s name was changed from the pasties party… the secret word is “groan.” 450 new version dictionaries will be delivered to Al’s house very soon.   It looks like we will be able to deliver the dictionaries in person this year.  The delivery to the students is a lot of fun and everyone should experience it at least once.  The elementary schools that receive the books are Greer, Edison, Whitney, Dyer Kelly and Cottage.  Al Cady reminded everyone, especially Les Gudger,  that alcohol is not allowed on school grounds but is mandatory at the sticker party… how else do you get the stickers wet? Al noted that it was Benjamin Franklin’s birthday as well as the National Pick-On-Les day.  Les noted that he was sooo happy he came to today’s meeting. 

Bruce Stimson was asked give the club an update on RYLA. It is for juniors going into their senior year over the summer.  The training costs the host club about $1,000.  The club board has not yet approved this but will be discussing it at their next board meeting.  The funds would be taken from the Foundation Account.  It is a great experience and we get to have the student come and speak to the club about the experience.  Bruce handed out flyers on the opportunity for the members to review.  He noted that the new rules governing interaction with students is making it tougher for the club to work with them.  However, he is fairly certain that almost everyone in our club can pass the background check, he said while giving a questioning look at Les Gudger.  Not sure just what Bruce was thinking.

Linda Bigler reminded everyone about the guest speaker that highlighted the nonprofit A Touch of Understanding.  They are holding their 5th Annual Evening of Insight 2023  (Blind Dinner) Fundraising Event March 23^rd. You won't want to miss this amazing event as you navigate with friends through a meal under blindfold, all while supporting ATOU's mission of kindness, empathy and respect for all. You will be guided through the evening by Darlene O'Brien, an inspirational speaker, while also being entertained by emcee Freddie Silveria. It will be an evening filled with delicious food and wine, entertainment, insight and understanding.

Don't miss out!  For tickets, go to https://touchofunderstanding.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/EveningofInsight2023/Tickets

 

 

Tim Cahill informed everyone about the Rotary House and our commitment to work on the upkeep of the house.  Saturday, Jan 21^st is (was) our day.  Please plan on attending and helping out.  Starts at 9:00 and ends about 10:30.

Richard Goore reminded everyone that the poker tournament is on March 25, 2023. We need players and sponsors.  Flyers are on the table.  We need a new final table sponsor this year.  Richard challenged all members to talk to at least two people this week regarding the poker tournament, as a player or a sponsor.  If you are successful at getting someone signed up online there could be a special something for you next week.    All hands-on deck.  This is coming up very fast.  Please go to the website to register your players and claim your sponsorships: AllinForArdenArcade.com

Carroll Cook reported that 125 coats were delivered to Dyer Kelly Elementary School this year.  He purchased 110 coats and 15 coats were donated to the cause.  Carroll spent  $2,702 and the club donated $2,131 This leaves a balance of $571.The club passed the hat to help close the gap.  Carroll graciously offered to cover the shortfall. Over the 16 years the average cost per coat was $24.  That brings the total value of the Coats-for-Kids 16-year program to $45,000.  Keep in mind this does not come from the club’s budget, just from the members. 

 

 

Matt Ross offered Sad Bell Ringer because his daughter headed back to college.  He became sadder when his kids hooked his front bumper on a parking tire stop and ripped it off the car when they backed up.  Depending on the cost of the repair, this may be his last bell ringer for a while.

We are always open to guest speaker recommendations and we have slots open now.  Linda Bigler has been doing a great job and the Prez has secured many from his long list of contacts but we need more.  Give this some thought.  If you come upon an interesting topic while reading the paper, watching TV or talking to friends, let the Prez know. Send your ideas to the Prez, via email if possible.