NOTES FROM DECEMBER 06, 2023 MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Meeting was called to order by President Gil Garcia.
Flag Salute & Invocation & Flute music by Emiliano Campobello.
VISITING ROTARIANS
Betty Lou Richardson visiting Rotarian from Rotary Club University Area Austin, Texas. Betty joined Rotary in 1987 when they first allowed women to join.
VISITING GUEST
Mary French, guest of Betty Lou.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Emiliano Campobello gave us an update on the mural project proposed at Adams School. He is working with art teacher Sara Leo. Over 500 art students will be participating.
- Jim Lisi, Rotary Club SBN, RI Director presented members with a matching Paul Harris points offer for the RI Annual Charitable Giving. The club is offering to match your contribution to the TRF (The Rotary Foundation) to help you reach your next Paul Harris award. Your gift must be in by March 30, 2024.
- Donna Eyman updated the club on RYLA. We currently have 2 students and looking for 2 other participants. New members Lisa Gosdschan & Lisa Biggs have 2 potential students. April 11-14, 2024 is the date for the RYLA event.
- Veronica Gallardo is working on the 4-Way Essay Contest for 2024. Students from Adams School will be participating along with Fusion Academy.
- President Gil Garcia announced the Thursday, December 21st Holiday Auction and Dinner at the University Club. Club Members are encouraged to bring a silent auction item worth at least $50. If a member does not bring an item they will be charged $50 on their next quarterly Rotary Club invoice.
- Cathy Calabro announced the Sunday, December 10th Santa Barbara Master Chorale "Holiday Lights"concert at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
- Lisa Biggs announced an upcoming S.E.A. OF SEMINAR SERIES" Navigating Adolescent Social, Emotional, and Academic Wellbeing, presentation by Seth Hall (renowned visionary, author and the founder of Transformational Solutions), hosted by Fusion Academy, 510 State St. Suite 200, Santa Barbara on Friday, December 15th 11:30 am-1:30 pm - Lunch provided! RSVP (805) 292-9658.
MEGA BUCKS
- Tom Jacobs pledged a Mega Buck in honor of his mother-in-law Lois' 95th birthday. Tom's wife Cass and brother-in-law Bruce and sister-in-law Amanda will be celebrating Lois' birthday this week-end.
- Veronica Gallardo pledged a Mega Buck (her first Mega Buck) in honor of one of her 1st grade students who is now a Sophmore in high school and enrolled in SBCC's Middle College. Bella DiBernardo and her mom, Kim McIntyre recently opened an art gallery - Coastal Edge.
- Donna Eyman pledged a Mega Buck because she finally made a meeting!
GUEST SPEAKERS
RUBI & KEN WOLFF
retired law enforcement officers
Cathy Calabro introducted our guest speakers, Rubi & Ken Wolff. Cathy, Gil & Marti Garcia heard them at Project Harmony, a moving first responders event in the summer. At this event, Rubi and Ken separately sat down with song writers to talk about their law enforcement days. They shared the songs with our club members.
Rubi & Ken met at the Police academy 25 years ago. Ken was with the Lompoc and Santa Maria Police Department and eventually retired from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department. Rubi worked crime scenes and eventually investigating children's sex and abuse crimes division and now is retired. Currently she is a Chaplin for the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
They spoke about their law enforcement days, emotionally and spiritually and their passion for justice. In 2009 Rubi was nominated and honored with Detective of the Year. In 2010 she had an emotional breakdown, post-tramatic stress from her job.
They both stressed the importance of respecting law enforcement personnel. Many officers stuff their emotions. There are several non-profits that have been formed to help officers throught their traumas: 1). 805 At Ease, 2). 22 Zero Hailing the Hero, 3). CALEA-Mighty Oaks. The Wolff's have a dream of also starting their own non-profit to help law enforcement personnel overcome any emotional barriers caused by the stress of their jobs.
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