Guests: Christine Holland, Liz Smith (former member SB North Rotary), Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, speaker, Marisol Ortiz, speaker.
President Eric called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. Oscar Zavala led the flag salute, Judith gave the invocation, Jim Ruh provided the raffle which was won by Judith.
Student of the month, Elena Avila, bottom right, and her teachers
Student of the Month: Earlier this year we had a problem with the videos of student of the month so we missed a couple. The technical issue has been fixed. We saw a video of this month’s student, Elena Avila, together with La Cuesta principal, Lauren Berkin, and staff members Susan Snyder, Paul Cronshaw and Michael Mowers. They indicated that Elena was a gift to the community; she’s a special young lady and is going to change our community. They are proud that she is graduating but sad that she will be moving on.
Committee Reports
Club Service: Judith reminded members that our holiday party is this Thursday night, December 17. 28 people have signed up for food. There will be fun games with great prizes. Judith, Eric and Chris Baxter will be delivering the food orders between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. so let Judith know if you will not be at home but in a different location. There will be a couple of surprise guests.
Community Service: Eric thanked Luz Maria and Diana Cecala for organizing the delivery of the hand sanitzers.
International Service: Oscar announced that the meeting originally scheduled for December 23 has been moved to December 30th at 8:00 a.m. We are hoping Becca will join us from Nicaragua.
Public Image: Karen will put on social media about the hand sanitizer and student of the month.
Membership: Hannah announced that the next meeting will be in January. If you have additional names to add to the “Friends and Family” list, let Dennis know.
Fundraising: Joanne reported that we need sponsors for the Dolphin Dive so think about which businesses you support and ask them if they will sponsor. If you are uncomfortable approaching them, someone will do it for you.
Vocational: Scott said we had an interesting event last Wednesday. There were not as many participants as expected. Because 6:00 p.m. is a difficult time, the next Spark event will be held on February 16, a Tuesday, at noon.
Foundation: Frank reminded members to turn in their pledge forms.
Program: Eric introduced Ana Rosa and Marisol from La Casa de la Raza, which is located at 601 E. Montecito Street. Ana Rosa, the President of the organization, said she was introduced to La Casa in 1998 when she was a student at UCSB. Marisol is the Family Resource Director. She thanked the club for the tablets, backpacks, hand sanitizer and for being a part of the Dolphin Dive.
Ana Rosa Rizo-Centino, President (apologies for the bad photo; Ana Rosa had a bright light shining from behind her)
Marisol Ortiz, Family Resource Director
The need for resources for basic needs has become a major crisis. They provide support groups for mental health during this time. They help families who are technologically disadvantaged and the most vulnerable elder population. They have a techno-café with wifi; it is spaced out to be socially distanced. They distribute prepared food, especially to seniors: 160 meals per day, three days per week. They have paired off delivering hand sanitizer with the food. They make weekly compassion calls because people are lonely.
Ana Rosa said the tablets are a big deal to break through the social isolation and loneliness.
In the past, their income came from renting their space to quinceañeras. Now they sell tortas on Fridays between noon and 2:00 p.m.
They have a program called My Homie’s Kitchen where meals are created with leftovers. They are healthy, flavorful meals, with vegan options, to reduce diabetes and other health issues.
Pre-COVID, they were very active with Tae Kwon Do, folklorico, AA in Spanish, K2AA radio, immigrant legal defense center, and Zumba.
They were open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m.
