Author Gretchen Peralta
Photos Jim Belenis
GET UP & GO APRIL 30
A light at the end of the vaccinated tunnel on Friday, April 30, a hybrid Davis Sunrise Rotary meeting took place.
I arrived at 06:30 to help our House Committee Leader, Dave Heard, set-up for our meeting at the University Park Inn Conference Center (known as the prior site of Caffe Italia). And, while I shouldn’t have been surprised, all banners, etc. were ready to go. A few minutes later our zoom guru, Andrew Yang, strolled in and had the system ready to go. So, at this point you might be asking, “What’s next?”. Madam President, Vanessa with the last of the fine-tuning details.
The excitement broke loose as Davis Sunrise Rotarians started to arrive and greeted each other, elbow bumping and even some hugs were enthusiastically shared. Finding their badge proved to be a bit of a kerfuffle as it has been so long, many couldn’t remember where their badge was. Andrew Yang had our zoom screen up and we were greeted by those who remained on-line. Madam President, Vanessa rang the bell. Chuck Snipes, song master extraordinaire lead us in song and we quickly slid into our schedule beginning with postcards. We know that much travel isn’t happening, but when it does, don’t forget the postcard or the Sergeants won’t forget you!
Announcements began with John Morgan reminding us of an International Service Committee zoom on Tuesday, May 4 at 6pm. Link to follow. John was followed by Ms. Event Coordinator herself, Meaghan Likes, getting us to invite family and friends to a Rotary and Ribs party in our own back yards on May 15th…..just coincidentally, also her birthday. Party kits will be assembled with everything you might need for a party, except the guests. Of course, volunteers will be needed on day of the event. So here’s fair warning. Youth leader superb, Don Winters, sat in the “waiting room” for a while and then had a bit of difficulty with curser to unmute himself but then he went right into updating us on the need to find 20 junior high students to get engaged and signed-up for Rotary Leadership camp. Don also reminded us of the virtual District Conference and to view the Youth Booth in the House of Friendship. Rotary Dark event host, Dick Berry, reminded us that whenever our meetings go ”dark” he’s excited to see you at Black Bear Diner with a no limit, no muted conversation.
Ever creative highlight of the day, Sergeant Lori Raneri, didn’t fail to amuse us with a review of “Sunrise Rotary Traditions”. Yet again, I get ahead of myself as Lori started with Happy Bucks. Meaghan Likes provided Happy Bucks for Susan Moenga because she received the box with Dr. Susan’s doctorate paperwork. Not to be outdone, Cliff Sheppard was humbled, yet proud to admit to assisting one of our homeless, Heidi, when she was being assaulted and the attacker was subdued. Remember, every homeless person is someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, spouse and you never know their back story. Cliff, you need a ”hero’s cape”. Dick Berry announced a change in his home situation as daughters and son-in-law have move in and are getting settled. President Elect, David Copp, rightfully acknowledged all the incredible work President Vanessa has put into making out meetings as super as they have been given the circumstances. Ray Solomon was pleased to share that his daughter, who works at Morro Bay Venter, has had a seal named after her. Don Winters confessed to sharing a day on the links with Mack Walker and Roy Kroner. Now, I share Sergeant Lori’s incredibly ingenious and enjoyable list of Sunrise Rotary Traditions. She had a list of 80 traditions and rapidly went around the room and zoom squares challenging members to name one club tradition. If it was already on her list, they paid, if it wasn’t on her list, she paid. It was a super look into the things we take for granted and gave our newer members a glimpse into our history. Well done Madam Sergeant.
Our Speaker of the Day was one of our own, Matthew Crider. Apparently, according to his introduction, Matt has had an illustrious career. His education was from the University of Texas in Austin and he is Bar licensed in 2 states. And here I thought he occasionally visited the bar for a bit of libation whatever state he’s visiting. Matt’s claim to fame was to have one of his cases go to the Supreme Court. Not libations or licensing but Protecting Yourself From On-Line Scams was the focus of his presentation.
Appears the thought for this presentation was the result of an actual email that popped up on his computer from a sender he had strong belief was bogus. But, did he hit delete? Nope. Matt managed to string the sender along until I’m sure that person wished he had never sent the original bogus scam email!
So having shared that humorous story, Matt got a bit more serious and went through the list of “common scams”. First was the gift card scam. The scammer uses many ruses to entice you to put money on a gift card and then send all info to them so they can claim the cash. Second was Phishing, but no rod and reel needed. Phishers present themselves as a “reputable” company and for a variety of reasons, “phish” for your personal information such as a login user name, date of birth, SS#, etc. Do NOT take the “bait” on this one. Look closely at the logo, graphics, etc and you are likely to notice something fishy. Third was the Romance Scam. You are romanced via email by any number of “lines” until the send my money for my flight to see you, my daughter needs help, etc. Or rather then hit on you. They may present as your loved one and are stranded needing money to help.
How to protect yourself? Practice your new or forgotten mantra….”If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”. After you’ve mumbled your mantra consider the following. 1. Use only reputable sites and avoid clicking on strange or unusual links. 2. Verify the person who is representing a company by contacting the country before you divulge information. 3. Check the email link first by hovering over it. 4. GUARD your personal information CLOSELY. 5. Careful about what you post on Facebook. 6. When in doubt, don’t click. And above all Be Safe. Questions and a few additional hints were offered by a few members. Need legal help….Matt’s available.
Alas, we were closing in on the end of the meeting and running a few minutes over which made poor Madam President a bit anxious and she could barely resist grabbing the mic from Matt in her need to keep us on time. Actually, she was the only nervous, clock watcher. Although she did squeeze in the joke of the day yet unfortunately, our post meeting coffee chat was cancelled as our room was only paid for till 08:00.
Next week? We’ll likely be seeing everyone at University Park Inn but wait for the official announcement. Our speaker for next meeting regardless of where we are is a Canadian in honor of our President Elect, Mr. Copp.
Until then….be safe. Get vaccinated. See you.