Author Frances McChesney
Photos Jim Smith
Get UP and Go
December 17, 2021
It’s hard to believe that this is the last meeting of 2021 – what a wild roller-coaster year! We ended with a club favorite – honoring the Students of the Month!
Our fearless leader David called us to Order with the real bell. We had a bit of a late start today but that meant we got to enjoy Dave playing the piano live and in person a bit longer than usual. He serenaded us with Christmas music, and then of course Smile and America the Beautiful.
Student of the month: Nancy Storm graciously, as always, welcomed parents, students, and teachers from Davis High School, Da Vinci, and King High. DSIS did not join us today. Some of the “dignitaries” present were Kelly Wilkerson and David Murphy. Nancy explained the 4-way test for those new to Rotary and reminded all of us of Rotary’s purpose: service above self. Photos and write-ups about the honored students are published in the Davis Enterprise each month.
Davis Senior High School: Mr. McHale told us that there are 6 Davis Senior High School students to honor on this last day of the first semester. He honored the students and teachers for their resilience and commitment in dealing with the pandemic.
- Naoko McHale (Japanese) complimented her student Ronin for inspiring other students and encouraging them to join the Japanese club to connect with each other.
- Mr Moreno (music) noted that his student Heather is an excellent leader, particularly in her contribution to the elementary and jr. high strings program.
- Dan Ariola (PE) nominated Raj Das for his outstanding efforts in his strength and conditioning class, noting that he is a great role model and really nice kid and always helps at the end of the period.
- Mr. Birdsall (math) complimented Santiago for being such a diligent and reliable student who comes to school ready to learn every day.
- Counselor Presiado relies on student Ian Bourne who is always ready to contribute and give great feedback and has a positive impact on other students and the school.
- Nick Galladette honored Mateo Rodriguez – he is well liked, works hard, completes his work on time. He also contributes to other students by assisting them in the classroom. He is a great historian and scholar.
King High School. Christina Buss pointed out that many teachers nominated Jolie Mosser as student of the month. She is a10th grader, and usually only 11th and 12th are accepted at King, but Jolie is such a great advocate for herself, and others, that the administration agreed to her request to join King in 10th grade. She has been one of the best students King has had with perfect attendance and a great attitude.
Da Vinci Academy. Mr. Bell introduced Mrs. Kate Sankster who acknowledged student Abby as a team player who works well with all different personality types such that other students want to work with her. She is new to Da Vinci and made a seamless transition.
Guests:
Vanessa’s children - Jack and Ella – were so excited to join their Mom at our meeting - they are now fully vaccinated. What a treat to have them here. And Ella proudly reminded us all that she is a visiting Rotarian, not just a guest!
Announcements
- We heard a message from the Nakura Club that wished us all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- Frances and Mark Bartson will take over as editor of Get Up and Go Report. Thanks to Bill Kopper for several years of service.
- Community Services completed several projects – mulching at a senior center and painting a US map on the school in Knight’s Landing
- On Friday March 4 Lori will host the new member social in her backyard. And be sure and ask Brodie – what time will it start? – of course at 5:45 pm
- Gretchen thanked those who participated in the holiday elf project – very successful
- You can get your Scrip cards for your Nugget shopping from Brodie
- And, you could have signed up for Salvation Army bell ringing, but that ends soon
- See you next year!
Who Am I: Matt Crider – Matt invited us to participate fully in this graduate seminar hinting that it would be long and dull! The title: What is the truth and Is it the truth? He spared us and instead engaged us in a very inspiring statement answering the question: What I like about Rotary? He noted three special attributes of our Club and Rotarians in general. The most noteworthy characteristic of Rotary is that everyone is kind. Kindness stands out and is so very special given the state of the world. He acknowledged how welcoming and open we are to everyone, and kind and welcoming to visitors. Another is that we are all curious about the world outside of our personal sphere – our favorite sports teams, Putah Creek, the African village half way around the world. And, the third is that we are all generous with time and money. He finds that to be rare in his practice as an estate planning attorney, few people have charitable intent. Two factoids: I worked on a US Supreme court case - a death penalty case. He attended the Supreme Court oral arguments, but did not argue the case himself. He learned, however, that there is a basketball court above the court’s chambers and Justice Byron White, a college player would play basketball with his law clerks. Whle on a Supreme Court tour he asked to see court, but the docent, after checking the “list” politely told him No. Good try anyway. Hes’ been on Buddhist pilgrimage in India and visited many of the foremost Buddhist sites. He was struck by the intense level of poverty and even the need for people to use dried cow dung for cooking. The Indian people were so open and friendly.
Larry Green and Bruce Wolk invited all of us to contribute to the Rotary Foundation and acknowledged the kindness and generosity of Rotary members. The Rotary Foundation is there to help people all over the world. We also benefit when the world is happier, healthier, and more peaceful. Last year we broke the Club record for giving during President Vanessa’s year. Bruce challenged us to help out President David to exceed Vanessa’s record, noting that President David starts with an inferiority complex since he’s a Canadian American. We really need to help him cure his performance anxiety by making this even a better year. Go to rotary.org and create a rotary account and contribute without writing a check. Can arrange for periodic contributions.
Rotary coin – Larry gave a Rotary coin to new members. It is worth $100 and $200 when give coin and $100 to Bruce as a Foundation donation.
Larry announced this year’s Paul Harris awards:
David Copp: +5
Larry Green + 8
Irena Asmundson +2
Don Saylor +2
Sergeants: There were so many Happy Bucks I couldn’t keep track, but here are a few: Rotary and the Train crew at the train station; the amazing Holiday Party; Happy Birthday to Jim Smith; for the crew that provides us breakfast each week, and Yay – Packers are #1.
Happy New Year to all!