I paint vibrant uplifting compositions of California flora and fauna because I am inspired by the beauty in nature that is often overlooked. I hope to evoke a sense of intimacy and childlike wonder through magical compositions featuring low vantage points and close-up detail. Wildflowers are a powerful inspiration to my work, as they represent hope, diversity, and tenacity in the face of challenges–a theme which I hope inspires you too.
A Visit to the Living Room, Hosted by Alathea Larson, Elizabeth Beaty, and Chris Moonsammy
We held our regular Thursday morning meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Living Room in Santa Rosa for an amazing breakfast, a tour of the facility, and a talk from Alathea Larson, Executive Director; Elizabeth Beaty, Development and Community Engagement Manager; and Chris Moonsammy, Director of Food Services. The Living Room (LR) provides a safe environment where women can receive individualized assistance in a culture of respect and kindness. It has two locations in Santa Rosa. Its main campus is one Cleveland Avenue, and its Life Center is on North Dutton. It works in 4 main areas: housing, food, education, and services to women and their children. The Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Sunrise has been a long-time friend and backer of the LR, and two of our current members, Steve Amend and Marty Behr, have been on its Board of Directors. Marty presented Alathea with a donation of $1,000 at the breakfast.
Alathea thanked us for our contributions and mentioned that we helped them buy their new Life Center, which is the hub of the LR’s day services. We sponsored the Mariposa Room at the Life Center! She noted that over 2,000 people came to the LR last year. It focuses on women with substance abuse, domestic abuse, food insecurity, and housing issues. It has added additional services for youths who had been served by Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) before SAY closed. It accepts children and pets for both daily visits and housing purposes. The LR’s fastest growing population is seniors. The LR has 74 active community partners.
Chris told us that the LR serves 1,000 meals each week. The LR is in the process of a significant expansion of its kitchen facilities on Cleveland Avenue and hopes to eventually serve up to 3,000 meals per week. One of its key partners is the Redwood Empire Food Bank, which gathers and distributes food, picks up expiring food, and runs a grocery recovery program. The Food Manager is Nick, who had worked with Chris in the past and is a very talented chef and manager.
Elizabeth Beaty alerted us to an upcoming event, Loving the Living Room, scheduled for October 4. The Live Auction is already up, so we can log on and bid on amazing gift packages. The LR currently employs 19 staff members and approximately 165 volunteers.
Twelve people currently live onsite at the Cleveland Avenue location. The residences include a house across the street, a studio, and an office that was converted into a residence. The LR is an emergency shelter, so it doesn’t have long-term residents unless necessary. The LR is not a safe house; there are two safe houses in Santa Rosa, but the LR is not equipped or certified for it. It also has an emergency trailer. Alathea expects that the use of trailers for shelter will be a bigger issue in the future for the LR. Hot meals are served at the Life Center. The LR also prepares ‘to go’ cooked meal bags, delivers meals to Bethlehem Towers and Windam Village, among others.
Many thanks to Alathea, Chris, and Elizabeth for the food, presentation, and tour. We are proud of all the work the Living Room accomplishes and look forward to a long partnership with it.
On a regular basis, our resident photo pro Warren Smith, submits pictures of what is going on at the weekly meetings. You can always find the most recent pictures at the websites photo journal called "Meeting Sighting" Please note that all the meeting photos for the entire Rotary year are at this location with the most recent on the last page.
Thanks for all the great pictures Warren!Link to Meeting Sightings. The most recent are on the last page!
Can you match the members with their branch and specialty, deployment?
Two member details are imbedded below. Can you de-encrypt them?
HINT; They were not in the same branch but had concurrent duty.
Army
Radio Operator Marine Medic CLG-4
Navy USS Little Rock Selective Service Mendocino County
Coast Guard Poetry Mediterranean
Air Force Journalism Gaeta ITA Huey Boxcar
Health Service USS Liberty Teaching Ft Sam Houston
Peter Banks, MJ Girard, Ezbon Jen, Steve Olsen and Peter Treleaven served in a branch of the Armed Forces. Their duty was served over a half a century ago! In the ensuing years to say much has changed is an understatement.
One of the values of the Veterans Tribute luncheon coming up next month is our opportunity to reflect publicly on international, intergenerational and internal campaigns for civility, mutual respect, goodwill and duty, honor, country and sacrifice.
These seven friends may appreciate the invitation to reflect with them. Listening to autobiography brings the past alive, a powerful reminder of our inner author.
Champions include Kat Graham, Sibongile Mlambo, Gaby Moreno, and Archie Panjabi
By Rotary International
Rotary International launched its celebrity ambassador program on 19 September, welcoming Kat Graham, Sibongile Mlambo, Gaby Moreno, and Archie Panjabi.
“We are pleased to announce this initiative, especially with the help of these remarkable individuals who are devoted to using their platforms to make the world a better place,” Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick said. “As Rotary’s work has touched each of the ambassadors, we’re honored for them to amplify our organization’s impact and vision.”
Through traditional and social media, events, advocacy and more, ambassadors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Rotary’s work and engage with supporters to amplify the organization’s mission and impact.
The inaugural Rotary ambassadors include:
Kat Graham, actress, singer, producer, humanitarian - “I have been fortunate enough to have a long history with Rotary, from promoting women’s health and safety around the world to gathering with Rotary members in California to promote peace. Rotary empowers regular people to become extraordinary changemakers by launching their unique initiatives using their unique skills and passions. By doing so, they improve the lives of others far beyond their communities. I’ve seen the profound difference Rotary members make, and I’m honored to serve as a Rotary ambassador.”
Sibongile Mlambo, actress, producer, philanthropist - “I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Uganda with Rotary and see their work firsthand. Witnessing their dedication to helping refugees and their unwavering commitment to peace left a lasting impact on me. Rotary members show respect for those displaced, empowering them through education, job training, and more, helping to create the conditions for stable, sustainable, and peaceful communities. As a Rotary ambassador, I will enthusiastically help to amplify their message of hope and resilience.”
Gaby Moreno, artist, producer - “Returning to my home country of Guatemala with Rotary exposed me to the life-changing impact its members have had on early education and literacy in the country. I met children who now are inspired to dream big, and who have been given the tools necessary to make their dreams a reality. As a Rotary ambassador with deep personal connections to its members, I want to help spread the word about this remarkable organization that’s giving hope to so many children around the globe.”
Archie Panjabi, actress, producer - “My first visit to India at the age of 10 opened my eyes to the heartbreaking reality of children suffering from polio. Years later, I returned to administer the polio vaccine and witnessed the dedication of health workers, inspiring my commitment to this cause. For over a decade, I’ve proudly served as a Rotary Polio ambassador and continued the fight to eradicate polio while shining a light on the full scope of the vital work Rotary members undertake to create a brighter future for all, from safeguarding our environment and improving maternal health, to providing clean water and promoting peace.”
— September 2024
Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Sunrise - Founded June 30, 1986
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