October 7, 2014 

Meeting called to order by President Vince at 12:30 pm

Pledge: Bill Betz

Thought:  Davina Polannco:  “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

Guests:  None

Visiting Rotarians: Katie Gallegos [Watsonville]

Correspondence and announcements:

Vince thanked Trina, Paul T. and Carl for their work painting the fence at the Watsonville Firehouse Museum on Saturday. Vince also announced the Rotary District 5170 Avenues of Service event this coming Thursday. Several Rotarians will be attending.

Katie announced the Watsonville Rotary’s Fundraiser “Mine & Marty.” It will be held on October 15th at the Pájaro Dunes in the evening. Tickets are limited so get yours today. Cost is $25

Tina is still looking for volunteers for the October 18th Firehouse Museum BBQ. Tickets can also be purchased on line. The link is on the Freedom Rotary website home page.

Martin Guerrero asked for support for the proposed new McDonalds at the corner of Riverside Drive and Main Street. If you are available come to the City Council meeting next Tuesday.

Kirk gave a donation to the Freedom Rotary Foundation.

Jeannie invited all to the second Saturday at the Fairgrounds. This weekend’s theme is “From Wool to Socks” from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Detective:  Conducted by Ben Post, the following people were fined as follows:

-          Dave K. for lack of Freedom Rotary representation during his Sentinel interview - $5

-          Doug F. for his motorcycle roadtrip - $5

-         Kirk- for his 40th wedding anniversary $5

-          Phil B for not returning Ben’s cooler since the Yosemite camping trip. - $5

-          Martin G  for his plans for the new McDonalds- $5

-          Rich P for his great work with water conservancy in Watsonville - $5

Raffle: Davina-Trina, Fred, Kirk and Kathy M.- a variety of nick nacks

Program feature:

Dan Haifley, Executive Director of O’Neil Sea Odyssey talked about the program which engages 4th-6th graders with hands-on education and a field trip on a 65-foot catamaran on the Monterey Bay. He also talked about the history of the Santa Cruz harbor and proudly announced that the harbor is self-sustaining.  The expected outcomes for students include to increase awareness of watersheds and the ocean they flow in and to hopefully encourage students, their friends and family to protect these watersheds. Studies show that 75% of students that participated in this program retain knowledge about non-point source pollution and they retain stewardship values. Dan talked about the importance of community donations. He noted that each class is about $2,500 to run. He also noted that bus transportation has been added to the program because most school’s transportation programs have been cut.

Adjournment: 1:30 PM