Auburn Rotary Bulletin - 12/11/18 (Dec 16, 2018)

Meeting Review

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Program- Annual Colfax Choir

Our Club was again treated to a fantastic performance by the Colfax Choir led by Todd Wilkinson. Tom mentioned that for

the first time in his tenure the Choir will not be competing this year. Instead they have been invited to sing in the National Honor Choir event to be held in Carnegie Hall ! The entry fee to sing was waived however the cost for travel and expenses is estimated at $2,000 per student. They have been raising funds but as of the last meeting were $12,000 short.

Our very generous Club reduced that shortfall significantly through individual donations of $1,000 by two of our generous members, other sizeable donations by Rotarian members and donations made through the membership in the pitcher which was passed around at the meeting.

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Meeting Opener

Meeting called to order by President Kahl Muscott at 12:30 PM.

Barry Stigers led us in song

with “Let it Snow”, accompanied by his renowned choral group

Peter Conrad provided the Thought of the Day/Devotion with a message to maintain balance in our everyday lives.

Bob Litchfield and Mike Holmes led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance

Weekly Meeting Question-

President Kahl, in the spirit of Christmas asked what popular Christmas song was written during the Cuban missile crises?

see answer below

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Happy and Sad Bucks

Betty Bennett- Was pleased with herself for reading the entire One Book selection this year

Bill Kirby-Received his license for both motorcycle and car at DMV plus a REALID card in less than an hour

Vic Gonnella- Celebrating Colfax going to State football finals

Barbara Besana- Celebrating a successful Kids First Christmas party

Phil Booker- Fell while skiing and suffered a concussion. The good news is that he’s feeling like his old self again (just can’t remember that fall)

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Announcements

Visiting Rotarians

Linda Maeding introduced Steve Bender, husband of our newest member Nancy Bender

Barry Stigers introduced former and perhaps future Rotarian Sam Frasier

Stu Jann introduced Terry Bryant who has attended many of our meeting

Guests of Rotarians

There was an abundance of guest husbands, wives and friends at this weeks meeting who anxiously awaited the performance of the Colfax Choir.

Rotary Youth Exchange

Betty Bennett presented Phil and Susie Booker with a gift of Ranch 43 olive oil in appreciation for being the first host family for the Rotary Exchange student Chloe Godfrind. Betty and Dennis Bennett are currently hosting Chloe.

Rotary Bell Ringers

Our Rotary bell ringers brought in a whopping $2,086 this year ! I like the sound of that!!

New Rotary Member

Linda Maeding introduced our newest member Nancy

Bender. Nancy was born in San Francisco, is married to husband Steve and has 3 children . Nancy worked at the Auburn Racquet Club for 25 years and is currently doing volunteer work for various local charities. WELCOME Nancy !!

One Book One Community

Bart O’Brien and Steve Grundmeier talked about the “ One Book One Community”, program which is currently in it’s 7^th year. This years selection is “The Far Away Brothers”, written by Lauren Markam. The book follows the path of 2 brothers who immigrated from El Salvador. This is a rather timely selection given the current political discussions regarding immigration.

Bart and Steve both met Lauren for lunch and report that she is delightful. Books will be available for sale at the next Rotary meeting. Lauren will be in Auburn in the spring to talk about her book.

Stand Up Placer Christmas Dinner

Catherine McGregor reported that a fantastic time was had by all attendees. Catherine also tried unsuccessfully to get Kahl to pony up $20 to get back the coat he left at the event. I believe they settled on a $5 donation.

Gingerbread House Event

Cathy Bianchi reported that 120 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs in the Chico area will attend a Gingerbread House party on December 17^th and 18^th. Rotarians will accompany Cathy to assist in the construction of the Gingerbread houses from kits donated by Rotarians. Thanks Cathy for organizing this wonderful event !!

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Recurring Meeting Announcements

Christmas Party - Tom Edmiston reported that 102 Rotarians are signed up to attend the December 20^th event from 5-9PM. It will be held at the General Gomez Center in Auburn and feature heavy appetizers provided by the Monkey Cat and a cash bar. Tom asked Rotarians to bring canned goods and dress is festive holiday attire. Today was the last day to sign up.

A note from President Kahl-

Just wanted to send a quick note to everyone for making today's meeting something truly special. The Colfax Choir, as always, shined like the bright star that it is, but the outpouring of generosity ($2,700!) to help send the kids to New York was spectacular. Being at the front of the room I had the opportunity to see the reactions and hear the comments from the kids and from Todd (choir director) and they were shocked/amazed/choked-up and incredibly thankful.

We did good today. Take pride.

Another note from President Kahl-

Cathy Bianchi has the dates for the gingerbread house building that will be done with kids recovering from the Camp Fire.

The first date is in Oroville Monday, Dec. 17 from 3 – 5 p.m.

The second date is in Durham Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 3 – 5 p.m.

There will be 65 kids at each site.

Cathy will be passing around a clipboard at the meeting on Tuesday (12/4) for anyone that can come up and help.

Please contact Cathy at gimmiecaketoo@sbcglobal.net for any additional information.

Thank you,

Kahl

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Black Marble

Heber Marrapodi selected a marble in an attempt to win $590, unfortunately for his table it wasn’t black. The pot will continue to grow past the current amount now valued in excess of $600.

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Answer to Meeting Question:

The answer, “Do You Hear What I Hear”.

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Special thanks to Dennis Bennett for meeting notes and Randy Mealhow for pictures.

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