Katherine McGregor introduced Lydia Richards, who has spent 15 years researching happiness.
Lydia opened her presentation with the question of, “What makes you happy?” On her whiteboard, she noted audience responses, which included, friendships, family, God, health, vacations, Rotary, retirement, and more.
In developing her theme, Lydia shared some key points: Happy people recover from surgery more quickly; when we are happy, we see more because we have wider peripheral vision; the happiest people live ten years longer than unhappy people; happy people stay married long and have more sex; happy people make better bosses; happy people give more of themselves; and, the whole world is better when we are happy. When Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is released in greater quantities, it leads to an increase in happiness. Being cheerful is different than being happy. External events have very little effect on happiness. Once our basic needs are met – food, shelter, etc., more dollars will not make us happier. For a family, an income of $77,000 is about the threshold of happiness. Beyond that, more money makes little difference.
The UN does an annual survey of countries regarding the happiness of the populace. It has been found that the happiest people live in Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, and Norway. The United States currently ranks 18th in happiness, and we are trending toward being less happy.
For the whole story, read Lydia Richards book, “The Snow Glove Effect” online, in PDF, for free. Use a search engine to look up https://www.thesnowglobeeffect.com/
The only time you will ever be happy is right now.
“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you’re happy and you know it then your face will surely show it…”
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Meeting Openers - Announcements
A potpourri of good vibes marked the meeting, with a lead point being our privilege to meet PresidentKahl’s parents, Wally and Sue Muscott, visiting from Loveland, CO.
Barry Stigers presented a media update on the status of the Camp Fire at Paradise, CA. Barry also shared that former Auburn Rotarian, Dan Appel, is all right, though there is no knowledge about whether his home in Magalia remains standing. We do know that his son, who lives but a couple of blocks away, lost his home. That was a segue for Carolyn Metzker to announce a fund-raiser opportunity to provide assistance to those in need who have suffered horrific losses. If you would like to lend a hand to Carolyn’s cause, contact her directly.
Bob Santin has safely returned from spending 23 days rafting on the Colorado River, and Bart O’Brien has safely returned from a two-week rock climbing and hiking sojourn in Utah, which was followed by several days scaling peaks in the Bishop, CA area and hiking in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area near Las Vegas, NV. Both vacationers paid well-deserved fines for their absence from recent meetings.
Bill Radakovitz extended an appeal for help with the December 1 Festival of Lights Parade. A signup sheet will be available next meeting.
AlLombardo shared that the Club’s Christmas fellowship party will be held December 20 at the General Gomez Center. The cost will be $35 per person and attendees are asked to add their name to a list so that appropriate quantities of Monkey Cat catered hors d’oeuvres can be ordered.
Linda Maeding conducted an election of upcoming Officers and Board Members. All on the slate were duly elected. Secretary – Mark C. Smith; Treasurer – Steve Galyardt; Presidential Nominee – Cindy Eklund. Board Members: Jeff Wood, Peter Efstathiu and Cathie Bianchi.
Al Lombardo announced a planning party for a 2019 RV campout at Sunset Bay on the Oregon coast is scheduled for November 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lombardo home. It is thought that the trip might be scheduled for the first or second week of September 2019.
Amy Austin presented a five-minute talk about her life outside of Rotary, and within Rotary. Amy has served as a RYLA and RYE counselor repeatedly over the past ten years, and she makes time for that by stepping away from her professional work as an independent Real Estate Appraiser.
Don Ales announced help will be needed at the Gold Country Fairgrounds when it offers ice-skating November 16 – January 2. Check with Don directly, or better yet, check the website, http://www.GoldCountryFair.com for days and hours of operation.
Gifts for the Stand Up Placer children are due not later than November 27.
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Paul Harris Awards - sort of
Monti Reynolds announced that an anonymous donor has contributed 500 Paul Harris points each to four Auburn Rotarians. The recipients of the points were Leonard James, Mark C. Smith, Earl Wilson and Bart Ruud. Warm thanks are extended to the anonymous donor.
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New Member
Tim Busk was inducted as our newest member by his sponsor, Steve Grundmeier. Tim has dedicated himself for years in our community to help improve the lives of others. In effect, he has emulated much of what Rotary is about, and now he can carry on that work as a true Rotarian. Auburn Rotary extends a warm welcome to Tim.
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Weekly Meeting Question-
Today’s trivia question was basic: When was Veterans Day first celebrated? The back table had 15 seconds to answer, and while they were close, their answer was incorrect.
see answer below-
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Other Announcements
Auburn Salvation Army Lt. Jesse Posner called share that those who have volunteer to help the Salvation Army in Chico should watch for notices over the next few hours/days. There is a good chance that the Salvation Army will be consolidating their efforts. This means that the plan to have extra volunteers help feed First Responders may be altered, or possibly not needed. Jesse will share more info as it becomes available.
That said, there may be other opportunities if folks still want to volunteer to help with the devastation wrought by the Camp Fire. Please contact Jesse Posner at jesse.posner@usw.salvationarmy.org for more information.
Thank you,
Kahl
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Black Marble Saga-
The quest for the Black Marble continues. No winner this week.
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Other Meeting Photo's
Terry Cooney and Elda have celebrated their November 10 marriage of 45 years.
Fred Merriam and Ron Martinez received congratulations for celebrating their birthdays, and with spins of the wheel, they enriched the Club coffers.
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Answer to Meeting Question:
Veterans Day was first celebrated in November 1919.