Thought of the Day: Dennis Bennett -As I was watching the rain in the middle of this strange time in our history, my thoughts turned to how fortunate I am. This led me to think about all the things that lead to this good fortune and make me happy:
Loving and being loved, Betty
Family andFriends
Good health
Financial stability
Activities with others
Enjoying the great outdoors, hiking and biking alone or with others
Living in a wonderful community
Being a Rotarian and giving back to this wonderful community
Service to others
Zinnie our cat
Wonderful memories of times with family and friends
Hope that tomorrow will be as good or better than today
Prez Steve's opening remarks: In addition to opening remarks, Prez offered up three cartoons: Darth Vader, a man being pulled over for speeding and Little Red Riding Hood all presented in the unique context of 2020. Then Prez Steve gave us his interpretation of the Four-Way Test: 1) Is it the TRUTH?. Some believe we live in a post-truth culture. Whether you believe this or not, Rotarians must be people who seek the truth, who value the truth, who demonstrate the truth. 2) Is it FAIR to all concerned? This asks whether what we do or say is fair to ALL concerned. There is no room in Rotary for partisanship, exclusion, racism, sexism. We need to show the world that we are ambassadors for the good for ALL people. 3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Friendship and goodwill are rudiments of the Rotary organization. Goodwill is more of a business transactional term. When we fund projects, are we doing it with a good attitude and helpful feelings? Are we bridging friendships? 4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? My paraphrase is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Doing something for someone other than myself brings joy.
Over 54 attendees this week. We will meet again via Zoom next week and probably for the rest of Pres Steve's term given the discussion he has had with the Elks Lodge. The Board of Directors will meet Wednesday and the possibility of meeting outside with social distancing will be explored.
Larry Rolufs, Scholarship Committee: Sincere thanks to Committee members, Jenny Jansen, Earl Wilson, Cathy Bianchi, Jim Holbrook, Gary Ransom, and advisor Mark Smith. A total of $20,000 was awarded from the scholarship fund: Steve Snyder Award – Laura Easton, Career Tech Award – Jenene Chipman, Presidential Award – Maya Graham, Virgil Traynor Award – Cassandra Rhoades. General scholarship recipients – Michelle Chamberlain, Lucas Arsenith, Hanna Strasser, Taryn Ryan.The Committee did not award scholarships from the General Fund this year given the current budget constraints.
Scott Christensen, Music Contest: The judges have reviewed the music video submittals and have selected the winners. Announcements are being sent to participants. Look for separate email with more information about the entries and winners.
Steve Snyder: A prior District Governor from Louisiana has offered up a pallet of infant probiotics. Mitch Hanna and Catherine McGregor have been contacted to assess local need. Geoff Davis will be contacted as well.
Bob Richardson the Auburn City Manager was our speaker this week on the local effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. Bob gave us a high level overview emphasizing that the decision points and impacts are changing daily, a condition that will continue for the foreseeable future. Bob praised the coordination between cities and the county which resulted in excellent teamwork and collaboration. The potential fiscal impacts are not fully known but are likely to be significant especially in the loss of sales tax revenue from tourism and fuel sales. The budgetary consequences will be partially offset by City reserves and the prior financial planning of the City but the revenue reductions and fiscal impacts will be evident for years to come. Bob answered member questions related to local COVID cases, the City's interaction with the State and other agencies, the delay of his retirement by 60 days at request of the Council, and potential delays in receiving State funding.
Member Announcement/Happy & Sad Bucks
Betty Bennett: RYE student Jade has made it safely home to France.
Tara is happy that there are only 2.5 weeks of home schooling left!
Club Business
Re-Introduction: Betty Bennett
Birthdays: Jim Coleman, Bart Ruud
Anniversaries: Phil and Susie Booker, Tara and Brian Cavrikas