Rotary Bulletin October 3, 2023 (Sep 27, 2023)

Greeter – Larry Hardy
Front Table – Ron Martinez
Setup/Cleanup - Terry Cooney
Pledge – Vicki Stonebarger
Song – President Bob played Neutron and Paul Ross lead us in God Bless America
Sergeant of Arms – Bill Johnston
Technology – Richard Hall
Bulletin: Nancy Nittler

Thought of the day: Paul Galushkin:

A few weeks ago, we heard from Dr. Binus from Beautiful Minds about this country's mental health issues and our core values that are being left behind. This reminded me of a recent article from WSJ that I read about a survey conducted by WSJ and University of Chicago which found that Americans in huge numbers are pulling back from the values that once defined them. Over the last 25 years, the percentage of Americans who described "Patriotism" as either important or very important fell from 70% to 38%. Those who valued faith or religion fell from 70% to 39%, having children from 59% to 30% and community involvement from 47% to 27%. Even the percentage of Americans valuing "Tolerance for Others" dropped from 80% to just 58%. Only one value out of 10 listed increased: Money, from 31% to 43%.

There are so many issues to get behind out there in the world including the Ukraine war, political climate, natural disasters, and so on. But in our home country, we are losing future generations to depression, drugs, alcohol, and indoctrination and philosophies that are destructive of the values which we once shared as a nation. In many families today, how many children are growing up with a sense of belonging, purpose, and a positive outlook for the future?

A lot has changed in America since my family immigrated here in 1993. Sometimes it feels like it is not the same country anymore. But I am not complaining here because I am not a complainer. Instead, I am a dreamer, and my dream is for America to remain the beacon of hope, freedom and unity. A nation that values family, community, peace, and courage.

In conclusion, all of us at this Rotary club are part of a community and all of you already do a lot to make the world a better place. I just want to encourage us all to be mindful of our drifting values the next time we talk to someone of a younger generation. For some of you, the next time you talk to your grandchildren, tell them about what makes our country America the best country in the world.

Visiting Rotarians:

None

Guests of Rotarians:

Steve Grundmeier introduced our speaker, John Hallsted, from Healthbridge Global.

Betty Bennett introduced three Senior PHS students from Mr. Robinson's government class.

Birthdays:

Don Yamasaki October 2

Kathryn Gonzalez October 2

Anniversaries:

Jonathan and Liza Stefanis

Bob and Phyllis Dunstan

Rotary Anniversary

Brandee Ambrosia 4 years

Vic Gonnella 22 years

Jolie Huston 2 years

Jeff Ambrosia 14 years

President Announcements

Today was another "clothing optional" day with the theme of Revenge of the Nerds. Plastic pocket protectors and bowties were provided. Our next theme day will be October 31!

Come to the Fairgrounds on October 25th at 5 PM for a multi-club photo to celebrate World Polio Day. After the picture there will be fun and fellowship at the Old Town Pizza at the fairgrounds.

President Bob forgot the 5-gallon buckets for the club members/Italian travelers but will have them next week. They are requested to fill the buckets with cash and return to club for missing our BBQ fundraiser. Al Lombardo was way ahead of Bob by donating $100 and for giving Bob a special gift from Italy (pinecone) that represents health, wealth and good luck.

In this installment of don’t shirt on me, the shirt was offered to Vicki Stonebarger. Choices are to keep the shirt for $10 or spin the wheel and give it to someone else. She kept it. It reads, "She believed that she could but her cat was asleep on her lap so she didn't.”

Announcements & Happy/Sad Bucks:

Geoff Davis is heading up our new environmental group (ESRAG).

John Donlevy - get your BBQ money in.

Mike Wilson announced that 23 past presidents met and are nominating the following officers and director for 24-25. These will be voted on by the club on Tuesday, November 14th. You can nominate others if you’d like.

President Elect: Nancy Bender

Treasurer: Steve Galyardt

Secretary: Kim McClintock

Directors: Amy Austin, Jeff Spoor, Cris Vaughn

Al Lombardo and the Fun Committee will be sending out a signup email for a tour of Sierra College on October 19tour. The campus tour will start at 11:30 AM. Meet at Board Room at Learning Resource Center bottom floor followed by a 20-25 minute walking tour. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by 10/10.

Scott Christensen announced a bylaws committee meeting at 11 AM at the Elk's Club, 2 weeks from today. Look for an email with more details.

Bob Hayden is downsizing and has a stationary bike to give away plus a wine rack. Let him know if interested.

Nick Willick is heading up This Old House on October 21st with two properties on Virginia Street. One will involve weed-eating and brush removal and the other will be painting. See email from Brandee Ambrosia to sign up. Lunch will be at Carolyn’s house, just around the corner.

Brandee Ambrosia - Community Service: We have received a grant for $2500 to help fund a replacement audio console for the State Theater and a $4300 multi-club grant for the School Park Preserve project. These are great examples of how your foundation donations come back to the club and our community.

Geoff Davis has started the Sustainability & Environmental Action Group in our club. First meeting last week went well with enthusiastic participants. First projects will include film plastic recycling starting November 1st. We will have a guest speaker, Annie Bowler, on November 28. In a couple of weeks, we will have a film plastic and battery recycle day in the club. More information to follow.

Lori McIntosh is our new Public Image Chair. There's a lot to do and she will be asking for help. PR can be fun especially when combined with fun committee activities. Stay tuned!

Linda Maeding passed along information from Sam Frazier announcement that Pam is feeling much better. They both appreciate your prayers and encouragement.

Bart O’Brien built a house in Colfax in 1978 but sold it yesterday. Very emotional time. Carolyn Metzker helped them buy another house yesterday too. $100 to the foundation for these family milestones.

Heber Marripodi had happy buck and a message of gratitude from three families. He uses his BBQ tickets to bring meals to those who need a little support.

Betty and Dennis Bennett spent a month in Europe for month and had the joy of spending time with 6 exchange students: Romi, Lili, Chloe, Marco and more. Fantastic time! Dennis got Covid but will be back next week as he tested negative today!

Brandee Ambrosia has $5 happy bucks for Jeff's annual guy's trip. The trip shifted from football focus to Taylor Swift and football. Now the group are Swifties!

Tara had happy bucks for Caden making the 7th grade basketball team. Also, the Renaissance Faire needs volunteers and if you want to volunteer at the Faire, you'll need to be live scanned soon. Contact Tara for details.

Al Lombardo traveled with 12 people in Italy, many of them Rotarians. He thanks the Bennetts for setting up a Limoncello tasting at a lemon orchard complete with food and olive oil sampling.

Bill Radakovitz had $5 for being happy to be back but dismayed at staying in a pod waiting for flight. Way too small. But close to the airport.

Raffle (Kelly Cooper): No winner this week.

Program: John Hallsted of Healthbridge

John was a Rotary member two times. Downtown Stockton club and overseas. Hope is the theme of Rotary this year and the theme of the work that he does through Healthbridge.

There are three places we will not find hope: the news (sells fear), politics (not purveyors of hope), not the economy. Money does not bring us hope.

Hope comes from a lot of places. Hope is transmitted from one person to another. Hope is result of lifting the eyes of the downcast and showing them other possibilities through faith. Hope is required to break cycles. Through these avenues a person can pass hope on to others.

John and his wife started Healthbridge Global from their passion. Two years ago, they sold their house, left jobs and went full time into Healthbridge Global. One of the hardest but best decisions he has made in his life. Why? Hope.

They come alongside local leaders/doctors in countries with great need of healthcare. Their goal is to help people fulfill their vision in their communities including economic viability. They support a holistic health approach that addresses the entire person through efforts of creating non-profit medical organizations in the country.

How they do it? Build. Coach. Equip. Connect.

Where? Romania. Ukraine. India. Egypt. California.

Healthbridge Global is about to complete a pediatric medical facility in Egypt. Egypt had no dedicated pediatric care in the lower region. The clinic is nearly finished, and they hope to serve patients in November.

Sacramento has 40,000 Afghan refugees. Many have migrated from other areas of US to join the larger Afghan community in Sacramento area. There is a growing need for services and support. Accessing and navigating our health care system can be very difficult for them. Their cultural specifications don’t fit into standard medical system. Healthbridge Global started the Healing Grove for refugee health and spiritual care in Sacramento. Social, health, economic situations being addressed in a way that empowers the recipient with hope. A trauma counselor fleeing from Pakistan became available to their program just at the time she was most needed. Not a coincidence but an examples hope being created from one person to another through the application of Compassion, Hope, Dignity.

https://healthbridgeglobal.org/

November 2, 2021