The Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise

Volume VII, Issue 24 — December 26, 2007

Club President 2007-2008: Lori Breyer

Editor: Dick Johnson

editor@arcatasunrise.org

Check the calendar to your right ... the Dictionary Project will be underway in mid-January. We will be distributing dictionaries to third-graders at Jacoby Creek School, Pacific Union School, and Arcata Elementary School. To be a part of this fun and worthwhile project, contact Bryan Reeser.

Notes From Our Last Meeting

We began last Friday's meeting with a moment of silence to honor Past President Travis Schneider's mother, who passed away recently.

Since so many Rotary Kids were at Friday's meeting, we pronounced it a Photo Op.  Here are the results (including Rotary Kid Wrangler Bryan Plumley):

:

Exchange Student Jessica Bono told us about the Christmas traditions of her home, Italy. On December 21st, the family goes to Grandma's house and celebrate at midnight. On Christmas Day, they open their gifts in the morning, and stay together all day. Another tradition our countries have in common - "We eat so much!" Jessica said. Our Club has a traditional Christmas gift for our Exchange Students - a yearbook from Arcata High School. The annuals won't be ready until September of next year, but we'll mail it to her.

President Lori was unable to use her traditional PowerPoint, since the Christmas tree was in the way. ("O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, your branches green defy us.") She resorted to using her PDA, which worked pretty well, at least when she held it up for those of us at the front tables.

John Gullam of the Southwest Eureka Rotary is the Director of Donor Resources for the Northern California Community Blood Bank, and he visited last Friday to remind us of the Rotary Presidential Challenge. He encouraged us to donate blood this month for two reasons. First it's vitally needed - donations decline dramatically during the winter months. Second, it will help President Lori gain bragging rights over the other local Club Presidents. John said that many of us who were not able to give blood in the past may now be eligible. He suggested that we contact the Blood Bank to discuss recent eligibility changes.

Bryan Reeser reminded us that the Dictionary Project will be underway in just a few weeks. Check the schedule in the "For Your Calendar" section of the Spirit, and choose one, two, or all three "Distribution Centers" to help out.

This Friday, we will not be meeting at the Community Center. Instead, we will return to the Golden Harvest, where our Club got its start. The program will be your "White Elephant" gifts - it's "Worst Christmas Gifts Ever" time!