Regular Meeting - January 31, 2008

On a spectacular day when the sun actually came out for the only time in the last month, we welcomed Randy Hart from the Hilo Club, Guy Enriques who is running for Bob Jacobson's seat on the Hawaii County Council, Sylvia Webber who was the guest of Marie Alvarenga, and Jerry & Pat Merrill, our guest speakers. We managed to do the Pledge of Allegiance without a flag! Our words of wisdom were: "All of my possessions for a moment of time." This was spoken by the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I (1553 - 1603 AD) of England.

DUES ARE DUE! If you have not paid your second half dues, please give your check to Lindsay Barclay as soon as possible!

The Bake Sale for the benefit of Once Upon a Story, the new non-profit helping to get books and other literacy materials into the hands of people in the Kau area, will be held on Sunday, February 24 at Cooper Center's Farmer's Market starting at 6 a.m. Dick Behenna sent around a sign up sheet to get an idea of what our members will be bringing to sell at the table set up for this purpose. Any baked goods will be appreciated. You can make cookies, bread, quick breads, cakes, quiche, brownies, etc. Just make certain that your item is labeled so that we know what it is. You can bake your items at home, no need for a commercial kitchen.

David Uhlmann introduced guest speakers Jerry & Pat Merrill from Kokua Counseling Services. Their company serves people with mental health issues that spring from a variety of different causes. They provide their services even when someone has no or inadequate health insurance coverage, although they do accept most health insurance plans. Jerry & Pat brought tests for us to take to see whether stress is affecting our daily lives and how we rate with regard to wellness in general. Their counselors help clients work on development of healthy responses to life's adverse situations. While they do not serve the chronically mentally ill, there may come a time in anyone's life where it is beneficial to be able to talk to someone. They also provide educational workshops for the community on issues ranging from anger management and grieving to stress reduction and healthy relationships. Their company is in the phone book or just call 935-0222.

This was a day for quotes from people long dead. Jerry Shimoda brought us a quote from Seneca (5 BC-65 AD): "If a sailor does not know what harbor he is headed for, no wind is the right wind." This was by way of introducing the topic of Community Service. Rotary recognized Community Service as an integral part of the Rotary mission in 1924. It asks Rotarians to consider "What is the job that needs doing?" Is there a community agency already doing that job that we can partner with and support to make the results better? If not, how can we become involved for the betterment of the community? Keep your eyes and ears open to the needs around you and let your fellow Rotarians know about worthwhile projects.

HAPPY DOLLARS! David Uhlmann gave Happy $ for the presentation by Jerry & Pat and that he is done with his duty to find speakers this month! Dick Behenna gave $ to thank our Rotary Club for its support of the Volcano Health Collaborative with the State Legislature. and also for the painting of the book store at Cooper Center. (It just needs another coat!) He was also happy to see Pat again, having known her on Oahu! Mili Hughes gave $ for the Merrill's and for the beauty of the island. Kathy English wa happy. Linda Jane Irwin was happy for the snow on the mountain. Paul Ducasse was happy that it's starting to get light earlier, for Jerry & Pat, and for Guy Enriques. Frank Box was happy for the same reasons. Marie Alvarenga was happy that her son is back at college, for inviting Guy Enriques and for her friends Sylvia Webber. Kevin LeBourdais was happy for the speakers and for the view. Erin Gallagher was happy she had a dollar to give! Jerry Shimoda was happy for the good program. Brent Macabio was happy for the speakers. Don Morgado was happy for a good trip to the mainalnd. Helene Buntman was happy to give 50 cents. It would have been more but Lindsay doesn't seem to know how to make change! Jack Lockwood jumped into a long string of Hawaiian which he didn't translate but whatever it was, he gave $ for it! John Linnaman was just plain old happy. Jerry Shimoda was happy for us (?). Guy Enriques was happy to give $ for whatever Jack Lockwood said!

Announcements!! Marie Alvarenga wants anyone who gets bonus dollars from Borders Bookstore to let her know if you'd be willing to donate them to buy books for the various literacy projects we are involved with. She'll go get the books!

The VCA will have a meeting tonight (Thursday, January 31) at Cooper Center at 6:30 p.m. There will be an ice cream social first and then election of officers for the coming year. New members will receive a gift certificate to Cafe Pesto! Community organizations will have displays at the meeting.

There will be a meeting of the Golf Tournament Committee at Pete Walburn's house on Monday at 4 p.m.