Team in charge: Team Esplanade
Team Captains: Evan Tuchinsky & Michelle Sereda
Invocation and Pledge: Evan Tuchinsky
Reporter: Levi Russell
Photographer: Phil Rowberg
Microphones: Brent Morrison & Charlie Kyle
Greeters: Team Esplanade
Visiting Rotarians
Brian Gray, Paradise
Sherry Swim, Paradise
Rex Moseley, Oroville
Martha German, Honolulu
Guests
Tom Martin introduced his wife, Marsha
Mark Johnson introduced Debra Folsom, new to Chico
Dana Campbell introduced Charles Brooks from the Rebuild Paradise Foundation
Taj Atkins introduced Eddy Rodriguez with State Farm
Mark Francis introduced Natasha Beehner from Golden Valley Bank
Announcements and Upcoming Events
· March 5: Empty Bowls at Chico High; Kevin Moretti is coordinating this fundraiser, for the Torres Shelter.
· March 10: Rotaract Takeover. Gabe Eggan says a great speaker is lined up – attend to learn more about our growing Rotaract program.
· March 14: Chico Sunrise Club's St. Patrick’s Day gala; our Centennial Park project is a beneficiary! The event is 5:30 p.m. at the BMU.
· March 17: "If I Ruled the Rotary World," vision planning meeting.
· March 21: District 5160 Spring Assembly in Red Bluff.
· March 24: Rotary Blood Drive; signups TBA.
· April 4: Spring Work Day and groundbreaking at Centennial Park.
· April 7: no meeting (dark due to work day).
· April 14: Centennial Kickoff Event. Tickets on sale now!
· April 17-19: Wine Tour
· April 24: Bird House Build, Masonic Lodge; details forthcoming from Charlie Kyle.
· May 1-3: District Conference in Redding
· May 3: Omelet Brunch. ALL HANDS ON DECK!
· Mark Francis gave an update on upcoming Centennial year activities. Don’t miss the project groundbreaking on the morning of April 4, a once in a Rotary lifetime event! Centennial celebration tickets are already on sale. Speaker Jennifer Jones is fantastic, on track to be the first woman president of Rotary International. Mark also emphasized: When a Rotarian asks, strive to say "YES."
· Speaking of, Levi Russell says the club is looking for 2-3 families to say "YES" to hosting an exchange student in 2020-21. A host family doesn't have to be in Rotary nor have school-age children. Please dig deep and think of those who might be interested. Time commitment is flexible.
· Heidi Musick shared a Centennial sponsorship update, explaining the opportunity for sponsors to purchase a single sponsorship for both the Champagne Omelet Brunch and the Steak & Lobster Dinner. Look out for details via email. Sponsorship sign-up deadline is April 10.
· Trivia winner: Karli Olsen! She has the secret to finding trivia answers if you just ask. Matt Jackson claimed there was an error in the answer, Evan Tuchinsky countered, and chaos ensued! (Question was, How many current members both served as President and received the Community Service Award; Matt cited someone no longer with us, so ... one bell for Matt!)
· Team Esplanade update: Evan reported that last week the team attended the CSU Chico athletes' food drive to raise money for the Hungry Wildcat Pantry, bringing an entire truckload of food. The team also enjoyed a social at Secret Trail paired with a fundraiser for an animal support group. For further community service, the team has made a commitment for a sponsorship drive for Centennial events.
Fine Time and Recognition
Gabe Eggen: Back from a weeklong trip boarding, reading and relaxing in Whistler. The business had a record-breaking 2019 and they’re growing fast. Will be hiring soon! 5 bells.
Tom Martin: Celebrating forty years in Chico Rotary! He and his wife, Marsha, are also celebrating their 53rd anniversary. They’re blessed with three 3 grandchildren who are healthy and doing great. During Tom’s time in the club, he sponsored members that include Les Heringer, Bill Chance, and Ron Piret (more about Ron just below). 8 bells.
Ron Piret: Going strong, and sharing memories of Alberta Simic as his "kindergarten teacher" (which very likely is a tall tale). A former District Governor, Ron served as President when our club turned 75 and said he is thrilled to be here for our 100th birthday. 5 bells.
Tadd Brothers: Business is going well, family is happy and healthy. Golf game needs some work. Tadd continues to serve as treasurer of the club and foundation. (In fact, this report of his personal life was almost as brief as his financial reports at club board meetings!) 12 bells.
Raffle
Matt Jackson walked up with the winning ticket, walked away with $20, and the pot continues to grow.
Program
Mike Zuccolillo, Vice Mayor of the Town of Paradise, gave an update on the status of rebuilding Paradise. The town is issuing approximately 2 permits per day for new homes, and 820 permit applications have been received in the past year. Mike sees this as an incredible opportunity for each of us to show leadership in our own way. The world is hungry for leadership skills; draw on past experiences and don’t be afraid to step up and make a difference.
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