Why is there a statue of the honored and esteemed Hmong General Vang Pao in front of Chico City Hall? Why is there a new Hmong cultural center and development project planned for Oroville? Not everyone realizes how the Hmong people got here, after making great sacrifices as they served as brave and loyal allies to American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Dr. Cheuyengther Xiong will discuss the recent history of the Hmong people in South East Asia, the United States and in Northern California, and share a vision for the future that preserves and celebrates this unique heritage in our community.
Dr. Xiong is the Lead Counselor for veteran students at San Joaquin Delta College, where he's served on the Curriculum Committee, Academic Senate, Cultural Awareness Committee, and Counselors Association.
Dr. Xiong is currently serving as the President of Kev Ntseeg Leej Niam Kee Tiam Vaj Lis Thum. Before that, he served as President for Lao Family Community Empowerment for 9 years, chaired the most beautiful General Vang Pao Monument Project in Stockton for 5 years, served as Treasurer and Board member for Hmong National Development (HND) for 4 years, and served as Advisor for both Asian American Performing Arts and Culture Center and Lao Veteran of Northern California Chapter for 6 years.
Dr. Xiong received his Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of the Pacific, his Master of Arts Degree in Educational Counseling from California State University, Stanislaus, and his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from Gonzaga University.
____________________________________
Prospective members
New Members: The following candidates have been proposed for membership by the Board of Directors, and agreed that their names may be published in the Oakleaves. If no objections are filed with the President within seven days after this publication, these candidates will be considered as having been elected to membership the Rotary Club of Chico.
Taj Atkins – A Chico native, Taj is the Chico Branch Manager of ServiceMaster by Cronic. He’s been involved coaching little league baseball, and youth basketball. He’s volunteered at the Jesus Center and helped a golf tournament to raise funds for Catalyst, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chico Chamber of Commerce. Taj and his wife Jamie have two children and live in Chico.
(JAR) Danie Schwartz – A Cal State University Chico graduate, Danie is the owner of Danie Schwartz Consulting. She has been involved with the Torres Shelter (marketing committee), the Young Professionals Organization (Past President), and is on the Executive board for the CSUC Alumni Association. In 2015, Danie was named the Chico Chamber Ambassador of the Year and has served as Ambassador Chair. Danie lives in Durham.
(JAR) Kaliahna Tripp – Kali started Happy at Home in Chico in 2013 to provide non-medical in home care for seniors. A CSUC graduate, she is a Chico Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and volunteered for the Chico Brewfest. Kaliahna and her husband Josh have two children and live in Chico.
____________________________________
Captain Nan reports
Picnic tickets -- get your picnic tickets
Pres. Gayle: Back to school, Club
Meeting Date: Sept. 3, 2019
Opening
Presiding: President Glen Eaton
Secretary: Mark Pierce
Team in charge: Team Velocity
Team Captains: Nancy Mendonca, Heather Short
Invocation and Pledge: Tod Kimmelshue
Reporter: Nancy Mendonca
Photographer: Robb Lightfoot
Microphones: Dane Bracewell and Trish Dunlap
Greeters: Team
Visiting Rotarians
Jack Slota, Gridley
Guests
Georgie Bellin: Robert Hooper
Rodney Krebs: Phil Aviles
Michelle Sereda: Kelley Conner
Spencer Fogleman: Taj Atkins
Mark Francis: Natasha Beehner
Rob Reddemann: Kali Tripp
Announcements and Upcoming Events
• Tickets are on sale for the Club Picnic on September 24. It's the meeting of record that week. See Kevin Moretti.
• The Salvation Army Shopping Spree is Oct. 1. The club is encouraging members to make a donation to this cause. Make your checks to Rotary Foundation; subject line-Salvation Army Shopping.
• District 5160 Fall Seminar will be October 19 in Redding.
• Club Workday is scheduled for October 26.
• Nancy Mendonca gave the team report. August was a busy month for the team. On August 10th the team arrived at the Boys and Girls Club to remove lawn areas, remove and clean out flower beds, and trim trees. Sima Saboury’s team came to help, which was much needed and appreciated. On August 20th the team gathered at Heather Short’s mom’s home in Chico to have a pool party social.
Fine Time and Recognition
Walt Schafer shared vacation times, on his 340-mile bike ride in Alaska(!) and also spent time with both of his daughters recently.
Gayle Hutchinson is happy to be back in Rotary. She said 17,200 students returned to the university this fall. Chico State has finished the Strategic Plan and will have the Master Plan completed by May 2020.
Tom Huston celebrated 43 years of marriage. He, his wife, family and friends took a cruise to Alaska. They also have a couple more trips planned for the fall.
Brent Morrison and his wife, Sybil, recently celebrated 45 years of marriage.
Raffle
Michelle Genova was the winner of the ticket selection, but only a $20.00 bill. Still, a win-win for her!
Program
Rotarian Joe Wilson, Interim Director of the Butte County Rebuild Effort, explained the strategy and phases of PG&E’s efforts to help the people of Paradise rebuild the city and their homes. PG&E is committed to rebuilding with 430 employees and currently working on their restoration of utilities. They are “forward” thinking for the future and recently announced they will be installing most of the utilities in Paradise underground.
It’s up to you to sign yourself in and provide documentation for make-ups and E-make-ups. Attendance Reports are available for member review at the Attendance Table. Reports show each member’s attendance as far back as one year!
REMINDER: Only 6 misses (12 for JARs) in a 6 month period.
NOTE: The following meeting absence list is for informational purposes only. Attendance issues are handled at the Tuesday meetings only.
