News and Happenings

Pat Love began the meeting with a pithy invocation from the Dalai Lama: “Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible.”  (Hmm . . . if a picture is worth 1000 words, that may be eight words worth a picture.)

 

The sing-along led by Jesse Formwalt was an old standby, “You Are My Sunshine.”  Being that it is a favorite, your reporter gave reign to his investigative instincts, and learned on the internet that the song was penned in the 1930’s, perhaps by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell – although the attribution is disputed.  Davis, a country singer, recorded the song in 1940 and became closely identified with it.  Later, he also became Governor of Louisiana, and his connection to the song was cemented in history when it was named Louisiana State Song by an act of the state Legislature.  As always, history is written by the victors.

 

Versions of “You Are My Sunshine” have been recorded by a vast array of performers, ranging from Gene Autry, to Lawrence Welk, to Ike and Tina Turner, to Ray Charles, to Mose Allison, to Brian Wilson, to Carly Simon, and (back to its country roots) Johnny Cash.

 

But well worthy of reporting is that during the meeting, new members Ci Ci and Bruce Stuart were welcomed into Rotary, with Dave Campbell presiding. 
 
The energetic Ci Ci is originally from Michigan, and has enjoyed diverse experiences in restaurant management, teaching, as a court-appointed youth advocate, and as a docent at Northstar House, a cultural arts center in a historic gold-mining area of the Sierras, between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.  The more stolid Bruce grew up in California, but went to college in Nebraska in search of an environment more conducive to studies than that in the Golden State.  He has worked as a business consultant and owned a manufacturing concern.
 

The meeting concluded with presentations to numerous Rotarians of Paul Harris awards, given to members who have made cumulative donations to The Rotary Foundation of $1000.  The Foundation helps advance world understanding and peace through support of worthy projects to improve health, sanitation, access to water and education the world over, and enjoys the distinction of being recognized by website Charity Navigator as an organization that exceptionally uses 100% of funds donated for projects.
 
Rotarians recognized as “outstanding givers” included Art Benzel, John Richardson, Jo Bridges, Sharon Crump, Bob Eggleston, Jo Ann Laird, Don McKeehan, Kim Moore, Shellie Peterson, Jann Pitcher, Dave Richardson, Carrie Weiss, Codie Wilson, and Neal Johnson. Jo’s award was her second, as was Codie’s.  Shellie, Jann and Carrie each received the award a third time.  Dave’s was his eighth award – a handsome, elegantly decorated Rotary pin.
 
Also receiving the award posthumously was Dick Babillis.  Bonnie Masters accepted on Dick’s behalf, commenting that she knew the Rotary Foundation had been “near and dear” to his heart.
 
Larry McClintock advised all at the meeting that gifts may be made by checks made out to The Rotary Foundation, or on the Rotary.org website.  He added that gifts counted for the Paul Harris award accumulate over time.  Recognition is thus within the reach of all.