April 19, 2021

The meeting was opened at noon by President Mindy Sehon via Zoom with 17 people in attendance.  We broke into small groups for table talk.

Inspirational moment: Jera Newland.  The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. Paulo Coelho.

Dennis Hunter presented our newest founding member Paul Harris fellow, William A. Vietor.  Vietor came to Eureka in 1905. He was a prominent Eureka businessman.  Born on June 22, 1875, he and his wife owned Acme Foundry Company.  He was a member of the Elks, Masonic, and Humboldt Golf and Country Club.  He joined the Rotary Club of Eureka as a charter member but never served as an officer.  He believed in helping people, often quietly behind the scenes.  He passed away suddenly in July 1930. This is a family name that has lived on in Humboldt County for many years.  Lynn Vietor was the first second generation Rotarian in our club, joining in 1929.  A descendent, Vera Vietor later donated her home to what is now the Humboldt Area Foundation building.  She also donated $2.4 million to start Humboldt Area Foundation.  The Lynn Vietor trail is open to the public on the HAF property

Virtual District training last weekend – Carly attended.  Said it was interesting.  President-elect, Klark Swan provided a presentation.

Birthdays- Ken Stoddard, Jack Rieke. Anthony Stubbs wedding anniversary.

Speaker Betty Kwan Chinn – COVID has made a lot of changes about how they work with people.  She’s seen more and more women on the street with children. Some don’t speak any English.  She’s helped those she could.  She has been helping a lot of women and children who have suffered abuse. Now some has gone on to find jobs and go out on their own. City has been helping with rent for shelter for these women but can only help with half now.  In need of donations. Luckily they have had no COVID cases yet. At Christmas they served 350 Christmas dinners and 275 baskets.  ½ of those who attended were not homeless.  A lot of people are at risk, but may not be  homeless. Many people are hopeless when they arrive.  Many people in our community donate and make their services possible.  A number of business people received COVID checks and said they don’t need the money and donated to help.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:48pm.