February 8, 2021

President Mindy Sehon opened the meeting at noon with 32 members in attendance. Our guest speaker was Dr. Ian Hoffman, Humboldt County Health Officer.  Due to time constrictions with his schedule we opened the meeting with Dr. Hoffman and will finish the meeting in reverse order.

Dr. Ian Hoffman said that we’ve all learned a lot over the last year.  Public Health is hoping that we will see a lessening in the spring of new cases but right now we’re still evaluating and urging the public to stay home whenever possible, mask, wash hands, etc. Hospitalizations have increased recently.  There is often a lag of about a month behind new cases so this isn’t surprising.  The vaccine is providing a lot of hope. They’ve vaccinated most health care workers and a few weeks ago started vaccinating those 75 and older.  In addition certain occupations were targeted that would assist us in getting back to normal… First Responders, Humboldt County Office of Education- teachers, early childhood education.  They are hopeful that in the coming weeks will be able to vaccinate more educators, etc.  It comes down to the supply of the vaccine.

People have a lot of questions about how to get the vaccine.  If you are in the age-based category, Public Health is working with local medical groups who will invite patients into their practice when they have enough vaccines.  If you aren’t part of a medical practice who has the vaccine, fill out the interest form. Link to interest form: https://humboldtgov.org/2872/Vaccine-Info

If you know of anyone without internet access reach out to them to help get them on the interest form if need be. The State is contracting with Blue Shield to oversee the vaccine effort.  It is not clear what that will look like at the local level and they probably won’t know until March or April. As of this morning almost 18,000 vaccines have been delivered.  $3,000 vaccines are on hand that are scheduled for delivery this week. It’s very important that we all continue to social distance, mask, wash hands, etc. even after you’ve had the vaccine. After some questions and answers Dr.Hoffman got off the call and the meeting proceeded.

Jera Newland was going to deliver today’s inspirational moment but due to technical difficulties we read it instead, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the power to turn a life around.” Unknown.

President Mindy reported that our Valentine’s Day Fundraiser raised over $1,065 for Food for People. Chocolates will be delivered this week or can be picked up at George Petersen this Friday between 4-6pm.

Pat Folkins introduced our newest founding Paul Harris Fellow.  Silas V. Morrison.  Born in 1870.  His Rotary classification was Ice and cold storage.  Silas moved to Humboldt County in 1851 after purchasing a bunch of dairy cattle.  He opened a dairy here and eventually opened the Eureka Ice and Cold Storage business in Eureka.  He was very involved in community. He died in 1926.  His biography was written by retired Judge Morrison, the grandson of Silas Morrison and a Rotarian himself.

Birthdays: Rosalie Carnam, Steve Allen. Jeff Leonard: anniversary 20 years!

RECOGNITIONS: Caitlin and her family went to the snow, Klark attended her virtual Pre-PETS meeting (President-Elect Training Seminar) .  She said they spent time getting to know each other and discussing goals and themes for the coming year.

Dennis Hunter said he recently talked with Rotarian Ken Stoddard who will be 94 soon.  Ken sent his regards to all.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:45pm. There will be no meeting Monday for President’s Day!