November 1, 2021

The meeting was opened at noon on Zoom by President Klark Swan.  Jay Reed led the pledge of Allegiance. Thought of the day was provided by Jay Reed as well.

CLUB BUSINESS:

  • Register for the Foundation Dinner now if you are going.
  • Annalise von Borstel – Real Estate update. Average list prices are up 20% from last year but still down from the California median price. There are still not a lot of listings- 204 active homes at the moment.
  • Carson Park survey – please take it.
  • Foundation Giving Challenge! – help us become a Million Dollar Club! More information coming. Kim Bauriedel gave us an overview of the Foundation and our participation in various projects.
  • Remember to Vote for new board members. Today’s the last day. Check your email.  Only ¼ of the club has voted.
  • McKay Veteran’s Day run is coming up soon – volunteers still needed. Contact Klark for information.
  • Rotaractor event is happening this weekend – Bollywood night. Buy your tickets online at Arcatatheater.org
  • Done in a Day- Clean up at Carson Park 11/7 from 10-1pm. Weather permitting. There are alternate plans being made if it’s raining.
  • As mentioned last week we will be starting to meet in person again next week on 11/15. There will not be an online option.  Meeting will be at the Inn at 2nd and C.  There will not be food service, just coffee.
  • This month our speakers will be related to Hunger and Homelessness.

ROTARY MOMENT: Naomi Garcia Martinez is our new Youth Exchange Outbound Exchange Student.  She is going to be graduating prior to going which is unusual but has to do with delays because of COVID.

HALLOWEEN Photos:

Klark showed us a photo slide show of various Rotarians and their families in Halloween costumes.

TODAY’S SPEAKER: Carly Robbins, Food for People

The pandemic massively changed things.  All distributions are now outside- walk up or drive-up distributions.  They have had to serve a lot more people.  They are now serving 16,000 people per month, compared to 12,000 before the pandemic. Food for People currently has about 25 staff members and partners with about 100 organizations in Humboldt for different programs.  Food prices are rising quite a bit, there have been food shortages in some areas.  They are trying to secure food now, at a decent price point.

The new faciility building is coming along. The old facility has been completely removed.  The City of Eureka has helped them find temporary facilities.  They are currently spread out and overhead has increased quite a bit because of all of the leases.  The construction has been delayed because of COVID supply issues, but is expected to start in the next few months and they hope to move in by the end of 2022.  The budget has increased as prices have risen as much as 45%.  The total building is estimated to cost 5.6 million. They have raised 5.3 million at this point thanks to our generous community.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:43pm.