“All the News that Fits We Print”

Before the Bell The second annual Overcoming Obstacles Award Leadership Conference began at 9 am. Six high school seniors from West County high schools attended the conference held at O’Reilly Media in Sebastopol. The students were selected as examples of young people who have faced and overcome obstacles unlike those of their peers, sought and received help, turned life and grades around, and who have plans and

support structure for the future. Each student was paired with a “mentor”, several Sebastopol Rotarians and spouses. The mentors’ initial task was to put the students at ease (“You are already winners!”) and get them ready for what would turn out to be a big day in their lives.

David Schreibman emceed the morning program. He introduced Rotary to the audience, including its goals and methods. The first speaker was Rebecca (Becca) Courry. Becca originally hailed from West County but has moved around Northern California. In the theme of overcoming obstacles, Becca described what it was like to drop out of high school at 15, spend years living on her own and then try to come back from adversity. She eventually, through her own hard work and with the help of others, graduated from high school, then

SRJC, then University of California Berkeley, and finally received her graduate degree from CAL Berkeley. She is presently a therapist working with the homeless community. The students and mentors grilled her on her past, asking her how she was able to support herself and never give up. She graciously answered all inquiries and made a positive impression on the students and the rest of the audience.

The next speaker was our very own President Aleia Coate. She described her somewhat unorthodox upbringing and talked of the moment that she knew she had to concentrate on her future and her personal success. It was a long and winding road from Tennessee and the Bronx to Sebastopol Citizen of the Year. Her story inspired the students to ask for more information about how it felt to be an outsider and to overcome the difficulties that go with it.

Date: April 20th, 2012

Volume: 2011/12—Issue E10-39

Scribe: David Still, Tony Given

Photography: Jerry Warren, Richard Power, Dorothy Rodella, hh

Editor: Tom Boag

Club President 2011/2012: Aleia Coate

Pgm.: Efren Carrillo – Overcoming Obstacles Award Event

The final speaker,

also for the

second year in a row, was Sonoma

County 5th District Supervisor, Efren Carrillo.

Supervisor Carrillo also described various difficulties that he worked through on his road to success. Being raised in two countries, living in relative poverty, and accepting the help of the community inspired him to want to give back. He also spoke of his parents and their dedication to his education and success.

Between speakers and afterwards, the students were asked to comment and ask questions. They were being observed discretely, invisibly by our distinguished panel of judges—Nobody noticed that our DG Maureen Merrill; Al Frumkin, Past 5180 DG; committee member Yvette Williams van Aggelen; and our President Elect, Edwin Wilson; were making notes—all silently supervised by “herder” and Past President

Kathie Mayhew. [Well, actually Yvette was using a computer, pretending to “surf the net”. Nobody guessed. –Ed.] After the morning meeting and pictures, all headed across the street to our regular lunch place.

At the Bell

The six High School Students, two each from Analy, El Molino, and Laguna High Schools entered Memorial Hall at approximately 12:10PM, to loud applause.

At twelve o’clock the six students selected for the Sebastopol Rotary Overcoming Obstacles Awards were introduced to the club meeting to wide applause. Committee Chair Tom Boag and his committee again, for the second year in a row, had selected the winners, organized the morning leadership conference, and

now presented the honorees to the club. The students proceeded to take seats next to parents, mentors, teachers who had arrived previously.

Future Programs April 27

th

Program: Rotary Foundation Program Host: Mike Ferguson (SEE ATTACHMENT)

May 4th

Program: Vocational Awards Host: Katy Spyrka

May 11th

Speaker: Michael Ruppert Program: Collapse Host: Mike Ferguson

May 18th

Speaker: Paul Voissen Program: Recent Trends in Sonoma County

Agriculture Host: Henry Alker

May 25th

Speaker: Aleia Coate Program: Club Assembly

June 1st

Speaker: Richard Power Program: GSE Team from Turkey

June 8th

Speaker: Michael Ellis Program: Footloose Forays Host: Sally Glendening

June 15th

DARK – DISTRICT CONFERENCE

June 22nd

Speaker: Dr. Alan Bernstein Program: Stroke – Every Minute Counts Host: Harry Simms

June 29th

Speaker: Sheriff Dept. Personnel Program: Sonoma Co. Sheriff’s Rescue

Helicopter Host: Mike Ferguson

Future Events HAPPY HOUR AT GTO’s Seafood House

(3rd

Friday of the Month), 234 South Main, Seb.

NEXT HAPPY HOUR @ GTO’s–MAY 18th

,2012

(*See Attached*)

Learn to Swim Program Orientation, April 23rd

- June

Polio Music Benefit, April 27th

Rebuilding Together, April 28th

– See Gene Nelson

Sonoma County Backroad Challenge, May 19th

(*See Attached*)

District 5130 Conference, June 15th

– 17th

Miscellany NEXT Board Meeting (3

rd Wednesdays)

Location: Mike Long Office, 7724 Healdsburg Ave, Seb. Date/Time: Wednesday April 18

th, 5:30 p.m.

Web Site for Make-Up Locations www.rotary5130.org/meeting_locations.shtml

MAKEUP NOTIFICATIONS – Send to JOHN BLASCO at jcblasco@comcast.net

On-line Make-Ups: www.RotaryEClubOne.org

Interact Make-Ups Analy High: 12:35 Wed. In the Choir Room Brook Haven: 12:40, 1

st & 3

rd Thurs., Rm. 4

(Check-in @ Front Office first) Hillcrest: 12:20, Every 3

rd Tues., Rm. 6

CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM MEETINGS

President Aleia rang the meeting to order at 12:15PM on the dot. Frank Mayhew started us off with the Pledge to the Flag, but first pointed out that the United States is one of few counties where people salute a flag and not an individual or political party. Karen Daniels, with her melodic voice, then led us in song "America the Beautiful”. Gene Nelson then provided us with the thought for the day [—tuned to the occasion. –Ed.]

“Life-giving God, gentle Spirit, we thank you for this beautiful spring day, for the springtime promise of new life and new beginnings.

And today we also thank you for the inspiring power of the human spirit – for those who affirm life and hope even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Their life gives us life; their hope gives us hope. By your grace, may we all have the vision to see open doors, new possibilities, unexplored paths…and the courage and faith to take that first step. Amen.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

In the absence of The Budman, Jack Blasco introduced the following Visiting Rotarians: Jenifer Hembol, Santa Rosa Sunrise, Mortgage Lending; Knoel Owen, Santa Rosa Main, Judiciary; Terry Kelley, Sebastopol Sunrise, Non Profit; Karen Cauthen, Sebastopol Sunrise, Healthcare; Gabrielle Disario Sebastopol Sunrise, Graphic Design; and Barbara Barney, Sebastopol Sunrise, Accounting.

Guests Of Rotarians: Troy McAdams introduced his wife, Nicole; Ken Jacobs introduced his daughter Claire; Edwin Wilson introduced his the soon-to-be First Lady, Diana; David Schreibman introduced dearly beloved Carolee; then Kathy Mayhew introduced our moderator, Efren Carrillo and Becca Courry, a speaker at the morning session. Larry Ford introduced his wife, Gerry Reilly-Ford, and Jerry Warren introduced his wife Kay. Since Harry Simms was not present [Harry was present at the morning meeting as a mentor. –Ed.], Jerry introduced Harry’s wife Susanna. Rick Williams introduced his wife, Leah.

Recognitions and Fines

Prez gave us another sabbatical from fines this week so bring your wallet and checkbook next week.

Announcements

Gene Nelson reminded that Re-building Together is next week so bring your yard equipment and carpentry tools. We will meet at Ives Park at 7:30AM for coffee and doughnuts, and then proceed to Spring Dale Lane to work on our project.

Mike Ferguson reminded us that at our next meeting, April 27th we will celebrate our Foundation Program, a program that

he calls "Paul Harris Rotary Oscars". There will be a Champagne Reception. Mike would like us all to wear our "Best Duds". Mike mentioned that family and friends are welcome.

PROGRAM

President Aleia then turned the podium over to Sonoma County Supervisor Efren Carrillo who would be our emcee for the program. Each of the students prepared a short speech concerning their circumstances. [Our distinguished panel of judges was, of course, fully deployed and carefully hidden in the audience—No rest for them! –Ed.] Each student had already won (just for being selected and participating) a $500 scholarship plus an additional $200 cash to spend as they see fit. [One of them, to be selected by the judges, was to receive

an additional $500. –Ed.] Efren began by referencing last year's program. He characterized it as riveting. He spoke of last year’s winners as full of compassion and hope. He said that it gave him a sense of hopefulness for the community as a whole.

The first speaker was Kaeli Acton. Kaeli is a senior at Laguna High School. She began by saying that she just knew she was going to be the first speaker. She spoke of living in a home riven by substance abuse. She spent a good deal of time in homeless shelters and group homes as a child and attended 12 different schools. In her rebellion, she was tempted by gangs and other bad influences. At one point she simply stopped going to school at all. She has now turned her life around. She said that she "completed four years of high school in two years.” She gave credit to the nurturing program at Laguna.

She in now bound for college at Santa Rosa Junior College. She is interested in auto mechanics [job waiting too –Ed.] and would like to someday own her own mechanic shop.

The second speaker was Analy High School senior Alena Caswell. Alena grew up with many positive influences including her grandmother who lived next door. She remembers trying to please everyone just like her grandmother did. She soon felt that she couldn't please everyone and began, in the 8th grade to struggle with cutting behaviors and depression. She felt overwhelmed with depression at times throughout her early high school years. She eventually asked her parents to get her the help she needed. Through therapy, she learned to overcome the depressive thoughts and push through to success. She will graduate in June and has been accepted at several colleges. She maintains her self esteem in an unusual way - she wrestles on the Co-Ed wrestling team. [Watch out! -Ed.]

Rachael Gross, a senior at El Molino, spoke through a flood of emotion. Rachael's disconnected childhood included an unavailable mother and drug dependent father. She finally found some measure of stability by moving in with her aunt and uncle in the sixth grade. Although it appeared that her father had cleaned up his life and moved into patterns of normality, he was diagnosed with cancer just when Rachael thought that things were making a turn for the better. Her father died when she was in her junior year. Rather than fall into depression, Rachael began to volunteer at the food bank and work with the 4-H Club. She realized that she was actually comparatively fortunate and through strength, hope, and empathy, she tries to do for others, truly she has the Rotary spirit. She has also been accepted to several colleges.

Sunshine Hartwell, a senior at Analy, stood quietly at the podium and told the assembled audience of well over 100 that she would begin… "as soon as my heartbeat slows down a little.” Sunshine brings an attitude that goes with her name, a spirit of positivity and solid goals. She also was raised in a family torn by substance abuse. Her mother would disappear for long periods of time and her father managed to maintain a minimal existence for his children. Sunshine was largely raised by her sister, leading a nomadic life, including moving 8 times during on two year period. She eventually ended up in foster care, of which she said proudly "some people feel sorry for you when you tell them you are in foster care - I love it there!” She pursues what has always been her lifelong goal, to attend college. She said that she doesn't have a sob story - she has a story of success.

El Molino Senior Joanne Schumacher also told a story of a nomadic childhood, disrupted by alcohol and chemical abuse and parental neglect. Her small family spent time in homeless shelters but also periodically lived in tents and even cars. Her parents eventually tried to turn their lives around and were able to afford a trailer for the family to live in. Unfortunately, although on a positive path, Joanne's father was diagnosed with cancer when she was in the 9th grade. He would die of the cancer soon after. Despite the struggles, Joanne proudly stated that “I never failed a class.” She joined the Summer Search program and found guidance and support there. She plans to attend Sonoma State and study nursing in honor of the inspiration she found with the nurses who cared for her dying father.

Christopher Stefenoni, Laguna High Senior, was the final speaker. Christopher was a student at Analy two years ago when tragedy struck. He received a phone call that his mother had suffered a stroke while doing routine housework. The entire life of the family was turned upside down in an instant. Christopher spent long hours at the hospital and helping his mother on the road to recovery. When she came home, she suffered from depression. Christopher said that the entire ordeal brought his family closer together but he was unable to concentrate and properly attend to his studies and had to drop out of Analy. He is now on a graduation path at Laguna High. He volunteers at the Sonoma County Parks department in the motor pool and wants to study agriculture and auto mechanics. His parents attended the luncheon.

While judges District Governor Maureen Merrill, Al Frumkin, President Aleia Coate, President Elect Edwin Wilson and Yvette Williams Van Aggelen [as previously noted -Ed.] passed their scoring sheets to “tabulator”, David Schreibman, several Rotarians spoke up. Mentor Les Crawford said that he was amazed that these young people had the courage to stand up before the group and speak about what is most painful in their lives. To speak in public can be terrifying; to speak about your personal pain and struggle shows a degree of strength and integrity at an entirely different level. Also introduced to the group were attendees Dakota Kantala and Renee Montes, two Overcoming Obstacles award winners from last year. Dakota goes to SRJC and Renee attends Humboldt State.

The Raffle

While waiting for the judges’ tabulation, we still had time for the raffle. Who is going to step forward, take a chance, and make the big spin to win more than $800 big ones. The lucky (or not) winner of the first draw was Steve Beck — He took a spin and… ???! Then, wanting to really give somebody today the chance to win $800++ big ones, President Aleia decided to give another spin and the lucky winner (or not) was Nao Noguchi. Nao took a spin and… ???! What is going

on? [Omigosh….Well, to tell the TTRRUUTTHH, actually neither of our two distinguished scribes, or even –Ed. seems to have

recorded who, if anyone, won the raffle. –Ed. seems to recall someone walking off with some money but…. Sorry, he was still ticking off his “to-do” spreadsheet. We’ll try to find out next time. We thought President Aleia would probably not like –Ed. to call her at “oh-dark-thirty” to inquire. –Ed.]

And The Prize Goes To ...

With judging tabulated, David Schreibman announced that Rachael Gross would be the recipient of the additional $500 scholarship. Several criteria were used to make this selection but clearly all of the students were winners. It is noted that much of the student’s prize money as well as lunch for them and their guests came directly from Sebastopol Rotarian Sponsors including: Dorothy Rodella, Jerry and Kay Warren, Henry and Patricia Alker, Richard and Trish Power, Larry Ford and Gerry Reilly-Ford, Jim and Rosemarie Pacatte, Frank and Kathie Mayhew, Sally and David Ewald, and Rollie Atkinson.

The Closing Bell

The meeting closed amid laughter and smiles with photos being snapped and hugs exchanged. The tears and solemnity of the speeches soon gave way to the celebration of courage and success. Once again, six young people inspired everyone with their stories of strength, tenacity, and future success.

After The Bell

Chris Smith, of the PD, attended our event and requested, students willing, that that they might answer some questions about the morning session, the morning speakers, and lunch program. Afterwards he commented [as did many –Ed.] “The fact that they’ve dealt with things by themselves (seeking help as needed), and that they’ve been able to fix them is really inspiring and encouraging. The problems they’ve had through their lives have motivated them to do things in their life that they wouldn’t have done if not for their obstacles.

Kaeli commented “I’m just so overwhelmed right now!”

When asked if we could have improved the program, done things better, left anything out, many answered “No, it was such an amazing day!”

Did we do anything that ever made you feel uncomfortable? Answer “What you should do, is keep Efren!” “Keep him and keep the speakers, or other similar speakers.”

Kaeli added: “I love how you did the mentor thing. My mentor [Rick Wilson -Ed.] was hilarious! We particularly appreciated the help with tips about the student’s luncheon talk. I totally love how you did the small thing [Referring to the intimate setting, small number of people! -Ed.] in the morning, so we at least know some of you when we are speaking. I’m just so grateful you guys came up with this. It’s just remarkable!”

Everyone was honored to be in competition with other such deserving kids.

When asked if we should do away with the speech competition, they unanimously said “NO!” They really liked that everyone got the $500 scholarship and that the winner just got… “like a bonus”.

“I liked that everyone did it knowing they were going to give a speech ahead of time.” “They all agreed that it was a sign of truly overcoming that they could talk about it in public.

And finally, about networking: “You guys are so nice! I got so many business cards!”

The ABC’s of Rotary (Taken from “The ABCs of Rotary”, a Rotary International publication originally prepared by

Dr. Cliff Dochterman who was RI President in 1992-93)

#28: Vocational Service (Out of sequence, for the occasion of OOA)

Vocational Service is the second Avenue of Service. No aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member

than a personal commitment to represent one’s vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians, and to exemplify the

characteristics of high ethical standards and the dignity of work. Programs of vocational service are those that seek

to improve business relations while improving the quality of trades, industry, commerce, and the professions.

Rotarians understand that each person makes a valuable contribution to a better society through daily activities in a

business or profession.

Vocational Service is frequently demonstrated by offering young people career guidance, occupational information,

and assistance in making vocational choices. Some clubs sponsor high school career conferences. Many recognize

the dignity of employment by honoring exemplary service of individuals working in their communities. The 4-Way

Test and other ethical and laudable business philosophies are often promoted among young people entering the

world of work. Vocational talks and discussion of business issues are also typical Vocational Service programs at

most clubs.

Regardless of the ways in which Vocational Service is expressed, it is the banner by which Rotarians “recognize the

worthiness of all useful occupations” and demonstrate a commitment to “high ethical standards in all businesses and

professions”. That’s why the second Avenue of Service is fundamental to every Rotary club.

PRESS THESE: HOME ROUTES SIGN-UP RESOURCES ABOUT-US GALLERY CONTACT PRESS THESE