TODAY
HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA
WEN CHEN was born in China at the end of the Great Cultural Revolution (Revolution) initiated by Mao Zedong to preserve Chinese communism by purging capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. The Revolution was characterized by violence and chaos across China with death estimates as high as two million.
Despite being discouraged from seeking education, WEN received her Ph.D. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Because of her personal experience in China, she decided to become a voice for the voiceless.
She is an active member of Amnesty International, focusing on human rights in China. More information is available on her blog: https://wenchenview.blogspot.com/
LAST WEEK
KEN MORSE, RUSD Coordinator for Operations & Facilities Planning gave a very informative presentation on his role of overseeing all capital building projects. Some of the projects he is managing include the REV stadium, adding air conditioning to each of the high school gyms and replacing the REV pool. Funding for capital projects is provided through developer fees, Mello Roos and general obligation bonds approved by the voters. Some of the RUSD facilities are also available for rent by members of the public.
NEXT WEEK
MUSIC COMPETITION
Next week we expect to have talented performers from all three high schools and, for the first time, we will partner with Sunrise Rotary to afford our students more opportunities for cash prizes. Please plan on walking with us across the street to the First Congregational Church when we are dismissed to this wonderful competition.
HELP US AWARD $112,000(!) IN RUSD
SCHOLARSHIPS
Computer/application review the week of Feb 12th. In-person interviews on Friday, February 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Typically, three (3) Rotarians are needed for the computer review and five (5) for the in- person interviews. Email or text CHRIS WALKER, Scholarship Chair, at christopher_ walker@redlands.edu or 909-240-4847 if you can help.
10TH ANNUAL TOUCH-A-TRUCK – JUNE 8, 2024 JIM NOLIN is looking for a few good volunteers! Join the Touch-A-Truck team by attending the planning meeting at 11:15 AM on January 25th before our regular meeting. That website again, redlandstouchatruck.com, that’s redlandstouchatruck.com
REDLANDS ROTARY IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM – CHECK US OUT!
THANK YOU!
Special thanks to MIKE WELLS for donating meals and to EVAN SANFORD for donating movie tickets for the Rising Stars’. Thank you gentlemen!
SUPPORT RUSD SCHOLARSHIPS AND PURCHASE
TICKETS FOR THE DIAMOND HEIST
DAVE GAUTHIER reported that we are behind on sponsorships and ticket sales for the upcoming Diamond Heist, our first fundraiser of the year. Get your tickets and invite your friends! Maybe you will be the one to solve the crime and win the diamond earrings! Dress to impress and enjoy this interactive dining experience. January 27, 2024, 5:30 PM, Fox Theater. Tickets available on our website, https://www.redlandsrotary.org/diamond-heist-dinner/
THE SPOKE
Do you love The Spoke as much as we do? March, April, and May are still seeking editors! Email NATHAN at ngonzales@akspl.org to volunteer.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Is it just me or does today feel like January 53rd?! Perhaps it’s the busy-ness of the new year, the excitement and stress leading up to our first fundraiser of the year, or the weather. Who knows. But it’ll be nice to move on to what February has to offer. But, before we get there, thank you to our Diamond Heist Committee and many sponsors for supporting the work we do and the scholarships we provide. And actually quite excited to see who ends up winning those gorgeous diamond earrings! The last day to purchase tickets is Monday the 22nd at noon. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you there.
Editor – Bob Tincher – Edition No. 28, January 18, 2024