Spoke Newsletter – October 31, 2024

TODAY

JAMES R. HOLMES, President and Chief Executive Officer, Redlands Community Hospital (RCH) will speak to us about the mission, vision, and values of RCH. It has been rumored there also may be free flu shots sometime during the meeting available to our club courtesy of RCH!

LAST WEEK

We heard from our own ROB CLIZBE about B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse). Bikers Against Child Abuse exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. ROB informed us in some detail how BACA began; who are their members; how they are organized; guidelines for their involvement; and most importantly, how they provide aid, comfort, safety,and support for children who have been sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. For more information about this inspiring work, please visit their web-site: https://bacaworld.org/faqs/

NEXT WEEK

We are having a special presentation for Veteran’s Day when we will honor all the club members who are veterans, plus a few special guests. DAVE MAUPIN is presenting. It will also be the first Rising Stars presentation of the school year.

LAST REMINDER

This year’s Foundation Dinner will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at March Field Air Museum, and begins at 5:30pm. It promises an unrivaled blend of inspiring moments from great speakers celebrating our collective giving to The Rotary Foundation. Register online today at https://www.district5330.org/gala-landing/

ALMOST LAST REMINDER

This annual campaign managed by Scouts from the Gray Arrow District will take place on November 2nd and supermarkets throughout the District, including Redlands, Highland, and Yucaipa. We NEED more PARTICIPATION! There will be a collection box at each meeting for you to deposit any food you care to donate, and donations will be taken through the meeting on November 7th. You may also contact JIM NOLIN directly to pick up any food you care to contribute. Donate what you can, time is of the essence.

OTHER REMINDERS

  • RON JEFFREY Winemaker Dinner. Please save the date, November 8, 2024 for this event coming next month!!
  • Veteran’s Day Parade, November 11, 2024
  • Purple Turtles, December 9, 2024
  • Burrage Mansion drive-through Christmas celebration, December 15, 2024

HAPPY ALLHALLOTIDE

The Allhallowtide custom of baking and sharing soul cakes for all christened souls, has been suggested as the origin of trick-or-treating. The custom dates back at least as far as the 15th century, and was found in parts of England, Wales, Flanders, Bavaria and Austria. Groups of poor people, often children, would go door-to-door during Allhallowtide collecting soul cakes and other delectables, in exchange for singing and praying for the dead; especially the souls of the givers’ friends and relatives. This tradition of “souling” continued in England until the 1930’s. The American folk group, Peter, Paul and Mary recorded “A ‘Soalin’”, their version of a traditional souling song: https://youtu.be/YBP70JyRH7s

Plaster cast of a traditional Irish turnip Jack-o’-lantern

STILL MAKING HISTORY

Rotary members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. The ongoing commitment of Rotary to improve lives endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.

“Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” – Paul Harris, Rotary Founder

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

BOO-tiful Rotarians! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) With Halloween tonight, I can’t help but think about how our club is almost like a perfectly curated Halloween candy basket – each member bringing their own unique flavor to make the whole thing sweeter. Speaking of our sweet treats, our upcoming Wine Maker Dinner on November 8th promises to be much better than any Halloween candy you’ll eat this week! Unlike those mysterious Halloween house parties where you’re never quite sure what you’re drinking (punch with floating plastic hands, anyone? LOL!), our Wine Maker Dinner will feature carefully selected wines that are definitely not served in plastic pumpkin cups. Make sure to grab your tickets before they vanish like a ghost in the night!

Editor – Dave Byers – Edition No.16 – October 31, 2024