August 4 Meeting Notes

Announcements

Robin DeRock was honored as our July Rotarian of the Month by President Earl.  Robin jumped right in to help with the virtual run fundraiser, which brought in $765 after expenses. Robin received an envelope in the mail not to be opened until Tuesday's meeting.  The envelope contained a nice certificate and a Rotarian of the Month pin.

August 22 is the Rotary Pybus takeover.  Kathleen had a sign up sheet with times of 7:30 - 9:30, 9:30 -11:30, and 11:30 - 1:30.  Contact her if you can take a shift.  We are just being there to greet people, offer masks, and be hospitable ambassadors at the Farmer's Market.

The Goathead Warrior weed pulling was a success last Saturday.  12 members and 3 family members put in a combined 22.5 hours collecting 8 large bags of goatheads.  See pictures.

The Membership Committee (Jim Adamson & John McDarment) gave a report on this year's plans.  We need more members, and it is everyone's responsibility to find prospects.  Ask guest to visit a Tuesday morning zoom meeting (you can give them the link), service project or social. We also want to figure out how to engage our members who never attend our zoom meetings.

Brags and Confessions

Robin's Chicago Blackhawk hockey team lost on and won one.

Chris said his new team (Seattle Kracken) has not lost yet (have they played yet?).

Carol said there was $20 in mask donations left over that was deposited into the club account.

Jim H is 6-years cancer free.

Erik and his wife did the 10K virtual run, and and former YE student Joseph did the half marathon.  Erik also limited out opening day of Sockeye Salmon fishing.

Program

Nancy Grette, owner of Alatheia Riding Center gave the program.  Alatheia has been in operation for 10 years.  They have 12 horses, and 200 trained volunteer on their 3 acre facility.  They have purchases 12 acres on Easy Street, and have a capital fundraising campaign hoping to open at the new location in 3 years.  They have reopened their current site in June, and have COVID safety protocol in place.  Participants are now only coming every other week.

They recently started a program for veterans called Warrior and Horses.  Veterans can deal with issues like PTSD, stress and depression over an 8-week program.  The program is led by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist.  They have seem decreases in mental issues of 20-25%.

They have 8 Vets so far, 50 hours with the horses, and 300 hours with the mental health professional.

They need 3 volunteers for every rider, and with 3000 hours of riding time a year there is an opportunity for volunteers.  There is an hour a week commitment.  For more information, see their web site at www.alatheiaridingcenter.com.