Meeting Highlights: Pastor Dan from Frontier was a visitor on his way to California. A.J. reminded us of the upcoming CTEC Vocational tour and the Planetarium visit at Embry Riddle. Pres also tried to convince us of the merits of being a “Wicked Good” Club.
Great Extractions : Par was Sarge and Val toted the pot. Susan and Rodney paid for their permanent badges. Barbara and Billie paid to redeem their pictures in the Courier. Greg paid again for no pin (How many times Greg?). Dan B. paid a fine for gambling on the premises with Val. Sarge conducted a quiz session about Rotary functions and collected for all the wrong answers. She also started a new process of collecting the “just happies” all at once. Jane Anne was happy to be well again and Josh was happy as usual.
Our Speaker; Miriam Haubrich, longtime director of Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), provided an overview of their mission of bringing people together to build homes and the operations of the local organization. PAHH has constructed 89 homes in western Yavapai County since 1989 including Paulden, Skull Valley, Diamond Valley and the municipalities of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt. In 1998 PAHH opened a ReStore which has grown to the point of providing the majority of the organization’s administrative costs allowing grants, state tax credits, and other fundraising efforts to go directly toward building houses.
Mirian reminded us several times that PAHH houses are not free. Successful applicants for the housing program agree to provide 250 hours of sweat equity for one adult families and 500 hours for two adult families. They buy the house from PAHH with a thirty year interest free mortgage. Volunteer opportunities for both the housing program and the ReStore are listed on www.prescotthabitat.org as well as ways to donate and other fundraising events benefiting this important local charity that raises walls as well as hopes and dreams.
In recent club surveys there have been some mentions of displeasure from members hearing of politics during meetings. Are we meeting in a safe space? Are Rotarians not worthy of civilized and friendly conversations about their political opinions? Rather than making a public political announcement at the breakfast table maybe say something in a more convincing fashion that might give thought. Likewise, if you hear something you don’t agree with, comment in way that gives the other person another side to think about. Aren’t we all friends?
In 2018 there will be significant elections for national and state offices. Would it not be instructive for members to hear directly from those candidates running for office? While many Rotary clubs embrace this idea, apparently Sunup declines to invite candidates to speak because, as I overheard someone say, if one speaks another might want to come and espouse a different position. What a Concept! Are we not living in North Korea! If a worthy candidate wants to speak to our club, should we try to accommodate them? Would it be informative and a service to our members? Should we invite guests to such an event and potentially attract new members? Should we invite media for press coverage? Politics affects every one of us in our daily lives whether we like it or not so why be afraid of it. Do we really want to meet in a Safe Space? Your comments are welcome.
"I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them."
~Adlai Stevenson, campaign speech, 1952~
President's Corner
A.J. Sheridan
Good morning fellow Sunupians,
January seems to be a month for viruses! I hope that you are not catching the colds that are going around. I seem to have been blessed twice so far but am recovering now. Just in time as RYLA is next weekend and I will once again be attending. Saturday was training for the JCs and Adult Facilitators and it we have yet another great group dedicated to making the RYLA experience unforgettable for the delegates coming next week.
FYI: It was with great sadness that we noted the recent passing of Stan Steiners wife, Janice E. Steiner. The family is holding a memorial service next Saturday January 13 at 10:00 AM at the Heritage Memory Mortuary on Grove Street. Fellow Rotarians are invited to show their support.
January is deemed to be Vocational Service Month: During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotarian discussions, awards to community projects and helping fund a vocational education to post-secondary students. To go with this theme we have two activities coming up that I am excited about:
CTEC tour Tuesday, January 23. If you are interested in signing up contact Par Wood.
ERAU STEM Tour and Planetarium showing. Saturday January 27 0830 for breakfast followed by the tour/demonstration. $7.50 PP, Spouses invited. Contact A.J. to sign up.
Help Spread Sunshine: When you know of a member's loss or hospitalization, please alert Par Wood at 928-777-0500 ext 207 of the Sunup Sunshine Committee, or email parnisi@msn.com
Our Speaker; Miriam Haubrich, longtime director of Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), provided an overview of their mission of bringing people together to build homes and the operations of the local organization. PAHH has constructed 89 homes in western Yavapai County since 1989 including Paulden, Skull Valley, Diamond Valley and the municipalities of Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt. In 1998 PAHH opened a ReStore which has grown to the point of providing the majority of the organization’s administrative costs allowing grants, state tax credits, and other fundraising efforts to go directly toward building houses. .png)
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