The meeting was called to order by President Dawn Johnson and attended by 60 members and guests.

Rona Hu’s inspiration was focused on creating hope through Rotary. She gave an example of a chance meeting with an former immigrant who received his education at UCLA thanks to a  Rotary member. Due to that successful sponsorship, he was also able to later support his younger siblings at UCLA.

Jim Irwin then led a rousing rendition of “It is Rotary After All” sung by talented members to the tune of It’s a Small World.

Announcements

• 

  Guests were introduced, including Sarah Strader’s new-born son Teddy.

• Marsha Chamberlin is recovering from hip surgery.
• The Rotary Retreat was a huge success. Profits from the event will be used for community service.
• The Grant Recipients reception was held on Tuesday. This is what we work toward each year.
• Over 100 reusable bags were donated
• The Board approved the budget and three new members
• 4th of July parade: Please consider participating.
• GEO Extraangaza: Kathy Waugh announced that brochures are ready and reservations can now be made on-line.
• Public Image Director: Sara Maddoch was confirmed
• Art Fair July 14, 7-9 pm: We will once again participate. Volunteers are needed
• Strategic Plan: The plan is now on-line and will be updated bi-monthly. Dawn will lead the process this coming year as we work to increase our impact and expand our reach with partnerships in the community.

Rona Hu was awarded a Paul Harris award for her extraordinary involvement and impact in our club as a new Rotarian. She was sponsored by John White who met her at last year’s 4th of July Parade.

Candis Krummel: Forest Walks for Mayan Women

Wendy Zielan introduced Candis Krummel who spoke to us on Zoom from Guatamala.  She is a Co-Founder and Director of Tu’ik Ruch Lew, a not-for-profit dedicated to implementing sustainable solutions to the environmental, health, and development challenges that threaten the livelihood of the Maya people living in the Lake Atitlán Basin of Guatemala.

They promote the use of the ONIL, an energy-efficient cook stove reducing firewood consumption by two-thirds, helping protect the forests upon which the Maya depend. This project has reduced reforestation and saved over 30,000 trees. Due to Guatemala’s 30-year genocidal civil conflict, the forests became to dangerous for women, and they lost touch with its importance to their livlihoods and history.

Krummel designed “Forest Walks for Women” as a way to re-introduce women to the forest. It provides them with an opportunity to experience the serenity and majesty of the old-growth forest combined with an explanation of life’s interconnectedness and the vital contributions made by trees.

Candis Krummel answered questions until the link to Guatamala was lost. The meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.