The meeting was commenced by President JENNIFER HOFFMAN promptly at noon.
STEVE PICKERING led the club in the Pledge. Did you know that in 1954 they added Under God to the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Interesting fun fact! As the club’s newly appointed “song-master”, STEVE conducted the club in a rendition of “God Bless America”.
President JEN gave us all a great reminder about “giving back” by sharing a great poem “Why be a Volunteer”? INSPIRATION INDEED!
President JEN then introduced several guests including John McCaleb, Past Rotary President 2002-2003.
JEFF RONSTADT introduced our speaker and Family Member, KANDY HIRSCH to speak about “Mental Health First Aid”.
MS. HIRSCH had an incredibly diverse background in her career objectives which led her to where she is today. Mental Health First Aid today is especially critical due to the effects of COVID-19. Many people today are suffering from PTSD and isolation. Today, as many as 53% of the population are experiencing some level of depression. Over the past few years over 2.5m people have been certified in the Mental Health First Aid program. This program helps you to identify and manage mental health issues. Today only 40% of the population with mental health issues will reach out for assistance. KANDY pointed out there are 5 steps to dealing with mental health. ALGEE – APPROACH, LISTEN, GIVE REASSURANCE, ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONAL HELP, ENCOURAGE SELF HELP. Additionally, she spoke about the three levels of listening – 1. Half listening; 2. Thinking, not listening; 3. Fully present. She pointed out some steps to self-care. 1. Take time to disconnect; 2. Make bad images go away, think of something pleasant; 3. Practice mindfulness.KANDY is offering her Mental Health First Aid certification program to those in Rotary that would benefit. Reach out for the link through Dorinna. President JEN then presented the book “Share your Rainbow” for donation.
Happy Birthday to JOE DANISZEWSKI! 
Overview of Car Show was updated by JOE and auction update by JEANNE ZETAH. We are over 40% higher in ticket sales than last year! GO TEAM!
JON WANG and BOB SHAFF spoke about a Moment in History highlighting with video the year John McCaleb served as President. As part of the video presentation they played an additional video of the “Wheelchair” exchange that was done between Mexico and our Rotary Club. Emotional, YES!President JEN, thanked all that attended both in person and virtually…..and provided us with an inspirational toast and the meeting was adjourned.
