My fellow Rotarians!
Thank you for all your support, effort, and love for the Rotary. Every Rotary member makes a huge difference in the club's success to reach new levels. Personally, I love attending the lunch at Brass Bear because every member brings so much character to the club. I can't say thank you enough!
Rotary Happy Hour! I have no other information other than Rotary Happy Hour happens every Friday! I love the mystery and only the best members get invited! Fully, joking… This sounds like a great opportunity to meet your fellow Rotarians and invite a friend to understand more about Rotary. Please reach out to Marlee King for more information.
Guatemala - Please give a shout out to Don Jack and Bill Dutton for showing there international Rotarian support in the effort to support the indigenous people of Natun, Guatemala. They will be leaving in a couple weeks, and I look forward to the program on their return. Outstanding work!
Grants – Highlighted notes from Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation Grants Committee, dated 02/07/2024, Our Foundation is in the process of identifying nonprofit organizations who our members identify as potential candidates to receive a grant from our Foundation for our July 1, 2023, to June 30th, 2024, Financial Year. Our Foundation has a Board of Directors. Foundation Board members are elected by our Club.
The current Foundation Board Members are Andrew Hicks—Assistant Chair, Bob Fatch—Chair* (recovering from Medical Leave), Donald Jack—Treasurer, Kathleen Blake—Secretary, Jim Stretchberry, Aruni Boteju, David Shea, Van Do-Reynoso, Jim Armstrong (Ex Officio—Club President Elect). Foundation Committees: Finance Committee – Chair Andrew Hicks, Grants Committee- Chair Kathleen Blake.
This year we have about $20,000 to award to grant recipients. This year our Grants Committee would like our Club Members to identify 4-5 local 501(c)3 organizations to receive a Grant of $4,000 to $5,000. We are looking for organizations that have areas of focus that include either:
1—The Environment, 2—Education, or 3—Human Services
If you would like to nominate an organization as a possible grant recipient, please reply to our Grants Committee by reply to this email. Include the name of the organization and a very brief explanation as to why you think the organization would be a worthy grant recipient. We would like you to submit your nominations to the Foundation by February 12, 2024.
The Grants Committee will evaluate the list of candidates. We would then ask you to assist us with getting in touch with the leader of the organization to find out more about their organization, and to find out what they would do with the money if awarded a grant.
Upcoming Events
Marine Watch Dogs has reached out about another event. This will be a beach clean-up at East Beach February 24, 2024, around 9:00am. In addition, they are looking for ideas around parts of our coastline that you think would enjoy a little TLC.
Upcoming Programs
February 16, 2024 – Josh Molina with the Local News will discuss the local news environment in Santa Barbara.
March 01, 2024 – The Art of Mindful Living. Petra Beumer is a mindful living expert and founder of the Mindful Eating Institute in Santa Barbara. With a master's in clinical psychology from the University of Hamburg, she has two decades of experience promoting positive lifestyles. She's a pioneer in blending Eastern and Western therapeutic approaches, especially in the realm of emotional eating, weight management, and self-care. Petra has curated unique programs that champion holistic well-being, integrating principles of positive psychology and mindfulness. She held influential Work-Life Balance workshops at the California Health & Longevity Institute and served as a health educator in Santa Barbara. Petra is a keynote speaker for the American Heart Association on Stress and Eating and has presented at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. As a Self-Care Specialist, she worked with prestigious resorts like Golden Door and Ritz-Carlton Bacara. Her guiding principle is to love and honor yourself wholly and authentically.
March 15, 2024 – (OFFSITE) The Clubhouse at La Cumbre Plaza. The Inclusive Arts Clubhouse is a headquarters for inclusivity in the Santa Barbara community, with the goal of providing a safe and welcoming space focusing on people of all abilities. Located at La Cumbre Plaza, the Clubhouse offers participants a chance to explore the arts and create long-lasting friendships while developing greater self-esteem and independence. Programs are always adaptive, inclusive, creative, and free!
This was my attempt to keep the President letter short and sweet.
Always remember to SHARE YOUR LOVE for the ROTARY, growth is always possible!
President
Garrett Gruendyke
Garrett Gruendyke