Our guest speaker was Paul Bailey, Realtor
and founder of Aptos Sports Foundation.
Our 10/24 lunch meeting had 24 folks in person and Jimmy K on Zoom. Nice to see Justice McAdams, Father Stan, and Swedish Anders. Anders is back for the season.
Our newest member, Skip, was introduced at the beginning and at the end he won the raffle - $200. Al led the Welcome Song with Rich on the bass ukulele.
Announcements:
--March 7, 2025 is Rotary night at the Santa Cruz Warriors at Kaiser Arena. Lowry is going - how about you?
--January 24-26 is the Rotary Rotary World Peace Conference 2025 in Santa Rosa. At least two Club members plan to attend.
Julie's timely thought: The Constitution will not uphold itself!
Lowry told us about his visit to a Copenhagen Rotary club meeting.
Doug reminded us about The Rotary Foundation (TRF) drive and our club's goal to have every member contribute. Checks can be given to Doug or donations can be made online. Only the Annual Fund generates the DDF (District Designated Funds) return.
Al was the Detective
But started off by accusing President Nelson of embellishment- but isn't that what all Presidents do?
We will not repeat the slur about the glare off Nelson's head. I will give him a Stanford hat to avoid future insults and counter Mac's Cal Bears hat.
Among others, Al fined Lowry for touring Europe, Julie for her European boat cruise, and Craig for his new granddaughter named Madeline - not sure where the name came from but your author's youngest daughter loved the charming Madeline books and animated show.
The Nisene Marks walk and re-hydration event had 11 attendees and had some $$$ in the donation cup at the end. If anyone is interested in going (again) let Ken know - Saturday or Sunday 10 am ish, figure 2-3 hours at a slow pace to see some magnificent things, 4-5 miles, 320 foot elevation change.
Also - there are only 2 home meets for Stanford men's gymnastics team in 2025 January 26 and February 2. Ken is going to both, but the 2/2/25 meet is recommended- it's against Cal. Stanford had 3 guys on the Olympic team and has a recruiting class including the best freshman in the nation.
Our guest speaker was Paul Bailey, accompanied by his technical assistants Evan and Brook. Paul is the founder and driving force behind Aptos Sports Foundation. Paul founded it in 1979 to help provide better athletic facilities and more athletic opportunities at Aptos High School and its feeder schools. ASF's mission statement is to "build better citizens by giving kids athletic opportunities." ASF has been singularly successful in donating completed projects to the campuses, working collaboratively with the school district. Under a novelagreement, ASF provides completed facilities, not funds, and handles all of the administration of the projects and the funding. As a result of getting supporting individuals and businesses to donate time and materials, ASF has been able to provide facilities at no cost to the district and for far less money than if the projects were constructed by the district with union labor. AFS has contributed projects worth about $10 million which otherwise would be paid by the district and at much greater costs. Prime examples include the Trevin Dilfer football stadium, the Watsonville HS field, the Aptos High baseball park, the renovation of the snack shack and the Aptos JHS gym renovation. Their next projects planned are upgrading the softball fields and bleachers.
ASF's efforts are a large reason why 800 of the 1300 kids at Aptos High are in after school sports - way above the statewide average.
Donations can be made directly or contact Paul.
ASF is also looking for younger folks for its board and volunteer positions.....not sure our club is a qualifier.
See everyone at Cantine on 11/7 at 5:30!