Hello everyone! Welcome to our meeting of the Mountain View Rotary Club. This year's International Rotary Theme is "Unite for Good." Our local club theme this year is "Our Rotary Family Cares." 

 

Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Bert

 

Thought for the Day by Heather as she shared her fond memories of Veteran’s day ceremonies at school, especially as a band member in her small Wisconsin community as students are in school on this day. Also, she was fortunate to support veteran’s families at many funerals in my little hometown of 600 residents because her twin sister volunteered often to play taps on her trumpet.  Veterans truly host a special ceremony for their fellow person. The tradition continues as my 14-year-old niece plays trumpet and provides her service in her community today. As for a quote she shared Madeleine Albright, first woman Secretary of State nominated by President Clinton in 1997: “I know that war is very cruel and that life is harder when you aren't able to live in the place you called home.” Thank you to our veterans!

 

Tom shared there is a volunteer listing available to have live trumpeters to play taps throughout the nation.

 

Introduction of Guests: Heather’s son Daniel was in attendance.

 

 

                                                                           

 

Cathy’s Bonus Bucks: Cathy shared a trivia history questions and several earned a buck; Bruce gave out several bucks, such as to Walt for his 80th; Bert celebrating 89th; and to Scott as our veteran in attendance.

 

Rotary Int’l Foundation pins were awarded to Judy H. and Walt. 

Heather announced our exchange student, Valerie from Belgium during 2014-15 school year recently became a mother to a beautiful daughter.

 

Program – Judy C introduced our speaker Erin Cizan from Animal Assisted Happiness (AAH). Judy introduced the organization through her story of MVLA foundation class of philanthropy as a student introduced AAH and Judy was in awe how the students came to life by having animals in the room.

 

Erin shared her story why she supports the importance of animals supporting people as her son found therapy as an autistic young person. AAH’s purpose is to enrich the lives of youth with needs through barnyard animal interactions hands on, including caring for the animal.  Also the organization brings animals to students, especially during finals week or testing weeks. The interaction is always a success for students to decompress.

Farm visits by youths and school groups can be arranged, often at no charge. Fieldtrips location are available with a donation. Also, they have mobile barnyard buddies, the favorite is to bring the goat. Animals love children are all ages and since they farm animals are raised primarily by kids, it is believed these animals feel safe with children.

Come visit the farm: 999 E. Caribbean Drive, Baylands Park in Sunnyvale. Mobile visits are SF to SJ to Fremont to Santa Cruz.

Small grass roots org with strong volunteers group of 2600+; funding is 75% by local business and individuals; significant budget is for programs.

2025 making impact with 215 school field trips to the farm, 146 mobile, 46 vocational visits.

Check out website for hours. https://www.animalassistedhappiness.org/sustainability

 

Speaker Appreciation by Cathy for AAH visit with us the club donates to Polio Plus.