Today’s program started immediately after the Invocation, Pledge Song and Introductions, which were preceded by the ringing of the Rotary bell.
Introductions
Gigi Tsoontos was a guest of Leslie McCarthy, Heidi Viramontes was a guest of Dan Ouweleen, Monica Fernandez was a guest of Bill Schenk, Gloria Radde was the guest of Bob Radde, Mike Cochran was the guest of Bill Heaton and Troy Gardner, Joe McCarthey and Sydney Besler were the guests of Michael Mulryan.
The subject was human trafficking in Orange County and was presented by Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice. Sandra started by explaining why some kids are susceptible to being vulnerable to what appear to be quite unsavory characters. The pimps look for young people as young as 12-17 who have a poor home environment and run away and hang out at places like parks, bus stations and shopping malls. The pimps basically use Maslow’s “Heirarchy of Needs” principles to slowly gain the trust of the troubled teens, offering basic needs like food, and shelter and someone to talk to and offer what only seems to be security and acceptance and close friendship and promises to get married. Frequently, the kids become almost like prostitutes and while under the control of the pimp and they frequently become protective of their pimps when questioned by authorities.
Sandra stressed the great need for foster homes to give the kids a safe place to stay and the importance of not blaming the victims. Some of these kids never had traditional model of a loving Mom and Dad and suffer from grief, loss and trauma.
Announcements
President Bill Schenk shared that at the most recent President’s meeting, he represented us well when our club received significant accolades for the new RYPEN group our club is sponsoring. RYPEN is the brainchild of Dan Ouweleen and Zoot Velasco and spearheaded by Zoot. RYPEN is the self-explanatory acronym for Rotary Young Professionals Executive Network and has added 14 new members! Bill shared a copies of the beautiful certificate he received with Dan and Zoot, but no doubt he’ll let them peruse the original whenever they want during supervised visits. Perhaps soon, they will be allowed to take it home overnight to show their families!
Dan Ouweleen presented another nice certificate and an official T shirt to Heidi who represents Sam’s Club which has been a $1000 sponsor for the Fight Polio Jogathon, which is October 18. We have raised $12,000 of the $40,000 goal already.
Kim Barlow in the spirit of fairness, encouraged us to patronize businesses on Commonwealth between Basque and Euclid as their businesses are severely impacted by the street construction taking place for a few weeks.
Jay Kremer announced that the “Reading by 9” program will be taking place at Richmond School from the first week of October through the middle of March. This is a great opportunity to make a significant on a child’s life, helping develop life long reading skills and giving a child the knowledge that someone cares about their success.
Terri Grassi reminded us of the fun event we’ll have at Los Alamitos Race Track on October 25th. Sing up if you want to enjoy the dinner and camaraderie!
Deborah Sanchez and Francis Knott asked members to tell Francis, (chair of “Care and Comfort”) any scuttlebutt you might have on members who might be sick and might appreciate a card or calls.
Captain Dick Daybell reminded of the outing for dinner and tour of the Battleship Iowa September 20th.
Bob Radde-next week’s program is about “All the Arts for All the Kids”.
Raffle- Jay Kremer pulled another red chip out of President Bill’s mysterious black bag, giving a future opportunity for someone to win.
Recognitions- Zoot recognized Gigi Tsoontos of the Women’s Transitional and Living Center and Joyce Capelle of Crittenden for their efforts to help kids at risk in our community.
Bill Schenk got fined $5.00 for a commercial earlier in the meeting.
Recognized for anniversaries were: Pastor Greg Hickman-36 years, Don Ludwig-56 years, Keith Mills- 55 years. Congrats to the spouses of these Rotarians for their hupomone!
President Bill then released this band of Rotarians upon the city of Fullerton!
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Here are some links/resources regarding Human Trafficking:
Hot line/resource center: 888 373-7888
85 podcasts on Ending Human trafficking: gcwj.vanguard.edu/podcast
Sandra’s E mail: gcwj@vanguard.edu
Articles about human trafficking:
-http://www.ocregister.com/articles/trafficking-630795-county-human.html
-http://www.ocregister.com/articles/human-630930-trafficking-county.html
-http://abc7.com/news/oc-campaign-aims-to-raise-human-trafficking-awareness/245646/
-http://www.myfoxla.com/story/26223032/human-trafficking-on-the-rise-orange-county-launches-awareness-campaign
-http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Police-Orange-County--Transportation-Authority-Turn-to-Buses-to-Fight-Human-Trafficking--270250931.html
-http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/08/06/new-campaign-launched-in-oc-to-raise-awareness-about-human-traffickin
-http://ktla.com/2014/08/06/human-trafficking-on-the-rise-in-orange-county-report/
-http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-oc-human-trafficking-related-arrests-20140806-story.html
-http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/11614138/ca-octa-oc-sheriff-district-attorney-and-task-force-team-up-to-combat-human-trafficking
http://patch.com/california/rancho-santa-margarita/number-human-trafficking-victims-oc-rise/#.U-OuruNdVZA
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/08/orange_county_human_trafficking_task_force.php
-http://www.ochumantrafficking.org/<http://www.ochumantrafficking.org/
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Rotary Fellowship - Care & Comfort If you are aware of someone in our Rotary Club that is ill or struggling with the loss of a family member. Please provide that information to Francis Knott, so that she may send a card or flowers on behalf of our Fullerton Rotary Club. Francis has graciously accepted this chair for the current board year.
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