Thank you to Frank Wooldridge for allowing me to write the newsletter this week. It seems appropriate since this was the first in-person meeting I have attended in a very long time. Such a long time, in fact, that I was not prepared to take notes. Thanks to President Dave for bailing me out with a legal pad. Should I just fine myself $10 now?!
I was not the only one ill-prepared for the meeting. Pat Thompson was slated to do the invocation. (I would not have thrown Pat under the bus, but he later fined himself $30 for the fumble). Past President Cheryl Scott came through in the clutch and delivered an impassioned invocation. Yes, Cheryl, we do have much to be thankful for.
Frank Tripicchio led us in the flag salute while Chelsea Ashcraft led us in a spirited rendition of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” Hoor
ay!
ay!Thank you to Jerry Starr for being the greeter (and for selling me the winning ticket – more on that later).
Welcome, again, to Visiting Rotarian Chuck Canada from Niles/Fremont Club (watching on Zoom), and to Chelsea’s hostage ...er, guest…daughter (those were Chelsea’s words; I just reports ‘em as I sees ‘em). Nick joined his bride, Teresa Ramos-Alvarez, for today’s meeting, as well.
Featured Program
Our s
peaker came to us as a suggestion from Carol Smith via Chuck Canada (Chuck, you know you should just transfer your membership to BBRC, right?) Henry Levin is an Information Security Professional – the Guardian of the Data, as it were – for Instacart. His presentation was titled “World Wide Web: Keeping Your Family Safe Online” and it was equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Henry was kind enough to allow Pete Leveroni to share his PowerPoint presentation which was emailed to all members after the meeting. But to touch on some highlights:
peaker came to us as a suggestion from Carol Smith via Chuck Canada (Chuck, you know you should just transfer your membership to BBRC, right?) Henry Levin is an Information Security Professional – the Guardian of the Data, as it were – for Instacart. His presentation was titled “World Wide Web: Keeping Your Family Safe Online” and it was equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Henry was kind enough to allow Pete Leveroni to share his PowerPoint presentation which was emailed to all members after the meeting. But to touch on some highlights:To avoid phishing (which is the attempt to obtain sensitive information via email):
- Check the “From” email. Does it look legitimate? When dealing with a company, it should not be a Gmail account, for example.
- Pay attention to spelling and grammatical errors.
- Beware if it says things like “Act Now!” or “Respond within 24 hours.”
- See that links are correct. Often, phishers use links that look very close to the real thing.
To avoid vishing (or voice phishing, which is the attempt to obtain sensitive information over the phone):
- Beware of calls that ask for money or personal information.
- Remember that companies don’t often initiate calls to tell you something is wrong.
What can you do to keep yourself safe?
- Be prepared. Have a way to pay bills if your account gets frozen or must have a hold put on it.
- Have a different password for everything. Once scammers have your password, bots will try it at multiple sites.
- Sites will often generate strong passwords for you. Henry says that he does this and relies on Password Managers to save them for him.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. This is an extra layer of protection.
- Sign up with haveibeenpwned.com to see if your phone and/or email has been breached.
- Make sure your device locks. If it doesn’t and you lose it, people have easy access to your accounts.
- When something happens that you don’t expect, be suspicious. For example, be on the lookout for fraudulent friend requests.
Henry even shared some photography and social media tips!
- Post travel pictures when you return. Otherwise, you are advertising that you are away from home.
- Don’t take photos with documents. People can focus in on personal information.
- Be aware of reflective surfaces and items in the background when taking pictures.
Announcements
Mindy Wilmot spoke to the membership about forming a committee to gain Peacebuilder Club status for the club. If interested, please notify Mindy or Cheryl.
Mike O’Doherty reported on the mural painting project that took place on April 24 at Kern Bridges Youth Home. BBRCers, Golden Valley Interactors, along with neighborhood children, helped artist Alex Gallardo bring his beautiful vision to life. We have a ton of pictures posted on our social media and archived in an album on our website; please take a look or drive to see it at 1321 Stine Road. Mike told us about the significance of the children reaching for butterflies in the mural (which is this week’s clue). They stand for the 1400 children waiting for foster homes.
We will have Thousand Flags!!! And to celebrate, American flags adorned our tables. After some of what I’m sure was relentless pursuing by Denise Haynes, the city relented and w
ill allow us to have the event, but it will be very bare bones. There will be flags and an information booth…that’s it! Please keep May 29-31 open to assist with the event. Denise recently sent out work sign-ups. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the event, please let her know. Way to go Denise for keeping on the city to allow this event to take place this year.
ill allow us to have the event, but it will be very bare bones. There will be flags and an information booth…that’s it! Please keep May 29-31 open to assist with the event. Denise recently sent out work sign-ups. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the event, please let her know. Way to go Denise for keeping on the city to allow this event to take place this year. And it’s that time…who read The Beacon and found THE CLUE??? Will Duerksen didn’t even pretend. He didn’t read it; fined $5. Heath Niemeyer said he DID read it but didn’t see the clue. Another $5 fine. (I’ll admit it; I didn’t see it either). Bill Black was up next up and knew that the clue was that 72 clubs were in the District. It’s really hard to sneak one past Bill!
Happy Birthday to Becky Brooks.
Happy 1
4th wedding anniversary to Teresa and Nick Alvarez. They plan to celebrate by eating at some of the best places in town for the next few days.
4th wedding anniversary to Teresa and Nick Alvarez. They plan to celebrate by eating at some of the best places in town for the next few days.Happy Rotary Anniversary to our President-Elect-Nominee, Karen Bonanno. How has she only been with the Club FOUR YEARS??? As Cheryl Scott said, “We suckered her in FAST!”
Word has it Jerry Starr will be moving to Honorary Status next month. Congratulations, Jerry!
Mike O’D announced that Windsor Post-Acute Care Center (formerly known as Evergreen Healthcare) in Arvin is need of some light maintenance and furnishings. Notify him if you are spring cleaning and have items you would like to donate.
Donna Schwartz invited us to assist her in putting together housewarming baskets she puts together for foster children transitioning to independent living. She does 10-12 baskets a month through Aspiranet.
Happy Spots
Marlene Heise reported that her sweetheart, Ben, had a great report from Cedars-Sinai. She was $50 h
appy!
appy!Teresa Waller recently went on vacation but shipped her souvenirs home and they have still not arrived. President Dave must wait for his gift, but the club gained $10 when Teresa fined herself for the delay.
Speaking of waiting of gifts, President Dave is STILL waiting for the Sandra Parnell to gift him from her recent trip to Hawaii. Sandra said she could take her fine over Zoom, but I think Dave wants to wait to see Sandra’s face in person!
Will Duerksen was joining via Zoom while in Nampa, Idaho closing on a house where he and his wife can easily spend time with their first grandchild due soon. Will was $45 happy.
As if Mindy wasn’t blessed enough to be out and about, she ended up winning the day’s raffle which totaled $46. At least it wasn’t Mike O’D again!