NEXT MEETING: December 28, 2012

Floating Oil Storage & Production Ships

Marine and Power Engineer Scott Johnson takes time from his vacation to visit Richmond Rotary and tell a little bit about the FOSPs and related very large marine structures being built in Singapore for the Indian Ocean oil boom.

MEETING OF December 21, 2012

Welcome

President Jim Young had the flu, so Alan Baer stepped in and lead the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Bill Koziol, and Stoney gave the invocation. Alan offered this thought on the widely reported announcement that the world would end on this day: “ The Mayan calendar had a printing error.”  Thanks, Alan.

Announcements

Tom Waller reported on Jim Young’s signature  program  “Richmond Tales,” the play that The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts plans to produce. Jim spoke at Berkeley Rotary on Wednesday hoping to raise a donation or two.

Sid started a collection for all the wait-staff. Everyone contributed. They do a great job.

David Brown informed us the bike count was now 82 bikes from our club.

• Richmond Tree Planting: Saturday, January 19th at the Solano Playlot.

• Crab Feed Feb 2nd 2013. $40.00 each.

Recognitions

• Alan Baer’s celebrates his birthday on Christmas Day. Tough break, pal. Over a lifetime, the date coincidence can result in 54% fewer presents.

John Wilson’s birthday Dec 13th.

• Stoney thanked his Holiday committee for their help with the Clubs Christmas Party.

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norman Lundberg had happy dollars. He’s off to the Easter Islands and Antarctica.

Hank Covell had 54 happy dollars for his 54th anniversary. Congratulations Hank & Doreen.

Herb Cole had happy dollars. He’s is off again to Texas to spend Christmas with his 95 year old mother and 92 year old father-in-law.

Jonathan had Happy dollars for the Club’s great holiday party.

Don Lau had sad dollars for the passing of Daniel Ken “Dan” Inouye, Medal of Honor recipient and United States Senator.

Norm’s Nonsense

More ponderisms …
– A married man should forget his mistakes. There’s no use in two people remembering the same thing.
-It is difficult to soar with eagles when you have to work with turkeys.
-All of us could take a lesson from the weather, it pays no attention to criticism.

PROGRAM

Subaru’s first shipment of vehicles arrive in the Port of Richmond.Subaru’s first shipment of vehicles arrive in the Port of Richmond. Shortly before arriving today, our speaker, Jim Matzorkis, Executive Director of The Port of Richmond,  realized he was heading to the wrong Rotary club when he found himself driving up Cutting Boulevard. Oops! Jim has visited the Richmond Rotary Club before, but always at our former meeting venue, the Mira Vista Country Club.  He turned the car around and aimed for the Richmond Country Club, where he arrived in time to give us an update and overview.

Richmond’s is a non-container port with 50% of the water access privately owned. It has no port commission. It is run by the Richmond City Council. For the past ten years, the port has invested in 53 acres of toxic clean up. This action and new rail systems resulted in a huge contract with Honda. Honda came to the Port of Richmond in April 2010 with a 15-year contract and $6 million per year revenue for the city. The Project will bring upwards of 250 permanent jobs. So to accommodate the new business, the City completed the $37 million project. The City then undertook another $750,000 of minor improvements to welcome Subaru.

Between Honda and Subaru, the port will receive 6,000 total cars from Saturday through Tuesday.

Subaru decided to expand to a second west coast distribution center (the first is in Vancouver, Washington) and Richmond proved ideal in location and partnership.

Port Executive Director Jim Matzorkis welcomes Subaru and its national traffic manager, Larry Strug, to Richmond.[/caption]In the next two years, The Port of Richmond will collaborate with its sister city in China to import electric cars & batteries. The Chinese port has already started to install Richmond’s car access systems, enabling both import and export. The Port of Richmond has restored “Rosie the Riviter” building. The Midway, and the Riggers Loft. Now the Port looking for tenants. The Port is home to the locally built “Red Oak Victory”.  It has also cleaned up the Bay Trail, improved bike paths, and maintains the little known Scenic Overlook.

Rotating scribe, Alan Blavins


NEXT MEETING: December 21, 2012

The Port of Richmond

Port of Richmond Executive Director Jim Matzorkis will speak about our Port of Richmond and West Coast shipping in general, and the global warming induced possibility of a real Northwest Passage.

MEETING OF December 14, 2012

Welcome

President Jim Young repeated his “R” word opening. Relatively, Rambunctious, Reasonably Respectful, Remarkably Generous (see below) Richmond Rotary Club. Doris Mitchell led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Stoney gave the Invocation. Henry’s thought-for-the-day: “God bless the victims and the families of the school shooting in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.”

Rotarians with Guests

Pam Jones introduced two guests, Neville & Shawn. Doris Mitchell had her daughter Mia. Alan Baer had his two little Baers. We also welcomed Rod Wood, with three other El Cerrito fire fighters.

Announcements

  • December 1st saw the First Volunteer Orientation for Richmond Tales, the play at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Four Rotarians showed up, half from Richmond and half from Alamo.
  • On December 6th we had a communications and publicity meeting at the East Bay Center. Eight Rotarians participated, 7 from Alamo. Jim was glad to see Rotarians interested in this project. (Sarcasm?) He just wanted more of them to be from the sponsoring club, that is, Richmond Rotary. Stay tuned for more information.
  • Jordan Simons from the EBCPA was here last week for the Auction. We will have him back soon when he can say a few words project and be understood by the crowd
  • Jim asked members for help for Don Lau bag give-a-way groceries at the Coronado “Y” Gym. They need help on Saturday too.
  • Richmond tree planting Saturday, January 19th at the Solano Playlot
  • The annual Crab Feed will take place on February 2nd 2013. $40.00 each.

Recognitions

• Kudos to Auction Team Leaders Don Lau, Josh Surowitz and  Michelle Itagaki, and also to David Brown and his “Check out crew”. David informed us we raised an astonishing $27,800.00 Proof that Richmond Rotary Club is indeed Remarkably Generous.

Mike Winter rose to offer a contribution in recognition of his birthday, December 15th.

• Rod Wood, EC Fire Fighter and Founder of the Toy Drive lamented they had only 350 bikes for an expected 1.500 bike requests. Pam started calling colleagues and Rotarians to get donations for up to 100 more bikes. At $47.00/bike + helmet, you will never be able to buy a more affordable new bike. By the end of the meeting, Rotarians had contributed cash and checks for 70 bikes, to date. Again Wonderful Holiday generosity!

Herb noting that quick action on getting bikes is more important than observing form that it is best for the club if contributions are given to Richmond Rotary and then the club writes the check for the bikes This helps the rest of Rotary appreciate the full scale of the club’s generosity. It helps spread the Word. Plus it would be nice to get some decal recognition on the given bikes.

Henry Moe gave a little recap on past presidents of Interact who are all enjoying great success. He asked for a further $800.00 for a third Camp Royal scholarship. The amount was raised on the spot by donations from Herb Cole, Jon Lawlis, George Egan, Mark Howe, Alan Blavins, David Brown, and Stoney.

Happy and Sad Dollars

Jim said the ritual of Happy and Sad Dollars wasn’t necessary, Jonathan disagreed. Not sure how that was resolved.

Norm’s Nonsense

Son: Mom, Hi. How are you? How’s everything in Florida?
Mom: Not so good. I’ve been very weak.
Son: Why are you weak, Mom?
Mom: I haven’t eaten in 38 days.
Son: That terrible. Why haven’t you eaten in 38 days?
Mom: Because I didn’t want my mouth to be filled with food if you should call.

PROGRAM

The Richmond Police Department

Today’s speaker was Deputy Police Chief Ed Medina, a 25 year veteran of the Richmond Police Department.  He started his career in law enforcement after serving 5 ½ years as a United States Marine, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and abroad. He received his honorable discharge in 1987.

Ed explained that the Department is organized into three geographically-defined divisions. Officers are assigned to the divisions, and longer tenures within the divisions enables them to spend more time in neighborhoods getting to know locals, cars, and business owners.

The Department’s has invested in new technology that enables the three divisions to interact like never before; for example, CCTV and the ShotSpotter. The ShotSpotter can locate within ten feet where a shot was fired and what caliber it was. All officers have cell phones and a GPS in every car. This is not used to determine how long they are parked at doughnut shops but to permit dispatch officer know exactly where each car is.

Of course the Department doesn’t just rely on high-tech.  Officers work with building inspectors and carpenters to board up broken windows or doors, when the robbed owner cannot be reached. They organize heavy equipment to cope with illegal dumping– a growing problem everywhere. When it comes to police support, Richmond is in capable hands.

Richmond/El Cerrito Police & Fire Departments Toy Drive

Our annual Toy Drive was also part of the meeting’s agenda. Pictures speak louder than words.

Photos by Neville Guard and Alan Blavins.
Rotating scribe, Alan Blavins.


NEXT MEETING: December 14, 2012

Richmond/El Cerrito Police & Fire Departments Toy Drive

Two events today! Bring an unwrapped children’s toy for the Richmond/El Cerrito Police & Fire Toy Drive. Santa will be present to help accept the toys and find out if you’ve been naught or nice, children first. Then Deputy Chief Ed Medina will discuss the Police Department’s community outreach programs.

It falls upon you, responsible Rotarian, to choose a gift to bring on this day. Pam Jones has said that the older kids get considered last so you might want to spend a little time thinking about gifts for adolescents. Look in the arts and crafts section at Target for ‘Alex’ products, which are particularly nice for girls. Also check out art supplies, like markers, glue, colored construction paper, and good drawing paper. This is also a great event for your grand kids!

MEETING OF December 7, 2012

Welcome

A celebratory throng of Rotarians and their guests filled the Richmond Country Club for the Annual Holiday Auction. The dining room seemed barely big enough to contain us all, adding to the feeling of fun and festivity. People sipped Sid’s egg-nog, perused silent auction items arrayed along side tables, filled their plates with food, and greeted familiar guests. After a few minutes President Jim Young clinked a glass to quiet the crowd, spoke with apparently little effect into the microphone, and clinked a glass again. It was going to be one of those days.

Finally managing to hush the crowd, Jim welcomed all, announced the one “business item” of the day—”We’re voting for new board officers today, so fill out your ballots” (see below)—and handed off the mike to our capable auctioneering duo: Don Lau and Josh Surowitz. And we were off. See PROGRAM, below.

Announcements

The results of the Annual Election, conducted at this meeting, were as follows.

Forty-four (71%) of the members present cast 42 ballots in a landslide victory for:
Stoney Stonework, President Elect Designate 2014-15

The Board of Directors slate of Pam Jones, David Keystone and Mike Winter, begin their new term in July of 2013.

In a notable nuance, 8 write-in votes were cast, 1 for Heather Kulp, 1 for Tom Butt and 6 were blank.(Not sure what that means but we suspect the egg-nog may have had something to do with this.) These results and the ballots will be passed on to Secretary Alan Baer for the club records.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

A police dog responds to an ad for work with the FBI. “Well,” says the personnel director, “You’ll have to meet some strict requirements. First, you must type at least 60 words per minute.”
Sitting down at the typewriter, the dog types out 80 words per minute.
“Also, says the director, “You must pass a physical and complete obstacle course.”
This perfect canine specimen finishes the course in record time.
“There is one last requirement,” the director continues, “you must be bilingual.”
With confidence, the dog looks up at him and says, “Meow!”

PROGRAM

Going once, going twice…” Bidding was fast, fun and, as it turned out, extraordinarily generous. Topping all previous annual Holiday Auctions by a significant margin, Richmond Rotarians and their guests contributed over $27,000 in this fundraising event.

Great thanks to must go out to all Rotarians, both for donating an impressive variety of gifts and, days later, turning around and buying them all back, often at many times their original value. What a concept!

Alan Blavins recorded our event for posterity. Here are a few of his pictures. Thanks, Alan.

Photographs by Alan Blavins.


NEXT MEETING: December 7, 2012

Annual Holiday Auction

It’s finally upon us. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is finally upon us. Over 75% of our members have contributed to the Holiday Auction. That tops past years by a considerable margin. We know that most of those who still haven’t chipped in will do step up in the remaining days.

A few reminders:

1. Show up a bit earlier than usual on Friday: 12 o’clock. This will give you time to mill around and check out the Silent Auction items. Because we’re setting up in new diggs, the Richmond Country Club, the extra time will be helpful. Sid will be lubricating the masses with his high octane egg nog so you won’t lack for pre-game entertainment.

2. If you’re inviting guests but they’re not arriving with you, remind them that we’re no longer at the Mira Vista Country Club. They may reflexively go to our former home at the top of Cutting Boulevard. If you think they may need it, mail a link with directions.

3. RSVP! Our President has asked that we all RSVP by email so the staff at the Richmond Country Club can prepare the right amount of food and table settings. If you haven’t done so yet, do it now.

4. Finally, check out our Holiday Auction page now. A lot of new items were added in the last couple of days. You’ll be buying gifts for the holidays anyway, so why not spend your money in a way that benefits organizations and in our community. That’s what this event is all about.

MEETING OF Noveber 30, 2012

Welcome

President Jim Young was delighted that he needed to request another table be set up to accommodate all the members and guests that showed up on this rainy Friday. “Warms my heart.”

Jim also reminded everyone to invite guests (preferably those with deep pockets) to next week’s Holiday Auction. To ensure the Country Club staff prepares the right amount of food, he asks that you send him an email letting him know if you’re coming and how many others you’ll be bringing.

Announcements

Stoney reminded all about the Rotary Holiday Party. The details: December 15th starting at 6:30 pm at the Richmond Golf and Country Club.
The El Cerrito Club will be joining us and we expect a grand turnout. The festivities include the Pinole High School Choir, a visit from Santa, a wandering magician, and dancing to the GTS Band.

The cost is $75.00 per person. Your dinner are roast beef, baked salmon, pasta with vegetables. If you are attending then please let Jon Lawlis know the dinner choice for yourself and your guest if you are bringing one. He needs to finalize this before Friday.

Recognitions

Scribe duties fell by the wayside for this meeting so at this time we’re not able to name our guests or visiting Rotarians.

Happy and Sad Dollars

And yes, many people rose to declare their reasons for happiness, and a few, for sadness. But even though their names cannot be inscribed here, let it be known that happy dollars out performed sad dollars by 17:1. But outside, the sky was beginning to darken, and by the end of the day sadness stocks were up, trading at +4 points. Stay tuned for market updates in future Flywheels.

Norm’s Nonsense

An oldy but goody from our friend, Norm.

The old guy’s buddies gave him a big bash for his 80th birthday. In the middle of the room was a big box shaped like a cake. Hidden in the box was a naked woman. When a friend pulled the top off the box, the woman jumped out and headed straight to the birthday honoree.
She said to him: “I can give you super-sex.”
The old guy replied: “I’ll take the soup.”

PROGRAM

Update on the August 6th fire at Chevron Refinery

Heather Kulp began by expressing apologies from everyone at the Chevron refinery to the people of Richmond for the August 6th fire. She told us that Chevron was making payments to area hospitals for the treatment of those who suffered health problems resulting from the fire. No one at the plant was seriously injured.

She stated repeatedly that since the accident, everyone at the plant has been working diligently to insure that something like this will not happen again. Chevron engineers have also issued reports to other refineries nationwide, detailing the conditions that led to the fire.

Heather showed pictures of the refinery unit that revealed the extent of damage, evidence that there was no explosion. Had there been an explosion, she explained, the damage would have been much more widespread.

Heather took questions from the members.


NEXT MEETING: November 30, 2012

Update on the August 6th fire at Chevron Refinery

Our own Heather Kulp describes that dramatic August afternoon from the vantage point of the refinery offices.

What was the feeling of employees within the plant?

What was learned, and by whom?

And what steps are being taken to avoid this kind of incident in the future?

MEETING OF November 16, 2012

Welcome

Jan Brown led us in the pledge today, and Stoney asked the club for a moment of silence for “Peace and freedom on Earth”. Henry Kelman commented on the stock market.

Rotarians with Guests

  • Mark Howe brought his daughter to lunch today who was on break from college at Boulder, where it is now legal to smoke marijuana – should I be worried?
  • Mr. Adiago, a friend of Sid’s, was visiting today.

Sunshine Report

Erle Brown, who was still out after his back surgery but doing well, asked us to remember the Crab Feed. The popular event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2nd.  Tickets are $40 in advance. Download the flyer and ticket order form. Questions? Contact Erle or Henry Moe.

Announcements

  • The Club is Dark this Friday. Don’t show up unless you want to eat a bag lunch in your car.
  • The always fantastic Heather Kulp will be our speaker the week after Thanksgiving.
  • The Holiday Auction is upon us. As of this writing, 32 members remain on the slacker side of the ledger.  Take a few minutes right now to make your donation by going to our Auction page. There you’ll find a handy link near the top of the page. Click it and a form will appear, which enables you to send a description of your item and a photo is you have one. (If you have notified Don, Nick or a member of our solicitation team but there is no green check next to your name on the Auction page, we messed up. Sorry. Send Nick an email and remind him of your donation.)
  • Among the more novel of auction items this year is the Banker’s Brunch, which prez Jim Young described from the podium. So what is a Banker’s Brunch? Go the Auction page, scroll down and look for the symbol of the Federal Reserve Bank. (You’ll recognize it.)
  • Stoney is planning a Christmas Extravaganza with the El Cerrito Club.  The event will take place on December 15th,  6:15 PM, at the Richmond Country Club.  The cost of $150 per couple.  You will be entertained by a terrific dance band, a choir, and a magician.  No-host bar. If you’re interested, get you money to David Brown ASAP.
  • Felix Hunziker is planning a tree planting ceremony at Pogo Park in early January, Date to be determined.,
  • Mike Winter has accepted appointment to that most august body, the Board of the Richmond Rotary.
  • We were sorry to learn of the passing of Russ Schulze on November 18th, at Kaiser Hospital in Walnut Creek. Russ was the president of the Richmond Rotary Club in 1969-70. We will post information about the services if it becomes available.

Recognitions

Our scribe did not record any Recognitions on this day.

Happy and Sad Dollars

  • Hank Covell donated a few buck to recognize the success of the recent
    Salesian Boy’s and Girl’s Club fund raiser that both he and Stoney attended where the hit 50’s band Poison Ivy played.  $10,000 is what the raised for the club.
  • Michelle Itagaki bemoaned the demise of the company that makes her favorite junk food Hostess Twinkies, which is entering bankruptcy. (News flash: as of this writing, Nov 20th, a bankruptcy judge has postponed the proceedings because, apparently, some investors may pony up millions to buy parts of the Hostess operation. Take heart, Michelle. All is not yet lost.)
  • Jan Brown wanted to thank the club for being such an integral part of Don’s life and how she was felt so supported by the Richmond Rotarians at Don’s memorial service
  • Herb talked about a back surgery that was performed on his son that worked miracles.
  • Joan Davis congratulated Josh Genser on receiving the Barbara Obele Community Service award from the Chamber this week.
  • And finally Stoney told a joke about an older man who was found crying on the street, he explained that he was so in love with his young girlfriend, they made love all the time and he was so happy.  When asked why he was crying he said “ I can’t remember where my home is”

Norm’s Nonsense

In ancient Egypt a whip master on a royal Nile boat addresses his rowing crew one morning: “Today I have some good news and some bad news for you. First, the good news: You will all receive an extra ration of grog. The bad news is: The Pharaoh wants to go water skiing.”

PROGRAM

Enriching Richmond's Youth: YES

Nick Despota introduced Eric Aaholm, the Executive Director of Youth Enrichment Strategies, or YES.  This Richmond organization brings together children, their families and their school communities through camping trips in our regional and state parks. YES also offers workshops in non-defensive communication, PeaceTalk. In addition, they help teenagers obtain internships in local businesses and community organizations.

After attending a summer camp, teens may take volunteer positions with local non-profits like Solar Richmond, Urban Tilth and others, which offers the opportunity to accept and develop personal responsibility.

YES communication workshops that encourage communication between races, neighbors, and among students which can help to prevent violence from erupting in the community.

Eric gave an example of an obese young women who rarely felt comfortable enough to venture far from her home.  Thanks to her participation in the YES camp, the young woman gradually gained confidence and a more positive self-image.  She has now attended 6 camps and works with Building Blocks for Kids as a volunteer.  She now feels involved and part of the community.

YES’s most recent events, “Walk to Nature”,  offered walking expeditions to nearby East Bay Regional Parks.: Miller Knox Park and Point Pinole. Provisions for the event included watering stations and free food.  Chevron is a major contributor.

YES does not get any funding from the government.  One-third of their funding comes from individuals and the balance comes from foundations.  Under Eric’s leadership, the YES budget has grown from $270,000 to $530,000. He greatly appreciates the funding he gets from Richmond Rotary. Over the last few years, our club has contributed approximately $4,000 to YES.

 

-Rotating scribe, Mark Howe.