NEXT MEETING: June 27, 2014

Demotion!

It’s time for the annual change of Club Presidency. Liliane Koziol will be demoted and become a Past President while Stoney Stonework will be installed as new Club President for 2014-2015, beginning July 1. As always, this should be fun.

MEETING OF June 20, 2014

Welcome

President Liliane Koziol called the meeting to order at the Richmond Country Club. She announced with glee that this was the last meeting she would lead as Rotary President for 2013-14!  Ethan Heinrich led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Sid Chauvin offered this thought for the day: The most practical, beautiful and wonderful philosophy in the world won’t work if you won’t.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

  • Jeff Mulvihill came for his final visit as a member of the Redding Rotary Club, and brought his lovely bride, Sue, as his guest.
  • Mark Howe introduced his guest, Dan Lee, a featured speaker next month.

Special Events and Awards

We are delighted to officially (and finally!) welcome a new member to the Rotary, Jeff Mulvihill.  Although he has been a longtime friend of the club and thank him for all he has already done, we look forward to having him participate as a member, and learning even more about him.

President Liliane bestowed special service star awards to the following members:

  • Ethan Heinrich was recognized for his help with the fishing derby, in particular his special assistance with one of the youngest kids on the trip. Ethan stayed with her and helped her the entire time – thank you, Ethan!
  • Bill Koziol was also thanked for his help with the fishing derby, though he was unable to attend.
  • Mark Howe was applauded for leading the clean-up work in the Peace Garden.
  • In her absence, Heather Kulp was thanked for leading the tour of the Chevron Refinery.
  • In their absence, Jim Young and Nick Despota were thanked for hosting the New Generation Exchange Student in October 2013.

Prez Liliane began the Club Assembly by recognizing and thanking all the members of the 2013-14 Board and bestowing beautiful plaques on each:

  • Vice President and President-Elect, Stoney Stonework: early recognition for his incoming presidency.
  • Sergeant at Arms, Sid Clauvin: with thanks for ongoing dedication and service
  • Secretary, Alan Baer
  • Treasurer, David Brown (not in attendance since he wasn’t feeling well)
  • Membership Chair, Josh Surowitz (traveling)
  • Community Services Chair, Mike Winter
  • Vocational Chair, Tom Waller
  • Club Service Chair, Alan Blavins
  • International Service Chair, Pam Jones
  • Foundation Chair, Connie Tritt

Liliane also had a special award for the New Generations Chair, Dan Tanita, who headed up this new program created by Rotary International and managed the exchange student from Russia. She asked Dan to speak about the proposal from Charles Ramsey, President of the School Board, to rename the Poratola School to the Fred Koremotsu School. Dan noted that Fred was not just a local hero, but also a national figure, recognized by President Clinton with the Medallion of Freedom.  He refused to go to an internment camp, was arrested and sent to prison, and then sued the federal government. Although the Supreme Court upheld the conviction and he and his family spent years in a camp, Koremotsu appealed many years later, and the court ruled to overturn his conviction.

The Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Henry Moe, a well-deserved honor! After Henry’s mother passed away, he attended the judging of the Rotary Four-Way Test demonstrating incredible dedication and commitment as the students’ participant coach. Henry received a standing ovation from all in attendance – great job, Henry!

Announcements

  • Pam Jones announced a special contest from District 5160 to build Facebook friends – the 475th and 500th people to “like” their page will receive 100 points. That’s like $100! She noted they are currently at 453 so that’s not far to go…
  • President Liliane Koziol announced that today’s meeting would not follow the usual format since it was a special meeting with a lot of ground to cover.
  • Liliane reminded everyone to attend the July 12th District 5160 Awards Luau and 2014-15 President Installation Ceremony at the Woodland Community Center. Guests can see Stoney Stonework installed as the new Richmond Rotary President as well as celebrate the adventures of 2013-14 and the awards that our club and other clubs earned.
  • Stoney reminded everyone that his first meeting as President will be on July 11th, so they need to attend that meeting before heading up to Woodland!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Club Assembly

In David Brown’s absence, Alan Baer asked individuals served with invoices to please pay your dues!

Pam Jones presented about the Satellite Program. A satellite club would not be a separate club, but would offer an additional meeting as a strategy to increase membership.  For example, Richmond might consider adding a Monday evening meeting at Salute to allow those unable to attend Friday lunch meetings a time to meet.  The Berkeley Rotary has created a successful satellite club, with additional evening meetings at a local pizza joint and a focus on fellowship, a key part of Rotary.  We will continue the conversation with Berkeley and learn all we can.

Alan Blavins encouraged the club to consider merging with some of the other BARSHEEP clubs, such as Pinole (12 members) and El Cerrito (23 members), to become the West Contra Costa Rotary.  This would create a much larger club membership.  It would mean a revision to the by-laws, which were written many years ago and clearly didn’t foresee so many small city clubs so close together.  It seems time to bring the by-laws up to modern standards!

After reassuring everyone he was not going to discuss his sauce, Stoney said there will be two key areas of focus this year:

1) Increasing membership: We need to get back to networking and fellowship, not just service and fundraising, though they are important. He charged each member in the room and on the roster with bringing in one new member this year. We need to talk up Richmond Rotary, and take, and use, the “Watch Rotary” and “Be My Guest” cards!!

2) Programs: Kudos to Liliane for bringing members of international consulates and those who helped this year. We need to have exciting programs so current and prospective members want to attend. He has asked this week’s scribe to be the new Program Chair (no pressure!).

Stoney also introduced new members of the Board in 2014-15: Henry Moe, Felix Hunziker, and Richard Alexander.

Those members in attendance at the meeting provided a vote of confidence for Club Secretary, Alan Baer, as he highlighted an issue involving another Club member.

Connie Tritt presented the Foundation report. She noted that the Every Rotarian, Every Year campaign increased donations 11%.  Sustaining membership, those who contribute $100 or more, increased 16%.  Overall, 74% of members have contributed to the Foundation.  Liliane thanked all the members not only for the good work they do on behalf of the club, but also for their generosity to the club and the District overall!

President Liliane concluded by reminding members to enjoy their success and be proud of the many accomplishments this year. The “adventure ride” is coming to an end – a thrill with ups and downs, twists and turns – overall a blast!  Thank you, Liliane, for your leadership and dedication this year!


Stacey Street, Rotating Editor-in-training

NEXT MEETING: June 20, 2014

Club Assembly

This is the quarterly Club Assembly, an all-members, open-forum opportunity to review Club priorities and projects, to discuss the merits of new initiatives, and to generally opine on topics that contribute to a strong, healthy, and enjoyable Club environment. Y’all come!

MEETING OF

Welcome

Liliane presided over the meeting. Tyler Hester led the pledge and Tom Butt offered a thought-for-the-day.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Jeff Mulvihill from Redding Rotary. (Still a visitor?)

Announcements

  • Alan Blavins was officially pinned with the service star for his planning and executing of the Fishing Derby. Alan thanked Ethan Heinrich and Bill Koziol for working with the youngest children for the entire two hours.
  • The month of July is Richmond Rotary/ Salesian Interact month to provide food for the Rotocare Volunteers. The Interact Club will provide the food but we need drivers to drop the food off every Tuesday by 5:30pm. Email Henry Moe for details if interested in driving.
  • June 20 is the behind the scene tour at the zoo.
  • July 11 is the STEM Tour
  • Tom Waller spoke of the need for more scribes to reduce the number of times each current scribe volunteers.
  • June 20 2014 Richmond Rotarians will assemble to plan for the 2014-2015 year. It is very important that everyone attend and help in the process for Horace “Stoney” Stonework’s Presidency.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

East Bay Center for the Performing Arts

Our speaker today is Jordan Simmons, Artistic Directors at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Richmond Rotary raised $50,000, between our fundraising and a Rotary International Match, for the Tales of the Lost Secrets Play last year. Jordan stated that several of the actors/actresses from the play received scholarships to the Young Artist Diploma Program for 2014-2015. The Center just completed its 45th year and continues to work with children in the Richmond Area, and especially with Title One schools in the area.

For more information check out the center at www.eastbaycenter.org.


Henry Moe, Rotating Scribe

NEXT MEETING: June 13, 2014

Lost Secrets One Year Later: An Historic Preservation Award and Lives Changed

Lost_Secrets_PlayThe East Bay Center for the Performing Arts (EBCPA) has been in Richmond since 1968. During those years, thousands of young artists have discovered how training in the arts illuminates their fullest capacity as human beings. They develop skills that enable them to think, lead, and contribute to the world around them and to the blossoming success of their own lives. Jordan Simmons, EBCPA Creative Director and prime mover, will provide an update on what’s going on at the Center. He will also share his thoughts on the outcomes of the Lost Secrets play in which Richmond Rotary was so deeply engaged as a partner. This includes the very positive impact the play had on the EBCPA as an institution and on the lives of the children and others who were involved.

MEETING OF June 6, 2014

Welcome

President Liliane presided over the meeting and Sid gave the thought for the day.

We welcomed our perennial Visiting Rotarian but soon to be a visitor no more, Jeff Mulvihill from Redding. We also welcomed the guest of Josh Surowitz, Jason Mustard.

Special Events

Stacey Street completed her Who am I. She was born and raised in Manhattan and attended the same school from 1 – 12 grade. She sang in a choir that traveled the world and still takes voice lessons today. She thought about being a lawyer but then thought better of it. She has worked in development and is currently the Chief Development Officer for the Richmond Community Foundation.

Announcements

  • May 31st Fishing Derby Recap – Last weeks speaker, Mike Aldax of the Richmond Standard, wrote an extensive article about the Fishing derby and the title was “Local kids learn life skills through fishing at first ‘Cast and Catch”
  • June 14 – Busy day for our club At 9:00am Mark Howe will lead the Rotarians at Work at our Annual Peace Garden Cleanup at 1st and Nevin. In the middle of the day the Annual Bocce Tournament will be held and Henry Moe is tasked to invite the Interact Parents to attend. Then the day is finished out with Stoney and Mark’s BBQ featuring Stoney’s World Renowned BBQ sauce.
  • Rotocare is seeking our support for Next Year’s Rotary District Grant. During Stoney’s presidency, the grant will be for much needed medical equipment, such as an EKG machine, a urinalysis machine, and otoscope/ophthalmascope/ BP units.
  • June 20 is our Club Assembly and President Liliane expressed the importance that all Richmond Rotarians on our hand to plan the next year.

Norm-FoleyLongtime Rotarian Norm Foley passed away on June 2nd, subsequent to his decision to discontinue treatment after 30 days in the hospital. Norm was remembered by Rotarians especially for his work in producing the Flywheel back when that meant putting ink to paper, stuffing that paper into envelopes, and mailing the pages out each week. Norm did that for over 20 years! Every week for the last 4 years, Norm entertained us with “Norm’s Nonsense”, jokes that enlivened this web page.

In addition to the commitment and reliability evidenced by that task alone, members recognized Norm’s integrity, humor, and generosity. We will dearly miss this stalwart of the Richmond Rotary community. His family asked that donations go to the organization, Loaves and Fishes, in his name.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Health in All Policies Strategies and Ordinance

The speakers for today are Shasa Curl and Gabiano Arredondo, with the City of Richmond. They manage a significant public policy initiative, called Health in All Policies Strategies and Ordinance (HIAP). Their main funding is from the California Endowment Fund, which targets the social determinants of health: the physical, environmental, economic, and other social causes of health inequities and poor health conditions.

The Health in All Policies framework focuses on neighborhood improvement strategies, data, information and tracking, community engagement, and health equity training. The City of Richmond is the first city in the nation to adopt a HIAP.


Henry Moe, “Rotating Editor”.

NEXT MEETING: June 6, 2014

Building Health Equity into Public Policy

There is a growing awareness across America that good health goes well beyond the doctor’s office. Today’s presenters, Shasa Curl, Administrative Chief, and Gabino Arredondo, Health & Wellness Coordinator, with the City of Richmond, will discuss how that awareness shapes policy in our communities. The city’s leadership in working towards health equity is exemplified by the recent adoption of a Health in All Polices (HiAP) Strategy and Ordinance by the Richmond City Council.

The HiAP strategy sets a framework of collaboration within city departments as well as with community based organizations and other government agencies to address community health, equity and sustainability in Richmond. Through this lens, Health in All Policies is both a practice and destination. Health in All Policies or “healthy public policy” is based on the idea that health starts with where people live, work, learn, and play and that individual and community health is influenced by more than just individual choices.

MEETING OF May 30, 2014

Welcome

Alan Baer welcomed everyone to the meeting. Tyler Hester led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney Stonework led us in a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth.

Announcements

  • Late-Breaking News. In an email on June 2, Bonnie Foley communicated the following: “I am sad to tell you that Norm passed away early this morning. He had been in the hospital for about a month with liver and pancreas problems, and then got pneumonia. He was able to make the decision not to continue further treatment. He was comfortable and without pain. Will advise details on a memorial gathering later, which is difficult with our family spread out from coast to coast. Memorial contributions to Loaves & Fishes, P.O.Box 13495, Sacramento Ca 95813, or to your favorite charity providing food to families. Norm was proud of Richmond Rotary and all his fine friends.”
  • Alan Baer reported that the new Rotary International president is challenging us all to invite our family members, co-workers, and neighbors to join Rotary.
  • David Brown said that Rotary International dues are now due by July 1st, no exceptions, so he asked that all members get their Club dues in so he can pay the international dues on time.
  • The last-Friday-of-the-month BARSHEEP mixer was held in the late afternoon on May 30 at La Revoluccion. Plan ahead for next month.
  • Mark Howe announced that there is a community garden clean up at 1st and Nevin on June 14th starting at 9:00 A.M. Starting at 3:00, Stoney will be doing his barbeque dinner for those who bid at the holiday auction. Anyone else who wants to come is welcome – payment will be taken at the door.
  • Alan Blavins asked for volunteers for the fishing derby held on Saturday, May 31, at the San Pablo reservoir. (Update: It was a beautiful day at the reservoir. Kids had a great time even though only three fish were caught. Lots of Rotarians were on hand to assist and tell (wholesome) fish stories to anyone who would listen. And check this out. The May 30 program speaker put this story with some pictures into The Richmond Standard online newspaper.)

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

RichmondStandard.com: Community-Driven News

Alan Baer introduced today’s speaker, Mike Aldax, editor of the online newspaper, The Richmond Standard. Mike has 13 years of experience in journalism at various papers including the San Francisco Examiner, the Bay City News, the Napa Valley Register, and others. He is the first editor of The Richmond Standard.

Mike said The Richmond Standard was started because Chevron has been contributing to a number of programs throughout the community and wanted more media coverage for its efforts. He also noted that there are other entities in the community that would like access to media outlets for their activities. As a result, Chevron’s intention is to have The Richmond Standard be a vehicle for news not covered elsewhere. Chevron supports the endeavor financially, but The Standard serves as an outlet for news and information for the whole community, not just Chevron. Again, the purpose is to report news, events, and activities that don’t get coverage in the mainstream media. The website for The Richmond Standard is richmondstandard.com. Anyone can send newsworthy information to this e-mail address, newstips@richmondstandard.com.

In answer to questions, Mike noted that he is not constrained in terms of reporting on news that’s not being currently carried in the Contra Costa Times, etc., but was open in stating that he wouldn’t be posting reports scrutinizing Chevron or endorsing slates of candidates. The Standard is also not dependent on advertising dollars so he is not constrained in that way. The Standard will be staying out of politics and simply trying to cover news not covered elsewhere. In answer to the question, “Will this go away once Chevron gets their construction permit?”, Mike answered that he’s been told if it’s a success, it will continue indefinitely.


Lynn Martin, Roving Rotary Reporter