Yearly Archives: 2014
NEXT MEETING: October 10, 2014Hope in Impossible PlacesThe mission of 11plus is to assist individuals, families, foundations and businesses in addressing the world’s greatest challenges. Its work is inspired by social innovators who actively pursue solutions to these problems. Many of us have the intention and resources to contribute significantly to their efforts, yet the reality of our busy lives doesn’t make it easy. 11plus was created to help close the gap between making a meaningful personal contribution and the barriers that can get in the way. The goal is to promote a more inspired and sustainable kind of global philanthropy. 11plus refers to founding principals, Marc (1) + Angela (1, also the luncheon speaker) plus the experienced team of consultants, clients, grantees and partners who collaborate in this endeavor to bring about life-changing results. MEETING OF October 3, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney called the meeting to order and asked Jon Lawlis to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was the definition of a conference room: a place where everyone talks, no one listens and all disagree later. Stoney called for a silent prayer for freedom, peace and justice on earth.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Announcements• President Stoney Stonework reminded everyone that the next meeting on October 10th would once again take place at La Strada, our last “away” meeting for a while. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMPresident Stoney introduced Dr. Elnora Tena Webb, President of Laney College, the flagship of the Peralta Community College District. Despite some technical difficulties, Dr. Webb shared a brief presentation about the history, current state of affairs and strategic goals of Laney College, including expanding the student body and the campus, and doubling the percentage of students who transfer to other higher education institutions. She also mentioned the ongoing goal to provide course offerings (such as welding, machine work, medical-related, etc. ) that lead to work-ready credentials/certificates, since not everyone transfers on to four-year universities. Dr. Webb fielded questions about Laney College and the other colleges in the Peralta district, and how they compare to other community colleges such as University of Phoenix or online colleges. It was noted that some of these other community colleges seem to have a better reputation despite being much more expensive and offering an equivalent, if not inferior, experience. The main obstacles the California Community College system faces are lack of funding, and lack of awareness. - Stacey Street, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: October 3, 2014The Importance of College and Career Readiness: Laney College’s Student Success AgendaDr. Elñora Tena Webb, President of Laney College, the flagship of the Peralta Community College District, will speak about the Peralta Colleges and their impact on the East Bay. Dr. Webb is an engaged and effective leader who promotes openness and collaboration. As a creative problem-solver, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success. Her ability to navigate through tough and complex challenges has led to recognition by members of the California Legislature and State Senate with the 2011 Community Hero Award. Dr. Webb consistently demonstrates ethical, visionary and collaboration leadership in a range of instructional, student services, research, and administrative roles within all systems of higher education in California. Those institutions included the University of California at Berkeley and at Riverside, California State University at Sonoma, Stanford University, and Contra Costa Community College District. Dr. Webb has also contributed to books such as Honored but Invisible: Teaching in Community Colleges, and is a frequent speaker at economic, workforce and business forums. She is a staunch advocate for strengthening partnerships, aligning resource commitments and ratcheting up strategic investments in the work of colleges and universities. MEETING OF September 26, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework called the meeting to order at La Strada Restaurant. Tom Waller led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Sid Chauvin offered this thought for the day: If you can’t fix it with a hammer, then you obviously have an electrical problem. Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMAlan Blavins Fishes in New GuineaAlan Blavins shared fun stories, photo slides, and videos from his latest fishing excursion to the far ends of the earth, this time to Papua New Guinea in August. He’s done sixteen of these major fishing trips in recent years with his son, who lives in London. This time they were in search of the local Black Bass, listed as one of the world’s ten toughest fish according to In-Fisherman magazine, the journal of freshwater fishing. During the presentation, we learned that “toughness” has to do with several factors, from size, sharpness of teeth, power or “fight” on the line, and general elusiveness. Now that they’ve conquered the Black Bass from Papua New Guinea (PNG), Alan and his son are 50% on their way through the world’s top ten toughest fish (and a couple of those may only be in the hall of fame, possibly now extinct). But it wasn’t easy. After hours and hours of separate travel, Alan and his son rendezvoused in Port Moresby, capital of PNG and seventh most dangerous, crime-infested city in the world. Rather than tour the local sites, they spent several hours in the airport lounge waiting for the final leg of their journey. After another couple-hour flight, Alan and his son settled into pleasant but not so luxurious accommodations on an island off the northeast coast of PNG, home to many parrots (but surprisingly not many other birds), not so many insects or snakes, plenty of large crocodiles, friendly locals, and 11 active volcanoes (one of which erupted on camera during the visit). There were also lots of fish, including the amazing “White Bait”, inch-long critters that gather in groups of thousands (supposedly looking for mates) in a way that makes the water seem to boil. Locals like to scoop them up and eat them with pancake batter. And so the Black Bass from Papua New Guinea succumbed to the masters’ touch and were apparently quite tasty. All in all, quite a “dear diary” entry! Thanks for sharing, Alan. - Tom Waller, Rotating Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: September 26, 2014 ----- (AT LA STRADA AGAIN)Alan Blavins Fishes in New GuineaOn the latest fishing expedition with his son, Alan Blavins traveled this summer to an island off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The goal was to reel in some of the local Black Bass, listed as one of the world’s ten toughest fish according to In-Fisherman magazine, the journal of freshwater fishing. With this achievement, Alan and his son will have conquered fifty percent of that top-ten list. Come hear how it all turned out – lots of exciting fish stories and a recap of how Alan and his son got along with the locals (pictured nearby). MEETING OF September 19, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework called the meeting to order at our alternate location, La Strada. Erle Brown led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsFormer Richmond Rotarian Lesa McIntosh joined us. Pam Jones was accompanied by visiting Rotarian and Prosecutor Dominique Yancey from the San Ramon Rotary Club. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMHow The Rotary 4-Way Test Has Influenced My CampaignLesa McIntosh introduced our program speaker, Tony Thurmond, a former Richmond Rotarian, a Richmond resident, and candidate for the California State Assembly, District 15. He has served as a member of the Richmond City Council and as a School Board Trustee for the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Tony currently works at the Lincoln Child Center in Oakland and has been active in CEO Youth, an innovative program working to improve school attendance and reduce dropout rates. He previously served as Executive Director of Beyond Emancipation, a non-profit that provides oversight and mentoring to help former foster youth make successful transitions into adulthood. Tony shared his own inspiring story of having had his mother pass away at a young age with no father in his life. He was separated from his siblings and taken in by extended family, which “saved his life”. Josh Surowitz, Rotating Scribe and Editor |
NEXT MEETING: September 19, 2014
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NEXT MEETING: September 12, 2014The Family Justice Center: Healing Trauma and Building CommunityThe West Contra Costa Family Justice Center, located near Hilltop, is a multi-service center for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. The Center brings multiple agencies together under one roof to coordinate wrap-around support services. The Center serves as a backbone organization to support collective efforts to end family and interpersonal violence. The desired collective impact of the work is to create violence-free futures for clients, their families, and the community. MEETING OF September 5, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework rang the bell and called the meeting to order. Jon Lawlis, almost a visiting Rotarian, led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Sid Chauvin offered this thought for the day: Do not be distracted by criticism – remember that the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you. Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMTom Waller introduced Jim Kennedy, Donor Relations Chair for the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Fund, the largest locally based source of college scholarships for minority students transferring from one of the three local community colleges to a four-year college or university. The Kennedy-King Fund was established in 1968 in memory of Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Its founding goal, which holds true to this day, is to provide $8,000 college scholarships to students from minority groups that are under-represented at California’s four-year colleges and universities (specifically African American, Latino, American Indian, and Pacific Islander). The scholarships are awarded based on a rigorous process involving a written application, interviews, and selection criteria. Applicants must demonstrate financial need as well as academic success at one of the three community colleges in Contra Costa County (Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Diablo Valley College in Concord, and Contra Costa College in San Pablo). In 46 years, Kennedy-King has awarded 683 scholarships valued at nearly $3.5 million. With over 100 applicants in 2014, there were 30 awards (the largest class ever). Kennedy-King scholars graduate almost 80% of the time, far exceeding the national average. Jim introduced Daniel Ponce, a graduate of Richmond High School who went on to Contra Costa College, dropping out once before trying again. He kept wondering, “How will I pay for a four-year college degree?” He applied for and received a Kennedy-King scholarship and then went on to graduate from Cal State East Bay in 2009 with a BA in Business. He currently works for a large property management company in Hayward and ultimately wants to start his own business. Besides providing the money to allow him to obtain his degree, Daniel credits Kennedy-King with totally changing his life: “They believed in me.” Almost 40% of Kennedy-King scholarship recipients over the last six years are students who attended Contra Costa College. As a result, Kennedy-King is anxious to increase its visibility and donor base in West County and will be holding a special information event in early 2015. Since the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Fund is an all-volunteer organization, over 90% of donated dollars go directly to scholarships. Tom Waller, Rotating Scribe |