Monthly Archives: December 2016
NEXT MEETING: January 6, 2017The Contribution of the B-52 to National SecurityThis talk provides a pictorial and verbal description of the B-52 Stratofortress, including its development and evolution over the decades. Its usefulness in crises such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Viet Nam, and the Gulf War will be described. If time allows, George Sakaldasis, Deputy Director for Military and Nuclear Affairs in the National Security Office at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will describe the time when the bomber and tanker force was taken off nuclear alert as a normal course of business, as directed by the President. Listeners will gain an appreciation for a weapon system that has stood the test of time and will continue to contribute to the security of the country for the foreseeable future. MEETING OF December 16, 2016WelcomeJosh Surowitz called the meeting to order and asked Tom Butt to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. In Sid’s absence all those present had to provide their own wisdom Visiting Rotarians and GuestsDarlene Quenville graced the proceedings as a guest of Jon Lawlis Announcements
Of the 400 bikes given away last Saturday at the Richmond/El Cerrito Firefighters’ Annual Toy Program more than 250 of them were the result of donations by Richmond Rotary, its membership and friends of the club!!! Thanks to all who helped make a lot of kids happy 🙂 RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMClub AssemblyAs traditional, the last program of the year featured a discussion of club financial matters and a chance for members to express their interest in speaker topics, programs and social events. Josh Surowitz moderated the discussion and presented the year-end financial report. He noted in particular that the club had donated $12,500 for bikes. The discussion then turned to programs. Some members expressed disinterest in speakers from nonprofits while others commented that these were central to the club’s activities. Felix would like to see more hands-on activities, and Alan Blavins commented that NIAD is always in need of help. Jan mentioned that she comes to Rotary to be better informed and loves book related programs. Wally suggested field trips to local businesses as a way to recruit new members. Josh and others encouraged him to pursue the idea and said that this was something that had been done long ago but had fallen aside for lack of a person motivated to take charge. The meeting concluded with a discussion of possible group trips. Reno and South Tahoe were both suggested.
– David Cole, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: December 16, 2016An open-ended conversationThis week we will forego the usual program to spend more time with our Richmond Rotary friends and enjoy an open chat. Topics are wide open. They can include a discussion of great things we used to do and may want to revive, or ideas for new kinds of social events, or an innovative project someone may suggest, or… MEETING OF December 9, 2016WelcomeLast Friday a small but spirited contingent of our club met at the Richmond Art Center to enjoy cocktails and camaraderie. We simply welcomed one another, which was more than enough. World problems were brought up and solutions found. We uncorked no more bottles than we consumed, which, again, was more than enough. And maybe we raised enough money to pay for the excellent hors d’oeuvres and staff to serve them. All in all a very nice time. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMHoliday Auction, December 2nd. A recap.Live and silent bidding distributed an embarrassment of riches to the highest bidders: trips to Mexico, events, vacation homes, restaurant gift certificates, tours, wine, and many other exciting offerings. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our members and their guests, our club raised some $35,000. The money will help fund local and international projects, including support for local schools and non-profit organizations. Members of the Richmond Fire Department walked out with a sleigh full of donated toys for their toy drive. One firefighter—sorry, we missed recording his name—auctioned off what promises to be an amazing firehouse dinner, raising still more money for bikes for kids. Thanks to all of you for attending and contributing. You are all humanitarians! Best wishes for the New Year! - Nick, pinch-hitting scribe |
NEXT MEETING: December 9, 2016
|