NEXT MEETING: November 16, 2018

THE NOVEMBER 16 MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO AIR QUALITY

Due to very unhealthy air quality, we have cancelled our last regularly scheduled meeting of November 16.

We hope to see you at our Holiday Auction on November 30th!

MEETING OF November 9, 2018

Welcome

President Jerry welcomed all present and asked Tamara Shiloh to lead us in the pledge. Herb Cole led the invocation with silence for those who died in Thousand Oaks. Sid reminded us “never to look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

We were pleased to welcome Alan Baer’s guests, Stephanie Baer and Pierre Thompson. Nick introduced his Guest (and soon to be inducted member) Jeff Sloan.

Mac Robinson of the El Cerrito Club also attended.

Special Events

District Governor, Jon Dwyer and his wife, Bonnie, were present at this meeting. They met with the Board of Directors before the regular lunch meeting to update them on current events around the district. Jon opened his remarks with the presentation of Paul Harris awards to President Jerry Feagley (his first Paul Harris award) and Hank Covell (PH+3). In addition, he presented a Major Donor award to Alan Baer.

District Governor Dwyer also inducted a new member to the Richmond Rotary, Pierre Thompson. Pierre work and lives in Richmond, and was a speaker at our club a few weeks ago.

Announcements

Standing in for Committee Chair Stacey Street, Connie Tritt reminded everyone that the Holiday Auction, our biggest fundraiser, is November 30th. We ave a real need for silent auction items such as gift baskets, cases of wine, tickets, and so on. Time to put your creativity into gear.

Our holiday party with the El Cerrito Rotary Club will be Saturday, December 8th at The Richmond Art Center. Bring unwrapped new toys for 10-12 year olds and food to donate.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

A visit from our District Governor

District Governor Jon Dwyer graciously acknowledged our display of flags to honor his attendance. He noted that the display was the most impressive of all the 45 clubs he has visited. He also reminded us that the International President’s theme for 2018 is “Be the Inspiration” and introduced the topic of District Grants. He encouraged the board to apply for a District Grant this year because our proposals are very likely to be accepted. The request for funding our 100th anniversary event was a very good example of a fundable District Grant.

He also discussed the results of two grants that he was impressed with from the 2017-2018 year. One was the grant awarded to the Burney Rotary. (Burney is 40 miles East of Redding, CA) They purchased a heart defibrillator and monitor. The Alamo Rotary Club built a special room at a Pleasant Hill Adult Care facility for Alzheimer’s patients. The room was intended to provide light all day and night and helps those patients who get disoriented at sundown. The condition is called “sundowning”.

The District Governor covered other topics:

  • Remember to talk to others about the accomplishments of the club. For example, donations to Peres Elementary School and their teachers.
  • Last year $6,000 was raised by members of the club and donated to causes that were not the Rotary Foundation. The funds were used locally.
  • Be mindful of the people in the room. Think of the people you don’t see in Rotary anymore and give them a call to tell them you miss them at the meetings.
  • Be sure to register early for the 4Way Fest in May 2019. This District conference at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino in Reno, NV, will include 4 local districts: 5160, 5130, 5150, 5190. There will be 800 – 1000 Rotarians in attendance. Dave Dravecky will be the keynote speaker.
  • Our club’s giving rate to the Foundation is twice the $150 average per donor. Congratulations!

Here is the link to the District 5160 website. www.rotary5160.org.

 


NEXT MEETING: November 9, 2018

Meet our new District Governor

This Friday we will welcome Jon Dwyer, the District Governor for District 5160. Visits from our DGs are always great opportunities to develop a broader picture of Rotary’s activities in the country and around the world.

We hope you’ll be able to make it.

MEETING OF November 2, 2018

Welcome

Prez Jerry was back at the podium and welcomed all and asked Hank Covell to lead us in the Pledge. Herb Cole offered a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice. Sid Chauvin offered: “If you don’t think every day is great try missing a few.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Josh Genser’s guest was Vinay Pimple and Bob Dabney’s guest was Demnlus Johnson III. Yes, it’s Election Season at the Rotary.

Announcements

  • Jan Brown wanted everyone to know that she has sent out a survey, asking your preferences for the 100th Anniversary of Richmond Rotary.       The survey only takes a minute. Please do it now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWK79GP
  • Josh Surowitz, Auctioneer Extraordinaire, made an emotional pitch for all to make a contribution to the upcoming (11/30) Holiday Auction, give generously, invite rich friends…Let’s Make It Great!!!
  • Pam Jones announced that the Firehouse Dinner that was sold at last year’s Auction will be on11/16 6:30pm at Firehouse #64 Bayview. Contact Pam if you want to know if you are on the list
  • David Brown made another pitch for folks to buy bikes for the Toy Giveaway. David posted it on social media and has received $1400 in donations, but we need more. Credit cards gladly accepted.
  • Prez Jerry had a plethora of announcements:
    – Our Holiday Party, this year with El Cerrito Rotary, will take place at Richmond Art Center on December 8. Save that date.
    – Jerry and Erle Brown had the distinct pleasure of passing out $100 checks to teachers at Peres Elementary School.
    – The Club raised $800 to support Polio program
  • Herb Cole wanted all to know that the next polio vaccine project will be in India in January 2019. Talk to Herb if you’re interested in joining the effort.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Early Childhood Mental Health Program

Nick Despota introduced our speaker, and soon to be Richmond Rotarian, Jeff Sloan. Jeff is the new Executive Director of the Early Childhood Mental Health Program (ECMHP) in Richmond.

Jeff grew up in Richmond and is a graduate of Salesian High School and UC Berkeley. He holds three Masters degrees: in clinical psychology, business administration, and theology. Jeff thanked the Club for its support of ECMHP over the years; and also thanked individual Rotarians like Josh and Elena Genser, who funded the construction of a playground at its new facility.

The goal of the program is “Keeping Families Together,” which is no small task these days since many young children face developmental trauma due to poverty, bullying, violence, separation from parents, racism and isolation.

ECMHP addresses these issues by working closely both with the child and the family. The organization focuses on early intervention, accepting children from 0 to 7 years of age. Its services include a therapeutic nursery school, family therapy services, parent and family support groups, in-school consultations, kinder transition, and immigrant and asylum legal workshops.

ECMHP has been serving the greater Richmond community for over 40 years. For more information, visit its website at www.ecmhp.org


The Menehune, Rotating Editor

NEXT MEETING: November 2, 2018

The Hidden Issue of Early Childhood Mental Health in Richmond

Jeff Sloan, the Executive Director of Early Childhood Mental Health, will tell us about the pervasive and often misunderstood mental health challenges that many of the children in our community experience. He will highlight the causes of early childhood mental health issues and racially disproportionate disparities in available services and resources and most especially, the powerful impact that ECMHP has on these issues in our community.

MEETING OF October 26, 2018

Welcome

Past Prez Connie Tritt welcomed all in Prez Jerry’s absence. David Brown led us in the pledge and Herb Cole offered a prayer for peace and freedom. Alan Blavins offered the following, “If love is blind why is lingerie so popular?”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Edgar DeLeon had 3 guests John Benning, Melodie Gonsaves, and Che Al-Barri. Alan Baer’s guest was Pierre Thomson and Connie introduced Joyce Middlebrook a friend of our speaker.

Announcements

  • Pam Jones announced that is time to “Buy a Bike” for the Annual Holiday Toy and Food program. $49 buys a bike for a kid. Our Club has pledged a matching $5,000. Please use the Donate button in the right hand column to make your donation.
  • Pam also wanted to remind all that at our Annual Holiday Auction member need to bring new toys, particularly for children ages 10-12 years, on 11/30.
  • Stacey Street reminded all about the Holiday Auction on 11/30. We need to make sure that members are offering items as well as inviting friends to the Auction. We need live auction and silent auction items. An event flyer will be available soon.
  • Tamara Shiloh reminded all about the Multicultural Children’s Bookstore fundraiser on 11/2 from 6-8om at The Shops at Hilltop.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Choices at the end of our lives

Darlene Drapkin introduced out guest speaker Barbara Engdahl who is a retired medical social worker who volunteers with the Compassion & Choices organization, which deals with care and choices at the end of life. Barbara emphasized that everyone should have a direct conversation with their doctor about end of life issues and understand their “right to know” options. Everyone should have a Health Care Directive and discuss their wishes with their family and designate someone with power of attorney. In October 2015 the Aid in Dying law passed in CA which provides an option for terminal patients to end their life. Barbara discussed the role of hospice and other support services. For more information: CompassionAndChoice.org


- The Menehune, Rotating Scribe

NEXT MEETING: October 26, 2018

Compassion & Choices - Be an Empowered Patient

Barbara Engdahl will speak about a range of things you can do, choices you can make to become empowered in your senior years. She will discuss Advance Health Care Directives, how to get the most out of your visit with your doctor, how to talk with your doctor to get the treatment you want or refuse the treatment you don’t want; in short how to be in charge of your own medical care. She will also address end of life issues, the choices you have and how to have a death with dignity reflecting the values you have lived by your whole life.

MEETING OF October 19, 2018

Welcome

President Jerry Feagley welcomed the group. Cecelia Orozco led the Pledge. Herb Cole gave the invocation with a prayer for peace, freedom and justice on Earth. Sid Chauvin’s Thought for the Day…”I would rather argue against a hundred idiots than have one agree with me.” (Winston Churchill)

At Thursday’s Board Meeting, the Board voted 9 YES and 2 NO on a motion to return to the old meeting start time of 12:30. Out of courtesy to the general membership, President Jerry initiated an informal poll of the members present today. The large majority of those in attendance voted for the 12:30 time. We will return to the 12:30 start time at our first meeting of the new year, Friday, January 4th. We will advise each member individually of the new start time and the effective date.

Darlene Quenville did her “Who am I” and received her Blue Badge!  Yeah!!! It was a riveting presentation but you had to be there. [Says today’s scribe.]

Visiting Rotarians and Guests  

Today’s speaker, Jessica Rodriguez, from Richmond Promise, was one of our guests today. Our other guest was Mac Lingo from the Berkeley Rotary.

Announcements

  • IMPORTANT:  This week’s Rotary meeting will be at Richmond Country Club at the usual 12:00 start time. However, beginning in the new year, we will revert back to our old start time of 12:30. See below.
  • Rotary Auction is November 30th. Please visit our Holiday Auction page, here. Use that page to see what unexpected and cool gifts (did someone say Crete?) members have already submitted, and also to send us the description of your gift and photo, if you have a good one. Please do it soon! If you’re having trouble with the form, send Nick an email and he’ll help you out.
  • Tamara Shiloh reminded everyone of the Multi-Cultural Bookstore Fundraiser Event – November 2nd – 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  They are in need of some items to use for raffle prizes.  If you can help out, that would be great —bring your checkbook.
  • Alan Baer announced World Polio Day Fundraiser at Zachary’s Pizza, 1853 Solano Ave, Berkeley, Wednesday, October 24, all day. 15% of total sales will go towards fundraiser.  Please remember to bring flyer, show image on phone, or mention fundraiser to cashier!!
  • Darlene Drapkin announced the third annual Trick or Treat on 23rd Street on Halloween, October 31, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Not only treats, but children will be provided with interesting activities to do on Halloween on 23rd Street (from Barrett to McBryde).
  • Jan Brown announced after our meeting on October 26, she’s needing help in forming a Celebrate Richmond Rotary’s 100th Anniversary, which will be April 1, 2020.  The short meeting will begin right after meeting for about 20 minutes. She needs people to sign up for this Committee! All those interested (Jonathan says “Mark Howe”), please stay after and volunteer!!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Richmond Promise

Darlene Drapkin introduced Jessica Rodriguez, Associate Director of Scholarships & Data, Richmond Promise.  Jessica graduated from Cal (Go Bears). Jessica’s motto…”When a community unites for a common cause, they are unstoppable!”

The Richmond Promise was launched in 2016 and is a community-wide college success initiative.  The Richmond Promise is made possible by Chevron Corporation’s Environmental and Community Investment Agreement with the City of Richmond.

To date, there are 900+ Richmond Promise scholars.  $5.4 million has been committed in scholarships since 2016, but students need more than just money support.  The Summer Associate Program gives assistance on how to apply for college, how to register for classes, etc. Once in college, the College Scholar Network helps the scholars to socialize with each other and help each other, and there are resources on campus to assist the scholars.  The Near-Peer Associate Program helps by mentoring students.

The four main goals or pillars of our promise:

  1. College Affordability – up to $6,000 over four years  (between $1,000 and $1,500/year) for 2-year, 4-year or CTE (Career Technical Education) post-secondary education.
  2. College Awareness – Near-Peer Ambassador Program, Richmond Promise college students are paid and trained to talk to 9th graders at Kennedy High School through a series of classroom-based college and career conversations and activities.
  3. College Access – Community-wide financial aid workshops and office hours at local high schools to build college knowledge and assist students with financial aid completion.
  4. College Success – Richmond Promise is building partnerships with colleges to welcome and strategically support scholars their first year through degree attainment.  Formal partnerships include: Contra Costa College, Berkeley City College, Diablo Valley College, SF State and UC Berkeley.

The Scholarship
The Richmond Promise Scholars receive up to $1,500 each year for up to 4 years.  It is available for any student who lives in Richmond and attends a not-for-profit 2-year or 4-year college, or Career Technical Education Program.  Scholars must meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

  1. Live in Richmond or North Richmond.
  2. Graduate from a public, private, or charter high school with the WCCUSD boundary area.
  3. Complete a financial aid application (FAFSA or Dream Act) by the Cal Grant Deadline.
  4. Enroll full-time and maintain good academic standing through college.

Other interesting facts:

  • 71% First Generation College Students
  • 70% Low Income
  • 65% Hispanic or Latino, 15% African American
  • 2-year colleges – 38%, 4-year colleges – 62%
  • 56% Female, 44% Male
  • 94% Stay in California for college

Scholarships can be used to pay for tuition, housing and transportation.  If a student receives other financial aid, that does not affect the Richmond Promise Scholarship amount.

The Richmond Promise is, and needs to be, more than just a scholarship.  The Promise is a powerful catalyst for student participation and developing leadership in our community.  Students who access on-campus resources feel supported and successful.

$35 million seed money came from City of Richmond and Chevron. It’s been invested and Richmond Promise works off the interest and some of the principal.  That seed money will hopefully last for over ten years. Fundraising is a priority to grow the fund to last forever.  A team of four people administer Richmond Promise. They are always trying to streamline operation expenses to keep costs down.

Go online at info@richmondpromise.org for more information on this wonderful organization!


- Rotating Scribe Darlene Quenville

NEXT MEETING: October 19, 2009

What is RIchmond Promise?

Launched in January 2016, the Richmond Promise is a community-wide college success initiative to build a college graduating culture in Richmond. Created with the belief that all Richmond students should have the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential, regardless of race, income level, or personal background,the Richmond Promise aims to ensure all Richmond students excel to and through higher education, reach their career goals, and become change-making leaders in the Richmond community. Jessie Stewart, Executive Director, will share stories of Richmond Promise’s successes to date.

MEETING OF October 12, 2018

Welcome

President Jerry convened the meeting at La Strada Restaurant. Tom lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Josh Surowitz gave the invocation.

Syd offered a Thought-for-the-day penned by Winston Churchill: “Life is fraught with opportunities to keep your mouth shut.” (Note the choice of the word, “fraught,” which usually means accompanied by something undesirable or dangerous. Is Churchill saying that by not speaking up, we may invite trouble?)

Guests and Visitors

  • Jan’s guest was Stepanie Ny, an AmeriCorps member working with the City of Richmond.
  • We’re always happy to see Mac Lingo from the Berkeley Rotary. He joined us on this day.
  • And last but certainly not least, we welcomed today’s speaker, Pierre Thompson, a Rotary Peace Fellow.

Announcements

  • We will return to the Richmond Country Club for the October 19th meeting. Several times over the last couple of months, the Club met at other locations because the RCC hosted golf tournaments. Therefore, our use of the dining room was preempted. The tournament season is now over and our meetings will be held at RCC without interruption until next fall.
  • Do you like Zachary’s pizza? The San Pablo Rotary Club has arranged a tasty fundraiser to support World Polio Day. On Wednesday, October 24, take your partner or family to Zachary’s Pizza, at 1853 Solano, in Berkeley. Fifteen percent (15%) of total sales of customers who mention the “World Polio Day fundraiser: will be donated to the cause. Thanks.
  • Rita Moreno is the featured performer at a benefit for the Rotacare Richmond Clinic on Friday, October 26th, from 7-9PM, at the Town and Gown Club, 2401 Dwight Way, Berkeley. The evening will include a silent auction. To learn more and RSVP—don’t wait, Rita Moreno is hugely popular—visit the event page.
  • Rotary Districts 5130, 5150, 5160, and 5190 are holding a District Convention at the Peppermill in Reno on May 17-19, for the “4-Way Fest.” (Get it?) Lots of fun activities and great speakers are planned. To lean more, and use the Promo Code for the room discount, please visit the event page.
  • Pam informed us that the Club will once again hold its Bikes for Kids donation program in December. Bike plus helmet will be $49, as in the past. Our club will match members’ donation up to $5,000.
  • Rotary Day at the Races is Saturday, November 17th. Tickets are $41 each. Rotarians attend in droves—400 to 500 we’re told. If you want to join them, give cash or credit card to David Brown.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Global Peace Index

Levels of peace. Dark green = Very high. Yellow = Medium. Orange = Low. Red = Very low.

Today’s guest, Pierre Thompson, talked about the Global Peace Index, which was launched in 2007 to rank countries around the world according to their peacefulness. The GPI gauges global peace using three broad themes: the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict and the degree of militarization.

After reporting on the US ranking (121 of 163—the lower the number the more peaceful), Pierre identified 10 factors correlated to peacefulness. They include a well-functioning government, high levels of human capital, acceptance of the rights of others, an equitable distribution of resources, a free flow of information, low levels of corruption, and the use of diplomacy.

Pierre, who was born in and attended elementary school in Richmond, lead us through a conversation about the factors that contribute to, or frustrate, peacefulness in our own city. On the plus side, several of us said that Richmond enjoyed the benefits of a well-functioning government and efforts to improve economic opportunities for residents. On the negative side, members mentioned the reputation for crime that burdens Richmond, and the impact that has on the readiness of businesses to establish in the city.

Many of us joined the conversation; too much was discussed to cover in this summary. But if you’d like to learn more about the Global Peace Index, why it was developed and how it is used, read this short article.

 

 


Nick Despota, Pinch-hitting scribe