Monthly Archives: January 2013
NEXT MEETING: February 1, 2013Local Rotarians Climb World Summits
“Buddies and I, including the world renowned Jon Lawlis, have summited at least one of the Seven Summits, ie, the tallest mountain on each continent. Jon summited Mt. Kilimanjaro a few years ago. I’ve now summited 3 of the 7 and have given numerous presentations about the Mt. Elbrus, Russia ascent (dodging terrorist attacks, colleagues getting blown off the mountain, climbing in sub zero temperatures, i.e., -30F, and succumbing to acute mountain sickness) and the Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina ascent.” – James Brandt MEETING OF January 25, 2013WelcomeJim Young, Club President, called to order the Relatively Rambunctious, Rarely Reclusive, Reasonably Respectful, Remarkably Resolute, and Radically Generous Richmond Rotary Club, after which Jan Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for “freedom, peace, and justice on earth”, and Henry Kelman let us know that the stock market is up and that the 49ers are going to the Superbowl! Rotarians with GuestsJosh Surowitz introduced Karine Schomer, and Rafael Madrigal introduced Lesa McIntosh, both of whom have visited on past occasions. Welcome! Sunshine ReportJohn Wilson self-reported on his status informing everyone that he’s doing well after finishing up the last of his chemotherapy treatments. Let’s all pray that John’s leukemia has been vanquished and is gone for good. Announcements
Recognitions
Happy and Sad Dollars
My goodness, everyone seems happy today! Jim reminded everyone that we will be co-sponsoring a Four Way Speech Contest along with the El Cerrito and El Sobrante clubs that will take place at a number of local high schools and will include the Interact Club. Jim put us all to the test today by asking who could name the four “tests” of the Four Way Test. Just to keep us all in good form, they are as follows.
Important values by which to live. Norm’s NonsenseA homeowner answered a knock on his door, and there was a well-dressed young man there who said, “Hello, I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, and I would like to talk to you for a few minutes.” PROGRAMThe RIchmond Art Center
Connie Tritt, Treasurer of the Richmond Art Center (RAC), introduced Ric Ambrose, the Center’s new executive director. Ric brings not only an artist’s sensibility to the job, but a business background as well. Ric spent 25 years in the museum world as a curator, fundraiser, and arts administrator, and has substantial experience in working closely with communities. A major goal of the Center is to create and offer a unique brand of arts education that includes teaching students not only about making art, but about the arts from a professional perspective, including how to exhibit. The Center attempts to empower and transform both individuals and the community through creative exploration, experience, and education. Ric noted that the Center’s studio facilities are some of the best in the East Bay. It has a faculty of over fifty who teach a broad range of classes, and established artists are often invited to do workshops as well as exhibit their works. The Center’s exhibition program allows for up to sixteen exhibits in the facility’s four galleries. In February the “Art of Living Black”, an exhibit showcasing the work of African Americans will be on display. The Center got its start in 1936 spearheaded by Hazel Salmi. Hazel, under the WPA’s travelling exhibits program, had travelled throughout the country introducing art to communities. She travelled around with a suitcase filled with art supplies and with which she taught members of the communities she visited. When Hazel settled back down in Richmond she wanted to create a place where the community could find artistic inspiration. Based on her vision and the principles she set forth, the Richmond Art Center was established at its first home on the second floor of a building at the corner of 9th St. and MacDonald. After the end of World War II, the Civic Center Plaza was under development and the incorporation of an art education and exhibition space was envisioned for the site. In 1951, the Center moved to its current home in the Civic Center Plaza where it became and remains a dynamic environment for young, emerging artists. Ric noted that the Richmond Art Center is different from other art organizations because it focuses on launching careers by providing the space and support for young artists to exhibit before they’re well known. As a result, the Center receives calls from around the nation and the world inquiring about artists’ backgrounds and exhibition histories as the Center is often one of an artist’s very first exhibits. The Center is very proud of having been on the cutting edge of a number of modern artistic movements because of its willingness to support new emerging artists and artistic visions, a spirit that remains alive. An article in the San Francisco Chronicle recently asserted that the Richmond Art Center had the 5th best of the top ten exhibits of 2012. The Center’s studio program is one of the best in the area. Students can pursue painting and drawing; metals and jewelry making; weaving and textiles; silk screening; mixed media; and other artistic forms. There are approximately 50 classes/workshops for students of all ages and skill levels. Ric stated that the Center seeks to engage in partnerships throughout the community. Recently they partnered with the Richmond Public Arts Program to beautify the Richmond greenway by creating mosaic benches and bike racks. The Center is now back in schools after a five year hiatus providing after-school activities at several elementary and middle schools, as well as at other organizations that serve children and youth. They also partner with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; the Lawrence Hall of Science; and the Exploratorium helping youth to build problem-solving, cognitive thinking, and creative collaboration skills. In terms of funding, 40% of the agency’s revenues comes from the City of Richmond, 32% from earned income or fees; 16% from private foundations; 12% from corporations and independent donors; and .02% from a small endowment. The Center’s goal is to conduct an endowment campaign within the next year and to focus on planned giving opportunities. Ultimately, the Richmond Art Center strives to be a place “where one can rekindle the youthful discovery of art making; where lifelong learning is the norm rather than a privilege, and where one finds an emerging environment to expand horizons and have fun”. Lynn Martin, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: January 25, 2013New Executive Director of Richmond Art Center, Ric Ambrose
As it approaches its 80th year, the Richmond Art Center, affectionately known as the “RAC”, has a new Executive Director. Come learn about the RAC’s present and future in the community. MEETING OF January 18, 2013WelcomeJim Young, Club President, called the Richmond Rotary Club to order, after which Jerry Feagley led the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney Stonework asked today for a prayer, not only for “freedom, peace, and justice on earth” but also in memory of the four young Pakistani women who were recently gunned down while administering polio vaccines. Henry Kelman, gave us the “thought of the day” by stating his belief that we are at war with others when they are at war with us. Rotarians with GuestsJon Lawlis announced that his “sweetheart” Darlene is with us today. She was enthusiastically welcomed by the club. Sunshine ReportJohn Nicol’s 90th birthday party is tomorrow at his home, so be sure to come and get a “live” sunshine report about John. John Wilson is undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia and although he reports he is doing well, the doctor suggested he stay away from crowds. We hope to see John back soon! Jim Young’s eye surgery went extremely well and we are all happy for that. Announcements
Lastly, Joe “Swampy” Bagley told us that he, Alan Blavins, and Tom Waller had gone to visit Charlie and Jean Wong. He reported that their spirits are great though Charlie’s knees are bothering him. Joe reported that he and his committee members are going to do more visiting of older and former Rotarians as well as former Rotarians’ spouses. RecognitionsJoe announced that it is Josh Surowitz’s Rotary anniversary today. Josh has been in the club for five years. Josh started off “happy and sad dollars” by giving $20 in celebration of his anniversary. Happy and Sad DollarsMarkku Pelanne had sad dollars for the closure of the Boilerhouse Restaurant, and in the same breath, had happy dollars for the opening of the new Assemble Restaurant in its place. He reported that he’d told Stoney’s joke from last week to his church members and they’d heartily approved. He then tried his hand at telling a joke himself – something with ‘cabbage’ in the punchline… David Brown had happy dollars for being here today and for having received the most comprehensive eye exam he’d ever had from fellow Rotarian Dan Sanders. David reported that he’s been in continuing education classes the last few weeks. Josh Genser also had happy dollars for being here today – he’s been in the same continuing education classes that David’s been in which apparently are preparing them to become “temporary judges”. Josh’s happy dollars were also for having had a great time at the Rose Bowl with his daughter. Erle Brown had happy dollars for the Cal women’s basketball team having beaten Stanford and breaking Stanford’s 81-home game winning streak. He reported that whatever strange urge he’d had recently to root for Stanford has all worn off! Connie Tritt had sad dollars for her old University of Oregon coach going to the Philadelphia Eagles, but happy dollars because the 49ers won! Dan Sanders had a happy $20 to have returned to Rotary after the completion of his continuing education classes. Jon Lawlis had one hundred happy dollars in honor of his friend who’d done a wonderful portrait of Jon which he proudly displayed to the club. Jim had happy dollars because his daughter and her family arrived safely home in Singapore yesterday, and the LADEE satellite that his son is working on is ready to be launched. Josh Surowitz had more happy dollars and an answer to Elaina Genser’s question about why her husband is training to be a temporary judge. Josh Surowitz’s answer is that a judge is a lawyer who wants to be governor. Governor Genser – hmm . . . . it has a nice ring to it. Herb Cole wanted to know who would be joining him and his wife in Portugal for the Rotary convention and for what sounded like some great travelling afterward. Apparently there’s going to be a meet-up with Josh Surowitz and his family in Barcelona. It sounds like a great time is going to be had by all. Norm’s NonsenseCharles, the son of an ailing rich man, decided he was going to need a woman to enjoy life with when his dad died. He went to a singles bar, saw a beautiful woman, and walked up to her and said, “I’m just an ordinary man, but in a week or two my father will die and I’ll inherit twenty million dollars.” PROGRAMSparkPoing Richmond
Alan Baer introduced Betty Cantrell from SparkPoint noting that SparkPoint was originally started by the United Way of the Bay Area (UWBA) with a $1 million grant from Chevron. It is a one-stop center that helps low-income individuals and families struggling with making ends meet, to build financially secure futures. The model combines the expertise of a variety of partner organizations to meet the specific goals of individual clients. Betty started by telling the group that the Richmond SparkPoint office is located in the same building as Brighter Beginnings and the new RotoCare Clinic at 2727 Macdonald Ave. The model was developed after the UWBA completed a study of the economic conditions of bay area residents several years ago. The study indicated that one out of every five families in the bay area had trouble making ends meet, and that for families of color, this number doubled to two out of every five. It also showed that 86% of these families had at least one person working. The study determined that in order to make ends meet in the bay area, a person needs to work three full-time minimum wage jobs. There are currently ten SparkPoint offices located throughout the bay area including offices in Oakland, American Canyon, San Mateo, Vallejo, Fairfield, Baypoint, San Francisco, Fremont, and Richmond, and offices will be opening in Fresno and Orange County in the near future. In the SparkPoint model, clients have a financial coach who helps them develop a plan to meet their specific financial goals. Having said that, each SparkPoint center strives to achieve four overarching goals for each client:
Specific services include:
All services provided by SparkPoint or their partners are free to clients, but clients must commit to keeping appointments, providing information, and doing the work. Betty noted that in their first year of operation they served 718 clients, approximately seven times the number they had originally expected to serve. In answer to questions from the audience, Betty noted that there is a SparkPoint center starting up in Denver, and several communities on the east coast are exploring the model as well. Chevron International visited SparkPoint with the intent to replicate the model in South Africa. SparkPoint is different from other collaborative endeavors because all of the offices share a single database, and they meet jointly on a regular basis to discuss mutual clients. Currently, sixty percent of SparkPoint’s clients are women and their “typical” client is an African American woman, aged 30-40 with some college, and an annual income of under $15,000. The ultimate goal of SparkPoint is to empower people by giving them the skills to becoming financially self-sustaining. SparkPoint gets many referrals from their BART train posters but word-of-mouth is their biggest referral source, many of them from past clients. Betty invited anyone who would like to attend one of their welcome sessions held every Tuesday at 2:00 PM in English or every Thursday at 2:00 PM in Spanish. Betty stated that Richmond Community Foundation is the lead agency for the Richmond SparkPoint office. Tours of the Richmond SparkPoint office will be available during the grand opening celebration of the RotoCare Clinic on February 21st. Lynn Martin, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: January 18, 2013SparkPoint Richmond
SparkPoint Centers are financial education centers that help individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Their staff help clients address immediate financial crises, get them back on their feet, and build financially secure futures. To learn more, please visit the SparkPoint Richmond website. MEETING OF January 11, 2013WelcomeJim Young, Club President, called the auspicious Richmond Rotary Club to order, after which Ralph Hill led the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for “freedom, peace, and justice on earth”. Henry Kelman, gave us the “thought of the day” by providing today’s stock market assessment – it’s up! Rotarians with GuestsJim Young introduced and welcomed Larry Maxson, General Manager, and Scott Vickery, General Sales Manager of El Cerrito Honda. Scott is today’s speaker. Sunshine ReportJohn Nicol’s 90th birthday is on January 24th, but there will be a party for him on Saturday, January 19th from 12:00 to 5:00 at his home. Everyone is invited. Hank Covell announced that John is in good spirits although he can’t play poker with the gang anymore. Announcements
RecognitionsAgain this week there were no birthdays, Club anniversaries or wedding anniversaries to acknowledge. Happy and Sad Dollars
Norm’s NonsenseA housewife called in a plumber to fix the drain in her kitchen sink. While the plumber was working, she asked him how much he charged. PROGRAMHonda of El Cerrito
Jim introduced Scott Vickery, General Sales Manager for El Cerrito Honda, noting that El Cerrito Honda has a reputation for operating a state-of-the-art, modern car dealership with great customer service. Scott got his start in the automobile industry nearly 35 years ago when he took a job at a service station outside St. Louis, Missouri that had four gas pumps, two mechanics’ bays, and typically around 5 or 6 automobiles for sale at any given time. If they sold three cars a month the owners figured they’d been successful. Today, El Cerrito Honda sells in excess of three cars per day, and would count it a bad day if they sold no more than that. Scott stated that the auto industry impacts 7 out of every 10 American jobs in one way or another be it through electronics, shipping, parts and materials manufacturing, advertising, healthcare, or a host of other sectors. El Cerrito Honda was purchased in the ‘90s by Mr. Hendrick, owner of the Hendrick Automotive Group based in Charlotte, North Carolina, who over the years introduced a host of “best practices” to the business. These innovations have made El Cerrito Honda a top-notch dealership offering a world class customer service experience and as a result, word-of-mouth advertising has been one of its most important sources of new business. In 2012, El Cerrito Honda grew by 12% growing from a staff of 100 to 112. It is a culturally diverse organization with eight different languages spoken among its staff members allowing them to serve a wide variety of customers. Last year the dealership sold 1,804 brand new cars and 818 pre-owned cars bringing in approximately $70 million in gross revenues. Revenues comprised $41.3M in new car sales; $17.6M in pre-owned sales; $4.7M in service; and $6.65M in parts. Scott reported that for every car sold approximately $3,000 goes back to the state of California in taxes and fees and that net profit per vehicle is approximately $487. Scott noted that the days of $3-5,000 margins are gone and that to maintain a profitable dealership is a much more difficult proposition in today’s economy. Scott stated that El Cerrito Honda is proud of the role it has played in the community. They have established a scholarship fund for dealership employees and have contributed funds and volunteer efforts to a variety of community organizations and events including the One World Music Festival; the El Cerrito School District’s “Clothes for Kids” project; the Mira Vista Country Club’s golf tournament fundraiser; and both the Richmond and El Cerrito Chambers of Commerce. They also rebuilt a classic Harley Davidson motorcycle for the Richmond Police Department. They are interested in creating partnerships in the community and are always looking for ways to give back. In the question and answer period, Scott told the group that the two most significant ways the car business has changed over the years have to do with advances in technology. Most new vehicles have 3-7 computers in them and repairs are almost entirely computer-based. Computers diagnose the problem and tell you what to fix and how to fix it. The other technological change is that approximately 85% of sales are now made via the internet, placing smaller dealerships at a distinct disadvantage if they are unable to fully utilize web-based applications. Scott stated that in terms of quality, American cars stack up just fine against the big Japanese brands, namely Honda and Toyota. When asked about what changes in automobiles we might see over the next five years he noted that there will be more electric cars available but didn’t foresee any major changes in the industry. Lynn Martin, Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: January 11, 2013Honda of El Cerrito
In our occasional series about Making a Buck & Running a Business in West County, Scott Vickery, General Sales Manager of Honda of El Cerrito will visit Richmond Rotary to discuss the modern, 21st Century, automobile dealership. Forgive Scott if he focuses on Honda and the Hendrick Automotive Group which owns Honda of El Cerrito, but regardless of vehicle types, the modern automobile dealership is not your grandfather’s gasoline ally. MEETING OF January 4, 2013WelcomeJim Young, Club President, called the meeting to order by the traditional ringing of the bell and welcomed Rotarians and guests alike. Don Lau led the Pledge of Allegiance after which Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for “freedom, peace, and justice on earth”. Henry Kelman, gave us the “thought of the day” by informing everyone that the stock market is up and welcome to 2013! Rotarians with guestsTom Waller introduced and welcomed Jim Etherington of Concord, today’s speaker, along with Officers Andre Hill and Joey Schlemmer of the Richmond Police Department. Jon Lawlis introduced his “sweetheart/darling” (his words, not mine), Darlene Quinuiane. Jim Young introduced and welcomed Nancy Lewis and Melanie Meyers who will make a brief presentation about the Solano Playlot and the upcoming tree planting project. Announcements
RecognitionsAn unusual meeting occurrence: no Recognitions today. Happy and Sad DollarsJoe Bagley had five sad dollars for missing the Rotary holiday party. He claims he was at a Cuchas(?), a Lithuanian holiday event – likely story! Jon Lawlis wins the Happy Dollar contribution for the week award. He gave one hundred happy dollars as his sweetheart Darlene accepted his marriage proposal which was delivered on Christmas Eve! Congratulations to Jon and Darlene! He also started a Paul Harris fellowship in Darlene’s name with a $100 donation. Henry Moe gave five happy dollars to celebrate the nationally ranked Salesian basketball team which will play in Wheeling, WV this coming Saturday and which will be broadcast on ESPN-U. Stoney then threw in a bad joke for good measure and he didn’t even pay anything for the privilege! Norm’s NonsenseTwo fellows were sitting in a coffee shop, when suddenly the town’s fire alarm went off. One jumped up and headed for the door. PROGRAMEvery 15 Minutes
Jim Etherington presented a moving description of the “Every 15 Minutes” program that has been presented in Concord and Clayton Valley High Schools since 2002. The project is funded by the California Highway Patrol and private donations, and is put on by police departments, the CHP, and community volunteers. Its purpose is to help students understand the realities and consequences of driving under the influence. Jim plays the Grim Reaper and begins the two-day event by entering classrooms in full reaper costume. When he enters each classroom, he says nothing, but a student who has been pre-selected, and with parental consent, gets up and leaves the classroom. No words are spoken by either Jim or the student. The Reaper leaves a red rose on the student’s desk and leaves. Following the departure of the Reaper, the county coroner and a member of the police department or CHP enter the room and read the obituary for the student. They then remove the student’s belongings and leave the room. Later that morning, the students assemble at the football field where two wrecked automobiles emitting smoke have been placed. The participating students have had make-up and realistic injuries applied and they have been placed as if an horrific accident has just taken place. One of the students is alert enough to call 911. All dialogue at the “scene” is heard over the loudspeaker system at the field. The CHP, fire department, and paramedics arrive. One of the students is “dead” and is covered by the paramedics and carried off. Another is tested for intoxication and arrested for driving under the influence. The jaws of life are used to remove all of the other participating students from the vehicles and one is prepared for transport by helicopter. A CalStar medical evacuation helicopter flies into the field, lands, and transports the “victim” to John Muir Hospital. Once at the hospital, the “victim” is treated just as if it were a real “code blue” accident. Officers inform parents at their home or place of work of their child’s death or severe injury—everything takes place as it would during a real event. Other victims are transported by ambulance to Martinez hospital. Participating students are not seen by friends or family members until the end of the event on Day Two. On Day Two of the event a memorial service is held in the school gym where a coffin has been laid. The severely injured accident victims arrive in wheelchairs. During the memorial the survivors read letters they’ve written to their parents expressing what they would say to their parents if they hadn’t survived the accident. At the end of service, a nationally recognized speaker who lost his younger brother, riding with him when he was driving under the influence, speaks to the students. At the end of Day Two, participating students are reunited with their parents and students are asked to write pledges about what they’ve experienced or learned from the event. Ultimately, the goal is to get youth to make good choices. The next event will be held in April at Concord High School. Anyone interested in joining the planning meetings or coming to the event itself, should contact Tom Waller. Lynn Martin, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: January 4, 2013Every 15 Minutes
Every 15 Minutes, a national program supported by the California Highway Patrol and local community volunteers, dramatizes the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol and texting while driving. Presented on high school campuses around the country, the program challenges students to think about drinking, texting while driving, personal safety, and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are at stake. Jim Etherington, an Every 15 Minutes program volunteer, will tell us about his experiences at Concord High School and how we might get involved in West County. MEETING OF December 28, 2012WelcomePresident Jim Young was back in full voice. Glad to see his flu has flown. Visiting RotariansJohn Keeling and Aida Keeling were guests of Alan Baer. Aida is a member of the Rotary Club of Siquijor Island, Philippians. Rotarians with GuestsJim Young guests were his wife Linda, their daughter, Zura Johnson and her husband Scott Johnson. Jim’s daughter-in-law, Jessica, and her two little ones were also present. Sunshine ReportThere was no word on John Nicol. Let’s assume that no news is good news. David Keystone had some family woes. We hope all will be better soon. Announcements• Pam informed us the bike count had now reached 110. Here’s a short video, posted by the Richmond Police Department on YouTube, that shows the line up of bike after bike after bike at the Toy Drive/Bike Give-away Event (and also shows the prominent display of a Richmond Rotary banner!). • Richmond tree planting: Saturday, January 19th at the Solano Playlot. We are looking for members who know how to use a shovel. There must be one or two. RecognitionsPam Jones celebrates her birthday on the same day that the rest of us celebrate a new year: January 1st. No excuse for friends and relatives forgetting the date. Happy and Sad Dollars• David Brown had Sad Dollars for 2 policemen killed in the line of duty 20 years ago. Our scribe was not able to record their names for the Flywheel. Norm’s NonsenseA married couple was strolling down a path with their Communist friend, Rudolph, when they noticed a large black cloud looming up in front of them. PROGRAMFloating Oil Storage Platforms
Marine and power engineer Scott Johnson reports on FOSPs (Floating Oil Storage Platforms) and other related vast marine structures being built in Singapore for the Indian Ocean oil boom. Scott is The Senior Surveyor/Auditor at The American Bureau of Shipping responsible for third party ship security and safety of ships being built at in Singapore. The port sits on reclaimed land. In fact Singapore is 25% larger than it was 10 years ago. At this port, the floating platforms are constructed from stripped-down tankers. All the steel plates are replaced (approximately 1800 tons) with steel that can endure 20 years of service. The conversion takes about 18 months. The tankers have 8 foot bilge keel extentions welded on both sides of the ships 300+ meters length making it more stable for the 100 man crew. There is a Heli-lounge, gym and hospital on board. The new tankers have a complete state-of-the-art technology superstructure. The finish tankers make their own way to the designated site, were the rudder and driveshaft are welded shut. It is anchored in 135 meters of water with several lines from the bow, where the oil is pumped aboard, so the ship can pivot from this point in all weathers without interrupting the flow of oil. The platform services multiple oil wells at once and replaces the pumped oil with air & water to prevent the submerged well heads from collapsing. They can take on well over a million tons of crude oil. This crude is collected by shuttle tankers who carry the oil to where ever in the world. Rotating scribe, Alan Blavins. |
John Nicol’s 90th birthday is today. He was enthusiastically serenaded by the club via Don Lau’s phone. Happy Birthday John! And last Saturday a group of Rotarian pals visited Jon at home and presented him with a birthday cake that was bigger than he was (at least judging by the photo).
