NEXT MEETING: December 20, 2013

Rodney "Alamo" Brown and the talent of Richmond

Rodney “Alamo” Brown  is something of a legend in the city where he was reared and spent his formative years.  He was raised in Pullman Point formerly known as Richmond Townhouses aka “Globe Town”, a 270-unit, low-income housing project.  He witnessed violence and drug dealings.

Alamo became a rapper and after an encounter with Warren Buffet’s son, Peter, at the age of 17 founded his own record label “Globetown Records”, with the help of three other Richmond natives, Ramon Avella, Marvin Saucer and Sonny Graves.

Alamo has written a book entitled If My Eyes Could Rewind, a collection of profiles which shows the wealth of talented Richmond natives.  He will tell us about the history of Richmond, including his famous song as well as his future projects.

MEETING OF

Welcome

President Liliane rang the bell. Alan Blavins led us in the pledge. George Egan led the invocation. Liliane was happy to have the Richmond Firefighters here for the toy drive.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

There were four firefighters here for the toy drive. Richmond Fire Chief Michael Banks, Captain Ed Valdivia, Engineer Will Bachman and Firefighter Daniel James.

Announcements

• Our HolidayAuction results are excellent! All in all, things ran more smoothly this year, compared to last. We raised a truly impressive $22,607, of which $371 went to the John Nicol Fund.  Several hundred dollars more remains to be collected.
• We also collected an additional $1,940 for bikes and $450 for the Philippines Relief fund. David Brown announced that “We killed the bikes project!”  Latest figures bring us to $11,964 in donations.  That’s 254 bikes, with change (or is that “chains”) left over.
• The Auction Committee will meet to debrief. Don Lau led the auction team who were made up of Joe Bagley, David Brown, Alan Blavins, Joan Davis, Nick Despota, Heather Kulp, Lynn Martin, Henry Moe, Josh Surowitz, Connie Tritt and Jim Young.
• Foundation Report from Connie Tritt: If you are close to your next Paul Harris think about Year End Contributions to finish it off, allocate the points you earn and give them to others, Philippine Relief Fund donations do not count toward a Paul Harris
• Crab Feed is on February 8^th and we need all members to ask friends to attend. Price is $40 per person.
• The Rotary 5160 Trading Post is up and running online for Rotarians to buy and sell goods. Our very own Stoney has posted is award winning BBQ sauce.
• The Bangladesh Vespas project is within $57 of being complete. That means that is $57 more comes in then the Richmond Rotary Club can purchase 2 Vespas for women in Bagladesh to go to each town and train about water safety. Pinole Rotary and the Berkeley International House have each contributed funds to the Project.
• The Richmond Country Club will open its doors for businesses and groups to hold lunch meetings on their facility on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• A terrific video of the Arbor Day Tree Planting Project has been posted on YouTube. Thanks to Felix for organizing the event, and Lana Husser, who put the video together.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

You know you’re getting old when …
-You are supposed to respect your elders but it’s getting harder and harder to find one.
-You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
-People call at 9am or 9pm and ask, “Did I wake you?”
-Life seems little more than one long march to and from the lavatory.

PROGRAM

The Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Toy Program

Fire Chief Michael Banks, a stand in for Rod who runs the Toy Drive, stated that Rod has been working on the toy drive for 26 years. Rod is always looking on ways to improve it. He thanked Richmond Rotary for their involvement in the drive and especially the focus on bicycles. Richmond Rotarians provided over 200 bikes for the event. Chief Banks said the best part of the day is watching the face of each child as they receive the gifts and encourages any of the Richmond Rotarians to come down and see the smiles. Don Lau reiterated to come and join this wonderful giving event at the EM Downer Family YMCA at 263 South 20th Street on December 21 at 6:30am and be a part of the Christmas Spirit.

NEXT MEETING: December 13, 2013

Support the annual Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Toy Program

This meeting is the occasion of our annual toy drive, which supports the Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Toy Program. Please bring your new unwrapped toys. The firefighters and police will collect, then distribute them to economically disadvantaged children in the western Contra Costa County area during the holiday season.

The mission statement of the Holiday Toy Program states:

As professional firefighters, we see the ravages brought on by the loss of both homes and property. Our non-profit organization strives to brighten the lives of needy children in Richmond, San Pablo and the surrounding communities, particularly during the holidays. Both monetary donations and donations of new, unwrapped toys are accepted throughout the calendar year.

HOLIDAY AUCTION 2013

Thanks to all Richmond Rotarians and their friends who made this Holiday Auction not only a great fundraising success but also a whole lot of fun. In particular, we must recognize the Holiday Auction team, ably lead by Don Lau. They include: Joe Bagley, David Brown, Alan Blavins, Joan Davis, Nick Despota, Heather Kulp, Lynn Martin, Henry Moe, Josh Surowitz, Connie Tritt and Jim Young.

MEETING OF

Welcome

Announcements

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

NEXT MEETING: December 6, 2013
Club dark on November 29th. Happy Thanksgiving.

Our Annual Holiday Auction

Our Annual Holiday Auction! This event raises the money we donate to local schools and community organizations. Your contributions add to our bottom line: it’s money but it’s more. We support dozens of local organizations that make Richmond a good place to live. So join the band: if you have yet to make your donation, do it today

MEETING OF November 22, 2013

Welcome

Alan Baer led the meeting and although capable is not as pretty as our current President. Norm Foley led the pledge and Stoney led the moment of silence. Sid’s thought for the day: When you do more than you are paid to do, you will soon be paid more for what you do.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

We welcomed a full house of visitors and guests:

Jilavyan Marina, a visitor from “St Petersburg White Nights” Rotary club, and guest of Dan Tanita

Hovic Kokochian, also from St. Petersburg White Nights, and son of Jilavyan. And also guest of Dan Tanita

Linda Young, guest of Jim Young

Igor Barer, guest of Tom Butt, via Mark Howe

Sister Mary Greenan, guest of Hank Covell

Bonnie Foley, guest of Norm Foley

Shauna Bagley, guest of Mark Howe

Special Events

Hovic Kokochian, Dan Tanita’s visiting dentist for the last month who was graciously housed in several Rotarians’ homes during his stay, will fly back to Russia with his mom after a short trip to LA. Hovic’s mom Nilavyan said that she was amazed when she visited America years ago on a dental exchange program and was so moved by the program run by Richmond Rotary that she went back to St. Petersburg and started a Rotary club there, now called the White Nights Club. Both Hovic and Nilavyan were very thankful to the club and to Dan Tanita for the Dental Exchange program. Our Russian friends presented several gifts and thank you certificates our club.

Announcements

• Have you contributed yet to the Holiday Auction, December 6^th. Our most important fundraiser of the year is only a few days away, so please add your contribution today! Use our handy Holiday Auction contribution form. And don’t forget part two: point your friends to our Auction page, then invite them to spend holiday dollars at the lively event.
• Richmond Rotary’s Annual Holiday Party will be held on December 6th at 6pm, at the Richmond Country Club. Dinner will be served at 7pm. The terrific dance band, GTS, begins playing at 7:30. The buffet-style dinner will offer a chicken, beef, or pasta dish. The Kiwanis Club of Richmond will join us this year. $150 per couple, and $75 per person. Richmond Country Club. Buy tickets online (see right side column) or mail checks to David Brown.
• Tom Waller asked that the people who bid on Judy Morgan’s event at last year’s auction need to contact her so the event can be completed. You can contact Judy at judy@rcoc.com  or at (510) 234-3512
• Mark and Stoney want everyone to know that they will once again hold a BBQ at Mark’s house featuring Stoney’s award winning BBQ sauce.
• The holiday bikes are getting close to the full match of 100 bikes. Each bike and helmet combination is $47 so if you still want to donate get your checks into David Brown ASAP and get the full match of 100 bikes.
• Alan Baer will hold a Typhoon Relief Fundraising BBQ at his house on Saturday November 23 at 3001 Barkley Drive. Richmond CA 94806.
• The Rotary Trading Post is now up and running on the Rotary 5160 District Website. You can buy and sell goods so check it out.
• The Vespa for Bangladesh needs a friend. If we can raise $700 more we can purchase the 2^nd Vespa. The Vespas will be used to get out to the villages and train people about arsenic in the water.
• December 13, 2013 is our annual toy drive, in cooperation with the Richmond and El Cerrito Fire Departments. Bring your new unwrapped toys to the meeting the firemen and women will distribute them to deserved children in the community.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Cheryl Waits, a registered nurse, owns the company, Life Changing Ways. Ms. Waits is a professional Life & Health Coach and Nutritional Consultant. She grew up in New Jersey, and faced numerous health problems growing up. When she moved to Fairfield, Calfironia, the health problems, including numerous allergies, continued.

When Ms. Waits began focusing on nutrition for good health her health problems cleared up. She has been free of those conditions for over 20 years. She distinguished between nutrition and diet. Diet is the food we eat and nutrition is the specific nutrients that your body requires to build and repair cells. The secret to living longer, with a good quality of life, starts with nutrition.

NEXT MEETING: November 22, 2013

Living Healthy with Today's Food Chain

Cheryl Waits, a Registered Nurse for 35 years, shares the good news about nutrition and its connection to living a more pain-free, disease-free, vibrant life. She will discuss how various changes in foods over the past 100 years (GMO, pesticides, herbicides, processing, heating, corporate farming, etc.) means we all need to be more informed and watchful in looking out for our own health.

MEETING OF November 15, 2013

Welcome

Red Badger Ethan Heinrich led the pledge. Stoney led the invocation. Sid’s thought for the day: The best thing a parent can do for a child is love his or her spouse. Liliane greeted the Rotary with enthusiasm and reminded all Richmond Rotarians that as a group, we must get involved because that is how we change people’s lives for the better.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Lucy Wu, the guest of Ethan Heinrich.
Richard Poe, Jean Yvesi Charon and Cheryl Vaughn were all guests of Tom Butt.
Heather Kulp brought her guest, who also happens to be her husband, Barry, to our meeting.
We also welcomed Neal Wells, a visiting Rotarian from the Orinda Rotary

Announcements

• Have you contributed yet to the Holiday Auction, December 6^th. Our most important fundraiser of the year is only a few weeks away, so please add your contribution today! The number of items helps build the excitement and interest that is key to our success. Use our handy Holiday Auction contribution form to send us a description and a good photo, if you have one.
• Richmond Rotary’s Annual Holiday Party will be held on December 6th at 6pm, at the Richmond Country Club. Dinner will be served at 7pm. The terrific dance band, GTS, begins playing at 7:30. The buffet-style dinner will offer a chicken, beef, or pasta dish. The Kiwanis Club of Richmond will join us this year. $150 per couple, and $75 per person. Richmond Country Club. Buy tickets online (see right side column) or mail checks to David Brown.

• 

  

  Reminder: Our 7th Annual Crab Feed will be held on Saturday, February 8th. Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7. Raffle following dinner. Tickets are $40/person. Please use button on right to purchase tickets online, or download flyer and use order form to pay by check.
  For more information, contact Erle Brown at 510 223-6291, or Henry Moe at 234-4433, ex. 1104.

• 

  
  

  Another reminder: Each year about 1,000 kids sign up for the Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Program to receive toys and food– and, if they’re lucky–a bike! Through a free raffle a some kids get bikes, some don’t.

  David Brown tells us we still have a long way to go to reach the club’s matching level of $4,700. Chip in, please, and Buy a Kid a Bike so fewer children will go away disappointed. One bike plus a helmet is only $47.

  Please make checks payable to Richmond Rotary Club, and mail to 3260 Blume Drive, Suite 410, Richmond, CA 94806. Or click the Donate button on the right to make your contribution online. Download flyer.

• December 13^th  is the date of our Toy Drive for the Richmond and El Cerrito Fire Departments. Bring your unwrapped donations to the meeting
• Bike donations can still be given to David Brown. $47 per bike includes a helmet and the club will match donations up to 100 bikes.
• Richmond Rotary Crab Feed will be held at Salesian HS on February 8^th. Cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. The Crab Feed costs $40 and checks can be sent to David Brown to secure your spot. Doug Millar, from San Pablo Rotary, is the first to buy seats. Invite your friends and make it a fun evening. For more information call Erle Brown 510-223-6291 or Henry Moe 510-234-4433 ex 1104.
• The Bangladesh Vespas project will provide 2 Vespas (motor bikes) for the women in Bangladesh who train people about arsenic water safety. The Club is seeking 7 more contributions of $100 to meet this worthy goal.
• This Saturday, November 23^rd, at 4pm, Alan Baer will host a BBQ fundraiser at his home  to benefit the Disaster Victims on Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. All are invited. Alan’s address is 3001 Barkley Drive, Richmond CA 94806.  Bring your appetite and a check.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

A woman was going through her husband’s desk drawer and discovered three soybeans in an envelope containing $30 in cash. So she asked him about it.

And the husband said, “Well, I have to confess. Over the years, I haven’t been completely faithful to you. But every time I cheated, I put a soybean in the drawer to remind myself.”

“So, where did the $30 come from?” she asked.

“Well, when soybeans hit $10 dollars a bushel, I decided to sell.”

PROGRAM

The Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Patricia Fisher, a Board Certified Forensic Document Examiner, spoke about the signs of elder abuse. Ms. Fisher described some of cases she has worked on. She identified what cues alerted her to attempts to present fraudulent wills and codicils to a court. She outlines these signs in the attached document, Ten Red Flags of Elder Abuse. Distilling years of field experience, it’s worth a look.

NEXT MEETING: November 15, 2013

Combatting Financial Elder Abuse

M. Patricia Fisher, a Board Certified Forensic Document Examiner and Certified Fraud Specialist has worked for more than thirty years on hundreds of probate and financial elder abuse cases as a forensic document examiner. Attorneys use her services to analyze wills, codicils, Deeds of Trusts, beneficiary forms, and other documents related to an estate when these documents become suspect for forgeries, alterations, or fabrications. Using a PowerPoint presentation, she will provide an inside view of several especially interesting and challenging cases and describe the red flags associated with financial elder abuse.

MEETING OF November 8, 2013

Welcome

Lillian opened with a heartfelt thank you for all members that made of our San Francisco Consular meeting an outstanding success. She closed by stating it was a privilege to be our president.

Sid’s thought for the day was  “You must be able to manage yourself before you can lead”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Our visiting Rotarians included Banu Dadlani from Berkeley,  Jeff Mulvihill from Redding, and Dominique Yancy from San Ramon Valley.

Guests included Sid Chauvin’s wife Zelpha and grandson Zackary Johnson Chauvin.  Erle Brown brought his wife Phyllis. We again welcomed Dan Tanita guest from Russia, Hovic Kokochin. (Dan says he can now pronounce his name.)  Tom Butt’s guest was Richard Poe.  Don Lau brought his son Jordan, and Jim Young brought his wife Linda.

Special Events

Mike Aaronian received his Blue Badge. Congratulations, Mike!

Announcements

• Have you contributed yet to the Holiday Auction, December 6^th. Our most important fundraiser of the year is only a few weeks away, so please add your contribution today! The number of items helps build the excitement and interest that is key to our success. Use our handy Holiday Auction contribution form to send us a description and a good photo, if you have one.
• Richmond Rotary’s Annual Holiday Party will be held on December 6th at 6pm, at the Richmond Country Club. Dinner will be served at 7pm. The terrific dance band, GTS, begins playing at 7:30. The  buffet-style dinner will offer a chicken, beef, or pasta dish. The Kiwanis Club of Richmond will join us this year. $150 per couple, and $75 per person. Richmond Country Club. All checks should be sent to David Brown.
• 

  

  Reminder: Our 7th Annual Crab Feed will be held on Saturday, February 8th. Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7. Raffle following dinner. Tickets are $40/person. Please use button on right to purchase tickets online, or download flyer and use order form to pay by check.
  For more information, contact Erle Brown at 510 223-6291, or Henry Moe at 234-4433, ex. 1104.

• 

  
  

  Another reminder: Each year about 1,000 kids sign up for the Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Program to receive toys and food– and, if they’re lucky–a bike! Through a free raffle a some kids get bikes, some don’t.

  David Brown tells us we still have a long way to go to reach the club’s matching level of $4,700. Chip in, please, and  Buy a Kid a Bike so fewer children will go away disappointed. One bike plus a helmet is only $47.

  Please make checks payable to Richmond Rotary Club, and mail to 3260 Blume Drive, Suite 410, Richmond, CA 94806. Or click the Donate button on the right to make your contribution online. Download flyer.

• Henry Moe promoted The Salesian High School “Crab-Feed” February 8th 2014.
• Tom Waller read from a letter of thanks from NIAD for the painting work the club did last Saturday. He named all the volunteers. Thanks to all of those.
• Joan Davis promoted “Feed the Homeless” on Thanksgiving Day at the Saluté Restaurant, where the staff plan to fed 1000 people.
• Richmond Rotacare is offering flu shot on the same day, Thanksgiving. (Thank you for not getting sick!)
• Alan Baer has invited the Indonesian consulate to The Crab Feed.
• Mark Howe has a lunch planned with the consul from Korea.
• A correction to last weeks Flywheel. I, Alan Blavins was not honored as a 5-pin Paul Harris recipient.  It was the other Alan, Alan Baer. Congratulations, Alan.
• Reminder: Rotary Day at the Races, at Golden Gate Fields, takes place on November 16^th.  See Pam Jones for tickets, which are $35/person.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

Yes,  another lawyer joke…

A lawyer and an engineer were fishing in the Caribbean. The lawyer said, “I’m here because my house burned down and everything I owned was destroyed. The insurance company paid for everything.”

“That is quite a coincidence,” said the engineer. “I’m here because my house and all my belongings were destroyed by a flood, and my insurance also paid for everything.”

The lawyer looked somewhat confused and asked, “How do you start a flood?”

PROGRAM

RIchmond Police Activity League

Our speakers were Larry Lewis, the Executive Director of the Richmond Police Activities League (PAL); Brenda McCuisien Director of PAL’s mentoring Program; and Joe Hunt, Director of PAL’s Computer Program.

PAL’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for recreational, educational, cultural and social programs. Their goal is to promote a partnership to build a positive relationship between police officers and Richmond’s youth (children 5-17 years of age).

Larry pointed out the benefits of mentors by acknowledging his mentor at 17, Erle Brown. From another mentor, Don Lau, he learned how to hold a meeting. Don’s theory: one hour max in and out. That’s how Larry holds all meetings today. He was very proud of PAL’s boxing program. Only 10% of the roster is cleared for boxing by the doctor, though this does not deter the remainder from participating in the program. The boxing program is still part of the national  “Golden Gloves” . One of their boxers, Leon Brown, just won a National Championship. If he can win two more, he will qualify for the Winter Olympics in 2014. Right on Leon! All boxers promise not to take what they have learnt in the ring into the streets of Richmond.

Next to speak was Brenda McCuisien on her mentoring program. She gave an example. When she first started with her mentor in 2002, her student thought she would never go to collage. She did in fact graduate, the first in her family.

Brenda teaches, apart from motivation, etiquette, life skills and how to act at public functions. She cannot do this alone so she called on volunteers to give up 6-8 hours per month.

Joe Hunt followed Brenda. He spoke about his basic computer assisted learning program, AutoSkill. Richmond Rotary purchases the licenses necessary to use this software program.

Larry Lewis finished on yet another positive note, “Shop with a Cop” It’s just what it says. Chosen kids are given $100 and shop at Hilltop Mall with a mentor cop. About 80% of the kids spend the money on their parents. The next “Shop with a Cop” is planned for December 21^st 2013. Where Herb Cole leapt to his feet and called for help for this cause, ten members instantly offered $100. Is this a great club or what?