NEXT MEETING: May 17, 2013

California Mega-storms: Rivers in the Sky

Professor B. Lynn Ingram from the UC Berkeley Department of Earth, Planetary Science & Geography visits Richmond Rotary to discuss her recent Scientific American article about the gigantic storms that hit the North American West Coast about once every 200 years. The program will consider the historic consequences of the most recent storm (1861), as well as the modern implications for the next storm.

MEETING OF May 10, 2013

Welcome

President Jim Young rang the bell and called the meeting to order. Rafael Madrigal led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. President Jim offered this quote from Henry Ford as the thought for the day: “You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.”

Rotarians with Guests

• Joe Bagley’s guest was his daughter Lana, a Salesian high-school graduate and now So-Cal dwelling industrial engineer visiting her parents for Mother’s Day.
• Tom Butt’s guest was Tom Powers, a farming friend who lives in Martinez.
• Sid Chauvin’s guest was his wife, Zelpha.
• Jon Lawlis’ guest was his betrothed, Darlene Quinville.
• Rafael Madrigal’s guest was Ed Medina, Richmond Deputy Police Chief.
• Tom Waller’s guest was Ron Nunez, Associate Pastor of Waypointe Christian Fellowship church in Richmond.

Sunshine Report

A celebration of Henry Kelman’s life was held at La Strada Restaurant on Saturday, May 11, and was well attended by Richmond Rotarians.

Announcements

• The world premiere opening night of the Lost Secrets play at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts will be Friday, May 17, at 7pm. Rotary District Governor, Laura Day, will host a champagne reception at the Center after the opening night performance. As everyone knows by now, there are five more performances (May 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26). Rotary volunteers are still needed for box office helpers and ushers at all six performances. Please contact Jim. And be sure to buy plenty of admission tickets for friends and family, neighbors, work associates, the postman, and others that you think might enjoy this delightful (and meaningful) production intended for kids of all ages.
• Read an excellent article that appeared recently in the Contra Costa Times newspaper about the Lost Secrets play and Richmond Rotary’s important role.
• Thanks to those who helped at the Richmond Rotary booth at the Cinco de Mayo festival on (coincidentally) May 5. Lots of Richmond Tales books were sold and information about the play was distributed. Also, it became clear there’s a real need for Rotary-balloon-inflation-and-ribbon-tying training, which will likely be conducted by Josh Genser.
• In a ceremony on Friday afternoon, the Coronado YMCA was officially renamed the “E M Downer Family YMCA” in recognition of long-time supporters in the Downer family, which founded Mechanics Bank in Richmond.
• This month, the Richmond Rotary Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, May 30. Same place as always: through the kitchen and upstairs at La Revolucion Restaurant.
• Teen Moms gift bags preparation will take place at Nick Despota’s house on Saturday, June 1, from 9am to 11:30am. He and Jan will ask volunteers to help for a couple hours that morning.
• Don’t forget about the Bocce Ball tournament in Martinez on June 8. Teams headed up by Pam Jones and Rafael Madrigal will be competing for world dominance or at least first place.
• For those keeping meticulous personal planning calendars, here are a couple of noteworthy July dates: on Friday, July 5, the Club will be “dark” (no meeting) while on Friday, July 12, there will be fireworks in the form of widely acclaimed program speaker, Cliff Dochterman, a past-President of Rotary International and someone who’s not to be missed.

Special Events

Foundation Director, Connie Tritt, presented Lana Bagley with a family member Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate.

Erle Brown received his Paul Harris award number seven.

Congratulations to Lana and Erle!

Recognitions

• Nick Despota celebrated his 64^th birthday on April 29 as he and Nel spent their 4-week vacation cruising the deserts of the southwest and hiking the valley of the Rio Grande: Migratory birds, the Milky Way, howling coyotes, Tex-Mex food–and a respite from Flywheel production. (Thank you Tom, Jon, and Josh S!)
• Alan Blavins has just celebrated his fourth anniversary in Richmond Rotary.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Building upon his reputation as the unrivaled global fisherman in Richmond Rotary, Alan Blavins offered some happy dollars for his upcoming four-week fishing excursion to northern Thailand.
• Michelle Itagaki was quite happy to learn from her doctor that all internal “hardware” used to put her back together after last summer’s water accident is finally coming out next month.
• George Egan was very happy about the stock market’s success as he’s been able to pull in record investment dollars for his business to look after.
• Erle Brown was happy to have Police Chief Chris Magnus come talk to the Club. Confirming that it is a small world indeed, Erle reminded us that Chris Magnus was born and raised in Lansing, MI, where Erle’s wife, Phyllis, used to teach. One of Phyllis’ students was a young man that later became our very own police chief!
• Stoney was happy he went to Vallejo last week and attended the Rotary District Summit meeting, which was attended by 500-600 people. He enjoyed speaker Cliff Dochterman’s talk (remember he’ll be at our Club on July 12), which emphasized that a lot of what Rotary’s always been about is good old fashioned “networking” and the many pleasures and benefits that entails.
• John Wilson was happy to provide some information cards about various publicly available astronomy-related activities that his son oversees on Mount Diablo.
• Joe Bagley, already pretty happy about his daughter being able to join him for lunch, was also happy about his wife Rita’s art showing at a weekend event in San Pablo.
• Sid Chauvin was very happy about leaving for 10 days on vacation with his wife, Zelpha.

Norm’s Nonsense

Only creatures that can talk are allowed in this bar …

-A gorilla walks into a bar and orders a scotch and soda. The bartender fixes it for him and the gorilla gives the bartender a ten dollar bill. The bartender thinks he will put one over on this beast so he rings up double the amount and gives the gorilla one dollar in change. The bartender then says to the gorilla, “We don’t see many gorillas in here.”
The gorilla replies: “At these prices I can see why.”

-A termite goes into this bar and asks a customer: “Is the bar tender here?”

-A horse trots into this bar and orders a drink. The bartender says: “Why the long face?”

PROGRAM

Police Chief Magnus reports on the Public Safety

Chris Magnus is in his eighth year as Richmond Police Chief. It’s been a “building period”, as he put it, full of struggles and challenges, both internal and external. The Chief first acknowledged the tremendous help that Deputy Police Chief Ed Medina has been in providing various technical and support services to the police department’s work.

“Unfortunately,” Magnus said, “life doesn’t go in a straight line” and we’re currently experiencing an uptick in criminal violence in some areas. With his usual straight-talking manner, Magnus said there are a lot of “underlying problems in Richmond that one agency [the police department] can’t solve by itself.” Richmond has a “sizable underclass” with needs that include jobs, shelter, and a better standard of living.

Over the years, there has been an uneven pattern of local gang activities involving different forms and shapes. In confronting this reality, Magnus strives to have his department be very strategic about going after those who are committing the violence and, for the most part, the police know who they are.

Stunningly, there are only about “100” really bad guys in town responsible for perpetrating heinous violent crime, but building strong cases against them takes time. In targeting the right people, Magnus has his police officers nurture good community relations (and that’s been reasonably successful, it seems), thereby receiving fuller cooperation from law-abiding citizens and not having the police department be seen as agents of oppression.

Getting the right people off the streets and breaking the cycles of violence also requires close cooperation from the District Attorney’s office. Magnus was happy to report that “Richmond is back on the DA’s office radar” and that two assistant DA’s are now handling Richmond cases.

An alarming trend that Magnus spoke about is the increasing number of violent young gang members aged 12-14, often the children of the really bad guys. Magnus said, “We’re starting to see a new generation that has lost its way because the older generation has not taken care of them.”

Middle schools are a particular concern where problems with bullying and other forms of bad behavior are on the rise. When talked to and offered alternatives to a life of destructive behavior, many of these young offenders simply respond by saying, “Why? I’m going to be dead by the time I’m 18 and I’m taking others with me.”

What to do? Magnus made it clear that he believes we must invest more money, time, and resources (wisely) into early childhood development programs, child care, and schools in general in order to give kids the best chance for successful lives free of violence. We can’t just “start” promising new programs but we must also “sustain” proven ones like the Police Activities League and others that are struggling to survive financially.

Magnus supports establishment of a local Family Justice Center where various support services for families and youth can be brought together in one place. A building at the corner of 24th and Macdonald is being considered. A primary focus of the Center will be reduction of domestic and sexual violence. We don’t want to continue having our young people exposed to and imitating wrong behaviors.

Another issue to watch is the effects of AB-109, Sacramento legislation that calls for increasing numbers of imprisoned folks being set free and returned to communities (often referred to as “re-entry”). There are a number of non-profits and community-based organizations like Rubicon vying for federal and state funding to help returnees with job-search, housing, and other needs. Magnus sits on a County committee where he continues to advocate for a greater percentage of these funds flowing to local entities instead of just building up larger County bureaucracies to oversee things.

Many thanks to Richmond Police Chief Chris Magnus for visiting our Club and providing his candid overview of continuing challenges.

NEXT MEETING: May 10, 2013

Richmond Police Chief Update

Richmond Police Chief, Chris Magnus, will update us on programs, practices, and progress in the work of the Richmond Police Department. What are the accomplishments and what are the challenges? For viewing before the Rotary lunch program, click on this link to watch a recent video with some important remarks from Chief Magnus. [The video is about three minutes in length, including an unavoidable 15-second intro ad, and can be displayed full screen by clicking on the second-from-the-right symbol just beneath the time indicator under the video display box. Press the “Esc” key to exit full screen mode. Once Chief Magnus begins, left-click the computer mouse on the screen to pause/restart the video.]

MEETING OF May 3, 2013

Welcome

President Jim Young rang the bell and called the meeting to order. Felix Hunziker led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney Stonework asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth.

Rotarians with Guests

Henry Moe introduced his guest, Pete Sklover, a BART retiree and long-time volunteer at Salesian High School.

Sunshine Report

A celebration of Henry Kelman’s life will be held with family and friends at La Strada restaurant in San Pablo from 2pm – 6pm on Saturday, May 11. All Rotarians please attend.

Announcements

• Got your tickets yet? Opening night for the Lost Secrets play at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts is Friday, May 17, at 7pm. The play will last about one hour. Three more performances will take place on May 18, 24, and 25 at 7pm. There will also be two Sunday matinee performances, May 19 and 26, at 3pm.
• On the May 17 opening night of the Lost Secrets play, Rotary District Governor, Laura Day will host a Champagne reception at the East Bay Center after the play’s performance. Let’s ensure good attendance.
• Herewith some comments from the Flywheel Scribe … Why, really, does the Lost Secrets play matter? What’s the big deal and why is Rotary involved? Since it was published in 2009 and introduced into local school classrooms, the book has done much to capture the imagination of area youth and promote reading literacy. The world-premiere play at the East Bay Center serves to dramatically reenergize the magical story while bringing to life the unlikely friendship and caring relationship of young Maisha and Mario – all of which can help point the way to better tomorrows and peace in our City. Recall Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka’s theme for this year: “Peace Through Service.” Let’s do all we can so that the Lost Secrets play – made possible by the Rotary Club of Richmond – will have a positive and meaningful community impact that is remembered and sustained. The impact may not be easily measured but it need not be insignificant.
• Last Thursday night’s fund-raising concert at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley featured Lacy Dalton providing an enjoyable evening of acoustic guitar duos and vocals. The event was a successful fund-raiser for Richmond RotaCare. Lacy Dalton has written two special tunes for Rotary: “We Are Rotary” (a toe-tapping recap of the Four-Way Test, a taped version of which was played at the Friday meeting) and “This Close” (about Polio-Plus). Lacy and her band will be performing at the Rotary District Conference in Chico, CA, on October 17-19.
• An anonymous Berkeley Rotarian who generously donated a $2000 matching grant for Richmond RotaCare has also donated a $1000 matching grant for the Lost Secrets play project. At Friday’s meeting, Richmond Rotarians pledged $600 on the way to a “match”. For members who were absent on Friday (or anyone else for that matter), please let Jim Young, David Brown, or Alan Baer know about further contributions in order to get to the $1000 match.
• Henry Moe announced that the annual Rotary District Boat Cruise of San Francisco Bay for local Interact Clubs will, for various reasons, cost considerably more this year compared to prior years (perhaps $55 compared to $30 previously). Josh Surowitz and others pledged to cover extra charges for up to four Salesian Interactors to go on the cruise.
• The Holiday Auction Barbeque at Mark Howe’s home on April 27 was enjoyed by all who attended. Stoney did the cooking and showed off his secret BarBQ sauce, which is probably nearing public launch as a likely category killer. For putting together and pulling off this fun event, kudos also go to Mark Howe, Richard and Kathryn Alexander, and Joe Bagley (for all the tunes).
• Speaking of Holiday Auction items, Heather Kulp announced that the South African Cuisine event is being postponed until sometime in September. The Kulps are in the process of moving to a new residence. She said not to worry about the event because they’re “still promising to serve up some weird [but really delicious] food”.
• The Bocce Ball Tournament in Martinez is still scheduled for June 8. Pam Jones and Rafael Madrigal already have teams and Josh Genser is apparently looking to field a third one.

Recognitions

• Sid Chauvin was recognized for his ninth anniversary in Rotary, for which he gave a $100 check to the Rotary Foundation.
• Also recognized for Club anniversaries were Lilian Koziol (7 years), Tom Waller (7 years), and Henry Kelman (36 years on May 6).

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Hank Covell had happy dollars for his granddaughter, a junior at the University of Arizona. She’s on her way soon to Italy for five weeks with 15 other students (purpose being, of course, to spend long hours studying, well, studiously).
• Herb Cole was quite happy about the upcoming trip to the Rotary International convention in Lisbon, Portugal at the end of June. Herb, Erle Brown, and Jon Lawlis (with wives, of course) will be attending. After the convention (assuming Europe can contend with this fun-loving group), they’ll be visiting Barcelona, where global legal-beagle, Josh Surowitz, has an apartment and office. Apparently, lunch is on Josh.
• David Brown exuded happiness as he looked back one year ago on Friday to his first flight lesson.
• Michelle Itagaki was happy for her partner who just retired from Federal law enforcement after his 34 years of service.
• Sid Chauvin provided happy dollars for his wife who just retired after a full career that started in administration at Wells Fargo in 1964. She later became a legal secretary.
• Joe Bagley was happy to see Pete Sklover (Henry Moe’s guest) at the lunch on Friday. Joe credits Pete and his positive commentary at a parent organization briefing about Salesian High School as the reason Joe and Rita enrolled their daughter at Salesian years ago.
• Jim Young was proud and very happy for his daughter, who lives in Singapore with her family. She’s currently performing as an overseas thespian in a local production of Shakespeare’s Othello, for which her role received best-of-cast rave reviews in The Singapore Straits Times newspaper.

Norm’s Nonsense

A New York man was forced to take a day off work to appear for a minor traffic summons. He grew increasingly restless as he waited hour after endless hour for his case to be heard. When his name was called in the afternoon, he stood before the judge only to hear that court would be adjourned, and he would have to return the next day.

“What for?” he snapped at the judge.

His honor, equally irked by a tedious day and the sharp query, roared, “Twenty dollars for contempt of court. That’s why!” Then, noticing the man checking his wallet, the judge relented, “That’s all right. You don’t have to pay now.”

The man replied, “I’m just seeing if I have enough for two more words.”

PROGRAM

Jane Fischberg and Graham Thomas made a presentation about Rubicon Programs, which is celebrating its 40^thanniversary as one of Richmond’s standout non-profits. Jane is the President and Executive Director of Rubicon and Graham is the Business Services Manager.

Rubicon’s mission is to prepare very low-income people to achieve financial independence and to partner with people with mental illness on their journey of recovery. In guiding people to jobs, housing, and health services, Rubicon strives to find support that’s right for each individual.

Rubicon takes its name and inspiration from the pivotal moment when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River in Italy and changed history. For those who work in and with Rubicon Programs, there is a commitment to decisions from which there is no turning back, to journeys about positive, transformative change and improved lives.

With an annual budget of $14 million, Richmond-based Rubicon now has additional offices in Hayward, Berkeley, Concord, and Antioch. Money is raised from a mix of earned income (43%), government contracts (47%), and private donations (10%). Rubicon asserts that 95% of every donated dollar is spent on programs for low-income families.

In furthering its mission, Rubicon generates earned income by operating social enterprises – businesses owned and managed by the non-profit organization – that train and employ economically disadvantaged individuals. For example, Rubicon Landscape is a fully licensed (C-27) landscape maintenance and installation business with 60-80 employees and trainees.

Jane provided the following highlights of Rubicon accomplishments in 2012.

• Served more than 3000 people
• Placed more than 500 unemployed people in jobs
• Helped 222 families and individuals find housing
• Reduced hospitalization rates for people with serious, persistent mental illness by 54%
• Helped 1400 children thrive by providing tools to their parents to achieve financial independence
• Awarded a nationally recognized grant (one of only six awarded to USA non-profits) to help fathers coming out of prison take care of their children
• Awarded a Chevron Economic Development grant to support partnerships with East Bay employers to create jobs for low-income West County residents

Click on this link to view an inspiring short video about “Michael” and his life changes that have come about with the help of Rubicon Programs.

NEXT MEETING: May 3, 2013

Rubicon Celebrates 40 years!

This year Rubicon will celebrate 40 years as a leading provider of economic empowerment services, mental health care, and legal support. Rubicon’s mission is to prepare very low-income people to achieve financial independence, and to partner with people with mental illness on their journey of recovery. Rubicon’s Executive Director, Jane Fischberg, is excited to speak at the Richmond Rotary and share Rubicon’s recent 2012 accomplishments:
• Placed nearly 500 unemployed people in jobs.
• More than 1,400 children positively impacted by our work with their parents.
• Reduced hospitalization for people with serious mental illness by 54%.
• 1 of only 6 nonprofits nationwide awarded a grant to help fathers coming out of prison take care of their kids
• Awarded Chevron Economic Development grant to support partnerships with East Bay employers to create jobs for low-income West Contra Costa County residents.

MEETING OF April 26, 2013

Welcome

President Jim welcomed the Relatively Rambunctious, Rarely Reclusive, Reasonably Respectful, Remarkably Resolute, Radically Generous, Richmond Rotary Club on a beautiful day. Bob Dabney led us all in the Pledge, and Stoney offered an invocation for freedom, justice and peace on Earth, and in memory of those who suffered in the Boston terror attack. Stoney also read an inspiring excerpt from the Rotary International magazine, about volunteers putting themselves in harm’s way to provide inoculations at personal risk of peril in Sierra Leone.

No Visiting Rotarians,  Rotarians with Guests or Sunshine Report today

Announcements

• Henry Kelman’s celebration of life will be May 11th (not 4th) @ La Strada, 2 -6 PM.
• Richmond Tales – Lot’s happening. We have handbills and posters in English and Spanish….& we are getting more. PLEASE DISPLAY THEM IN YOUR BUSINESSES.
• The Flywheel Project Page for Lost Secrets is live and has all the information about the production that you want to know. https://richmondcarotarylost-secrets-of-the-iron-triangle. Bios of the producer, director. HAVE YOU BOUGHT YOUR TICKETS YET? Box Office workers to staff with Linda Young and ushers for each of the 6 nights of the show.

• BBQ & Party April 27th 3 PM –  Mark, Stoney, Joe B. and Richard A. hosted. (A great time was had by all!)
• Lacy Dalton show is May 2nd  @ Freight & Salvage in Berkeley for RotaCare.
• Mark your calendars for Cinco de Mayo, which coincidentally is May 5th, parade and booth selling Lost Secrets tickets, Richmond Tales books and water. More info as it develops. WE NEED BALLOON TYING ROTARIANS.
• Bocce Ball Tournament in Martinez June 8th all day.  Pam & Rafael have teams….Josh G. is working on a 3rd team

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

While President Jim passed on Happy $ in favor of more time for the club assembly, Jon Lawlis snuck in some Happy Dollars and announced he would sponsor 50 kids to Richmond Tales. Not to be outdone President Jim coughed up his own pledge for 50 more kids. In typical Richmond Rotary fashion Stoney Stonework, Herb Cole, Michelle Itagaki, Erle Brown, Josh Surowitz and Joan Davis agreed to sponsor 20 kids each for a total of 220 kids!!!

That’s a whopping $1100 bucks in a matter of minutes!!!

Norm’s Nonsense

The businesswoman ordered a fancy floral arrangement for the grand opening of her new outlet, and she was furious when it arrived adorned with a ribbon that read,”May You Rest In Peace.”
Apologizing profusely, the florist finally got her to calm down with the reminder that in some funeral home stood an arrangement bearing the words “Good Luck in Your New
Location.”

PROGRAM

This week the club met for our quarterly assembly to discuss important matters such as membership, the Richmond Tales project, and the budget. An open, productive discussion occurred and we all hope to follow up on these sentiments and turn them into positive action. If you could not make it to the assembly, ask a friend in the club for the low-down, and make sure to make it to the next one!

NEXT MEETING: April 26, 2013

Club Assembly

This is the quarterly Club Assembly, an open-forum opportunity to review Club priorities and projects, to discuss the merits of new initiatives, and to generally opine on topics that contribute to a strong, healthy, and enjoyable Club environment. Y’all come!

At the request of the Board of Directors please do not bring guests.

MEETING OF April 19, 2013

Welcome

President Jim welcomed everyone to the Relatively Rambunctious, Rarely Reclusive, Reasonably Respectful, Remarkably Resolute, Radically Generous Richmond Rotary Club.  Bill Koziol led us in the Pledge to the Flag. Herb Cole gave the invocation asking for Peace and Freedom on earth. President Jim gave the thought e day, reflecting on “Does art reflect life or does life reflect art?

Visiting Rotarians

There were no visiting Rotarians today

Rotarians with Guests

There we no Rotarians with guests.

Announcements

Mike Winter had an announcement from Kathleen Kelman. Henry Kelman’s celebration of life will be May 11^th at La Strada Restaurant from 2 to 6pm.

•       Richmond Tales Family Festival is tomorrow Saturday April 20^th at Civic Center Plaza

a.       Still need Rotarians to person our booth in the afternoon from 1-3:30

b.      This a big opportunity to introduce Rotary to people in Richmond that don’t know we are here and would like more information about i. Our club and our projects ii. Peace and Ambassadorial Scholars iii. Tickets and promotion for Lost Secrets and Rotary

•       Richmond Tales-

a.       We have handbills and poster in English and Spanish. Please display them in your businesses. The Flywheel Project page for Lost Secrets is live and has all the information you want to know

Have you bought your tickets yet?

• Special volunteer needs for the play at the East Bay Center

a.        Sunday rehearsal chaperones every Sunday except Mother’s Day untl opening night 56/17.

b.      Thanks Don Lau and the Y for covering chaperones on 4/14

c.       Other play needs:

i.       Costume and prop scroungers

ii.      Costume experts like Shelly Lau, who can find specific period outfits

iii.      Sewers who can alter clothing for actors

iv.      Heavy duty sewing machine on loan

v.       Box office workers to staff with Linda and usher for each of the 6 nights of the show.

vi.      See President Jim

•  Board of Directors meeting Taking Care of Business

a.       Renewed membership in Richmond Chamber of Commerce

b.       Approved a Rotary Global Grant of $3000 for the Pondicherry Indai School Improvement and Hygiene Progem

c.       Approved new language in the Rotary bylaws addition for a new Non Discrimination clause. This will be voted on next week.

•  A reminder that next week April 27^th is the Barbeque and party at Mark Howe’s home from 3pm to 8pm.  Hosted by Mark and Stoney
•  A reminder for the Lacy Dalton fundraiser May 2^nd at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley
•  Mark your calender for Cinco de Mayo, which coincidentally is on May 5^th.  We will have a booth and will be selling tickets to Richmond Tales, books and water.
•  Remember the Bocce Ball Tournament in Martinez, June 8^th all day. Pam Jones and Rafael Madrigal have teams.
•  Please sign up for Rotary Night at the A’s.  It is a fireworks game, Saturday August 31 6pm game time, 3:30 is the tailgate party with hot dogs and chicken.  It will be a fun time for all.
•  Jan Brown is once again doing the Teen Mom Project at Richmond High. This year there are 31 mothers, fewer than previous years, which is a good sign. Nick Despota is helping to coordinate the program.  The packets to will be put together on Saturday, June 1^st.  Thanks to Dan Tanita for donating, toothbrushes, paste and floss and also to the Lions Club for their donation. If you would like to write an encouraging note to the moms, it would be appreciated.

Recognitions

• Bill Koziol celebrated a birthday and an anniversary in April. He and his wife celebrated in the Gold Country.
• Nick Despota had a birthday but was not here to be recognized.
• Dan Tanita is officially a senior citizen on his birthday this year.
• Ralph Hill celebrated his 38^th wedding anniversary and if you can believe he also celebrated 65 years in Rotary. Congratulations!! He donated $100 to the newly established John Nicol scholarship fund
• Rafael Madrigal just celebrated his 5 year anniversary of being a member of the club.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• President Jim had a happy dollar because the Community Policing in the city of Richmond has shown that Richmond is no longer  a desirable destination for recent parolees from San Quentin.
• Joe Bagley had happy dollars just to be at the club – A big thank you to Joe for the excellent cutouts of the models of the characters from Richmond Tales that will be used as a display at the Festival!

Norm’s Nonsense

Mother Teresa died and went to heaven. God met her and asked if she was hungry. Mother Teresa said, “I could eat,” so God opens a can of tuna and some rye bread and they share it. As she ate, Mother Teresa looked down into Hell and saw the people there eating huge steaks, lobsters, expensive wine, flaming desserts. Mother Teresa said, “I’m really glad to be in heaven, God, but why do we just eat tuna and rye bread while down in Hell they’re eating like kings?” God said, “Well, for just two people, why bother to cook?”

PROGRAM

The Eastshore State Park

Tom Waller introduced our guest speaker Patricia Jones, Executive Director of Citizens for East Shore parks. She gave us an interesting story behind and updates about the Eastshore State Park, which came into being in December 2002 after 7 years of work on the part of Citizens for East Shore Parks.  The park stretches 8.5 miles from the foot of the Bay Bridge in Oakland through Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany to Richmond at Pt. Pinole Regional Park and the Richmond Marina. We are blessed in Richmond to have 32 miles of shoreline,  more than any other Bay area city. With protection and restoration Richmond’s shoreline could be the crown jewel of the Bay area. So why is important to preserve open space.? We need open space to refresh ourselves and maintain our quality of life.  Think of Central Park in New York and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. We also need to protect the public lands from industrial pollution that is prevalent around the Bay. CESP is working to acquire additional land that will add to the park area. These include Bruener Creekside, the Freethy property and the Murray property. She mentioned that the Rod and Gun Club is off limits for the parks. How can we help?  By supporting the purchase of land for parks. Saturday April 20 is Earth Day and there is an event at Wildcat Creek and April 27^th is an event regarding the Watershed project at the Albany Shoreline.  Thanks for the information on the shoreline that is literally in our back yard.

Next week:  Club Assembly

Open mic to discuss club issues.  Be there or be square.

At the request of the Board of Directors please do not bring guests.

NEXT MEETING: April 19, 2013

The Eastshore State Park

Come hear the story behind and updates about the Eastshore State Park, which came into being in December 2002 after seven years of work on the part of Citizens for East Shore Parks. The Park stretches 8.5 miles from the foot of the Bay Bridge in Oakland through Emeryville, Berkeley and Albany to Richmond (Point Pinole Regional Park and the Richmond Marina).

MEETING OF April 12, 2013

Welcome

President Jim Young welcomed the Relatively Rambunctious, Rarely Reclusive, Reasonably Respectful, Remarkably Resolute, Radically Generous Richmond Rotary Club on another beautiful day. Red Badger Heather Kulp led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Stoney offered an invocation for freedom, justice and peace on Earth.

Rotarians with Guests

Jon Lawlis, Jim Young and Richard Alexander were all accompanied by their lovely wives.

Sunshine Report

Our wonderful, beloved Henry Kelman passed away this weekend after the meeting. He will be deeply missed.

Announcements

• The Richmond Tales Family Festival will be Saturday April 20th at the Richmond Civic Center Plaza.
  1. Volunteers are still needed to man/person the Rotary booth in two shifts of three hours from 10am to 4pm.
  2. The Festival needs “haulers and fetchers”. Lots of books have been donated to the Fest to be given away to young folks for free.
  3. Alan Baer is picking up a load of 50 boxes in Concord on Wednesday, April 17, and could use help. Please see or call Alan.
  4. Someone with a truck is needed to pick up 20 boxes of books at the Pinole Middle School Friday Morning and deliver them to the Civic Center Auditorium before the Rotary meeting. Looks like Henry Moe has volunteered but may need some help himself.
  5. Mark Howe and Jim Young are picking up Berkeley Rotary’s Canopy Booth on Saturday morning before the Festival. Help will be needed in setting up the Canopy Booth about 9am before the Festival starts. Sid has volunteered. Any others?
  6. Volunteers at the Festival Rotary booth have a big opportunity to introduce Rotary to the public attending the Festival. Information can be provided about our Club and projects, Peace and Ambassadorial Scholars, and Polio Plus. And we can also sell tickets to the Lost Secrets play performances in May.
  7. Over 2,000 visitors are expected to attend the Festival so there is a real need for all kinds of volunteers (friends and family members, etc.). This is a great occasion to show the Rotary flag to the Richmond community!
  8. Here are Jim and Linda Young in the Richmond Tales cut-out intended for fun by kids of all ages at the April 20 Festival. Thanks to Jan Brown for the art work and to Joe Bagley for making the cut-out happen.

• Regarding the May performances of the Richmond Tales play at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, there is a lot happening!
  1. The Project Page for Lost Secrets is live. See “Discover the Lost Secrets” in the upper right corner of this Flywheel page and click on “Learn more” for all the information about the production that you’d ever want to know (bio’s of the producer, director, and actors; online ticket purchasing through “Brown Paper Tickets”; an online ticket order form for blocks of tickets). For any questions about tickets, see Ticket Master, Linda Young.
  2. There are special volunteer needs for the play at the East Bay Center. Can you or someone you know help out?
     1. Sunday rehearsal chaperones. Please remember service above self. (Notice that Don Lau and the West County Y volunteered chaperones for Sunday, April 14.)
     2. Costume and prop scroungers (people willing to take a list of three or four things and hunt them down in the garages and thrift stores of West County).
     3. Costume experts like Shelly Lau, who has a special knack for finding specific period outfits.
     4. People who can sew and alter clothing to actor sizes.
     5. Snack providers for Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday rehearsals.
• The next Richmond Rotary Board of Directors meeting is Thursday, April 18, noon to 1:30pm at La Revolucion, upstairs.
• BBQ and Party April 27 at Mark Howe’s home, 3pm to 8pm, with Stoney, Joe Bagley, and Richard Alexander all playing important parts. (Admission only $50 for those not previously on the list by way of the Christmas auction.)
• Mark your calendars for Cinco de Mayo, which coincidentally occurs on May 5. There will be a parade and a Rotary booth selling Lost Secrets tickets, Richmond tales books, and water. More info as it develops.

Recognitions

• Heather Kulp’s birthday was March 27. She did not have “the funnest” birthday since she went to a leadership training session in San Ramon.
• Herb Cole turned 75 on April 2.
• John Wilson celebrated 55 years of marital bliss on April 12.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Erle Brown was sad to write his GD tax bill, and he wouldn’t mind so much if the dummies in Washington weren’t squandering it away!
• Tom Waller was happy to have been blown away by the Every 15 Minutes presentation at Concord High School and hopes it is taken up at Richmond High School.
• Joan Davis was happy about the best ever youth summit this year, and has a great vehicle for Erle to alleviate his taxes this year!
• David Brown’s sister is cancer free a year after her bone marrow transplant!!!
• Henry Moe had 5 happy dollars, one for every Rotarian signed up so far for the Salesian Golf Tournament.
• Mark Howe was sad about Henry Kelman, who had turned out to be one of his best friends.
• Don Lau was glad the YMCA would be renamed the E. M. Downer Family YMCA.

Norm’s Nonsense

Some ponderisms.

• If 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea, does that mean one out of 5 enjoys it?
• Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist but a person who drives a racecar not called a racist?
• If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?

PROGRAM

Heather Kulp and Her Career in Africa

As her “Who am I?” presentation, our own Heather Kulp delivered a fascinating account of her time in Angola over 10 years ago. She worked for an organization that rebuilt communities affected by conflict. “Yes”, she told us, she did have a life before Chevron! Her important work focused on great projects, including resettling child soldiers and enabling communities to come together after decades of conflict.

It is hard to tell looking at her today, but there was a time when her gender was in some question – at least by the natives! In very traditional sections of Angola, on the African southwest coast, the bushman in the south had very little experience with white people, and were confounded that a woman could wear a top! Those bushman are indeed traditional, and in fact the oldest people in Africa.

When Heather arrived in Angola, the decades-old war was just wrapping up. The infrastructure was decimated and the people exhausted. Clearly, the work Heather and her colleagues did there was immensely important to those who needed help the most, and very much in the Rotary spirit!