Monthly Archives: October 2014
NEXT MEETING: Ocotber 31, 2014Halloween: Holy or Hellish?As today’s lunch falls on Halloween, or “All Hallow’s Eve,” Sister Mary Greenan, FMA, Assistant Principal of Salesian College Preperatory School, will once again delight the club with an entertaining review of the history and traditions of the holiday. Figure out for yourself if Halloween is Holy or Hellish! MEETING OF October 24, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework called to order the Richmond Rotary Club. “Big Erle’ Brown was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney led us in the invocation, a silent prayer for Freedom, Peace & Justice on Earth… Sid, consulting his Dictionary of Real Definitions defined “Compromise” – The art of dividing a cake in such a way so that everyone preserves they each got the biggest piece. Visiting RotariansPast-president and RotaCare champion Pate Thompson from Berkeley Rotary, and Doug Millar, Past-president of San Pablo Rotary visited our club today. Welcome! Rotarians with GuestsJosue Rodriquez, VP & Manager of the First Bank San Pablo attended as Guest Doug Millar’s guest. Sunshine ReportGreat sunshine (we could use more rain), no Sunshine Report. Announcements
Besides placing a book collection bin at your place of business, church or favorite hangout, here’s what every Rotarian can do to support the Book Drive:
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMPrez Stoney introduced Berkeley PP Grier Graff and his faithful Scottish companion Past-president Pate Thompson, who are visiting Richmond Rotary to describe and promote Berkeley’s Spring International Project in Las Varas Mexico. There are a lot of facts about this ongoing project including ease of access via the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, manageable cost in the $1,350 for 8 days AND air travel, overnight accommodation in the seaside community of Chacala and a lot of Rotary fellowship. I’m going to bullet point some of those facts below, but the standout fact is the measurable impact Berkeley Rotary has had on the local communities of Chacala, La Penita & Zcualpan in the 15 years since the project, projects really, began in 1998. Pate explained that it all began in 1998 when he dropped anchor of the then remote village of Chacala while sailing the tropical coast of Mexico. Chacala was a remote, picturesque, charming and extremely poor seaside village. This poverty was exemplified by the broken down high school building that was under used as no young people went to school beyond the 8th grade. The Berkeley effort started with building a second story instructional center and laboratory on the existing one room high school. Pat is justifiably proud of the fact that now 75% of Chacala youth go on to high school and many go on to the University. This includes a local doctor that grew up in Chacala and now practices medicine there. So this story goes, around the other agricultural communities in the area including La Penita, Zacualpan and now Las Varas. Grier said that the many years of effort have developed real alliances with the local communities including the co-sponsoring Rotary Club of La Penita and the parent/school communities in each project towns. Grier said that in this part of Mexico Rotary projects are seen for their product as well as their promise. Speaking of the project Grier said:
About travel and accommodations Grier said:
Prez Stoney thanked Grier and Pate for one heck of a service opportunity and an outstanding example of Rotary International projects working right here in District 5160. A note on last week’s programIf you missed Menbere Aklilu’s “Who Am I” program last week and want more information about the GRIP-Saluté Thanksgiving Celebration, go to http://www.salutemarinabay.com/news-and-events/salute-thanksgiving-fund. There you can also find a KTVU video clip about the 2012 Thanksgiving Celebration at Saluté Restaurant. Rotating Editor, Jim Young |
NEXT MEETING: October 24, 2014The Las Varas High School ProjectSince 2003 Berkeley Rotary has led a series of service projects in the State of Nayarit Mexico. Today Berkeley PP Grier Graff visits Richmond Rotary to discuss the next project, renovation and modernization of La Prepetoria High School in the town of Las Varas. Grier will describe Berkeley’s success co-sponsoring with the La Penita, MX and Paradise, CA Rotary Clubs, building on a decade of service with Mexican Rotarians. Grier will also describe the technical parts of the actual renovation project. Because this project has easy access through the International Airport at Puerto Vallarta, MX, Grier is hoping you might consider a week of international service in Mexico in April/May 2015. MEETING OF October 17, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework called to order the Richmond Rotary Club. Felix Hunziker was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney led us in the invocation. Sid provided a definition as the Thought for the Day – What is a Yawn? Possibly the only time a husband gets to open his mouth. Sunshine ReportBill Koziol who hasn’t been around much himself lately said his project in Oakland, Oaksterdam, is completed and he hopes to be more of a regular at Rotary. Special EventsPrez Stoney then asked Red Badger Jerry Faegley, holder of the oldest Red Badge in club history, to come to the podium and do his Who Am I. Announcements
Thank you to Don Lau, Stacey Street, Tom Butt, Jerry Feagley & Mark Howe for taking bins for your places of business. Stay tuned for e-mails and suggestions on how to get kids books and who to ask first. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAM"I walk in freedom"Jim Young introduced new member Menbere Aklilu, owner and Hostess of Saluté Restaurante at Marina Bay. He said he didn’t know what was better in their acquaintance, the several years of lunches and dinners in the best Italian Restaurant in West County or the more subtle realization that Richmond was really lucky to have an angel among us. With that, Menbere, Menbi to her friends and customers, came to the podium. I was born in Ethiopia and raised by my Mom, a single mother. Life was very difficult. My mother made wine and ran a small hotel & restaurant. When I was 10, on Easter Day, a thug in the military shot and killed my mother in the restaurant. In a state of shock and desperation I was taken in and raised by my older brother. While growing up I went to acting school and went into Ethiopian TV and entertainment. There I met a television producer on assignment in Ethiopia. He invited me to Rome and we got married. Unfortunately this relationship was not good and became very abusive. When I was nine months pregnant with my son I had to run away and I became homeless. Faith intervened and I was rescued by Nuns who got me into a homeless shelter where I gave birth to my son. We continued to live in Italy until my son was 11 and then, with very many difficulties, we came to this great county. So much happened! But through friends of friends, other Italians, I met the owner of Saluté. The circumstance of this meeting is interesting as my friends, Italian gentlemen, were indiscreetly discussing me in Italian. When I told them of their indiscretion in perfect Italian they were shocked! “Oh my God”, they said, “She is not only beautiful but she speaks beautiful Italian and excellent English (which is not true). We must hire for Saluté.” So I was hired on the spot. I began working at Saluté at $7.00/hour. I began working my way up doing everything, but as you all know it is hard to live on even $10/hour. After six years the restaurant was being sold. I needed to find another job, but my customers came to me and said, ‘Menbi, you should buy Salute.’ Oh how impossible! I have no money and live paycheck to paycheck. One of my very good customers said, ‘Menbi I will loan you the money.’ ‘Menbi I will loan you the money.’ So I bought Salute! How crazy! The restaurant was very successful. I paid back the loan in 11 months but said to my friend, ‘How can I ever really pay you back?’ He said, ‘Help other people the same way I’ve helped you.’ So four years ago I decided to invite homeless people to Salute for a real sit down Thanksgiving dinner. That year we served 300 dinners compliments of Salute. Year two we served 600 dinners. Last year we served 1,300 dinners and I asked doctor friends if they would also help the homeless people and families get flu shots. So we also ran a flu shot clinic with their volunteer help and the support of the community health department. Because last year was also my 10th anniversary of Saluté I gave the homeless people coupons for 10 take-out dinners that they can use whenever the wish. In addition, I also invite local high school students to come to Salute for lunch and a class in etiquette. I know that many of them have never had the opportunity to learn about the finer things in life but, they need to know about them so they too can live gracefully and without fear. This year at Thanksgiving Salute is again going to host homeless people, disadvantaged families and Veterans, but it is getting to be big event! So I have created a 501c3 non-profit corporation as a way of helping more people volunteer and donate to their needy neighbors. It is the GRIP-Salute Thanksgiving Celebration and you are all invited to donate and/or volunteer this coming Thanksgiving. Menbi concluding by saying, “In this country (America & Richmond) I walk in freedom. Who am I among all these successful people? You make me bold! You make me special! I love you back! - Rotating Editor, Jim Young. |
NEXT MEETING: October 17, 2014Everywhere I Walk, I Walk With FreedomMenbere Aklilu was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Italy where she worked with family restauranteurs in Rome. She brings her international experience and her own special flair to Saluté e Vita Ristorante. Saluté E Vita remains a home away from home for all lovers of food, art, wine, friends and most of all family. In addition, Menbere is a role model in the community, and gives back in many ways. Menbere will describe key experiences from her life, and she will also discuss “The Saluté Thanksgiving Fund” and plans to host Thanksgiving dinner for US Vets this year. For more information, visit www.salutemarinabay.com/news-and-events/salute-thanksgiving-fund. MEETING OF October 11, 2014WelcomeWelcomePresident Stoney called the meeting to order and asked John Wilson to lead the pledge. Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was the confusion of one person in a room is multiplied by the number of people in attendance. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMHope in Impossible PlacesAngela Mason has devoted her life to being a voice for suffering children and travels the world on humanitarian missions. Angela has visited countries all over the world. Her focus has become water and sanitation since both affect children greatly in many areas of the world. There is only 3% fresh water in the world. Every 20 seconds a child dies from drinking contaminated water. Water shortage and sanitation are two of the biggest issues that will plague the world for a considerable amount of time. You can visit her website at angela@elevenplusyou.com . She also mentioned the Kumpi Mayu Foundation that focuses on Clean water for all – drop by drop. You can visit their website at www.kumpimayufoundation.org. - Henry Moe, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: October 10, 2014Hope in Impossible PlacesThe mission of 11plus is to assist individuals, families, foundations and businesses in addressing the world’s greatest challenges. Its work is inspired by social innovators who actively pursue solutions to these problems. Many of us have the intention and resources to contribute significantly to their efforts, yet the reality of our busy lives doesn’t make it easy. 11plus was created to help close the gap between making a meaningful personal contribution and the barriers that can get in the way. The goal is to promote a more inspired and sustainable kind of global philanthropy. 11plus refers to founding principals, Marc (1) + Angela (1, also the luncheon speaker) plus the experienced team of consultants, clients, grantees and partners who collaborate in this endeavor to bring about life-changing results. MEETING OF October 3, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney called the meeting to order and asked Jon Lawlis to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was the definition of a conference room: a place where everyone talks, no one listens and all disagree later. Stoney called for a silent prayer for freedom, peace and justice on earth.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Announcements• President Stoney Stonework reminded everyone that the next meeting on October 10th would once again take place at La Strada, our last “away” meeting for a while. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMPresident Stoney introduced Dr. Elnora Tena Webb, President of Laney College, the flagship of the Peralta Community College District. Despite some technical difficulties, Dr. Webb shared a brief presentation about the history, current state of affairs and strategic goals of Laney College, including expanding the student body and the campus, and doubling the percentage of students who transfer to other higher education institutions. She also mentioned the ongoing goal to provide course offerings (such as welding, machine work, medical-related, etc. ) that lead to work-ready credentials/certificates, since not everyone transfers on to four-year universities. Dr. Webb fielded questions about Laney College and the other colleges in the Peralta district, and how they compare to other community colleges such as University of Phoenix or online colleges. It was noted that some of these other community colleges seem to have a better reputation despite being much more expensive and offering an equivalent, if not inferior, experience. The main obstacles the California Community College system faces are lack of funding, and lack of awareness. - Stacey Street, Rotating Editor |