Yearly Archives: 2014
NEXT MEETING: November 14, 2014Talk with Dan Ashley, ABC7 NewsDan Ashley, anchor with ABC7 News, will speak about his career as a reporter and provide highlights from his work. For more than 30 years, Dan has reported on a wide-range of issues and events; some joyful, some tragic, from reporting in San Francisco’s Marina district in the days after the Loma Prieta earthquake, to watching John Glenn blast off on-board the space shuttle at Cape Canaveral, to visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland with Bay Area holocaust survivors. Dan is also extremely involved in the community, serving on several boards including the American Red Cross, Commonwealth Club, Contra Costa Crisis Center and the California Symphony. MEETING OF November 7, 2014WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework welcomed everyone to the meeting. Jon Lawlis led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Stoney asked everyone to take a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Sid’s thought for the day was, “the definition of ‘experience’ is the name men give to their mistakes”. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsThe number of visiting Rotarians was 48 and due to the large number they will not be individually named in this edition of the Flywheel. Nonetheless, we appreciated every one of them and were happy to see them! Club Presidents Ron Tueitmoe of Pinole, Mark Scott of El Cerrito, and O’Neal Dillon of Berkeley were introduced. District Governor Pam Gray and Fred Colignon joined Stoney at the head table. AnnouncementsThe clock is ticking down, the drum is beating: our Holiday Auction will take place on December 12th, so here’s another reminder. Please visit the Holiday Auction page to see what we’ve already collected—you’ll see the evergreen favorites from last year. But you’ll also see a red button, Post my item. Click it to open a form on which you can describe your item, upload a picture if you’d like, and add to the stock of unusual and entertaining donations that will make this auction the best ever. Buy a Kid a Bike ProgramEach year approximately 1,000 children sign-up to for the Richmond/El Cerrito Fire & Police Holiday Program to receive toys and gifts. On a date in December, these kids come to the E.M.Downer YMCA in Richmond, receive a number, and with it, a chance to receive a bike. The bikes are distributed by lottery. The more bikes we have to give away, the more kids are winners. Last year we distributed over 300 bikes! To increase the number of winners, please consider making a $47 donation ($45 for the bike, $2 for the helmet). Please make your checks payable to Richmond Rotary Club, and send to 3260 Blume Drive, Suite 410, Richmond, CA 94806. If you prefer you can make your donation via PayPal, using the Donate button below. Download flyer.
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMStoney introduced today’s speaker, Brad Howard, Rotary International’s Director for Zones 25 and 26 for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Rotary years. Brad is a past district governor; served as a member of RI’s Membership Development and Retention Committee; and served ten years as the coordinator for Zone 26’s End Polio Now campaign. Over the years he has led 22 groups of over 1,000 Rotarians on trips to West Africa and India to participate in polio immunization efforts. He is also the recipient of the Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and the International Service Award for a Polio Free World. Brad’s focus today was on the Foundation and how critical it has been to Rotary’s success in a variety of service projects, particularly the polio campaign. He started by noting that although Rotary’s motto is “service above self”, the real reason people join Rotary first and foremost is for the sense of community it provides. The second most common reason is to make a difference in the community, to do something worthwhile. Brad stated that what makes Rotary unique in the world is its international scope and it’s Foundation. The Foundation he noted is a simple, efficient tool for impacting service and inspiring peace throughout the world. It’s simple because it’s easily scalable. Over the years the Rotary Foundation has given $1.2 billion to eradicate polio, the biggest private health care project in the world. Prior to Rotary’s taking on the polio eradication project, the World Health Organization had concluded that it couldn’t be done! Right now, new cases of polio remain in three countries – Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. In 2013, there were 416 new cases worldwide. In 2014 thus far, there are 278 new cases. Of these, six new cases are in Nigeria, 18 cases are in Afghanistan and the remainder is in Pakistan, the problem in Pakistan being the Taliban. Regardless, there are efforts being made politically to get immunization workers into the Taliban controlled areas and the Pakistani Prime Minster recently claimed that Pakistan would be polio-free in six months. Other outcomes include changing how other organizations have changed their own expectations because of what Rotary has done with polio, citing an example of the United Methodist Church and their efforts to distribute mosquito nets to nearly 300,000 homes in one African country. When asked how they thought they could do that, they replied that they saw what Rotary had done with polio and decided they could! Infrastructure created by Rotary in the campaign against polio was also recently used to prevent the spread of Ebola in Nigeria which could have experienced the same epidemic other western African nations are now experiencing. As a result, Nigeria is Ebola-free. Brad noted that the Rotary Foundation has been Rotary’s single most important structure in these efforts and thanked everyone for their continued support. Lynn Martin, Rotary Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: November 7, 2014Why Rotary?Past Rotary District Governor Brad Howard will discuss the Rotary Foundation as part of “Foundation Month.” Brad, a member of the Rotary Club of Oakland-Sunrise and Past District Governor of District 5170 (California’s Silicon Valley) will be the Zones 25 & 26 Rotary International Director for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 Rotary year. He served as a member of RI’s Membership Development and Retention Committee, was responsible for membership in North America. He also served for 10 years as the Zone 26 End Polio Now Coordinator, and has led 22 groups of Rotarians, comprised of over 1,000 people, to participate in polio national immunization days in West Africa and India. Brad has extensive experience in training Rotary senior leadership during two terms as an International Assembly Training Leader, and as one of two global leaders, he also served an unprecedented three terms as International Assembly Seminar Trainer. He is a recipient of the Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award and the International Service Award for a Polio Free World, and Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award. MEETING OF October 31, 2014WelcomeStoney called the meeting to order, Nick Despota led us in the Pledge, and Sid’s thought-for-the-day was from Betty White, who observed, “Everyone should get 8 hours of beauty sleep and 9 hours if you are ugly” Visiting Rotarians and GuestsSid’s guests included everyone who likes, which turned out to be more people than we: Zelpha Chauvin, Brian Chauvin, Ellison Dunlap III, Nancy Dunlap, Anthony Dunlap, Ellison Dunlap IV, Wilma Grant, Carlton Melson and Carolyne Melson. Don Lau’s guest was Jordan Lau. Special EventsWe held the new member induction for Nico Veran. Welcome, Nico, to the Friendly Richmond Rotary Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMHalloween: Holy or Hellish?Henry Moe introduced Sister Mary Greenan, an introduction which Sister Greenan proclaimed to be easily the worst one she has ever been subjected to. Letting bygones be bygones, Sister Mary proceeded to offer a brilliant, visually entertaining presentation about the origins of Halloween. To highlight just one nugget: During the Middle Ages, the people of England, Ireland and France believed that spirits walked among the living, looking for victims they could carry off to the nether world. To escape this dreaded fate, benighted townsfolk disguised themselves to resemble ghosts and the walking dead. (“I know… let’s dress up like them so we blend in, then they won’t find us!” Right.) The history lesson was thought-provoking—we were asked to consider the very real dark side lurking within each us—but Sister Mary’s humor and cleverness outshone the content of even this most fascinating presentation. - Henry Moe, “Rotating Editor”, and greatest introducer of speakers |
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 |