NEXT MEETING: July 10, 2015
No meeting on July 3rd!

Social Media: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Forty minutes per day. That’s the average time the population spends on social media platforms. The fastest-growing demographic on Facebook is 52-67 year olds. (When is the last time you saw someone who was NOT holding their smartphone?)
Social media has changed the way we communicate as humans, as businesses, and as organizations. With this change, as in everything, comes the good, the bad and the ugly.
Jason Hanson, marketing manager at The Light Digital here in Richmond, will guide you through the changing landscape of communication, highlighting what social media can – and can’t – do for you.

MEETING OF June 26, 2015

Welcome

For his last time as Club President, Stoney Stonework called the meeting to order at the Richmond Country Club and Joe Bagley led the pledge of allegiance. Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Erle Brown chimed in with a grin and a silent prayer for today’s Demotion marking the end of Stoney’s second stint as Club President. Sid Chauvin provided this thought for the day: On getting old, sooner or later you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Sid Chauvin’s guest was his wife, Zelpha.
• Pam Jones’s guests were her daughter, Amanda Floyd, and her granddaughter, Penelope Lane Floyd.
• Mike Winter’s guest was Scott Nicol, son of Richmond Rotarian, John Nicol. Scott noted how important and special Rotary was to his father, who is missed by all.
• Stoney’s guests were his wife, Mary Anna, and his daughter, Lisa Tolbert.

Special Events

Stacey Street was honored with a plaque from Stoney for doing an excellent job as Program Chair over the past year. Way to go, Stacey!

Announcements

• The Club will not meet on July 3rd. The next regular meeting of the Richmond Rotary Club will be on Friday, July 10.
• In his Sunshine Report, Bill Koziol recounted a fun conversation with Ralph Hill about the pros and cons of a bed bath and how, if done properly by the attendant, it can shave decades off the bather’s mental age. Bill also spoke with Charlie Wong, who sends greetings to all along with appreciation for the Club’s recognition of his and Jean’s 66th wedding anniversary. Lastly, Bill reported that Betty Hardison is in Alta Bates hospital with pneumonia, so everyone’s encouraged to send positive thoughts and prayers.
• Liliane Koziol presented the banner of a Rotary Club from a small town near Cologne, Germany. Having just returned with her husband, Ken, from an exciting drive-around-Europe vacation, Liliane was anxious to share greetings from the German Rotary Club they visited. A Richmond Club banner will be mailed to Germany for their collection.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Dethroned!

King Stoney presiding over his own dethronement.

Upon the occasion of Stoney’s Demotion as Richmond Rotary Club President, a fun time was had by all.

It was a kind of had-to-be-there event that involved a look at Stoney’s growing up in Ohio, that unexplainable Buckeye fan obsession, the many years in the hamburger (and sauce) business, escapades with his three brothers, and the enduring value of a beautiful family.

Among other things, it’s notable that this was Stoney’s second time as Richmond Rotary Club President, quite possibly the only time that’s happened in Club history. He answered the call of a Club in need of his service again and for that Richmond Rotary is grateful.

Stoney shared some personal thoughts on the “inclusive, caring, far-reaching, and giving” nature of Rotary and his gratitude for being a member. He pointed out to Scott Nicol how his father had invited him to join the Richmond Rotary poker crowd over 20 years ago. Long time poker enthusiast, Hank Covell, called Stoney an ok poker player and a good man.

Alan Baer officiated with the pinning and swearing in of new Club President, Alan Blavins.

Thank you, Stoney, and good luck, Alan!

NEXT MEETING: June 26, 2015

Horace Stonework Demotion

This is the day of President Stoney’s last official duty for this Rotary year and for him to ring the final bell of his term.

We will not reveal to you all that’s in store, but with the assistance of President Demotion Pros, expect a possible reconstruction of his past with some revelations, a possible sweet and sour exposé, maybe even some honey tunes but all in sweet, tangy, spicy excellent gourmet taste that fits Stoney’s amazing BBQ sauce. You might even win a couple of sauce bottles. Who knows? Come and find out. Definitely an event not to miss.

MEETING OF June 19, 2015

Welcome

Stoney presided over the meeting. He shared his thoughts about the shooting in Charleston. “I can’t help thinking about that young man and how he could do such a thing. This is a person, if he had been in interact or Rotaract might have had a whole different life, and we [Rotary] have to work harder to make sure kids have those opportunities so we know that we have done all we can do”.

Mark Howe led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Grier Graff and Pamela Doolan from Berkeley Rotary, Paul Allen, Bill McLaughlin and Clavel Fender wife of Charlie Fender.

Announcements

• The Bocce Ball Tournament was held On Saturday June 20^th and the Richmond Radicals were a few balls away from a championship. 2nd place is not to shabby
• July 11^th BBQ at Mark Howe and Shana Bagley’s House 1321 Sandering Island, Richmond sponsored by Stoney’s BBQ Sauce along with a group of Rotarians. This was one of the Christmas Auction events but people can add to the list and make their donation to Richmond Rotary
• Connie reminded everyone that $300 is due. That breaks down to $200 Annual Dues and $100 for EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) and Erle Brown reminded everyone that if you can’t afford $100 you don’t belong in Rotary.
• Remember: No Rotary meeting on July 3rd.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Richmond Rotarians at Work – in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico

The speakers for today were Shana Bagley, Josh Genser, Norm Lundberg and Jim and Linda Young who spoke about their incredible trip to Mexico. The Berkeley Rotary sponsored a multiyear grant project to rebuild a school in Mexico. A wonderful slide show was put together and each Rotarian and Linda shared their thoughts on the trip. Shana Bagley said that this trip changed her life and is the big reason why she joined Rotary. Grier Graff , from Berkeley Rotary, was the manager of the project and steered it to completion. The 4 weeks of work was the culmination of many years of preparation and a 3 year multiyear grant from Rotary International. The work day was from 8:30am – 1:00pm which left just enough time for socializing and enjoying the food and drink of Mexico. Congratulations to all who completed this project and especially the group from Richmond Rotary who made us all look good.

NEXT MEETING: June 19, 2015

Richmond Rotarians at Work – in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico

Four Richmond Rotarians – Shana Bagley (Howe), Josh Genser, Norm Lundberg, and Jim Young – along with Linda Young, participated in Berkeley Rotary’s 2015  Spring International Project in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico.

They will share their experiences (and photos) of rebuilding a high school, the stories of the local people whose lives have been touched by this 15+year project, and of the fellowship of working side by side with 25 other Rotary clubs. In 1998, Berkeley Rotary started this project by repairing a broken down, one-room high school in Chacala (about 100 km from Puerto Vallarta).  In this remote and poor agricultural town, few students attended school beyond 8th grade.  Girls were discouraged from attending school.  This successful Rotary project has expanded to neighboring Las Varas, La Peñita, and Zacualpan.  Now, 75% of the students go to high school and many are attending college and graduate school.  Rotary has rebuilt schools, libraries, a community center, vision center, teaching facilities, and computer, culinary, and chemistry laboratories.
This project is just one of the many reasons to be proud to be a Rotarian.

MEETING OF June 12, 2015

Welcome

Stoney opened the meeting with a joke: “ A man goes to the cinema and sitting in front of him is a man with his dog. The dog laughs and smiles at the films funny parts and even cries at the sad parts.

This continues throughout the film. At its end, the man leans over and says to the dog owner “Your dog seemed to enjoy the film.” “Yes” replied the dog’s owner. “Which is very strange because he didn’t think much of the book.” This set the mood for the rest of the meeting.

Sid’s thought for the day: “The only reason a child has a middle name is that he will know when he’s been real naughty.”

Announcements

• Alan Baer was looking for players in the up coming June Joust Rotary district 5160 Bocce Ball challenge. Saturday June 20^th at 9.30 at the Martinez Waterfront Park Bocce ball courts. We need players.
• BARSHEEP Friday night meeting at the Hotel Mac June 26^th. If you are looking for a reason to drink, it’s Stoney’s last day.
• Mark Howe’s BBQ is on July 11^th 1321 Sandering Island, Richmond, 3 PM. Everyone is welcome. There will be a raffle of a case of Stony’s BBQ sauce. One of the wag’s in today’s crowd announced, “The loser takes it home.” Talk about gratitude.
• Alan Blavin’s first ruling as president: On Friday July 3^rd, the club will be dark.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Cannabis: A look at Local, State and National Laws

Bill Koziol is a busy man. His working life is split between 20% Real Estate and 70% in his medical marijuana dispensary business. He is the director and a board member of Telegraph Health Center. All this plus a wife and family.

Bill told a heartfelt story about how he made his connection with cannabis. When his father was struck with cancer, the combination of chemo and powerful medication made him perpetually nauseous. He couldn’t hold down anything. So he tried marijuana, which restored his appetite and made last days of his life much more comfortable. This changed the way Bill viewed cannabis.

Bill gave a history of cannabis in the 20^th century, from its introduction for recreational use in the 20’s, through the 30’s where the Federal Bureau of Narcotics got involved, and on to the 1940’s when the industrial uses were exploited (“Hemp for Victory” helped augment cotton and paper production). In 1944 New York Academy of Medicine issued its first report. In 1970 the Controlled Substance Act listed marijuana among many far more dangerous drugs. In 1996, Prop 215 passed, making California the first state to approve Medical Cannabis Initiative, with a shocking 56% in favor. August of 2008 saw Jerry Brown’s Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical use. In 2009 and explained that 12 dispensaries operated in the city of Richmond due to the expiration of the Moratorium. In 2010 the city of Richmond passed an ordinance allowing only 3 dispensaries and 3 manufacturing permits.

The city currently collects $180,000 in permit fees and approximately $500,000 in taxes per year. Bill reported that today 23 states plus D.C and Guam permit the use of medical marijuana, some for recreational use and others for medical application only. Seven states have legislation pending.

As for California’s future: Bill hopes for (and expects) that a 2016 ballot measure will be passed byt the voters. Field polls currently indicate 55% of likely voters in favor.

Currently local municipalities must create their own ordinances. The conflict between federal and state laws remains to be resolved. The Federal Legislation CARERS Act is attempting to de-schedule cannabis. De-funding enforcement actions by the DOJ and DEA may be the mechanism.

Everyone present seemed to enjoy Bill’s talk but were disappointed there were no free samples. As for me, I think its high time cannabis was legal and government should move on before everything goes to pot!

NEXT MEETING: June 12, 2015

Cannabis Discussion: A look at Local, State and National Laws

The club’s own Bill Koziol will offer some perspective on local, state and national cannabis laws. Bill will give us a brief history of cannabis prohibition and discuss the legal conflict between state and federal laws. Currently, 35 States have medical marijuana laws with four (plus Washington DC) allowing recreational use.

MEETING OF June 5, 2015

Welcome

President Stoney Stonework welcomed guests and Rotarians and called the meeting to order. Joe Bagley 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. Defining reality as few other people know it, Sid’s Chauvinism for today is: Marriage – An arrangement in which a man loses his Bachelor’s Degree and a woman gains her Master’s Degree.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Mark Porter from the Solano Sunset Club, Vallejo.
Jim Young introduces his wife Linda and Robin Yee Wilson, Chair of the West County Reads Association that promotes student literacy throughout West County.
Alan Bear introduced his daughter Stephanie, who just became a sophomore.

Special Events

Stoney invited Robin Wilson to address the club. Robin thanked Rotary and Rotarians for all the help provided to West County Reads last year including:

• The great fall book drive that brought in over 1,000 used books for re-gifting to young people.
• Rotarian Don Lau and the YMCA for the outstanding support of the book drive and for establishing WCR’s signature ”Take One, Leave One Bookshelf” at the Hilltop Y.
• For the $500 used to purchase hard-to-get bi-lingual books for kids and young people and for support of the LiteracyLab book processing last week that will get a brand new book to every (4,500) TK & Kindergartener before summer vacation as a way of encouraging them to read during the summer break.

Robin ended by asking the club if it would consider helping West County Reads this coming fall with a new book drive.

Announcements

• DAB again announced that 2015-16 Dues are due and payable, “Dues are $200, but we want $300 with the extra $100 for the Rotary Foundation”, DAB said. Send money to DAB via the usual methods including via PayPal  (hit the “Donate” button under ‘Pay Annual Dues’ on this page). The Annual Foundation Donation button is the same process for your contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Don’t be late. Dues are delinquent if unpaid by June 30^th. (PE Alan Blavins needs the money for the New Year.)
• Prez Stoney announced, for those who hadn’t already noticed it, that LaBron (James) and (Steven) Curry are both from Akron OH.
• Mark Howe, fresh back from taking a 2 wheeled drive truck on a 4 wheeled drive tour of the Baja Peninsula said that he had ‘seen the light’ and decided to do something easy, like reviving the legendary, “Ghosts of Winehaven” Rotary Halloween Party. Mark’s new vision of this legendary event includes a sunset, dinner costume party with better lighting and sound and no one gets lost in the dark. Assistants will be needed. Mark also said that the almost as legendary Rich & Stoney BBQ (source of the famous sauce?) is also coming in July, or maybe late June. Come to next week’s meeting to find out.
• Someone shouted out a question to Mark, “What about that other date in July?” Shana Bagley said it has been moved to August.
• It’s, Bocce Ball in Martinez, time of year and Alan Bear is looking to fields a second Richmond Rotary team. The event is June 20^th, 9:30 AM at the Martinez Marina Park. See Alan if you are interested.
• Bill ‘Sunshine Report’ Koziol reported that Ralph Hill and Charlie Wong are doing ‘ok’ when he phoned them this week. Ralph was all giggles according to Bill as he was getting a ‘bed bath’. It was a short conversation and no additional details were provided even though there was a fair amount of speculation about this report among the members.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

From Nature to Neighborhoods: Developing Youth & Adult Leaders in Richmond

Program Chair Stacey Street introduced YES Program Director, Blanca Hernandez. Blanca, aware that Richmond Rotary is not a stranger to the programs of Youth Enrichment Strategies, thanked the club for its years of support. She noted that YES is grateful to Rotary and the many other organizations that have helped YES address the cultural barriers that prevent many disadvantaged Richmonders from living more fulfilling lives. Barriers YES focuses on are poverty, violence, fear & isolation.

YES’ marquee program for addressing these barriers is the summer family camping program. This program has successfully used camping and the campfire experience of community building and self esteem building to empower local folks. People from the Iron Triangle, N. Richmond and other neighborhoods learn they ‘can do’ the many little things that are community; listing, being a friend/helper, successfully doing something that is a little frightening… . High points of the presentation included:
• The student prepared video “Be Smarter, Drink Water”, advocating healthier water instead of expensive soda and sugar drinks. Another YES student video, “Rethink Your Drink” was equally compelling.
• Herb Cole congratulated Blanca and YES on their successful effort to integrate their camping program with Richmond’s newer Latino residents, something that had been a challenge for Rotary in the past.

Blanca concluded her presentation by saying because of their effort to keep as many campers as possible this summer, YES is forgoing its annual dinner gala fund raiser and asking supporters contributing directly to the camping program via their Summer Campfire Campaign (http://yesfamilies.publishpath.com/Default.aspx?shortcut=summercampfire).

If you are interested in supporting YES, do it before June 30 as every gift made (up to $25,000) will be matched by the local Chamberlin Foundation.

Thank you Blanca Hernandez for a good program. Hope to see you at the campfire.