NEXT MEETING: December 4, 2015

It's Our Annual Holiday Auction!

HolAucction-Drum-2015We won’t mince words. The money raised in this hour-and-a-half will fund our community programs and grants for the remainder of the year. It’s that important.

Please be there early– at least by 12 PM. Bring friends or colleagues. Check out the auction items, drink, and eat. We want to start the Live Auction promptly at 12:30. Plan to spend more than you had planned to spend. That’s not a lack of fiscal discipline, it’s yielding to your better angels. (C’mon, you know you have them.)

Haven’t submitted your auction gift yet. Please do it now.

MEETING OF November 20, 2015

Welcome

President Alan Blavins called the meeting to order, asked Program Coordinator Stacey Street to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and asked for a silent prayer for peace. Menehune Don Lau offered a holiday auction-themed the quote of the day: “It is better to give — and then buy it back.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Jim Young introduced as his guest his lovely wife Linda Young.

Special Events

Stacey Street introduced and Alan Blavins inducted new member David Cole. David owns Bay Tree Publishing and is on the board for Masquers Playhouse. Welcome David!

Who Is She?

Scribette Shana Bagley Howefinally gave her “Who Am I?” to rousing applause. Congratulation, Shana!

Announcements

  • Webmaster Nick Despota and Holiday Auction Chief Don Lau told us that 50% of the club’s members are on the naughty list (see column on right of this page) for not donating an auction item for the Friday, December 4 Holiday Auction. If you’re still among the naughty, please redeem yourself by either:
    1) Posting an item for auction. To do that visit our Holiday Auction page, scroll down for inspiration, then use the Post item button near the top, taking you to our auction donation form; or,
    2) Donating at least $100 to the Club. If you prefer that, please go to the Auction page, then click the yellow Donate button below the page introduction.
  • Community Services chair Joe Bagley reminded us that the 2015 Holiday Party mixer is Friday, December 11th, at the Richmond Art Center, from 4:30-7:30. All are invited for appetizers and a no-host bar. Please RSVP by Friday November 27 to shana@mshproperties.com or (925)324-1280. We’re folding into the event our annual Richmond Fire Department Holiday Toy Drive, so please bring an unwrapped new toy!
  • Membership Committee member Pam Jones invited members to volunteer at Salute (1900 Esplanade, Marina Bay, Richmond) on Wednesday, November 25 at noon to help prepare the toiletries/necessities bags for Menbere Aklilu’s Giving Thanks Event for veterans and the needy. You can also volunteer during the event on Thursday, November 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Find out more here.
  • Membership Committee member Alan Baer mentioned (1) the District 5160 Conference is April 1-3, 2016, in Woodland. (Events and tickets here) and (2) Rotary International President KR Ravi Ravindran will be in San Jose. Learn more here. (And here’s a calendar of District 5160-wide events.)
  • Treasurer David Brown told us that for just $47, you can give a local child a bicycle and helmet. Use the Donate button (PayPal) on the right, or if you avoid all appeals from the right, click here.
  • Happy 97th birthday Charlie Fender! He’s been a member since 1967 and has been married to Clovel for 73 years. Congratulations!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

adam-eveJim Young introduced Rev. Dr. David Vásquez Levy, President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, to talk about migrating faith. He explained:

California and our nation were shaped by the aftermath of the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad that connected east to west across the United States. Conflict and opportunity brought people from everywhere, gathering this “most heterogeneous mass of humanity ever assembled since the confusion of tongues.” People have migrated to California, and the United States following trade, just like Joseph in the book of Genesis, and people currently risking their lives to leave Central America, Africa, Syria, and elsewhere in the Middle East to find a better life.

In this time of tragedy (the push of conflicts around the world), we must remember that, historically, people’s movements follow the trade routes (the pull toward opportunity) and the positives of migration (52% of Silicon Valley startups such as Yahoo, Intel, Google, and Amazon were founded or co-founded by foreign born people).

Reflection is desperately needed to discover alternate ways to engage our increasingly interconnected world. The experiences of people on the move can offer wisdom and open our minds as we seek to find ways to respond to this time of unprecedented migration. In forming our policies and opinions, we must not forget that migration is at the core of our own story.


- Shana Bagley Howe, your rotating Scribette (whose great grandfather Capitano Luigi Baglietto migrated to San Francisco by jumping his Genovese merchant ship in 1886 and was never naturalized). (Cellphone Police: Mark Howe please turn off your ringer!)

NEXT MEETING: November 20, 2015

Migrating Faith

Migration is at the core of the sacred texts of many traditions. Adam and Eve must leave the garden of Eden; Abraham and Sarah venture out with nothing but a promise; Siddhārtha Gautama the prince who becomes the Buddha begins his path to enlightenment by traveling around his kingdom; Jesus begins his life as a refugee hiding from Herod; the prophet Mohamed’s return from exile to Mecca is traced back as one of the pillars of Islam.

Join Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy for a conversation about the sustaining power of religious narratives that speak to our own stories of change——migrations across national or physical boundaries or beyond personal boundaries of belief and experience.

Rev. Vásquez-Levy serves as President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California – a progressive, interdenominational Christian seminary committed to preparing spiritually and theologically rooted leaders for social transformation. A committed pastor, a nationally recognized immigration leader, and a sought after speaker, Vásquez-Levy leads at the intersection of faith, higher education, and social change.

(Pictured: The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Mosacio, 1425.)

MEETING OF November 13, 2015

Welcome

President Alan Blavins called the meeting to order and asked Tom Butt to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day, from Aesop, of Fables fame: We hang petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. President Alan called for a moment of silence for peace on earth and good will to all.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

  • Jon Lawlis brought his sweetie Darlene Quinville as his guest.
  • Alan Baer introduced Herve Hui-Bon-Hoa from the Bank of Guam.
  • Josh Surowitz introduced Jason Mustard.

Announcements

  • Don Lau reminded everyone that the Holiday Auction is coming up SOON, on December 4th, the first Friday after Thanksgiving. That means there is only one more meeting before the auction, since the club is dark on 11/27 due to Thanksgiving. We still need everyone to sign up and contribute an auction lot – Nick Despota has made it very easy to enter your item by clicking on the Holiday Auction button on the Rotary website. We already have some great items lined up – Menbe Aklilu and Jerry Feagley are preparing a VERY special and elegant dinner at Jerry’s house; Hank Covell and Dorene (no Dorene’s cookies this year) are offering a special dinner at their house; Stacey Street (your scribe!) and her husband Don are offering a special Margarita and Fajitas party; Mark and Shana Howe will host something, and many others! We still need MORE lots, and then we also need lots people to come ad BID! Alan suggested getting an item in Richmond Standard – Stacey will get in touch with them.
  • Pam Jones announced that Richmond Rotary would be conducting a toy drive again and collecting unwrapped new toys on Friday, December 11th.   See next announcement about location and time since it will be different that day… Pam also noted that there is now a PayPal button to donate money to buy bikes for Richmond kids – super easy!
  • Joe Bagley let members know that on December 11th the Club would be hosting a special holiday event. Rather than a separate, high-end dinner, members, as well as spouses, family and friends, are invited to enjoy a holiday happy hour and mixer from 4 to 7 pm at Richmond Art Center. BARSHEEP Rotary Clubs will be invited as well. Don’t forget to bring your toy to this special event!
  • David Brown read two letters from teachers at Peres Elementary School for the wonderful donations provided by Richmond Rotary. The teachers were clearly deeply touched and shared the many critical items they were able to purchase to enrich their teaching. Thanks to everyone who contributed – it truly makes a difference!
  • Menbe,  Saluté’s owner and founder of what has become one of Richmond’s proudest traditions, expects to serve a record 1,300 guests in three seatings at this year’s feast on November 26. An impressive group of businesses, non-profits, and community leaders have lined up to offer donations and services that will make the Fifth Annual Free Thanksgiving Feast for the Needy. Read more.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District and You

Your Scribe today introduced speaker Andrew Pierce, noting his appropriate name for the subject matter… Andrew has worked for almost ten years for the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, providing public health education outreach in the form of public speaking engagements throughout the county. A “vector” can be any creature that can cause serious danger or discomfort to humans. Vectors include mosquitoes, mice and rats, ticks, yellowjackets and skunks. The District, not technically a government agency, but one providing free services to all residents of the county, was created over 90 years ago when residents banded together after facing significant public health challenges.

Andrew described the challenges created by the different vectors, focusing mainly on mosquitoes. He explained the ways the District helps prevent these challenges and also takes care of issues when they occur.

Some highlights:

  • Mosquitoes: There are 23 different kinds in Contra Costa County. All mosquitoes hatch in stagnant water – it takes only 2-3 tablespoons of stagnant water to produce several hundred mosquitoes! Major health risk is West Nile Virus: the mild form mimics flu, severe form can be fatal. “One neglected swimming pool=1 million mosquitoes, which can affect people up to 5 miles away!” Prevention can take many forms: dump standing water frequently, report issues to the district when encountered, use mosquitofish (fish that love to eat mosquito larvae – district offers them for free at their offices), use chemical fogging when necessary for adult mosquito problems.
  • Mice/rats and skunks have the disease potential to spread bacterial infections in the former, rabies in latter. Prevention requires eliminating food and shelter opportunities (especially citrus and birdseed for mice and rats!). Actions taken require a full report for the district.
  • Yellowjackets:There are 4 species in Contra Costa County. There may be up to 15,000 in a nest, which can be on the ground or up high. District will treat ground nests if you know where they are located.
  • Ticks: Deer ticks in Contra Costa can spread Lyme Disease. Prevention requires conducting a thorough check whenever you have been near grass/trees where ticks wait to prey on people and animals. Andrew explained how to remove them with tweezers.

Visit contracostamosquito.com for more information.


- Stacey Street, Rotating Editor

NEXT MEETING: November 13, 2015

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District and You

Andrew Pierce, Community Affairs Representative with the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, will be presenting valuable information regarding mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, rats and mice, skunks, ground-nesting yellowjackets, and ticks. Mr. Pierce will discuss the District’s free services that are available to all Contra Costa residents regarding these insects and animals, what the District does to protect public health, and what residents can do to protect themselves and their neighbors. Free literature and fun giveaways will also be made available.

MEETING OF November 6, 2015

Welcome

President Alan Blavins presided over the meeting. John Wilson led us in the pledge and Sid’s thought for the day was: The problem with political jokes is sometimes they are elected.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Stacey Street guest was soon-to-be Rotarian David Cole

Jerry Feagley’s guest was Tino Silva.

Announcements

  • Charlie Wong as we know celebrated his 90th birthday a few weeks ago Bill Koziol talked about possibly taking another trip to see him at his house.
  • Menbere reminded us about Saluté Restaurant’s Thanksgiving Dinner to feed over 1300 veterans and homeless on Thanksgiving Day. Donations of bags are still being accepted to make care packages for each of the visitors.
  • December 4th 2015 – Don Lau emphasized the critical role of the Christmas Auction to fund our great work in the community. Please donate great items, especially dinners and multi person outings. We also need each person to bring someone to the auction who can bid on items.
  • Josh Genser held his second Japanese Whiskey Tasting last Friday and talked up his next auction item, a Tasting of Montana Whiskeys.
  • Connie Tritt has a list of everyone’s giving levels. She can tell you if you are close to your next Paul Harris. Get your donation in before December 31, 2015 for your taxes and earn your next Paul Harris.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Pipeline Safety. And what is a fiduciary?

We hosted speakers for two programs today. Sarah Winter and Treva Reid from PG&E described the company’s Pipeline Safety Initiative. PG&E has the 811 program, in which company personnel come out and mark underground lines before you dig. They also locate possible issues with trees that would hamper efforts to get to problems lines in the event of a catastrophe. You can go to www.pge.com to find out more about PG&E’s Programs.

Franza Griffin is a lawyer of 30 years and a fiduciary. Franza described a range of situations in which the services of a fiduciary is necessary. She represents clients who are unable to manage their assets, or managing another person’s assets improperly, as in the case of elder abuse.


Henry Moe, “Rotating Editor”

NEXT MEETING: November 6, 2015

What is a fiduciary? Do I need one and why?

Franza Giffen has been an attorney for more than 30 years. Her practice has included estate planning, personal injury, small business formation and real estate. Since 1981 she has served the Contra Costa County Probate Court as a Probate Referee, appraising assets in estates going through probate. Her real estate broker’s license has assisted her in understanding the selling, renovating, managing and purchasing real estate for clients as well as in valuing property.

Franza will discuss the roles fiduciaries adopt and will provide some examples of how cases evolve. She will also touch upon elder abuse, mandatory reporting and choosing other attorneys to represent her in her cases.

Community Pipeline Safety Initiative

Following Ms. Giffen’s presentation, Treva Reid and colleagues will tell us about PG&E’s Pipeline Safety Initiative. Te utility’s pipeline infrastructure requires a systematic inspection and maintenance program to maintain public safety. We’ll learn what the entails.

MEETING OF October 30, 2015

Welcome

Alan Blavins presided over the meeting and held a moment of silence for peace, freedom and justice on earth. Connie Tritt led the pledge and Sid Chauvin’s (great to have him back) thought for the day was to respond is positive to react is negative.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Guest Linda Young attended with Jim Young.

Special Events

Bob Dabney received his Paul Harris award. Congratulations, Bob!

Announcements

  • Saturday, November 21st is Rotary Foundation Day at the Races
  • The Peres School Teacher fund campaign raised $2,900 all from individual Rotarian donations. President Alan Blavins had the pleasure of bringing the checks to the school and giving them to two of the teachers. He was amazed at the enthusiasm for the gift. Alan thanked all those Rotarians whose donations made that happen.
  • November 26 is the day for the annual Thanksgiving Giveaway and Dinner at Saluté Restaurant. The restaurant asks for volunteers to help serve food to the community members and hand out gift bags to guests.
  • Saturday November is the date for a concert by the Untouchables (a local band from the 60’s) at the West Contra Costa Salesian Boys and Girls Club. See Hank Covell for tickets for the event.
  • The Rotocare Clinic sent a wonderful thank you card to our Club for providing the food to the clinic. The last four years The Salesian Interact Club has provided the food for the two months per year in the name of Richmond Rotary. Martin at La Strada generously donated the food for several of those weeks.
  • Alan Baer reminded the club that the Barsheep mixer is always the last Friday of the month.
  • Pam talked to the club about the Buy a Bike Program for the Christmas Firefighters Program. To get a bike for each child about 61,100 would have to be raised. We our currently at $3,000 with $1,500 individual donation and the club match. $47 dollars buys a bike and a helmet for a child.
  • Connie reminded members of the importance of our Auction in raising funds to complete all the projects we do. We really need items like dinners and also tours that can sell for $50 to $150 per person. We also need to bring friends that can spend money at the auction.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Dirk Rosen is the founder and Executive Director of the Marine Applied Research and Exploration (MARE), a non-profit organization. MARE supports a healthy ocean by collecting information on deep-sea ecosystems using remote controlled robotic technology. Dirk founded MARE in 2003 and is a registered professional engineer. Dirk discussed the use of the deep sea camera to track fish populations and damage to the ocean bottom. You can see much more about MARE at www.maregroup.org.


- Henry Moe, Rotating Editor