NEXT MEETING: December 2, 2016
Note: no meeting next Friday, Nov. 25

Annual Holiday Auction

Richmond Rotary contributes tens of thousands of dollars to numerous community organizations each year. That’s only possible because our generous members contribute to the Annual Holiday Auction, and attend the event with an open heart—and open wallet. Therefore,

1. If you’re among the 50% of members who haven’t done so already, please visit our Auction page and make a donation using the handy form (red button), or if you prefer to make a monetary donation, the yellow Donate button;
2. Invite friends to the event who appreciate that our contributions support  the quality of life in our community;
3. On December 2^nd, arrive at Richmond Country Club at noon, decked out in your holiday finery, have a good time, and spend freely!
4. BREAKING: Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child 2-years or older. Our friends from the Richmond Fire Department will be there to collect the toys, then distribute them to children in Richmond.

MEETING OF November 18, 2016

Welcome

Former President Alan Baer presided over the meeting. Oscar Garcia led the pledge. Jon Lawlis asked for a moment of silence for peace, justice and normal levels of good cholesterol. [Just kidding.] Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was “Don’t argue with an idiot, people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Our guests were Zelpha Chauvin (Sid’s Wife), Zachary and Gabriella Johnson (Sid’s grandchildren which are way too cute to be related to Sid), and today’s speaker, Mayra Padilla.

Announcements

• Holiday Meeting Schedule
  – NO meeting this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
  – Holiday Auction, Friday, Dec. 2nd. See #4 above about bringing a new unwrapped toy.
  – No lunch meeting on Friday, Dec. 9th. Instead, Holiday Party at the Richmond Art Center, 5PM.
  – No meeting on Friday, Dec. 23rd
  – No meeting on Friday, Dec. 6th
  – Friday, Jan. 6th is first meeting of New Year.
• The bike Fund continues to grow with the generous donations of Rotarian’s Keep it up so we can get a bike to many of the children at the toy give away.
• Come to the Holiday Auction on December 2^nd. We won’t repeat what we stated above.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Our speaker was Dr. Mayra Padilla, the director of the METAS program at Contra Costa College. “Metas” means goals in English. That’s appropriate because the program prepares over 250 WCCUSD students every year to achieve one of the most important goals young people set for themselves: achieving a college education.

Starting in the early years of elementary school, METAS prepares students for college through culturally relevant academic courses, personal development and college readiness workshops, and parent involvement. College students and young professionals serve as tutors and mentors for preschool, elementary and high school students. And it works: 100% of METAS seniors graduate from high school and attend college.

NEXT MEETING: November 18, 2016

METAS: Preparing Students for College, and Life

Metas, a program at Contra Costa Community College, prepares approximately 250 WCCUSD students every year for a successful college experience through culturally relevant academic courses, personal development and college readiness workshops, and parent involvement. College students and young professionals serve as tutors and mentors for preschool, elementary and high school students.

One hundred percent of Metas seniors graduate from high school and attend college. Dr. Mayra Padilla, the program director will tell us how the program has evolved over the past 28 years to stay relevant and responsive to our community needs, helping students realize their personal and educational goals

MEETING OF November 11, 2016

Welcome

Past President Alan Blavins called the meeting to order and asked Dan Tanita, DDS, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Alan asked for silent prayers for freedom, peace, and justice one Earth and Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “Why do we choose from just two people for President and from over fifty for Miss America?”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Sid Chauvin brought his wife Zelpha.
• Hank Covell’s guests were his wife Doreen, Ed and Yoshemi Downer.
• Jon Lawlis brought his fiancé Darlene Quinville.
• Alan Baer’s guests were his children Stephanie and James Baer and his nephew Donald Anderson.
• Bob Dabney brought his wife Cheryl Maier.
• Jack Freethy, Jane Del Simone, and Jan Feagley were our visiting Rotarians from El Cerrito Rotary.

Announcements

• Here’s a shocker: the Holiday Auction is only 3 weeks away, yet only about ONE THIRD of our members have submitted gifts for our critical fundraiser. What are you guys waiting for? Don and his band of anxious elves are sweating this one, so do us a favor. No, do yourself and your community a favor. Click here now and make your donation today. Please.
• Too much stress, Bucky? Then put this on your calendar: Rotary Holiday Cocktail Party, December 9 from 5-7 pm at the Richmond Art Center. (2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond).
• Pam Jones announced our club fundraiser for the YMCA/Richmond Fire bikes for kids. $49 will buy a kid a bike and a helmet. The YMCA of the East Bay will match each contribution. Please see David Brown. Or better still, push your mouse over to the right column of this page, then head south. See the 2 kids on bikes? You can take it from there.
• Mark Howe reminded everyone that the annual Rotary Auction item Mark-Stoney BBQ with Hawaiian style (Don-Shana) will be November 12. Onolicious!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Search for the Nile Perch

Past President Alan Blavins introduced himself as the guest speaker. He told us all about a stunningly scenic fishing trip in Uganda with his son that involved an endurance race of way too many airplanes and things that were supposedly airplanes. While near Murchison Falls National Park, he fished for a monster fish, the Giant Nile Perch (up to 250#!). He saw many beautiful, and not so beautiful, animals including: baboons, hippos, bald eagles, giraffe, antelope, elephants, water buffalo, tse tse flies, catfish, jacana birds, and ginormous crocodiles.

Stephanie Baer also shared an inspiring D5160 Interact End Polio Now video.

NEXT MEETING: November 11, 2016

The Search for the Nile Perch

Come hear Past President Alan Blavins spin fish stories about massive lunkers — except he has the pictures to back up the talk. Alan and his crew spent 6.5 days at Murchison Falls National Park Uganda, one of the most aggressive Falls in the world. It was/is spectacular. Alan et al. were there to try and catch a Nile Perch, yet another of “The River Monsters”.

MEETING OF November 4, 2016

Welcome

Past Prez Alan Baer, subbing for Prez Josh, rang the bell and called the meeting to order and Dan Tanita led us in the Pledge. George Egan offered a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice. Sid Chauvin offered, “You will only win if you are not afraid to lose!” Rocky Aoki

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Your Scribe brought Gina Fromer, new Vice President/Regional Executive Director for the West Contra Costa YMCA, who started on November 1.

Announcements

• Alan Baer informed us that there are still some tickets for the Warriors v. Detroit game on 1/12. See Alan for details
• Mark Howe reminded all that the Stoney “Hawaiian” BBQ was going to happen on 11/12 at his house. All are welcome. If you did not sign up you can pay at the door.
• Oscar Garcia reminded all to get out and VOTE on 11/8.
• Pam Jones had 3 announcements: 1. She has 2 tix to the Rotary at Races for $40/tix; 2. She wanted all to know that we will be supplying goody bags at Menbere’s Thanksgiving meal for veterans. Bag stuffing next week; and 3. BIKES BIKES BIKES..$49 will purchase a bike for a kid at the Annual Fire and Police Toy program.
• Alan also reminded all to get your items listed on the Rotary Auction website…do it NOW!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Waste, recycling and progress

Stacey Street introduced our 2 guests Kristal Ibarra and Reagan Chung who are with Republic Service (aka Richmond Sanitary Service) who provide the public on Republic’s recycling program.

Just as Richmond in WWII did a lot of reuse of materials for the war effort, today waste management companies are trying to achieve 75% of all waste be recycled and not tossed into the landfill. In Richmond, we are currently at about 50% which is good progress.

There was a detailed discussion regarding blue, green and brown trash containers and what kind of trash is appropriately placed in those containers. Lots of good questions and very helpful answers. Although a little confusion it is all in the best interest of the planet. If you have questions Reagan can be reached at rchung@republicservices.com

NEXT MEETING: November 4, 2016

Waste diversion is the specialist’s term for recycling: diverting more of what we dispose from landfills and into various recycling processes. RecycleMore, also known as the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, aims to achieve 75% waste diversion by 2020. Their partner in this effort is Republic Services, the area’s recycling and waste service provider.

Leveraging both technology and public education, Republic Services enlists the help of businesses, schools, and residents to achieve their goal. This Friday a representative from Republic Services will tell us just how they do it.

MEETING OF October 28, 2016

Welcome

Pres Josh presided, Connie Tritt lead us in the pledge, Herb Cole offered the invocation, and Sid Chauvin’s provided this thought for the day:”Giving money and power to our government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” Hmm.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Our guests hailed from the Richmond Fire Department: Anthony Woodards, Dwayne Jarado and Daniel James. They have generously stepped up to manage the bike drive to be held at the YMCA facility on 17^th Street. Thank you!

Announcements

• Where else can you buy a bike and helmet for $49, and donate them to a kid who can really use them? Only in our Annual Bike Program! We have been great supporters of the Richmond Fire Department Program and it is time again. Alan Blavins, President Josh Surowitz, Jon Lawlis and Erle Brown all stepped up to make a donation at the meeting and now the rest of us can join in and help reach our goal of $5000 donations and a rotary match of $5000.
• TGIFF – Thank God it is Final Friday was held on October 28^th in Rodeo. The Barsheep group holds it at different locations every final Friday of the month so join in on the fun.
• January 12, 2017 Warriors help Interact fight Polio. The Warriors are again hosting a game to help Interact raise money for Ending Polio in the world. Tickets are $85 each in Section 200 and you can talk to Alan Baer if you want tickets.
• December 2, 2016 The Holiday Auction is only a month away and we need every Rotarian to pitch in a gift and bring friends to spend money. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and helps us help others. If you haven’t done so already (what?!), please visit our Holiday Auction page, peruse the items, decide what you’ll donate, then use the handy Post Item button to do it.
• December 9^th 2016 The Rotary Holiday Party will be held at the Richmond Art Center once again. It was a great party last year and the location was generously donated by Richmond Rotarian and Art Center Board Member Ric Ambrose. Come join in the fun and then head over to the next announcement.
• December 9^th 2016 Don Lau is retiring. Sort of. To attend a “retirement” party for Don please contact Candy Souza at csouza@ymcaeastbay.org to RSVP. The event is $45 per person.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Our speaker was Dorothy Crews Herzberg, a social activist, author and Jefferson Award winner. In 2010 Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner named her El Cerrito Woman of the Year. Dorothy taught in the West Contra Costa School District and is now retired. Her first book Madam, described her experiences as a young woman in Nigeria, where she volunteered her time from 1961 -1963 to help in their new found independence. Her second book describes her time as a teacher with a focus on the groups of Richmond and Kennedy High School students she took on trips to see our nation’s capital.

Dorothy observed recording the big events in her life enabled her to see the big picture: to appreciate the effects that those events had on the lives of others.