NEXT MEETING: January 6, 2017

The Contribution of the B-52 to National Security

This talk provides a pictorial and verbal description of the B-52 Stratofortress, including its development and evolution over the decades. Its usefulness in crises such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, Viet Nam, and the Gulf War will be described. If time allows, George Sakaldasis, Deputy Director for Military and Nuclear Affairs in the National Security Office at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will describe the time when the bomber and tanker force was taken off nuclear alert as a normal course of business, as directed by the President. Listeners will gain an appreciation for a weapon system that has stood the test of time and will continue to contribute to the security of the country for the foreseeable future.

MEETING OF December 16, 2016

Welcome

Josh Surowitz called the meeting to order and asked Tom Butt to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. In Sid’s absence all those present had to provide their own wisdom

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Darlene Quenville graced the proceedings as a guest of Jon Lawlis

Announcements

• No meeting on Friday, Dec. 30th
• Friday, Jan. 6th is first meeting of New Year.
• Josh thanked the many people who had participated in the auction and announced that we had raised $36,000
• Dave Brown announced that we had received a donation of $3,000 from Norm Lundberg.
• Dave then passed the basket around for a special gift to the country club restaurant staff who have been so hard working and helpful.
• Jan Brown announced that Parchester Village had not received any toys out of the toy drive this year. The basket was passed around again for donations. Norm Lundberg announced that he would match all toy donations from his gift to the club.

Of the 400 bikes given away last Saturday at the Richmond/El Cerrito Firefighters’ Annual Toy Program more than 250 of them were the result of donations by Richmond Rotary, its membership and friends of the club!!! 

Thanks to all who helped make a lot of kids happy 🙂

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Club Assembly

As traditional, the last program of the year featured a discussion of club financial matters and a chance for members to express their interest in speaker topics, programs and social events. Josh Surowitz moderated the discussion and presented the year-end financial report. He noted in particular that the club had donated $12,500 for bikes. The discussion then turned to programs. Some members expressed disinterest in speakers from nonprofits while others commented that these were central to the club’s activities. Felix would like to see more hands-on activities, and Alan Blavins commented that NIAD is always in need of help. Jan mentioned that she comes to Rotary to be better informed and loves book related programs. Wally suggested field trips to local businesses as a way to recruit new members. Josh and others encouraged him to pursue the idea and said that this was something that had been done long ago but had fallen aside for lack of a person motivated to take charge. The meeting concluded with a discussion of possible group trips. Reno and South Tahoe were both suggested.

– David Cole, Rotating Editor

NEXT MEETING: December 16, 2016

An open-ended conversation

This week we will forego the usual program to spend more time with our Richmond Rotary friends and enjoy an open chat. Topics are wide open. They can include a discussion of great things we used to do and may want to revive, or ideas for new kinds of social events, or an innovative project someone may suggest, or…

MEETING OF December 9, 2016

Welcome

Last Friday a small but spirited contingent of our club met at the Richmond Art Center to enjoy cocktails and camaraderie. We simply welcomed one another, which was more than enough. World problems were brought up and solutions found. We uncorked no more bottles than we consumed, which, again, was more than enough. And maybe we raised enough money to pay for the excellent hors d’oeuvres and staff to serve them. All in all a very nice time.

Announcements

• No meeting on Friday, Dec. 23rd
• No meeting on Friday, Dec. 30th
• Friday, Jan. 6th is first meeting of New Year.
• David Hammer’s (El Sobrante Rotary)/District 5790’s 8-day Los Puentes/Honduras Water Project has been postponed. A new date sometime after February 2017 is forthcoming. If you would like to participate in or want more information about this project, please contact David Hammer at davidhammer45@gmail.com ). More information.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Holiday Auction, December 2nd. A recap.

Live and silent bidding distributed an embarrassment of riches to the highest bidders: trips to Mexico, events, vacation homes, restaurant gift certificates, tours, wine, and many other exciting offerings. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our members and their guests, our club raised some $35,000. The money will help fund local and international projects, including support for local schools and non-profit organizations. Members of the Richmond Fire Department walked out with a sleigh full of donated toys for their toy drive. One firefighter—sorry, we missed recording his name—auctioned off what promises to be an amazing firehouse dinner, raising still more money for bikes for kids.

Thanks to all of you for attending and contributing. You are all humanitarians!

Best wishes for the New Year!

NEXT MEETING: December 9, 2016
No lunchtime meeting. Holiday party at 5 at Richmond Art Center.

Holiday Cocktail Party

Last year’s Holiday Party at the Richmond Art Center

Instead of our usual lunch time meeting, this Friday we’re gathering at the Richmond Art Center (2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond) at 5 PM to enjoy camaraderie over drinks and party food. Expect a lot of mutual congratulations on our very successful auction last week.

This is a chance to relax with other members without the time constraints imposed by the usual meeting business and guest speakers. We hope you can make it.

MEETING OF December 2, 2016

Welcome

Using his “outside voice” to seize the attention of a jovial throng of Rotarians and their guests, President Josh Surowitz kicked off today’s meeting, whose main business was the Holiday Auction. Josh quick-stepped the meeting through the regular order, beginning with Sid Chauvin’s thought-for-the-day: “Marriage changes passion. Suddenly, you are in bed with a relative,” followed by an Invocation that somehow failed to reach the back of the room. (No matter, it never changes.) OK, on to recognizing a happy gaggle of Visiting Rotarians and Guests. We enjoyed the packed house.

Announcements

• As we mentioned above, there will be no lunch meeting this Friday. Instead please come to the Holiday Cocktail Party at the Richmond Art Center (2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond),  5PM.
• No meeting on Friday, Dec. 23rd
• No meeting on Friday, Dec. 30th
• Friday, Jan. 6th is first meeting of New Year.
• David Hammer’s (El Sobrante Rotary)/District 5790’s 8-day Los Puentes/Honduras Water Project has been postponed. A new date sometime after February 2017 is forthcoming. If you would like to participate in or want more information about this project, please contact David Hammer at davidhammer45@gmail.com ). More information.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Live and silent bidding distributed an embarrassment of riches to the highest bidders: trips to Mexico, events, vacation homes, restaurant gift certificates, tours, wine, and many other exciting offerings. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our members and their guests, our club raised some $35,000. The money will help fund local and international projects, including support for local schools and non-profit organizations. Members of the Richmond Fire Department walked out with a sleigh full of donated toys for their toy drive. One firefighter—sorry, we missed recording his name—auctioned off what promises to be an amazing firehouse dinner, raising still more money for bikes for kids.

Thanks to all of you for attending and contributing. You are all humanitarians!

And thanks to Shana Bagley, who, despite the revelry of the event, noted the absence of a designated scribe, put pen to paper, and recorded these notes.

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.