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.

NEXT MEETING: October 23, 2016

Memoir of a Social Activist

Mother, author, and winner of Jefferson Award, Dorothy Crews Herzberg will share stories from a lifetime of social activism. Dorothy’s first book, Me, Madam, illuminates the energy of Nigeria immediately after independence. The letters she wrote to her parents from 1961-1963 describe her experiences living among people struggling to create a new democracy. In 2010 Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner named Dorothy “El Cerrito Woman of the Year” by Assembly Resolution.

Dorothy’s message is that volunteering is caring and generous, and for these reasons, renews our values.  She encourages everyone to share their own volunteer experience.

MEETING OF October 21, 2016

Welcome

On another beautiful day in Richmond, Prez Josh Surowitz welcomed all to the friendly Richmond Rotary Club. Tom Butt led the Pledge and Herb Cole offered a moment for Peace, Justice and Freedom.
Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin opined “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Jon Lawlis had as his guest Barry Tyler and Felix Hunziker has as his guest wife Audrey Dela Cruz.

Special Events

President Josh asked Wally Arakozie, and his sponsor Alan Baer, to come up to the podium for Wally’s official induction into the Rotary.

Welcome to the club, Wally!

Announcements

• Alan Baer reminded all about the Golden State Warriors game 1/12 v. Detroit Pistons. Cost $85 with some of the proceeds going to Rotary Polio program. Let Alan know by 10/31.
• Shana Bagley Howe passed out Thank You cards from the Peres Elementary School teachers who received $100 each from Rotary
• Mark Howe (Mr. Bagley) reminded all about Stoney’s BBQ happening 11/12 at Mark and Shana’s home. If you want to attend and did not pay for it donations welcome at the door.
• Shana told us she has assumed the mantle of Calendar Queen. This newly-created position is conferred only upon the most organized and socially conscious individuals—who by genetic predisposition are usually femaie. (You’ve never heard of a Calendar King, have you?) Henceforth, you may find upcoming Richmond Rotary events posted on our calendar page. Thank you, Shana.
• Holiday Auction!! Nick informed us that the Holiday Auction 2016 link is now available on the top bar navigation of this website. (Do you see it?) To list your donation, visit the page, take a moment to experience the frisson of familiarity, then click the red  “Post Your Item” button. A form appears in which you can will write a description and, if you wish, upload a photo. Do it now and avoid the rush later! Get off the Naughty list!
• Alan Blavins reminded all about the “Hike” that will happen on 10/30 at Kennedy Grove and BBQ and pool party at his house.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Manage Your Time Or It Will Manage You

Stacey Street introduced our speaker Julie Mathern of Focal Point Coaching Excellence. Her presentation “Time Management-Managing Your Time or It Will Manage You” offered us an opportunity to understand how we use our time and how we could do that more effectively. We need to understand how to set priorities. What’s important and urgent versus urgent but not important. How difficult it is to multi-task. Also the ABCDE Method of organizing your work: must, A-must, B-should, C-nice, D-delegate and E-eliminate. She encouraged us to plan each day by making a list of what needs to be done and then prioritizing that list.

NEXT MEETING: October 21, 2016

Manage Your Time Or It Will Manage You

No skill is more closely correlated to success in life as the ability to manage your time well.  Improve productivity and effectiveness through daily planning and prioritization; learn how multi-tasking impacts performance and key tools to manage your time for the biggest impact.

Julie Mathern of FocalPoint Business Coaching is passionate about helping organizations with social and environmental impact missions become financially sustainable. Julie takes a hands-on approach to helping clients clearly define and achieve their objectives using a vast toolkit of solutions that can be customized to meet her client’s need

MEETING OF Friday, October 7, 2016

Welcome

President Josh called the meeting to order and asked Mayor Tom Butt to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dan Tanita asked for silent prayers for freedom, peace, and justice one Earth and Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people on poor countries.” – Douglas Casey.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Alan Baer brought his nephew Donald Baer.
• Jon Lawlis, just back from Canada, introduced his daughter Alissa and his fiancé Darlene Quinville.
• Don Lau brought Amanda Elliot.
• Neville Guard was our visiting Rotarian.
• Wally Arakozie was a visitor who may soon become a new member.

Announcements

• NOTA BENE: Our October 21 meeting is back at Richmond Country Club.
• Don Lau introduced Amanda Elliot who announced the Richmond Main Street Crystal Anniversary Celebration on November 3, 2016, main event is 6-10 pm at the Rigger’s Loft in Richmond. Visit the Richmond Main Street website to join the party:
• Alan Blavins said that the annual auction hike and BBQ was rescheduled to October 30 at 3:00. Even if you did not bid on this item, it is open to all. Please contact Alan or President Josh.
• Dan Tanita presented a certificate and a beautiful Ural Mountain serpentine Egg to Alan Blavins for hosting the Russian Dentists during his presidency.
• Pam Jones reminded everyone to sign up for the District Conference (website) in Berkeley, March 24-26, 2017, as it is expected to sell out. One of the joint projects includes assembling and donating care bags for the CASA kids (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
• Don Lau announced that the Richmond Rotary Holiday Auction is on December 2nd. Visit the Holiday Auction page to browse what your fellow Rotarians have already donated, decide what you’re giving this year, then use the handy form (button on the page) to send us a description and, if you’d like, a photo.
• President Josh Surowitz emphasized that the Holiday Auction is one of our most important fundraisers as it helps us give back to our local community and to contribute to global projects. Here are a few examples of what we funded with last year’s Auction proceeds: Guatemalan Water Project; Visiting Russian Dentists; a Liver Ward in Monterey Mexico; New Library Books for Richmond Schools; Camp Royal and Camp Venture scholarships; Escape Club outings for Richmond high students; Kennedy-King Scholarships; Peres School teacher funds; Salesian student boat cruise; Fishing Derby (or Darby as they across the Pond); Buy a Kid a Bike with the Richmond Fire Department; Rotoplast; Rota Care community health clinics; the Pink Lilly Project for cancer treatment in Kenya; and the Monterey Mexico Wheelchair Project. That’s a lot of relief of pain and suffering and stress in the world.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Supporting Housing for Those In Need

Program Chair Stacey Street introduced our speaker, Nikki Beasley, Executive Director of the Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services. Ms. Beasley retired from the banking industry to put her heart and soul into strengthening low-income families and neighborhoods through the promotion of affordable housing and financial literacy. They have helped with HUD foreclosure mitigation, addressed issues of urban blight, and are providing resources to young people to encourage success and to stay in Richmond.

For more information, visit the East Bay Housing Services website. If you want to help, there you’ll find volunteer opportunities.

NEXT MEETING: October 14, 2016
We meet at Café Soleil this Friday. Directions below.

Supporting Housing for Those In Need

Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services (RNHS) is a nonprofit organization that secures housing for low-income families. It was created in 1981 by local low-income residents to address the redlining in Richmond  common during that time.

Today RNHS is a scattered site property-owner/manager of 21 single family homes available for rent to low-income families. RNHS also provides HUD-certified classes; one-to-one counseling for first-time home owners, renters and those facing foreclosure; and funds for down payment assistance programs. Executive Director Nikki Beasley will present an overview of RHNS programs and goals.

MEETING OF October 7, 2016

Welcome

President Joshua Surowitz called the meeting to order and asked District Governor Fred Collignon to lead us in the Pledge. Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “A party without cake is just a meeting.” – Julia Child

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

DG Fred Collignon brought his wonderful wife Joan
Mac Robinson (Assistant DG) and Mac Lingo (Berkeley Rotary) were our visiting Rotarians.

Announcements

• NOTA BENE: Our October 14 meeting is at Café Soleil: 3550 San Pablo Dam Road, San Pablo. Remember, there is extra parking in the back.
• Don Lau announced that the Richmond Rotary Holiday Action is December 2. Contact Don as to what items you will be offering at the auction. The club website (https://richmondcarotary ) will be updated shortly to show some of the great items to choose from!
• Pam Jones reminded everyone to sign up for the District Conference (http://www.rotary5160.org/2017-conference/) in Berkeley, March 24-26, 2017, as it is expected to sell out. One of the joint projects includes assembling and donating care bags for the CASA kids (https://adv4children.org/about/history-of-casa/).
• Alan Blavins said that the annual auction hike and BBQ starts at 3:00 on October 15. Even if you did not bid on this item, it is open to all. Please contact Alan or President Josh.
• David Brown reported that last week, he and President Josh distributed the checks to appreciative Peres School teachers.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

A visit from District Governor Fred Collingnon

President Josh introduced our exuberant District Governor Fred Collignon.

DG Fred gave out the following Foundation Awards:

• Josh Genser – Paul Harris +3
• Oh!Henry Moe – Leadership with the Salesian Interact Program
• Alan Blavins – Leadership with the fishing derby for at risk youth
• Josh Genser – Leadership for taking youth fishing and camping at his wilderness cabin
• Jan Brown –  Leadership of the Teen Mom’s Program

DG Fred shifted gears and put on his 2016 Rotary District Aloha shirt (which, being from Berkeley Rotary, is appropriately tie-dyed). He told many inspiring tales of Rotary’s successes (eradicating Polio, creating East Bay Parks, clean water supplies) and the need to continue helping those in need locally and globally. Did you know that the Rotary Foundation is the 5^th most effective foundation in the world?