NEXT MEETING: October 7, 2016

District Governor Fred Collignon

This Friday Rotary District Governor Fred Collignon will be our speaker. A retired professor of City and Regional Planning at UC Berkeley, Fred has received numerous community service awards and entry to the Order of the Golden Bear by the campus students.

Off campus, Fred has served on a wide array of local, metropolitan, state and national commissions and task forces. He was elected to two terms as a Berkeley City Councilmember and has served a total of six years at different times on the City of Berkeley Planning Commission, including two terms as Commission President.

In his retirement, Fred is serving as our District Governor and, happily, will be bringing his years of experience as a teacher, planner and active Rotarian to our club this Friday. Don’t miss it.

Our previously scheduled speaker, Steve Lack, will visit us in the coming months.

LAST WEEK’S MEETING

We regret that last Friday’s scribe was not present for the meeting. So we have no notes to present to you.

Our speaker Dr. Padilla cancelled the morning of, so for the program we had members in turn reminisce about interesting experiences they had visiting foreign Rotary clubs, including in Russia, Mexico, Japan, and Spain. It was actually a pretty great meeting

MEETING OF

Welcome

Announcements

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

NEXT MEETING: September 30, 2016
Meeting at Café Soleil this Friday. Address below.

METAS: Preparing Students for College, and Life

METAS, a program at Contra Costa Community College, prepares WCCUSD students from pre-school to 11th grade for a successful college experience through tutoring, culturally relevant academic courses, college readiness workshops, and parent involvement.

All METAS seniors graduate from high school and attend college. Many return to the program to become tutors, teachers, and leaders in our community. Dr. Mayra Padilla, the program director and former METAS student, will share how the program has evolved to stay responsive to our community needs, and in so doing has enabled youth for the past 28 years to realize their personal and educational goals.

MEETING OF September 23, 2016

Welcome

Josh called the meeting to order and reminded members that when travelling members should take a club flag, visit Rotary Clubs in their destination cities, and bring home a flag in return. By way of note, Sid designed our flag and they are sewn by his wife. David Cole led the Pledge and Hank Covell provided the benediction. Sid’s thought for the day gave plenty of opportunity for self-examination, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Our featured speaker, Gary Wong, is not only a former member of our club but a visiting member from Orinda. Alan Baer brought two guests, Donald Anderson and Walli Arakozoie.

Announcements

• Next Friday’s meeting (September 30th) will be held at Café Soleil, 3550 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante. Parking in back.
• George Egan alerted those present to watch out for a scam letter that claims to be from the IRS and demands payment of a certain amount. The fact that it tells recipients to write checks to the IRS rather that the U.S. Treasury is a clue that it is fake.
• Henry Moe is still looking for donations to send more kids to the Rotary retreat.
• Liliane provided an update on the school project in Cameroon that our club supports. She announced that there will be a groundbreaking ground in November.
• Alan Baer announced that the Berkeley Club will be sponsoring the next TGIFF at HS Lordships on Friday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Attracting and retraining new Rotary members: One club's approach

Gary Wong, a former Richmond club member and son of Charlie Wong a former club member, spoke about the Orinda Rotary has effectively increased its membership. The key to his, and the club’s approach, has been to recognize that change is essential. When attracting younger members it’s especially important to meet the expectations, needs and desires of younger members. This doesn’t mean altering the mission of Rotary—plenty of people want to participate in community service projects and make a difference—but it does require new ways of accommodating people.

A prime example lies in the fact that among club members there is a very small percentage of salaried employees. They simply can’t get off from work for a long weekly lunch. One alternative is a monthly meeting after work and before dinner. In addition to this practical tip, Gary provided the following guidelines for engaging Millennials and Gen-Xers:
– They support causes not groups
– They love to volunteer but need to be asked
– They communicate electronically and through social media
– They hate meetings
Finally, don’t forget, people need to get something in return. Give them the opportunity to grow their businesses through networking.

NEXT MEETING: September 23, 2016

The Secrets of Rotary Satellite Clubs

All Rotary Clubs are struggling today with the best way to recruit and retain young working professionals as members.  Rotarian Gary Wong, son of Richmond Rotary’s own Charlie Wong, will share how his club has been successful in these efforts. We look forward to a conversation that may plant new seeds and possibly help us recruit new member

MEETING OF September 16, 2016

Welcome

Prez Josh called the meeting to order and asked George Egan to lead us in the Pledge. PP Alan Blavins asked for peace on earth and Sid Chauvin offered: “Life will always be, to a large extent, what we ourselves make it.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Alan Baer had as his guest Wally Arakozie.

Announcements

• Herb Cole’s father-in-law passed away so Herb and Normi are in Texas. Thoughts and prayers with their family.
• Alan Baer informed us that El Cerrito Rotary will be having a Sip and Savor Event on October 16 2:30-5:30 at the Mira Vista Country Club. Cost $50/ticket. Process to EC Public Library and ECHS Student Activity Fund. Sonja at 510-234-5200
• 23^rd Street Merchants Association Business Mixer 9/21 5:30-7:30pm, J&E Automotive, 500-23^rd Street Richmond.
• Soroptimist of Richmond “A Taste of Spain PAELLA BY THE BAY” 10/2, 4-7pm at home of Martin and Janis McNair. $135/ticket. Call 510-772-2846.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Civics, Engagement and Our Youth

Stacey Street introduced our guest speaker Eleanor Vogelsang, Community Relations Manager for Close Up Washington DC. Started in 1971, the program is based in Washington DC, but Eleanor lives in Oakland and serves the Bay Area. Close Up is a one week program for middle and high school students that teach them about democracy and civic engagement while visiting Washington DC.

Eleanor shared with us some very discouraging statistics on voter turnout in our elections. One in particular, that only 19.9% of 18-29 year olds voted in 2014 election. Close Up looks to increase young adults’ participation in our democracy. Close Up has served El Cerrito and Kennedy High Schools in the past and currently has a program at Richmond High School. Cost of the program is $2,000 per student. To learn more about the programs or provide support go to: www.CloseUp.org

NEXT MEETING: September 16, 2016
Note: We meet at Café Soleil on Friday. See address below.

Civics, Engagement and Our Youth

As we enter one of the most contested presidential elections in recent history, we are reminded of the importance of voting and civic engagement. Youth voting trends and research studies demonstrate the ongoing challenge of getting 18-29 year olds involved in our democracy. This talk provides some context around the importance of civic education, and the work Close Up Foundation does with youth from across the country to prepare and motivate the next generation of leaders. Come and learn more about the importance of civics and the young people in our local community participating on Close Up (visit website).

MEETING OF September 9, 2016

Welcome

President Joshua Surowitz called the meeting to order, asked a club member from the back of the room to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and asked Mayor Tom Butt to lead us in a silent prayer for peace. Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered the quote of the day: “When I was a young child, I thought naptime was punishment. Now, I look at it as a small vacation.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Doreen Covell was Hank Covell’s guest.

Felix Hunsiker’s guest was Kevin Johnson

Announcements

• We meet at Café Soleil this Friday. Address:3550 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante. Don’t go to Richmond Country Club unless you want to watch the grass grow,
• Oscar Garcia announced Bob Dabney’s birthday and Mey Saechao’s club anniversary. Yippeeee!
• Pam Jones reminded us that there are only a few tickets left for Rotary Day at the Races (Sunday, November 19 at Golden Gate Fields).
• President Josh Surowitz advised everyone to register early for the District 5160 Conference (March 24-26, 2017 in Berkeley) as spaced are limited and are filling up (Sign up here: http://www.rotary5160.org/2017-conference/ ).
• Next week our meeting of the Friendliest Rotary Club will be at Café Soleil (3550 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante).

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

College Readiness in Richmond

President Joshua Surowitz introduced speaker David Millstein of College is Real, Inc.

College is Real started in 2005 with a few volunteers and about 16 students from Richmond High School. There are now 165 students with plans to expand to De Anza and Kennedy High Schools. This amazing program helps Richmond high school students prepare for, apply for, and finish college. College is Real provides tutors, mentors, college visits, scholarships, and programs (math immersion, SAT preparation, college essay writing, and college transition support). College is Real also works with local companies such as PG&E, AT&T, and Pandora to provide mentors and scholarship funding and with Richmond Promise.

More details at http://www.collegeisreal.org/
Like what you see? Consider donating.

NEXT MEETING: September 9, 2016

College Readiness in Richmond

College is Real (CIR) plays a critical role in helping students at Richmond High School (RHS) develop a passion for attending college. Starting with 16 students in its first year there are now 165 students in the program. In recent years all seniors have been accepted into college with most attending four-year schools. This is a remarkable achievement occurring as it does in an economically challenged city where less than 30% of the adult population ever graduated high school and where college attendance is not even a consideration for most families.

MEETING OF September 2, 2016

Welcome

Pres Josh headed up the meeting. Don Jenkins, Visiting Rotarian and part of the speaking team, led the pledge. Mark Howe led the invocation and Sid’s thought for the day was Many Marriages would be better off if the husband and wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Visiting Rotarians Don Jenkins and Jane Louie are speaking today about what they do for the 5160 District Foundation.

The Guest for this meeting is Danielle Franklin who is a contractor for fundraising events for non-profits.

Special Events

Alan Baer was presented with his Paul Harris plus 8 by Don Jenkins Congrats and thanks for all he does for Rotary

Announcements

• October 29, 2016 – Danielle Franklin, a friend of Rotarian Oscar Garcia, announced the Harmony Walk to raise money for GRIP. Go to www.gripcommunity.org for information or to register.
• The one and only Sid Chauvin announced that the group of Rotarians who meet after the meeting can no longer meet in the back bar area since they are not members of the Country Club.
• David Brown announced that there are only 28 classrooms at Peres School this year so he has cut the checks and President Josh Surowitz will personally deliver them to the school.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Rotary Foundation

Jane Louie and Don Jenkins discussed where the dollars go that Rotarians donate the Foundation. Over 92% of the money given goes to a humanitarian cause, like the Wheel Chair Program in Mexico that several Richmond Rotarians participated in. The speakers presented charts that illustrated in great detail how money goes to the Foundation and comes back to clubs and districts to help with projects, both worldwide and in local communities.