Monthly Archives: August 2017
NEXT MEETING: September 8, 2017
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NEXT MEETING: August 25, 2015Investing in Women: How Micro Credit Has a Lasting Impact in Guatemala
The majority of low-income women in developing countries do not have the opportunity to acquire the skills and experience needed to build a successful business and become economically empowered. Lack of education and training, role models and networks, and fairly administered capital combine with cultural expectations in Latin America to present formidable barriers to women entrepreneurs throughout the region. MEETING OF August 18. 2017WelcomePresident Connie called the meeting to order and asked Josh Genser to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and justice. Sergeant at Arms Sidney Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “It is hard to feel fit as a fiddle when you are shaped like a cello.” Visiting Rotarians and GuestsJosh Genser’s guests were Sandi Genser Mack, Lynn Mack, and Melinda McCrary. Cecilia Orozco brought her daughter Ruby. Announcements
Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMOveraa Construction: Building for the Future Since 1907
Josh Genser presented today’s speaker, marketing manager Martha Castaneda who spoke about the history of Overaa Construction.
In 1911, Carl E. Overaa started Overaa Construction in Richmond. It is now the third largest self-performing contractor in northern California and the largest general contractor in West Contra Costa County. They employ over 400 people.
Overaa’s impressive projects include Richmond High School (the original one), the Greek Theater, Richmond Transit Center, Richmond City Hall, Making Waves charter school, Chevron facilities, pump stations, and other private and public projects throughout northern California.
Overaa still has many family members working for the company. Martha’s presentation even included a photo of Jerry Overaa shoveling gravel. To learn more, go here: https://www.overaa.com . -Shana Bagley, Rotating Scribette |
NEXT MEETING: August 18, 2017Overaa Construction: Building for the Future Since 1907
Overaa Construction is a 4th generation, family owned and operated design-build general contractor. Headquartered in Richmond, CA with offices in San Jose and Oakland, Overaa Construction works throughout Northern California. As one of Bay Area’s top craft labor employers, Overaa is consistently ranked among the top national and regional general contractors. Its crews build churches, schools, offices, hospitals and labs, and over the years have been responsible for building much of the infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area. Chances are your drinking water comes from a plant Overaa worked on, your park in one of Overaa’s 86 parking structures, or your child attends a school built by Overaa crews. Come join Martha Castaneda, Overaa’s Marketing Manager, to learn more about the company’s history, current work and future projects. MEETING OF August 11, 2017WelcomeConnie Tritt presided over today’s meeting. Mey Saechow led us in the Pledge and Erle Brown asked for a moment of silence for peace, freedom and justice on Earth. Sid’s thought for the day was – ‘My cardiologist has put me on a new diet, if it tastes good, spit it out.’ Connie reminded us again of Sid’s thought for the day just as everyone was enjoying their lunch! Visiting Rotarians and GuestsMack Robinson, Asst District Governor from San Pablo. Visiting us from the Rotary Club of Sagamihara, Japan was Kumiko Sato and her brother Taka Umeda. Doris Mitchell brought Amiko Foster of Youth Finance Institute of America as her guest. AnnouncementsDavid Brown announced he received a letter from Erle Brown which he read: “My recently departed wife, Phyliss Brown, was a retired teacher. Phyllis left $10,000 to Richmond Rotary to be used in the following manner. Rotary will continue their program of donating $100 to each classroom teacher for material and supplies. When every classroom is funded then and only then will Richmond Rotary donate another $1000 to Peres School to be used for additional materials and supplies. This $1000 donation is subject to the approval of the Board of directors of Richmond Rotary. David then started this year’s Classroom Teacher funding with $100 quickly followed by Erle with $200 and Alan Blavins with $100. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAM
Because this week’s speaker did not materialize, President Connie chose to have the attending group discuss last week’s concern from District Governor Vilhauer regarding dwindling membership, not just at Richmond Rotary (used to have 140 members, now only 53) but at Rotary Clubs throughout. Pamela Jones questioned whether club should focus on being a membership organization or providing service. It might be for networking, business contacts. The consensus appeared to be that Rotary needs to remain about service. Many in attendance agreed that’s why they joined and they appreciate the social aspect too. Many commiserated about today’s fast pace of life and how attending weekly lunch meetings can be difficult. Many wondered whether two monthly meetings might be preferred or a dinner or breakfast meeting so as not to conflict with workday. Some wondered if the weekly lunch fee makes it difficult for some. Should Rotary consider changing the day of the week, having virtual meetings, or less meetings? Young people may not be joining because their interactions have changed with the internet and social media. The consensus is that people join because they appreciate the traditional Rotary social service component. They also like the hearing the speakers. There is a need more service projects. On September 8th during our regular meeting we will attach Rotary stickers inside each of the 200+ books that were purchased for Richmond schools during President Josh’s term. This is an example of the type of events Rotary needs more of. The upcoming tree planting project, yet to be defined, that Connie Tritt is spearheading, is another opportunity for Rotary to bond and work on! Rotating Scribe: Darlene Rios Drapkin. |
NEXT MEETING: August 11. 2017Investing in Women: How Micro Credit Has a Lasting Impact in Guatemala
The majority of low-income women in developing countries do not have the opportunity to acquire the skills and experience needed to build a successful business and become economically empowered. Lack of education and training, role models and networks, and fairly administered capital combine with cultural expectations in Latin America to present formidable barriers to women entrepreneurs throughout the region. MEETING OF August 4, 2017WelcomeConnie Tritt, President, presided over the meeting and reminded Rotarians about the 4 way Test: Truth, Fairness, Goodwill and Friendship, and Beneficial to All. From Sid: Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite. Furthermore, always carry a small snake ~WC Fields~ Visiting Rotarians and GuestsPrudence Ashely, Children of Mexico – She was supposed to be our guest speaker. Due to a mix up which President Connie acknowledged, Prudence graciously deferred to speak on November 17. Gary Vilhauer, District Governor from Danville to speak instead. Mack Robinson, Asst District Governor from San Pablo. Special EventsBill Koziol received his second Paul Harris award. Connie Tritt gladly accepted a check for $4,000 for a grant she applied for to plant trees and create mosaic trash cans locally. AnnouncementsPam Jones announced YMCA event 12/23/17 to distribute 1200 bikes to families, priced at $49 each. Looking for Rotarians to support. Mey Saechao indicated she had been a bike recipient when she was 12 and look where she is now! District Governors throw great parties! The 2018 District Conference is scheduled for May 4 -6, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village, NV. The hotel rate is a good one: $159 per night but it will expire soon, so sign up right away. Leadership Conference in Martinez on September 23. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMGary Vilhauer, District Governor from DanvilleGary is a 33 year member of Danville Rotary and Co-Chair of Conferences. Gary wanted to share his goals for the district. He started by talking about his international Rotary work in Nigeria: how welcome he was made to feel upon his arrival at airport and also up to the last day of his departure. That’s why he loves Rotary. He is concerned because membership is declining and if trend continues, by 2050 Rotary could cease to exist. Therefore Gary shared two different public service announcements for use to promote membership. Rotating Scribe: Darlene Rios Drapkin. |
NEXT MEETING: August 4, 2017Children of Mexico International
Prudence Ashley, a bilingual speech-language pathologist is Vice President of Children of Mexico International. The nonprofit coordinates volunteer professional speech therapists, nurses, and teachers to work with special needs children, their caregivers and teachers. Children of Mexico International is committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults by sharing the most current communication techniques, therapy materials and equipment, education and research to those with a need. Please learn more at our website: www.childrenofmex.org. MEETING OF July 28, 2017WelcomePresident Connie called the meeting to order and asked Mey Saechao to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb Cole led a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice on earth. “Thoughtful” Sid Chauvin had this to share: “It is better to try something and fail, than to try nothing and succeed!!!”
Connie reviewed the Four-Way Test with the group (we passed!) and reminded everyone that when people ask “What is Rotary” we can say “We are a leadership organization of local business, professional and civic leaders. We meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships, and through that, we’re able to get things done in this community.”
Connie also shared the history of the lapel pins, the first of which was designed and created in 1909. The wheel became Rotary’s symbol in 1906 but the meaning behind it has evolved over the years, from civilization and movement, to people working together. The cogs and keyway were added much later, and the design was standardized to have 24 cogs. People wear their pins to demonstrate pride, to publicize Rotary, and to build relationships with Rotarians throughout the world. Announcements
On October 21st you can indulge yourself in the pleasures of wine and cigars with members of the San Ramon Rotary Club. The event is being held at the Blackhawk Country Club. Talk to Pam Jones if your our interested. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMCanine Guardians Dogs Provide Critical Assistance
Your Scribe introduced the speakers for the day, Rochelle Heskett, Founder/Executive Director for Canine Guardians Assistance Dogs, Katrinka Ruk, Executive Director for Council of Industries and Board Member for Canine Guardians, and Ellie, a Canine Guardian! Rochelle founded her organization after Ellie, a beautiful Golden Retriever being trained by Bergin University of Canine Studies to be a service dog, was placed with a veteran with PTSD. Ellie came back to live with them 3 years later when the Vet felt he no longer needed her services.
Rochelle, Katrinka and Ellie demonstrated some of the amazing things that her service dogs can do for veterans, diabetics or those with disabilities including: “Fix,” where she untwisted her leash; “Leash,” where she picked up her leash and handed it back; “Give”, where she picked up keys (David Brown demonstrated that volunteers need extra training!); “Light,” where she turned on the light and “Switch” to turn off the light. Rochelle next provided additional information about Canine Guardians and answered questions. She noted that they are limited by funding (it costs about $5,000 or more to train a dog) and volunteers. The main reason they have trouble finding volunteers is that people don’t want to have to give up their puppy after it has been trained! She added that it is an incredibly rewarding experience and that there is no cost to Puppy Parents, unless they want to support the program. She encouraged everyone to consider hosting their own puppy! She also described some of their programs supporting diabetics (dogs are trained to detect high/low blood sugar by scent) as well as their goal to expand services to help children with cancer. Visit http://www.canineguardians.org/ for more information.
- Stacey Street, Rotating Editor |
The speaker today is Meg Heinicke. Meg works with NamasteDirect an organization that provides MicroLending for women in Guatemala. Two people working here in the US, and a team of people work in Guatemala.
