NEXT MEETING: January 3, 2020

The Unintended Consequences of Polio Eradication

When someone says the words, “The Rotary Foundation,” we immediately think of the people who receive the benefit of Rotary’s humanitarian generosity. However, these are not the people who receive greatest benefit from our Foundation. This presentation will tell the stories of those who benefit the most.

Brad Howard is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Oakland Uptown and past district governor of the district serving California’s Silicon Valley. He was a Rotary International director from 2015-2017 and served 10 years as the coordinator for End Polio Now.

MEETING OF December 20, 2019

Welcome

Prez Jan opened the meeting, Simon Ellis led the pledge, Jim Findley held a moment of silence for Peace Justice and Freedom on Earth. David Brown passed the hat for the Richmond Country Club staff who do a great job preparing, serving and taking care of us each week for our meetings.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Tamara Shiloh introduced Alexandra Wilson, Richmond resident and Immigration Attorney, as her guest and interested in learning more about Richmond Rotary.

Announcements

  • Rotary Night with the Warriors is Feb. 10 (Warriors vs. Heat) at 7:30 at the Chase Center. For more information contact Jon Lawlis or pay David Brown before end of December ($105 for upper level sideline – $85 for baseline upper level). Orders are due January 1st. Included in the price of the ticket is a limited edition Warriors/Rotary T-shirt. A portion of each ticket sold benefits the fight to end Polio.
  • The Richmond Fire and Police Toy and Bike Give-Away was held at PAL early Saturday morning! Thanks to all who donated so generously to this popular community program. Check out our FB page. Thank you Pam Jones for organizing the Bikes for Kids effort through Rotary and Don Lau and David Brown for helping at the event.
  • Mark Howe announced that Past President and our current Secretary Connie Tritt is having a party before she moves to Florida in mid January and you are invited: January 16 from 5-8 at the Hotel Mac. Hors d’oeuvres with No-host bar.
  • Stacey Street thanked everyone for a successful auction and the club thanked Stacey for her hard work. Feedback for next year’s auction is welcomed.
  • Don Lau and David Brown thanked all – especially our community donors – for their generous backing of the Miraflores Centennial Project and the educational display installation scheduled for spring of 2020.       Club 100 reflects you, our members who are behind us 100%. THANK YOU! Members reading this who have not yet gotten around to it can still participate (https://richmondcarotaryclub100/ or contact Don Lau). Donations for the overall project was helped greatly by a generous donation from the Ninomiya Family.
  • Norm Lundberg is working on streamlining our Club’s legacy budget grants, which (going forward) will require a club advocate to be considered. See the application online.
  • SAVE THE DATE January 25 is our annual family Crabfeed held at Salesian. Stay tuned for more details and how you can be a part of it.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Club Assembly

Thank you to all who attended the Club Assembly.

  • The Club Assembly opened with “Rotarians at Work, a presentation by Don Lau based on a slide show by Past President Russ Schulze in 1969.
  • Jan highlighted the RI President’s message (see December’s Rotarian), and reviewed many of the past year’s highlights;
  • Josh Genser explained the upcoming Centennial Volunteer Project scheduled for January 11 (see announcements);
  • Pierre Thompson outlined plans for resurrecting our club’s sponsorship of a 4-Way Test essay contest for local high school students in the spring. The Board approved a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place reward of $500, $300, and $200. More details and a flyer will follow.
  • Stacey Street gave an overview of plans for the April 4 Anniversary event and asked for club member ideas and feedback.
  • Jerry Feagley advised the club that leadership planning for 2021-2022 is still pending.
  • And with the time remaining, membership responded. There will be more opportunity for your feedback and participation as the year ahead unfolds.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


- Henry Moe, Rotating Scribe

NEXT MEETING: December 20, 2019

Club Assembly

This Friday we’ll have a lively conversation about the coming year, following the format of our periodic Club Assemblies. This coming year is very special: we will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Richmond Rotary. So at this gathering we’ll talk about our plans for our Centennial Celebration—check out the calendar of Upcoming Events here.
The Club Assembly is also an opportunity to review the accomplishments of the past year and float ideas you may have for other projects and activities in the coming year. We look forward to seeing you all there.

MEETING OF

Welcome

Decked with sparkling lights and festive greens, the Richmond Country Club glowed as this year’s 46th* Annual Holiday Auction attendees were treated to a welcoming preview of silent and live auction items, live music, and a mingling of old & new friends. Stacey Street sang a beautiful carol; Prez Jan opened with a brief meeting. Darlene Quenville led the pledge and Jim Findley asked for a moment of silence for Peace, Justice and Freedom on Earth. Jan introduced Stacey (chair of today’s event) who then introduced the Auction team; Don Lau led our club (with the help of his lively Rotary Auction carolers!) in a rousing traditional rendition of Mele Kalikimaka. And then the Live Auction began! We closed with a bit of history from our 2000 Flywheel archives by then Richmond Rotary auctioneer Jim Beaver: “It is better to give than receive, but today we have the wonderful opportunity to do both!”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

  • Over 30 guests filled the room. Among our visiting Rotarians were
  • Grief Graff, Assist District Gov, Rotary Club of Berkeley
  • Mac Robinson, District Interact Liaison, Rotary Club of San Pablo
  • Maya Wilner, President, Rotary Club of Pinole
  • Jamie Cepernich, Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Pinole
  • Carol Robinson, President, Rotary Club of San Pablo
  • Neville Guard, Past President, Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley
  • Valerie Munoz, Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley
  • Dany Gregory, District Photographer, Past President, Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley

Announcements

  • Success! Thank you Holiday Auction team, donors and participants for your generosity!
  • Rotary Lite meets the third Tuesday (this Tuesday, Dec. 17) from 6 – 7 PM at El Agave Azul
  • Our board meets before Rotary Lite from 5 to 6 PM at El Agave Azul
  • Our next meeting this coming Friday is our Club Assembly – getting ready for the next 100 years!
  • Mac Robinson announced a special thanks of appreciation to all who so generously contributed to the BBQ Bahamas Benefit at the home of Alan & Santa Baer in October.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM


JLB Acting “Rotating Editor”

NEXT MEETING: December 13, 2019

Holiday Auction This Friday!

This Friday is the Big Day! We count on our annual Holiday Auction to raise the lion’s share of revenue that we distribute to non-profit organization and community projects citywide and beyond. That means when you do at least part of your holiday shopping at the Auction, you enrich the quality of life for residents throughout our community.

So come, spend freely (not hard, with unusual holiday gifts galore), and bring friends who share your commitment to making our world a better place to live.

MEETING OF December 6, 2019

Welcome

Our President Jan Brown opened the meeting. Simon Ellis led us in the Pledge and Herb Cole did the invocation for peace, freedom and justice on earth. Sergeant-at-Arms Alan Blavins gave a thought for the day.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Steve Kirby, Hercules Rotarian
Merrill Pierce, Teacher from Verde Elementary School – Guest of Mark Howe
Paul Werner, Retired College Professor of Psychology Research
Michael Cobarrubis, Speaker from Rubicon

Special Events

Gerald Fay presented his “Who Am I” talk.
(Richmond Rotary’s father & son membership – his son is Brian Fay.)

Gerald is the youngest of 5 children. He has a twin brother. His mother moved from Minnesota to Washington State.  His family moved to Richmond, California, when he was four years old. In l960, his older brother convinced him to join the National Guard. He worked for Standard Oil, first as a welder, then inspector, for 37 years. In l970, he married his wife, who passed just before their 48th Wedding Anniversary.  Gerald has two children, a son and a daughter. Gerald’s family goal is “To be remembered as a person they can count on!”

Announcements

  • Stacey Street reminded us that every member is expected to contribute to the Auction. We still need certificates for services, restaurants, gift baskets and other items for our Silent Auction tables.  She also urged us to bring guests to the Auction.  DOn’t worry—with live piano, freely flowing egg nog and wine, and an infectious feeling of fellowship, they will have a great time. Please plan to arrive by 11:30. Buffet starts at noon.
  • Pam  Jones asked all members to “Buy a Kid a Bike” ASAP so the fleet of two-wheelers will be fully ready to ride by Christmas. Use the Donate button in the right column, below the kids on bike graphic.
  • Pam also asked every member to bring an unwrapped toy and canned goods to the Auction.  Toys should be for children aged 10 to 12.
  • Rotary Lite will take place at El Agave Azul Restaurant, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17th (Third Tuesday of each month.).
  • The Richmond Rotary Board Meeting will take place at El Agave Azul restaurant, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17 (before Rotary Lite)New Members: Think about attending this Board Meeting!

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Helping people achieve economic mobility

Darlene Drapkin introduced our Speaker, Michael Cobarrubis, Speaker from Rubicon.  We want to thank Michael for his informative presentation about Rubicon’s past, present and future work!


NEXT MEETING: December 6, 2019

Helping people achieve economic mobility

Rubicon’s vision is an East Bay without poverty. Our program model equips participants for long-term economic mobility through guided participation and achievement in four areas: Income, Assets, Wellness, and Community Connections.

In Richmond, most participants are reentering the community following incarceration. The scattered reentry landscape is itself an obstacle for this population, challenging to navigate even for those with ample psychological and practical resources. Rubicon’s whole person model equips people, under one roof, with the tools needed for sustained stability. We look forward to sharing a brief presentation of Rubicon Programs with you, including the perspective of a program participant.

MEETING OF November 22, 2019

Welcome

President Jan Brown opened the meeting, Henry Moe led the pledge, Jim Findley held a moment of silence for Peace Justice and Freedom on Earth and we had no thought for the day.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Tamara Shiloh, Khalieghya Dandie-Evans, Azura Nguyen
and Ms. Dandie

  • Cathy Durfee from Walnut Creek Rotary was visiting today. Cathy is also on the Board of the Rosie the Riveter Trust.
  • Membership chair, Tamara Shiloh, introduced new member, Ms. LaTanya Dandie, and her two guests, Ms. Dandie’s daughter and her daughter’s best friend, who just happens to be Tamara’s niece. Small world!

Special Events

Ms. Dandie was inducted into the Club by Tamara Shiloh. Her sponsor is Darlene Drapkin.

Announcements

  • Our HOLIDAY AUCTION is December 13. If you haven’t already made your donation to the Auction, please do it now. To build the most interest and bring out the most guests, Nick told us, it’s important that our Auction page is stuffed with great stuff—and soon!
  • We were greeted by four new beautiful banners, displaying Rotary flags from all over the world courtesy of Sid and, of course, Zelpha!  Sid counts 75 more flags that still need to be prepared. Thank you Sid and Zelpha for a great gift of history.
  • Pam Jones reminds members to bring to the Auction on December 13 unwrapped canned food and unwrapped gifts for children around 10 years old. (Think baseball, soccer ball, art supplies . . .).
  • Rotary Lite will take place at at El Agave Azul , from 6-7:30 PM, on December 17.
  • Richmond Rotary Board Meeting at El Agave Azul, from 5 – 6 PM, on December 17 (before Rotary Lite)
  • A Club Assembly will take place on December 20

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Tom Leatherman, Superintendent at National Park Service historic sites in the East Bay, provided an overview of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park, calling attention to the Park’s lasting impacts and benefits.


- Henry Moe, “Rotating Editor”

NEXT MEETING: November 22, 2019

Tom Leatherman is currently the Superintendent at four National Park Service historic sites in the East Bay – Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

Tom will provide an overview of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front NHP and talk about past, current and future programs in the community which continue (or seek) to provide lasting impacts and benefits.

MEETING OF November 15, 2019

Welcome

Our President Elect, Stacey Street, opened the meeting as our President, Jan Brown, was not available due to the passing of her mother-in-law. Please keep Jan and Byron in your thoughts

Jon Lawlis led us in the Pledge and Herb Cole did the invocation for peace, freedom and justice on earth. Sergeant at Arms Alan Blavins gave a thought for the day.

Jon Lawlis had two Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions today:

First, Darlene Drapkin, received her first Paul Harris Fellow Recognition and Pin for her donation of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation.

Second, Tom Butt received his fourth Paul Harris Fellow Recognition and Pin for over $4000 donated to the Foundation. Tom’s Pin has three sapphires on it.

Stacey attended a dinner last night with the Barsheep – they were excited to hear about our Club 100 Miraflores Project. Thanks Don for leading this effort. We appreciate all you do!

On this day we were happy to welcome our three newest members: Santa Baer, Brian Fay and Gerald Fay!

Announcements

  • Pam Jones asked if anyone at the Club hasn’t donated yet to “Buy a Kid a Bike”, please do so soon. So far we have raised $5,200. Last year we raised $20,000. We need to raise a minimum of $12,000 for bikes we have already ordered. Share the Buy a Kid a Bike on your Facebook page to encourage your friends to donate.
  • Don Lau had very exciting news to share regarding the Club 100 Miraflores Project. The Ninomiya-Koda Family gave a gift of $20,000 in support of the Miraflores Project. This doesn’t let the remaining Rotarians who haven’t donated yet off the hook. We need 100% of our members to make at least a $100 donation to this special project. Please give whatever you can give!
  • Stacey Street wanted to remind everyone our Annual Auction is coming up fast – December 13th is only 4 weeks away. Please get the word out and also get your items donated.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The Richmond Standard

Darlene Drapkin introduced our Speaker, Mike Aldax, Editor of The Richmond Standard news website. We want to thank Mike for his informative presentation and great work on behalf of the Richmond community!

 

 

 


- Darlene Quenville, Rotating Scribe