NEXT MEETING: January 16, 2015

Tambourines, Triangles and Trout!

Professional percussionist Victor V. Avdienko will speak with us about three of his favorite things – tambourines, triangles, and trout – and will demonstrate some of his techniques.  A graduate of Julliard and an accomplished percussionist and timpanist, Victor can be heard performing and recording with orchestras, chamber groups, and opera companies throughout the Bay Area.  He performs with the San Francisco Symphony regularly, and has performed with artists such as Johnny Mathis, Paul Simon, Mel Torme, Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Doc Severensen, and Wynton Marsalis.
Victor is in high demand as an educator, clinician, and coach by high schools and youth orchestras, including the SF Youth Orchestra. Victor is active in the California Symphony’s Music-In-The-Schools program, bringing percussion to children with his group Supercussion (www.Supercussion.org). For nine years. Victor was Music Director, composer, and percussionist for the California Shakespeare Festival.
In addition to making music, Victor spends his time as a Fly-fishing Guide and a Certified Fly Casting Instructor. Victor enjoys teaching beginners to fly fish, and he helps experienced casters improve their skills.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Liliane Kozial announce that the Richmond-Shimada Friendship Commission is looking for host families for Japanese Students and a teacher from March 21-31, 2015. If you’re interested, contact Marilyn Alford, (510) 823-3613 or Steve Pinto, 510) 393-9037. Download flyer.
• Heather Kulp, with support from Stacey Street, announced that the Richmond Rotary Winter Party will be on January 31 at the Bubbaloo Café, 1402 Marina Way, Richmond. Download flyer.
• Henry Moe announced that the Rotary Crab Fee will be on February 7 at cost of $40. The only way to make a reservation is to get a check to Treasurer David Brown.
• Prez. Stoney reported that George Egan is out of the hospital and slowly on the mend. CA Sid Chauvin is in the hospital recovering from some heart issues. Cards were passed around at the meeting.

MEETING OF January 7, 2015

Welcome

Prez. Stoney “Buckeye” Stonework called the meeting to order and Dan Tanita led us in the Pledge. Stoney offered a moment of silence for freedom, peace and justice with special prayers for our friends in France. Alan Blavins offered, “duct tape cannot fix stupid, but it can muffle it!”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Neville Guard from San Ramon Valley Regional. Mark Howe’s “guest” was Shawna Bagley; Jon Lawlis’ sweetie Darlene joined him; Lynn Martin’s guest was Ric Ambrose, Executive Director, Richmond Art Center; Markku Pelanne’s guest was wife Mary; and Stoney’s guest was James Richardson…ask Josh Genser about the back story.

Special Events

Foundation Chair Connie Tritt presented 3 Paul Harris Awards with “color commentary” by DG Pam Gray. Pam Jones plus 7; Alan Baer plus 6 and Mary Pelanne. Congratulations to all!

New member Shawna Bagley (yes there are now 2 Bagleys trying to catch up to the 3 Browns) who’s sponsor was Hank Covell was introduced to the Club to a standing ovation. Welcome Shawna!

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

• New Year Baby Pam Jones celebrated another birthday on Jan 1
• Liliane and Ken celebrated their Anniversary on Jan 2
• New Member Shawna Bagley was quick to be recognized for her Birthday on Jan10
• Let the “Quacking Begin” Connie Tritt was happy for her Ducks (in advance), John Wilson had some green for the Ducks, Josh Genser chose the Ducks over the Buckeyes,
• Heather Kulp had happy $$ for 2 weeks in Australia where she celebrated New Year in Sydney
• Alan Baer wanted to thank those who rang the Bell for the Salvation Army and reported on his Christmas birthday.
• Markku had Happy $$ for something…not really sure what??
• Mayor-elect Tom Butt invited all to the swearing in of our first Richmond Rotary Mayor on January 13
• Joe “Swampy” Bagley was happy for his Yosemite trip and apologized for being side tracked during his Holiday Auction performance by Stacey Street’s incredible singing talents
• David Brown was happy to report 2 $1000 checks from Norm Lundberg. Thanks Norm!
• Prez Stoney had the last word on the Buck-Duck game and indicated that his Scarlet and Gray would do their talking on the gridiron.

PROGRAM

A visit from our new District Governor, Pam Gray

Prez Stoney introduces our DG Pam Gray who gave a very lively and humorous presentation. She passed out Tootsie Pops in case folks wanted something to suck on in case they got bored. Pam and husband Dean are both Rotarians and from Paradise CA. Raised in a Rotary household she knew she wanted to be a Rotary and jumped at the chance when women were allowed to join Rotary. She talked about how special Rotarians are for being so persistent in the end Polio. “First Dude” Brian talked about a few projects he was working on including Rotary shirts, Rotary Motorcycle Riding group (first ride May 23), and recruiting members for District Jobs. DG Pam indicated that there were no new Governor projects this year because there are so many other projects that are continuing. She invited members to be a part of the Monterey Mexico wheel chair distribution starting March 11.

- The Menehune, Rotating Scribe