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).

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).

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

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Menehune Don Lau had $5 happy dollars to celebrate the new people (Mey Saechao, Ric Ambrose, and Oscar Garcia) for helping with club recognitions.
Tiffany Strauss had two happy dollars because her teenagers are back in school.
Director Michael Winter gave $100 to celebrate his wedding anniversary.
Syd Chauvin had happy dollars to celebrate his successful hip replacement and “single-malt scotch storage compartment” one year ago.

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/
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- Shana Bagley Howe, your Skipper and rotating Scribette