October 14, 2016
NEXT MEETING: October 14, 2016
We meet at Café Soleil this Friday. Directions below.
Supporting Housing for Those In Need
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services (RNHS) is a nonprofit organization that secures housing for low-income families. It was created in 1981 by local low-income residents to address the redlining in Richmond common during that time.
Today RNHS is a scattered site property-owner/manager of 21 single family homes available for rent to low-income families. RNHS also provides HUD-certified classes; one-to-one counseling for first-time home owners, renters and those facing foreclosure; and funds for down payment assistance programs. Executive Director Nikki Beasley will present an overview of RHNS programs and goals.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- NOTA BENE: Our October 14 meeting is at Café Soleil: 3550 San Pablo Dam Road, San Pablo. Remember, there is extra parking in the back.
- Don Lau announced that the Richmond Rotary Holiday Action is December 2. Contact Don as to what items you will be offering at the auction. The club website (https://richmondcarotary ) will be updated shortly to show some of the great items to choose from!
- Pam Jones reminded everyone to sign up for the District Conference (http://www.rotary5160.org/2017-conference/) in Berkeley, March 24-26, 2017, as it is expected to sell out. One of the joint projects includes assembling and donating care bags for the CASA kids (https://adv4children.org/about/history-of-casa/).
- Alan Blavins said that the annual auction hike and BBQ starts at 3:00 on October 15. Even if you did not bid on this item, it is open to all. Please contact Alan or President Josh.
- David Brown reported that last week, he and President Josh distributed the checks to appreciative Peres School teachers.
MEETING OF October 7, 2016
Welcome
President Joshua Surowitz called the meeting to order and asked District Governor Fred Collignon to lead us in the Pledge. Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “A party without cake is just a meeting.” – Julia Child
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
DG Fred Collignon brought his wonderful wife Joan
Mac Robinson (Assistant DG) and Mac Lingo (Berkeley Rotary) were our visiting Rotarians.
Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars
- Ric Ambrose announced Joe “Swampy” Bagley’s 65th birthday. Happy Birthday Joe!!!
- President Josh had 100 happy foundation dollars to celebrate his twin girls’ first birthdays.
- Don Lau had happy and sad dollars because his boss retired before he did, so his own retirement is on hold while he acts as Interim CEO for YMCA of the East Bay.
- Josh Genser had happy dollars because he and Elaina are about to travel to Spain and Portugal. Also, his great (Montana)Whiskey Tasting on October 29 will include Buffalo steaks. If you did not bid on this auction item but still want to go, please contact Josh (jggenser@gmail.com.)
- Ric Ambrose was happy because the Richmond Art Center anniversary gala raised about $17,000 for art scholarships!
- Jerry Feagley had sad dollars because his friend’s teenaged grandson was shot and killed in Richmond. Very sad dollars indeed.
- Simon Ellis was just happy to be here and his youngest son made the varsity football team.
- Norm Lundberg had a happy report from a long vacation in Africa.
- David Brown was happy because it was October in an even year. Go SF Giants!
- Earl Brown had dollars because Cal won a football game (happy) but, he also accidentally rooted for Stanfurd to beat USC (sad)!
PROGRAM
A visit from District Governor Fred Collingnon
President Josh introduced our exuberant District Governor Fred Collignon.
DG Fred gave out the following Foundation Awards:
- Josh Genser – Paul Harris +3
- Oh!Henry Moe – Leadership with the Salesian Interact Program
- Alan Blavins – Leadership with the fishing derby for at risk youth
- Josh Genser – Leadership for taking youth fishing and camping at his wilderness cabin
- Jan Brown – Leadership of the Teen Mom’s Program
DG Fred shifted gears and put on his 2016 Rotary District Aloha shirt (which, being from Berkeley Rotary, is appropriately tie-dyed). He told many inspiring tales of Rotary’s successes (eradicating Polio, creating East Bay Parks, clean water supplies) and the need to continue helping those in need locally and globally. Did you know that the Rotary Foundation is the 5th most effective foundation in the world?
-Shana Bagley Howe, Rotating Scribette