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November 18, 2016

Richmond CA Rotary Posted on by

NEXT MEETING: December 2, 2016
Note: no meeting next Friday, Nov. 25

Annual Holiday Auction

auction-drum-2016_250Richmond Rotary contributes tens of thousands of dollars to numerous community organizations each year. That’s only possible because our generous members contribute to the Annual Holiday Auction, and attend the event with an open heart—and open wallet. Therefore,

  1. If you’re among the 50% of members who haven’t done so already, please visit our Auction page and make a donation using the handy form (red button), or if you prefer to make a monetary donation, the yellow Donate button;
  2. Invite friends to the event who appreciate that our contributions support  the quality of life in our community;
  3. On December 2nd, arrive at Richmond Country Club at noon, decked out in your holiday finery, have a good time, and spend freely!
  4. BREAKING: Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child 2-years or older. Our friends from the Richmond Fire Department will be there to collect the toys, then distribute them to children in Richmond.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Holiday Meeting Schedule
    – NO meeting this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
    – Holiday Auction, Friday, Dec. 2nd. See #4 above about bringing a new unwrapped toy.
    – No lunch meeting on Friday, Dec. 9th. Instead, Holiday Party at the Richmond Art Center, 5PM.
    – No meeting on Friday, Dec. 23rd
    – No meeting on Friday, Dec. 6th
    – Friday, Jan. 6th is first meeting of New Year.
  • The bike Fund continues to grow with the generous donations of Rotarian’s Keep it up so we can get a bike to many of the children at the toy give away.
  • Come to the Holiday Auction on December 2nd. We won’t repeat what we stated above.

MEETING OF November 18, 2016

Welcome

Former President Alan Baer presided over the meeting. Oscar Garcia led the pledge. Jon Lawlis asked for a moment of silence for peace, justice and normal levels of good cholesterol. [Just kidding.] Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was “Don’t argue with an idiot, people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Our guests were Zelpha Chauvin (Sid’s Wife), Zachary and Gabriella Johnson (Sid’s grandchildren which are way too cute to be related to Sid), and today’s speaker, Mayra Padilla.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

  • David Cole celebrated his 1 year anniversary in the club with a $100 donation
  • Don Lau had a happy dollars for celebrating with his dad on his 100 birthday
  • Wally had sad dollars because he missed the last few weeks. His family was dealing with the loss of his uncle in the Netherlands.
  • Nick Despota had 4 neither happy-nor-sad dollars, one for each of the next four years. Citing the echo chamber most of us occupy most of the time, he was glad to be part of an organization whose members reflect a range of opinions on many issues.
  • Mark Howe had dollars about the extended time it took for the food to get to the Rotary Auction BBQ but was thankful that the Roasted Pig was there to calm the group until Stoney’s BBQ arrived.
  • Oscar Garcia had happy dollars that his Kennedy Eagles football team were hosting their first NCS playoff game at home
  • Don Lau offered sad dollars over the loss suffered by his favored Valparaiso basketball team at the hands of Connie’s Oregon Ducks. “How could that have happened?”
  • David Cole had happy dollars because Richmond High School hosted the play Diary of Anne Frank, for which the Masquers Playhouse loaned them props.

PROGRAM

Our speaker was Dr. Mayra Padilla, the director of the METAS program at Contra Costa College. “Metas” means goals in English. That’s appropriate because the program prepares over 250 WCCUSD students every year to achieve one of the most important goals young people set for themselves: achieving a college education.

Starting in the early years of elementary school, METAS prepares students for college through culturally relevant academic courses, personal development and college readiness workshops, and parent involvement. College students and young professionals serve as tutors and mentors for preschool, elementary and high school students. And it works: 100% of METAS seniors graduate from high school and attend college.


- Henry Moe, “Rotating Editor”

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