NEXT MEETING: May 26, 2017

Meet the Old-timers

When we were inducted into the Rotary, we made short presentations that answered the question, “Who am I?” Over the course of many years, our answers to that question will have changed. But some would say, “Nonsense, I’m the same person I was when I was 20.” And that leads to the nub of the question, “Who am I?”  Our answers hinge on our feelings about change and a core identity.

This Friday we can ponder such questions, or choose to ignore them completely as we listen to several longtime members address the question, directly or not, Who am I?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Joshua Genser reminded us about the RotaCare BARSHEEP Bowl-a-thon this weekend.
• Al Nero and Pam Jones announced the Rotary bocce tournament this weekend in Martinez.
• President Josh Surowitz gave us an update on his micro library project. Richmond elementary schools will receive new books and improvements. The books have been ordered and we will deliver them before start of school year. Two schools will have hands-on improvements (by us) this fall.
• Jan Brown thanked everyone for another successful Teen Moms Project.

MEETING OF May 19, 2017

Welcome

President Josh called the meeting to order and asked Ric Ambrose to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and justice. Sergeant at Arms Sidney Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “ Reality is the leading cause of stress among those who are in touch with it.” – Lilly Tomlin.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Jan Brown’s guests were her husband Byron, daughter Jennifer Finegan, and son in law Aaron Finegan.

Stacey Street introduced Chuck Grant who runs a new non-profit (safetimehost.org) that prevents homelessness through home-sharing.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Oscar Garcia recognized: Simon Ellis’ birthday, Pam Jones’ club anniversary of 22 years, and Stacey Street’s club anniversary. Yippeee!

• Incoming President Connie Tritt presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to Jennifer Brown Finegan, through special recognition from her mother Jan Brown.
• Josh Genser was happy to see Jennifer Brown Finegan because she was one of the first babysitters. He was also was happy that both of his children celebrated their birthdays.
• Al Nero was happy to have a new puppy!
• Oscar Garcia had a happy dollar for the Warriors.
• Stacey Street had 2 reasons to be happy: a successful Richmond Community Foundation event and her the celebration of her daughter’s 13th birthday.
• Pam Jones had a very happy dollar for a recent visit to London for legal conference and to see her granddaughter Penelope Lane.
• President Josh Surowitz had a happy dollar to be back after a non-hygiene related illness.

PROGRAM

Stacey Street introduced today’s fun and informative speaker Richmond Deputy Fire Marshall and Acting Fire Chief, and author, Robin Pointdexter. Marshall Pointdexter taught us about fire behavior and prevention.

• Think of fire as a triangle of oxygen, heat source, and fuel. To extinguish a fire, just remove one part of the triangle.
• Put cold water, not butter, on a burn.
• Don’t leave your heated electrical appliances unattended.
• Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
• Throw baking soda (not flour) on a fire or use an extinguisher.
• There are different types of extinguishers based upon the fuel source: A – wood, paper; B – liquids; and C- electronics. The best for a kitchen is a 2-A-10-BC rechargeable extinguisher, like this one.
• When using an extinguisher, remember “PASS.” For pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Keep your eyes on the fire, aim to the base of flames, and sweep side to side. Use the extinguisher until it is empty.
• Place your fire alarms in places where it won’t be set off falsely (such as the bathroom or near the stove). Replace batteries twice a year. If it chirps, replace the batteries right away. Don’t put it in the junk drawer.

Stay Safe!

- Shana Bagley Howe, Rotating Scribette