NEXT MEETING: December 21, 2018

A Club Discussion

Instead of a presentation by an invited guest, this Friday we will conduct our every-once-in-awhile Club Conversation. Our main topic will be planning for the 100 year Anniversary of Richmond Rotary.

A few weeks ago, Jan circulated a survey among our members to determine their preferences for the type of celebratory event, the time, the guests, and more. We’ll hear about the results and explore your ideas about what type of event would be most suitable.

Alan Blavins created the striking logo on the right in recognition of our anniversary. Thank you, Alan!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Alan Baer tells us we still have three spots open for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Saturday, December 22nd.  He sent the sign-up sheet around and also passed a hat for any personal donations anyone would like to make to the Salvation Army
• Darlene Drapkin reminds us everyone, as of the lst of the New Year, our Rotary meetings will start at 12:30, as in days of yore (early 2018).
• Darlene Drapkin is also asking for help in getting speakers for our meetings. Visit the link on this website, richmondcarotary.org/presentations-calendar/ to find open dates and acquaint yourself with our new booking system. You can send this link to potential speakers, allowing them to pick a date and send us a brief description of the presentation they propose. You can also contact Darlene Drapkin directly.
• Finally, Darlene announced that Carlos Martinez, the new City Manager, will be our speaker at the January 18th meeting.

MEETING OF

Welcome

President Jerry Feagley opened the meeting. David Brown led us in the Pledge this week—his first time ever to do the honors!  Josh Genser offered an invocation for peace, freedom and justice on earth.  Sid’s thought for the day: “Try not to become a man of success but rather a man of value.”  – Albert Einstein

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Ric Ambrose conducted the Recognitions.

Jerry Feagley’s birthday was December 12th, the same day as Frank Sinatra’s. Jerry was happy to be on the right side of the grass and offered a check in the amount of $77.00 to the club.

Mike Winter’s birthday is December 15th, he’ll be celebrating 83 years and is giving $100.00 happy dollars.

Jon Lawlis’s Club Anniversary of 23 years is December 15th. He has enjoyed his association with all of these fine people in the room. He quipped,   “Pierre Thompson, our newest member, I hope to see you in 23 years, too!”

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Nick Despota had happy dollars that his daughter and husband, and his granddaughter, who he hasn’t seen in six months, are flying in today from Dublin!
• Bob Dabney had happy dollars for the results of the recent elections, hopefully for some positive changes.
• Josh Genser had happy dollars for his bowling team’s winning the league championship!
• Oscar Garcia has happy dollars that on Sunday, he’s heading to Brazil and will celebrate the holidays there.  He lived there for six years. He’s looking forward to his time there and to reconnect with some good friends.
• Jon Lawlis had happy dollars for Erle, Darlene and his recent trip to Mike Winter’s place on the ocean in Anchor Bay.  At 100 feet above sea level, it has the most amazing views and sunsets. Erle also treated us to an amazing dinner at St. Orres Restaurant!
• David Brown had happy dollars for Mike Winter, who seems to be the senior member present at this rotary.  He became a Rotarian in 1967, so a member for 51 years.
• Jan Brown had happy dollars for her grandson who just turned 3 years old.  There’s nothing like being a grandparent!!
• Hank Covell had happy dollars that on December 22, he and Doreen will celebrate 60 years of marriage.  He’s donating $100.00 toward his granddaughter’s Paul Harris.
• Ric Ambrose had happy dollars to thank Connie Tritt for last year’s three art sessions at the Richmond Art Center, which over 20 members attended.  Connie did a lot of hard work and coordination. Thanks, Connie!!!
• Jerry Feagley had happy dollars for those who attended the Christmas Party.  For those who missed it, you missed out — thanks Oscar for bringing Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Mark Howe for bringing the Victoria Secret models!
• Sid Chauvin had happy dollars for his youngest daughter, Robin, who graduated from Contra Costa Community College as a Certified Nurse Assistant.

 

PROGRAM

What's in Store in the New Tax Law

Our resident CPA, Connie Tritt, presented a succinct, authoritative overview of changes in the new tax law. The biggest deal for many of us is that the amount of the standard deduction has nearly doubled, from $13,000 to $24,000. That may affect your decision to itemize or not. But wait, there’s more… Here’s Connie’s excellent summary in 9 slides (Power Point presentation).

- Rotating Scribe Darlene Quenville