NEXT MEETING: April 27, 2018
NOTE: This Friday we will meet at Café Soleil. Please arrive by 12.

NIAD - Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development

Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development (NIAD Art Center) has been a fixture on 23^rd Street since the early 1990s.  Founded by the visionary team of Florence Ludins-Katz and Dr. Elias Katz, this program supports artists who have disabilities.

In the large communal studio, artists make original art based on their passions, interests and desires, a process through which they proclaim “I Am” to a world that largely discounts them and ignores them.  Everyone has a story to tell, experiences to share, and art enables them to do so.  As they learn skills, they also learn to focus, envision and accept risk.  The art is then exhibited and sold so the artists earn commissions from their work.

All adults hope to be able to be productive and live a meaningful life doing work that they wish to do. At NIAD, artists are supported to make this a reality.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• This Friday we will meet at Cafe Soleil, at 3550 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. Remember that we start at 12 noon.
• Felix Hunziker announced volunteers are needed to help water the trees planted during the dry months. They have a water truck and need volunteers to do 4 hours shifts. Please sign up.
• Alan Baer passed around a signup sheet for Walk-a-thon pledges to assist the Salvation Army with purchasing a van. Rotary logo will be on the van.

MEETING OF

Welcome

On a beautiful Friday in Richmond, Prez Connie called the meeting to order. Erle Brown led us in the Pledge and Herb Cole offer a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice. Sid Chauvin offered “Women sometimes make fools of men, but most guys are the do-it-yourself type.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Josh Surowitz had as his guest Jason Mustard a fellow attorney.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Oscar Garcia did the honors:

• Ric Ambrose celebrated 3 years with the Club.
• Jerry Feagley celebrated 38 happy years with wife Jan (yes all happy years!)
• Erle Brown was happy he was headed to Mexico to participate in the Rotary wheelchair program, plus time in PV, plus happy to watch Prez Connie to make sure she remembers who she represents…Richmond Rotary
• Jim Findley was happy that 45 years ago events occurred that led him to his job.
• Ric Ambrose was very happy with the recent fundraiser for the Richmond Art Center and hopes that those who did not attend this year will come next year.
• Felix Hunziker was just happy to be back at Rotary after being away because of his busy schedule.
• Tom Butt was many reasons to be happy: the installation of a 10.5 megawatt solar power facility that is a partnership with the City, Chevron and MCE; the third lane on east bound traffic on Richmond/ San Rafael bridge is open; and he will be part of an all day event at Point Molate.

PROGRAM

Oscar Garcia introduced our speaker Eddie J. Aubrey who is the manager of the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) for the City of Richmond Police, which was established in 2016. He is a civilian who reports to the Police Chief and oversees all complaints, mediations, and audits for the police department. Eddie has experience as a police officer, prosecutor, judge, community college instructor and civilian independent auditor for Fresno before coming to Richmond. Eddie’s main goal in his investigations is “in search of the truth.” Eddie provide 3 websites that you can go to for more information on the OPA: OpenData.ci.richmond.ca.us; RichmondOPA.com; and ci.Richmond.ca.us/82Police-Department

The Menehune, Rotating Editor