NEXT MEETING: August 1, 2014

Cambodian Child’s Dream Organization (CCDO)

Linda and Jim Young will discuss the Literacy service trip they took in January with a CCDO team. They will provide a brief background about the rural region where they served (beyond Angkor Wat), the nature of their participation, and the impact of the organization on rural schools and families in that region.

It is well documented that “giving” has real impact on Cambodian people when it is done through small Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). The CCDO has a strong track record working directly with community leaders. Building Capacity in local communities is a key goal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Alan Baer reminded everyone that it was the last Friday of the month so the BARSHEEP TGIF party would be happening at La Revolucion beginning at 5 p.m. in the back room.
• President Stoney let everyone know that Mark Howe reached Hawaii safe and sound, with just a few minor mishaps.  It took him 13 days, and best news of all, his girlfriend is still talking to him!
• A Celebration of Life for Richmond Rotarian Norm Foley will take place on Sunday, August 10th, at 11 a.m.,  in Rancho Murietta, CA. If you would like to attend, please contact Pat Watkins, at 916-543-4983, or Watkinsp57@gmail.com, for more details by August 1st.Those wishing to remember Norm with a memorial may do so to a favorite charity, or to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 13495, Sacramento, CA 95813.

Visiting Rotarian (see below) John Hermanson announced that the Salvation Army was inviting businesses and organizations to help distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to needy students on Saturday August 16^th from 9 AM until noon at 4600 Appian Way in El Sobrante.  He encouraged all interested and available Rotarians to participate.

MEETING OF July 25, 2014

Welcome

President Stoney called the meeting to order and asked Jeff Mulvilhill to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day: It’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.  Stoney called for a moment of silence for freedom,  peace and  justice on earth.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

•    John Hermanson visited from the El Sobrante Rotary.  He is also their new President.
•    Herb Cole introduced his wife and daughter, Norma Cole and Emily Cole, both Paul Harris Scholars!

Recognitions and Happy/Sad Dollars

• Tom Waller celebrated his birthday on July 21^st with a number of events including dinner out and a special treat from his Russian lady (sounds intriguing!). Tom made a $100 online contribution to the Rotary Foundation.
• Alan Baer celebrated 23 years of his lifetime sentence… er, that is, of wedded bliss. He had $100 for the Foundation.
• Connie Tritt was recognized for three years in the club.  She is “thrilled”.
• Jeff Mulvilhill has been in the Richmond Rotary for 0 years????? Actually, he celebrates 27 years in Rotary! Congrats, Jeff!
• David Brown had 5 happy dollars after watching a wondrous video where 85 year old Buzz Aldrin popped a guy in the jaw after being harassed by a conspiracy theorist.  What a guy!
• Joan Davis had 5 sad dollars since she has missed seeing everyone the past couple months, though mango margaritas helped ease the pain… She had 5 more sad dollars since this was her last meeting until the end of October.  Joan will be enjoying the sun in Southern California and 6 weeks in Costa Rica.  Have some tropical drinks on us, Joan, but we’ll miss you too…
• Jim Young had 5 happy dollars that someone (he didn’t know who yet) would be driving him home….
• Bruce Harter had 10 happy dollars, $1 for each million dollars being saved through a recent bond refunding action related to the school district’s renovation and rebuilding program.
• Herb Cole had five happy dollars in memory of his grandpa who went to bed rather than watch someone land on HIS moon!
• Joe Bagley had a couple happy dollars for his upcoming “Summer of Luv” event co-hosted by Connie Tritt and Don Lau on Saturday August 2^nd from 4-8.  Chicago food, jukebox and electric koolaid (look out!!), all for only $50 per person.  Let Joe know ASAP if you can join the party.

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Tom Waller introduced speaker, Ron Swanson, who was presenting from Florida via Skype – thanks for bringing Rotary into the modern age, Tom! Ron is a lawyer and “serial entrepreneur” who talked about a new company, Sonic Cavitation LLP in Houston (www.soncav.com.) The company uses an elegantly simple technology with numerous potential applications, including purifying water. He focused on the severe drought conditions in the world, especially California, and explained how sonic cavitation could help.

Cavitation is the rapid formation and collapse of vapor pockets in a flowing liquid in regions of very low pressure. Inventor Victor Glotov has created a “mini mobile generating machine” that uses mechanical ultrasound to create and harness cavitation in impure water, thus separating the purified steam from the salt and minerals; the steam is then condensed into pure water.  Each unit can process 1 million liters per day and is easily transportable by rail or truck. The company is about to launch crowdfunding for testing desalination. Ron encouraged Rotarians to visit the website and to “like” the Sonic Cavitation Facebook page.

 

Stacey Street, Rotating Editor