NEXT MEETING: August 22, 2014

Cops and Robbers

Come learn all about the one-man stage play, Cops and Robbers, which is now being performed at The Marsh Berkeley Arts Center. (You’ll also learn how Richmond Rotary is involved.) The play is a revolutionary look into the dysfunctional relationship between law enforcement, the media, and the Black community. Centered on an officer-involved shooting, writer/performer Jinho “The Piper” Ferreira, a rapper, actor, and screenwriter from Oakland, takes the audience on an emotionally charged ride with unexpected twists and turns. In the spring of 2010, The Piper paid his way through a Bay Area law enforcement academy, eventually graduating in the top percentile and delivering the commencement speech. The paradox of being a member of the Black community and a hip-hop artist, while simultaneously working in law enforcement, served as the inspiration to write Cops and Robbers. In the play, The Piper seamlessly travels through 17 characters, each with their own convictions, logic, and prejudices.

Cops and Robbers takes no prisoners as it challenges the viewer to question all preconceived notions of “right” and “wrong.” There’s even an associated curriculum of constructive take-away messages to help young people make sense of it all and move forward in the right direction. (View a two-minute introductory video.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• John Wilson reported that he and Hank Covell represented Richmond Rotary at the memorial service for Norm Foley and passed around the program from the service.
• Prez Stoney asked for support for El Sobrante Rotary’s Kids Care Fair to be held on August 16 at the Salvation Army starting at 9am.
• Prez Stoney announced there will be a District Conference October 31-November 2 in Reno. Please let him know if you are interested in attending
• Membership Mixer on August 20 at the Baltic Restaurant in Point Richmond, 5:30-7 (Happy Hour prices). Come one come all! Mark your calendars for upcoming Wednesday mixers on Sept. 17, Oct. 15, and Nov. 19.
• Treasurer David Brown reminded all that if you want to be at Rotary Day at the Races on November 15 make your reservation by giving him a check!

MEETING OF August 15, 2014

Welcome

Prez Stoney called the meeting to order and asked John Wilson to lead us in the Pledge. Stoney asked for a moment of silence for peace, freedom and justice. He offered the thought: the definition of a conference is the confusion of one man being multiplied by the number in attendance.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Carol Robinson was visiting from the San Pablo Rotary.
• Nico Veran was Josh Genser’s guest although Josh was absent
• Your Scribe had as his guest Raquel Donoso who is a candidate for the WCCUSD Board of Trustees.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

• Mike Winter celebrated his anniversary with Cindy in Arizona
• Bob Dabney and Cheryl celebrated their anniversary listing to Yo Yo Ma and hiking a steep hill
• Dan Sanders was happy to celebrated another birthday, but the number scared him
• Lynn Martin will be celebrating her birthday next week with a trip to Australia
• Henry Moe and Carolyn celebrated their anniversary with some fondue and quiet time

PROGRAM

“2 minute” Tom Waller introduced Paul Levitan from Galaxy Desserts who made a presentation to our club 7 years ago (really? Time does fly!). Paul and his partner Chef Jean-Yves Charon started Galaxy in 1998 and they received their big break in 2002 when their croissants were featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things list and made that same list for many years. At the time the business was in San Rafael and was outgrowing their space. Galaxy moved to Richmond on February 1, 2005, and has increased its business space from 26,000 -52,000 square feet. They have between 200-300 employees. Paul and his partner now own only 25% of the business because in 2009 75% of the business was bought by Brioche Pasquier, a French company. They are the #1 distributor of brioche in 350 stores and looking to a $50 million expansion hopefully by acquiring 10-15 acres in Richmond. Wouldn’t that be SWEET?!

How can we help? Those of you who missed the meeting missed out on some tasty treats. Thanks Paul.

- The Menehune Rotating Editor