NEXT MEETING: February 10, 2017

RotaCare Richmond, Where We Were, Where We Are and Where We are Going?

RotaCare Richmond. a BARSHEEP plus Alamo Rotary project, is about to enter its 4th year of operation at a time of tumultuous change in health care.  We are here providing uninsured people, our working poor, with much needed health care access.  RotaCare was born at time of financial crisis, and is now witnessing the progressive retreat of regional health care facilities and services for the poor. We face unknown challenges as a result of national health care policies that are in flux.

Come hear the clinical stories, and about the good being achieved and challenges we face right here in Richmond. Learn more about RotoCare.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Tuesday, February 7, President Joshua Surowitz is leading a meeting with Olinda School regarding his microlibrary/literacy project. Please contact Josh if you would like to attend this meeting or others with local elementary schools (it’s fun!).
• President Josh also announced that due to the success of our annual Holiday Auction, we were able to contribute locally to: Kid Scoop News, Read Aloud Program, and one full student scholarship for the Close Up Foundation’s trip to Washington, DC.
• Darlene Drapkin announced that the 23^rd Street Revitalization will hold a Business Watch meeting on Wednesday, February 8 at 5:30 pm at Grant Elementary. Details here. Please come!
• President Josh thanked the many people (Erle Brown, Herb Cole, Sidney Chauvin, and Henry Moe) for all of their hard work to make the annual Crab Feed fundraiser a success.
• Nick Despota announced that we need speakers for our programs. “Think about other organizations you belong to. Would other Rotary members be interested in learning about they’re doing?”  If you have ideas for interesting speakers, please talk to our Program Chair Stacey Street.

MEETING OF February 3, 2017

Welcome

President Joshua called the meeting to order and asked Oscar Garcia to lead us in the Pledge.  Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and Sergeant-at-Arms Sid Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “There may be no excuse for laziness, but I’m still looking!”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Hank Covell introduced his lovely wife, Doreen from Pinole Rotary.
Mark Howe brought Bob Carlson and President Josh brought father in law Steve Grill.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

• Ric Ambrose announced Tiffany Strauss’s birthday (in January). Happy Birthday Tiffany!!!
• Nick Despota was happy to have arranged last week’s speaker from the Citizens Climate Lobby, an organization he invests most of his volunteer time in (when he’s not putting the Flywheel together, of course).
• David Cole had happy money to announce the Masquers Playhouse fundraisers: a Valentine’s production about love on February 12 at Ross Valley Players and February 19 at Pinole Community Center. (http://www.masquers.org)
• President Josh was sad because of the recent presidential immigration orders.
• Josh Genser had happy dollars because Stanfurd football picked up some good players for next season.
• Shana Bagley Howe was happy that we have hardworking members like Henry Moe.
• Ric Ambrose was happy for the recent Richmond Rotary donation to the Richmond Arts Center and for the opening of the winter exhibits.

PROGRAM

Telling Richmond's Story

President Josh introduced today’s speaker Steve Early. Steve is a freelance journalist, member of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, and a former labor organizer and union representative. He talked about his new book “Refinery Town.” The book discusses Richmond politics and history, Kaiser shipyards, civil rights activism, public safety, and other local lore.

-Shana Bagley Howe, Rotating Scribette