NEXT MEETING: July 15, 2016
Note: We're meeting at Café Soleil

Yesterday's Instruments Today (...well, Friday)

You’re invited to a hands-on lecture demonstration of historic instruments like those played in Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and other period instrument ensembles. Early music enthusiast, violinist and violist, and Philharmonia Director of Education Lisa Grodin will explain how the instruments, the orchestra, and musical styles have evolved, and why they remain relevant to today’s composers and audiences. She will perform short musical examples to demonstrate the instruments’ capabilities, and pass around historic instruments for the audience to experience, up close and personal. There will be ample time for questions and answers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• NOTE: Next week’s meeting, July 15th, will be held at Café Soleil, 3550 San Pablo Ave, in El Sobrante (Directions)
• David Brown made it clear that he was on hand and more than willing to collect dues.
• Alan Baer reminded everyone about the A’s game on July 23rd. There will be fireworks after the game and a tailgate party in the parking lot before.
• Connie Tritt announced that this is a new year for Foundation donations and is looking for the participation of all members.David Brown made it clear that he was on hand and more than willing to collect dues.
• Alan Baer reminded everyone about the A’s game on July 23rd. There will be fireworks after the game and a tailgate party in the parking lot before.
  Connie Tritt announced that this is a new year for Foundation donations and is looking for the participation of all members.

MEETING OF JULY 8, 2016

Welcome

Our new prez Josh Surowitz presided. Dan Tanita led the Pledge of Allegiance and Herb Cole invoked a moment of silence for peace and freedom. Sid Chauvin offered the thought for the day: For the rich, there is therarpy. For the rest of us, there is chocolate! Josh extended a special welcome to new board members Ric Ambrose, Shana Bagley Howe, and Gonzalo Ochoa.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Sid Chauvin introduced his wife, Zelpha Chauvin, and grandchildren Zachary Johnson and Gabriela Johnson.
• Alan Baer was accompanied by his guest, John Hermanson of the El Sobrante Rotary.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

• Josh Surowitz and his wife celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary
• Herb Cole proudly told us it was his 24th club anniversary—that’s added to his 12 years as a member of a Rotary Club in Texas.
• Nick Despota also celebrated his club anniversary. There was some question over whether it’s been 11 or 12 years—but in any case, Nick said it seemed much longer. He mused about time slowing down after 60. (Time doesn’t slow down, Nick. You do.)

PROGRAM

In lieu of our usual inspiring program, we celebrated the demotion of Alan Blavins as club president. The whole affair had a rather fishy atmosphere. The event was kicked off by Alan presenting a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey to each of the directors and officers present.

This was followed by a lovely song with humorous lyrics directed at Alan and performed by Stacey Street with James Lee accompanying on guitar. Don Lau then narrated highlights from Alan’s life, illustrated by a slide show he created. Alan and his twin sister were born during the Blitz, and it was evident from the baby pictures that the expression Alan wears today was already apparent in infancy. Don presented compelling photographic evidence of Alan’s love of foreign adventure, sexy women, and challenging fish (did we get that right?).

Finally, we were introduced to some of Alan’s remarkable business accomplishments (missing out on the $240 million payday when Skyy vodka was sold) while still managing to reel in a remarkable variety of giant fish. In all seriousness, the entire membership thanked Alan for his service and the meeting was called to a close by Josh.

David Cole, Rotating Editor