NEXT MEETING: May 27, 2016

Putting Richmond Students First

Enjoy a special presentation by violin students from Benito Juarez Elementary School led by Don Benham, followed by a conversation with Jorge Lopez, Chief Executive for Amethod Public Schools (AMPS).

AMPS currently operates three public charter schools in Richmond. Its staff believe that students can succeed in rigorous and college-prep environments when provided with high expectations, capable educators and leaders, challenging academics, more time for learning, and access to a range of enriching learning experiences. 

AMPS seeks to strengthen the character and academic foundations that are direly needed for underrepresented students to best prepare them to assume positions of responsibility in society. Core to its mission is the belief that it doesn’t matter where you start in life, but what you do with what you have in life is what counts.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Jan Brown invited everyone to attend the Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 5/23. Jan will be receiving the National Park Service Home Front Award and she thanked all who have helped with the project and who share in the award.
• James Lee invited all to the Richmond Chamber Breakfast at 7:30am at Courtyard by Marriott. Guest speaker from Google and James will be sharing his experience in North Korea.
• Prez Alan reminded all to attend our 5/27 meeting when we will have 60-70 violinist playing for us.
• Treasurer David Brown reminded all that dues are due! Your cards, checks and cash gladly accepted!

MEETING OF May 20, 2016

Welcome

On a beautiful sunny day, Prez Alan welcomed all and asked PP Stoney Stonework (great to see you Stoney) to lead us in the Pledge. Prez Alan offered a moment for Peace on Earth and Sid Chauvin offered: “The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that you can succeed.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

James Lee was a guest (for the last time) and he brought with him as his guest Yolanda Oviedo.

Special Events

New Member James Lee, who was sponsored by Josh Genser, was inducted into the Club. Welcome James!

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Swampy Joe Bagley did the honors:

• Mey Saechao was introduced as a new Recognitions person. Thanks Mae for joining the team!
• David Brown and Cheryl celebrated 36 years (38 for time served) at the Up and Under Pub.
• Nick Despota and Nel celebrated 43 years together. Nick’s 5 words key to long marriage “I am sorry it was all my fault!” (that’s more than 5 Nick)
• Jon Lawlis was happy that Darlene’s daughter Erica graduated from USC (so was Herb Cole)
• Connie Tritt was happy for Heather and Barry’s new son Malcolm
• Liliane Kozial was happy she went to Rotary headquarters in Chi-town
• Jim Findley noted that his dad would have celebrated his 96^th birthday this month
• Shana Bagley Howe was happy that her trip to Mexico inspired her to do more locally so she is now a new Board member at the Y (Your Scribe is very very happy!!) as is James Lee.
• Josh Genser has been happy going fishing and for Heather and Barry’s new parenthood
• Stoney Stonework was happy his grandson recently graduated from college
• Swampy Joe was very happy he and Rita got to go on a trip to South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, etc. Nice tan dude!

PROGRAM

Liliane Kozial introduced our guest speaker Nicole Richards, a South Afrrican native who is a fulltime volunteer and Operations Manager of the Committee for South African Solidarity (COSAS) which is working on economic justice and freedom in South Africa. She moved to the U.S. in 2005 and is the Editor of the South African BEACON. One of her main initiative involves getting better education for the children of South Africa by providing educational supplies to the schools. COSAS uses as its guide in the struggle for justice and freedom the 1955 Freedom Charter which outlines the hopes and the desires of the people. COSAS needs funding to continue to provide educational supplies. Unfortunately, they do not have a website at this time, but if you would like to help I am sure Liliane can provide contact information for Nicole.

The Menehune “Rotating Editor”