NEXT MEETING: September 23, 2016

The Secrets of Rotary Satellite Clubs

All Rotary Clubs are struggling today with the best way to recruit and retain young working professionals as members.  Rotarian Gary Wong, son of Richmond Rotary’s own Charlie Wong, will share how his club has been successful in these efforts. We look forward to a conversation that may plant new seeds and possibly help us recruit new member

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Herb Cole’s father-in-law passed away so Herb and Normi are in Texas. Thoughts and prayers with their family.
• Alan Baer informed us that El Cerrito Rotary will be having a Sip and Savor Event on October 16 2:30-5:30 at the Mira Vista Country Club. Cost $50/ticket. Process to EC Public Library and ECHS Student Activity Fund. Sonja at 510-234-5200
• 23^rd Street Merchants Association Business Mixer 9/21 5:30-7:30pm, J&E Automotive, 500-23^rd Street Richmond.
• Soroptimist of Richmond “A Taste of Spain PAELLA BY THE BAY” 10/2, 4-7pm at home of Martin and Janis McNair. $135/ticket. Call 510-772-2846.

MEETING OF September 16, 2016

Welcome

Prez Josh called the meeting to order and asked George Egan to lead us in the Pledge. PP Alan Blavins asked for peace on earth and Sid Chauvin offered: “Life will always be, to a large extent, what we ourselves make it.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Alan Baer had as his guest Wally Arakozie.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Ric Ambrose did the honors:

• Stacey Street spent her 9/11 birthday on an airplane. Will be celebrating at a later date.
• Connie Tritt was happy for her Oregon Ducks and getting past 9/15 (second most horrendous day for CPAs
• Josh Genser had his best bowling series earlier in the morning averaging 250/game!
• PP Alan Blavins was happy to be back after fishing in Africa. His son caught the big one (110lbs). Alan had a sad dollar for catching the small one.
• Hank Covell had $81 happy dollars for his brother, wife, grandson and everything in general and plus his grandson’s 4.1 GPA
• Bob Dabney had a happy dollar for his 9/11 experience
• Sid Chauvin was sad for Herb’s loss
• Stacey Street was very excited about her upcoming musical experience with hubby Don.

PROGRAM

Civics, Engagement and Our Youth

Stacey Street introduced our guest speaker Eleanor Vogelsang, Community Relations Manager for Close Up Washington DC. Started in 1971, the program is based in Washington DC, but Eleanor lives in Oakland and serves the Bay Area. Close Up is a one week program for middle and high school students that teach them about democracy and civic engagement while visiting Washington DC.

Eleanor shared with us some very discouraging statistics on voter turnout in our elections. One in particular, that only 19.9% of 18-29 year olds voted in 2014 election. Close Up looks to increase young adults’ participation in our democracy. Close Up has served El Cerrito and Kennedy High Schools in the past and currently has a program at Richmond High School. Cost of the program is $2,000 per student. To learn more about the programs or provide support go to: www.CloseUp.org

- The Menehune, “Rotating Editor”