NEXT MEETING: September 26, 2014 ----- (AT LA STRADA AGAIN)

Alan Blavins Fishes in New Guinea

On the latest fishing expedition with his son, Alan Blavins traveled this summer to an island off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The goal was to reel in some of the local Black Bass, listed as one of the world’s ten toughest fish according to In-Fisherman magazine, the journal of freshwater fishing. With this achievement, Alan and his son will have conquered fifty percent of that top-ten list. Come hear how it all turned out – lots of exciting fish stories and a recap of how Alan and his son got along with the locals (pictured nearby).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• NOTE THAT THE CLUB’S NEXT MEETING (ON SEPTEMBER 26) WILL AGAIN BE AT LA STRADA RESTAURANT.
• Don Lau Announced there will be a “For Richmond” dinner on October 20^th. More details to follow!
• Pam Jones reminded everyone about her upcoming Rotary Past-Presidents’ party at her house on Saturday 9/20/14.

MEETING OF September 19, 2014

Welcome

President Stoney Stonework called the meeting to order at our alternate location, La Strada. Erle Brown led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Former Richmond Rotarian Lesa McIntosh joined us. Pam Jones was accompanied by visiting Rotarian and Prosecutor Dominique Yancey from the San Ramon Rotary Club.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

Hank Covell celebrated his birthday. He had been born way back when on 23^rd Street in Richmond.

PROGRAM

How The Rotary 4-Way Test Has Influenced My Campaign

Lesa McIntosh introduced our program speaker, Tony Thurmond, a former Richmond Rotarian, a Richmond resident, and candidate for the California State Assembly, District 15. He has served as a member of the Richmond City Council and as a School Board Trustee for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

Tony currently works at the Lincoln Child Center in Oakland and has been active in CEO Youth, an innovative program working to improve school attendance and reduce dropout rates. He previously served as Executive Director of Beyond Emancipation, a non-profit that provides oversight and mentoring to help former foster youth make successful transitions into adulthood.

Tony shared his own inspiring story of having had his mother pass away at a young age with no father in his life. He was separated from his siblings and taken in by extended family, which “saved his life”.

Josh Surowitz, Rotating Scribe and Editor