By: Tom Port The “African Queen” rang the opening bell as she floated one week closer toward the (most welcome I am sure) finish line. “John F. Germ is R.I President and his theme for the year is ‘Rotary Serving Humanity’”. Greeter: Chris Gayler wisely advised, in substance: “What we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others lives on”. Patriotic Song: Don Jones led us in “God Bless America”. Announcements: Demotion Dinner June1: Gary Sloan says they could use some volunteers to help in the afternoon. Art and Wind Fair: Edgardo needs volunteers for the set up on Saturday afternoon and on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM for the take down. If you can help let him know a.s.a.p. Also, does anyone know where the signs are stored? Auction: Bring in our items please! A routine notice will be sent out. San Ramon Valley Children’s Museum: Ed Duarte thanks the Grant Committee for their donation. He says the museum will be like the Discovery Museum, only smaller. Castro Valley Rodeo: Edgardo says the proceeds from concessions booths will go to Dist. 5170’s contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Club Golf Outing: Next Thursday after lunch at Crow Canyon. There is still room for more participants. Program: Unsung Heroes Stacy Literal, as head of the Selection Committee, introduced the successful candidates and their sponsors. An “Unsung Hero”, she explained, is one who makes a substantial unrecognized contribution or shows exceptional unrecognized bravery. Each organization whose member was recognized received a $200 donation. Jeanne Dilworth was presented by Pat Mills of ARF. Jeanne, often accompanied by her dog Mattie, has put in nearly 576 hours over ten years as a volunteer with ARF. Jeanne has been outstanding at providing loving animal therapy to those in need of the warmth and camaraderie that a dog trained by ARF can offer. This includes senior living centers, children’s learning programs, hospitals, hospices as well as individual cases. David Ward was presented by Kimi Miyamura of San Ramon Regional Medical Center. David has donated over 1,941 hours as a volunteer since 2006. Over that time he has built up a corps of volunteers who assist in escorting patients, answering visitor’s questions, and in offering whatever service is needed around the hospital. Kim noted that she especially appreciated David’s willingness to take over the desk at the South Building where previously she had not been able to keep volunteers for more than six months at a time. David expressed the view that if every person would volunteer one/half day a week the world would be a much better place. Joe Kruger was presented by Carol Rowley, President of the San Ramon Historic Foundation. Joe has been volunteering at Forest Home Farm since 1959. He is the one you call when anything is broken whether it is an historic tractor or an exhibit booth. He has become a fixture at the Farm and lifts up everyone’s spirits. Luke Keenan was presented by Leslie Garcia of the Contra Costa Crisis Center. Luke is the person a caller in desperate need of support and encouragement would likely reach on the phone when they call the 211 number. In his delightful Irish brogue he is able to calm and reassure a wide range of callers. Some my actually be suicidal, but others may just need food or shelter. He is said to have a voice that is like a hug. He explains people don’t remember what you say but they do remember how you make them feel. “With help comes hope”. Luke has contributed over 212 hours in this high stress activity. He has also been very helpful as a trainer of other counselors. Raffle: Ed Duarte won the Greeter’s Gift. Chris Gallagher won the Progressive, but left with only a $10 bill. |