Meeting Notes for September 29, 2016

Kathy Gailey sounded the Call to Order on her rhino horn trumpet.  She reminded us that RI President is John Germ, the only man who causes absolute strangers to go immediately and wash their hands.  “Serving Humanity,” she introduced our Greeter, Gary Sloan, who had three zingers from Will Rogers, only two of which this correspondent caught: “In politics we value experience, and because of my poor judgment I have had a lot of experience.” “I do not belong to any organized political party; I’m a Democrat.” Don Jones led us in a patriotic song.  The visiting Rotarian was our speaker, Stephanie Shaterian, of the Diablo Vista Club.  People checking out the club included John Milich, retired business man and failed surfer; Sam Cappione, who works in marketing and is a friend of Barry Toby; Collette Lay’s daughter’s coach, Angie Dominguez, who works at East/West King Foo and is a five time world champion.  We were also joined by Elaine Cortez Schroth, the former head of San Ramon Chamber who is looking for work, and our old friend Joyce Castro of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District who is an honorary Rotarian.  

 

Announcements:

Auction Superhero Jerry Marrs told us the auction has raised $55,000 in sponsorships and over          $70,000 in value for the items. Jerry thanked us all for our efforts.

At each of the schools in the San Ramon District we are placing signs about the auction.

Every student in the district will be receiving a book marker advertising the auction; the hope is     that their parents see it.

After years of benign neglect, the Foundation is loudly acknowledging our contribution; all the t-shirts for the run have a tribute to the “Foundation’s  #1 Supporter – San Ramon        Rotary.”

Last golf outing for the season – October 19 at Canyon Lakes; sign up with Guy Greco.

Dr. Bill Harlan announced the volunteer list for the dictionary distribution in the five local         schools.  There is still room for a few more people who would like to scare the kids.

Kathy Gailey paid tribute to the ex-Rotarian who handles all the ordering for the dictionary       project – Don French.

Dennis Harvey is organizing a Rotary Information event for people who might be interested in   joining; see Dennis for details.

Michelle Lee tells us there is a Girls and Boys State event on October 3 for those interested;      check with her for details on the luncheon.

Our favorite tout – Bill Brodie – tells us there will be a Day at the Races on November 19; he       has ten tickets left.

Mark von and Robin have a farewell function September 29 at Santorini; immigration    authorities will be in attendance.

 

Patti Hennigan has written an interesting article for the District newsletter.  Here it is in its entirety:

“From Student to Rotarian”

The Rotary Club of San Ramon, California, believes in the gift of a great education.  They offer a scholarship program which has awarded thousands of dollars to deserving students who are committed to achieving a useful education.  Two levels of scholarship funding are awarded each year: several one-time scholarships which range from $500 -- $3000 and a $10,000 scholarship which is paid over four years directly to the school.  The Club gave a total of $22,000 in 2016.  Awards are announced at the California High Schools Awards event.  Students and parents are invited to a Rotary Luncheon in their honor.

 

The Club’s Scholarship Committee originally set up a simple structure to choose recipients.  Students filled out an application and wrote an essay.  Potential scholars were selected for an initial interview.  Successful applicants received scholarships based on merit and need.

 

Over the years, the Committee has refined their scholarship program by observing best practices of other clubs.  The program has shifted from one where students merely filled out an application, wrote a winning essay and walked away with a scholarship to one that serves the individual needs of the students throughout their college years thereby ensuring a more successful outcome.

 

Mentors play a foundational role.  Scholars get off to a good start by choosing a mentor from the Club that matches their field of study. The mentor goes over a Code of Conduct contract and makes sure that the student understands their obligations. Scholars maintain regular contact with their mentor while away at school. When home from college, they attend a Club meeting to report on their progress, and share how the experience of gaining an education is changing their life, helping them to learn new skills that not only prove beneficial at school, but in their family and community life, as well.

 

Scholars are encouraged to join Rotaract in their college town.  By associating with Rotarians, the young scholars get a taste of Rotary life and can see the benefit off   working together to make life better in their community.

 

Over the course of their college years, students have an opportunity to build friendships with Rotarians by participating in Club projects, fund raisers, and social events.  This is how the San Ramon Rotary Club successfully bridges the gap from student life to life as a Rotarian.

 

The Club believes that the students of today are leading the way to a bright future and is proud to help these young scholars get on the road toward a successful life.

 

To learn more about the scholarship program, go to sanramonrotary.org .  You can find the

application under “Youth Services.”

 

Program:

Marv Remmich introduced our speaker, Stephanie Shaterian, who told us about creating video

stories.  Stephanie is a former actress who has transitioned into video marketing.  She pointed    

out that video is a powerful tool for business, fund-raising and membership drives.  Video

content makes up three-quarters of all the traffic on-line.

 

Stephanie began her examination of what makes effective video marketing by sharing with us a

video she made for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce extolling the “Taste of Lafayette”

event.  She gave us a worksheet which helped us identify the potential audience for the video

as older local residents with an interest in fine cuisine and disposable income.  In addition to

having clear content, an effective marketing video establishes a clear tone and definite

emotional appeal  and encourages the viewer to “check us out.”  The key is to tell a short but

compelling story with your video.

 

After discussing some of the technical aspects of making an effective video, such as creating a

story board and determining the appropriate platform, we all speculated on how a video might

help us increase interest in the Christmas tree lot and the possible length (probably less than 90

seconds.)  Another excellent program from Marv Remmich!

 

The raffle saw Dennis Harvey win the Greeter’s gift of $20 and Don Jones come close but fail to

hit snake eyes or box cars.  $80 next week.