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The meeting was called to order by President Sea Biscuit (AKA Michael Roberts) at 12:05p. After sharing this month’s Rotary emphasis on Education and Literacy, Michael shared a thought for the day center on the experience of a former Camp Royal participant. The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance and Mike revealed various birthday and anniversary recognitions including his own and David Love with anniversaries on 9/25. Michael is taking his lovely bride to Half Moon Bay but was upstaged by Chris Gallagher who went to Hawaii for his special day. Patti Hennigan celebrated her 17th anniversary. Dr. Bill blessed us with his presence and announcement of his birthday on 9/1 which happens to be the day that Hitler invaded Poland on Bill’s first birthday. There are several Service Opportunities for club members to participate: - Construction of Kiwi Trellis on 10/1/22 at Sunflower Hill sponsored by the Danville Sycamore Club (See Carolyn Degnan to sign up)
- Run For Education on October 8, 9 and 10, 2022. We are sponsoring a booth from 8:30- 12 noon and 12 – 3 p. Sign up and support your club.
- Habitat for Humanity in Pleasant Hill through the Danville Rotary Club is being scheduled for late September or October. Contact Carolyn Degnan if interested)
- On line Auction is progressing well with the expectation that all members will either contribute funds or auction items to the cause.
Happy Dollars Chris Lofaso contributed $25 for his “shameless plug” of an Alzheimer Event. He is participating in a Walk Team in support of his father. Rotarians are encouraged to contribute. A lovely lunch was served with fellowship all around. Program: Camp Royal Gary Sloan introduced four Interact Camp Royal participants. Every year our club sponsors at least two campers to attend this leadership event. This year, we were able to add two more participants in conjunction with two clubs that had funded but not secured a camp candidate. Our support of this camp encourages the development of leadership skills and personal growth supported by motivational speakers and human engagement coupled with personal challenge and introspection. Life-long friendships and personal transformation is often the result of this 5- day experience. This year, Tanya Belani (President) Pari Saluja (VP Communications), Praneeta Agrawal (Projects coordinator) and Abhydaya Srivastava (Publicists) participated in Camp Royal. The Camp was held at the Grizzily Creek Campgrounds in Portolo. The group described the plethora of activities ranging from Motivational Speakers, Challenge Courses, Sunrise Hikes, Dance party and Talent Show along with traditional ping pong, basketball, volley ball and swimming. “There was always something to do”. Each camper recounted highlights of there time: Praneeta had previously attended Girl Scout camps but did not expect the richness of the experience beginning with the first motivational speaker where she embraced the concept that each new day brings a new discovery. She recognized how goal oriented her high school experience has been with extracurricular and pre-established paths to success were encouraged. At camp, she learned that she should keep an open mind in exploring her future path as so many new opportunities abound. The friendships and close relationships she developed over a mere five days were memorable. Abhyudaya experienced a “break down” of social filters and emphasis on improving his self -image. The non-judgmental nature of the camp and sense of inclusion impressed him. A generally shy personality, Abhyudaya sought to improve his presentation skills and become a more genuine person. Pari described the camp as transformational learning that her time use was more meaningful and she was encouraged to make more purposeful decisions. This life changing experience taught her about the leadership ideal that you do not need to overshadow a group but rather to the glue that bonds a group together toward a common goal. Pari described how her camp group would go out every night under the stars and imagine a larger mysterious world to be discovered. Tanya did not want to give up her telephone upon arrival to camp as required. But the act of relinquishing her phone opened new vistas allowing her discover new resources and human engagement. During camp, she overcame her internal fears and doubts and felt safe in exposing her inner thoughts to others. Whether it was the pool party, the rope course or the Wall, Camp Royal introduced campers to the power of communal interaction, personal trust and purposeful relationships. All of the presenters expressed their sincere appreciation to Rotary for affording this opportunity to develop their leadership skills and discover their potential through this camp experience. President Sea Biscuit presented a certificate donating to the Polio project and thanked the group. Patti Hennigan won the chance for a $400 pot but ended up with a blue marble for $10. We will be dark next week but resume our meeting on October 6th. The Meeting was adjourned at 1:14p. Respectfully submitted, Gary Sloan, Scribe Who is this masked man? |
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