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By: Dr. Bill It was “Show Time” when Terry Koehne gonged us to order. RI president Shekhar Mehya has not been overthrown by Putin. New Greeter Chris Lafaso had given each of us a full-body search and asked us to remember the Ukrainian refugees in our thoughts. He led the Salute to the Flag and told us a little about his background. After a successful career, he faced a future of golf and beer but decided that he really wanted to own his own company. He bought Legacy, a design firm with three employees. He hopes to find ways to engage his firm with the local community and asked us to send him suggestions on how to do that. Chris’ wife is a doctor for Sutter Health and has the highest patient satisfaction rating. Terry’s wife won an award recently as Outstanding Administrator of Special Needs programs in the State. Announcements: Rotary International is coming up. See Terry for details on and what to drink. Glen Weber reminds us that our annual contribution is due now. April 18 will be “Each one bring one” membership drive. The Six-Clubs are planning a return of the joint meeting. We will host. Mike Roberts is off to PETS, Chris Gallagher offered to get him Door Dash. March 20 will be the Rise Against Hunger event, particularly timely. District 5160 will hold its conference this month. Mike Roberts urged all of us to attend, especially new Board members, to pick up best practices. Wine & Beer booth at the Wind Faire. Norbert Walz needs volunteers to help refurbish the booth and to work Sunday and Monday. Colette Lay donated her husband Brad to wander around and sample all the drinks. Dennis Harvey is waiting for a date for Smoke Alarm Day at Sunny Glen. Eddie Duarte welcomed the birth of his first great-grandson. Dennis Harvey was the big winner at poker. (What are the odds of that?) Hermann Welm was recognized for Squirrel Week (Surprise!) Kathy Gailey paid to announce “Walk in My Shoes,” an event to provide handicapped people with displays about the new technology. She also plugged a fund-raiser for an anti-violence group (golf at Half Moon Bay.) Program: Mike Roberts, our incoming president, talked about Sunflower Hill, a Tri-Valley non-profit that works with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so they are able to work, learn and thrive as part of the greater community. The organization helps them become more independent and to reduce the stigma associated with their condition. The group operates Sunflower Hill at Irby Ranch in Pleasanton with 31 living units, a gym, kitchen and two staff who serve as tour directors rather than custodians. They help to develop self-advocacy skills, fitness, arts and socialization. The cost for each participant is tailored to the individual’s need and resources. Mike showed a short video that emphasized the effect of independence on both the participants and their families. The idea of Sunflower Hill is expanding to similar developments on Lafayette Lane in 2026 and Croak Ranch in Dublin. The group offers in-person and virtual programs in gardening, cooking and social activities called Popcorn Chat. The Hands-On Gardening groups meet at the community garden at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore. Participants learn educational, therapeutic and life skills. They also donate their produce (last year 3,454 pounds) to Culinary Angels, Shepherd’s Gate and Tri-Valley Haven. Opportunities for volunteers includie working in the garden on Fridays, 9 – 12, working special events, assisting with ASL and working at Irby Ranch. You can learn more at www.sunflowerhill.org. The group will host a fund-raiser 5K/1K fun run/walk at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton on June 18. There is also a fancy event, the Sunflower Showcase, at McGrail’s Winery on October 21. Check with Mike on details. Most of the funding comes from grants and from the City of Pleasanton. He urged us to check out the newsletter at www.sunflowerhill.org/newsletter, the blog at sunflowerhill.org/blog and youtube.com/user/SunflowerHillOrg. Mike spoke briefly about his trek from 20 years at Golden Gate Fields, to Buckhorn Grill and on to Sunflower Hill. It was a fascinating program from an amazing member.    Barry Toby won the Greeter’s gift. Gary Sloan got $20 as a consolation since Geoff Disch lost his marbles. |
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