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By: Hermann Welm President Terry “Showtime” Koehne opened the meeting at the San Ramon Community Center and reminded us that this year’s Rotary International President is Shekhar Mehya from India, whose theme for the year is “Serve to Change Lives.” He also advised us that January is “Vocational Service Month!” Our Greeter, Judy Lewis, gave us her Thought for the Day, “Be certain before you die that you have done something for humanity.” She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. She went on to brag -- and rightfully so -- about her 20 years of Perfect Attendance with Rotary. Showtime, in trying to amaze us with his command of the Spanish language, muttered “Ariba, Abajo, El Centro, Endentro, Bienvenidos” or something to that effect. This Scribe recognized the name of a California city in this gibberish, but that did not help in trying to understand any deeper meaning! Icebreaker: An apparently new feature to our meetings, similar to the “News That You Might Have Missed” of the former administration, asked each table to come to some understanding as to what they would do if they were gifted $1 Billion. None of the tables recognized that, after Local, State and Federal taxes, they would actually only have $103.36 to spend (this Scribe did the math!) so they came up with things like 25% to Rotary, 25% to local charities, and 50% for having fun. How much fun can you have with $50.18 spread out over five Rotarians? Visiting Rotarians: None. Guests: Sergeant Will Harlan, US Army (Retired), who may be related to Dr. Bill. Announcements: PP Glen Weber, our spokesperson for The Rotary Foundation, called on Kathy Gailey and Terry Koehne to come forward to receive their latest Paul Harris pins. He thanked them on behalf of our Club and the Foundation for their generosity. Showtime announced that Garth Riopelle, who recently retired and sold his practice, has resigned from Rotary and that he and Michelle, also a former Rotarian, are moving out of the area. This Scribe was permitted a few moments to share three VERY important things: (1) Annie and Grinnell, the Peregrine Falcons residing in their nest atop UC Berkeley’ Camponile, have reconciled after Grinnell’s month-long absence due to injuries inflicted by a pair of Falco interlopers; (2) January 21st is “National Squirrel Appreciation Day;” and (3) the time to trim your trees and heavy shrubs is officially OVER! You’ll now have to wait until November unless you feel at ease in having nesting babies get thrown in the shredder! Chris Gayler auctioned off ten seats for the “Tino’s & Gino’s Cioppino Dinner”, to be hosted by Master Chef Terry Koehne at PP Colette Lay’s home on Friday evening, February 13. The lucky winners, at $150 per seat, were Patti Hennigan, Judy Lewis, Kathy Gailey, and Someone! The proceeds from this fundraiser will help cover operational expenses incurred by the Club. Good News, Fine Free: PP Chris Gallagher proudly announced that he now owns a John Deere tractor, of a size that can facilitate yard work. It is to be noted that someone in every Rotary Club should own one of these, so this Scribe suggests that Chris’ will be the “Duty Tractor” for all! Do I hear a Second to this Motion? Recognitions: Because of Showtime’s negligence in not “recognizing” members in a timely manner, about half the members were fined in absentia for birthdays, partner’s birthdays, anniversaries, and partner’s anniversaries! Check your next Club Statement for the amount you were charged! Feel free to contact PP John Tatum if you have a bone to pick with Showtime’s decision! Program: Vanessa Berastain, Executive Director of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, was presented a check for $20,395 by Norbert Walz. This represents the net earned by the Club through the On-Line Auction for Education. Vanessa went on to note that, aside from the “Run for Education” that they sponsor annually, our Club’s contributions have been their largest for many years. In 2021, this “Run” was a virtual event, however, it will return to an in-person activity in the fall of this year. The Foundation uses its funds to support many special school initiatives, that would otherwise not be funded thru the District’s Budget. Included are support of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs for middle and high schools. Included among these are activities such as 3-D Printing, Chemistry, Culinary Arts, Speech/Debate, and Robotics. For fifth-graders there is a mentoring program that pairs individuals with high school students to support their Science Fair entries, The Foundation also makes Grants directly to teachers for special programming they wish to use in their classes. This year they funded 90 grants with a total of $30,756. The foundation also supports Music and Science programs District-wide. Raffle: The Greeter’s Gift, a bottle of wine, was won by our guest, Will Harlan. The chance to draw the Golden Marble for a big cash prize was won by Michael Roberts; he, unfortunately (for him) drew a Blue one! Next Week’s Program: At the Community Center, once again! The speaker will be Dr. Partrick Joseph, who will update us on “All Things COVID!” |
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