Most members crowded into the small conference room where a cozy gathering and the San Ramon Rotary Club meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m. President John Milich, a.k.a. Copy Cat, reminded members that this year’s theme was “Be and Inspiration” to others. John introduced our greeter Guy Greco indicating that he was not Dennis Harvey who may or may not have been the designated, scheduled greeter. But who knows? Mr. Greco shared a brief synopsis of his life emphasizing his great kids and grand kids. He reminded the club that his mother reache 105 years old which many Rotarians thought that, with those genetics, Guy is likely to become the oldest Italian Rotary member on record with time. He also shared that his progeny participated in the Pacific Cup Race from San Francisco to Hawaii and safely arrived this past week.
The thought for the day was very timely in light of fellow Rotarians and spouses undergoing some sort of medical treatment for injury and disease:
“I don’t want to live in the kind of world where we don’t look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I can’t change the way anybody else thinks, or what they choose to do, but I can do my bit to help others”.
Dr. Weber shared that he visited with Edgardo who was involved in a motorcycle accident injuring his pelvis that required surgery. He is recovering in Santa Rosa and those Rotarians who wish to contact him may do so through his wife, Elizabeth. When Glen visited our motorcycle king, Edgardo shared that during the accident he thought of two things:
- Her was fearful that he may be paralyzed and two
- He knew he would have to call Guy Greco to share that he would not be able to golf on Thursday.
Best wishes and prayers were expressed for both Edgardo Carrillo and Julie Disch.
Marco Bronzini was welcomed back to the club with a rare, but welcomed appearance.
John butchered a joke having to do with a man who complained to a friend that he was addicted to Twitter to which the friend said that he was sorry but “I don’t follow you”. The club members then enjoyed 30 minutes of jovial fellowship. John announced that the plan was to not have a “program” on the fourth meeting of the month to enable time for friendship and frivolity while encouraging participation on the many upcoming Rotary meetings.
Toward that end, John asked the Chairperson of Community Service, Karen McNamara to outline the many upcoming activities for the upcoming year. Karen indicated that the goal for Community Service is to have at least 2-3 members work in each one of these areas with someone acting as a “shadow” of the current lead person to provide future year continuity. Rotarians were encouraged to volunteer for an event or program that they may wish to join and assist in facilitating a successful outcome. Please contact Karen to indicate your interest. President John would like every Rotarian to be involved in the planning and participation in at least one or two events. Potential involvement and those that have already stepped up are listed below: (Lead Rotarians in BOLD)
Run of Education Auction Nov 1-8 Jerry Marrs, Colette Lay,
Kathy Gailey, Gary Sloan, Chris
Gayler, Dennis Harvey, Marie
Galbo, Norbert Walz and others
Veterans Day Lunch Nov. 8th
Don Bierman, Gary Sloan, Ana Dominquez, Karen McNamara
Xmas Tree Lot Nov 23rd John Tatum, Chris Gayler
Seniors Holiday Lunch Dec 9th
Marie Galbo, Mike Thelen
Offsite Interact Pizza Meeting
Jan 17th
Gary Sloan, Colette Lay
Rise Against Hunger
February
Don Jones
Youth Services Presentation
Feb 7th
Gary Sloan, Interact
Valentines Day Program
Feb 14th
Chris Gallagher
Career Shadow Day
Mar 7th
Stacey Litteral, Priya Jhingan
Smoke Alarm Project
April
Dennis Harvey
Trinity Center Lunch
April 4
Horace Crawford, Patti Hennigan
Stoles and Scholarships
April 18
Patti Hennigan, Gary Sloan
Educator of the Year
April 25
Chris Gayler, Kathy Gailey
Unsung Heroes Award
May 16
Stacey Litteral
Our Rotary Motto is “Service Above Self”. Rotary Club is a SERVICE organization. Our President and his Board hopes that every Rotarian will volunteer on one of these events to achieve our goals of making a difference in our community and enhance the experience of every Rotarian
Other Announcements
Golf update: Guy Greco announced that our second golf tournament would be held today at Crow Canyon Country Club at 2 pm. The next golf tournament would be on August 16th hosted by John Tatum at Diablo Country Club immediately following the meeting.
Auction Update: Jerry distributed Sponsor and Item donation forms and recommended that Rotarians carry them in their cars for the opportunity to invite potential sponsors and item donors when you come upon them. Karen reminded members that the form is also available on line. Chris Gayler sent out a list by email of past donations that selected Rotarians have gathered in previous yeas and asked all Rotarians to step up and acquire these perennial donors so we could move onto new, potential vendors. Gary Sloan shared his recent experience in asking the hotel he was staying in Monterrey to participate in the auction and recommended others do the same in their travels.
Membership: Dennis Harvey implored interested Rotarians to join his committee with ideas on how to enhance our club experience and encourage other deserving community members to join the club. He reviewed a list of businesses and individuals to determine any personal connections that would ease the club’s approach:
Nunez Enterprises Ann Lucena (Gary Sloan)
Bank of the West San Ramon Fire Chief
Old Republic Jessie Ward
Jen Gaub Vanessa with Ed Foundation (Chris Gayler)
City of San Ramon Engeo
GE (Gary Sloan) Andy Li (Jerry Marrs)
Schwab James Bassett (Julie Fiedler)
Kaiser Michelle Riopelle (Garth Riopelle)
Sutter Matt Christiansen (Gary Sloan)
Toyota
See Dennis if you are interested in working with a great Rotarian in the pursuit of club improvement and membership enhancement.
Special Occasions
Fletcher Thames had a birthday on July 31. While rarely attending the meeting, he remains a contributing Rotarian member and we all hope to see him in the flesh at some time. In the meantime, and to be on the safe side, President John recognized Fletcher for the full recognition allocation.
Pat Paterson celebrated an Anniversary this past month followed by a birthday for “Lady Ann”. Lucky man.
Ed Duarte also celebrated a birthday on July 25th.
Good News Announcements fine free
Did everyone know that Guy Greco’s family member made it safely to Hawaii while participating the Pacific Cup Race from San Francisco?
Gary Sloan announced that traditionally the Cal High Interact were granted one or two spot on the District Interact Council. This year, all four interact nominees were accepted onto the council. A stunning achievement.
Rigged Raffle
This week Mike Thelan cleaned up with winning both a bottle of wine and the chance for a $220 pot but alas selected another blue marble netting him with $10 and pride of a clean raffle sweep.
Next weeks Greeter: Patti Hennigan
Next Weeks Program: Valley Humane Society presented by Kim Stange
Meeting adjournment: 1:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Gary Sloan, Scribe