The first order of business was the induction of a new member, Karen McNamara. Since she left the club several years ago, she has finished her career with the City of San Ramon, traveled extensively, done work for the Food Bank, Shelter Inc. and relaxed. The members welcomed her back in the fold.
Announcements:
Kathy urged that we update our personal information on the email she has sent.
She explained that Crow’s Call will be sent out more expeditiously via Club Runner, although we will still be able to access it on email.
Dr. Bill announced that Kathe Mitchell was stepping down as Scribe and asked for a volunteer to take the fourth meeting of each month.
Paula Sue Gross returned from a week in Fresno with Miss Contra Costa County and announced that the contestant had won a scholarship and that Paula’s daughter, Peyton, had been called the “Cutest Little Princess” by a former Miss America.
Kathy’s Inaugural Party will be held at Gary Sloan’s on August 27. Sign up.
Installation of Board:
President-Elect Lucky Sandhu
Secretary Julie Fiedler
Treasurer Jeff Disch
Membership Dennis Harvey
Club Administration Patti Hennigan
Youth Outreach Colette Lay
RI Foundation Ray Giles
Public Relations Lucky Sandhu
International Guy Greco
Vocational Service Chris Gallagher
Sgt. –at- Arms Bill Brodie
The Board member then took the Oath of Office in which they swore to uphold Rotary values, give their lives for Supreme Leader Gailey and to pay her mortgage. President Gailey introduced us to her Guardian Angel, Kebi, a charming little stuffed creature, whose picture will look really cute on milk cartons when he goes missing.
President’s Plans:
Kathy said that the survey she did of members showed that we were interested in a variety of topics for our programs. She urged that we send suggestions for programs to her or Marv Remmich. The survey also showed that members wanted more Rotary information and networking opportunities. Kathy will be instituting occasional Rotary Moments, and Chris Gallagher will be working on networking. We also wanted more Hands-On Projects, and Paula Sue will be suggesting options, such as the upcoming Stand-Down for Vets. Kathy pledged to schedule more fellowship and Happy Hour opportunities.
Guy Greco will provide updates on what we are doing on the international front. To encourage more young members, our club will partner with others to sponsor a Young Professionals Conference in October. The club will offer spouses an opportunity to receive copies of Crow’s Call.
Kathy explained the problem we have with the club budget. Currently we are running an annual deficit of about $3,000; we must address the shortfall and the not knowing how much we will have for club operations. She is suggesting that we set aside whatever we raise this year in the Wind Fair for next year’s operating budget. That means we need to come up with additional money this year for our club’s business. One idea is to charge money for Members Night Out. Kathy also proposed the idea of doing an Italian potluck in lieu of a catered dinner for this year’s Christmas Party. She thought we could add a couple of fun fund-raisers. Ideas suggested were that we organize a garage sale of and for members. Another idea was not to try and divert 100% of this year’s budget for next year’s operation; do the transfer over several years. Kathy promised to consider these ideas.
President’s Goals:
- Institute a systematic process for generating PR in local media.
- Come up with a new fund-raiser.
- Develop a new hands-on project for the club.
- Find vocational opportunities for club members to help networking.
- Provide more information about Rotary for members and spouses.
- Help members learn more about social media to share with others and boost our visibility in the community.
- Have club members find and help train replacements for their jobs within the club before they step down.
- Conduct frequent surveys, using Survey Monkey. ( Fred Nevarez asked how we would “Slap the Monkey,” which was not useful.
All in all, it promises to be a busy and productive year.
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Kathy Gailey, “The African Queen,” swept into office to the sound of chimes, a welcome change from the raucous humor of the last president, Gary Sloan. She introduced us to this year’s RI president, John F. Germ, whose motto is “Rotary Serving Humanity.” Our Greeter, Don Jones, gave us some Words of Wisdom from Founding Fathers: “Reading only newspapers ensures you will remain stupid.” “I had rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.” After the Flag Salute, Don led the club in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” on which we ended together. Visitors included Bill Randall of the Alamo Club and Joyce Castro of the Fire District. Horace Crawford led his table in showing President Kathy the time-honored signal for when the president has lost control of the meeting, waving the napkin.See the video here: https://www.facebook.com/SanRamonRotary/videos/969347196518837/