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“Show Time” was a no show. Instead, Carolyn Degnan, our incoming president so far without a nickname, ably stepped in, with the help of the inestimable Julie McKinney, and gonged us to order. Then through the miracle of electronics Terry Koehne appeared on the screen and explained that he had tested positive for COVID and he was in quarantine in the back bedroom. At his announcement seven Rotarians scheduled COVID tests on-line. He appears to be well-hydrated.\  Terry reminded us that Shekhar Mehta is Overlord of Rotary International. Shekhar recently visited the doctor for a Mehta Physical exam. Our Greeter, Julie McKinney, led the Salute and offered the Thought that 80% of success is just showing up. Oops, sorry Terry. Julie explained that she is spending the year in Leadership San Ramon Valley and that she had recently been elected to serve as Mayor in that fine organization. Expect our tanks to roll into Dublin any time. Julie and her husband plan to visit Park City, Utah, to look at possible retirement sites. Terry’s ritual chant of “Arriba…” followed, more ragged than usual. Julie introduced the Mindful Moment in which we all discussed with our table mates what we have in common. Spirited discussion followed. The consensus was that different groups shared pets, laughter, gun ownership, hiking and uncertainty about the 49ers on Sunday. This exercise is proving to be a real ice-breaker. Our Rotary Foundation chair, Glen Weber, announced that Rotarians can contribute through Rotary Direct. They enroll at my.rotary.org/rotary-direct, return a completed Rotary Direct enrollment form, or enroll by phone by calling the international office that serves their area or 1-866-976-8279 in the U.S. Ever the salesman for Rotary, Dr. Glen asked, “Where else can you get to be a Paul Harris fellow in a year with just $84 a month?” Announcements: This is Vocational Service Month. We will continue to hold hybrid meetings once a month. The on-line auction for this year will need help. Mike Roberts reminds us that the District Foundation Day will be held virtually on Saturday. Each club needs a minimum of four attendees to qualify to grant money. Contact Mike for more information. Our newest member, Chris Lofaso, announced that he had taken over a HVAC consulting firm called Legacy Mechanical. So much for dreams of a relaxing retirement.  Our speaker was Teohn Conners , founder and director of EAT Sports Foundation. EAT stands for Educate, Aspire Triumph, a group that seeks to encourage kids from underserved communities to thrive in school and on the courts through motivation and athletic training. EAT has been in existence for just two years and works with 200 – 300 kids a year. Teohn is married with two kids and lives in Martinez. He grew up in Louisiana and was a star basketball player for St. Mary’s some years back. He observed that many kids face a stark future: they will end up in jail or dead. EAT trains coaches with experience in their sport to work with kids. They have the advantage over parent volunteers who may be eager but lack experience. The organization seeks to get the kids off their devices and physically active. It offers educational, health, mental and financial benefits. During the recent COVID shutdown, Conners provided Chrome Books for kids without access. In its Kutz for Kids program, it gives stylish haircuts and backpacks to the student athletes. The organization offers tutoring in conjunction with the athletics. It is establishing a Sports Academy with tutors and a computer lab, in addition to basketball courts. It maintains contact with all the kids it works with and tracks their progress. You can support the group by a direct contribution at www.eatsportsfoundation.org. or by signing up for EAT at Amazon.smile. A spirited discussion about the importance of financial literacy in high school followed. It was an inspiring presentation. Mike Thelan won the Greeter’s gift. Patti Hennigan drew blue to the bitter disappointment of all. This correspondent won a bottle of Ruby Hill wine from a guilt-stricken Terry Koehne. John Milich will be our next Greeter. |
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