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By: Hermann Welm (There were 28 participants signed on for the meeting.) President Chris “Top Gun” Gallagher opened our third meeting of his term by reminding us his year’s Rotary International President is Holger Knaack from the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany, and our theme is Rotary Opens Opportunities. Our Greeter, Dennis Garrison, led us in the Salute to the Flag and his Thought for the Day: Think about your attitude during good times, then check it out during bad times. Dennis went on to tell us that he’s having “fun” managing Clubsport given that he has lots of cost, and zero revenue! Visiting Rotarians: None. Guests: Mike Conklin introduced Jacob Brown, newly-added to the Sentinels of Freedom staff, and the very first “Sentinel” in the program. He graduated from San Ramon Valley High in 2000. Announcements: The Top Gun mentioned something about tree trimming so this Scribe felt obliged to remind all that the proper time for that is November and December -- take another week on either side if need be -- since there are baby critters nesting there at all other times! Noteworthy is that there will be a new term in everyone’s vocabulary soon! “2020” will equate to “crazy!” As in “The project started out real well and then it turned 2020!” Top Gun then showed us a picture of the Berkeley and Oakland Rotary Clubs having an outdoor meeting during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which killed millions worldwide (estimates were between 17 and 50 million). Norbert Walz noted there WILL be a Online Auction for Education this years! It is likely to be held between October and Christmas. Sponsorship Chair, Gary Sloan, has already secured nearly $35,000 and is still working on it. Cheri Braga offered to assist Gary in securing more sponsors; Gary did NOT refuse her help! PP John Tatum was not able to join in today’s ZOOM meeting because he claims not to have a camera on his computer. Top Gun will be starting a GoFundMe page to raise money so John can afford one! Recognitions: For daring to speak up about saving the lives of baby critters, this Scribe was “recognized” for $25.00; and NOBODY stepped up to “pick up” that amount! Kerry Richard’s wife, Tammy, had a birthday on July 20th; they went to Sam’s Chowder House for an outdoor meal and loved it! Program: The Top Gun asked Mike Conklin to give us an update on Sentinels of Freedom. Before doing so, however, Mike bragged about having set a World Record in the “Downhill on Skateboard” some year ago. He survived a trip down from the top of Mount Diablo! Mike and Peggy have four sons who are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States and he started this non-profit after visiting his son, Kris, who was wounded in Iraq. While at Walter Reed Hospital Mike, spoke with others who were also wounded. He realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war-torn men and women were facing when transitioning back to civilian life. Their first “Sentinel” was Jacob Brown, who accompanied Mike for this ZOOM meeting as a Guest. To date, 650 severely-wounded men and women are going, or have gone, thru the program, including Medal of Honor winner Kyle Carpenter. Mike presented several very interesting and informative slides, covering the organization and activities of Sentinels of Freedom plus some of its members/graduates. Joshua and Jennifer Chinn will be moving to San Ramon in September. Lennar Homes has built a house for the Sentinels of Freedom that will be turned over to this young family, rent-free, for four years to help them get established in the community. We would certainly be please to meet them at one of our Rotary Luncheons after they get settled. Raffle: NONE, again! Next Week’s Program: Another ZOOM meeting featuring Mayor Bill Clarkson, a fellow Rotarian and former member of this club. Our Greeter will be George Gayler, IF Chris G. can find him!. |
