By: Bill Harlan
President Kathy Gailey chimed the meeting to order. Greeter Stacy Littrel shared with us her Thought for the Day on the occasion of the death of her beloved dog:
“The world would be a better place if we all shared unconditional love like a dog.” After the Salute we sang the Patriotic Song led, reluctantly, by Hermann Welm. The Visiting Rotarian was our Speaker, Steve Lack, of the Pleasant Hill Club. Stacy heads up Kids’ Country, an after-school operation which is located in 15 schools here in the Valley and is in the process of opening two more this month. Stacy, who has two kids, nine and four, told us about the plans to open an expanded center just off El Cerro Drive in Danville. Glen Weber introduced Ilaria Valatti from Rome, who was an exchange student with our club in 1988. She told us her father, as a result of her experience, had started an exchange program with his club in Italy. She presented us with a flag from that club and in return got one of our Crow emblems. Ilaria attended the recent wedding of Glen’s daughter Rachel.
Announcements:
Julie Fiedler thanked us for all the expressions of support that she received upon the recent death of her husband. If you would like to help supply Julie and her family with meals during this difficult time, contact Marie Galbo.
Dennis Harvey is organizing a table at an upcoming Chamber mixer at Bridges where about 50 businesses are expected. If you can help, contact Dennis.
Kathy Gailey tells us the Dougherty Valley Club is sponsoring some kind of a fund- raiser with food and entertainment on September 17. Contact her for more details.
Dennis Harvey is working on a new handbook for potential members and could use some candid photos of Rotarians. Send them to him. He also announced the Heart Walk will occur again this year; the impact of the effort is seen in the fact that heart disease has dropped from the number one cause of death to the number three.
Guy Greco is organizing a group to go to the graduation luncheon for Canine Companions, a group we have supported, in Santa Rosa on August 26; let Guy know if you’re interested in joining him.
Kathy Gailey told us the she and her son had done a wheelchair distribution in Ecuador recently. Kathy also handed out pledge cards for our annual Foundation commitment and asked for them to be returned by August 18.
Important Upcoming Dates:
August 18: Board meeting with District Governor prior to regular meeting will be held at the Country Club at 10:00 a.m.
August 27: Kathy’s Inauguration/ Dunking party at Sloan’s house. RSVP to Gary.
June 10, 2017: The next Rotary International will be in Atlanta, Georgia.
Recognitions/ Good News:
Geoff Johnson, everyone’s favorite lottery winner, celebrated a birthday and won a lovely Rotary decal for his truck.
Jay Tonz, our favorite economic forecaster, also won a decal in honor of his birthday; it is not known what Jay will affix his to.
Collette Lay took her daughter to a martial arts tournament in Baltimore where she won a gold medal; you have been warned.
Dennis Harvey recently went mountain bike riding with his family at Mammoth and recommends the experience.
Pat Paterson and Lady Ann just celebrated their 60th anniversary in Bend, OR.
Program:
Steve Lack, a former District Governor, spoke on “Growing Rotary by Attracting and Retaining Baby Boomers.” Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964; they constitute about 75 million Americans. They retire earlier, stay healthier and remain active. They are eager to find outlets for service and are financially solvent. Many Boomers can be found in Active Adult communities, such as Rossmoor and Sunny Glen. Since they get most of their information from local newspapers, an invitation to attend an information meeting can attract potential members, as can Chamber mixers and targeted brochures.
Delicious lunches and interesting speakers help retain Boomers. Try to be particularly sensitive to their interests and needs. They still want to make their mark on the world, so Rotary projects need to address that desire. An example of a Boomer appeal might be, “Your experience, wisdom and talent are needed and valued.” Our Rotary Zone, the Western U.S., has a Baby Boomer Customer Service Team consultant that is available to help in any campaign we adopt. It was a highly entertaining and informative talk.
Raffle:
The bag of marbles is dead! Long live the dice! Barry Toby drew the first chance at the new jackpot. Alas, despite his energetic shaking he was unable to throw either Snake Eyes (2) or Boxcars (12) to win the $50 prize. Sedona-bound Spike Stevens won the Greeter’s gift. She had better declare it when they cross the Arizona state line.
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