By: Dr. Bill Harlan
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Kathy Gailey, in full “African Queen” mode, whistled us to order and reminded us that John F. Germ remains our Major-Domo of Rotary, serving humanity. Our Greeter,
Karen McNamara, read her Thought for the Day from her phone. In honor of the sixtieth anniversary of Rosa Parks’ bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, Karen reminded us that Martin Luther King had observed that we should never be afraid to do the right thing; the fear of social punishment pales in comparison to the effects of the inner punishment we face from our consciences.
Don Jones led us in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at about here. Karen reminded us that after 39 years of public service with the City of San Ramon, she now lives here with her daughter and enjoys travel and giving back to the community. The visiting Rotarian was
Ramon Duremdes from the Philippines who is looking at senior care in this area. A young software engineer checking out the club was the guest of
Dennis Harvey, our indefatigable Membership chair.
Announcements:
President-Elect, Lucky Sandhu, told us he has his Board in good shape but is still looking fora President-Elect-Elect. He will start getting physical very soon. Lucky also asked us to take pictures at the Tree Lot and send them to him to post. Chris Gayler tried to get some of the slots for the Tree Lot filled; he also threatened to get physical unless we get more volunteers. John Tatum says we have sold about half the trees; we plan to close on Saturday, December 10. Garth Riopelle and Patti Hennigan both volunteered. Brent Tucker says we have 44 people signed up for the Holiday Party at his home. It will be held Saturday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. Brent now lives atop a hill at 250 Santiago Lane which is off Diablo Road at El Cajon in Danville. Parking is available on the cul-de-sac below his house with a van running people up the hill. Call Brent at 837-2118 to rsvp. Marie Galbo reminds us that next week we will be at the Senior Center in San Ramon. We will be serving the seniors lunch, while Mike Thelan will do his best imitation of the California School for the Blind jazz band (our traditional entertainment). Be sure to bring a toy for a tot for Santa Edgardo. Come a little early at 11:30 to help with the service.
Rotary in Uganda and Kenya:
Mark Honstra told us about traveling in Africa on behalf of his business of serving communities off the power gird. He observed that the speakers at both Rotary clubs he visited addressed the same kinds of issues we do, like the financial ignorance of our kids. He brought flags from Kampala and Nairobi clubs.
Red Badge to Blue:
Karen McNamara passed her 4-Way Test with flying colors. She read the requisite material right off the banner.
Rotary Foundation Moment:
Ray Giles reminded us that our annual donation to the Foundation is what funds the good works we do around the world. Our club has an expectation that each of us will commit to at least $100 each year. Ray then handed out a Paul Harris +6 sapphire pin to Don Jones, who asked if he could re-gift the jewelry, He can. Ray then explained that our club has a tradition of giving a Paul Harris fellowship to our Rotarian of the Year. He then gave last year’s Rotarian of the Year, Colette Lay, her belated pin. He then completed his task by giving Kathy Gailey her Paul Harris after a delay of 1253 days. Kathy then told us that our Board has offered $500 toward a Paul Harris for each member who donates this year. Get cracking!
Trinity Center News:
Our Homeless Advocate, Horace Crawford, made two announcements:
“The Trinity Center/St Paul’s Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless was a huge success with over 100 individuals served. A special thanks to San Ramon Rotary Club members for their generous donations of funds, cooking of turkeys, pies, and side dishes, and volunteering at the event. All together, our Club members provided 16 turkeys and 18 pies. Any and all leftovers were quickly consumed by homeless folks who are participating in the Trinity Center Overnight Shelter at the California National Guard Armory in Walnut Creek. If any of the participating Rotarians would like to have a donation receipt from Trinity Center, a 501-3-c nonprofit, please let Horace Crawford know.”
“Trinity Center, a homeless day respite center in Walnut Creek, would appreciate receiving donations for the 60 homeless and working poor they serve. These will be presented as gifts at their annual Christmas Party. Next Thursday, December 8, as has been his tradition for many years, Horace Crawford will be parked out front prior to our annual meeting at the Senior Center to receive donations of cash or gift cards from Target, Safeway, or Trader Joe’s, and/or men’s or women’s gloves, socks, also canned food such as chili, spaghetti, hearty soups. Trinity Center is well supplied with coats and other clothing, and does not need these at this time.”
Recognitions:
Paula Gross, despite her claim of injury in a car accident and a convincing arm sling, was recognized for her wedding anniversary. (Who knew she was married?)
Don Jones and Cynthia celebrated their 46th anniversary, with help from Fred.
John Milich, Watsonville’s Finest, was recognized only to have Kathy discover he had been so honored during the Gailey absence. Once he knew the fine had been paid, Bill Harlan offered that he would pick it up.
Marv Remmich will celebrate his birthday, December 25, in Nashville.
Kathy: “Horace, we want to recognize you for….your birthday.”
Horace Crawford: “Thanks God, I was afraid it was for the ringworm.”
[The above is the Best Response of 2016 in a Rotary meeting.]
Good News/Fine Free:
Bill Harlan reported that he attended the 10th anniversary of the San Ramon campus of Diablo Valley College at which San Ramon Rotary was recognized for supplying the grant that provided the first cadaver for anatomy/physiology classes, complete with a bronze tag on the toe with a Rotary wheel.
Mike Honstra’s son just returned from deployment in the Ukraine with the army.
Ed Duarte’s daughter was just named Director of Internet Services for Europe and is relocating to London.
Guy Greco’s ubiquitous granddaughter is hanging up her goalie gloves and graduating from University of Oregon with a degree in Criminology.
Naim Katiby’s niece, an artist from Afghanistan, joined us for lunch because her uncle is a big spender.
Program:
Marv introduced Tony Green who spoke on sustainability for seniors. Tony had some interesting observations about senior housing and the challenge of keeping our life styles sustainable. “Retirement should be the beginning of life, not the end.” By 2050 about 20% of the US population will be over 60 years old, requiring a bigger portion of the economy. Often housing for seniors is located in remote areas, making a car, and all its attendant pollution, essential. Such homes are frequently surrounded by golf courses and green belts which require a lot of irrigation.
Today, there are about 1 million different housing options for seniors. That number will increase. Mr. Green suggested that new housing will have more fresh air and light. More importantly, it will be more carefully integrated with existing communities, allowing seniors to participate more fully in social life. As Boomers age, they will expect more access to renewable energy and a better environment. We can meet those expectations with today’s technology, as evidenced by Levi Stadium, the gold standard for sustainability. (Alas, the team which plays there cannot be recycled!)
Raffle:
Marv Remmich won a bottle of wine, which should go well with grits in Nashville.
Bill Harlan had the winning ticket for the progressive, which eagle-eyed Naim Katiby spotted. As a result Dr. Harlan is sharing half the $60 jackpot with Dr. Katiby. Chris Gayler says next week we’re back to drawing marbles.
