Crows Call

April 27, 2018

By Gary Sloan

 

 

The meeting was called to order by our Rotary President Lucky Sandhu who once again graciously congratulated Rotarians on the difference we make in our community and around the world.  This meeting is dedicated to honoring our teachers and those who support our teachers and students including Elementary to High School recipients.  As usual the President reminded everyone of the vast worldwide organization to which we belong.  While recognizing some of our guests, Lucky referred to visiting police chief and guests as his “get out of jail free card”.  Our good humored law enforcement officers did not immediately arrest Lucky and permitted the meeting to proceed.

Our own Ed Duarte was the greeter who explained that the “thought for the day” was a broad based concept that could be a famous quote, prayer, or saying that might invoke thoughtful reflection for members and guests. He quoted a quote by Thomas Jefferson:“ The Democracy will not survive if it takes away from those who are willing to work, and gives to those who are not”
Herman Welm did lead us in a rousing rendition of My Country Tis of Thee and most of the members stayed on tune.

 

Lucky allotted for some fellowship time but not before introducing select members of the Cal High Orchestra (Violins and Viola) who provided lovely chamber music over the lively chatter of the club and invited guests.  It was really quite a treat and wonderful addition to this event “orchestrated” by Chris Gayler for the ninth year.

Lucky turned over the presentation to Chris Gayler who shared that he would not tell any bad jokes about teachers as he has in previous years.  Instead he introduced his son and wife who accompanied Chris to the meeting sharing that his son was a product of our wonderful schools.  He noted that Rotarians pride themselves on the differences we make in our community, but that the teachers of our community are the true heroes and heroines in molding our youths minds.  The three presenters for the day were Colette Lay, Jerry Marrs and Gary Sloan.  The recipients of the Educator of the Year award are listed below:

 

 

Bollinger Canyon- Kelsey Loecher, Teacher on Special Assignment, nominated by Principal Shawn Well.

Implemented  Reading and Writing units of study; created a book room, calendaring guru and supported “Just Right Math, mentors new staff, chaired professional development committee

 

California High – Barbara B Carpenter, Health and Psychology Teacher, nominated by Principal Sarah Cranford

Brings learning to life, using relationships to build independent learners, assisting in teaching Vape Education classes to help students quit, and helping students live their “best” lives.

 

Country Club Elementary – Jenna Tooliatos, 1^st/2^nd Grade Day Class, nominated by Principal Christy Glaser

Brings an unyielding passion for student growth promoting a multitude of learning styles.  Makes learning fun and exciting while managing several adult support staff members.

 

Golden View – Sue Beery, 1^st Grade Teacher nominated by Principal Christine Huajardo

Kind, compassionate and innovative who infuses energy and interaction into her classes.  Thinks outside the box developing new and creative ways to teaching young children new ideas.  Dedicated teacher who works well into the night to introduce current research based practices.

 

Iron Horse Middle School – Lacey Lowe, Spanish Teacher nominated by Principal Joe Nguyen

Chair of the World Languages department, teaches 7^th graders Spanish who uses her classroom like a stage creating “Spanish drama”.  Leader who expands beyond her class serving on curriculum council, safety committee and coaches volleyball and badminton.

 

Montevideo Elementary School – Elizabeth Perkins, First Grade Teacher nominated by Katie Cavanaugh

Always the first person in the school in the morning and the last to leave after school creating the best learning environment with strong lessons creatively organizing her students’ work day.  Committed to both learning and teaching exploring workshops that will enhance her teaching skills and collaborates with new ideas.

 

Neil Armstrong School – Elizabeth Geyer, Special Education Resource Teacher nominated by Lorna Monteith

A parents dream with a deep heart, caring educator who treats every student as her own.  Shares ideas and options for parents in a difficult place while being understanding with extra reassurance.

 

Pine Valley Middle School – Annie Vargas, Spanish Teacher nominated by Jason Law.

A “recovering science teacher” fills her classroom with language and culture.  Saturates students in the culture of language creating a foundation including life skills, self esteem and confidence.  She presents language as not a thing to be studied but a way to experience the world.

 

Twin Creeks Elementary – Caitlin Benazra, 1^st Grade Teacher nominated by Shelli Kravitz

A 21 year career with nine at Twin Creeks, fills in the need for more targeted and explicit reading support for emerging readers participating in the Reading Recovery program.  Volunteers on the Site Council and an integral part of the staff.

 

Venture School – Lindsey Meinbress, Spanish/Leadership nominated by Principal Matt Chamberlain

Exemplifies “service above self”; dedicated to learning and development of students as productive caring members of the community.  Weaves life skills and positive choices into her curriculum.  Also instrumental in creation of the school newspaper.

 

Walt Disney Elementary – Geoff Peppler, Special Assignment Teacher nominated by Principal Curtis Haar

Dynamic educator and dedicated team player supports students with reading skills.  Expert at building relationships and positive rapport with staff, students and families.  Excellent communicator who cares about social and emotional well-being of all of his students

 

There was a wonderful ovation to these teacher recipients.

 

Lucky conducted the raffle won by Dennis Harvey who shared half his winnings with Jerry’s son.  The blue marble was pulled so the pot is now in the mid $100s.

 

The meeting was adjourned with pictures of our honorees and congratulations to Chris Gayler for a job well done.

 

Submitted by

Gary Sloan, Scribe.

 

My husband, Ed and I, raised our family in San Ramon where I enjoyed being active in the community. Throughout the years, I served as Twin Creeks PTA President, HOA President, Cub Scout Leader, served on SRVUSD school board committees, and worked on the San Ramon Incorporation Committee. But I think my most rewarding experience was the honor of serving as the 2001-2002 (first female) President of the Rotary Club of San Ramon.

I was employed as a mortgage loan consultant and retired from Washington Mutual Bank in 2007.

Daughter Christine and family reside in San Ramon where she is employed as an Autism Specialist at Iron Horse School. My son, Mark, lives in Woodland with his family and is also employed in mortgage lending.

Shortly before my husband passed away in 2012, we downsized into Crow Canyon Country Cub where I am happy to be close to Club meetings and my Rotary family.

Marie Galbo