What a beautiful day to visit the Make A Splash summer swim camp, where high school students, organized by the Pacific Coast Marlins, teach children to swim. Today was the camp's graduation day and we had the opportunity to see the wonderful swim skills that the children have learned. Some swimmers showed us their swim stroke skills and others have progressed so much that they are ready for the swim team - wow! The Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor is proud to support this amazing local organization where everyone benefits, the swimmers, the teachers and the Rotarians who have the opportunity to witness the fun in the sun! Go team!!!! See Harbor Rotarians with these wonderful instructors and for more information on this great group, please visit https://pcmlearntoswim.org/
Please join me in honoring Jim Carriere, our Harbor Rotary member who recently hit a milestone. He has raised over $400,000 in funds for ShelterBox USA, an international disaster relief charity. This has earned him recognition as the organization’s top all-time fundraiser. ShelterBox delivers emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to people affected by natural disasters or conflict around the world.
“ShelterBox would not be able to help so many families in need of shelter without the exceptional efforts of volunteers who have a passion for helping people in need,” said Kerri Murray. “Jim has truly gone above and beyond and his extraordinary service to raise funds for ShelterBox has resulted in hundreds of families receiving life-saving aid.”
Carriere, who is senior vice president of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of San Rafael, has been involved with the organization for more than a decade. He served on ShelterBox USA’s board from 2010-2018, including service as board chair in 2017 and 2018.
For the last four years, Carriere has hosted a successful fundraising event for ShelterBox called Jimbalaya, in which he treats guests to cuisine from his hometown of New Orleans. In total, the event has raised more than $100,000.
A member of the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor, he first learned of the organization through its connection to Rotary. ShelterBox is the official Project Partner of Rotary International in disaster relief. Rotarians are often the first point of contact for the ShelterBox Response Team when they arrive in a country that has been devastated by a disaster.
Harbor Rotary Member Jim Carriere Outstanding ShelterBox Fundraiser
President Barbara Weldon Goes to Hamburg for the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. Here she is at the Rotary Booth placing her Rotary Lego block helping to create the beautiful Rotary Lego Wheel.
Exciting times in Hamburg , Germany at the RI Convention! We had great trip to which included inspiring speakers, learned about the wonderful projects being done around the world, and shared fellowship with old friends and new. Here we see President Barbara Weldon at the Lego Rotary Wheel, created by each Rotarian adding their Lego block to the beautiful wheel.
Genie and Jeff Reynolds of San Francisco are the Grand Prize Winners of our 2019 Restaurant Raffle. They are the lucky recipients of thirteen $100 gift certificates from Marin's finest restaurants including:
Arrivederci, Beso Bistro and Wine Bar, Buckeye Roadhouse, Chalet Basque, HopMonk Tavern, il Davide, In-N-Out Burger, Insalata's, La Toscana, LaVier Latin Fusion, Left Bank, Marin Brewing Company, Parranga, Perry's, Pizza Antica, San Rafael Joe's, Thep Lela Thai, and The Spinnaker. The winning ticket was sold by Susan Lundy,
We had a banner year for our Raffle sales this year, raising more than $18,000. We use this money to support local community projects and nonprofits, as well as international groups that work in developing countries. Thank you, thank you very much to our generous restaurant sponsors and our wonderful friends who bought tickets.
Congratulations to our 2019 Restaurant Raffle Winners
Stan Green, Susan Lundy, Bev Shwert, and Judi Cooper attended the 4 Way Fest in Reno. This author (Susan). felt as though I was singing the Girl Scout ditty: "Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold". It was good to enjoy the friendship of our own club and fun to visit with Rotarians from not only our area, but also Nevada, Northern CA, and East Bay.
Pictured at the House of Friendship is Susan and her fellowship friend Becky (aka Linda) Regan. They worked the International Travel and Hosting Fellowship booth.
Breakfast with Stan, Susan, Judi, and Stan's friend from Novato Sunrise.
Bev Shwert enjoying "after the convention" day in Reno/Sparks.
Cindy Stameroff left before we got a picture...but below are Greg Spellerberg and his Mom, Susan Lundy, and Steve Villa. We served lunch on Mother's Day from 10:30 until 1pm, Cindy, Steve, and Greg had to stand over the steam table for the hot meal but Susan "volunteered" for the dessert table. She was the most popular one there! Over 150 plates were dished out to friends and families.
Cindy, Steve, Susan and son Greg serve at St. Vincents
The 2015-16 recipient of the Noushin-Sharif Murphy Memorial Scholarship, Sierra Murphy (no relation), graduated with honors and a triple-major from Arizona State University. Representing Harbor Rotary at the ceremony was Past President Hugh Murphy (also no relation). He is pictured below with Sierra. Hugh writes:
Following up on a wonderful weekend in Tempe, AZ. Met Sierra's extended family and her boyfriend. Mom (Tina) saved Sara and I a seat with them and we had a great conversation with Tina and Sierra's grandparents. Both grandparents are deaf (they had met at a school for the deaf in Berkeley) and Tina acted as translator. Was cool to see Sierra, sitting down on the floor, communicate with mom and grandparents using sign language. No need to shout.
The only down side was that there were over 900 honors students graduating and each student was individually introduced and what their majors were. Those basketball seats were very hard and when the last student was introduced she got a standing ovation. I think she was surprised until she figured out why we were cheering (ha).
Sierra was one of 23 graduating students, out of 15,000+, who received bachelor degrees in three different majors. Her final GPA was 4.1. She is on her way to medical school next year. And by the way she is a graduate of the RYLA program which she again mentioned to me how important it was to her for her self confidence in high school.
Whether she is a future Rotarian or not, I am sure we will be hearing her name again in the years to come as either a preeminent neurosurgeon or cancer researcher.
St. Vincent's kitchen was manned by four Harbor volunteers on Sunday, March 31st. Rotarians pictured are, left to right, Stanley Green (International Service Chair), Brigette Waterbury (Community Service Chair), Jaimie Ortez (Public Image) and Cindy Stameroff (Club Treasurer).
President Elect Judi Cooper wore her Captain's cap and was proudly supported by almost half of her Club. Immediate Past President Carola Detrick attended as new Assistant District Governor. Jim Carriere attended to speak about SHELTERBOX USA. President Barbara Weldon attended for final hints on Awards qualification. Also attending were Cindy Stameroff, Stan Green, Susan Lundy, Bev Shwert, and Hugh Murphy.
Pictured are, left to right, Barbara, Bev, Susan, and Judi.
The annual Shelterbox fundraiser is our alternative meeting this week. Join us next week, January 29, back at Whistlestop and remember, February 5th we are looking forward to the Climate Change discussion.
Interact Rotarian Chair Brigette Waterbury is pictured "setting the table" for our mutual "pot luck" lunch. President-Elect Judi Cooper came dressed as "a good" witch and brought sweet candies (luckily, NOT on a gingerbread house!!). Rotarians enjoying meeting the 25 plus students (50/50 boys and girls) also included Bev Shwert, Susan Lundy, Hugh Murphy, President Barbara Weldon, and guest speaker Jane Hall (Past President, Mill Valley Rotary and currently encouraging Youth Service Exchange). THIS WILL BE A GREAT YEAR...the Interact Club already has scheduled three work days at the San Pedro Elementary School organic garden (which is sponsored by Harbor Rotary in conjunction with Lori Davis of Sanzuma).
The crisp morning of September 19 saw Cindy Stameroff, Stan Green, Barbara Weldon, Susan Lundy, and Brigette Waterbury helping Sanzuma founder and organic garden expert Lori Davis transplant "a few" of her 2,500 seedlings that needed potting. Lori also showed us the entire garden (started in 2001 with a greenhouse donated by RC of Mission San Rafael) and "our plot" of land for the fruit trees. Aero fencing has donated the raw materials (fencing workers needed!) and soon the lot can be ready for more than the owl house...for all our fruit trees we are donating. Here are pictures with comments showing the garden project at San Pedro Elementary:
Ok..we had a lot of fun with out two teams, even if we all got eliminated around noon or so. Stan, Bev, Susan, John, Hugh, Theresa, Barbara, Helen, and of course our "we-claim-her-too-even-though-she-belongs-to-Sausalito" friend, PDG Christiana Gallagher enjoyed the sunny day, food, and competition.
Thanks for organizing full participation this year, Bev Shwert!
2016-2017 an obviously overwhelmed, elated, and excited President Hugh Murphy receives theRotary International Presidential Citation award from 2016-2017 PDG Jeri Fujimoto, who then spoke about Polio Eradication and her trip to India on world immunization day. (Note...Hugh really WAS happy; Susan just cannot take a good picture to save her life sometimes.)
Jeri showed slides and spoke about managing her team of volunteers when she participated in immunization:
Membership chair Carola Detrick pins the coveted Blue Badge on Jaime Ortiz. Congratulations, Jaime, for passing the requirements to move from the newbie Red badge to our RCSRH Blue!
John Bottari discussed the CA Employers Advisory Council, an organization which he leads as California President this year. John covered information also available on their website, but personalized it with reasons an employer should join:
The California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC) is your connection to employment and workforce development information. The CEAC has been in partnership with the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) since 1980. As the nonprofit, statewide umbrella organization for local Employer Advisory Councils (EACs), the CEAC:
Provides low-cost, timely seminars on topics such as employment law, workforce development, and human resource practices through the local EACs.
Works with the EDD to promote regulations, policies, and procedures that are business friendly.
Provides links between employers, EACs, and the EDD at the local and state level.
Notifies employers about pending legislation that may impact them.
Provides employer representation on state-level panels, boards, and advisory groups.
Then, Daisy Batten spoke of Diversity awareness. Daisy is active in her college's diversity program and discussed how easy it is to judge people by first initial impressions based upon skin color, build, ethnicity, or other factors that blind people with stereotypical judgments. Daisy presented a very timely "refresher course" for all of us to BE AWARE of diversity.
Stan Green and Barbara Weldon are shown lifting a box of food packed at Saturday's (Aug 18) Marin and San Francisco Food Bank event. Stan was there in the morning representing Harbor Rotary and Barbara was there in the afternoon. Sunday, Harbor Rotarians will be at the Bocce Ball event for Rotary. Busy, Busy August!
July 25th was GRADUATION DAY for the 3-8 yr olds in the Canal area who learned water safety and how to float and beginning swimming at San Rafael High School. We enjoyed the celebration and enjoyed the visiting afterwards!
An Open Letter from member Jim Carriere to us all:
I think I've shared that there is a ShelterBox Ambassador canoeing the length of the Mississippi River in hopes of raising over $250,000. In addition he can win another $50,000. Please see below, vote daily if you can, and share with friends. I'll provide details tomorrow and let you know how to sponsor a mile (or more) if you'd like to.
Great news! Because of his paddle expedition down the Mississippi, ShelterBox volunteer Erik Elsea has been nominated for the Eagle Rare Life Award. The $50,000 prize will go to the winner’s charity of choice!
The top five finalists to receive the most votes in each category will be considered for a category prize of $5,000. The judges will then evaluate the top 10 nominees across all categories to determine the winner of the Eagle Rare Life Award and the $50,000 Grand Prize, which will be donated to the charity or cause of the winner’s choice.
Today "What's Happening" calendars guru, John Benus, gave us tips about healthy living. A brief summary in no particular order: 1. toothpaste is poison (read the label) so rinse three times 2. Four grams of sugar - 1 teaspoon, so one quart of low-fat yogurt is 15 teaspoons of sugar. 3. Use soap to shave not areosol spray cans, then use aloe vera gel on your face, legs, etc. 4. Don't drink milk. 5. Chew well so your stomach can actually digest the food. 6. Ignore the "3 square meals a day" idea...eat the largest meal in the middle of the day. 7. Avoid gluten and avoid meat (chicken or fish okay but not red meat. If you must eat red meat to survive, eat grass fed organic red meat). 8. Bike, jog, hike..and if you walk, make sure you are walking at 3 mph. Do so daily. Good ideas for us all and that was just a quick sampling of all the data he presented.
Guest editor Susan Lundy (Jaime's on vacation!). July 24th meeting date change...we instead meet at 11:30 to watch the under six year old kids from the Canal area graduate swimming lessons at San Rafael High School's pool! This is our 3rd year of supporting Make a Splash, and each year we get more attached to the youngster's and their contagious excitement and pride. We then join the kids for lunch. Come enjoy.
World Environment Day is today, (see project@esrag.org for a Rotary "avoid plastic straws" project to be featured in Toronto's convention), and it is not a coincidence that Speaker Chair Steve Villa scheduled the foremost Marin-based expert on environmental change, Andrew Gunther, (andrewgunther.com) who gave a well-researched, beautifully illustrated, and flawlessly presented description of the global warming effects upon the world.
Carola Detrick, of Carola Detrick Nonprofit Consulting and President (and Founder in 1993) of Meals of Marin, is our 2017-2018 President. A native of Germany and graduate of the University of Munich, Carola brings a strong sense of organization and a lifetime of commitment to Service Above Self.
ALL PRESIDENTS from 2002 to...2020!
Ken Downs /John Luce 2002-3 Maureen McConnelly 2003-4 Helen Abe 2004-5 Mark DeLangis 2005-6 John Bottari 2006-7 Jim Carriere 2007-8 Kris Edwards 2008-9 Brigette Waterbury 2009-10 Stacie Strassberg 2009-10 Tom Sutton 2011-12 Karen Thompson 2012-13 Aref Ahmadia 2013-2014 Susan Lundy 2014-2015 Beverly Snow Shwert 2015-2016 Hugh Murphy 2016-2017 Carola Detrick 2017-2018
Barbara Weldon (elect) 2018-2019 Judi Cooper (nominee) 2019-2020
January 29, 2018, the San Rafael High School Interact members once again worked to cook and serve the homeless. Showing up to help with clean up were our own two members, President-Elect Barbara Weldon (on the right) and President-Elect Nominee Judi Cooper (on the left). THANKS, kids!
Mark Hoffman served on the 2011-2012 Grand Jury, so his depth of experience went from the early 2000's through today. He knew which topics had been buried, which had made profound differences in the way Marin County conducted business, and which needed to be re-visited. By the time he had finished, the wealth of information about Grand Jury services made those of us in attendance (and it was a good crowd) all proud of our volunteers and even may have inspired one or two to seek Grand Jury service next year.
Many thanks to guest and potential new member Sandi Luna for the close-ups of Mark.
Stan Green presents President Carola Detrick with the banner of the Rotary Club of Tokyo, Japan. Within a couple of weeks, we will be having San present his travels in a program... Stay tuned!
Stan Green does some Rotary work while visiting Japan
Linda Palermo, of Sandler Traininggave inspiring, practical, and easy-to-implement tips for changing our sales techniques when working one-to-one with prospects. She also offered as a prize the best-selling Sandler book "You can't teach a kid to ride a bike at a seminar"! We really enjoyed her energetic presentation.
Foundation Chair and Immediate Past President Hugh Murphy is showing shaking hands with Chris Major, our newest Paul Harris plus 1. Thanking Chris as well is President Carola Detrick!
President Carola has set the bar pretty high for her year in terms of the Club Goals she has set with Rotary International:
GOALS…30 members (current 22) 10 new members (In other words, don't lose more than 2 to get 30 at end of year) 3 people participating in Rotarian Action Groups 5 people in participating in Leadership Development at the district level 10 attending the district conference 3 in Rotary Fellowships (already there) 8 in District Training
Jim Carriere sent the following announcement to Susan Lundy (and other Shelterbox supporters) as a personal email. Susan Lundy thinks it needs more publicity!!!
I wanted to announce that there is a new way to support ShelterBox. Sno Road Winery in Echo, OR is now producing a 2013 "In Tents" Cabernet at $38/bottle + S/H. Pictures are attached.
This is the normal price for many of their wines and all profit from these sales is being donated to ShelterBox. The owners are only recouping their production and bottling costs. I can tell you that the sale of each case will sponsor a Shelter Kit like the ones we are currently distributing in Syria and Iraq.
Want to purchase? Call the winery direct at 541-376-0421. Have your credit card ready, tell them you want the ShelterBox In Tents Cabernet, and Lois will take it from there.
Stan Green zipped through the requirements to earn his Blue badge: He was lucky enough to have a District meeting right after he joined; he attended a Board meeting, visited another Club, was a Morning Greeter at Breakfast, brought a guest (more than one!) to our meetings, and started his Paul Harris foundation giving account. ALL OF THIS just since he joined in April. WELCOME, Stan...you are off to a great start! Oh, and by the way...Carola has you on at least three committees already!
One of the perks of getting your coveted "Blue Badge" in summertime is that sometimes you also get the presentation by the current year's District Governor. Stan Green not ONLY got his badge presented by Ron Gin (see pictures below) but also got one of the highly coveted lime green District 5150 baseball caps. Stan models for the paparazzi...
DG Ron Gin made at least five of us cry, which means half the women in attendance were teary eyed. This is definitely not a great idea of we have to leave for business meetings all day; really messes up the eye liner! What did he say or do??? He had a lot of inspiration courtesy of Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas, and closed with a video of our work and efforts (both RI and Harbor) to the tune of "You Raise Me Up". Nice job, Ron. Since we have been inspired by other DGs, particularly our own John Bottari, you are not "boldly going where no man has gone before" but you certainly can truly claim that the force (of 5150 and Harbor) is with you.
MELISSA PRANDI DISCUSSES MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
While crediting three years of our own Helen Abe's guidance as District 5150 Membership leadership, Melissa is handling her second year as Chair, hopefully again showing district membership growth, Her ideas were inspiring...mentoring new members, writing 3 names and giving them to our President, and working with the new Rotary theme to get new members involved quickly and efficiently. Thanks, Melissa!
Today Jeffrey Allen, a 28-year member of Rotary International with perfect attendance, received his Major Donor award from Former District Governor and Foundation Chair John Bottari, with President Hugh Murphy ready to be the first to congratulate him. Way to go, Jeff!
Today we welcomed Stan Green, retired Independent Registered Investment Advisor, into our Club. Stan has been very active in the volunteer community in Marin, having worked with CVNL (both as Board member and Volunteer Matchmaker), with St Vincent de Paul in kitchen food preparation, with COM in their financial literacy program, Marin County FAST team in their financial elder abuse program, and with Carola's MoM program. All in all...a valuable new member. He is also interested in international projects (heads-up, Karen!). Welcome, Stan.
Lauren Vuong, mother, attorney, and rescued Vietnamese "boat child" spoke to our Club about her quest to find and film the men who rescued her 30 fellow children and 31 adults when they were stranded in the ocean, almost out of fuel, food, water, and near death. She wants to produce a short documentary about Compassion and Gratitude. Her story was compelling and emotionally charged; a very good breakfast meeting.
Compassion and Gratitude from Vietnamese Refugee Lauren Vuong
The Ahi and Sake committee met at President Hugh Murphy's to complete a test-run dinner and decided that the sobe noodles, the seared ahi, and the tiny sake cups all combined to create a serene atmosphere...which we immediately destroyed by laughter, singing (Happy Birthday, John Bottari), and chatting! So my guess is the March 28th dinner will not be an intimate, quiet, candlelight type of event but our more typical classy, happy-go-lucky, Rotary type of event! Check out this picture taken by Hugh of Assistant Chef Ken, Helen, Bev, John, Susan, Judi, Barb, and Brigette (left to right around the table).
President Hugh Murphy Exchanging banners on March 14 2017 with visitor Corinne Corley, from Kansas City, Missouri. You can see the banner on our felt display!
Corinne Corley, Rotary Club of Waldo Brookside (Kansas City, MO)
Chris Major brought his new Chess banner, his oversized chess set, and a regular chess set (to give Judi a referesher lesson) along with his slides of his African trip last summer. He taught baseball and chess there and shared slides of young women and men learning and enjoying. Nice presentation from our own member.
Several Local Community Service Organizations speaking to, and supported by, the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor from July 2016 to January 2017
Hugh Murphy and Barbara Weldon present our check to Jeanine Curley and one of her young participants to help with "Opening the World" to at-risk youth of Marin.
President Hugh Murphy presents our RYLA check for the year. Left is the RYLA District rep Jennifer Bates (RC of San Rafael Evening). Right is Rachel Kalish SRHS Teacher & Interact Coordinator.
Marv Zauderer, Executive Director of Extrafood.org, is presented with our Speaker's gift (Rotary Foundation contribution) by President Hugh Murphy. Marv described how his organization gathers food from groceries and restaurants and redistributes to non-profits such as Meals on Wheels or Meals of Marin.
Lori Davis, Executive Director of Sanzuma, and President-Elect Carola Detrick (filling in for President Hugh Murphy). Harbor supports Sanzuma every year, and it was nice to hear about the upgrades planned for the Davidson Middle School garden. Oct 2016.
The first meeting of our new year saw 46 members and guests arriving to hear nationally acclaimed keynote speaker and youth motivator (and Rotarian of long standing) Michael Pritchard.
A couple of years after Tom Sutton and John Bottari attended the District 5150 Blue Angels Fundraiser, our own Jeff Allen offered his powerboat, the Tangoroa, to get the Blue Angel perspective from the Bay. The boat holds 20, but Capt'n Jeff had on board his first mate son, Michael, 3 of Michael's friends, and Rotarians Jim Ring and date (visiting), Chris Major and Joanne Pugh, Susan Lundy and Jim Spellerberg, and Hugh Murphy with Marjan. We learned the unpublished history of Sausalito and Belevedere's coastal residences that only a multi-generation resident could know, and then saw the French, the Blue Angels, the United Airways, and various other acrobatic air escapades while drinking beer and eating lunch. Only Jeff had to work the entire time, being totally alert in a VERY crowded bay. Thanks, Jeff...you gave all of us a wonderful memory and your generosity in providing the boat, the work, and the history is very appreciated by your fellow Harborites.
Annual fundraiser this year at the Lark Theatre on Monday, August 15 at 7pm is "A Walk in the Woods" starring Robert redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson. Regular seating $20. Premium seating $100 ($50 tax deduction). Call 415-310-8749 or Eventbrite for tickets.
In 2016, the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor decided to sponsor the transportation of children from the west end of San Rafael (Canal District) to central San Rafael High School so "Make a Splash" non-profit teaching center could give them swimming lessons.
Showing Andrea Salmi (left) and Isa Ferris displaying the $750 check from the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor.
Pictured from l to right starting with Helen Abe (behind Andrea and Isa): Bev Shwert, Immediate Past President. Carola Detrick, President Elect. Susan Lundy, Barbara Weldon, Public Service Chair. Stacie Strassberg. Tom Sutton, Hugh Murphy, President.
Our dinner featuring outgoing President Bev Shwert and Incoming President Hugh Murphy was well attended and presided over by District Governor Jeri Fujimoto. Here are a few pictures (which apologies from editor Susan Lundy, who obviously had more wine than she should have and thus has blurry pictures. In fact, seems as though most of my candids were unintentionally of people checking cell phones.) As other members get around to it, perhaps we can get better snapshots to post later; meanwhile, here is a sample of the festivities.
In one of his first "Presidential" duties, then President-Elect Hugh Murphy brought back RI's host club's gift of tea which was won in our raffle by member Jeffrey Allen. ENJOY, Jeff!
Jeff Allen wins "Tea prize" brought back from Korea by President Murphy
With the aid of our retiring member, Harriet McLean, the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor once again worked with the Principals of two elementary and one middle school to award Scholastic Achievement certificates to the students chosen by the Principals. The criteria was a bit different from merely looking at grade point average; the Principals each described their choices as students who had progressed the most, overcoming great obstacles, and who were highly motivated to continue their progress. Laurel Dell and Bahia Vista elementary schools and Davidson Middle School participated.
Hugh Murphy wrote this communication to all our Club members this week: I want to say thank you to for asking me to be our Club President for the upcoming year. I hope I and my Board live up to your expectations. I think we have a fun and rewarding year ahead and look forward to getting out into the community and helping where we can. I hope you can join me on our outings and fellowship events as well as attend as many meetings as you can. Note this year Rotary has not placed a minimum on meeting attendance (yeh!) but I would hope you can attend as many meetings as you can. I feel our small club atmosphere is special because we do show up, we do have fun, we do sometimes needle each other (in fun) and, when necessary, are there to console.
Hugh Murphy becomes 15th President of Harbor Rotary
We worked at Davidson Garden instead of meeting at our regular Jackson Cafe and...wow!!...the garden is really thriving. Lori Davis of Sanzuma described the progress toward full organic, sustainable gardening. Aaron, a sixth grade student, was there to help explain why celery tastes better from one bed than from the other beds. Then, some of us (your scribe excepted), rolled up our sleeves, stuck on our garden gloves, and pulled weeds and cleaned up. FUN!.
We were inspired by speaker Aaron Hutchinson and happy to see his wonderfully successful 5K Color Run hosted by our own Marin County Rotary Club of Ignacio., in Novato. Fundraisers are always difficult to plan and having someone like Aaron in your corner seems very helpful.
Aaron Hutchinson inspires 5k charity run and other options!
1. Kramer Herzog returned from 2 months of physical rehab from his skiing accident and from travel to Hawaii where his latest video, for the Kids of Paarl, won top prize. . BELL RINGER Kramer also brought Bev a President's Gift, Hugh a President-Elect gift, and Carola a President-Elect nominee gift from Hawaii! Cindy Stameroff, CPA and Kris Edwards, CPA, both offered bell ringers because tax season is over! Your scribe may have missed other "good news" from April because I cannot find my notes for the later meetings.
2. Chris Major announced his Chess Club is finishing up in one school and he is about to volunteer to teach Chess for a week at Bahia Vista.
3. Judi Cooper paid a birthday fine, and 4. Stacie Strassberg paid a fine because she had a great experience singing at Open Mike Night.
America's #1 PARENT MENTOR, Rowena Starling, discussed three common mistakes made by business owners. She handles fear/phobia/anxiety/and stress coaching (http://www.saveyourbreath101.com
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David Peters, Chris Major, John Noer, and in front, Carola Detrick, Jeniene Curly (Opening the World President and San Rafael Evening Rotary member) Dr. Barbara Weldon, Cindy Stameroff, President Bev Shwert and in front right, Susan Lundy. Also attending but not pictured Tom Sutton, Jim Carriere, and John Bottari. Good show!
President-Elect Hugh Murphy, (tall one, dead center), stands listening to DGPEN Jayne Hulbert.
Bev Shwert enjoying the ribs from The Club that Cooks
The 3rd graders eagerly looked up President Elect Hugh Murphy's occupation: ARCHITECT
Principal Perez helps a third grader with the "c sounds like k" in "architect" spelling.
Every student got a dictionary, and one was left for the one boy absent! WHEW!!! cutting it close!
Once they got "architect" they were thrown for a loop with Dr. Weldon's occupation: Chiropractor. One student asked "K" or "C"? and another student volunteered "the 'h" is silent".
Video/Documentary Film/Photographer and Harbor Rotary member S.J. (Kramer) Herzog happened to be cleaning his files (New Year's Resolution???) and found the attached letter from Harry Albert to S.J. HERZOG (Kramer's grandfather) asking for his Rotary contribution for the "ROTARY BATHING BEACH FUND", and to please send the contribution to fund chair ROY WILKIE. Kramer presented the letter (which included the written notation that his $25 donation was paid by check) to fellow member Jeff Allen, who is one of the two current owners of the venerable Minto-Wilkie Insurance Agency (the other being Rotarian John Rickards).
Hugh Murphy, President Elect for 2016-2017, and Carola Detrick, President Elect for 2017-2018, both attended the Foundation Management seminar at Recology this past Saturday, January 30th. Chris Major, President Elect for 2018-2019, passed on this year's meeting! Your scribe has not heard the report, but I think they will have learned much, quickly. Photo courtesy of Gene Duffy.
PE Hugh and PEN Carola attend Foundation Management event
As last reported, January started off wonderfully with President Bev giving her State of the Club assembly, with discussion regarding attendance, membership, and bylaws along with her listing of what we have accomplished and what we are planning.
Speakers, Awards, Socials
Our January 23rd, four-club "JIMbalaya" fundraiser for Shelterbox went extremely well, with Harbor Rotary very well represented in beautiful Sausalito. Also find many pictures on our Facebook page.. Pictured to the left are Jim and Nancy Carriere (the "Jim" in the "JIMbalaya"), John Bottari, and Aref Ahmadia. SHELTERBOX was the cause and good food was the fun!
Left to right, Aref Ahmadia, Nancy Carriere, Susan Lundy, President Bev Shwert, and Karen Hansen-Thompson.
On January 12, attorney Lisa Poncia gave an informative and moving analysis of Elder Law and how it applies in Marin, with specifics and case studies that brought out many excellent questions and after-meeting chats. Her professionalism and knowledge, combined with her obvious empathy with elders, made us all happy we attended.
PHOTO by Kramer Herzog
2014-2015 District Governor Chris Gallagher came to give our Club the award for being the second highest Club in the District in financial contributions to the Foundation. Her Foundation Chair and our own (former DG) John Bottari was there to present the award to last year's President, Susan Lundy. Susan said she would put it on our felt banner display right "below Aref's award" since the year before...he got 1st in the District instead of 2nd!!
PHOTO by Kramer Herzog
On January 18, Oak Dowling gave a rousing speech with hand-outs and powerpoint slides on the always interesting topic of the kidnapping of Charles Lindberg's baby boy.
GREETER Steve Villa (substituting for next week's Tom Sutton), is owner of San Rafael Floors, a landmark business in San Rafael since 1957. Steve's thought for the day was serious, but I forgot it. I did remember his funny follow-up: "I'm opening a New Year's Resolution business. For the first two weeks it is an exercise gym and then it turns into a bar."
HAPPY NEWS FINES:
Judi Cooper, on her first try, created a GREAT roast for Christmas dinner! Stacie Strassberg visited her Mom in Portland over the Holidays and enjoyed seeing her sister for the first time in two years. Susan Lundy went to the Asian Art Museum annual New Years Eve bell ringing and then got a great fortune cookie to start the new year: "A ship in the Harbor is safe. But that is not why ships are built."
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
President Bev called up John Bottari, who announced that in 2015, only new cases of polio were found...a change from the 359 of 2014. We are, indeed, This Close to ending polio. John then asked Ron Gin, Chief of Staff and 5150 District Governor elect, and John Tornes, Assistant DG, to come forward and they presented the INTERNATIONAL PEACE AWARD to Cindy Stameroff, CPA, to acknowledge her contributions of more than $10,000 to the Rotary International Foundation.
Photo by S. Kramer Herzog of Cindy Stameroff's MAJOR DONOR award ceremony, Jan 5 2016 left to right Assistant DG John Tornes, Chief of Staff Ron Gin, Cindy, President Bev Shwert, and District Foundation Chair John Bottari.
Photo by Chris Major of John Bottari hugging Cindy Stameroff, CPA, while Cindy holds tight to her MAJOR DONOR plaque.
Photo by Kramer Herzog
Jeffrey Allen, President of Minto & Wilkie, celebrating his Paul Harris plus 7 award with (left to right) Assistant DG John Tornes, Chief of Staff, Jeddi warrior, and 5150 DG elect Ron Gin, Jeff Allen, and President-Elect Hugh Murphy receiving his Paul Harris plus 2 award, President Bev Shwert, and 5150 Foundation Chair (and level 2 major donor...that's 20k, guys)..John Bottari.
Photo by Kramer Herzog President Bev Shwert "pinning" Jeff Allen for his Paul Harris award.
Treasurer Cindy Stameroff reported to the November Board that we are now “very solvent” because of the $2400 we raised through our yard sale. Further, she has filed our Tax Returns. Additionally, Cindy noted that we need financial information from Kris Edwards for the Foundation financials review.. Finally she informed us that all dues have been paid for the year!
Foundation Chair John Noerr said we have had excellent participation in this year's Foundation raffle but, like every year, have not yet achieved 100% participation in the raffle. However, like most prior years, Madame President has achieved 100% Board participation. Kudos, Bev!
Please see the attached pictures, all taken by someone at the race track using the camera of S. Kramer Herzog. Thanks, but Kramer himself takes much better shots!
Once agan, LITA ("Love Is The Answer" nonprofit that takes pets to visit home-bound and retirement-living Seniors throughout the year) needs Harbor's help in collecting new clothing for residents of Marin’s long-term care facilities who are low income and/or who would otherwise receive no other gift this holiday season. Last year we supplied donated Lap Robes, socks, and warm caps. All must be new clothing, unwrapped.
MOST NEEDED:
T-shirts (long and short sleeves) Cardigan Sweaters Sweatshirts Sweatpants Pajamas Socks Slippers (closed heal; no slip-ons) Throws/Blankets Lap Robes
All sizes (XS - XXL) needed for women and men.
Susan Lundy will take all LITA donations to their office on their final collection date: Tuesday, December 15.
Donations of gift bags and tissue paper are also needed.
LITA "cozy clothing" drive for Seniors...bring tomorrow or the 15th
Our Holiday Party with the other 3 Clubs was well attended and San Rafael Joes had a rocking group of Rotarians! Cindy Stameroff, CPA, won one of the raffle prizes, too! Here is Cindy being congratulated by fellow CPA and fellow Harbor member, Kris Edwards, CPA.
In general, the trip encompasses Eco Restoration Projects, sightseeing & other projects in Nicaragua. The cost is: $2,900. We are not ready to make a final decision on this topic as of yet because we have not received the application from the teacher in charge.
Rachel (the teacher) is asking for 1/2 of the amount with kids needing to raise the rest. Brigitte Waterbury will send more information to Beverly Shwert. Helen Abe moved that we make a contribution of $1,500 pending our approval of the official application by a student. Judi seconded. Approved by all.
Sponsorship for SRHS Trip to Nicaragua partly Board approved
Hugh presented that the Committee has come up with the solution to the question whether seniors or juniors should be eligible: The award needs to be focused on a senior (not a junior like last year) to move forward. The committee is looking to have our scholarship presentation be part of SR High’s Senior Awards as an additional incentive. Hugh is offering to personally fund an added award for juniors this year. He is thinking of a “Merit Award for Juniors” instead of asking for an essay. Juniors’ community service may be taken into consideration as a criterion for instance. Award proceedings will start right after Winter Break. In light of the Awards Night the timing makes more sense this way. Judy's comment: Would checks need to be written to the school instead of the student? That way the award money would not be taken off of any college scholarships the students may have been be granted. We discussed that perhaps we will give out the actual check at the end of the Rotary year. It was decided that we will set aside a special meeting in March or April to discuss this topic further. The due date for applications isFeb 23. Announcements will be made end of March or early April
Tuesday morning we heard Beverly Johnson, Paul Harris Fellow with her husband Bob Johnson, Paul Harris Fellow and former Bay Area Rotarian (SF #2 then Corte Madera Rotary before moving). This author thought it was the best program we have had in years! (How about...since the famous "learn to dance" one before I joined?) Beverly talked about downsizing (big time...to one POD storage box), renting their Marin home, and traveling everwhere. I believe I heard 125,000 miles, 35 countries, since 2011.
We learned their budget ($300 a day, but mostly spending $200); their advice (chargers, GPS with current info for country, cell/laptops); and their limitations (one backpack and one suitcase each).
We learned of their traumas (mugging and theft); their triumphs (visiting Rotary Clubs sounded great fun); and their daily activities (guess what...same as in Marin; washing, cooking, reading, and walking). Maybe travel is not for everyone, but for those who are tempted, the Johnson's have it down to a science! They leave Jan 3 to cross the Atlantic again so if anyone else wants to book them...move fast. KUDOS TO PRESIDENT BEV SHWERT for starting a conversation at a Rotary event that lead to their booking. Way to go!
Past District Governor and current Foundation Chair for District 5150, John Bottari, and his wife Elizabeth, became MAJOR DONORS, level TWO for the Rotary International Foundation. That means they have donated at least $25,000. They are also Bequest Society Members, which means they have left at least $10,000 through their wills (or trust). CONGRATULATIONS John and Elizabeth.
On Tuesday, September 15th, unknown vandals broke into the organic Garden at Davidson, turned the cameras away, and proceeded to tear up much of it. On camera, you could see a shadowy image that appeared to be an adult but could not even tell if was male or female. On Wednesday, Davidson removed the doors for repair but on Wednesday night, the deer ate the plantings down to the nub. Lori Davis of Sanzuma not-for-profit and one of her Board members had been working for five weeks to get seedlings to the right state to enthuse the kids, and had succeeded. So now, Lori has managed to get donations of chicken wire and stakes, and she and her husband covered the soil to ready for new plantings on Saturday the 19th to try to protect the plants that are left. Today (Thursday the 24th), Davidson has installed a temporary gate and, per Harriet Maclean who has been working closely on the garden repair, has now offered to pay for chain link fencing to deter additional vandalism.
Lori said "I just used it as a teaching opportunity to explain to the students some of the possible problems that happen with URBAN FARMING, so they just pitched in and started helping clean up the mess and start over." Way to go, Lori, Harriet, and Davidson Administration!
President Bev says we will, of course, be scheduling a work party sometime this year so we can help, too. Meanwhile, we financed some of Lori's wish list for supplies and equipment. Please go to see the 3 minute video if you have not yet done so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYvKcijHgdE
Davidson Middle School Administration responds quickly to vandalism of garden
The last month has been a virtual cornucopia of speakers offering sound wisdom in how to make improvements in appearance and business. From most recent to earliest, Tuesday, September 8th, Cindy Marion Walker speaks about "Time Management for Dummies." Last week, Jill A. Lublin spoke on how to "Get Known Everywhere"
On August 25th, Sally Bonkrude gave us a jazzy and inspiring set of how to make great presentations (more details later); and on August 11th, Diane Kluft discussed how to transform our personal style (in order to) ignite our confidence. For those of us who recall the March 17th Jenny Bailey's "What does your wardrobe say about you", we now are totally, completely, happily prepared to conquer the world.
This September, Rotary Basic Education and Literacy Month, Rotary International is celebrating our progress and reaffirming our commitment to help attain universal education! Here are just a few examples of club service projects helping improve education and literacy:
From left to right: Aref Ahmadia quizzing 3rd graders when we delivered the free Dictionaries this January; Susan Lundy and Kramer Herzog at the 211 Canal Installation of Little Free Libraries in March; and Laurel Dell Elementary's "Relay for Reading" in spring of 2014 (weather canceled 2015 but it is back on track for 2016, per Principal Pepe Gonzalez.
September is Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Month
Today we had two speaker's from the Marinwood, Novato, and Sonoma Farmer's Market.
Agricultural Community Events established in 2010, operates 12 farmers’ markets in the North Bay, 3 of which are located in Marin County (Fairfax, Novato and Marinwood). Each market is connected into the community it serves. Executive Director, Kelly Smith and Market Manager, Karen Marks shared how the farmers markets they operate serve the community beyond bringing local fresh produce and foods through programs offered to low income community members and seniors, like market match. We learned how in turn those programs serve the farmers and businesses at the farmers market for a stronger economy as well as a healthier community
This Saturday morning, June 13th at 9 AM, there will be a private screening of the new film, San Andreas, which has several Rotary connections, including a prominent display of ShelterBox tents with the Rotary logo. Doors open at8:30 am.
YOU COULD ALSO EMAIL BY 10 am FRIDAY: John Henry Fullen jhfullen@gmail.com
Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults, which includes popcorn, candy and a drink.
The event is co-sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Daly City / Colma Evening, Pacifica and South San Francisco, and the Interact Clubs of El Camino and South San Francisco High Schools.
Cinema: Century 20 Daly City, 1901 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City.
Friday, June 12, 10am deadline: SHELTERBOX/Rotary movie viewing of San Andreas!
Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor: Minutes from meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Helen Abe was the greeter and set up person.
Her thoughts of the day:
She says a relative named Confucius says: Life is simple, but we make it complicated.
She also shared a quote from Abraham Lincoln: It is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak out and confirm the fact.
Her profession as a wealth manager and retirement strategist has shown the following reasons that individuals fail in retirement are due to the following:
1) Divorce
2) Second homes
3) Adult children with no shame
4) Starting a business
5) Health care
6) Overspending assets
7) Swindled by elder fraud
Dr. Barbara Weldon did not get to give her Rotary moment last week, so she shared this week. She works part time as a chiropractor at the Marin Community Clinic. President Susan adds that she also works part time as a Chiropractor in private practice and has kept Susan ready, willing, and able all year! Finally, she is also a Kaiser respiratory therapist. Lots of hats, and she wears them all well.
Rotarian guests: Past President and Charter member Paul Simmons from Mission San Rafael
Guests are: Carola brought a friend from Austria: Alex Moisbergen
We sang Happy Birthday to Tom Sutton and Carola Dietrick
Jim Carriere gave a bell ringer fine ($100) for celebrating 25 years of wedded bliss to lovely Nancy; as well as Joseph graduating from high school
Helen Abe gave a bell ringer too, to welcome John Noerr back, after returning from some health issues.
Jim Carriere gave his update of our fund raiser, the restaurant raffle ticket sales. He was not grumpy today; as we have exceeded last year’s amount raised. Thus far, $17,050 raised. However, no rest for the members just yet, as there are more tickets to sell to reach the goal of 400 tickets! There are 59 tickets remaining to be sold……maybe 2 more per person? Jim suggests to sell to friends, family, even strangers!!!! Have you asked all your friends and family? Doable! Let’s go! Barbara Weldon sold the winning progressive ticket to her friend and our non-profit contact for "Opening the World" charitable giving project. Ms, Jeanine Curley; a Rafael Evening Club Rotarian, runs off with 4 restaurant gift certificates, worth $400! She will be dining at Arriverderci, Comfort’s, The Panama Hotel and Rickey’s. That is an immediate 800% return for a $50 investment…..can’t get that in your bank account. (Of course, we all buy tickets to help our good works, but isn't it great when Lady Luck smiles upon our purchase? Susan's comment)
Announcement: Stacie Strassberg will be belting it out again at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, free event! I wonder why it’s free? Stacy, do you want to let us in on the secret? Let’s go fund out on June 30th, 6:00 PM.
Stacie, the belter, is the winning raffle tix, but ends up a “loo sah” as she would call herself.
President Susan has just 3 more meetings to go, and one of them is a PARTY at Chalet Basque. Make sure you pay Cindy, our wonderful Treasurer that never bugs you. $50 per person, whether you show up or not..but better to show up! See you there, be there or be square!!
Tuesday morning we hosted the recipients and families of this years Rotary International Scholastic Achievement Awards for our target schools. Pictured is Member Harriet Maclean, San Rafael Assistant Superintendent, Education Services, with recipient Jennifer Cedeno and Principal Glenn Dennis.
48 people attended the ceremony (see picture below). The recipients and pictures are all going to be published in the Marin Scope San Rafael newspaper.
We will see you all June 2 when we hear Lisa Poncia and also honor the Scholastic Achievers from Laurel Dell, Buena Vista, Davidson Middle, and San Rafael High School.
What a wonderful meeting to attend to learn more about our club and how it began. Many people put in a lot of work to get it all started and become what it is today!
Harbor now has its very own horseshoe pit location...we pulled the thistles from the creek bed, dug the weeds from the pit, and in general had fun and companionship with the rest of Marin County Rotary Club members.
AREF needs a final head count of how many are working so he can prepare sandwiches/drinks for lunch. Susan gave him an estimated head count of eight people, and even though he has not given me any quotes for pricing yet, I'm assuming about $10 per head. Can you please respond to LundyHarborRotary@gmail.com and let me know (A) If you are going on Saturday and (B( if you want lunch. If you do not know yet, please just feel free to show up on Saturday but bring your own lunch!
You just had to be there!!!!!!!
There were Rotarians and guests, 40 in all, excitement in the air, participation by everyone and good food and venue with an affordable price!
What more can you ask for?
Rotary Means Business hosted by RC of San Rafael Harbor!
Greeter/Thought of Day/Biz Minute –Stacie Strassberg “There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to Truth; not going all the way & not starting.” ~Buddha
Stacie is a mortgage advisor and aspiring Rock Star. Rates are low, many options available. (Save the date: Thurs 4/23 at Sweetwater – Stacie will be singing.)
~No Guest Rotarians or Guests of Rotarians.
~Good News:
*Carol Scott – spent the day/evening in Calistoga with her daughters. Very relaxing! *Judi Cooper – she visited her mom in lovely Florida last week. *Aref Ahmadia– is feeling much better from last week. Thank you all for your support. *Karen Hansen – Is heading to Costa Rica in May for the Rotary LN-4 prosthetic hand project she is passionate about. Susan Lundy and Jeff Allen are both going with her! Contact her for more information.
*Barbara Weldon – Her grandson Miles took his first 16 steps. Proud Grandma!!! She has also been in Rotary for 3 years. Happy Anniversary! She paid $16 (one for each step) this wekk and will pay her anniversary fine next week. ($3?) *Stacie – also went to a show at Bimbos 365 over the weekend.
~Announcements:
*Next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 4/21/15. LOCATION: 700 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 199, Larkspur CA. Conference room. *John Noerr is in recovery. May need a Leave of Absence. Save your change for when he returns with the Polio can! *JimCarriere gave update on fundraiser. Posters are ready to give to donating restaurants and hang in your office. Tickets will be distributed (I think) next week.
*First ‘Little Free Library’ installation (211 Canal St), this Saturday 4/4/15 at 11:00 am. Contact Susan for information!
Hugh Murphyspoke several minutes about the advantage of Master PRLS. He described impromptu speaking exercises and noted that he had actually learned to speak in front of large crowds.
Finally, we noted the upcoming District Conference, the July 18 Basic PRLS, the Davidson Garden thank-you on April 10, the Earth Day county-wide Marin Stafford Lake weed-pull.
Attending the Assembly: Nic Khoury, Barbara Weldon, Cindy Stameroff, Carola Detrick, Alex Scott, Tom Sutton, Beverly Shwert, John Bottari, Susan Lundy, and Jim Carriere. Missing from pictures: Nic, Cindy, and John
1. Thought of the Day/ Biz Minute John was scheduled this morning as the Greeter but, between the heavy fog and change to Daylight Savings time, we are thinking John just decided to give himself a morning off. No problem as we had a small crowd this morning and Cindy was there with her smile and collecting everyone’s money . Susan led us in the Pledge. Note from Susan on Friday: have tried to reach John via phone and it goes straight to message.
2. Guest Rotarians: None.
3. Guests of Rotarians (whom & introduced by whom): None.
4. Good News (who/ what/ Bell Ringer?): Susan started us off with her trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. She also brought in a “gift” from the Volcano national Park. Jim had some good news handed to him this morning- Helen has secured 4 restaurants, 3 of them new, for our annual fundraiser. Stacie paid a fine for her birthday which we sang to her last week at the Garden. John ‘outed’ himself for attending the Terra Linda Club’s fundraiser and let us all know about his company’s (West Bay Bavarian) new television commercial on Comcast. Kramer gave it a “thumbs up so must be a good one.
5. Birthdays, Anniversaries and Join Date Anniversaries: Willa’s husband Tyler is celebrating his birthday today. And by the way Willa, from last week’s breakfast in the Garden, congratulations on your weight loss! We are seeing the results. Tom was in Arizona this week, spring training, but we wanted to congratulate him on his 12th anniversary with Harbor.
6. Announcements:--- Susan noted Alex is our Greeter next week and, lucky mom Carol, gets to follow her on the 24th. Bev is energized from PETS and looking forward to this Saturday's assembly, although she had a business conflict with this week's meeting. Aref had to fly to Lebanon unexpectedly since he has a gravely ill nephew. We have a card now for everyone to sign and Susan will bring it Saturday.
If anyone wanted their old badge: pick it up on the way out as we are tossing all at end of month!.
LUNCH CANCELED at Davidson. See details below. Don’t forget brunch at Davidson Garden this Saturday. The kids are preparing the food using vegetables from the garden we helped build in 2005 and refurbish this year.
Please register at the Davidson office then go to the Garden for our meeting. We will have coffee/bagels/breakfast muffins/yogurt. Also take a look at the great photos of Judi Cooper's induction...thoughtfully provided by S.Kramer Herzog.
Please note that on Tuesday February 24th our meeting will be held at 1925 E. Francisco Blvd. in San Rafael. If you have any questions please contact Beverly at 415-297-7811. Thank you.
BELL RINGERS: Jim Carriere was so happy that the Shelterbox "Jim"balaya fundraiser raised over $10,000 that he donated a double bell ringer ($200 or over). This time he did not remind us that with only a $20 donation to Shelterbox USA, we could specifically offer the Luminates box. Jim also thanked Karen Hansen and Greg Williams for donating their condo in Kauai for the live auction...their week brought in $1,250. Of course, the second-highest auction prize was 4 tickets to a weekend Warriors game...donated by Jim and John Bottari together. All-in-all, our Club may have had the highest percentage of attendance and we did donate the 3 auction prizes. Plus..>Hugh WON the 35 bottles of wine raffle prize!
OTHER HAPPY NEWS: President-Elect Hugh Murphy went to LA to see the Dodger's but also saw the "Kurios" version of Circque du Soleil and thought it great. Barbara Weldon paid a fine because "I made it home safely from Detroit!"
Judi Cooper announced the wonderful show at KBIS ("Kitchen/Bath Industry Show") and enthusiastically endorsed the new finishes, new technology...new exciting options.
Aref Ahmadia celebrated having a good time at the Jimbalaya with a fine/donation.
President-Elect Nominee Carola Detrick paid a fine because her grandson, who survived and recovered well from open heart surgery, is now 3 years old.
Rotarians Matt Taddei (pictured), Mike Ralston, and Gordon Manashill spoke to us about the need for volunteer "Sergeant-at-Arms" to monitor the participants entering the Rotacare medical clinic at Kaiser (downtown San Rafael location). They also need money to provide care of the low income, undocumented, and homeless who seek help.
One of my favorite cards features a grey-haired woman in bright red sneakers jogging down Divisadero Street (with Alcatraz visible in the foreground). The front of the card says “Over the hill” and the inside greeting says “…and gaining speed.” That though sticks in my mind as I realize the second half of our Rotary year now begins.
This is the time of the year many Presidents’ topics are “What have we accomplished…what is left to accomplish?” Both of these topics are going to be covered in our first meeting in January. I want instead to travel in time back to late November and tell my Rotary Club members who among you makes me Thankful, and why. The following nine Rotarians go the extra mile in so many ways. Here is a sampling of why I love Rotary, and especially Harbor:
Golden Gate Fields served us its usual platter of wonderful food, enjoyable company, and broken dreams. Jim Carriere provided the photos this year; enjoy the studious look of Neil; the bright smile of Carol, and the relaxed smiles of Cindy and Susan.
Barbara Weldon reminded us that tomorrow next door (1510 Fifth Ave), a fundraising event is being held by Opening the World, one of our Community Service Choices for this year. Barbara reminded us that the founder, Jeanine Curley, has been honored by the Dali Lama for her work in a Nepal orphanage with Opening the World. This group of "at risk" young adults works to gain funds to go next summer to help people in need. San Rafael Harbor Rotary is supporting one half of one a student's cost (we pay $1,500 if the student earns $1,500)/. Students went to Nepal in '13, New Orleans in '14, and this summer will go to Costa Rica. The participants are recommended by their social workers, probation officers, and teachers.
Jennifer Clark of our wonderful PACIFICS baseball team has joined (will she teach President Susan how to pitch a strike)? She is enthusiastic and has already chosen her committee, joining Mary Sackett's subcommittee on local community service. Way to go Jennifer!
Alex Scott (shown here with member Barbara Weldon on her left) has already participated in our Davidson Middle School gardening project and is going to work with us on the social committee for the holiday party. Welcome, Alex.
Asghar Shahin, owner of Shahin's Oriental Rugs on 4th Street, was also sponsored by Aref Ahmadia (who sponsored Nic and Jennifer too)! Shown on the left of Millie, Asghar is a welcome addition to our Club.
Nic Kouhry joined our Club because he wanted a fellowship of people who were all wanting to do good in the world; as Millie says, "You now have almost two million new friends." Welcome, Nic.
New members: Jennifer Clark, Alex Scott, Nic Khoury, Asghar Shahin
We shared stories, memorabilia, and pictures at our meeting and most exciting of all, we
heard memories from two Veterans, our own Cindy Stameroff who served in Kentucky and the Presidio (and would have stayed there forever!) and from Hugh Murphy's Dad, Al, who worked with classified SPY PLANES in the COLD WAR: OUR VERY OWN MacGayver working with bubblegum and rubber bands!
CHECK ON THE PHOTO ALBUM FOR SHOTS OF THE FOLLOWING (EARLIEST TO LATEST): Jim Carriere's Revolutionary War GGGGFather, George Redmond, who was awarded what remains the Illinois family farmland for his service; Susan Lundy's GGGFather, Champion Easter Smith, who survived the Confederacy at both Bull Runs only to be sticken by a cannon ball that rolled down a hill and knocked him in the head while riding a mule on the way home; The WWI Draft Card of Lester G. Lundy; then lots of WWII stories and memories...Millie's Mom's first love, Barbara Weldon's Dad, Jim Carriere's Dad, Susan's Dad (and Mom); then on to Korea with Bev's Dad (and Marilyn Monroe), Susan's brother, and then the Cold War with Hugh Murphy's Dad and his spy plane. We also heard about Barb's German prisoner-of-war grandfather and the jewelbox he carved as a prisoner; Kramer's GFather's adventures as Winston Churchil's pilot; and at least five more Rotarians spoke...ALL OF WHOM need to bring pictures next time we do this!
Honoring our Veterans and Thanking them for their Service
The Davidson Middle School Health Hub started on Monday, November 3rd and will continue every Monday after school. See photographs in the "photo album" on the left hand side of the Harbor Rotary home page.
You’ve reached “retirement” age and now what?Let’s say you’re going to live another 30-40 years. What are you going to do with yourself? The ‘new retirement’ is not an ending, a time to quit work and sit on the porch. It is time to start your next life journey with all the skills and smarts you’ve acquired during your lifetime. And, you get to choose what to do. But, you need a plan. Gloria will talk about the new retirement and shake up your thinking about your future.
Gloria Dunn-Violin spent 25 years in the workplace providing services in training, coaching, and consulting in the field of Organizational Development and Behavior, and was a professional speaker through her own business: Wiser Ways to Work. She spent the prior ten years as a public relations professional for two employers and as an independent consultant. She also authored a book, 'From Making a Living to Having a Life,' was a Cable TV talk show host, and wrote articles for publication. Now in her third career as a Retirement Life Coach, Gloria builds on her rich experience.
Are any members of the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor US Veterans? WRITE SUSAN IMMEDIATELY as Governor Chris Gallagher has special Rotary Pins available.
ON VETERAN'S day, RCSRH wants to honor our loved ones and family members who served in the US Armed Forces. In fact, President Susan thinks that since the actual day falls on our meeting day, we should literally invite our kids, our spouses/partners, or anyone else we like and honor Veteran's by showing their pictures and telling their stories. If we have members of our own club who are vets, we will honor them on this day. If you get your loved one's picture to Susan before Monday Oct 10, she will put together a powerpoint on our bigscreen TV...when the picture you brought shows, you stand up and let us know who we are looking at and what they did. It is a way to get to know each other better and a way to acknowledge service above self.
Kramer's photos say it all... Jennifer Clark, Steve Villa and Helen Abe with their eyes closed while doing the memory exercise demonstrated by Chester, the list of numbers offered by each audience member that he rec
ited both forward AND backward, and the enthusiastic introduction by Jeff Allen, who had seen Chester at a Mission San Rafael make-up. We will hear further, I'm sure, from the many members who accepted his offer of discounted seminars. ESPECIALLY great was his offer that each person buying a seminar admission would be able to bring two adolescents under the age of 21 as well as a guest. HEY everyone...if by chance you don't have your "own" teenager, please coordinate with Brigette in case a few Interact students may want to go?
Mwandi is a Zambian farming and fishing village of about 9,50 people located near the Zambezi River. Paula is the immediate past President of the Livingstone Rotary Club in District 9120; she met Karen Thompson and Greg Williams when they visited this past spring and Karen spoke on the prosthetic hand project (LN-4). Paula is a two times Paul Harris Fellow and is working to get financial support to build housing for the teachers for the public school there. The Livingston Club is attempting to apply for a global grant and is seeking a Lead Club to help. Her speech was enlightening regarding the conditions and need and her financial project request is available for anyone to review in our club. Thanks to Karen for bringing such a dedicated speaker from such a great distance.
Helen Abe thought we had one of our best assemblies in quite awhile, with hard work of committee chair Barbara Weldon and members Mary Sackett, Aref Ahmadia, and Brigette Waterbury paying off with enthusiastic receiption.
We did not get to build our "Little Free Libraries" this past weekend, so we are sending a sign up sheet to reschedule. Mary Dinday still is ready for us to enjoy her Terra LInda house for the build party. Mary is one of Susan's friends who fits Carola's description to Kramer of why he should join us: "(S)he is a Rotarian but just doesn't know it yet."
When we reschedule, we will be at the cul-de-sac home of Mary Dinday, 23 Minor Court, San Rafael...which is at the peak of a hill off Tamarack. Mary is the widow of Brian Dinday, the attorney who spoke to us about erasing arrests that did not lead to convictions from the records, back in 2009. She is also an avid reader and a supporter of Little Free Libraries, and the oldest California friend of "El Presidente Susanna" (as Jeff has annointed me). Power tools abound, but bring anything you can think of to help make the libraries personal...decorations you like, extra paint you might have, whatever you think might look good. We will be building four or more. Dogs and Burgers provided, but bring your drink of choice and feel free to thrown in a pot luck salad, veggie, or dessert. And if you want to grill a steak or portabellas...feel free...but bring your own!
President's Message: Rescheduling Little Free Library build
Kevin Loughlin from the Canal Baseball Academy seemed pretty happy that 12 audience members stood up at the urging of Past President Karen Thompson to show a pledge of $300 each toward getting Canal 9, 10, 11 yr old boys and girls money to play in the Little League next spring. His future plans include building a field of dreams so the kids have a diamond to call their own.
Kevin Loughlin's amazing discovery: we are generous folks!
Harbor Rotarian Mary Sackett presents L.I.F.T.-Levante our contribution of $2,500 to help work with Marin/San Francisco food bank to provide food for homless and hungry. The current plan is to offer the distribution weekly at Davidson Middle School...HOPEFULLY on Tuesday mornings so we can provide our help a few times a year. We will engage staff (Teacher Alex Chapman and Principal Bob Marcucci), Davidson Parents, and student volunteers (perhaps our Interact team).
Harbor Rotary contributes $2,500 to Davidson Middle School's Food Project
We rang the bell THREE TIMES yesterday! $300 plus regular other fines!!! I am so totally and profoundly proud of us! Not only does that mean we had a lot of HAPPY NEWS fines, it also means we made money for our own Harbor Foundation (unspecified funds) and for Paul Harris (Jeff's bell-ringer). BUT...did you know there are two other easy ways to give? Amazon and Ebay...both have approved us as a donation-designated charity.
August 26 we meet at the Davidson garden to help paint the new outdoor kitchen and to prepare the dirt for winter planting. We will be back at Whistlestop on Sept 2nd. HAPPY LABOR DAY
We are trying out what may be a new venue; Celia's Mexican Restaurant, 1 Vivian Way, San Rafael. Since the restaurant is not open to the public, please park in back and enter back door.
MEETING Tue Aug 12 at Celias' 1 Vivian Way San Rafael--park in back
A delighted Stacey Sheremetieff is shown fanning out her winning restaurant certificates and holding up the poster displaying our contributing restaurants. Stacey bought her tickets from President-Elect Bev Shwert (who says Stacey promises to take Bev to one of the restaurants as a "thank you for talking me into getting this!" response.) HARBOR NEEDS VOLUNTEER MEMBERS to deliver Thank You certificates to all our wonderful contributing restaurants! Please contact Susan Lundy if you will be able to personally deliver our printed Thanks!!!
After an absence of 11 months, Carola Detrick has rejoined Harbor Rotary with a new classification and with her incomparable spirit. Theresa Schommer, Membership Chair, welcomes her into the club with a "new" pin (to add to her collection). Good thing we kept her Blue Badge with its ten years of pins handy! Welcome home, Carola. Her vocational area is consulting rather than non-profit administration (although of course she is overlapping in that one of her areas of specialization is not-for-profit administrative consultation). She is also handling publicity and getting tremendous traction for at least one of her clients (S.K. Herzog, otherwise known to us as "Kramer") who is on a 3 week junket through the midwest then east coast with "Eye of the Storm" (and don't forget the Elk's club event)! Her primary committee assignment is the non-academic
subcommittee for local service. Carola will be working with Chair Mary Sackett. Welcome back, Carola and Linda: Good to have you back.
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." ~ Henry David Thoreau, Walden.
Odd quote to start a message about committee assignments, I know. But given that we have never, EVER had functioning committees since I joined, I’m wondering if the thought that we could have them this year could be a castle in the air. So, this quote bucks me up as I think to myself “how do I build the foundation when it seems as though half the members are past-Presidents, and our culture does not seem to be one that readily accepts committees as normal?”
The only answer I can think of is that you lay a foundation a brick at a time, bottom up, and try to be a solid as you can in lining up those bricks. So, having taken almost all of you to at least coffee, if not lunch, and having found out your personal hopes for working with Harbor (or NOT working this year, which I found out, too)…I am now going to rely on my trusty “Survey Monkey” to finalize what members actually want to do this year. Then the Board Chairs will know who wants to help, and we can build from there. Some of you may want a one-shot deal (e.g. “I will help this spring with the fundraiser”) and that seems to be it. Others may prefer scatter-shot (“I will pick up litter, work with Davidson Career Day, and distribute dictionaries”). With any luck at all, a few hardy souls will say “I am here to help as needed; just give me advanced notice.” (Bless you, John Noerr!).
So what I ask this week is…voluntarily answer the survey. That’s it. Just answer. I figure it isn’t really “work” if you look at it as something that will help your life in Rotary. It is play!
I started with Thoreau; might as well end with Mark Twain: "Work and play are words used to describe the same thing under differing conditions."
The Pacifics’ Game was so totally fun I am joining the Rafael Evening and Terra Linda Club on August 5th for another round…please join us if you had fun too! This time, since our Tuesday night Spanish class is in recess, my hubby Jim may come too. Even if I never really knew what the count is, what the inning in, or even whether our team was in white or grey white, I totally loved the atmosphere and shouting for Albert in musical chairs. (Yes, I know the scoreboard gives details; I just am never sure how to read it and really just like the feeling more than the game. I’m a soccer nut.) Karen’s advice was to have more social events; that also seems to be the goal of membership chair Theresa and Public Image chair Millie, not to mention President-Elect Bev. So maybe we should try for Sports 101 Paddle boarding this coming month? And in September, let’s plan on the musical suggested by Jim. Meanwhile, the DG Board visit is coming up at my house on August 18th at 5:15 (I serve buffet-style) so let me know if you want to come, too! All are, of course, invited to hear what your DG is planning and what your Board is planning too!
We had fun, we had food, we shouted for Albert Sackett in musical chairs, we enjoyed Rafael Evening and our own DG Chris and PDG John, and we rocked YMCA like pros!
As of July 1, I, like all Presidents before me, begin my term full of enthusiasm and energy. I won't borrow Karen's awesome Viking hat, or her "stir things up" paddle, although those symbolic icons really got things going. I won't be able to borrow Brigette's "Let's get together in the country" retreat idea, although that weekend is what "sealed the deal" for my forever relationship commitment as a Harbarian. Stacie's "Let's HAVE FUN and do good at the same time" approach with 4 social events planned during her Presidency made me aware of unique and interesting facts about my fellow Rotarians and I enjoyed getting to know them/us/everyone but I am not cribbing that idea, either. Neither can I crib Tom's "Competitive Service Project" idea, which really was flawless: we were divided into four groups randomly assigned yet we had to work together to introduce and execute one-service-project-a-quarter. FInally...how on earth can I expect to fill the shoes of the President that got us the position of Lead Club on a three-year, $200,000 Global Grant? The answer is that as your new President, I'm just going to do something totally and completely unexpected by everyone: I will follow the guidelines in my President's Manual from RI.
Look at our HarborRotary.org photo album, or our Facebook page, for candid photos of the June 21's Presidential Dinner. Kind thoughts go out to our hosts, Karl and Marizta Dannecker, our Chefs, Jim and Joe Carriere (with Nancy's supervision?!!), and the rest of the Harbarians who worked to make the evening both fun and memorable. Now...Assembly update. Come to help President Susan figure out how to herd cats. Or organize worker ants. Or tame wild bees who fly every which way...with passion. Agenda follows.
Harbor Rotary is proud to say that its members are supporting the career fair at Davidson Middle School in San Rafael the first week of June.
The event is for 8th graders at Davidson Middle School to get a view into the working world and to start thinking about what they want to do after school, and how to get there. This year we have a record number (270) of 8th graders signed up to explore 28 different job sites around the Bay Area as part of the Davidson Job Shadow program which is the culminating event of the DECCA program.
Special thanks for the following Rotarians for assisting with this worthy service project in our community: Helen Abe, Tom Sutton, Jeff Allen and Mary Sackett and former Harborite Randy Phillippe.
Rotarians are everywhere! I've begun to walk about, raising my hand and holding the universal "This Close" signal, and being stopped and greeted by everyone...Africa, Tawain (LOTS of Tawainese), Londoners, and Aussies from every area. The only slight confusion is that almost everyone addresses their Rotary greetings to my husband, a somewhat shy but gracious New Yorker who, as he says, "doesn't know the secret handshake" and isn't too interested in learning it! The only Rotarian women I have met so far are two nice women from Alameda. I know we females Rotarians are only 20% worldwide but I'm so insulated in Marin County that fact only sinks in as I travel for Rotary. Updates are on the Facebook Rotary convention page and the pictures there of the Harbor Bridge climb are awesome. World record! I have lots of photos but not with my cell phone (Verizon would have charged $9 a minute and some outrageous data fee) so I'll have to wait to upload my camera pics when I get back. G'day, ya'll. Miss you but am excited to represent you here at convention.(By the way, I'm writing this Saturday at 10 am which I think is about Friday at 6pm your time.) S.
Jeff Allen gave his business minute by sharing that Minto & Wilkie is the oldest business on 4th St San Rafael (since 1917) and with prior owners' perfect attendance added to Jeff's and his partner, a Rotary world record of over 125 years will soon be broken. They sell homeowners, business, auto, life, and health insurance. Jeff then inspired us with Jack London's Credo:
I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
A few months ago I got the Foundation of San Rafael Harbor up and running as an approved EBay 501 C 3 charity. Now it is time to ask everyone who has an ebay account to please search for us (San Rafael Harbor Rotary Club Foundation) and click "favorite charity" so we will show up when people click "Sort by Popularity" instead of by location!
Here is a run-down of the program so far. I sold a couple of my vintage hats and drove Kris Edwards slightly crazy since I forgot to tell her the random checks coming in were actual donations via our EBay link. The site just sat there for awhile..and suddenly some randomly nice man or woman in El Sobrante chose us as the charity to receive a portion of a shirt sale! So we are REAL!!! This is the live link in case you want to see...apparently he or she gives 10% to us: http://givingworks.ebay.com/charity-auctions/charity/San-Rafael-Harbor-Rotary-Club-Foundation/60739/?charity-item-sort=StartTimeNewest
(Sorry...the editing program in Clubrunner simply doesn't do "link insert" the way one normally expects, where I could just assign the name "Shirts for Sale" and let you click on it.)
First random donation on ebay! PLEASE "like" us if you have an account
Pictures of our meeting with San Rafael High School Interact Club are available on our Facebook link above, as is a description of how to see if you have water leaking by checking a small triangle on your meter!
Interact Club, Marin Water District, exciting meetings
GREETER: Kris Edwards. Kris is an accountant that worked with her Dad, a long time Rotarian, who recently passed away. Instead of the thought she wanted to speak about the fact that she got into Rotary because her Dad loved the service and social parts of Rotary. They used to flip through quote books together for the thought of the day and instead of picking her thought, she wanted to remember him.
GUEST ROTARIANS: Ken Francheschi of Mission SR and Jim Walsh of Ignacio
THIS DAY IN HISTORY:
1943: Rotary adopted the 4-Way test which was originally written in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor as he struggled to save his company from bankruptcy
1976: Concored began service
1793: Luis the 16th lost his head!
GOOD NEWS:
SUSAN is leaving for Kona tomorrow
SUSAN also went to Barbara for her joints before getting on a plane and she feels like a new woman!
KARL: He ran into former club member ART and he is now driving a bus for Novato Unified.
BARBARA: It is her son's 34th birthday and he will also be a father soon.
ROTARY QUESTIONS: Kris filled in for Jim
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Mission SR crab feed on Feb 6th. Cost is $40. Let's help support their club.
2. Karl mentioned that the fundraiser will be starting in a few weeks. Please contact him if you can help get certificates.
3. Feb 14: No one eats alone.
BELL RINGER: Jeff honored But Marchant Chapman that was a Rotarian for 60 years.
PAUL HARRIS: John and Aref presented Jeff with the Paul Harris plus 5 pin. Congratulations Jeff!
SPEAKERS: Selmeier and Wren Marketing consultants. They spoke with us about the good, bad and ugly about marketing and sales. They mentioned that as business owners we really need to focus on our target audience and what we want to say to them. We need to be clear in our messaging.
WEBSITES are most important with good VIDEO as a part of that website. The video should state who you are, what you do, and why someone should come to you. Make it something that will interest your potential clients.
PLEASE READ BELOW FOR THE INFORMATION ABOUT HELPING TO SERVE MEALS WITH LIFT. LET'S GET A FEW OF US TO GO THERE TO CHECK IT OUT.
Dec 17th's meeting time has changed. Join Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor for our Holiday party at West End Cafe the evening of Dec 17th. We are dark the 24th and 31st. Therefore our final morning breakfast of 2013 is December 10th. See you at our Party!
Chris Gallagher, 2014-2015 District Governor, presented member Jeff Allen with a certificate of perfect attendance and a pin signifying 25 years of attending weekly meetings without missing a single week! Congratulations to Jeff and to his business partner, Mission San Rafael Rotary's John Rickards, who also celebrated 25 years of perfect attendance! Left to right, John Bottari, Chris Gallagher, President Aref Ahmadia, Jeffrey Allen, and John Rickards.
Jeffrey Allen honored for 25 years perfect attendance!
We are now officially listed on Ebay as a charity. We have already sold items and been paid (pilot test done in July) and now we are cleaning out our closets! If you want to donate contact Susan Lundy. If you want to buy or follow the excitement, go to this link and click "Follow Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor": http://www.ebay.com/usr/rotaryclubofsanrafaelharbor
GREETER: Hugh. Hugh is an architect in SR. We enjoyed his thoughts for the day.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Willa gave us a brief rundown which included 1. In 1897 the first DUI ticket was issued. 2. In 1998 President Clinton apologized to congress for his behavior with Monica Lewinski.
VISITORS: Gail from Santa Barbara Rotary
ROTARY QUESTIONS: Karen asked us three questions. Do you know Paul Harris's wife's name? It is Jean.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Barbara told us about a car wash at the downtown SR Presbyterian Church that will be taking place this Saturday from 9-3. An exterior wash is $10 and proceeds will go to At Risk Youth.
INTERACT: Bridget told us that it is a great group this year and that 39 students attended the first meeting.
SPEAKER: Caren Horstmeyer, Realtor with Frank Howard Allen and Motivational speaker. She is a former basketball coach. She was Head Coach at Santa Clara University (where she had attended as well) from 1989-2000. She was woman's head coach at the University of CA, Berkeley from 2000-2005. She is a Redwood HS graduate and her colors were always red both in HS and at Santa Clara. When she interviewed at CAL she was told to never wear red or she would be attacked and rolled down stadium steps. She feels very fortunate as she traveled all over the world through sports and never paid anything. After coaching, she got into Real Estate as she enjoys working with people. She mentioned two things that she feels are very important in business and with coaching.
1. Consistency
2. System Have a good defensive system, abide by it, and follow it. Figure out how to make the money and delegate when necessary.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Karen mentioned that the SR Chamber business showcase is tomorrow at Embassy Suites. She encouraged all to attend. She will have a booth there.
Tom had lunch with John Bottari last week. John is still in pain, has some infections, but is doing well overall.
Eric Schmautz, district Governor. Eric has been involved with Rotary for 25 years.
Eric spoke about Rotary's involvement in immunizing 2 Billion children for Polio in 156 countries.
Engage Rotary, Change lives. He and other Rotarian's visited Zambia after the convention in Lisbon. He learned that 61% of kids under 5 have Malaria. He also learned that 55% of the women are HIV positive. He and other Rotarians worked on the project for making a difference.
What happened at this morning's meeting you might ask? ~
Kris Edwards greeted everyone with a smile. Her quote reminded us not to take life too seriously!
Theresa Schommer reported that her son is getting married on Saturday. Barbara Weldon's daughter in law is pregnant. Congrats ladies!
Jim Carriere tried his best to stump us with "Do You Know Rotary?" questions, in which President Aref Ahmadia pays $5 for every correct answer. No such luck - Barbara, Harriet and myself knew the answers (even if some of us had a little help from our friends...lol)!
Our speaker was Robby Elias of the Las Gallinas Water District, sharing the importance of water reclamation and purification to help with our looming water shortage.
Barbara Weldon had the winning ticket for the 50/50 raffle (it was fixed I tell ya!!!) and picked the winning white marble. $236 Cha Ching...$$$$$
(CLICK TO SEE PICTURES) Dr. Ruth Mathis Bissell was inducted into the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor by membership chair Jim Carriere, who had her repeat after him that she would abide by the 4 Way test, have fun, and buy him lunch once a week. She laughingly balked at the final request! Ruth was sponsored by Brigette Waterbury and Harriet MacLean, and her assigned mentor MacLean pinned the Rotary wheel on her collar. Rotarians joined in shaking her hand or hugging her in welcome.
We were greeted by one of our Charter members, Karl Dannecker. He shared about his business, which is audio and visual rentals and sales. He's been in business for a long time (40? years) and knows the local area well, being a native to Marin County!
Good news ~
Steve reported on his vacation and gave a Bell Ringer ($100)...woo hoo!
Tom also gave a Bell Ringer ($100) in celebration of his wife, Linda's 65th Birthday...go Medicare!!!
Kris shared that her brother has moved to the Bay Area and has finally had his offer accepted on a new house...Congrats!
Cindy fined herself for Jim's scrumptious oysters BBQ'd on Sunday, in celebration of Linda Sutton's birthday at Drakes Bay Oyster Farm...mmm mmm good!
Jim stumped Susan (unfair advantage) with a "Do you know...Rotary" question. However, two more questions were answered correctly and President Aref Ahmadia had to pay $10. Yeah team!!
A new member, Ruth Mathis-Bissell, was inducted and Harriet MacLean is her sponsor. Welcome Ruth!!!
The speaker was Joann Babiak, Attorney at Law. Her topic "Stone Cold Negotiations...Are you a Deal Maker or Deal Breaker?" The short of it is to connect with your clients and figure out their core values to help with effective negotiations.
Hugh Murphy had the winning 50/50 $ ticket, but didn't pick the white marble...sorry Hugh...you LOSE! :-)
A short synopsis of the meeting for all attending and those that might have missed it. This section covers Greeter, Happy News, Birthdays, etc. The next section describes our speaker, Randy Warren, and his presentation.
On May 31st, 2013 Harbor Rotary will host the Davidson Middle School Career Fair. The program is for 7th grade students at Davidson, and consists of a full day of presenations on careers, guest speakers, and tabeling. Harbor Rotary is hosting lunch, in addition to a number of Rotarians speaking about their choosen career to the students.
Harbor Rotary to Host Career Day At Davidson Middle School
Mary Sackett is Marin volunteer of the week for May 18, 2013
Marin Independent Journal
marinij.com
Posted: 05/18/2013 09:00:00 AM PDT
Provided by the City of San Rafael Mary Sackett, volunteer of the week.
Name: Mary Sackett
Residence: San Rafael
Agency: The volunteer program of the city of San Rafael, designed to create a bridge between City Hall, the community and volunteers to enhance the quality of life in San Rafael.
Quote: "Mary volunteers as the city of San Rafael site leader for Pickleweed Park on Earth Day and Coastal Cleanup Day," said volunteer coordinator Carla Koop. "She and her team from Harbor Rotary have enthusiastically involved families in these cleanups since 2006. Their efforts have dramatically reduced trash in the area so that all can enjoy."
On April 23rd Harbor Rotary welcomed Theresa Schommer to our ranks. Theresa manages the Corte Madera and San Anselmo stores of Toss Designs, and we are extremely proud she has joined our Rotary family!
Thanks to everyone who paddled for trash and we are sure to repeat the event next year. In fact anyone who helped clean up on Earth Day by Land, any City of San Rafael Employee, or any Marin Sanitary Employee can come in during from now through the end of May for one complimentary SUP or Kayak rental just use the coupon code word "Marin Sanitary".
101 Surf Sports says "Thank you" to Earth Day volunteers
Sponsor Tom Sutton pins the Rotary International wheel upon John Noerr, as Membership Chair Jim Carriere directs in the Tuesday morning ceremony. All Rotarians in attendance then circled by to shake John's hand and welcome him into our club.
Healthy Smiles. Last month, we hosted TWO Healthy Smiles Family Wellness Festivals in honor of National Children's Oral Health Month. Over 300 children and parents participated in our multilingual events at Albert J. Boro Community Center in the Canal and North Bay Children's Center in Novato. Hosted by Dra. Marisol of Nuestros Niños, Dra. Kadera from the Marin Community Clinics taught parents how proper oral health contributes to overall health and wellness, and Chef Le Cilantro taught kids why it's important to decrease sugary drink consumption. From fun physical activities for kids to healthy taste tests with take-home cookbooks for families, everyone experienced hands-on wellness education! Thank you Oral Health America, American Dental Association, the Dr. Samuel D. Harris Fund and San Rafael Harbor Rotary for your support!
We will be participating in an Earth Day little clean up in conjunction with the San Rafael Mother's Club on Saturday April 20th from 9am to noon. We are looking for volunteers to staff the sign in table, two people per hour between 9am and noon and people to participate in the litter clean up. Please contact Mary Sackett if you are able to staff the table.
For historical reference, San Rafael Harbor Rotary has been doing bi-annual litter clean up around Schoen Park and Pickleweed park for at least the past 5 years. The progress we have made is amazing. We used to need a dumpster for all of the garbage, we don't any more. However, cigarette butts continue to be a big problem. A problem that directly impacts the wildlife who call Richardson Bay home.
Fellow Rotarians...Our club sponsors San Rafael High School's Interact Group and if you want to do an extra meeting or a make-up, all you need to do is arrive early and sign in at the main office. If you want additional information, our club's Sponsor is Brigette Waterbury so you can always email her mktgconcep@aol.com.
We have over 25 members of our San Rafael High School Interact Club, and our ENTIRE ROTARY CLUB will be meeting for lunch...Pizza and Coke! with the club members. So remember...do NOT show up at Whistlestop Tuesday morning!
HARBOR ROTARY will not meet Tuesday December 4 but rather Wednesday at San Rafael High School
On Tuesday, October 9, President Karen inducted into the Harbor club, Beverly Shwert, a Marin real estate agent who was sponsored by Past President Stacie Strassberg. The club formed an assembly-line to greet and welcome Beverly graciously as our newest Harbor member. So glad to have Bev join all of us in one of the best Rotary clubs in Marin!
We are happy to announce our new member to join our Harbor Club inducted on October 2 by President Karen. Past President Tom Sutton sponspered Hugh into the club, and Jim Carriere presided to present Hugh with his pin and official certificate. Welcome Hugh!
On September 25, 2012 at our regular meeting President Karen presented certificates of recognition to very deserving Paul Harris Fellows Jim Carriere, Tom Sutton, Aref Armedia, and Cindy Stameroff. This fellowship was named after Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905. The symbolism in this recognition is to say thank you for making a difference in our community and in the lives of people in less fortunate situations throughout the world through the promotion of Rotary and its objects.
Congradulations to the San Rafael Harbor Club latest Paul Harris Fellows!
The San Rafael canal waterway was a great venue for a really fun event when club members met on Friday night Sept 7 at 101 Water Sports on Third Street for a lively event of StandUp Paddleboard and Kayaking. Member Mary Sackett organized for water chaperones and guides for those first timers who wanted to try something new on the bay. The good warm weather participated nicely and we had most of our members, guests and new friends come to hang out dockside for a wonderful get-together to party & to cheer on those who ventured into the canal. A potluck with the likes of abalone ceviche, Aref's famous fried chicken and a variety of delicious snacks were brought by members making a memorable evening. And the good news: Most everyone voted to make it an annual event.
Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayak 1st Annual Party Sept 7
The Celebration was attended by approximately 200 people, all friends of Noushin, Hugh, Sara, or Misha. There was more food than I think I've ever seen in my life. I personally tried to taste all of it and failed, but everything I tasted was wonderful. People sat at round tables and talked about Noushin: young adults talked about Noushin driving them to school; neighbors talked about progressive dinners at New Years; relatives talked about Noushin's intellectual abilities, her professional ambition, and her love of Hugh and her girls. After eating, people stood and told the stories to the audience. There were tears and laughter, sighs and chuckles, wistful looks into the distance and private smiles. We honored Noushin, and missed her, and bade her farewell. Helen Abe and I met new friends, shared Noushin stories, and enjoyed the wonderfully spiced food. Perhaps someone else from our club was also there: the room was packed and I did not even see Helen for the first hour we were both there! Noushin would have loved the party and the good-byes. Susan.
Noushin Sharif-Murphy's Celebration of Life, August
Harbor Rotarians worked in October 2011, and again on a very rainy day in January 2012 to beautify Pickleweed Community Center for all that enter. The work was appreciated.
San Rafael Harbor Rotary Club sponsored a project to re-landscape the Pickleweed Park Child Care Center in conjunction with San Rafael Public Works and Boy Scout Troop 2000.
Just before the end of the year Harbor welcomed Gregory Quirarte of Tamalpais Bank as a member. Adding to that excitement, on 1-28, Susan Lundy of Benefits by Design joined our ranks. Welcome Gregory and Susan!
Would you like your company website to appear on this website and bulletin? For just $100 a year, it can happen. You need to email your logo as a pdf to Carola Detrick with the web address you would like linked to the ad, and pay Cindy $100. It is that easy. You won't find an ad that cheap anywhere else! Google Analytics will be available showing you the number of unique hits to our site so you can determine if you are getting your money's worth...and for our CLUB!
Advertise in the Harbor Light Bulletin and on harborrotary.org
Congratulation to Helen Abe as the Grand Prize Winner of our Annual Restaurant Fundraiser who won Twelve $100 gift certificates to great cafes and restaurants in Marin County. And a special thanks to Karl Dannaker for leading the project, as well as the members of the club for selling 300 tickets to make this a fabulous success all around - adding $15,000 this Spring to help fund the many service projects in San Rafael. Yeah Harbor Rotary Team!!!!
Successful Restaurant Fundraiser Gains $15,000 for our Club!
Few tickets remain for the final drawing of our annual Restaurant Extravaganza. We have awarded three $100 gift certificates and are poised to award twelve more.
San Rafael High Interact Seniors are encouraged to write an essay on the Rotary International theme of "Building Communities, Bridging Continents." The essays will be reviewed, and the winning essay will be provided with scholarship money.
Inmates are engaging in team sports, baseball, tennis, etc.
Harbor Rotarian Kramer Herzog, who is a documentary filmmaker, offers a solution that provides an alternative to anger-fueled aggression...
Harbor Rotary Welcomes Matthew Edwards. Matthew is a 38 year old resident of Fairfax, CA and is the CEO of CircleCenter which is also based in Fairfax, CA. When asked during the interview process what three words Matthew would use to describe himself, he responded with: adaptable, creative and open-hearted. In the short time the GSE team has had to begin to develop...Matthew has already shown these traits to be true! Harbor Rotary has accepted sponsorship of this young man for this precious experience exchanging with Brazil! Without a doubt, this experience will affect Matthew's life in ways we can imagine!
Tom Sutton, Mark deLangis, Ronnie Naiker, Harriet MacLean and I delivered the dictionaries to the 3rd Graders at Bahia Vista Elementary School this afternoon. It is such a treat to see the excitement in the students faces as we tell them the books are theirs to keep. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project a success!
At the Fall Leadership Conference on October 17th, 2010, Interact District 5170 revealed the International Fundraising Project and Monetary Goal for the 2010-2011 School Year. Harbor Rotarian Jim Carriere was present on behalf of ShelterBox.
San Rafael Harbor Rotary stayed consistent to our mission of encouraging and supporting the families in the Canal area by sponsoring a free movie night with trick-or-treat bags in the Picklewood Community Center. See our District newsletter for photos of the fun event. Thanks to all Harbor Rotarians for helping!
Help accelerate Rotary's pledge to End Polio Now. Join Rotary President Ray Klinginsmith and District 5130, 5150, 5160 and 5170 Rotarians, friends and family to walk the 1.2 miles across the Golden Gate Bridge. In the afternoon we'll shop, dine and enjoy the fun flavors and colors of the Ferry Building. At 7:30 RI President Ray will illuminate the Clock Tower with Rotary's pledge to End Polio Now.
San Rafael High School will host its first pumpkin patch Oct. 16-31.
The event is sponsored by WeAreSR!, a parent foundation in support of San Rafael High School. All proceeds will benefit the school's academic programs.
Thank you to the team effort for a successful fellowship evening at the West End Cafe on September 17th. The event was fun, and very well attended by Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike.
ShelterBox USA is pleased to announce the election of Jim Carriere of Oakland, California to the board of directors. ShelterBox USA is an international relief agency that delivers shelter and life-saving aid within days of a disaster. One of the top fundraising ShelterBox volunteer representatives in the nation, Carriere has helped to raise more than $172,000 dollars in the last fiscal year for the organization.
Building Care Systems, a 30-year-old commercial cleaning company founded by Harbor Rotary Club Member Judy Peck, has been selected for a 2010 Best of Novato Award by the U.S. Local Business Association for the third straight year.
Harbor Club members spent four hours on Thursday night dreaming and planning what the Club will look like in 2015. Great ideas, inspiration, and thoughts were contributed by all members.
This meeting will last from 8am to 9:30am. Register here.
This is a hot topic, and surely will be a good discussion. Each side will have 15 minutes to present, then we will open the floor to questions.
Each year during the holidays the San Rafael Harbor Rotary Foundation reviews applications submitted by Family Services Agency staff members on behalf of the families they serve. The families do not ask for the money, they are surprised with financial aid and holiday gifts which their case workers think they need. Family Services Agency thanked Harbor Rotary in their January newsletter.
The San Rafael High Interact Club used MLK Day to bring awareness to Shelter Box. Please see the article in the Marin IJ about the Interact Club's success.
Marin IJ
Lisha Green is the winner of the first of three drawings in our progressive Restaurant Fundraiser. The seller of the ticket was Aref Ahmadia. Lisha won a $100.00 gift certificate to the Spinnaker restaurant. The ticket will be put back in the pot for the next drawing for two restaurant certificates around St. Patrick's Day and then again for the final drawing in April. Congratulations to Lesha and thank you to Spinnaker.
Maybe you know some business associates or family members who would make great Rotarians, but you never considered them for club membership because they don't live near you. Take the time this month to call them, tell them why you think they'd make great Rotarians, and submit membership referrals online.
Below is a report from our water project that San Rafael Harbor Rotary did in Reiobamba Ecquador. The below report is a rough translation of the Spanish language report from our contact.
Would you like to speak to the Club? Do you have a suggestion of someone you would like to hear speak at the club? Please email your thoughts to: speakers@harborrotary.org
Mark your calendar for September 11 (3:30 - 6pm), September 14, 15, 17 and 18 (8:30 - noon or 1 - 4:30), October 10, November 21, January 18, March 27 and May 1.
Those of you who were there this weekend know that Jim Carriere aptly nicknamed our volunteering weekend as "Survior, San Anselmo". It was an incredibly hot weekend of selling tickets, pouring beer and wine and in general helping to run the San Anselmo Art & Wine Fest in order to raise funds for our Foundation. Thank you all who participated!
Our Harbor Rotary Club donated 500 dictionaries to kids in the Alternative Education Programs. This project was initiated under Pres. Jim's term, and the books were donated on September 11. http://www.novatoadvance.com/articles/2008/09/11/schools/doc48c825fd49d08527606867.txt
Garden Work Morning At Davidson Middle School March 29. Below a Message from our friend Stuart Moody. If you are not going to the District Assembly we could use your help!
In conjuction with District Governor Brian McLaren and District 5150's campaign, this year Harbor Rotary once more distributed dictionaries to 3rd graders.
Again this year Harbor Rotary members, Kris Edwards, John Bottari, Jim Carriere and Mark De Langis (in absentia) dominated the annual Mission San Rafael Golf Tournament! Well, actually they dominated the raffle winnings after the golf at the victory luncheon. The golf? Just OK! See photo.
It was a three year process begun by Past President Mark (2005-2006), but the San Rafael Harbor Rotary Club now has an Interact Club at San Rafael High School!
Harbor Rats once again come to the fore helping out on California Coastal Cleanup Day. We manned the tables and picked up the trash this last Saturday in the marsh and Bay around Pickleweed Park. Here's Mary Sackett and her little Sister helping out.
Alright, fellow Harbor Rats where were you??? Jim, Helen and Michael
showed up to play bocce ball for a great cause--Rotoplast--this past
Sunday, August 26.
The Harbor Club was at Meals of Marin on Wednesday, August 9th. Working with Chef Arturo and his assistant Virginia, the kitchen crew of Helen, Donna, Judy, Carol, John, and yours truly prepared and packaged meals for
100 people.
On Saturday, July 21st a group of Harbor Rotarians gathered at Sea Trek in Sausalito for a fun day of kayaking in Richardson Bay. The photo here shows them attempting to kayak in the sand--after a few frustrating minutes, however they finally figured it out and hauled those suckers out to the water and away they went.
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Jeri showed slides and spoke about managing her team of volunteers when she participated in immunization:
Stan Green and Barbara Weldon are shown lifting a box of food packed at Saturday's (Aug 18) Marin and San Francisco Food Bank event. Stan was there in the morning representing Harbor Rotary and Barbara was there in the afternoon. Sunday, Harbor Rotarians will be at the Bocce Ball event for Rotary. Busy, Busy August!
One of the perks of getting your coveted "Blue Badge" in summertime is that sometimes you also get the presentation by the current year's District Governor. Stan Green not ONLY got his badge presented by Ron Gin (see pictures below) but also got one of the highly coveted lime green District 5150 baseball caps. Stan models for the paparazzi...
While crediting three years of our own Helen Abe's guidance as District 5150 Membership leadership, Melissa is handling her second year as Chair, hopefully again showing district membership growth, Her ideas were inspiring...mentoring new members, writing 3 names and giving them to our President, and working with the new Rotary theme to get new members involved quickly and efficiently. Thanks, Melissa!
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PICTURED, LEFT TO RIGHT:
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specifics and case studies that brought out many excellent questions and after-meeting chats. 
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speaks about "Time Management for Dummies." Last week, Jill A. Lublin spoke on how to "Get Known Everywhere" 
gave us a jazzy and inspiring set of how to make great presentations (more details later); and on August 11th, Diane Kluft 
discussed how to transform our personal style (in order to) ignite our confidence. For those of us who recall the March 17th Jenny Bailey's "What does your wardrobe say about you", we now are totally, completely, happily prepared to conquer the world..jpg)
how in turn those programs serve the farmers and businesses at the farmers market for a stronger economy as well as a healthier community.jpg)
BELL RINGERS: Jim Carriere was so happy that the Shelterbox "Jim"balaya fundraiser raised over $10,000 that he donated a double bell ringer ($200 or over). This time he did not remind us that with only a $20 donation to 
Members in attendance January 13th, left to right:
served us its usual platter of wonderful food, enjoyable company, and broken dreams. Jim Carriere provided the photos this year; enjoy the studious look of Neil; the bright smile of Carol, and the relaxed smiles of Cindy and Susan.
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demonstrated by Chester, the list of numbers offered by each audience member that he rec
Paula is the immediate past President of the Livingstone Rotary Club in District 9120; she met Karen Thompson and Greg Williams when they visited this past spring and Karen spoke on the prosthetic hand project (LN-4). Paula is a two times Paul Harris Fellow and is working to get financial support to build housing for the teachers for the public school there. The Livingston Club is attempting to apply for a global grant and is seeking a Lead Club to help. Her speech was enlightening regarding the conditions and need and her financial project request is available for anyone to review in our club. Thanks to Karen for bringing such a dedicated speaker from such a great distance. 
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Harbor Rotarians joined other Rotarians from Northern California for a day at the races.
In support of the "Run for Reading Program", ten members of the Harbor Rotary Club counted laps as students of Laurel Dell ran in a circle.
