Rotary Club of El Cerrito

Upcoming Programs

Sep 9
Laurie Ann Lepoff, private dance instructor (Rotarian Host Nancy McCarthy)

Sep 16
Amanda Royal, League to Save Lake Tahoe (Rotarian Host Michael J. Dougherty)

Sep 23
M. Louise Stanley, contemporary painter (Rotarian Host Karen Nierlich)

Sep 30
Steven Van Yoder, Manila Poverty Project (Rotarian Host Marty Kaliski)

View previous Bulletins

Upcoming Events

Sundays January thru June
ONGOING Fundraiser at Golden Gate Fields

El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel January 29, 2009

 

El Cerrito Rotary
The Wheel
Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Doughtery
Week of Jan 29th  2009 
                                                                                                                  
 
 
President Jack welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Michael Chang led the flag salute and President Jack provided a thought for the day.
 
Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians: Sec John announced today’s visitors, Sheila Addiego (Sil’s wife), Beth Galvan (Don’s guest), Keith Wilson (Jack’s guest),
 
Announcements:
ð     President Jack gave a hearty welcome back to Michael D, Andy, and Kanti. He also acknowledged Karen Pinkos Asst City Mgr for El Cerrito being present. 
ð     Kanti told us about his donation to an orphanage in India $10000 Rupees worth of vitamins. Rotarians doing great work everywhere. Thanks Kanti.
ð     Jack announced that Feb is World Understanding month and asked Don, Sil, Sheila, Gary B and Beth to stand and be acknowledged for being part of Ksusha’s support team this year.
ð     The GGF’s team is ready to go on Feb 8 and Feb 15.
 
Happy dollars:
Rod is happy his gig at 33 Revolutions is still going. Andy is $20 happy for being back at Rotary. Michael C wished everyone Happy Chinese New Year. Kathleen acknowledged Charlie for doing great work for one of her clients. Charlie is happy he could assist Kathleen’s client. Mike G is happy the 49ers have a new head coach. Karen N is happy her daughter loves math. Jack had $5 for the successful Rotary Reno Train Trip.
 
 
Sgt at Arms: Not on duty today
 
 
Today’s Program:
Sheila Addiego introduced our guest speaker Ksusha, our Rotary Exchange Student from Russia. Ksusha began her presentation by sharing information on the geography of her home country and state (Russia and Tatarstan). She then gave us information about her home city of Kazan. She explained that the population of Kazan is about 50-50 mixed between Muslim and Christians. She gave us some information about the main industries of the city. We then heard about what brought Ksusha to US. It was a vacation she took to the US and the desire to want to return as a student. We then heard about the school system in Russia and how that compares to our school system. We heard about the classes Ksusha is taking at EC High and the enjoyment of her stay. She also explained the importance of the support she receives from the District 5160 monthly Exchange Student get together.   
 
Ksusha gave us an interesting comparison between the academic environment in Russia versus the US. After that she expressed her delight at having the four host families during her year. She just moved in with her third family. We also heard about the difference in the transportation in the US versus Russia. Seems there is not the network of roads we are accustomed to in Russia. Ksusha answered many questions which gave us further insight into the main differences in the two cultures she has enjoyed in her young life. She explained how difficult it was for her at first because her English skills were not as good as they are now. The improvement in the language has made her experience better and better. Ksusha is on the mountain biking team at EC High and really loves that sport. This was a wonderful presentation and Ksusah is having a wonderful time with American families. Hats off to Rotary for such wonderful programs!!!
 
 
Ksusha – Russian Exchange Student from Kazan
 
Genie Stone: Andy won the magic stone and will be telling us about his business at the Feb meetings.
 
Today’s Lottery Winner:  Gary B had his ticket pulled for a chance at winning the pot and selected a cat’s eye marble; he won the bottle of wine.  Next Week the pot is worth $135. 
 
Interact Corner by Gary Buffon – Rotary Advisor to Interact: 
The 4 Way Test Speech Contest has been set for March 5th. Mark this down as it is one of the highlights of our Rotary year. We will have three Interact Students providing us with a 7 minute presentation on how the 4-Way Test is used in their life.
 
Thought for Week:
Joys divided are increased.
--Josiah Gilbert Holland