El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel April 23, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Doughtery

Week of April 23^rd   

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

VP Karen welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Past Pres Thomas led the pledge and Gary B provided a thought for the day.

Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians:  Tracy introduced her guest Robin Winton.  Kathleen introduced her guest Chris Olds. 

Announcements:

ð     Kathleen announced she is in the last stage of roster info update and requested everyone get their updated info in by next Thursday. 

ð     Nobuko told us about the major donor conference being held in our area.  Also she told us of the Rotary Peace Fellows reunion.  If you want info on either of these functions please contact Nobuko.

ð     Leeza gave us some info on the Demotion Dinner scheduled on June 6^th.  This year we will be doing something a bit different.  Stay tuned for details.  Be sure and put this date on your calendar as a NOT MISS event. 

Happy dollars:  Nobuko had $20 “forgot” dollars.  After she did such a great job of setting up the pot luck at Mike G’s home last Sat she forgot to attend what with twin grandbabies and all kinds of associated issues.  Mark S had $5 for the great time he and Cindi had at Mike’s party.  Kathleen is happy that Karen is designing her a new website.  Don is happy he was able to take Ksusha sailing last week.  He said Ksusha enjoyed it greatly!

Sgt at Arms:  Not on duty today

Today’s Program:  

Marty introduced a long time friend Gary Einhorn who is the ED of the West County Community High School.  Gary who in 1991 taught in a large high school in Arizona and then was involved in teaching kids on probation after that found he had a passion to open a school that could make a difference for kids who don’t quite fit into the structure of large public schools.  As a result he started West Country Community High School that serves 100 students in a community environment and exploits involvement of parents and the students in may aspects of the schools operation as well as bringing a strong and varied curriculum.  The school provides academic support for the students by using and inclusive environment.  Students provide leadership along with self governing protocol.  This provides opportunities for the students to learn about discipline by being a part of that disciplinary process. 

There are specialized classes that allow students to flourish.  With a 100 student school class sizes are usually less than 20 students and provide an advantage to the students who may need some extra attention. 

This school has an important niche due to the population it serves.  There are plans to move to a new location where there is a gym and larger facilities. 

This was a good presentation and provided us information about this valuable educational resource.  Thanks Marty for having Gary come and speak to us.

Gary Einhorn – Ed Director of West County Community High School

Today’s Lottery Winner: Paul had his ticket pulled for a chance at winning the pot and selected a cats-eye marble winning the bottle of wine.  Next Week the jackpot is worth $190. 

Interact Club Corner by Gary Buffon – Rotary Advisor to Interact: 

The next adventure for our Interact club is the annual boat cruise on SF Bay which is being held on May 16^th.  This cruise provides Interact members from throughout the district to have a social event that makes their year very memorable. 

Thought for Week:

Don't laugh at youth for his affectations; he is only trying on one face after another to find his own.

--Logan P. Smith