El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel May 21, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Dougherty

Week of May 21^st

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

President Jack welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.   Ilhami led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then President Jack gave us the thought for the day.

Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians:  Sec John introduced Frank Lee, guest of John F.  Don introduced Ksusah our exchange student.

Announcements:

ð     Ksusha told us about the Interact Boat cruise that had 225 Interact members from around the District.  ECHS interact won three awards:  Best small club, Most funds raised by a club and Best Rotary Advisor.

ð     Pres Jack reminded everyone of the BBQ on July 14^th for Ksusha.  Sign up now.

ð     Leeza reminded everyone of the Demotion Dinner on June 6^th at Montero’s in Albany, on the corner of Solano and San Pablo.  Starting time is 5:30p and price of $45 per person.

ð     June 4^th the Interact club officers for 2009-10 will be inducted at our meeting.  Do your best to be there.

ð      

Happy dollars:  Gary B had $5 because he is happy about John F doing a great job on the club bulletin, having a successful ground squirrel hunting trip and for taking Jessica Tran to the regional 4-Way Test Speech event at the San Ramon Valley Rotary in Danville on the 20^th.  Lee had $100 for being successful in hiring an Office Mgr and full time Vet for his clinic.  He also reminded everyone he is going to be NUDGING everyone to get their R/I Foundation contribution completed before June 30^th.   Charlie had 5 happy dollars for the new clients Kathleen referred to him.  Nancy is happy her Mom’s experimental heart surgery was successful (and so are all your fellow Rotarians).  Frank Lee had 2 happy dollars for his son’s graduation from Cal’s MBA program.  Karen is happy for fellow Rotarians that she counts on for many things.

Sgt at Arms:  No on duty today.

Birthdays and Anniversaries:  Leeza on her continuing quest to get birthdays and anniversaries acknowledged for our club members found Rod, Joe, Charlie and Kathleen.  As always, Leeza asked them interesting questions that very few would know but since they are multiple choice there is a chance of getting them correct.

Today’s Program:  

Jack introduced our own Kathleen Hunt to speak to us about the social and professional networking websites that currently exist. 

Kathleen had Karen assist her and as she showed us here Facebook page (www.facebook.com) as a way to illustrate the features and functions of the site.  Kathleen explained how she has set up a Rotary page as well.  In addition, we learned how the use of the site can assist people with current relationships with family and friends as well as creating new relationships which benefits people both socially and professionally. 

Next we learned about My-Space and how that site, although thought to be for young people, also provides features and functions that provide value added for older folks as well as for parents who can have insight into what their kids are involved in.

The Linked_In (linked_in.org) site is specifically for professional/business relationships.  It allows people to invite others to join (just like Facebook) and to provide recommendations about the work done for others. 

Lastly we learned about Twitter, after that Kathleen fielded many excellent questions.  As usual, the presentation provided by Rotarians are some of the best we have.  Thanks Kathleen!!

Kathleen helping us understand Social Networking on the Internet

Today’s Lottery Winner: Pat had her ticket pulled a cats eye marble and won the bottle of wine.  Next week the pot is $210

Interact Corner – by Gary Buffon Rotary Advisor to Interact:  Sixteen members of club attended the District Interact Boat Cruise.  225 members attend from the district and the young people had a great time.  The club was acknowledged by the District for the biggest fundraiser and for being the best small club (don’t ask me the definition of small, perhaps it is less than $100 members)

Thought for Week: 

We must beware of trying to build a society in which nobody counts for anything except a politician or an official, a society where enterprise gains no reward and thrift no privileges.

--Winston Churchill