El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel June 12, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & John Fergerson Jr.

Week of June 11^th   

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

President Jack welcomed us to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Rod led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jack provided a thought for the day.

Introduction of guests and Visiting Rotarians:  Sec John introduced President Jack’s guest Sonja Givens-Thomas of the El Cerrito Royale facility. 

Announcements:

ð     Board meeting at Mira Vista on June 23^rd

ð     Tracy’s sister passed away leaving her two children orphans.  Tracy intends to adopt them.  She has set up a bank for donations for the kids as follows:

Wells Fargo Advisors

% Larry lasch

1455 First Street, Suite 201

Napa, CA 94559

Make your checks out to Wells Fargo Advisors and on the memo line of check put:  “Acct#18471782 – Melissa T.”

Thank you for your support.

ð     Jack passed out year end awards to John Fergerson who also received one of the Spirit of El Cerrito Rotary Ribbons

ð     Three Rotarians attended the Gaucho’s jazz concert Wed evening and receive a plaque acknowledging the contribution of band instruments we made to their music program.

ð     It was a busy day at GGFs and there was lot of beer poured and sold and the tips for the day were very good at over $150

Happy dollars:  Paul is happy because school is out and he is going on vacation next week.  Mike is $20 happy because his daughter is graduation from UC Irving.  Nancy is happy her bank is hosting a mixer in a couple of weeks for the EC Chamber.  Joe is happy that Sgt Jim is making his last run on recognitions.  Larry is $20 happy for the same reason.  Rod is happy his band is playing at 33 Revolutions this Saturday.  Don is happy the clubs financial standing is very healthy and acknowledge Jack and the GGF fund raising as one of the main reasons.  Karen is happy for the successful demotion dinner.  Sil is happy he did not make an investment (inside story).

Sgt at Arms:  Jim was on today for his final session as Sgt.  He did a Shotgun Quiz and many folks found out how a shotgun quiz works.  It was a lot of fun (as usual) and Jim collect a few bucks for the club.  At the end Jim received a standing ovation for his year’s effort.  Great Job Jim!!!

Today’s Program:  

Foundation Chair Lee was scheduled to make a presentation but was unable to make it so President Jack filled in.  Bottom line is the have a great foundation that does a tremendous amount of things for people around the world.  The big emphasis on polio eradication has been ongoing and with Bill Gates giving nearly $500 million to R/I to assist in this effort there is a lot going on.  In addition, there is an ongoing need to continue our sustaining support of the foundation for such things as ambassadorial scholarship, GSE teams, matching funds grants and a whole list of other great programs. 

Thanks Jack for reinforcing how important it is for us to support our foundation both our own club’s and the Rotary International foundation.

Today’s Lottery Winner: Gary B had his ticket pulled and drew a blue marble and won $2 and the bottle of wine.  Next week the pot is $225

Thought for Week: 

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.

--Walter Lippmann

Demotion Dinner Highlights:

There was a lot of fellowship, a lot of laughs and a great time had by all at the demotion dinner for President Jack.  I have put a few photos of highlights below.  Enjoy.

President Jack thanking his team

Jack presents “Rotarian of Year” award to Karen

Jack presents acknowledgement gifts to his officers & Board

Lee is applauded for his service as Foundation Chair

If you missed the demotion dinner, plan on attending next year.  It is the highlight of the year!!