El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel October 29, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & John Ferguson Jr.

Week of October 29^nd     

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

President Tracy welcomed everyone to the Friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.   John F. led the flag salute and Thom provided the thought for the day.

Secretary John:  Introduced Mike Roberts from the Berkeley Club and Kathleen’s guest Jim Shepard.

4 Way Test Presentation:  Sil recited the 4-Way Test and told us what it means to him. 

Announcements:

• Kathleen announced that the dictionary project was a huge success!
• Lee presented a poster for the Rotary Foundation for us to mark our progress.
• Jane encouraged the team leaders to use their teams.
• Mike Roberts from the Berkeley club came to tell us about District Day at the Races, December 5, $32 per person at Golden Gate Fields.  Come out and support! And bring a toy for the ECFD toy drive!

Happy dollars:   Jane was happy to see Frank’s son-in-law on Grey’s anatomy, and for another grandchild.  Leeza was excited to share that her son has learned to read.  Nobuko was happy to add to the GGF tips.  Karen was looking for luck and H1N1 vaccinations for her and her daughter whose class has been plagued by the flu.  Jack was happy to see Rotarians all wearing Rotary shirts.  Tracy was happy to be reaching her last week of radiation.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:  Off duty.

Today’s Program: 

Gary A introduced Gary Emich, the world record holder for most Alcatraz swims (637).  Gary began his talk by showing us a childhood picture of himself, next to a shark caught at the beach.  From there he chronicled many more swimming adventures alongside marine life.  His slide show included pictures of manatees, sea lions, dolphins, squid and even piranhas.  He has swum in the U.S., Mexico, Australia, Africa and South America.  Throughout the presentation Gary voiced that his love for swimming was trumped only by his love for friends.  In many of the pictures he was surrounded by what looked to be a very close group.  The group, he said, has swum from Spain to Africa, across the English Channel, Underground in Cuba, in the Amazon and even around Manhattan, NY.  At one time Gary himself swam for 8 hours and 45 minutes in Perth, Australia.  Impressive would be an understatement.  Thanks to Gary Emich for a wonderful presentation and to Gary A. for hosting a great speaker.

 Today’s Lottery Winner:   Sonja won the genie stone, Charlie won the wine.  Sil, Steve, Jane, Jack and Ilhami won centerpieces from the table. Next week the pot is $120.

Thought for Week:

“Prosperity has many forms, but only one character…  Yours.”

– Thom’s thought for the day.