El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel November 12, 2009

El Cerrito Rotary

The Wheel

Editors:  Gary Buffon & John Ferguson Jr.

Week of November 12^th      

(www.rotary5160.org)

www.elcerritorotary.org

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

Secretary John:  Announced no visiting Rotarians or guests today.

4-Way Test Presentation:  - Gary A did the honors and recited the 4-Way Test

Announcements:

Þ    Jim Spain once again provided details of the Reno Train trip and gave a motivational talk on getting as many people as possible to go on this FUN Rotary event and experience.  The trip is on Jan 24-25 and is a wonderful opportunity to take a scenic train trip over the Sierra Mountains and to enjoy the fellowship of Rotarians from Richmond, Albany, Berkeley, and other local clubs.  Seriously consider going on this trip you will not regret making this trip.

Þ    Tracy reminded us of the District Foundation fund raiser – Rotary Day at the Races at Golden Gate Fields on Dec 5.  Be sure and sign up if you can possibly make it.  It is the first Saturday in December and will be an enjoyable experience in addition to making money for the Rotary Foundation.

Þ    Tracy told us about here experience at the Interact District Conference at El Cerrito High on Sunday Nov 8^th.  There were 420 Interact members from our district that attended the event.  The workshop leaders were included members of our club and everything was done very professionally. 

Þ    Karen announced to the club that anyone interested in being on the Board of Directors next year be sure and let her know.  There are a lot of very interesting activities and areas that you can become involved in.  You can also have your input into the important aspects of the club and how it runs.  Give it serious consideration and let Karen know Karen know what you would like to do.

Þ    Jack announced that Glenn’s wife Helen passed away and asked his fellow Rotarian to call Glenn and send cards to him. 

Happy dollars:   Pat is happy that her husband’s cheese cake receipt was published in the WCC Times newspaper.  Gary B is happy about the great success of the Interact Club hosting of the District Conference.  Frank is happy for this time of year and all the great food that happens during the season.  John F is happy his company received three awards for their remodeling projects in our area and also that Frank and Sonya have their blue badges.

Rotary Foundation Chair Lee:  Gave us an update the November “match your money” for the Rotary Foundation.  We now have 14 people who have taken advantage the matching dollars.  Lee explained what the foundation program is about.  Next week he will provide us examples what the Foundation provides

Lee – Foundation Chair tells us about the Rotary Foundation

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   No on duty today.

Today’s Program: 

We had a club assembly today.  Tracy invited Sonya and Frank to share information to the club by doing a “Who Am I?”

Sonya:

 A native of Alabama who lives in El Sobrante with her husband and son.  Her hobbies include abstract Art and photography.  She also collect crystal.  Her profession career is running El Cerrito Royale, the 145 bed assisted living facility in El Cerrito

Sonya Given-Thomas:

Frank Lee:

A native of New York City where as a youngster went many NY Giants Baseball games.  He moved to Chicago where he worked for some time and then moved west where he worked for the founder of Victoria Secret (Frank was employee #7).  He shared a bit about how the company grew from an idea into the mega company it is today.  Frank loves food and is a good cook.  I say this because he handed out one of his recipes and it sound awesome.  Frank has four grown children.  His profession is providing long term care insurance to folks and as it put it:  I take this responsibility very seriously.

Frank Lee

Thanks to Sonya and Frank for helping us get to know them better and we are proud to have you as members of the Friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.

Tracy announced next week’s program:  The Lend-A-Hand Awards to three members of our community who promote the arts and enrichment of El Cerrito.  This will be an excellent program so please consider bringing a friend.  

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Don had his ticket selected and drew a black marble costing him $5 but winning a bottle of wine.  Next week the pot is $130.

Thought for Week:

It is better to be faithful than famous.

--Theodore Roosevelt