El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel April 15, 2010

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Dougherty

Week of April 15, 2010     

(www.rotary5160.org)

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

Secretary John:   David Bond of Windrush school who accompanied our guest speaker today.

4-Way Test Presentation:    Kathleen led the recital of the 4-Way Test

Announcements:

• Nancy did a Genie Stone minute and told us a funny story that related to her Mechanic’s Bank branch winning the best branch award for 2009.
• Don brought a flag from a Rotary Club near Melbourne, Australia  where he did a make up.
• Jane announced there are some changes in the demotion dinner plans and the event may be moved to June 12.  Stay tuned for the latest info
• Marty told us about the successful Bowl-a-thon for the funding of the eye surgery microscope for the clinic in Cambodia.  President Tracy pointed out that there will be a Rotarian visit to this clinic in Feb 2011.  If you would like to go to Cambodia next Feb, speak to Tracy

Happy dollars:  Gary B is happy about his squirrel hunting trip to Klamath Falls, Or.  Don is happy he got to attend the Australian Grand Prix.  Kathleen had thank you dollars for Charlie, Mechanics Bank and she is happy her son was selected for a Latin class that will garner him college credit as well as give him excellent training in the language.  Mark F is happy about his successful golfing vacation.  Charlie is happy he just completed his 40^th tax season.  Mark S notice that Past Pres Thom is retiring.  Mark also reminded us of the upcoming anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and that we must always be aware of the next big quake.  Thom responded by having being happy he is retiring even though he will still be doing some work at St John’s in El Cerrito.  Marty is happy Charlie took care of his taxes.  Rod is happy his wife does their taxes.  Pat is happy that Norge Cleaners does such great work and FAST too.  Neil is happy about his granddaughter attended Windrush school.  Tracy is happy about that her daughter Sarah attend Windrush school and that today’s speaker is the School Head Illana Kaufman.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   Not on duty today

Today’s Program: 

Tracy introduced Illana Kaufman the Head of Windrush school to provide us an update on the recent construction of the middle school and library building.  The school garnered a Platinum Grade for this project because of it use of the latest technology and building technizues which employee solar panels for electrical power,  radiant  heat technology, natural light sources, orientation of the building to allow for natural ventilation and the use of many building materials which reduced the waste byproducts of construction.   Ilana gave a very interesting PowerPoint presentation illustrating the main features and functions of the building.  She also explained how the learning spaces were configured to take advantage of all the know learning techniques for today’s students.    She also shared how the pursuit of a specific Green Label was avoided since many of these activities simply cost money and don’t bring any direct benefits to the facility getting the label.  – Great Idea! 

When she completed her presentation Illana answered many questions  This was an excellent presentation and gave us a good understanding about Windrush as a community resource and a great learning institution for parents who want a private school choice that ranks among the very best.  Thanks Tracy for bringing Illana to our club.

Illana Kaufman with a picture of the Windrush School Property

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Mark F had his ticket pulled and won the bottle of liqueur.  Mark S  had his ticket drawn and then drew a black marble costing him $5.   At our next meeting the jackpot is $95. 

Thought for the Week:

If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

--Benjamin Franklin