El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel May 20, 2010

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Dougherty
Week of May 20, 2010     
(www.rotary5160.org)  

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

Secretary John:   Asked Jack and Pres Tracy to introduce today’s guests:  Don Markert Past President from 1980-81, Christina Van Horn, President Albany Rotary, Dist Gov Earl Kilmer, Assist Gov Gary Boyles, Aaron Gobler-Albany Rotary,  and Marv Collins.  Marty had a guest, Christian, a fellow business person, and Andy had his eldest son Harry.

4-Way Test Presentation:    Carl led the 4-Way Test recital

Announcements:

• Sonya gave a brief announcement about El Cerrito Royale since she has the genie stone
•  Jack reminded about the demotion dinner for Tracy on June 12
• Karen told us about the opportunity to be a mentor for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
• Tracy read the lineup for the GGF concession stand on Sunday

Happy dollars:   

Jane is happy she has a new grandchild.  Jack is happy about today’s anniversary.  Alan is happy Jack reminded him of the celebration so he could attend.  Marty is happy about all the great people in our club. Thom is still retired.  Ilhamni is happy to see Don Markert.  Kevin is happy he was able to come today.  Joe is happy about the book.  Don is happy for being here and his wife told him to say hi to everyone.  Tracy is happy for the DG and Assist DG being here today.

Today’s Program: 

Being the 60^th anniversary celebration for our club Tracy asked DG Earl to say a few word about what it means for a club to have 60 years of service.  

DG Earl Kilmer acknowledges our 60 year of service

DG Earl acknowledged our club for many things and then pointed out an interesting statistic; our club has done twenty two international projects over the years.  That works out to one every three years.  He closed by challenging us to continue our work and fostering the things that makes our club so strong.  At the point Tracy asked DG Earl to present a blue back to our newest member Jim Sheppard. 

DG Earl present Jim Sheppard his blue badge

Tracy then looked at club history by acknowledging those who have played major roles in the club’s success:

Marv Collins was recognized for being a member for fifty four years.  During that time he has worked on so many community service projects we could not recite them all given the time limit.

Marv shares a few thoughts about 54 years of Rotary service

Joe Conwill (who’s dad Fred was a charter member ) was recognize for his service to the club that started in 1962.

Rod Roberts was recognized for service since 1963.

Neal Wells was recognized for service since 1965.

Jack Freethy was recognized for service since 1973

Ilhami Karaca was recognized for service since 1975

Charlie Weaver was recognized for service since 1983

Lee Prutton was recognized for service since 1985

Jane Del Simon was recognized for being our first woman President in 1996

After each of those recognized gave us their thoughts, Pres Tracy asked Christina Van Horn, Pres Elect of Albany acknowledged the close ties between our two club since Albany sponsored our charter on May 23, 1949.

President Tracy then asked those who wanted to share any thoughts on this special day to do so.  After that Tracy read aloud the plaque that will be placed on this year’s community service project at the El Cerrito Community Center .  We are donating picnic tables a shade and grill for the new “splash park” being constructed near the swimming pool.

Earl acknowledge Tracy for being an outstanding club President and doing many positive things for our club and the district.

DG Earl acknowledging for be an outstanding club President

The meeting concluded with President Elect Karen gave us the highlights of what she is planning for 2010-11.  What a thoroughly wonderful meeting this was!

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Sonya had her  ticket pulled and drew a catseye marble.   At our next meeting the jackpot is $120.. 

Thought for the Week:

If you have anything really valuable to contribute to the world it will come through the expression of your own personality, that single spark of divinity that sets you off and makes you different from every other living creature.

--Bruce Barton