El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel June 3, 2010

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Dougherty & Charlie Weaver
Week of May 27, 2010     
(www.rotary5160.org) 

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

Secretary John:   Invited Gary B to handle the introduction of Interact Club board members that included:  Fernando Monroe, Ben Leonard, Jake Lengacher, Clara Lengacher, Eric Mai, Jonathan Lee, Jessica Ong, Jessica Tran, Stephanie Wong, Luke Twombly, Rebecca Phuong, Jennifer Weldon, Cindy Su, Qi Qi Tang, Maureen Mai,  Adrian Studdiford, Abby Carlstad, Laura Dolophino.  In addition Marilyn Obrien the school advisor was in attendance.

4-Way Test Presentation:    Mike G recited the 4-Way Test

Announcements:

•   Karen announced the Oakland Museum meet up on July 17^th.
• Jack reminded everyone of the Demotion Dinner for Tracy on June 12^th
• Kathleen told us about the Rotary face book page and how we can get pictures put on it

Happy dollars:   Karen is happy about meeting with the EC Mayor regarding potential community service projects.  Leeza provided happy dollars to speak for son Nico for his new yo-yo and for being able to get out of school today to come to Rotary.  Tracy is happy about the Interact Club winning best large club in the District and biggest fund raiser – EVER for the District of $11000. Kathleen is happy about all the Interact guests and Linda Schneider who played piano for us today and for her son going to a new school about which he is all excited.  Interact Board member Luke Twombly is happy to be graduating from ECHS this week and then going to Japan and China on a nice trip.

Birthday Girl Leeza:  Acknowledged the June birthdays:  Mike G, Charlie, Karen, Ilhami,  and Alan and the anniversaries: Nobuko, Don, Lance and Jack.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   Not on duty today

Induction of  2010-2011:  Our annual induction of Interact Board members was conducted by Gary B and President Tracy.  Gary gave the induction oath to the new board and afterword President Tracy presented Interact lapel pins to each board member.  Gary wore his new Interact cap and President Tracy presented Carl with an Interact cap since he is a major player in this key Interact project.  In addition Tracy presented  Interact President Cynthia a certificate of recognition and an Interact Past President pin.  Cynthia presented Gary with a beautiful scrap book with pictures and write-ups of the 2009-2010 Interact year.   This was a great way close out a great year for the outgoing board and bring in the new board for another great year of Interact Activities.

Gary administers the oath of office to the incoming Board members

Gary thanks Cynthia for leading the club to a great year

Today’s Program: 

Linda Schneider was introduced by Tracy to provide us with some her outstanding piano playing.  We were given some understanding about how the spirit of music impacts people.  Then we were given an explanation of piano playing and how the technique changed as the classical music was played on a piano instead of a harpsichord.  The harpsichord was played with finger muscles whereas the classical piano technique uses the entire upper body and takes advantage of the piano’s ability to hold chord tones more effectively than a harpsichord.  Linda also shared with us how she was able to learn the piano playing technique from a student of one of the master players who had a school across from Carnegie Hall.  We were then treated to two beautiful classical pieces that made us all more calm and appreciate of the beauty in life.  This was a great program and musical presentation.  Thanks Tracy for inviting Linda to play for us.

Linda Schneider explains how music affects our spirit

Tracy presented Linda with a beautiful orchid as a thank you for her program.

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Leeza had her ticket drawn for the bottle of wine and another of her tickets for the jackpot and son Nico pulled a red marble winning $10.   At our next meeting the jackpot is $130. 

Thought for the Week:

Music is well said to be the speech of angels.

--Thomas Carlyle