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Program for Friday August 1, 2003

Jim Briggs

OUTSIDE THE BOX DECISION MAKING

Jim is the principal of Decision Concepts, a consultancy specializing in decision skills development. He is also the author of Critical Analysis in Decision-Making. Jim was a member of the Rotary GSE team the District sent to Beijing, China in 1995. His 30 year management career has been in the business side of technology - first with IBM and subsequently as an independent consultant in Silicon Valley. Jim holds BA and MA degrees in Chinese studies from Stanford University.

Jim and his wife Dorothy live in Mountain View. They have ten grandchildren - several of whom (he says) are reasonably civilized

Door Duty: Don Hardison and Troy Pewitt

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Program for Friday August 15, 2003

Steve Grossman Oakland's Airport of the 21st Century

Door Duty: Ralph Hill and Markku Pelanne

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Program of August 1, 2003

Sally DeWitt, Peres School Volunteer

Sally DeWitt, certainly no stranger to the Club, was our speaker. Sally has devoted countless hours to volunteer work at both Peres and Washington Elementary Schools during the past years. Her theme was: Come Get Involved With the Kids At Peres.

Sally asked how many in the Club have volunteered at District schools. A great number of hands went in the air - Dan Ercolini, a very quick counter of hands in the air, estimated 85%. Sally then asked how many are volunteers right now - Dan called this at 20%. These are very impressive (even commendable!) volunteer participation numbers. Sally then told some heart-warming stories of her experiences as a volunteer reader.

The very real rewards Sally spoke about included helping a 4th grader learn to count and helping a 5th grader learn to read! She explained how tremendously rewarding these experiences are, and invited all to consider getting more involved in the volunteer programs. And there are many ways to get involved:
-Be matched with a child and work with that child on a regular basis;
-Participate in Dr. Seuss' Birthday;
-Participate in the Bedtime Reading Hour;
-Help out with Career Day.

To join this very worthwhile program, contact the Volunteer Coordinator Dave Cowen at 510-235-9976. Thanks Sally for a heartwarming and important presentation.

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Last Week
A dapper Prez Stoney opened the meeting with a moment of silence for world peace. Ted Abreu led the Pledge and then our Prez provided a memorable "Never Give In, Never Give In, Never Give in…" quote from Winston Churchill.

Visiting Rotarians
Greg from Mission San Rafael was our only Visting Rotarian. He stated that he heard Dr. Werner speak at his Club and was inspired to attend ours! Whatever did you tell them Werner?

Guests
Rich Alexander brought local attorney Brian Stern as his guest. Barry Gordon entertained Aaron Nissim, a management trainee with the Bank. No stranger to the club, John Troughton was present, the guest of Prez Stoney.

Announcements
There will be a Board of Directors meeting 6 August in Stoney's office.

Mark Your Calendar For Friday, September 5th For Governor Connie's Visit to Richmond. Governor Connie Crawford will make her official visit to our Club on Friday September 5th, noon. President Stoney would like to make sure that you and your spouse and/or sweetheart will attend this most important and festive meeting. A cocktail reception is tentatively planned for 11 AM. See you there!

Coming Speakers
8/22 Dr. Robert Hirst PhD Tales of the Mark Twain Archives

8/29 Dr. Joseph Marshall The More You Know, The More You Owe!

Recognitions

Happy/Sad $$
Judy Kafka had the sad news that Shannon McGowan is seriously ill and once again in the hospital. She has been a speaker at the Club and is a friend of many members. We all wish her the best. Gloria Johnston had a plethora of happy dollars because her WCCC students are doing well in local competitions AND her 4 unions have agreed to a wage freeze - which will result in more teachers on the payroll and smaller class sizes. Congratulations Gloria! Dan Ercolini was delighted that his wife and daughters are passing a Spanish Class despite early indications to the contrary.

Raffle
None other than Immediate Ex-Prez Dave won the raffle. And he offered to be very generous with a Club donation if he won. But alas….

Semper Paratus