Program for Friday February 21, 2003 Scott Donahue - Composite Sculpture Scott Donahue is an accomplished local sculpter. He builds his artwork out of concrete.
His most notable works include: the 13' composite woman in front of
Oakland City Hall, and a new commission for the just opened Millbrae Bart Station.
He has also done work for Denver Transit District. He also has a local piece
in front of the Old Bank Of Richmond Bldg. in Point Richmond called "They Were
All Here". Door Duty: Hank Covell and Loren Straughn * * * * * * * * * Program for Friday February 28, 2003 Dr. Gloria Johnston Dr. Gloria Johnston, Superintendent, WCCUSD, will speak on the status and outlook
for public education in West Contra Costa County. Door Duty: George Egan and Stoney Stonework * * * * * * * * * Program of February 14, 2003 Dick Newton Mark Howe introduced Werner's "Marin neighbor" and long time magician Dick Newton. Dick's two professional magic careers bracketed 30 years as a TV marketing and programming executive in NY, Chicago, LA and San Francisco. Performing 150 shows a year, he did nine shows last year in England and last summer performed at New York's longest running off Broadway magic show. Dick entertained the club with a brief history of magic it's trials and tribulations from witchcraft through major Las Vegas Show venues. Dick then told the anecdotes about his own experiences as a magician, followed by many tricks and illusions. Most impressive was Magician Dick making Prez Dave's $20 bill disappear. All the club members seemed to want to help Magician Dick make Prez Dave's $20 bills disappear. We were truly impressed when he made Dave's same bill reappear, in a cigar. Magician Dick, who characterizes himself as, "…renowned for impenetrable mysteries, sparkling comicalities and stylish dressing…", concluded his presentation by asking Barry Gordon to open the envelope Dick gave him at the beginning of his presentation. Magician Dick asked Barry to read the name of the card in the envelope AND previously pulled out of a deck of cards by the writer. Barry G., "the King of Clubs". Magician Dick, "Yes, the King of Clubs. Isn't Rotary the King of Clubs?" This concluding Magician Dick's presentation, he received a standing ovation from the members. Magician Dick Newton can be reached at 415-499-8693 should you wish to pursue the impenetrable mysteries of magic. Coming Speakers TBA Recognitions David K. was not present to put heat and light into the Sunshine report. Joey Baggs said he heard that Father Chris broke his leg. He's been put in a strong brace, but his spirits need not bucking up. Father Chris isn't at today's meeting because he is interviewing new student candidates for Silesian's next semester.Joey Baggs was happy to be here and asked the Sergeant-At-Arms to fine all members who did not have on their Rotary Pin. Joey lightly apologized for being remiss in this duty. Joey said today is George Wacker's birthday. He was an active member for many years, smile at the ready, "kissin' all the women", and is currently living in The Village in Pinole Joey mentioned that the Hotel Mac is now closed on Sundays but they are available for private parties and fundraisers. He said the good news is that the first fundraiser will be for NIAD on March 16th and he is circulating a sign-up sheet for it. Tickets are $45 each. Joey received the customary non-standing ovation from the members. . |
` Last Week President David Brown rang the bell and asked his favorite car salesman, John Nicol to lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance, which John did with realization. Prez Dave's quote for the day comes from the internationally recognized sage, Anonymous, "Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever." Guests: Elof introduced his "Valentine". Gloria Johnston introduced Gail Mendez Vice President of the United Teachers of Richmond. Visiting Rotarians Prez Dave introduced Michael xxyyzz?? from San Pablo, "whose classification has something to do with health care or labor relations or whatever." Announcements District 5160 will have its Conference, "Festival in Fairfield", in Fairfield April 24th-27th complete conference details can be found @ http://www.rotary5160.org./conference.htm. The Rotary License Plate program has until March 15th to get 2,500 new sign-ups. You have more time if you thought about getting a Rotary License Plate but did not act. Prez. Dave reminded the members that a good reason to participate in the program is because our club gets 50% +/- of the fee collected by the State. More information is available @ http://www.ca-rotarylicenseplates.org. Prez Dave encouraged the members to nominate qualified young people for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. The application deadline is March 31st. For more information contact Richard Flanders @ srednalf@pacbell.net or 925-469-9155. Prez Dave gently reminded the members that the Canned Food Drive continues. He noted that last week's bounteous contribution demurred his wrath (temporarily), but the Canned Food Drive's objective is to collect "a couple of cans a week". Remember it is a campaign to help the Richmond Food Pantry, "a can a week". Prez Dave was disappointed that our candidate for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship was passed over. Our candidate was an outstanding candidate, but she did not receive final consideration because she is now a graduate student, and the program specifically favors young people new to the world of business. Dave hopes she has another shot at the Scholarship when she gets out of grad school because a more qualified candidate can not be found. Members were encouraged to "look around" for other qualified Ambassadorial Scholarship candidates. Prez Dave asked the Club Board members to raise their hands. He then asked them to repeat after him, "The Board Meeting is next Thursday (Feb. 20th), here (at Mira Vista CC), at Noon. The RI Convention for 2003 will be held in Brisbane Australia Registrants from our District are eligible for the Visa known as Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) provided they hold a US Passport. They can apply online or through a travel agent. To apply online have them visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html. Both a Passport and Visa are required, and you don't want to be "stopped at the gate" because a Visa has not been ordered early enough for travel to Australia. Happy/Sad $$ Prez Dave had $5 Happy Dollars because his wife had successful surgery on her meniscus (a disk of cartilage cushioning two bones. Dave didn't say which two bones). However she is doing very well. Prez and Road Warrior Dave also had his last Happy $5 Dollars for his new car which he characterized as "bitchin'", a 2003 Mercury Marauder.Gloria J. had Happy dollars for Gail Mendez and the Dr. Zuess Birthday Read-A-Story Program. Ms. Mendez gave a brief presentation of the program and invited the members to participate with the schools in reading to young students. Dr. Herb had $5 ??? Dollars for the Screen Actors Guild "scab" and "member present"he saw on late night TV doing auto repair advertising. The only person to respond to Herb's verbal abuse was Prez Dave who said it was a "worthwhile and honest endorsement". Mark Howe had $10 Happy Dollars for his son's first place sailing accomplishments.Werner had $100 for the Polio plus Program in celebration of 98 years of Rotary.Judy M. had Happy dollars for the Richmond Chamber Crab Feed Friday February 21st. (Tickets are not available at the door. Call the Chamber if you want to go.) An don't forget the great Silent Auction which includes tickets to the Cal - Arizona game. Joanne Blum had Sad Dollars for "The Smithsonian" magazine's uncomplimentary comments about the Polio Plus Program. Prez Dave asked the members to review the article and "write letters" to "The Smithsonian". Judy K. had Happy Dollars as she reported the very positive and spirit lifting effect of the club's $100 per class contribution to Perez Elementary School. Staff moral has been buffeted by budget cuts; class size increase rumors and service staff reduction as well as the treat of pending layoffs. The club's gift was presented at the end of a meeting discussing all these negative topics and resulted in these teacher quotes read by Judy K., "…'someone cares'…'Happy Valentines Day Richmond Rotary!'…'Rotary our guardian angles. ''Thank you Rotary, my class now has more books and supplies.'" Raffle There was $126 at risk. Magician Dick picked Gail Mendez as the rafflee. Gail picked a white ball. Prez. Dave rang the bell and adjourned the meeting. Jim Young Editor |

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