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Program for Friday May 23, 2003

Richmond Yacht Club Junior Program

Larry McCollum speaks about his 10 year stint as executive director of the world famous RYC junior program.

Door Duty: Gloria Johnston and Joe Nubaum

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Program for Friday May 30, 2003

TBA

Door Duty: Pam Jones and Dave Ninomiya

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Program of May 16, 2003

Sunne Wright McPeak

Charlie Fender introduced our speaker, Sunne Wright McPeak. Charlie noted that everybody is familiar with Sunne's enormous contribution to public service over the years, but not everybody knows she was born on a dairy farm in Livingston (Central Valley) and attended UC Santa Barbara.

Sunne is the President and CEO of the Bay Area Council(BAC). Prior to the BAC, she was a member of the County Board of Supervisors for 13 years. The BAC was formed before the end of World War II when it became clear that a strong war recovery needed to focus on regional as well as local issues. One of the major contributions of the BAC was sponsoring the campaign to build the BART system.

Representing more than 275 employees, the BAC is recognized as the regional voice of business on key economic issues. BAC involvement enables CEOs throughout the region to work together for a better business climate and a better quality of life for their employees and customers.
The BAC has been a significant force in shaping the Bay Area. In addition to sponsoring BART, the BAC:
-Launched and managed the Bay Area Water Transit Initiative to develop a world-class system of high speed ferries;
-Led business efforts to improve air quality by more than 98% over the last 40 years; and
-Promoted housing as the linchpin of smart growth.

This was a high energy presentation that brought many county-wide and regional programs into perspective. Thanks once again Charlie for bringing an outstanding program to the Club.

Happy/Sad $$
Hank Covell was happy that the Scholarship Board that he sits on awarded 16 scholarships, all to either Stanford or UC system schools. And Hank will run in his 38th consecutive Bay to Breakers Race on Saturday, after having his son ferry him across the Bay from Vallejo. Our favorite representative of responsible City government, Donna Uriyu, was smitten with the beautiful flowers of Spring. VP Elect Herb Cole had happy dollars after serving two days as a substitute Principal - working for Gloria seems to be OK. Jon "the editor" Lawlis felt generous in honor of the Peres Kids Program last week and the significant contribution Rotary makes to the community - he had us all remember the joy on the face of the student who won the computer last week. And Judy Kafka was delighted that boys are making it into the Spirit of Excellence Program - zero four years ago, one last year and four boys this year. Prez Dave was happy that the Peres School adoption program is going so well.

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Last Week
Prez Dave is so short these days that if he sat on a dime, his legs wouldn't touch the ground. The Prez asked Don Miller to lead the pledge, which the Doc did with a flair. Prez Dave then gave an excellent quote about democracy and liberty by Ben Franklin that your scribe cannot recall. So here's a Ben Franklin substitute: "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut after".

Prez Dave provided an erudite reminder of an important Club goal - to give $200 per person, over a 3 year period, to support the final eradication of polio.   Erle Brown and David K keep track of donation revenue, and report we are on budget or a little ahead. Today we are $88.31 per capita with 2 years still to go. Keep in mind this Polio Goal when making donations.

The Prez let slip some unfortunate news - we won't quite get rid of him at the 13 June demotion, as has long been anticipated. He has scheduled himself to do a Lame Duck meeting on 6/20. But at least the end is in sight.

Visiting Rotarians

Guests
There being no visiting Rotarians, Charlie Fender introduced his lovely wife Clavel.

Sunshine Report
David K reported that Ren Partridge is recovering from his leg injury following a motorcycle accident. Apparently Ren is not staying home to recover, but out shopping for new motor driven vehicles. In mid-sentence, Mr. Sunshine made a stage exit to retrieve a Get Well Card. George Egan checked in with Ren recently and reports that the motorcycle is fine.

Announcements
Rotary Day at the A's. A volunteer for this esteemed event has been located. Joanne Blum will coordinate participation, which will raise funds for the Polio Eradication campaign. The date is 21 May. Thanks Joanne.

Rotarians are needed for Camp Royal. Rotarians are invited to stay the week and participate in the entire program. That means sleep on platforms with the campers, listen to the powerful speakers and be available to discuss the impact of the messages delivered. See if you can carve some time out on your calendars and help out this summer June 15-21. A rewarding experience. Contact Elisabeth Andreason - Direct 925-288-3741. Elisabeth.Andreason@morganstanley.com.

Coming Speakers
June 13th - The Greatest and Most Deserved Demotion Ever
June 20th - Steve Seskin, Award Winning Songwriter

Recognitions
As Aloha Spirit filled the room, Don Lau took the podium for recognitions. It was just like old times. Don announced that David K had an anniversary - but of course Dave was still out of the room. Newest new boat owner Mark Howe was next. Captain Mark celebrated a birthday, has an anniversary tomorrow, but is really focused on the new Beneteau 41(15,000 dwt, 8 ft draft, full set of new racing sails). Mark has no plans for his anniversary (except to go sailing we can be sure) but had two Paul Harris donations for his kids.   Bursting back in the room, an out-of-breath David K announced he recently celebrated his 20th anniversary sipping wine in a hot tub on the North Coast. He had a generous donation for Polio Plus.

Erle provided a reminder to ALWAYS indicate on your donation check where you want the donation to go. If there is no indication, the default account is the District fund. If you want your donation to go to Polio Plus, a Paul Harris, or both, write it on the check, or the $100 bill.

Raffle
Prez Dave once again tried to read the selected ticket without his glasses, gave up, and asked Don Hardison to give it a try. Don of course read his own name and won a chance at the Orange. Alas, he was denied.

Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat minor.

Semper Paratus