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Program for Friday October 11, 2002

William Terry of Richmond Sanitary

Door Duty: David K and Tom McGowan

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Program for Friday October 18, 2002

District Governor

Mark von Hoetzendorff

Door Duty: Don Lau and Bud Martin

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Program of October 4, 2002

Jon Armstong editor of the news for the Contra Costa Times spoke about the roll his paper plays in the community.
The paper has an interesting history. Dean Lesher came to this fair area in the mid 1940's. It was immediately obvious to him, but apparently not to those in charge of the big East Bay newspaper of the time -- The Oakland Tribune with its 90% market share, that the East Bay was about to boom beyond its Oakland borders and that it would be a good investment to address this new market by consolidating the various small papers of the region into one large more efficient one. He was right of course. And today the Contra Costa Time enjoys 64% market share in the East Bay. Knight Ridder, a national publisher, recognized this and purchased the Contra Costa Times from the Lesher family in 1995 for a cool $369,000,000.

The paper today is organized into four regions: The Contra Costa Time, The West County Time, The Valley Times, and The San Ramon Valley Times. The paper also publishes weeklies. The paper's goal is to respond to the desires of its high income (read hi advertising rates) and well educated readership. They particularly emphasize local issues although they also cover the traditional national subjects like weather, business, national and international news. Of special interest are the inserts that they produce periodically on East Bay neighborhoods call "Where We Live", their popular voter's guides, and of particular interest to many of us, their fine, frank and conservative admonishment of our local governments in their editorial pages.

The 500 largest East Bay business list is published by the paper once a year ; and they select the student of the month and the athlete of the month, which offer the youngest members of our community roll models from which to pattern their lives.

More than just news does the paper provide. It employs 1,000 people, donates or is responsible for the collection of donations equaling $1,500,000. They provide a free concert to the community each year and are affiliated with all the major community organizations that come to mind. $3,000,000 per year they pay in various taxes.

There is certainly more to a paper than you would think at first glance. Most of us spend some quiet time each day with this very good friend. Thank You Contra Costa Times.

Happy / Sad $$$$$$
Happy / Sad $$:
- Jon Lawlis appreciates the sincere support, love and caring he has received from the club during this trying time for his family.
- Leslie Levy had a happy $5 to excuse her absences as she was enjoying the Lake Tahoe cabin vacation and sail on the bay she bought at last years auction.
- Oscar daughter got accepted to University of California at Irvine. Congratulations Oscar.
- Ken and Ted paid a fine for not reading their flywheels and subsequently ending up at the Mira Vista this Friday instead of La Strada.

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Last Meeting:
President Dave shared several of life's trinkets of wisdom by explaining that: When making a mistake, make amends immediately. It is much easier to eat crow while it is still warm. And for all the sailors he says: You only need two tools in life: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape.

Visiting Rotarians:

Sunshine Report:
Hans Schafer is home from the hospital and is doing well according to his family.

Guests:
-Jan introduced her son that had been working for the PR department of the Lakers and is now working for the PR department of the Warriors -- John Armstrong, our speaker promptly offered his condolences.
-The Richmond Rotary GSE sponsor, Sophia Wairth, was introduced by President Dave to great fanfare. For those of you that reside in Point Richmond you may find her and her wonderful smile at the counter of her family's the Point Richmond Market. Anybody wishing to write a letter of support, please do so and forward it to president Dave. Good luck Sophia.
Announcements
-George Egan said that Bavarian Bash tickets are available at the door this Saturday. President Dave also said that he would be attending. Tickets are very reasonable and kids are welcome. -Board members will meet at 11:30, 11/18 before the regular meeting
-Coming Speakers
10/25/02, Dion Aroner, State Assembly
11/01/02, Isiah Turner, City Manager Richmond.
11/08/02, Richard Lopez Vessel Traffic Service
11/29/02, No Meeting
01/03/02, Michael Hingson, Guide Dogs for the Blind.
- Ren and Paul attended a bar B Q at Miller Knox park for Peres Elementary School honor students. All the food was eaten and it was a rewarding experience for all.
- John Nichol announced that the intercity Rotary train will be leaving the station 01/12/02 and returning from Reno 01/13/02. All ticket purchases are due by 11/04/02. John say's this will be the final notice. I'll ask Joe Green to announce it next meeting again.

Recognitions
- Paul had an anniversary with his wife of 27 years Mary Joe. To some people Paul doesn't even look 27 years old -- I guess it is his baby face.
-Hank Covel had birthday and an anniversary. He was born in 1935 for those of your who want to know how old he really is. His philosophy of life is to enjoy today because nobody knows what is coming tomorrow. His celebrated by attending a football game on Friday night, a YMCA pancake breakfast Saturday morning, and a family get together for all of his family member with B-days in September.
-Joey Bags also had a birthday he is now 21, and coincidentally he also celebrated his 27th wedding anniversary.
Joe contributed $100 to his daughter's Paul Harris.

Raffle:
Two 27th wedding anniversaries and two back to back winners for the lottery – WOW!. Dan E. won last week with a full complement of balls, and today Ted Abreu also won with a full complement of balls. I will donate $50 to the person who can calculate these odds of this occurring and prove to me they are correct.

Submitted by your Scribe of the Month,

Mark Howe