This issue of Grindings is the first one for the new Rotary year of 2023-2024. Our first meeting will be on July 11, 2023 when new President Sunny Singh and his Board will share their plans for the year ahead. Please plan to join us then and throughout the year to Create Hope in the World (this year's Rotary International theme) as we continue to find the new normal.
To inspire you, read the following story of optimism and hope about the Patrick family. Join a committee, read Grindings, and check our Club Calendar often to find events and future meetings and register. Happy New Rotary Year and Happy 4th of July!
Patrick and Co., owned by Rotarian and Club Member James "Jim" Patrick III, celebrated its first 150 years in business on Friday, June 23, 2023. The number of years celebrated indicates the kind of optimism we find in Jim. Asked about the demise of San Francisco, he points out that foot traffic in his store is up, more people are on the streets, and the restaurants are doing a good business. And historically, the City has gone through numerous cycles of boom and bust. He puzzled over why at this time our City has captured the attention of the national press with such an angry and negative portrait. The journalists should hang out with Jim just to catch some of his optimism.
More than 20 Rotarians were among the 200 guests who came to the Anniversary Celebration. We were treated to delicious food from three different food trucks. A pleasant cocktail hour high atop the Patrick and Co. building on Mission Street brought us beautiful views of San Francisco.
In honor of the Independence Day holiday, there is no Rotary Luncheon on July 4, 2023. Our first meeting for the Rotary year 2023-2024 will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
In the first meeting of our Club's 2023-2024 year, incoming Club President Sunny Singh will introduce this year's Rotary International theme, Create Hope in the World, and what it means for our Club. President Sunny and the New Board will also share their plans for the new Rotary year.
Our Club’s DEI Committee is pleased to announce the launch of our DEI Film Festival with the screening of Amistad. This film is rated R and based on true events starting in 1839, when a group of Africans overwhelmed the crew of the Amistad, a ship that was bringing them to slavery in the New World. The film focuses on the subsequent trial that went all the way to the US Supreme Court. This event is open to all Club members, prospective members, their friends, and family.
SFJAZZ explores the full spectrum of jazz from its origins to its diverse and evolving expressions around the world today. Mark Malaspina of SFJAZZ joins us to share their mission and vision. He will be joined by a group of student musicians who will perform a few select pieces of jazz.
Come and join your fellow Rotarians for live music, stunning water views, and drinks and bites at the historic Pier 23 Cafe, Restaurant, & Bar! Happy hour bites will be provided, and there will be a full, no host bar. This event is open to all Rotarians, their families, and guests (including prospective members). Attendance is capped at 20 people, so register early!
California State Senator Scott Wiener will give an overview on the legislation and the priorities he has planned for the 2023 legislative cycle. In the Senate, Senator Wiener works to make housing more abundant and affordable, invest in our transportation systems, increase access to healthcare, meaningfully address climate change and the impacts of wildfires, reform our criminal justice system, reduce gun violence, reduce California’s high poverty rate, and safeguard and expand the rights of all communities, including immigrants and the LGBTQ community.
