President Bob Hermann, Jr. (Information Technology: Administration | Retired) rang the Rotary bell at 12:17 PM.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Werner Sattleger from the Rotary Club of Klagenfurt-Lindwurm in Austria, Camille Newbern from the Rotary Club of San Diego, Volodymyr Goshylyk from the Rotary Club of Berkeley, Kerry Wood from the Rotary Club of Sacramento, our own past president Rhonda Poppen who is now a member of the Rotary Club of Sacramento, and Yuhui Guo from the Rotary Club of San Jose. Other guests included Rosa Granadillo-Schwentker, Toni Sutherland, Darlena Torres, Andy Douchin, and Jill Chan. Our speaker was Robert Schwentker.
Thought of the Day
Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) read today's Thought of the Day which was “…reap and ye shall sow”.
EREY Spin the Wheel
This month's winner of the Every Rotarian Every Year Spin the Wheel contest was Vice President of Community Service Darlene Wilson (Nonprofit Administration | Catholic Charities SF). Darlene received $25.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, in increments of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. President Bob recognized Past President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) who had earned her third Paul Harris Fellowship. Mary thanked the audience and spoke about how meaningful service is to her. Her passion to volunteer is local and international; in particular, she noted having the privilege of meeting and serving beneficiaries of the cleft palate work done at Alliance for Smiles missions. Today’s meeting reflected on how giving and service are deeply rooted in Rotarians, and Mary was an outstanding example.
Grant Presentation to the Alzheimer's Association
San Francisco Rotary Foundation President Christopher Wiseman presented a check in the amount of $3,000 to the Alzheimer's Association. Mary Liu accepted on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association. Mary will walk at the Walk to End Alzheimer's for her husband who was diagnosed with dementia six years ago. Her personal goal is to raise $5,000. Join Mary and others on October 19, 2024.
Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene
Both Rhonda Poppen and Allan Herzog (Financial Services: Advising | Wells Fargo Advisors) spoke about the damages sustained in the southeastern states caused by Hurricane Helene. Allan’s matching grant challenge of $2,500 to help fund relief was met and exceeded! Donors are asked to pay online here to Rotary Service and to designate the donation to the Hurricane Relief Fund.
Upcoming Events
- Check the Club's calendar for upcoming meetings and events.
- There is still time to sign up for District 5150's Foundation Event on October 12.
- The pilot Club Evening Meetings are proving popular and well attended. In 2025, the plan will be to not hold an Evening Meeting on the same week as a Tuesday luncheon meeting. The next Evening Meeting at MoMo's is on Thursday, October 24 at 6 PM. Register online.
Environmental Project Funded
Congratulations to Club Members Caitlyn Eller (Public Sector Consulting | Booz Allen Hamilton) and Yana Sharma (Software Sales | IBM) for securing a $1,000 grant from Rotary District 5150 for an exciting environmental project. The project will be in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco Castro that also secured a $1,000 grant from Rotary District 5150. This hands-on, educational event will explore the vital role of insects in our ecosystem. Participants will build and paint insect houses, taste bee-produced foods, and hear from 2-4 guest speakers on topics like bees, insects, and their impact on local and international communities. All including youth are encouraged to participate. Stay tuned for more details.
Update on International Water Project
Sacha Shashi (Information Technology: Consulting | Nimbus Systems) gave an update on a water purification system initiated in 2019 in India. A water filter designed by then Rotarian John Dracup (who passed away in 2021) was put to work, providing drinkable water to over 250 schools. This project benefitted financially from the delay in implementation due to the pandemic. Interest was earned on undisbursed monies ultimately "increasing the pot”.
Financial Update
President Bob gave a financial report through September 30, 2024:
President Bob gave a financial report through September 30, 2024:
- Donations to both the San Francisco Rotary Foundation and The Rotary Foundation are going well.
- Our Bru Brunnier campaign has also taken flight and is doing well.
- Of note is that our Club has surpassed $3 million in donations. This accomplishment exceeds our previous milestone of $2 million in 2016
- Only 15% of our Club's members have paid their annual dues for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
Guest SpeakerPresident Bob introduced the speaker of the day, Robert Schwentker, who gave us an introduction into the world of Generative AI and how we can put its power to work. We learned about Generative AI pioneers. Mr. Schwentker stated that Generative AI can unlock human potential, resulting in economic success with worldwide benefits. Some of our members do use generative AI. Others have yet to try it and are encouraged to do so. Using and learning from existing data, Generative AI is capable of creating new content. It’s a tool for creativity, collaboration, and societal good. Attendees had a chance to ask questions.
President Bob thanked Robert Schwentker and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in his name.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM.
Meeting Volunteers
President Bob thanked today's meeting volunteers: Cecile Chiquette (Accounting | Retired) for serving as volunteer coordinator; Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company) for serving as scribe; Jim Patrick (Retail: Office Supplies | Patrick & Co.) for serving as photographer; Allan Herzog for managing the microphone; Kirt Burdick of the Academy of Art University for managing the audio-visual equipment during our in-person meeting; John Mount (Management Consulting | Win-Vector) for serving as Zoom Host; Mary Liu, Munkhbaatar "Mugi" Begzjav (Govermental Relations | Consulate General of Mongolia), Tim Hornbecker (Nonprofit Management | Retired, The Arc CA) and Clifford Phillips (The Arc San Francisco) for serving as greeters; and Gary Dales (Accounting | Fly Leasing) for doing check-in at the Hotel Nikko.