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August 25, 2024

From the Club Blog
RYLA: Making a Difference and a Lasting Impact
History
In 1985, the Rotary Club of San Francisco started Camp Enterprise, a small leadership skills weekend camp for high school students. Jim Patrick led Camp Enterprise and was soon joined by Anita Stangl, Les Andersen, and over time, other Rotarians from our Club and our District. Since then, the program grew substantially and was renamed Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), the name that Rotary clubs around the world are using for this type of program.
 
2024 RYLA Camp
The 38th Annual RYLA Camp was held from July 28 to August 2, 2024 at Camp Redwood Glen & Conference Center in Scotts Valley, California. This year's Camp was the largest in our history. Over 190 campers and over 20 RYLA alumni leaders participated. In addition, there were over 30 adults consisting of Rotarians and non-Rotarians leading this Camp.
 
The adults and youth alumni arrived on Sunday, July 28, to prepare for Camp. The campers arrived on Monday in five buses from three counties: Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo.
 
Here was a typical day at Camp:
Read more...
Rotary Trips on Polio Immunization and Projects
In January 2024, we participated at Rotary International’s Mega Polio Eradication Mission in India. The tour was for us ever changing and transformative to both the children we served and the people we met. See our story here.
 
We now invite you to participate in the upcoming tours. These tours are available in October 2024. Additional tours are offered in January 2025. Please contact either one of us if you want more details or have questions.
From the President's Desk
Reflecting on the past two months, I am proud of our Club's progress. Our July visioning sessions will shape our Club’s future. We’re eager to share the results with you on a Zoom session on September 5. Please register here to learn about our Master Plan and the next steps. It’s important!
 
We also achieved significant progress with our once a month evening meeting at MoMo’s. This new format has been successful. It provides an option for those unable to attend lunch meetings and attracts potential new members. It also provides partnering opportunities with other Rotary clubs.
 
Our Club leadership supported the largest-ever Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) in Scotts Valley, with excellent participation from our members and other Rotary clubs to lead and support this effort. 
 
In August, we provided scholarships to several young adults, who were themselves RYLA attendees and are now emerging leaders. The poignant conversations from the scholars highlighted the profound impact of these financial gifts on their lives.
 
Read more...
Upcoming Events
ROTARY REVEALED August 27, 2024: Our 2024-2025 Club Projects
Join President Bob Hermann and our Committee Chairs to learn about the 2024-2025 Club Projects, including Emergency Services Day, the Bike Build, plus new projects with fresh impact. Get the inside scoop on being part of the Rotary Workforce, and change the world for the better. You will also receive information on when the Grant Season will start again, and perhaps, you can onboard your favorite project too. All are welcome. 
 
 
 
No Meeting on September 3, 2024
In honor of the Labor Day holiday weekend, there is no Rotary Luncheon on September 3, 2024. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
SERVICE PROJECT September 3, 2024: Diaper Bag Assembly for Homeless Prenatal Program
Join us at this service opportunity to stuff diaper bags and organize diapers and wipes for giveaway to clients of the Homeless Prenatal Program. Event is limited to 6 people. 
 
ROTARY REVEALED September 5, 2024: Visioning to 2027
It's time to reveal the results from our recent Club Visioning that will help shape our future. President Bob will kick things off, setting the stage. Then, our Club Champion, Dan Joraanstad, will dive into the specifics—where we stand and where we’re headed. Don’t miss out—this is your Club, your future. Join us to hear the results. All are welcome.
 
 
SERVICE PROJECT September 7, 2024:  Volunteering at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
Join us to build grocery boxes for seniors, sort donations, and other various tasks as needed. The Food Bank continues to need your helping hands. Registration is limited to 9 volunteers; so register early!
 
 
ROTARY LUNCHEON September 10, 2024: Rachel Kamen, Autonomous Transport and Why San Francisco is the best test case
Rachel Kamen of Waymo Public Affairs will speak on autonomous transport and why San Francisco is the best test case for this method of transportation.
 
 
 
Baby Showers for Homeless Prenatal Program: September 11, 2024
Join us at one or both of the Baby Showers at the Homeless Prenatal Program where we will give expectant mothers diaper bags filled with supplies. The party for Spanish speakers starts at 10 AM; the party for English speakers starts at 1 PM. Registration is limited to two Rotarians at each shower. 
 
 
DEI EVENT September 15, 2024: Rotary DEI Film Festival Presents Central Station
Our September movie is Central Station, a moving, Brazilian story about a former schoolteacher who writes letters for illiterate people and a young boy whose mother has just died, as they search for the father he never knew. This film is rated R. This event is open to Rotarians, their friends, and family. 
 
 
ROTARY LUNCHEON September 17, 2024: Jazz and Cabaret with Paula West and Adam Shulman
Paula WestAdam ShulmanAmerican jazz and cabaret singer, Paula West, will share insights into her career, her work in the music industry, and her personal inspirations. Paula and her pianist, Adam Shulman, will also perform at our luncheon.
 
 
 
EVENING MEETING: September 19, 2024
Join us for our Club's NEXT EVENING MEETING where we will conduct some Club business, have dinner, and enjoy Rotary fellowship. There is no charge to attend this meeting, but each attendee pays individually for food and beverages ordered at MoMo's. Please register yourself and your guests so that we can plan the space.
 
 
SOCIAL EVENT September 20, 2024: Rotary Jeopardy

We’re rolling out the red carpet for Rotarians from near and far for a thrilling night of Jeopardy, hosted by the incredible Joe Teresi from the Rotary Club of Millbrae. The Rotary Club of San Francisco will provide beverages, but everyone is asked to bring a dish to share. All Rotarians, their families, and their guests are welcome. Event is limited to 36 people; so, register now!

 
Congratulations!  September 2024 Birthdays and Rotary Anniversaries
 September  4
   Greg Gutting
 
September 10
   Michael Strohl
 
September 11
   David Dye
 
September 12
   Bob Hermann and Stacey Poole
 
September 15
   Bal Raj Capur and Margaret Miley
 
September 19
   Dagmar Schaefer-Gehrau
 
September 20
   Matthew Madsen 
 
September 23
   Kevin Simonin
 
September 28
   Paul Yep
 
Note: This birthday list is based on membership information in ClubRunner. Please update your ClubRunner account to help us keep this information current. If you need help with ClubRunner, please contact our current newsletter editor.
 
 
1989: James Bradley
 
1992: Scott Plakun
 
2016: Lynn Luckow
 
2019: John Goings (Honorary Member) 
 
2021: Larry Booth and Darlene Wilson
 
2023: Paul Vazquez and Paul Yep
 
Note:  The year listed above is when these members joined the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Happy anniversary to all!