President Bob Hermann, Jr. (Information Technology: Administration | Retired) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM, welcomed everyone attending in person or on Zoom, and shared the history of April Fools' Day.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarian was Jannie Lammers from the Rotary Club of Almere-Weerwater in The Netherlands. Also in attendance were Michelle Pommier and Ruth Wenzel, both of whom will soon join our Club. Ruth brought her husband, Dick Wenzel, to this meeting and introduced him. Jim Patrick (Retail: Office Supplies | Patrick & Co.) introduced his son, Jamie Patrick. Phil Ye (Information Technology - Administration | Snowflake) introduced Jonathan Hao. Sue Robbins (Nonprofit Administration | Catholic Charities SF) introduced Bob LaLanae. Our speaker was Rick Laubscher. Welcome to all!
Flag Exchange
President Bob exchanged a Rotary flag with Visiting Rotarian Jannie Lammers.
What an uplifting event where everyone left feeling shared optimism and energy! Our Welcome to the Club event on April 3, 2025 had a strong turnout of 13 members from the Rotary Club of San Francisco and 16 amazing, prospective members!
First, we enjoyed some light food and beverages, while President Bob Hermann set the tone of the evening with a thoughtful and inspirational overview. Next, we followed a “speed dating” format where every prospective member met briefly one on one with each Rotarian in attendance to share and learn about Rotary's passion for service.
It's good to be back in Rotary! I have missed the fellowship of like-minded people with good goals to reach and conquer.
Last Sunday, March 30, 2025, I watched the film entitled Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet with Rotarians. We were all equally touched by the plight of the Korean poet and shared the inability to help. The conversations among the audience members following the film showed great sensitivity and understanding for an individual unable to effect any amelioration of his situation.
After the discussion, we shared delicious Korean food and camaraderie. Thank you to Stellie Kim, a member of our Club who grew up in Korea, for hosting both the discussion and the meal. My husband, Dick, also enjoyed this evening of fellowship, and we look forward to more interesting events to come that open hearts and minds.
Yours in Rotary,
Ruth Wenzel
Editor's Note: Our Club inducted Ruth as a new member on April 8, 2025. Ruth had been a member of the Rotary Club of Mission San Jose in Fremont, California. Please welcome Ruth when you see her.
President Bob Hermann, Jr. (Information Technology: Administration | Retired) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. He shared some slides of Golden Gate Park where cherry blossoms are in full bloom and encouraged all to take advantage of this park in our backyard.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We welcomed two Visiting Rotarians: Michael Veny from the Rotary eClub of Wall Street who said that San Francisco was one of his favorite cities and Past President Michael O'Hare from the Rotary Club of Galway Salthill, Ireland. Michael O'Hare introduced his wife, Una; both were in the Bay Area to visit their son who is pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford University. Our guest was Richard Wenzel. Our speaker was Dr. Steven Savage.
Flag Exchange
President Bob exchanged a Rotary flag with Visiting Rotarian Michael O'Hare and Una O'Hare and expressed the importance of connections, learning, and understanding that the worldwide reach of Rotary uniquely provides.
Members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco are invited to celebrate Passover with a traditional evening Seder at a private Jewish home in San Francisco. The Seder is a retelling of the story of how the Jews were liberated from slavery in ancient Egypt and a reminder of our obligation to build a better world for everyone. In other words, Service above Self. The dinner features fish, beef, and chicken and costs $45 per Rotarian. The deadline to register is April 11, 2025.
Join Family House, a grant partner of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, for an opportunity to prep, cook, serve, and clean up an Italian dinner for their community. Volunteers will serve approximately 70 people, and Family House staff will be on site to provide support. Event is limited to 10 people, and Rotarians may bring a guest. All must register. Volunteers are encouraged to wear Rotary-branded attire that can get dirty, as well as layers to be prepared for multiple weather conditions. Dinners will be served outside on the Family House patio.
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.
Join us at one or both shifts to work with the students in the Salvation Army Culinary Academy at the Central Kitchen to prepare food and box lunches for the Bike Build. Each day requires a three-hour shift and up to six volunteers.
Come and enjoy the fun at our 15th Annual Bike Build event! We'll be assembling 150 brand new bikes for distribution to kids in Kindergarten through 4th grade in the Bayview Area of San Francisco. Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, partner organizations, friends, and family are all welcome.
Catholic Charities invites members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco to attend the upcoming Kentucky Derby Day event. Rotarians get 20% off the admission price. Derby Day will take place at St. Vincent's School for Boys in San Rafael on Saturday, May 3 from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and will include a live viewing of the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The festivities will include giveaways, food and drinks, live music, lawn games for the whole family, a parade of hats contest, and more! Proceeds from the event will benefit the Catholic Charities programs in Marin including homeless housing prevention, equine therapy, youth services, and case management.
As an early kickoff to San Francisco Pride, our May DEI Film Festival movie is Will & Harper. This powerful documentary follows actor Will Ferrell and writer Harper Steele on a 17-day road trip across the United States shortly after Harper’s gender transition when they share heartfelt conversations and moments of reflection. This film is rated R for language.
Scott Plakun, past President of our Club, will speak to us about why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is of crucial importance to the future of Rotary. He will also lead a discussion about how our Club’s focus on DEI has benefitted and transformed the Club and what we can do to attract more diverse members.
Dear Fellow Rotarians:
