Create a Brighter Future: Your Role in Recruiting New Members

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As members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, we have a unique opportunity to help our Club grow. It’s exciting to help grow our Rotary family. How can you participate? It's simple – reach out to your co-workers, the merchants you do business with, your friends, and your relatives. After the many outstanding meetings, social events, and projects of the last six months, you know that we are part of something truly special. Ask your associates to join us at any of the events that we have: projects, meetings, or socials. Share these experiences with your cadre. New members bring new ideas and energy. Together, we will have more special times in helping others, making connections, and finding new friendships.
 
Here are some specific actions to take:
 
Create a Brighter Future: Your Role in Recruiting New Members Daniel Joraanstad 2023-09-21 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 19, 2023: Rodney Fong and a San Francisco Business Update

Posted by David Dye on Sep 19, 2023
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President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Today's Guests
We welcomed Shamrina Oshana, Maria Pechurina, and Danbee Song from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce who accompanied today's speaker - Rodney Fong. Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) introduced her guest - Antal Runneboom. Lynn Luckow (Development | LikeMinded.org) introduced his guest - David Schleifer-Lee. Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced his guest - Sal Baglieri.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 19, 2023: Rodney Fong and a San Francisco Business Update David Dye 2023-09-19 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 12, 2023: Understanding Hong Kong's Competitive Edge and Latest Strategic Initiatives

Posted by Frank Yoke on Sep 15, 2023
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President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko. The audience sang Happy Birthday to the members who are celebrating a birthday in September.
 
Visiting Rotarian and Guests
Our Visiting Rotarian was Grady Mateen from the Rotary Club of Palo Alto. Today's guests from The Arc San Francisco were Esther Landau (on Zoom), Calvin Fitch, and Cynthia Kretz-Uhr. Hana Xu Wang (Financial Services: Advising | Wang Wealth Advisors, LLC) introduced her guest - Nilima Sabharwal. Today's speaker was Jacko Tsang; accompanying Ms. Tsang was Emily Ng.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 12, 2023: Understanding Hong Kong's Competitive Edge and Latest Strategic Initiatives Frank Yoke 2023-09-15 07:00:00Z 0

Serving our Community in August 2023

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 08, 2023
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Volunteering at the San Francisco-Marin Food BankOur Club completed two community service projects in August 2023. The first project was on August 26, 2023 when two members of our Club (Emily Borland and Victoria Lozano), two Visiting Rotarians, two non-Rotarians, and one RYLA alumna assembled and packaged food for distribution at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. Emily even brought her older son for the experience. In 2.5 hours, this group of eight packed 1,100 bags of produce that equaled 26,400 pounds.
 
Then, on August 30, 2023, 10 volunteers (Rhonda Poppen, Robin Azevedo, Lisa Stark, Hana Xu Wang, Carrie Schucker, Jim Patrick, Bill Gregory, Jo Patrick and two friends) assembled diaper bags to give away to homeless or housing insecure families in San Francisco and stuffed invitations to the Homeless Prenatal Program's Annual Luncheon.
 
Thank you to all for your service to our community!
 
 
a job well done!
Serving our Community in August 2023 Dora Dye 2023-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

Welcome-to-the-Club Parties Return

Posted by Daniel Joraanstad on Aug 31, 2023
Charlies Miles, Stephen Geisheker, Donna Duensing, and Lynn LuckowWith camaraderie and community, the Rotary Club of San Francisco resumed its beloved tradition of hosting Welcome-to-the-Club parties. These gatherings, which had been a cherished fixture on a quarterly basis before the challenges brought about by COVID-19, have made a triumphant return to the Club’s calendar. The first of these parties was recently held on the evening of August 24, 2023.
 
Margaret Miley, with her signature warmth and hospitality, graciously hosted the event while the dedicated efforts of Dan Joraanstad and Margaret herself were instrumental in organizing an evening that proved to be nothing short of a smashing success. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Club leadership, both established and emerging, gathered to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The event was graced by a crowd of 35 new and prospective members as well as Club leaders, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our ever-growing Rotary family.
Welcome-to-the-Club Parties Return Daniel Joraanstad 2023-08-31 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: September 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Aug 30, 2023
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The following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club on September 19, 2023 as individual members:
 
Ronald Bolden Jr. (Medical and Life Insurance | Freeman Insurance Services)
Paul Yep (University Administration | Academy of Art University).
 
In addition, the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on September 19, 2023 as a member of our corporate member - Alliance for Smiles:
 
Paul Vazquez (Nonprofit Administration | Alliance for Smiles).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed additions to our membership.
 
Membership News: September 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-08-30 07:00:00Z 0

July 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Aug 29, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Rotary Club of San Francisco Board of Directors met on July 25, 2023 via Zoom. President Sunny Singh called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Nancy Graydon, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Sunny Singh, President-Elect Bob Hermann, Emily Borland, Nancy Graydon, Margaret Miley, Alex Omoko, Maureen O’Shea, Scott Plakun, Bill Poppen, Todd St Vrain, Ozan Yasavur, and Frank Yoke, constituting a quorum. Dan Davies was absent. Also in attendance were Immediate Past President Christopher Wiseman, Executive Secretary Dora Dye, and Past President Mary Liu.
 
Minutes
The Board reviewed and approved the June 27, 2023 minutes.
 
July 2023 Board Highlights Nancy Graydon 2023-08-29 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 22, 2023: Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc

Posted by Ann Daugherty on Aug 24, 2023
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President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko. Everyone observed a moment of silence in memory of 2017-2018 Past President John Mathers (Management Consulting | eVo Associates).
 
Visiting Rotarian and Guests
PDG Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Retired) introduced his mother - Karen Schmautz from the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach in Florida - and his daughters - Molly Schmautz and Katie Schmautz. Todd St Vrain (Education: Administration | University of Melbourne) introduced his guest, Tamicia Wakefield. Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced Bill Mathers and Peggy Mathers. Attending online were Brooke Nuwati and today's speakers - Nicole Johnny and Kari Vallo.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 22, 2023: Miss Indian New Mexico, Inc Ann Daugherty 2023-08-24 07:00:00Z 0

John Mathers' New Adventure

Posted on Aug 24, 2023
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We continue to pay tribute to 2017-2018 Past President John Mathers who passed away on August 6, 2023. At the August 22, 2023 Rotary luncheon, a letter written by John was read to the audience in accordance with his wishes. Present at this meeting were John's widow - Peggy Mathers and John's brother - Bill Mathers.
 
Below is the letter:
 
John Mathers' New Adventure 2023-08-24 07:00:00Z 0

An Evening at the San Francisco Playhouse

Posted by Sunny Singh on Aug 17, 2023
Members and friends of the Rotary Club of San Francisco gathered at the San Francisco Playhouse for drinks and dinner on August 17, 2023. After dinner, we watched the Broadway classic - A Chorus Line. A big thank you to Bill Gregory and Alisha Marfatia for organizing the delicious meal and the exciting show. I am extremely grateful for another memorable night with my Rotary family.
 
Front row (l to r): Maureen O'Shea, Anita Stangl, Bill Gregory, Hana Xu Wang, Mary Liu, Dora Dye, Mary Fermi, Donna Duensing, and Rae Sensa. Second row (l to r): Margaret Miley, Robert Hunter, Henry Rubin, Carrie Schucker, Dan Joraanstad, Lisa Stark, President Sunny Singh, David Dye, Ann Daugherty, and Georgie Evans (hidden). Third row (l to r): Markham Miller, Rich Martini, Bob Hermann, Alisha Marfatia, and Doug Spradlin. Angel Gang O'Neil took the photo.
An Evening at the San Francisco Playhouse Sunny Singh 2023-08-17 07:00:00Z 0

Remembering Don Parachini

Posted on Aug 13, 2023
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Parachini. Don was a member of our Club from June 1, 1986 to March 8, 2020. He was a lawyer specializing in banking and financial institution regulatory law and solving problems with contracts and business transactions and had retired as a partner from Leland, Parachini, Steinberg, Matzger and Melnick, LLP. 

In Rotary, Don was very active, highly respected, and a much beloved member. For several years, he volunteered as our Club's legal counsel. See here for more information on Donald Parachini and his memorial.
 
Sharing Some Memories of Don
Here are memories from some of our Club's leaders who had worked with and known Don:
 
Remembering Don Parachini Scott Plakun 2023-08-13 07:00:00Z 0

Help the Victims of the Maui Fires

Posted on Aug 11, 2023
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By now, you have heard the news of the devastating fires in the state of Hawaii. The Island of Maui has been consumed by fire that has destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, claimed the lives of more than 80 people as of today, and displaced thousands more. 
 
Rotarians are People of Action, and the Rotary Clubs of Hawaii (District 5000) have created the Maui Fires Relief Fund to provide immediate relief and support for the long-term recovery of Maui’s communities. If you are inspired to help our Hawaiian neighbors, please give generously. Let’s Create Hope for Maui. See more information here.
Help the Victims of the Maui Fires Dora Dye 2023-08-11 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 8, 2023: JoEllen Arntz and SMUIN Contemporary Ballet

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 10, 2023
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President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:17 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Celebrating an Anniversary
President Sunny congratulated David Dye (Management Consulting | Retired) and Dora Dye (Education: Elementary and Community College | San Francisco and San Mateo Counties) on their 26th wedding anniversary today!
 
Visiting Rotarian and Guests
We welcomed Paul Vazquez visiting from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) introduced our guests from the Academy of Art University: Greg Grundstrom and Paul Yep, who replaced Michael Petricca (Education Management | Retired) at the Academy when Michael retired. Mary also introduced one of our Club's Honorary Members - Dr. Elisa Stephens (Education Management | Academy of Art University). Larry Booth (Engineering: Mechanical | Frank M. Booth, Inc.) introduced his daughter-in-law, Christina, and his granddaughters - Collette, Vivienne, and Gabrielle. Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company) introduced her granddaughter - Marley. Other in-person guests included Robert Hunter and Hian Jin (aka Stellie Kim). Jennifer Schwartz attended via Zoom. Our speaker today was JoEllen Arntz. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 8, 2023: JoEllen Arntz and SMUIN Contemporary Ballet Dora Dye 2023-08-10 07:00:00Z 0

Remembering Past President John Mathers

Posted on Aug 09, 2023
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Past President John Mathers. John joined Rotary on March 1, 2011 and became our Club's president in 2017-2018. He had served as Club Treasurer before becoming Club President. He was also active on the Board of the San Francisco Rotary Foundation. See 2021 story here. In Rotary District 5150, John had served as Youth Service Chair and Organizational Development Chair. You can read more about John in this 2016 profile
 
However, John is best known and now remembered for spearheading the Rotary Climate Action Team to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of climate change. His efforts began at the Club level but soon spread Districtwide and worldwide. John touched the life of every Rotarian and human whom he had encountered. 
 
Remembering Past President John Mathers Dora Dye 2023-08-09 07:00:00Z 0

A Big Thank You to Those Who Made the 2023 RYLA a Success

Posted by Todd St Vrain on Aug 03, 2023
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130 new campers, 20 student alumni, and 30 adult volunteer staff took part in this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) Camp, held from July 31 to August 4. It was a transformative and joyful week. A story about the RYLA experience will be published in the near future. For now, we’d like to recognize and express our gratitude to the following members of our Club who led and served the 2023 RYLA Camp: 
 
  • Lynn Luckow, RYLA Camp Director, for his vision and countless hours over the past year. 
  • David Dye, RYLA Planning Committee Member, for serving as treasurer and RYLA Camp session speaker. David and his wife, Dora Dye, shopped for camp snacks and assembled the RYLA bead necklace for all campers, facilitators, alumni, and administrative staff.
  • Todd St Vrain, RYLA Recruitment Chair, for serving as facilitator and RYLA Camp session speaker.
  • Steve Lindstrom, RYLA Planning Committee Member, for maintaining the RYLA website and serving as an administrator.
  • Mary Liu, Bob Hermann, Lisa Christian, and Margaret Miley for serving as RYLA Camp facilitators.
  • Jim Patrick, Dan Joraanstad, Bridget Mahoney, Angelina Preza, and Frank Yoke for helping with RYLA bus drop-off or pick-up duties in San Francisco.
A Big Thank You to Those Who Made the 2023 RYLA a Success Todd St Vrain 2023-08-03 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 1, 2023: State Senator Scott Wiener

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 01, 2023
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President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:16 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We welcomed Avis La Grone and Patti van der Burg, both visiting from the Rotary Club of Los Gatos, and Dr. Angelo Capozzi, former member of our Club and now a member of the Rotary Club of Tiburon Belvedere. Maureen O’Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired) introduced her guests - Michelle Andrews and Omar Rincon from Senator Scott Wiener's office. Angelina Preza (Sales: Travel | Aquarium of the Bay) introduced her guest - Ronald Bolden Jr. Emily Borland (Engineering, Architecture, and Construction | Emily Borland Specifications) introduced Sue Robbins from Catholic Charities SF. Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced his guest - Murrey Nelson. Gary Dales (Accounting | Fly Leasing) introduced Jewel Harris from the National Park Service. Larry Booth (Engineering: Mechanical | Frank M. Booth, Inc.) introduced his guests - Michael Moss, Lisa Moss, Sam Moss, and Laura Foote and his son - Andrew Booth. Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) introduced Margarita Baxter-Lazaro. Our guest attending online was Phil Ye.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 1, 2023: State Senator Scott Wiener Dora Dye 2023-08-01 07:00:00Z 0

June 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Jul 26, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
Immediate Past President Mary Liu called the June 27, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were Gary Dales, Frank Yoke, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Mary Liu, Sunny Singh, Margaret Miley, Scott Plakun, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent were President Christopher Wiseman, Jeff Lerner, and Wendy Shew. Also in attendance were incoming Board members Nancy Graydon, Dan Davies, Bob Hermann, and Ozan Yasavur. 
 
Minutes
The Board approved the May 23, 2023 minutes. 
 
June 2023 Board Highlights Nancy Graydon 2023-07-26 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: August 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jul 25, 2023
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The following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as individual members:
 
Merve Yasavur (Information Technology: Computer Science | Self-employed) on August 1, 2023.
Margarita Baxter-Lazaro (Consular Affairs | Retired) on August 8, 2023.
 
In addition, the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club on August 8, 2023 as members of our corporate member - Catholic Charities San Francisco:
 
Thomas Bowen (Development | Catholic Charities SF)
Sue Robbins (Development | Catholic Charities SF).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed additions to our membership.
 
Membership News: August 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-07-25 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 18, 2023: Lunch with SFJAZZ

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 20, 2023
President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called today's meeting to order at 12:18 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Bridget MahoneyNew Members Inducted
President Sunny and Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) inducted Bridget Mahoney (Nonprofit Administration | Catholic Charities SF) into our Club. Bridget becomes the newest member of our corporate member - Catholic Charities San Francisco and expressed her excitement to participate in the many activities that our Club has to offer.
 
Hana Xu WangPresident Sunny and Anita welcomed back Hana Xu Wang (Financial Services: Advising | Wang Wealth Advisors, LLC) to our Club. Hana had been an active member of our Club for a decade, but left during the height of the pandemic. Said Hana, "I missed Rotary during my absence and am glad to be back."
 
A warm welcome to both Bridget and Hana! When you see either Bridget or Hana at one of our meetings or events, please introduce yourself to them.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 18, 2023: Lunch with SFJAZZ Dora Dye 2023-07-20 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp Visit: August 3, 2023

Posted by Todd St Vrain on Jul 20, 2023
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All Rotarians are invited to visit the RYLA Camp on Thursday, August 3, 2023 and join RYLA students and staff for lunch at 12:15 PM to 1 PM. Please note that lunch will be served only during this time period. Rotary District 5150 Governor Laine Hendricks from the Rotary Club of San Francisco will be present to speak to us during the lunch.
 
You are also welcomed to arrive at 10 AM to observe the RYLA students' team-building activities or stay after lunch for the Mental Health Matters plenary session from 1 PM to 2 PM. This plenary session will be led by Jenny Bates from the Rotary Club of San Rafael Evening who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Waves of Change Recovery Services and chair of the Mental Health Action Group in our Rotary District.
 
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp Visit: August 3, 2023 Todd St Vrain 2023-07-20 07:00:00Z 0

Connect in Rotary District 5150

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 19, 2023
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There is no Club Luncheon during the week of July 24-30, 2023. However, as members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, you are all invited to the Board meetings of our Club and of Rotary Service, Inc.
 
As members of Rotary District 5150, you are also invited to participate in these two events:
 
Vocational Service Virtual Session on SCORE - SBA’s Resource Partner for No Cost Professional Business Mentoring on July 25, 2023 starting at 12 noon. For more information and registration, click here
 
Sip & Savor Social in San Rafael on July 29, 2023 starting at 4 PM. For more information and registration, click here.
 
See the Rotary District 5150 calendar for many other opportunities to connect with Rotarians outside our Club. This is also an opportunity for you to connect others to our Club events listed here.
 
Connect in Rotary District 5150 Dora Dye 2023-07-19 07:00:00Z 0

Opportunities to Become Involved with Youth Services

Posted by Todd St Vrain on Jul 13, 2023
Our Club's Youth Services Committee is seeking advisers for Interact and Rotaract. Advisers can work in pairs or small teams to support each Interact and Rotaract Club.
 
Interact logoInteract: Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Our Club currently oversees two Interact Clubs in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown: one at Lowell High School and the other at George Washington High School. The adviser for each Interact Club must be available to meet in person either midday or after school once a month.
 
Rotaract logoRotaract: Rotaract clubs were created to bring together young people ages 19-30 to take action in their communities and develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Our Club currently oversees two Rotaract Clubs: one at the University of San Francisco in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown and the other at San Francisco State University in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco West. While Rotaract clubs can now operate independently, a Rotarian adviser is still recommended for guidance. The adviser must be available to meet once every 1-2 months either in person or online.
 
Opportunities to Become Involved with Youth Services Todd St Vrain 2023-07-13 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 11, 2023: President Sunny Singh

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 12, 2023
As members and guests arrived, David Dye (Management Consulting | Retired) took a moment to look at the tables beautifully set and ready for our Club to begin a new Rotary year. Immediate Past President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the first meeting of the 2023-2024 Rotary year to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
photo by Dora Dye
 
Induction of New President
Joining Immediate Past President Christopher on the podium were our new Club President Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) and our new District Governor Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin). DG Laine expressed her pleasure at attending her own Club's luncheon in person and inducted President Sunny.
 
photo by Jim Patrick
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 11, 2023: President Sunny Singh Dora Dye 2023-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: July 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jul 12, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on July 18, 2023 as our newest member of our corporate member - Catholic Charities San Francisco:
 
Bridget Mahoney (Nonprofit Administration | Catholic Charities SF).
 
In addition, former Club member Hana Xu Wang (Financial Services: Advising | Wang Wealth Advisors, LLC) is rejoining our Club, also on July 18, 2023.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed additions to our membership.
Membership News: July 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

RYLA Bus Volunteers Needed July 31 and August 4

Posted by Todd St Vrain on Jul 06, 2023
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Two to three volunteers are needed early on the morning of Monday, July 31, 2023 from approximately 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM to help check in 60 students heading from San Francisco to the RYLA camp. 
 
Two to three volunteers are also needed to supervise the pick-up of the campers when the bus returns on Friday, August 4, 2023 estimated at 5:30 PM and staying until the last camper is picked up around 6 PM. 
 
The pick-up and drop-off location is the Academy of Art University, 601 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Please contact Kristine Baltasar to volunteer and let her know which day(s) you can help. Please also copy me, Todd St Vrain, when you contact Kristine.
RYLA Bus Volunteers Needed July 31 and August 4 Todd St Vrain 2023-07-06 07:00:00Z 0

May 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Jul 05, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the May 23, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Frank Yoke, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Mary Liu, Sunny Singh, Margaret Miley, Wendy Shew, Scott Plakun, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent was Jeff Lerner. The invited guests were JT Forbus, Carlos Valdes, Nancy Graydon, and Luis Moran.
 
May 2023 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-07-05 07:00:00Z 0

What's New in Rotary District 5150

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 04, 2023
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As members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, we are also members of Rotary District 5150. This year's District Governor is our own Club Member, Laine Hendricks. Her theme for this Rotary year is Connect.
 
See the Rotary District 5150 calendar for many opportunities to connect with Rotarians outside our Club. This is also an opportunity for you to connect others to our Club events listed here.
 
What's New in Rotary District 5150 Dora Dye 2023-07-04 07:00:00Z 0

Ending the 2022-2023 Rotary Year with a Fiesta

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 02, 2023
On June 30, 2023, the last day of the 2022-2023 Rotary year, members of our Club gathered at Nopalito to celebrate with tequila, mezcal, or any drink of their choice. Our Club provided the Happy Hour bites, and a good time was had by all.
 
 
Present were Dan Davies and his guest, Social Chair Alisha Marfatia who organized this event, Anita Stangl, Maureen O'Shea, Lisa Stark, Ann Daugherty, Bill Gregory, Margaret Miley, Ozan Yasavur, and Merve Yasavur.
Ending the 2022-2023 Rotary Year with a Fiesta Dora Dye 2023-07-02 07:00:00Z 0

A Message from the Editor

Posted by Dora Dye, Editor on Jul 01, 2023
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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!
A Message from the Editor Dora Dye, Editor 2023-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

A Grand 150th Anniversary Celebration

Posted by Dan Joraanstad on Jul 01, 2023
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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.
 
A Grand 150th Anniversary Celebration Dan Joraanstad 2023-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 20, 2023: Celebrating and Thank You to President Christopher Wiseman

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 22, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the last meeting of the 2022-2023 Rotary year to order at 12:13 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We welcomed Past President and now Visiting Rotarian Casey Blair from the Rotary Club of Boise. Visiting us via Zoom was Lisa Schwie from the Rotary Club of Burnsville Breakfast in Minnesota. Thank you to Lisa for facilitating the wine donation to our Club.
 
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced former Club Member Xu Wang who returned to visit us. Donna Duensing (Education: Seminary | Retired) introduced Barbara Lowe. President Christopher introduced his husband - Eric Sleigh - on Zoom. Another guest today was Margarita Baxter Lozano.
 
Today's Meeting Recorded
You can view today's meeting by clicking here. Please note that you can only hear but not see the Fashion Show portion as the performers were not in front of the camera.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 20, 2023: Celebrating and Thank You to President Christopher Wiseman Dora Dye 2023-06-22 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 13, 2023: Awards Ceremony - Honoring our Club Members

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 15, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called this meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We welcomed four Visiting Rotarians today. First was Bill Stumbaugh from the Club Rotario Bahía de Caráquez in Ecuador. Bill is originally from San Francisco, but life's many opportunities took him to Ecuador. Next was Werner Sattlegger from the Rotary Club of Klagenfurt-Lindwurm in Austria who visits our Club whenever he is in San Francisco; it was great to see Werner again. Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced his guest - Rabbi Jay Miller visiting from the Rotary Club of Burlingame. Finally, Malinda Monterrosa from the Rotary Club of Los Angeles joined via Zoom.
 
Guests: Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) introduced Club Member Kat Ebanks (Nonprofit Management), Kat's 6-month-old daughter, and Kat's mother-in-law Silvia Franceschini from Italy. Kat has been living in Italy. Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) introduced her guests: Ronald Bolden Jr. and Niko Kowell. Another guest today was Margarita Baxter Lozano.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 13, 2023: Awards Ceremony - Honoring our Club Members Dora Dye 2023-06-15 07:00:00Z 0

Partea for President Christopher

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Jun 14, 2023
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On Saturday, June 10, 2023, more than 60 Rotarians, family, and friends gathered for an afternoon tea to celebrate Christopher Wiseman's tenure as the 2022–2023 President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Hosted by Dan Joraanstad and Bob Hermann at their lovely home in San Francisco, the tea included sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, petit fours, and, of course, tea and other beverages. The ‘partea’ was catered by one of Christopher’s favorite San Francisco spots - Lovejoy’s Tea Room. (Attendees were encouraged to dine at Lovejoy's on their own; just ask for Celine.)

In addition to the tea and treats, everyone enjoyed a surprise performance by Dan Joraanstad and Rick Harrell. Dan played the piano while Rick sang three musical numbers including a favorite of Eric Sleigh and President Christopher - Fly Me to the Moon.
 
Partea for President Christopher Nancy Graydon 2023-06-14 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 6, 2023: Lunch with San Francisco Mayor London Breed

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jun 07, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called this meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Carmel Ballroom in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
 
Our Visiting Rotarians today were Cristina Aquino from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco, District 5150 Governor Nominee Steve Wright from the Rotary Club of Pacifica, Past District 5160 Governor Jonathan Dwyer, Norma Faris Taylor from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview, Brian Flaherty from the Rotary Club of San Francisco South of Market (SOMA), Lesley Kraechan from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown, Vanita Louie from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown, James O'Donnell from the Rotary Club of San Francisco South of Market (SOMA), Jim O'Grady from the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley, Elizabeth Ranieri from the Rotary Club of San Francisco International Airport, Brian Rusch from the Rotary Club for Global Action, Howard Weathersby from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview, Mark Williams from the Rotary Club of Midtown Atlanta, and Bruce Wright from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco.
 
On Zoom were current Rotary District 5150 Governor Gary Chow, Past District 5230 Governor Joy Anderson, Past District 5170 Governor Richard Flanders, Past President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Casey Blair, Past District 5150 Governor Peter Lagarias, Past District 5150 Governor Chris Gallagher, and Karen Schmautz from the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach in Florida.
 
Other guests were Matthew Hawes, Clavel Bascom, Margarita Baxter Lozano, Derrick Cooper, Nikki Cooper, Grace Kuth, Austin Louie, Dr. Toye Moses, Simon Yu, Michael Rabara, and Jean Rosenblum.
 
Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced his guest - John Cremer. Barbara Streett (Nonprofit Administration | The Arc San Francisco) introduced her guest - Steffany Dignum. Past District 5150 Governor Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Retired) introduced his mother-in-law, Jackie Herrin, and his guest - Neeraj Miglani. Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company) introduced her guest - Christopher Kazas. Christopher Davies (Real Estate: Property Management | Self-employed) introduced his guest - Douglas Konecki. Carlos Valdes (Real Estate: Sales | Aeternum Holdings, Inc.) introduced his guest - Manny Posadas.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 6, 2023: Lunch with San Francisco Mayor London Breed Margaret Miley 2023-06-07 07:00:00Z 0

Homeless Prenatal Program Baby Shower Bag Assembly

Posted by Rhonda Poppen on Jun 01, 2023
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Eight Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco gathered to pack 50 Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) baby shower bags at Hoogasian Flowers on the evening of Thursday, June 1, 2023. The Rotarians (pictured from left to right) were Carrie Schucker, Bill Gregory, Margaret Miley, Andrés Vera, Luis Moran, Christopher Davies, and Donna Duensing. 
 
~ photo taken by Rhonda Poppen
 
Homeless Prenatal Program Baby Shower Bag Assembly Rhonda Poppen 2023-06-01 07:00:00Z 0

April 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on May 29, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the April 25, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Frank Yoke, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Mary Liu, Sunny Singh, Margaret Miley, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent were Wendy Shew, Scott Plakun, and Jeff Lerner. The invited guests were Ozan Yasavur, JT Forbus, Bob Hermann, and Dan Davies.
 
April 2023 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-05-29 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: June 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on May 25, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members:
 
Brizette Castellanos (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation)
Stephen Geisheker (Technology Support | Retired)
 
Brizette and Stephen will be inducted at an upcoming luncheon (date to be announced). Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: June 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-05-25 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 16, 2023: Lauren Kivowitz and Inclusive Arts

Posted by Robin Azevedo on May 16, 2023
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Past President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) called this meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed those online and those attending in person at the Anzu Restaurant in the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Our Visiting Rotarians today were District Governor Nominee (DGN) Steve Wright from the Rotary Club of Pacifica and Joel Valdes from the Rotary Club of Manila. Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company) introduced her daughter-in-law - Ahna Azevedo. Nancy Graydon (Development | Glaucoma Research Foundation) introduced her guests - Allen Habel and Catalina San Augustine. John Mathers (Management Consulting | eVo Associates) introduced his guest - Yuri Yasukawa whom John had met through Dan Davies (Information Technology: Consulting | North American Lighting). Other guests were Rose Chung, today's speaker - Lauren Kivowitz and her husband - Adam Weiner.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 16, 2023: Lauren Kivowitz and Inclusive Arts Robin Azevedo 2023-05-16 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 9, 2023: Eric Schmautz and Rotary International Conventions

Posted by Larry Booth on May 10, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order on time and acknowledged the upbeat attitude of the second oldest Rotary Club in the world.
 
Guests
Stephanie Schmautz (Elder Care and Senior Services | The Carlisle) introduced her mother - Jackie Herrin. Lynn Luckow (Development | LikeMinded.org) introduced his guest - TJ Chartrand. Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) introduced her guest - Margarita Baxter-Rosarios, formerly with the Consulate of Spain in San Francisco.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 9, 2023: Eric Schmautz and Rotary International Conventions Larry Booth 2023-05-10 07:00:00Z 0

Coming Together to Create a Successful Bike Build

Posted by Bill Poppen on May 10, 2023
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The 2023 Bike Build was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the TogetherSF warehouse on Mariposa Street and one nearby block of York Street in the Mission District. This was our 13th Bike Build and our biggest one yet. Over 100 volunteers were involved during the event, including 20 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco and 4 from other Rotary clubs. 

Volunteers built over 180 bikes in just over three hours that morning. These bikes plus the pre-assembled bikes donated by the YMCA and their partners filled up almost one block of York Street, awaiting pick-up. The Bayview YMCA was a major partner in the event and coordinated the sign-up for over 200 kids from the Bayview who received the bicycles. Excited kids and their families began lining up an hour before the scheduled giveaway time, and by 1:30 PM, all of the bikes were gone! 
 
Coming Together to Create a Successful Bike Build Bill Poppen 2023-05-10 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 2, 2023: Lisa Grotts and A Tribute to Charlotte Shultz

Posted by Frank Yoke on May 05, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. Visiting Rotarian Cynthia Hamada from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco sang the Star-Spangled Banner to open the meeting.
 
Cynthia HamadaVisiting Rotarians and Guests
In addition to Cynthia Hamada, the following Visiting Rotarians were also in attendance: District Governor Gary Chow from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco and Loren Boyett from the Rotary Club of Fort Morgan in Colorado.
 
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced his guests from the San Francisco Black Tie Club: Don Morrison, Stephen Weiner, Norm Dito, Arnold Dito, Ben Wong, and Dan Riley.
 
Ann Daugherty (Financial Services: Private Trading | IBN Financial Services) introduced her guests: Vicki Potthoff, Lisa Essa, and today's speaker - Lisa Mirza Grotts. Lynn Luckow (Development | LikeMinded.org) introduced his guest - Brian Healy. President-Elect Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) introduced his guest - Carlos Valdes.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 2, 2023: Lisa Grotts and A Tribute to Charlotte Shultz Frank Yoke 2023-05-05 07:00:00Z 0

Anita Stangl Receives Rotary International's Service Above Self Award

Posted by Dora Dye on May 05, 2023
Congratulations to Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) for winning Rotary International's Service Above Self award. This prestigious award is for Rotarians and Rotaractors who demonstrate their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents and is the highest RI award for a volunteer.
 
RI Director 2021-2023 Vicki Puliz, RI President Representative John Smarge, and District 5150 Governor Gary Chow presented the RI Service Above Self Award to Anita Stangl on April 29, 2023.

Only a District Governor can nominate a candidate for this award. Our current District 5150 Governor Gary Chow nominated Anita to recognize her dedication to Rotary and her work to save children and communities impacted by "cleft lip and palate by providing free comprehensive treatment, while training and equipping local teams to sustainably provide quality, long-term care."
 
Anita Stangl Receives Rotary International's Service Above Self Award Dora Dye 2023-05-05 07:00:00Z 0

A Message from Your Editor

Posted by Dora Dye on May 05, 2023
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Dear Readers,
 
I am writing to invite you to submit stories for publication in Grindings. I am especially interested in stories on recent Rotary events that you have attended. The deadline is every Thursday at 5 PM, and this will be a hard deadline so that I can get the issue of Grindings done in time for release on Sunday. If you miss the Thursday deadline, your story will appear in the following Sunday's issue or a future issue.
 
Photos are welcome too, but photos alone without a story will not be published. I need a written explanation as well as identification of those in the photos. I am also following our Club's policy on photos: "By attending events of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, you are giving to our Club your permission to publish photos of you as an attendee at our events. If you have questions about this policy, please contact our Club."
 
All stories and photos must be sent to me via email only. If you have any questions, please contact me. I continue to enjoy serving as your Editor.
 
 
A Message from Your Editor Dora Dye 2023-05-05 07:00:00Z 0

March 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on May 02, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the March 28, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Frank Yoke, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Scott Plakun, Mary Liu, Sunny Singh, Margaret Miley, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent were Wendy Shew and Jeff Lerner. The invited guests were Ozan Yasavur and Charlie Miles.
 
March 2023 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-05-02 07:00:00Z 0

Members in the News: April 2023

Posted by Dora Dye on Apr 26, 2023
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Todd St Vrain and Lynn Luckow were guests at the Northern California Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Luncheon on April 21, 2023 where they were cultivating a partnership between Junior Achievement and RYLA. Todd and Lynn met many high school students interested in RYLA and a few college students interested in becoming facilitators at RYLA Camp.
 
Lynn Luckow, Cristene Burr (CEO of Junior Achievement Northern California), and Todd St Vrain
 
Members in the News: April 2023 Dora Dye 2023-04-26 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: May 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Apr 26, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members:
 
Robert Beadle (Real Estate: Sales | Coldwell Banker)
Carlos Francisco Valdes (Real Estate: Sales | Aeternum Holdings, Inc.)
 
Carlos will be inducted at our luncheon on May 16, 2023. Robert will be inducted on a date to be announced. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: May 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-04-26 07:00:00Z 0

Join us for the 2023 Bike Build!

Posted by Bill Poppen on Apr 21, 2023
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We need your help at the upcoming Bike Build event on Saturday, May 6, 2023. This is our 13th Bike Build and promises to be our biggest one yet.

We'll be assembling 180 brand new bikes for distribution to kids in Kindergarten through 4th grade in the Bayview area of San Francisco. This event is a financial partnership among the Rotary Club of San Francisco, the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview, the Rotary Club of San Francisco Greater Mission, the Bayview Hunter's Point YMCA, TogetherSF, and the Academy of Art University. Also partnering with us on the event will be the San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco Firefighter's Union, and the Salvation Army Kroc Center. In addition, the SF Bike Coalition and YBike San Francisco will have representatives at the event.
 
Join us for the 2023 Bike Build! Bill Poppen 2023-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 18, 2023: Vern Glenn and Sports in the Bay Area 

Posted by Alisha Marfatia on Apr 18, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Past District Governor Chris Gallagher from the Rotary Club of Sausalito and Paul Vazquez from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. Angelina Preza (Sales: Travel | Aquarium of the Bay) introduced her guest - Amy Heffner. Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) introduced her daughter - Laura Handlery. Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company) introduced her son - Robert Azevedo. President Christopher introduced his husband - Eric Sleigh and guest - Anthony Clifford. Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) introduced her guest - Robert Harris. Other guests were Rae Sansa and today's speaker - Vern Glenn.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 18, 2023: Vern Glenn and Sports in the Bay Area Alisha Marfatia 2023-04-18 07:00:00Z 0

Celebrating Passover

Posted by Scott Plakun on Apr 13, 2023
On April 11, 2023, members of our Club gathered at the home of Betty Newman to celebrate Passover with a traditional evening Seder, the special meal in which family and friends gather to retell (often in Hebrew) the story of how the Jews had fled from slavery in Egypt approximately 3,400 years ago. Those who celebrate Passover share stories of past Seders and think about how the redemption of the Jews from slavery so many years ago obligates us to build a better world.
 
Untitled photo
 
Celebrating Passover Scott Plakun 2023-04-13 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 4, 2023: Supervisor Aaron Peskin and San Francisco at the Crossroads: Opportunity, Challenge, and Resiliency

Posted by Alisha Marfatia on Apr 04, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Past President Casey Blair, Cynthia Bustos from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Sunset, and Joel Valdes from the Rotary Club of Manila and his son, Carlos Francisco. Our guests were Tony Coen, Holley Arbeit, Jack Grippi, Jeffery Douglass, Robert Harris, Sam Moss, Patrick Marks, Gent Sturgeon, and today's speaker - President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Aaron Peskin. Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced his guest - Mark Malaspina. Tom Christian was the guest of Dr. Elisa Stephens (Education Management | Academy of Art University) and Michael Petricca (Education Management | Academy of Art University).
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 4, 2023: Supervisor Aaron Peskin and San Francisco at the Crossroads: Opportunity, Challenge, and Resiliency Alisha Marfatia 2023-04-04 07:00:00Z 0

February 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Apr 01, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the February 28, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Wendy Shew, Frank Yoke, Jeff Lerner, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Scott Plakun, Mary Liu, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent were Sunny Singh, Margaret Miley, and Brian Lan. The invited guests were JT Forbus, Robin Azevedo, David Dye, Dan Davies, and Ozan Yasavur.
 
February 2023 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-04-01 07:00:00Z 0
In the News: Rick Harrell Dora Dye 2023-03-31 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 21, 2023: Ann Killion and Bay Area Sports

Posted by Ann Daugherty on Mar 29, 2023
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President-Elect Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) was on vacation. It was noted that both Sunny and Christopher shared a passion for the same drink in Mexico.
 
Happy Birthday
The audience wished Clifford Phillips (The Arc San Francisco) a happy 50th birthday.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Mary Fermi (Education | San Francisco Unified School District) introduced Becky Rudd, today's Visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Woodside/Portola Valley. Michael Petricca (Education Management | Academy of Art University) introduced his guest, Academy of Art University Athletics Director Brad Jones. Bill Gregory (Educational Services | Retired) introduced his guest, Donna Duensing who recently retired from the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Also attending as our guest was today's speaker Ann Killion.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 21, 2023: Ann Killion and Bay Area Sports Ann Daugherty 2023-03-29 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: April 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Mar 28, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club on April 18, 2023 as our newest members:
 
Donna Duensing (Education: Seminary | Retired)
Andrea Gung (Non-profit Administration | Duo Duo Project)
Nikki Moore (Law | San Francisco District Attorney's Office)
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: April 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-03-28 07:00:00Z 0

A Message from Your Editor

Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 23, 2023
On March 18, 2023, Rotary District 5150 held its Spring for Rotary, a fundraiser for the Rotary International Foundation Annual Fund. This event complete with a mimosa reception, silent and live auctions, brunch, and celebration, was held at the lovely Marin Art and Garden Center and raised over $100,000 for the Annual Fund. With the beautiful flowers, hats including fascinators, and spring clothes all around, it did appear that spring had arrived.
 
Pictured from left to right: Ann Daugherty, Carrie Schucker, Angelina Preza, Emily Borland, Bob Hermann, Dan Joraanstad, Sunny Singh, Dora Dye, and David Dye. Not pictured but attended were Eric and Stephanie Schmautz along with daughters Molly and Katie and District Governor-Elect Laine Hendricks.
 
A Message from Your Editor Dora Dye 2023-03-23 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 14, 2023: Jessica Hansen and Burning Man

Posted by Frank Yoke on Mar 16, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko on a very stormy and windy Tuesday. 
 
Today's Guests
Bal Raj Capur (Management Services | The BTI Group) introduced his daughter, Maya Capur. Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced his guest, Jack Schroeder. Other guests were Robert Hunter and Ronny Grooms.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 14, 2023: Jessica Hansen and Burning Man Frank Yoke 2023-03-16 07:00:00Z 0

January 2023 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Mar 08, 2023
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the January 17, 2023 Board meeting to order at 4:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Wendy Shew, Frank Yoke, Margaret Miley, Jeff Lerner, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Scott Plakun, Brian Lan, Mary Liu, and Stacey Poole, constituting the entire Board. The invited guests were JT Forbus, Robin Azevedo and Grace Reed.
 
January 2023 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-03-08 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 7, 2023: Mark Flegel and the Young Paul Harris

Posted by Margaret Miley on Mar 07, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's visiting Rotarians were our speaker PDG Mark Flegel from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park and his wife Shirley, Mary Kay Kennedy also from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park, and Joel Valdez from the Rotary Club of Manila. Mary Kay is the wife of Jim Kennedy (Interior Design | James Kennedy Design). Joel and President Christopher exchanged Rotary flags. Our guests were Diane Stark from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Caylee Burditt, Charlie Miles, and Nikki Moore.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 7, 2023: Mark Flegel and the Young Paul Harris Margaret Miley 2023-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

Membership News: March 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Mar 07, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on April 4, 2023 as our newest member:
 
Charlie Miles (Software Engineering | Charlie Miles Inc.).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: March 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

2023 Emergency Services Day: Honoring Bravery and Service

Posted by Bob Hermann on Mar 03, 2023
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Emergency Services Day (ESD) honors the workers who protect and support our City and Bay including the Police and Fire Departments, the Sheriff's Office, the Coast Guard, and new this year, the Department of Emergency Management/911 and the Park Rangers. The Honorees for the 2023 Emergency Services Day held on February 27, 2023 were:  Sergeant Joshua Arnold of the San Francisco Sheriff's Office; Park Ranger Amanda Barrows of San Francisco Recreation and Parks; Battalion Chief Matthew Cannon and Paramedic Anthony Chiacco of the San Francisco Fire Department; Officer Raylene Larot of the San Francisco Police Department; Intelligence Specialist 3 Mason Kuri of the United States Coast Guard; and 9-1-1 Dispatcher Marissa Manalo of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.

There were members from nine different Rotary clubs, the honorees and their loved ones, and special guests in the audience. The audience was the largest ever for this special event. The sold-out crowd was in a jubilant mood as they entered the Academy of Arts sunlit Automobile Museum at Van Ness and Washington in San Francisco. The dazzling collection of antique cars framed 24 rows of dining tables running the length of the hall where the crowd enjoyed lunch. Special thanks to Club Member Michael Petricca and Honorary Member Dr. Elisa Stephens for the gift of this marvelous venue.  
 
2023 Emergency Services Day: Honoring Bravery and Service Bob Hermann 2023-03-03 08:00:00Z 0

A DEI Moment

Posted by Ann Daugherty on Mar 02, 2023
Since its first meeting more than one hundred years ago, Rotary has grown into an international organization with clubs in nearly every country and our membership sharing a singular passion for making the world a better place for everyone. We all come from Somewhere. We all have a Story.
 

Understanding our identities better helps us see how our biases were formed. I recall our Family Values being expressed through stories told with inherited gifts and visits to places of historic significance. While I like to think of myself as “Quintessentially American”, my ancestors were mostly Western European: English, Welsh, Scottish, and Scotch-Irish. My family's story is about immigrants coming to a New World in search of a better life, freedom, civil rights, and the opportunity to survive and later thrive.
 
A DEI Moment Ann Daugherty 2023-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

Grants and Grant Deadlines

Posted by Sunny Singh on Mar 02, 2023
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It's Grant Season! The San Francisco Rotary Foundation is slated to grant at least $194,851 in the 2023-24 Rotary year. The deadline to submit a grant application is April 7, 2023—no exceptions! Application and additional information are found here.
 
The Committees in our Club have until April 19, 2023 to submit recommendations to me, President-Elect Sunny Singh, on how to allocate the funds. I will then present these recommendations to the Club's Board. The Board will review and forward the final recommendations to the San Francisco Rotary Foundation.

Note: Anyone who received a grant for the 2022-2023 Rotary year (current year) must submit a final report by or before April 30, 2023.
Grants and Grant Deadlines Sunny Singh 2023-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 21, 2023: Semi-Annual Club Assembly

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Feb 22, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. Ozan Yasavur (Engineering: Mechanical | Bioforcetech Corporation) introduced his wife, Merve, to the audience.
 
Announcement
Weekly attendance at our luncheon meetings suggests that our Club has only a few members, but we have over 125 members in our Club. If there is a member whom you have not seen in a while, please reach out and invite them to a meeting.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 21, 2023: Semi-Annual Club Assembly Robin Azevedo 2023-02-22 08:00:00Z 0

2023 Super Bowl Party and Winners

Posted by Jim Patrick on Feb 16, 2023
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About 50 Rotarians, family, and friends gathered together to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 12, 2023. The crowd enjoyed laughter, fellowship, the game, and a potluck. 
 
In addition to watching the Big Game, everyone kept an eye on the board bearing the names of the players of our Club's Super Bowl Pool. $12,300 was raised for the 50/50 Campaign. The winners of the Pool (in order of their win) were: Dan Joraanstad, Scott Plakun, Allan Herzog, Jim Patrick, Robin Azevedo, Frank Yoke, Mary Liu, and Jeff Yih. Each winner will receive a Paul Harris Fellowship. Jim and Jeff will each receive two PHFs. Congratulations to all!
 
2023 Super Bowl Party and Winners Jim Patrick 2023-02-16 08:00:00Z 0

Sign up for the Monday Night Supper Club with The Arc SF

Posted by Barbara Streett on Feb 14, 2023
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The Monday Night Supper Club of The Arc San Francisco Friends Like Me Program returned to in person this past Monday, February 13, 2023. Nourishment and fun were had by all. The evening started off with everyone pitching in to dress the salad and heat up rotisserie chickens and Mac and Cheese. After dinner, everyone enjoyed games, dancing, and chocolate-covered strawberries. 

The Rotary Club of San Francisco funds the Monday Night Supper Clubs. Thank you to the following members of our Rotary Club for leading this evening's Supper Club: Christopher Davies, Clifford Phillips, and Barbara Streett. In addition to being a Rotarian, Clifford is also a participant and Barbara is also the Volunteer Manager of The Arc SF.
 
Sign up for the Monday Night Supper Club with The Arc SF Barbara Streett 2023-02-14 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 7, 2023: Jack McBrayer

Posted by Stacey Poole on Feb 07, 2023
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Immediate Past President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) opened the meeting. President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) was under the weather and participated via Zoom. After Immediate Past President Mary made opening remarks, Past President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) took over the helm and ran today's meeting held online and in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
We had two visiting Rotarians: Melissa Cross - past president of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening and Joel Valdez from the Rotary Club of Manila. Joel and Past President JT exchanged Rotary flags. Joel told the audience that his Rotary club is 104 years old and the largest in Asia. Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) introduced her guest - Andrea Gung of the Duo Duo Project, whose mission is to end the dog and cat meat trade in China. Maureen O'Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired) introduced her guest - Alicia Tos of the Smuin Contemporary Ballet. Other guests were Stephen DeLay, Jennie Held, and today's speaker - Jack McBrayer.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 7, 2023: Jack McBrayer Stacey Poole 2023-02-07 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 31, 2023:  Andrew Fraknoi and the James Webb Space Telescope

Posted by Bob Hermann on Feb 01, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. He announced that the Glaucoma 360 events from February 2-4, 2023 would take him away from today's Rotary luncheon; Past President Rhonda Poppen (Grant Writing | GRANTdog) would step in to conclude today's luncheon.
 
Guests
Today's guests were Marija Filmar, Dr. Arlen Hoh, Meagan Mod, Ildiko Polony, Eric Smith, and today's speaker - Andrew Fraknoi.
 
2022 Holiday Photos
President Christopher shared the 2022 Holiday Photo of Emily Borland (Engineering, Architecture, and Construction | Emily Borland Specifications) and her family. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 31, 2023: Andrew Fraknoi and the James Webb Space Telescope Bob Hermann 2023-02-01 08:00:00Z 0

2023 Super Bowl Program

Posted by Jim Patrick on Feb 01, 2023
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Invitation: Everyone is invited along with their families and guests to a big, free SUPER BOWL PARTY on February 12, 2023 starting at 3 PM. Doors will open at 2:45 PM and kick off will be at 3:20 PM.
 
You are also invited to play the 2023 SUPER BOWL POOL. See details below, and contact Jim Patrick by February 10, 2023 to purchase your square(s). 

Registration and Potluck: Please register here so that we know how many are coming and so that our Social Chair Alisha Marfatia can contact you about the potluck. For the potluck we ask that you bring a dish for 10 to share with the group. Soft drinks and wine will be provided at no cost to you. 

Location: We will meet at the Academy of Art Automobile Museum, 1849 Washington Street (corner of Washington Street and Van Ness Avenue), San Francisco, CA 94109. If you are driving, there should be ample street parking on a Sunday.
 
2023 Super Bowl Program Jim Patrick 2023-02-01 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 24, 2023:  Russell Low and Spirit of the Early Chinese American Pioneers: One Family's Story

Posted by Frank Yoke on Jan 27, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
Guests
Today's guests were Marija Filmar, Charlie Miles, Meagan Mod and today's speaker - Russell Low. Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced Peter de Castro (Financial Services: Advising | RBC). Peter is an active member of our Club who has been living in Paris.
 
2022 Holiday Party Photos
President Christopher continued to share 2022 Holiday Party photos that he has received. Thank you to Ozan Yasavur (Engineering: Mechanical | Bioforcetech Corporation) for sharing his photos today with the Club.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 24, 2023: Russell Low and Spirit of the Early Chinese American Pioneers: One Family's Story Frank Yoke 2023-01-27 08:00:00Z 0

"Pal"entine's Happy Hour

Posted by Alisha Marfatia on Jan 20, 2023
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SAVE THE DATE for "Pal"entine's Happy Hour on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM. Grab a post-work, pre-dinner drink to celebrate our Rotary friendships on "Pal"entine's Day! We'll be hosting a low-key get together at a member's home with light bites and drinks included. Feel free to drop by or stay for the whole time. All Rotarians and their guests are invited. More information to come.
"Pal"entine's Happy Hour Alisha Marfatia 2023-01-20 08:00:00Z 0

October 2022 and November 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Jan 19, 2023
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October 25, 2022 Board Highlights
 
Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the October 25, 2022 Board meeting to order at 4:01 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Wendy Shew, Frank Yoke, Margaret Miley, Jeff Lerner, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Lisa Christian, Scott Plakun, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent was Mary Liu. Club members JT Forbus, Dan Davies, Dora Dye, Rachel Donovan, and Jeff Yih also attended the meeting.
 
October 2022 and November 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2023-01-19 08:00:00Z 0

Membership News: January 2023

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jan 18, 2023
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I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on February 7, 2023 as our newest member:
 
Meagan Mod (Nonprofit Administration | Smuin Contemporary Ballet).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: January 2023 Margaret Miley 2023-01-18 08:00:00Z 0

E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 10, 2023:  Michael Conley and the Power of Music

Posted by Dora Dye on Jan 12, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. Today's meeting was on Zoom only.
 
Today's Guests
Today's guests were Carolyn Broadus, Carol Ede, Alvin Huie, Meagan Mod, and our speaker - Michael Conley.
 
Today's Meeting Recorded
Today's meeting was recorded for all to enjoy. Click here to view the highlights.
 
E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 10, 2023: Michael Conley and the Power of Music Dora Dye 2023-01-12 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 3, 2023:  City Attorney David Chiu

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jan 04, 2023
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the first meeting of 2023 to order at 12:15 PM. He welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Assistant Governor Sylvia Barry from the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, Rami Branbo via Zoom from a Rotary Club in Sweden, Past District Governor Peter Cheng from the Rotary Club of Hsinchu Silicon Valley - Taiwan, and Karen Schmautz - mother of PDG Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Retired) - from the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach in Florida. We also welcomed Charlie Miles and today's speaker - City Attorney David Chiu. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 3, 2023: City Attorney David Chiu Margaret Miley 2023-01-04 08:00:00Z 0

New Year's Resolutions

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 29, 2022
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After the restrictions of the pandemic lifted, the aftermath changed the way we were to such a degree that we are still trying to find a solid path on which to move forward. Working from home became the desire of many, affecting attendance at events outside the home. Our Club continues to offer a variety of activities and events in different modes. As part of your New Year's Resolutions, we hope that you will find a way to join us. Here are some ideas:
 
New Year's Resolutions Dora Dye 2022-12-29 08:00:00Z 0

Recap of the 2022 Holiday Party

Posted by Stacey Poole and Dora Dye on Dec 25, 2022
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The Rotary Club of San Francisco’s Holiday Party was held on December 13, 2022 at the Hotel Nikko. The festivities started early with fellowship, a chance to spin the wheel to win a prize, a make-up session with artist Lawrence Wu, fun at the photo booth, music by the Spencer Hoefert Quartet, and champagne. At 12 noon, President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) welcomed Rotarians and guests and wished everyone a happy holiday season.
 
Recap of the 2022 Holiday Party Stacey Poole and Dora Dye 2022-12-25 08:00:00Z 0

A Message from Your Editor

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 17, 2022
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We have reached the final issue of Grindings for 2022. I will be taking a break. Grindings will not be published on December 25, 2022, but will resume on January 1, 2023. We have already started to plan the new year. Take a moment to view the Club calendar for events in January 2023 and beyond. Registration is required for all events so that we can plan accordingly and send you additional information as needed. 
 
The Club continued its hybrid (i.e., meeting simultaneously in person and via Zoom) meetings in 2022. With the help of Social Chair Alisha Marfatia, President Christopher collaborated more with other Rotary clubs. President Christopher also tried more in-person only events such as the successful Fashion Show and Friend Raiser and 2022 Holiday Party. As of the publication of this issue, I have not received all of the information on the 2022 Holiday Party. The full story should be published in the next issue of Grindings
 
A Message from Your Editor Dora Dye 2022-12-17 08:00:00Z 0

Highlights of the 2022 Annual Meeting

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 17, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the 2022 Annual Meeting to order on December 13, 2022. Club Secretary Stacey Poole (Law: Family | Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP) certified that a quorum was present. President Christopher celebrated the current members of the Board and thanked each for their service.
 
Next, the audience was introduced to the candidates to fill upcoming officer vacancies for the term beginning on July 1, 2023. President Christopher called for voting members to approve by acclamation the candidates selected by the Nominating Committee.
 
Highlights of the 2022 Annual Meeting Dora Dye 2022-12-17 08:00:00Z 0

In-Person Supper Club Returns to The Arc San Francisco

Posted by Barbara Streett on Dec 15, 2022
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The Arc San Francisco Friends Like Me Program will return to in-person services beginning in February 2023. Friends Like Me is a recreational program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc SF. One of the programs that Friends Like Me hosts is a Monday Night Supper Club which is funded by the Rotary Club of San Francisco. 

Rotarians volunteer to help with meal set-up and then, sit, eat, and get to know our participants. Supper Club is a weekly event with 5-8 volunteers. We will be reserving the third Monday of every month (2nd Monday of the month if there is a Monday holiday) for Rotarians. If you are interested in volunteering for more nights, please contact Barbara Streett.
 
In-Person Supper Club Returns to The Arc San Francisco Barbara Streett 2022-12-15 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS December 6, 2022:  Reverend Glenda Hope and Women Transitioning out of Prostitution

Posted by Jeff Lerner on Dec 09, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. He welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. The meeting began with a holiday song to welcome the season of celebration and merriment. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Steve Sibulsky from the Rotary Club of Valle Verde-Green Valley in Arizona, Karen Schmautz - mother of Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Wells Fargo) - from the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach in Florida, and Carrie Schucker from a Rotary club in Davis. We also welcomed Ilene Wolf and today's speaker - Reverend Glenda Hope. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS December 6, 2022: Reverend Glenda Hope and Women Transitioning out of Prostitution Jeff Lerner 2022-12-09 08:00:00Z 0

Our Club Opens a New Door: Meet Clifford Phillips

Posted by Timothy Hornbecker on Dec 08, 2022
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Clifford Phillips joined our Club in April 2022. He is also a participant of The Arc San Francisco, an organization that our Club's Foundation supports. What makes Clifford's membership notable is that he is our first member with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adding his unique perspective to our activities and conversations. Like all Rotarians, Clifford decided to join Rotary to help others and support the community – something he already does everyday in The Arc community.

A native San Franciscan, Clifford grew up in the Bayview and Western Addition. He now lives in an apartment in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood. He is a lifelong volunteer and cares deeply about social justice. He is also a dynamic performer and public speaker and makes instant connections wherever he goes.
 
Our Club Opens a New Door: Meet Clifford Phillips Timothy Hornbecker 2022-12-08 08:00:00Z 0

Invitation to Join the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Posted by Sunny Singh on Dec 04, 2022
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The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce invites members of our Rotary Club to join by January 31, 2023 and receive a 10% discount in membership dues. The SF Chamber of Commerce attracts, supports, and grows business through advocacy, economic development, and business development. Your benefits will include:
 
  • opportunity to showcase your products at SF Chamber of Commerce events, programs, and marketing channels.
  • exposure through offering member-to-member deals.
  • networking opportunities with leaders from all businesses.
  • access to San Francisco Chamber Care for discounted health care for your employees.
Click here for more information and application. If you have questions, please contact Sunny Singh before January 31, 2023.
Invitation to Join the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Sunny Singh 2022-12-04 08:00:00Z 0

The Season for Giving

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 02, 2022
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This past Tuesday was Giving Tuesday, a movement to show generosity and support within our community and the world. On this day, I reflected on what it means to be a Rotarian and how I can support the activities and service projects in our Club. After the world returned to meeting in person again, I found that my jobs took more of my time. Many people did not return to work, and the labor shortage meant that I had to work lots of hours. That meant less time to be at Rotary events and service projects.
 
So I turned to giving more effort in serving as your editor and to donating more so that there would be funding to continue the projects that benefit our community. My husband, David, and I joined the Paul Harris Society. Recently, we were told that we have become Major Donors in Rotary. We see our dollars helping those in need. A great example is the recent Thanksgiving at The Arc San Francisco. On November 30, 2022, Barbara Streett wrote this thank you message:
 
The Season for Giving Dora Dye 2022-12-02 08:00:00Z 0

Membership News: November 2022

Posted by Margaret Miley on Nov 29, 2022
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I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on January 3, 2023 as our newest member:
 
Carrie Schucker (Psychology | Retired).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: November 2022 Margaret Miley 2022-11-29 08:00:00Z 0

Notes from the 2022 Rotary Zones 26 and 27 Institute

Posted by Dora Dye on Nov 24, 2022
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Congratulations to District 5150 Governor-Elect Laine Hendricks from the Rotary Club of San Francisco who completed her Governor-Elect Training Seminar (GETS) the week of November 6, 2022 at the Rotary Zones 26 and 27 Conference held in Salt Lake City, UT. 
 
In attendance from our Club to celebrate with DGE Laine were PDG Eric Schmautz, Past Club President Stephanie Schmautz, and their daughters, Molly and Katie, Past Club President David Dye, and Dora Dye. They were joined by other Rotarians from District 5150 including District Governor Gary Chow, Past District Governor Danielle Lallement, Past District Governor Mary Bates, Past District Governor Jayne Hulbert, Past District Governor Ron Gin, Past District Governor Jeri Fujimoto, Past District Governor Russ Ketron, and District Governor Nominee Steve Wright.
 
Notes from the 2022 Rotary Zones 26 and 27 Institute Dora Dye 2022-11-24 08:00:00Z 0

Thanksgiving Means Service Above Self for the Rotary Club of San Francisco

Posted by Dora Dye on Nov 24, 2022
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One of our Club's favorite traditions, dating back over a decade, is to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the participants of The Arc San Francisco and The Salvation Army. Helping out this year were Eric Schmautz, Mary Liu, Greg Gutting, Tim Hornbecker, Peter Logan, Chris Davies, Sunny Singh, Gary Dales, Robin Azevedo, Emily Borland, Frank Yoke, Jim Patrick, JT Forbus, Stephanie Schmautz, Ann Daugherty, Rosemary Welde, Anita Stangl, Clifford Phillips, and Margaret Miley. Joining them were Visiting Rotarian Harry Eng, Visiting Rotarian Brandon Fleming, Past Club President Jimmie Jeffery, Erica Kaplan (Peter Logan's guest), James Wong (Mary Liu's husband), Rosie Liu (Mary Liu's guest), and special guests Molly and Katie Schmautz.
 
Thanksgiving Means Service Above Self for the Rotary Club of San Francisco Dora Dye 2022-11-24 08:00:00Z 0

Report from the Nominating Committee

Posted by Sunny Singh on Nov 22, 2022
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In accordance with our Club's Bylaws, the Nominating Committee has selected these candidates for open positions on the Board of Directors:
 
2023-24 President: Sunny Singh
2023-24 President-Elect: Bob Hermann
2023-25 Club Treasurer: Bill Poppen
2023-25 Club Secretary: Nancy Graydon
2023-25 Vice President of Youth Services: Todd St Vrain
2023-25 Vice President of Club Services: Ozan Yasavur
2023-25 Vice President of Public Relations: Dan Davies
2023-25 Vice President of Vocational Services: Alex Omoko
 
Report from the Nominating Committee Sunny Singh 2022-11-22 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 15, 2022:  Meet the Hotel Chef

Posted by Margaret Miley on Nov 17, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. He welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. Rick Harrell (Arts Therapy | Heroes' Voices) played guitar and sang a song that he had composed on the tragedy of suicide among veterans. It was lovely and a touching tribute!
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Brandon Fleming from the University District Rotary Club in Seattle, Washington, Sharon Herman and Arnie Miller from the Rotary Club of Brookline, Massachusetts, Andrew Quinones of the Rotary Club of Pomona, Julia Spark from the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay in Australia, and Carrie Schucker from a Rotary club in Davis. We also welcomed Christopher Kazas, Diane Laster, and today's speaker - Executive Chef Adam Mali. Andrew, the grandson of Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company), introduced Buster and Beau; they are two dogs belonging to staff members at the Hotel Nikko.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 15, 2022: Meet the Hotel Chef Margaret Miley 2022-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

Price Increase for Late Registration and Walk-in

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Beginning with the Tuesday, December 6, 2022 Club luncheon, the cost for in-person registration will remain $45 if you register early until 11:59 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022. When the clock strikes noon on Friday, December 2, 2022, the price will go up to $60. If you show up at the door on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 as a walk-in, you will be charged $60. 
 
This price increase will remain in effect for all future in-person meetings, meaning that each Friday before the next Tuesday luncheon, the price will go up to $60 starting at 12 noon. To save a few dollars, please register before noon on the Friday before. This is the cost that we pay the Hotel Nikko, and we must pass it on to you. The cost to attend via Zoom remains at $10. If you have questions, please contact President Christopher Wiseman.
Price Increase for Late Registration and Walk-in 2022-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 8, 2022:  John Rothmann and Election Day

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Nov 10, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation), sporting a new look and perfect vision, called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. He welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Brandon Fleming from the University District Rotary Club in Seattle, Washington, Jean Schore from the Rotary Club of Eugene, Oregon, and Jesse Bowdle from the Rotary Club of Oakland. Maureen O'Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired) introduced her guest, Megan Mod. We also welcomed Troy Wilson and Yulanda Kwong from Cameron House and today's speaker - John Rothmann.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 8, 2022: John Rothmann and Election Day Robin Azevedo 2022-11-10 08:00:00Z 0

ROTARY CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS November 1, 2022:  Fall Membership Appreciation Lunch

Posted by Larry Booth on Nov 02, 2022
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It was a raucous and happy crowd of Rotarians and guests attending via Zoom or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko that President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called to order at 12:15 PM. Today's event was a Fall Membership Appreciation Lunch.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Tekwane Mwendwa from Nairobi and Carrie Schucker from a Rotary club in Davis. Maureen O'Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired) introduced her neighbor, Rae Sansa. Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) introduced her guest, Robert Hunter, who was the stage manager for our Club's first fashion show on October 18, 2022. Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF) introduced Don Morrison, who has helped us over the years with our Bike Build Program. Ann Daugherty (Financial Services: Private Trading | IBN Financial Services) introduced her guest, Ken Tang. President Christopher introduced his husband, Eric Sleigh. We also welcomed Patricia Davico.
 
ROTARY CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS November 1, 2022: Fall Membership Appreciation Lunch Larry Booth 2022-11-02 07:00:00Z 0

August 2022 and September 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 26, 2022
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August 30, 2022 Board Highlights
 
Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called the August 30, 2022 Board meeting to order at 10:47 AM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
Attendees in person or on Zoom included President Christopher, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Wendy Shew, Frank Yoke, Margaret Miley, Jeff Lerner, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Mary Liu, Brian Lan, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent was Lisa Christian. Club member JT Forbus also attended the meeting.
 
August 2022 and September 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: October 2022

Posted by Margaret Miley on Oct 26, 2022
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I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of San Francisco unanimously approved San Francisco State University on October 25, 2022 as our newest corporate member. 
 
In accordance with our Club Bylaws, the following will be inducted as our newest members in November 2022:
 
Jaime Chaves (Education | San Francisco State University)
Kevin Simonin (Education | San Francisco State University)
Vance Vredenburg (Education | San Francisco State University). Some of you may remember Vance. He is a former member who wishes to rejoin our Club.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: October 2022 Margaret Miley 2022-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS October 18, 2022:  Fashion Show and Friend Raiser

Posted by Jeff Lerner on Oct 20, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) welcomed over 90 members, Visiting Rotarians, and guests to our Club's first ever Rotary Fashion Show and Friend Raiser inside the Monterey Room at the Hotel Nikko. 
 
October 2022 Birthdays
Today's special event opened with everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to members celebrating a birthday in October. See the birthday list here
 
Our Club's History
President Christopher shared with the audience our Club's history from its beginnings in 1908 to the present. He explained that our Club is a community to make the world a better place and that our members joined for fellowship and service to others.
 
SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS October 18, 2022: Fashion Show and Friend Raiser Jeff Lerner 2022-10-20 07:00:00Z 0

EREY Campaign is underway

Posted by Dora Dye on Oct 18, 2022
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Our District 5150’s Annual “Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) Fundraising Campaign” is underway. Through this Campaign, we support The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund Share where almost half of the donations go back to our Club as District Designated Funds (DDF). Our Club makes the decision how to use DDF, either for a District Grant supporting community service projects, a Global Grant, or to contribute to other TRF funds. This year the EREY Fundraising Campaign sets a target for each District 5150 Rotarian to contribute $250. Through our Annual Fund Share contributions, Rotarians ensure that we will continue to “Do Good In The World.”
 
EREY Campaign is underway Dora Dye 2022-10-18 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 11, 2022:  Gary Schlossberg and Inflation

Posted by Larry Booth on Oct 13, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending via Zoom or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. He began the meeting with some fun facts about inflation.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Werner Sattleger from the Rotary Club of Klagenfurt in Austria attending in person and Carol Hunter from a Rotary e-club in Toronto attending via Zoom. Other guests were Gio Franco, former Club member Esther Landau, Zenna Burge, and today's speaker - Gary Schlossberg.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 11, 2022: Gary Schlossberg and Inflation Larry Booth 2022-10-13 07:00:00Z 0

Polio & Abilities Awareness Expo

Posted by Dora Dye on Oct 10, 2022
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The eradication of polio is one of Rotary International's longest standing and most significant efforts. This year World Polio Day is on Monday, October 24, 2022.

Rotary District 5150 is holding a Polio/Abilities Awareness Expo on Sunday, October 23, 2002. Our generous sponsors, Sanofi and PDG Russ and Kathy Ketron, have made it possible to offer to you “Buy One Ticket, Bring A Friend For Free.” The $20 registration fee includes lunch for the both of you. Please invite others, including the public, at this same discounted rate. If you have already registered and would like to bring a friend for free, please return to the Event Registration link below and click on “Manage My Account” to modify your registration.
 
Polio & Abilities Awareness Expo Dora Dye 2022-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 4, 2022:  Lewis Loeven and Fleet Week

Posted by Mary Liu and Dora Dye on Oct 07, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone attending via Zoom or in person inside the Carmel Ballroom at the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Past District Governor Mark Flegel from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park, Dr. Lily Muldoon from the Rotary Club of Saipan, and Julia Spark from the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay in Australia. Dr. Muldoon was a former member of our Club. Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF) introduced his guests: Lieutenant Jonathan Baxter, Louis Cid Rebolledo and Natalia Mashal. Angelina Preza (Sales: Travel | Aquarium of the Bay) introduced her guest, Shelby Taketa. Dan Davies (Information Technology: Consulting | North American Lighting) introduced his guest, Yuri Yasukawa. Other guests were Carrie Schucker, Captain Brian Quin, and today's speaker - Lewis Loeven.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 4, 2022: Lewis Loeven and Fleet Week Mary Liu and Dora Dye 2022-10-07 07:00:00Z 0

Committee Meetings in the week ahead

Posted by Dora Dye on Oct 06, 2022
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Our Club's calendar lists all events and meetings including Committee Meetings. During the week of October 9, 2022 to October 15, 2022, the Vocational Service Committee will meet on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 5 PM. Register here.
 
The Membership Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 12 noon. Register here.
Committee Meetings in the week ahead Dora Dye 2022-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

July 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 05, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
President Christopher Wiseman called his first Board meeting via Zoom to order at 4:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes
 
Present were President Christopher, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Wendy Shew, Lisa Christian, Frank Yoke, Margaret Miley, Jeff Lerner, Maureen O’Shea, Emily Borland, Mary Liu, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Brian Lan was absent. Club Member Scott Plakun also attended the meeting.
 
July 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-10-05 07:00:00Z 0

Remembering Our Friend, Marian Sorbo

Posted on Oct 04, 2022
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marian Sorbo. Marian was never a member of our Club, but she was a dedicated Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Windsor/Windsor Locks. She was the widow of a Past District Governor in Connecticut and the mother of a local friend of our own Scott Plakun. 

Marian participated in several Thanksgiving luncheons at The Arc San Francisco with us. She visited our Club and generated a strong kinship within our Club. While attending Rotary International conventions, she made it a point to befriend members of our Club. See here for more information on Marian Sorbo and her celebration of life.
 
Remembering Our Friend, Marian Sorbo Scott Plakun 2022-10-04 07:00:00Z 0

Committee Meetings in the week ahead

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 29, 2022
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Our Club's calendar lists all events and meetings including Committee Meetings. During the week of October 2, 2022 to October 8, 2022, the Speakers Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 2 PM. Larry Booth is the new Chair of the Speakers Committee. Register here. 
 
The Community Service Committee will also meet on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 6 PM. Project leaders joining this meeting should be prepared to share information about their project. Everyone else is encouraged to join to learn about all of our latest local community service projects. Contact Emily Borland for additional information. Register here.
 
 
Committee Meetings in the week ahead Dora Dye 2022-09-29 07:00:00Z 0

ALPS Book Drive: a success

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Action Leadership Program with Students (ALPS) students Presley, Emma, and Mirabelle led a successful book drive for the Jefferson Elementary School District in Daly City. The goal was to collect used and unwanted children's books and redistribute them to a place in need.
 
ALPS Book Drive: a success 2022-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 20, 2022:  San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott

Posted by David Dye on Sep 22, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and shared some historical facts about the San Francisco Police Department.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were District Governor Nominee and Chief of Staff Steve Wright from the Rotary Club of Pacifica, Carrie Chinn and Rick Chinn from the Rotary Club of Millbrae, Julia Spark from the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay in Australia, Marilyn Becklehimer from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Sunset, and Rey Naik from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. Maureen O'Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired) introduced her guests: Catherine Liang (our reigning Miss California), Daniel Riley, Debra Leylegian, Robert Beedle, and Torrance Bynum. Luis Moran (Real Estate: Sales | Coldwell Banker) introduced his guest, Blaire Jahn. Other guests were Carrie Shucker, Jackie Herrin, Guadalupe Valenzuela, Lilli Milton, Sergeant Vic Lee, and today's speaker - San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 20, 2022: San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott David Dye 2022-09-22 07:00:00Z 0

Champagne Tasting: Mix and Mingle

Posted by Wendy Shew on Sep 21, 2022
On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, our Club's Vocational Services Committee held its first networking event to kick off the year! The event was a Champagne Tasting with champagne from Chandon donated by Jason Nyeh, a start-up founder, and snacks and truffles provided by Trader Joe’s.
 
Club members who participated were CJ Albano, Jenny Campbell, Mary Liu, Wendy Shew, and Ozan Yasavur. Joining them were guests, bringing the attendance to 15 and professions in real estate, banking, life insurance, education, and engineering.

 
Champagne Tasting: Mix and Mingle Wendy Shew 2022-09-21 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 13, 2022:  Meet President Malinda Monterrosa

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Sep 15, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone attending via Zoom or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were President-Elect Leena Pem Sewpaul of the Rotary Club of Montebello, Mauritius and President Malinda Monterrosa of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles. Our guests were Clifford Phillips, Pamela George, Katherine Grillo, Isabella Montgomery, and Erica Nave.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 13, 2022: Meet President Malinda Monterrosa Robin Azevedo 2022-09-15 07:00:00Z 0

What's Happening Between the Rotary Club of San Francisco and the Homeless Prenatal Program?

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Sep 08, 2022
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On August 30, 2022, Rotarians met at the warehouse of Hoogasian Flowers to generously stuff 60 backpacks with adorable and top quality clothing and items for newborns of mothers taking classes at the HPP. Many thanks to Harold Hoogasian for offering his warehouse space to assemble the backpacks. Harold also generously donated his own time to deliver the backpacks to the HPP.
 
On September 7, 2022, Club members Victoria Lozano and Robin Azevedo respectively attended the morning and early afternoon baby showers at the HPP building where a dozen expectant mothers were honored. Each of these mothers received one of the Rotary backpacks and other baby items; each was recognized for completing the HPP prenatal classes.
 
What's Happening Between the Rotary Club of San Francisco and the Homeless Prenatal Program? Robin Azevedo 2022-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 30, 2022:  District Governor Gary Chow's Visit

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 01, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone attending via Zoom or in person inside the Carmel Room of the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were District Governor Gary Chow from the Rotary Club of South San Francisco and District Governor Nominee and Chief of Staff Steve Wright from the Rotary Club of Pacifica. Attending in his capacity as Assistant Governor was David Dye (Management Consulting | Retired). Our guest today was Zara Rowbotham.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 30, 2022: District Governor Gary Chow's Visit Dora Dye 2022-09-01 07:00:00Z 0

Committee Meetings in the week ahead

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 19, 2022
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Our Club's calendar lists all events and meetings including Committee Meetings. During the week of August 21, 2022 to August 27, 2022, the Vocational Service Committee will meet on Monday, August 22, 2022 at 5 PM. Register here. The Development Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 12 noon. Register here. The 2023 Emergency Services Day Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 6 PM. Register here. 
Committee Meetings in the week ahead Dora Dye 2022-08-19 07:00:00Z 0

E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 16, 2022:  Dan Walters and California's State of the State

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 18, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) logged in from Stockholm, Sweden and called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM Pacific time. Today's meeting was on Zoom only.
 
Visiting Rotarian and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarian was Edgar Hernandez Delgado from a Rotary club in Morelia, Mexico. Today's guest was our speaker - Dan Walters.
 
E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 16, 2022: Dan Walters and California's State of the State Dora Dye 2022-08-18 07:00:00Z 0
Nomination for 2024-2025 Rotary International President Announced Dora Dye 2022-08-15 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary 101 August 9, 2022: Highlights

Posted by Margaret Miley and Dan Joraanstad on Aug 11, 2022
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Our new Rotary 101 classes began this past Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Dan Joraanstad led the first meeting covering the nuts and bolts of being a new member:  online resources, the structure of Rotary, the primary officers on the Rotary Board, how to get involved as a Club leader, and last, how to propose a new project. A few long-term members joined the meeting to lend assistance as well as new members interested in getting a broad overview. The people who attended were Rachel Donovan, Jeff Yih, Ozan Yasavur, CJ Albano, Bob Hermann, Anita Stangl, Nancy Graydon, Maureen O'Shea, JT Forbus, Dan Joraanstad, and Margaret Miley. 
 
Rotary 101 August 9, 2022: Highlights Margaret Miley and Dan Joraanstad 2022-08-11 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 9, 2022:  Kevin McCormack and how California is turning the promise of stem cell and gene therapies into reality

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 10, 2022
Past President JT ForbusPast President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) called the meeting to order at 12:16 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant. President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) was on vacation and will return at our next luncheon.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Terry Chu from the Rotary Club of Shanghai and Sandhya Jaiprakash of the Rotary Club of Bangalore. Our guests were Rex Vokey; Derick Yih - guest of Jeff Yih (Retired); Dan Carico - husband of Esther Lerner (Law: Family | Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP); Georgie Evans - guest of Bill Gregory (Educational Services | Retired); and today's speaker - Kevin McCormack.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 9, 2022: Kevin McCormack and how California is turning the promise of stem cell and gene therapies into reality Dora Dye 2022-08-10 07:00:00Z 0
Committee Meetings in the week ahead Dora Dye 2022-08-05 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 2, 2022:  Dmytro Kushneruk and an Update on Ukraine

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Aug 03, 2022
President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:17 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant. Due to the large number of Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests today, President Christopher had all visitors in person and online stand for a big round of applause.
 
INatalie Ter-Agopovan Solidarity with Ukraine
What a moving meeting! The room and the agenda were packed full! Club members and guests stood in solidarity as the National Anthem of Ukraine was powerfully sung by Natalie Ter-Agopova, a soprano soloist, who is a choir mate of Ann Daugherty (Financial Services: Private Trading | IBN Financial Services). Brightening the room were two very large baskets of sunflowers (the Ukrainian national flower), thoughtfully donated by Harold Hoogasian (Retail: Florist | Hoogasian Flowers).
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 2, 2022: Dmytro Kushneruk and an Update on Ukraine Robin Azevedo 2022-08-03 07:00:00Z 0

November 2022 Assisi Global Climate Action Forum

Posted by John Mathers on Aug 01, 2022
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Climate Crisis and the Assisi Lifestyle: At the end of 2021, an in-depth study was done by the Kantar Group on concern and responses to the climate crisis. In the United States, 74% of respondents said they were concerned or very concerned about climate change. However, only 49% said they were willing to change their lifestyle to address the crisis. And when it comes down to specifics of what was “very important”: 32% said reducing energy consumption; 25% supported public transportation; 23% noted reducing travel by plane; and 18% identified reducing meat consumption.  
 
Clearly, there is the desire to address the issue but we (the developed economies) do not want to give up our lifestyle. Part of this is a function of education (what can we do and why), and part is simply inertia (we all have full agendas).  
 
November 2022 Assisi Global Climate Action Forum John Mathers 2022-08-01 07:00:00Z 0

June 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Jul 31, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Rotary Club of San Francisco Board of Directors met on June 28, 2022 via Zoom. President Mary Liu called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Mary, President-Elect Christopher Wiseman, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Lisa Christian, Ed Shenkan, Brian Lan, Nancy Graydon, Jeff Lerner, Miranti Ojong, JT Forbus, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent was Bob Hermann. Also in attendance were incoming Board members Margaret Miley, Wendy Shew, and Frank Yoke.
 
June 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-07-31 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: July 2022

Posted by Margaret Miley on Jul 31, 2022
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on August 9, 2022 as our newest member:
 
Cherry Albano (Insurance: Life | New York Life).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: July 2022 Margaret Miley 2022-07-31 07:00:00Z 0
Committee Meetings in the week ahead Dora Dye 2022-07-29 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Maria Victoria Lozano

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 25, 2022
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Maria Victoria Lozano joined our Club on July 19, 2022. She is not new to Rotary. At age 14, Maria became a member and former president of an Interact club. In 2013, she was a Rotary exchange student in the Philippines, and in 2019, she joined Rotaract at the United Nations as a volunteer.
 
Maria is from Venezuela and comes from a restaurant family in Rubio. While living in Caracas, she developed her skills as a pastry cook. Five years ago, she joined her sister in San Francisco and found work as a pastry chef. During the pandemic lockdown, she was out of work. To survive, Maria and her sister founded Andina, a pop-up Venezuelan kitchen serving such items as arepas and other Venezuelan foods. Her life and business were the subject of a San Francisco Chronicle story recently.
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Maria Victoria Lozano Dora Dye 2022-07-25 07:00:00Z 0

Rescheduled Celebration of Life for Past RI President Cliff Dochterman

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 22, 2022
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Clifford Dochterman, Rotary International President 1992-1993, passed away on November 23, 2021. Our Club immediately paid tribute to him. See Peter Lagarias' tribute and tributes from other members of our Club. 
 
Cliff's Celebration of Life was postponed due to COVID-19 and is now scheduled as follows: August 13, 2022, at 1:00 PM Pacific time at the Serbian Cultural Center in Moraga, California.

He was a one-of-a-kind man who knew how to bring joy to the world and who positively impacted so many lives with his inspiration and imagination. His family invites you to celebrate his remarkable life. Feel free to dress in accordance with Cliff’s cheerful spirit.
 
If you plan to attend, please RSVP so that there are enough refreshments. Please call (209) 931-4085, or email Claudia Mennuti by August 9, 2022. If you are unable to attend in person, but would like to honor Cliff, a Zoom link will be provided. Please send your email information to Claudia Mennuti. You will receive the link several days prior to the event.
 
Rescheduled Celebration of Life for Past RI President Cliff Dochterman Dora Dye 2022-07-22 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 19, 2022:  Dianne Easton and Leadership Perspectives

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 20, 2022
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President Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:16 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians included immediate past president Richard Swart from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown attending in person. On Zoom were president Steve Pomeroy from the Rotary Club of Los Altos, Stan Scardino from the Rotary Club of Los Altos, and president Taye Doherty from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview. Also on Zoom were Interactors Nancy Deng, Jenny Lew, Nathan Tjong, and Erika Wu as well as today's speaker - Dianne Easton.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 19, 2022: Dianne Easton and Leadership Perspectives Dora Dye 2022-07-20 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: Making new friends in Rotary 

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 20, 2022
Dora Dye and Mary Fermi A month ago, I shared with you my experience as mentor to new member Mary Fermi. See story here. Mary and I continue on our journey together in Rotary. This past Saturday, she and I along with Rotarians from eight different Rotary clubs in Rotary District 5150 participated in the monthly San Francisco Rotary Clean-up. This particular Clean-up hosted by the Rotary Club of San Francisco Sunset was held at Ocean Beach. Not only did we get to hang out with great Rotarians and clean up the area around Ocean Beach, but everyone who participated that day was treated to free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, courtesy of Roger Kaufman of the Rotary Club of Fisherman's Wharf.
 
Membership News: Making new friends in Rotary Dora Dye 2022-07-20 07:00:00Z 0

Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition Training Opportunity

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A message from District Governor Gary Chow: Below is a quick 10-minute, online training opportunity to help our Rotarians recognize and safely act upon a potential human trafficking situation. The Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition (BAATC) has presented at many of our Rotary clubs and Human Trafficking workshops over the past four years. Although this particular training focuses on activities at airports, the same awareness and procedures are applicable anywhere. You can report suspicious behavior 24/7 to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at: 1-888-373-7888.
 
Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition Training Opportunity 2022-07-18 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 12, 2022:  President Christopher

Posted by Dora Dye on Jul 14, 2022
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Immediate Past President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Carmel Ballroom at the Hotel Nikko at 12:14 PM. She then introduced our 2022-2023 Club President - Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation).
 
Induction Ceremonies Led by District Governor Gary Chow
Our new District Governor, Gary Chow, joined in person to induct President Christopher and then, our Club's 2022-2023 Board of Officers and Directors. DG Gary brought out his bag of coins and gave President Christopher and each Board member present a Rotary Four-Way Test Coin.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS July 12, 2022: President Christopher Dora Dye 2022-07-14 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Fisherman's Wharf Social July 21, 2022: Meet Rotarians from Another Club in the District

Posted by Alisha Marfatia
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The Rotary Club of Fisherman's Wharf is having its first club social of the year on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 5:30 PM at the San Francisco Brewing Company in Ghirardelli Square. They have graciously extended the invitation to any of our Club members who are interested in joining. The event will be outdoors (weather permitting), and there is a $20 fee for food which will be included. Beverages can be purchased separately.
 
For those who would like to know more or attend, please email me, your Social Chair, Alisha Marfatia, no later than Wednesday, July 20th at 9 AM.
 
Rotary Club of Fisherman's Wharf Social July 21, 2022: Meet Rotarians from Another Club in the District Alisha Marfatia 2022-07-14 07:00:00Z 0

PRLS' History and Legacy: Leadership Training for Rotarians

Posted by Betsy Koefoed on Jul 12, 2022
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In 2009 when Past District Governor Bill Koefoed was being queried, he immediately went to his decades-long profession as owner of the Dale Carnegie Franchise in the San Francisco Bay Area to tell them that he wanted to bring a superior quality of leadership training to the Rotarians in Rotary District 5150. When he was subsequently selected as the District Governor for 2010-2011, he asked his Rotarian wife and long-time business partner, Betsy, to take the reins on this promise and bring it to fruition into District 5150.

After considerable research into Rotary-based trainings, it was determined that Potential Rotary Leaders Seminars (PRLS), as developed in Rotary District 5240, had the “bones” of the training they wanted to bring to 5150. Wanting to experience the training at its source, Betsy, Michael Ford, and Bob Pope (initially chosen faculty members) drove down to Santa Maria, CA once a month to actually take the PRLS training in District 5240. Having themselves then graduated from PRLS, Betsy, as the designated 5150 PRLS Founder and Director, set up a faculty training program and the date for the first Basic PRLS class - May 1, 2010. The class was held at the Dale Carnegie Headquarters (at the time) in San Mateo and was sold out. Thirty excited Rotarians gathered that Saturday morning to experience the training that would become the hallmark of District 5150. The faculty conducted three Basic PRLS classes in 2010 followed by the establishment of the five Master PRLS class series in 2011.
 
PRLS' History and Legacy: Leadership Training for Rotarians Betsy Koefoed 2022-07-12 07:00:00Z 0

Dues Increase Effective in Rotary Year 2022-2023

Posted by Christopher Wiseman on Jul 11, 2022
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At the June 2022 Board meeting, the 2021-2022 Board unanimously approved an increase in the membership dues by $100 for all levels. Our Club's dues have not gone up in over a decade. Increasing the cost of membership was extensively discussed in the previous year, but taking action could no longer be avoided. This increase will allow our Club to continue to have a balanced budget in the 2022-2023 Rotary year and in years to come.
 
Below is a table showing the increases for annual dues effective July 1, 2022.
 
Dues Increase Effective in Rotary Year 2022-2023 Christopher Wiseman 2022-07-11 07:00:00Z 0

A Word from the President:  July 10, 2022

Posted by Christopher Wiseman on Jul 10, 2022
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This week, our Club kicks off the new Rotary year. Join me and the 2022-2023 Board as we share our goals and plans with you onImagine Rotary logo July 12, 2022. If you have not already registered, please register now for the July 12, 2022 meeting
 
 
A Word from the President: July 10, 2022 Christopher Wiseman 2022-07-10 07:00:00Z 0
July 2022 District Rotarian of the Month Dora Dye 2022-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

A Message from the Editor

Posted by Dora Dye, Editor on Jul 01, 2022
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This issue of Grindings is the first one for the new Rotary year of 2022-2023. In the past two years, we had to reimagine how to be Rotarians without being together physically. In this coming year, we will Imagine Rotary (this year's Rotary International theme) as we continue to emerge and live with a virus that will not leave us. Read the following message from your new president - Christopher Wiseman - as he takes us on a journey of new ways to connect and do good in the world.
 
Join a committee, read Grindings, and check our Club Calendar often to find events and future meetings and register. Happy 4th of July! 
A Message from the Editor Dora Dye, Editor 2022-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

President's Message, July 1, 2022

Posted by Christopher Wiseman on Jul 01, 2022
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Dear Friend and Member,
 
Thank you for your commitment to the Rotary Club of San Francisco! We are on this journey together, and your contributions are invaluable to communities in San Francisco and around the world. The Rotary Club of San Francisco joins over 1.4 million passionate individuals as well as over 46,000 clubs worldwide. We are an international organization and a local community leader, leading change in our backyard and across the world.
 
President's Message, July 1, 2022 Christopher Wiseman 2022-07-01 07:00:00Z 0

May 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Jun 28, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Rotary Club of San Francisco Board of Directors met on May 31, 2022 via Zoom. President Mary Liu called the meeting to order at 12:02 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were President Mary, President-Elect Christopher Wiseman, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Lisa Christian, Ed Shenkan, Brian Lan, Nancy Graydon, Jeff Lerner, Bob Hermann, JT Forbus, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent was Miranti Ojong. Also in attendance was Dan Joraanstad, representing the San Francisco Rotary Foundation.
 
May 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-06-28 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: June 2022

Posted by Nancy Graydon
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club on July 19, 2022 as our newest member:
 
Victoria Lozano (Catering Services | Andina).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: June 2022 Nancy Graydon 2022-06-28 07:00:00Z 0

Fellowship with Rotarians

Posted by Dora Dye
Don Bowcutt, Dora Dye, Anita Stangl, Ann Daugherty, and David DyeAnita Stangl, our 2006-2007 Club President, remains very active in our Club and recently invited a small group of Rotarians to her home for a home cooked meal. As one of the lucky guests, I can absolutely say that "Anita can cook". The menu included marinated chicken, homemade potato salad, homemade coleslaw, warm bread, an eggplant dish, lots of wine, and berries and cream for dessert. Everything was delicious!
 
Fellowship with Rotarians Dora Dye 2022-06-27 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 21, 2022:  Celebration and Thank You to President Mary Liu

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 23, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called her final meeting as Club president to order at 12:16 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Carmel Ballroom at the Hotel Nikko.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were District Governor Danielle Lallement, District Governor-Elect Gary Chow, Assistant Governor Liz Mark, District Governor Nominee Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin) on Zoom, District Governor Nominee Designate Steve Wright, Past District Governor Ron Gin, Past District Governor Ross Smith all the way from down under - Australia, Cristina Aquino (President of the Rotary Club of South San Francisco), Richard Swart (President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown), Mary Geong (President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Oakland), Yuhui Chen (District 5150 Vocational Service - Rotary Means Business Chair and member of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park) and Mukasa Nassar of the Rotary Club of Kampala-Nsambya in Uganda. Michael Petricca (Education Management | Academy of Art) introduced his guest, Brad Jones. President Cristina Aquino introduced her guest - Ricky Garcia. Other special guests were Jennifer Byrd of the Salvation Army and Cherry Albano.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 21, 2022: Celebration and Thank You to President Mary Liu Dora Dye 2022-06-23 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: Being a mentor

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 22, 2022
Dora Dye and Mary FermiI joined this Club in 2016. In almost six years, I have met some outstanding Rotarians in both our Club and the District who mentored and engaged me. Recently, I was asked to be a mentor to our newest member. I readily accepted this new experience. 
 
My mentee is Mary Fermi. At our first meeting, we learned that we both worked in private industry and then became educators. Next, we talked about the red badge requirements. These requirements are to allow a new member the opportunities to learn more about Rotary and our Club and to get to know more members in our Club. Once Mary completes these requirements, she will lose the red ribbon on her name badge now and become a full member.
 
I was also excited to teach Mary how to use ClubRunner to update her information. I look forward to accompanying Mary through her journey in Rotary.
Membership News: Being a mentor Dora Dye 2022-06-22 07:00:00Z 0

RotaCare Seeks Volunteers

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 22, 2022
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Interested in serving our Community? RotaCare Northern Peninsula Free Medical Clinic is seeking long-term volunteers. Ideally, a volunteer commits to working in person one to two times per month over a period of at least six months. Here are the current openings:
 
RotaCare Seeks Volunteers Dora Dye 2022-06-22 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 14, 2022:  Year-end Member Recognition and Awards Ceremony

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 15, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:18 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Nick Locsin from the Rotary Club of Manila and William F. Jones from the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka in Hawaii. President-Elect Nominee Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) introduced special guests Victoria Lozano and her sister, Maria Lozano.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 14, 2022: Year-end Member Recognition and Awards Ceremony Dora Dye 2022-06-15 07:00:00Z 0

Member in the News: June 2022

Posted by Dora Dye on Jun 14, 2022
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Sally Swanson joined Rotary in 1991 and our Club in 2013. She is the Founding Principal and CEO of Sally Swanson Architects, Inc., specializing in architecture, planning, and accessible design. Sally has managed her own award–winning firm since 1980. Headquartered in San Francisco, the firm is a 100 percent Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and DGS-certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) dedicated to serving the design needs of K-12 school districts, community colleges, municipal agencies, and private clients throughout the United States. 
 
Member in the News: June 2022 Dora Dye 2022-06-14 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  June 7, 2022:  Barry Posner and The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership and How They Make a Difference!

Posted by Jeff Lerner on Jun 07, 2022
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President-Elect Nominee Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Ryan Beil from the Rotary Club of Dallas and Narasimha Dwarakanath, an immediate past Rotary president from Bangalore, India. Andrés Vera (Entertainment | Self-employed) introduced his guests - John Ferguson and Dr. Amr Selim. Lynn Luckow (Development | LikeMinded.org) introduced his guest - Sam Eriksmoen. Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles) introduced Mary Fermi; Mary will be inducted into our Club next week. Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) introduced Caryl Ito, who happens to be a neighbor to both Dan and Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF). Other guests today were ALPS Program Manager Harmony Ma who attended via Zoom and today's speaker - Barry Posner who attended in person.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS June 7, 2022: Barry Posner and The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership and How They Make a Difference! Jeff Lerner 2022-06-07 07:00:00Z 0

April 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on May 31, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Rotary Club of San Francisco Board of Directors met on April 26, 2022 via Zoom. President Mary Liu called the meeting to order at 12:01 PM. Stacey Poole, Secretary, recorded the minutes.

In attendance were President Mary, President-Elect Christopher Wiseman, Gary Dales, Sunny Singh, Lisa Christian, Ed Shenkan, Brian Lan, Nancy Graydon, Jeff Lerner, JT Forbus, and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Absent were Miranti Ojong and Bob Hermann. Also absent was Dan Joraanstad, representing the San Francisco Rotary Foundation. Guests at this Board Meeting were Club members Wendy Shew and Todd St Vrain.

The Board reviewed and approved the Minutes of the March 22, 2022 Board meeting with a minor correction. The Board also reviewed and approved the March 2022 Financial Statements. The Club remains strong financially from a liquidity position.
 
April 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-05-31 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: May 2022

Posted by Nancy Graydon on May 31, 2022
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members:
 
Dalila Dynes (Nonprofit Administration | Catholic Charities SF) as a member of our corporate member - Catholic Charities San Francisco on July 19, 2022.
 
Mary Fermi (Education | Retired) on June 14, 2022.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: May 2022 Nancy Graydon 2022-05-31 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 24, 2022:  Diane Stark and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Its Challenges and Goals

Posted by Emily Borland on May 26, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Special Guests
President-Elect Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation) introduced his guests - Kenzie Ferguson, Beth Muzy, Roger Rajeshinhia, Cat San Agustin, and Allen Habel. Also present was Mary Fermi. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 24, 2022: Diane Stark and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Its Challenges and Goals Emily Borland 2022-05-26 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 17, 2022:  Janet Kessler and Citizen Coyotes of San Francisco: Where they are, Who they are, How to get along

Posted by Nancy Graydon on May 19, 2022
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President-Elect Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:18 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Special Guests
Attending in person were Mary Fermi, today's speaker - Janet Kessler, and her husband, Albert Kessler. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 17, 2022: Janet Kessler and Citizen Coyotes of San Francisco: Where they are, Who they are, How to get along Nancy Graydon 2022-05-19 07:00:00Z 0

E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 10, 2022:  Dr. Diane Birnbaumer and The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where Do We Go from Here?

Posted by Mary Liu and Dora Dye on May 12, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) began the Zoom-only meeting at 12:15 PM. Past President Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) managed the meeting on Zoom and welcomed everyone as they joined.
 
Special Guests
Today's special guest was Christina Koetteritz, president of the USF Rotaract Club sponsored by both our Club and the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown. Also online was today's speaker, Dr. Diane Birnbaumer.
 
E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 10, 2022: Dr. Diane Birnbaumer and The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where Do We Go from Here? Mary Liu and Dora Dye 2022-05-12 07:00:00Z 0

Homeless Prenatal Program Diaper Bag Assembly and Baby Showers Return

Posted by Emily Borland on May 12, 2022
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We are excited to announce that we are having two in-person events at the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) in June! Maybe you’ve heard about our support of HPP in the past, but you haven’t had a chance to get involved due to COVID. These are your opportunities!

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, we will gather at HPP located at 2500 18th Street in San Francisco at 5:30 PM to organize diaper bags for mothers-to-be. We have a limit of 12 attendees to make 50 bags of baby clothes, towels, health kits, hats, and other items. Afterwards, we will enjoy a brief tour of the facility so that Rotarians can better understand HPP’s services. Street parking is available near HPP.
 
Homeless Prenatal Program Diaper Bag Assembly and Baby Showers Return Emily Borland 2022-05-12 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 3, 2022: Shawn Rosenmoss and San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan

Posted by Margaret Miley on May 05, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarian was Mary Kay Kennedy from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park; Mary Kay is the wife of Jim Kennedy (Interior Design | James Kennedy Design). Ozan Yasavur (Engineering: Mechanical | Bioforcetech Corporation) introduced his wife, Merve. Other in-person guests were Victoria Lozano, Angelina Preza, and today's speaker, Shawn Rosenmoss. Online our guest was Dr. Hollis Pierce-Jenkins.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS May 3, 2022: Shawn Rosenmoss and San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan Margaret Miley 2022-05-05 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News: April 2022

Posted by Nancy Graydon on May 01, 2022
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following is scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest member on May 17, 2022:
 
Angelina Preza (Sales: Travel | BayEcotarium EcoXpeditions)
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this proposed new member.
Membership News: April 2022 Nancy Graydon 2022-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

Members in the News: April 2022

Posted by Dora Dye on Apr 30, 2022
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Wendy Shew joined our Club on March 1, 2022. On Friday, April 29, 2022, Wendy was the special guest on Sapiens Signature Event: The Silicon Valley Podcast with Host Shawn Flynn. If you would like to hear this podcast, please contact Wendy.
 
 
Members in the News: April 2022 Dora Dye 2022-04-30 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Todd St Vrain

Posted by Dora Dye on Apr 25, 2022
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Todd St Vrain joined our Club on April 19, 2022. He is the North America Regional Manager for the University of Melbourne. Todd recruits students from the US and Canada to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees or study abroad as a visiting student at Australia's leading university. 

He lives with his partner in the Westwood Park neighborhood of San Francisco. Todd enjoys exploring cultures through food, movies with subtitles, music, and travel. He also likes to get out to experience nature hiking, kayaking, biking, and running. Todd has been in San Francisco for four years, but traveling extensively for work the first two years and mostly being at home the last two years. 
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Todd St Vrain Dora Dye 2022-04-25 07:00:00Z 0
Nature's Beauty at Rotary Meadow Csongor Czezar 2022-04-21 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 19, 2022: Celebrating Passover

Posted by Stacey Poole on Apr 20, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarians were Joel Valdez from the Rotary Club of Manila; District 5150 Governor Nominee Designate Steve Wright of the Rotary Club of Pacifica; and Jean Schore of the Rotary Club of Eugene. Jean attended via Zoom and was formerly a member of our Club from October 4, 1994 to June 26, 2017.
 
Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) introduced her guest - Mary Fermi. Christopher Davies (Real Estate: Property Management | Self-employed) introduced his guest - Jill Hodges. Esther Landau (Nonprofit Administration | The Arc San Francisco) introduced her guest - Kristen Pedersen. Also visiting us was Rachel Kaloian. Tim Hornbecker (Nonprofit Management | Retired, The Arc CA) reintroduced himself to the Club since it had been a while since he had attended a meeting in person.  
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 19, 2022: Celebrating Passover Stacey Poole 2022-04-20 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 12, 2022:  Celebrating Our Beneficiaries

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Apr 14, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarians were District Governor Nominee Designate Nancy Anderson from the Rotary Club of Seabrook in Texas and her guest, Robert Anderson; Joel Valdez from the Rotary Club of Manila; and Paul Vazquez from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. Our guests were Todd St Vrain, Jean Rosenblum, and Colant Scholar Isabella Godillo. ALPS Program Manager Harmony Ma joined the meeting via Zoom.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 12, 2022: Celebrating Our Beneficiaries Robin Azevedo 2022-04-14 07:00:00Z 0

Celebrate Earth Day 2022 with ALPS Youth Leaders

Posted by Harmony Ma on Apr 14, 2022
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Celebrate Earth Day and our Bay Area ALPS youth leaders on April 23, 2022! Join us at our youth-led beach cleanup at Ocean Beach to help the local community and learn more about the effects of climate change in this neighborhood. Come see what our youth have been up to, how they've used social media to educate their peers about climate change, and spend some time volunteering for Earth Day this year.
 
Celebrate Earth Day 2022 with ALPS Youth Leaders Harmony Ma 2022-04-14 07:00:00Z 0

E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 5, 2022: Michael Sera and Why is Japantown important?

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Apr 08, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) kicked off the Zoom-only meeting at 12:15 PM.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarian was Christian Amsberry from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. Also online were today's speaker Michael Sera, ALPS Program Manager Harmony Ma, Ashley and Jason Boney, and three students from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco:  Chrissy Collins, Amanda Tam, and Zoe Yee.
 
E-MEETING HIGHLIGHTS April 5, 2022: Michael Sera and Why is Japantown important? Nancy Graydon 2022-04-08 07:00:00Z 0

Sock Donation at April 19, 2022 Rotary Luncheon

Posted by Susan Dean on Apr 08, 2022
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If you’re coming in person to our Passover Seder at our April 19, 2022 luncheon meeting, please consider bringing one or more pairs of new crew-style socks for men or for women. The Seder teaches us that the time we spent as needy strangers in Egypt compels us to care for people we don’t know. The socks will be donated to the young adults in the California Conservation Corp. who respond to natural and manmade disasters.
Sock Donation at April 19, 2022 Rotary Luncheon Susan Dean 2022-04-08 07:00:00Z 0

In Memoriam:  Samuel M. Yates

Posted by Scott Plakun on Apr 07, 2022
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Sam Yates was a member of our Club from March 15, 1988 to February 1, 2014. As Senior Vice President of Investments for RBC Wealth Management, he played an important role for many years in managing the funds held by the San Francisco Rotary Foundation. He was one of the investment managers who regularly provided a financial “prognostication” as the first speaker of the calendar year. 
 
Sam passed away on November 10, 2021. See his obituary. If you have a copy of A Tradition of Fellowship and Service: The Rotary Club of San Francisco at 100, you can find more information on Sam's contributions to our Club and to Rotary.
 
In Memoriam: Samuel M. Yates Scott Plakun 2022-04-07 07:00:00Z 0

Members in the News: March 2022

Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 31, 2022
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In December 2021, we remembered Charlotte Mailliard Shultz who was a member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco from November 1, 1987 until she passed away on December 3, 2021. She was the Chief of Protocol for the state of California and the Chief of Protocol for the City and County of San Francisco. See story here.
 
On March 30, 2022, the top names on San Francisco's social and political register gathered to remember and honor her. See full story here.
Members in the News: March 2022 Dora Dye 2022-03-31 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 29, 2022:  RI Past President and Trustee John Germ on New Directions of TRF

Posted by Larry Booth on Mar 30, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Carmel Room.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's distinguished speaker was 2016-17 Past Rotary International President (PRIP) John Germ. Joining him was his wife, Judy Germ, who is also a Rotarian. We were honored to have a long list of visiting Rotarians:  District Governor Danielle Lallement, District Governor-Elect Gary Chow, Past District Governor Jayne Hulbert, Past District Governor Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Wells Fargo), Past District Governor Wyn Spiller (currently Zone 27 Endowment/Major Gifts Adviser), District Governor Nominee Designate Steve Wright, and District 5160 Governor Designate Dan Geraldi. Other visiting Rotarians attending in person were: Cristina Aquino, Yuhui Chen, Gene Duffy, Brian Flaherty, Ron Harness, and Mary Kay Kennedy. District Governor Nominee Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin), Past District Governor Chris Gallagher, Past District Governor Bill Koefoed, Past District Governor Brenda Cressey (also first woman Rotary Foundation Chair in 2018-19), Susan Angel, Jesse Bowdle, Salvador Farfan, Betsy Koefoed, John Marshall, and David Stompe joined via Zoom. Other guests were Angelina Preza, Joseph Christianson, and Janice Pavel.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 29, 2022: RI Past President and Trustee John Germ on New Directions of TRF Larry Booth 2022-03-30 07:00:00Z 0

February 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Mar 24, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Board of Directors met on February 22, 2022. A quorum was present, and Jeff Lerner attended as a guest. The Board reviewed and approved the Minutes from the January 25, 2022 Board Meeting.
 
Treasurer Gary Dales presented the January 2022 Treasurer's Report, noting that the Club was still in a strong financial position. The Board began to discuss the need for a second set of eyes to review the Club's financial books, but discussion was tabled until best practices could be determined.
 
February 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-03-24 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News:  March 2022

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Mar 22, 2022
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members on April 19, 2022:
 
Aida Jones (Photography Services | Bay Area Headshot Company)
Todd St Vrain (College Recruitment | University of Melbourne).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: March 2022 Nancy Graydon 2022-03-22 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Wendy Shew

Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 21, 2022
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Wendy Shew joined our Club on March 1, 2022. She is the Founder of Building Education, a non-profit organization that serves to eliminate extreme poverty by building 1,000 schools and sponsoring education to spark a legacy of change. On April 25, 2015, an earthquake hit Nepal and damaged 9,000 schools. Since then only 4,000 have been rebuilt. Wendy volunteered three months after the earthquake in disaster relief and from there, she founded Building Education in 2017 to help with relief efforts.
 
Prior to community service work, Wendy studied aviation, learned to fly single engine prop planes, and worked in the international aviation business as a jet engine specialist. After volunteering in October 2014 at a girl’s orphanage in India, she realized that her passion is making an impact in the world and the lives of others. Wendy quit her job in February 2015, sold all of her things, and left the country to travel the world all across Asia, Europe, and Africa for six years.
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Wendy Shew Dora Dye 2022-03-21 07:00:00Z 0

Doing Good at Rotary Meadow

Posted by Bob Hermann on Mar 20, 2022
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Neither drizzly rain nor the "It's Saturday; I want to sleep in thoughts" could keep Rotarians away from a day of service in the environment. Spirits, laughter, and motivation were high as the group quickly banded together to do some good work outdoors. Our goals were clear: go out, clear, and propagate Rotary Meadow with Yarrow seeds. Yarrow plants are flowering plants that are usually disease-free, grown to encourage butterfly gardens and to pollinate species, which we all know is good for the environment. Along the way, we did have a butterfly sighting that Dan Davies was quick to snap, and of course, the salamanders greeted those who sometimes were surprised at how agile they are. The occasional snail or banana slug was in close proximity to our work.
 
Doing Good at Rotary Meadow Bob Hermann 2022-03-20 07:00:00Z 0

ALPS Gala 2022: Join to celebrate our guests of honor

Posted by Rhonda Poppen on Mar 18, 2022
Dora and David DyeWe are proud and excited to honor Dora and David Dye at the annual ‘Fund the Future’ Gala and Silent Auction on April 1, 2022 for their constant leadership, support, and advocacy for ALPS and Rotary Youth Leadership programs. 

David and Dora Dye have been committed to youth leadership and development initiatives for almost a quarter of a century. David has enjoyed a rich journey with Boy Scouts of America, from his Eagle Scout honor as a 17-year-old-young man to parent volunteer, to in-school character-education program manager and employee. Dora is an incredible administrative asset to any organization with which she engages. She has volunteered as a summer camp counselor and merit badge counselor, served alongside David in each of these positions, and together they have positively impacted hundreds of young people through Scouts over the years. 
 
ALPS Gala 2022: Join to celebrate our guests of honor Rhonda Poppen 2022-03-18 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 15, 2022:  Rebecca Ennals and Shakespeare for the Community

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Mar 17, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarians were Nik Barr from the Rotary Club of Carmel and Stan Pond from the Rotary Club of Foster City. Stan was a guest of Peter Logan (Law: Insurance | Peter Logan Law Offices). Peter brought additional guests: Toby Leavitt and Craig Moody from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival and Phil Kohlmetz. Other guests were Angelina Preza, Harmony Ma, and today's speaker, Rebecca Ennals. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 15, 2022: Rebecca Ennals and Shakespeare for the Community Robin Azevedo 2022-03-17 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Ozan Yasavur

Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 16, 2022
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Ozan Yasavur became a Rotarian in December 2019 and joined our Club in March 2022. He was previously with the Ankara Bahcelievler Rotary Club in Turkey. Ozan is a mechanical/structural engineer for Bioforcetech Corporation, and his main responsibility is designing machines which transform organic streams into renewable energy and biochar.

He has been married to Merve Yasavur for two years; she is an architect. Ozan's favorite hobby is cooking and considers cooking to be more of a passion than a hobby.
 
Every day he sees animals and humans suffering. He would like to touch their lives by way of service projects. Ozan feels that the Rotary Club of San Francisco is one of the best places to create and to participate in such service projects.
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Ozan Yasavur Dora Dye 2022-03-16 07:00:00Z 0

Emergency Services Day 2022: From where I stood

Posted by Daniel Joraanstad on Mar 12, 2022
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A breath of anticipation was in the air as arrivals at the Nikko Ballroom took in the beautiful setting for Emergency Services Day (ESD), held since 1987. Everyone was excited. Past attendees knew that tales of heroism and dare were on the program and that the Club would put on the dog for our special guests. A large stage was backed by draperies and lights; spotlights hung from the ceiling to light up the platform. 18 tables were topped with floral displays. There was a bar and a photo booth just inside the room. It was an EVENT!
 
Oversized portraits of the 10 honorees were displayed on easels in the lobby, popular for family and friend photos. Converging on the lobby area for registration were uniformed members of the Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Office, San Francisco Fire Department, and San Francisco Police Department, checked in, making quite an impression. For the first time in the history of this event, Healthcare Representatives joined us having given their all in battling COVID. ESD is a favorite of the Club and usually draws a large audience. This year 140 attendees enjoyed a riveting program, plus a fine three-course lunch if you attended in person. This year we offered an option for those to attend via Zoom if they could not attend in person.
 
Emergency Services Day 2022: From where I stood Daniel Joraanstad 2022-03-12 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 8, 2022: Emergency Services Day 2022

Posted by Larry Booth on Mar 08, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the 2022 Emergency Services Day celebration to order at 12 noon and welcomed the huge audience in attendance in the ballroom of the Hotel Nikko. Attending remotely via Zoom were more members and guests.
 
Rotary Governors and Special Guests
President Mary recognized District Governor Danielle Lallement; District Governor-Elect Gary Chow; Past District Governors Chris Gallagher, Ron Gin, and Eric Schmautz (Banking: Management | Wells Fargo); District Governor Nominee Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin); and District Governor Nominee Designate Steve Wright, who all attended in person. Past District Governors who attended via Zoom were PDG Jayne Hulbert and Peter Lagarias (Law: Franchise | Lagarias, Napell & Dillon).
 
President Mary introduced the following special guests: Deputy Chief Thomas O'Connor from the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD), Chief Bill Scott from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Director of Health Dr. Grant Colfax, Coast Guard Command Master Chief Travis Cutler, Supervisor Connie Chan from District 1; Supervisor Myrna Melgar from District 7; and Office of City Administrator Carmen Chu.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 8, 2022: Emergency Services Day 2022 Larry Booth 2022-03-08 08:00:00Z 0

Remembering Audrey McKeague

Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 07, 2022
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Audrey McKeague. Audrey was a member of our Club from July 12, 2005 to March 1, 2022 (the day she died). See here for more information. She was a registered nurse. When she moved to San Francisco, she changed her career and sold pianos. Audrey was an accomplished pianist and played the piano often at our Club's meetings.
 
In Rotary, she is most remembered for her work with the Salvation Army Harbor House. Not only did she believe in "Service Above Self", but she also lived by these words. Most of all, Audrey was proud to be a Rotarian. Below are the memories and tributes from two Rotarians who knew Audrey well.
 
Remembering Audrey McKeague Dora Dye 2022-03-07 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 1, 2022: Rodney Fong and San Francisco Business Update

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Mar 02, 2022
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President-Elect Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant. Ozan Yasavur from Ankara Bahcelievler Rotary Club exchanged flags with President-Elect Christopher.
 
Visiting Rotarian and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarian was Rudy Asercion from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Sunset who attended in person. Also attending in person were guest Merve Yasavur and today's speaker, Rodney Fong. The guests attending online were Aida Jones and Jeanne Gnuse.
 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS March 1, 2022: Rodney Fong and San Francisco Business Update Nancy Graydon 2022-03-02 08:00:00Z 0

New! Payment for Rotary Luncheons

Posted by Dora Dye on Feb 27, 2022
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Beginning with the luncheon to be held on March 29, 2022, everyone will pay in advance. You will select either In-Person Registration or Zoom Registration.
 
New! Payment for Rotary Luncheons Dora Dye 2022-02-27 08:00:00Z 0

Appointment of Vice President of Club Service

Posted by Mary Liu on Feb 25, 2022
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Thank you to Michael Petricca for serving as our Interim VP of Club Service since July 1, 2021. Michael graciously agreed to continue his role as VP of Club Service until a replacement could be found. The Board is grateful to Michael for introducing us to Greg Grundstrom and Jesse Austin, both from the Academy of Art University to help each week at the Hotel Nikko with setup and tear down of our AV equipment and being our tech support during the meetings. We are also thankful to Michael for securing the venues provided by the Academy of Art University for our Club and district events. 
 
Appointment of Vice President of Club Service Mary Liu 2022-02-25 08:00:00Z 0

John Dracup: A great Rotarian and humanitarian

Posted by Peter Lagarias on Feb 24, 2022
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Editor's Note:  John Dracup passed away on December 20, 2021. Below is a story shared by Peter Lagarias, President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco in 1992-1993. Peter went on to become District Governor in Rotary District 5150 in 2001-2002.
 
One day John Dracup came to our Rotary lunch at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, and by happenstance, he sat next to me. He was wearing his black horn-rimmed glasses and a pork-pie hat, looking altogether professorial. He was considering joining the Rotary Club of San Francisco because he had heard that Rotary was involved in water projects around the world. He added that he was an emeritus professor of civil engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. I told him that I was a Cal graduate. From that day onward, we became fast friends, and he steadily queried me for knowledge about Rotary with purpose. John was determined to serve.
John Dracup: A great Rotarian and humanitarian Peter Lagarias 2022-02-24 08:00:00Z 0

January 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Feb 24, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Board of Directors met on January 25, 2022 for the first Board meeting of the year. The meeting was called to order by Past President JT Forbus at 12 noon as President Mary Liu was under the weather. The Board reviewed and approved the November 30, 2021 minutes with a few amendments.  
 
Treasurer Gary Dales reviewed the December 2021 financial statements. The Club remains in a strong financial position. Certain Board members are reaching out to members who have yet to pay their 2021-22 dues.
 
January 2022 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-02-24 08:00:00Z 0

Remembering John Dracup

Posted by Dora Dye on Feb 23, 2022
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John Dracup was a member of our Club from March 11, 2009 to December 2, 2016. He was a civil and environmental engineering professor emeritus, who specialized in hydrology and water resource engineering and taught at both UCLA and UC Berkeley for more than half a century. At the end of 2016, John moved to Santa Monica to be near his family and joined the Rotary club in Santa Monica.
 
In Rotary, he is most remembered for building sustainable clean water systems funded by Rotary International in remote regions of developing countries. He conducted clean water projects in Kenya, Peru, Honduras, and Guatemala, and published a book entitled Clean Water for Developing Countries.
 
Remembering John Dracup Dora Dye 2022-02-23 08:00:00Z 0

ALPS: Support Bay Area Student Leadership! Coaches Needed!

Posted by Harmony Ma on Feb 20, 2022
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Action Leadership Program with Students (ALPS) is looking for new leadership coaches! Last school year, ALPS supported 12 unique youth-led community impact projects. Currently, we are halfway through the school year, and we have already supported 12 projects! Programs are growing quickly, and our capacity is largely limited by the number of leadership coaches available.

If you’ve wanted to make a personal, positive impact in the community and help cultivate ‘service above self’ leaders, becoming an ALPS leadership coach might be for you!
 
ALPS: Support Bay Area Student Leadership! Coaches Needed! Harmony Ma 2022-02-20 08:00:00Z 0

Vaccination Required for In-Person Attendance at Club Luncheons

Posted by Dora Dye on Feb 19, 2022
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The State of California's mask mandate expired on February 16, 2022. San Francisco County dropped indoor masks for vaccinated people except in certain settings such as schools and public transit. However, California continues to require that people who have not gotten their vaccinations wear masks while indoors.
 
Vaccination Required for In-Person Attendance at Club Luncheons Dora Dye 2022-02-19 08:00:00Z 0

Homeless Prenatal Program: Bagging Housewares

Posted on Feb 17, 2022
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Our Club is pleased to announce that we are once again helping the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP) organize housewares for its clients seeking housing. We will meet on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 6 PM at Hoogasian’s Flower Shop, 615 7th Street in San Francisco for the event. We need 10 Rotarians and friends to help, so we hope you will consider it! The event includes opening boxes of housewares, organizing them on tables, and then creating a kit of various houseware items for delivery to HPP.
 
In the past, we have created diaper bags of goodies for the new moms and have visited their baby showers at HPP. Our intent is to revert to the diaper bag program once HPP has fully opened its doors to the public. In the meantime, please join us on March 22 to help with housewares. Afterwards, the group usually walks down the street to a local pub and enjoys a meal together. If you have questions, contact Emily Borland.
Homeless Prenatal Program: Bagging Housewares Emily Borland 2022-02-17 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 15, 2022: Semi-Annual Club Assembly

Posted by Alisha Marfatia on Feb 16, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant. 
 
Visiting Rotarian and Special Guest
Today's visiting Rotarian was Ozan Yasavur from Ankara Bahcelievler Rotary Club. Our guests were Aida Jones and Todd St. Vrain.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 15, 2022: Semi-Annual Club Assembly Alisha Marfatia 2022-02-16 08:00:00Z 0

SUPER BOWL PARTY: A big kick

Posted by Jim Patrick on Feb 14, 2022
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31 Rotarians and guests gathered at the Academy of Art building on Van Ness Avenue to watch the Los Angeles Rams walk off with the big Super Bowl prize. Our Pool was full of action as well with Peter Logan winning one Paul Harris and Wendy Ross winning three Paul Harris Fellows plus an autographed football. The effort raised $7,500 of which one half will go to the San Francisco Rotary Foundation and the other half to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. 
 
SUPER BOWL PARTY: A big kick Jim Patrick 2022-02-14 08:00:00Z 0
Action Leadership Program with Students: Asian American Mental Health Support Event! Harmony Ma 2022-02-10 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 8, 2022: Kate Sofis and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Posted by Larry Booth on Feb 09, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone attending either online or in person inside the Anzu Restaurant. She noted that it had been over a month since we got together in person, and she was just coming off her personal quarantine for COVID. On each table were plated hors d'oeuvres and fresh ice tea, showing the appreciation of the staff at the Hotel Nikko for our return.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarian was Ozan Yasavur, a Rotarian from Turkey who is planning to join our Club soon. Additional online guests were Aida Jones, Jeanne Gnuse, and Paul Vazquez from Alliance for Smiles. Guests in person included Theo Ellington from the Salvation Army, Donald Brooks, and today's speaker - Kate Sofis.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 8, 2022: Kate Sofis and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development Larry Booth 2022-02-09 08:00:00Z 0

Member in the News: February 2022

Posted by Dora Dye on Feb 09, 2022
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Rick Harrell has won a Jefferson Award. This Award is given to people who build better communities and contribute to better a future for those around them. Rick's work with veterans in the Heroes' Voices Program is giving back to those who had put themselves on the line to protect our freedom and values.
 
Here is the news clip honoring Rick and his Program. Rick joined our Club on August 1, 2014. Through the years, he has shared his musical talent as well as his Heroes' Voices Program with Rotarians and has served as a speaker. Congratulations to Rick!
Member in the News: February 2022 Dora Dye 2022-02-09 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 1, 2022: Celebrating Chinese New Year

Posted by Stacey Poole on Feb 03, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) kicked off the Zoom-only meeting at 12:15 PM, wishing everyone a 恭禧發財 Gung Hay Fat Choy in celebration of Chinese New Year. It’s the Year of the Tiger!
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's visiting Rotarians were Ozan Yasavur, a Rotarian from Turkey who is planning to join our Club soon; Salvador Farfán, a Rotarian from Washington, DC; and Assistant Governor Liz Mark from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown. Cynthia Yee was President Mary's special guest.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS February 1, 2022: Celebrating Chinese New Year Stacey Poole 2022-02-03 08:00:00Z 0

Serving our Community at the SF Marin Food Bank

Posted by Bob Hermann on Jan 31, 2022
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It was another fine community service day. Dan Davies, John Dean, Susan Dean, Bob Hermann, Alisha Marfatia, Maureen O'Shea, and Christopher Wiseman of the Rotary Club of San Francisco each spent 2.5 hours at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank on Saturday, January 29, 2022. They were joined by other groups to pack 616 boxes of food onto four completely full pallets, totaling over 20,000 pounds of food. Just imagine the nourishing food of fruits and vegetables to be distributed to the thousands of needy in our communities.
 
Serving our Community at the SF Marin Food Bank Bob Hermann 2022-01-31 08:00:00Z 0

November 2021 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Jan 27, 2022
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Board of Directors met on November 30, 2021 for the last Board meeting of the year. The meeting was called to order by President Mary Liu at 12 noon. The Board reviewed and approved the October 26, 2021 minutes with a couple of edits.  
 
The October 2021 financial statements were reviewed by Treasurer Gary Dales who reported that the Club is in good financial shape. Lower attendance at in-person meetings has reduced certain costs. Gary sent out reminders to members who have not yet paid their dues. 
 
November 2021 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2022-01-27 08:00:00Z 0

Membership News:  January 2022

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Jan 25, 2022
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members on February 8, 2022:
 
Wendy Shew (Educational Services | Building Education)
Ozan Yasavur (Engineering: Mechanical-Structural | Bioforcetech Corporation).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: January 2022 Nancy Graydon 2022-01-25 08:00:00Z 0

CLUB SURVEY 2022: Calling for your input

Posted by Mary Liu on Jan 24, 2022
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In preparation for our discussion at the Semi-Annual Club Assembly on February 15, 2022, please provide your input here. This survey focuses on your day-to-day experiences in the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Your input is valuable and will be used to make our Club even better. There are no right or wrong answers; we simply ask for your honest opinions.

Raffle: Members who complete the survey by or before February 7, 2022 may choose to enter the Raffle to win a $50 Gift Card to Amazon. If you have any questions, comments, or just want to chat, please contact President Mary Liu.
CLUB SURVEY 2022: Calling for your input Mary Liu 2022-01-24 08:00:00Z 0

2022 Super Bowl Pool and Potluck

Posted by Jim Patrick on Jan 19, 2022
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Super Bowl LVI will be played on February 13, 2022. (We're hoping to see our San Francisco 49ers in the big game). Our Club is holding its annual Super Bowl Pool and Social on this date, and you are invited. 

The Super Bowl Pool is our Club’s annual drive to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International (TRF) and the San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF). Rotary's mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Every Rotarian around the world is asked to donate to TRF every year. Super Bowl Pool winners receive a Paul Harris Fellowship.
 
2022 Super Bowl Pool and Potluck Jim Patrick 2022-01-19 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 18, 2022: Heidi and Gary Kuhn, Afghanistan Update

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Jan 18, 2022
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called today's meeting via Zoom to order. Close to 80 members and guests attended. Among the visiting Rotarians were Ron Sekkel (Past District 5170 Governor), Brian McLeran (Past District 5150 Governor), Ginny Lear (from the Rotary Club of Palo Alto), Frank Yih (from the Rotary Club of Shanghai), Steve Pomeroy (from the Rotary Club of Los Altos) and Steve Wright (District 5150 Governor Nominee for 2024-2025). 
 
NEW: Fee for Zoom Meetings
Since March 2020, our Club has offered Zoom meetings and events for free. However, we cannot continue to do so due to costs associated with offering meetings in this manner. Beginning February 1, 2022, we will charge each attendee $10 per Tuesday luncheon meeting. When you register for a Tuesday luncheon meeting, you will be asked to make this payment. Please note that all Committee meetings such as Membership Committee or Community Service Committee meetings via Zoom remain free of charge, and we appreciate your service.
 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 18, 2022: Heidi and Gary Kuhn, Afghanistan Update Nancy Graydon 2022-01-18 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 11, 2022: Dr. Michael Martin and Red Meat: Is it really bad for you?

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Jan 13, 2022
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President-Elect Christopher Wiseman (Event Planning | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called today's meeting to order. In attendance were the following guests: Dr. Michael Martin (today's speaker); Ozan Yasavur (a Rotarian from Turkey); Wendy Shew; Michael Morgenstern; Margaret Curtis; and Salvador Farfan (from the Rotary Club of Long Beach).
 
Weekly Holidays
We recognized some weekly holidays around the world:
 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 11, 2022: Dr. Michael Martin and Red Meat: Is it really bad for you? Robin Azevedo 2022-01-13 08:00:00Z 0

A Successful Rotary Means Business Event

Posted by Sunny Singh on Jan 13, 2022
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Communication & Media for Business Professionals, a District 5150 Rotary Means Business event, was hosted by the Vocational Services committee of our Club. This was a virtual event. We had 38 attendees.
 
The first part of the presentation was a short description of the RMB fellowship, vocational service, and its role within Rotary. After that, our featured speaker, Amy Scruggs, did her presentation. In her presentation, she shared tips on how to communicate better in person and virtually.
 
A Successful Rotary Means Business Event Sunny Singh 2022-01-13 08:00:00Z 0

District 5150 Happenings and The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Daniel Joraanstad, SFRF President on Jan 11, 2022
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I have been newly appointed as Rotary District 5150 Endowment/Major Gifts Chair or EMG for short. I appreciate the opportunity to serve with the District Leadership Team and to start what will probably be a three-year term. In my role, I will help the many generous donors in our District to realize their goals in giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
 
Consider how generous District 5150 Rotarians have been this year in their gifts. Our Districtwide goal of $1 million to TRF for the fiscal year has already been exceeded - $1.2 million has been given. District Governor Danielle Lallement’s new mid-year goal is to reach $2 million for TRF by June 30, 2022. It is a joy to consider the good work which these dollars unleash across the world, our country, and our own District.
 
District 5150 Happenings and The Rotary Foundation Daniel Joraanstad, SFRF President 2022-01-11 08:00:00Z 0

A Message from the Editor

Posted by Dora Dye on Jan 10, 2022
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The virus continues to place limits on our ability to get together. While our Club remains active, things can change on short notice. If you signed up for a meeting or an event recently, please check www.sfrotary.com or your email for any change that might have been made on short notice before heading out to the meeting or event. You can also contact a Board member listed here if you have questions.
 
A Message from the Editor Dora Dye 2022-01-10 08:00:00Z 0
New Online Application for Start of 2022-2023 Grant Season Daniel Joraanstad, SFRF President 2022-01-06 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 4, 2022: PDG Russ Ketron - Polio and TRF

Posted by Dora Dye on Jan 06, 2022
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First Meeting of 2022
The recent spike in COVID cases prompted our Club to switch at the last minute from a hybrid meeting to a Zoom-only meeting on January 4, 2022. Past President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) called the meeting to order. In attendance were the following guests: PDG Russ Ketron, Rob Strahan of Catholic Charities, and Ozan Yasavur, a Rotarian from Turkey. Joining them were almost 40 members of our Club.
 
Rotarian of the Month
Past President JT recognized Peter Logan (Law: Insurance | Peter Logan Law Offices) as the Rotarian of the Month for December 2021. Peter was nominated and approved by our Board for his service on the Membership Committee and on the Board of the San Francisco Rotary Foundation. He also sends out anniversary cards to members and is always helpful at our weekly luncheon meetings. Congratulations and thank you to Peter!
 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 4, 2022: PDG Russ Ketron - Polio and TRF Dora Dye 2022-01-06 08:00:00Z 0

MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER:  Dan Joraanstad

Posted by Dora Dye on Jan 03, 2022
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Dan Joraanstad was born and raised in North Dakota and had an 18-year career in college textbook sales and publishing. He shifted from the publishing world to the financial world in 1996 and became a financial advisor. His 20 years in the industry concluded at Wells Fargo Advisors when he was named a director. The next chapter of his life (volunteering and traveling) beckoned, and Dan responded by retiring in 2016.
 
Dan met his husband, Bob Hermann, in 1988. Both feel incredibly fortunate to have rewarding careers, supportive family and friends over time, and now a large extended family in the world of Rotary. 
 
MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER: Dan Joraanstad Dora Dye 2022-01-03 08:00:00Z 0

Change in Celebrations of Life for Cliff Dochterman

Posted by Dora Dye on Jan 02, 2022
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The plans to celebrate Cliff Dochterman's life in person have been postponed due to concern over the current variant of the COVID-19 virus. We will let you know of the new dates later this year.
 
 
 
Change in Celebrations of Life for Cliff Dochterman Dora Dye 2022-01-02 08:00:00Z 0

A Look Back at 2021 and Welcome to 2022

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 29, 2021
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2021 began with many of us in search of the first shot of COVID vaccine. Who got the first shot was determined by age and health risk factors, but eventually, anyone who wanted a shot got one and then two. Our Club began 2021 on a high note: Past President Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin) was selected to serve as District 5150 Governor in 2023-2024.
 
We never wavered from the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self'. In fact, we did many service projects by carefully following the health guidelines and limiting the number of participants. We expanded our reach to groups we had not partnered with in the past such as TogetherSF by loading food boxes for delivery to churches to feed those in need and by donating dictionaries in print for distribution to children who could not afford electronic devices to use for educational purposes. We delivered personal safety alarms to Asian seniors in our community.
 
A Look Back at 2021 and Welcome to 2022 Dora Dye 2021-12-29 08:00:00Z 0

MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER:  Peter Logan

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 28, 2021
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Peter J. Logan is a solo attorney advocating for clients against insurance companies. Says Peter, "It's great when I can help people collect what they are due." When not practicing law, his main hobby is playing drums in a rock band. He and his band love to get people up and dancing. Peter has a daughter who is a magazine and aspiring television writer living in New York City.
 
Peter joined our Club on April 1, 2011 and joined the Board of the San Francisco Rotary Foundation in 2018. On the Board, he is a member-at-large and provides input on most matters that come before the SFRF Board. The input can cover the Foundation's rules, grant applications, and status reviews on projects already funded by SFRF.
 
 
MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER: Peter Logan Dora Dye 2021-12-28 08:00:00Z 0

Recap of the 2021 Annual Meeting and Holiday Party

Posted by Stacey Poole and Dora Dye on Dec 17, 2021
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The Rotary Club of San Francisco’s Holiday Party and Annual Meeting were held on December 14, 2021 at the Hotel Nikko. Members and guests were welcomed starting at 11:00 AM to fellowship, a photo booth, and a chance to spin the Rotary wheel to win a prize before the meeting moved to the main dining room.
 
President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) welcomed and reminded everyone of her eight goals for the year:  
  • hold a successful weekly hybrid meeting. (This has been accomplished.)
  • increase membership by 25 new members. (We have inducted 15 new members so far.)
  • encourage new service projects for grant funding.
  • raise $100,000 for the 50/50 Campaign. (We have raised $108,112 so far.)
  • earn District 5150's Best Club award. (We are only at 44% toward this goal.)
  • continue our work with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • collaborate with other Rotary clubs and organizations.
  • have fun.
Recap of the 2021 Annual Meeting and Holiday Party Stacey Poole and Dora Dye 2021-12-17 08:00:00Z 0

Celebration of Life for Past RI President Cliff Dochterman

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 17, 2021
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Clifford Dochterman, Rotary International President 1992-1993, passed away on November 23, 2021. Our Club immediately paid tribute to him. See Peter Lagarias' tribute and tributes from other members of our Club. 

There are now two Celebrations of Life planned that will take place as follows:
  • January 14, 2022, at 2:00 PM Pacific time at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Moraga, California.
  • January 15, 2022, at 2:00 PM Pacific time at the University of the Pacific, Morris Chapel, Stockton, California.
Celebration of Life for Past RI President Cliff Dochterman Dora Dye 2021-12-17 08:00:00Z 0

MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER:  John Mathers

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 15, 2021
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John Mathers joined Rotary on March 1, 2011 and became our Club's president in 2017-2018. He is married to Peggy, and they enjoy traveling for fun and enlightenment. These days, many of us know John because of his work and active involvement with the Rotary Climate Action Team.
 
John joined the Board of the San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) in 2017. On the Board, he is the Chair of the Nominating Committee and serves on the Executive Committee. When SFRF president Dan Joraanstad is unavailable, John stands in for Dan. John's goal is to support the fundamental purpose of the SFRF Board, which is to manage the monies and support the projects of the Rotary Club of San Francisco.
 
MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER: John Mathers Dora Dye 2021-12-15 08:00:00Z 0

A Message from the Editor

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 14, 2021
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We have reached the final issue of Grindings for 2021. I will be taking a short break. Grindings will not be published on December 26, 2021, but will resume on January 2, 2022. We have already started to plan the new year. Take a moment to view the Club calendar for events in January 2022. Registration is required for all events so that we can send you additional information as needed. 
 
What a year! We started 2021 (Year 2 of a global pandemic) as we had ended 2020 and continued to meet via Zoom only except for an occasional service project in person in very small groups. During his term, Past President JT Forbus held only one meeting in person - his debunking in June 2021. President Mary Liu ushered in the era of meeting simultaneously in person and via Zoom. We continue to adapt and evolve, proving our resilience.
 
A Message from the Editor Dora Dye 2021-12-14 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS December 7, 2021: Bill Yenne and When the Other Shoe Dropped: Imperial Japan Attacks the West Coast 1941-1942

Posted by Sunny Singh on Dec 09, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone to the second oldest Rotary club in the world. This is our Club's 113th year. 
 
Special Guests
Ann Daugherty (Financial Services: Private Trading | IBN Financial Services) introduced her guest, Rose Marie Cleese. Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced his guest, Michael Harrington. John Mathers (Management Consulting | eVo Associates) introduced his guest, Tracy Roberts. Also present was today's speaker — Bill Yenne who introduced his guest, Hudson Martin.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS December 7, 2021: Bill Yenne and When the Other Shoe Dropped: Imperial Japan Attacks the West Coast 1941-1942 Sunny Singh 2021-12-09 08:00:00Z 0

2021 Annual Meeting

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 09, 2021
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Our Club gathers to celebrate the holidays on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. After a year when gathering together was not possible due to COVID and safety issues, we will treasure this moment even more. The Holiday Party is not the only reason for us to come together on Tuesday; very important is your attendance at the Annual Meeting happening at the same time.
 
2021 Annual Meeting Dora Dye 2021-12-09 08:00:00Z 0

Fund the Future Gala - Save the Date

Posted by Harmony Ma on Dec 05, 2021
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The Fund the Future ALPS Gala is back! This benefit and silent auction will be held on Feb. 16, 2022 at The City Club. All proceeds will go to helping expand the ALPS mission to empower youth with the confidence and tools to successfully lead change projects in their schools, communities, and world. Action Leadership Program with Students (ALPS) programs prepare youth to be ‘service above self’ leaders for healthy communities and a civil society.
 
Fund the Future Gala - Save the Date Harmony Ma 2021-12-05 08:00:00Z 0

Members in the News: December 2021

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 04, 2021
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Charlotte Mailliard Shultz was a member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco from November 1, 1987 until she passed away on December 3, 2021. She was the Chief of Protocol for the state of California and the Chief of Protocol for the City and County of San Francisco. Charlotte was married to former United States Secretary of State George P. Shultz from 1997 until his death earlier this year. We join the community in mourning her loss and appreciate her many contributions to the City and County of San Francisco.
Members in the News: December 2021 Dora Dye 2021-12-04 08:00:00Z 0

At the Up and Up Away with EREY Gala

Posted on Dec 02, 2021
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On November 20, 2021, Rotary District 5150 held its annual The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Gala at the Green Hills Country Club in Millbrae, California. The Gala was in person, but one could attend virtually as well. It was also the first occasion to dress to impress since the start of the pandemic. And dressed in their finest from the Rotary Club of San Francisco were President Mary Liu, Bob Hermann, Dan Joraanstad, David Dye, Dora Dye, Frank Yoke, Heidi Kuhn, Cecile Chiquette, Eric Schmautz and Stephanie Schmautz and their daughters Molly and Katie. Also from our Club was District Governor-Elect Nominee Laine Hendricks who served as emcee for the evening.
 
At the Up and Up Away with EREY Gala Dora Dye 2021-12-02 08:00:00Z 0

October 2021 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Dec 02, 2021
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Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Club Board met on October 26, 2021; President Mary Liu called the meeting via Zoom to order at 12 noon. In attendance were President Mary Liu, Christopher Wiseman, Gary Dales, Nancy Graydon, Casey Blair, Sunny Singh, Lisa Christian, J.T. Forbus, Miranti Ojong, Ed Shenkan, Bob Hermann and Stacey Poole, constituting a quorum. Brian Lan and Michael Petricca were absent. Dan Joraanstad was present, representing the San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF). Non-Board members in attendance were Jenny Campbell, Jeff Lerner, and Marc Johnson.
October 2021 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2021-12-02 08:00:00Z 0

MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER:  Robin Azevedo

Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 01, 2021
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Robin McRoskey Azevedo is the CEO of McRoskey Mattress Company – the Bay Area’s trusted mattress retailer - founded in San Francisco in 1899 by her grandfather and his brother. She enjoys gathering with family and friends to connect and share experiences, and she certainly enjoys being a Rotarian, having been a member of our Club since July 2, 2004.

Robin joined the Board of the San Francisco Rotary Foundation in 2019. On the Board, she is a member-at-large and serves on the Grant Review Committee which sifts through the grant applications received to see what should go to the Club level for approval and eventually to the Foundation. Her goals are to oversee the causes that our Club sponsors and share the far reaching impact that the Rotary Club of San Francisco and Rotary International can and do make.
 
MEET A FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER: Robin Azevedo Dora Dye 2021-12-01 08:00:00Z 0

More Tributes to Cliff Dochterman

Posted by Dora Dye on Nov 24, 2021
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Editor's Note:  Clifford Dochterman, Rotary International President 1992-1993, passed away on November 23, 2021. The following members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco shared their memory of Past RI President Dochterman.
 
Cliff was an outstanding Rotarian and man. He impressed me repeatedly. At my PETS, he gave the often replayed speech about doing things that put Rotary in the public eye rather than just giving checks to non-profits. Cliff's words inspired me to be involved with Rotary Meadow in San Francisco.
 
Harold Hoogasian 
President, 2001-2002
Rotary Club of San Francisco
 
More Tributes to Cliff Dochterman Dora Dye 2021-11-24 08:00:00Z 0

My Rotarian Friend Cliff Dochterman

Posted by Peter Lagarias on Nov 24, 2021
Editor's Note:  Clifford Dochterman, Rotary International President 1992-1993, passed away on November 23, 2021. Below is a story shared by Peter Lagarias, President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco in 1992-1993. Peter went on to become District Governor in Rotary District 5150 in 2001-2002.
 
 
Cliff Dochterman was, and remains, a brilliant beacon of light about service and Rotary. I first met Cliff in 1985, when our Club’s then executive director, Bill Ecker, recruited me for PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar). I was not a President-Elect at the time; rather I was sent as a Sergeant-at-Arms. Cliff was one of the speakers, and his talk was “If I Could be President Again.” Over the years I heard him deliver these remarks at least ten times (including when I became President-Elect and then District Governor and beyond). His message was about service and what was available and possible through Rotary. During his talk he mentioned his years as an Administrator at the University of California and joked about Berkeley and also about a Rotary project by some Rotarians in Oklahoma where “they were trying to smuggle books into Texas.” 
 
My Rotarian Friend Cliff Dochterman Peter Lagarias 2021-11-24 08:00:00Z 0

What's New in the Rotary Club of San Francisco

Posted by Dora Dye on Nov 24, 2021
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What's new? Actually, it's what has come back. Club socials returned in July; the next one is a historical walking tour in San Francisco's Chinatown. There are still tickets left.
 
After a year of silence, bells will ring once again for the Salvation Army. Sign up here.
 
Also back is our Holiday Party and Annual Meeting in person with a Zoom option. This is always the most festive and fun-filled luncheon of the year; don't miss it.
 
What's New in the Rotary Club of San Francisco Dora Dye 2021-11-24 08:00:00Z 0

News from the San Francisco Rotary Foundation

Posted by Daniel Joraanstad on Nov 23, 2021
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The San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) Board met recently. Our invested funds continue their strong growth cycle. The funds are up $500K YTD, and now stand at the highest value ever, about $5.3 million. Also, the Colant Scholarship fund has risen to a record high of $509,000. Here is an update on our recent activities:  
 
2021-2022 GRANT REQUESTS
SFRF has been busy fulfilling the grant requests for 2021-22. Approximately $164,500 plus $28,000 in district-designated funds have been allocated to 19 projects. All Vocational and Community Service project requests to date have been funded. Up for consideration next will be requests for International and Youth Leadership projects.
 
News from the San Francisco Rotary Foundation Daniel Joraanstad 2021-11-23 08:00:00Z 0

Thanksgiving with The Arc Highlights: November 22 and 23, 2021

Posted by Barbara Streett on Nov 22, 2021
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The Rotary Club of San Francisco has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with the Participants of The Arc San Francisco. In 2020, we had to pivot from an in-person celebration to a virtual event. The virtual tradition was repeated in 2021 with the preparation of 300 hot meals delivered to 150 of The Arc Participants this past Tuesday, November 23. 
 
Past President of our Club and Past District 5150 Governor Eric Schmautz along with support from Rotarian Marti Sullivan, former Senior Director of Development & Communications of The Arc, and our Club's Vice President of Community Service Bob Hermann led this project to prepare, package, and deliver hot meals with a festive Thanksgiving theme to The Arc Participants experiencing social isolation and food insecurity. 
 
Thanksgiving with The Arc Highlights: November 22 and 23, 2021 Barbara Streett 2021-11-22 08:00:00Z 0

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Sowing the Economics of Peace

Posted by Heidi Kuhn on Nov 19, 2021
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For nearly 25 years, Roots of Peace, a humanitarian non-profit, has worked to cultivate peace through agriculture in war-torn lands worldwide. Now, they have expanded their business model for peace to include the Western Highlands of Guatemala seeking the "root" cause for out-migration in the Northern Triangle of Guatemala. Instead of investing in higher walls at the U.S. border, the Kuhn Rotarians seek to build longer tables so that families may stay home with the dignity to break bread with fruits grown in their homeland and income from exports to international markets.

See this ABC7 News segment to learn how Rotarians may become involved in sowing the "economics of peace" to solve the U.S. border crisis.
 
 
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Sowing the Economics of Peace Heidi Kuhn 2021-11-19 08:00:00Z 0

Report from the Nominating Committee

Posted by Christopher Wiseman on Nov 18, 2021
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In accordance with our Club's Bylaws, the Nominating Committee has selected these candidates for open positions on the Board of Directors:
 
2022-23 President: Christopher Wiseman
2022-23 President-Elect: Sunny Singh
2022-24 Vice President of Community Service: Emily Borland
2022-24 Vice President of Development: Maureen O'Shea
2022-24 Vice President of International Service: Frank Yoke
2022-24 Vice President of Membership: Margaret Miley
 
Report from the Nominating Committee Christopher Wiseman 2021-11-18 08:00:00Z 0

ALPS Project November 24, 2021:  Canned Food Drive

Posted by Harmony Ma on Nov 18, 2021
The Rotary Club of San Francisco and the San Francisco Rotary Foundation launched the Action Leadership Program with Students (ALPS) in 2019. Below is an ALPS project where we can help by donating canned food. Any questions, please contact Harmony Ma, ALPS Program Manager.
ALPS Project November 24, 2021: Canned Food Drive Harmony Ma 2021-11-18 08:00:00Z 0

Members in the News: November 2021

Posted by Dora Dye on Nov 18, 2021
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Sue Rokaw, Past District Governor (PDG) of Rotary District 5150 and member of our Club, sends her best regards and announces that she and her husband, Alan Test, recently moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Ocean Springs in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
 
Members in the News: November 2021 Dora Dye 2021-11-18 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 16, 2021:

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Nov 17, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone to the second oldest Rotary club in the world. This is our Club's 113th year. 
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Past District 5150 Governor Jayne Hulbert and Rotarian Gene Duffy (PDG Jayne's husband). Also in attendance were Jatinderpal Kaur Sahi, CEO of RotaCare Bay Area; Armando Zumaya from Catholic Charities; Clifford Phillips from The Arc San Francisco; Dorian Luey and Meshtli Villalta from the University of San Francisco; Hamid Ansari from Roots of Peace; and Victoria Cooper.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 16, 2021: Nancy Graydon 2021-11-17 08:00:00Z 0

Bagging Housewares for the Homeless Prenatal Program

Posted by Emily Borland on Nov 11, 2021
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Nine Rotarians and friends gathered at Hoogasian’s Flower Shop on October 26 to sort and bag housewares for the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP). It was a fun event and a change of pace from our typical projects in the past, when we bagged items for new babies.
 
This time, we bagged the housewares for 50 moms who are moving into new homes with their families. Items included bakeware, knives and mixing spoons, bowls, colanders, and other kitchen basics. 
 
Bagging Housewares for the Homeless Prenatal Program Emily Borland 2021-11-11 08:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 9, 2021: Carly Devlin and Ending Human Trafficking

Posted by Larry Booth on Nov 09, 2021
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On a rainy day, a small group of Rotarians ventured out to attend the Tuesday luncheon. Joining them was another group of Rotarians on Zoom. President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and introduced Jessie Austin of the Academy of Art University. Jessie now manages the audio-visual equipment during our in-person meetings, and we are truly grateful.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 9, 2021: Carly Devlin and Ending Human Trafficking Larry Booth 2021-11-09 08:00:00Z 0

Report on Vocational Meeting: Professional Portrait and Business Networking

Posted by Sunny Singh on Nov 07, 2021
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On November 3, 2021, a group of 15 people participated in our Vocational Service event - Professional Portrait and Business Networking. President Mary Liu offered her office at Vanguard Properties for this event. Pat Johnson, a well-known Bay Area photographer, took a professional headshot of each attendee.
 
Jenny Campbell, one of our Club's new members, led the networking during the event. Each attendee partnered with someone in the group and learned their elevator pitch. Next, each person went up to the stage and presented the partner’s elevator pitch. 
Report on Vocational Meeting: Professional Portrait and Business Networking Sunny Singh 2021-11-07 07:00:00Z 0

ALPS:  Promoting Healthy Habits for Young Children

Posted by Harmony Ma on Nov 04, 2021
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Having a safe space where young people may learn about the foundations of health and exercise is an important aspect of developing a healthy understanding of fitness and positive body image. This is what our latest group of ALPS leaders believes. In our current day and age of social media and competition/comparison-driven environments, our ALPS students have been striving to create a program that provides positive mentorship and role models as well as fun activities for elementary students. 

Since July, these student leaders have been planning a collaborative exercise program with their local elementary school. They’ve learned to work under COVID-19 guidelines, event and spacing logistics, and equipment loans and donations in order to plan safe programming.  
 
ALPS: Promoting Healthy Habits for Young Children Harmony Ma 2021-11-04 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  November 2, 2021:  Jenny Kit Ching Campbell and Truth, Integrity, and Connection: All Roads Lead to Humanity

Posted by Margaret Miley on Nov 03, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Attending in person were the following guests: Saswati Mukherjee, a visiting Rotarian from India; Devon Kessler; and Angelina Preza. Online as guests were Beatrice Steele and Zelda Okia.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS November 2, 2021: Jenny Kit Ching Campbell and Truth, Integrity, and Connection: All Roads Lead to Humanity Margaret Miley 2021-11-03 07:00:00Z 0

A Spooktacular Evening of Halloween-Themed, Musical Bingo

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 28, 2021
On October 28, 2021, Club members and their families joined in a virtual game of Halloween-themed, musical bingo. Our Halloween costume winners were brothers JT and Daryn Borland-Wong, sisters Leyna and Emmy Blair, and sisters Leia and Mae Forbus. Our bingo winners were Casey Blair, Mary Liu, and Stacey Poole. It was a spooktacular event enjoyed by all!  

We hope to see you at our next Club social on December 4th.  
A Spooktacular Evening of Halloween-Themed, Musical Bingo Stacey Poole 2021-10-28 07:00:00Z 0

ALPS: Fostering Multigenerational Relationships

Posted by Harmony Ma on Oct 27, 2021
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A cornerstone of the Action Leadership Program with Students (ALPS) is multigenerational relationships, and this group of participants really showed us what that is all about! By fostering a collaborative and positive group environment, ALPS students were able to execute their vision of bringing generations together through connection and song. 

Over the past few months, a group of five students gathered together to explore ways to show the seniors and older adults in their neighborhood that they are seen, valued and important members of our community, but especially that they are not alone. The students decided to show the seniors how much they cared through connecting in a way that was very personal and meaningful to them: song!
 
ALPS: Fostering Multigenerational Relationships Harmony Ma 2021-10-27 07:00:00Z 0

September 2021 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 27, 2021
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September 28, 2021 Board Highlights
The Board met on September 28, 2021 with enough Board members in attendance to achieve quorum. The first Board meeting was that of the Rotary Club of San Francisco.

Treasurer Gary Dales reviewed the August 2021 financial statements. While he did not have any immediate concerns, our attendance at in-person meetings had been lighter than budgeted. In addition, many members still have not paid their annual dues. It was suggested that members be reminded to pay their dues invoice. 
 
September 2021 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2021-10-27 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News:  October 2021

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Oct 26, 2021
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members on November 9, 2021:
 
Rachel Donovan (Engineering: Civil | California Department of Transportation)
Jefferson Li-Kuo Yih (Student and Musician).
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: October 2021 Nancy Graydon 2021-10-26 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  October 19, 2021:  Laine Hendricks and Rising to a Challenge

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Oct 21, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone to the second oldest Rotary club in the world. This is our Club's 113th year.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Attending in person was ALPS Program Manager Harmony Ma. Attending online were the following visiting Rotarians: Brent Ainsworth of the Rotary Club of Novato; Jenny Bates of the Rotary Club of San Rafael Evening; and President Paul Ekstrand, Barry Hytowitz, Malinda Monterrosa, Christina Moses, and Jose Luis Sanchez (all from the Rotary Club of Los Angeles). Also online were the following guests: Daniel Catena, Rosa Santos, Christina Laird, Martha Ryan from the Homeless Prenatal Program, and today's speaker — Laine Hendricks.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 19, 2021: Laine Hendricks and Rising to a Challenge Nancy Graydon 2021-10-21 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  October 12, 2021: Marc Pomerleau and The Roots of Anti-Asian Hate, San Francisco Chinatown, and Why this Legacy Matters Today

Posted by Frank Yoke on Oct 14, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone. 
 
Recent Events
Hispanic Heritage Month: The audience watched a video on Hispanic Heritage Month. This observation from September 15 to October 15 started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 12, 2021: Marc Pomerleau and The Roots of Anti-Asian Hate, San Francisco Chinatown, and Why this Legacy Matters Today Frank Yoke 2021-10-14 07:00:00Z 0

Memories of the Blue Angels Viewing Party

Posted by Jeff Lerner on Oct 14, 2021
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91 Rotarians, family members, and guests gathered together for a fabulous, front row seat overlooking Jefferson Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and the San Francisco Bay to view the Blue Angels in motion on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The maneuvers and the choreography of the Blue Angels left the audience in awe. The location of the event, the space, the food, and the décor were spot on.  
 
Memories of the Blue Angels Viewing Party Jeff Lerner 2021-10-14 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Ed Shenkan, Vice President of International Service

Posted by Dora Dye on Oct 10, 2021
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Ed Shenkan joined our Club on December 10, 2019, but says that he has always had Rotary in his genes! Ed’s great grandfather and grandfather were Rotarians, and his father Sid has been a Rotarian in New Castle, Pennsylvania for over 60 years (previous club president and regional chair of Polio Plus). Ed proudly says that Rotary had a meaningful impact on his life by sponsoring him for a year of study in Épinal, France as a high school Rotary Exchange Student. For over 30 years, he has continued his friendship with his three French homestay families. 
 
As a result of the positive impact on his life from his exchange year in France, he and his wife Amy chose the French American International School in San Francisco beginning at age 4 for their daughter Maddie. Maddie is now in 12th grade and is preparing to graduate with the French Baccalaureate designation.
 
MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Ed Shenkan, Vice President of International Service Dora Dye 2021-10-10 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  October 5, 2021: John Rothmann

Posted by Ann Daugherty on Oct 06, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM and welcomed everyone to the second oldest Rotary club in the world. This is our Club's 113th year.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
New member Esther Landau (Nonprofit Administration | The Arc San Francisco) introduced her guests - Barbara Streett and Kristen Pedersen. Joining online were Rosa Santos and today's speaker — John Rothmann.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS October 5, 2021: John Rothmann Ann Daugherty 2021-10-06 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Tour the Murals in San Francisco's Mission District

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 03, 2021
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Rotarians and guests met on September 30, 2021 to tour the Mission District murals hosted by the Precita Eyes Muralists Association (the Association). The Association was founded in 1977, originally as a community muralist workshop. It now supports nearly 100 murals in the Mission, many of which are in Balmy Alley. Balmy Alley homeowners have allowed muralists to beautify the privately owned passageway, and murals are occasionally refurbished and refreshed in collaboration with the original artist(s) and homeowner. The Association's mission is to support Chicano muralism’s original objective: to create public art that authentically represents a community’s history and culture.

See more photos here. We hope to see you at future social events!
 
 
Rotarians Tour the Murals in San Francisco's Mission District Stacey Poole 2021-10-03 07:00:00Z 0

July 2021 and August 2021 Board Highlights

Posted by Stacey Poole on Oct 01, 2021
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July 27, 2021 Board Highlights
 
A quorum of the board members met for their first board meeting of the 2021-22 Rotary Board year. Dan Joraanstad was also present to represent the San Francisco Rotary Foundation.  
 
The Board spent considerable time discussing additional proposed changes to the By-Laws, which will be voted on at the December annual meeting. 
 
Treasurer Gary Dales spoke about the 2021-22 budget. While it has a slight deficit, Gary believes the Club is still in good financial standing given the surplus the year prior. He noted that invoices had gone out to the membership both via U.S. Mail and e-mail. 
 
July 2021 and August 2021 Board Highlights Stacey Poole 2021-10-01 07:00:00Z 0

Supporting the Homeless Prenatal Program

Posted by Emily Borland on Sep 30, 2021
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The Rotary Club of San Francisco is proud to be in its 7th year to support the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP). Martha Ryan, the Executive Director of HPP, will attend our lunch meeting on October 19 to accept our Foundation’s donation. Martha will also give us an update on the latest happenings at HPP.
 
While we were originally scheduled to bag diapers and attend quarterly baby showers this fiscal year, our Club will once again adapt to the Community’s needs due to the COVID Delta variant. HPP is not distributing diaper bags or holding baby showers at this time. Instead, they have asked our Club to bag personal care items for their clientele.
 
Supporting the Homeless Prenatal Program Emily Borland 2021-09-30 07:00:00Z 0

Supporting the Environment at Rotary Meadow

Posted by Daniel Joraanstad on Sep 29, 2021
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A team of 17 Rotary volunteers gathered high atop Rotary Meadow in the foggy heart of Sutro Forest on Saturday, September 25 at 9:15 AM. The volunteers came from several Clubs, including the Rotary Clubs of San Francisco #2, San Francisco Castro, San Francisco West, and San Francisco Chinatown. With our primary meadow advocate, Harold Hoogasian, unexpectedly away on business, Bob Hermann led our merry crew. The work we do in this project aligns with the seventh principle supported by The Rotary Foundation: Supporting the Environment. The meadow is a great example of how our many work projects have improved life in the City of San Francisco for generations to come. 
 
Supporting the Environment at Rotary Meadow Daniel Joraanstad 2021-09-29 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News:  September 2021

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Sep 28, 2021
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members on October 12, 2021:
 
Anna Klink (Information Technology: Administration | Autodesk)
Barbara Streett (Nonprofit Administration | The Arc San Francisco) as a member of our newest corporate member - The Arc San Francisco
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: September 2021 Nancy Graydon 2021-09-28 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Jessica Hansen

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 25, 2021
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Jessica P. Hansen joined our Club on April 14, 2020. She has worked in international social justice and humanitarian aid for over 20 years for organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Rescue Committee, Kiva, and others, covering anti-human trafficking, refugee protection and resettlement, as well as innovation in and access to education and finance. Jessica is now CEO and Executive Director of the international medical nonprofit, Alliance for Smiles, as well as a Senior Strategist for the Impact Travel Alliance and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the West African Volunteer Organization.
 
Jessica's family consists of her parents and her sister named Apple. Her father went from a farm in small-town Oklahoma to fight in the Vietnam War, where he met Jessica's mother, a waitress from Bangkok, Thailand. Apple is a skilled pachyderm-keeper who has worked with elephants, rhinos, and more.
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Jessica Hansen Dora Dye 2021-09-25 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 21, 2021:  John Mathers and Building RCAT to Tackle Climate Change

Posted by Larry Booth on Sep 23, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 PM and welcomed those on Zoom and those in person who were enjoying a respite from the heat.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Joining our members attending in person and online were Idiko Polony who is the Executive Director of Sutro Stewards and today's speaker — our own Past President John Mathers.
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 21, 2021: John Mathers and Building RCAT to Tackle Climate Change Larry Booth 2021-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

Service Above Self at the Fifth Annual Autumn Moon Festival

Posted by Mary Liu on Sep 23, 2021
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The Rotary Club of San Francisco had a display booth at the fifth Annual Autumn Moon Festival in the Richmond District of San Francisco on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Thank you to our members President-Elect Christopher Wiseman, Ann Daugherty, and Jenny Campbell and our guests James Wong (my husband), Jason Campbell (Jenny’s son), and Shirley Tan, who all joined me to represent our Club. Additionally, Vanita Louie, Cathy Cheng, and President Richard Swart (members from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown) were present to lend support.
 
Service Above Self at the Fifth Annual Autumn Moon Festival Mary Liu 2021-09-23 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Larry Booth

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 18, 2021
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Larry Booth joined our Club on September 14, 2021. He is a mechanical engineer and contractor and feels fortunate to be part of a 109-year-old California firm, doing business in the Sacramento and Bay Area commercial and institutional building markets. He currently works out of his South San Francisco office.
 
Larry is married with two children and three grandchildren. As a family, they enjoy cooking meals together with everyone participating. For hobbies, Larry likes to fish, cycle, and attend car shows.
 
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Larry Booth Dora Dye 2021-09-18 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 14, 2021:  Laurie Thomas and 2020 in the Rearview Mirror and the Road Ahead for the SF Restaurant Industry

Posted by Robin Azevedo on Sep 16, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 PM.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
Attending in person today were two guests of Heidi Kuhn (Peace Building | Roots of Peace) - Rachel Donovan and Jeff Yih; a guest of Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) - Steve Redlin; and a guest of Jane Flout (Nonprofit Management | Catholic Charities) - Armando Zamaya. Attending online were Salvador Farfan from the Rotary Club of Long Beach, ALPS Program Manager Harmony Ma, Anna Klink, and today's speaker — Laurie Thomas
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 14, 2021: Laurie Thomas and 2020 in the Rearview Mirror and the Road Ahead for the SF Restaurant Industry Robin Azevedo 2021-09-16 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Esther Landau

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 15, 2021
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Esther Landau joined our Club on August 17, 2021. She is the Senior Director of Advancement for The Arc San Francisco and is responsible for all the fundraising and communications at the organization. She started at The Arc San Francisco in June of this year and prior to that, was in the same role at the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center, a similar organization on the west side of the City. 
 
Esther is a serious knitter and crossword enthusiast. In her past life, she was a professional flutist, but these days she just occasionally grabs the pennywhistle and plays a few tunes. She is married to Caroline Pincus, and their daughter, Ruby, is a senior at Columbia in New York, where she is majoring in Yiddish.
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Esther Landau Dora Dye 2021-09-15 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Nat Crawford

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 11, 2021
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Nat Crawford joined our Club on August 17, 2021. He owns a tutoring company in Sunnyvale that helps kids to achieve their dreams for education and for college admission. He co-parents an 8-year-old son who loves to read, play soccer, and negotiate for chocolate. Nat joined the Rotary Club of San Francisco because he has lived in San Francisco for over 20 years and would like to spend more time building up the local community.
 

Editor's Note: In this column, we invite a new member in our Club to share with us. Please join me in welcoming this new member the next time you see him in person at any of our events.
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Nat Crawford Dora Dye 2021-09-11 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 7, 2021:  Jaxon Van Derbeken and How Investigative Reporters Do Their Research

Posted by Alisha Marfatia on Sep 08, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the first meeting of September 2021 to order at 12:15 PM.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
In today's audience were the following guests: Edita Cruz from SCORE, Anthony DiGiorgio, Greg Grundstrom, Dr. Elisa Stephens of the Academy of Art, and today's speaker — Jaxon Van Derbeken. 
 
Membership News
Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) and Matthew Madsen (Nonprofit Management | The Salvation Army) completed their red badge requirements and are now full members of our Club. Congratulations, Margaret and Matthew!
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS September 7, 2021: Jaxon Van Derbeken and How Investigative Reporters Do Their Research Alisha Marfatia 2021-09-08 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Bill Gregory

Posted by Dora Dye on Sep 05, 2021
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Bill Gregory joined our Club on July 13, 2021. He is a first generation college graduate, and his college education at Northern Iowa University (formerly Iowa State Teachers College) is what made his life so meaningful. His general education courses exposed him to the world, and he discovered music, arts, and humanities.

Bill majored in speech therapy. He was a speech therapist in public schools for two years in Iowa. Then, he moved to California in 1963 and worked 32 years in the public schools under the Santa Clara County Office of Education. 
 
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Bill Gregory Dora Dye 2021-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

Membership News:  August 2021

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Aug 31, 2021
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In accordance with our Club Bylaws, I am pleased to announce that the following are scheduled to be inducted into our Club as our newest members on September 14, 2021:
 
Larry Booth (Mechanical Engineering and Design | Frank M. Booth, Inc.)
Marc Johnson (Financial Services: Advising | Northwestern Mutual)
Clifford Phillips (Program Management | The Arc San Francisco) as a member of our newest corporate member - The Arc San Francisco
Lance Scott (Program Management | The Arc San Francisco) as a member of our newest corporate member - The Arc San Francisco
Darlene Wilson (Program Management | Catholic Charities of San Francisco) as a member of our corporate member - Catholic Charities.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about these proposed new members.
Membership News: August 2021 Nancy Graydon 2021-08-31 07:00:00Z 0

Meet a Distinguished Rotarian:  Phyllis J. Nusz

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 28, 2021
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Meet Past District Governor Phyllis J. Nusz, a Rotarian for 30 years. She served as the first woman elected officer and Club President of the North Stockton Rotary Club in 1997-1998 and as one of the first 50 women District Governors in Rotary International when she served as District Governor for Rotary International District 5220 in 2001-2002. Phyllis joined our Club on May 28, 2007 and served as The Rotary Foundation Chair.
 
A native Californian, Phyllis received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Speech Communication with a minor in Choral Music from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She also earned an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL with a specialty in the field of Leadership Management Training and is known as a Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Scholar.
 
Meet a Distinguished Rotarian: Phyllis J. Nusz Dora Dye 2021-08-28 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 24, 2021: Doug Lloyd, Mobility Trends and the Future of Transportation

Posted by David Dye on Aug 26, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. This was our first Zoom-only meeting in the current Rotary year.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
In today's audience were the following guests: Keith Axtell of the Rotary Club of Marin Evening, Salvador Farfan from the Rotary Club of Long Beach, Alain Charlois, Marc Johnson, and today's speaker — Doug Lloyd. 
 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 24, 2021: Doug Lloyd, Mobility Trends and the Future of Transportation David Dye 2021-08-26 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Nancy Graydon, Vice President of Membership

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 21, 2021
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Nancy Graydon's entire career has been dedicated to fundraising for wonderful organizations including the University of Toronto, UCLA, and now, the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF). She feels fortunate to work with an amazing team in her current role at GRF as Executive Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer. In January 2022, she will celebrate her 10th year working at GRF. 
 
Nancy is a very proud Canadian and has family from Vancouver to Halifax. During the pandemic, she bought her first house in Pinole, CA and lives there with Brian, her husband of 16 years, and a rescue dog named Scully. She loves doing crafts and giving old furniture new life with a coat of paint.
 
MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Nancy Graydon, Vice President of Membership Dora Dye 2021-08-21 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Caryn Crump

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 20, 2021
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Caryn Crump joined our Club on August 17, 2021. She is a retired corporate executive and former adjunct Rice University professor who currently owns CPI, a small international instructional and consulting company. Caryn is also an adjunct professor at Norwich University in its MBA program. She loves to travel and work internationally and is the mother of two adult children. She currently has a home in Puerto Vallarta and has extended an invitation to our Club to stay at her home. Prior to joining our Club, Caryn had been a member of two other Rotary clubs and believes that "community service is one of the most rewarding things that someone can do".
 

Editor's Note: In this column, we invite a new member in our Club to share with us. Please join me in welcoming this new member the next time you see her in person at any of our events.
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Caryn Crump Dora Dye 2021-08-20 07:00:00Z 0

LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 17, 2021: District Governor Danielle Lallement

Posted by Nancy Graydon on Aug 18, 2021
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President Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM.
 
Visiting Rotarians and Special Guests
In today's audience were the following visiting Rotarians: District Governor Danielle Lallement from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening who is also today's speaker, Assistant Governor Liz Mark from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown, and Karen Schmautz from the Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach in Florida. Additional guests attending in person included: Greg Grundstrom, Molly Schmautz, and Jackie Herrin. 
 
LUNCHEON MEETING HIGHLIGHTS August 17, 2021: District Governor Danielle Lallement Nancy Graydon 2021-08-18 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Stacey Poole, Club Secretary

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 17, 2021
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Stacey Poole is a family law attorney representing individuals in the divorce process. She has been in practice since 1999 and has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2008. She also drafts and reviews prenuptial agreements. Stacey has been married for over 20 years to Bobby. When not working, she enjoys watching TV, reading, sports, and traveling to Hawaii.
 
Stacey joined our Club on August 28, 2007. She had already served twice on our Board as Vice President of Club Service and Vice President of Membership. In July 2021, she began her term as Club Secretary.
 
MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Stacey Poole, Club Secretary Dora Dye 2021-08-17 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Bob Hermann, Vice President of Community Service

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 16, 2021
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Bob Hermann retired in 2018. He had worked as an Information Technology Program/Project Manager for over 26 years in health care projects including electronic medical systems. His family’s motto is to continually do good in the world to help others as we would want someone to help us if ever needed. The joys of giving back to others, be it through our time, our treasures, or our avocational experience, is something his family cherishes. Bob's continued hopes are to be transparent with work, engage and include others, and have fun while serving.
 
Bob’s passion to help others extended to the far reaches of Egypt to provide non-clinical support in helping pediatric patients with cleft lip and palate surgeries and recoveries to the domestic leadership of RotaCare and its Electronic Medical Record implementations.
MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Bob Hermann, Vice President of Community Service Dora Dye 2021-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Miranti Ojong, Vice President of Development

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 16, 2021
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Miranti Ojong is a financial services agency builder currently spanning across 15 states and continuing to expand across the US where she financially educates clients and business owners in various demographics and communities. Her services include retirement planning, investments, life, health and disability insurance, estate planning, college planning, and business financial planning. She is a mentor and trainer to agents and independent business owners in her profession to help guide their success and reach their career goals. Her mission is to empower every individual with the right knowledge and tools to achieve financial independence. 
 
 
 
MEET A BOARD MEMBER: Miranti Ojong, Vice President of Development Dora Dye 2021-08-16 07:00:00Z 0

A Mission To Build a Hunger-Free Future

Posted by Dan Davies on Aug 15, 2021
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Food insecurity affects children, seniors, and their families, and the pandemic has exacerbated the problem 1. This year, over 42 million people may experience food insecurity, possibly including 13 million children 2.

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank has a mission to build a hunger-free future and distributes food at over 307 pantries in the San Francisco and Marin areas. They provide access to nutritious foods including over 50 types of fruits and vegetables, education on how to prepare healthy meals on a budget, and they also advocate for policy reform on local, state, and national levels to assist people at risk of hunger. Last year, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank provided 80.2 million pounds of food to people in need.
 
A Mission To Build a Hunger-Free Future Dan Davies 2021-08-15 07:00:00Z 0

MEET A NEW MEMBER: Alex Omoko

Posted by Dora Dye on Aug 15, 2021
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Alex Omoko joined our Club on April 14, 2020. He works for a non-profit that focuses on the undermined communities as well as the homeless population. Alex has been married for eight years to his wife Ajiri. Together, they have four children ranging in age from eight to three: an 8-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a pair of 3-year-old twins. Some of his hobbies include reading, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. Alex had visited different Rotary clubs in the Bay Area, but he joined our Club because of the way he was welcomed and received by every member of our Club, especially then president Casey Blair.
 

Editor's Note: In this column, we invite a new member in our Club to share with us. Please join me in welcoming this new member the next time you see him in person at any of our events.
MEET A NEW MEMBER: Alex Omoko Dora Dye 2021-08-15 07:00:00Z 0

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: The Root Cause of Migration from Guatemala

Posted by Heidi Kuhn on Aug 14, 2021
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Rotary Club of San Francisco Members Heidi Kuhn and Tucker Kuhn, mother and son, embarked upon a Roots of Peace mission from July 24 to August 4, 2021 in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to determine the "root" cause of migration to the U.S. Border. They traveled to the remote regions of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, and Quiché — the regions with the highest concentration of "out migration" among youth under the age of 30 years old. 
 
Heidi Kuhn, CEO, Roots of Peace, partnered with ABC 7 News to provide exclusive news footage featuring the plight of families who live on less than an average of $5 per day. The ABC 7 News segment will air in early September 2021.  
 
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: The Root Cause of Migration from Guatemala Heidi Kuhn 2021-08-14 07:00:00Z 0