FogHorn May 14 Meeting

Cliff and Ginger's dad were from Findley, Ohio.  They became Frat brothers.  After college they drifted apart; Rotary brought them back together.  Cliff is famous for his humor, so he started out asking, "What do Rotary Past Presidents really do?  Hmmm, like a corpse at a funeral, they are essential, but have no real role."  Followed by commenting that his first club was so small they had a 3 way test.  Cliff is from Moraga which, he said, means large mortgage in Spanish.   And he added that his club is a breakfast club that meets at noon and is catered by Meals on Wheels.

 

Today's talk was about heroes and celebrities.  Heroes are not always celebrities.  Listening to the questions about  Celebrities on Jeopardy, the question becomes- are these the heroes of today's teenagers or are they just celebrities?  Can you remember the last Academy Award winner, The Heisman winner from last year...,can you name your favorite  teacher or coach?  Celebrities are created by PR hype, but heroes emerge out of real compassion and caring.  We were treated to a few people he has known that touched lives by heroic acts.  According to Cliff, Rotary gives us the chance to be heroic.  Take Ernst Ragg, a civil war was going on in his district in Bosnia and Croatia.  Could RI help?  Medicine, food,  clothing... and PS, if you can't help, I understand, but please don't appoint a committee.  Cliff went to Croatia to visit and see the situation in person.  He saw devastation and put the word out.  Air Canada supplied planes, vehicles were donated by Germany and other necessities were donated worldwide.  The local Rotary Club distributed the items to the needy.  Since the RI Foundation holds funds for 3 years, Cliff had to set up a bank so funds could be set up and put to work immediately.  Rotary's actions saved over 100,000  people.  Ernst was a Rotary hero.  This was recognized as the second most effective Rotary program after Polio Plus.

 

Other Rotary acts of kindness and their heroes--

 

Random acts of kindness make us heroes.  Ask yourself "what good can I do for someone today?"  Here is an example for you:  Shay was a mentally and physically challenged youngster.  Shay's Dad told this story.  While out for a walk, they noticed a baseball game going on.  Shay wanted to play (very badly), so the dad asked, "Can Shay play?"    Well, we're losing, so why not.   We'll let him bat in the ninth inning.  Shay's joy was visible.  Behind by 3, at top of ninth Shay went out on the field.  Two outs, bases loaded, Shay was at bat.  They let him bat.  The pitcher saw the opposing team was willing to sacrifice the game for Shay, so he tossed the ball softly.  Shay hit the ball to the pitcher who picked up the ball and threw ball over the 1st baseman's head; Right Fielder caught ball and made a wild throw...you get the picture, boys from both teams helped Shay to run home.  Shay's team won the game.  Was it Shay who was the hero; or the boys on both teams?  The boys were the heroes for bring joy to another.    

 

Many Rotarians and Rotary Clubs are heroes.  Some deliver wheelchairs, assist with cleft palate surgery, help at food banks, provide water, etc.  That's how we bring peace to the world, by getting involved. 

 

Cliff says "now that I'm in the autumn, no mid-winter, of my life, the most regretful words I can think of are, "I could have helped, but didn't".  Accept the challenge; Light up Rotary!  (Cliff would have changed that motto to "Lighten up, Rotary").  Accept the challenge, do what you can to light up this organization called Rotary. 

 

 

Dianne opened the meeting and we sang the National Anthem.  Liz gave these inspirational thoughts: -"When you come to the edge of the light you know, you will either step on something solid or you will learn to fly."

 

 
John Traversero, former Club President,  and his wife Marcia who were up from the Central Coast.
Steve Wilson’s fiancee, Kathy O Shea, accompanied him.
John had Fie with him, our Club’s Exchange student from Denmark.  John says that Fee is now a Coastside girl
Ginger introduced her son, Chris.
 
Happy/Crappy News 
Dave Andrews: There is engraving on our club bell which turned up for our meeting today after a very long absence. The story Dave gave was that, after conferring with Kevin O’Brian, he put it in his truck, took photos of it in different places, like Stanford. “The bell was looking for companionship” Dave said, and he sent texts to Mitone of the Bell’s adventures, but she never got the messages. Well now, the Bell is back and Dave cleaned and polished it so it gleams! 
Andrew Boyd-Goodrich: Mary Perkins is retiring from the Y . She was an important mentor for Andrew, so he wanted to honor her.
Also, Andrew’s son Gavin is at Serra, and is on the crew team. The team is going to the East for a competition, the national championships in New Jersey. 
John Evans: Friday night is the opening reception of the HMB HS Art Department show, 6-8 p.m. Also, Stacey’s article in the Review highlighted a program about children from all over the world, who send in their photos, and the HS Art Dept. did 8 or 10 of those portrait,s and they will be in the show.  
 Steve Anderson said he was just back from a trip to Atlanta, visiting his youngest daughter and granddaughter Olivia. Olivia had her check up, and there is no sign of cancer.  Steve is leaving for China on Saturday, with his cohort, Joe; and they will be gone for two weeks volunteering with the Alliance for Smiles on a cleft palate surgical project.  
Dianne added,  “ Thank you, Steve and Joe, for representing our club. We will be looking forward to reports, daily emails from China." 
EJ: Good news: had colonscopy, which is a good way to lose weight;  bad news, as I was lying flat on the table,  I told the doctor, I swallowed chewing gum….??

Announcements

Mary Corcoran: Rotary at the HS is happening next week- we have 198 students signed up.
Dave: An Open Studio Art event is happening this weekend and his wife Connie will have her work at one of the locations.
Ginger: We will be at Via Uno, as one of the non-profits for the Chamber of Commerce group meeting. Ginger asked for volunteers to help her put a table up to tell  folks about Rotary. The event will be held on Thursday, May 21,  5-6:30 p.m.
Dianne: There is a New Rotary Club of Daly City/Colma, and they will be hosting big event at the Elks Club, in  South SF, 6-10 p.m. May 23 with dancing.  We will be contribution $100 to the Club as is the tradition in the District. 
The Debunking will be held on  June 25 at the Senior Center, Thursday evening.
We need to get ready for the Fourth of July, so please sign up to be on the committee planning for this. (sign up sheet was passed around). 
Katherine: The first Chamber Passeggiata will be held on May 29. Seville Tapas is involved, can buy passports at her restaurant.