I hope you are all safe and healthy as we move into holiday season! Eeek!
This month, our Rotary District highlights our dedication to End Polio. Currently, there are only 2 cases of Wild Polio Virus for this calendar year, and we are on a path to making history.
Our Rotary members in our District have been supporting the eradication of this horrible disease through many fundraising and volunteer efforts. We sat down with Past District Governor, Russ Ketron, who is a strong supporter and champion of eradicating this disease and is also a polio survivor. As our world has been hit with another pandemic, we wanted to hear his thoughts on why Rotary needs to continue our fight on ending Polio. Check out our monthly video message for his interview.
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for October 2021, Bob Hermann from the Rotary Club of San Francisco!
Since joining the San Francisco club less than 4 years ago, he has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours towards service projects. Bob is the first to raise his hand when a call for volunteers is needed whether it be with a community service project, international project, club services project, or as the welcome registration person at his club's live in-person meetings.
Rotary International District 5150 looks forward to welcoming everyone back to in-person events, and doing so in a way that’s safe for guests and event personnel in accordance with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of California, and the public health departments of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
For the 2021-2022 Rotary year, District -sponsored in-person indoor events will offer a virtual option (e.g. hybrid format) and include the following protocols:
It’s that time of year again, when you’re asked to do your part as a Rotarian and give to Every Rotarian Every Year, The Rotary Foundation’s annual campaign. And when you make that commitment, you win in more ways than one. First, you get the great feeling that comes with knowing you’re helping to make life better for people all around the world. Then you have an opportunity to gain recognition for yourself, your club and your district, and, as a bonus, a chance to win prizes.
When you are blessed to live and work in a beautiful beachside community such as Half Moon Bay, keeping our coastal system becomes a personal passion. Participating in the California Coastal Cleanup has become an annual tradition for the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay. And that tradition continues in September as several members of the Half Moon Bay club and other Rotary Clubs assembled to keep local beaches in tip-top shape.
This month, The Rotary Club of Novato celebrated a beautiful milestone: an official ribbon cutting for the newly minted Bill & Adele Jonas Center.
After more than two years of design and construction work, a new 15,600-square-foot conference center is complete at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus in Novato.
The $14.5 million project, is the result of a partnership between the college and the Rotary Club of Novato. The club contributed about $5 million toward the cost of the center to fulfill a 13-year-old bequest from the Jonas family.
In exchange, the club will have a reserved space for its weekly Friday lunch meetings and several days of reserved event space annually.
An annual tradition, The Rotary Club of Woodside Portola Valley hosted "A Taste of Woodside," an outdoor epicurean adventure with great food, great wine, auction, and music! Most importantly, all proceeds support school, community, and international projects. To tell us more is Governor Danielle and Woodside Portola Valley's Club President!
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for September 2021, Sandie Pugh from the Rotary Club of Woodside Portola Valley!
Sandie has been a Rotarian since 1999 and has left an indelible mark on both her club and her community. In that time has contributed in many ways including serving as club president 3.5 times, and several years as community service chair and club service chair. She serves on both the club board of directors and the board for the club’s foundation.
In addition to officer positions, Sandie is a natural leader in other club efforts. She organizes Woodside Portola Valley’s dictionary project to support local schools. She also heads up the club’s grant and funding for local projects. And for leadership in giving, Sandie is a member of the Paul Harris Society and a Major Donor to TRF.
I hope you are all safe and healthy as we move into the fall.
Since the end of June, I have had the pleasure and honor to visit with a number of our Rotary clubs, and I am inspired with every single visit. It gives me such pride and happiness to learn of the many projects and support that our clubs are providing to our communities.
With the many natural disasters that have occurred recently, the efforts and dedication that our Rotarians provide in our communities is truly amazing. Not only have our clubs helped in their local community, but many have collaborated with other clubs to provide support on a larger scale to communities worldwide.
Two major wildfires are burning in Rotary International District 5190, destroying hundreds of structures and displacing entire communities. Rotary International is at the front- lines, preparing to provide support displaced families once the flames are extinguished. Here are two ways you can support the effort.
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for August 2021, Craig Tackabery from the Rotary Club of Terra Linda!
As Rotarians, we’re used to being around people with a “can-do” attitude. But sometimes you need a Rotary Club member who can also instill a sense of calm and confidence when things get tough: that’s Craig Tackabery.
Craig joined the Rotary Club of Terra Linda in 2001 and has always been one to rise to the occasion in the spirit of Rotary. He’s past president (2016-17) and currently is the club’s speaker chair. He regularly fills other roles as needed.
I hope you are all safe and healthy and enjoying the summertime.
This month we highlight our membership in Rotary International, and our focus is on the engagement of our members and future members. We also want to check in with all of you to make sure you are doing okay. The last year has been tough, and we know how difficult this has been for our members and our clubs. But we are all here to support you and your club and help with your membership needs.
Today's "Rotary Club Highlight" features the amazing collaboration of SIX Rotary Clubs: San Francisco Castro, San Francisco Chinatown, San Francisco Greater Mission, Pacifica, Peninsula Starlight, and South San Francisco!These clubs joined forces to package 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger.
Rotary Club Highlight,Rotary Club of Castro,Rotary Club of Pacifica,Rotary Club of Peninsula Starlight,Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown,Rotary Club of San Francisco Greater Mission,Rotary Club of South San Francisco
Check out our new series, Rotary Club Highlights! We are planning to highlight to good work of Rotary Clubs all over Rotary District 5150. We're staring by profiling the Rotary Club of Foster City and its Pancake Breakfast, raising funds for some outstanding causes.
2021-2022 Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
Mehta, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, to incoming district governors on 1 February during the Rotary International Assembly. The assembly, a yearly training event for district governors-elect, was originally set to take place in Orlando, Florida, USA, but was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, I am excited to serve as your District Governor for Rotary International District 5150. I look forward to supporting you, your club, and our communities.
Our new Rotary International theme for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year is ‘Serve to Change Lives’, and we have a new Area of Focus this year of ‘Protecting the Environment’. We will highlight both new initiatives this year in our communications and on our website.
As we begin to rebuild our connections with each other, I hope that you will join us at one of our district wide events or educational sessions. We are offering a variety of educational sessions that will be held both on zoom and zoom/in person hybrid platforms.
For our district events, we will focus on many areas of support of Rotary including our newest area of focus in Protecting the Environment, Polio Eradication, The Rotary Foundation, and of course, our clubs. Our Awards Dinner/Show in May will be the culmination of all the great work that you do every day in your communities.
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for July 2021, Gayle Chan, from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown.
Gayle’s passion for service knows no bounds, and the impact of her efforts can be felt around the world. From giving polio drops and installing water filtration systems in other countries, to tutoring children and supporting a variety of organizations here in the Bay Area, Gayle is "all in" for serving humanity.
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - June 2021, Gigi Carter from the Rotary Club of Foster City.
Who do you call when you want to put together a fundraiser, a gala social event or a backyard BBQ? Why … Gigi, of course! Not only does she light up a room with her smile, but she also surveys the scene, rolls up her sleeves and engages others to get things done.
A member of The Rotary Club of Foster City since January 17, 2007, Gigi Carter epitomizes the motto “Service Above Self” and does so with flair. Hosting a gala for 500 guests or delivering a wheelchair to a disabled child in a backstreet in Mexico, Gigi approaches each with a sense of purpose and grace.
Recently retired from her role as Development Director for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League, Gigi spends her days helping others… and here are a few of those ways: Gigi has taken apart local playground structures for relocation to the Yurok Indian Reservation near Klamath, California. Then, along with a group of other Rotarians and Interactors from our local San Mateo High School, she traveled to Klamath to install the playground and distribute school supplies and sports equipment to the Yurok children. Gigi made a longer journey to Mazatlan, Mexico, to do the same plus deliver wheelchairs.
In Foster City, Gigi has co-chaired the Children’s Holiday Party, assisting as Santa’s helper, co-chaired the year-end President’s Debunking, and worked at Concerts in the Park, Rib Fest, Spaghetti Feed and Bingo Night, and the July 4th Pancake Breakfast… to name a few!
Gigi has served as Community Service Director for our Club. From 2017-2020, Gigi has co-chaired our very successful Inaugural Golf Tournament in 2018 and the 2 nd Annual event in 2019, raising thousands of dollars for our community service projects. When COVID-19 struck, the golf tournament was a casualty. Gigi jumped in and cobbled together a Benefit Drawing to replace the golf tournament. She Co-chaired the Benefit Drawing fundraiser. It was an innovative way to raise funds during the COVID-19 shut down of our other fundraising events.
Gigi is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow (PHF+2). She has two married sons and just became a Grandmother to her third grandchild. For all she does and the lives she touches, let us honor our newest Rotarian of the Month, Gigi Carter.
Once again, congratulations to Gigi Carter from the Rotary Club of Foster City as our "Rotarian of the Month" in June 2021!
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - May 2021, Larry Curtis from the Rotary Club of Ignacio.
Larry Curtis from the Rotary Club of Ignacio is that quiet Rotarian who just DOES. He leads his Community Service Committee by example, getting things done competently while also encouraging collaboration amongst committee members. As a result of his leadership, he and his committee have accomplished an incredible number of meaningful hands-on projects, in spite of COVID-19, including:
* Repainting Novato’s 30’ community entrance sign and replacing and rehanging medallions from Rotary and other local community organizations * Coordinating the Deck replacement at North Marin Community Services, including fundraising to ensure its completion. * Weekly food deliveries and Thanksgiving meals to food insecure residents of Hamilton Park Meadows. * Delivering Sack Lunches for food insecure at St. Vincent’s. * Involved with the giving of Ignacio’s DDF of $5409 for Covid-19 Relief for Food to North Marin Community Services * Making sure single moms at Gilead House (a home for single moms and their children) had gift cards to buy holiday gifts for their themselves and their children * Delivering Dictionaries to 3rd graders at Loma Verde, Hamilton Primary, and Hamilton Charter School * Collaborating with the Parks and Rec Department in Novato with their replacement of playground equipment especially designed for special needs children at Pioneer Park.
Ignacio’s members feel fortunate that Larry moved to Marin from Colorado in 1973 after being transferred to run the San Francisco office where he sold group life and group disability insurance. Initially living in Lucas Valley, he and his wife, Ramona, were drawn to Novato in 1978 because of its good schools for their growing family. In fact, they still live in the very same house they bought back in 1978.
It was a friend with whom Larry played tennis after his retirement named Bob Stockwell who suggested that Larry should join a service organization. But not just any service organization. Bob told Larry, “The only way to go is with Rotary!” He also told Larry that the only Rotary club to join was Ignacio. So, in 1998, that’s exactly what Larry did.
Throughout his membership, Larry has chaired several committees, led interactors on Ignacio’s annual home building trip to Mexico, and served as the President of Ignacio’s Club Foundation and as its club President in 2006-2007. Today he not only chairs Ignacio’s Community Service committee but also participates on 3 other committees
When asked what he most enjoys about being a Rotarian, it always comes back to fellowship. While the projects we do are meaningful and essential, it is because we work together that resonates most with Larry.
Once again, congratulations to Larry Curtis from the Rotary Club of Ignacio as our "Rotarian of the Month" in May 2021!
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - April 2021, Herb Dang from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview.
Herb’s rotary story - before Herb was a Rotarian he was asked by a friend at the Bayview police station to help out on a project. This project turned out to be one of the early Bayview rotary thanksgiving turkey giveaways. Herb was asked to help picking up and delivering turkeys for Thanksgiving. Herb, while passing out the turkeys met an old classmate of his from elementary school. The class mate grew up in the projects had moved out, married, and had two beautiful kids. Herb’s friend had ended up back in the projects thru a series of unfortunate events. Herb was able to help someone he knew, who needed help, through Herb’s first rotary project, before he was a member. As a result, Herb joined rotary.
Since then, Herb has served as Secretary, President, and participated in mask / food / clothing giveaways, Ben Robinson Scholarship awards, tree plantings, clean ups (both as a rotary member and a SF city employee). In this last year, Herb passed out masks to the day laborers in Bayview from our club. Herb has been a go to member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview to get things done. Herb is a tenacious Rotarian. He never gives up, and never stops trying.
Herb was born at Franklin Hospital in SF (where Davies hospital is now). He grew up in the southeast of the city and went to Catholic school in the Excelsior, Corpus Christi elementary school. Herb attended High School at Lick Wilmerding and was a street artist on Telegraph Avenue for 9 years. He then attended and graduated from UC Berkeley. Herb has two children, Frank and Amelia. Herb was a 40 year employee of the City of San Francisco WasteWater Enterprise, which was based in Bayview, and is now retired. He has been a member of the arts community in Bayview/HuntersPoint for 20 years working out of “Public Glass” a glass studio in Bayview.
Many of the Rotarians who visited our club during one of Herb’s terms as president received a cup Herb made. Herb participated in “Art in Storefronts” in the Bayview Neighborhood. Herb participated with Public Glass in the pre-covid times with the “Fire Pit Project” that brought Arts in to the Neighborhood at “All Good Pizza” once a month with glass blowing demos. Herb worked with Art 94124 and the youth in the Bayview to to produce a mural “Welcome to Bayview”. Again a hearty congratulations Herb on an honor that does not come easily. Keep up the good work, The Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview is very proud of your great accomplishment!
Once again, congratulations to Herb Dang from the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview as our "Rotarian of the Month" in April 2021!
As Spring 2021 is upon us, May you celebrate this month by becoming an active part of an Earth Day Project, developing a project to serve maternal and child health, and by registering to attend our Virtual District Conference “Rotary Chosen Family REUNION” in May 15, 2021!
Thank you for all that you do in the name of Rotary and our world-wide community.
ROTARY Chosen Family, Mary Marie Bates District 5150 Governor 2020-2021 Rotary Club of Foster City Rotary International
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - March 2021, Victor Wongfrom the Rotary Club of Millbrae.
Victor Wong has been a Rotarian since September 2019. One of our newer Rotarians, as District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for March 2021. Victor, along with his wife Kathleen – a “Family Member Rotarian” under our Club rules, has fully embraced the Rotary spirit of community service and giving of himself, especially with his generous response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Victor and Kathleen are the owners of Bay Watch Restaurant in Burlingame.
The following is a summary of their impactful community service activities since joining our Club last September:
As a thank you to essential workers for their service during the pandemic, Victor and Kathleen prepared and delivered hundreds of free meals to employees at the following organizations:
Peninsula Medical Center
City of Millbrae Public Works Department
United States Post Office
San Francisco Water Department
AMR ambulance service
South San Francisco Scavengers
For the past several months, Victor and Kathleen have participated in the County of San Mateo’s Great Plates Delivered food assistance program, which provides meals to homebound seniors:
Three meals a day
Six days a week
Serving 25 seniors in Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, & Foster City
Victor and Kathleen graciously pitched in to help with our Club’s community service project to assemble plastic face shields (PPE) for distribution to local hospitals and senior care facilities.
Victor and Kathleen and their two children participated in the Club’s community service project to pick up trash around town during California Coastal Clean-Up Month.
Victor and Kathleen supported our Club’s participation in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of North Peninsula by contributing 20% of sales revenue from their Bay Watch Restaurant customers who identified themselves as Relay supporters on September 26th.
Victor and Kathleen have been key members of our Club’s Lunar New Year Banquet Planning Committee, helping us to secure our meal provider and facilitating the recorded entertainment elements of our Zoom program for the event.
Victor and Kathleen have stepped forward to volunteer to serve as our Club’s International Service Chairs for this Rotary year and have taken an active role in learning about the position as well as opportunities for our Club to support international service projects around the world.
Once again, congratulations to Victor Wong from the Rotary Club of Millbrae as our "Rotarian of the Month" in March 2021!
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - February 2021, Charley Vogt from the Rotary Club of Ignacio.
While so many wonderful Rotarians deserve high praise during a challenging year, Charley Vogt from the Rotary Club of Ignacio stands out due to who he is as a person, his leadership, and his participation in his club’s initiatives and activities.
Welcome to the month of February, the month in which we traditionally recognize those special people in our lives (February 14), and our United States Presidents, past, present, and future (this year on February 15).
Presidents’ Day was officially established in the late 1870’s (Unofficially for most of the 1800’s honoring George Washington). This day became popularly known as it moved to a federal holiday in 1971, the first to celebrate individual Americans. In 1983, Martin Luther King, JR. Day was signed into law, was the second.
This year, let’s celebrate our current Rotary Club Presidents on this day too! We are blessed by their leadership and resilience as they guide us through these most challenging times.
This month is also Rotary International Peace and Conflict Resolution Month. May we continue to strive for PEACE in all that we do, as we serve our community here and abroad.
As we closed the door on 2020 and welcome in 2021, our District 5150 Rotarians, friends and family kicked off this new year with a world-wide club-driven service project to Cleanup Our World! This service project was quite unique due to the selfless efforts of our District global club membership. Please enjoy this short video in celebration of them.
May this year bring you all more hope with the new vaccine inoculations, and revitalize us as we continue to shift our service for the betterment of our community, here and throughout our world!
As of World Polio Day, October 24, our generous Rotarians have donated to the PolioPlus fund $102,586!
In addition, Clubs have donated $6,962 in District Designated Funds (DDF). When adding the matching funds from the World Fund and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we have raised an amazing $349,530 for PolioPlus!
The following Polio Warriors have led the way in donations for our District. A special thank you to:
Rose C. Stone Foundation (PDG Brian McLaren)
PDG Jayne Hulbert & Gene Duffy
PDG Russ & Kathy Ketron
Gity & Mike Gebel
Thank you for your support in eradicating Polio as we fulfill our promise to the children for a Polio free world.
AND NOW FOR THE PRIZES!
And no event is possible without the help of a committee! I cannot express enough my thanks for your hard work and dedication to making this event possible, during a pandemic. Thank you to my Rotary Road Rally Warriors: Rich Swart, John Mathers, Melissa Prandi Moore, Sylvia Barry, Kathryn Marshall, Sarah La Torra, Bob Jacobson, Josie McHale, Jayne Hulbert, Gary Chow, and DG Mary Bates. You are amazing! -Krissie Kirby, Event Chair
The tradition of our Rotary District 5150 Club Excellence Awards continues to be a guide for our Rotary Clubs to strive for excellence as they create new and better ways of providing service locally and globally. It is my hope that you lead your clubs to attain relevant and achievable goals that you will celebrate with your club members at the close of our 2020-2021 Rotary year!
Congratulations to Rotary District 5150 Rotarian of the Month - September 2020, Adane Elilo from the Rotary Club of Woodside / Portola Valley.
Adane Elilo has been a Rotary Club member since 2016. Over the last 4 years, he has helped bring electricity to his remote village in Ethiopia. He launched a Rotary Club (Jore durame) in his native village in 2018. He enlisted the help of private donors, Rotary Club of Woodside / Portola Valley and an NGO to build classrooms and latrines.
Barbara truly captures the Rotarian spirit in all ways. She is a true Rotarian, through in and throughout. She endlessly volunteers for each and every event we do, and follows through to the end. She truly epitomizes “Service above Self”. She is more than deserving of Rotarian of the Month.
This was a very hard decision to make as our district has so many great Rotary clubs with amazing accomplishments. How do you pick your favorite child? But these three clubs have many attributes in common …. Consistency, working with local organizations and government leaders, engaging member activities, supporting local and international projects, Rotary district leaders, a club President that has rallied its members around the District Club Awards, supporting district events … and supporting The Rotary Foundation … “Doing Good in the World”. What is different among the three clubs is the “feeling” of the club meetings, not bad, just different, and good.
Traditional Rotary Club? Possibly … but open to new ideas.
They also have similar challenges: Membership
Here is a brief description of some of the highlights of each club. This is not to be considered a complete list of the extent of what these Rotary Clubs do but to add color on my decision:
District Rotarian of the Year Steve Wright, RC of Pacifica
There are scores of Rotarians which serve on district committees, working quietly for years behind the scenes, and are our unsung heroes. This recipient is not like that!
It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I have awarded Steve Wright, Rotary Club of Pacifica, our District Rotarian of the Year. Steve has been our District Conference Chair (along with Colleen) for the last 3 years. District Conference planning begins over a year before the actual event and requires hundreds of hours of contract and detail work, from assembling a team of volunteers, coordination, multiple on-site visits, lots of meetings, and then the surprises and problems on the of the day of the conference. Steve is also on our Grants Committee and part of the District Visioning team. He has been Assistant Governor, has been on many other district committees, and recently help write the RC of Pacifica Carmelita Global Grant water project.
Congratulations to our Rotarian of the Month for March 2020 – Dick Bennett from the Rotary Club of San Mateo!
Dick Bennett is the quintessential embodiment of “Service Above Self.” When the San Mateo Rotary Club sponsors a service project or hosts an event, Dick is always there, rolling up his sleeves and good-humoredly encouraging his fellow Rotarians to join in the work, the fun, and the fellowship.
Brigette Waterbury is the epitome of a Rotarian’s Rotarian. She has helped Harbor Rotary develop into the wonderful, welcoming, active, and productive club that it is today. As a founding member, she helped bring this new club into existence. Ever since that day, her gentle guidance and strong leadership has helped the club to thrive and weather more than a few stormy squalls.
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Congratulations to our Rotarian of the Month for January 2020 – Roger Kaufman from the Rotary Club of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Roger Kaufman has been in retail business in the San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf area since 1974. Starting his business in a trailer selling SF souvenirs, he moved into newly built store seven years later and added a Snack bar.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. Polio eradication remains Rotary’s number one health initiative, but Rotarians also unite to stop the spread of life-threatening malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, focus on health education, and bring people routine hearing, vision, and dental care. Rotarians also take action to set up clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access; and Rotarians build infrastructure allowing doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
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District Governor's Monthly Message, District Leadership Team,Rotary District 5150, Rotary year 2019-2020,We are People of Action,fun, International Convention,projects, Rotarians
Congratulations to Rotarian of the Month for November 2019 – Trevor Henley from the San Rafael Evening Rotary Club.
Those that have had the pleasure to meet Trevor know that he is a genuine, thoughtful, caring, down to earth individual, and an exemplary Rotarian in all ways.
District Leadership Team, International Convention, Rotarians, Rotary year 2019-2020,DG Monthly Message,District Governor's Monthly Message,Rotary District 5150,We are People of Action,fun,projects
Barbara Schmidt is from the Rotary Club of Woodside/Portola Valley. She has been a Rotarian since the club’s formation which dates back to the first year that women were allowed in Rotary. Prior to that she participated as both a “Rotary Anne” and an “Inner Wheel” member (in the days before women were allowed to be Rotary members). Inner Wheel was formed by the “Rotary Annes” (women whose husbands were active Rotarians). Because “Rotary Annes” wanted their own club, they formed their own 501(c)(3) and called it “Inner Wheel” based on the Rotary wheel symbol.
Jeanne Friedel is from the Rotary Club of Terra Linda. She has been a Rotarian for 8 years. She absolutely represents the model of an engaged member. She is the first to volunteer and support Rotarians, projects, and the community. Jeanne seems to have boundless energy and somehow makes her productive time efficient and abundant. She is volunteer extraordinaire to help with projects, fundraisers, multi-club projects, district projects, learning & leadership trainer & organizer.
August is here and we are now well into our 2019-2020 Rotary voyage! August is Membership and Club Development Month! It is fitting we start the Rotary year focusing on membership which is the lifeblood of Rotary! Membership impacts the amount of good we can do in the world, whether by volunteering our time or sharing our treasure!
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Congratulations to Ron Walton from the Rotary Club of SF Bayview as our ROTARIAN of the MONTH” for July 2019!
Ron has been a tireless member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Bayview since 2003, serving as club president twice and as Recology’s representative to the community. Ron has been a chief at countless community and Rotary events in San Francisco such as Bayview Bayou or community Health fairs. Ron has worked tirelessly to support his family, his church, his community and the world through Rotary. Ron has been a Paul Harris Fellow since 2004.
The new Rotary year 2019-2020 has arrived! Your club presidents stand ready, as your Rotary club captains, to take the helm to start this year’s Rotary voyage! I am so honored and excited to step into the District Governor role this year! I, along with the entire District Leadership Team, are ready to support all our District 5150 clubs!
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The 2018-2019 Rotary year has come to a close. What a year it has been! Thank you for your service to communities both locally and globally. Our club presidents were truly inspirational in their efforts to lead our clubs and achieve new heights in the areas of service, foundation giving and membership. Our Assistant Governors and District Leadership Team were also instrumental in guiding clubs in route to reach those goals.
Michelle Tsui represents what “Service Above Self” really means. Her lifelong commitment to make our Menlo Park community and Rotary District 5150 a better place to live and work is unmatched.
This month we celebrate Rotary Youth Services. Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education, and learn the value of service. Whether you support Rotaract clubs, Interact clubs, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotary Youth Exchange or New Generations Service Exchange, you are providing opportunities for the growth and development of our future leaders.
Keith Axtell joined the Rotary Club of Marin Evening in 1995, along with his wife PDG Holly Axtell. Keith is Past President of the Rotary Club of Marin Evening. He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation and a member of the Bequest Society, White Hat Society and the Paul Harris Society.
Gityjoon Hebel has been a member of the San Francisco Greater Mission Rotary Club for nearly 25 years having joined at the invitation of her husband, Mike. By profession Gityjoon is involved in all aspects of property management. She was previously the owner of a highly successful store on San Francisco’s Union Street bearing her name – Gityjoons, which carried arts and antiques from 50 countries with a focus on objects relating to the world’s enduring spiritual traditions.
This month, we focus on Maternal and Children’s Health. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. The Rotary Foundation reaches mothers and children in need by giving communities the help and training they need to take control of their own maternal and infant health care.
In addition, April is Rotarian Magazine month. This month’s issue includes a special feature about District 5150’s own Heidi Kuhn.
Jeff and his wife, Phyllis, have been residents of Foster City since 1974. Jeff’s volunteer activities over almost four decades are numerous and varied. He has been involved in Foster City sports as a baseball, soccer and basketball coach since his children, Chris and Robin, were very young. His interests encompass Rotary, The Foster City Village, tending to the Foster City roses, coordinating the Second Harvest Food Bank twice monthly distributions, driving for seniors and providing handy-man services to senior citizens.
In March, we focus on clean water and sanitation. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.
Greetings Rotarians! Please enjoy my monthly message for February, including a recap of a recent Polio Immunization trip in India. Many of our members from District 5150 participated in this journey and were greatly impacted by this experience.
February 2019 Rotarian of the Month: Steve Bogel of the Rotary Club of Sausalito
Steve Bogel has been a passionate Rotarian since 1976. For many years, when he was a few years younger, Steve spent days doing the heavy lifting to prepare for the Sausalito Art Festival parking doing such things as arranging the heavy signs. Several times he has worked hard with others moving thousands of pounds of signs along with other Club supplies and equipment from one storage place to another as needed. He also helps remove and store the heavy signs, providing his truck and box trailer for transporting them.
January 2019 Rotarian of the Month: Patrice Perillo of the Rotary Club of San Francisco West
Patrice Perillo has been a life-long helper in both her personal and professional life. Her volunteer work started in high school when she tutored underprivileged children. Over the years she’s been a Girl Scout leader, volunteer on several non-profit boards and a founding member of the first women’s chamber of commerce in the Philadelphia area. Patrice joined the Rotary Club of San Francisco West in May 2014 and served as club president in 2017-18. Before her term as club president Patrice assumed the responsibility of counselor for a Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil and was a committee member for Rotary Means Business and Rotary Connect. Last year, under Patrice’s leadership and effective teamwork, San Francisco West initiated its first international project to solve the arsenic poisoning crisis in Bangladesh. With great enthusiasm and dedication, Patrice and her speaking committee have been making the rounds speaking to clubs in District 5150 to gain funding and support for this life-changing endeavor.
Greetings Rotarians! Please enjoy my monthly message for January.
January is Rotary’s Vocational Service Month. Vocational Service calls on us to empower others by using our unique skills and expertise to address community needs and help others discover new professional opportunities and interests. This is a great time to leverage vocational service in your club projects and activities.
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For further information on RYLA campers and counselors, please visit RYLA5150.org. Mary Rogren, our Youth Exchange chair, can answer all your questions about the Youth Exchange program. She can be reached at m_rogren@yahoo.com or 650-400-1632.
December 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Elizabeth Evans of the Rotary Club of Redwood City
Elizabeth Evans joined the Rotary Club of Redwood City in July of 2018. She has lived in Redwood City for three years and decided she wanted to give back to her community. Elizabeth is the Chief of Operations at the San Mateo Superior Court. She has a B.A. in English Literature and a Master’s in Public Administration. Even before joining the club, she participated during breakout sessions with the Community Services committee, providing input and showing strong support for a few projects.
Rotary International’s focus this month is The Rotary Foundation. Our Every Rotarian Every Year fundraising campaign is almost over, and our winners will be announced in a few days. At the end of September, our District ranked 39th in the world for overall giving $203,991. Our District ranked 9th in the world for per capita giving to the Annual Fund. Thank you, fellow Rotarians, for your wonderful and ongoing generosity in supporting our Rotary Foundation’s great work!
December 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Michelle Clein of the Rotary Club of West Marin
Michelle Clein discovered Rotary International in 2002 when invited to a meeting of the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor by her friend and fellow Realtor, Marti Guerra. Afterwards, Pablo Castro asked Michelle what she thought about the meeting and the guest speaker. She said how impressed she was that Rotarians work to do good in the community, the nation and the world. She then said “too bad you don’t have a Rotary Club in West Marin.” Pablo and others asked if Michelle would be willing to help bring Rotary west of Fairfax; she was certainly willing to try! Michelle’s determination and desire to be of service lead to the creation of Rotary Club of West Marin in 2005.
October 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Rich Swart of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown
Rich has been a member of the Rotary Club of SF Chinatown since September 2013. From the very beginning, Rich has jumped into service and became the Community Service Co-Chair for 2014-2016, President Elect 2016-2017, and President 2017-2018. He has been one of the most involved members of their club from the start. All SF Chinatown members love and respect him. He goes completely out of his way to help any of their members in need. An example of this was with one of their members Eileen. She was hospitalized and had a long recovery. She had fallen at home. Rich visited her in the hospital and made several “ house calls” when she returned home. He bought and set up an emergency alert system for her to wear for her safety. He went to the medical supply center to purchase a raised toilet seat and rolling walker for her. This is just one of many examples of how Rich cares for our membership like a Big Family!
Greetings and Happy September. Please enjoy my monthly message for September.
Rotary International’s focus this month is Basic Education and Literacy and I’m so proud of the many clubs in our District who support learning initiatives both locally and globally.
Speaking of ongoing education, don’t miss our Learning and Leadership Development Seminar taking place this month:
September 15: Public Image – Social Media and Video (Register now, registration closes Sept. 10)
September 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Jackie Bonner of the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise
Jackie Bonner, the 2017-18 Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise SOAR (Spirit of A Rotarian) Award winner, is a former District Assistant Governor, a Charter member and Past President of the club.
August 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Tom Gibboney of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park
Tom Gibboney represents what “Service Above Self” really means. His lifelong commitment to make our Menlo Park community and Rotary District 5150 a better place to live and work is unmatched. While recognizing his responsibility locally, he also understands the importance in reaching out business to help others get a better understanding of what Rotary is about.
Happy New Rotary Year. Each month a short video will be made available to you with updated news and information about upcoming events. Here is the message for July:
July 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Suzanne Varacalli from Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf
Suzanne is Past President, current Secretary and International Service Chair of the Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf. She has been a Rotarian since May, 2009 and exemplifies the Rotary spirit of service.
June 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Josie McHale from RC of San Bruno
Josie McHale has been a member of the San Bruno Rotary Club for over five years. In her second year, she was asked to chair the clubs Interact program at Capuchino High school. At the time she took over, the Interact Club had a membership of 3.
H2Opendoors offered 3 special Brigade trips to Haiti or Puerto Rico to the three Rotary Clubs which had the most FULL DAY registrations of club members (not guests) over 20% of membership (on July 1, 2017).
The Brigade Trip is w special work trip leaving on Thursday and returning on Sunday. The winner will help install the Sunspring H2Opendoors water purification system.
May 2018 Rotarian of the Month: Michael Keran from RC of Tiburon-Belvedere
Michael Keran’s commitment to helping the homeless is exemplary. The longtime member of the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul of Marin County, and he also spearheads the club’s participation in helping to prepare and serve lunch to the homeless and needy at the organization’s Free Dining Room in San Rafael once a month. In May 2018, the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere begins its twelfth year volunteering, and it’s been under Mike’s unwavering leadership the entire time. With grace and without pressure, he rounds up a crew every month without fail, and everyone who lends a hand enjoys doing it. Mike is a true example of Service Above Self!
“On March 25, the Rotary Club of San Francisco, Castro, celebrated its new official status as the first LGBTQ+ Rotary Club in the world. The new club joins eight other San Francisco Rotary groups. Its initial support will go to three Castro-based nonprofits: Larkin Street Youth Services; Lyric, for young LGBTQQ (if you’re wondering about the double Q, it’s queer and questioning) Asian and Pacific Islanders; and Openhouse, which helps LGBT seniors.”
The Rotary project, H2OpenDoors, has completed it’s 2nd of seven planned installations of water bottling plants in Puerto Rico. Up to 1000 five gallon bottles can be filled with purified water and sold each and every day by communities hardest hit by the hurricane. The potential income for their social services is in excess of $150,000 from the net profit. These SunSpring-based systems rely on membrane technology to remove bacteria and viruses from their source water.
Lynn Luckow: April 2018 Rotarian of the Month Rotary Club of San Francisco
Lynn Luckow is a senior advisor, consultant, speaker, coach, and four-time CEO. Most recently he founded and led LikeMinded, Inc., a crowdfunding platform designed to assist nonprofit and civic enterprises expand engagement, funding, and impact in their local communities. Prior to LikeMinded, he served as President & CEO of Craigslist Foundation, Northern California Grantmakers, and Jossey-Bass Publishers. Over three decades he has acquired expertise in organization leadership, strategy, change, governance, philanthropy, and youth and adult development. Lynn has served on or consulted to over 50 nonprofit boards, including chairing the national boards of Chanticleer, the Kinsey Institute, Project Open Hand, and National 4-H Council, for which the National Assembly of Health and Human Service Organizations honored him as the nation’s top nonprofit board chair in 2000. Currently he serves on the boards of LikeMinded, Inc., Rotary Club of San Francisco, and Delta Upsilon International Fraternity, and on the advisory boards of Dive-In.co, QuarterZero, Project Open Hand, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, and World Arts West.
Rotarian of the Month,Rotarians,Rotary Bay Area,Rotary Club News,Rotary Club of San Francisco,Rotary Club of San Francisco Greater Mission,Rotary District 5150
Carrie Chin – Rotary Club of Millbrae – March 2018
Since joining the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 2008, Carrie Chin has truly embrace the motto of “Service Above Self”. She brought a refreshing and charming way of looking at and handling Rotary business. She was our Foundation Chair for seven years and encouraged all of our members not only to give annually but to consider being a part of the Paul Harris Society, Benefactors or Bequest Society. Several achieved the highest per capita in the district several times. Since handing over the responsibilities to other members for raising money for the Foundation, she has continued to work with, encourage and support the Foundation Chairs. Earlier in this Rotary year, she collaborated with a member in our club to have a Polio Plus event. It was very well received and we hope to continue to hold this event in future Rotary years.
Bob Roberts – Rotary Club of Mill Valley – February 2018
One of Bob Roberts’ motivations for joining the Rotary Club of Mill Valley was the opportunity to return to his Peace Corps roots. He was in the first group of volunteers to Peru. Working first through the Peace Corps Partnership Program, the club has been able to support 9 small community development projects in the Peruvian Andes. This led to a collaboration with the Rotary Club of Los Altos. Working with two Peruvian NGOs, the clubs have each sponsored a global grant to assist Quechua-speaking families in the Altiplano of Puno with the development of greenhouses. Living at 13,000 feet, these families are among the poorest and most challenged in Peru. The greenhouses are allowing them to transition from subsistence agriculture to a market economy, improving their diets and providing cash income from the surplus. Bob finds dancing at fiestas to inaugurate greenhouses is a dizzying and delightful sideline.
Marin IJ Human trafficking the focus of Rotary Club of Terra Linda presentation
The Rotary Club of Terra Linda shone a spotlight on the topic of human trafficking on Saturday. In partnership with Rotary District 5150, representing Marin County, San Francisco and San Mateo County, hosted a presentation on the hidden problem of human trafficking to a crowd of more than 60 people at the Marin County Office of Education.
“It’s about awareness,” said Laurel Botsford, the Rotary Club of Terra Linda member who organized the event. “We have to get the word out — get it out of the shadows — expose it to the light. That’s why trafficking has been able to flourish for so long. Nobody wanted to talk about it. It was too horrible to face.”
The San Francisco Rotary Clubs Select Rose Chew of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown as District 5150’s January Rotarian of the Month!
Rose, a Charter member, has worked diligently as our Club Treasurer since it’s inception in 2008. Year after year she has been an incredible steward of our funds and has been fastidious in her duties. Her unwavering work laid the foundation for much of the success of our club today as she is the groundskeeper and den mother when it comes to our club finances.
The San Mateo Rotary Clubs Select Barb Mackraz of the Rotary Club of Woodside/Portola Valley as District 5150’s December Rotarian of the Month!
Barb Mackraz exemplifies an outstanding Rotarian. Barb joined the Woodside/Portola Valley two years ago after being a guest speaker at the club where she shared her goal of bringing libraries to Morocco. She had recently visited the country and became aware of the fact that there were no libraries. She had established one library when she came to our club. Today there are more than thirty. These libraries are especially impactful for the girls in the country who, without access to books, have a difficult time moving out of poverty. Barb is a true visionary. She sees important needs, forms alliances, and finds solutions quickly. We are proud to have her in our club.
Dr. Anne DeLaney is the epitome of Rotary International’s motto “Service Above Self”. She trained as a plastic surgeon with Rotaplast co-founder, Dr. Angelo Capozzi and did her first Rotaplast mission to Barquisimeto, Venezuela in 2003. Since then, she has been a volunteer surgeon on 16 Rotaplast missions, often as Medical Team Leader. She has changed the lives of hundreds of families by performing surgeries for cleft lift, palate and burn scar deformities in Latin America, Asia & Africa.
Mike York is a founding member of The Rotary Club San Francisco West but his service spans many years! He has served his as club president and currently asCommunity Chair, a position that he has held for several years, working tirelessly to create service projects that make a difference in the lives of children and families in San Francisco.
Mike is extremely generous with his time, talents, and financial contributions to Rotary. He and his wife, Karen, host the club’s famous summer barbecue which brings together club members and their families for great food, great company, and lots of fun.
Mike’s clearly embodies the Rotary theme that Rotarians are “People of Action”. The San Francisco Rotary Club Presidents are therefore very pleased to celebrate Mike as District 5150’s Rotarian of the Month for the month of October.
The Lake Area Rotary Club Fire Relief Fund (LARCA) announced today that it has expanded its fire relief efforts to now include the Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino County Fire victims. The fund, established by the Lake County Rotary clubs in 2015 after a series of fires ravaged through the community including the devastating Valley Fire, raised nearly $1 Million. These funds have been successfully deployed to the businesses and residents that suffered so much loss as a result of the devastation that occurred in Lake County over the last couple years. The funds raised have covered a multitude of areas of need in the County from work with kids, to seniors, to housing, to shelter support, to grief counseling services and much more. “The goal of our committee from day 1 has been to find the holes in the system and get the help to where it is needed most and do it with zero overhead costs” said Ron Roberts, President of the Lake Area Rotary Club Association. Their flagship program, the Business Recovery Grant Program, provided over $250,000 in assistance to small businesses affected by the fires. “Small business is the heart of a community and our Rotary committee quickly realized there was a need to help them get their doors back open as quickly as possible and keep them open. We began deploying funds to this program almost immediately and this was a cornerstone in rebuilding our communities.” stated Dirk Slooten, Chair of the LARCA Fire Relief Fund. He goes on to state “with the onslaught of these new and incredibly devastating fires in our neighboring counties, it’s now time to take that knowledge and experience we gained here in Lake County and now expand it to help others.”
SAN MATEO CLUBS SELECT BRUCE WRIGHT – A MEMBER OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO AS DISTRICT 5150’S ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER 2017!
A member of the Rotary Club of South San Francisco (SSF) for 23 years, Bruce Wright has been active in virtually all Club activities. A past Club President and long-time serving Club Treasurer, Bruce currently serves on the Club’s Board as well as the SSF Rotary Plaza Foundation.
THE MARIN COUNTY ROTARY PRESIDENTS ARE EXCITED TO NOMINATE DISTRICT 5150’S ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST 2017 FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THE IDEALS OF ROTARY … MARILYN NEMZER!
A Rotarian for 25 years, Marilyn Nemzer joined the Rotary Club of Tiburon Belvedere in 1992, and then moved to the Rotary Club Tiburon Sunset in 2015 where she was the 2016-2017 club president.
THE SAN FRANCISCO ROTARY CLUBS SELECT A LONG-TIME AND DEDICATED MEMBER OF SF GREATER MISSION ROTARY CLUB AS DISTRICT 5150’s JULY 2017 ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH … SOLON CASTILLO!
Solon Castillo is a two-decade member of the SF Greater Mission Rotary Club!
As club president, Solon achieved the club’s goal to have a vigorous and focused international committee developing and supporting long-term projects in Nicaragua and El Salvador. A native of Nicaragua, Solon’s strong desire was to help his country’s struggling populace especially those needing medical care and basic education.
More than 120 Rotarians, friends and family attend the District 5150 “Celebrating Women in Rotary” event held at the US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitors Center on July 30. It was a great evening as we showcased our District’s first women admitted to Rotary Clubs after the US Supreme Court decision in 1987 and the first women club presidents. Many supportive men attended and some were great bartenders. Featured at this fun and festive event were many hats, heels, and boas! For information on the first women in our Clubs, please use this link.
THE SAN MATEO COUNTY ROTARY CLUBS SELECT AS DISTRICT 5150’s JUNE ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH DIANNE BOBKO OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY FOR HER UNWAVERING ENGAGEMENT AND DEDICATION!
When Dianne Bobko joined the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay in March 2009, she took to heart what it means to be engaged with one’s Rotary club and Rotary throughout the world! Dianne’s own words say it best as to why she joined Rotary:
I have always believed that to those who have been given so much there is a requisite expectation to give back. And having seen so much poverty in the world through my work assignments and personal travel, I found Rotary to be a good match.
MARIN COUNTY PRESIDENTS SELECT AS DISTRICT 5150’s MAY ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH AN OUTSTANDING ROTARIAN WHO EXEMPLIFIES THE ROTARY MOTTO – DAVID HELLMAN FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF MISSION SAN RAFAEL!
David Hellman was one of the Charter Members of Mission San Rafael Rotary in 1982. He has had perfect attendance for 35 years. David served as one of the club’s first Presidents in 1985 – 86 and has been part of the District 5150 support team for many years, currently serving as District 5150 Grants Committee Chair. In addition, David continues to support his club in many ways including attending many Club Board meetings and Club Foundation Board meetings where his advice is so vital. David’s guidance and support has provided and continues to provide a solid foundation and direction to the success of Mission San Rafael Rotary Club and to District 5150.
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation which continues to do remarkable work around the world! Your club can do this by having your city/county council or board of supervisors issue a proclamation about this impressive milestone. To make it easy for you to get this done, below is a link to download a proclamation (or resolution) with suggested language.
The Rotary Foundation belongs to all Rotarians who year after year contribute to make the Foundation able to do its great work throughout the world. Get the proclamation recognizing this 100th anniversary and then please publicize this through social media , community newspapers ……! Additional information about The Rotary Foundation Centennial can be found on RI’s website:
The San Francisco Rotary Clubs select Bruce Lyon from the Rotary Club of San Francisco – Greater Mission as the District 5150 Rotarian of the Month of April
Bruce Lyon, a long time Rotarian, has served his club and District 5150 well! He served as club president twice and also as an Assistant Governor. Bruce inspires others in the club by his “ready-to-do” attitude and has been very supportive of new members as they learn the ways of Rotary. With his ready-smile and positive attitude, Bruce understands what it means to be a Rotarian and is an example of how ones lives the “Four-Way”Test”. For these reason, the San Francisco Presidents are most pleased to select Bruce as the April Rotarian of the Month!
THE ROTARY CLUBS OF SAN MATEO COUNTY ARE PLEASED TO SELECT DISTRICT 5150’s ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH 2017
Greg Kuhl has been a Rotarian since 1978, serving as the President of the Rotary Club of Foster City/Mariner’s Island in 1981-1982. Greg “bleeds” Rotary blue and gold with 100% attendance for 39 years and is Foster City Rotary Club’s poster boy for Service Above Self.
MEMBER OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NOVATO SUNRISE EARNS WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION AS DISTRICT 5150’s ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY!
Marin Presidents select February’s District 5150 Rotarian of the Month – Jan Hutchinson of the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise!
A member since 2000, Jan was selected for her optimism, idealism, and commitment to working with others in planning and completing projects.
As a Literacy Director, and Professional Consultant in the Novato Unified School District, Jan has led her club in the National Education Association “Read Across America” program, in which Rotarians read to classes of elementary students. Her club has supported the Summer Reading Program to help students maintain their literacy skills through the summer.
An educator, administrator, and a world traveler, she has served as the club’s newsletter publisher, led the Youth and World Service Community committees, and served on the club’s Board. Her dad was a Rotarian, and Jan is thrilled to be a member of Rotary. She holds dear the words of R.I. Pres. John Germ: “When we choose to do good, good will follow; and that when we choose Service Above Self as our life’s path, the direction it will take us will be a good one.”
THE SAN FRANCISCO ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENTS SELECT SF WEST ROTARY CLUB MEMBER,
ROBERT JOCSON, AS DISTRICT 5150’S JANUARY ROTARIAN OF THE MONTH!!
Robert Jocson is a Past President of San Francisco West Rotary Club and recently took on the key communications role for the club. Robert has already reinvigorated the club’s social media presence, building up its Facebook, by not only posting photos of club activities but by also actively sharing Rotary news updates – both nationally and globally – to help keep Rotarians informed of the larger Rotary International effort. Robert’s posts are being noticed and shared by other clubs in the District and his efforts District Governor Jeri Fujimoto recently commended Robert’s social media activities as an example of “best practices” for other clubs to model. Beyond club communications, Robert’s positive, can-do attitude is an asset to the club, both in ensuring that things get done and in welcoming visitors and new members to the club.
All the SF Presidents join in recognizing and thanking Robert for exemplifying the Rotary “can-do” spirit!
District 5150 Rotarians – Dr. Angeloa Capozzii (Rotary Club of Tiburon), Peter Lagarias (Rotary Club of San Francisco), and Dr. Anne Delaney (Rotary Club of Terra Linda) – were recognized in an article about their extraordinary work as part of Rotaplast International, Inc. The Marin Independent Journal on the first page of its Saturday, January 14, 2017 edition describes how Rotaplast, long supported by Rotarians throughout District 5150, has carried out its ongoing mission by performing nearly 19,000 reconstructive surgeries in 26 countries around the world. These surgeries have helped children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities.
Working with local professionals, Rotarians, and other organizations, Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of these children. Rotaplast supports education and research towards prevention of cleft lip and/or palate and aims is to help local professionals build sustainable models to care of these children, improve their lives and those of their families.
No wonder that so many Rotary clubs support Rotaplast!
Rotaplast international is recognized for its 25 years of changing lives . . . . A mission supported by Rotarians in district 5150 and beyond!
2017-01-16 08:00:00Z
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Dr. Angeloa Capozzii,Dr. Anne Delaney,Peter Lagarias,Rotaplast International,Rotary Club of San Francisco,Rotary Club of Terra Linda,Rotary Club of Tiburon,The Marin Independent Journal
THE ROTARY CLUB OF CHINATOWN PRESIDENT’S SERVICE DOG GAINS “RI” RECOGNITION!
The Rotary Club of Chinatown President Vanita Louie’s service dog, Moo Moo, gained recognition in the January 2017 The Rotarian Magazine (page 34) where Vanita shares Moo Moo’s Rotarian spirit. Vanita describes how Moo Moo as a therapy dog visits patients at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital and the UCSF Medical Center each month as well as autistic children in public schools twice a month. If Moo Moo only knew how she exemplifies “service above self” as she brings smiles and comfort to those whom she visits!
The Rotary Clubs of San Mateo County select the District 5150 Rotarian of the Month – Yuhui Chen of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park!
Yuhui Chen of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park is selected as the District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for her “can do” attitude, her smart insight, her great marketing, and her dedication to practically every event her club puts on . . . all this while running her full time business, SBM Fitness. Yuhui not only chaired a District 5150 Rotary Means Business event but she helped to manage her club’s Rotary Connect event. She also serves on her club’s committee for the Scholastic Awards Ceremony as well as the club’s Tour de Menlo committee, and has been part of the team’s practice rides.
Yuhui also revised her club’s website, www.menloparkrotary.org, incorporating the club’s weekly “Beam” about club meetings and events. Current Menlo Park Club President Maya Sewald was “spot-on” when she wrote: “What I love particularly was Yuhui’s desire to meet with me as a new President and say ‘Maya what can I do to help you?’ Typical Yuhui!” No wonder the Presidents of San Mateo County selected Yuhui Chen as District 5150’s Rotarian of the Month! That is the Rotarian spirit! Service above self!
Rotarians within District 5150 joined other American Rotarians to travel to Port Harcourt, Nigeria for the annual West Africa Projects Fair and Polio Immunization Program 2016 in the most populated country in Africa. They joined local Nigerian Rotary Clubs in a 5K “End Polio Walk”, administered polio vaccinations in a local clinic, and taught proper hand washing and hygiene. See the linked video to fully appreciate this life-changing experience that celebrates “Service Above Self” and the beauty of Nigeria seen in the faces of the Nigerian people and their markets, dances, and sports events all witnessed by these Rotarians!
DISTRICT 5150 RYLA – what you can do to encourage high school sophomores and juniors to apply now for RYLA 2017!
Camp RYLA 5150 is April 21-23, 2017 at Camp Redwood Glen, Scotts Valley, CA
Rotary Clubs throughout our District 5150 are gearing up to support the youth in our district by sponsoring sophomore and juniors attending high schools in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties to attend the ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (“RYLA”) 2017 camp. The District 5150 RYLA 2017 planning team also asks all Rotarians to contact youth who are sophomores or juniors and attend schools and live in one of our three counties and who would benefit from this teambuilding and leadership three-day camp. Please reach out to Interact clubs in the high schools, school administrators, counselors, teachers, and other youth activity clubs who can identify such youth.
Let’s give as many youth as possible the opportunity to become youth leaders in District 5150!
Applications are now open for students to apply on-line: www.ryla5150.org/
Marin Presidents select November’s District 5150 Rotarian of the Month – Cindy Stameroff of The Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor!
A member since February 2003, Cindy has served as Club Treasurer for many years. An accountant by profession, Cindy exemplifies the best in service to her club each week welcoming guests, assisting members to answer questions, and making sure the president has what is needed to lead the meeting. Cindy rarely misses a meeting and attends almost all Club social events. In fact the first meeting she missed was in 2015. She is almost always the first to arrive every Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM helping the weekly greeter to set up.
The Millbrae City Council recently recognized the Capuchino High School Interact Club with a letter of commendation at a city council meeting for the club’s efforts in collecting gently used sports equipment – bats, mitts, balls, rackets and more – for donation to the Millbrae Recreation Center hit by a fire last summer. We appreciate Capuchino Interact Advisor and Rotary Club of San Bruno Past-President Josie McHale sharing this good news! It is clear that the Capuchino High School Interact Club members are unstoppable! The equipment drive continues throughout the year. The Club welcomes all donations!
Think Big and Be Inspired by the Rotary Club of Redwood City!!
The Rotary Club of Redwood City was one of a handful of clubs honored with the Rotary International President’s Citation for the 2015-16 Rotary year. This award was based on a set of criteria RI established aiming to improve the overall performance, community position, and outreach of clubs at a local level.
District 5150 former Assistant Governor Glen Rojas is pictured below with current Assistant Governor Dave Bertini and Redwood City Rotary Club President Jeff Hayden who presented the Citation to Immediate Past President John McAfee. The Club’s accomplishments included the new member inductions, local and international projects participation, community involvement and fundraising, participation in Foundation Programs at the local, district and international levels along with club’s successful adherence to RI branding standards and social media presence. Current President Jeff Hayden wants us all to know that the Club’s last year’s successes are giving the Club an amazing platform upon which the club members are building during this 2016-17 Rotary year!
Think Big and Be Inspired by the Rotary Club of Redwood City!!
2016-10-14 07:00:00Z
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Assistant Governor Glen Rojas,Fundraising,Jeff Hayden,Participation,Past President John McAfee,Programs,Rotary Club of Redwood City,The Rotary Foundation Centennial
MEMBERS AND GUESTS GET TO SOCIALIZE PLUS LEARN ABOUT THE ART AND SCIENCE OF FLOWERS … AND A BIT ABOUT FLOWER ARRANGING!
The Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf members and guests recently gathered at the big yellow building at 615 7th Street in San Francisco to learn about the art and science of flowers from the master himself, fellow Fisherman’s Wharf Rotary Club member Larry Hoogasian, owner of Hoogasian Flowers, a decades-old family business. Members and guests got the low down on de-ionized water and flower food (the method for the longest flowers) and the high notes of floral arranging.
Larry explained the “stations” that the beautiful flowers pass through at his “shop” from arrival to departure in specialized delivery vehicles. Larry also displayed exotic gingers, orchids, and anthuriums with their amazing shapes and colors. Club President Suzanne Varacalli enhanced this experience with a wonderful array of culinary treats she prepared!
The monthly social is open to other Rotarians and guests and has proven to be a great way to introduce potential members to the world of Rotary!
For the month of October, the San Francisco Rotary Club Presidents are pleased to select Sue Rokaw of the Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf as Rotarian of the Month!
Sue Rokaw has given her talents to Rotary both at the Club and District levels. A Master PRLS graduate, she is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf, a Past Assistant Governor, and currently RYLA Chair and also District 5150 Committee Chair of the Public Relations/Public Image Committee, and a member of the District Visioning team.
10 Rotarians, friends, and family walked from 10 AM on July 30th to 10 AM July 31st at the Half Moon Bay Relay for Life, walking 55 miles and raising over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society. This community event brought together people whose lives have been affected by cancer – survivors, caregivers, and those who have lost loved ones. Rotary Club President Liz Schuck who walked 7 miles commented: “This event epitomizes the best characteristics of the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay – community involvement, fundraising for health challenges, personal commitment, fellowship, and leadership.”
Summer had ended but the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Made It a Great One with its Relay for Life Team, Raising Funds and Hopes for Cancer Patients and Families
2016-09-09 07:00:00Z
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American Cancer Society,Bay Relay for Life,Cancer Survivors,Family,Friends,Fundraising,Rotarians,Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay,Shana Reilly-Pond
Lisa Schalk is this year’s recipient of the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship. Lisa has spent the past ten of her twenty-one years of nursing working as a Critical Care High Risk Obstetrical Nurse Specialist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
Lisa will be attending the University of York in England starting this September. Lisa will be studying for her Master in International Public Health, with an emphasis on Maternal/Fetal Well-Being. Lisa’s goal following graduation is to work for the World Health Organization (WHO), where her primary focus is on Maternal Health, especially among the high-risk pregnant populations of lower income countries.
The Rotary Clubs of San Mateo are proud to nominate John Berglund as the District 5150 Rotarian of the month. John recently tuned 90 and our club celebrated the momentous occasion with a birthday party in his honor, complete with a homemade cake in Rotary colors and trivia questions about people turning 90 this year.
John was Past President of our club in 1974-75and has multiple Paul Harris Fellowships. Most significantly, John has been a Rotarian for 48 years, joining San Bruno in 1968, and most impressively, has perfect attendance. John still plays an active role in our club, serving as the Sergeant-At-Arms and providing the invocation at each meeting. And he reminds you if you happen to forget your Badge! John deserves to be named Rotarian of the Month as he is a constant source of inspiration to all members of our Club and District.
Andrea Salmi (left) and Isa Ferris display the $750 check from the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor. Pictured from left to right: Helen Abe (behind Andrea and Isa); Bev Shwert, Immediate Past President; Carola Detrick, President Elect; Susan Lundy; Barbara Weldon, Public Service Chair; Stacie Strassberg; Tom Sutton; and Hugh Murphy, President.
From the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor “Make a Splash” Graduation for 4 – 8 year olds! “Our” swimmers graduate!
In 2016, the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor decided to sponsor the transportation of children from the west end of San Rafael (Canal District) to central San Rafael High School so they could attend swimming lessons provided by “Make a Splash”, through its non-profit teaching center, “Pacific Coast Marlins Learn to Swim”.
More than 120 Rotarians, friends and family attend the District 5150 “Celebrating Women in Rotary” event held at the US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model Visitors Center on July 30. It was a great evening as we showcased our District’s first women admitted to Rotary Clubs after the US Supreme Court decision in 1987 and the first women club presidents. Many supportive men attended and some were great bartenders. Featured at this fun and festive event were many hats, heels, and boas! For information on the first women in our Clubs, please use this link.
The Marin Clubs are thrilled to present their selection for Rotarian of the Month for the month of August –
Joan Capurro of the Rotary Club of Ross Valley!
This very special Rotarian is a 27-year Rotarian and in 1988 was the second female member of her Club. Joan has not only served in many Board positions, but has volunteered countless hours on Club projects and fund raisers. A Paul Harris Fellow Benefactor many, many times over, Joan just completed serving as her Club’s President for the third time!
For the month of July, the San Francisco Rotary Club Presidents are pleased to select Daniel Joraanstad of the Rotary Club of San Francisco as the July Rotarian of the Month!
A member of the San Francisco Rotary Club since 1989, Daniel has ramped up his Rotary involvement since stepping down in December 2015 from full-time employment as a financial advisor. As the club Membership Vice President and a Club Board of Directors member, Daniel was instrumental and innovative in driving the Club’s aggressive membership goal and forming a strong membership team.
This is where it all happened … at the Mission Rock Resort on Saturday night, June 25, 2016. It is official! The Rotary Club of San Francisco SoMa is the 42nd club in District 5150! The Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown was at it again – sponsoring yet another club! SoMa now has its official bell and banner to celebrate SoMa’s charter as a District 5150 club! Welcome to al its 20+ members. We are so happy to have you in the Rotary family!
The Rotary Club of San Francisco is the second oldest Rotary chapter in the world, having been founded in November of 1908. However, it wasn’t until earlier this year that the international service organization launched a chapter in the Castro/Noe Valley.
“We were looking at the city, and we were trying to think of other areas that we could support,” said Danielle Lallement, charter president of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. “We looked at the Castro and Noe Valley and thought, ‘Why is this not supported?’ We started doing a lot of work in the area, asking people if they thought it would be a benefit here. That’s why we started to get the club off the ground.”
Rotary International Gains Traction With New Castro/Noe Valley Club
The Rotary Club of San Francisco is the second oldest Rotary chapter in the world, having been founded in November of 1908. However, it wasn’t until earlier this year that the international service organization launched a chapter in the Castro/Noe Valley.
“We were looking at the city, and we were trying to think of other areas that we could support,” said Danielle Lallement, charter president of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Evening. “We looked at the Castro and Noe Valley and thought, ‘Why is this not supported?’ We started doing a lot of work in the area, asking people if they thought it would be a benefit here. That’s why we started to get the club off the ground.”
On Saturday, April 16th, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the coastal area of Ecuador in Rotary District 4400, which is a “Sister District” of District 5150. A state of emergency has been declared. While Rotary International is not a “first responder” organization, if you would like to send contributions, our District recommends any one of the following three options:
Questions regarding Disaster Relief Efforts in Ecuador may be sent to leah-reich@att.net.
On Saturday, April 16th, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the coastal area of Ecuador in Rotary District 4400, which is a “Sister District” of District 5150. A state of emergency has been declared. While Rotary International is not a “first responder” organization, if you would like to send contributions, our District recommends any one of the following three options:
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 5150
WORLD PEACE CONCERT
November 14, 2015
7:30 p.m.
Herbst Theater, War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
401 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, California
Join music lovers from throughout the Bay Area at the newly renovated Herbst Theater in the War Memorial Veterans Building for the Rotary World Peace Concert.
The concert features Northern California singer and songwriter Brett Dennen and 2010 American Idol first runner up Crystal Bowersox performing favorite songs as we celebrate peace through music.
Rotary International has introduced a new “member benefits” program that gives members access to discounts on a variety of products and services including hotel rooms, car rentals, restaurants, and entertainment. Marie Borders, from the Rotary Club of Ignacio, will serve as District 5150 Global Rewards Program Chair. To learn more, click here.
Australian accountant Ian H.S. Riseley, a member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, was selected to serve as Rotary International President during 2017-2018, following John F. Germ, the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who will serve as president during 2016-2017. To learn more, click here.
Ian Risleley selected as 2017-2018 Rotary president
Rotary announced that In the past 12 months, it has grown the number of Rotary clubs from two to nine, as well as adding two Rotaract clubs and four Interact clubs.
District Governor Leah Lambrecht has designated the 2015-2016 year as one in which Rotary District 5150 will focus on the theme of “peace” – peace in our hearts, peace in our local communities, and peace worldwide.
Activities will include “peace projects” implemented by Rotary clubs throughout the District; a Rotary World Peace Concert on November 14, 2015; a San Francisco Peace Conference on April 30-May 1, 2016; and efforts to establish District 5150 as a Rotary Peace Builder District.
From June 6 through 9, 2015, more than 14,500 Rotarians converged in São Paulo, Brazil to attend the 106th Rotary International Convention in one of the largest and most diverse cities of the world.
Like the city itself, the São Paulo convention brought together people from around the world who were eager to celebrate and share their backgrounds and be inspired by the work taking place to improve the quality of life worldwide.
On April 25, 2015, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8M hit Nepal, killing more than 8,000 people, injuring more than 23,000, and leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless with entire villages flattened.
Since that day, Rotarians worldwide have reacted quickly, raising thousands of dollars designated for recovery efforts and supporting partner organizations like ShelterBox.
Sorry if you had issue downloading the July District Newsletter. We found the source of the issue and are in process of repairing it now. If you missed it download a PDF here.
The Rotary project, H2OpenDoors, has sent a SunSpring solar-powered water purification system to Banepa, Nepal on May 18 to be immediately installed at Scheer Memorial Hospital, 45 miles west of the earthquake's epicenter. The hospital continues to be a major triage center for victims, and operates with minimal electricity and limited access to safe drinking water. For many days following the quake, procedures were performed outside while the buildings were examined for structural integrity and aftershocks rolled on.
"The most critical need, according to the Harvard medical team that was dispatched with our rapid response partners, is safe water," says Jon Kaufman, director of the Rotary project. Additional permanent installations will follow in August as the recovery phase begins. H2OpenDoors and it’s Rotary partners in both 5150 and 5170 districts, will be working with the clubs in Nepal to provide multiple systems that include tanks and distribution. As with previous disasters in Haiti and the Philippines, safe drinking water becomes harder to come by after the initial rescue stage winds down and emergency supplies become scarce. This makes the population vulnerable to cholera outbreaks most often afflicting the very young and the very old. The best way to prevent the spread of disease and to maintain optimal health is to increase the access to pure, safe drinking water.
Fundraising continues as the H2OpenDoors-Nepal expedition prepares to leave in August. If you would like to assist in this effort, donations can be made at www.H2OpenDoors.org. All contributions are acknowledged by the Rotary Foundation of Peninsula Sunrise, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. If you would like to start a grant, contact Jon Kaufman for any questions at jon@H2OpenDoors.org.
Join us in 2016 for a different kind of District Conference at Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco on April 30 & May 1, 2016
The Rotary District 5150 SAN FRANCISCO PEACE CONFERENCE! Two days of exceptional keynotes, inspiring breakouts, along with a House of Friendship open to the public. Register by June 30, 2015, and you'll save $50 on the final conference fee of $325.
Overnight, the strongest earthquake to strike Nepal in over 80 years left massive destruction between the major cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. The latest reports indicate up to 1100 dead with extensive damage to homes and buildings.
ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member Nicola Hinds from Ireland will lead the initial assessment and is returning to Nepal on behalf of ShelterBox for the third time in the past year, most recently providing aid in the northern sections of the country following heavy flooding and landslides last August. She and her team will be onsite late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
ShelterBox has aid pre-positioned in Nepal and is already speaking with other aid organizations and local Rotary contacts to determine where help is most needed. Once arrangements have been made on the ground, aid distribution will be swift.
If you have questions on the ShelterBox response to this or any other disaster, contact Jim Carriere from the Rotary Club of San Rafael Harbor at james.carriere@gmail.com. To learn more or to support the ShelterBox mission, simply go to www.shelterboxusa.org and click on “donate now.”
ShelterBox responds to the devastating earthquake in Nepal
The Rotary Club of Redwood City was one of a handful of clubs honored with the Rotary International President’s Citation for the 2015-16 Rotary year. This award was based on a set of criteria RI established aiming to improve the overall performance, community position, and outreach of clubs at a local level.
The Rotary Club of Fisherman’s Wharf members and guests recently gathered at the big yellow building at 615 7th Street in San Francisco to learn about the art and science of flowers from the master himself, fellow Fisherman’s Wharf Rotary Club member Larry Hoogasian, owner of Hoogasian Flowers, a decades-old family business. Members and guests got the low down on de-ionized water and flower food (the method for the longest flowers) and the high notes of floral arranging.
On Saturday, April 16th, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the coastal area of Ecuador in Rotary District 4400, which is a “Sister District” of District 5150. A state of emergency has been declared. While Rotary International is not a “first responder” organization, if you would like to send contributions, our District recommends any one of the following three options:
Keynote speakers for the San Francisco Peace Conference have been announced, and include:
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 5150
Rotary International has introduced a new “member benefits” program that gives members access to discounts on a variety of products and services including hotel rooms, car rentals, restaurants, and entertainment. 
Australian accountant 
Rotary expands to nineclubs in China 
From June 6 through 9, 2015, more than 14,500 Rotarians converged in São Paulo, Brazil to attend the 106th Rotary International Convention in one of the largest and most diverse cities of the world.
On April 25, 2015, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8M hit Nepal, killing more than 8,000 people, injuring more than 23,000, and leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless with entire villages flattened.