The end of an era is upon us. The knights of the round table are disbanding. The Queen is dead. The Apocalypse of the four horsemen are riding again. The end of our President Lady Grizzly’s term (AKA Colette Lay) has arrived. Calling the meeting to order at 12 noon, our President was in a state of euphoria with a smile of contentment and the look of an ex-prison con being released from jail. For the last time, the President reminded the club that the R.I. President is Mark Daniel Maloney and the theme is “Rotary Connects the World”.
Ana Dominquez was introduced at the greeter with a tribute to women leaders.
"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things.
He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." Ronald Reagan
He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." Ronald Reagan
"Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men--the other 999 follow women."
Groucho Marx
With high quality graphics, our President served virtual hamburgers and hot dogs with fries and watermelon.
Following a patriotic Flag salute and a cacophony of the 4-way test, President Lay introduced the many well-wishing guests including Tina Akins, Bhavya Doshi, Brad Lay joining from upstairs, Mark Hornstra, Daniel from Danville/Sycamore Club, Cheri Braga, and Marie Galbo
It was announced that the club would be dark next week with a start up in early July, as our new President takes over the spot light. If you have good news and pictures, send them to Ana. June is Fellowship month with lots of activities available. Lastly, the Meals effort yielded $1,744 to go to Primo Pizza for meals for local care homes. Priya has also arranged for face shields to be donated to John Muir Hospital.
Bhavya Doshi, from Mills College and a former interact member was introduced. Bhavya recently graduated and will be starting The East Bay Community Rotaract Club with San Ramon Rotary and the Danville/Sycamore clubs. She introduced key players to fill Rotaract Board positions and shared that the goal of this new club will be centered around social justice encouraging a diverse club in a safe environment. Bhavya also indicated their desire to work with Interact Clubs through Social Justice education and supplies. She thanked both Rotary Clubs for their support. President Lay noted that this was another example of our Scholarship funds being well spent.
A wise woman (Tina Akins) suggested Colette maintain a binder of Rotary accomplishments during the year. Quoting a Bateke proverb, “the river swells with the contributions of the small streams.” Colette wanted to showcase some of her favorite moments during her reign and the contributions of our members. We supported:
- Food Bank of Contra Costa
- Wheelchair Foundation
- Auction for Education
- Walk to End Alzheimers
- Trinity Center
- The Grateful Garment Project
- Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa
- Book Drive and Dictionaries for 3rd Graders
- Rise Against Hunger
Committed Rotarians donated for following during the year:
Rotary Foundation $20,653
San Ramon Rotary Foundation $ 550
SRRF grant $ 1,000
5160 Grant $ 881
Virtual meals $ 5,861
Food Bank $ 2,014
GRAND TOTAL $30,929
AND ROTARY HAD A LOT of fun (such a party girl) particularly the Happy Hour laughs keeping a semblance of fellowship among Rotarians. For those who may have forgotten the pre-pandemic fellowship events, Colette reminded us of times now past but included a Baseball game, Tao House Tour and Play, members night out, hiking excursion, and the holiday party.
San Ramon Rotary was among ten clubs to receive the Rotary International President’s Citation. The competitive spirit of our President came through when she gleefully announced that the club also received the Presidential Citation with Distinction award among 5 other clubs.
