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2019-2020 Rotary Banner
January Meetings
Rotary, My Story

(The following narrative is a continuation of a series of how a member was introduced to Rotary and subsequent memories. If you would like Rotary to be part of your life's story, please contact Joyce Cave at caveclan@yahoo.com.)

 

Curtis Chen

Member Since July 9, 2003

January, 2021

 

When people ask me, “What is Rotary”? , I simply answer, “It’s Boy Scouts for adults”!  (This is my Eagle Scout answer).  The principles are similar, and both organizations goals are consistent.  “Service above Self” is the adult version of “Do a Good Turn Daily”.  Rotary was founded in 1905; Boy Scouts were founded in 1908.  Both organizations have evolved to admit both males and females.

I joined the Rotary Club of Foster City in July, 2003.  My neighbor, Marcia Cohen-Lyle invited me to a weekly meeting.  She said, “I’m the incoming President, and one of my jobs is recruiting new members”.  I had no previous familiarity with Rotary, but enthusiastically attended a few lunch meetings at the Foster City Crowne Plaza.  I soon joined as a member, inducted by President Larry Zanata.

At the time, I had 2 young children, so I focused my participation on local projects where international travel was not required.  I have fond memories of Halloween Safe Streets, when the Rotary Club partnered with the City of Foster City to provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters by closing off a local neighborhood to traffic.  The Rotary Club provided the “treats” to the residents to hand out, and monitored the venue.

Also, I participated in the annual Foster City Art & Wine Festival, which was a major fundraiser for our club.  Our club sold food and beer at the Festival, and I definitely was partial to working in the beer booth!  It was always great to see a familiar face step up to the booth to ask for beer!

As my boys grew older, I involved them in Rotary Projects.  We have served food at Samaritan House, and collected clothes for One Warm Coat.  I enjoy helping out on the Foster City Rotary Cooking Crew.  We provide the meals for various District events, as well as cook for fundraiser throughout the year. I have gone on to be more involved with the club – serving as Community Services Director and Youth Services Director. I also serve as Chair of the annual 4th of July pancake fundraiser. 

A few years ago, while visiting my parents in Taiwan, I noticed a bust of my Grandfather.  (It is Taiwan custom to honor ancestors in this manner).  Low and behold there was a Rotary President medallion worn around his neck!  This led to a long story-telling discussion with my mother.  My grandfather was very involved with the Taipei, Taiwan club.  I’m pleased to be picking up the Rotary torch in the family. 

I am amazed at how many people Rotary touches throughout the world.  From providing Polio vaccines, to providing clean water to remote communities, and building schools in developing countries, Rotary’s impact is strong.  I often wonder, why hadn’t I heard of this organization earlier in my life? 

I am honored to be elected Club President for the 2021-22 year.  My goals are to engage all members to participate in our projects, and partner with other clubs in our District on projects.  We are working toward a Twin Club relationship with the Rotary Club of Inagi City, Japan.  I hope to launch the first inter-club exchange to promote understanding and friendship between our cultures.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us
 
Do you enjoy Volunteering, Community Service, helping families and Children, helping people abroad?  If so, you have come to the right place.
 
Members have an opportunity to volunteer for our many community service projects as well as International projects. In addition, they have an avenue to contribute to our humanitarian efforts through The Rotary Club of Foster City Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
 
Through our weekly programs and service opportunities, members are able to provide service and make new and lasting friendships through service and fellowship.
 
The Rotary Club of Foster City was chartered in 1977 and is a member of Rotary International, a worldwide service organization headquartered in Chicago. Rotary International has over 35,000 Rotary Clubs and 1.2 million members in over 200 countries and geographic locations. The Rotary Club of Foster City is part of Rotary District 5150, encompassing Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties with a total of 44 Clubs.
 
We would be pleased to have you attend one of our weekly meetings (now on Zoom) to host you as a guest. For further information, contact Joyce Cave at caveclan@yahoo.com.
2019-2020 Award
Best Club 2019-2020
45 Years of Service to Foster City and the World.
Foster City

"The Club That Cooks"

We meet In Person & Online
Wednesdays at 12:15 PM
Zoom
Foster City, CA 94404
United States of America
PLEASE NOTE: Until further notice, due to COVID-19, we meet Wednesdays at 12:15 over Zoom.   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87230333373?pwd=MHpkQVFUeFgxSCs3ZW Meeting ID: 872 3033 3373 Passcode: 514226
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Stephanie Masten
    January 20
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
  • Russell
    January 1
  • Jayne Zaban
    January 13
  • Jodi
    January 15
  • Julie
    January 15
  • Phyllis Brown
    January 17
Anniversaries:
  • Nick Conrady
    Ellen
    January 18
  • Rich Mozzini
    Gail
    January 20
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Mary Lou Griffin
President Elect
Curtis Chen
Immediate Past President
Mark Watson
Treasurer
Larry Kavinoky
Secretary
Jim Goell
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Debi Williams
Community Service Director
James Cavagnaro
Membership Director
Joyce Cave
International Service Director
Shiraz Zack-Kanga
Youth Services Director
Noemi AIA Avram
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Patricia Nutting
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Mike Hoffman
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Linda Grant
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