(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
Alison Proctor at alisonproctor@gmail.com.)
Stan Pond
Rotary Member since December 11, 1984
Foster City Member since February 1, 1991
November 2021
As the autumn leaves were dropping
in 1984, I had the pleasure of being in a business partnership with a colleague in the law and a fine gentleman, Lee Osborne. I had just purchased my first home in San Mateo, thanks to Lee’s connections in the community. Lee was a longstanding member and past president of the Rotary Club of San Mateo. He suggested that, as I had been a professional for seven years and had bought a home in the community, it was time for me to consider “giving back” to my community – he suggested I join a newly chartered club, the Rotary Club of San Mateo Evening.
Lee introduced me to his son-in-law, Scott Kennedy, who was a member of the Evening Club. Scott agreed to sponsor me for membership, and I was accepted for membership on December 11, 1984. The members of the Club immediately accepted me as one of their own. They shared with me the many worthy community projects the Club was supporting. I felt empowered by being a member and a participant in the good work of Rotary.
Shortly thereafter, I joined the Board of Directors and, in 1989-90, I was honored to serve as Club President. The steep learning curve was a challenge gratefully accepted. Sadly, the Club’s membership began to recede. Our members were starting families, and it became difficult for many to attend evening meetings. We considered converting our group to a social group apart from Rotary. In 1991, the Club surrendered its charter and the remaining members dispersed into other Rotary Clubs.
Thence began my search for a new Rotary home. I attended multiple club meetings on the mid-Peninsula, but I found a home when I made my two visits to The Rotary Club of Foster City. This club was markedly different from the others in that the members were extraordinarily friendly and welcoming, the energy in the room was electric, the extent of its local and international community projects was eye-popping and the meetings were fun! I asked for an application card and immediately joined the club.
My first community service project in Foster City was to participate in painting over the graffiti and tagging of the city’s electric power boxes. We spread out across the city in pairs, we were provided with paint brushes and “PG&E Green” paint, and we went to work! At this time, I realized that to work on a hands-on project was the best way to get to know my fellow Rotarians.
Within a few years, I was asked to sit on the club’s Board of Directors. I served for several years. In 1998, past president and resident emcee/quick-witted Greg Kuhl called. He asked me to accept the position of Club President in 2000-01. My response was, “Greg, do you not know what happened to the last Rotary Club who had me as President??” Greg replied, “Yes, the nominating committee discussed this at great length, and we believe that The Rotary Club of Foster City can withstand even YOUR presidency.” So hilarious that I took the job. During my year as President, my daughter, Caitie, supported the club events and was known as “First Kid.”
In 2010, I married A
ndrea Pond, thus relegating “joining Rotary” to second place on my lifetime best decision list. Her introduction to our Club was in Mazatlan at a wheelchair distribution event. She knew that she would develop lifelong friends and relationships with our group upon moving from Florida. Since then, Andrea also has served as Club President, and she also in involved in Rotary District 5150 projects.
Thirty-four years have passed since Lee suggested it was my time to give back by joining Rotary. Rotary has become my family. Together, internationally, we have delivered wheelchairs to the destitute in Mexico, South Africa, Honduras and China. We have delivered and installed playgrounds in Mexico and the Yurok Nation in California. We have involved local high school students in these projects. These acts of service, and the response of the recipients, have been heart-warming and life-changing experiences. Locally, we have raised funds to support our local schools, Samaritan House, the Foster City Village project, Hillbarn Theatre, scouts, high school and community college scholars, Safe Streets on Halloween, Second Harvest, San Mateo High School Drama, the Foster City Rose Garden, Foster City Police and Fire and other worthy benefactors too numerous to mention.
It has been a grand journey, and many thanks to my chosen family in Rotary.