Past District 5180 Governor Bob Deering of Sacramento (right) was our March 29 speaker on the topic, “District 5180’s Global Grant to Combat Human Trafficking, a Grant That Can Be Duplicated Anywhere in the the World.” Lots of questions and discussion followed his talk.

President of the Month Tony Bothwell welcomed visiting Rotarians from Arizona and southern California as well as Richard Swart from the Rotary Club SF Chinatown.

Tami Beneau, left, the Principal of Galileo High School, was inducted and welcomed as a new member of our club during the Feb. 28 meeting. She was introduced by Sue Rokaw, center, and sponsored by Past President Suzanne Varacalli, right.

Four students who were among the 38 from Galileo’s Interact Club who attended the Interact Fall Leadership Conference spoke briefly about their experiences there.

Member Wendy Vived, left, was presented her first Paul Harris Society pin by Foundation Chair Riki Intner, right,  in recognition and thanks for her financial support of the Rotary Foundation.

Riki and husband Bob, who are midway in a 4 1/2-month, worldwide Viking Ships ocean cruise, described some of their stops since they departed in early January. Bob said that visiting Cuba was a highlight to date, and Riki most enjoyed snorkeling over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

During this week’s Club Assembly, Herman Jones reported on another successful Operation Dream toy drive and read a letter thanking the club from Sgt/Insp Glenn Sylvester (retired) of the San Francisco Police Department. “The donated toys were distributed to children in low income neighborhoods. Your contribution brought joy to numerous children.”

Anna Lippert, a third year law student at Golden Gate University, gave a thought-provoking talk about the effects of bio-research on the oceans of Micronesia. She was recommended and introduced by International Chair Tony Bothwell, left, and welcomed by Secretary Suzanne Varacalli.

Our Dec. 13 holiday party at The Franciscan was a great success with 22 members and guests alike in joyful attendance. Good company and good food, not to mention the wine. Toys were collected for Operation Dream, and a good time was had by all. 

We bid a fond farewell to Riki and Bob by wishing them safe and happy travels. Bob gave us a heartfelt adieu, with a tear in his eye, telling us how important our small club had become in his and Riki's lives. We will miss them, but know they will be back, with lots of tales to tell of their grand four-month adventure. 

This week’s speaker and fellow Rotarian, Mark Schiavenza, educated club members about the Museo Italo Americano, a wonderful museum in our neighborhood. He provided pamphlets from past exhibits about Italians immigrating to San Francisco, Italians in cinema and Italian artists that were informative and confirmed the quality of the Museo’s events.

Past District Governor Jeri Fujimoto presented the club with a banner celebrating our achievement as District 5150’s 2016-2017 No. 1 Club in per capita Annual Find giving to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Herman Jones was presented with his second Paul Harris pin.

At this week’s meeting, John Martini, historical consultant, presented Alcatraz Island: 200 Years on the Rock, a history of Alcatraz from its Spanish discovery through today's status as a National Park site. The talk focused on the 1934-1963 era when The Rock was a federal penitentiary, including stories of the island's infamous residents, escape attempts, and the Hollywood mythology of Alcatraz. 

John is pictured with November President of the Month Suzanne Varacalli.