The Millbrae Rotary Club has been an integral part of the Relay for Life of North Peninsula (benefitting the American Cancer Society) since it's inception. The event was chaired this year by club member Karen Bettucchi, and members Claire Beltrami, Alan Kirth and Paul Harrell were on the organizing committee. The Mills High School Interact Club was also part of the organizing committee, and played a major role by taking responsibility for the Luminaria (a very touching element is that after dark, paper bag luminarias are decorated in memory of or in honor of someone are lit up around the track). The Interact students also were responsible for the ceremonies throughout the event, which provide some of the most poignant and memorable moments of the day.
Our club, led by Claire, was responsible for the Registration booth.
The Millbrae Rotary Cancer Canceller team was the top team (led by dynamo Alan, who was the top individual fundraiser). Considering that the #4 team, “Crushing Children's Cancer - #GoldTogether” (led by Karen Bettucchi and her family), and the #5 team, “Anti-Cancer Crusaders” (led by Joe and Shari Teresi), and the Interact raised funds with their Luminaria, Millbrae Rotary along with Mills Interact were responsible for bringing in well over half of the funds raised this year! Thank you to all Rotarians who helped organize, who fundraised, who donated, and who helped out at the event!
The Millbrae Art and Wine Festival was held on September 5 and 6. Our club has a long history of supporting the event, which benefits the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce. Congrats to club members Jamie Monozon (Executive Director of the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce) and Albert Yam (Chair of the Art & Wine Festival) for a wonderful event, which always brings together our community. Many thanks to Dave Covarrubias (aka Spiderman) for all of his hard work coordinating our volunteers to staff our Token and Pouring booths. Thanks to all club members who worked shifts at the Art & Wine Festival! Here are a few photos from the day, starting with “Spiderman” Dave:
Rotary and Interact members came together for an Earth Day project at Taylor Middle School, working side by side to revive the school garden. A great day of hands-on service and teamwork.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae celebrated 60 years of service to the community. Chartered in 1969, the club has led countless local and international projects. The event featured music by the Brother Buzz Band and recognition from the City of Millbrae, presented by Councilmembers Bob Nguyen and Sissy Riley. Special thanks to event chair Faye Dawdy and the committee for organizing a memorable celebration.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae welcomed new member Dave Covarrubias, whose strong background in finance and early volunteer efforts are already making an impact.
An energizing evening brought together five Rotary Clubs for dinner, connection, and shared purpose, highlighted by collaboration on impactful programs like ShelterBox and a special address from Jackie Speier.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae was hosted by the Millbrae Lions Club as one of the many community partners that support our Millbrae Schools as Movers and Shakers. We were honored to join our community organizations in making meaningful contributions to the futures of our school kids.
Our Club in partnership with the Millbrae Community Foundation and some very generous donors delivered over $52,000 to the Millbrae School District to deliver Smart Boards to every classroom and the School Library at Lomita Park School.
The Millbrae Elementary School Board honored the Millbrae Rotary Club for it's donation of $52,000 to pay for the Smart Boards (one for each classroom as well as one for the library) for Lomita Park Elementary School. President Janet Fogarty presented the ceremonial check.
Millbrae Rotary donated a little over $48,000 to fund Smart Boards at Lomita Park Elementary School. Smart boards enhance classroom learning by increasing engagement, supporting diverse learning styles, and promoting collaboration through interactive, multimedia-rich lessons. They facilitate better technology integration (cameras, microscopes), provide instant access to online resources, and improve efficiency by reducing paper waste. These tools improve student comprehension, raise test scores, and foster a more dynamic, interactive environment for students. Students can interact directly with content, solving puzzles or dragging elements, which increases participation and attention levels. The smart boards foster collaborative learning and provide easy access to resources.
The Smart Boards are now in every classroom in the school, and are already so heavily used that the School District is seeking funding for one to be used in the school library. Below are a few photos of the training program (Rotary members were invited to attend), and a few photos of the smart boards being used.
We are so happy to welcome Millbrae Vice Mayor Stephen Rainaldi as our newest Millbrae Rotarian. Stephen is passionate about community service and our Millbrae community, and is a great addition to our club. He was joined by his mother, Barbara Rainaldi, and their long-time family friend and our club's Assistant Governor, Adele Della Santina for his Induction Ceremony. Our District Governor, Mitone Griffiths came to induct Stephen. Welcome, Stephen!
The Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno met together to strengthen our friendships and listen to an interesting speaker talk about AI and new technology. Mark Gamble's message was that technology is advancing, and things in the future will change. While we cannot choose to “put the genie back in the bottle” - even if we want to! - we can use that new technology to our advantage.
Thanks to the generosity of club members with donations to The Rotary Foundation, our club has launched two huge projects.
Smart Boards for Lomita Park School: Lomita Park is the only school in the District that does not have any smart boards. These look like large screened TVs, but they have touch screens and allow teachers to show short instructional videos, drag and drop activities and simulations. These smart boards are shown to increase student engagement, support multiple learning styles, allow access to digital resources, and improve classroom collaboration. The total for 12 classrooms will be approximately $67,000 and this project will be one of the largest we've ever undertaken!
Gift of Life Project: We will work with member Dr. Reeta Thukral's foundation to provide emergency surgery for infants with cardiac abnormalities in India. These lifesaving surgeries can be provided for approximately $6,000 each and these children are expected to have go on to live healthy lives with normal life spans. We have been approved for a $10,000 grant from the Rose C. Stone Foundation to match our funds, and will be partnering with the Rotary Club of Delhi South to implement the project.
Designated Fund Agreements have been approved for both projects to allow us to partner with Millbrae Community Foundation because they are a 501c3 organization to collect additional funds for these impactful projects.
Members of Rotary Club of Millbrae, Rotary Club of San Bruno, and the Interact Clubs of Mills High, Taylor Middle and Capuchino High partnered in a food packaging event. Over 11,000 meals were packaged, which will be sent to a place where people are hungry. Last year, our meals were sent to the Phillipines after a devastating typhoon. Great job, team! We had a great turnout!
Our club was honored by Past District Governor Steve Wright at our recent meeting for our contributions to the Annual Fund and PolioPlus Fund in the past Rotary year. We achieved:
EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) 100% of our club members (EVERY. SINGLE. ONE!) donated at least $25 to the The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund last year. Half of this money comes back to the club, which allows us to fund projects such as the Rise Against Hunger project above.
Per Capita Giving: Our club was THIRD(!!!) in our entire District for per capita giving at over $900 per person to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. So much good will be done in our community and the world thanks to our generosity.
Generous Rotarians Jill Chan, Achal Garg, Rachel Heck, David Burris and Lisa Burris were awarded new pins in recognition of their generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Annual Fund. Half of the funds donated come back to our club to pay for our club's community and international projects. The other half stay with The Rotary Foundation, which are then used to fund projects such as Global Grants throughout the world as well as TRF disaster response funds and other very worthwhile projects. Thank you to these wonderful Rotarians!
The 21st annual Kids Carnival was held by the Rotary Club of Millbrae along with the Interact Clubs of Mills High and Taylor Middle School for the children and families of our community. Games, prizes, snacks, and a fun presentation by Boswick the Clown entertained the children. We also thank the The City of Millbrae, the Sheriff's Department, the Millbrae Fire Department, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) who helped make the day a success.
Congratulations to the 2025 Millbrae Volunteers of the Year. Lucas Du was honored as the Student of the Year, and Millbrae Citizens Lynne Ferrario and Rotarian Shari Teresi were named as the 2025 Volunteers of the Year. Pictured here (l-r) are Lucas, Shari, Lynne, and City Councilmembers Sissy Riley, Bob Nguyen, and Stephen Rainaldi.
President David Burris shared commendations received from the City of Millbrae and Millbrae School District. Additionally, three club members received Paul Harris pins in recognition of their generous support for The Rotary Foundation.
115 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at the Green Hills Country Club Golf Course to support Millbrae Recreation's Youth Scholarship Fund and Millbrae Rotary’s Youth programs. Corporate-sponsored teams, community groups, Rotary friends and family all enjoyed a spectacular day on the course and a delightful buffet dinner. Over 130 enjoyed our evening entertainment provided by Millbrae’s own dynamic duo, Justin and Jeremy Garcia, who were featured on The Voice last season. Guests also participated in a silent auction, doubling last year's fundraising total!
Longest Drive winner, Bryan Navarrette with Event Chair, Rick Chinn
Spring Festival 2024 was hosted by the Mills High School Interact Club and The Rotary Club of Millbrae. The weather forecast was for rainy weather, so we changed plans and did an egg giveaway rather than an egg hunt. However, in a pleasant twist of events the day was glorious.
Excitement is in the air! Millbrae Rotarians and Mills High Interact Club Members are busy helping the Easter Bunny get ready for the Spring Festival, which will be held at Central Park in Millbrae from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Children up to age 9 are welcome to participate in games and face painting, plus the famous mega-egg hunt.
Congratulations to Tom Dawdy of the Rotary Club of Millbrae for being selected as Rotary District 5150's Rotarian of the Month for March 2023! Tom joined Rotary and the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 1980. Right from the start, he became the historian to record the events and projects offered by his Club and volunteered in many of these activities.
Tom also has a creative side and a passion for inspiring youth:
He and fellow Rotarian Jim Erickson created the Football Luncheon that honors the local high schools' Senior Football Players and Senior Cheering Squad members. The Football Luncheon is held annually prior to the final game between Mills and Capuchino High Schools and is Tom's way to give back to the youth in the community.
Tom also created the Kids' Carnival which just completed its 24th year at Rotary Park as another way to give back to the children of the community. Children ages 10 and under play games, win prizes, get into a firetruck, and receive gifts from the Sheriff's Department. The Carnival provides treats such as cotton candy, drinks, and a snack for each child and entertainment such as Boswick the Clown, an extraordinary showman who blows up animal balloons and delivers a half hour show full of fun and surprises.
Tom and his wife Faye went to La Serena, Chile to improve conditions at a children's orphanage. Interact students from Mills High School accompanied the Dawdys on this mission.
When not doing something for Rotary, Tom and Faye own and operate Dawdy Photography. He holds a Masters-Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America.
Some of Tom’s accomplishments in Millbrae include Past President of the Rotary Club of Millbrae, three times Rotarian of the Year, Board member of the Millbrae Community Television, former Chair of the Millbrae Sister Cities Commission, Historian for the Millbrae Historical Society, Millbrae Business of the Year in 2000, and Millbrae Man of the Year in 2002. Tom created Memories of Millbrae in 1998 for Millbrae’s 50th Birthday and Growing up in Millbrae in 2010.
Rotary Club of Millbrae President Deirdri Gladwin said: "Tom is a cornerstone of our Club. He is a positive and cheerful person who does what he can to help others. We at the Rotary Club of Millbrae are honored to have Tom as our valued member. Tom Dawdy is most deserving to be recognized as District 5150’s Rotarian of the Month for March 2023!"
Millbrae Rotarian Named District 5150 Rotarian of the Month
Club members were interested to hear from Millbrae Community Development Director Darcy Smith about the city's General Plan, as well as the Downtown & El Camino Real Specific Plan. https://millbrae2040.com/
Enjoy the many accomplishments of the Rotary Club of Millbrae in the 2021-2022 Rotary year under the leadership of President Philip Petro. Philip is a realtor, so hence the many real estate puns!
Rotarian Denis Fama presented his Hopi Kachina Doll collection today and discussed the poverty and water shortages that the Hopi people suffer each day. The first picture is a “tableta” worn by Kachina dancers during ceremonies.
2020 was a strange year, and one of the things we missed most was our ability to travel. Rotarians shared travel pictures and virtually shared stories from some of their favorite trips.
Millbrae Rotary has partnered with Mills High School Interact and the City of Millbrae to sponsor "Santa at the Gazebo", a socially distanced visit with Santa, as well as a mug and cocoa giveaway to the children of Millbrae. Thanks so much to the Mills High Interact Club as well as Rotarians Debbie Van Wart (and hubby Dave), Kristine Baltasar, Paul Harrell, and Joe Teresi for coordinating a fun and socially distanced holiday celebration for Millbrae's children in partnership with the City of Millbrae.
Guest Speakers Michael Van Every & Melissa Durkin of Republic Urban updated Millbrae Rotarians on the progress of their Gateway at Millbrae development project and the features and amenities that will be provided for local residents.
Republic Urban - Michael Van Every and Melissa Durkin
"Emperor Norton" of Emperor Norton's Fantastic San Francisco Time Machine Tours provides interactive walking tours in San Francisco, regaling his participants with tales of his exploits in San Francisco in the late 1800's. Due to the pandemic, he is now limited to virtual explorations, and presented to the Rotarians of Millbrae and San Bruno in a joint meeting with his thrilling tales.
San Mateo County has formed a district to develop strategies for inevitable future sea level rise on a regional basis. It is necessary to prepare for sea level rise, which is inevitable even with mitigation efforts. The issue must be addressed regionally, rather than city by city, and San Mateo County is a leader in this area. Mr. Materman shared information about the efforts of this newly-created agency to address the impacts of sea level rise on our local communities.
Len Materman, CEO, San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District
Sally Seebode, a chemistry teacher from San Mateo High School, provided an interactive chemistry lesson to Millbrae Rotarians to simulate the distance learning experience of our students. Sally's students are fortunate that she has creatively managed to keep lessons engaging.
Sally Seebode, Chemistry Teacher from San Mateo High School
Rotary Clubs in District 5150 partner together to provide a scholarship each year through Rotary's Global Scholar program. “Global Scholarships” are available through global grants for graduate students planning careers in fields that support efforts in one of Rotary’s six areas of focus: to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, save mothers and children, support education, and grow local economies. Students study abroad in degree programs ranging from one to four years. Former Global Scholar Alison Cox spoke to Millbrae and San Bruno Rotarians in their joint meeting about her experiences and plans. A native of South San Francisco, Alison is attending a two-year Master's program at the University of London SOAS in Migration and Diaspora Studies with Intensive Language.
Mills High School Interact members met in a joint meeting with Millbrae Rotarians. The two groups discussed projects that they have partnered on, including the Pumpkin distribution and carving contest for Millbrae's children and Relay for Life of North Peninsula. Interact members are also currently involved in a project to send cards to Seniors in the community.
Kristine Baltasar and the Interact Club of Mills High School worked with City Recreation staff to assemble and sell Pumpkin Carving Kits to Millbrae families. Kristine negotiated with Trader Joe’s to acquire 48 free pumpkins and 96 low-cost pumpkins for the project. They sold 144 Pumpkin Carving Kits (pumpkins, carving kits, and decorating crafts) online in just two days! Kristine, Debbie Van Wart, and Interact Club volunteers distributed the 144 Pumpkin Carving Kits to Millbrae families over two days. Kristine Baltasar and the Interact Club of Mills High School worked with City Recreation staff to create a Pumpkin Carving Contest for Millbrae youth. Kristine and Karen Bettucchi coordinated the purchase of gift cards as prizes and the Interactors created sample pumpkin decorating designs.
Tom Dawdy worked with Boswick the Clown to create a special Halloween video for Millbrae families. Tom assembled a bunch of photos from past Rotary Kids’ Carnivals for the video. The video was broadcast on MCTV and at the City of Millbrae’s Halloween Drive-In Movie.
Rotarians of the Month - Kristine Baltasar and Tom Dawdy
Millbrae Rotary teamed up with the City of Millbrae to provide some Halloween fun for Millbrae's children. Rotary purchased pumpkins and carving kits as well as other fun Halloween activities that were provided to children at a nominal cost, and sponsored a pumpkin carving contest. Rotary worked with MCTV to film a fun Halloween video greeting from Boswick the Clown.
Rotarians and Interact Club members from Mills High School distributed the pumpkins and carving/activity kits.
Millbrae Rotary Sponsors Halloween Fun for Millbrae
Rotarians from all over Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties participated in a Road Rally to raise funds for the PolioPlus Fund. Rotary International has partnered with various entities including the Gates Foundation focused on the effort to eradicate polio from the world. The Road Rally featured visual clues for various locations around each county. Participants had to figure out where those locations were and go there and take a selfie.
Members of the Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame (CEC) addressed Millbrae Rotarians with information about the challenges our climate is facing. The group embodies the concept of thinking globally and acting locally, and shared many tips for how we can all do our part to address environmental concerns, including switching to Electronic Vehicles (EV), eating less meat (especially beef), using clean energy options in our homes (installing residential solar, battery storage, and taking part in renewable energy programs), and transitioning from natural gas appliances to all-electric. The CEC studies issues that come before local government and advocates for policies that address climate change, clean energy building codes, electric vehicles and EV charging stations, and other actions that ensure a more sustainable future.
Rotarian Robert Gottschalk, who currently serves as Chair of the City of Millbrae Sister Cities Commission, shared information about Millbrae’s Sister/Friendship Cities around the world and personal stories about his travel to many of the cities, spreading friendship and mutual understanding. Rotarians were treated to a virtual trip around the globe.
Millbrae Sister Cities Commission Chair Robert Gottschalk
Former KPIX meteorologist gave an inspiring presentation to members from the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno at their joint meeting about getting started in the business. Gonzales has been busy since leaving television news behind in 2017, having started her own Pleasanton-based production company, Roberta Gonzales Productions. Gonzales has also written a children's book called "Marina the Fish with Teal Lips". She says she was inspired by her Iron Man training, specifically swimming in Hawaii, where she was often following a specific colorful fish with teal lips. She found herself wondering why the fish was always alone, and she relates the story to her own childhood growing up Hispanic in Barstow, California. "I was able to play with the other kids at school but I wasn't allowed into their homes because of my ethnicity," she explains. In the story, Marina gets somehow from Hawaii to San Jose where she meets Sharky, the mascot of the San Jose Sharks hockey team.
Relay for Life of North Peninsula, a community fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, by Rotary Club of Millbrae, Rotary Club of San Bruno, and Interact Club of Mills High School! Of the nearly $50,000 raised for this wonderful cause, over 55% was raised by local Rotarians/Interactors. Rotarians and Interactors also led the Event Leadership Team and orchestrated many of the event activities - car parade, opening ceremony, Luminaria ceremony, cancer survivor video, etc. Working together, we truly make a difference!! In addition, Millbrae Rotarians Victor and Kathleen Wong, owners of Bay Watch Burlingame Restaurant donated 20% of the proceeds on September 26 to Relay for Life.
Millbrae Rotary Supports Relay for Life of North Peninsula
Millbrae Rotarians and their families cleaned up hundreds of pounds of trash during the month of September in various locations around Millbrae and the bay.
District Governor Mary Bates attended our club's meeting to meet with members and share her vision for the current Rotary year. Her theme this year is Rotary: Chosen Family.
San Mateo Union High School District Superintendent Kevin Skelly, along with the principals of Mills High School (Pamela Duszynski) and Capuchino High School Jesse Boise addressed Rotarians from Millbrae and San Bruno in a joint meeting. They spoke of the challenges facing the educators and students in providing distance learning during the pandemic, and the changing needs of the schools. Both Rotary Clubs have a long history of supporting the two high schools.
SMUHSD Superintendent Kevin Skelly and MHS and CHS Principals
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been looking for ways to help our friends, family, and community. Some of us have used our creative skills, combined with perseverance, to make a difference. One of our members, Candy Tsang, has a special talent with needle and thread. Rotarian Candy Tsang has spent countless hours over the past several months sewing for the benefit of others. She collected a variety of colorful fabrics and turned them into over 300 protective face masks. She also made a colorful collection of hats and Hawaiian dresses. After giving away many masks to friends, she started selling them to raise money for PolioPlus.
Master Gardener Cynthia Nations addressed Millbrae Rotarians to speak about small changes that can be made in your garden that can have a positive effect on the environment. The UC Master Gardener Program designed the California Garden Web to serve as a portal to organize and extend the University of California's vast collection of research-based information about gardening to the public. Information about water conservation and alternatives to chemicals and pesticides were discussed.
Four outstanding people were honored as Paul Harris Fellows for their outstanding service to our community.
Michael Brogdon has graciously served the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno, and countless other community groups for over six years as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Terrace Cafe. He accommodated our clubs with storage for meeting supplies, meals for our regular meetings as well as special banquets for events, and provided AV equipment when needed. Rather than treating us as customers, our relationship with Michael was as a partner. By providing space and meals for countless community groups in Millbrae and the surrounding area, Michael has enabled these groups to serve the community. We are grateful for our long partnership. Today our Club said a big thank you to Michael Brogdon, for his years of being the host to all of the most important events in Millbrae, as well as hosting our Club meetings for years. Michael always reflected that community spirit that makes Millbrae unique. El Rancho Inn owner John Wilms joined us in presenting Michael with a Paul Harris Award, and a basket with Rotary glasses and two very nice bottles of wine with our thanks.
Rotarians Victor and Kathleen Wong have embraced the concept of "Service Above Self". Owners of the Baywatch - Burlingame restaurant, Victor and Kathleen have stepped up in a most extraordinary way to help during this pandemic to bring food and good feeling to seniors by delivering meals via the Great Plates Program. They also delivered food to first responders and essential workers, including Peninsula Medical Center, City of Millbrae Public Works, United States Post Office workers in Millbrae, San Francisco Water Department, AMR ambulance service, and South San Francisco Scavengers. With thanks and pride for all they have done to serve the community, our club awarded Paul Harris Fellow Awards to Victor and Kathleen Wong.
Long time friend to our club, Ray Gier, is a long time volunteer. He is always present to help with any event including our yearly Fall Kids Carnival and Spring Festivals where hundreds of Millbrae's children are served, and helps with photography at our other events such as our annual Lunar New Year Banquet and our Millbrae Rotary Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament, as well as countless other events and service projects. It is with great pleasure that our club has honored Ray Gier with a Paul Harris Fellow award.
Today was The Rotary Foundation Day for our Club. Past District Governor Jayne Hulbert, the District 5150 Foundation Chair, explained how our donations work for good in the world through Global Grants and in our own community, with 50% of the funds we donate coming back to us for local projects. We were honored to have District Governor Mary Bates, as well as Past District Governors Jeri Fujimoto and Riki Intner in attendance.
Paul Harris Awards were presented to Rotarians Kristine Baltasar and Shari Teresi, Paul Harris +1 Award to Joe Teresi, Paul Harris +2 Award to Marilou Edwards, Paul Harris +3 to Janet McAuley, and Paul Harris +8 to Janet Fogarty in recognition of their ongoing generosity to The Rotary Foundation.
Shirley Kwok was presented with her 6th level White Hat Concha, in recognition of Shirley's commitment to sharing her treasure to help make our world a better place.
PDG Jeri Fujimoto honored Janet and William Fogarty as Major Donors and White Hat Society Members, noting that their contribution was from Janet's earnings helping Jeri's mother with her real estate needs as her attorney, as a way of honoring Jeri's mother.
Amy updated Millbrae Rotarians with an informative presentation on the latest transportation projects and activities in our area, including the Highway 101 Express Lanes Project and the Caltrain Electrification Project.
Amy Linehan, San Mateo County Transportation Authority
San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine spoke to a joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno about the work the County has done to bring relief to people and small businesses that have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Supervisor Pine, who chairs the Caltrain Joint Powers Board, also explained the regional efforts to fund Caltrain with a 1/8th cent sales tax on the November ballot, in order to support this regional transportation system now and to build toward a future ridership of up to 180,000 once the line is fully electrified, thereby taking all those cars off Highway 101. President Joe Teresi also thanked Supervisor Pine for the County’s support for Millbrae’s efforts to rebuild the Millbrae Community Center with a loan to bridge the funding gap.
Rotarian Mark Taylor gave a presentation on financial literacy for today's investor based on his experience as a financial advisor, including basic information about financial products and practices in order to become an informed investor.
Millbrae Education Foundation President Joy Henry addressed the Millbrae Rotary Club about the challenges faced by the students and Millbrae School District during the pandemic, and some of the specific issues as they are coping with distance learning.
Donations can be made at https://www.millbraekids.org/ Funds raised this year go towards the 2021-2022 school year. MEF dollars will continue funding programs they have sustained for the last few years: Social Emotional Learning, Technology, our Elementary Music Program, and Legarza (or its equivalent to get kids moving and working together).
Speaker John Wilms, longtime owner of the El Rancho Hotel, spoke to a joint meeting of the Rotary Club of Millbrae and The Rotary Club of San Bruno, with guests from the Millbrae Historical Society. It was fun to see the video and photos from the old days! There's lots of history, including scenes from movies and commercials that were filmed there, including "The Right Stuff". Notable guests included William Randolph Hearst, the Bing Crosby family, Robert Young, then VP Richard Nixon and others.
Outgoing President Shari was celebrated in a "Debunking" ceremony. The 2019-2020 Rotary year presented many obstacles, but the Millbrae Rotary Club was up to the challenge. In person luncheon meetings became Zoom gatherings, and the club pivoted many of the planned projects to package and distribute face coverings, assemble and distribute plastic face shields, and donations were made to fund the Mills High School Rapid Release Fund and the Millbrae Education Foundation Pandemic Rapid Relief Fund, as well as funding meals for essential workers including Peninsula Hospital, Millbrae Post Office, Millbrae City staff, and many other groups.
City Manager and Rotarian Tom Williams updated Millbrae Rotarians on projects in the City, how the City of Millbrae is addressing the pandemic, and what the future holds.
City Manager Tom Williams Addresses Millbrae Rotary
Millbrae Rotary has had a long partnership with the Millbrae Elementary School District, and Rotary has been able to provide assistance in a variety of forms over the years. The Club has enjoyed an especially close working relationship with Vahn over his tenure as Superintendent, and the School District became the Club's first Corporate member. We wish Vahn well in his future endeavors, and honor him for his dedication to Millbrae's children with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award.
Congratulations to our District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for June 2020 – Robert Gottschalk from the Rotary Club of Millbrae.
A Rotarian since 2001 and past club President, Robert exemplifies “Service Above Self”. He has joined in countess club local community service projects and events such as the Millbrae Community Youth Center restoration, Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, and Halloween Carnival and Easter Egg Hunt with local children. His international club service has led him to Lithuania for a project addressing sustainable farming practices. Robert’s dedication to his club’s fundraising success is seen each year at the Lunar New Year Banquet where he dons a full ceremonial Emperor’s costume and warmly greets all. Both Robert’s Rotary life and his civic involvement with the City of Millbrae and beyond demonstrate why he is a “Person of Action” and an inspiration to us all!
Robert Gottschalk is a leader who is able to find ways to facilitate changes and make a difference, and he does not hesitate to get involved when he sees that he can contribute, and has served as Mayor of Millbrae three times and a Millbrae City Council member for 14 years. Robert is a past president of the Rotary Club of Millbrae, having been an engaged member since 2001.
It is easy to see the depth and breadth of some of Robert’s other interests and involvement in serving the Millbrae (and greater) community by the list of other organizations with which he has also held leadership positions:
International friendship: (Millbrae’s Sister Cities Commission, founded Friendship City relationships with Kai Ping, China and Hanyu, Japan, organized and traveled with middle school students on an exchange trip to Japan for ten students in 2017, and with an eighteen-person delegation to Millbrae’s Sister City Mosta, Malta in April of this year.)
Literacy and education – (life member of the Friends of Millbrae Library, San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority). One of Robert’s accomplishments was to chair the committee that raised $10.6 million for a badly needed new library building, plus $250,000 for furniture and computers.
Traffic concerns (Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance, San Mateo County Transportation Authority Citizens’ Advisory Committee)
Housing (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust Board member)
Business (San Mateo County China Trade Association, Chamber of Commerce Board member),
Emergency services and access to health care (San Mateo County Emergency Services Joint Powers Board, San Mateo County Emergency Medical Services Joint Powers Authority)
Quality of life for our community’s citizens (Millbrae Community Preservation Commission, Historical Society, and the Senior Advisory Committee).
Over the course of Robert’s life, he has given generously of himself to become involved and make a difference in his community. He has shown a sustained commitment to serving others over many years.
Millbrae Rotarian Robert Gottschalk Honored as District 5150 Rotarian of the Month
Millbrae Rotary is proud to support the Guatemalan Women's Microcredit Project. Namaste Direct is the implementing organization for this grant, with over a decade of experience equipping women in Guatemala with mentorship, financial education and microloans to grow their small businesses and exponentially increase their profits. When women in Namaste's program earn more money, they invest in their families' health, education and they strengthen their communities. Speakers Desiree Lyons of Namaste Direct and Brian Sullivan of Rotary Club of San Mateo spoke to Millbrae Rotarians to give an update on the project.
Robert Gottschalk was named District 5150 Rotarian of the Month. A Rotarian since 2001 and past club President, Robert exemplifies "Service Above Self". He has joined in countless local community service projects and events such as the Millbrae Community Youth Center restoration, Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, Millbrae Halloween Kids Carnival and Spring Festival Egg Hunt. His international club service has led him to Lithuania for a project addressing sustainable farming practices. Robert's dedication to his club's fundraising success is seen each year at the Lunar New Year Banquet where he dons a full ceremonial Emperor's costume and warmly greets guests. Both Robert's Rotary life and his civic involvement with the City of Millbrae and beyond demonstrate why he is a "Person of Action".
Millbrae Rotarian Robert Gottschalk Named District Rotarian of the Month
Peninsula Health Care District generously awarded Millbrae Rotary a $10,000 grant, which enabled the club to partner with Something Labs to manufacture and distribute 2,000 impermeable gowns to local medical centers. Personal protective equipment continues to be scarce for health care providers, putting the lives of health care workers at needless risk.
Millbrae Rotary Receives Grant from Peninsula Health Care District
Millbrae Rotarians distributed over 700 pounds of cheer to the community, thanks to a generous donation from See's Candies. Due to the pandemic, See's stores had to be closed, and even though the expiration date for the candy was months away, their high quality standards do not allow them to sell candy that isn't freshly made. Knowing that Rotary Clubs have deep connections within their communities, See's donated the candy to local Rotary Clubs to distribute. Millbrae Rotary distributed the candy to essential workers (Health Care Workers, the SSF Scavenger employees, US Post Office workers, residents and staff in senior care facilities in Millbrae, Millbrae City workers, a residential facility for people with mental illness, and individuals who have cared for the community throughout the pandemic. It was really fun to see how much people love candy, and lift some spirits.
Millbrae Rotarians Distribute 700 Pounds of See's Candies
Millbrae Rotary is proud to support Alliance for Smiles, an organization founded by members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco. These members had been involved with other cleft lip and palate organizations and collectively they wanted to create two types of programs: to send medical teams to sites to perform corrective surgery, and to create treatment centers where the protocol of cleft treatment in the United States could be replicated. San Francisco Rotarian Susan Dean reported on the project, including stories of recent (pre-pandemic) trips to South America.
Millbrae Rotarians assembled and distributed 135 PAPR masks and 465 plastic face shields for health care workers. This personal protective equipment has been in short supply for these front line workers caring for their patients.
Additionally, plastic face shields were distributed to Senior care residential facilities in Millbrae.
Face Shields were provided to Central County Fire.
PPE for Health Care Workers Assembled by Millbrae Rotary and MHS Interact
Millbrae Rotary donated $2,500 for meals for essential workers, prepared and delivered by Bay Watch Restaurant, owned by Rotarians Victor and Kathleen Wong. Meals were delivered to Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Millbrae Post Office, Millbrae City Staff, and the SFPUC.
Millbrae Rotary has donated substantial contributions to the Mills High Rapid Relief Fund and the Millbrae Education Foundation Pandemic Rapid Relief Effort to help families in need. These funds support families in our community who may be without reliable income, facing illness, extreme household needs, or experiencing upheavals to home life which prevent them from feeling safe and secure.
Millbrae Rotary Makes Substantial Donations to Help Families in Need
Millbrae Rotary has partnered with the City of Millbrae to sponsor a virtual egg hunt. Mills High Interact members designed templates for children to decorate and hide in their home or yard.
District Governor Sue Rokaw visited Millbrae Rotary, assisting Board members in visioning for the future, and presented information about District projects and activities for members.
Millbrae Rotary held the 13th Annual Millbrae Community Lunar New Year Banquet, benefitting Millbrae's public schools and youth programs. Over 300 people attended this event, which included a traditional ten course banquet meal, lion dancers, door prizes, and more!
Millbrae Rotary 13th Annual Lunar New Year Banquet
Millbrae's most important groups gather yearly to present gifts to Millbrae's Elementary Schools and Mills High School. Millbrae Rotary presented generous checks to the Millbrae Elementary School District, the Mills High School Annual Fund, and the Mills Athletic Department.
Millbrae Rotarians label and distribute dictionaries to the third graders in Millbrae's schools for the fifteenth straight year. These colorfully illustrated dictionaries are wonderful research tools for the students, and in some cases are the only book the child personally owns.
Cheered on by their fellow Rotarians, the Millbrae Rotary Trivia Team of Jeff Gressard, Robert Gottschalk, and Joe Teresi participated in the Project Read Trivia Tournament benefitting the libraries in South San Francisco.
The Football Luncheon is a fun tradition in which the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno partner to honor senior football players, cheerleaders, and band members from Mills and Capuchino High Schools prior to their infamous game against each other, the "Battle of the Strip". The principals from each school make a friendly wager where the principal of the team that lost the game must wear a jersey of the victor for a day. Proceeds from the event benefit the athletic programs at the two schools.
Football Luncheon in Partnership with San Bruno Rotary
For more than twenty years, Millbrae Rotary and Mills High and Taylor Middle School Interact Clubs have partnered to host the Kids Carnival for Millbrae's children. Boswick the Clown makes a fun appearance, and over 300 children participate in games, facepainting, and a hot dog lunch.
Millbrae Rotary partnered with the City of Millbrae to host the first annual Millbrae Rotary Mayor's Cup golf tournament to benefit the Millbrae Community Center restoration project and Millbrae Rotary youth programs.
Millbrae Rotarians volunteered to staff the registration booth at Relay for Life of North Peninsula, as they have all ten years since the event began. Additionally, Rotarians formed a team, The Cancer Cancellers, and raised money and walked to help this worthy cause.
Millbrae Rotarians Volunteer at Relay for Life of the North Peninsula
Millbrae Rotarians participated in the California Coastal Cleanup Day. Community members volunteered to clean our community, beaches and the Bay by picking up trash along our park ways, streams/creeks, and the coast.
Millbrae Rotarians Participate in Coastal Clean-Up Day
Major Donors Rick & Carrie Chinn were thanked for their generosity, and Rotarian Robert Gottschalk recieved his Paul Harris +6 level in recognition for their continued generous donations to The Rotary Foundation.
Millbrae Rotarians Jeff Gressard and Johnson Tu were honored with Paul Harris awards in recognition of their continued generosity to The Rotary Foundation.
Millbrae Rotary Club members were joined by City Council members and City of Millbrae staff to celebrate the installation of new tables and benches at Millbrae's Rotary Park.
Celebrate another great season and honor the Senior football players and cheerleaders of Capuchino and Mills High Schools. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 1 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Basque Cultural Center at 599 Railroad Avenue in South San Francisco. Cost is $30 per person ($35 after October 25), and proceeds benefit the athletic programs of both schools. The event is jointly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno. Sponsor a table for 10 for $300 or any number of student athletes for $30 each.
Sunday, Oct 28 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Rotary Park: South Ashton Ave and Millbrae Ave
All kids 10 and under are invited to a free Halloween carnival, including games, entertainment, costume contest, hot dogs and cotton candy. Information: 650-588-5400
Club potluck picnic immediately following the event.
Millbrae Rotarians commemorated World Polio Day together, with a reminder that we are "this close" to eradicating this horrible disease forever.
October 24, World Polio Day, is an opportunity for the global polio eradication community to renew its promise to every child at-risk from this preventable, paralyzing disease and to realize a polio-free world for future generations.
Rotary clubs world-wide have been instrumental, with the Gates Foundation, in eradicating polio. In 2007, the Gates Foundation gave The Rotary Foundation a challenge grant for polio eradication. Rotarians have raised $228.7 million toward the challenge.
The 2018 Millbrae Woman of the Year is Millbrae Rotarian Deirdri Gladwin. Deirdri has been President of Millbrae Rotary Club (three times!) and has held numerous other positions at the club and district level, in addition to years of service to the Millbrae schools and other community organizations. Congratulations to Deirdri!
Information presented in the program: Deirdri has spent the past 34 years as an avid volunteer and youth advocate in the Millbrae community. In addition to generously donating her time and talents in service of others, she has accepted the challenge of multiple organizational leadership roles. Deirdri's volunteer activities began in 1984 when her daughter Nicole began school at Meadows Elementary School. She served on the PTA Board, District-wide PTA President's Council, and the Parent Teacher Organization and School Site Committee at Mills High School, assuming multiple leadership roles over the years. In 1998, Deirdri founded and was the inaugural President of the Mills Drama Guild, a parent support group for students involved in school theater productions. In 2007, Deirdri joined with six other concerned parents to establish the Millbrae Education Foundation, which funds classroom aides and instructional music programs in Millbrae schools. Deirdri joined the Rotary Club of Millbrae in December of 1999 and has served three terms as Club President as well as Interact Club advisor/mentor at Taylor Middle School. It is abundantly clear that Deirdri is filled with a generous volunteer spirit and has a strong love for youth and education.
Millbrae Rotarian Janet Fogarty shared information about The Rotary Foundation (TRF). The Rotary Foundation offers an opportunity to transform financial gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The power of Rotarians working together is formidable!
District Governor Jayne Hulbert visited with the Rotary Club of Millbrae, and installed our two newest members: Kristine Baltasar of IBM and Nick Jones of MCTV. Welcome!!
Governor Jayne also shared new information from Rotary International with Millbrae's members.
Millbrae Rotarians heard an informative speaker, Bill Lee from New York Life, who presented important information about financial planning. Lee's important messages? Diversify your portfolio, plan for the unplanned, and don't wait to start planning (everyone should be thinking about the future). Avridash Gandhi, a Rotary member from the Rotary Club of Delhi Panschshila Park, District 3011 attended the meeting and shared information about his club.
Rotarians from The Rotary Club of Taipei (Taiwan) visited with Millbrae Rotarians. Chia-Ling Ann Yang (an attorney who handles cross-board dispute resolution) and her husband, Dr. Feng-chiao Tsai (a physician scientist with specialties in GI and molecular biology) shared information about their Rotary experiences. Their club is the only English-speaking club in Taiwan. It is interesting to belong to a world-wide organization and make connections with like-minded Rotarians from other parts of the world!
With the Millbrae Community Foundation and the City of Millbrae, the Rotary Club of Millbrae was able to double the size of the playground and installed new equipment that appeals to children of a broader age range at Rotary Park in Millbrae, located at South Ashton and Millbrae Avenue.
Past President Deirdri Gladwin's "Debunking" included a presentation of her Past President's pin by new president, Janet McAuley.
And then, the real fun began! The Rotary District 5150 theme of the year under then District Governor Ron Gin was "Go Where No Club Has Gone Before", which included many Star Wars/Star Trek themed decorations and even costumes. What better way to commemorate Deirdri's year as President?
Elliott Kim received a $500 scholarship to be paid for his college tuition. Elliott has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others through his years at Taylor. He will be a member of the Mills High School Interact Club and will play flute in the symphonic band at Mills.
Taylor Student Elliott Kim Receives Rotary Scholarship
Millbrae School District is the first Corporate Member of Millbrae Rotary. Chief Business Official Rick Champion received his Rotary pin, and will be joined at Rotary meetings from time to time by Superintendent Vahn Phayprasert and Assistant Superintendent Claire Beltrami. The Rotary Club of Millbrae has a long-standing relationship with the Millbrae School District, having supported numerous District projects throughout the years.
Congrats to Millbrae Rotarian Walt Gladwin, who has been recognized by the County Sheriff as "Volunteer of the Quarter" for his exemplary work with the Volunteers in Policing program. Way to go, Walt!
2017-2018 Millbrae Rotary President passed the gavel to 2018-2019 President Janet McAuley. Carrie Chinn was awarded Rotarian of the Year by President Gladwin.
The following officers, Board members, and committee chairs were also sworn in by District Governor Jayne Hulbert:
Treasurer
Walt Gladwin
Secretary
Deirdri Gladwin
Club Service
Deirdri Gladwin
Community Service
Tom Dawdy & Paul Harrell
International Service
Joe Teresi & Rick Chinn
Vocational Service
Stephen Cheung & Savannah Lee
Youth Service, Mills Interact Chair
Alan Kirth
Foundation Chairs
Janet Fogarty & Shirley Kwok
Sunshine Committee
Marciana O'Halloran
Membership Chair
Denis Fama
Taylor Interact Chairs
Deirdri Gladwin & Janet McAuley
Public Relations/Public Image and Website
Shari Teresi
The Mills High Interact officers and Chairs were also installed.
New Paul Harris Fellows were also recognized. The distinctive Paul Harris Fellow medallion, lapel pin, and attractive certificate have become highly respected symbols of a substantial financial commitment to The Rotary Foundation by Rotarians and friends around the world. Paul Harris Fellows awarded were: Paul Harrell, Joe Teresi, Harry Herpe, Tom Dawdy, Matthew Gladwin, and Jax Jones. Jeff Gressard and Johnson Tu were awarded with his Major Donor level pin, and Shirley Kwok and Candy Tsang received their Major Donor Level 2 pins.
Millbrae Rotary partners with many other organizations and individuals throughout the year to serve the Millbrae Community. The following people were honored this year for their contributions:
Nick Jones from MCTV, Irene Danat - graphic designer, Loriann Richardson and the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce, Ken Crosetti (City of Millbrae), Matthew Gladwin, Harry Herpe, Chris Co (Sheriff's Volunteers), Ray Gier, and Randy Kramer.
Rotarians from the Millbrae and San Bruno Rotary Clubs met together to hear from See's Candy representative Mary Feeley to learn about the history of the company. It's interesting to know that Lucille Ball (Lucy) and Vivian Vance (Ethel) visited the See's candy kitchen in Los Angeles to learn all about dipping and packing chocolates. The result was the hilariously popular I Love Lucy "Job Switching" episode. It cannot be confirmed that some Rotarians looked like they were on the chocolate assembly line when enjoying the generous samples that Mary brought! Yum yum!
Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study in Georgia colleges and universities. The students become adopted members of a Georgia “host family,” living on-campus at the school they attend. Each year, about 60 students from all over the world make friends in the United States and other nations and learn about differing cultures and life styles. The GRSP program promotes international goodwill through friendship and understanding.
Two participants in the program, Victoria Lindewart and Alice Harting (both from Sweden), visited with Millbrae Rotarians to share about themselves and what they'd learned in the GRSP program.
Known simply as "The International Man of Memory", Chester Santos has left an impression on all corners of the earth. Through his ability to demonstrate extraordinary feats of the mind, as well as educate others to do the same, this U.S. Memory Champion is widely regarded to be one of the greatest memory experts in the world. His memory talents have been featured in numerous media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, ABC and PBS. Chester has memorized a random 100-plus digit sequence in five minutes and can name every U.S. congress person’s state and district number. While Chester understands his exceptional skill, he also believes that every person has the ability to demonstrate amazing abilities with their memory given the proper technique and guidance. Millbrae Rotarians were able to learn a few simple techniques.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae honored teachers from the Millbrae public schools. Rotarians heard about some of the extraordinary accomplishments of teachers from representatives from each school site.
A delegation of Millbrae Rotarians attended the District 5150 Conference in Sacramento. The theme for the 2017-2018 year was to "Boldly Take Your Rotary Club Where It Has Not Gone Before". Since the conference began on May the 4th (be with you), Rotarians from throughout the district carried the conflated Star Trek and Star Wars theme out with costumes and decorations to celebrate the many accomplishments from throughout the year. A wide range of speakers, presentations and fun illustrated the difference that Rotary Clubs make throughout the district and the world. The Rotary Club of Millbrae was honored with the following awards: Membership Award, Club Service Award, International Service Award, Vocational Service Award, Community Service Award, Youth Service Award, and the Public Relations/Public Image Award. The Club was also one of three winners for highest percentage in attendance at the conference, and...the Governor's Bell Award for "Best Small Club". Here are some pictures of the fun!
The Rotary Club of Millbrae’s President, Deirdri Gladwin, was pleased to present checks to each of the principals of Millbrae Elementary School District’s schools, as well as Mills High School.
Millbrae's city-wide arbor day celebration was held at Millbrae Rotary Park at South Ashton and Millbrae Avenue. Millbrae Rotarians worked with other community groups, student groups, and other Millbrae residents to plant trees in Rotary Park and along the spur trail on Millbrae Avenue, spread mulch around new plantings, and do a trash pickup.
City Wide Arbor Day Celebration At Millbrae Rotary Park
Rotarians from Millbrae and San Bruno Rotary Clubs heard from Megan Colford, a representative from bike sharing network company, Lime Bike. Lime is founded on the idea that mobility can be smart, equitable and fun. By connecting cities and improving the way people experience first and last mile transporation, Lime Bike aims to leave future generations with a cleaner, healthier planet. Users use the Lime Bink app to use smart bikes and electric scooters. Lime's mission is to build strong social bonds, lasting community relationships and the world's most versatile smart mobility fleet.
Claire Beltrami, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Millbrae School District presented the MSD Strategic Plan to the Millbrae Rotary Club. It’s easy to see why our Millbrae schools are excellent! She expressed MSD’s appreciation for the Rotary Club’s continued support of Millbrae’s schools and youth.
One student from each of the elementary schools and Taylor Middle School were honored for exemplifying service to others. The students were nominated by their teachers, who observed kindness on the school yard, helping others in the classroom, and service to their community. The students attended a luncheon with their parents, teacher, and principal, and were honored by Rotary President Deirdri Gladwin and Millbrae School District Superintendent Vahn Phayprasert.
Since joining the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 2008, Carrie Chinn 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 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.
Carrie is a big supporter of whomever is the current President. She is a great resource and has been instrumental in making sure each Director of the Avenue of Service is staying on track with the District awards. She has met with them to review and figure out what items can and will be a part of this year’s submission. Carrie and her husband Rick have chaired our main fundraiser. Millbrae Rotary’s Lunar New Year Banquet since its inception 11 years ago. Carrie coordinates the raffle prizes, works on encouraging attendance of all factions of our community and helps assign seats. Because of her work on the Lunar New Year Banquet and the attendance of several Rotary clubs, Carrie encourages our members to attend the other club’s events in reciprocation. In some cases, this has led to joint projects. Carrie served as our Club President with great enthusiasm.
Millbrae Rotary and the Interact Clubs from Mills High School and Taylor Middle School hosted the popular Spring Festival in Millbrae's Central Park. The event was attended by an estimated 400 children, who enjoyed games, crafts, snacks, face painting, and the excited egg hunt.
Millbrae Rotary's biggest event of the year is our annual Lunar New Year Banquet, which benefits Millbrae's schools and youth organizations. Our 2018 event was sold out, and it illustrated that our community comes together to support our kids. This year's event was attended by US Representative Jackie Speier, County Supervisor Dave Pine, Millbrae's City Council members, Millbrae School District's Board of Trustees and Superintendent, and countless community members from various community groups including the Millbrae Lions Club, Millbrae Historical Society, and Millbrae Community Foundation. Lion Dancers and drummers, good food, an Emporer and Empress, and toasts all added up to a fun evening.
Millbrae Community Foundation President Debbie Van Wart presented Millbrae Rotary President Deirdri Gladwin with a $5,000 check to contribute towards new playground equipment at Rotary Park in Millbrae. New playground equipment will be added which will appeal to a broader age range of children. A perfect example of community partners working together to make Millbrae better.
Millbrae Community Foundation Partners With Millbrae Rotary
The Rotary Club of Millbrae (and friends) celebrated the New Year with a delicious feast of Italian specialties at La Collina Restaurant in Millbrae. Great food and fun made for great fellowship!
Past District Governor Jeri Fujimoto presented awards to Millbrae Rotary Club Immediate Past President Robert Gottschalk in recognition of our Rotary Club’s contributions to The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation is rated '5 Star' by Charity Navigator for its outstanding record of funding projects and programs in our communities and throughout the world. Rotary Foundation projects fund clean water and sanitation, health and hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio, and economic development and new opportunities in communities around the world. Past President Gottschalk was also recognized for success during his term.
Millbrae Rotarian Tom Dawdy was honored with the Living History Award for exceptional historical contributions and devoted community service. He is only the eleventh such person to be so honored by the Millbrae Historical Society. Tom's service is appreciated throughout our community!
The Millbrae Rotary Club sponsors the Interact Club at Mills High School. These amazing high school students work together throughout the year on many community service projects, notably including the Kids Carnival at Halloween time, and the Spring Festival (where they have taken on the responsibility for a city-wide egg hunt from the City of Millbrae). Millbrae Rotarians heard from the Interact Club officers about their projects and focus for the year on the H2Open Doors Project, which strives to provide clean water in communities throughout the world. These are amazing young people!
The Millbrae Rotary Trivia Team competed at Project Read Trivia Challenge. The team of Jeff Gressard, Robert Gottschalk, and Joe Teresi made a respectable showing, but were especially happy to contribute to Project Read, which helps low literacy and low income adults to reach their literacy and financial goals. Way to go, team!
The Rotary Club of Millbrae and Rotary Club of San Bruno co-sponsored the annual Capuchino-Mills High School Football luncheon on November 1, celebrating the 2017 football season and honoring the Senior football players and spirit squads. Keynote speaker Tom Rathman (former 49er player) captivated everyone with his stories of growing up and working hard, and sharing his career highlights.
The Millbrae Rotary Kids Carnival is always great fun. Millbrae Rotary members team with Interact Club members from Mills and Taylor Middle School to treat the little kids to games, a clown magician, petting zoo from the 4-H Club, costume contest, and hot dogs and cotton candy. Friends and neighbors with their little ones came out and enjoy the day together at Rotary Park. Approximately 125 children attended, and fun was had by all! Thanks especially to chair Tom Dawdy along with Deirdri and Walt Gladwin for all the prep work and organization.
Youth Advisors Alan Kirth (Interact Club at Mills High School), and Deirdri Gladwin and Janet McAuley (Interact Club at Taylor Middle School meet with their teams early in the morning to go over last minute plans.
Emcee Alan Kirth kept the party going.
Boswick the Clown entertained the crowd with his balloon animals, magic, juggling, and other clowny shenanigans.
Fun booths with games and activities were staffed by the Interact Clubs of Mills High and Taylor Middle Schools.
Millbrae Rotary members cooked and served hot dogs and cotton candy.
San Bruno 4-H members brought their animals for petting and learning.
Millbrae firefighters visited with the kids and brought a fire truck to climb in.
Volunteers in Policing provided fingerprinting for kids.
Spooky characters were in attendance, and WILL come and haunt YOU if you miss the 2018 Kids Carnival!
Millbrae Elementary School District Superintendent Vahn Phayprasert and Chief Business Official Rick Champion met with members of the Rotary Club of Millbrae to present an overview about the district, discussing the state of our schools and the ways in which they are funded.
Millbrae Elem School District Officials Visit Millbrae Rotary
Our hearts are filled with sadness at the loss of life and widespread damage caused by the fires in the North Bay. One Rotarian's grandson was killed, and many Rotarians are displaced.
Rotarian Alan Kirth shared his insights on how to protect your personal financial data with Millbrae Rotarians. Kirth is Sales Manager and Sr. Commercial & Residential Loan Advisor at Guarantee Mortgage, as well as the Immediate Past President of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals (SF/Peninsula Chapter).
Some key takeaways:
you can obtain a free credit report annually from annualcreditreport.com (Be very careful to use this site, rather than some others that try to make it sound like they are legitimate.)
consider putting a lock on your credit with the three credit rating agencies
don't divulge personal information when using public wifi because it may be vulnerable to access by hackers (it's probably OK to do some internet surfing on public wifi, but if you're accessing sites where you need to enter a password, you should be very careful about the types of information that might be visible to another party)
Principal Chris Bischof spoke to the Rotary Club of Millbrae members about the successes enjoyed by Eastside College Preparatory School, which began in East Palo Alto in 1996 with just 8 students. The school works to meet students' academic, financial, and social/emotional challenges, and in addition to an outstanding academic program, also offers alumni support through college and a career pathways program.
Millbrae Rotarians assisted at the 2017 Coastal Cleanup Day. Every year, on the third Saturday of September, community members join together at coastal sites throughout San Mateo County to take part in California’s largest volunteer event, Coastal Cleanup Day. This event is Millbrae's 32nd Annual event.
Children's book author Kathy Wall visited the Rotary Club of Millbrae to share her thoughts about the process and challenges of having a book published and distributed. Hall is the author of Maggie the Magnolia, and has two books coming soon (Oscar the Oak and Scriffy Scruffy Doodle All Day). Wall's big message? "Don't give up! Follow your dreams!"
Many Millbrae Rotarians volunteered to assist at the 2017 Millbrae Art and Wine Festival, selling glassware and drink tokens. Thanks to Janet McAuley for using her "Captain" skills to organize the volunteers!
Rotary Volunteers: Millbrae Art & Wine Festival
The Rotary Club of Millbrae had the pleasure of hearing from Nicole Fernandez of EDAPT on August 29, 2017. Nicole serves as the training and outreach specialist for the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT) of San Mateo County, California. EDAPT is a collaboration between San Mateo County's Aging and Adult Services division, District Attorney's Office, County Counsel's Office, and local law enforcement tasked with preventing and prosecuting elder and dependent adult abuse.
Nicole reported that the most predominant type of elder abuse in the county is financial. Her main message was to contact the police or EDAPT if any type of elder abuse is ever suspected, and she emphasized that calls and caller identities are always kept confidential.
Several members of the Rotary Club of Millbrae joined in the District 5150 Foundation event "Celebrating Women Doing Good in the World". The following notable women were honored:
Keynote Speaker Jennifer Barr, a digital marketing professional who works with high tech and healthcare companies who volunteers as a main organizer of 12 TEDx events
Dr. Leslee Stradford, an artist and educator who has established an Artist-In-Residence program in England
Susana Reyes, a Director at LA Dept of Water and Power, who currently serves as the Vice President of the Sierra Club
Gabriela Topete Eng Goon, a college student who has served as an interpreter in her native Mazatlan and in various other roles in Rotary, and who founded the Rotaract Club at the College of San Mateo
Dr. Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman Rotary member, who is an educator and proud Rotarian who has been recognized as the NAACP Woman of the Year and the 2013 Global Citizen Award from the United Nations Association
Keynote Speaker Jennifer Barr
Dr. Leslee Stradford
Speaker Susana Reyes
Gabriela Topete Eng Goon
Dr. Sylvia Whitlock
First Female Rotarian in the Nation!
Millbrae Rotarians Joe Teresi, Carrie Chinn & Rick Chinn
The Rotary Club of Millbrae has lost one of it's most treasured members, Vytautas Sliupas, on August 23, 2017. Vytas has been honored as a District 5150 Rotarian of the Month, and an 8 time Paul Harris Fellow. Vytas and his wife of over 60 years, Vonda, began an organization to help farmers in his native Lithuania called Auksuciai Foundation. Vytas was a generous visionary, and will be sorely missed. Donations in his memory may be made to the Auksuciai Foundation 2907 Frontera Way, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Rotary District 5150 District Governor Ron Gin visited the Rotary Club of Millbrae. He heard from Millbrae's Committee Chairs about upcoming plans for the 2017-2018 Rotary Year. Gin's "theme" for the year is Star Trek/Star Wars, and club members enjoyed his "search" for Spock, and for other people who will help him to accomplish the work of Rotary District 5150. Luckily, he was successful in finding Spock, who congratulated Ron on his efforts to bring peace to the galaxy, and fight to end polio.
Each year, an amazing number of volunteers help the Rotary Club of Millbrae carry out it's many projects and events. It is with gratitude that a few of the most outstanding volunteers were honored on July 11, 2017 by Millbrae Rotary's Volunteer Chair, Tom Dawdy.
The Rotary Club of Millbrae's 2017-2018 Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairs were installed on June 29, 2017. Mills High School Interact Club Officers, Board Members, and Committee Chairs were also installed.
Rotary Club of Millbrae 2017-2018 Officers:
President
Deirdri Gladwin
President Elect
Janet McAuley
Treasurer
Walter Gladwin
Secretary
Janet Fogarty
2017-2018 Directors
Club Service
Robert Gottschalk
Community Service
Tom Dawdy
WCS/International Service
Rick Chinn & Joe Teresi
Vocational Service
Stephen Cheung
Youth Service
Alan Kirth
Past President
Robert Gottschalk
2017-2018 Committee Chairs
Foundation Chair
Marilou Edwards & Shirley Kwok
Sunshine Committee
Marciana O'Halloran
Program Chair
Janet McAuley
Mills Interact Chair
Alan Kirth
Taylor Interact Chairs
Deirdri Gladwin & Janet McAuley
Public Relations
Janet Fogarty & Shari Teresi
Website
Shari Teresi
Paul Harris Awards were given to Rotary Club of Millbrae members for their significant financial commitment to The Rotary Foundation, which builds goodwill and understanding in the World:
Paul Harris Awards
Major Donor Recognition
Jeffrey Gressard, DDS
New Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Candy Tsang
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Vytautas Sliupus, Walter Gladwin, Johnson Tu, Robert Gottschalk, Janet Fogarty, Janet McAuley, and Marilou Edwards
Deirdri Gladwin is installed as President
Robert Gottschalk receives his Past President Pin
Mills High School Interact Club Officers are honored
MHS Interact 2017-2018 Officers are installed
Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor Jeffrey Gressard, DDS
New Paul Harris Fellow Candy Tsang
Outgoing Rotary Officers, Board, and Chairs are honored
2017-2018 Officers, Board, and Chairs are installed
Rotarians of the Year Rick and Carrie Chinn are recognized
Members who attended the May 30th meeting were delighted to hear Mr. Chris Ategeka speak on his most recent entrepreneurial ventures.
Chris Ategeka was born in a small village in western Uganda along with his siblings and extended family. At a young age, he witnessed both his parents die from HIV/AIDS, and his brother who died in the arms of his extended family in an effort to carry him to the nearest healthcare facility. Despite these tragedies, Chris connected with an organization in Uganda, called Y.E.S. Uganda, where he was able to receive support, opportunity, and an education. Chris showed reverence for education, and a sponsoring family from California took notice and gave Chris funding to attend private school and invited him to live with them. Chris attended UC Berkeley, where he received his Bachelors and Masters in mechanical engineering. Using the knowledge he gained, in combination with his childhood experience of growing up in poverty in Uganda, he created Health Access Corps, a non-profit organization with a vision to create a world where every human being has access to healthcare. Health Access Corps (formerly Rides for Lives) started off providing appropriate technologies for healthcare access to the world’s most vulnerable populations in East Africa through their signature products The Mobile Hospital and The Village Ambulance. After serving hundreds of thousands of patients in the field, it was apparent that the biggest problem is neither getting someone to the hospital, nor bringing a mobile hospital to them in the village, but the lack of access to a doctor in medical facilities. Creating a scalable and sustainable solution to solve this problem utilizing local talent is the mission of Health Access Corps. Ategeka is also the Founder at The Life Center, the world's first center of it's kind, with a focus on creating solutions for the negative unintended consequences of Technology. He brings his experience, capital, and global relationships to support visionary entrepreneurs. He supports startups with creative market based, scalable solutions addressing negative unintended consequences of technology. He partners with entrepreneurs who deeply care about people, planet, and sustainability.
At our May Day meeting, Mr. Gem Munro, Executive Director of the Amarok Society, gave an insightful talk on how his non-profit organization from Canada promotes world peace by acting locally in the slums of Bangladesh. They accomplish this through fighting ignorance by reaching and teaching mothers to teach their children literacy. We heard and saw of examples of how mothers are given the education and training to go from almost totally illiterate to being teachers of children in less than 6 months. Amarok is also active in Pakistan and Nigeria, where they work to sustain moderate Muslim beliefs and counter terrorism in the three countries. Amarok partners with the Rotary Club of Dhaka, Bangladesh, to work towards promoting literacy, education and peace.
At the May 2, 2017 Millbrae School District Board meeting, our Rotary Club presented a "check" for $5,000 to Millbrae's five elementary schools that will provide $1,000 to each school as they wish. The principals expressed their gratitude, sharing with us that at the end of each school year, funding for school programs is scarce and much needed. Students from Taylor Middle School, Spring Valley, Meadows, Lomita Park and Green Hills were also presented with Rotary Student of the Year certificates and given special commendations by their Principal or teacher in front of everyone attending. Our club wishes to thank all those who attended this year's Millbrae Community Lunar New Year Banquet for making this donation possible!
Community Lunar New Year Banquet proceeds donated to Millbrae schools
On Saturday, March 18, a crew of intrepid Millbrae Rotarians traveled to the distant planet of Larkspur to board Starship Gin. They witnessed President Elect, Deirdri Gladwin, commissioned as our next Commander of Battleship Millbrae. Our crew members were trained in several tactical and strategic topics: including Membership, Youth Protection, Grants, International Service, Anti-bullying, Social Media and Rotary's End Polio program. After being fed by Mess Officer OllieQ, we returned to our home base, ready to set course "To boldly go where our Rotary Club has not Gone Before".
Nearly 300 Millbrae and Bay Area residents gathered to celebrate the Year of the Rooster at the Zen Peninsula restaurant on Friday, February 10. The event has been bringing together a diverse group of engaged community members to experience the fun and fellowship of a family style Chinese banquet while generating contributions for Millbrae's elementary schools and Community Youth Center. From its beginning, ten years ago, the banquet has grown in stature in the community and is now recognized as one of the most popular events in Millbrae.
The evening's program began with District 5150 Governor, Jeri Fujimoto, presenting a Paul Harris Fellow certificate to State Assembly Speaker Pro Tem, Kevin Mullin, for his years of "Service above Self" to the Bay Area and State of California. Assemblyman Mullin then presented Club President Robert Gottschalk with a State Assembly/Senate proclamation honoring The Rotary Foundation's 100th Anniversary. The rest of the evening was lively, cordial and full of thrills with performances by the Gee Yung International Martial Arts Lions and Wayne Huey, The Red Panda Acrobat.
Check out the You Tube video below that recalls scenes from this year's banquet and recognizes the many restaurants, businesses, volunteer groups and individuals who helped make the event a success. Be sure to view the event photos taken by Dawdy Photography on our website Photo Album and let us know if you'd like personal copies of the photos by e-mailing us at millbraerotary@sbcglobal.net.
Eight Millbrae organizations and businesses were presented their 2016 Business Excellence awards at the El Rancho Inn on January 26, 2017 at the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Millbrae's18th Annual Excellence in Business Awards.
Congratulations! Millbrae Square Shopping Center - Downtown Beautification Award One Martial Arts, Provident Credit Union & South San Francisco Scavenger Co. - Community Business Partners Award Wonderful - Restaurant of the Year Best Western El Rancho Inn - Distinction in Tourism Award Millbrae CERT - Millbrae Chamber Excellence Award Positive Electric - Business of the Year
See photos of all of the award recipients in Photo Albums.
Jon Kaufman, a Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club member, presented his talk on one of our District's most successful Water programs, H2OpenDoors. Since February 2013, Jon has spearheaded 16 SunSpring water filtration system projects in 7 different countries in collaboration with local governments, NGOs and Rotary Clubs. Our members heard why his trips are wonderful opportunities for District Rotarians and Rotaractors to travel and experience life-changing moments in making a difference in people's lives. Jon encouraged us to join his next trip to Cuba in April 2017.
Our special luncheon guest today was Daniel Xuereb, who was awarded Millbrae Rotary Club's 2016 Taylor Middle School Scholarship. Daniel was accompanied by his parents, Joe and Karen Xuereb. Club members congratulated Daniel for his achievements at Taylor and will be looking forward to hearing good news about his Mills High experiences over the next 4 years.
As the evening's program opened, outgoing President Marilou welcomed everyone and greeted our visiting dignitaries, including DG Leah Lambrecht and her husband Bill, Former Mayors and sitting Council members Wayne Lee and Gina Papan, School Trustees Denis Fama, Don Ravello, Maggie Musa, and Lynne Ferrario, City Manager Marcia Raines, School Superintendent Vahn Prayperset, representatives from Assemblyman Mullin and Senator Hill, former City Treasurer Mary Vella Treseler, and Past Millbrae Mayors Dan Quigg, Doris Morse, Marge Colapietro, Robert G Gottschalk, and Janet Fogarty, among others.
In appreciation for our club's support to the South San Francisco Rotary Club's Mardi Gras fundraiser, Rick Chinn received a $400 check from Ed Bortoli and Mark Barradas at their May 5 luncheon meeting.
Millbrae Rotary Club recognized by South San Francisco Rotary Club
Over 60 happy guests attended last Friday's gala party at the Green Hills Country Club to enjoy the festive evening. Many good friends of Millbrae Rotary joined us to enjoy scrumptious appetizers and cocktails while listening to the melodies of the '60s played by Loudin Clear. The evening's program, expertly planned by Denis Fama, Janet Fogarty and Deirdri Gladwin, featured remembrances of our passed members, Paul Harris Fellow awards to Kevin Mernick and Christine Co, and a colorful slideshow of Millbrae Rotary's rich history produced by Tom Dawdy and MCTV. Following the program, everyone danced to the beat of Jefferson Airplane and the Beatles. You can view some of the scenes from the evening on the 50th Anniversary Celebration Photo Album on this website. Judge for yourself who was best-dressed for the '60s! Thanks to everyone who attended to help us celebrate!
Green Hills Country Club rocked last Friday night!
Our Rotary Club March 1 luncheon speaker was Betsy Koefoed, Past President of the Rotary Club of San Carlos and Founder of the District Potential Rotary Leaders Seminar series. Betsy presented an entertaining talk full of great anecdotes and tidbits that our club members enjoyed. Betsy encouraged all those who wish to improve their leadership skills in all aspects of their lives to attend the next Basic PRLS seminar on July 23, 2016.
On December 1, Millbrae City Council members, Millbrae's Recreation Superintendent and Millbrae Rotarians dedicated Rotary Park's new Peace Pole and Bench
Click the link on this page to view an MCTV VIDEO of Mayor Robert Gottschalk's presentation
District Governor Leah Lambrecht visited our Millbrae Rotary Club on July 28 to meet with our Board and gave an inspiring presentation on her theme of how Rotarians can play a role in promoting Peace during the coming year and beyond.
Our speaker today was the very charming Dr Joe S. Wang, Consul for Taiwan in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of San Francisco. Dr Wang, a career diplomat for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is also an adjunct professor at the National Taiwan University of Arts in Taipei, teaching courses in public administration and public policy.
District Governor Chris visited our club in support of Dr Wang. Dr Wang was instrumental in arranging DG Chris's trip to Taiwan to a special dinner with RI President Gary Huang last October, one of only 5 DGs from the U.S. to be invited.
Building friendships is Dr Wang's focus as Consul for Taipei, as has been DG Chris's focus this year, and President Carrie's focus for our Millbrae Club.
District Governor Chris visited our club in support of Dr Wang. Dr Wang was instrumental in arranging DG Chris's trip to Taiwan to a special dinner with RI President Gary Huang last October, one of only 5 DGs from the U.S. to be invited.
Building friendships is Dr Wang's focus as Consul for Taipei, as has been DG Chris's focus this year, and President Carrie's focus for our Millbrae Club. — with Christanne Gallagher and Carrie Thelma Chinn.
Millbrae Rotary welcomes Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Director
State Senator Jerry Hill Honored at 8th Annual Millbrae Lunar New Year Banquet
State Senator Jerry Hill is now a Paul Harris Fellow. With over 300 guest witnesses looking on, Senator Hill received a Paul Harris Fellow certificate and medallion during the Millbrae Rotary Club's Community Lunar New Year Banquet at the Zen Peninsula restaurant on Friday, Feb. 27. Senator Hill was honored for his contribution to furthering better understanding and friendly relations among people of the world.
The Millbrae Chamber of Commerce presents The2014Millbrae Excellence in Business Awards Dinneron Thursday, January 22nd 2015. The dinner and program will be at the Best Western El Rancho 'Palm Room' (downstairs from The Terrace Cafe).
Cost: $50.00 per person / London Broil / Salmon / Vegetarian
Over 150 gathered in the Basque Cultural Center to honor the senior football players and spirit team members from Mills and Capuchino High on November 13. The 19th annual luncheon was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno. Net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the athletic programs of both schools. Team members were introduced by their respective coaches after friendly challenges were heard from both sides of the Battle of the Strip, including San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane and Millbrae Vice Mayor Robert Gottschalk, and Capuchino High Principal Shamar Shanks and Mills Principal Paul Belzer. This year's guest speaker was former NFL Pro Bowler Raymond Chester, who was interviewed by Jeff Bayer.
On November 13, over 150 Millbrae and San Bruno community supporters lunched at the Basque Cultural Center and listened to the resounding sounds of the Mills High band. This popular event raised funds for the Mills and Capuchino High School athletic programs. Speakers from each school gave reasons why they would win the Battle of the Strip, backed up by friendly wagers from Millbrae Vice Mayor Robert Gottschalk, and San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane. The luncheon keynote speaker was Raymond Chester, former NFL Pro Bowl Tight end for the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Colts, who was introduced and interviewed by Jeff Bayer.
At the 2014-15 District Conference in Monterey, our club received several District awards in the following areas: Community Service, Club Administration, Membership, Youth Service, Foundation, and Public Relations.
We also received the 2013-14 Rotary Club Central award for setting strategic goals to Engage Rotary, Change Lives from our District Governor and Rotary International President. A highlight of the awards was receiving the Best Club Award!
Our club proudly received several awards at the District 5150 Conference held in Monterey, May 2-3. Millbrae Rotarians Denis Fama, Deirdri Gladwin, Walt Gladwin, Carrie Chinn and Rick Chinn gathered at the Marriott Hotel to enjoy the weather, restaurants and fellowship with over 190 Rotarians from our District clubs. The two days were filled with speakers, networking and entertainment, including a first-time remote link up with our Interactors reporting from their Polio Plus event at Mills High School.
Our club received several District awards in recognition of service above self in the following areas: Community Service, Club Administration, Membership, Youth Service, Foundation, and Public Relations.
We also received the 2013-14 Rotary Club Central award for setting strategic goals to Engage Rotary, Change Lives from our District Governor and Rotary International President. A highlight of the awards was the Best Club Award!
Millbrae Mayor Wayne Lee, Rotarians Janet McAuley, Denis Fama, Cheryl Fama (Burlingame), Robert Gottschalk, Carrie Chinn and City of Millbrae Environmental Programs Manager.
Rotarian Frank Seebode shows Janet McAuley the correct way to hold a pitchfork.
Ready, set, plant!
Millbrae Rotarians commerate City's Earth/Arbor Day at Rotary Park on April 26.
The Millbrae Art and Wine Festival was held on September 5 and 6. Our club has a long history of supporting the event, which benefits the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce. Congrats to club members Jamie Monozon (Executive Director of the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce) and Albert Yam (Chair of the Art & Wine Festival) for a wonderful event, which always brings together our community. Many thanks to Dave Covarrubias (aka Spiderman) for all of his hard work coordinating our volunteers to staff our Token and Pouring booths. Thanks to all club members who worked shifts at the Art & Wine Festival! Here are a few photos from the day, starting with “Spiderman” Dave: 
Congratulations to Tom Dawdy of the Rotary Club of Millbrae for being selected as Rotary District 5150's Rotarian of the Month for March 2023! Tom joined Rotary and the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 1980. Right from the start, he became the historian to record the events and projects offered by his Club and volunteered in many of these activities.
Congratulations to our District 5150 Rotarian of the Month for June 2020 – Robert Gottschalk from the Rotary Club of Millbrae.
Celebrate another great season and honor the Senior football players and cheerleaders of Capuchino and Mills High Schools. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 1 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Basque Cultural Center at 599 Railroad Avenue in South San Francisco. Cost is $30 per person ($35 after October 25), and proceeds benefit the athletic programs of both schools. The event is jointly sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Millbrae and San Bruno. Sponsor a table for 10 for $300 or any number of student athletes for $30 each. 
Sunday, Oct 28 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Millbrae Rotarians commemorated World Polio Day together, with a reminder that we are "this close" to eradicating this horrible disease forever.
Millbrae Rotarian Rick Champion addressed Rotarians about his career path and position at the Millbrae School District as Chief Business Official. 
Millbrae Rotarian Janet Fogarty shared information about The Rotary Foundation (TRF). The Rotary Foundation offers an opportunity to transform financial gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The power of Rotarians working together is formidable! 
District Governor Jayne Hulbert visited with the Rotary Club of Millbrae, and installed our two newest members: Kristine Baltasar of IBM and Nick Jones of MCTV. Welcome!!
Rotarians from The Rotary Club of Taipei (Taiwan) visited with Millbrae Rotarians. Chia-Ling Ann Yang (an attorney who handles cross-board dispute resolution) and her husband, Dr. Feng-chiao Tsai (a physician scientist with specialties in GI and molecular biology) shared information about their Rotary experiences. Their club is the only English-speaking club in Taiwan. It is interesting to belong to a world-wide organization and make connections with like-minded Rotarians from other parts of the world!
Past President Deirdri Gladwin's "Debunking" included a presentation of her Past President's pin by new president, Janet McAuley. 
Elliott Kim received a $500 scholarship to be paid for his college tuition. Elliott has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others through his years at Taylor. He will be a member of the Mills High School Interact Club and will play flute in the symphonic band at Mills. 
Millbrae School District is the first Corporate Member of Millbrae Rotary. Chief Business Official Rick Champion received his Rotary pin, and will be joined at Rotary meetings from time to time by Superintendent Vahn Phayprasert and Assistant Superintendent Claire Beltrami. The Rotary Club of Millbrae has a long-standing relationship with the Millbrae School District, having supported numerous District projects throughout the years. 
Congrats to Millbrae Rotarian Walt Gladwin, who has been recognized by the County Sheriff as "Volunteer of the Quarter" for his exemplary work with the Volunteers in Policing program. Way to go, Walt! 
2017-2018 Millbrae Rotary President passed the gavel to 2018-2019 President Janet McAuley. Carrie Chinn was awarded Rotarian of the Year by President Gladwin. 
Millbrae Rotary partners with many other organizations and individuals throughout the year to serve the Millbrae Community. The following people were honored this year for their contributions:
Rotarians from the Millbrae and San Bruno Rotary Clubs met together to hear from See's Candy representative Mary Feeley to learn about the history of the company. It's interesting to know that Lucille Ball (Lucy) and Vivian Vance (Ethel) visited the See's candy kitchen in Los Angeles to learn all about dipping and packing chocolates. The result was the hilariously popular I Love Lucy "Job Switching" episode. It cannot be confirmed that some Rotarians looked like they were on the chocolate assembly line when enjoying the generous samples that Mary brought! Yum yum!
Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering scholarships to international students for one year of study in Georgia colleges and universities. The students become adopted members of a Georgia “host family,” living on-campus at the school they attend. Each year, about 60 students from all over the world make friends in the United States and other nations and learn about differing cultures and life styles. The GRSP program promotes international goodwill through friendship and understanding.
Known simply as "The International Man of Memory", Chester Santos has left an impression on all corners of the earth. Through his ability to demonstrate extraordinary feats of the mind, as well as educate others to do the same, this U.S. Memory Champion is widely regarded to be one of the greatest memory experts in the world. His memory talents have been featured in numerous media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, CNN, NBC, ABC and PBS. Chester has memorized a random 100-plus digit sequence in five minutes and can name every U.S. congress person’s state and district number. While Chester understands his exceptional skill, he also believes that every person has the ability to demonstrate amazing abilities with their memory given the proper technique and guidance. Millbrae Rotarians were able to learn a few simple techniques. .jpg)
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New member Savannah Lee was welcomed as a member of the Rotary Club of Millbrae. Savannah is a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. 
Millbrae's city-wide arbor day celebration was held at Millbrae Rotary Park at South Ashton and Millbrae Avenue. Millbrae Rotarians worked with other community groups, student groups, and other Millbrae residents to plant trees in Rotary Park and along the spur trail on Millbrae Avenue, spread mulch around new plantings, and do a trash pickup. 
Claire Beltrami, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Millbrae School District presented the MSD Strategic Plan to the Millbrae Rotary Club. It’s easy to see why our Millbrae schools are excellent! She expressed MSD’s appreciation for the Rotary Club’s continued support of Millbrae’s schools and youth.
Since joining the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 2008, Carrie Chinn 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 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.
Millbrae Community Foundation President Debbie Van Wart presented Millbrae Rotary President Deirdri Gladwin with a $5,000 check to contribute towards new playground equipment at Rotary Park in Millbrae. New playground equipment will be added which will appeal to a broader age range of children. A perfect example of community partners working together to make Millbrae better.
Past District Governor Jeri Fujimoto presented awards to Millbrae Rotary Club Immediate Past President Robert Gottschalk in recognition of our Rotary Club’s contributions to The Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation is rated '5 Star' by Charity Navigator for its outstanding record of funding projects and programs in our communities and throughout the world. Rotary Foundation projects fund clean water and sanitation, health and hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio, and economic development and new opportunities in communities around the world. Past President Gottschalk was also recognized for success during his term.
Millbrae Rotarian Tom Dawdy was honored with the Living History Award for exceptional historical contributions and devoted community service. He is only the eleventh such person to be so honored by the Millbrae Historical Society. Tom's service is appreciated throughout our community!
The Millbrae Rotary Trivia Team competed at Project Read Trivia Challenge. The team of Jeff Gressard, Robert Gottschalk, and Joe Teresi made a respectable showing, but were especially happy to contribute to Project Read, which helps low literacy and low income adults to reach their literacy and financial goals. Way to go, team!
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Rotarian Alan Kirth shared his insights on how to protect your personal financial data with Millbrae Rotarians. Kirth is 
Principal Chris Bischof spoke to the Rotary Club of Millbrae members about the successes enjoyed by Eastside College Preparatory School, which began in East Palo Alto in 1996 with just 8 students. The school works to meet students' academic, financial, and social/emotional challenges, and in addition to an outstanding academic program, also offers alumni support through college and a career pathways program.
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As the evening's program opened, outgoing President Marilou welcomed everyone and greeted our visiting dignitaries, including DG Leah Lambrecht and her husband Bill, Former Mayors and sitting Council members Wayne Lee and Gina Papan, School Trustees Denis Fama, Don Ravello, Maggie Musa, and Lynne Ferrario, City Manager Marcia Raines, School Superintendent Vahn Prayperset, representatives from Assemblyman Mullin and Senator Hill, former City Treasurer Mary Vella Treseler, and Past Millbrae Mayors Dan Quigg, Doris Morse, Marge Colapietro, Robert G Gottschalk, and Janet Fogarty, among others.
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District Governor Chris visited our club in support of Dr Wang. Dr Wang was instrumental in arranging DG Chris's trip to Taiwan to a special dinner with RI President Gary Huang last October, one of only 5 DGs from the U.S. to be invited. 
