"WHEEL WRITES"
Our Club's Meeting Newsletter
Coming soon!
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Here's our Rotary Club's Facebook page.
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Call To Action!
1. The Rotary Club of SSF has an opening for the position of Vocational Services Chairperson. Go to www.Rotary.org to research what this position involves by searching "vocational services". If interested, contact:
Gary Chow at gpchow@comcast.net, or at (415) 244-7232.
2. The Rotary Club of SSF has an opening for the position of Secretary. Please contact Matteo Rizzo at (650) 759-3996, if interested.
3. The Rotary Club of SSF has an opening for the position of Newsletter Editor. Please contact Matteo Rizzo at (650) 759-3996, if interested.
South San Francisco Housing Authority
July 16, 2026
Leah Taylor, Executive Director of the South San Francisco Housing Authority, presented an incredible overview of the history, development, and accomplishments of the Agency before and during her oversight. She has allowed us to share her slide presentation for you to view.
So. San Francisco Housing Authority Youth Interns, Chaperones, Club President Ceres Delapaz, and Executive Director Leah Taylor.
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Rotary Club of San Mateo Global Grant Project
July 9, 2026
Bruce Bean, Past President of the Rotary Club of San Mateo, introduced the Club's Global Grant Project with a comprehensive presentation on the need to strengthen the blood bank situation in order to provide life-saving medical treatment in the Siha District Hospital in Tanzania. Please view his powerpoint presentation to get a better understanding of this critical situation and reason for the need for more Clubs to become involved in this project.
On June 18, 2026, the Rotary Club of South San Francisco delivered over 2,000 diapers to the South San Francisco Fire Department in support of their diaper drive. Club Members Ed Bortoli and Mark Barradas are pictured above.
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Debunking & Installation of Officers
June 26, 2026
June 26th was our Debunking of 2025-2026 Club Officers and Installation of 2026-2027 Officers. The Club wishes to express its appreciation to President Henry Karnilowicz on our 75th Anniversary Year in existence. He presided and it was another great year of service above self with support of many global and local projects. This year's President is Ceres Delapaz who was installed by Incoming District Governor Yuhui Chen. District Governor Yuhui Chen also installed our Club Officers for 2026-2027 and the El Camino High School Interact Club Officers for the upcoming school year. Congratulations to all!!!
Past Pres. Henry Karnilowicz receiving the Rotary Mallet in appreciation for his year as President from Pres. Ceres Delapaz.
Past Pres. Henry Karnilowicz presenting Pres. Ceres Delapaz the Rotary Bullseye T-shirt in the Transfer of the T (Target?) Ceremony.
District Governor Yuhui Chen, Pres. Ceres Delapaz, and Board Members.
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Installation of El Camino High School Interact Club Officers by District Governor Yuhui Chen with Pres. Delapaz.
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Boys and Girls Club
June 18, 2026
Executive Director Mandy Lipp of the Boys and Girls Club of SSF and Pacifica gave a presentation about the many contribution made to youth in the community. The many programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs support both the youth and families as well. Our Rotary Club provides support to this Non-Profit in several ways.
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Kishiwada Student Exchange Trip Presentation
June 11, 2026
El Camino High School's Interact Club President Tiffany Cheng gave a presentation of their group of students that traveled to Sister City Kishiwada, Japan in the beginning of June. Many students from the group also joined us for lunch and the presentation. The Rotary Club of SSF funds this program and supervises the students on this trip.
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The Rotary Club of South San Francisco
75th Anniversary Gala
The Rotary Club of South San Francisco (Club) celebrated 75 years of community and global services on May 15, 2026. The Club thanks everyone who attended to celebrate with us! The evening festivities featured talented musicians in the Band from El Camino High School who played wonderful music from all modalities that welcomed the attendees. A delicious dinner was served and then, Master of Ceremony Matteo Rizzo brought the focus to the front of the room introducing: Dignitaries from our South San Francisco and Daly City governments; Rotary District Governor Mitone Griffiths; Past and Future District Governors; the Delegation from the SSF Sister City of Kishiwada; and Club President Henry Karnilowicz. There was recognition, appreciation, and announcements aplenty. Then, President Karnilowicz introduced Club Member Bruce Wright, CPA and Rotary Plaza Foundation Board Member, as the keynote speaker. Mr. Wright presented the many accomplishments of the Club from inception using a 54-page slide show. During the presentation, Mr. Wright introduced the launch of a third housing project named Rotary Gardens at 500 Linden Avenue. He also introduced a new park to be built at Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue and brought up the Mayor Mark Addiego and former Mayor Eddie Flores of SSF to present a check of $75,000 for its development. The evening continued with more Awards and Recognition. It was quite a Gala! Thank you to Ed and Robin Bortoli and Family that organized this very special event.
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South San Francisco Principals Visit on May 7, 2026
Our Club sponsors 3 South San Francisco High Schools and welcomed (left to right):
Principal Shari Manalang from South San Francisco High School;
Asst. Principal Chris Laveglia from El Camino High School; and,
Principal Seemaa Prasad from Baden High School.
They each gave an update on the many ways they were using the monies provided by our Club for their High Schools and also shared school accomplishments. We thank them for all that they do and appreciate these updates.
Club Member Matteo Rizzo who served as the Superintendent in the Jefferson School District is also in the photo.
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Tomasz Sobania 50-50-50 Project
On May 7th, Club Member John Henry Fullen brought 3 special guests from Poland and introduced Tomasz Sobania to speak about his reason for being in the Bay Area.
Tomasz Sobania shared his past accomplishments and his current historic initiative to run 50 marathons in 50 States in 50 days to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and honor the accomplishments of the Polish in America. Tomasz will launch his project from California with his first marathon starting at the Golden Gate Bridge on May 10, 2026. You can follow his progress on https://www.facebook.com/TomaszSobaniaDreams. Click on the link below for more information on his website.
On May 7, 2026, our Rotary Club welcomed 3 SSF High School Principals and
3 special guests from Poland.
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You're Invited!!!
The Rotary Club of South San Francisco's
75th Anniversary Gala
It’s our 75th Year as the Rotary Club of South San Francisco! Come join us as we celebrate our Club’s accomplishments throughout the years! We’re having a sit down dinner with two selections: Mixed Grill (Beef, Chicken, and Shrimp) or Vegetarian (Stuffed Mushroom). It’s going to be a Come-As-You-Like affair. Free on-site parking.
We won’t be able to take any walk-ins and you must pay in advance. See you soon!
Remembering Chef Don Bowcutt who made hundreds of our Special Recipe pancakes for the Rotary Plaza Pancake Breakfasts. He also created and was the first editor of Wheel Writes, our newsletter, and played a huge role in our Club in many ways. Photo courtesy of Chef Mark Barradas, also pictured.
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District 5150 Assembly-March 21, 2026
Congratulations to Ceres Delapaz who was recognized as our Club's President Elect for fiscal year 2026-2027. A Rotary Foundation Overview Workshop was conducted by PDG Gary Chow.
Our Rotary Club's Attendees
DGE YuHui Chen, PE Ceres Delapaz, and AG Kristine Baltasar
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DG Mitone Griffith
Sharon Ranels was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award on March 12, 2026. This recognition is in appreciation for the many years of serving as the City Manager for the City of South San Francisco. She is now celebrating her retirement, but we are forever grateful for all that she has done for our great City. Presenters are Cristina Aquino and President Henry Karnilowicz.
South San Francisco Sister City Program
On March 12, 2026, Past Club President Cristina Aquino, the current President of the South San Francisco Sister Cities (SSFSC) program, gave a comprehensive presentation and update on the many activities that the City program is involved with. South San Francisco has six (6) Sister Cities in International Countries. Please click on the icon below to take a look at the City's website for more information.
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Pancake Breakfast for Seniors
at Rotary Plaza
Our Club's Early Birds flew over to the Rotary Plaza and cooked up a delicious Pancake and Sausage breakfast to the delight of the resident Seniors and their guests at Rotary Plaza's Dining Room on February 21, 2026. The Interactors and Volunteers along with Rotarians working in harmony served breakfast plates, coffee, tea, and juice to our hungry attendees.
President Elect Ceres Delapaz at the grill.
Past District Governor Gary Chow serving orange juice.
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A Rotary Plaza Resident who joined us for breakfast.
Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to President Elect Ceres Delapaz on February 19, 2026, by Executive Secretary Matteo Rizzo. President Nominee James Calacal provided visual assistance for the project presentation.
Humanitarian/Charitable Orphanage Project Presentation
on February 19, 2026
P.E. Ceres Delapaz presented the history of her personal dedication to helping orphanages in the Philippines. The orphanages are in chronic need of support in many areas. So, over the years, she has been boxing food in large quantities to assist with feeding the orphans. She also sends other supplies. Although this is her personal project, she had received the support of others in her social circle. With this in mind, she shared her valuable experience with our Club to explore ways that we may be able to work with her on a Global Grant or related endeavor. Her presentation was heartwarming and had a meaningful impact on all who attended our Club meeting. Stay tuned for updates.
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The South SF Rotary Plaza Foundation donated a new Marimba to the Westborough Middle School Music Program on February 10, 2026. Here is a picture of the South SF Rotary Plaza Foundation Board with some of the music students in the Band Room. Board Members are, left to right, Matteo Rizzo, Mark Barradas, Bruce Wight, and Brian Orth. Hilda Barradas joined the Board on this celebratory occasion.
Our January 8, 2026 Club Meeting
Bruce Wright, Treasurer and Board Member of the Rotary Plaza Foundation, provided a detailed update of our affordable housing program which includes the continuing development of our newest project site, Rotary Gardens. Rotary Gardens will consist of two buildings: Affordable Housing and Workforce Housing. He also described how the Foundation utilized the financial proceeds for local and international community service projects and scholarships for students at both El Camino High School and South San Francisco High School.
Cristina Aquino was recognized as reaching the next level of Paul Harris Fellow and received the pin for that level.
Bruce Wright receiving his Speaker Appreciation Certificate from President Henry Karnilowicz
Cristina Aquino receiving Paul Harris pin from TRF Chair Gary Chow and President Henry Karnilowicz
Our November 20, 2025 Club Meeting
Here's a quick overview of the exciting meeting held on November 20, 2025.
Club Excellence Award
The Rotary Club of South San Francisco, under the leadership of President Michele Evans during FY 2024-2025, qualified and was awarded the Club Excellence Award. This Award is presented to Rotary International worldwide clubs that set and achieve their program goals for the year. The Rotary Club of South San Francisco was one of the 7 (out of 42) Rotary Clubs in District 5150 to receive this special award that was presented by Past District Governor (PDG) Steve Wright who was our District Governor for that year.
100% EREY Banner
100% of the Rotary Club of South San Francisco membership donated to the Rotary International Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) Annual Fund in FY 2024-2025. These funds support the betterment of the world. Presented to Past President (PP) Michele Evans by PDG Steve Wright.
PolioPlus Support Banner
The Rotary Club of South San Francisco donated at least $1,500 to PolioPlus in FY 2024-2025. Presented to PP Michele Evans by PDG Steve Wright.
Paul Harris Society Award
Club Secretary and PP Cristina Aquino was presented with the Paul Harris Society Certificate and chevron in honor and recognition of her membership. Presented by PDG Steve Wright.
Club Excellence Award
FY 2024/25
EREY and Polio Plus Banners
FY 2024/25
Paul Harris Society
C. Aquino with PDG S. Wright
Another Great Pancake Breakfast at Rotary Plaza
On November 15, 2025, eight members from The Rotary Club of SSF coordinated and served up another great Pancake Breakfast at Rotary Plaza with the support of family members and the El Camino High School Interact Club. The breakfast is a special event for the Senior residents at Rotary Plaza and their guests.
The El Camino High School Interact Club joined in to help.
Serving Rotary Plaza senior residents and volunteer diners the delicious pancake and sausage breakfasts!
Our 6 a.m. Rotary Kitchen Crew! Mark Barradas, Eric Barradas, and Matteo Rizzo.
Matteo Rizzo, Caitlin Bucceri, and Eric Barradas flipping the pancakes.
Brian and Meghan Orth hard at work.
Break time! Satoko Piett, Michele Evans, Ceres Delapaz, and Marcella Bucceri.
Project Read Annual Trivia Challenge
On November 7, 2025, our Rotary Big Wheels team comprised of President Henry Karnilowicz, Past President Michele Evans, and Past President Mark Barradas gave it their all to help raise funds for Project Read. Go Team!!!
The SSFPA and K-9 Unit Golf Tournament
Thank you for supporting the SSFPA and K-9 Unit with our generous contribution to the fourth annual golf tournament fundraiser. As you can see, our Rotary Club's donation supported the sponsorship of hole number 9. Please see three of our Team: Leah Taylor, Omar Larrea, and Rich Chinn. Omar is an employee of the SSF Housing Authority and Rick is a member of the Rotary Club of Millbrae and a good friend of our club.
The weather was clear with no wind, which is unusual for Millbrae. The tournament was well organized with an excellent lunch and dinner provided.
Authored by: Matteo Rizzo
Congratulations to Westmoor graduating seniors, Danica Dizon, Kiristie Lee, Sherry Yu, Taylor Talada, and Xavier Rodriguez. They are the recipients of the Katherine Baker Foundation Scholarship Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of South San Francisco that was held on May 14, 2025 at the Westmoor High School Senior Awards Night in the newly constructed high school auditorium. Each student received $1,000 towards their future college expenses.
Danica Dizon plans to be a clinical laboratory scientist and Kirstie Lee to attend a top architecture program at UC Berkeley or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Sherry Yu is majoring in Human Biology at UC San Diego. Taylor Talada's intended major is psychology and Xavier Rodriguez, statistics.
Their sponsors at Westmoor High School are Ms. Maria-Rowena Collado, math teacher, and assisted by Mr. Rhaeven Pillazar, Westmoor High Alumnus and Founder of the Interact Club of Westmoor were on hand to congratulate the recipients. Rotary Club of South San Francisco Member, James Calacal, on behalf of Sabrina Bartoli DeBattista, Interact Coordinator for the Club, personally handed the students their scholarship checks and congratulations certificate as they walked on stage to a raucous applause.
The Governor's Bell Award
CONGRATULATIONS to our Club, the Rotary Club of South San Francisco, as we were awarded a Governor’s Bell by being selected as the Best Medium-sized Club in the District. The Rotary Club of South San Francisco also received a Club Excellence Award for each of the following: Community; International; Youth; Foundation; Vocational; Membership; and, Public Image. These prestigious Awards were received on the last day of a stellar District Conference with outstanding speakers and entertainment that made for fun times and great camaraderie.
During the 2024-2025 Rotary year, District Governor Steve Wright reactivated the Governor’s Bell Award in order to recognize the three (Large, Medium, and Small) Best Clubs in our District 5150 of 41 clubs. After establishing the criteria for this award, he utilized his team of 10 Assistant Governors and the Chief of Staff to reach a consensus on which clubs, according to membership size, deserved one of the three bells. It was a difficult choice as many clubs made significant achievements this year. The Governor’s Bell is a perpetual trophy that will be re-awarded to next year’s winner. This year’s Governor’s Bell was accompanied by a Rotary Snoopy doll wearing a Hope In Action pin for our President Michele to keep as a well-earned reminder of our Club’s achievement under her leadership.
Representing our Club at this year's District Conference where we were recognized as the Best Medium Club were Cristina Aquino (Polio Plus and Past President), James Calacal, PDG Gary Chow, Ceres Delapaz, and Cynthia Hamada.
Club Excellence Award Plaques
Ceres Delapaz, James Calacal, Cynthia Hamada, and PDG Gary Chow
Cristina Aquino and Hugh Murphy at the Polio Plus Society Exhibit
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Welcome to Westmoor High School Interact Club
At our meeting on April 3, 2025, James Calacal made a presentation regarding the Westmoor High School Interact Club (Interact Club of Westmoor) that was established in 2017. The Interact Club of Westmoor is now under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of South San Francisco and will continue under the guidance of School Advisor Maria-Rowena Collado, a mathematics teacher, and our Interact Club Chair Sabrina Bortoli DeBattista.
The Interact Club of Westmoor has been very active with community services in Daly City, but the sponsoring Rotary Club of Daly City and Colma was dechartered.
Calacal also stated that in 2020, the Katherine Baker estate bequeathed $20,000 to be used for scholarships to the youth of Daly City. The Interact Club of Westmoor High in Daly City was the appropriate candidate to the executor of the bequest and awarded scholarships through May 2024. With the new sponsorship by our Club, the current Interact Club of Westmoor senior students are now eligible to apply for the Katherine Baker Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by a dedicated Rotarian, is a celebration of "Service Above Self." Katherine Baker's vision is to inspire young leaders to transform their communities through compassion and action.
The following is the schedule of events for 2025:
• Applications open - Friday, April 4.
• Review of applications and decision of recipients - Wednesday, April 30.
• Email information of award ceremony to recipients - Thursday, May 1.
• Westmoor Interact Scholarship Awards Event - Wednesday, May 14
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The Rotary Basics Handbook for your reading pleasure.
The Rotary Basics Handbook for your reading pleasure.
Our Bi-Monthly Pancake Breakfast is a Big Hit!
The Rotary Club of South San Francisco served up a delicious pancake and sausages breakfast on January 18, 2025, for the residents and guests of Rotary Plaza. Thank you to our Interact Club Members for helping serve the food and beverages! It looked like everyone left fulfilled!!!
Chef Matteo Rizzo
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Pancake Breakfast at Rotary Plaza - YUM!
Another delicious breakfast event was hosted by our Club on Saturday, November 16, 2024. It was crewed by Rotary Club Members and Interact Club Members from El Camino High School. All residents of Rotary Plaza were invited to breakfast and many came with other family members in rotating shifts! Thank you to all who served it up that day!!!
Dancing with Danger - Fundraiser Success!
Our Annual Fundraiser was based on a 1950's Prom Mystery involving guest actors and clues to solve a mysterious mishap! We had a great deal of fun while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Best of all. Our Club made these donations to the following organizations that attended,
$800.00 per organization
Kiwanis Club of South San Francisco
P.A.L. of South San Francisco Police Department
CERT of South San Francisco Fire Department
Boys and Girls Club of Pacifica
Daly City JFK Parent Teacher Association
$960.00
South San Francisco Sister Cities Program
See our WHEEL WRITES newsletter and Facebook webpage for more info and pictures. Mark Barradas sent in these photos.
Service Above Self
South San Francisco, CA 94080
United States of America