It’s the time of the year when we slow down time and enjoy every moment connecting with family, friends and loved ones. It’s time to embrace the hopeful spirit of the season and be the catalyst to lift people up at every event, meeting and connection. Let’s all be a little kinder and giving of ourselves and our time.
As Rotarians, we give our time every week at club meetings to serving this community. This shared goal elevates our friendships to a big rotary family status. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate our rotary family connection and treat each other with care, love and kindness. I encourage every member to reach out and spread a little holiday spirit to fellow members.
It’s also a time to steer our thoughts toward those less fortunate than ourselves. We continue to make a difference in this community with our service and monetary contributions. This is time to celebrate our impact and keep our hearts open to those underserved individuals. Thanks to all that contributed to the Turkey giveaway, children’s holiday party, and Veterans luncheon. Let’s continue to embrace the season of giving throughout the year.
I’m wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and thankful for your friendship and support. Your positive mindset and acts of kindness continue to lift spirits during this holiday season. May your heart be full this season and enjoy the time spent with loved ones.
On January 31, our regular club meeting will take place at Las Positas College, from 8:30 - 10:00 am. This special location and time will give us an opportunity to learn more about beautiful Las Positas, ranked the #1 Community College in the Bay Area. Our fellow Rotarians from the Livermore Club will join us as we hear from Las Positas President Dyrell Foster, Director of the LPC Foundation, Kenneth Cooper, and LPC Student Government President and Student Trustee, Lara Weidemeir.
Read the full details on our website and use this form to RSVP to reserve your spot on this special tour: Las Positas College Visit RSVP
WELCOME NEW MEMBER, DUSTIN BATTAION
We are excited to welcome Dustin Battaion to our club! Dustin joins us in the classification of Water Management. He is the new Superintendent at Cal Water. Prior to his role at Cal Water, he worked for East Bay Municipal Utility District, EBMUD. Dustin has his degree in Business Management snf
A Livermore resident for 20 years, Dustin is an avid exerciser, an artist, and a piano player! His favorite sport is soccer, which he has also enjoyed coaching.
Dustin has his Bachelors degree in Business Management and his Treatment Control License which allows him to operate any water treatment plant in California. Welcome Dustin!
Pictured above: Membership Director Graham Scott, with Dustin and President Kevin McCallum
CELEBRATING THE STUDENT OF THE MONTH
We enjoyed meeting November Student of the Month, Jacob Roach at our meeting on November 15th. Principal Conover shared that Jacob is excelling as an outstanding Diploma Candidate in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Granada High School. Jacob is also active in the Me to We Club and the GHS National Honor Society. He tutors younger students in math and has coached young players in Livermore Little League.
Pictured below: Jacob, with Principal Clark Conover and President Kevin.
Thanks to the many club members who showed up at CAPE on Saturday, November 19th to distribute turkeys and grocery gift cards to local families. Here are a few photos from the day.
Pictured above: James Hays, Dustin Battaion, CAPE parent & staff, Sherri Simoni, Kevin McCallum
Sherri Simoni & Leslie Lemieux greeting families
Graham Scott & Sarah Palmer with Roy Porfido giving a turkey
James Hays turkey (weight) lifting
CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY A SUCCESS
On Sunday, December 5, Rotarians from our club and the noon club joined together to put on the annual Rotarian Foundation of Livermore Children's Holiday Party. Over 100 children enjoyed a festive afternoon that included magical entertainment by our own magician Roy Porfido, face painting by Sally Porfido, gifts of books, toys, and new clothes, plus a special conversation with the man in the red suit. Here are a few pictures from the fun event. More will be on our website soon.
Deb Tacker unpacking her sack of toys
Showing smiles with new stuffed toys
A turn with Santa
Sally Porfido leading the face painting table
Suzanne Richerson & Sherri Simoni trying out the holiday frame
Roy the Magician entertaining the kids
UPDATE: LARGER GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore, our shared foundation with the Noon Club, is accepting applications for Community Grants through January 20, 2023. Community organizations are encouraged to seek support for their ongoing efforts or their special projects that contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community.
Thanks to the recent and generous bequest of Dr. Martin Plone, the Foundation is able to award more funding in 2023 than in the past. Community Grants may be awarded for up to $5,000, or between $5,000 and $50,000, depending on the project.
Please encourage community organizations to apply. Complete information including the application on the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore website.
Rotarian Foundation of Livermore President Mary Anne Rozsa invites each of us to share the holiday spirit by donating to the RFL during this season of giving. The RFL is our foundation and our donations will help fund community grants, scholarships, and special projects that benefit youth and members of our community who need support. Visit the RFL website or click on this link to donate today: Donate to the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. Remember all donations are tax deductibe.
A few spots remain on the upcoming trip to deliver wheelchairs to individuals in Guatemala. Last year, our club raised over $6,000 to purchase wheelchairs for those in eeed. This is your chance to see the benefit firsthand.
Over the past 65 years, UNCLE Credit Union has grown to more than $650 million in assets, 32,000 members, and continue to evolve as we strive to provide a seamless experience for our members with an array of innovative, high-value products, ease of convenience, and exceptional service. In addition to five financial centers and 24/7 online and mobile banking services, UNCLE provides our members with access to 5,600+ shared branches and nearly 30,000 ATMs via the CO-OP Shared Branching Network. Visit UNCLE Credit Union online at unclecu.org or in person at 2100 Las Positas Ct in Livermore and let them know you appreciate their support of the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley!
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ABC NORCAL ABC NorCal is committed to helping people earn, learn and build construction careers in their communities. Representing nearly 500 companies, both large and small, across Northern California, ABC NorCal provides work opportunities in the industry, and ensures folks are trained, safe and delivering the highest quality product possible.
For forty-five years ABC NorCal has done its part in training a skilled workforce in the construction trades, training over 1,800 state and federally approved apprentices, journey workers, and craft trainees each year, a vital component to the sustainability of the industry. Their diverse apprentices, journey workers and craft trainees come from all walks of life – some are fresh out of high school, some are starting a second career and some are desiring a fresh start. They emerge from the programs with a good-paying job, health benefits and the skills and training that can take their career in many directions. It is truly a path of endless opportunities.
ABC NorCal, along with its partner programs have proven track records that reduce recidivism rates, improve job readiness skills, and create long-term employment. Our partnership is a vital piece of ensuring a pathway out of poverty for the participants and a critical service to the Northern California construction community.
Thanks to ABC NorCal for sponsoring our club and supporting education and experience in the trades. Visit them online at abcnorcal.org.
