The Grapevine for August 13, 2024 (Aug 13, 2024)

OPENING THE MEETING

President Beth McCormick called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM
Cheryl Bowers led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Beth led us in a Fellowship Activity. We talked with another member and learned why they joined Rotary and what has had the most impact on their life. Beth noted that 60% of people in the US today are lonely. We want to change that, and it starts in our Rotary meetings! Friendship is the "secret sauce."
Thought of the Day - Dennis Gambs shared about a positive outlook: You should always believe you are going to win. The moment you show up thinking you're going to lose, you've lost."
Joke of the Day - Sherri shared Suzanne Richerson's joke: Q: Is Google male or female? A: Female. Because it doesn't let you finish a sentence before making a suggestion!
The Magic of Rotary - Our favorite magician, Roy Porfido, performed a magic trick that we all thought we got.... until we couldn't keep up with Roy's magical finesse. Thank you, Roy!

Song of the Day - Jerry Hawkins led us in a farewell song to Graham Scott, whose last meeting was today. Happy Trails to Graham, as he and Pat move to the next chapter of their life in Sparks, Nevada. We will miss you, Graham!

TRAVELER'S TRIBUTE

Leslie Lemieux returned to our meetings - yay! she's retired! - and came by way of a vacation in Fiji. She brought Beth... a cannibal fork!

VISITING ROTARIANS & GUESTS

Visiting Rotarian: Roy introduced Bob Tucknott from the Dublin Club. Bob told us he knows the names of every Rotarian in 6 Tri-Valley clubs!

Guests: Mony introduced Melanie Henry, CEO of Drivers Cognitive Assessment Center

TODAY'S 10-SPOT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saturday, September 21 - We have the opportunity to help Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) deliver 50 beds to children in the area who still sleep on the floor. Thanks to the Rotarians who helped build beds recently. This event will be an opportunity to witness the joy on children's faces when they see their new beds.
- Use this form to sign up to participate in the SHP bed delivery: Bed Delivery Volunteer Form on 9/21

Twin bedding is still needed before the bed delivery. Please contact Sherri Simoni if you would like to donate $30 to purchase a complete bedding set, including comforter and sheets, to be given to a child receiving a new bed.

Last Tuesday Club Social is coming up. Remember that dinner at Zephyr has limited space, so sign up today to join dinner:
- Click Here to Sign Up for Dinner at Zephyr on Tuesday, August 27 at 5:00 PM
- Click on the Event listed below to sign up for the movie

Club Meeting
Las Positas College
Aug. 13, 2024 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Livermore EOC Training Event
Robert Livermore Community Center
Aug. 14, 2024 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Club Meeting
Las Positas College
Aug. 20, 2024 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

August Last Tuesday Club Social - Dinner & A Movie
Vine Cinema & Alehouse
Aug. 27, 2024 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

View entire list

TODAY'S PROGRAM: Our Foundation - RFL

Club members and RFL board members Dennis Gambs, Rich Goldstein, and Philomena Rambo gave us an overview of the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore (RFL).

Founded in 1987, RFL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is comprised of members from both Rotary clubs in Livermore - our club (Livermore Valley) and the noon club (Livermore). Our two clubs share the governance and work of the Foundation, allowing us to pool our resources to support our community. Note that Rotary clubs are not able to accept donations that can be tax deductible. The RFL, as a 501(c)(3), allows that benefit, thereby encouraging more generous donations to support our community.

Members of both clubs are invited to participate in RFL committees and volunteer for RFL projects in an ongoing manner. Members are also invited to serve on the RFL Board: 15 members each serve a 3-year term, with a maximum of two back-to-back terms allowed at once. As board members leave, new members from the clubs step up to take their turn at Foundation leadership. In addition, each current club president sits on the RFL Board during the year of their presidency.

During an extended Strategic Planning session in 2022-23, a new Strategic Plan was developed, fleshed out over several additional committee meetings, and approved by the full Board in April 2023. As part of the Strategic Plan, RFL re-committed to its Vision and Mission, defined its Values, and established workable goals.

Vision: The quality of life of Livermore Valley residents is sustainably improved by the philanthropy of the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore

Mission: The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore awards grants to Livermore Valley charitable organizations, underwrites Rotary projects, and provides financial support to benefit the diverse residents of the Livermore Valley.

Values: Community, Education, Equity, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, Service, Teamwork

Over the years, the RFL has improved the quality of life in Livermore through its projects, including the Community Grants that, in 2024, awarded over $200,000 to a total of 28 community organizations.

An investment committee, with support of a Finance Officer, works with a Financial Management firm to manage and grow RFL funds. This year, the investment committee is chaired by Marc Roberts, the Finance Officer is Dick Fields, and Rich Goldstein is part of the outside financial team that RFL pays to manage its money. Board Treasurer, Irving Stowers, works with Audrey Horning, CPA to maintain accurate books and fulfill the obligations of a 501(c)(3) organization.

In 2021, longtime Rotarian and local veterinarian Dr. Martin Plone passed away and bequeathed a substantial portion of his estate to RFL. Thanks to Marty's generosity, the Foundation's assets doubled. Today, we have a healthy financial picture and are seeking ways of investing further to support our community.

If you would like to learn more about RFL, please reach out to any of today's speakers or current RFL Board Members.

The RFL website is undergoing revision. You may find it at rotarianfoundationlivermore.org. Watch for improvements in the next month.

NEW MEMBER PROPOSED

Mony Nop is sponsoring Melanie Henry as a potential new member of our club, in the Classification of CEO Driver Cognitive Assessment.

All paperwork has been submitted, and at the August board meeting, our board voted unanimously to approve the proposal. Per our Bylaws, this information was published this week and will hereby also be published next week in The Grapevine. If any club member has a question about the proposal, please contact Membership Chair Bennie Le Bourvellec. If no objections are received by August 27, we will move forward with installing Melanie as our newest member.