ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY
THE VALLEY SUNRISE
JANUARY 12, 2017
STAFF
EDITOR / REPORTER:
Joan D’Onofrio
GIVING GALORE !
PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Wenzel,
Rich Lueck
Clayton Worsdell
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
John Germ: President
Fred Collignon: District Governor
Mureleen Benton: Assistant DG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Clayton Worsdell: President
Tommy Wolf: President Elect
Bob Sundberg: Treasurer
Fred Nelson: Secretary
Barbara Reifschneider: SAA
Dave Kemnitz: Charitable Fund
Anthony Aranda: Vocational
Chris Krnich: New Generations
Ken Nishimori: Foundation
Bill Fuller: Community Services
Joan D’Onofrio: Membership
Steve Weir: International
Mary Kemnitz: Club Services
CONTENTS
Thought of the Day
Guests
Club Announcements / News
Milestones
Happy (Grumpy) Bucks
Service Above Self
Guest Speaker
Marble Draw
Comedy Corner
The Gallery
© 2015 The Valley Sunrise
Major Ralph Brigman presents certificates to the leaders of the Salvation Army Bell
Ringing and Forgetten Angles program to Pesident Clayton, Bill Fuller and Bob Huck. Jann
Oldenbeurg, of the Rossmoor Rotary Club, presented our Club with $1,530 to be applied to
the Nsawo Project. Joan D’Onofro received $2,800 for art scholarships that will be awarded
in June to graduating seniors pursuing careers and degrees in Art. (Cont’d on page 2)
1
CALL TO ORDER
OUR TOUR BEGINS NOW
“Good morning and welcome to the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise
Rotary Club. I will be your Photojournalist/Tour Director and Docent as
we discover what our club is focused on and developing in our community
and throughout the world. Hit it Julia.”
THOUGHT TO PONDER TODAY
Don Ouimet gave us this thought:
“The way to get something done is to not mind doing it.”
THE FOUR WAY TEST
Bob Huck was called on to recite ‘The Four-Way Test’ and did it with
aplomb (don’t ya just love that word).
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
MYSTERY GREETER
‘Last man standing’ was Torsten Jacobsen who collected quite a
bucketful of dollars and even some loose change. He was a perfect
moneymaking Greeter.
GUESTS
Major Ralph Brigham reported that our Club’s bell ringers took in
$1,788 while the total received for the district event was $7,200. Five
Rotary Clubs participated and one Lions club pitched in.
Jann Oldenburg, of the Rossmoor Club, represents the Senior
Visionary Services program that ensures older adults enriched lifestyles
and sense of wellbeing through its care and security programs. The
organization assists with the transition process by finding appropriate
environments and works directly with families to lead them through the
relocation process. Jann’s donation to our Club is slated for Nsawo
Hygiene Clinic.
2
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPDATES
The Meeting fees will now be $75 monthly and $20 weekly as of February 1.
Foreign Exchange Student program is seeking a host family for the 2017-18
term. Because host families must be vetted by February 2nd it is imperative that
volunteers step forward now. You don’t have to be a member of Rotary to be a
host family.
Valentine Party and the Club’s 30th Anniversary events are in the pipeline.
This is a great opportunity to invite Interactors’ parents to the events. Mary will
have a report next week.
“Relay for Life” planning meeting will be held tonight. Lisa Truesdell will
head the program.
20/50 Drawing will begin next month. Don Ouimet said that it will be done the
same way this year as last year: 50 tickets at $20 each for the next 15 weeks.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Home Team takes place January 28. Bill Fuller strongly encourages those
who have never joined in this event to make it part of their New Year’s resolution
and put it on the top of their list. They meet at 8 a.m. at 5444 Clayton Road.
Food Bank: Hugh Toloui is back and encouraging us to help at the Food Bank
Tuesdays at 7a.m. Hugh reported that: “We made great progress this past year,
but our work isn't done yet. We still need your help to make sure everyone who
needs a meal has access to one. Thanks to dedicated supporters like you, in 2016
we made great strides in our fight to end hunger. We provided 24 million meals to
190,000 neighbors in Contra Costa and Solano counties.” The goal for 2017 is to
build a stronger, healthier community. Your help is essential. Please join us and
have fun in the process—see the photo on page 5.
CHARITABLE FUND
Steve Weir, Charitable Fund Secretary, reported that the following have been
approved for distribution:
Michelangelo D'Onofrio Arts Foundation: $2,000 delivered to Joan D'Onofrio
for art award programs in our local public schools. She was also given $800
that was raised at the Auction Dinner in October.
AAUW: $900 delivered to Ken Nishimori for distribution.
Trust in Education: $1,000, delivered to: Budd MacKenzie 985 Moraga Road
#207, Lafayette, CA 94549.
Wren Avenue Elementary School: $1,200, delivered to Jeff Rondini for
distribution.
San Felipe Cancer Walk: $1,000 given to Clayton Worsdell for distribution.
3
HAPPY BUCKS
We are, indeed, a happy Club, but sometimes not
so happy, and here is proof of that:
WINNER OF THE WEEK AWARD: IRENE DAVIDS-BLAIR AND MAX
The winner of the Pancake Breakfast ‘Outstanding Volunteer of
the Week Award’ goes to Irene and Max. Bill Selb, founder of the
award, donated his usual $5
Happy Bucks for their
services at our annual
Pancake Breakfast. Bill
said: “Not only did Irene
and Max do kitchenrunning tasks, but they
were both in that extremely
hot tent flipping and
serving. They worked
diligently under those
conditions and carried on happy conversations with the
public. Irene, as you all know, was our 2014-2015
President, and one of only three women who held the presidential position in our Club. She is also a
member of the Paul Harris Society, the Vocational Director, member of the Charitable Board and
Mortgage Broker with US Bank. Wow, is there anything she doesn’t do? Who will be next week’s
recipient? It might be you.
LOOKIN GOOD JULIA
Julia Aguilar is happy in this photo, but she was quite sad when
she announced that she was having a hard time dealing with the
fact that her son, Jordan, went back to Washington and she won’t
see him for a long time.
But then she snapped out of it and told us about her talking parrot,
Jerry, who curses a lot. That left us all laughing and Julia seemed
happy too. Talking things out seems to be good therapy and only
cost one dollar.
4
TRULY SPECIAL KROEGER BIRTHDAYS
Carrie Kroeger donated $160 in honor of her Dad and Mother’s
80th birthdays. Carrie’s Dad, Art Kroeger, was a charter
member of the Club and his birthday was January 11. Art died in
2009, but Carrie’s mom, Pat Kroeger, will be celebrating her
80th birthday on January 22.
Carrie also told us: “I finally made 100,000 miles on my car! I've
had the darn thing since 2000 when it was brand new and it's
taken this long to hit six digits. I used to clock something like
250,000 within three years.” So, should Carrie give us a check
for $100,000? Only kidding.
We were happy to see Chris Krnich today. On the 17th he will be celebrating a birthday. Which one
was not clear. He said he got a puppy, but it’s also not clear if it was his birthday present or a
Christmas gift. The puppy’s name is Elwood.
Bob Sundberg celebrated his birthday on the 7th of this month and serves on the Board as our treasurer
and made the appropriate birthday donation. He also celebrated 14-years of service on the 9th and has
an exemplary tenure in our Club as a Paul Harris Fellow, Sustaining Member, and Past President
2011-12.
Bob Hooy happily donated $100. Some of it represented his age and some of it was to be applied to the
Rotary Foundation and his next Paul Harris Fellow Award.
FOOD BANK FUN
Hugh Toloui said they have a lot of fun at the Food Bank
Tuesday, and here is a photo taken by someone (or is it a
Selfie) to prove it. Despite all this goofy stuff Torsten
Jacobson, Frank Westphall, Hugh and Bob Huck
managed to package 41 boxes on Tuesday.
5
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
The selfless help from our dedicated Rotary
members near and far.
Torsten Jacobsen was really happy that the Charitable Board gave him
$6,000 for the wash stations and toilets at Nsawo Village. However, we didn’t
get that quite right and apologize for this misprint. He and Tineke raised $3,000
and the Charitable Board matched it with another $3,000.
Torsten introduced Jann Oldenburg who honored our Club by presenting us
with a $1,530 check of to be used at the Nsawo Hygiene Clinic.
Jann has two passions: One is for Rotary because the people she meets think outside of themselves, and
the other is helping the elderly. While Jann is a member of the Rossmoor Rotary Club, she is also the
owner of Senior Visionary Services where she serves as a professional placement specialist guiding
seniors and their families through the assisted living transition. Since Jann’s Club does not lend itself
to international grants and she wanted to do more in that arena, she raises money through donations and
scholarship support then presents monetary assistance to Rotary Clubs that do extensive work in
international countries. Jann was the very first woman to join the Tacoma Rotary Sunrise Club. She is
now a member of the Rossmoor Club that bestowed Rotarian of the Year award on her. Our Club is
honored to receive this most generous gift.
6
Rich Lueck sends us this important information:
The San Felipe Cancer Walk
February 18, 2017
Organized by San Felipe Cancer Society in cooperation with Rotary Club of San Felipe,
S.F.A.R.P. and Club Las Amigas
Funds raised will be used for local cancer education, screening, and assisting with treatments of
San Felipe Residents. Donations of larger amounts will be graciously accepted. You don’t have
to walk, just make a donation.
8:30 a.m.
Registration Opens
9:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m.
Walk Begins at San Felipe Arches
Registration Fee: Adult - $25.00 USD - ($500.00 M.N.)
Student - $15.00 USD - ($300.00 M.N.)
Registrants may mail their Registration Form and Checks, payable to:
San Felipe Cancer Society
PMB 566, PO BOX 9005, Calexico, CA 92232-9005
www.sanfelipecancersociety.org
FB: sanfelipecancersociety
7
A BIT OF HISTORY
We’re printing this one more time because it is
very important in the history of Rotary.
Duarte, a city in Los Angeles County with a population of roughly 22,000, is located on historic U.S. Route 66. The
town holds a parade every year as a Salute to Route 66 on the third weekend in September. They do this every
year, but Duarte is more important than a road. Duarte made history in Rotary circles for bucking the ‘male only’
provision that was long held in the history of Rotary International’s Constitution and Bylaws that stated: RI club
membership was for males only.
But Duarte wasn’t having any of this.
In 1978, the Rotary Club of Duarte invited three women to become members. The RI Board immediately
withdrew the charter of their club for violation of the RI Constitution. The club, however, brought suit against RI
claiming a violation of state civil rights laws that prevents discrimination of any form in business establishments or
public accommodations. The appeals court and the California Supreme Court supported the Duarte position that
Rotary could not remove the club's charter merely for inducting women into the club.
However, change did not happen that fast. Over the years, tons of appeals and counter suits ensued and
eventually it was brought before the US Supreme Court where a 7-0 vote eliminated the ‘male only’ provision. In
1989 RI made the change at their Council on Legislation. Since that time, women have become members and
leaders of clubs and districts throughout the world. The Constitution and By-laws changes of RI officially permitted
the admission of women into Rotary—Halleluiah.
Rosemary Costa, a Wells Fargo Branch Manager, was the first woman admitted to our Club and was sponsored
by former member John Moultrop. Carolyn Pedrotti followed as did Eva Sobilo 1993, Susan Jones 1995, Mureleen
Benton 1998, Barbara Reifschneider 2001, Julia Aguilar 2003, Lisa Truesdell 2006, Irene Davids-Blair 2008,
Monica Fraga and Carrie Kroeger 2011, Joan D’Onofrio 2014, and Mary Kemnitz 2015. Three women served as
presidents: Barbara Reifschneider was the first 2009-2010, Mureleen Benton 2012-2013 (currently serving as
Assistant District Governor), and Irene Davids-Blair 2014-2015. Thank you Rotary Club of Duarte!
Distinguished Female Presidents
Joined 2001 President 2009-2010
Joined 1998 President 2012-2013
Joined 2008 President 2014-2015
8
SPEAKER
Our Rotary Club presents the life and times of our
members: Second in a series.
A MOST
UNUSUAL
OCCUPATION
Irene Davids-Blair,
Vocational Director,
introduced our
second in a series speaker Don Ouimet.
Don’t be fooled, Don is not just another
pretty face; he is a man with a most
unusual occupation. Don is a mortician.
You heard that right.
Don was born in Quebec, and, he and his
family, found their way to upstate New
York. When deciding what he wanted to
be when he grew up, he knew he didn’t
want to be a farm worker but couldn’t
think of anything else so he served in the army in Germany for three and a half years. When he came
out, he got married to Bea and joined the Sherman Williams Company. All was well until the company
told him he was being transferred to their branch in New Jersey. He refused, and they both parted ways.
Don happened to have a sister and brother living in California, so with the encouragement of his wife
and the company of his nephew, they headed west. Bea and their three children returned to Quebec to
live with her mother while Don found digs and a job.
Don and his brother partnered and formed the Ouimet Brothers Mortuary. The worst experience Don
dealt with in his career was the 1976 Yuba City High School bus accident where 52 choir students were
on their way to Marimonte High School in Orinda to celebrate Friendship Day. Twenty eight students
died when the brakes failed on the bus and plunged over the edge of a 29 foot cliff “Devastating
doesn’t even come close to describing this horrific event,” he said.
Don experienced many other tragic events that he thinks about to this day. He has experienced the
horrors of human life and yet he is one of the happiest guys you ever want to meet. He and Bea live in
Concord. Their three children helped build a huge family for them by provided 11 grandchildren. Don
is a Paul Harris fellow and has been a member of Rotary for 29 years.
9
BOOK DONATION
Of all the books ever signed by our speakers and donated to the Clayton Library, this one was
perfect. The title is Funny Bones.
MARBLE DRAW
Don Ouimet started the day with a lovely quote, talked about the 20/50 Raffle, and was the
Club speaker. You could say he was on a roll, and indeed, he was. When the ticket number was
called, Don had it. Then he had to deal with 28 marbles. And what happens? He pulled the
winning marble. Way to go Don. With all this going for him, Don should buy a lottery ticket
today.
10
Now is our chance to change the world to make sure
no child is disabled by polio ever again.
Join in. Speak out. Donate. Be a part of history.
endpolio.org
11
WONDERFUL WORLD OF COMPUTERS
Mr. R.B. Jones applied for a position with the government and was
accepted. On his first day, the personnel department processed his
records. When asked what the R.B. stood for he informed the clerk
that they stood for nothing. His parents had named him with the initials
only.
The clerk informed him that his records could not show initials only, so
they typed his name as R. (only) B. (only) Jones. And, lo and behold
when he got his first paycheck, it was made out to Ronly Bonly Jones!
THE ULTIMATCOMPUTER COMANY
The Ultimate Computer stood at the end of the Ultimate Computer Company's production
line. At which point the guided tour eventually arrived. The salesman stepped forward to
give his prepared demo. "This," he said, "is the Ultimate Computer. It will give an
intelligent answer to any question you may care to ask it."
A smart-aleck who ran a humor mailing list stepped forward and asked, "Where is my
father?"
There was the soft hum of powerful electronic gear going to the task. Panel lights lit and
blinked, and within a couple of seconds the laser printer printed out a piece of paper:
"Fishing off Florida."
The smart-aleck laughed, "Actually, my father is dead! It was a trick question." The
salesman, quickly thinking on his feet, replied that he was sorry the answer was
unsatisfactory, but as the Ultimate Computer was precise, perhaps a rewording of the
question might work better.
The smart-aleck said to the Ultimate Computer, "Where is my mother's husband?" Again,
the hum of the powerful electronic brain filled the room. After a moment, the laser printer
whirred to life. The paper said, "Dead. But your father is still fishing off Florida."
12
YESTERDAY
Do you know the song "Yesterday"? Then sing along to this computer
version.
Yesterday, All those backups seemed a waste of pay.
Now my database has gone away. Oh I believe in yesterday.
Suddenly, There's not half the files there used to be,
And there's a milestone hanging over me. The system crashed so
suddenly.
I pushed something wrong. What it was I could not say.
Now all my data's gone and I long for yesterday-ay-ay-ay.
Yesterday, The need for back-ups seemed so far away.
I knew my data was all here to stay, now I believe in yesterday.
JACK WHO?
A caller dial the operator: “Can you give me the telephone number for
Jack?” The operator says: “I’m sorry, sir, I do not understand.” The
caller continues: “On page 1 section 5 of the user guide, it clearly
states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket
and telephone jack before cleaning. I did all of that, so now can you
give me the number for Jack?
13
SCHEDULES OF MEETINGS & EVENTS
MEETINGS
Here are the other Rotary Clubs you can attend to
make up missed meetings. You can also make up a
meeting by attending a Board meeting.
MONDAY
Brentwood: Wedgewood Banquet Center 12:00
Danville: Faz Restaurant 12:00
TUESDAY
Walnut Creek: Heather Farms Garden 12:15 pm
Benicia: Benicia Yacht Club 12:15 pm
Moraga: St. Mary’s College Soda Center 12:00
Pittsburg: Bank of the West 12:00
Diablo View: Buon Vino 5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY
Walnut Creek: Sunrise Bistro Restaurant 7:00 am
Delta (Antioch): Lone Tree Golf Course 7:00 am
Martinez: Grace Episcopal Church 12:15 pm
Concord-Diablo: Crowne Plaza 12:15 pm
Alamo: Round Hill Country Club 12:15 pm
Orinda: Orinda Country Club Clubhouse 12:15 pm
Rossmoor: Hillside Clubhouse 12:00
Vaca Valley Eventide: Pietro’s No.2 6:00 pm
They do not meet on the 3rd week of the month
THURSDAY
Clayton Valley: Oakhurst Country Club 7:00 am
Antioch: Lone Tree Golf Course 12:15
Pleasant Hill: Pleasant Hill Community Center
12:15pm
Lafayette: Oakwood Athletic Club 12:15 pm
FRIDAY
Lamorinda: Lafayette Park Hotel 7:00 am
Concord: Crown Plaza Hotel 12:15 pm
CLUB EVENTS / SCHEDULES
2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JANUARY
Club Meetings: 5, 12, 19, 26, Oakhurst Country Club 7:00am
Board Meeting: 10 at Buttercup Restaurant 7am
RI Dinner with President John Germ: 3 Double Tree Hotel,
San Jose 6 pm, $85 open seating
Charitable Board Meeting: 4 US Bank 4pm
Adopt-A-Block / Walk in the Park: [cancelled]
Home Team: 28 5444 Clayton Road 8am
2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY
Club Meetings: 2, 9, 16, 23, Oakhurst Country Club 7:00am
Board Meeting: 14 at Buttercup Restaurant 7am
Adopt-A-Block / Walk in the Park: (TBA)
Home Team: (TBA)
2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MARCH
Club Meetings: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oakhurst Country Club 7:00am
Board Meeting: 14 at Buttercup Restaurant 7am
Adopt-A-Block / Walk in the Park: (TBA)
Home Team: (TBA)
2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL
Club Meetings: 6, 13, 20, 27 Oakhurst Country Club 7:00am
Board Meeting: 11 at Buttercup Restaurant 7am
Adopt-A-Block / Walk in the Park: (TBA)
Home Team: (TBA)
2017
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MAY
Club Meetings: 4, 11, 18, 25 Oakhurst Country Club 7:00am
Board Meeting: 9 at Buttercup Restaurant 7am
Adopt-A-Block / Walk in the Park: (TBA)
Home Team: (TBA)
14
…That’s all folks.
15
16