The meeting was called to order at 12:30 promptly by our illustrious President Larry Sly. Yours truly led the pledge and scribbled notes furiously for our Concordian. The invocation and introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests was capably handled by Al Kappadahl. Just as an aside, I am filling in for David Miller, who I understand is enjoying the sights in Carmel. It turns out that David (amongst others in the club) didn’t answer any of a number of emails concerning it being his turn to do the pledge / scribe duties. As these email reminders are being sent out by our president-elect Tina Akins, (who is the most wonderful person in the world), and as she will have the power of the fine next year; and as she takes detailed notes, I wonder who will be getting the most fines next year. Perhaps it might be those in the club who DON’T RESPOND to her e-mails concerning these duties. I’m just saying…….
Prez. Larry thanked Luis and Paul for setting up the room in their usual efficient manner. Josh Teves reminded the club about an upcoming Rotary at Water World Day here in Concord. Chris Moulis gave a touching story about a notary fee he received from a customer. Chris repeatedly tried to turn down payment. By the end of the conversation, the gentleman gave Chris $150 for the charity of his choice. Chris donated it to the club - thank you to both! Tyler Epting has a wedding coming up soon that he didn’t invite the club to; his excuse is that he can’t afford the alcohol. What a poor excuse and oh, what hurt feelings permeated throughout the club. I think I saw a tear or two as the members who hang out at the bar before our meetings sipped their wine. Tyler also went on a bike ride that is called the Death Ride. He went over 5 mountain passes, the highest at 15 K feet. He survived and I assume his fiancé is happy. John Newman talked of a marathon he was running this coming Sunday (now last Sunday). 26.2 miles of beautiful San Francisco. Wow. Hope John’s feet and legs are healing.
Pete Baldacci had an anniversary (his wife must be saint, oh…. did I say that?) and Paul Allen had a birthday and an anniversary, each on the same day. Bummer as far as gifts go. Prez. Larry asked them both to make appropriate donations; what a trusting (and somewhat risky) move.
And as we had already spent a whole 15 minutes on club business, Prez Larry handed the meeting over to the program, which was to be given by one of our members. Pres. Larry thought we would finish early. What a rookie. He gives someone in the club an extra fifteen minutes to talk about a project and he thinks they won’t use it?
Michael Barrington introduced the program, given by our own Alex Ozuna and the club Past-President-Salvador Consades (hope I got the spelling correct) of our twin club in Zacoalcos del Torres in Mexico. While he speaks only Spanish, he had practiced a speech in English and charmed the club, thanking us for our help and assistance.
Alex Ozuna then took over and gave a presentation on the history of the City and of all our projects in Zacoalco del Torres. One of the side notes is that when our members go to our twin club in Mexico, they seem to eat, drink and eat and drink a lot. I wonder how they get any work done but it seems they do. It appears we will be working with this wonderful club for many years. This means there will be many opportunities for all of us to take a wonderfully hosted trip to this fine city. I encourage you to contact Alex to see when the next opportunity might be.
Respectfully submitted by the husband of the most wonderful person in the world,
Tony Akins
The Rotary's two related mottos are: "Service Above Self" and "He Profits Most Who Serves Best".
The pervasive theme of Rotary is "Service Above Self". Participation in civic activities, youth services and public service organizations is encouraged and heavily supported by the Club. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in Club Service as well - a great deal goes on behind the scenes to make Friday meetings happen. Outside of the meetings, Concord Rotary undertakes a wide variety of service activities in vocational, community and international promotion of good will and understanding. Our programs include: aid to seniors and the handicapped, youth services, scholarship and education, career awareness programs, drug abuse prevention, dental sealant programs, wheelchair distribution and polio prevention world wide, youth exchange grants and scholarship programs, and attention to health, hunger and humanities on a global scale.
What is Rotarian?
A Rotarian is one who looks beyond self-interests to serve the community, country, and the entire world as evidenced by Rotary International's global polio immunization program. A Rotarian seeks the truth; lets fairness govern all activities; strives to build goodwill and better friendships; and attempts to develop mutually beneficial relationships in all endeavors. These individual goals evolved into what is now know throughout Rotary as the "4-Way Test" of all relationships.
What is Rotary Club?
Paul Harris, an attorney, organized the initial Rotary Club in Chicago. Its first meeting was held February 23, 1905. The name "Rotary" was selected because the club met in rotation at each member's place of business. The basic objectives of Rotary over the years have revolved around friendship, fellowship and service to others. Rotary International is now represented on six continents with worldwide membership well in excess of 1.2 million. Concord Rotary Club was chartered March 27, 1947; the current membership is approximately 80 men and women. Luncheon meetings are held each Friday from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Objectives of Rotary
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
First. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business and community life;
Fourth. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Ideal of Rotary
Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
How does one become a member of Concord Rotary Club?
Membership is by invitation and candidates are selected to represent a wide range of business and professions. The classification principle insures that the total membership is comprised of a cross section of the community, resulting in an interesting and stimulating group.
What is expected of a member?
Regular attendance, financial support and contributions of time and talents are expected of every Rotarian.
Attendance
Rotary is built upon fellowship and friendship, which can only be developed through regular meeting attendance. A Rotarian is expected to regularly attend meetings. If it is not possible to attend a regular Friday meeting, members are expected to "make-up" at another Rotary Club. These make-ups provide a great way to meet and make new friends in over 27,000 Clubs in over 150 countries. The time and place of each meeting is listed on the Rotary International site "Where Clubs Meet." Regular attendance is considered so important by Rotary International, that special recognition is given annually to those members with perfect attendance. At the minimum members must attend 60% of the meetings during each six-month period, half of which must be attended at the home club. In addition, members may not miss more than three consecutive meetings and remain in good standing. Exemptions for good and sufficient cause require Board approval. While perfect attendances is not an end in itself, it is a measure of a member's commitment and involvement in the Club.
What is the cost of membership?
An initiation fee includes informative Rotary booklets, office plaques, label pin and a membership directory. Annual dues of $250 are assessed in July and can be paid 1/2 in July and 1/2 in January.
Club projects are also funded by "recognizing" members. "Recognition" can be as little as $5.00 for not wearing the Rotary lapel pin and up to $100 in recognition of perhaps a new automobile or exotic vacation. Voluntary contributions are frequently made by members who wish to commemorate a family event or similar important occasion. In all cases the Club diligently avoids placing any member in an embarassing financial situation.
Every year we have one major fund raising event for the Concord Rotary Endowment. While not mandatory, it is expected that everyone will buy at least one ticket and attempt to sell more.
On contribution and becoming a Paul Harris Fellow
In addition to paying for luncheon meetings and annual dues, Rotarians are expected to contribute to Rotary International. The Rotary International Foundation supports such worthwhile national and worldwide projects as disaster relief, humanitarian projects, educational scholarships, group study exchanges, and most notable the ongoing Polio plus program to eradicate this dread disease in every corner of the world. Such programs are supported in part by members who contribute $1,000 to become Paul Harris Fellows. Concord Rotary's goal is to attain and sustain 100% Paul Harris participation. Members may elect a one time gift of $1,000 or become a "Sustaining Member" with an initial contribution of $100 and periodic gifts thereafter until the $1,000 goal is reach.
