Pittsburg Rotary Club

Newsletter

 December 11, 2007

 

President Bruce called the meeting to order.

 

Invocation

Given by Van DePiero.

 

Guests

Nick Baker, Pittsburg PD

Bill Zbancnik, Pittsburg PD

Brian Addington, Pittsburg PD

Aaron Baker, Police Chief

Ron Werscher, Asstistant District Governor

Marisa Belleci, PittsburgCA.Net

Ginny Green, Principal, Foothill Elementary

Lynn Plunkett, Principal, Heights Elementary

Steve Ahonen, Principal, Highlands Elementary

Angela Stevenson, Principal, Los Medanos Elementary

Jeff Varner, Principal, Parkside Elementary

Donna Marshall, Principal, Stoneman Elementary

Jan Kuhl, Principal, Willow Cove Elementary

 

Announcements

Bruce announced that the District Conference will be held in Sacramento on April 24-26.  Room reservations must be made by the end of the month. 

 Mike announced that the net profit from the golf tournament was $10,021.74.  Good job Mike!

Mike also thanked Terry Beardsley for all of her hard work to make the Police Appreciation Dinner a great success.

Dr. Ron announced that attendance for the Reno Train Trip is down.  The Berkeley Club, planners of the trip, have announced that this year couples and friends can go.  There is a definite need to raise the number of people going to ensure that the train trip will take place next year.

Diana gave an update on dictionary presentations and reminded everyone that the holiday vacation begins a week from Friday.  All presentations should be complete by that time.  The Spanish/English dictionaries will be ordered and presented in January.  Teams will make the presentations at five CBET sites to about 100 students.

 

Happy Dollars

Sandi went to see "The Color Purple" play in San Francisco with visiting guests and enjoyed it very much.  She is also happy to have her home to herself once again.

Dr. Barbara Wilson thanked the City of Pittsburg and Rotary for bringing the Nutcracker to Pittsburg.  The production included a full orchestra and the children loved it. Mike Stoiber read a letter from Creative Arts Association thanking Pittsburg Rotary for their donation which enabled  30 low income children to attend the event.

Brad Nail visited China three weeks ago and was in one of seven cities to engage in free trade.  Representatives from the city he visited visited Pittsburg this week.  Van made their visit extremely memorable by taking them on a power boat speed ride, an experience they will never forget!

Larry is happy that the first CERT Training Program class is graduating.

Joann is happy that the remodeling of her home is almost complete and that the Federal Reserve has reduced rates.  She is conducting a class on purchasing foreclosure properties and if anyone is interested, please contact her.

Julie is happy that the club made a donation to Contra Costa Interfaith Housing which enabled the organization to purchase gifts for children living in their complex.  She is happy to be a member of such a generous club.

Stan was happy that Santa had a great time again this year and looks forward to being Santa again.

 

Badge Presentation

 

 

 

 

Badges were presented to Richard Tomlinson and Dr. Barbara Wilson.

 

Program

 

Mike Stoiber presented a $7,000 check to Police Chief Aaron Baker which represented the profit from the Police Appreciation Dinner.  Chief Baker in turn presented the check to Dr. Barbara Wilson in support of the Holiday Needy Family Program at all of the elementary schools.  This is the third year that Rotary and the Pittsburg Police Department have joined forces to raise funds for the program.  Dr. Wilson thanked Rotary and Chief Baker and stated how important the gifts are to the families in Pittsburg where 80% of the children are on the free lunch program.  This is the highest percentage in the county.  Dr. Wilson introduced all of the elementary school principals who were happy to sit down for a nice lunch which they do not get an opportunity to do very often!  The principals shared the following:

School supplies are out of reach to low income children. 12 children at Highlands have lost a parent and two families lost their homes to fire.  Parent Volunteer Coordinators have insight into family needs and can identify families and children.  10 families have been identified at Willow Cove; a committee at Heights identified 6 families.  Target cards are good with alcohol and cigarettes blocked for purchase.  2 large families homeless and one family has member with leukemia at Los Medanos; not sure they would get Rotary money at Los Medanos and collected money from teachers.  They are happy now that they will have more.  Parkside families are affected by violence.  They need food first, then other items.  They have three families living in vans; they only get food at school lunches.  During holiday vacation, they have no food.  At Stoneman, students in uniforms are more difficult to identify as needy.  Five familie s at Stoneman are homeless and several only have one parent at home.  Again food is the most important because of the two week holiday period. 

 

It is a very emotional time for the students.  The principals said it breaks their hearts.....

 

Calendar Item

On Tuesday, February 12, 11:30 am, the Valentine's Day luncheon for senior citizens will be held at the Stoneman Village Senior Housing complex at the corner of Leland and Harbor Streets.  The event is catered by Rotary.  Please arrive early to help serve.  Parking is available on the street or at the Pittsburg Senior Center across the street on Presidio Lane.

 Mike Stoiber won the drawing and donated the money to the PUSD Holiday Needy Family Program.  Mike has the Holiday Spirit!  Thanks Mike!

 

Lunch

 

Chinese Chicken Salad or French Dip Sandwich and Tiramisu

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

Dmason

 

Graphics/Sandi Lee