ROTARY CLUB OF BRENTWOOD
Weekly Newsletter — October 5, 2026

ROYAL BRUNCHES, BRITISH MEASUREMENTS AND A GREENER TOMORROW

Monday’s gathering brought together community service, well-deserved recognition, sustainability and another brave attempt to explain the British. We also discovered that our storage locker is now organised, our name badges have no assigned property rights, and a new car is unlikely to escape Erin Summit’s attention.

All perfectly normal proceedings at the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

DATES TO REMEMBER

• Monday, October 12: CLUB DARK for Columbus Day. No regular lunch meeting.
• Tuesday, October 13: Board of Directors meeting at the Brentwood Police Department Auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; meeting begins at 5 p.m.
• Monday, October 19: Our next regular meeting will be CLUB ASSEMBLY.
• Thursday, October 22: Delta Force Joint Meeting, 6–8 p.m., Lone Tree Golf Course, Antioch. Registration required.
• Monday, October 26: Off-site meeting at Joey’s, featuring BCBC Halloween trivia and a costume contest.

Enjoy the week off from lunch duty. You may wish to practise your British measurements. There could be questions when you return.

A WELCOME AND A REMINDER OF WHY WE GATHER

Our opening programme featured the welcoming message, “Welcome to this place where you belong,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, the Four-Way Test and a welcome to our guests.

Truth, fairness, goodwill, better friendships and benefit to all concerned provided an appropriate starting point for a meeting full of service and fellowship. They are useful principles even when bidding for immunity from the Sergeant-at-Arms.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: APRONS AT THE READY

Our autumn calendar is filling up nicely. There are plenty of opportunities to lend a hand, meet neighbours and demonstrate that Rotarians can organise almost anything, particularly if pancakes are involved.

Please check SignUpGenius and Ignite, and see JoAnn or Shannon about getting involved.

• October 10: Oktoberfest. More pouring, more helping!
• October 17: Digs N Rigs. An all-hands event needing plenty of club support.
• November 7: Pumpkins and Pancakes at Adams Middle School.
• November 11: Veterans Day Luncheon.
• November 26: Turkey Trot pancakes. See Gursky.
• November 29: Brentwood Holiday Parade. Come take a walk with the club.
• December 5: Heritage High School Santa Breakfast.

Community Chest will bring another opportunity to help as Christmas approaches, with further details to follow.

A particular request went out for members to help publicise Digs N Rigs. Take some promotional cards and share them with families, especially those with children aged roughly two to ten. A friendly invitation at the shops or around the neighbourhood can make all the difference. Several families have already said how pleased they are to see the event returning.

OUR CHIEF FUN OFFICERS HAVE BEEN BUSY

There is a good deal of fellowship coming our way, and the dress code appears to range from Halloween costumes to aggressively unattractive knitwear.

Monday, October 26: Halloween Trivia at Joey’s

Our off-site meeting will feature BCBC trivia and a Halloween costume contest. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes planned. Do make an effort; “I’ve come as a Rotarian” may receive limited sympathy.

Sunday, November 15: Royal NFL Brunch at Shannon’s

Arrive from approximately 10 a.m. for brunch, beverages, fellowship and football, with multiple games streaming. Come hungry and ready to cheer.

Naturally, Nigel asked about bubble and squeak, prompting a brief explanation of the British art of turning yesterday’s vegetables into today’s breakfast. Whether it makes the menu remains to be seen.

Monday, December 14: Ugly Sweater Meeting

Bring your finest festive fashion disaster to our last regular meeting before the holiday break.

Monday, January 4: A Special Exchange

Something special is planned. Details will follow.

Week of January 11: Annual Holiday Celebration

Plans are under way for a holiday celebration with a twist. The exact date is still being finalized, so keep the week in mind.

PLEASE LOG THOSE SERVICE HOURS

The engagement dashboard shown at the meeting recorded 80 volunteer hours from 18 people, representing $1,873 in estimated economic value.

We know our members have contributed considerably more time than that. The challenge is getting it recorded.

Please enter your hours through Ignite or the engagement dashboard in DACdb. Planning, preparation and work behind the scenes deserve to be counted alongside the event itself.

If you have spent a morning sorting a storage locker, those hours count. Perspiration should at least earn its place in the records.

DELTA FORCE JOINT MEETING

Please remember the Delta Force Joint Meeting on Thursday, October 22, from 6–8 p.m. at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch.

The advertised speaker is Jim Margraff of LeapFrog. Registration is required, so please arrange your place in advance. This is another opportunity to enjoy fellowship with our neighbouring clubs.

THE BRITISH MOMENT: A COMPLETELY LOGICAL SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT

This week’s British Moment attempted to explain how one nation can use several systems of measurement simultaneously and remain quite convinced that everything is perfectly sensible.

We measure:

• Distance in miles.
• Height in feet and inches.
• Body weight in stones and pounds.
• Petrol in litres.
• Fuel economy in miles per gallon.
• Temperature in Celsius.
• Beer in pints, naturally.

Thus, a British motorist buys litres, burns gallons and travels miles. Apparently, choosing one system would take all the fun out of it.

In the kitchen, grams and Celsius are perfectly acceptable. At the pub, the pint remains a matter of national importance. Wine comes in millilitres, because even tradition occasionally takes an afternoon off.

We also visited Britain’s pre-decimal currency, when 12 pence made a shilling and 20 shillings made a pound. That meant 240 pennies to the pound, with half-crowns, florins and guineas available for anyone who felt the arithmetic needed additional character.

Decimalisation arrived on February 15, 1971, bringing 100 pence to the pound. It took us a while, but we got there.

Your newsletter examination: What units would a Brit use to order beer, buy petrol and announce their weight?

Answers: Pints, litres and stones. If this leaves you confused, congratulations. You are making excellent progress.

ROTARIANS OUT AND ABOUT

Storage Locker: Order Has Been Restored

Our first photo featured Shannon, Wendy, JoAnn and Fran, who tackled the club’s storage locker, cleaned it out and took stock of the contents.

The team sorted supplies, cleared unwanted material and organised shelves so that equipment for our fundraisers is easier to find. Photos went to project leads to help them see what is available.

A huge thank-you to all four for doing the essential work that makes future events run smoothly. The locker is now sufficiently organised that any mysterious new arrivals may be noticed immediately.

Fresh Air at Round Valley

Our second photo showed Marlene and Holly enjoying a hike at Round Valley Regional Preserve.

Their outing also prompted discussion of local tarantula season. Lovely scenery, good company and the possibility of eight-legged fellow walkers: a proper autumn adventure.

ATTENDANCE RECOGNITION: SHOWING UP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Membership Chair Marsha Brown recognised attendance for the first quarter of our Rotary year, covering July, August and September.

Congratulations to the following members:

90% ATTENDANCE

Mike Amthor
Jim Astor
Lori Avon
Fran Bowman
Elizabeth Clarke
Mike Crosby
Julie Deck
Tim Herbert
Bob Jones
JoAnn Klement
Marlene Mitchell
Olga Vidriales
Steve Walker

100% ATTENDANCE 

Marsha Brown
Bill Harms
Glenn Huxtable
Nigel Jesson
Eric Soiland
Peggy Ann Valley
Ron Wulff
Dirk Zeigler

Our perfect-attendance members received certificates and an invitation to gather for a photograph.

Thank you to everyone recognised. Your presence helps sustain the friendships, participation and shared purpose that make our club work.

ERIN’S WHEEL OF FINES: FORTUNE FAVOURS THE GENEROUS 

Sergeant-at-Arms Erin Summit arrived well-prepared, announcing that anyone who thought they were absent from her list should probably reconsider.

Fine-free badges attracted lively bidding. Julie Deck secured one for $80, a timely investment given her announcement of a beautiful 2025 Ford Explorer. Julie thanked Rob and the dealership team for making the experience such a positive one.

Julie also shared news of her trip to Pittsburgh, including football and a visit to the University of Pittsburgh. That led to a Rotary-related question about Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine, with squares on the board providing an incentive to remember the answer.

Other confessions included a family celebration of a son’s 21st birthday at Disneyland and California Adventure, a Philadelphia girls’ trip, and Oscar’s time in Capitola with Michelle. Travel clearly remains a popular pastime among Brentwood Rotarians, closely followed by explaining it to Erin.

Tiffany shared the story of her birthday: a game-show outing followed by a surprise speakeasy-themed party, complete with a band and her husband in a tuxedo. Her original plan had been to begin a budget. Events took a rather more glamorous turn.

Tiffany marked the occasion with a $10 donation to PolioPlus, explaining that Rotary had helped her understand the importance of the cause.

Squares on the board also recognised service, friendship and perseverance. Mike Crosby and Steve Walker received a particularly warm tribute for maintaining impressive attendance despite joint-replacement surgery.

OUR SPEAKER: STACY MARTIN-BONADUCE 
SUSTAINABLE CONTRA COSTA

We welcomed Stacy Martin-Bonaduce, Program and Grants Manager with Sustainable Contra Costa, for a presentation on practical ways to conserve resources and build healthier communities.

Stacy described the organisation’s work since 2008, helping residents save water and energy, reduce waste and take part in local environmental projects.

Its programmes include the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge, sustainability awards, youth leadership opportunities, repair cafés and workshops on water-smart landscaping.

Repair cafés were an especially appealing example. Volunteers help residents repair everyday items that might otherwise be thrown away. A second life for a household appliance is good news for both the rubbish bin and the household budget.

SMALL ACTIONS ADD UP

The Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge offers more than 90 actions, along with local resources and rebate information, to help households reduce waste and conserve energy and water.

The impact graphic shared in Stacy’s presentation reported: 

• 6,309 participants.
• More than $1,167,400 saved.
• 5,002,000 gallons of water saved.
• 2,525 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.
• 94,400 gallons of petrol saved.

Those are substantial results from people making changes at home.

YOUNG LEADERS, INCLUDING STUDENTS FROM HERITAGE

Stacy also introduced Sustainable Leaders in Action, the organisation’s youth leadership programme.

She noted that three members of the current eight-person student team attend Heritage High School. Paid internships give participants experience in leadership, communications, fundraising, policy and workforce development.

It was encouraging to hear about local students taking an active role in shaping their community’s future.

AN ENGAGED DISCUSSION

Members asked about e-bike rebates, data centres, water use, funding and recognition for businesses making environmental improvements.

Stacy offered to send further information about e-bike rebates. Eligibility and whether earlier purchases qualify will need checking against the particular programme.

The discussion highlighted interest in reliable information about proposed data centres and their local impacts. Stacy said the organisation is hearing these questions from communities and is looking at how to address them.

Members also encouraged recognition of local businesses making efforts to recycle, reuse materials and handle waste responsibly. Stacy explained that the organisation’s annual sustainability awards provide a route for nominations.

Thank you, Stacy, for an informative presentation and thoughtful discussion.

POLIOPLUS: LET’S PAINT BRENTWOOD PURPLE 

Following our speaker, members heard an update on plans to mark World Polio Day, October 24.

The purple pinky symbol reflects the practice of marking a child’s finger during vaccination campaigns to help identify children who have received their vaccine.

Our club has several ways to take part.

Support the Gift Basket Raffle

Elizabeth is organising a raffle basket, with tickets priced at $5 each or five for $20. The flyer and purchasing details will be shared.

Consider a $24 Donation

A gift of $24 for October 24 is a simple way to mark World Polio Day.

October Recognition-Point Offer

An anonymous donor has offered additional Paul Harris recognition points to encourage October giving. The example announced was a $100 PolioPlus donation receiving the usual 100 points plus another 100 donated points.

Members interested in the offer should contact the club’s PolioPlus team for arrangements.

Keep the Message Moving

Contributions to the collection bottles are welcome, and sharing the club’s social media posts helps more people understand why this work continues.

Thank you to Elizabeth, Ron and our PolioPlus supporters for keeping the cause in front of us. Every contribution and every conversation helps maintain the commitment needed to finish the job.

KEEPING BRUCE IN OUR THOUGHTS

Members received an update that Bruce had been able to leave hospital and celebrate his birthday with family before moving into a care setting for additional support.

The family will let the club know how members can help once arrangements are settled. Please keep Bruce and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

PLUMS, BADGES AND NIGEL’S MARBLES

The closing announcements included a generous supply of home-grown plums for members to take away. Bags were available, and enthusiastic participation was encouraged.

We also received an official clarification about the badge box: the numbered spaces are not reserved. Please place your badge in any available slot. Suggestions that the club might charge rent for preferred locations have, so far, produced no formal business plan.

The raffles and marble draw rounded off proceedings, with a young participant joining the fun and Nigel once again attempting to keep track of his marbles.

Steve also requested a British update during our week without a meeting. Apparently, the appetite for further confusion remains strong.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, volunteered, donated, welcomed a guest or simply came along and helped make the meeting enjoyable.

Remember, we are dark on October 12. Our next regular gathering is Club Assembly on October 19.

Think good thoughts and do good deeds. Be kind to others and yourself. Let’s build a better world and be the shining example.

Nigel Jesson
President, Rotary Club of Brentwood
2026–2027

MUSTN’T GRUMBLE… BUT DO END POLIO!

Rotary Club of Brentwood — September 28, 2026

Another Monday, another room full of Brentwood Rotarians, and another attempt by your President to explain the British to Americans — a task which, despite several centuries of shared history, remains very much a work in progress.

This week gave us a little of everything: Homecoming, Rotary Home Team, Digs & Rigs preparations, plans to Paint Brentwood Purple, Erin extracting money from unsuspecting Rotarians, a remarkable presentation from polio survivor Ben Wu and, after the meeting, a genuinely important moment for Rotary in East Contra Costa.

Not bad for a Monday lunchtime.

And, as we learned during the British Moment, “not bad” actually means rather good indeed.

A Few Things Before We Got Carried Away

There was plenty to cover before our featured speaker.

Our Rotary Youth Exchange program is already looking ahead to 2027–28 and searching for potential host families. Chad Thompson is the contact for anyone interested.

We were also reminded about the Delta Force Joint Meeting on October 22 at Antioch Golf Course, with Jim Margraff of LeapFrog as the featured speaker.

Members were also encouraged to remain after the regular meeting for something rather special: the signing ceremony connected with the formation of the new Rotaract Club of East Contra Costa.

More on that later.

A Brief British Moment

This week we continued our ongoing cultural exchange programme, otherwise known as:

“Things British People Say That Don’t Mean What Americans Think They Mean.”

For example:

“Not bad.”
Translation: Actually rather good.

“Quite nice.”
Translation: Pleasant, but let’s not become emotional.

“I hear what you’re saying.”
Translation: I have absolutely no intention of agreeing with you.

“I’ll bear it in mind.”
Translation: There is virtually no possibility whatsoever of this happening.

And then there is that wonderfully dangerous phrase:

“With the greatest respect…”

To the untrained American ear, this sounds terribly polite.

To a British person, it generally means:

Brace yourself. You’re about to be told you are completely wrong.

And finally, one of Britain’s great philosophical contributions to civilisation:

“Mustn’t grumble.”

Weather dreadful?

Mustn’t grumble.

Train canceled?

Could be worse.

Cup of tea gone cold?

No point making a fuss.

The British Empire may have disappeared, but understatement remains remarkably resilient.

Rotarians Out and About

Our photographs this week showed plenty of Brentwood Rotarians doing what Rotarians do best — turning up.

The Liberty Homecoming festivities brought that wonderful small-town atmosphere to downtown Brentwood.

Olga Vidriales thanked Erin Summit for stepping in while Olga’s husband, Vince, was away and joining her for the Homecoming parade.

Olga described it as a blast and spoke warmly about seeing the young people and downtown Brentwood come alive — a lovely reminder that, despite all the growth around us, Brentwood can still produce that genuine small-town feeling.

Fran also received a well-deserved thank-you for helping distribute Digs & Rigs information downtown during the Homecoming festivities.

Meanwhile, members who participated in Rotary Home Team received another important reminder:

Log your volunteer hours!

Shannon Stone reminded us that service projects, committee work and other qualifying Rotary activities all contribute to our engagement record.

Apparently, after more than a century of Rotarians quietly doing good deeds without making a fuss, somebody has finally invented a computer system requiring us to tell everyone about them.

Very un-British.

But please do it anyway.

Digs & Rigs — October 17

The Digs & Rigs committee received some thoroughly deserved recognition.

Amy Tilley spoke about how "The Team" has been working hard, filling gaps, supporting one another and preparing what promises to be another terrific community event.

Members were encouraged to take posters and postcards and help spread the word, particularly to families with children.

There is also a site walk-through for those involved with setup and logistics.

To everyone working behind the scenes, Amy says Thank you.!

These events only look effortless because a great many people work extremely hard making them appear that way.

Paint Brentwood Purple

Elizabeth Clark introduced a wonderfully simple challenge for World Polio Day on October 24:

Donate $24 on 10/24.

Wear purple.

Challenge two friends to do the same.

Share a photograph.

And help Brentwood make a very visible statement in support of Rotary’s continuing fight to eradicate polio.

Elizabeth is also putting together some additional fundraising fun, including a raffle basket.

Considering our Sergeant-at-Arms can sometimes relieve a Rotarian of considerably more than $24 before lunch is over, this seems remarkably good value.

Elizabeth also deserves special thanks for stepping forward to help present the polio message at the upcoming Delta Force meeting.

Erin’s Wheel of Fines 

Then came the financially hazardous portion of the programme.

Erin Summit took over.

And Nick Smith quickly discovered that owning three or more pairs of white sunglasses apparently places you into a particularly exclusive Rotary tax bracket.

The assessment?

Five dollars.

Quite reasonable, really. There are governments that would have charged considerably more for such questionable fashion choices.

Then came the subject of wedding anniversaries.

Erin explained that she was not officially doing anniversaries this year — although members were perfectly free to discuss them if they were prepared to pay for the privilege.

Jim Aster decided to test the policy.

He reminded Erin that it was his wedding anniversary.

Why was Jim particularly keen that the occasion should receive proper recognition?

His wife had forgotten it!!

This did not earn Jim sympathy from the Sergeant-at-Arms.

It earned him a fine!

Apparently, even marital disappointment represents a Rotary fundraising opportunity.

Then Peggy Ann was reminded that she had missed TGIS for the thoroughly inadequate reason that she and her husband Jay had been cruising around the Mediterranean.

Peggy Ann also told us about venturing from Málaga to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra when Jay wasn’t able to come along — complete with a very accommodating taxi driver who waited while she toured before taking her back.

Some members bring back postcards from their holidays.

Peggy Ann brought back enough material for the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Nick Canata received much more honourable recognition because his grandson has headed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

That is certainly something worth celebrating — and a very proud moment for Grandpa.

Several members also purchased squares to recognise fellow Rotarians.

JoAnn Klement was thanked for her work helping organise Reading Buddies, bringing together approximately 25 volunteers to read with children.

Bob Jones received recognition for that most civilised of Rotary activities — taking a fellow Rotarian to breakfast simply to sit, talk and catch up.

Glenn was thanked for helping with attendance.

And the Digs & Rigs committee received a collective salute for everything being done in preparation for October 17.

Once again, Erin demonstrated why Sergeant-at-Arms may be the only position in Rotary where publicly embarrassing your friends is officially classified as fundraising.

Our Featured Speaker — Ben Wu

Then came a complete change of tone.

PE Wendy Turner was unfortunately ill and unable to attend, so JoAnn Klement stepped in to introduce our guest speaker, Ben Wu.

JoAnn appeared mildly astonished that she was successfully reading the introduction from her mobile phone — which provided a nice warm-up for what followed.

Ben was born in Taiwan in 1961 and contracted polio as an infant.

He began his presentation by warning us that he was not a public speaker.

Roughly forty minutes later, members were encouraging him to take the presentation to Rotary Clubs everywhere.

So much for that disclaimer.

His opening line immediately won the room.

After nearly 65 years, he told us, he was finally getting:

“A free lunch out of polio.”

Ben’s story was funny, deeply personal, informative and ultimately very moving.

One Year

Ben was born in Taiwan in 1961.

At ten months old, in 1962, he contracted polio.

The vaccine reached Taiwan in 1963.

One year later.

That single year became the thread running through his entire presentation.

Polio destroyed motor neurons in his left leg, leaving it shorter and considerably smaller than his right.

He learned to walk wearing a full-length steel brace.

It was heavy.

It was noisy.

And young Ben absolutely hated it.

At one point he became convinced that perhaps the brace itself was causing the problem.

So he stole his cousin’s ordinary shoes, apparently reasoning that if he wore ordinary shoes, perhaps he would simply walk normally.

Sadly, medicine proved slightly more complicated than that.

Alabama, NYU and Losing the Brace

Ben’s family moved to Mobile, Alabama in 1966.

Being Taiwanese, speaking little English and walking differently presented young Ben with one or two challenges in 1960s Alabama.

His father eventually located a specialist at NYU who could perform tendon-transfer surgery.

By then polio had become unusual enough in the United States that doctors gathered in the surgical gallery to observe the procedure.

Ben emerged in an enormous plaster cast.

Bath time involved balancing the cast on an upside-down bucket — a system apparently devised by somebody unfamiliar with either gravity or water.

Eventually, however, the surgery worked.

Ben could lift his foot.

He could walk without the brace.

And for the first time, he began to think of himself as normal.

Then Came Fourth-Grade Athletics

There was one problem.

Ben had never actually seen himself run.

This was before smartphones, home video and children recording every waking moment for social media.

So Ben genuinely assumed he ran reasonably well.

Then came the fourth-grade 100-yard dash.

Because his surname began with W, Ben stood near the end of the line watching everyone else.

Then came Martha.

Ben described her — with apologies — as short, somewhat pudgy and not especially athletic.

Some of the boys laughed at her running.

Ben waited confidently for his turn.

Then he ran.

And discovered Martha was actually rather quick.

At least compared with him.

It was one of his first realisations that physically, things were going to be different.

So he adapted.

Three Decades of “Normal”

And adapt he did.

Ben attended MIT, where he played varsity volleyball for four years and captained the team for two.

He earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering and later an MBA from Berkeley.

He worked at Dow Chemical, experienced the educational benefits of a couple of startups that did not quite cooperate, and eventually spent much of his career at Sandia National Laboratories.

He golfed. 

He cycled.

He camped.

He hiked.

He climbed Half Dome.

He married Jody, raised two sons in the Bay Area and built a wonderfully full life.

For roughly three decades, polio became something largely in the background.

Then it returned.

“50,000-Mile Tires With 100,000 Miles On Them”

Ben developed post-polio syndrome.

His description was wonderfully simple.

The motor neurons that survived the original disease had spent decades doing more than their fair share.

Imagine buying:

50,000-mile tires…

…and then driving them for 100,000 miles.

Eventually, they start wearing out.

The muscles that had compensated for decades begin weakening again.

Fatigue becomes increasingly important.

Walking distances have to be managed carefully.

And one of the guiding principles within the post-polio community becomes:

“Conserve to preserve.”

During questions, someone asked whether strength training could slow the decline.

Ben explained the difficulty.

Overworking the surviving muscles can actually be counterproductive.

Do too little and function declines.

Do too much and the remaining system becomes overworked.

Finding the balance is everything.

From Steel to Something Approaching Bionic

Fortunately, technology has moved forward enormously since Ben first wore that clanking steel brace.

Modern braces use carbon fibre.

They are dramatically lighter.

And Ben is now pursuing a microprocessor-controlled C-Brace, which comes remarkably close to looking like something from a science-fiction film.

Not quite Iron Man.

But considerably better than 1961.

The device can help control the movement of his leg and improve stability on stairs and slopes.

He also showed us some remarkable developments in powered mobility, including self-driving wheelchairs at Tokyo’s Narita Airport.

You sit down.

Select your gate.

And the chair takes you there automatically.

When you get out, the chair drives itself back.

Brilliant.

There is only one small flaw.

It cannot tell whether your carry-on bag is still sitting in the luggage compartment.

Ben discovered this when the wheelchair began cheerfully returning to its starting point — with his bag.

Fortunately, Jody was nearby.

Artificial intelligence remains a work in progress.

“Life Is Good. Swallow the Pride.”

Perhaps the most touching part of Ben’s talk came when he described learning to accept help.

For most of his life, he worked extraordinarily hard not to think of himself as disabled.

Now strangers offer him mobility scooters.

People give up their seats.

A woman at airport security recently reached around him and lifted his bag onto the conveyor before he could object.

His instinct can still be to resist.

But increasingly he has learned to accept the kindness.

To simply say:

Thank you.

And in doing so, Ben said he has discovered another side of humanity.

People genuinely want to help.

His slide put it beautifully:

“Life Is Good. Swallow the Pride.”

Back to That One Year

Then Ben returned to 1962.

Polio.

Vaccine.

One year.

For Ben, that single year meant a lifetime involving braces, operations, adaptations and physical limitations.

He contrasted that experience with the enormous global impact of Rotary’s fight against polio.

Billions of children have been vaccinated.

And an estimated 20 million people are walking today who otherwise might have been paralysed.

Most of those people will never know what they escaped.

Ben does.

And that was what made his closing message so powerful.

He thanked Rotarians for continuing to tackle an extraordinarily difficult problem — and reminded us that the people who perhaps appreciate Rotary’s work the most are those who have personally experienced what polio can do.

One member told Ben afterwards that despite claiming not to be a public speaker, he had been entertaining, engaging, informative and inspirational.

Another encouraged him to take his presentation to other Rotary Clubs.

I sincerely hope he does.

Thank you, Ben, for trusting us with your story.

And Then We Made a Little Rotary History

The regular meeting ended — but quite a few members stayed behind.

Because there was still something important to do.

We were joined by representatives of the emerging Rotaract Club of East Contra Costa, including Rotaractor Alonso.

We learned that the new club already has approximately 17 members on its membership list, with enough additional interest that the number may soon exceed 20.

Even better, they are already becoming active in our community.

The official name — after apparently a certain amount of healthy discussion — is:

Rotaract Club of East Contra Costa

The club plans to meet online on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Officers have been elected.

The Constitution and Bylaws have been adopted.

Meeting arrangements are in place.

And the club has selected its Rotary partners.

Its three sponsoring Rotary Clubs are:

Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch)
Rotary Club of Antioch
Rotary Club of Brentwood

Three Rotary Clubs supporting a new generation of Rotarians across East Contra Costa.

That is exactly how Rotary should work.

The paperwork was reviewed, Brentwood’s club information was checked, and then came the important moment.

Your President produced his special Rotary pen — because apparently an ordinary pen would not have provided quite enough ceremony.

And I was particularly pleased to discover that they had thoughtfully left enough room for my signature.

Those who have seen me sign something before will appreciate that this is not a trivial consideration.

My signature has a tendency to begin in the allotted space and then continue exploring the surrounding page.

Fortunately, on this occasion, there was room to let it breathe.

Signed.

September 28, 2026.

The paperwork will next go to District Governor Fridae for his signature before moving forward through the charter process.

One of the comments made during the ceremony captured the importance of what was happening.

Chartering a Rotaract Club is not simply creating a youth committee attached to Rotary.

It is establishing another Rotary-family club in our area, with its own officers, members and service projects, and access to Rotary resources and opportunities.

Most importantly, we look forward to serving with them — not merely sponsoring them from the sidelines.

For me personally, this moment was particularly meaningful.

At the beginning of my presidency, one of the goals I set was to help see a Rotaract Club established in our area.

I certainly cannot claim to have done the hard work myself.

Others have carried an enormous amount of the load.

But Brentwood Rotary stepped forward when the opportunity arrived.

And on Monday afternoon, I had the privilege of putting our club’s signature on the document.

That felt rather special.

Naturally, the signing itself was followed by that traditional Rotary ceremony:

“Everyone stand over there while somebody tries to take a decent photograph.”

History was duly recorded.

The 50/50

There was $98 in the 50/50 pot this week.

The winning ticket number was called, and Marsha found herself facing the traditional Rotary dilemma:

Take the sensible option…

or take a chance.

The jackpot survived.

Which means the rest of us can continue buying tickets next week while insisting that our motives are entirely charitable.

Obviously.

Coming Up

October 13 — Next Board Meeting
October 17 — Digs & Rigs
October 22 — Delta Force Joint Meeting at Antioch Golf Course
October 24 — World Polio Day and Paint Brentwood Purple
Next Monday — A programme featuring Contra Costa County sustainability

And after a meeting that included service, laughter, a remarkable personal story and an important step toward a new Rotaract Club, perhaps the usual closing words seem particularly appropriate:

Think good thoughts and do good deeds.

Be kind to others and yourself.

Let’s build a better world and be the shining example.

Have a wonderful week.

Nigel
President
Rotary Club of Brentwood

Home Team — September 26th

It's that time again, helping seniors with light maintenance needs. Meet at Trilogy at 8:30am on Saturday, September 26th in the parking lot where we meet for our weekly meetings. A couple of hours of your time can really help a senior in need. Think light bulb changes, smoke alarm checks and some connection. 

WHEN TECHNOLOGY DECIDES TO ATTEND THE MEETING

Monday’s meeting began with fellowship, a full agenda, plenty to celebrate and, unfortunately, a computer and projection system that had apparently decided they were no longer on speaking terms.

The PowerPoint was there.

The projector was there.

The laptop was there.

The cables were there.

They simply had no apparent intention of working together!

Fortunately, PP Tim Dahl came to the President’s rescue!

Tim quickly stepped in, began working through the problem and was just about to get everything sorted while various cables were unplugged, reconnected and settings inspected.

Meanwhile, the President was quietly watching precious minutes disappear from what was already a very ambitious agenda.

With Tim’s help, peace was eventually restored between the computer and projector, and we were able to move on.

Thank you, Tim!!

There is something reassuring about having a Past President nearby when the current President’s technology decides to stage a coup.

Later in the meeting, the microphone also decided it had contributed quite enough for one Monday and stopped cooperating.

At that point, one began to wonder whether we were holding a Rotary meeting or conducting an electronics stress test.

Still, in the finest British tradition:

Keep Calm and Carry On!

And carry on we did.

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS

We were delighted to have a good number of guests joining us on Monday.

One in particular came to us courtesy of PP Greg Robinson.

Greg met Ron Lee at a business conference on Friday, struck up a conversation, Rotary naturally entered the discussion, and approximately twenty-three minutes later Greg apparently asked the all-important question:

“What are you doing Monday?”

And there was Ron, sitting at Brentwood Rotary.

There may be something to Greg’s membership strategy.

No lengthy marketing plan.

No complicated recruitment campaign.

Just find someone interesting, talk to them about Rotary and invite them to lunch.

Welcome, Ron, and welcome to all of our guests. We hope you enjoyed the meeting, despite the electronics doing their best to provide additional entertainment.

ROTARIANS OUT AND ABOUT

Once the technology had finally decided to cooperate, we were able to catch up with some of our Rotarians who had been out and about in the community.

First came photos from the 5th Annual La Gran Fiesta Car Show, where Brentwood Rotarians were once again supporting a great local event and, judging from the photographs, managing to have a rather good time while doing it.





 

We also had Fran Bowman and Steve Gursky representing us at the Poker Event organized by our friends at the Oakley Rotary Club.

And then there were Hot Dogs for Independence, with Rotarians once again proving that service sometimes involves rolling up your sleeves, firing up the grill and cooking a remarkable number of hot dogs.

WELCOME TO ROTARY, TOM MELLO!

Monday was a particularly important day for Tom Mello, who arrived as a guest and left as our newest Rotarian.

Tom’s induction began with a short journey through the ABCs of Rotary.

Rotary began in Chicago on February 23, 1905, when attorney Paul Harris brought together a small group of business professionals around the ideas of friendship, fellowship and service.

More than 120 years later, that simple idea has grown into an international network of friends, neighbours, leaders and problem-solvers with more than 45,000 Rotary clubs around the world.

And right here in Brentwood, our club has been serving our own community since 1949.

It was an appropriate way to begin an induction because Rotary, despite its global reach, ultimately depends upon individuals making a very simple decision:

Tom introduced his family who attended his induction too! 

I want to get involved.

I want to help.

I want to serve.

And that brought us to Tom.

Before the formalities, Tom was invited to tell us a little about himself.

The President had made one small request.

“About two minutes, Tom.”

Tom had brought slides.

Quite a few slides.

In fact, Tom announced that he had approximately thirty of them.

Apparently in Rhode Island, “two minutes” is less a measurement of time and more of a general aspiration.

This was particularly exciting for the President, who had already watched several valuable minutes disappear while negotiating peace between the laptop and projector.

Nevertheless, Tom gave us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about him, his family, career and interests.

Tom comes from Bristol, Rhode Island, which of course is in New England.

This gave your English President an irresistible opportunity to point out the rather obvious clue contained within the name.

New.

England.

Named after...

Well...

England.

Thank you, Tom.

Tom also spoke about his passion for history and his involvement with his local historical community.

That interest in history, service and community involvement should make him very much at home in Rotary.

Following his introduction, the formalities were completed, Tom received his Rotary pin and he was officially inducted into the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

Tom, congratulations and welcome.

We are delighted to have you as part of our club and look forward to serving alongside you.

And Tom...

Next time the President says two minutes, we may be confiscating the flash drive.

A VERY BIG CHECK AND SOME VERY GOOD NEWS 

We were particularly honoured on Monday to welcome District Governor-Elect Beri Kasper and Past District Governor Joy Alaidarous.

Beri came bearing one of those wonderfully enormous Rotary checks that immediately tells everyone something rather good is about to happen.

Joy was not part of the formal presentation, but her presence in support of the project, our members and the occasion made the moment even more special.

It is always encouraging when District leadership takes the time to be with us, particularly when we are celebrating a project that demonstrates exactly what collaboration between a Rotary club, the District and The Rotary Foundation can achieve.

The presentation concerned the Excelsior Falcons Music Boosters and represented the culmination of a great deal of work by Environmental Committee Chair Jessica Busman, supported by Holly Garber.

Jessica has taken the lead on the committee and, when it came time to turn the idea into a District Grant application, Holly was very much in her element.

Apparently Holly actually enjoys writing grant applications.

Every Rotary club needs someone like that.

Jessica and Holly worked together to prepare and submit the grant application, and their efforts paid off in a very significant way.

The District Grant awarded to the project is $15,000.

Brentwood Rotary is adding another $15,000.

That means a total of $30,000 will now be available to support the Excelsior Falcons Music Boosters and purchase musical instruments for students.

That is quite an achievement.

These instruments will remain with the school, which means the impact will extend far beyond one group of students. They can be used year after year, giving many more young people the opportunity to participate in the school’s music program.

Holly also shared why this particular project means so much to her personally.

Growing up, her own parents could not afford to buy her a clarinet.

Fortunately, she was able to benefit from a program that provided her with an instrument and allowed her to participate in music.

That experience has clearly stayed with her.

Years later, through the work Jessica and Holly are doing with Rotary, another young person can receive the same sort of opportunity Holly once received herself.

There is something rather special about that.

A young Holly was once given an opportunity because somebody made an instrument available to her.

Now, with Jessica leading the committee and Holly supporting the effort, they have helped create that opportunity for another generation.

And what began as an idea has now grown into a $30,000 investment in music and young people.

That is Rotary at its best.

A personal experience becomes an idea.

An idea becomes a project.

Rotarians put in the work.

The club commits $15,000.

The District adds another $15,000.

And suddenly $30,000 is available to make a lasting difference.

Eventually, a child who might otherwise have been unable to participate gets to pick up an instrument and make music.

Congratulations and thank you to Jessica Busman and Holly Garber for the work involved in developing and submitting the grant.

Thank you also to DGE Beri Kasper for presenting the $15,000 District Grant and to PDG Joy Alaidarous for joining us in support of this special occasion.

And thank you to everyone who supports The Rotary Foundation.

This is what those contributions can become.

STUDENTS OF THE QUARTER 

Another highlight of Monday’s meeting was recognizing our Students of the Quarter for July through September 2026.

Five outstanding students were selected for recognition:

Freedom High School – Siran Kuppanda

Independence High School – Seth Shockley

Heritage High School – Dean Schmidt

La Paloma High School – Marissa Robles

Liberty High School – Savino Ruvalcaba

Unfortunately, schedules being what they are, only four of our five honorees were able to join us in person on Monday.

Those who were able to attend gave us a chance to hear a little about their activities, accomplishments, ambitions and plans for the future.

These young people are recognized not simply for academic success, but for the leadership, character, involvement and commitment they demonstrate within their schools and communities.

Hearing directly from them is always one of the most encouraging parts of our Rotary meetings.

We spend a great deal of time talking about investing in the next generation.

On Monday, we had the privilege of meeting four members of that next generation while recognizing the achievements of all five.

Congratulations to Siran, Seth, Dean, Marissa and Savino.

You should all be extremely proud of what you have achieved, and we look forward to seeing where your talents, leadership and enthusiasm take you next.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS

Then came that point in the meeting when control of proceedings is traditionally handed over to our Sergeant-at-Arms.

Which means control of proceedings is, in fact, largely surrendered.

There were confessions.

There were fines.

There were stories.

There was laughter.

There were members who suddenly became remarkably interested in examining their lunch plates rather than making eye contact.

And somewhere along the way, the microphone stopped working.

There are two possible explanations.

The first is that the batteries died.

The second is that the microphone heard enough confessions and decided to protect itself.

Either seems entirely reasonable.

Fortunately, a functioning microphone has never been essential to collecting money from Rotarians.

Erin seemed quite capable of managing without one.

CLARI NOLET – POWERING COMMUNITY CHANGE 

Our featured speaker this week was Clari Nolet, who brought us an informative and thought-provoking presentation on something that surrounds us every day but that most of us rarely stop to consider:

Lithium-ion batteries.

They are in our phones.

Our laptops.

Our tablets.

Our earbuds.

Our power tools.

Our electric toothbrushes.

Our scooters.

Our e-bikes.

Our garden equipment.

Our smart-home devices.

And an ever-increasing number of things sitting around our homes attached to chargers.

Clari has been instrumental in developing a Rotary-based battery recycling initiative designed to educate communities and provide clubs with a practical, ready-to-use environmental project.

The program began with Rotary clubs in the Bay Area and has since grown dramatically, with collection events taking place across the United States and expansion now reaching Canada.

More than seven tons of material have already been collected through Rotary events.

But Clari’s message went well beyond simply telling us to recycle batteries.

WHY BATTERIES MATTER

Lithium-ion batteries contain valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper.

Those materials have to come from somewhere.

Clari explained the complicated global supply chain involved in battery production and drew particular attention to cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For many consumers, the uncomfortable reality is that it can be extremely difficult to know exactly where the raw materials inside our electronic devices originated or under what conditions they were mined.

There are significant environmental concerns.

There are supply-chain concerns.

And, in some areas, there are very serious concerns involving unsafe working conditions and child labour.

Recycling therefore becomes more than simply keeping something out of the rubbish bin.

It allows valuable materials already in circulation to be recovered and reused rather than continually relying upon newly mined material.

THERE IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE

One particularly important message from Clari concerned what happens when lithium-ion batteries are simply thrown into normal household rubbish.

They can become damaged or crushed during collection and processing.

When that happens, they can ignite.

That means fires in garbage trucks, recycling centres, waste facilities and landfills.

We were also reminded of the danger of leaving rechargeable devices charging unattended for long periods, particularly overnight.

The little battery sitting innocently inside a scooter, tool or electronic device contains a surprising amount of energy.

Treat it properly and it is enormously useful.

Treat it badly and it can become a significant fire hazard.

THE GOOD NEWS – THEY CAN BE RECYCLED

The encouraging part of Clari’s presentation was just how much of the valuable material inside these batteries can be recovered.

Lithium.

Cobalt.

Nickel.

Copper.

These materials can be processed and returned to the manufacturing supply chain.

In other words, yesterday’s battery can help provide the raw material for tomorrow’s battery.

That creates what is known as a circular economy.

Rather than continually mining, manufacturing, using and throwing away, valuable resources remain in circulation.

As Clari rather effectively demonstrated, the largest lithium and cobalt “mine” available to many of us may actually be sitting in our junk drawers.

A ROTARY PROJECT IN A BOX

One of the most impressive aspects of the program is that it has been designed specifically so Rotary clubs do not have to reinvent the wheel.

Or perhaps, in this case, reinvent the battery.

The initiative provides clubs with collection guidance, safety instructions, educational material, posters, social-media content, shipping arrangements and other tools needed to organise a community collection.

Clari described it as essentially a turnkey project.

A “project in a box.”

And that is important.

Every Rotary club understands how difficult it can be to take a good idea and turn it into a workable service project.

If much of the framework already exists, clubs can concentrate on the things Rotary does particularly well:

Bringing people together.

Educating the community.

Recruiting volunteers.

Building partnerships.

And getting things done.

ATTRACTING THE NEXT GENERATION

Clari also highlighted another very interesting benefit.

Environmental projects are proving particularly effective at engaging younger volunteers.

Interact students, Rotaractors and other young people have become heavily involved in battery collection events around the country.

At one particularly successful event, high-school students were given responsibility for running the social-media campaign.

The result was one of the strongest collection events the program had seen.

Perhaps there is a lesson in there for all of us.

Sometimes the smartest thing adults can do is give young people the tools, trust them to use them...

And get out of the way.

BRENTWOOD ROTARY ISN’T JUST LISTENING – WE’RE DOING IT

The timing of Clari’s visit could hardly have been better.

Our own Environmental Committee, chaired by Jessica Busman, is already working on ways Brentwood Rotary can become more actively involved in environmental projects within our community, with Holly Garber among those supporting the effort.

Battery recycling is one of the first opportunities.

The club has already begun working with local partners, including Home Depot, and exploring opportunities with the City.

And we already have an opportunity for members to get involved.

DIGS & RIGS – OCTOBER 17

At Digs & Rigs on October 17, Brentwood Rotary will be collecting household batteries.

That includes the ordinary batteries many of us have accumulated in drawers, cupboards, garages and toolboxes, along with rechargeable and lithium batteries.

So start collecting them.

Ask your family.

Ask your neighbours.

Ask your friends.

There is every chance that somewhere in their homes sits a collection of old batteries waiting for somebody to tell them what to do with them.

This project gives us an opportunity not only to collect batteries, but also to educate our community about why responsible recycling matters.

It also creates another way for us to work with our Interact students, local businesses and the City.

The goal is simple:

For Brentwood Rotary to become increasingly recognized as a club that cares about its environment and, more importantly, is prepared to do something about it.

People of Action.

NIGEL LOSING HIS MARBLES

After technology problems, a new-member induction, thirty slides in two minutes, a $15,000 District Grant that became a $30,000 project, five outstanding students, Sergeant-at-Arms confessions, lithium-ion batteries, global supply chains and environmental responsibility, there was obviously only one sensible way to conclude proceedings.

Nigel Losing His Marbles.

The pot had climbed to approximately $78.

Roger Strauss was successful in getting the opportunity to pull the Black.

Another hand disappeared among the marbles.

And the elusive black marble once again continued its remarkable campaign to remain inside the bag.

Statistically, the odds improve each week.

Emotionally, the President remains unconvinced.

We shall try again.

NEXT WEEK

Next Monday, Mike will be talking about Polio.

Polio eradication is one of Rotary International’s defining commitments, so this should be an important opportunity to remind ourselves just how far Rotary and its partners have come – and why finishing the job still matters.

NEXT BOARD MEETING

Our next Board Meeting will be Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Until next Monday:

Think good thoughts and do good deeds. 

Be kind to others and yourself.

Let’s build a better world and be the shining example.

Yours in Rotary,

Nigel Jesson
President
Rotary Club of Brentwood

During Monday's meeting I spoke briefly about TMMC and how they are struggling with Domoic Acid.  For additional information I've posted some links:

SFGate Reports here- this link will open up the current news


BBC Reports - follow this link


 

ROTARY CLUB OF BRENTWOOD
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

September 14, 2026

REMEMBERING, SERVING, CONNECTING... AND UNDERSTANDING THE BRITS

Monday's meeting managed to take us from a solemn remembrance of September 11, through Rotary service and fellowship, into British geography, a brief and slightly unexpected lesson in British swear words, and finally to a new app designed to help connect our community.

In other words, a perfectly normal Monday at the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION - 25 YEARS SINCE 9/11

We began our meeting on a more reflective note.

Twenty-five years have now passed since the attacks of September 11, 2001. We paused for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives, the families forever changed, and the extraordinary courage of the first responders who ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it.

Later in the meeting, Dave Roche added a particularly meaningful piece of Brentwood Rotary history.

Dave reflected on the club meeting held shortly after the attacks in September 2001. He remembered the room being unusually quiet, with everyone carrying that terrible feeling shared by so much of the country. Members wanted to do something, even though nobody really knew what could possibly be enough.

So they passed a hat.

About $500 was collected and sent to a Rotary contact in Manhattan with, essentially, one instruction: put it wherever it was most needed.

There was no designated project, no expectation of recognition and certainly no photograph for social media. It was simply Rotarians helping people they had never met.

Twenty-five years later, Dave's recollection was a wonderful reminder that Service Above Self does not always require a complicated plan. Sometimes people simply see a need, pass the hat and do what they can.

MY ROTARY MINUTE - GLENN HUXTABLE 

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO JOIN ROTARY?

This week's "My Rotary Minute" came from Glenn Huxtable, whose route into Brentwood Rotary was considerably more complicated than filling out an application.

Glenn joined our club in 2019. Having enjoyed what he describes as a very blessed life, he was looking for an opportunity to give something back to the community alongside like-minded people.

He was already familiar with Rotary through fellow Realtors at Sharp Realty, Lynn Valintis and Steve Gursky. Former member Cynthia Ulrickson invited Glenn to join in 2018.

There was, however, a slight problem.

At the time, Brentwood Rotary had approximately 100 members, including around 10 Realtors, and Glenn was told there was no room for another Realtor under the club's classification practices of the day.

So Glenn had to wait.

Then Lynn decided to retire and move to Chicago in 2019.

For most people, that would have meant wishing Lynn a pleasant retirement.

Glenn took a somewhat more comprehensive approach.

He sold Lynn's home to his mother-in-law.

His family adopted Lynn's two much-loved older Standard Poodles, who were not ideally suited to apartment life in Chicago.

He even took over Lynn's clients, including our own Bob Jones, whom Glenn has since had the privilege of helping several times.

Why did he do all of this?

According to Glenn, he wanted Lynn's spot in Rotary.

Now THAT is membership recruitment.

Some people attend a Fireside Chat. Glenn apparently engineered an entire succession plan.

But there was a deeper reason behind his desire to join.

Glenn had been involved with service organizations since his teenage years, when he joined DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization. At that age, he admits the attraction was largely social: friends, sports and, importantly, meeting girls.

Apparently that part worked rather well because Glenn met many lifelong friends and also met his future wife, Rene.

Along the way he also discovered how much he enjoyed service.

When he later joined Rotary, Glenn said "the script was flipped." This time, service came first. He wanted to give back to the community with like-minded people, while the friendship and fellowship became an equally important part of the experience.

Glenn finished by saying that he considers his fellow Rotarians friends.

And that really captures what "My Rotary Minute" is all about. We may arrive at Rotary for different reasons and by very different routes, although admittedly very few of us have had to sell someone's house, adopt their dogs and inherit their clients simply to get through the door.

Thank you, Glenn, for sharing your Rotary journey.

ROTARIANS OUT AND ABOUT 

Our Rotarians have been keeping busy away from the Monday lunch table.

BOCCE - THIRD PLACE!

Congratulations to our Brentwood Rotary Bocce team, which came in an impressive 3rd place out of 38 teams.

Not bad at all, particularly for a sport that looks remarkably easy until someone actually starts keeping score.

Well done to everyone who represented the club.

HELPING THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A few of our members also rolled up their sleeves to help the Historical Society prepare for its BBQ fundraiser.

As is often the case with Rotary, the glamorous service opportunities seem to involve tables, chairs, lifting, carrying and somebody asking, "Where does this go?"

But helping another community organization prepare for a successful fundraiser is exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes service that makes a difference.



 

FEEDING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS - AND THE GREAT DODGY CUP INCIDENT  

Another group of Rotarians headed to BJ's to collect donated food for our local first responders.

It should have been a fairly simple operation: collect food, transport food, deliver food.

Naturally, this being Rotary, things became slightly more complicated.

While waiting at BJ's, Nick suffered what can only be described as a beverage-related incident. His drink ended up somewhere other than where beverages are traditionally intended to remain.

Nick's defense was immediate:

"It was a dodgy cup."

We have reviewed his statement and, in the finest British tradition, concluded that the equipment was clearly suspect and Nick was entirely blameless.

A full inquiry will not be necessary.

Probably.

Having survived the Great BJ's Beverage Disaster of 2026, the group continued to the Oakley Fire Station with the donated food.

Unfortunately, shortly before we arrived, the firefighters received an emergency call and made a rather rapid departure.

Apparently emergencies take priority over Rotary food deliveries.

Who knew?

While at the station, however, our members noticed a September 11 memorial stone donated by local schoolchildren. Coming during the week of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it gave our visit an unexpected and poignant connection to the Moment of Reflection we had shared earlier in the meeting.

So what began as a simple food delivery included a dodgy cup, disappearing firefighters and a meaningful moment of remembrance.

In other words: Rotarians Out and About.

COMMUNITY SERVICE - AUTUMN IS GETTING BUSY 

Wendy and Shannon took us through our growing list of upcoming community service opportunities and reminded everyone to keep an eye on SignUpGenius and Ignite.

September 18 - Independence High School BBQ
September 20 - La Gran Fiesta Pour House Crew; a few more late pourers are needed
October 10 - Oktoberfest; apparently we shall be pouring again
October 17 - Digs N Rigs; all hands needed
November 7 - Pumpkins and Pancakes at Adams Middle School
November 11 - Veterans Day Luncheon
December 5 - Heritage High School Santa Breakfast

Between barbecuing, pouring, pancakes, Digs N Rigs and Santa, our autumn schedule is beginning to look less like a service calendar and more like a particularly ambitious village fete.

But that is Brentwood Rotary: People of Action, occasionally armed with spatulas.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2027 - BARCELONA  

We also looked ahead to the 2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, Spain. Register before Sept 21st, 2026 and save $200.

For anyone who has never attended an International Convention, it is an extraordinary opportunity to see just how large and diverse the Rotary family really is. Thousands of Rotarians from around the world come together for fellowship, inspiration, new ideas and friendships that cross borders and cultures.

Having experienced Taipei this year, I can certainly recommend the experience.

And Barcelona offers Rotary, Gaudi, sunshine, tapas and Spanish coffee.

Frankly, Rotary International is not making this a particularly difficult sales pitch.

If Barcelona has been somewhere on your travel list, perhaps this is the excuse you have been waiting for.

A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE - PEOPLE OF ACTION  

Protecting the environment is one of Rotary's Areas of Focus, and Brentwood Rotary is taking another step toward turning those words into action.

Our club has formed a new Environmental Committee, chaired by Holly Garber.

The committee will explore practical ways our club can make a positive difference, whether through conservation, recycling, education, cleanups or other locally meaningful projects.

Members interested in getting involved should reach out to Holly.

After all, Rotary calls us People of Action.

Apparently that means we are not allowed merely to form a committee to discuss forming another committee.

A very un-British approach, but probably considerably more productive.

ROYAL BRUNCH - SAVE THE DATE 

Our Chief Fun Officers are also planning a Royal Brunch for Sunday, November 15, beginning at approximately 10:00 a.m. and ending at the wonderfully precise Rotary time of "TBD."

Expect brunch favorites, beverages and libations, fellowship and plenty of NFL football.

The official instruction is:

Come hungry. Come thirsty. Come ready for football.

Or, translated into English:

Breakfast, drinks and an afternoon sitting in front of the television.

Finally, an American tradition I completely understand.

A BRIEF ENGLISH INTERLUDE - AND THEN THINGS WENT SLIGHTLY OFF SCRIPT  

Your President had planned a perfectly respectable few minutes explaining the difference between England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

We established that England is a country.

Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales.

The United Kingdom is Great Britain plus Northern Ireland.

We ventured into the mysteries of the Union Flag, discovered that Wales somehow missed out when the flag was designed, and learned that British sport makes the entire matter even more confusing.

At the Olympics, we largely become Team GB.

In football, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland suddenly decide they want nothing whatsoever to do with one another.

So far, educational.

Then I apparently referred to someone as a "cheeky bugger."

And that was where the lesson took an unexpected turn.

Several members wanted to know exactly what "bugger" meant, especially since the American word "booger" means something completely different.

Suddenly your President found himself standing in front of a Rotary luncheon trying to explain that, although "you cheeky bugger" can be quite mild and affectionate in modern British conversation, the word has a rather more literal origin connected to "buggery" and sodomy.

This was not, I should point out, where I expected Monday's geography lesson to end up.

It did, however, remind me of something my Sunday school teacher, Roy Padgett, taught me many years ago.

Roy explained that when people use so-called bad words, the word itself is only part of the story. What matters enormously is what sits behind the word: the intention, emotion and sentiment with which it is said.

A word shouted in anger can be hurtful.

The same word said between friends, with affection and a smile, can mean something completely different.

And that was certainly how "cheeky bugger" had been intended.

So, quite unexpectedly, our brief lesson on Britain became a lesson about language, context, intention and British swearing.

Educational?

Absolutely.

Appropriate for a Rotary luncheon?

We will let the Four-Way Test decide.

And for the record, if a British person calls you a "cheeky bugger" while laughing, you probably have not been insulted.

You may even have been complimented.

Sort of.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS  

After all of that, our Sergeant-at-Arms segment almost seemed positively conventional.

Almost.

As usual, members found themselves accountable for a broad range of offenses, some of which may actually have occurred and others which were probably invented shortly before the fine was issued.

But that is all part of the fun, fellowship and occasional financial redistribution that makes our meetings what they are.

THIS WEEK'S SPEAKER - PETER JACOWAY AND VENTRI 

Our featured speaker, Peter Jacoway, introduced us to Ventri, a locally developed app built around a deceptively simple idea:

There is plenty happening in our community. The problem is finding out about it.

Peter explained that information about events, businesses and community activities is everywhere today, but it is fragmented across websites, Facebook pages, social media and other platforms.

Ventri aims to bring that information together in one simple, hyper-local mobile platform.

Peter was very clear about what Ventri is NOT trying to become.

It is not another Facebook.

It is not TikTok.

It is not Instagram.

The goal is discovery rather than entertainment.

Or, put another way, you should be able to find out what is happening in Brentwood on Saturday night without first watching eleven dancing cats and somebody making pasta in a swimming pool.

Ventri is designed around hyper-local content. As users travel, the location can change so they can discover what is happening around them.

Peter also emphasized that Ventri does not rely on the same algorithm-driven approach associated with many social media platforms and does not sell conventional advertising.

Businesses go through a verification process and can then post their own events and promotions in real time.

Once an event is finished, it disappears from the platform.

So instead of endlessly scrolling through what happened three weeks ago, Ventri concentrates on what is happening now and what is coming next.

New features include "Count Me In," which gives businesses a measure of actual intent rather than simply counting likes and hearts, and calendar integration that allows users to add an event directly to the calendar on their phone.

Businesses can also track useful activity such as map searches, website visits and event check-ins.

Peter told us that Ventri has passed approximately 3,000 local downloads in its first four months, achieved largely through organic growth. He also reported that users are spending an average of roughly 4 minutes and 55 seconds exploring the app when they open it.

That is impressive engagement for something which does not contain videos of people falling off bicycles.

BRENTWOOD ROTARY AND VENTRI?

One particularly interesting discussion developed around how Ventri could potentially help Rotary.

Our Golf Tournament.

Sweetheart events.

Poker Tournament.

Community service projects.

Fundraisers.

Instead of hoping someone happens to come across one of our social media posts, Ventri could provide another way for local residents who are actively looking for something to do to discover what Brentwood Rotary is doing.

A nonprofit or club arrangement was discussed and certainly sounds worthy of further exploration.

Peter also explained that Ventri is working with Downtown Brentwood around Oktoberfest, creating an "Oktoberfest Live" experience within the platform to help visitors find information about parking, food and everything happening during the event.

With thousands of people expected to attend, Oktoberfest should provide Ventri with both an excellent test and an excellent opportunity.

Peter explained that Brentwood is essentially the proving ground for something he hopes can eventually expand well beyond our community.

Thank you, Peter, for joining us and sharing the story behind Ventri.

MEMBER CARE

We also received an update on Bruce, who is now home from the hospital but continues to face some challenges.

Members are encouraged to send Bruce a text. He enjoys hearing from everyone, although he may not always be able to respond immediately.

Please continue to keep Bruce in your thoughts.

We also send our condolences and support to Rob Brandt and his family following the sudden passing of his sister-in-law.

And please remember the Celebration of Life for our much-loved Shellie Seyer, to be held at Serendipity on Thursday, September 24, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Please attend if you are able and help show our love and support for Shellie and her family.

One of the thoughts shared during the meeting was a particularly important one:

Tell your spouse, significant other, children and the people you love that you love them.

Every day.

Although, gentlemen, if you suddenly start doing that after several years of silence, be prepared for the entirely reasonable response:

"What have you done?"

NIGEL LOSING HIS MARBLES 

Eventually we reached that highly sophisticated area of Rotary finance involving tickets, squares, drawings and marbles.

There was discussion.

There was negotiation.

There was considerable looking around the room.

And somewhere in the middle of it all, people were still trying to explain the rules.

Apparently, as marbles disappear each week, everyone's statistical chance of winning improves.

My chances of fully understanding the process appear to be moving in the opposite direction.

We shall try again Monday.

NEXT WEEK

Next week's program will feature Clari Nolet and our Students of the Quarter, along with an ABC's of Rotary segment.

It should be another excellent opportunity to recognize some outstanding young people in our community while learning a little more about Rotary itself.

FINAL THOUGHT

Monday's meeting covered remembrance, service, friendship, community, technology, British geography and, somewhat unexpectedly, the proper contextual use of the phrase "cheeky bugger."

But perhaps the most important messages were much simpler.

Remember those who came before us.

Help where you can.

Look after one another.

Tell the people you love that you love them.

Think good thoughts and do good deeds.

Be kind to others and to yourself.

And together, let's continue building a better world and being the shining example of what Rotary can be.

See you Monday.

Yours in Rotary, 

Nigel Jesson
President
Rotary Club of Brentwood

Following up from DG Woody's visit we received the following letter in the mail, which I'd like to share with you:



 

ROTARY CLUB OF BRENTWOOD
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER — September 1st, 2026

WOODY RODE INTO BRENTWOOD!

District Governor Woody Fridae’s official visit gave us an opportunity to showcase what makes the Rotary Club of Brentwood special—and to hear Woody’s thoughts about leadership, membership, service, and Rotary’s future.

Before the regular luncheon, Woody joined President Nigel Jesson and the Board of Directors for a productive and energetic conversation.

THE BOARD MEETS WITH WOODY

Woody began the Board meeting by asking each director to introduce themselves, describe their role, and answer an important question:

“What is the Rotary Club of Brentwood known for?”

The answers covered a great deal of territory. Our club is known for its involvement in local schools, senior services, scholarships, community grants, youth programs, nonprofit partnerships, fundraising events, and, of course, pancakes and hot dogs.

However, the conversation quickly established that Brentwood Rotary is known for much more than serving breakfast.

Board members described a club filled with community leaders, problem-solvers, innovators, and people who genuinely enjoy working together. Our membership includes current and retired educators, business owners, law-enforcement leaders, financial professionals, real-estate professionals, civic leaders, and volunteers active throughout the community.

Among the programs and priorities discussed were:

• Good Character Youth Awards.

• Interact and other youth-service programs.

• Senior Reading Buddies.

• HOST—Helping One Senior at a Time.

• Community grants and scholarships.

• Support for school music programs.

• Peace-building projects in local schools.

• Member onboarding and engagement.

• Attendance recognition.

• Improved storytelling through our website, social media, and newsletter.

Woody was particularly interested in our Good Character Youth Awards. The program recognizes students for their character and values rather than their academic or athletic achievements. He hopes to return when this year’s students are honored.

The Board also discussed the club’s three-year visioning plan. Woody emphasized that a visioning plan must remain a living document—something the club reviews, measures, and uses to guide decisions rather than something placed on a shelf and forgotten.

MORE THAN PANCAKES!

Several Board members spoke about the tremendous amount of institutional knowledge within the club. Others emphasized our willingness to try new ideas and our ability to bring together the right people whenever a community need arises.

The conclusion was that Brentwood Rotary is dependable!

When a school, senior, nonprofit organization, or community group needs assistance, people know they can approach Brentwood Rotary. Our grant committee carefully reviews requests, looks for community partnerships, and determines how Rotary can make the greatest impact.

The club raises approximately $65,000 to $70,000 annually after expenses through events including the Golf Tournament, Poker Tournament, 5K, Bingo, Whiskey Walk, and Digs & Rigs. Ten percent of fundraising proceeds is directed into the club’s endowment, while additional funds support scholarships, community grants, PolioPlus, youth programs, school projects, and local organizations.

As our shirts have reminded everyone: We are more than pancakes!

LEADERSHIP THROUGH INVOLVEMENT

Woody encouraged every Board chair to develop an active committee rather than attempting to do everything alone.

Committees make the work more manageable, generate better ideas, and give additional members an opportunity to participate. Members who have meaningful responsibilities are more likely to remain engaged and eventually develop into future club leaders.

Woody also praised Brentwood’s membership onboarding practices. When he previously worked in District membership leadership, our club was one of those he studied for ideas about welcoming new members and helping them become involved.

Our current membership stands at approximately 77 Rotarians.

President Nigel concluded the Board discussion by observing that the club is financially sound and, equally importantly, has tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and genuine friendship. Nigel also thanked Immediate Past President Tim Dahl for helping make his transition into the presidency both successful and enjoyable—an example Nigel hopes to follow when Wendy Turner begins her year.

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS !

The regular luncheon opened with a warm welcome to our visiting guests.

Among those joining us were District Governor Woody Fridae, Rotaract organizer Evan Perez, and visiting Interact students and officers from our local high schools.

Having representatives from Interact, Rotaract, Rotary, and the District in the same room provided a wonderful illustration of Rotary’s progression of leadership and service across generations.

ROTARIANS OUT AND ABOUT: THE TGIS BARBECUE

The photographs from Saturday evening’s TGIS barbecue told the story beautifully. 

Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed social gathering filled with excellent food, drinks, conversation, games, and laughter. It was an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company away from meeting agendas, committee reports, and Erin’s fines—or at least most of Erin’s fines.

A special thank-you goes to Wendy Turner and Shannon, whose considerable planning and hard work made the evening possible.

The photographs showed an extraordinary charcuterie display covering almost an entire table, pulled pork and rolls, mac and cheese, coleslaw, Wendy’s impressive pull-apart bread, drinks, desserts, and enough food to ensure that no Rotarian was in danger of leaving hungry.

The backyard was also prepared for an evening of fellowship, complete with comfortable seating, decorations, lights, televisions, refreshments, and a spirited game of cornhole.

Wendy’s bread and cupcakes received enthusiastic reviews during Monday’s meeting. Shannon and Brad also put a tremendous amount of work into preparing their home and backyard. Brad helped cook the barbecue, organize the outdoor area, and clean everything afterward.

The photographs showed members talking, laughing, eating, posing for pictures, and occasionally demonstrating a highly individual approach to cornhole.

Events like this may not appear on a service-project report, but they strengthen the friendships that allow us to work so effectively together throughout the year.

There was only one unwelcome guest: the wasp that somehow found its way up Erin Summit’s dress.

Erin’s method of dealing with the situation may not have been covered during official Sergeant-at-Arms training, but it gave her a memorable story—and provided the club with additional material for Monday’s meeting.

Thank you, Wendy, Shannon, Brad, and everyone who contributed food, refreshments, preparation, setup, or cleanup. It was a smashing evening and a wonderful demonstration of Rotary fellowship.

A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE

Holly Garber introduced the club’s new battery-recycling initiative.

A clearly marked collection box will allow members to bring appropriate used batteries to Rotary for responsible recycling. Accepted items include encased batteries, power banks, charging cases, and small mixed-format batteries.

The project provides members with an easy way to keep potentially harmful battery materials out of household waste while supporting Rotary’s environmental area of focus.

Members should follow the collection instructions and bring eligible batteries to a future meeting.

OUR NEWEST END POLIO NOW SUPPORTER 

Julie Deck’s adorable Annie Mae made her newsletter debut wearing an End Polio Now bandana.

Annie Mae may be one of our youngest—and certainly one of our most photogenic—PolioPlus supporters. If we can recruit a few more dogs like Annie Mae, the District’s public-image goals may be achieved ahead of schedule.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECOGNITION

Foundation Chair Christine Canales presented two special Rotary Foundation recognitions.

Laura Raneri received her first Paul Harris Fellow certificate, medallion, and pin.

Mike Amthor was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow Plus Two and received a pin containing two blue sapphires, representing cumulative Rotary Foundation giving at the $3,000 level.

Christine explained that contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund and PolioPlus support Rotary’s work locally and around the world.

She also invited Paul Harris Fellows to wear their medallions whenever future Foundation recognitions are presented. The club normally provides advance notice so members know when to bring them.

Congratulations, Laura and Mike, and thank you for supporting The Rotary Foundation!



 

FUN, FINES, AND CONFESSIONS 

Sergeant-at-Arms Erin Summit demonstrated once again that “fine-free badge day” does not necessarily mean anyone leaves the meeting financially unharmed.

Nick returned from a ten-day family celebration in Maui honoring his mother’s 75th birthday. With 26 family members, three villas, and enough unexpected adventures to fill a travel documentary, it was certainly a memorable trip.

Fran Bowman reported on her travels through Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal. She contributed $5 for each day of the trip, although there was some question about whether she intended to pay in Canadian currency.

Holly Gaber celebrated her upcoming September 7 birthday by announcing plans to attend an emo concert in San Francisco—and perhaps experience her first mosh pit.

Holly also generously pledged $50 toward PolioPlus and EREY—Every Rotarian, Every Year.

Bob shared his visit to Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys to see Alison Krauss and Union Station and made a $50 contribution.

Glenn Huxtable confessed to forgetting the morning’s Board meeting and arriving approximately 30 minutes late. After recalling the vocabulary running through his head when he realized his mistake, Glenn contributed $20 to the club’s swear jar.

This year’s swear jar benefits Coyote Crossing, a local animal sanctuary. Erin assured everyone that the money does not support her cocktail allowance.

The auction for September’s fine-free badges quickly became competitive. Several members discovered that avoiding future fines can become rather expensive once Erin starts encouraging the bidding.

Members also purchased Squares on the Board to recognize the generosity and hard work that made Saturday’s barbecue such a success. Shannon, Brad, Wendy, Olga, and several other helpers received well-deserved recognition.

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SERVICE

Evan Perez introduced members to a new community-based Rotaract club being organized in East Contra Costa County.

Evan previously served as president and vice president of Los Medanos College Rotaract before transferring to and graduating from UC Berkeley. After returning to the area, he discovered that there was no community-based Rotaract club available for adults who were no longer LMC students. 

The proposed club will be open to adults age 18 and older. It is intended to include young professionals, tradespeople, parents, college graduates, and anyone interested in serving the community. It will not be restricted to college students, and there is no planned upper age limit.

The club is being developed as a service-based organization. Administrative and planning meetings will generally be held twice monthly on Zoom, while members will participate in weekend service projects alongside sponsoring Rotary clubs.

The organizing group currently has 14 prospective charter members—just one short of the 15 required. Most presently come from Antioch, Oakley, and Pittsburg, with only one founding member from Brentwood.

The anticipated name is the Rotaract Club of East Contra Costa, although the founding members will ultimately vote on the official name.

Evan invited Brentwood Rotarians to share the opportunity with people who may be interested. He also hopes Rotaractors will visit area Rotary clubs, participate in joint service projects, and develop lasting relationships with local Rotarians.

The Antioch Rotary Club has been instrumental in launching the effort, and additional Rotary clubs are being invited to participate as sponsoring partners.

INTRODUCING DISTRICT GOVERNOR WOODY FRIDAE

President-Elect Wendy Turner introduced District Governor Woody Fridae.

Woody is a retired public-school educator with 38 years of service and a former Winters City Council member and mayor.

He has been a Rotarian for more than 20 years and has served as club president, Assistant Governor, Membership Ambassador, Polio Warrior, District Action Plan Champion, and in numerous other club and District leadership positions.

Woody and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for 46 years and are the proud parents of two sons. They have supported Rotary Youth Exchange by hosting two year-long students and several short-term students.

Woody and Rebecca are members of the Paul Harris Society, Major Donors, and members of the Bequest Society, reflecting their lasting commitment to Rotary’s work locally and internationally.

“I DIDN’T THINK I QUALIFIED FOR ROTARY”

Woody began his presentation by admitting that he once thought he did not qualify to become a Rotarian.

At the time, Rotary placed considerable emphasis on professional classifications, and Woody did not believe that being a public-school teacher placed him among the city managers, business owners, police chiefs, fire chiefs, and other professionals he associated with Rotary.

He first attended after being invited by his city manager while Woody was running for City Council. Thinking the meeting might provide useful campaign connections, he began distributing campaign materials.

A member quickly informed him, “We don’t really do politics in Rotary.”

After being invited to join, Woody enthusiastically embraced Rotary’s principles—perhaps a little too enthusiastically. Before long, the same member reminded him, “We don’t really do religion either.”

Despite that interesting introduction, Woody discovered that Rotary embodied the values he believed in. He sponsored five new members during his first two years.

His first meeting as club president featured former Rotary International President Richard King and drew approximately 75 people to a club that normally had around 30 members.

Everything was going wonderfully until Woody presented King with what he considered the area’s finest bottle of wine. King graciously thanked him and then explained that, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he could not accept it.

That was Woody’s first official act as club president.

As Woody explained, his year started slowly and “went downhill from there.”

LEADERSHIP FROM BEHIND

Those early experiences helped Woody develop what he calls “leadership from behind.”

This approach emphasizes listening, building consensus, and making sure people understand and support a project before moving forward. A leader may occasionally need to push when progress is slow—and perhaps duck when something does not go according to plan.

Woody has asked every club president to identify a quiet leader: someone who may not always be at the microphone but is dependable, works behind the scenes, and holds the club together like mortar between bricks.

President Nigel selected Fran Bowman for this special recognition.

Congratulations, Fran, and thank you for everything you quietly—and sometimes not so quietly—do for our club!

Woody also presented Nigel with the District 5160 banner. Its outline follows the shape of the District, although Woody admitted that it bears a suspicious resemblance to an upside-down wine bottle.

BRENTWOOD ROTARY ON VIDEO

Woody stepped outside his comfort zone by recording a selfie video during the meeting.

Link to DG Woody Fridae's video

He asked the club to make some noise whenever he mentioned the Rotary Club of Brentwood—and members enthusiastically complied.

In the video, Woody highlighted our school pancake and hot-dog events, HOST senior-service program, Interact involvement, community sponsorships, and partnerships with other service organizations.

He described Brentwood Rotary as enthusiastic, closely connected, highly energetic, and visible throughout the community.

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Woody explained the 2026–2027 District logo, featuring Mount Diablo in the foreground and Mount Shasta in the distance.

Mount Diablo represents the large concentration of clubs in the southern portion of District 5160. Mount Shasta represents the strength of Rotary in Redding and the northern part of the District.

Together, the two mountains represent Woody’s theme:

“From Strength to Strength.”

Rotary has a remarkable history and approximately 1.2 million members worldwide. However, membership has leveled off or declined in portions of North America and Europe.

Woody believes the current climate of political and religious division presents Rotary with an opportunity. People are searching for places where they can come together, regardless of politics or religion, develop friendships, and accomplish something worthwhile.

Rotary can be that place.

HOW HAS ROTARY CHANGED YOU?

Woody reminded members of Rotary’s vision: people uniting to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

He encouraged everyone to think particularly about those final words: “in ourselves.”

When someone asks, “What is Rotary?” we can provide a list of projects, programs, grants, and events. However, a personal story about how Rotary changed us may be much more powerful.

Woody shared the story of his son, Andrew, who began working as a dishwasher at approximately age 14. After saving his first $1,000, Andrew announced that he planned to donate half of it to Heifer International to purchase a cow for a family in need.

Woody and Rebecca were so moved that they agreed to match his gift.

Andrew later encouraged Interact clubs throughout the District to support the program. Together, the students raised approximately $40,000.

Woody directed part of the story to the Interact students in attendance. Young people may not realize how much influence they have, he said, but others notice when they choose service and philanthropy.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Woody encouraged members to establish recurring contributions through Rotary.org—even if the amount is only a few dollars each month.

A recurring contribution of approximately $85 per month reaches $1,000 during the year and qualifies a donor for membership in the Paul Harris Society.

The District has established a goal of welcoming 50 new Paul Harris Society members during the Rotary year. Matching recognition points may also provide additional Paul Harris Fellow recognition for qualifying new Society members.

Regular giving helps the Foundation plan and support Rotary’s work in peacebuilding, disease prevention, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education and literacy, economic development, and environmental protection.

Through Rotary’s SHARE system, a portion of Annual Fund contributions returns to the District after three years to support District and global grants.

FINISHING THE FIGHT AGAINST POLIO

Woody reminded members that Rotary cannot relax its efforts to eradicate polio.

The remaining cases occur in isolated and difficult-to-reach areas, making the final stage extremely challenging and expensive. Rotary has been close to eradication for several years, but stopping now would allow the disease to spread again.

The District’s goal is to welcome 100 new PolioPlus Society members.

We are close—but we must finish the fight.

GOOD CHARACTER YOUTH AWARDS

Woody highlighted the Good Character Youth Awards as one of his favorite Rotary programs.

The awards recognize young people not for academic achievement or athletic ability but for honesty, fairness, goodwill, friendship, and concern for others—the values represented by Rotary’s Four-Way Test.

Woody was delighted to learn that Brentwood Rotary already has a successful Good Character program and hopes to return when our students are honored.

LN-4 HELPING HANDS

Woody also highlighted LN-4 Helping Hands, District 5160’s international project.

An LN-4 prosthetic hand can be manufactured and fitted for approximately $50, providing a life-changing improvement for someone who has lost a hand.

Woody and Rebecca helped distribute LN-4 hands in Cambodia. Woody described fitting a hand for a man who had lost his right hand during the Khmer Rouge era. After approximately 40 years, the man was once again able to hold a pen and write.

A redesigned LN-4 2.0 is now being developed to provide more natural movement and the ability to pick up smaller and thinner objects. The project includes the cost of new molds, production, assembly, and worldwide distribution.

District 5160 will continue supporting the project across several Rotary years.

IMPORTANT ROTARY DATES

Woody highlighted several upcoming District and international opportunities:

• September 14–19, 2026: Wheelchair distribution in Costa Rica.

• September 27–29, 2026: Evanston pilgrimage to Rotary International headquarters.

• April 30–May 2, 2027: District 5160 Conference in Redding.

• June 26–30, 2027: Rotary International Convention in Barcelona.

RIDING INTO REDDING

Woody concluded with a cowboy-themed video promoting the 2027 District Conference in Redding.

The conference will include golf, tours of Shasta Caverns and Shasta Dam, an e-bike Ride for Polio, beer and wine tasting, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge, historic Old Shasta, fishing, workshops, speakers, fellowship, and plenty of fun.

The video featured a Toy Story-inspired version of Woody and an artificially recreated version of his voice delivering an enthusiastic Western invitation.

As Woody pointed out afterward, he had not actually recorded any of the narration.

It was impressive, entertaining—and perhaps just a little unsettling.

 MARBLES AND REMINDERS 

Bob Jones held the winning ticket for Squares on the Board.

Marsha Brown won the 50/50 drawing but chose the chocolate rather than testing her luck against the elusive black marble. Sometimes guaranteed chocolate is simply the wiser investment.

IMPORTANT: The club will be dark next Monday. There will be no regular luncheon meeting.

The next Board meeting is Tuesday, September 8.

President Nigel Jesson closed another memorable meeting with his challenge:

“Think good thoughts and do good deeds. Be kind to others and yourself. Let’s build a better world and be the shining example.”

Weekly Newsletter – August 24, 2026

There are Rotary meetings where everything proceeds exactly according to plan.

And then there are Brentwood Rotary meetings. 

Today we learned how a group of children helped inspire someone to become a Rotarian, celebrated another Red Badge turning Blue, escaped briefly to the English Cotswolds, discovered the connection between those beautiful villages and Thomas Kinkade, planned enough social activities to keep our Chief Fun Officers busy through Halloween, discussed cookies, airplanes, replacement hips and questionable British vocabulary — and then settled down for a moving presentation about helping local families facing cancer.

In other words, another perfectly normal Monday at Brentwood Rotary.

Absolutely. Here is the clean, finished Version 2, with the internal file citations removed and formatting kept straightforward for copying into DACdb.

MY ROTARY MINUTE – JESSICA BUSMAN

Jessica Busman shared the story of how her Rotary journey began.

Her daughters had been involved in a number of activities, but it was her youngest daughter's involvement with Odyssey of the Mind that ultimately brought Jessica into contact with our club.

Jessica helped start a team, and the children eventually earned the opportunity to compete at the World Finals at Iowa State University.

It was an extraordinary achievement — but, as any parent involved with youth activities knows, extraordinary achievements can also come with extraordinary expenses.

In May 2022, Jessica and the team came to Brentwood Rotary seeking financial help to get the children to Iowa.

Our club helped, and Jessica remembered it!

She described what it meant as a parent to see an organization in her own community step forward and help make that experience possible for her children.

More importantly, she saw firsthand what Rotary does for young people throughout our community.

Jessica decided she didn't simply want to be grateful for what Rotary had done for her family. She wanted to become part of the organization doing the helping.

She reconnected with the club and joined later that year.

It was a wonderful example of Rotary coming full circle:

A club helps a family.

A parent remembers and, eventually, that parent becomes a Rotarian helping the next family.

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your Rotary Minute.

MARIBEL RUVALCABA GOES FROM RED TO BLUE!

We then celebrated another important milestone as Maribel Ruvalcaba completed her Red Badge requirements and officially became a Blue Badge Rotarian.

And she did it in less than six months.

That little detail was emphasized for the benefit of any Red Badge members who may have thought the process required several years.

Maribel thanked everyone for making her feel so welcome and spoke about how Rotary has encouraged her to come out of her shell, become more involved and build new relationships.

She particularly enjoyed volunteering and spending time alongside fellow members while giving back to the community.

As a local business owner, service has always been important to her, but Rotary has provided another opportunity to serve while developing meaningful friendships.

Maribel said she is looking forward to continuing her involvement and living out Service Above Self.

Congratulations, Maribel — and welcome to Blue!

THIS WEEK'S BRITISH LESSON: THE COTSWOLDS

After several weeks of British subjects that have resulted in an alarming number of fines for the President, Nigel promised something much calmer this week.

Peaceful!  Tranquil!!   Safe!!!

The Cotswolds.

What could possibly go wrong?

The Cotswolds are not a city or county, but a beautiful region of England extending roughly 90 miles through the countryside.

The map even included Leicester, providing everyone with the geographical reference point Nigel believes Americans desperately need.

Also shown was the Fosse Way, the ancient Roman road running through the region.

Nigel reminded everyone that the Romans did at least leave Britain with some straight roads.

Considering the rest of Britain's road system, perhaps they should have stayed a little longer.
 

SHEEP, WOOL AND COTSWOLD STONE

The Cotswolds weren't created simply for tourists, postcards and jigsaw puzzles.

For centuries, the region was closely associated with sheep and the enormously valuable English wool trade.

That wealth helped create the remarkable towns, churches and buildings that remain today.

Nigel asked everyone to notice one characteristic in particular:

The color.

Cotswold buildings are famous for their warm, honey-colored local limestone, combined with stone roofs, small windows, beautiful gardens and architecture that makes many villages appear to have remained almost untouched for centuries.

And yes — the photographs were real.

These weren't Thomas Kinkade paintings.

At least not yet.

A QUICK TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS

The club visited several of the area's best-known locations.

Stanton                         

Stanton, Gloucestershire, in the northern Cotswolds near Broadway, provided the classic image of beautiful stone cottages.

Then came Castle Combe and Bibury, two more of those places that seem almost too picturesque to be real.

Bourton-on-the-Water brought back personal memories for Nigel, including visits with his parents, tea shops, the River Windrush, ducks and swans — essentially the sort of English afternoon where accomplishing absolutely nothing is considered a successful day.

Then we moved to Chipping Campden, which is a historic market town.

The name itself provides a clue: "Chipping" is associated with a market.

Its famous Market Hall was built in 1627 by Sir Baptist Hicks and provided a sheltered place for merchants and farmers to sell their goods.

Nigel also pointed out another important feature of British life visible in the photographs:

Chipping Campden               

Double yellow lines.

They're not decorative.

Park on them and the local authorities may provide you with a rather expensive souvenir of your visit.

 

WHICH FAMOUS ARTIST WAS INSPIRED BY THE COTSWOLDS?

Then came the quiz.

Nigel asked the room to identify a famous American artist whose work drew inspiration from the Cotswolds.

The clues were there:

Stone cottages.  Beautiful gardens. Streams and bridges.

Warm light glowing from the windows.

Eventually the answer appeared:

THOMAS KINKADE — THE "PAINTER OF LIGHT."

Once photographs of the real Cotswolds were compared with Kinkade's romantic paintings, the visual connection became obvious.

Kinkade took those cottage scenes and turned up the romance considerably:

More flowers.

More glowing windows.

Better weather.

And apparently no parking problems whatsoever. 

One member then added that her daughter had recently walked the Cotswold Way — approximately 115 miles with around 11,000 feet of elevation.

This produced some surprise around the room.

Apparently England has hills.

Who knew?

The discussion wandered pleasantly through the nearby Malvern Hills and Shakespeare country.

Nigel's recommendation was simple:

If you're visiting Britain and can tear yourself away from London, put the Cotswolds on your list.

IMPORTANT: DISTRICT GOVERNOR WOODY FRIDAE NEXT WEEK

Next Monday, August 31, District Governor Woody Fridae makes his official visit to the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

The Board of Directors will meet with Woody at 11:00 a.m., before our regular luncheon meeting.

Woody will speak about his priorities for the Rotary year, District activities and opportunities for our club to become involved.

We are also expecting an update regarding the developing Rotaract locally. Evan Preze will give us an update and introduce himself to the Club briefly.

Please make every effort to attend.

Let's give our District Governor a full room and a proper Brentwood welcome.

THE PAST PRESIDENTS CLUB

The Past Presidents Club has met, it's been awhile, we had lots to catchup on!

Julie Deck organized the gathering and Rob Brandt hosted, complete with refreshments.

Following last week's lesson on British nobility, there was naturally some discussion about titles and whether everyone should now be addressed properly as Past President.

President Nigel, of course, doesn't stand on ceremony.

Much.

 

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT: THE CHIEF FUN OFFICERS

Shannon and Wendy have officially established their new identity:

CFOs — Chief Fun Officers.  

Or, as the presentation rather magnificently described them:

"The Reigning Royals of Revelry."

Their mission:

Fun • Fellowship • Connection

And their motto:

"Long May the Good Times Reign."

Unlike traditional CFOs, these two appear considerably less interested in spreadsheets and considerably more interested in cocktails.

SATURDAY'S SOCIAL – LAST CALL!

Our next social gathering is this Saturday, August 29 at 5:00 p.m.

Approximately 25 people were already signed up, and members were reminded to RSVP.

There will be barbecue, fellowship and, apparently, a signature cocktail.

Following extensive research and development, it has been named:

THE FINE-FREE OLD FASHIONED. 

It may be the only genuinely fine-free item available at Rotary this year.

 

NFL DAY – SEPTEMBER 14

The Chief Fun Officers have decreed that September 14 is NFL Day. 

Come to Rotary dressed in your favorite team's gear.

The official instruction:

"Rep Your Team • Rule The Room."

This will almost certainly provide Erin with an entirely new category of fines.

Choose your team carefully.

HALLOWEEN TRIVIA – OCTOBER 26

Our regular noon meeting on October 26 will move off-site to Brentwood Craft & Cider for Halloween Trivia Day.

Members have been instructed to "bone up" on Halloween trivia.

There was also a threat of British trivia.

Apparently paying attention to Nigel for the past several weeks may finally have practical value.

COMMUNITY SERVICE – GET SIGNED UP!

Our service calendar is filling quickly.

Upcoming opportunities include:

ECCHS BBQ setup and takedown — September 11 and 14

Independence High School BBQ — September 18

Digs N Rigs — October 17

Pumpkins and Pancakes at Adams Middle School — November 7

Members can use SignUpGenius and Ignite, with JoAnn and Shannon available to help.

During the announcement, the Historical Society briefly became the "Hysterical Society."

Considering a typical Brentwood Rotary meeting, either description might be defensible.

SHANNON'S BIRTHDAY, THE RITZ AND A 10-FOOT PROPELLER

Shannon celebrated her birthday with a rather eventful trip to Los Angeles. 

The family visited their daughter, who has landed an exciting opportunity in game development after a challenging post-college year.

There was a Dodgers game.

A stay at the Ritz-Carlton.

A family barbecue.

And, as one naturally does during a birthday weekend, Shannon brought home an approximately 10-foot airplane propeller dating from around 1930.

The propeller has a family connection through her husband's great-grandmother and a historic propeller manufacturing business. Shannon also shared that the Wright brothers had been frequent visitors to the family home.

The propeller is now mounted on a wall.

So anyone attending Saturday's barbecue may want to admire it.

Preferably from a safe distance.

Happy birthday, Shannon!

HOW MANY DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS?

Past President Steve Gursky was once again called upon to perform what appears to have become one of his official Rotary duties:

The Christmas countdown.

Unfortunately, Steve wasn't immediately prepared.

The answer was eventually established at approximately 123 days.

The lesson is clear:

If your name is Steve Gursky, come to Rotary prepared to answer Christmas-related questions.

There may be a test.

ERIN'S WHEEL OF DOOM

Then it was time for Sergeant-at-Arms Erin and the Wheel of Doom.

Phones were spotted.

Birthdays uncovered.

Anniversaries discovered.

E-Rotarian status investigated.

Badges inspected.

And suddenly everyone in the room became extremely interested in appearing innocent.

Steve Walker attracted attention involving his phone and his upcoming hip procedure. 

At one point someone questioned the wisdom of making a man awaiting hip surgery stand up to receive a fine.

This is Brentwood Rotary.

Reasonableness is not specifically mentioned in the Four-Way Test.

THE PRESIDENT, THE BADGE AND THE COOKIE

President Nigel was once again reminded that club presidents are expected to set a good example.

Apparently that includes remembering to wear the Rotary badge.

Fine: $5.

SQUARES ON THE BOARD

As always, Squares on the Board provided an opportunity to recognize good deeds, friends and fellow Rotarians.

Dave Roche contributed toward a young person's Paul Harris recognition.

Lori was recognized for her beautiful — and delicious — birthday cake.

Julie Deck and Rob Brandt were thanked for organizing and hosting the Past Presidents gathering.

Shannon was recognized for helping develop a community partnership.

Lori was recognized for attending the wake following Shellie Seyer's funeral and for being there as friends and fellow Rotarians gathered for a very moving tribute to Shellie.

Erin was thanked for supporting the club's effort to increase participation in Every Rotarian Every Year.

Amy Tilley received praise for already doing outstanding work with the club's social media.

And Tony was recognized for his work on the upcoming La Gran Fiesta and for continuing to spread the word throughout the community.

Money was raised.

Good deeds were recognized.

Friends were embarrassed.

Everything worked exactly as intended.

OUR PROGRAM: KALEIDOSCOPE CANCER CONNECTION

Wendy introduced our guest speaker, Joy Hamilton, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection. 

Joy is a retired teacher and has been involved with Kaleidoscope for approximately ten years in several different capacities.

She joked that her first assignment was organizing the snack schedule.

And look where volunteering got her.

Executive Director.

Let that be a warning to everyone who raises their hand at Rotary.

AN ORGANIZATION YOU DON'T WANT TO NEED

Kaleidoscope was founded in 2003 by Jan Page and a friend, 15 years after Jan's breast cancer diagnosis in 1988 caused her to retire from her teaching career.

At the time, there was very little cancer support available in far East Contra Costa County. Patients undergoing treatment sometimes had to travel considerable distances simply to find the emotional support they needed.

Kaleidoscope began as a grassroots effort sponsored by Byron United Methodist Church and eventually became its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Perhaps most impressively, it remains 100% volunteer staffed.

Joy described it as an organization nobody wants to need.

But when cancer or another life-threatening illness enters your family, it is an organization you are very glad exists.

"WE CAN LOVE YOU INTO YOUR TREATMENT"

Kaleidoscope's mission is:

"To establish and maintain supportive relationships with those who are living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses."

They don't treat cancer.

They don't provide medical advice.

They don't tell people which doctor to choose.

Their role is different.

Joy summed it up beautifully:

"We can love you into your treatment."

They provide connection.

Support.

And what Joy described as a soft place to land.

BAGS OF HOPE – WHERE THE RELATIONSHIP BEGINS

At the heart of Kaleidoscope is its Bag of Hope program.

Each bag is requested through the organization's website and custom-tailored to the individual recipient.

But the bag itself isn't really the most important part.

Delivering the Bag of Hope begins a relationship.

A member of the Connection Team is assigned to the recipient and becomes a continuing point of contact for Kaleidoscope's support programs.

Joy illustrated this with the story of the first woman she was assigned to support.

The woman was herself an oncology nurse who had developed breast cancer.

Joy initially wondered what she could possibly offer someone who understood cancer professionally far better than she did.

The answer was surprisingly simple.

Someone to listen.

The woman wanted someone outside her immediate family whom she could call and tell the things she couldn't bring herself to tell her mother or sister.

Sometimes those calls came very late at night.

Joy listened.

Eventually, after several months, the woman called and simply said:

"I'm good."

It was a powerful reminder that service doesn't always mean fixing something.

Sometimes it means simply being there.

KALEIDOSCOPE KIDS

Kaleidoscope has a special Connection Team serving children with cancer and their families.

The organization holds activities throughout the year, including Kalloween, a Kaleidoscope Easter Celebration and Kid's Klub special events.

Joy explained that siblings are included too.

Cancer doesn't happen to one person in isolation.

It affects the entire family.

When circumstances permit, the children can spend time simply being children while parents have an opportunity to talk with other parents who understand exactly what they're experiencing.

COFFEE WITH CAROLYN

Coffee with Carolyn is a women's support group helping women through their cancer journey.

It is held on the last Tuesday of each month from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden.

It's a private environment where participants can speak openly and share things they may not feel comfortable saying elsewhere.

Again, Kaleidoscope doesn't make medical decisions for people.

It gives them somewhere safe to talk.

CONNECTION CIRCLE

The Connection Circle is Kaleidoscope's monthly community meeting, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

It provides information about Kaleidoscope programs, upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer.

Joy gave the example of a recent presentation about affordable transportation options for cancer patients needing to reach medical appointments.

For someone in treatment who can't drive, a seemingly small resource can make an enormous difference.

THE SACRED GARDEN

Behind the Kaleidoscope Center in Byron is its beautiful Sacred Garden.

It is designed as a place of reflection and peace and includes a large labyrinth.

Joy also described plans for a particularly moving addition:

A telephone with no outside connection.

Visitors grieving someone they have lost will be able to sit privately, pick up the phone and "talk" to a parent, spouse, child or other loved one.

No technology.

No connection.

Just a quiet place to say what still needs to be said.

The labyrinth itself can be used for reflection, prayer, grief work, reducing tension and marking significant moments in life.

PRACTICAL HELP WHEN PEOPLE NEED IT

Kaleidoscope also provides practical assistance.

Its meal program works in partnership with the 30 Blessings program from Brentwood Community Church to provide homemade meals to care recipients when treatment or daily life becomes overwhelming.

The organization can also help with things such as grocery and gas gift cards.

Joy emphasized that Kaleidoscope isn't a financial assistance organization.

They can't pay someone's mortgage.

But they can help remove some of the smaller burdens while a family is confronting something much bigger.

MEMORIAL PILLOWS

One of Kaleidoscope's most personal programs creates memorial pillows from the clothing of a loved one who has died.

A favorite shirt.

Pajamas.

Something that carries a memory.

The result becomes a tangible keepsake and a very personal tribute for the family.

COMFORT AND JOY

At Christmas, Kaleidoscope volunteers create special Comfort and Joy baskets for their care recipients.

The baskets are assembled during the second week of December and delivered by volunteers.

Joy explained that volunteers also make homemade cookies and then take the baskets to families while Christmas caroling.

Musical ability is apparently optional.

Their former minister offered excellent advice:

If you don't know the words and don't know the song...

Sing louder.

Somewhere, Brentwood Rotary has just found the motto for its future choir.

A VERY PERSONAL CONNECTION

Following Joy's presentation, one of our members shared a deeply personal story.

After losing her husband in 2011, a memorial bench had been created for him near the water.

When ownership of that location later changed, she was told the bench would need to be removed.

She didn't know where it could go.

Tony George reached out.

Kaleidoscope offered the bench a home in its Sacred Garden.

It remains there today.

She can visit it.

Other people can sit on it.

And something created in memory of someone she loved continues to provide peace and comfort to others.

It was perhaps the perfect illustration of everything Joy had just spent the previous half hour describing.

STRONGER THROUGH OUR CONNECTIONS

Joy closed with a thought that could just as easily describe Rotary:

We are stronger through our connections.

She explained that the people we encounter become part of us.

We support one another.

We learn from one another.

And we are changed by one another.

Joy told the room:

"I am better today because I know you."

Judging by the response from our members, the feeling was mutual.

Thank you, Joy Hamilton, and everyone at Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection, for the extraordinary work you do for families throughout our community.

PRESIDENT NIGEL TAKES HIS SHOT AT THE BLACK MARBLE

Finally, it was time for the raffle.

And this week, the winning 50/50 ticket belonged to none other than:

President Nigel.

Faced with the familiar choice — take one of the available prizes or take a chance on the black marble — Nigel chose the marble bag.

A hand went in.

A marble came out.

And...

NOT BLACK!

So despite having the winning ticket, the President left without the jackpot.

The black marble survives.

The prize pot grows.

And, given Nigel's recent luck with Rotary fines, perhaps nobody should be surprised.

There's always next week.

NEXT WEEK – PLEASE BE THERE

Monday, August 31

District Governor Woody Fridae's Official Visit

Board of Directors: 11:00 a.m.

Regular Club Meeting: Noon

This is an important meeting, so please make every effort to attend and give Woody a warm Brentwood Rotary welcome.

Until then:

Think good thoughts and do good deeds.

Be kind to others and yourself.

Let's build a better world and be the shining example.

And one final piece of presidential advice:

Remember your Rotary badge.

Erin is watching.

CROWNS, CURTSEYS & COMMUNITY SERVICE

A Very Noble Monday at the Rotary Club of Brentwood

Monday, August 17, 2026

If you arrived at Rotary this Monday expecting the usual lunch, fellowship and community service, you may have been slightly concerned to discover that we had apparently become a branch office of Buckingham Palace.

There were Dukes and Duchesses, Lords and Ladies, Knights, garters, a crown, an increasingly ambitious Olga - and eventually a President suggesting that "Sir will be fine."

And that was before Erin started fining people.

Welcome to another perfectly normal meeting of the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

ENGLISH NOBILITY - AND OLGA'S SUSPICIOUS QUESTION

Our meeting began with a little British education.

Some time ago, Olga had asked what appeared to be a perfectly innocent question about English titles of nobility.

President Nigel immediately became suspicious.

So began our jolly ten-minute guide to:

English Nobility - How Titles Are Bestowed, and Olga's Bid for Aristocratic Greatness

The objective was to separate genuine British titles from knighthoods, medals, courtesy styles, royal ceremony and the questionable titles available for purchase on the internet.

And, importantly:

No actual titles were supposed to be conferred during lunch.

That last rule did not survive the presentation.

First Lesson: Not Every Posh Person Is a Lord

British titles make considerably more sense once you realize there are essentially two different ladders.

THE PEERAGE - Actual Ranks of Nobility

From the top:

Duke / Duchess
Marquess / Marchioness
Earl / Countess
Viscount / Viscountess
Baron / Baroness

A peerage can be hereditary or created for life.

Then there are:

HONOURS

These include things such as:

Sir / Dame
CBE / OBE / MBE
Companion of Honour
Orders of Chivalry

These are personal honours and generally do not make someone a member of the nobility.

So, for example, being knighted might make the President Sir Nigel.

It would not make him Lord Nigel - no matter how convincingly he pronounces Leicester.

HOW DO YOU ACTUALLY BECOME NOBLE?

Historically, there were several good strategies.

Be born into it.
Extremely efficient. Unfortunately, if you missed that opportunity, your forward planning was inadequate.

Marry into it.
Still technically possible, particularly if a Duke happens to wander into the buffet line at Club Los Meganos.

Serve the Monarch.
Military, political, administrative and national service have historically been routes to royal recognition.

Own lots of land and become extremely powerful.
Much more effective several centuries ago than it is today.

In modern Britain there are considerably fewer swords and considerably more paperwork.

Names are recommended, vetted and considered through established processes, with the Monarch formally creating peerages through Letters Patent.

And despite extensive investigation:

The King does not accept Venmo.

SIR, DAME, OBE, CBE... WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

We then tackled another source of American confusion: Britain's honours system.

Among the levels discussed were:

GBE - Knight/Dame Grand Cross
KBE/DBE - Knight/Dame Commander
CBE - Commander
OBE - Officer
MBE - Member

There is also a Knight Bachelor, which allows a British recipient to use "Sir," but without post-nominal letters from an order.

And that brought us to an important lesson:

Honours do not equal peerage.

Sir Elton John sounds magnificently aristocratic.

But he's not a peer.

Lord Sugar, on the other hand, is.

WHAT DO YOU CALL THEM?

Naturally, once you've created all these titles, Britain requires rules about what everybody should call each other.

A Duke or Duchess can initially be addressed as:

"Your Grace."

A Knight is:

"Sir Firstname."

And a Dame:

"Dame Firstname."

One should apparently avoid inventions such as "Your Earlness."

The safest advice remained:

When in doubt, "Good afternoon" works on everyone.

This particular lesson would become unexpectedly important later in the meeting.

THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF... THE GARTER?

Yes.

Garter.

Britain's highest order of chivalry is the Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348.

Members are personally chosen by the Sovereign and may use KG or LG after their names.

It is enormously prestigious.

It is also not a peerage.

And, for our American Rotarians wondering whether they had heard the word correctly, a garter really is a band traditionally worn around the leg to hold up a stocking. Americans may be more familiar with the term from wedding traditions.

Which prompted an important clarification:

No, Olga - catching one at a wedding doesn't count.

CAN AN AMERICAN GET ONE OF THESE HONOURS?

Yes - foreign nationals can receive honorary British honours.

We used two Americans as examples:

Bill Bryson - OBE

and

Bill Gates - honorary KBE

But honorary awards don't generally allow foreign recipients to use "Sir" or "Dame."

And Bill Bryson's OBE wouldn't make him "Sir Bill" anyway because an OBE isn't a knighthood.

This did not appear to discourage Olga.

WHO IS ACTUALLY NOBLE?

We then tested the room with some familiar names.

Sir David Beckham - Knight, but not a peer.

Dame Judi Dench - Dame, but not a peer.

Sir Elton John - Knight, but not a peer.

Lord Sugar - Baron and life peer.

Baroness Thatcher - Life peer.

Sir Tony Blair KG - Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter, but not a peer.

The lesson?

"Sir" sounds terribly grand - but "Lord" is usually the peerage clue.

SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY TURN THESE THINGS DOWN

This was perhaps the most difficult concept for Olga to understand.

Among those discussed were David Bowie, Albert Finney, David Hockney, Benjamin Zephaniah, L. S. Lowry and John Lennon.

Some declined honours; Lennon famously received an MBE and later returned the insignia.

Olga's predicted refusal rate:

0.000%

"BECOME A LORD FOR $49.95!"

And what about those websites promising to make you a Lord or Lady by purchasing a tiny piece of land?

Excellent souvenir.

Possibly a certificate.

Maybe even a mug.

But it doesn't create a genuine UK peerage.

Our simple rule:

If your title arrives with a mug, mousepad and free shipping, it's probably not a peerage.

OLGA'S ASCENT TO ARISTOCRATIC GREATNESS

Having established the constitutional facts, we naturally ignored all of them.

Olga's entirely unofficial Rotary pathway was revealed:

Step 1: Ask one innocent question at Rotary.
Step 2: Dame Olga.
Step 3: Baroness Olga of Brentwood.
Step 4: Lady Companion of the Garter.
Step 5: Her Grace, Olga, Duchess of Brentwood.

Requirements apparently include charm, service, patience — and a word with the King.

By powers absolutely not vested in the President of the Rotary Club of Brentwood, Olga's noble ambitions were duly recognized.

Her title remains under review.

Her aristocratic confidence remains unquestioned.

And it all started with one innocent question at Rotary.

PENNIES FOR POLIO

Having resolved the British constitutional crisis, we returned to Rotary business.

In preparation for World Polio Day, milk jugs have appeared on our tables for Pennies for Polio.

Members are encouraged to bring spare change each week as we build our collection.

So search your pockets, car cup holders, kitchen drawers and sofas.

A handful of change may seem insignificant, but Rotary's campaign against polio is a wonderful example of what happens when millions of seemingly small actions are combined toward one enormous goal.

ROTARIANS OUT & ABOUT - WYOMING STYLE

Mike and Marsha recently visited Sheridan, Wyoming, where Mike had previously met the local Assistant Governor.

He was invited to visit their Rotary meeting - and given five minutes on the program.

The Sheridan club has around 85 members and sponsors a steam engine displayed outside its meeting location.

They also sing at the end of meetings.

All very civilized.

Until somebody advised Mike:

"Put your hands over your ears."

Apparently, they fired a pistol at the back of the room.

Some Rotary clubs ring a bell.

Wyoming apparently prefers gunpowder.

Mike and Marsha exchanged Rotary banners with the Sheridan club and brought their banner home to Brentwood.

PEACE TAKES ROOT AT ADAMS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Julie Deck reported on the recent Peace Pole dedication at Adams Middle School, attended by a great group of Brentwood Rotarians.

The most impressive part was the students' involvement.

The school's student union adopted the Peace Pole as one of its first projects and interviewed students around campus to learn what languages were spoken in their homes.

That research resulted in the eight languages appearing on their Peace Pole.

Julie explained that Rotary intentionally allows the students and schools to lead these ceremonies. Rotary supports, participates and presents the certificate, but the students make the project their own.

More local schools are now expressing interest in Peace Poles and Peace Paths, and additional meetings and dedications are already in the works.

The Peace Pole program is clearly gathering momentum.

DENISE GOES FROM RED TO BLUE

We then celebrated a significant milestone as Denise Rugani received her blue badge, a moment also highlighted in the meeting presentation.

Denise reflected on what she has enjoyed during her Rotary journey.

She spoke particularly passionately about Girls Empowerment and the importance of encouraging young women early in life to believe they can enter whatever fields they choose.

She also talked about our barbecues, support of local schools and the extraordinary willingness of Brentwood Rotarians to step forward whenever somebody needs help.

Her comments beautifully captured our club:

When there's a need, this club figures out how to fill it.

Members stood and pledged to continue giving Denise the friendship and support that make Rotary membership meaningful.

Congratulations, Denise.

The red badge is gone.

You're officially one of us now.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - LOG THOSE HOURS!

Shannon returned to a subject she introduced at Club Assembly: engagement.

Her message was simple.

There is something here for everybody.

Committees, service projects, fundraising, fellowship, youth activities and community projects all provide different ways to participate.

If you're looking for a doorway into greater involvement, ask. We'll help you find one.

Shannon also encouraged everyone to download and use the Ignite app.

Club projects are being added to Ignite, and members should record their service hours. Those hours feed through Rotary's systems and help demonstrate the real economic and community impact of the work our club performs.

If you spent the time doing the work:

Please log it.

Otherwise, as far as the statistics are concerned, you were apparently sitting at home watching television.

PAUL HARRIS PUNCH OR FOUR-WAY FIZZ?

Shannon also previewed our upcoming TGIS - Thank Goodness It's Saturday gathering on August 29 at 5:00 p.m., which was featured in the meeting slides.

Along with barbecue and fellowship, there will apparently be two special Rotary beverages:

Paul Harris Punch

and

Four-Way Fizz

One contains alcohol.

One doesn't.

You'll have to attend to discover which is which.





 

THE DUCHESS RETURNS - AND ERIN WANTS PROTOCOL

Then came Sergeant-at-Arms Erin Summit.

After sitting through ten minutes of British nobility, Erin understandably needed clarification about titles.

There was discussion of crowns and Duchesses before Erin asked the President what she should call him.

The response was immediate:

"Sir will be fine."

Before anyone contacted Buckingham Palace to verify the announcement, Nigel explained that in Britain "Sir" can simply be a respectful form of address.

For example, a British school student might address a male teacher as:

"Sir."

No knighthood required.

Whether Erin intends to demonstrate this newfound level of respect at future meetings remains highly doubtful.

And with the constitutional question resolved, she resumed fining people.

ALOHA, NICK!

Nick was in Hawaii.

Unfortunately, Erin's jurisdiction apparently extends across the Pacific.

Members were encouraged to text him "Aloha" on Erin's behalf.

Nick began responding almost immediately.

There truly is nowhere to hide from the Brentwood Rotary Sergeant-at-Arms.

WONDERFUL NEWS FROM ERIN

Before commencing the full roasting of the membership, Erin shared some important personal news.

Her 27-year-old daughter is moving forward in recovery.

Erin thanked members for their support and asked everyone to continue keeping her daughter in their thoughts and prayers.

The room's response was warm and immediate.

It was a reminder that beneath all the fines, teasing and laughter is something much more important:

We genuinely care about one another.

CONFESSIONS, ANNIVERSARIES & PRESIDENTIAL PUNCTUATION

Oscar had some traveling to explain.

Tony enjoyed temporary fine immunity and instead reminded everyone that he's a local financial advisor and available as a resource.

Adam was recognized for being such a strong advocate for Brentwood, including his live coverage of the city's Concerts in the Park.

Then the President made the dangerous decision to confess:

"My spelling is atrocious."

Erin immediately responded:

"So is your punctuation."

It's wonderful to lead such a supportive organization.

Wedding anniversaries, club anniversaries, family accomplishments and other confessions continued generating both laughter and money.

Several members reflected on how long they had been in Rotary, who originally sponsored them and what keeps them coming back.

Again and again, the answer came back to:

Service. Friendship. Community.

WELCOME, JOEY!

Roger shared some wonderful family news about his grandson:

Joseph James - "Joey"

Born in May to Roger's son Zach and daughter-in-law Alex, Joey is doing wonderfully.

Naturally, Erin saw a fundraising opportunity.

The hat went around the room.

Brentwood Rotarians contributed an impressive:

$216 Toward Paul Harris recognition for Joey, with Roger agreeing to match the amount.

Not bad for a young man who hasn't attended a single committee meeting.

Congratulations to Roger and the entire family.

SQUARES FOR GOOD PEOPLE DOING GOOD THINGS

The board filled rapidly as Rotarians purchased squares recognizing fellow members and community partners.

Among the stories was a combined $600 donation to a Walnut Creek-area nonprofit, helping provide practical necessities to people in need.

Elizabeth Clarke was thanked for donating the jugs being used for our Pennies for Polio collection.

Julie Deck received recognition for her continuing work on the Peace Pole program.

Kevin Allen received heartfelt recognition simply because members were so pleased to see him back with us.

And Roger earned a square after being spotted out in public properly wearing his Rotary pin.

Apparently Rotary surveillance is everywhere.

MEMBERSHIP MONTH — MARSHA TAKES OVER

Our main program belonged to Marsha, who reminded us that August is Membership Month.

Her presentation focused on two things:

ATTRACTING

and

ENGAGING

new and existing members.

Marsha began by asking:

Who's on the Membership Team?

A few hands went up.

Wrong answer.

Every hand should have gone up.

Every Rotarian is part of the Membership Team.

WHAT'S YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH?

Marsha reminded us that every member should be able to explain Rotary quickly and naturally.

A good Rotary elevator speech contains four ingredients:

The Hook - community involvement.

Identity - I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

Impact - here's what we actually do.

Call to Action - come and see for yourself.

And Marsha made the final part particularly practical.

Don't merely say:

"You should come sometime."

Say:

"Come with me. I'll pick you up."

Invitation cards with QR codes are now available to make that conversation even easier.

WHERE ARE OUR FUTURE ROTARIANS?

Eventually, we all reach the point where we've asked every relative, friend and colleague who will still answer our calls.

So Marsha encouraged us to broaden our thinking.

Look at our professions and workplaces, fellowships and hobbies, community organizations, former members, online networks, Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, festivals and volunteer organizations.

And look at the professions missing from our club.

The DACdb classification list provides plenty of clues, ranging from financial services and educators to food services, legal, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and nonprofits.

Don't have a dentist?

Invite your dentist.

Just perhaps wait until after the root canal.

RECRUITING IS ONLY HALF THE JOB

Getting someone through the door isn't enough.

We want them to become engaged.

Marsha emphasized that engaging members is really what retention is about.

Successful clubs provide worthwhile meetings, activities appealing to different interests, interactive experiences, lively programs, fun, recognition, meaningful service, connections and friendships.

Many people come for the service - but stay for the fellowship.

And Marsha offered another memorable thought:

"Recognition is our paycheck."

We're volunteers.

Nobody needs another paycheck from Rotary.

But everyone deserves to know their contribution matters.

WHAT WAS YOUR ROTARY "AHA" MOMENT?

Then Marsha's educator instincts took over.

We were going back to school.

Members were numbered off, moved to different tables and paired together.

No appeals were accepted.

The assignment was to develop either:

A Rotary elevator speech

or

A Rotary "Aha Moment."

The Aha Moment is that point where you stop merely paying Rotary dues and realize you've become a Rotarian.

Marsha's guidance was:

Start with why.

Choose one specific moment.

Describe the before and after.

Avoid Rotary jargon.

Keep it brief.

Finish with an invitation to action.

"I FOUND MY TEAM"

The stories that followed were perhaps the best part of the program.

One participant described approaching retirement and making a list of organizations he might join. Then one day he saw Rotarians helping his neighbor Bruce and discovered that the people doing the work were from Rotary.

Another talked about discovering the power of serving alongside an entire community of people rather than trying to serve alone.

Home Team and the ramp built for Bruce became examples.

Another member spoke about coming from generations of people who believed in giving - and then walking into Brentwood Rotary and discovering Peace projects, scholarships, mentoring, Girls Empowerment and countless other opportunities to serve.

Suddenly there was a place to put that desire to give.

Another member described joining the Chamber as a young professional and eventually discovering Rotary. His involvement with Clothes for Kids affected him so deeply that he subsequently brought family members along to participate.

Different backgrounds.

Different moments.

But the same realization:

"I found my team."

And that may have been the most powerful membership message of the entire afternoon.

AND FINALLY... JULIE FINDS THE BLACK MARBLE!

After Marsha received a thoroughly deserved:

"Splendid! Bloody good job!"

...it was time for the weekly drawing.

The first ticket produced a square on the board.

Then came the 50/50.  

With the pot sitting at around $125, Julie Deck held the winning ticket and faced the moment every Rotarian has been waiting for.

She reached into the bag...

And pulled the Black Marble!

Yes, after all those weeks of suspense, hopeful hands reaching into the bag, near misses and increasingly serious consideration of marble-selection strategy, Julie finally found it.

Congratulations, Julie!

The elusive Black Marble has officially been captured, the jackpot has been won, and somewhere a replacement marble is probably already nervous about next Monday.

ABCs OF ROTARY - THE MEETING AFTER THE MEETING

After the regular meeting adjourned, members were invited to stay for another ABCs of Rotary session led by Mike.

The conversation explored The Rotary Foundation - what it is, how our contributions work and how Foundation funds help Rotary tackle projects far beyond what an individual club could accomplish alone.

Topics included the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, Paul Harris recognition, Rotary's areas of focus and the way Foundation dollars can eventually return through grants to support Rotary projects.

For newer members especially, ABCs provides a valuable opportunity to understand how our local Brentwood club connects to the much larger world of Rotary.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Consider what happened in just one Rotary lunch.

We learned how somebody becomes a Duchess.

We discovered why catching a garter at a wedding doesn't qualify you for Britain's highest order of chivalry.

We promoted Olga to entirely fictitious aristocratic greatness.

We celebrated Denise becoming a blue badge Rotarian.

We heard about students creating their own Peace Pole.

We welcomed Kevin back.

We celebrated a new grandson.

We raised money.

Julie finally found the Black Marble.

We learned how to record our service.

We practiced telling other people why Rotary matters.

And then we listened as members explained why Rotary matters to them.

That's quite a lot for one Monday.

But the common thread wasn't really nobility, membership or even service projects.

It was belonging.

People come through our doors for all sorts of reasons.

Some are invited by friends.

Some come through business connections.

Some want to serve.

Some see Rotarians helping a neighbor.

And perhaps some simply ask an innocent question about becoming a Duchess.

But somewhere along the way, something changes.  You simply stop attending a Rotary club, but instead you become part of it.

And, if we're doing things properly, you eventually realize:

You've found your team.

Until next time:

Think good thoughts and do good deeds.
Be kind to others - and be kind to yourself.
Let's build a better world and be the shining example.

President Nigel
Rotary Club of Brentwood

August 19th-
Loma Vista 1st Grade Reading Kick-off meeting 

September 11th and 14th-
ECCHS BBQ set up and take down assistance 

September 20th:
Hispanic Festival- Beer Trailer Frothy Fanatics needed! 

November 7th:
Adam's Middle School- Pumpkins and Pancakes 

Congratulations Jayne!

Dear JAYNE OERTWIG,

We're thrilled to share with you The Allstate Foundation Helping Hands Grant for BRENTWOOD ROTARY COMMUNITY FUND for your volunteerism is now approved. Grant Amount: $500.00 Volunteer Start Date: 2026-01-01 Hours Volunteered: 12 We will send a formal congratulatory email to BRENTWOOD ROTARY COMMUNITY FUND. We hope you will contact the organization as well to share the great news! Please note that the payment will be made directly to the nonprofit in approximately 4 weeks. Don't forget to promote the impact you've had on your community through social media by using the suggested posts below. If you have made a personal contribution to this organization or another qualifying nonprofit, The Allstate Foundation will match your contribution at 100% up to $1,000.00 (in matching funds per calendar year). Log on to My Helping Hands today to request a match! Thank you for being a positive force for change in your community.

Sincerely,
The Allstate Foundation 

Mark your calendars!

August 29th at 5pm

From British Accents to Big Jim

Another Bloody Marvelous Monday at the Rotary Club of Brentwood

Monday, August 10, 2026

If you missed Monday’s meeting, you missed one of those Rotary lunches that somehow managed to be funny, touching, educational, technically challenged and thoroughly Brentwood Rotary — all in the space of one meeting.

We traveled around Britain without leaving Brentwood, discovered that our Sergeant-at-Arms can turn a British vocabulary lesson into a fundraising opportunity, celebrated a new Blue Badge, heard a terrific “My Rotary Minute” from Rob Brandt, and then listened to James “Big Jim” Wangeman tell an extraordinary story spanning polio, an iron lung, military service, PG&E, Harvest Park Bowl, youth programs and more than half a century of Rotary. 

And yes…

Nigel lost his marbles again.

But more about that later.

UK ACCENTS — AND A PRESIDENTIAL “COCK-UP”

President Nigel continued his ongoing mission to educate — or perhaps completely confuse — his American Rotary colleagues about the mysteries of Britain.

This week’s subject was:

UK ACCENTS

For a relatively small collection of islands, Britain has an extraordinary variety of accents and dialects. Travel surprisingly short distances and the way people speak can change dramatically.

The plan was simple.

Put up the PowerPoint.

Play some videos.

Travel around Britain listening to different accents.

Have a few laughs.

What could possibly go wrong?

Apparently, quite a lot.

The video screen wasn't particularly interested in cooperating.

Some of the videos didn't display quite as planned, technology and the President weren't always communicating in the same language, and Nigel was also experiencing a few verbal malfunctions of his own.

In other words, the presentation itself was beginning to resemble one of those British expressions we've previously discussed:

A bit of a cock-up!

Sergeant-at-Arms Erin Summit, naturally, was paying very close attention.

And Erin never allows a good cock-up to go unmonetized.

WANT TO HEAR THE ACCENTS AGAIN?

For anyone who missed the meeting and would like to see the video — or those who would like another attempt at understanding what on earth these people are saying — here are the YouTube clips used during the presentation:

Why does the UK have so many accents?
https://youtu.be/6Weo6Y6LbJ4

Ranking the Hardest UK Accents to Understand
https://youtu.be/G2TNCdj6iIQ

The Best Accent in the UK Goes To…
https://youtu.be/Ltw9w6DIjs0

Welsh Accent in the Van
https://youtu.be/5mHG0gqxli8

North Meets South — Welsh Dialect
https://youtu.be/20kJ6_6QzCQ

Scottish Accent vs. Irish Accent
https://youtu.be/k3AgxhGU4JU

THE SCOTTISH ELEVATOR — AND THE $5 LANGUAGE LESSON

Then we arrived in Scotland.

One of the funniest examples was the Burnistoun sketch featuring two increasingly frustrated Scots attempting to operate a voice-controlled elevator.  Click here to watch!  

Their request seems simple enough.

They would like to go to the:

ELEVENTH FLOOR.

Unfortunately, the elevator's voice-recognition system has apparently never visited Scotland.

The two men try everything to make themselves understood, becoming increasingly frustrated as the elevator stubbornly refuses to recognize their Scottish pronunciation.

It was a perfect example of just how difficult a strong regional accent can be.

Unfortunately for Nigel, the real language problem occurred after the video.

Erin referred to one of the characters using the word:

“Wally.”

Now, Nigel had two choices.

Choice One: Keep quiet.

Choice Two: Correct the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Our President chose poorly.

With the confidence of a man who had apparently learned absolutely nothing from his previous dealings with Erin, Nigel helpfully explained:

“Actually, Erin, he said WILLY.”

There was probably a brief opportunity at this point for Nigel to reconsider his decision.

Too late.

$5 FINE!

So, to summarize:

The Scottish comedian said, “willy.”

Erin said, “wally.”

Nigel corrected Erin.

Nigel paid $5.

Welcome to Rotary justice.

And with the troublesome video screen, the technological challenges, the President’s verbal challenges and the general mayhem surrounding the presentation, Erin had already found the perfect British expression to describe the whole affair:

“COCK-UP!”

Apparently Erin is allowed to say it.

Nigel probably isn't.

Lesson of the week: Never correct the Sergeant-at-Arms when she's holding the fine book.

Or perhaps the better summary is:

Nigel teaches British English. Erin charges Tuition!

TIFFANY STEWART GOES BLUE!

We then moved to some very happy Rotary business as Tiffany Stewart completed the requirements to move from her Red Badge to her Blue Badge.

Tiffany was asked to reflect briefly on which part of the process had been particularly meaningful to her.

Her comments captured exactly why the Red Badge program matters.

By getting involved in projects and activities, new members begin to see firsthand how Rotary service affects people in our community — and how things many of us take for granted can be genuinely important to someone who needs help.

Tiffany completed the required activities, gathered the necessary signatures and officially earned her Blue Badge.

Members who were able stood to congratulate her.

Congratulations, Tiffany!

You've done the work.

You've earned the badge.

And now you're officially released into the wild as a fully-fledged Brentwood Rotarian!

THEN ERIN REALLY GOT TO WORK…

Having successfully extracted money from the President for providing an unsolicited Scottish vocabulary correction, Erin turned her attention to everyone else.

There were birthdays.

There were anniversaries.

There were late arrivals.

There were questions.

And there were answers that probably cost considerably more than the members anticipated.

In other words:

A perfectly normal Erin Summit production.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!

Among those caught in Erin’s sights was Dave Roach, whose birthday was coming up Sunday.

Asked what he planned to do, Dave seemed to have the essentials properly organized:

Friends over at the house.

Some steaks.

And perhaps a Corona.

Then somehow the conversation turned to contributing a dollar for every year.

Dave settled on:

$60

We shall leave readers to determine whether that was simply a generous Rotary contribution…

or an official admission of age.

Happy Birthday, Dave!

REMEMBERING SHELLIE  

The laughter paused for an important and poignant moment as we remembered our much-loved fellow Rotarian Shellie Seyer.

July marked Shellie’s 18th Rotary anniversary.

Although Shellie is no longer physically sitting among us, she remains very much part of the story of this club.

Eighteen years of Rotary represents countless meetings, projects, friendships, conversations and acts of Service Above Self.

More importantly, Shellie wasn't simply remembered as a longtime Rotarian.

She was remembered as a friend.

Shellie will be missed, remembered and always remain part of the Rotary Club of Brentwood family.

ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES

Jessica Busman was recognized for four years with the club.

When asked what she had enjoyed most, Jessica spoke about something we hear repeatedly from longtime Rotarians:

The friendships.

Those friendships haven't just benefited Jessica.

She explained that her husband doesn't get out very much, but through Rotary he has now developed some pretty good golf buddies.

Jessica also spoke warmly about the service work she has been able to participate in, particularly projects involving young people and work in Mexico.

Friendships matter.

But so does the work.

And Jessica clearly loves both.

JoAnn Klement

JoAnn Klement was also recognized for her Rotary anniversary.

There was a little good-natured debate over exactly how many years she had been a member — apparently Rotary longevity does not necessarily improve one's memory.

JoAnn decided to mark the occasion with $20 contribution to PolioPlus.

Considering who our featured speaker was that afternoon, that turned out to be a particularly appropriate choice.

Thank you, JoAnn — and happy Rotary anniversary!

DENISE AND TWO YEARS OF ROTARY

Denise was also recognized for her Rotary anniversary.

Erin pointed out that Denise was approaching her Blue Badge after roughly two years.

Apparently that's about normal.

Although, as Denise could reasonably argue, most people aren't also busy being a school superintendent!

Denise spoke warmly about Rotary's generosity toward our students and schools and how club members are always willing to step forward when help is needed.

She particularly highlighted the work involving middle-school girls and empowerment, a program that clearly means a great deal to her.

Denise then backed up those words with a generous:

$50 contribution.

Thank you, Denise!

SQUARES, SQUARES AND MORE SQUARES

Then the squares started flying.

Members bought squares to recognize friends, fellow Rotarians, golf outings, weddings, projects, good deeds and — naturally — each other.

There was a family wedding organized on rather short notice, producing a scramble involving a wedding cake and cupcakes.

We heard appreciation for work being done on the Peace Pole/Peace Path project, with more information expected to come before the club soon.

There were squares honoring visitors and friends, including Big Jim, and plenty of good-natured recognition around the room.

The exact accounting may require forensic assistance.

But once again, members found plenty of reasons to recognize one another while supporting Rotary in the process.

ROB BRANDT’S “MY ROTARY MINUTE”  

This week it was Rob Brandt’s turn to tell us how his Rotary journey began.

And, as we're rapidly discovering, “My Rotary Minute” operates on roughly the same timekeeping system as a Rotary committee meeting.

Rob took us back to 1997.  A former classmate who was serving as Rotary president had been encouraging Rob to come along to lunch.  But Rob resisted for a while although eventually, around March, he gave in and said, essentially:

“Sure, let's go.”

He walked into a room of roughly 20-plus people — businesspeople, retirees and community leaders.  He knew some of them, others would eventually become important people in his life.

Nearly 30 years later, Rob explained what has kept him involved.

The friendships.

The camaraderie.

The people.

Rob remembered the Rotarians who became mentors, particularly when he later served as club president in 1999–2000, and reflected on the many friends from those early days who are sadly no longer with us.

Of course, Rotary also produces professional and business connections.

But as Rob made clear:

That's not why you join a service club.

Looking around the room at people he has known for decades, Rob summed up his Rotary journey beautifully:

“All of you are my friends.”

And perhaps that's exactly what My Rotary Minute is intended to reveal.

We may join Rotary because somebody invites us to lunch.

We may stay because we believe in Service Above Self.

But somewhere along the way, something else happens.  We become friends!

Thank you, Rob, for sharing your Rotary Minute — even if, like most things in Rotary, it lasted slightly longer than a minute!

AND THEN CAME BIG JIM 

Rob's reflections on nearly three decades of Rotary provided the perfect transition to a man whose Rotary journey stretches even further back.

Our featured speaker was:

JAMES “BIG JIM” WANGEMAN

Big Jim has been a Rotarian since 1974.  

But he wasn't invited simply because of his extraordinary Rotary longevity.

He came to tell us about something very few people alive today can describe firsthand.

Big Jim is a polio survivor.

POLIO — 1945

Jim was just seven years old when he contracted polio in 1945.

There was no polio vaccine.

Jim remembers the severe pain.

And he remembers his greatest fear:

THE IRON LUNG

Jim spent approximately one month inside an iron lung.

For a seven-year-old child, it must have been terrifying.

He recalled being inside the machine, with very limited opportunities to come out, as it helped him through the effects of the disease.

But Jim survived.

Remarkably, he escaped the paralysis that affected so many other polio victims.

And after leaving the iron lung, he went on to live what he described as a remarkably normal and active life.

He played:

Football.

Basketball.

Baseball.

Later, he played competitive fast-pitch softball and told us his team went to the World Championships twice.

Not bad for a kid who once lay inside an iron lung wondering what his future might hold.

ANOTHER BRUSH WITH DEATH

During his senior year of high school, while playing football, Jim suffered an injury to his shin that developed into a severe infection.

His condition became so serious that Jim recalled his mother, doctor and a priest gathering at the hospital.

He was given the last rites.

Doctors believed amputation might be necessary to save his life.

His mother refused.

Jim remembers her saying:

“Jimmy’s in God’s hands.”

For weeks, doctors treated the infection.

And once again…

BIG JIM SURVIVED.

And because this is Brentwood Rotary, after hearing an extraordinary story about a teenage boy almost dying, somebody naturally asked the most important question:

“Did you win the football game?”

Jim's answer?

YES.

Of course he did.

THE AIR FORCE AND PG&E

Life dealt Jim another devastating blow when his mother died of a massive heart attack in 1956. His father had died several years earlier.

Still a young man, Jim found himself essentially on his own.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1956 and served for four years.

Jim credits the military with helping him grow up and preparing him for the life ahead.

After leaving the service, he joined PG&E.

His original job description could probably be summarized as:

GRUNT.

He dug holes.

A lot of holes.

Jim quickly concluded that this was not going to be his lifetime career plan.

He worked his way into the office and became involved with joint-trench coordination and underground construction, eventually developing procedures used within PG&E.

HARVEST PARK BOWL

For Brentwood residents, however, another chapter of Big Jim’s story may be even more familiar.

In 1994, Jim and his wife took a huge gamble and built Harvest Park Bowl.

Brentwood then had a population of only around 12,000.

There wasn't much around them.

It was a risk.

According to Jim, he wasn't entirely convinced it was a good idea.

His wife was.

Fortunately…

SHE WON.

Harvest Park Bowl grew along with Brentwood and became much more than somewhere to knock down ten pins.

It became a community gathering place.

And for many years it was also part of the life of the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

Members recalled Rotary Board meetings being held there and Jim making the facility available whenever Rotary needed somewhere to gather.

A LEGACY FOR BRENTWOOD’S YOUTH

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Harvest Park Bowl story wasn't the building itself.

It was what happened inside it.

Jim described youth bowling programs that at times involved approximately 120 children each season.

Fundraisers generated money for scholarships.

Young bowlers went on to college with scholarship assistance earned through those programs.

One member recalled his own son receiving approximately $8,000 in scholarship money.

Others remembered free bowling opportunities for local children, tournaments and the enormous number of Brentwood families touched by the program.

At one point, Jim said, the youth bowling program at Harvest Park Bowl was among the leading programs nationally.

That's quite a legacy.

ROTARY MEMORIES STARTED POURING OUT

Once Jim began talking, something rather wonderful happened.

Other Rotarians began telling their stories about Jim.

There were memories of barbecues.

Rotisserie chicken.

Late-night high-school events.

Pancakes.

Youth programs.

Bowling tournaments.

Rotary Board meetings.

And then there was the legendary Super Bowl Sunday barbecue competition, born from some friendly disagreement over who made the better tri-tip.

Naturally, the only sensible Rotary solution was:

Have a competition.

Decades later, the tradition continues.

“GIVE PEOPLE THEIR ROSES”

One member perhaps captured the mood of the room better than anyone.

Rather than asking Jim a question, she simply thanked him.

For his service.

For his work with young people.

For everything he had done for the community.

For the lives he had influenced.

She explained that she believes in:

“Giving people their roses.”

In other words, don't wait until someone is gone to tell them what they meant to you.

Tell them while they're here to hear it.

On Monday afternoon…

Big Jim received a room full of roses.

A VERY SPECIAL ROTARY RECOGNITION

The afternoon concluded with a recognition that had been waiting for the right moment.

Big Jim received a special lifetime Rotary honor recognizing his extraordinary years of service.

His family was invited forward.

Photographs were taken.

There were smiles all around.

And we also learned that Jim has graciously agreed to participate in a living-history video, preserving some of these stories for future generations of Brentwood Rotarians.

That's important.

Organizations like ours aren't built simply from bylaws, Board meetings, fundraisers and minutes.

They're built from:

People.

Friendships.

Service.

And stories.

And Big Jim has quite a story.

“I AM A SURVIVOR”

At 88 years old, Jim continues to deal with long-term problems he associates with the polio he contracted as a seven-year-old boy.

He described the pain and difficulties that returned decades later and the ongoing treatment required for his legs.

But throughout his presentation one message came through repeatedly:

“I AM A SURVIVOR.”

And then, just in case the room was becoming a little too emotional, Big Jim reminded us that at 88 he is:

“Still chasing women.”

There is, apparently, only one problem.

He can't catch them.

Big Jim…

We wouldn't bet against you.

WHY POLIO STILL MATTERS TO ROTARY

For many of us, polio belongs in a history book.

For Big Jim, it is personal.

He lived it.

He remembers being seven years old.

He remembers the pain.

He remembers the iron lung.

He remembers a world without a vaccine.

And more than eight decades later, he continues living with consequences he associates with that disease.

That's why Rotary's commitment to PolioPlus is about much more than another fundraising program.

Behind every statistic is:

A child.

A family.

A life.

On Monday, Big Jim reminded us what those numbers actually represent.

AND FINALLY… NIGEL LOST HIS MARBLES

After British accents, malfunctioning technology, Blue Badges, Erin’s fines, birthdays, anniversaries, squares, Rob’s Rotary memories, polio, an iron lung, Harvest Park Bowl and a lifetime Rotary recognition, there was only one logical way to end the meeting:

Nigel’s marbles.

The 50/50 winner was offered a choice.

Take one of the goodies…

OR

Risk it and attempt to draw the elusive:

BLACK MARBLE

With 14 white marbles still lurking in the bag and the jackpot at approximately $107, our brave Jayne Oertwig made the decision:

GO FOR THE MARBLE!

The bag was shaken.

The room waited.

A hand went in.

A marble emerged…

And…

WHITE!

The black marble survives another week.

Which means Nigel hasn't completely lost his marbles.

Yet.

NEXT WEEK

Next Monday we continue our journey through:

THE ABCs OF ROTARY — PART TWO

Who knows what the President will teach us next?

Perhaps the more important question is:

What will Erin fine him for?

FINAL THOUGHT

Monday’s meeting demonstrated something rather special about Rotary.

We laughed about accents.

We laughed at our President's technological difficulties.

We celebrated a new Blue Badge.

We raised money by fining one another for ridiculous things.

We celebrated birthdays and Rotary anniversaries.

We remembered a friend we recently lost.

We listened to Rob Brandt explain how an invitation to lunch almost 30 years ago led to decades of friendship.

And then we listened to an 88-year-old man tell us what it was like to be a frightened seven-year-old inside an iron lung in 1945 — and how that little boy went on to serve his country, build businesses, help generations of young people and devote more than half a century to Rotary.

That's quite a lot to fit into one Monday lunch.

But perhaps that's Rotary.

Friendship.

Service.

Laughter.

Memories.

And people who make a difference.

Thank you, Rob, for sharing your Rotary journey.

Thank you, Big Jim, for sharing your remarkable life with us.

And thank you to everyone who made Monday another memorable meeting of the:

ROTARY CLUB OF BRENTWOOD

Service Above Self

We were honored to have a past president and polio survivor, Jim Wangeman , speak at our club on August 10th.

If you would like to know more about Jim and his life, here's a link to an article from The Press that you will enjoy reading:

The Press

Peace Pole News Alert!

The Brentwood Rotary Weekly

Blue Badges, Peace Poles, Pork Pies—and One Very Welcome Return

Monday, August 3, 2026

There are ordinary Rotary meetings, and then there are meetings featuring British history, blue badges, employment lawyers, electric trucks, cycling expeditions, spray tans, pork pies, a possible hobbit, and enough fines to keep the club solvent for another week.

This was definitely the second kind.

President Nigel opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an enthusiastic—if somewhat freestyle—rendition of the Four-Way Test lead by Greg Robinson, who launched into it from his table at the back.

Welcome to Our Guests

We were delighted to welcome several guests, including Charlotte, introduced by her mother, Rotarian Jessica Busman; next John Dodson who is on his second visit to our club, he has recently retired from the Liberty Union High School District and apparently a keen cyclist, he's checking us out.  Lenore Medina, principal of Edna Hill Middle School; and Jim Hamilton of Delta Community Services.

We also welcomed a first-time visitor from Brentwood, Kiran's friend Ravi Marwaha.  Todd then introduced Patti Stiker. Patti is a former member of the Rotary Club of Foster City, and pleased to have her join us. 

Most importantly, the entire room was thrilled to welcome Kevin Allen back to Rotary and he introduced his wife Leslie.

After everything Kevin and his family have experienced during the past several weeks, seeing “The Kevinator” back in the room was deeply meaningful. The applause, smiles, donations, and warm words made it very clear how much Kevin has been missed—and how grateful everyone is to see him returning to his Rotary family.

Rotarians Out and About—On Two Wheels

Tim Dahl, spoke and reported another successful ride.

The rides are designed to include cyclists of different ability levels, with the route and pace adjusted to suit the least-experienced participant. That means you do not need professional cycling gear, an aerodynamic helmet, or legs resembling those of a Tour de France competitor.

You simply need a bicycle and a willingness to enjoy the company.

Another organized ride is expected during the first week of September, although informal rides may take place before then. Members interested in participating should speak with Steve Walker, Past President Greg Robinson, or one of the club’s other enthusiastic cyclists.

When someone asked whether there was a charge to participate, the answer was no—although voluntary contributions to the Past President’s Ferrari Fund will apparently continue to be accepted.

Elizabeth Clarke Goes from Red to Blue

One of the happiest moments of the meeting was the presentation of a blue badge to Elizabeth Clarke. Todd Moeller conducted the ceremony.

Moving from a red badge to a blue badge recognizes that a new member has taken the time to learn about the club, meet fellow Rotarians, understand our activities, and discover opportunities to serve.

Elizabeth said one of the most meaningful parts of her Rotary journey has been discovering just how much the Brentwood Rotary Club does for the community. She described the number of projects, fundraisers, and service activities as impressive—and perhaps a little overwhelming for someone experiencing them for the first time.

Elizabeth also revealed something members may not have suspected: she considers herself shy and nervous.

She warned everyone that smiling at her may result in her sitting down and talking with them for quite some time.

This warning is unlikely to discourage anyone.

Congratulations, Elizabeth. It is a privilege to have you as a fully blue-badged member of the Brentwood Rotary Club.

New Donation Information CardsPast President Julie Deck announced that the club’s donation information cards have been updated and reprinted.

The cards explain the different ways members may direct their contributions, including gifts to The Rotary Foundation, Paul Harris recognition, the Brentwood Rotary Club Foundation, and the club’s endowment.

The cards contain a considerable amount of information—possibly enough to require reading glasses, a magnifying glass, or both. Julie acknowledged that the next version may need to be larger, particularly because Rotary continues to create new ways for generous people to do good things.

Copies will be available on the tables and near the entrance.

Peace Poles Are Spreading Across Brentwood

PP Julie Deck reports that the club’s Peace Pole project continues to gather impressive momentum.

A Peace Pole has already been installed at Marsh Creek Elementary School, and a second has now been planted at Adams Middle School. Information about the Adams dedication ceremony will be shared once the date is confirmed.

Even more exciting, nine additional schools have expressed an interest in participating.

Meetings are being arranged with school representatives, and the Peace Committee gathered immediately following Monday’s club meeting to continue planning. Members will have opportunities to work directly with participating schools.

The goal is to place Peace Poles at as many Brentwood schools as possible, creating visible reminders of kindness, understanding, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Julie noted that only a few schools remain uncommitted. It was jokingly suggested that these schools may simply be “against peace,” although the committee remains reasonably confident that diplomacy will eventually prevail.

Community Service Update

Shannon Stone reports Rotarians are being asked to help grill hot dogs for the Marsh Creek Elementary back-to-school carnival this week.

JoAnn is leading the activity and will be on site beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Members who enjoy grilling—or who can at least distinguish a cooked hot dog from an uncooked one—are encouraged to help.

The club is also beginning the third year of its first-grade reading program at Loma Vista Elementary School.

JoAnn and Past President Dana Eaton are working to expand the reading program to additional Brentwood elementary schools. This will require more volunteers, and members are encouraged to participate or recommend other dependable community volunteers who enjoy helping young children develop a love of reading.

Things may feel relatively quiet at the moment, but members were warned that this is merely the lull before the holiday season.

In other words: enjoy your free evenings while they last.
 

Digs & Rigs Is Rolling Forward

Amy Tilley reports that planning for Digs & Rigs is underway, and the committee will meet again Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at Brentwood's Craft Beer & Cider.

Anyone who has served on the committee previously—or who would like to become involved this year—is encouraged to attend.

Early reports suggest that plans are progressing well and that the committee is determined to continue building on the success of previous years.

An Electric Dryer Is Needed

Olga Vidriales mentioned Melissa McCarthy, who previously spoke to the club about local Life Skills students, has shared a practical need.

The classroom teaches students important independent-living skills, including washing and drying their own clothing. Unfortunately, the program has been without a working electric dryer for approximately a year and a half.

Anyone who has a usable electric dryer available for donation is asked to contact the club. Should a donated machine not be found, members may organize a small fundraising effort to purchase one.

This is an opportunity to meet a very real need for local students right here in our community.

Sergeant-at-Arms: Olga Takes the Microphone

The day’s Sergeant-at-Arms was Olga Vidriales, who bravely stepped forward to fill the position normally occupied by Erin Summit who was not able to attend today, she should be back next week.

Olga admitted to being nervous!

This was understandable.

Erin has established a formidable standard involving volume, confidence, investigative skill, and the ability to detect fineable conduct from approximately 300 yards away.

To prepare herself, Olga reportedly listened to Alanis Morissette throughout the week in an effort to summon the necessary emotional intensity.

It worked!

Among the day’s alleged offenses:

• A longtime real estate professional, Glenn Huxtable was fined following a complicated calculation involving approximately 30 years in the business.

A table containing far too many men was fined on a per-man basis and advised to improve its gender balance.

• IPP Tim Dahl was addressed as he was a woman! He announced that was the best compliment he had all week. 
• One member, Wade Ellenberger, was discovered wearing another Rotarian’s badge.

• A normally quiet Rotarian, Eric Soiland, was accused of ignoring a fellow member (Olga) at Costco while concentrating intensely on the free samples.

• Tony was fined for arriving late, although he successfully transformed the proceedings into a promotion for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce’s fifth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival and car show on September 20.

• Past President Dirk Zeigler became involved in a pricing dispute that escalated rapidly from one dollar to five. 

• Dave was reminded of a previous suggestion that he use a gift card to purchase a spray tan after appearing in shorts at Tim’s demotion party.

A proposal was briefly considered passing the hat for Dave’s spray tan.

Fortunately, the discussion ended before anyone was required to inspect the current condition of his legs.

Olga may have begun nervously, but by the end of the session she appeared entirely comfortable relieving members of their money.

Erin should be proud—and perhaps a little concerned.


Happy Birthday, Rhonda! 

The club celebrated Rhonda’s birthday, which took place Saturday.

Rhonda enjoyed pizza with friends, which was judged to be a perfectly sensible birthday decision. However, hubby forgot the cake! He'll have to do better next year!

Members were reminded that Rhonda is a highly respected employment attorney, a longtime Rotarian, a former board member, a generous event sponsor, and a strong supporter of the club.

Mondays can be difficult for an employment attorney to attend Rotary, particularly because employees occasionally spend the weekend making questionable decisions and then decide on Monday morning that they need legal advice, not  to mention the holiday parties.

Happy birthday, Rhonda, and thank you for all you have done for the Brentwood Rotary Club.

Squares, Celebrations and Generosity

Once the fines ended, members began purchasing squares and making donations.

Many of the squares were purchased in honor of Kevin, celebrating his return to the club. Additional squares were bought in recognition of Kevin’s wife, Leslie, whose love, strength, and care have supported him throughout his recovery.

Other squares recognized:

• Rhonda’s birthday

• Steve Walker and the successful Rotary bike ride

• The volunteers who organized club activities

• Rotarians who continue to quietly serve and support the club

Tiffany purchased three squares on behalf of her children, explaining that they had all prayed for Kevin and would be thrilled to know that he had returned to Rotary.

It was one of those moments that captured what Rotary fellowship is truly about.

Ten Thousand Miles and $57 for the Endowment

Greg Robinson, who had just returned, reported that he, his wife, and their dog had been away for 57 days, traveling approximately 10,060 miles.

To mark the journey, he donated $57 to the club endowment—one dollar for every day they were away.

 

A New Black Electric Truck!

Dana Eaton confessed to acquiring a black electric Ford truck.

The purchase came about because his son needs transportation for college and will receive the family’s well-loved 2014 Ford Explorer. This created an entirely reasonable justification for Dad to acquire a newer electric truck.

There was some debate over whether purchasing a blue over black vehicle should automatically eliminate any fine.

The defense was creative but not entirely successful.

Members were invited to admire the truck after the meeting!

Honoring a Longtime Rotarian and Firefighter 

Richard Palmer was called to his feet after spending much of the meeting offering helpful commentary to the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Richard has been involved in Rotary for many years and served his community as a firefighter, running toward emergencies while others were running away.

The club recognized his years of Rotary service, generosity, sponsorships, fellowship, and commitment to supporting club activities.

After all those kind words, he was still fined five dollars for being “a pain.”

That, too, is Rotary fellowship.

Safe Travels

Richard Palmer announced that, after being home for approximately 90 days, he will be departing for another 90-day journey beginning Tuesday.

The trip will include Nashville, Tennessee, and the entire journey will be made by road.

He promised to visit Rotary clubs during his travels and asked everyone to remember him when he returns.

Safe travels—and please return with photographs, stories, and sufficient funds for the inevitable confession.

British Language Lesson of the Week

The conversation then wandered—quite naturally—into British swear words and expressions.

“Sod off” was discussed at some length, including an explanation that a “sod” can also refer to a piece of grass or turf.

This explanation may not have been entirely helpful, but it did provide everyone with another British expression to add to the growing vocabulary list.

“Bloody hell” also made an appearance, although the club’s official swear-jar rules remain under review.

Tim Herbert, stepped in to rescue Nigel from explaining any more bad language.

Delta Community Services Supports Science Camp

The club was honored to hear from Jim Hamilton of Delta Community Services and Lenore Medina, principal of Edna Hill Middle School.

Delta Community Services is made up of hundreds of local residents who work together to give back to the community, with a strong emphasis on education and assistance for people whose needs might otherwise go unnoticed.

Jim explained that the organization provides significant support to local schools, including funding for technology and student programs.

Delta Community Services has supported Edna Hill Middle School’s sixth-grade science camp for several years, contributing approximately $8,000 annually to help students who might not otherwise be able to participate.

Principal Medina explained that a significant percentage of Edna Hill families face economic challenges. Science camp is an important educational and social experience, but the cost can prevent some students from attending.

She shared the story of an incoming sixth-grade student who had operated a lemonade stand and saved $150 toward science camp because her older brother had been unable to attend.

With scholarship assistance now available, that student will be able to attend camp and keep her carefully earned savings for another purpose.

The student thanked Principal Medina shortly before Monday’s meeting.

It was a powerful reminder that a community grant is more than a number written on a check. It can become a child’s first night away from home, a new friendship, a science experiment, a walk through nature, and a memory that lasts for years.

The Brentwood Rotary Club is proud to partner with Delta Community Services in supporting Edna Hill students.

When the Speaker Cancels, Send in the Englishman

The scheduled speaker was Stacey Martin-Bonaduce, Program & Grants Manager for Sustainable Contra Costa.

Unfortunately, Stacey was unable to attend, and her presentation has been rescheduled for October.

This left President Nigel with the challenge of filling the program at very short notice.

Fortunately, Nigel possesses three important qualifications:

1. He owns PowerPoint.

2. He is British.

3. He is not afraid to use either one.

The resulting presentation took members on a whirlwind tour of the United Kingdom, Leicester, British history, regional accents, pork pies, blue cheese, royal executions, Roman ruins, Monty Python, and hobbits.

The United Kingdom Compared with California  

Nigel began by helping members visualize the size and population of the United Kingdom in comparison with California.

The United Kingdom has approximately 69 million people living within about 94,000 square miles.

California has approximately 39 million people spread across about 163,700 square miles.

In other words, California is roughly 75 percent larger geographically, while the United Kingdom contains around 30 million more people.

Despite its population density, Britain still has extensive countryside, partly because of planning protections intended to preserve undeveloped green spaces.

Nigel also explained that the distance from Land’s End in southern England to John o’ Groats in northern Scotland is comparable to traveling much of the length of California.

However, British accents can change dramatically within very short distances. A person may travel only 40 miles and encounter an accent that sounds as though it came from an entirely different country.

Welcome to Leicestershire

Nigel grew up in Wigston, near Leicester, in the East Midlands.

He described the Midlands as the home of ordinary folk—and possibly Hobbits ( Tolkin was from Oxfordshire which is 40 miles South of Leicester)

Leicestershire is connected with several important historical events and figures, including:

• The Battle of Bosworth Field

• The Wars of the Roses

• King Richard III

• The Tudor Rose

• Roman Leicester and the Jewry Wall

• Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

• Lady Jane Grey

• Bradgate Park

The Battle of Bosworth Field, fought near Market Bosworth on August 22, 1485, brought Richard III and Henry Tudor face to face in the final major battle of the Wars of the Roses.

Richard was defeated, Henry Tudor became Henry VII, and the Tudor dynasty began.

The Tudor Rose combined the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York, symbolizing reconciliation after years of civil conflict.

Richard III and Leicester Cathedral

King Richard III’s remains were discovered beneath a parking area in Leicester centuries after his death and were eventually reinterred at Leicester Cathedral.

Nigel explained that the cathedral itself had never particularly excited him, although he quickly clarified that his criticism concerned the quality of its pipe organ.

This clarification arrived just in time.

Romans, Wolsey and the Nine-Day Queen

The Jewry Wall is one of the largest surviving pieces of Roman masonry in Britain and formed part of Leicester’s ancient Roman bath complex.

As a schoolchild, Nigel was regularly taken to study the Roman ruins and artifacts. Like many children, he probably appreciated their historical importance considerably more after reaching adulthood.

The presentation also featured Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s powerful chief minister and Lord Chancellor, who died at Leicester Abbey in 1530.

Then came Lady Jane Grey, who is associated with Bradgate Park in Leicestershire.

Lady Jane became Queen of England for only nine days in July 1553 before being deposed by Mary Tudor. She was later imprisoned in the Tower of London and executed at approximately 16 years of age.

It was not, Nigel conceded, one of the happier royal stories.

Leicester’s Famous Contributions

The slides also highlighted several important Leicester connections.

The University of Leicester was the birthplace of DNA fingerprinting, discovered in 1984 by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.

Richard and David Attenborough spent important formative years in Leicester, while Monty Python actor and writer Graham Chapman was born in Leicester and grew up in Melton Mowbray.

Nigel suggested that Graham Chapman’s Leicestershire connection may help explain Nigel’s own sense of humor.

This remains scientifically unproven.

Pork Pies, Cheese and Branston Pickle

No presentation about Leicestershire would be complete without food.

Nigel introduced members to:

• Melton Mowbray pork pies

• Red Leicester cheese

• Stilton cheese

• Branston pickle  For additional info click here

• Piccalilli  For additional info click here

• The traditional ploughman’s lunch

A genuine Melton Mowbray pork pie is made with hand-raised hot-water crust pastry, uncured pork, seasoning, and pork jelly added after baking.

It is delicious, traditional, and almost certainly not recommended by Nigel’s cardiologist.

Stilton was explained as being similar to blue cheese, leading naturally to a discussion about mold, food production, and whether any of this material would appear on the final examination papers.

Is Nigel Really a Hobbit?

Nigel described himself as a Hobbit from the Shires.

This claim was immediately challenged.

Evidence against Nigel’s hobbit status included his height, the absence of visible hair on his feet, and the fact that traditional hobbits average considerably less than six feet tall.

Nigel defended himself by pointing out that J.R.R. Tolkien had connections to the Midlands and that Leicestershire certainly feels like part of the Shires.

The matter has been referred to the club’s Hobbit Verification Committee.

Nigel’s Rotary Minute

The final—and most personal—portion of the program was Nigel’s Rotary Minute.

Nigel shared that when he was 27 years old and living in England, he was diagnosed with cancer.

After surgery and radiation treatment, he felt profoundly grateful to be alive. The experience became a wake-up call. He began to feel that he had taken too much of his first 27 years for granted and that he needed to experience more of the world and do more for other people.

He began raising money for charity whilst working at the Leicestershire Area Health Authority and later had an opportunity to move to California, originally planning to remain for only two years.

He is apparently still waiting for those two years to end.

While working in Global Logistics (here in California) and selling space aboard ships and aircraft, Nigel met a customer who was a Rotarian, his name was Brian Wilson from the El Cerrito Club. After hearing Nigel’s story and learning about his charitable work, the customer introduced him to Rotary and joined the San Bruno Club.

Nigel immediately recognized that Rotary represented the kind of service and purpose he had been seeking.

It provided a way to turn gratitude into action.

Nigel hopes to include a Rotary Minute regularly and is inviting other members to share their own stories:

Who introduced you to Rotary?

Why did you join?

What made you stay?

What Rotary moment has meant the most to you?

Every Rotarian has a story, and those stories help remind us why we gather each Monday.

Nigel’s Losing His Marbles 

The meeting ended with the weekly drawings and Nigel’s Losing His Marbles Game.

The board drawing produced another happy winner.

In the marble drawing, the lucky ticket holder was offered a choice: attempt to draw the black marble or select an immediate prize from the goodie bin.

Chocolate defeated courage.

The black marble remains in play, and approximately 14 marbles are left. The odds continue to improve—although apparently not enough to compete with guaranteed chocolate.

Until Next Monday

The meeting closed with President Nigel’s continuing message:

Do good deeds.
Think good thoughts.
Be kind to yourself and to others.
And enjoy yourself along the way.

After a meeting filled with service, laughter, generosity, friendship, history, cheese, and one very welcome returning Rotarian, that seemed like exactly the right way to finish.

The President's Ponderings

A Smashing Meeting… with Toads, Butterflies, and a Brand-New Rotarian!

Good afternoon, my little lovelies!

If you missed Monday's meeting, you certainly missed one of the more entertaining afternoons we've had in quite some time. Somehow we managed to combine British cuisine, butterfly conservation, birthday celebrations, Rotary milestones, random trivia, and Sergeant-at-Arms justice into a single meeting. Only at Brentwood Rotary!

A Little English Education… (Proceed at Your Own Risk!) 

As promised, your weekly lesson in "English English" continued.

This week's menu included:

• Toad in the Hole (no amphibians were harmed!)

• Spotted Dick (which caused far more laughter in America than it ever would in England!)

• Black Pudding (yes... it's made with pig's blood)

• and the infamous Faggots—a perfectly innocent British meat dish that caused enough nervous laughter to keep Erin supplied with fine money for weeks.

Let's just say some words really don't travel well across the Atlantic!

I was also reminded that perhaps introducing British food before lunch wasn't my brightest idea...

Welcome to Rotary, Jeff!

One of the real highlights of the day was officially welcoming Jeff Conner as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Brentwood. 

Jeff comes to us after a distinguished career with AT&T and quickly impressed everyone with one of the most unusual hobbies we've ever heard...

Apparently, if you ever owned a PEZ dispenser, Jeff probably owns one too!

Even more impressive, Erin immediately discovered Jeff possesses an extraordinary collection of completely random facts—which earned him instant induction into "Erin's Random Fact Club."

We're delighted to have you with us, Jeff. Welcome to the family!

Red Badge... Blue Badge!

Congratulations also go to Cindy and Jim Astor, who proudly graduated from their red badges to blue badges.

Jim reminded us that although he'd been away for 13 years, returning to Brentwood Rotary felt like coming home.

That's exactly what Rotary should feel like.

Service Never Takes a Day Off 

Saturday demonstrated once again that our club doesn't believe in relaxing.

Members were spread across two community projects:

• Back-to-School shopping for 25 local students, Kohl's for Kids

• Home Team community service projects. Home Team

Apparently some Rotarians discovered hidden Olympic-level shopping abilities while others... well... let's just say they're better at fellowship than finding school supplies.

Either way, thank you to everyone who volunteered.

Here are some photos to enjoy!

Digs & Rigs Is Getting Bigger...

If you thought Digs & Rigs couldn't get any better...

Think again.

Aaron Summit has somehow managed to secure...

A HELICOPTER!

Along with more than thirty vendors and several surprises, they are still being kept under wraps.

Mark your calendars for October 17th. This year's event promises to be our biggest yet.

Erin Was... Erin

Our Sergeant-at-Arms wasted absolutely no time reminding everyone that nobody is safe.

Among this week's "offenses":

• Using questionable British vocabulary.

• Wearing suspiciously pale legs.

• Dropping a Past President badge.

• Owning too much random knowledge.

• Being new.

• Being old.

• Having birthdays.

• Simply existing.

Even I wasn't spared.

Somehow "Spotted Dick" and "Faggots" managed to generate more fine money than the entire World Cup.

Who knew?

Happy Rotary Anniversary!

Congratulations to Jay McLaughlin on celebrating 15 years with Brentwood Rotary.

Jay reminded us just how much our club has grown over the years and how proud he is to see what we've become.

Thank you, Jay, for your years of service and friendship.

Birthday Generosity

July birthdays included:

• Marsha Brown

• Jim Astor

• Past President Tim Dahl

• Past President Fran Bowman

Instead of simply accepting birthday wishes, our members continued one of the finest Brentwood traditions—giving back.

Together they donated hundreds of dollars to:

• Endowment

• PolioPlus

• The Rotary Foundation

• Rotacare

Now that's how Rotarians celebrate birthdays!

The Best News of the Day 

Perhaps the warmest moment came when Jane shared an update on her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jane recently began participating in a promising clinical trial and, after only a short time, her tumor markers are already moving dramatically in the right direction.

The entire room erupted in applause.

Jane reminded us how much the cards, prayers, HOW dinners, phone calls and support from Brentwood Rotary have meant during this journey.

Her words touched every one of us:

"This club has been amazing. I love you guys."

Jane...

We love you too.

Please keep those prayers coming.

Butterflies, Milkweed and Hope

Our guest speaker, Rich Marlovich from the Winters Rotary Club, gave an inspiring presentation on saving the Western Monarch Butterfly.

Who knew that something as simple as planting milkweed could help bring back an endangered species?

Rich explained that Monarch populations have begun recovering where new habitat is being created—and Brentwood sits right in their migration corridor.

Perhaps many of us will soon have our own butterfly waystations at home.

After all...

If you build it, they will come.

















 

Rotarian of the Year

Although we were running out of time, Past President Tim Dahl made sure one important presentation wasn't missed.

Congratulations once again to Jane, officially recognized as our Rotarian of the Year.

A thoroughly deserved honor.








 

Foundation Election

Thank you to everyone who participated in voting for our Brentwood Rotary Foundation Board.

Congratulations to our newly elected Foundation Director:

• Nick J. Canata

Thank you to everyone willing to serve our club.

Final Thoughts

Monday reminded me exactly why I enjoy being part of this remarkable club.

Yes—we raised money.

Yes—we inducted new members.

Yes—we learned about Monarch butterflies.

But most importantly...

We laughed.

We celebrated.

We supported one another.

And we were reminded that Rotary isn't just about service.

It's about friendship.

Thank you all for making Brentwood Rotary such a wonderful place to belong.

Until next Monday...

Think good thoughts. Do good deeds. Be kind to others—and to yourself. Together, let's continue building a better world and be the shining example.

— Nigel
President, Rotary Club of Brentwood

A Bloody Marvelous Club Assembly

Our latest Rotary meeting began with President Nigel greeting everyone as his “little lovelies,” which immediately confirmed that this would not be an entirely conventional Club Assembly.

The Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test were successfully completed—although, judging by the transcript, both may have briefly passed through an experimental translation system before reaching the audience.

Several guests and family members were welcomed, including Jessica Busman’s daughter, Charlotte, who will soon begin her senior year of high school. We were also pleased to welcome several younger guests enjoying—or possibly mourning—their final days of summer vacation.

The Queen’s English, According to Nigel

President Nigel continued his ongoing effort to improve the club’s understanding of the English language—or at least the version spoken on the other side of the Atlantic.

This week’s educational expressions included:

Cock-up: A mistake or blunder. Entirely innocent in Britain, although it may cause Americans to sit up and pay closer attention.

Knackered: Completely exhausted. Nigel explained that the term may come from the “knacker’s yard,” where old working horses were once sent at the end of their useful lives. This explanation left several members wondering whether Rotary service might eventually qualify them for admission.

Bevvie: An alcoholic beverage, as in, “Are you going to buy me a bevvie?” Nigel does not drink, but apparently feels strongly that the rest of us should understand the terminology.

Don’t get your knickers in a twist: Do not become overly upset or agitated. This phrase may prove particularly useful during future Board meetings.

Nigel acknowledged that there are many additional British expressions he has not yet dared to share. The club waits with a mixture of anticipation and concern.

A Well-Deserved Thank-You to Tim

President Nigel took a sincere moment to thank Immediate Past President Tim Dahl for his leadership, friendship, and support during the transition.

Nigel noted that Tim had placed the club in excellent condition and had made the transition into the presidency considerably easier. Tim was then formally welcomed into the distinguished—and occasionally mischievous—ranks of the Past Presidents.

There was also some ceremonial handling of presidential items, which appeared to involve pins, badges, chains, gravity, and at least one object falling off. Fortunately, presidential authority was eventually restored.

Tim shares updates about several members.

Past President Bruce is home and improving. He remains somewhat weak but has a new walker designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and hopes to return for a club visit soon.

Shelley was also reported to be looking well, although conversation remains challenging.

Most encouragingly, Kevin Allen continues to improve. His wife, Leslie, reported that he was being transferred to a skilled nursing facility in the Bay Area. The club was asked to continue keeping Kevin and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

The Sergeant-at-Arms Takes Control

Sergeant-at-Arms Erin then demonstrated that no member, regardless of rank, excuse, occupation, or mastery of British slang, is beyond the reach of Rotary justice.

Late arrivals were quickly identified.

When Dana was asked what time he had arrived, his response was essentially, “I walk in whenever I want.”

This bold legal defense did not succeed.

Fines were issued for arriving late, failing to stand, missing pins, forgetting meetings, forgetting emails, incorrectly answering Four-Way Test questions, and possibly simply being within Erin’s field of vision.

President Nigel was also fined after admitting that he had forgotten the ballot papers for a scheduled vote. The vote was postponed, but the fine was immediate. Apparently, parliamentary procedure may be delayed, but Rotary justice never is.

Celebrating Rotary Anniversaries

The club celebrated several membership anniversaries.

Olga marked 17 years with the club and was recognized as the club’s longest-serving active female Rotarian. Olga generously donated $100 to support local community efforts.

She also reflected on the growth in female membership. When she served as president, women made up approximately 29 percent of the club. Today, that figure is closer to 39 percent. Progress may be gradual, she noted, but it is moving in the right direction.

Olga also highlighted two accomplishments that had long been on her Rotary wish list.

The first was having a live band at the club’s 5K event—something Kevin Allen helped make happen.

The second was ensuring scholarship support reached students who not only earned assistance but genuinely needed it. Kevin also helped advance that objective through support for students at La Paloma High School.

Other anniversary donations were made by Peggy, Bob, and Eric, each demonstrating that Rotary anniversaries can be both meaningful and financially hazardous.

Jessica confessed to taking a family vacation to Hawaii and donated $100, possibly out of gratitude, guilt, or fear of further questioning.

Dave Roche had his grandchild’s first birthday, so it resulted in a generous Rotary Foundation contribution.  Thanks Dave!

Soccer, Football and Financial Penalties 

Erin next tested the club’s knowledge of the World Cup.

Members could win a square on the fundraising board for a correct answer—or receive a $5 fine for an incorrect one. This structure strongly favored the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Questions covered hat tricks, teams that failed to score, prize money, and new rules governing player conduct.

When one member (Steve Gursky) suggested that the club stop talking about soccer and begin preparing for “real football,” Erin immediately fined him another $5.

The comment may not have built goodwill and better friendships, but it certainly helped the club’s finances.

Camp Royal: Leadership, Friendship and 1,125 Meals

Jessica and Charlotte then shared a presentation about Camp Royal.

Camp Royal is a Rotary youth leadership program for high school juniors preparing to enter their senior year. This year, 63 students attended the program in the Mount Lassen area, supported by counselors, committee members, and the Odyssey leadership team.

Jessica serves on the District Camp Royal Committee and has participated for four years. She also handles transportation and, somewhat unexpectedly, became responsible for the kitchen.

Although she claims not to be a chef, Jessica planned, purchased, and coordinated approximately 1,125 meals during the week.

The students said the food was delicious. Jessica suggested they make sure her family heard that endorsement, since such praise is apparently less common at home.

Charlotte described Camp Royal as one of the most positive experiences of her life.

Each morning began with activities such as hiking, running, walking, or mindful movement. The days included speakers, workshops, team activities, skits, talent shows, campfires, and plenty of opportunities for students to connect.

One of the most powerful exercises involved climbing “The Wall.” Before attempting it, each student identified a personal obstacle or barrier. Fellow participants then helped the student climb over the wall, transforming an emotional challenge into a physical act of trust, courage, and teamwork.

Charlotte especially appreciated spending time with students her own age without phones constantly getting in the way. Instead of staring at screens, the students played cards, talked, laughed, and formed genuine friendships.

A group chat remains active, proving that phones are apparently much more meaningful after being taken away for a week.

The Club Is in Good Shape

President Nigel opened the formal Club Assembly by explaining that the club is in strong condition thanks to the leadership of previous presidents, boards, and committee chairs.

The club already conducts many successful service and fundraising activities. The goal is not simply to add more events and exhaust everyone. Instead, the focus will be on better planning, coordination, communication, participation, and fellowship.

In other words, the objective is to do good work without leaving every volunteer completely knackered.

Financial Update and Automatic Payments

Fran reported that the club remains financially strong and on solid ground.

Members were also reminded that recurring payments can now be established through DACdb. This will allow dues and other regular obligations to be paid automatically.

Step-by-step instructions will be included in a future newsletter.

This may also reduce the number of times the Sergeant-at-Arms needs to remind members that a public pledge is not merely an entertaining meeting announcement.

Grants and International Service

Jessica provided updates on several grant initiatives.

The club is awaiting the outcome of a District Grant application to support the Excelsior Middle School music program. If approved, grant funds and club matching funds will be used to purchase instruments that can be loaned to students year after year.

Excelsior’s music program has fewer resources than some other local school programs, and the project is intended to give more students the opportunity to participate.

The school may also perform a concert for the club as a way to say "Thank you"!

The club has also agreed to support the Rotary Club of Antioch’s Floating Clinic project serving the Ssese Islands of Uganda. Approximately 100,000 people live throughout the island region, while only a small number of islands have permanent health facilities.

The floating clinic will travel between islands, bringing medical care directly to communities that otherwise have limited access.

Membership: Welcoming, Supporting and Engaging

Membership Chair Marsha recognized the members of her committee and outlined priorities for the year.

The club currently has approximately 75 active members, along with honorary members and members on leave.

The Membership Committee plans to develop a year-long onboarding process for new members and is creating what Marsha described as a “Membership Think Tank.” The committee will examine the club’s strengths, challenges, and possible alternative membership structures.

The goal is not only to recruit new members but also to retain and engage existing ones while maintaining a welcoming and safe environment.

Marsha invited members to join the committee or share ideas, concerns, and suggestions.

Pets Against Polio

Link to video

Christine, Ron, and Past President Mike provided an update on Rotary’s continuing campaign to eradicate polio.

Members were reminded that PolioPlus Society participants commit at least $100 annually. These contributions count toward Paul Harris recognition and are matched two-to-one by the Gates Foundation.

Then came the meeting’s most unexpected membership opportunity: the PolioPlus Kennel Club.

Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, chinchillas, and possibly any creature willing to tolerate a Rotary bandana can become part of the campaign.

Pets receive a bandana and pin, while their owners receive credit toward Paul Harris recognition. Photographs can also be submitted for a Rotary pet contest.

Several members appeared ready to enroll their pets immediately.

One member mentioned barn swallows nesting over a security camera. Another reported a family of ground squirrels being fed by his wife. At this rate, the Brentwood Rotary Club may soon have more animal members than human ones.

The important message, however, remained clear: Rotary has helped reduce polio to only a small number of cases in two remaining endemic countries, but the work is not finished. Continued vaccination and financial support remain essential.

Website for the Kennel Klub click this link

           Community Service Without Burnout 

Community Service leaders presented a memorable image of a three-legged stool.

The stool represents Rotary, the cushion on top represents engagement, and the three legs represent community service, fundraising, and committees.

The objective is to ensure members have different ways to participate. Not everyone can attend every hands-on service project, but members may contribute through fundraising, planning, committee work, donations, or leadership.

The committee is also working to improve inventory management so the club does not repeatedly purchase supplies it already owns.

Upcoming projects include Kohl’s for Kids and Home Team. Members were encouraged to volunteer through SignUpGenius.

A major priority will be protecting members from burnout, particularly during busy periods when service projects and fundraising events occur in rapid succession.

What Exactly Is “The District?”

Assistant Governor Peggy explained Rotary District 5160 for the benefit of newer members.

The District includes approximately 65 clubs stretching from the Oregon border to the San Jose area.

Peggy serves as Assistant Governor for the five Delta Force clubs: Pittsburg, Oakley, Delta–Antioch, Antioch, and Brentwood.

Her role is to support club presidents, encourage cooperation between clubs, help solve problems, and connect local clubs with the District Governor and District resources.

Peggy compared the presidents she supports to “little peeps, chickens, ground squirrels and owls,” which was perhaps the natural result of giving her the microphone immediately after the Pets Against Polio presentation.

Fellowship First

President Nigel explained that one of his goals for the year is to strengthen fellowship.

Members should not be surprised if every meeting does not include a formal speaker. An occasional open meeting will allow members to sit together, talk, and get to know one another better.

Nigel believes stronger friendships will create a stronger club.

He also expressed hope that the absence of a speaker will not result in a food fight.

This hope may be optimistic.

A New Twist on Nigel’s Marbles

The meeting concluded with “Nigel’s Marbles,” featuring a new choice for the raffle winner.

The winner may either attempt to draw the black marble from the bag or select a treat from Nigel’s goodie box.

Possible treats include chocolate, wine, or other surprises. Choosing a goodie means forfeiting the chance to draw the black marble.

Laura selected the goodie box and chose dark chocolate, proving that some people understand probability better than others.

Nigel also observed that the swear jar was looking “a bit anemic” and promised to use the word “bloody” more often to improve its financial condition.

With business concluded, members were sent into the week with Nigel’s familiar reminder:

Think good thoughts, do good deeds, be kind to others and yourself, and help build a better world.

It was informative, productive, occasionally chaotic, and—by unanimous British decree—bloody marvelous.

Our District is excited to announce that we have finalized two different Wheelchair Distribution trips for our members to participate in:
 
 (1) Panama, from August 11 through August 16; and
 (2) Costa Rica, from September 14 through September 19.  
 
Since the Panama trip is less than one month away and the Costa Rica trip is less than two months away, we hope everyone will give these trips immediate consideration. Please ask all your club members to consider joining us on these incredible service projects and help change lives.  Both trips have been organized by Past Rotary International Director Brad Howard, of Howard Tours.  
 
Both trips will include superb fellowship opportunities, a wheelchair distribution, additional service projects with local Rotary Clubs, local sight-seeing, incredible meals and high-quality lodging.  
 
The events are being coordinated with District 5160, the Wheelchair Foundation, and Howard Tours.  The price for this Panama trip is $1,385 per person, double occupancy (add $390 for a single room), exclusive of airfare and other incidentals. The price for the Costa Rica trip is $1,599, double occupancy (add $430 for a single room).  
 
For further information, please contact PDG Dan Geraldi (daniel@geraldi-law.com) or Howard Tours (info@howardtours.net, 510-834-2260). 
 

Yours in service,

Woody Fridae
District Governor

Camp Royal 2026 – Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders

One of Rotary's signature youth leadership programs is Camp Royal, an annual leadership conference sponsored by Rotary District 5160 for outstanding high school students preparing to enter their senior year. Since 1979, Camp Royal has provided young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills through workshops, team-building activities, communication exercises, and service-oriented learning.

This year's program featured keynote speaker Jessica Busman, who challenged students to think differently about leadership. Her message focused on leading with authenticity, integrity, empathy, and courage, encouraging participants to understand their own values before leading others.

The District 5160 Camp Royal program is designed to help students strengthen their leadership abilities while building relationships with fellow students from throughout Northern California. Rotary clubs sponsor students to attend because they recognize that investing in young leaders helps strengthen our communities for years to come.

The District website also features a reflection from a 2026 Camp Royal participant named Kaydence, who wrote that Camp Royal helped her discover the importance of empathy, courage, and integrity. She shared that the experience taught her "that being a leader is not about shouting the loudest, but about being real," and that it encouraged her to become a better listener and to face challenges with greater purpose. These reflections illustrate the type of personal growth Camp Royal seeks to inspire in every participant.

The Rotary Club of Brentwood is proud to support Youth Services programs such as Camp Royal. By investing in today's young people, we are helping develop the ethical, compassionate, and service-minded leaders of tomorrow.

A New Rotary Year Begins

Welcome to the first Friday Check-In of the 2026–2027 Rotary year!

President Nigel Jesson officially opened his first meeting this week, setting the tone for what promises to be another exciting year for the Rotary Club of Brentwood. With new opportunities to serve, strengthen friendships, and make a positive impact throughout our community, the year is already off to a wonderful start.

Nigel began the meeting with a lighthearted lesson on the British expression "Hobson's Choice," reminding us that sometimes the choices before us aren't as complicated as they first appear. Fortunately, when it comes to Rotary, the choice is easy. Every week we choose to serve, to give back, and to make our community a better place.

Welcome to a new Rotary year—we're looking forward to the journey ahead!

BTW, the expression comes from  the late 16th and early 17th centuries when Thomas Hobson worked as a licensed carrier of passengers, letters, and parcels between Cambridge and London, England. He kept horses for this purpose and rented them to university students when he wasn't using them. Of course, the students always wanted their favorite mounts, and consequently, a few of Hobson's horses became overworked. To correct the situation, Hobson began a strict rotation system, giving each customer the choice of taking the horse nearest the stable door or none at all. This rule became known as Hobson's choice, and soon people were using that term to mean "no choice at all" in all kinds of situations.
 

One of the best ways to begin a Rotary year is by rolling up our sleeves and getting involved.

Members were reminded of two outstanding opportunities coming up on Saturday, July 25:
 

Kohl's for kids


 

Home Team

Forget the Wild West—for one week only, Sergeant-at-Arms Erin Summit traded in her sheriff's badge for a referee's whistle and brought a little World Cup excitement to Brentwood Rotary! ?????

Erin wasted no time making her presence known, handing out Yellow Cards with confidence—including the first official fine of the new Rotary year to Past President Steve Gursky... just because! Clearly, Erin isn't afraid to make an early statement! ??

Not even President Nigel escaped unscathed. In one of the morning's funniest moments, Erin issued the President a RED CARD, proving that no one—not even the club president—is above the rules!

The fun continued with plenty of member confessions, enthusiastic purchases of Squares on the Board, and the debut of brand-new Fine-Free Badges, which raised an impressive $250 for the club.



Just when Erin thought she had everything under control, President Nigel introduced a surprise addition to the festivities—a Rotary Club of Brentwood Swear Jar! Let's just say a few dollars quickly found their way into the jar, proving that old habits can be hard to break! ??

It was a hilarious, high-energy Sergeant-at-Arms segment and a terrific way to kick off a brand-new Rotary year. If this opening performance is any indication, we're in for plenty of laughs in the months ahead!

 

Bringing Hope to Families Facing Childhood Cancer

Few challenges are more overwhelming than hearing the words, "Your child has cancer." In an instant, families find themselves navigating hospital stays, treatments, emotional uncertainty, and countless unexpected challenges.

This week's featured speakers, Denise Rundall and her daughter Deanna, shared how Dillon's Dream was created to walk alongside those families, offering hope, encouragement, and practical support during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives.

Dillon's Dream is dedicated to supporting children battling cancer and their families through compassion, community, advocacy, and hope. While medical professionals focus on treatment, the organization works to provide many of the comforts and experiences that help families simply feel supported.

Among their many programs are:

Hospital care bags for children and parents
Craft activities for children undergoing treatment
Holiday toy drives ensuring every patient and sibling receives gifts
Family experiences at SpiritHorse Ranch
Special outings to places like the Sacramento Zoo and Urban Air Adventure Park
The annual Stroll for Gold fundraiser

The organization currently supports pediatric patients receiving treatment at hospitals including John Muir Walnut Creek, Kaiser Oakland, Kaiser Santa Clara, Kaiser Roseville, and Sutter Sacramento, with plans to expand even further.

Denise also shared sobering facts about childhood cancer.

Although childhood cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death among children in the United States, pediatric cancers receive only a small fraction of overall cancer research funding. Even when treatment is successful, many young survivors experience lifelong health challenges resulting from their therapies.

Beyond the medical challenges are the emotional and financial burdens carried by entire families. Parents often leave work to care for their child, siblings struggle with the emotional impact, and expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and medical care quickly add up.

Denise reminded us that organizations like Dillon's Dream exist because families should never have to face these challenges alone.

She concluded by encouraging everyone to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, supporting community fundraisers, or simply wearing gold during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September.

Thank you, Denise, for sharing Dillon's Dream's inspiring mission and for reminding us how compassion and community can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of children and families facing childhood cancer.

Dillions Dream will be our non-profit of the year!  Congratulations!

After weeks of anticipation, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived!

This week's 50/50 Raffle winner, Christine Canales, stepped forward with the chance to draw the elusive black marble. With the room watching in anticipation, Christine reached into the bag and... success! ?? She pulled the winning marble and claimed the $73 jackpot!

But the story didn't end there.

In true Service Above Self fashion, Christine immediately donated her entire winnings to the Pennies for Polio bottle that was making its way around the room. ??

Inspired by Christine's generosity, Past President Mike Crosby raised the stakes even higher by announcing that he would match every dollar collected in the Pennies for Polio bottle.

What began as a lucky draw quickly became another reminder of what makes Brentwood Rotary so special. A little fun around the raffle table turned into meaningful support for Rotary's global effort to eradicate polio once and for all.

A heartfelt thank you to Christine and Mike for demonstrating that sometimes the biggest winners are the children around the world who will grow up in a world free from polio.

Now that's a winning combination! ???????
 

Brentwood Rotary Club’s Social Media Award Recognition

Rotary District 5160 recently honored the Rotary Club of Brentwood with a Social Media Award in the 2026 NSPRA Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards National School Public Relations Association. This recognition is part of the National School Public Relations Association’s annual program, which celebrates outstanding work in school communication, including social media content.

About the Award

The Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards recognize high-quality tactical materials such as newsletters, websites, podcasts, videos, and social media content. Entries are judged within categories based on organization type and size, with evaluation focusing on overall excellence and quality compared to other entries

ShelterBox is working with trusted partners in Venezuela to assess the situation and better understand the shelter needs of affected communities.

Over recent months, we have strengthened partnerships and preparedness efforts across the region, putting us in a strong position should a ShelterBox response be required. We also have emergency shelter and essential aid pre-positioned in Barbados and Panama, enabling us to move quickly if support is needed.

As assessments continue, our team is drawing on experience from previous earthquake responses—including those in Turkey and Syria, Morocco, and the Philippines—to inform response planning. Those responses have included emergency shelter, shelter kits, solar lights, blankets, and other essential household items to help families stay safe and begin recovering after disaster.

Read More

My dear friends,

As members of Rotary, we are all united across cultures, languages, and communities. Together, we share a responsibility not only to bring about change but also to ensure that the effects endure. That is why this year, we are called to Create Lasting Impact. When we work alongside communities, invest in people’s skills and leadership abilities, and measure our progress, we ensure that positive changes can continue in our communities and in ourselves long after a single project ends. When we focus our efforts and work together, we can maximize our impact in the year ahead.

A New Rotary Year Begins – Let's Make It One to Remember

Dear Brentwood Rotarians,

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with family and friends.

It is both an honour and a privilege to write to you for the first time as President of the Rotary Club of Brentwood.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan. It was an unforgettable experience. I met Rotarians from around the world, attended inspiring presentations, and came home with plenty of new ideas.

I also came home with a few stories!

Like navigating Taipei's incredible subway system while trying to decipher station names in Mandarin... discovering that an umbrella is apparently essential travel equipment... and learning that when 15,000 Rotarians all decide to go to lunch at the same time, patience quickly becomes a Rotary virtue!

One thing became very clear during the convention: no matter where we come from, Rotarians share the same passion—to make our communities and our world a little better than we found them.

That message fits perfectly with what many of you shared during our Brentwood Rotary Vision Retreat.

Together, we identified some common themes:

• Building stronger friendships and member engagement.
• Creating meaningful service opportunities for all ages.
• Growing our membership by sharing the Rotary experience we love.
• Supporting our youth and local community.
• Having fun while making a difference.

Those weren't my ideas—they were yours. My goal this year is to help turn those ideas into action.

One thing you'll hear me say often is that Brentwood Rotary already has everything it needs to be an outstanding club. We have talented members, generous hearts, tremendous experience, and a remarkable history of service. My role is simply to help bring out the very best in all of us.

I also hope we'll continue to laugh together. Rotary should be rewarding, but it should also be enjoyable. Friendships are what keep us coming back week after week.

As we begin this new Rotary year, I invite every member—whether you've been with the club for thirty years or thirty days—to become involved. Attend a project. Invite a guest. Join a committee. Share an idea. Ask a question. Volunteer for something new.

Every member matters.

Thank you for the confidence you've placed in me. I look forward to serving alongside each of you, and I genuinely believe our best days are still ahead.

Let's make this a year filled with friendship, service, laughter, and impact.

See you on Monday July 13th which will be our first meeting of this Rotary Year!

Yours in Rotary,

Nigel Jesson
President 2026–2027
Rotary Club of Brentwood

The club’s HOST program assisted the mother & son, Bonnie & Ronnie to settle into their new home.  Club members Helen Howlett, JoAnn Klement, Fran Bowman, Bruce Beadle, Jessica Busman (& her 2 wonderful daughters, Grace & Charlotte) and Glenn Huxtable met at their home in Summerset 4 where they’d been living for about 4 months.  Despite living there for that long, they had not been able to unpack and enjoy their home because Bonnie had both hips replaced and Ronnie is non-verbal.  Bonnie spends most of her time & energy focused on Ronnie. 

We spent about 3 ? very productive hours assisting in every area of the home & garage.  We accomplished all of the following, and more: 

• Moved the China cabinet into position, plugged it in and assembled it. 
• Unpacked dozens of boxes of belongings and placed them where Bonnie requested in the kitchen, bookcases, China cabinet, etc.
• Both shower heads were properly installed
• Plugged in power units for both beds so they can electronically adjust the settings for better comfort & sleep
• We moved a number of furniture items into their new locations, including an entry table, bookcase, headboard, dressers, nightstands etc. 
• We hung 10 pieces of artwork, 7 decorative plates & 1 mirror
• Reconnected a kitchen cabinet door
• Connected the dryer vent to the dryer & slid dryer into place so they can shut their laundry room door.
• Broke down dozens of boxes and moved them & a barrel of leaves to the back yard for composting
• Organized her garage, including boxing up her Christmas tree and putting holiday decorations up on shelves

While helping we enjoyed fellowship and a delicious meal of pizza, sodas & water with Ronnie & Bonnie.  Ronnie enjoyed the company and showed his appreciation with many hugs and by directing each of us to various points & projects in the home. 

Bonnie wanted to share the following message with the club, “I cannot thank all of you enough for helping to make this house a home for Ronnie and me.  I am overwhelmed with your kindness.  God Bless all of you.”

Thanks to all of the volunteers for making a major difference in their lives.  Bonnie originally became aware of the Brentwood Rotary Club through our HOME Team program which helped her with some projects in November.  A big thanks go to JoAnn & PP Dana who met her on that HOME Team visit & saw that she’d benefit from more time and volunteers.  That’s just what the HOST program is designed to do, Helping One Senior at a Time. 

Today, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that the Civil Rights Movement was not only a struggle for equal laws, but a call for moral courage, service, and collective responsibility. Dr. King challenged individuals and institutions alike to move beyond words and into action—an idea that resonates deeply with Rotary’s mission.

Dr. King believed that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” That belief sits at the very heart of Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self. Whether advocating for civil rights, expanding educational opportunity, addressing hunger, or building peace, the work of Rotary echoes the same conviction that motivated the movement for justice—that lasting change is created when ordinary people commit themselves to the common good.

The Civil Rights Movement succeeded not because of one voice alone, but because communities organized, collaborated, and refused to accept injustice as inevitable. In much the same way, Rotary brings together people of diverse backgrounds, professions, and perspectives to identify needs and take meaningful action—locally and globally. From promoting peace and understanding, to supporting education and economic development, Rotary’s Areas of Focus align closely with Dr. King’s vision of a more just, compassionate world.

Dr. King also warned against complacency, reminding us that “the time is always right to do what is right.” As Rotarians, this challenges us to continually ask how we can use our time, talents, and resources to lift others, confront inequity, and strengthen our communities. Service is not passive; it requires intention, empathy, and perseverance.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, may we reflect not only on the progress that has been made, but on the work that still lies ahead. Let us recommit ourselves to Rotary’s mission and to the enduring belief that through service, partnership, and moral leadership, we can help bend the arc toward justice—right here in Brentwood and far beyond.

 

Learning from History: Investing in the Next Generation

Rotary’s commitment to service and education is also reflected in its long-standing support of youth leadership and civic learning initiatives. Across the country, students participating in programs such as the “Road to Selma” civil-rights learning experience benefit from funding and encouragement commonly provided by local Rotary clubs through District Grants and club-level contributions. These opportunities allow students to travel to historic Civil Rights landmarks in places like Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, including the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge.

These short-term, high-impact educational projects bring history to life, giving young people a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, leadership, and moral courage that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. More importantly, they foster critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility—values that closely align with Rotary’s mission to promote peace, community engagement, and lifelong learning. By investing in experiences that connect students directly to America’s history, Rotary helps ensure that Dr. King’s legacy is not only remembered, but carried forward by future generations.

A recent visit to Año Nuevo State Park offered far more than a scenic coastal walk. It became an unexpected lesson in stewardship, patience, and respect for the natural world.

From the moment you arrive, Año Nuevo makes one thing clear: this is a place that asks visitors to slow down. The trails are carefully laid out, the boardwalks deliberately positioned—not for convenience, but for protection. You are guided gently through the landscape, reminded that here, humans are guests.

As we walked closer to the shoreline, the reason for this care became unmistakable. Dozens of elephant seals rested on the sand, entirely at ease in their environment. There were no fences separating us—only distance, education, and trust that people would do the right thing.

What struck me most was the quiet cooperation between people and nature. Rangers and volunteers patiently answered questions. Educational displays explained not only what we were seeing, but why it matters. Even the skeletal exhibits—powerful reminders of size, strength, and vulnerability—told a story of life cycles that continue only if we allow them to.

(Photo: Educational skull display at the visitor area)

Standing on the beach later, watching the sun drop toward the horizon, footprints scattered across the sand, I couldn’t help but reflect on how temporary our presence really is. The ocean keeps moving. The seals will return year after year. The land remembers how it is treated.

(Photo: Beach and sunset image)

Video at the Beach near Ano Nvevo

 

Places like Año Nuevo don’t remain this way by chance. They exist because generations before us made thoughtful choices—choosing preservation over convenience, education over access, and long-term responsibility over short-term gain.

As Rotarians, we often speak about Service Above Self and about leaving something better than we found it. Environmental stewardship fits naturally within those values. Caring for our planet isn’t separate from caring for people—it is inseparable from it.

This visit reminded me that meaningful change doesn’t always begin with a project or a program. Sometimes it begins with awareness. With respect. And with asking ourselves what kind of legacy we want to leave behind.

 

In 2020, Rotary International formally recognized Supporting the Environment as one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. This reflects something many of us already understand: protecting our planet is essential to improving health, supporting communities, and creating sustainable futures.

As Rotarians, we are uniquely positioned to turn awareness into impact. In the months ahead, I invite our club to begin exploring how we can align locally with this global priority—whether through education, partnerships, youth engagement, or hands-on service right here in our region.

This might include inviting an environmental speaker, supporting a local conservation effort, engaging our Interact clubs, or identifying a service project that reflects Rotary’s commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

If you have ideas, interests, or experiences you’d like to share, I encourage you to help start the conversation. Stewardship begins with awareness—but it is sustained through collective action.

Together, we can help ensure that places like Año Nuevo State Park remain not just protected, but respected, for generations to come.

Pumpkins & Pancakes Was a Hit!

Adams Middle School’s annual Pumpkins & Pancakes event was a fantastic success this year! Families, students, and community members came together for a warm, festive morning filled with good food, great company, and wonderful music.

A huge thank-you to Mr. Fallon and our talented band students, who delivered an outstanding performance that energized the entire event. Their music set the perfect tone and showcased the hard work and dedication they put into their craft.

We also extend our appreciation to the volunteers and supporters who helped make the fundraiser possible. From serving pancakes to organizing activities, your efforts created a memorable experience for our school community.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Adams Middle School. Your participation helps strengthen our programs and makes events like this truly special. We can’t wait to see you again next year!




 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad, home to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication, has confirmed two new cases of poliovirus in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One case was reported from the Tank district, and the other from North Waziristan.

The affected individuals are a 16-month-old girl from the Union Council of Mullazai in Tank and a 24-month-old girl from the Union Council of Miran Shah-3 in North Waziristan. These latest cases bring Pakistan’s total number of polio cases in 2025 to 23, with 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause permanent paralysis. The only effective protection against it is the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which should be given repeatedly to all children under five during each vaccination campaign, in addition to routine immunisations.

Despite significant progress in the fight against polio, the detection of new cases, particularly in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remains a major concern. This highlights that children in hard-to-reach areas, or those with low vaccine coverage, remain at risk.

In response, the National and Provincial Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) are working tirelessly to ensure the success of upcoming high-quality vaccination campaigns. To curb the spread of the virus, the National EOC for Polio Eradication has put together an extensive vaccination schedule for the low transmission season.

The first campaign of the season is scheduled to run from September 1 to 7, 2025, and in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a targeted campaign will begin on September 15. More than 28 million children under the age of five are expected to receive polio drops through a door-to-door vaccination effort.

The primary goal of these campaigns is to vaccinate every child in the affected districts to strengthen immunity and close existing protection gaps. Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during this and every future campaign.

Polio eradication is a collective responsibility. While healthcare workers on the frontlines continue to administer vital vaccines, parents and caregivers also play an essential role by ensuring their children complete all vaccine doses, including routine immunisations.

Communities can further protect their children by supporting vaccination efforts, combating misinformation, and encouraging others to vaccinate.



taken from Social Media News Source  www.thenews.com.pk