Stories
The Audacity to Start the job; the Tenacity to Finish it

PolioPlus takes centre stage at Rotary Convention in Calgary
This quote from the Rotary Internal Convention says it all. Rotary and the Gates Foundation Link to announced an extended partnership to end polio for good, which will see an injection of nearly half a billion dollars into the effort. Bill Gates and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros both addressed the convention, and thanked Rotarians for their tireless efforts to helping eradicate polio and showed that “in a world where division and despair too often dominate the headlines, Rotarians are writing a different story." That change is possible. That equity is possible. That peace is possible.”
What’s our call to action? We know we should help end polio. What could we do?
Five years ago, our District started the PolioPlus Society. During that first year we set a record – and many of you were a part of 572 Rotarians joining and committing at least $10 a month to help end polio. Despite the challenges, we are doing whatever it takes to remind our members and our communities that…
Together, we will end polio.
We are strong because we have a polio warrior in most of our clubs – and you are a member of the PolioPlus Society.
Patricia Bergman (Burney-Fall River)
Joy Alaidarous (Rossmoor)
John Waterman (Red Bluff)
Kay Resler (Davis)
Carol Landry (Vacaville)]
Jim Vlantis (Danville San Ramon)
Via Ramanathan (Davis)
Karin Lightfoot (Chico)
I am sharing news! Karin has agreed to follow me at the District Polio Chair, effective July 1st! I know you will be hearing from her very shortly. She is a gifted leader with the passion it takes to remind us all that we will not stop until polio is gone.
I will remain on her team as a co-chair. And, yes, I am still an End Polio Now Coordinator at the Zone level. Karin is one of 17 District Chairs I support throughout Zones 26 and 27. It is an honor to be able to help others as well.
Thank you for being a part of this work!
Mike Crosby
Message from the President

As we step into a brand-new Rotary year, I invite each of you to take a deep breath, look around, and ask yourself: What does my ideal Rotary experience look like? Whether it’s forging deeper connections, diving into service, or expanding your leadership, this year is about YOU.
Our theme for the year is Empowering Optimism—a call to action for hope, progress, and meaningful service. Together, we’ll not only build a stronger Rotary family, but we’ll also plant seeds of transformation throughout our community and beyond.
We’re launching bold initiatives designed to give every member the chance to serve in ways that resonate personally and meaningfully. One of these is our Girls Empowerment Event, where we uplift a generation of young women by building their self-esteem, celebrating their individuality, and inspiring them to be proud of exactly who they are.
Through our Senior Services Initiative, retired adults will rediscover a sense of purpose as they read to first-graders in the Literacy Project, while other members will lend a hand in Helping One Senior at a Time (HOST)—supporting low-income elders with essential home repairs that restore both safety and dignity.
Our Peace Pole Projects will blossom throughout the community, standing as beacons of hope and symbols of nonviolence and unity, reflecting our deep-rooted commitment to peace on both local and global levels.
And in San Pedro Itzicán, Mexico, we’re reaching across borders to partner with a resilient community tackling critical challenges. Together, we’ll address unsafe water, limited healthcare, educational gaps, and chronic kidney disease—proving that compassion knows no boundaries.
This is more than a list of service projects—it’s a shared journey of transformation. When we unite our hands and hearts, we do more than change the world around us—we awaken the power within ourselves. Every act of compassion, every step toward service, strengthens the bonds between us and sends a ripple of hope across our community and beyond.
Let us stand together as a Rotary family—diverse in voices, united in purpose—empowering optimism wherever we go. Whether we’re uplifting girls, honoring our seniors, spreading peace, or reaching across borders to San Pedro Itzicán, this is how we create everlasting change: internationally, locally, and most importantly, within ourselves.
Let’s make this year unforgettable—not just for what we do, but for who we become along the way. Let’s Empower Optimism in each other.
Yours in Service,
President Tim
Brentwood Rotary Charts Bold Course for the Future at Visioning Retreat

On Thursday, June 12th, the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Brentwood came together for a powerful and productive Visioning and Strategic Planning Retreat, facilitated by leader Greg Weitzman. The retreat was inspired by RI's new 3-year strategic planning initiative as requested by President Tim Dahl and coordinated by Past President Seana Fippin.
The session was a resounding success, energizing our leadership team and setting a clear and inspiring direction for the years ahead.
The retreat began with a deep dive into our Mission, Vision, and Values, laying the foundation for purposeful planning. From there, the team reviewed the current state of the club, including:
- 84 active members
- $38,000 contributed to The Rotary Foundation (TRF)
- 54 members participating in Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY)
- $94,000 Endowment balance
- 42 members (50%) actively participating in club life
Armed with this snapshot, we worked collaboratively to define our 3-Year Vision (by June 30, 2028):
- Grow to 100 members
- Achieve 70% active participation
- Increase annual giving to $50,000 to TRF
- Build the Endowment to $200,000
- Foster an engaged and thriving community
- Expand international service opportunities
- Increase community awareness and visibility
- Empower committees to lead meaningful, impactful service projects
To reach this ambitious vision, we established measurable 2-Year Milestones and a 1-Year Action Plan, including goals to:
- Reach 88 members
- Have 50 members actively participating
- Raise $40,000 for TRF
- Grow the Endowment to $120,000
- Complete 4 Host/Senior Projects
- Submit an International Grant
- Expand the Literacy Program to 2 schools
- Launch a Corporate Donor Program
- Implement a structured membership program
- Launch a new website, CRM, and communications platform
Key leaders are taking the lead on these initiatives, with strong accountability and passion across the board.
The next steps include establishing a monthly cadence for checking in on these priorities, with quarterly deep dives to track progress and share updates with the club.
Greg closed the retreat by encouraging the board with these words:
“You’re going to have a phenomenal year. Thank you again for the opportunity to facilitate.”
With clarity of purpose and the power of collaboration, Brentwood Rotary is poised to grow, serve, and lead at even greater levels in the years ahead.

Peace Pole and Park Bench Dedication
Past President Julie Deck and Immediate Past President Oscar Peccorini led the unveiling ceremony of the Peace Pole and 75th Anniversary Commemorative Bench on June 17th.
It was a beautiful day filled with sunshine, community spirit, and a shared sense of purpose. Members of the Brentwood Rotary Club gathered alongside Brentwood City staff and local residents to mark this meaningful occasion.
The event celebrated both the global message of peace and Rotary's enduring legacy of service in the community. The Peace Pole, a universally recognized symbol bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, now stands proudly as a testament to Rotary’s commitment to promoting peace and understanding. Adjacent to it, the commemorative bench honors 75 years of Rotary service in Brentwood—years marked by fellowship, leadership, and countless acts of giving back.
Speeches were delivered by Immediate Past President Oscar Peccorini and Past President Julie Deck, who reflected on the club’s legacy and the ideals behind the Peace Pole initiative. Acting City Manager Darin Gale also addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the partnership between the city and Rotary and highlighting the importance of civic collaboration.
Together, the ceremony served as both a tribute to the past and a hopeful gesture toward the future—a reminder that peace begins with community.
What: Peace Pole and 75th. Year Commemorative Bench unveiling ceremony

A New Rotary Year Begins!

A New Rotary Year Begins!
As we embark on a new Rotary year, let’s extend our heartfelt congratulations to incoming President Tim Dahl and express our sincere gratitude to Past President Oscar Peccorini for his outstanding leadership and service. Thank you, Oscar, for a job well done!
We’re also thrilled to share that the Rotary Club of Pittsburg will be celebrating 100 years of service this year. A centennial celebration is planned for November 8, 2025, and all local clubs are invited to join the festivities. Save the date—it’s sure to be a fun and meaningful event. (Need help imagining what 1925 was like? Don’t worry—Google’s got you covered!)
Speaking of growth, did someone mention a sixth club? Yes, indeed! The Rotary Club of Oakley is launching a satellite club at California Delta on Bethel Island, scheduled to kick off in July or August. This will be an evening club—quite a different vibe from the typical breakfast or noon meetings. Expect a relaxed atmosphere… and yes, rumor has it that adult beverages may be on hand!
A key goal across the Delta Force this year is mutual support—by attending one another’s events and meetings. The District 5160 theme, “Building Bridges,” perfectly captures the spirit of unity championed by our District Governor, Joy Alaidarous. Future newsletters will include a calendar of local club events to make it easy to participate. Visiting other clubs is a great way to meet new people, learn about exciting service projects, and support causes you care about. And don’t forget—these clubs help us with our own local and international grant efforts too!
So, here’s to another impactful year of service, fellowship, and fun across East County. Best of luck, President Tim—may your year be rewarding, joyful, and entirely free of charter mishaps! And if you’re curious about District-level opportunities or want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
AG Peggy Ann Valley
Shamrocks Celebrate Kathleen

Hearing the news at a recent Shamrock gathering, our very own Kathleen Wall has started to pack boxes and make a new move to Walnut Creek and will plan to reside in the Rossmore Community. Please extend good wishes and acknowledge all the good work she has done for the Brentwood Rotary Club and Rotary Foundation.
Jessica Enos

Jessica is the President of Harvest Time in Brentwood, a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting and marketing Upick farms, country stores and wineries in the Brentwood Area. She joined the Harvest Time Board in 2018 and was elected to President of the organization following Steve Gursky’s tenure in 2021. Jessica has been part of the Brentwood area since she was in elementary school, returning after college to marry her husband Larry Enos Jr., a 3rd generation farmer. Her 3 children, Kyson, Hudson and Emerson attend schools in the Brentwood Union School District. She manages and markets for her family’s Upick Cherry Farms, 5 Star Cherries and Enos Family Orchards. She has been in the building and real estate industry for the past 25 years and is the Broker and CEO of Enos Company, a real estate brokerage located in Brentwood specializing in residential and land transactions.
Laura Raneri meets RI President

Welcome New Member

Greg Robinson introduced Kevin Allen to us the last two meetings. Kevin is a retired 30 year teacher for the Liberty Union School District.
Eric Volta introduced us all to his replacement as the new superintendent for LUSD, Denise Rugani. Julie will be her sponsor.
Next Big Event being Planned - The Brewfest!

More news to follow!
Karri Reiser Presents the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Karri Reiser: A Multi-Talented Digital Marketing Professional and Community Leader**
Karri Reiser is a dynamic and versatile professional specializing in digital marketing, website design, graphic design, and search engine optimization (SEO). As the founder of Little Owl Design, a premier design agency in Discovery Bay, Karri has played a pivotal role in helping businesses establish their digital presence and achieve their marketing objectives.
Family and community service are at the core of Karri’s life. Raised on the San Mateo Peninsula, she and her husband, Jim, settled in East Contra Costa County in 2004, where they are raising their two children, Jacob (25) and Alexa (13), alongside their beloved dog, Bingo.
Karri’s dedication to service extends beyond her professional endeavors. She currently serves as President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Secretary of the Rotary Club of Brentwood. Additionally, she holds leadership roles as Vice President of the Volunteer Parents of the Arts Club (VPAC) and Eucharist Minister Coordinator for St. Anne Catholic Church in Byron. Karri is also an active member of Delta Networking Partners, Polka Dot Powerhouse, and the Graphic Artists Guild.
In her personal life, Karri is an avid reader with a love for religious, mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction genres. She is a fan of Harry Potter, owls, superheroes, puzzles, family game nights, and digital art, which further fuels her creative spirit.
Here's a link that will take you to the Chamber of Commerce in Brentwood
Past District Governor Suzanne Bragdon
Suzanne Bragdon is a retired city manager, an aspiring screenwriter, and a dedicated Rotarian with a passion for service.
Supported by Kirk, her artist-husband of 42 years, and their daughter Stephanie, Suzanne has embraced countless enriching experiences through her Rotary journey. These experiences have led to personal growth beyond what she ever imagined. In her view, every experience in Rotary tells a story, and for Suzanne, being a Rotarian is all about these stories.
District Govenor Dan Geraldi Visits Brentwood
Dan visit the Brentwood Rotary Club and received a warm welcome!
District Governor, 2024-25, District 5160
Daniel Geraldi is not just a practicing attorney specializing in family law and estate planning; he is, above all, a dedicated and proud Rotarian. For Dan, Rotary has always symbolized family and community, a sentiment deeply rooted in his own life. His father, sister, brother, and partner are all active members in various Rotary clubs across Northern California.
Since joining Rotary in 2005, Dan has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving as a two-time club president, a three-time assistant district governor, and the District Membership Chair. His commitment to Rotary’s mission has also taken him across the globe, attending 16 international conventions and volunteering on a water service project in Uganda.
Dan is a true believer in Rotary’s mission to unite people and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and within ourselves. He is confident that when Rotarians come together, transformative change is not just possible, but inevitable.
As District Governor, Dan aims to inspire and energize all Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors in District 5160, hoping to provide them with the same adrenaline-charged WOW experience that has fueled his own journey in Rotary.
Dan’s partner, Yuhui Chen, is a successful health professional, gym owner, and athletic trainer. A passionate Rotarian in her own right, Yuhui has served as club president of the Menlo Park Rotary Club and is currently the District Governor-Nominee for Rotary District 5150.
Brentwood Community Chest Gets help from Brentwood Rotary with relocation
Many hands make light work and that's exactly what happened when many Club members helped out with moving all the barrels over to the new location.

Shamrock Family Shenanigans!

Members of the Shamrock Family came together last night at Joey’s Brentwood Craft to enjoy some drinks, light food and each other’s company.
We shared a lot of laughs and learned a bit more about each other. We agreed to expand our Rotary-family activities to include our Family-family members.

Much like our club, city & world, our Shamrock family is a unique & diverse group of wonderful people. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of them better throughout this Rotary year & beyond.
Home Team Helping Seniors!
The Rotary Home Team (RHT) of the Brentwood Rotary Club helped 9 local seniors with about 20 projects. 9 Rotarians gathered on the morning of July 27th, split into 3 teams and completed a variety of tasks that were very appreciated by the people we assisted.
We replaced quite a few smoke detector batteries, light bulbs & HVAC filters (the most common requests we get, as it helps keep seniors off ladders). We also programmed a thermostat, hung shelving in a garage, lubed a rollup garage door, assembled some chairs, adjusted a side garage door to shut properly, re-installed a window balancer, trimmed rose bushes & citrus trees, moved a heavy table, etc.
All of this was completed by our wonderful RHT volunteers in just under 2 hours. If you’ve never participated in a RHT event, I’d encourage you to do so.
Thanks to all the Rotarians who joined me to improve these seniors lives.: Bob Gibbs, Helen Howlett, JoAnn Klement, Tim Dahl, Peggy Ann Valley, Dana Eaton, Eric Soiland, and Bruce Beadle.

If you know of anyone the Brentwood Rotary Home Team can assist with simple tasks we can do more safely than they can do for themselves, please have them call 888-204-5573 and leave a message. Do you have questions about RHT? Call me, Glenn, at 925-437-5247.
Literacy Project

Literacy Project
Eight Rotarians have signed on to be part of tutoring teams for first-graders at Loma Vista Elementary School.
Kathleen Wall is working with the Loma Vista's principal and teachers to schedule tutoring times. Rotarians were given an opportunity to choose how many times a month they wish to work with students during the sessions.
The Literacy Committee, led by Bill Harms and Jayne Oertwig, spent several months interviewing principals and central office administrators to develop a project that aligns with a vital need for the Brentwood Union School District.
Rotarian of the year
Year-in and year-out, Fran has been an invaluable member of the Brentwood Rotary Club. Over the years, she's served in so many roles, including as President of the club.
Fran keeps our finances in order and was involved in so many functions & projects over the past year. For the 2023-2024 Rotary Year, Fran was recognized by outgoing President Julie and the club for her efforts throughout Julie's highly successful year.
Thanks again Fran, for all you do and the wonderful person you are!
Lifetime Achievement Award
A Message from the President

Dear Members of the Rotary Club of Brentwood,
It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I address you as the president of our esteemed Rotary Club. As we embark on another year of service, fellowship, and community impact, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for each of you who contribute to making our club a beacon of hope and positive change.
The Rotary Club of Brentwood has a rich history of dedicated service, and together, we have achieved remarkable milestones. From supporting local scholarships and healthcare initiatives to spearheading international projects that improve lives globally, our collective efforts embody the true spirit of Rotary: "Service Above Self."
This year, my focus will be on strengthening our community ties, expanding our FAMILY environment, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation within our club. We will continue to build our Club Endowment, embrace new challenges, and work collaboratively to create lasting impacts.
I encourage all members to actively participate in our meetings, events, and service projects. Your unique talents, perspectives, and dedication are what make our club vibrant and effective. Let us continue to inspire one another, support each other, and work as a FAMILY to achieve our goals.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that, with your unwavering commitment, we will make this year extraordinary. Let us lead with compassion, act with integrity, and serve with enthusiasm.
Thank you for your dedication to the Rotary ideals and for being a part of this incredible journey. Together, we will make a difference.
Yours in Rotary service,
Oscar E. Peccorini
Pink Panthers

The pink panthers proudly showed their true colors by providing a large splash of pink at our club meeting. Looking great!
Welcome New Member

Welcome our newest Member
Pa'tanisha Pierson

Kohl's Back to School

The Kohl's Back to School event, in collaboration with the Brentwood Rotary Club, is a heartwarming initiative that provides essential support to families in need. This program allows children from less fortunate backgrounds to receive new clothes for the school year, helping them to blend seamlessly into the school environment and reducing any feelings of inadequacy they might experience. The Brentwood Rotary Club, with its long-standing tradition of service and community engagement, plays a crucial role in this event. By offering their time and resources, the Rotarians ensure that these children can start their school year with confidence and pride. Such programs not only assist children but also foster a sense of community solidarity.
Click here to see photos of all the fun!
More can be found at: Home - The Brentwood Rotary Club
Oscars story

Oscar Peccorini
Owner of Peccorini Financial Services
Oscar Peccorini is dedicated to providing top-tier Retirement Solutions and personal and commercial insurance services through his company, Peccorini Financial Services. Committed to values such as honesty, hard work, and integrity, Oscar is known for his relentless effort in building meaningful partnerships with his clients. He is driven to help them meet their financial goals effectively by creating personalized action plans tailored to individual needs.Early Life and Education
Born in El Salvador and raised in Burlingame, CA, Oscar attended California State University, Hayward, where he played soccer. The skills and lessons he acquired both on the field and in the classroom steered him toward a career focused on helping people. With a passion for making a difference, he leveraged his education and dedication to service as a Financial Planner with prominent companies like GE Financial, MetLife Securities, and Liberty Mutual.
Career and Community Involvement
Since founding Peccorini Financial Services in 2014, Oscar has been a pillar in the community. His commitment extends beyond his professional life; he actively supports local schools and sports organizations to raise funds for children. Recognized for his community contributions, Oscar is the Rotary Club of Brentwood’s incoming President for 2024-2025 and was a Citizen of the Year nominee in 2023 by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Personal Life
Oscar, along with his wife Teresa, is a proud parent of three wonderful boys. The family enjoys quality time together, engaging in activities such as soccer, boating, and golf. Oscar also cherishes moments with friends, often accompanied by music and outdoor adventures.
Oscar Peccorini's blend of professional expertise and community dedication makes him a trusted and respected figure in Brentwood. His unwavering commitment to his clients and his community underscores his belief in building strong, lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect.Our Info
Meeting Location Address: 20 Summerset Dr.
Brentwood, CA 94513
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 325
Brentwood, CA 94513