By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Club Generously Supports BUSD Odyssey of the Mind

This week, the Tuesday Lunchtime meeting witnessed one of the teams in action for " Odyssey of the Mind". The 4 students were set a task to solve as a team. They were given 5 minutes.  Whilst the team worked hard, we were educated about the program. 

"Odyssey of the Mind" is a program organized on an international scale and teams compete to qualify from all over the world. In fact, there will be about 100  competing teams coming together at Iowa State.  Seven teams have qualified this year from BUSD, which is a remarkable achievement.

President Dana Eaton presented a check from the Brentwood Rotary Club for $3000.  This is enough to cover two students.
 

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By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

East County Historical Society

IPP Seana Fippin was  hosting the meeting on Tuesday April 26th and our guest speakers were Mary Black and Doreen Forlow from the East Contra Costa County Historical Society.  

They shared with us photographs of landmark areas around Brentwood and stories associated with it. One of the photos that stood out was our very own PP Bruce Ghiselli, supporting a very healthy head of hair.  Apparently, Bruce was giving a car away, I believe, as a raffle prize.

Our guest speakers reminded us of the mission of the Historical Society, to collect, maintain, preserve, and protect historical artifacts and information of cultural and historical value relative to the area of East Contra Costa County.  The historical museums, consisting of the Byer-Nail House, Homer’s Shed, Eden Plains Schoolhouse, Resource Center, Pole Barn, and grounds are maintained and preserved to promote public awareness, education, and appreciation of the heritage of East Contra Costa County.

 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Seeking donations for the Whiskey Event, so bring your favorite bottle of whiskey next week (or any other whiskey related stuff that could go in a raffle basket) for the whiskey walk.  As a reminder, whiskey bottles should be full.  Also - Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whiskey-walk-tickets-319923729487

 
 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Welcoming a new member to Brentwood Rotary Club, Darin Gale

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

A message from Rae Huntington to Brentwood Rotary Club members

President Dr. Dana Eaton read the following message to the club from Rae.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
We are in the FINAL stretch for this AMAZING Event! Awards Ceremony will be May 25th at 6 pm 

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By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Steve Walker announced his son Chris was getting his wings this week!

Here's what Steve wrote on his FB page:
 
 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Present Dr. Dana Eaton reviewed the year and what achievements we had despite the challenges COVID19 brought to us.  He addressed club membership, ages, years of service and new members, which totaled 15.  We currently have 10 members on leave.  All leave expires June 30th 2022.  PP Fran Bowman  gave us the Financials for the Club, saying we did "very well" and even managing to reduce the weekly meeting fee.  Fund raising was impressive given our circumstances. Poker brought in $10,409.92, New Years 5K brought in $6,937.65 and the Golf Tournament $23,107.85, making a total of $40,455.42 for the year so far, not including the Whiskey Walk which is still to come in. The numbers are not final yet.  Here's where we spent some of the money:

Art Poster Contest                         $3004.00
Camp Royal                                   $1,900.00
Dictionary Project                         $3,802.00
Pillars of Hope                               $3,500.00
Hearts Empowering the Poor       $1,500.00
Kohl's Shopping Spree                  $2,500.00

Club Foundation:

Scholarships                                   $14,000.00
Students of the Quarter                   $1000.00
Liberty Choir                                     $350.00
Guatemala ( Lamorinda Club)         $500.00
Pillars of Hope                                    $600.00
Community Grants                          $4,500.00


Erin Chivello talked about International internationalities. We donated $500 to Guatemala ( Lamorinda Club)  which helps with making concrete bases for building home they build down there.  In Mexico we donated $1500 to "Hearts Empowering the Poor". Erin expanded by talking about  the work in San Luis Rio Colorado  and the projects that have been undertaken.  Click here for additional information

President Elect Dan Torres announces the new board for 2022-3.   Roger Strauss will be the new Vocational Chair.  Sargent of arms will be the dynamic duo  PP Olga Vidriales and Eric Volta.






 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
PP David Roche dropped off a getwell card this week. It was signed by those in attendance at the May 23rd meeting.  David reported that PP Bruce Ghiseli was very excited to receive it and that we were thinking about him. 

It sounds like Bruce will be receiving treatment at Stonebrook Healthcare Center for 2-3 weeks.  Our guess is that he would love to get texts or emails of support from the club.  If you have a chance to send him a hello or reach out, I know it would mean a lot.

Stonebrook Healthcare Center; 4367 Concord Blvd.; Concord , CA 94521 - Room 121

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

1.) Truth: I backpacked Australia for 1 month after graduating college with nothing more than a backpack and surfing the East Coast of Australia.

2.) Truth: I got the number of a girl I thought was cute while doing Boarding Officer School in Petaluma during my time serving in the US Coast Guard, and about 1 year later she moved randomly and lived right next door to me in San Diego.

3.) Lie: When I worked as a career in Civil Engineering, I was a field engineer on the approach of the new Bay Bridge that led to the cable stayed span.  False- I worked a field engineer for a few bridges in Northern California.

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By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Mike Crosby

1. As a young boy I had the chance to go into the Enola Gay, the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb during World War II.  I was able to go all the way back and sit in the tail gunners seat.

1. I flew on board President Reagan's Air Force One  - this was a lie. He was only a VIP whilst visiting it at the Library.

2. I was sued for $110 Million because of something I did while in the Air Force.

 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

We hope you will be able to join us on Saturday, June 18th starting at 5pm to celebrate our remarkable President Dana, as he rounds out a wonderful year. 

Please RSVP on the following evite by June 11th. We look forward to seeing you there.

http://evite.me/gjhMAzjYH8

Yours In Service,

Seana Fippin
(925) 336-1550

 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Reporting From Seana's FB page

PP Seana Fippin and PE Julie Sumpter Deck along with 5 others at Brentwood Neighborhood Church.

An awesome day of service!

30 Blessings Service Project with BrentwoodSTRONG, City of Brentwood, Rotary and Neighborhood Church.

360 meals prepared for local families. Thank you for introducing us to this super special program Tiffany, Maria, Nichelle and team have done an AMAZING job. Honored to Serve with them.











 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Dr. Dana Eaton Presents the Heritage Scholarship Awards Night

4 Lucky students from Heritage High School were awarded Scholarships from Brentwood Rotary Club.

from left to right

Adriana Doyle, Ysaach Habon,  Alyana Santillana, Dylan Stubo

 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Congrats to Suzanne Salamy

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

to:  all in Rotary District 5160

"Before what," you ask?  Before the price for the 2022-23 Monterey District Conference goes up!
 
Register by June 1, 2022 to secure your space to the "WORLD PREMIERE EVENT – THE POWER OF ROTARY" - October 28-30, 2022  - for only $199.  After that?  The price changes to $225 per person.  Then soon it's $250 per person...
 
 Register NOW for District Conference - World Premiere Event: The Power of Rotary
October 28 - 30, 2022, at the Monterey Marriot
 
Congratulations if you have already registered and are ready to PARTY!   The Rotary fellowship and inspiration is hard to beat surrounded by the beauty of Monterey in October... The most spectacular time to enjoy the California coast.
 
But there's more!  You can NOW register for 

• Golf on Thursday, October 27^th at the Del Monte Golf Course for only $140 (includes lunch).  (click the registration link above, it will return you to your original registration)
• A Hollywoodesque-soiree on Friday evening, October 28^th for $25 at the stunning Marriott Ferrante Bay View venue (dancing, dessert, open bar and stars galore; space limited).
• Selected activities in Monterey promoted by the Conference Committee to facilitate catching up with long-term friendships while welcoming new Rotarians and Rotaractors to the fold (purchase tickets directly with vendors; all contact information and prices provided on the District 5160 website).

 
Take a deep breath and SMELL that salt air.  Ahhhhh!

Lights, Camera ACTION!

SB

Suzanne Bragdon
District Governor Elect, D5160

Screenwriter and Proud Rotarian
Fairfield-Suisun Rotary Club
[email protected]

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Fire Protection of the Delta

Ross introduced the Club to some of the areas he's involved with managing Emergency Services out on the Delta.  He shared his experiences and some of the challenges he and his staff face every day and how the "call center handles" these difficult situations.  The biggest problem that they usually come across is identifying the callers' location.  Usually, they send out several teams to cover all situations, trying to anticipate all possibilities.  

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By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
At May 17th, 2022 Rotary meeting, Alisha Amorin was introduced as "checking us out" by Lori Avon.

Alisa is the a Senior Business Banking Relationship Manger for Bank of the West.  She is a current resident of Discovery Bay and very excited about the prospect of joining Rotary to serve her community and she's available.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson


For those who missed the photos shared during the recent visit by the Contra Costa Historical Society.  Here's  PP Bruce Ghiselli ( member of the Lions Club) giving away the prize of  a car.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Red Badge Jayne Oertwig working hard greeting the membership and guests to the Club.

By: Peggy Ann Valley

By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew
June 18th 2022 saw the club get together at Eric Volta's home where he hosted Dana Eaton's demotion party aka Debunking! Thanks to Jay Mclaughlin for organising the program and giving a truly good roasting.  Club members were encouraged to participate in the verbal assault on the outgoing President. Calm and order was maintained as Dana took everything in his stride.

The April fools joke that Dana played on the Club was spoken about.  It was "crossing the line" when Dana sent out the following email, and those who missed it see below:

Happy Friday!  To celebrate spring and the ability to have mask free meetings, I have decided to bring back an old Rotary tradition.  Starting Tuesday, we will open and close each meeting with a song.  PP Rich Inglis and Lori Avon have graciously agreed to lead this effort each meeting and have been working so hard to recreate our old Rotary Songbooks.  Expect to get your very own copy (we will bill each Rotarian $50 on your May Bill) on Tuesday as we kick off this new chapter.  Thanks so much again to Rich and Lori!

Happy April 1st!
Dana



Catering was provided by Brian and his wife, Roshawnda.  They treated us to delicious dishes, including Beef brisket 
Smoked chicken breast, Vegan stuffed Bell peppers, Baked beans, Mac and Cheese, Potato salad, Green salad














 

By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew
Julie Deck and Erin Summit hosted the 1st Whisky Walk on May 26th, 2022 at De Luna Ranch.  It was a great success!



80 tickets were sold, making $3100 for the Club.  No sponsorship was involved in this event, the next event is tentatively planned for April 28th 2023.  The event lasted 2 hours; raffle prizes and a door prize were in the offerings, plus an auction item that made $400.



Suzanne Salamy volunteered to serve the soft drinks  and served with a smile.





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By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew
Congratulations to Todd Moeller. Towards the end of the debunking event, in the finale, Dana handed out recognition to Board members and also bestowed a Rotarian of the Year Award on Todd.

By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew
Andrea Stroben was initiated into the Brentwood Rotary Club.  Please join me in a big welcome!  Andrea is the Manager for National Flooring.  Andrea  was introduced by PP Roger Strauss.  She is a current resident of Oakley and very excited about joining Rotary to serve her community.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Nigel gets the chance to catch up with his family in Leicester.  Whilst he was there he managed to find time to stop by the local Rotary Club in Blaby.  Met up also with Louise Richardson, she has been activate with supporting charity work in Tanzania Africa, she gave a talk about the work she has accomplished so far. More information available by clicking this link here

Nigel's family are getting ready to ride the trains. 


Nigel's at the controls of this diesel train!

By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew
Congratulations Jack Gaughan.  Jack received a Major Donor's Pin with 2 stones, recognizing $25k in contributions during his lifetime in Rotary.  A fantastic achment!  Jack received a standing ovation from everybody who was in attendance .



Betty helps Jack by showing off the goodies.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
The Polio Plus Society will be raffling off this collector's collector's item,valued at $3000 .  It contains  the signature of Paul Harris.  All those enrolled in the Polio Plus society have the opportunity to win this.

By: Jesson, Nigel Andrew

Don't forget this coming Tuesday 28th June 2022!

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
The Home Team will be helping seniors with minor repairs. In the past we have helped them with hanging pictures, replacing light bulbs, replacing batteries, unpacking, etc. The seniors are always grateful for our assistance, but spending time with  them is by far what they appreciate the most. 
 






Roger Strauss Shares "Rotary Home Team History" for the Brentwood Club

All it takes is one Rotarian with a good idea to make great things happen! Hays Englehart of the Lamorinda Sunrise Club conceived the idea of the Rotary Home Team after helping his own father, until his passing, with home maintenance for years.  He felt like there was a big need in the greater community to serve others with the same type of help.

Roger reports that he met Hays at a District Conference, he was presenting what his Club was doing with the Rotary Home Team.  Roger thought it was just what Brentwood needed.  So, in 2016, Roger says he brought the idea to our Club and it was met with great enthusiasm and excitement to start in our community.  Once we started our Rotary Home Team program in Brentwood, Roger then pitched the program to the Antioch Club and then also the Oakley Club. Both Antioch and Oakley Rotary Clubs have very successful programs of their own now.

Every other month, we provide light home maintenance for seniors in our community, which helps them stay in their homes longer and keeps them off ladders.  This program honors our elders through our service to them.  At each event, we need Rotarians that can perform basic maintenance tasks.  We also need caring people who can simply have a conversation with a senior while the other Rotarians take care of the To-Do List!  Get involved with this great Rotary service project, you won’t regret it!
 

Thanks Roger for your story and contribution to this great Service Event and to the Newsletter!

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

 

 

I attended my first International Rotary Convention in Houston, TX from June 4-8. What an experience it was!! I was amongst about 11,000 other Rotarians who all have the same goal; to do good for the people near and far. I tried to be as much of a sponge as I could and absorb all things Rotary!! The opening ceremony was amazing with the entertainment of Bollywood to honor our current President from India, and the presentation of flags was spectacular. I never knew Rotary was in so many countries, some I hadn't even heard of!! Throughout the days, we heard from incredible speakers, I met and made new friends from around the world. I was overwhelmed listening to a survivor of human trafficking, I was amazed to hear from a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and hearing the ins and outs from an astronaut that was on an Apollo mission. The House of Friendship was vast. I saw all the opportunities to help with so many things around the world and how many Fellowships there are to join!! It was a lot to take in, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to be there. Who better to show me the ropes for my first time than my Mom PP Colleen Knight and PDG Candy Pierce!! Hope some of our fellow Rotarians will make it to Melbourne, AUS next year to get the same experience!!

By  Erin Chivello








Additional content : 



Watch here 2022-23 RI President Jennifer Jones speaks at the closing general session of the Rotary International Convention. 08 June 2022, Houston, Texas, USA





 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Contra Costa Water District visits the club to talk about how the Contra Costa Water District 

Constance Holdaway visited the club to talk about their current program. 

Connstance Holdaway was appointed to the Contra Costa Water District’s Board of Directors in December 2014. She represents Division 5, which includes most of Antioch, Oakley, northern Brentwood, and the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Project’s watershed properties. She also currently serves on the Finance Committee.

Please visit the following links for a refreshing review:

About CCWD

History of the Contra Costa Water district

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

During a recent meeting, Gloria read an invocation, worth repeating:


 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Guest Speaker Dan Hanel visits the Club to talk about his books!

Dan Hanel has been an educator for over 35 years - as an award winning science teacher when he received the Eukel Teacher Trust award for outstanding teachers of Contra Costa County and was named the Distinguished High School Science Teacher for the State of California, and as an award winning school administrator serving at the high school, district, and county office levels. He grew up in Richmond, CA and received a degree in Biology from U.C., Berkeley and a Masters in Education from Cal State University, Hayward. Dan, his wife, and their dog, Luna, currently live in Brentwood, CA . . . in the shadow of Diablo.

Here's a link to all of Dan's books and his website click here!




 

By: Peggy Ann Valley

July 16 Brentwood Rotary was back for Kohl's For Kids.

Acknowledged to be the best event of the year, we helped 24 children improve their wardrobe for the start of the school year. The Knightsen School District and Village Community Resource Center work with us annually to provide children for this wonderful event. With the aid of parents, Rotarians, and the Kohl's staff, this event was wrapped up in under 1.5 hours. A RECORD! Each of the children received a backpack courtesy of Rhonda Kraeber and several bags of clothes. With a budget of $100/child, Santa tells me that the Rotarians were very good this year when most exceeded this budget by a lot and dug deep to take care of the overage. Thank you all for making this event successful. We touched not only the children but also the parents, as evidenced by the thank you cards. 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Peggy Ann writes from her Facebook Page:

Delinda Brown with HOPE Hospice & Health Services presented at the Club this week, July 26th 2022.  Her presentation discussed what hospice covers as well as some of the myths of hospice.  Hospice can provide services with grief support, caregiver resources, dementia education.  You can find out more at the following link:

Click here

Volunteers are always welcome. My mom worked with hospice for over 20 years, visiting patients.  She and they found it very rewarding. Volunteering makes a difference to the lives of the patient and their family.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

New PHF Pins Presented 

Words taken from Seana Fippins FB post:

Heroes of the week receiving their Paul Harris Recognition .  Kudos to Colleen Knight, Cedric Moore and Nigel Jesson



 

By: Ron E Wulff
It was great seeing everyone at the meeting today! Our first Annual Craft Beer Festival is quickly approaching and will be on Saturday, 9/17. The event will be from 1-5pm at the Brentwood City Park. We still have several volunteer spots that we need to fill. Thank you to those of you who have already signed up! If you signed up on the sheet at the meeting today, I have added you to the online list. If you are available and can help - even just for a couple of hours, it would be greatly appreciated! We want to make sure we have plenty of help as we are now excited to report that we are expecting over 500 attendees! It will be a spectacular event to be a part of!

Click on this link to sign up for a volunteer spot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4baaaf2ba2fac70-rotary

If you have any questions, please email me [email protected] or text/call me at 408-420-9656.

Thank you for your support!
CHRISTINE CANALES




 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Thanks for being a good sport!

Our illustrious Sargent at Arms, Olga Vidriales called upon Kiran Taunk to talk about his recent wedding anniversary.  Kiran's wife Dolly was not in attendance so Darin (assisted by Olga) volunteered to  step in and help answer a few questions! 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Our club meetings are now at noon,  Monday, August 1st. It was our first meeting and will feature a presentation from Boy Scouts of America's Sarah McNamara, who is a District Director and serves Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley and Pittsburg. Our very own Oscar Peccorini  also joined her to share his BSA experiences. You can learn more about the Diablo Sunrise District by clicking here.  Stay tuned, our next newsletter will reveal more details about what happened.
 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Tua Curameng is the past Liberty High School Interact president and Dylan is the past Heritage High School Interact Club president. They visited our club to offer their appreciation to the members for their support. They were also 2 of the 8 scholarship recipients last year and they wanted to thank the club for thar as well. 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

110 Magazine  Best Personal Chef Dennis Addison kicks off  Rotary's New year with a special meal

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

New member joins the club !

Kudos to our newest Red Badge member, Christine Canales!  We are thrilled you chose to become a member of our club.  Thank you to Karri Reiser for being such a fantastic sponsor!

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Passing over the goodies, gabble and all!

PP Dana gets his new Past President Badge!  As he walks over to receive his new, the old badge is tossed aside!

By: Christina Grace Dalton

My commitment to being a transitional/executive life coach is very similar to what attracted me to Rotary - Service Above Self.  As a life coach, I am committed to the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  This organization organizes coaches to serve others in different capacities.  As one example, members as myself, provided countless hours of pro bono coaching to First Responders during the pandemic.   We are trained under professional guidelines, hours of training, and passing the mandatory 3 hour test to certify that the coaches follow the strict mandates to service others.   I follow the philosophy of empowering others to find their passion in each phase of their life.  For me, EYHLifeCoach is about service above self.

By: Julie Deck
Mike Waufle (born June 27, 1954) is a former American football coach who most recently served as the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).^[1] Waufle served as defensive line coach for the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2003 and coached in Super Bowl XXXVII after the 2002 season. Waufle coached primarily single gap 4 man defensive lines in 4-3 Defenses. He was the defensive line coach for the New York Giants from 2004 to 2009, and the defensive lines he coached were a strength of the team. He won Super Bowl XLII in 2007; in that game the defensive line's performance is generally credited with being a decisive factor. The defensive line of the Giants during the Superbowl sacked Tom Brady 5 times, leaving little time for Patriots receivers to get downfield before defensive linemen reached Brady. Holding the Patriots' historically high scoring offense to 14 points, the Giants defeated the previous undefeated New England Patriots. He returned to the Raiders in 2010 and 2011. From 2012 to 2016, he was the defensive line coach for the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams under head coach Jeff Fisher. He coached the Buffalo Bills defensive line in 2017. Buffalo returned to the playoffs after 17 years. Waufle retired after the 2017 season.
Waufle served in the United States Marines from 1972 to 1975. He played defensive end for Bakersfield College in 1975 and 1976. Bakersfield College won the 1976 Junior Rose Bowl and was named Junior College National Champions. He transferred to Utah State, where he played for defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. Utah State won the PCAA Conference Championship in 1978.^[2]
In 2009 he was awarded the Marine Corps “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Commandant General James T. Conway.
 

^{Watch Julie as she introduces our guess Mike Waufle}

 

By: Michael W. Crosby
Welcome two new Polio Warriors!  Leslie Steller (Danville) and Glen Weber (San Ramon)

Yes, polio has been in the news – you are getting questions, and we will be providing that we hope you will share with your club.  Before we go there,

Here's your update for August 16^th. 

Wild poliovirus (WPV) 
Total global WPV1 cases in 2022: 20 (compared with 2 for the same period in 2021)

• Afghanistan:  1
• Pakistan:  14
• Mozambique:  5

Total global WPV1 cases in 2021: 6

Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) cases
Total global cVDPV cases in 2022: 246 (compared with 254 for the same period in 2021)
Total global cVDPV cases in 2021: 698

Q&A:  Polio has been detected in places it was eliminated.  Should we be worried?
A Q+A with Ananda Bandyopadhyay, Deputy Director, Technology, Research, and Analytics, Gates Foundation

• (It's too much to add here, but if you want to check out this valuable information.  Here's how to access this information)

(If you haven't subscribed yet, please check out the Optimist newsletter from the Gates Foundation.  Look for Polio and other news the Foundation produces.

https://go.communications.gatesfoundation.org/theoptimist

Irene Haggerty, Rotary Club of Berkeley, was the Rotarian who received the shadow box.  We presented it to her at one of their club meetings.  Everyone who joined was eligible to win this commerative shadow box, valued at $3,000!  The below photo captured the moment when Mike Crosby presented it to her.



In case you didn't see this when we sit out a few weeks ago:

One Day       One Focus       Ending Polio

It's time.  Time to start planning your club activities for World Polio Day.
October 24, 2022

Be a part of history.
Donate time, funds and the voice of Rotary's commitment to end polio 

What will your club do?  Let us know so we can help spread the world

Please open the attachment and dive in! 


Our "key" message remains:  

• Polio remains a global threat.  Even in our country.
• Eradicating polio is Rotary's top humanitarian role.
• Along with our partners we have vaccinated more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. 
• Without the commitment we made in 1985 to help end polio there would be 18 million people with polio today
• Can we end polio - YES - with your help
• Be a part of ending polio. It takes as little as $10 month on a monthly recurring basis to join the Polio Plus Society. 
  • complete the recurring donation and then email it back to Mike Crosby

 

• Thank you for sharing this information with your club.
  
  All the healthy best – your District end polio team,
  
  Mike Crosby     Kay Resler     Jim Vlantis     John Waterman

 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Captain Doug Silva gives a heartfelt introduction to Chief Tom Hansen.

We grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the Police Training Academy together.  As young kids, we ran through the streets together; then, we ran the streets together as Police Officers. Our first time paralleling each other, we spent time together going through the squat team, then on Police motorcycles across the Bay Bridge, going to training in the city.  We had an amazing time, a lot of fun and challenges, but nothing we couldn’t handle. I’m not saying we did everything perfectly, but we learned from our mistakes along the way and every experience we fortunately had.  One thing I want to add is that this being Tom’s last time being seen speaking at Rotary is bittersweet.  Sweet for him because he’s going to retire after a very long successful career; it’s better for the rest of us because we lose so much institutional knowledge, we're losing a great Police Chief, we lose somebody whose passion for his profession and his passion for keeping this community safe is second to none.  So, I'm introducing the best Police Chief in the World.



Tom spoke for about 18 minutes and covered various topics, mostly covering what's happening at the city level, then it touched on his personal life.  Here's a summary:

He's been with the police force for 34 years and lived in Brentwood for 27 years.

Established in 1948, the Brentwood Police Department services an area of approximately 15 square miles. The City is divided up into 4 separate, geographical beats. We serve a growing population that is approximately 66,455 residents. Our department currently has 72 sworn police officer positions and another 36 civilian support staff positions. In addition to our permanent staff, we have approximately 20 volunteers who are citizens of our community and assist us.

Tom gives us details on the current crime stats for the City of Brentwood. View here 

The past two years have really made it hard to predict trends.  There's a lot of angry folks out there at this time. Crazy driving and domestic violence.

The number of candidates for vacations has been difficult to fill, but now adopting new incentives to attract and keep people on the force by adding 4% salary increases after 10 years service.

Tom mentioned how it's important to take care of the "little things"  we have standards and quoted " if we use excuses not to strive daily for excellence because of temporary situations or changes in societal  norms. A culture of failure policies and practices will develop in any organisation" then when on to give examples.  A building with a broken window, if not fixed in a short time, will have all its windows broken very soon after.  You don't see graffiti in Brentwood because we have policies to take care of it within 24 hours.  It shows we care and the little things matter.

Tom said he is moving out of the State of California.  His daughter is in training to be a doctor










 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson






Volunteer Opportunity Click Here

By: Kathleen M. Wall








Candice (Candy) Pierce has served as the Executive Director of CASA of Solano County since February 2010 after having previously served on the board of directors of the organization beginning in 2008.

Candy has an extensive background in not-for-profit work including her work as the Solano County administrator for the American Red Cross, Director of Kids Country, and as the Executive Director of the Fairfield Hotel Association, now known as the Fairfield Tourism Association. In addition, Candy serves on the board of directors for various not for profit organizations including Solano County Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Ellen Meadows Prosthetic Hand Foundation. Candy is a member of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Children’s Justice Act Task Force.

In addition to her work with CASA, Candy assists other not for profits with board development and mentoring and provides seminars dealing with strategic planning and visioning. Candy is also a leadership trainer for Rotary organizations located on the west coast and in Hawaii.

Candy served as District Governor for District 5160 of Rotary International in 2006-2007 and currently serves as the Education Chair and the Strategic Visioning Chair for Rotary District 5160.

Candy can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at (707) 434-0346.


Learn the History of the Rotary Foundation- Click here

Notes from Candy's speech:

We are doing well with our Rotary Foundation. It’s not just about how much money you donate, but it’s also how much good we do by spending on causes where the money is needed.   I know because one of the most important things about the Rotary Foundation that's interesting.  Ask yourself,  how many of you can travel all around the world, all the time, go and do something significant to change lives?  None of us are that wealthy that we can just get on a plane tomorrow to Kenya, go to Afghanistan, go to South America, or put drops in babies’ mouths,  build new housing, put in new wells, provide education, and provide microcredit for people.   Ask yourself, Who does that all the time?  But yet, you do it every day because you’re a member of Rotary. So, I can’t do this alone, but with Rotary International, with its membership of 1.4 million Rotarians worldwide, we can do some amazing stuff together; that’s why you should give to the Rotary Foundation.

 Many people talk about Charity Navigator Rating, “what does that look like?”. For us, it’s great because the money does not go to overhead and expenses, but it goes out and gets things done.  Ninety-one cents of every dollar you give to the Rotary Foundation goes there somewhere, so you should be very proud of that.  Examples of helping people like this lady here (showing a photograph of the lady at her sewing machine) she got a small microcredit grant for $100.  Changing an entire family’s life because they got her sewing machine. Now she has a business and the ability she can sell in her community.  Who would have thought it would change her life to that degree?  A hundred dollars isn't a large amount; it equates to a meal and a bottle of wine if you are really lucky.

This change came about because people gave to the Annual Fund.  We're going to talk mostly today about the Annual Fund.   You may ask, "What is the Annual Fund?"  Answer:  It’s just what it says that, annually, we ask you to give to the Rotary Foundation.  You guys at this club do "Squares on the Board", and  also donate money.   We hope you’ll give your donation to the Annual Fund, to the Share Fund, where the money comes back.  It's because of those funds that you guys were able to get the $9000 grant recently for the Brentwood Village Resources Center.

You can also contribute to an area of focus. There are 13 different areas of concern. Both ways work!  The beauty of giving to the Annual Fund, just to Share Account, is that money then comes back to the district for those districts’ designated grants. Like the one you just got, but you may have considerable interest in one of these focus areas, and that's OK. So, you may want to direct your funding to that, but the only difference is that half will come back.   It goes into the Fund for three years, and then three years later, that amount of money that was given comes back, usually around half and sometimes more comes back to our District.  So, that’s why every year, what we'd like to call our "big push" for every Rotarian to give something every year, some of us give more, some of us give less, and some of us give based on the fact that we were able to go on a project.  Let me ask you a question: "How many of you have gone on a project funded by the Rotary Foundation?"  Well you all need to do that!  You all need to get involved in one because I feel it will change your outlook; it’ll change your life when it comes to the Rotary. 

You know, I was lucky enough that when I first went to Rotary, my club was doing a project in Mexico, and as part of that project, I got to go along.  When we got there, we arrived at this small school.  Beforehand, what we did in my club was to obtain discarded tables and chairs and desks from our local school district that they're going to get rid of, and we refinish them.  One of our members owned a body shop we could use. We stripped them all down and repainted them, and they were beautiful. They looked brand new.   Loaded them in a truck and took them down to this small school in Mexico, where the kids would sit on the dirt floors. Anyway, we got down there and the truck backed up and we put table chairs together, we put them out in the middle of this little courtyard.  Soon they took all the kids out, and they were crying over a desk or a chair that they now have.  So they did not have to sit on the dirt floor in their classroom anymore.  Kids were crying, and Rotarians were crying even more because, you know, to these kids, it was something really different, their education so important to them.  It changed every Rotarian who was there that day because they could see firsthand what our money was doing. So, if you have ever had the opportunity to go on any projects, for example, a wheelchair project or a Rotaplast mission (Rotaplast | Saving smiles. Changing lives.), take a Polio eradication mission. I’m sure you heard those stories.  You need to do something if you can, because it will change your perspective, it will change how you look at life.

So, we ask every Rotarian to give something every year based on what you feel is the right number for you.  Become a sustaining member.






 

By: Karri Reiser

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Jessica Busman 

Jessica Busman became one of the newest members of the Brentwood Rotary Club.  Join me in wishing her a warm welcome!




 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

This is a critical time for our democracy and I am compelled to run and ensure fair, impartial and accessible elections.

It is also vital that our voting systems and data is kept secure from cyberattacks and other threats. My professional and volunteer experience demonstrates my enduring commitment to the important work the Clerk-Recorder-Registrar performs.  

Thanks 

Kristin

Click here for Kristin Connelly Website

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

PP Greg and PP Rich received their PHF.

Marsha also received her PHF

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Thank you District Governor Nominee Dan Geraldi for visiting our Club and Presenting the District grants check that will aid our efforts this year to support the "Village Community Resources Center.  The funds awarded will most certainly help the students and families that VCRC serves!  To learn more about this deserving organization, see the link below:

Click here for more information!

Here is a summary of what District Governor Nominee Dan Geraldi said:

“I’ve got to give credit to those who are on the District Grants committee; I was really impressed with the homework and dedication that everyone on the committee put into the review process. As a part of that, the Brentwood Club submitted an application to do a service project with the Village Community Resource Center.  We have people from the Village Community Resource Center here today, Correct? (Kiran and Bill came forward to receive the check) because we (the District) come bearing gifts.”
“So, the plan Brentwood Club wanted to put together wanted to help provide services for the unserved in the community, The Village Community Resource Center. The funding from this grant will help the Center to achieve its mission by providing funds related to help with buying desks, furniture, and other items that are to be used daily. So, on behalf of the district, I wanted to present this check for $9000.”
“Now, it’s important to know that this is your money; two years ago, you gave a lot of money to the Rotary Foundation, and that money comes back.  This is not only an appreciation of what you gave but also what you continue to do.”
 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Heritage High School Patriots Parents Organization

Back to School Night

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Jayne Oertwig

Jayne made it into her blue badge. Congratulations!  

Jayne shared one of the most rewarding tasks for her since becoming a member of the club was volunteering and helping at the Khol's Back to school event.  She shared with us why this event was so special for her and how she has been able to keep in touch and influence the family who needed help. She added that she was helping the mother, who has 2 children, getting her help with education with computers and language.  She also mentioned that she now knows how to make lots of pancakes!




 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson




Click here to access Instagram, where you'll find Captain Doug Silva sounding like Elvis Presley

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Happy Birthday David!  The Club grants his wish to sing happy Birthday to him!  

Click here to watch video

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Greetings from Uganda.  We (my wife and I as well as ten Rotarians and friends from our District) have completed the distribution of 263 wheel chairs as well as medical and vision supplies (the vision supplies are 400 pairs of glasses from The Lions Clubs).  A truly moving experience!  The need is so great.  Here I am with a polio survivor.  He is truly a "crawler".  This wheel chair will give him a new view of life and a way to get around.

Here's new information as well as an update:

In July, a case of variant poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) was detected in the US, just weeks after the virus was detected in wastewater samples in the UK. Polio's return to areas that had been unaffected for decades, seen in recent outbreaks of wild poliovirus (WPV1) in Malawi and Mozambique, is a stark reminder that as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere. The re-emergence of polio can be explained by many factors, including vaccine hesitancy and a global drop in childhood vaccination rates,but it's clear today that no matter the location, anyone not vaccinated against polio is at risk. To prevent further cases of paralysis, all countries must maintain high vaccination coverage and robust disease surveillance.
 

• WILD POLIO VIRUS, TYPE 1 (WPV1) - There was one new case of WPV1 reported  in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last week, so the overall count increased to 21 for the year.  Although it was only just reported, paralysis actually occurred on August 1st.  This brings the total number of cases in Pakistan to 15, all coming from the same area.
  
   
• THIS YEARS DETECTION OF THE IMPORTED WILD POLIOVIRUS IN MALAWI AND MOZAMBIQUE set off a series of coordinated campaigns across East Africa, as countries acted to swiftly protect their populations and prevent further transmission.  Approximately 450 million doses of nOPV2 have been administered across 22 countries under its WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to date.  An additional 16 countries have met the requirements for nOPV2 use in the event of an outbreak.
  
   
• PAKISTAN FLOODS:  33 MILLION PEOPLE (15% OF THE POPULATION) HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE DEVASTATING FLOODS IN PAKISTAN.

• In the past few weeks, record monsoon rains have dumped more than five times the 30-year average for rainfall in some provinces, killing more than 1,300 people, nearly 400 of them children, and injuring over 6,000.  More than 1 million have been displaced from their homes and according to Shelter Box, literally ? of the country is under water.  One of the hardest hit areas is the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where Pakistan's 15 Wild Polio Cases originated from earlier this year.  

  WHO'S EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office) has released US$4 million for Pakistan aid while polio teams support disease surveillance for other diseases during the flood emergency. 
  
  Afghanistan. The transition of power in Afghanistan in August 2021 left the fate of nation's polio programme uncertain at a critical moment, with wild poliovirus cases at a historic low. But since November, seven nationwide vaccination campaigns have now set out to vaccinate over three million children who had never been reached with polio vaccines due to local-level bans on immunization. Increased access has also led to improved disease monitoring activities, and in June, the first review of Afghanistan's polio surveillance systems in six years left the programme confident that these efforts have been successful.
   

• • THAT'S IT FOR THIS WEEK FOLKS.   I will continue to send updates when possible - if the internet allows....
    
    Mike Crosby    Kay Ressler     Jim Vlantis   John Waterman  

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson


PP Dana Eaton addresses the club about an upcoming project , which will be a team effort to clean-up Marsh Creek.  Volunteers are needed.  

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson
Good afternoon, Dan.
 
Thanks again for the donation to the Diablo Sunrise District of BSA. 
 
I also reattached the contest flier so you may forward it to your Club members.  Also, for those that are interested in volunteering, here’s the link to signup online:

Click here to sign up!
 
After the event, I’ll follow up with pictures to share with your Club members.
 
Thank you, again, for your support.

Sarah McNamara
Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
District Director
209-482-0861

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Erin Summit has been hard at work arranging for a BJ's lunch delivery to honor our local first responders on Friday, September 9th.

Text her at 510-304-6216 if you would like to join in.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Way to go Adam!

Adam Martinez made a big announcement during his time with the Sargent at Arms ( Mr. Eric Volta).  Adam was talking about what he was doing for his birthday and, as the routine goes "what are you going to do for the club Adam!" he announced that he would make a donation of $1000 to secure his first PHF.

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Tim Dahl got help from Darin Gale , who stood in for Tim's wife.  You see, it was Tim's wedding anniversary and Darin made a good substitute.

By: Todd Moeller








Welcome Michael Dewilde ( sponsor is Adam Martinez)

Michael runs his own media and marketing company called  DeWilde Laine Media. Click here to follow link to website.

Michael spoke for 2 minutes and told us how he was breaking the mold of his family's past, a history that he does not want  to repeat and now wants to connect with people of redeeming qualities and purpose!

Taken from Linkedin:

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Artist skilled in Video and Audio Engineering, Video and Audio Pre and Post Production, Video and Audio Editing, Avid Technology, Adobe and Art. Balanced skills in graphic and web design. A strong engineering professional, he attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising for Fashion, and Los Medanos College for Electrical Engineering and Recording Arts. Experienced Utilities Operator with a demonstrated history of working in the mining & metals industry.





 

By: Nigel Andrew Jesson

Mike Crosby recently made a follow-up announcement for the upcoming beer festival. 

It's all hands on deck, we need everybody to volunteer and help.  We have 30 breweries involved! It will be the only fundraiser this Rotary Calendar year! They have sold over 500+ tickets and it's going to be busy.

In addition, Mike wanted to review a (Cliff Dochterman version) of the four-way test!

1. Is it cold?  Yes!!
2. Is there enough there for all concerned? Yes!!
3. Will it build good times and much better friendships?  Yes!!
4. And finally, can it get better than this?

By: Olga B Vidriales

Team Olga Sells  &  Corcoran Global Living
Intero - Brentwood, Discovery Bay (teamolgasells.com)

It was great to hear from Olga this week, featuring " Rotary Means Business"  where members of our club are given a minute to speak about their businesses in Brentwood.

Olga is a well-established and successful realtor based in the Brentwood area, having premises on 1st Street downtown.  She has been in business since 2012.

Olga's husband, Vince Vidriales, runs the Share Community Nonprofit, which is our reaching program helping the homeless.  They have 25 homeless people visiting every week, on Tuesdays in Antioch.  This is where they are able to get cleaned up, have a shower and get some used clothes to wear.  This gives them some dignity back and helps with the problems of living on the street.  Click here for more information!

Olga reports that they have had some success (nearly saying sex) stories. For example, one lady(Josie) who has been re-housed and been offered a nursing program.