As this was the first meeting post Halloween, President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) shared photos of his and his daughters' costumes. For Halloween, he was dressed as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n Roll, and mentioned that he had run in several Bay to Breakers races as part of a team of Elvis impersonators. President JT showed a video clip of the real Elvis performing.
Next, President JT led us virtually to the lobby bar at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel and showed where we would all be seated. He welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians. Among the visitors today were Past District Governor Chris Gallagher and Jagpal Sran, president of the Rotary Club of San Rafael Evening.
Your Rotary MomentPresident JT shared the recently signed Sister Club Agreement with the Rotary Club of Shanghai. Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management), Vice President of Vocational Service, had actually visited the Rotary Club of Shanghai where he exchanged Rotary club flags.
Foundation Presents Check to the Boy Scouts of America
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired), San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) President, presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Boy Scouts of America. Frank Yoke (Development | Golden Gate Area Council, Boy Scouts of America) accepted on behalf of the Boy Scouts and thanked both our Club and SFRF for supporting the Scouting program in conjunction with Major Raymond Erickson-King (Nonprofit Management | The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center) and the Kroc Center in the Tenderloin. Said Frank, "The funds that were granted will help us to provide programs, uniforms, and hopefully summer camp opportunities this next year."
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired), San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) President, presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to the Boy Scouts of America. Frank Yoke (Development | Golden Gate Area Council, Boy Scouts of America) accepted on behalf of the Boy Scouts and thanked both our Club and SFRF for supporting the Scouting program in conjunction with Major Raymond Erickson-King (Nonprofit Management | The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center) and the Kroc Center in the Tenderloin. Said Frank, "The funds that were granted will help us to provide programs, uniforms, and hopefully summer camp opportunities this next year."
Last Two Weeks
President JT recapped the last two weeks since we met.
Grindings now offers a monthly column entitled "Members in the News". Members are invited to share their professional, personal, or Rotary milestones with our Club. All entries are to be submitted to the Editor of Grindings.
Virtual Halloween Party
The Club held a virtual Halloween Party on October 28, 2020. Members attended in full costume, and there was even a Jeopardy game.
Rotary District 5150 Road Rally to END POLIO NOW!
President JT thanked the members of our Club who participated in our District's Road Rally to END POLIO NOW on October 24, 2020. Read the full story here.
50/50 Campaign
The pledges and donations toward the goal of $100,000 have reached $65,000. To participate, go here.
October 27, 2020 Board Meeting
President JT shared the following highlights from this meeting:
$20 for Twenty Seconds
John Mathers (Management Consulting | eVo Associates) donated to thank our Club for supporting the Rotary Climate Action Team (RCAT). He announced that he had met with District Governor Mary Bates, District Governor-elect Danielle Lallement, and another governor to develop a strategy for RCAT.
John Mathers (Management Consulting | eVo Associates) donated to thank our Club for supporting the Rotary Climate Action Team (RCAT). He announced that he had met with District Governor Mary Bates, District Governor-elect Danielle Lallement, and another governor to develop a strategy for RCAT.
Luis Moran (Real Estate: Sales | Coldwell Banker) donated to announce that he and his wife had purchased a home as a surprise gift for his wife's parents. Her parents had worked hard all their lives, but had never been able to purchase a home.
Stacey Poole (Law: Family | Lerner Poole & Stewart, LLP) donated to ask if anyone would like for her to plan Club social events in 2021.
David Dye (Management Consulting | Retired) donated to invite everyone to attend the Zone Institute for Rotary Zones 26 and 27 to be held on November 12-14, 2020.
Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF) donated to thank those Club members who have been participating in service projects during the pandemic.
Jim Patrick (Retail: Office Supplies | Patrick & Co.) donated to remember Mike Davies, a former member of our Club. Mike's connection to our Club is mentioned here.
Christopher Davies (Real Estate: Property Management | Self-employed) donated to discuss an article in the November 2020 Rotary magazine about saving mothers and children in Guatemala and his work with the Maya Health Alliance.
Kat Ebanks (Nonprofit Management | TracyEbanks.com) donated to say that she has moved to Guatemala and is now in the same time zone as we are.
Guest Speaker
Kevin Leong (Development | University of San Francisco) introduced today's speaker, Professor James Taylor. Professor Taylor teaches in the Department of Politics at USF. He is a much sought after political commentator and appears regularly on San Francisco News TV. Professor Taylor addressed the question of how to move forward after the election. He said that regardless of the election results, Rotarians must stay focused on their mission to serve humanity. He added that Rotary was born in a time of uncertainty (a few years after the 1906 earthquake) and is now needed more than ever as we go through the uncertainties caused by COVID-19. President JT thanked Professor Taylor and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in his name.
Kevin Leong (Development | University of San Francisco) introduced today's speaker, Professor James Taylor. Professor Taylor teaches in the Department of Politics at USF. He is a much sought after political commentator and appears regularly on San Francisco News TV. Professor Taylor addressed the question of how to move forward after the election. He said that regardless of the election results, Rotarians must stay focused on their mission to serve humanity. He added that Rotary was born in a time of uncertainty (a few years after the 1906 earthquake) and is now needed more than ever as we go through the uncertainties caused by COVID-19. President JT thanked Professor Taylor and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in his name.