“Telling it like it is”…………………

The sun shone down on the members and guests as they climbed the stairs to the California Ballroom to partake in another wondrous meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland - #3, it it’s 96th year of Rotary activity.

Following a ringing of the “let me have your attention” bell, by President JON LEUTENECKER, the meeting got underway. MEL CAUGHELL introduced 2 visiting Rotarians. This was followed by the introduction of 5 guests of Rotarians.

Get to know us……….

JO ANN DRISCOLL put in a plug for the soon to be released Rotary Highlights Magazine. Missing for a while the “Highlights” magazine is back on the newsstands with such features as: (you’ll have to read it to find out). Jo Ann’s promise was that it would come out quarterly. OK.

Support your Rotary Foundation……… RON CORDES re introduced everyone to the work of the Rotary Foundation. The foundation fosters Intl. partnership, funds and promotes projects throughout the world. How can we help? We can help by selling or buying the tickets that were placed in everyone’s badge holders. The Club will match all your contributions. This matching gift will double your contribution.
There will be two prizes; first prize will be an all expense trip to the Rotary International conference in Scandinavia. The 2nd prize will be a trip for two to the “Uniendo” Rotary Conference in Central America. You can’t miss. Buy and/or sell you tickets. It’s for a great cause. To prove the point RON purchased 20 tickets …………… Thanks RON

MARK ROSEN, chair of the “Hi Adventure Committee showed some video and asks all to: “Take a hike” “a swim” “watch whales” “river raft” rock climb”. How? You ask………….. Join or take part in the Hi-Adventure Committee’s various activities. It is a great way to test yourself and to meet other Rotarians that love the outdoors ad love things that are a bit different. Get off you’re you-know-what and breathe some fresh air in the company of other fun seekers.

COME TO THE FAIR. LORI SINCLAIR reminded everyone that on November 9 (just over a month from now – my goodness, that means that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner) will be the Oakland Rotary Committee Fair. It will be held in the Oakland Aquatic Center, on Embarcadero and will feature all the various committees of Oakland Rotary (except for the Live Oak, which for the safety of the writers remains a secret group). This is a great way to introduce potential members to all the great things we do in this “Special Club.” The event is open to members who bring a prospective member as a guest.

This is who I am…….. JOE DILLEBERTO gave his 3 min. self introduction. Born and raised in Philly, his parents owned and operated a mom & pop grocery store. Joe went to Penn State and was a gymnast. Went to work for Eastman Kodak and rose through the management ranks. Met his wife, Sandra in Germany. Recently attended the Sandler Sales Inst. And now has his own thriving business. Welcome again Joe.

Looking for Leaders……… Marlo Seligman opened up the floor and accepted nominations for the Nominating committee, which will select the President and vice President elect and the future Board of Directors (a weighty task) The qualified nominees were: Jack McAboy, Karl Stucki, Jerry Wendt, Pat Young, Alex Poulsen, Sue Piper, Susan Jeffries, Mary Miller, Charlie Adams, Yuri Mok, Mary Rudser, Peter Turner.

David Bardolini asked for those who would like to take in one or two Russian contractors, 11/20 to 11/27 to please contact the Rotary office.

“A walk down the Avenue would be nice.” David Stein announced that the Avenue of Service dinner and conference in Hayward will be held on October 20. the evening included dinner (paid for by Oakland #3), meaningful discussions and other fine things. Sign up ASAP, while there is still room.

A Novel Idea……… Yuri Mok introduced the speaker, Holly Payne, whose 2nd book “Sound of Blue” had just been published. She spoke eloquently about her passion (writing) and the individual that she used for the main character of her book. She started with a quote from holly Payne: “Blessed are the brief, for they will be invited back.” Amen…

There is a rich use of language that invokes vivid pictures of the written words. There is a music to language that intrigues her. She spoke eloquently and with passion that shows in her vivid, musical writing.

A wonderful speaker.

Editor: Daniel Webster

Photos: F. Stop Fitzgerald