President Dudley Thompson called the 5,356th Civic Thursday meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. and welcomed those in the California Ballroom, as well as those attending online. Dudley asked that visitors attending online enter their names in the chat box to be acknowledged later in the meeting.
Past President Sean Marx, reflecting on his life purpose of serving others through his career and actions, shared a quote from John F. Kennedy. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
Past President Jack McAboy introduced a new Rotarian, Phil Holt. Phil buys and sells businesses. A former Navy Seal, he worked on the Apollo Discovery recovery, has biked from Canada to Mexico, and is the longest-serving volunteer of the Alameda County Food Bank. He is a former member of the Alameda Rotary Club.
Joe Goralka introduced a new Rotarian, Adam Tobin. Adam is the Executive Director of Chabot Space and Science Center where he is now working hard to reopen in November with a new partnership with NASA. He has a BA in music from Brandeis University, is a nationally recognized toy inventor and a mechanical artist.
President Dudley presented each new member with their red badge, Rotary pin, Four-Way test, member roster, and Centennial book.
Past President David Stein introduced Cat Brooks as Speaker for the Day, who has been engaged in the struggle against state violence for well over a decade. After losing her father at the age of eight to the Nevada Penitentiary System, Cat continued to witness the ways in which law enforcement brutalized Black and Brown communities. Cat is co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project; a Black- Led coalition that seeks to build a model to eradicate police terror in communities of color. APTP supports families surviving police terror in their fight for justice: documenting police abuses and connecting impacted families and community members with resources, legal referrals, and opportunities for healing. Cat also serves as Executive Director of the Justice Teams Network. In addition, Cat is a poet, playwright, radio host, ran for mayor of Oakland in 2018, and mother to one daughter.
Cat began by asking Rotarians to observe a moment of silence for all lives lost to violence. Ms. Brooks shared several examples of young lives that were victims of Oakland, Los Angeles County, and Vallejo Police Departments. She reminded the audience that OPD has been under federal oversight for two decades. Her organization, the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP), does not hate police but rather the institutionalized violence and brutality against marginalized communities and people of color. The APTP works closely with families and communities to fight for justice. Black and brown families have the “talk” with their children on how to behave toward the police, so they do not become victims.
Business Development Committee
Jesse Schmidt, Business Development Committee Chair, presented an update on the committee. He invited Rotarian leaders of nonprofit organizations, businesses, and others with a business interest to join the committee. The committee is hosting a Summer Sunset Mixer in honor of National Small Business Week on September 30th, 5:30-7:30 pm at the home of Keith Uriarte. Jason Wizelman is sponsoring the event. Interested Rotarians are asked to RSVP via the Club website, Events page.
Cocktails with the President
Past President Linda Boessenecker announced the next Cocktails with the President will celebrate Oktoberfest. Join fellow Rotarians, President Dudley, and guests at Hofkuche, 478 25th St. at 5:30 pm. Rotarians are encouraged to invite potential members to join the fun.
Environment Committee
President Dudley reminded everyone that Joel Parrott is chairing the Environment Committee, a new program about protecting the environment. (Supporting the Environment is a new major focus added by Rotary International this year.) The committee is looking for members. Contact Joel at jjparrott83@gmail.com to get involved. Dudley asked us also to consider joining ESRAG, a national organization that is doing some interesting things regarding the environment as well. Their membership fee is $30/year.
September 29 - Next First Five Civic Wednesday Meeting
The First Five Clubs zoom meeting will be Wednesday, September 29 at noon. Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta will be a featured speaker. This replaces our usual Thursday time. Advance registration is required. Sign up on the Club website, Upcoming Speakers page.
Click here to watch Cat Brooks video segment
Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?
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