The club showed off projects to other clubs in the district at the project fair on 11/19. Keith Axtell showed the microcredit and business development programs and Mark Sachs showed the eyeglass distribution program. Plenty of interest from other clubs for these excellent "service above self" projects.
Past Speakers
For Thanksgiving, Rotary Club of Marin Evening provided over a dozen pies for seniors living at the Parnow Friendship House and the Marie B. Freitas Senior Community in San Rafael. Since the start of the pandemic, RCME has donated pies to these houses so their residents did not feel forgotten during the holiday season. We all have much to be grateful for and are happy to pass along some sweetness for the season.
On Saturday, November 12, nine members and friends of the Rotary Club of Marin Evening worked the morning shift at the San Francisco Marin Food Bank in San Rafael. We helped build boxes and then fill them with fresh vegetables, fruit and packaged goods. With others, we put together over 300 boxes for those in need. In addition to the boxes, patrons were supplied with a chicken, canned beans, and other food items. It was a great experience and one we'll do again in the new year. Thanks to the Food Bank for their efforts to supply meals to those in need. We were happy to help!
It's not every new member who gets inducted by the District Governor. But, Dr. Louise Malandra got a special welcome from DG Gary Chow after joining RCME. Governor Chow was a guest at our meeting which coincided with Dr. Malandra's induction. So, why not? Welcome Dr. Malandra--who is Executive Director of Trips for Kids.
Rotary Club of Marin Evening participated in the 38th Annual California Coastal Clean-Up day on September 17. Shown here are club president, Nick Nguyen and board member Valerie Layne. They were joined by other club members in picking up trash along the San Rafael Creek bed. Many other Rotary Clubs in the district and state joined in this effort. As President Nick says, "It's part of what Rotary is to make a difference in our communities. We were happy to do our part."
For 27 years, we have honored 66 students at Bodega Bay School in memory of Nicholas Green, who attended the school and was killed in an attempted kidnapping in Italy. His parents donated his organs which saved the lives of 7 Italians. The Nicholas Green Award recognizes those students who exemplify the spirit of compassion that this act of generosity showed. Past president, Al Shirley was at Stinson Elementary School to present this year's award.
Ms. Gockel-Maguire (from San Pedro Elementary) sees each child as having a rich story and assets that are meant to be shared with the classroom and the larger community despite any personal challenges they may face. She does this by building deep trusting relationships with each one of the students she interacts with in order for them to feel safe and be available to come to school and learn. She uses her connection with the community and a variety of nonprofit organizations to secure funds to purchase PE equipment, books for the school library and gift cards that can be given to families during the holidays.
Ms. Deirdre Wilson has been teaching kindergarten for more than 25 years and is a Venetia Valley School superstar! She has an amazing ability to connect with all of her students and their families. Additionally, Ms. Wilson is a role model for professionalism and gives a lot of her extra time to prepare, plan and provide for her students and their families. Ms. Wilson is a true team player and is always willing to take on additional responsibilities.
For the past two years, the Rotary Club of Marin Evening has been providing meals to those experiencing homelessness through St. Vincent de Paul. Club members have made over 4,600 lunches for distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic when the St. Vincent's kitchen was closed for health reasons. Thanks to the club's efforts, these people have had one less thing to worry about--getting a decent meal. Now that St. Vincent's is re-opening their kitchen, the sack lunches are no longer needed. But there were a lifeline for over two years.
Congratulations to Mike Finnegan of the Marin County Fire Department, recipient of the Service Above Self Award. Mike is an Engineer Paramedic who was the COVID-19 vaccine coordinator for all of Marin. He led the team of doctors, nurses and paramedics in setting up the Marin County program that was rated as #1 in the country for vaccine distribution. Lynn Taylor, Rotary Club President, says "Mike's efforts saved lives and truly exemplifies what the Service Above Self Award is meant to recognize. Thank you, Mike."
For the second year, RCME has made Easter Baskets for kids living in the Center for Domestic Peace in San Rafael. Baskets were made for young kids, middle school and high school kids. A total of 27 baskets were prepared with "age appropriate" toys and sweets. Here's Sagrario Ramirez of the C4DP receiving the baskets for distribution at Easter. A nice present for kids who deserve something good.
Rotary Club of Marin Evening recognized Luca Cuffe, a volunteer with the Marin County Search and Rescue for this outstanding service this past year. Luca has logged over 700 hours, serving as team leader and coordinator for training and rescue missions. His service extended to Oregon and Washington and has lasted all through his high school years. Marin County Sheriff Robert Doyle praised Luca's dedication and willingness to put in the hours as a dedicated volunteer and his uncanny ability to locate missing persons.
Our club recognizes outstanding service in law enforcement and education with a "Service Above Self" award. As club president Lynn Taylor says, "Luca embodies the commitment we like to see and honor. Congratulations, Luca. And best of luck in your future endeavors."
The club delivered 200 Valentine's cards to seniors at 3 residences as well as women at the Center for Domestic Peace to make their day a bit brighter.
For the 15th year, RCME distributed dictionaries to 3rd graders at two elementary schools in San Rafael and one in Richmond. Each student received their own copy. Over 200 were provided to the happy students. Pictured Allen Ng, Chair of the Youth Services Committee, giving the students the good news, and President Lynn Taylor and a happy recipient.
Service Above Self
San Rafael, CA 94903
United States of America