Posted by Dora Dye on Dec 29, 2021
2021 began with many of us in search of the first shot of COVID vaccine. Who got the first shot was determined by age and health risk factors, but eventually, anyone who wanted a shot got one and then two. Our Club began 2021 on a high note: Past President Laine Hendricks (Public Relations and Marketing | County of Marin) was selected to serve as District 5150 Governor in 2023-2024.
 
We never wavered from the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self'. In fact, we did many service projects by carefully following the health guidelines and limiting the number of participants. We expanded our reach to groups we had not partnered with in the past such as TogetherSF by loading food boxes for delivery to churches to feed those in need and by donating dictionaries in print for distribution to children who could not afford electronic devices to use for educational purposes. We delivered personal safety alarms to Asian seniors in our community.
 
As the world gradually emerged from being sheltered in place and living under colored tiers, we also looked for ways to emerge as well. In June 2021, we held our annual Bike Build in person. Last year, this event was canceled due to COVID, but this year, any child who was present at the Bike Build went home with a shiny new bike, a helmet, a lock, safety instructions, and a huge smile. Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF) and Bill Poppen (Banking: Management | MUFG Union Bank) were honored for their work to put together this amazing Bike Build.
 
(from left to right: President Mary Liu, Bob Hermann, Bill Poppen, and San Francisco Board of Supervisor Catherine Stefani representing District 2)
 
We continued to meet via Zoom, but in June 2021, we began our hybrid (i.e., in person and via Zoom simultaneously) meetings at our new meeting location - the Hotel Nikko located at 222 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. We all know that good things come in threes, and so, we completed the month of June 2021 with an in-person Club Picnic at the home of Robert Thomas, the father of Club member, Heidi Kuhn (Peace Building | Roots of Peace).
 
Throughout 2021, Scott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) led the charge for our Club to practice DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) by bringing in speakers to enhance our awareness and appreciation for different cultures, practices, and traditions. Mary Liu (Real Estate: Sales | JM Real Estate Group) became our first Asian American Club President on July 1, 2021. Joining her was this Board of Directors and other leaders.
 
We continued to gather safely by requiring proof of vaccination and by offering hybrid and in some situations, Zoom-only meetings.
 
Effective the end of November 2021, we changed our mailing address to the following:
 
Rotary Club of San Francisco
1728 Ocean Avenue, #173
San Francisco, CA 94112
 
Rotary Service, Inc.
1728 Ocean Avenue, #173
San Francisco, CA 94112
.
 
Our telephone number remains +1 (415) 335-9717.
 
Dues may also be paid online here and donations accepted here
 
2021 ends like it began with some of us looking for a shot again; this time it is a booster shot. Looking back, I can say that 2021 was a year of many good changes for our Club. The year 2022 looks promising, and I wish you all a happy, healthy, and great year ahead.