President JT Forbus (Accounting | Bogdan & Frasco) called the meeting to order at 12 noon. December 8, 2020 was National Brownie Day, and President JT baked some virtual brownies for us.
Today we met virtually at Lowell High School. Joining us were Daniel Gao and Issy Southern, both Interactors from the Interact Club at St. Ignatius College Preparatory that the Rotary Club of San Francisco co-sponsors with the Rotary Club of San Francisco West. Daniel and Issy shared the background of their Interact Club, who their leaders are, what this Interact Club does in a typical year, and how they plan to proceed during the pandemic. J Padilla from our Club and Ken Lai from San Francisco West serve as the Rotary advisors to this Interact Club. Following the departure of Daniel and Issy, President JT asked the audience members to share on the Chat the name of their high school and the year when they graduated.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians
Among today's guests were Csongor Czezar from Hungary; Margaret Miley (prospective member); Katherine Miller from San Francisco's Juvenile Probation Department; Richard Swart, Past President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown; and Elohor and Onos Omoko.
Among today's guests were Csongor Czezar from Hungary; Margaret Miley (prospective member); Katherine Miller from San Francisco's Juvenile Probation Department; Richard Swart, Past President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco Chinatown; and Elohor and Onos Omoko.
Your Rotary Moment
President JT shared a video on a Rotary club in the Bahamas that had helped to build a ramp to allow a disabled man to enter his house on his own. The message was clear that Rotary is a global service organization, and as Rotarians, our mission, no matter where we are, is to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill.
Sunshine Report
President JT shared that two of our long-time members were at home recovering from illness that required a hospital stay. Our Club sends well wishes to both.
New Member InductedPresident JT and our Vice President of Membership Terry Pickering (Financial Services | Retired) inducted Dan Davies (Information Technology: Consulting | North American Lighting). Through Rotary, Dan is hoping to "build a network of professionals to learn about new ways to contribute to the community." Welcome, Dan!
Member Moment
In today's Rotary Moment, Club member Alex Omoko (Human Services | Geo Re-Entry Services) shared his background, introduced his family (two of whom were in the audience), and described his journey from Rotaractor to Rotarian. When Alex moved from Nigeria to the San Francisco Bay Area, he had already been part of Rotary for some time. Because of his past Rotary experience, he was careful to find the right Rotary club to join. He found the Rotary Club of San Francisco to be the best choice. He said that "Rotary had positively shaped his life towards the dreams and visions that his late father had always wanted for him and he is grateful to be a part of Rotary to put smiles on the faces of others."
Service at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
President JT shared photos of the recent service day at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. See full story and photos here.
Basic PRLS Class in January 2021
Richard Swart, PRLS Co-Director, joined to invite our Club members and Interactors to the next Basic PRLS class. See here for registration and more information.
Guest SpeakerScott Plakun (Management Consulting | The Plakun Group) introduced today's speaker. Katy Weinstein Miller, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, reported on the decline in referrals and detentions in San Francisco's Juvenile Justice System. At the same time, there has been an increase in racial disparities among juveniles. She went on to describe some of the methods used to produce reform and diversion. President JT thanked Katy and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in her name.