President Christopher Wiseman (Nonprofit Management | Glaucoma Research Foundation) called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM. He welcomed those online and those attending in person inside the Anzu Restaurant at the Hotel Nikko. Rick Harrell (Arts Therapy | Heroes' Voices) played guitar and sang a song that he had composed on the tragedy of suicide among veterans. It was lovely and a touching tribute!
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Today's Visiting Rotarians were Brandon Fleming from the University District Rotary Club in Seattle, Washington, Sharon Herman and Arnie Miller from the Rotary Club of Brookline, Massachusetts, Andrew Quinones of the Rotary Club of Pomona, Julia Spark from the Rotary Club of Busselton-Geographe Bay in Australia, and Carrie Schucker from a Rotary club in Davis. We also welcomed Christopher Kazas, Diane Laster, and today's speaker - Executive Chef Adam Mali. Andrew, the grandson of Robin Azevedo (Retail: Mattresses | Retired, McRoskey Mattress Company), introduced Buster and Beau; they are two dogs belonging to staff members at the Hotel Nikko.
Meeting Volunteers
President Christopher thanked today's meeting volunteers (listed at the end of this story).
Club Calendar and Events for Rotarians
Check the Club's calendar for upcoming meetings and events for December 2022. Be sure to register for the Holiday Party and Annual Meeting on December 13, 2022.
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Diane Laster from the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce spoke briefly about the relationship between the SF Chamber and our Club. She offered a 10-20% discount on membership dues to our Club members when they join the SF Chamber of Commerce. Many thanks to Sunny Singh (Financial Services: Advising | PK Wealth Management) for developing this partnership with the SF Chamber of Commerce.
Creating Your Legacy
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) presented on how to make a bequest to Rotary. A simple strategy is to add Rotary as a beneficiary on your IRA, 401K, 403(b), or an insurance policy. Other ways to donate include the Donor-Advised Fund and the Charitable Remainder Trust. Be sure to let Dan or President Christopher know if you set up a bequest to Rotary so that your contribution can be acknowledged.
Dan Joraanstad (Financial Services: Advising | Retired) presented on how to make a bequest to Rotary. A simple strategy is to add Rotary as a beneficiary on your IRA, 401K, 403(b), or an insurance policy. Other ways to donate include the Donor-Advised Fund and the Charitable Remainder Trust. Be sure to let Dan or President Christopher know if you set up a bequest to Rotary so that your contribution can be acknowledged.
Red Badge Completed
Todd St Vrain (Education: Administration | University of Melbourne) completed his Red Badge requirements back in March 2022. He has been traveling and today was present for Vice President of Membership Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) to remove the red ribbon on his name badge. Congratulations!
Todd St Vrain (Education: Administration | University of Melbourne) completed his Red Badge requirements back in March 2022. He has been traveling and today was present for Vice President of Membership Margaret Miley (Hospitality: Hotels | Retired) to remove the red ribbon on his name badge. Congratulations!
$20 for Twenty Seconds
The following shared in today's $20 for Twenty Seconds:
- Dan Joraanstad talked about the Friendsgiving that he and Bob Hermann (Information Technology: Administration | Retired UCSF) hosted on November 13, 2022 at their home. About 35 Rotarians and guests attended this very fun social event. A big thank you to both Dan and Bob!
- Tim Hornbecker (Nonprofit Management | Retired, The Arc CA) talked about the program at The Arc San Francisco and the Thanksgiving celebration coming up on November 22, 2022. Clifford Phillips (The Arc San Francisco) and President Christopher chimed in to encourage more volunteers to register for Thanksgiving at The Arc.
Social Time
Attendees had some time to share their special holiday memories with each other in their table group.
Guest Speaker
President Christopher introduced Executive Chef Adam Mali of the Hotel Nikko. A native of New York, Mali began his culinary career on the East Coast and has earned much recognition including the coveted James Beard award and the title of "Top Chef". Executive Chef Mali delivered an interesting presentation and shared information on his training, his career, his mentors, and how he ended up at the Hotel Nikko. He answered many questions from the audience. President Christopher thanked Executive Chef Mali and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in his name.
President Christopher introduced Executive Chef Adam Mali of the Hotel Nikko. A native of New York, Mali began his culinary career on the East Coast and has earned much recognition including the coveted James Beard award and the title of "Top Chef". Executive Chef Mali delivered an interesting presentation and shared information on his training, his career, his mentors, and how he ended up at the Hotel Nikko. He answered many questions from the audience. President Christopher thanked Executive Chef Mali and announced that 100 children would be inoculated against polio in his name.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: Thank you to Margaret Miley for serving as scribe; to Jim Patrick (Retail: Office Supplies | Patrick & Co.) for serving as photographer; to Tim Hornbecker for managing the microphone; to Jesse Austin of the Academy of Art University for managing the audio-visual equipment during our in-person meeting; to Maureen O'Shea (Governmental Relations | Retired), Anita Stangl (Medical Services | Alliance for Smiles), and Clifford Phillips for serving as greeters, and to Gary Dales (Accounting | Fly Leasing) for doing check-in at the Hotel Nikko.