President Dick presided over a packed agenda as San Mateo Rotarians ventured out in chilly temperatures & gusty winds to gather at Poplar Creek for Thursday's lunch meeting. President-Elect John Barrett led a table-top listening session to gather club input on the following questions using the rose as a metaphor:
What do you like? (Rose)
What needs improving? (Thorn)
What do you want to see in the future? (Bud)
Board members facilitated the table top groups. The responses will be consolidated, discussed by the Board, and reported back to the Club.
If you missed Thursday's meeting and would like to provide your input to President-Elect John as he's preparing for next year, please be sure to e-mail him with your responses to the questions. John's email is:
john@johnbarrettjr.com
President-Elect John took the podium to launch the table-top discussions. PE John is busily preparing for his term as Club President and would love every member's input in planning for the year ahead. Be sure to let him know what you'd like to see for next year.
Michelle Privitera joined other board members in leading table discussions and recording group input to take back to share with the Board and with PE John. Looks as though Ed, Jeff, & Shawn are holding their own table top chat!
President Dick gave a hearty shout-out (and a bottle of wine!) to Jodi De Smidt as he thanked the Membership Committee for all its work on the highly successful New Member Gathering at Shoreway Center on February 22nd. Many potential new members surfaced!
Margaret Taylor presented Sgt. Tracey Unga with a check for $1,000 from the Community Grants Committee to support the great work the Police Activities League does in San Mateo to provide recreational, athletic & educational activities for kids aged 5 - 18. Sgt. Unga expressed PAL's gratitude for our support.
Laura Bent accepted a Community Grants donation of $1,000 to Samaritan House as they continue to address the needs of so many in our community who need food, housing or other support. Laura appears to be thoroughly enjoying her new role as Executive Director. Always nice to receive a donation & Laura gratefully thanked the Club. The smile says it all!
Nick Rogers reminded the Club a scholarship has been established in memory of Past President Tom Thompson to be given every year to a student who embodies Tom's qualities of generosity, work ethic, and compassion. If you'd like to donate, go to the San Mateo Foundation link on the San Mateo Rotary Club webpage.
Dennis Murphy shared details of San Mateo Rotary's Night at the Giants on April 10th when the Giants host the Dodgers. Should be a great game! Let Dennis know if you'd like to attend by e-mailing him at:
dmurphy2222@yahoo.com
or just click on the link on the Rotary webpage.
Speaker Ashok Mathur gave an in-depth look at the Evolving Relationship Between India and the United States since the end of WWII. Watch for the link in next week's Spinnings.
"No more kick outs," proclaimed President Dick in announcing we will move our meetings from Thursdays to Tuesdays next month. Our last Thursday meeting will be March 15th (Beware the Ides of March!) and our first Tuesday meeting will be March 21st as we welcome the arrival of Spring!
