Can you identify the names of the 2024 Olympics Mascots?  How about a very special feature of the 2024 Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals?  At the August 6th meeting President Joan concocted a tricky Olympics Trivia Quiz which thoroughly engaged everyone & demonstrated once again the competitive spirit of San Mateo Rotarians!!

SPINNINGS -

Week of August 13, 2024

The Olympics have been on everyone's radar screens over the past two
weeks! Margaret Taylor's Thought-of-the-Day, Peter Webb's Newscast, and President Joan's Olympic Trivia Table Group Contest serendipitously coalesced into a fun & entertaining meeting.  
 
The Olympics Trivia Contest developed into a spirited competition as San Mateo Rotarians worked in table groups to get the highest score (sort of like Team Gymnastics!).  Two of the questions stumped some tables:  
 
     -  What is the name of the 2024 Olympic Mascot?
 
     -  What is contained in every 2024 Olympic Medal?
 
Do you know?  
 
The 2024 Olympic Mascots (there are 2 of them) are named Phryge (pronounced freej)  and represent the tri-cornered red cap worn by French Revolutionaries. The caps represent freedom.
 
Every 2024 Olympic Medal contains a small piece of the Eiffel Tower!
 
President Joan awarded gold, silver & bronze chocolate medals to the winning table groups who graciously shared them with everyone!
 
In keeping with the sports scene, Tuesday's Speaker was Jeff Krolick, the former CEO of Fox Sports who shared thoughts on competitive equity in the NFL, NBA & MLB.  A fascinating dive into the economics of professional & collegiate sports.   Missed Rotary last week?  Click on the link below to catch Jeff Krolick's remarks.
 
Meeting Link

Peter's Newscast

Peter gave an appreciative shout out to being able to watch the Olympics from dawn to dusk, as long as he is amply fortified with coffee!  A master of subtlety, Peter offered the following:  
 
Some people thought having the athletes enter the Opening Ceremony on a flotilla of boats was...insane, but other people thought it was...sensational!
 
He also noted how much he has enjoyed the commentary of Snoop Dog & Martha Stewart.  Wonder if they'll be back for 2028 in LA?

margaret returns

Margaret offered the meeting's Thought-of-the-Day & reintroduced herself to the Club, having been away for a while.  She kicked off the Olympics theme by sharing how much she has been enjoying them, especially against the backdrop of Paris.  
 
More importantly, Margaret observed that in a world beset by turmoil & sharp differences, the Olympics are the epitome of what can be achieved when people work together in a spirit of community. 
 
It's great to have Margaret back with us at Poplar Creek!

BOOK GRoup this week!

No, it's not GroundHog Day all over again. Book Group really is this week on Wednesday, August 14, at 7:00 pm. Tom Huening is hosting & his address is
210 Gramercy Drive in San Mateo.  
 
 

The Car Show needs you!

The Car Show is rapidly approaching & needs your help. Click on the link below to register a car, serve as a volunteer, or become a sponsor. We need your help to make this a terrific fundraiser for next Spring's scholarships!
 
 
 

Ready to party?

Save August 24th from 2 to 5 for a Rotary Get Together at Steve Parker's. Bring an appetizer & your favorite adult beverage to share. Steve's address is:  2910 Juniper Street in San Mateo.
This week's speaker
David Rivera
Deputy General Manager
Bridge Division for the Golden Gate Bridge
 
David Rivera's Bio
SAD NEWS
WE HAVE RECEIVED THE SAD NEWS THAT LONG-TIME ROTARIAN BOB WHITEHLL PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY, SURROUNDED BY HIS FAMILY,  ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 8.
BOB HAD ENDURED A LONG BOUT WITH PARKINSON'S, BUT REMAINED CHEERFUL & COMMITTED TO ROTARY, AS DEMONSTRATED BY HIS ATTENDANCE AT the recent CENNTENNIAL DINNER.  BOB JOINED our  club  on january 19, 1978  which made him one of our longest serving members.   we will miss his cheerful presence and send our condolences to bob's 
family.