March 25, 2008

 

             CHOCOLATE CAKE REIGNED TODAY AT CV ROTARY -------- YUMMMMMMM   

 

OPENING

President Dick Short welcomed everyone and asked Bill Jarvis to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Bruce Johnson asked the blessing on our lunch, thanked God for the many friendships we have remembering some of our older Rotarians who are no longer able to attend our meetings, and prayed for our armed services personnel at home or overseas, first responders, our Great Country, its leaders and our defenders.  

 

 

PROGRAMS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD!

April   1            Tom Blalock, BART Board of Directors

 

April   8            Washington Closeup program, Castro Valley High School students

 

April 15            Cliff Dochterman, Past Rotary International President

 

April 22            Hal Davis, Lewis and Clark Explorations

 

April 29            Carol Pitman, 21st Century resident of Saudi Arabia

 

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Owen Smith shared the Thought for the Day from H.L. Mencken (journalist/satirist; 1880-1956): “Injustice is relatively easy to bear; its justice that hurts.”

 

 

SONG BY CETA

Ceta led us in a rousing two stanzas of “Happy Days are Here Again.”

 

 

RECOGNITIONS

None

 

 

GUESTS

Bonnie Best, Assistant Governor, joined us!

 

 

HELLO SONG

Oops, skipped . . . wherefore were you, Mr. Tedesco?

 

 

MAC UPDATE FROM JEFF MOORE

The AM/PM Market and gas station on Castro Valley Boulevard and Wisteria will be removed and replaced by a brand new building!

 

 

A LESSON ABOUT THE NEED FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN ONE’S KITCHEN

Ceta (assisted by Luc) Dochterman told the story of a kitchen fire at their house which was quickly extinguished due to having a fire extinguisher on hand!  She (and Luc) admonished all to have one handy!

 

 

UPCOMING DATES AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

APRIL 29 - ROTARY 101 AT DR. DARRELL’S HOUSE

Calling all new members and their sponsors . . . contact Dr. Darrell for more information at DocLavin@abetterspine.com

 

MAY 9 - CHILI COOKOFF 2008

The Castro Valley Rotary Club will host the 2008 Chili Cookoff at Rowell Ranch on Friday, May 9.  More information to follow . . . check out pix from last year at http://www.castrovalleyrotary.org/index_files/Page590.htm

 

MAY 10 - ROWELL RANCH RODEO PARADE

Lots going on . . . We need everyone to get involved . . . Check out pix from last year at http://www.castrovalleyrotary.org/index_files/Page590.htm . . .

 

MAY 15 - LET’S GO FISHING

Plan to attend!  Check out pix from last year at http://www.castrovalleyrotary.org/index_files/Page590.htm

 

  

PROGRAM

Ceta Dochterman introduced our speaker for today, Mark Juarez, Founder and CEO of The Happy Company, speaking on the formation of The Happy Company, selling items to stores such as Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Mark’s mission is to create unique, high quality products that bring a sense of well-being to our customers and provide stress-relieving solutions for the pressures of today's fast paced world. He wants his customers to feel good about themselves and thus project a sense of vitality to our communities, creating a happier world.  The Happy Company has grown from one to over 300 employees in two years!

 

In his efforts to make a difference in the world, he stressed two of the company core values: 1) “Integrity before Profit,” and 2) “Work should be love made visible.” 

 

When he started his company, he looked to ahve folks who had his passion to touch and make a difference in people’s lives.  Company employees are encouraged to give 5% of their time to community service.

 

In 1992 Mark Juarez invented a revolutionary massage tool we now know as the Happy Massager. The Happy Massager was instantly a worldwide success, prompting the inception of The Happy Company. Mark's inspiration for developing the Happy Massager was his desire to expose the entire world to the healing benefits of massage.  This drive led Mark to base his company on a philosophy of promoting happiness and well- being by producing personal relaxation products. Currently, The Happy Company offers a variety of unique relaxation products sold worldwide.

 

Since our first days of business, The Happy Company has remained committed to making a positive impact on the world.  Through the years we have donated millions of dollars worth of product to health care and non-profit organizations.  Recently, we have developed a line of specialty products called the Cure Collection, which benefits breast cancer research through proceed donations. By giving back to our community, The Happy Company hopes to create a happier, healthier world.

 

In recent years, Mark has coupled his working knowledge of alternative business practices with his love of public speaking.  He has become an acclaimed public speaker for business associations and non-profit organizations nationwide. Mark has been a guest speaker at such prestigious universities as Stanford, U.S.C, Loyola Marymount and San Francisco State University. Mark has received more than a dozen awards and honorable mentions for his philanthropic business achievements and his public speaking contributions.

 

For more information about The Happy Company, please visit www.thehappycompany.com . . .

 

     

THE HUNT FOR THE CORRECT MARBLE

Dick Short’s ticket was pulled and with $105 and 10 marbles in the sack, reached in and won . . . .  $5.00 . . .   Congratulations!

 

See you next week!