May 1, 2007

 

OPENING

President Bernie Kempen opened the meeting and asked all CV Rotarians present to recite the Four-Way Test followed by Leslie Rothwell leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and, then

after President Bernie did a tremendous, all encompassing list of those who we need to have in our prayers, including our armed services personnel overseas and safety officers within our boarders as well as other civil servants, Bruce Johnson simply asked those present to join in saying “Amen” to President Bernie’s inspiring words!

 

 

PROGRAM NEXT WEEK

Dogs Behaving Well; Speaker: Lisa Clifton Bumpass

 

 

SONG BY CETA (OR WHOMEVER ELSE SHE CHOOSES)

Ceta led us in “School Days.”

 

 

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS

Visitors today included Hayward Rotarian John Caldwell and CVHS Parent Janet Nordgren, leading the 2007 CVHS Sober Graduation program (see below).

 

HELLO SONG

The Hello Song was led magnificently by the all-time great Sal Tedesco!

 

 

CHECK PRESENTATION TO 2007 SOBER GRADUATION

President Bernie presented Mrs. Nordgren with a check for $1500 from the CV Rotary Club to help with the costs of the 2007 CVHS Sober Graduation program.  (Note: the program is still

approximately $6,000 short for this year so if you would like to assist financially, please contact Leslie Rothwell at LRothwell@cv.k12.ca.us . . .

 

 

AFRICAN FACTOID(S) FOR THE DAY FROM OUR PRESIDENT

The Late Great Roman (23-79 A.D) officer and encyclopedist, author of the Natural history., Pliny the Elder Opined’ “There is always something new out of Africa”or in Latin….Ex Africa semper aliquid novi.   President Bernie spoke on the life and works for Phiny the Elder stating that the “out of Africa” statement actually goes back to Aristotle.  Phiny the Elder wrote 37 volumes on natural history and other topics.  He died when Mount Vesuvius erupted when he was but 56 years old.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jeff Moore did an announcement regarding MAC: the CV General Plan is nearing finalization and will help project twenty years out for our area.  There were two issues that came up regarding the CV School District including moving the boundaries (and if it is possible) and rezoning school property for public use.  There were other issues as well including ways to minimize big box stores and other commercial issues, and whether or not the boundaries of Castro Valley have been changed in this plan.  There is some question whether or not the EIR would be deemed invalid due to the boundary changes made.  More to follow!  (Thanks, Jeff, for your service!)

 

 

REPEAT OF ANNOUNCEMENTS PREVIOUSLY MADE

May 10            Let’s Go Fishing (for pictures, go to http://www.castrovalleyrotary.org/MemoryLane/LetsGoFishing/2006/Page1.html)

 

May 11            Chili Cook-off behind CV Bowl (contact Bill Jarvis to get involved at "Bill Jarvis" <bill@BWCMTG.com>

 

May 12            Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade (contact Kim Murdock to get involved at “Kim Murdock” <Coolkim1962@aol.com >

 

May 14            Rotary Meeting at Hayward Rotary at Masonic Building on B Street beginning at 12:00 PM.  This is a co-club meeting celebrating the rodeo!  (Note: we are DARK on May 15.)

 

May 15            We are DARK . . . plan to attend the meeting in Hayward on May 14.

May 17            Rotary District 5190 Assembly featuring Cliff Dochterman!  For information, go to www.rotary5170.org . . .

 

May 29            Lifescan Fingerprinting for Youth Protection . . . $17 per person . . . we need three to have them come out . . . more info go to www.rotary5170.org

 

June 3              Foundation Cruise - more info to follow or email Dwight Perry at dwight@pinthis.com . . .

 

June 17-20       Rotary International Conference in Salt Lake City, UT  - visit www.rotary.org

 

August 4           Rotary Day at the A’s - ,more info to follow

 

 

RECOGNITTIONS

Spared today . . .

 

 

PROGRAM

CVUSD Superintendent Jim Fitzpatrick proudly introduced “one of his own” today stating that our speaker, Charles Reynes, was one of five teachers selected state-wide as California Teachers of the Year out of 340,000 teachers from 1200 school districts!  Supt Fitzpatrick stated that Mr. Reynes selection brought pride to the school district and the Castro Valley community.

 

Mr. Reynes, who teaches science at five elementary campuses in Castro Valley, shared what the selection process included (very grueling and detailed!) for each level in the process.  He said that it was like riding a wave on a surf board.  He credited the CVUSD leadership at both the board and administrative level for having the vision for science labs for each elementary campus and commended the Castro Valley community for voting to support bonds for the building of the labs. 

 

Mr. Reynes shared his story of growing up in school and was very open with his successes as well as failures through school.  He could not have been more transparent and his journey said a lot about why he is so successful today in and out of the classroom.

 

He shared several words of wisdom that was caught by those present including

• children learn best by doing

• teachers must have responsibility, authority, accountability and the resources to teach

• when you look for something greater than yourself, people want to help you

• empowering teachers to teach makes a difference

• children need lots of “lap time” with their parents growing up (e.g., reading books together)

• our children need us

 

His favorite quote that he focuses on often is from Mr. Rogers: “Look for what others are able to do and when you find it, appreciate it.”

 

Mr. Reynes passion for what he does was obvious as he shared several demonstrations he does with his students including using a hair dryer and garbage sacks to build a hot air balloon, how to make a speaker, generator and solar cell out of items around the house and others!

 

At the conclusion of his presentation, most present were ready to go back to school just to learn science from him.  In fact, Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade Chair Kim Murdock asked Mr. Reynes to participate in the upcoming parade as an Honorary Marshall to further recognize his commitment to teaching and his recognition as one of five 2007 California Teachers of the Year.

 

Thanks, Mr. Reynes . . . terrific program!

 

 

SEARCH FOR THE CORRECT MARBLE

 

Mr. Reynes reached into the marble sack and pulled out Dr. Andy Kennelly’s name and with $188 at stake and 5 marbles in the sack . . . . reached into it and . . . won . . . $5.00 . . .  Congratulations!

 

 

FUTURE PROGRAMS

5/01/07            Club Meeting - Speaker: CA Teacher of the Year - Charles Reynes

5/08/07            Club Meeting - Dogs Behaving Well; Speaker: Lisa Clifton Bumpass

5/15/07            Club Meeting - DARK for Annual Rodeo Program (plan to attend the Hayward Rotary meeting on May 14 . . .)

5/22/07            Club Meeting - Rotary Inspiration; Speaker: Cliff Dochterman

5/29/07            Club Meeting - Youth Protection Training and Live Scan

 

See you next week!