Castro Valley Rotary Club Lunch Meeting was a special occasion, abuzz with energy as members gathered to celebrate individual dedication, invest in local culture, and take an inspiring look at the history of our beloved town. Castro Valley Rotary honored John McPartland as a Paul Harris Fellow and awarded a $1,000 grant to the Castro Valley Arts Foundation to support local culture. The meeting also featured Ken Carbone, who shared the inspiring story of restoring the historic Flying A Service Station into a vibrant community landmark. It was a powerful afternoon celebrating service, the arts, and our town’s unique history.
Last week’s meeting honored the long-term commitment of our members, including Randy Vanderbilt for 21 years of service, Roland Williams and Ceta Dochterman for 16 years of service, and Virginia Degner for 17 years of service.. We also welcomed the President of the Boston University Rotaract Club, highlighting Rotary’s global reach among young professionals. Finally, Nimone Li‑Hardisty, CEO of Forestr.org, shared how her nonprofit’s "clean, green, and glean" initiatives provided 20,000 pounds of food to local banks last year while improving Castro Valley’s urban resilience.
On December 16, the Castro Valley Rotary Club hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Party for kids and families living in shelters and other housing programs. CV Rotarian Mark Poniatowski chaired the event – continuing a remarkable 35-year tradition – with the support of fellow Rotarians and the Castro Valley community.
The party was held at the Castro Valley Adult School Multipurpose Room, which was transformed into a festive holiday celebration by members of the CV Rotary Club. Decorations were organized by Rotarian Carol Bigelow and beautifully arranged by Shirley Bertinuson assisted by CV Rotarian Daniel Soohoo.
Club Holiday PartyOn December 6, the Club held its Annual Party. The Party featured great food, drink and Rotary fellowship along with a Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, White Elephant Gift Exchange, and entertainment.
Thank you to President-Elect Craig Semmelmeyer who organized the party and President Misti Short who hosted the party.
Serving Thanksgiving Lunch to Local Seniors
On November 26th, Rotary Club of Castro Valley once again partnered with the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) to provide and serve a Thanksgiving lunch for local seniors at the Kenneth C. Atkins Senior Center in Castro Valley and the Hayward Area Senior Center. Rotarian Carol Bigelow once again coordinated the event with H.A.R.D. and Rotarian volunteers has she has done for many special lunch
program at the Senior Centers.
program at the Senior Centers.
Rotarians Support the Salvation Army
Red Kettle Program
On Saturday, November 22nd, Rotarians handled bell ringing duties for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Program in front of Philz Coffee. Rotarians will return on December 10th and 17th.(Left - Right): Aisha Knowles, President Misti Short, Paulette Johnson, Carol Bigelow, and Dwight Perry.
Rotary Honors Veterans on Veterans Day
On November 11th, the Club honored Rotarians and members of Rotarian families who are veterans. The program also included (1) an inspiring video regarding the events leading up to the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner that concluded with the audience singing the song and (2) a slide presentation recognizing Club members and family members who are veterans or active duty service members.
Photo (L-R): Rotarian Gary Howard, Visiting Rotarian (Dublin) Bob Tucknott, Rotarian Dwight Perry, Rotarian Jerome Blaha, Rotarian John McPartland, Lester Mensinger (husband of Rotarian Michelle Biche), Rotarian Gary Bosley, and Mike Semmelmeyer (son of Rotarian Craig Semmelmeyer) -- Photo by Jim Negri
Meeting Highlights - November 11
(L) Mark Poniatowski announced the Annual Children's Christmas Party on December 16. Watch for an email on how to volunteer. (C) The Club present Cindy Ma, President of Castro Valley Outreach, with a $2,000 donation to support its community programs. (R) District 5170 Governor-Elect Geeta Kadambi updated the Club on District activities.
Dwight Perry, member of the Rotary
Rose Parade Float Committee described the process of building and funding the float. Click here or contact Dwight to learn how to donate and participate.
Rose Parade Float Committee described the process of building and funding the float. Click here or contact Dwight to learn how to donate and participate.Club Welcomes Three New Members
On November 4, the Rotary Club of Castro Valley proudly inducted three outstanding community leaders whose service and professional expertise will strengthen the Club’s work locally and beyond:
- Judge Meera T. Parikh — Alameda County Superior Court
- Paulette Johnson — Realtor & Community Volunteer
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Dr. Gary Wolff — Retired Civil Engineer & Sustainability Leader
In presenting the newest Rotarians to the Club, President Misti Short, noted, "Each of these new members embodies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. Judge Parikh’s commitment to youth, Paulette’s hands-on advocacy for families and seniors, and Dr. Wolff’s deep experience in environmental stewardship and public service will be a powerful addition to our club"
President Short concluded with “These members represent the best of Castro Valley—integrity, expertise, and a heart for service,” added Short. “We’re excited to get to work together on youth programs, environmental initiatives, and hands-on projects that lift our community.”
Click here to read more about each new Rotarian.
Photo (L_R): Rotarian Chris Carr, Paulette Johnson, Rotary Membership Chair Dan Willits, Dr. Gary Wolff, Rotary President-Elect Craig Semmelmeyer, Judge Meera T. Parikh, Rotary President Misti Short Photo by Jim Negri
Recent ClubRunner Stories
Click on story title to read a story.
- From Drops to Legacy: Dwight Perry and the End Polio Now Journey
- Update from Sacramento - State Senator Tim Grayson (Senate District 9)
- Building for the Future: CVUSD Update on Measure G & Future Projects
- Rotary Donates to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office to Support Community Programs
- Rotary Support the CHP 345 Squad
- October Rotarian of the Month - Jim Negri
- September Rotarian of the Month - Craig Semmelmeyer
- August Rotarian of the Month - Ye Ye
- Remembering Past District Governor Hung Wei
- President Misti Short - Club Vision & Goals for 2025-2026
- President Misti Short - A Life of Service
- President Dan Willits - Successes & Highlights from 2024-2025
Click here to read all 2025-2026 Stories.
President Misti Short being interviewed during KTVU's Zip Trips to Castro Valley on August 1. Photos by Ken Carbone.
Rotarian Ye Ye, owner of Beard Papa's in the Castro Valley Marketplace, being interviews on KTVU Zip Trips.
