High Gear for April 18, 2016

 
Lots of bright, shiny faces on this beautiful day! 
President Barry Parker called the meeting to order at the stroke of 12:15.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dave Behling.  President Barry noted that the victims of the 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador are in our thoughts as are the folks in Japan. 
 
Bob Doerr introduced Bill Chiang, Visiting Rotarian from Chengdu in China.  Flags were exchanged.
 
Rosalie McCloud introduced Guest of the Club and being-proposed as new member Cheri Carr. Cheri would be a second-generation Rotarian as she is the daughter-in-law of our beloved Dave Carr who left us recently.   Your reporter was trying to introduce her to some folks, but she already knew a bunch. She is going to be a great addition.   Jennifer Pence introduced her guest, John, from the Sentence Center in her building.   He’s about grammar, not incarceration.
 
Our Rotary Fiesta will happen on April 30, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Coyote Point Yacht Club.  Here’s the deal:  This is a command performance.  You pay whether you attend or not, so see you there!!!
 
The Samaritan House Safe Harbor facility needs help serving meals to overnight guests, especially on April 28, May 26, and June 3.
 
 
Jeanne Berube introduced over-achiever Bryan Neider of Gatepath.    That’s just plain, fabulous Gatepath.  Community Gatepath no more.
 
Bryan was with Electronic Arts for 25 years in every important position they have, including but not limited to, CEO and CFO of their dot-com site. Bryan received his undergraduate education at  University of Santa Clara, and a Masters from California State University East Bay.  His family includes wife Katie and four children.  He enjoys  mountain climbing and backpacking. For some reason USF alum Mark Johnson and Bryan knew each other in their youth.  We need more scoop on these choirboys.
 
The work of Gatepath is well known to us, as we had the pleasure of the membership of Sheryl Young for ‘lo those many years until she recently retired.  Pierre Bouquet remembers painting the Trousdale facility which is now the Learning Links Preschool.   I remember the gift shop, buying books then donating them back. 
 
 
Sad to say, the California State Government ranks 50 of 50 for states participating in the capital funding of nonprofits.  Bryan acknowledged the help of our local legislators, Jerry Hill and Kevin Mullin for their great help. 
 
  • Gatepath wants to be known as the best agency in San Mateo County
  • Gatepath encourages the public to Accept/Respect/Include folks with disabilities.
  • Inclusion is what it’s all about
  • 85% of folks with disabilities suffer depression and loneliness
  • Mission, Vision, Values
  • Gatepath.org
And the “Winners” are:
 
 
Monday, April 25, 2016, the program from the “District” is timely topic with all this rain!
The Panama Canal opened in 1914
(Butch Taylor’s wife Betty Lou’s grandfather, Carl E. Grunsky, was an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal)