High Gear Extra-Lite
Due to a dearth of High Gear writers, this issue will only contain the barest details of our meeting. However, there is a link for the video of the entire meeting at the end of the publication.
President Joe La Mariana began with the usual, pledge and invocation.
Announcements:
- Hillsborough Memorial Day Parade – an opportunity to ride in a vintage Recology truck
- Recap of the Scholarship Awards. Jennifer Pence told us about a reception held at BHS prior to the award ceremony for our student awardees and their parents. Emily Matthews and Jennifer stressed to the students that we wanted to keep in touch throughout their college career, being available to answer any questions. BHS career counselor, Jonathan Dhyne, played an instrumental role in corralling all the kids and parents for this first-ever event.
- Fundraiser update – The two fundraisers, “Come Fly with Me..” hosted by Christine Krolik and the Fiesta hosted by Joe La Mariana,
Newscast+ Newscasters Fritz Brauner and Jennifer Pence entertained us briefly before we enjoyed some fellowship time.
Program: Fritz Brauner introduced our speaker, Aileen Cassinetto, who, in October 2018, was appointed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to the honorary post of Poet Laureate (1/1/19-12/31/22). Widely anthologized, Aileen is also the author of the poetry collections, Traje de Boda and The Pink House of Purple Yam Preserves & Other Poems, as well as three chapbooks through Moria Books’ acclaimed Locofo series.
Aileen began by reading the poem she composed from Rotarian contributions of their “hopes”. She thanked those who responded to her request: Fritz Brauner, Michael Brownrigg, John Delaney, Joseph DiMaio, Cheryl A. Fama, Mike Heffernan, Michael Kimball, Jennifer Pence, Jim Shypertt, and Sheryl Young.
LIKE HOPE
Sunflowers are growing somewhere, like hope.
Like summer’s children, like a thing with feathers.
More than ever, we need a little poetry in our lives today.
I hope for a future that is kinder, and a world where
there is respect for science,
respect for nature,
respect for each other.
I hope we let history open our eyes and hearts,
not close our minds and spirits to be better.
I hope for the status of poets during the ancient days of Persia.
Also, the Greeks.
I hope to have a renewed appreciation for poetry.
I hope that someday everyone in the world will have access
to the same resources.
I hope for a world where everyone reaches their full potential.
I hope the adverbs don't stay out late and miss their chance
to shampoo the Mugwump.
I hope that we can elect honest politicians that act like true patriots.
I hope that we can remember to treat each other
the way we would like to be treated.
I hope that all of us Rotarians might behave the Rotary 4-Way Test,
ever true and fair, good-willed, beneficial.
I hope that one day soon the people of Ukraine
will again live in peace and freedom.
I was told sunflowers are growing somewhere, like hope.
Like summer’s children, like a thing with feathers.
Like the sweetest, truest kind. Like the hope you give.
Aileen then talked about what it means to be a Poet Laureate before sharing more of her works. She gave a shoutout to Rotary in her native country of the Philippines. She actually received her polio vaccine from Rotary International.
To read more of Aileen’s inspiring poetry, watch the recording of this past meeting.
President Joe presented Aileen with a certificate noting that Burlingame Rotary would be donating five polio vaccinations in honor of her visit. This was especially meaningful to her having been a recipient of this life-saving Rotary Foundation program.
