After some logistical issues due to the absence of Ray and the Community Center’s full summer programs for Burlingame youth, President Phil Siegel was finally able to call his inaugural meeting to order. Thirty-two of us had gathered to support him. His first order of business was to ask Joe LaMariana to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Susan Baker then came forward for the Invocation. We learned that Susan was born on the Big Island of Hawaii. She shared the Hawaiian values that she learned growing up.
The Spirit of Aloha
5 core values of ALOHA
Akahai, means kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;
Lōkahi means unity, to be expressed with harmony.
ʻOluʻolu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
Haʻahaʻa, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
How does someone live the aloha spirit? By Living Life With Aloha
Live with ALOHA is to Appreciate everything. Embracing the aloha spirit is to be thankful for the beauty of the world around you. ...
to Pay homage to nature. The Hawaiian Islands are home to incredible natural beauty. ...
Stay rooted in your 'ohana. ... Stay rooted in your “Family.”
And above all, “Be kind”.
Lastly, allow me to share the 10 Hawaiian Rules to live by:
Never judge a day by the weather
The best things in life aren’t things
Tell the truth – there's less to remember
Speak softly and wear a loud shirt
Goals are deceptive – the unaimed arrow never misses
He who dies with the most toys – still dies
Age is relative – when you’re over the hill, you pick up speed
There are 2 ways to be rich – make more or desire less
Beauty is internal – looks mean nothing
No rain – no rainbow.
Mahalo Nui Loa Kakou – Thank you for listening.
Sunshine Report was delivered by Mark Johnson. He informed the Club that Marilyn Norton, as Honorary Member and widow of former member Gary Norton, is having some health challenges. A card was circulated so that folks could sign.
Phil then asked for Visiting Rotarians. Anna Yang joined us from one of the San Francisco Rotary Clubs. Jennifer Pence introduced her guests, her husband Adam Feder and former scholarship recipient, Carlos Moreno. Welcome all.
Fritz Brauner gave us our customary report on the National Day list for July 10. As well as National Piña Colada Day it was NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY. Imagine that! Clerihews are whimsical, four-line poems invented by English author Edmund Clerihew Bentley.
Susan Baker announced Burlingame on the Avenue which will be held on August 17 & 18. As we have done for many years, Susan requested Rotarian volunteers to help in the wine and beer booths. A signup sheet was made available. As a reminder, the tips gathered at this event will be donated to our Club for our scholarship program.
President Phil took the mic once again to introduce our speaker. Ed Vine is a friend of Phil having grown up with him in Trenton, New Jersey. We learned a few fun facts about that city. It was briefly the capital of the United States in 1784 and boasts two Supreme Court judges as native sons.
Dr. Vine is currently an Affiliate at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where, as a Staff Scientist, he was involved in the evaluation of energy efficiency programs and policies for over 36 years. Dr. Vine contributed to the development of evaluation protocols in California and for the US Department of Energy. He was on the Board and the Planning Committee of the International Energy Program Evaluation Conference, as well as the International Energy Policy and Program Evaluation Conference. He shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Energy Evaluation Asia Pacific (EEAP) is a non-profit organization established in 2018. This community of scientists supports the evaluation of energy policy and programs in Asia Pacific. Their mission is to take a leadership role in expanding the practice of, and capacity for, objective evaluation in the energy efficiency and renewable energy program and policy arena. Dr. Vine went on to explain the focus and impact of the EEAP.
EEAP's efforts can contribute to the adoption and effective implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy policies across the Asia Pacific region. Policy Adoption and Implementation EEAP can play a role in fostering behavioral change among stakeholders, including policymakers, industry actors, and consumers. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable energy practices, EEAP aims to catalyze a shift towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
President Phil thanked Dr. Vine. He presented him with a certificate noting our donation of five polio immunizations to honor his presentation.
Phil then ended the meeting. Well done. One down and 51 weeks to go!
Steve Wright has been a member of the Rotary Club of Pacifica since 1987. He has served as president twice, secretary, treasurer and just about every other club position available. He was the bulletin editor for over 10 years and has served on the club board most of his years as a Rotarian.
At the District level he has served as Area Representative, Assistant Governor, District Registrar for about 7 years, Global Grants Coordinator, PolioPlus Society Chair, District Community Service Chair and Chaired the District Conference for 3 consecutive years (with Colleen). He was named the Rotarian of the Year for D5150 in 2018. He also served as Chief of Staff for DG Gary Chow in 2022-2023.
Steve and Colleen are Major Donors, Charter Members of the Bequest Society, White Hat Society members, PolioPlus Society members and have hosted 3 different Rotary Youth Exchange kids in their home over the years.
He will be our District Governor for Rotary Year 2024-2025 – and has high hopes for a tremendous year.
