President Cary Koh called the meeting to order (note to those who are planning to watch the recorded meeting: the sound doesn’t kick in until about 8 minutes into the recording).
Invocation
Michael Kimball shared his thoughts on the season.
Three days ago, on Easter Sunday, I was, as usual, brooding over my sins. It came to me that, this year, April Fools’ Day comes hot on the heels of solemn Holy celebrations in at least three major religions. At first I found this juxtaposition disturbing. But today I see it differently.
Reverence and good humor—even jocularity—go together very well—or at least they should. In fact, a light touch is an essential ingredient of the sacred posture. A sense of humor is both cause and effect of the perspective that gives us strength to face the uncertainties of life.
So, I ask that the Creator today look with favor on our proceedings. To help us recognize how service to others is also service to ourselves, that both are best pursued with a light touch, and that, when tempted to brood over our sins we keep this admonition in mind: Forget the mistake, remember the lesson.
Mental Health Education Day
Visiting Rotarian,
Patricia Maxwell, from the Belmont-Redwood Shores Rotary Club came to let us know about Mental Health Education Day on May 10
th at the Grand Bay Hotel in San Mateo, 8:30am – 4:30pm. Patricia noted is not necessary to attend the full day. The Keynote Speaker will be Rotary International President, Gordon McInally. For more information or to sign up, go to
https://www.brsrotary.org/
India School Project
Bob Doerr updated us on India school program. He reminded us that this is the largest project our club has ever undertaken. $50K is coming from other clubs DDF, and the total funds raised are over $200K.. Bob encourages everyone to give to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund, as 50% of those funds will come back to us in three years’ time. Bobba spoke and thanked the committee, and our other Rotary Club partners. The program will change the lives of 1440 girls, plus another 600 students for a total of over 2,000 lives affected!
Thank you, Jonnie!
Jennifer Pence gave a shout-out to Jonnie Dukes for providing lunch under challenging circumstances. The Sapore kitchen had to close for a few days due to a burst pipe, so resourceful and dedicated Jonnie zipped over to Sapore Kitchen in San Mateo and was able to provide a delicious chicken marsala lunch!
HIP Housing
Jennifer proceeded to introduce our speaker, Laura Moya, Home Sharing Program Manager, at HIP (Human Investment Project) Housing. HIP Housing was established in 1972, to improve housing options in San Mateo County.
Some statistics:
- 106,000 new jobs were added between 2022-2026
- less than 25,000 units of new housing were added
- Over 300,000 work in the County, 63% live outside the County
- Average rent in San Mateo County is over $3.000/month
Home Sharing Program
- Matches individuals who need low cost housing with homeowners who have extra space
- HIP screens applicants, conducts interview and referral process
- HIP assists in establishing Living Together Agreements
- Renters pay their own way
- HIP stays involved so that the matches have the best chance to be successful
- HIP track record shows effectiveness of program
Housing Readiness Program
- Connects those who need housing with available services
Self Sufficiency Program
- Assists those who are in job training or education
Property Development
- HIP Housing manages 501 below market housing units
Laura gave out tote bags and calendars to each of us. She encourages us to use the tote bag in the community, as the contact info is on the bag (650-348-6660 or mailbox@hiphousing.org), and is a good way to spread the word about the services that HIP Housing offers. The calendar is comprised of artwork by the children of clients.
HIP is also willing to staff a table at community events and give out information about their programs.
Website
Laura answered questions from our interested club members, then encouraged anyone who has an extra room to consider participating in the home-sharing program.
Cary’s Button on the Meeting
President Cary Koh didn’t “let class out early.” Cary has a daily calendar with inspirational quotes (a gift from a thoughtful fellow club member). Cary quizzed us on the speakers of the various quotes by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Muhammed Ali, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fred Rogers. Inspiring and fun – thank you, Cary!
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Krolik
Our very own Burlingame Rotarian, Mark Lucchesi has started a podcast for the Burlingame Historical Society called "Burlingame is a Small Town." He has interviewed a number of Burlingame Rotarians as well as other prominent folks in our community. You can check out his YouTube podcasts 