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ORINDA ROTARY IS COMMITTED TO HELPING FEED FAMILIES IN CONTRA COSTA AND BEYOND

On Friday, May 15, members of the Rotary Club of Orinda and our guests returned to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in Concord, to continue our long-standing tradition of service. Since July 2020, our club members have been volunteering at the Food Bank once a month and making yearly donations. During our visit, we presented our check for $2,000 in support of their mission. This will help provide approximately 4,000 meals for those in need, with 97 cents of every $1 donated going toward food distribution.

The Food Bank serves over 465,000 people each month across the two counties, providing 3.5 million meals through 70 weekly distributions. It’s inspiring to support an organization that ensures our neighbors have access to nutritious food.

Together, we’re making a difference one meal at a time at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano-- And, we’re always looking for more volunteers to serve alongside us at the Food Bank and through other Rotary service projects. Want to get involved? Email us at: RotaryClubofOrinda@gmail.com

CELEBRATING ORINDA'S 2026 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

On Wednesday, May 13, Rotarians enjoyed an exciting and inspiring luncheon meeting as the Rotary Club of Orinda proudly honored the Orinda Union School District (OUSD) Teachers of the Year (2025~2026)! We were delighted to recognize six outstanding educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of students throughout our community.

Congratulations to the following honorees:

• Sean Brennan – Del Rey Elementary School

• Stephanie Randelman – Glorietta Elementary School

• Suzy Kisch – Orinda Intermediate School

• Elizabeth Sarica – Sleepy Hollow Elementary School

• Cherise Gutierrez – Wagner Ranch Elementary School

• Stephanie Sado – OUSD District-Wide Teacher of the Year (recognized across multiple school sites)

Our Rotary Club was truly honored to celebrate these exceptional educators. Rotary President Bill Waterman presented each teacher with a special honorarium, an engraved plaque, and a commemorative check as a token of appreciation for the tremendous impact they make every day in the lives of students. A special thank you to Dr. Brian Ingleby, OUSD Director of Human Resources, for assisting with the presentations, and to Clay Deanhardt, Rotary Club Secretary, for coordinating this meaningful event. We also extend our appreciation to OUSD Superintendent Aida Glimme, Board President Katie Shogan, and Board of Trustees President Hillary Weiner, guests, and fellow Rotarians who joined us in recognizing these remarkable educators.

Most importantly, we thank ALL OUSD teachers for the passion, experience, skill, and collaborative spirit they bring to their classrooms and school communities. Your dedication to students and commitment to education help shape the future of Orinda every single day.

ANOTHER GREAT FIELD DAY FOR ORINDA KIDS!

Another great Frank Isola Field Day was celebrated at Miramonte Stadium on Saturday, May 2 -- our 71st year! Named for former Orinda teacher, administrator and Rotarian Frank Isola, Field Day is great fun and open to all Orinda third, fourth and fifth grade boys and girls. Teams from each of Orinda’s four elementary schools competed in a variety of track and field events such as the 50-yard dash, the standing long jump, a softball throw for distance, and a mid-distance race. Tremendous fun was had by all and we extend heart-felt thanks to Orinda Rotarian and Field Day champion, Clay Deanhardt, along with the Miramonte Interact Club and all of the volunteers who turned out to make this year's event a success!

JOIN ROTARY VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUT AT THE CONTRA COSTA FOOD BANK

Our Rotarians will continue their hard work sorting and packing food at the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano in the Concord warehouse in 2026. Your participation is welcomed!

Orinda Rotarians have been helping at the Food Bank once a month since July 2020. Every day thousands of people in our community around Contra Costa and Solano Counties struggle to meet basic nutritional needs. Children, adults, and seniors benefit from our efforts. The Food Bank is the leading fight against local hunger and volunteers and donations can make a big difference -- consider joining us!

Our next outing to the Food Bank is Friday, June 19, from 1-3 PM. Participants carpool and often share lunch prior to their work at the warehouse. Bring a friend! Please contact Bill Waterman if you are interested helping out.

CLUB MEETINGS ARE "HYBRID" - IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

Orinda Rotary offers in-person meetings that include scheduled speakers! Our in-person meetings are held in the Founder's Auditorium at the Orinda Community Center and include no-host hot lunches. Social gathering starts at noon and the meetings begin promptly at 12:30 PM. Click here to let our caterer, Leslie, know if you plan to attend in-person and have lunch (cost is $25 per person)!

We also use the online teleconferencing service "Zoom" for those who prefer to attend virtually. Each week, members receive an e-mail from Club President, Bill Waterman, with instructions on how to join the upcoming meeting, including the requisite meeting ID and password. Members can join video conferencing from their computer or via phone. Non-members interested in participating in our meeting(s) may contact President Bill to request the Zoom link.

Upcoming speakers, events and programs:

Wednesday, June 3: Club member Dr. Yenjean Hwang provides an update on Rotary's projects in Africa.
Wednesday, June 10: Victoria Johnston from Youth Homes, Inc. shares about their work to empower foster youth and traumatized young adults here in Contra Costa.
Wednesday, June 17: Our own Michael Beller talks about the importance of libraries in the digital age and shares his journey to becoming Orinda's valued head librarian.
Friday, June 19: Monthly volunteer outing to Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank, 1:00-3:00 PM.
Wednesday, June 24: President Bill Waterman reflects on his successful 2025-2026 Rotary year.
Wednesday, July 1: NO MEETING-4th of July Holiday
Saturday, July 4: Don your Orinda Rotary regalia and join us in the annual Orinda 4th of July Parade commemorating our nation's 250th anniversary!
Wednesday, July 8: Welcome President Aruna—it’s her inaugural meeting!
Friday, July 17: Let's celebrate another successful Rotary year and thank our outgoing President Bill at his demotion party!
Friday, September 11: Save the Date! 2026 Dancing with the Cars is coming!

If you have questions, please contact President Bill for more information.

Make a donation below to the Orinda Rotary Endowment Fund and help us serve the community for another 75 years! The Orinda Rotary Endowment is a 501(c)(3) charity.