ANNUAL INTERCITY MEETING AT ROSSMOOR - FEBRUARY 5th

Posted by Barbara Bontemps

The "Fab Five" Rotary Clubs of Lafayette, Lamorinda Sunrise, Moraga, Orinda and Rossmoor convened in the sparkling new Rossmoor Event Center for the annual Intercity Meeting on February 5th. This once-a-year confab brings all of our clubs together to hear about projects each organization has taken on, provides an opportunity for the District Governor to recognize the outstanding service of club members, and features an inspiring keynote about Rotary International's global outreach efforts.

The host of this year's meeting was Rossmoor president, Pam Regatuso, who welcomed the 100-plus attendees. Hogey Hogenbottom of their cub led us in the p

ledge and we all joined in singing "God Bless America," accompanied by members of the Rossmoor Big Band.

First up on the podium was Warren Salmons, CEO of the Golden Rain Foundation, who provided an overview of life at Rossmoor and described the building and architectural attributes of the beautiful new Event Center in which we were gathered. The Center features state-of-the-art audio/visual amenties, along with impeccable design elements that make it a warm and inviting venue for large meetings.

Next to speak were the five club presidents. Pam Regatuso reviewed Rossmoor's fundraising efforts on behalf of Alzheimer's and Parkinsons Disease at their annual October gala. This black-tie event for 550 included dinner, dancing and a live auction -- and raised $25,000 for the charities.

Debbie Cooper of Lafayette Rotary detailed their annual golf tournament at Rossmoor, benefitting Shelter Inc.; their "Concert at the Rez" annual music festival at the Lafayette Reservoir, which supports music programs in the schools; their increase in membership with thirteen new (and younger!) members; plus their upcoming Chamber of Commerce mixer done in conjunction with Lamorinda Sunrise.

Hayes Englehart, president of Lamorinda Sunrise encouraged everyone to join them for their 7:00 a.m. meetings on Fridays -- soon to be held at the new Cooperage restaurant in Lafayette. He went on to describe the beautiful, hand-made canoe their club auctioned for $15,000 to benefit three local organizations with whom they are especially involved: Las Trampas Adult Day Care, Interfaith Housing (Thanksgiving dinners), and the "Home Team" program, which provides in-home handy-man assistance for the elderly and has been adopted by 12 other Rotary clubs around the U. S.

David Pierce, President-Elect of Orinda, stepped in for Sue Breedlove and described our upcoming District-wide Reno Train Trip, which will depart on February 28, returning March 2. Peirce McKee explained that participants have their choice of traveling coach and enjoying all the amenities the "Fun Train" offers, including musical entertainment in the lounge car, games, and catered lunch or stepping up to the "Gold Service" luxury dome car that includes dining and spectacular views of the Sierra. Guests will stay at John's Ascuaga's Nugget in Reno and will be included in a cocktail reception as well as the annual inter-club meeting and luncheon with the Reno and Sparks Rotary Clubs.

Nora Avelar of Moraga Rotary shared their "Time for Kids" program with the Moraga schools. This effort provides weekly and monthly copies of Time and National Geographic magazine to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in all of Moraga's elementary schools, plus in Canyon and some Oakland schools, as well. As a result of reading about the disaster in the Philippines, the kids raised $600 to support relief efforts. Moraga also supports the "Employee of the Month" program in partnership with the Moraga Chamber, which recognizes outstanding business people in the town and rewards them with a gift certificate and publicity in the Lamorinda Weekly. Moraga's "Night at the Races" will be held March 15th and Nora encouraged all to attend this fun event.

District Governor Steve Lack took the podium next to recognize one of Orinda's own -- Dick Burkhalter -- for his tireless work on behalf of Rotary and for his and Betty's great generosity in supporting Rotary International's Bequest Society. Dick has made many trips with RI to assist with Rotoplast and Polio Plus, not mention his trips to Tala, Mexico in support of Orinda's projects there. He has seen first-hand the good works that Rotary is doing around the world and his financial gift will help ensure their continuation. Congratulations, Dick!