Irwin’s Grandparents came to the US in 1910. His Dad read The NY Times daily. He has a sister, Nina, who is 4 years younger. Irwin grew up in Brooklyn which was a melting pot. He was fascinated by different cultures he grew up around. He went to a previously women’s college, the ratio was 12 women to 1 man. Irwin was a taxi driver. He worked in the borscht belt, north of NY. as a waiter, busboy…He baby sat Neil Sedaka’s doughter, was onstage at Woodstock. Eric Shapira brought him to Rotary.
On early civilization. Margaret Mead says helping someone else leads to civilization. We can help the people who cross our path. Irwin is asking us to find one path we are passionate about. We can do anything and we will help one another help others. Attending the International Conference revealed amazing things to our fearless leader.
Irwin and Nancy shared a video they compiled. "We started with a history of Singapore, pictures of the beautiful architecture. By the way, the climate is 95 degrees with 95% humidity.
We continued with a selection of interviews from the conference.
There was the owner of True Blue restaurant.
Next we experienced Rotary around the world where Irwin interviewed 10 people from all corners of the world shared what each of their clubs does. There were things like—mobility, health care, radio station… He met a girl from East Bay there, perhaps a speaker for our club, she’s very inspiring. Others are working to clean up the land from war in Viet Nam, helping foster children (they take them on trips, etc. In Uganda, there is an island that has no transport (only by canoe) and no school. The club is building schools on the island. Someone from Australia spoke, another from a rural area in China. In Romania, they raise funds for causes like bringing orphans shopping, 200 last year. A Rotarian in Kentucky wants to strengthen her club. It’s the 14th largest club in the world with 464 members. They are struggling with the old guard vs the newer. Nancy suggested it’s not my way or your way—it’s the third way.
We also got an update on Peace Centers and Peace Fellows. There are new centers, and they will be graduating new fellows in 2025."
Irwin wants to interview the people we touch and use the recorded interviews as incentives for us and perhaps to share.
CLUB MEETING - JULY 11, 2024
President Irwin called the meeting to order.
Visitors and Guests
Amber Lee Alvis, our new school Superintendent introduced herself. She was previously the Superintendent in Auburn. She has spent 27 years in Education. She took a year off during COVID. She is married with a son and has been on the job for 1 month. Her goals for the first 100 days are to look, listen and learn. She feels the heart of a community is the service organizations and Rotary is particularly close to her heart as it changed her life. She applied for a Rotary scholarship which included a speech contest on what America means to you. She got the scholarship. It helped her to obtain a BS in speech and Communication. She joined the Auburn Rotary Club during COVID and would love to be a Rotarian again. She’s here to serve.
About the district: 42% of our students are living in poverty; there are 131 teachers and 133 classified employees. Many of our students have English as a second language. We offer an alternative high school for students who want something different. Her son is enrolled in Pilarcitos and is thriving. We also offer an adult school. Under Drew’s leadership, it has grown and offers so much more now. Another program is concurrent and dual enrollment, the ability to take classes in HS and college, is available to our students. There is also transportation available to students in this program. “Dream to Achieve” is the all-important pre-school program. She would love to have volunteers.
For the rest, she suggested we invite her back to go over it. There has been a bond proposed and a lack of trust in the board. She talked about the impact if it is not passed. Recently she had to pull maintenance staff to fix dry rot. The buildings need repair and the State does not provide funds for buildings.
New Member Induction
We welcomed Mike Osborne into our club today. He was formerly a member of the Marin Sunrise Club for 37 years, the first club to admit women. His favorite team is the Niners he’s a classical music fan. Pilot Light is his favorite restaurant. He’s been married for 64 years. He was a doctor in Marin Co. He enjoys traveling in his has a RV, collects coins and plays golf. He is a granddad and went to college in Colorado. Mike’s favorite event is a golf fundraiser. He was a Rotacare founder. He has lived in HMB for 6 years and was born in August. Liz did the honors and inducted hi into our club.
Announcements
Irwin reminded us that it is “all hands on deck” for both the Lobsterfest and Pumpkin Festival.
Liz - We have new Magic of the Coastside - Lobsterfest banners and posters. Help get the signs up. So far, we have sold 14 tickets.
Barb - Magic of the Coastside - Lobsterfest needs sponsors. An email has been sent to us with all the details. Question: when does artwork need to be submitted by? Barb will find out, probably 3 weeks.
Happy News
Kevin—reports that he saw Mrs. Doubtfire. It was very good, you will be blown away. Please remember to bring some wine for the wine pull for Magic - Lobsterfest. Need at least 60 bottles.
Closing Remarks
Irwin left us with my favorite Scoop Nisker quote, “If you don’t like the news, go out and make some of your own”.
Marble Draw
Nancy had the magic number and pulled a green one. There are 4 marbles left.
PHOTO GALLERY