February had more interesting speakers at Albany Rotary.  Sabrina Greiten came from MacGregor High School to share the successes of her students.  We welcomed Mark Previn as our newest member  We heard again from Michael Bakal about Voces y Manos in Guatemala.  Michael Barrington from Concord Rotary shared his experiences with us.   

We started the new year with travel and interesting speakers.  Ellen meet with Rotarians in Guatemala. Steve Burchik author of Compass and a Camera, A Year in Vietnam shared his book and memories of the Viet Nam War. Rotarian and retired insurance agent, Todd, told us about the history of insurance.

December was a fittingly busy climax to 2015.  Albany Fire Fighters shared their experiences fighting some of California”s wild land fires earlier this year.  Rotarian Tod and his wife, Dorothy, told us about their recent trip to Paris.  Dorothy’s wonderful photographs added so much to the presentation. -District Governor Kenneth Courville and ADG Alan Baer visited our club at the last meeting of the year.  We finished the year with donations to 2 local youth shelters.  

 We learned a lot about the world this month.  Dr. Andrew Gunther spoke us on tthe Science of Climate Change.  Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson shared upcoming events in the County with us.Michael Bakal told us about Voces y Manos Guatemala project which we supported last year.  Dr. Pate told us about Rotacare’s new home and we learned about the Keiskamma Trust from Jonas Rieke, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at UC Berkeley.

November gave us a new member, Brian Edwards, branch manager of the Albany Library.  Albany Police Chief, Mike McQuiston spoke to us about the police department strategic planning process and how we could be involved.  An indoor bike ride raised money for Polio Plus as our commitment to RI Foundation

There were lots of interesting activities in September for Albany Rotary. Director, Rebecca Salzman gave us updates on the future plans for BART. Rotarian Mike Skinner spoke on the retail investment advising industry.  Rotarian Val Williams (AUSD Superintendent) and AUSD CBO Allan Garde shared information about school facilities and their needs. Ken Friedman and John Tierney explained what it took to run a successful bowling alley. Rotarians marched in the annual Solano Stroll parade and supported the Albany Triathlon including several members who participated.

August was an adventure month for Rotary.  We traveled the world in search of the Monster Fish, built schools in developing nations with Build On and shared the Alaskan adventure of Nick Pilch.

We started a new year with lots of excitement.  President Winkie outlined her vision for our year at the first meeting.  We learned about Dream Catchers, a youth shelter in Oakland, solved the mystery of the new signs on the freeway and also learned about Eden I&R.  We received our Excellence in Service Award.

  We ended our yer with lots of activities.   We awarded 2 Joe Villa Scholarships to deserving young men; served refreshments at the Options graduation. supported the Albany High School graduation party, served hot dogs and beer at Dollar Days at Golden Gate Fields, heard speakers on Africa, the Giants and Yosemite, learned the State of the City of Albany and held a demotion celebration.  An old friend also came by to see us.  We moved to a new meeting location – we are now meeting at Tierney’s Sports Bar at the Albany Bowl.  It’s been a busy year and we are looking forward to more fun and good works in the new year.

  We had interesting speakers again this month, learning about WWII in the Pacific, letting children play, the history of cities, and the Albany Library.  We also had a  visitor from the El Cerrito Club and supported Relay for Life with music and pizza.  Another busy month for Albany Rotary.