Stories

Patricia Neme from the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) tells us about the organization and how they help families through support groups and educational programs...all at no cost.

District Governor Gary Chow visits our club to discuss the goals for his term and the upcoming events.

District representative Carrie Chinn presents our club with awards for our 100% participation in Rotary International contributions.

Photos from our work at Coyote Point Park for the Rotary Day of Service. Our group was assigned to distribute mulch to kill and prevent weeds from growing. After the work, there was lunch and various vendors supporting the environment. Also there was an EV display with many different cars on hand.

For the first time since 2019, we participate in the San Mateo Eggstravaganza with our Funny Bunny Pancake Breakfast on the Saturday before Easter.

At our first in person meeting since March 2020, Mark Moulton, founder of Peninsula Habitat for Humanity, give us the latest information on the current happenings in our area.

See the Zoom recording here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/2Ev5RTb5HVwVe-kO0cGaXmkJ67VidS85FmEYtvvTpuI9IvDpoX3BboX9W7Gv-q2O.esyXwW6nm_taveEE?startTime=1648825193000 

Ben and Mike attend the 2022 Rotary District Assembly for District 5150 and the incoming Presidents for the next Rotary year are introduced.

 

    Link to presentation: https://youtu.be/bHwcEan3-HU

Michele Epstein, Senior Peer Counseling Coordinator in the Older Adult Division of Peninsula Family Service speaks about the Senior Peer Counseling Program. 

Alyssa Canfield and Remberto Calero tell us about some of the programs at StarVista that deal with homeless, runaway and post foster care youth.

Zoe Leonard-Monrad from Mission Asset Fund tells us about how they help low income and immigrant families by creating financial programs tailored to their needs.

Maria Romero and Jessica Diaz discuss the Early Learning program at Peninsula Family Service. 

Carlos Moreno from Peninsula Clean Energy tells about their new programs and projects.

Karen Tunnell from the Assistance League of SM County tells us about all the things that they do for the community.

 

Our First Annual Cruise for Brews event is in the books. All those attending had a great time on the run, sampling beer from our 10 craft breweries, listening to the live music from Red Vinyl and looking at the classic cars.

 

Anthony Kinslow Phd, Founder and CEO of Gemini Energy Solutions, tells us how we can affect climate change by things we all can do at home.

San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla updates us on the state of the city.

Arthur receives his blue badge from President Sylvia at our meeting on 9/7/18.

President Sylvia addresses the membership and tells an inspirational story about geese and how they help each other.

Some photos from this year's Funny Bunny Breakfast.

 

 

 

 

Food sorting at Second Harvest Food Bank.

Please Welcome our newest Club Rotary Member James Patrice! We are excited to have James join our Club.

Past President Mike told us about his trip to see the total solar eclipse in Oregon and how seeing it made him an umbraphile ....an eclipse chaser.

DG nominee Sue Rokaw tells us about the RYLA program and its positive effects on the young people that are privileged to participate In the 3 day program.

 

Repping the club at Bacon and Brew. Supporting the SM Chamber of Commerce.

We cleaned up the trail by bay for Bay Front Clean Up Day.

   

Bycha and Ken tell us about their trip to Nicaragua to install an H2Open Doors water system. Bycha also told us about another project that brought artificial hand/arms to those in need in the area.

Mari Hethcoat giving an orientation to new 2017 Youth Exchange students from Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Spain on Saturday, Sept 9 in Atherton, CA. 

Lara Magda from JDRF accepts our donation to their organization from proceeds from our 2017 Color 5K.

New images for our website.

Nick receives his club polo shirt and Arthur is the raffle winner.

Allison Baca tells us about the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association and its upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Our newest member, Jeannie Twomey, is inducted into our club by District Governor Ron Gin and Asst. Gov. Dave Bertini.

DG Ron Gin swears in Gloria Guzman as our President for 2017-18. Then addresses our club with the the latest information from our district. And shows an inspirational video about the Rotary Foundation and our club.

 

 

 

Madame President Gloria Guzman leads her first regular meeting and her first Board meeting. This will be a great year for our club with her as our leader.

 

Courtney Coon from the Bay Area Puma Project teaches us about our local residents, the puma or mountain lion.

Happiness expert, Linda Shively, tells us how to relieve stress, anxiety and grief with some of her proven methods.

We learned from Donya Fahmy about how to avoid health snatchers that secretly steal your vitality.

Incoming President Gloria hosted a booth showcasing our club at the 2017 HP Palo Alto non-profit charity fair!!

Rotarian Nicholas Langlois tells about his life in Michigan, his new career and how he came to live in the Bay Area.

Our 2nd Annual San Mateo Color 5K was held on Sunday, April 30 at the College of San Mateo. We had a great turnout of participants, vendors and sponsors. The weather even cooperated and we were treated to a wonderfully warm morning...perfect for our event. Everyone had a great time thanks to our members and our fantastic volunteers. A special thank you goes to Dignity Health Medical Group - Sequoia for being our Title Sponsor this year.

Member Ken Housley tells us about his humanitarian trip with H2Open Doors to Nepal as part of a Rotary Water Project.

President Elect Gloria Guzman shows of the banner she received at her President's Elect Training. That banner will be displayed during her term.

Steve Okamoto spoke to our club yesterday about executive order 9066 that forced the internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans.

Nicole Fernandez, a training and outreach specialist for the Elder and Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT) of San Mateo County tells about elder and adult abuse...signs to look for and what to do about it if we suspect abuse.

Sign up for the 2017 San Mateo Color 5K to benefit JDRF, the SM/FC School District, Peninsula Family Service and the San Mateo Sunrise Rotary Foundation.

https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10977/color-5k-san-mateo

Rotarian Bycha tells us about drone technology and how he uses them in his business. He also talked about a number of new applications including taking medications to remote areas in emergency situations. He currently is teaching disadvantaged adults drone skills through his non-profit foundation aistudios360.org.

Here some of the participants of our New Year's open mic event. We heard some stories, learned some new things and generally had fun. The mimosas didn't hurt either.

Naxielly Córdoba DC explains to us the importance of neurological health In relationship to medical problems and ailments that we might be having.

Mitone Griffiths from the Rotary Club of HMB is an Ambassador for Shelterbox. She told us about how they are used throughout the world in times of disaster and crisis to help those affected and in need.

At our meeting on Oct 7, Asst. Gov. Dave Bertini tells us about Rotary's focus to attract new members.

 

Our club participates in the SM Chamber's Bacon and Brew Festival. We man and operate the Bloody Sunrise (Mary) and Lemonade Sunrise booth. Many members and friends participated and some were working both days. Thank you for your hard work. It was a lot of fun, good exposure for the club and we even made a profit. Special thanks to Piazza's Fine Foods for helping us with supplies. Other photos are in the album here on the website.

Diane Borrison an advocacy chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and a 10 year survivor gave us an overview of one of the most deadly cancers. She let us know what is being done to combat the disease and what we can do to help.

Richard Wexler from Points of Life tells us about Intelligent Aging.

The 2016-17 District Governor, Jeri Fujimoto, visits and addresses our membership.

Dave gets a pin.

Rotarian Beth Weisberg tells our members about the DISC system of personality characterization. It was a very interesting and informative presentation.

Thursday San Mateo Concert Series in Central Park. Those that attended had a great time listening to Lost Dog Found.

Jon Kaufman for H2Open Doors tells us about their mission of providing clean water to underprivileged and devastated communities. He also told us about their upcoming projects to Nepal, Cuba, Morocco and Nicaragua.

 

Jim Rochotte is the Rotarian of the Month and is awarded by Mari. He receives a bottle of wine for his service for the month of July.

Jerry Grainger is honored for being the only remaining charter member since our club was founded 30 years ago. He receives a badge that recognizes him as a charter member.

Our newest member, Tina Marie Romo, is inducted into our club. Congratulating her is Asst. District Governor Glen Rojas. She is accompanied by her husband, Larry.

The 2016 San Mateo Color 5K "Color Explosion" celebration at the end of the race. Close to 1000 participants and attendees enjoyed the sunshine and had fun getting colorful.

Jessica Huckabay talks about how "Laughter Yoga" is helping people.

We honored our former member Dan Bergeron for his continued support of our club's events. He helped immensely again at this year's Funny Bunny Breakfast with both cooking and bringing his own grills.

Kyle McBurnie tells us about his trip in to the Amazon jungle in Peru to work on the documentary The Uncontacted Project.

Laura Steuer talks to us about the topic of Infidelity.

New member, Ramiro Maldonado is formally inducted into our club with the help of Assistant District Governor Glen Rojas and club member sponsor Sylvia Lopez.

A 2016 Community Service Award is given to Piazza's Fine Foods for their support over the years for their donations to the Funny Bunny Breakfast. They are also contributing this year to our San Mateo Color 5K. Accepting the award is Rick Piazza.

Barbara Jones from Franchise Business Freedom tells about the advantages of owning a franchise. She helps individuals connect with possible franchise companies.

AddieRose Mayer tells us about the services of Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and answers a lot of our questions. It's a valuable resource for our community.

Stephanie Mattero tells us about Star Vista and their programs to help foster kids.

Photos from our Funny Bunny Pancake Breakfast at Central Park in San Mateo, part of the city's Easter Eggstravaganza. We served over 500 breakfasts.

See a video of the event - click on the link above.

 

 

Photos from our wine tasting party at TinaMarie's house on March 24. The wine was wonderful and the food fabulous.

Mari Hethcoat with Rotary Youth Exchange Students 2015-2016 from Taiwan, Italy, Spain, and Brazil. Taken at Annual Interact Conference in Foster City

Charlie Weidanz from Abilities United tells about the organization and the work that they do.

Jennifer Hancox, the general manager at Viognier, receives her Business of the Month award from President Mike.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez addresses our club on topics of Homeland Security, US foreign policy, terrorism and cyber security.

 

 

Sign up now for the San Mateo Color 5K to benefit JDRF. 

Pieter was on the road again. This time in Daytona Beach Florida.

Vietnam veteran and author Brian Oldham tells us about his latest book and his experiences that led to it's completion. He gives us his personal insight into what veterans face as they try to re-enter society.

Tom Holmes from Tangent, a technology sales and service company, is our latest Business of the Month honoree.

Mary Albitz tells us about RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and why it is such an important part of what Rotary does for the lucky kids that get to go.

Some of the winning art pieces from our Peace Art Contest at LEAD Elementary School.

 

On Thursday night, we were entertained with stories and anecdotes about life in Hollywood by actress and author Kathy Garver...Cissy from Family Affair. The food and wine were wonderful thanks to Pacific Catch and Gloria G.

Pres. Mike, Skip, Ben and Jerry were at LEAD Elementary School in San Mateo to present the winners of the Peace Art Contest with their certificates and prizes.

 

 

Pcyeta Stroud tells us about the Bay Area Entrepreneur Center.

Executive Director Pat Mitchell tells us about the work of Silicon Valley FACES. They are committed to building a community free of bias, bigotry and violence by providing programs for youth that promote empathy, with the goal of improving school climate and community relations.

 

Joan Rosas, Superintendent for the San Mateo/Foster City School District, tells us about the current state of the school system and the plans they have for the future. Joining her are staff members Michelle Harmeier and Molly Barton.

Battalion Chief Bill Euchner tells us about the Emergency Medical Services in San Mateo County.

Here some photos from our evening event with Mike Toy presenting "Keys to Success" at the 38th Floor Bar in San Mateo.

Greg Hawkins, owner of the 38th Floor Bar, talks about his experience on the tv show "Bar Rescue". Our next event will be held there on Thursday Nov 19.

Pieter presents a banner from the Lake Mary Club in Florida to President Mike at Friday's meeting.

Jerry Grainger, Rose Camarena and Robyn Lee talk about their recent Rotary trip to Cuba.

District Major Donors Chair Jayne Hulbert gave us a presentation on the Rotary Foundation. She gave a very good explanation of how it benefits both the local and global communities.

Sorted cans without labels this morning at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Jake and his family participate and ride the Rotary Float at the Columbus Day Parade in SF on Sunday, Oct 11.

Members volunteered to serve beer in one of the many beer booths at the 2015 Bacon and Brew Festival in San Mateo's Central Park to help the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce.

See the video of the Open Mic Day presentations: https://youtu.be/i2KzdK0m9JQ

Kathy Diamond, a CSM professor and volunteer with the Trail Center, tells us about the Center's activities and how we can help.

Helping to get rid of someone's discarded recliner at the Bay Front Cleanup in San Mateo near Ryder Park.

 

At today's meeting, "island style contestants", Ron Visconti from Phase2Careers and our guest speaker Bernadette McBurnie talks about Solutions for a Healthy Balanced Life.

 

Guests and members enjoying food and the great atmosphere at the BBQ at Jim's house. We had a great turnout and everyone had a good time.

 

Kirsten Pringle from the San Mateo County Department of Sustainability tells us about the Community Choice Aggregation, an alternate energy source for the public.

 

Our District Governor gets to do double duty at our meeting this morning. She inducts our newest member, Pieter Kark, into our club. Then afterwards, she delivers her District Governor's message to our club. This year's theme is "Peace".

Our own Ken Housley tells us about his most recent trip to Spain, France and Monte Carlo.

Some of our club members volunteer at this year's Tour de Peninsula and with the Interact club from Mills HS.

We welcome our newest member, Bernadette McBurnie to our club. A former Rotarian, she is looking to help with our local and international projects.

We celebrate Past President Jim's fantastic year with his debunking at this past Friday's meeting. Thank you Jim for a great year for our club.

Our club members and other volunteers at the 6th Annual Putt Your Heart Out Miniature Golf Tournament on June 26, 2015. We hosted 72 kids from the Mid-Peninsula Boys and Girls Club for a day of mini golf and a picnic at nearby De Anza Park in Sunnyvale. The kids had a great time in the warm sun thanks to sponsors San Mateo Credit Union, State Farm Insurance and Boston Private Bank and Trust.

Through our club's support of Project Crescendo, 120 recorders were delivered to the entire 3rd grade class at Horrell Elementary School in San Mateo for their music program.

The Berlin Airlift by President Truman to thwart Stalin's blockade is explained by novelist Gisela Zebroski, who has written about this subject and others.

Tracy Hampton presents more photos from her recent trip to Africa.

Sylvia Lopez educates us about the disease and tells us a story about a Lupus sufferer and the numerous challenges she had to face. That person was her.

We honor some of the volunteers that helped out at the Funny Bunny Breakfast. With acting President Skip are Tiffany Thich, Jennifer Shimabukura, Kathleen Gamba and Elena Farinas.

Samya Boxberger-Oberoi, author of "The Philosophy and Science of Yoga", tells us about her personal journey from the South West of France to the Silicon Valley to the Himalayas, where she studied yoga.

The gang that helped to sort food at the Second Harvest Food Bank on 4/29/15, club members and guests.

Tracy Hampton shows and tells us about her many safari trips in Africa. Discusses the "Big 5" animals.

We welcome new member, John Frye, to our club. Inducted by District Governor, Chris Gallagher.

Part of our crew manning the parking lot sale.

 

 

 

Join us at the San Mateo Easter Eggstravaganza in Central Park on Saturday, April 4. We will be serving a fabulous pancake breakfast. All proceeds benefit our many service projects. We serve from 8-11am. Come out an enjoy the festivities.

We learn about the martial art Aikido from Brasse Sensei, who founded Aikido by the Bay in SF.

At our meeting on March 27 our most recent new member Jeff Weaver, was inducted into our club. The official induction was performed by Assistant District Governor Glen Rojas, accompanied by President Jim.

Incoming President Mike, Past President Mari, new member Sylvia, Rotary Peace Fellow Muyatwa Sitali, Jane Maxfield and President Jim at the District Assembly in Larkspur.

 

 

Kim Eva Van Keymeulen tells us about her volunteer work with Clean Tech Open, a non profit that helps fund "green" startups. In just 9 years, they have help get funding for over 1000 startups and have procured over $1 billion for them.

Lily Steinbach tells us about the work that the Silicon Valley Community Foundation is doing in the Bay Area. An upcoming event is Silicon Valley Gives, where non-profits can raise necessary funds.

 

 

 

Congratulations to Gloria Guzman, our newest Rotarian. Inducted by Skip Dahl along with her sponsor Sylvia Lopez.

 

Our guest speaker, Lisa Lang, who talked to us about her experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) working with children without parents. www.casaofsanmateo.org

 

Dr. Ian Tong tells us about an innovative way to deliver medical care...via your smartphone...you can connect with a live MD and get a diagnosis and care...all for $40 for 15 minutes. Check out Doctor on Demand. http://www.doctorondemand.com/

Allen Calvin addresses those in attendance at our meeting on Feb.6 and we were treated to stories and anecdotes about his personal relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King. We learned about things that most people don't know about him. He also commented on the recent movie "Selma". To hear his presentation, go to the videos section and click on 2/6/15. It should not be missed.

Sylvia Lopez was inducted this morning as the newest member of our club. She is the Director of Operations at the San Mateo Area Chamber Commerce. Welcome to our club Sylvia!

A panel of financial experts presented to us this morning. Mari Hethcoat, Ed Elliot, Gloria Guzman, Dave Stormont and Jake Bursalyan. It was moderated by Ken Housley. The discussion with the panel will continue at next week's meeting on January 16 at 7:30am.

 

Member Sebastian Steinbach talks about his search for classic cars in California. He currently looks for classic german cars to buy and sell to collectors in Germany. Watch the full presentation from our meeting links.

 

 

 

Our club participated in the Annual Bay Area Ridge Trail Service Day by helping to restore and maintain a stretch of the Skyline Trail near Huddart Park.

 

   

A reception for In Coming President's was held at the Academy of Art Automobile Museum in SF on Sunday, Sept. 28. It was a chance for the 2015-16 Presidents from District 5150 to meet and discuss their clubs, their challenges and their goals. There was also a presentation by the 2015-16 District Governor, Leah Lambrect and a Rotary International Peace Fellow, Heather Murray. The museum had a fantastic collection of classic cars that we all were able to enjoy.

Dr. David Anzaldua discusses the advances in stem cell research and the many uses of this new technology.

Taking a break from sorting food at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Carlos. We helped to finish the shift in record time thanks to Rotarians Mike and Derrick along with friends Dave, Carliza, Ricky and Derrick's son Dre. Come out and join us next time.

The completion of the Apostolic Church Playground Project that our club contributed to is this Saturday, September13. Come out and see how fantastic it turned out.

 

Their volunteers will be putting the finishing touches on the project by installing the chain link fence on the project from 9:00 – 12:00. Thank you to each of our members for your contribution for the Apostolic Church Playground Project.  You can see from the two attached pictures what a change it made.  Please join me at the project Saturday from 10:30–12:00 and see what your generosity accomplished. Guests are invited to attend as well.

President Jim Rochotte

 
Apostolic Assembly Church, 721 Donahoe St. East Palo Alto, CA
It is directly across from IKEA, to the East.

Past President Nancy was give a rousing "celebratory" debunking today at our meeting. Nancy was a roving reporter for RBS and her task was to ask people what they thought Zumba was. From hair growth to energy drink, the guesses were varied but funny. Everyone had great time. Thank you Nancy for a great year.

 

 

 

 

Sebastian get inducted at the 8/29/14 meeting and is welcomed as our newest member of the San Mateo Sunrise Rotary Club. Welcome to the club Sebastian. You will be a great addition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We participated in the City of San Mateo's Eggstravaganza by once again serving pancake breakfasts. On the Saturday before Easter, we held our Funny Bunny Pancake Breakfast. We had numerous club members helping out along with a crew of volunteers. It was a beautiful day and soon Central Park was full of kids and families. We served over 400 breakfasts and those that had one were treated to a fantastic breakfast of hot pancakes, eggs and sausages. We also had coffee, orange juice, hot chocolate and tea available. We had a raffle for some great prizes and it was a lot of fun for everyone. Thank you to all of the members who helped out and to our wonderful volunteers.​

Food Sorting at Second Harvest Food Bank. We had a group of club members and volunteer friends help out at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Carlos. We helped sort out canned and packaged food items. We had a great turnout Saturday morning for this important community service event. Mike Wong organized Derrick, Dan, Jim, Liana, myself (Jerry Grainger), along with Helen Park and Dr. Carliza Marcos and her son, Ricky, who volunteered to do a couple of hours of sorting and handling food for the Second Harvest Food Bank, in San Carlos.

The place is a huge warehouse.
They feed over a quarter million people per month.
Less than 5% of these 253,000 people are homeless.
More than 50% of them are low income,
but a great many of them do not qualify for food stamps.
Mostly they are the working poor.

More than 50 volunteers showed up to move and sort donated food for processing and distribution to the recipients.
Additionally, there is a volunteer staff of another dozen or so, to help, guide and direct the participants.

This is real work, and a real and necessary contribution to assisting the less fortunate in our community.
This is the kind of Service Above Self that we, as Rotarians, can take pride in helping to perform.​