San Mateo Rotarians gathered bright and early on February 9th to greet the sunrise while enjoying scrambled eggs and breakfast conversation. President Dick continued to give our new members a chance to introduce themselves and we enjoyed learning more about Anthony Tansimore. Our speaker was Jeff Steinberg from Sojourn to the Past who provided a riveting account of the Civil Rights Movement, the tours he leads to the South to visit historical sites associated with Civil Rights, and thoughts about gun violence. If you missed his presentation, click on the link below:
Anthony Tansimore did double duty! First, he presented the Newscast on behalf of Peter Webb (home with Pam as she recovers from shoulder surgery). Anthony then shared he grew up in Culpepper, Virginia in a family who had lived there for many generations. In 1888 his great-grandmother founded a school and his family includes many teachers.
When Anthony was growing up, Culpepper had two schools - one for white students & one for black students. His parents enrolled him in the white school and his mom escorted him to school every day so he would be safe. He went on to Colorado College & Wake Forest Law School where he worked with his Contracts Professor to increase the enrollment from 4 black students to 12 before he graduated.
Practicing law wasn't in his future, though. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA. He attributes now working with animals to his father's influence. His dad loved animals & even had a collie named Lassie! Anthony joined Rotary because of our emphasis on service and fellowship.
President Dick provided an update on the status of negotiations with Par 3. Because of Par 3's determination to "bump" us out of the facility at will on Thursdays at lunch, President Dick has been exploring other options with the Board and a committee chaired by Dave Bennett.
The current thinking is to move our lunch meetings from Thursday to Tuesday without any bumping. President Dick and Dave would love to hear your opinions on this before the Board votes at its meeting this Thursday. If you'd like to attend the board meeting, head to the San Mateo Library at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 16th.
Be sure to attend the February 16th Rotary meeting at our regular day, time & location: Thursday noon at Poplar Creek. President Dick has asked Barb & Kitty to concoct a special Rotary Valentine Celebration. Knowing their impressive party planning skills, it should be great fun. Want to know more about the history of Valentine's Day? Click the link below.
Thanks to Clarke Funkhouser who joined the President's Club after sharing he's an early morning person who finds it easier to make it to a breakfast meeting rather than a lunch session!
