The Weekly Meeting Summary of the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley
 
July 22, 2025    
 
OPENING THE MEETING
  • President Sarah Palmer called the meeting to order at 8:15 AM

    • Sarah reminded us of Rotary's Areas of Focus, which she will highlight throughout this year.

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  • Pledge of Allegiance - James Hays led us in the Pledge 
  • Four-Way Test - Roy Porfido reminded us of the four questions that guide Rotarians

  • Thought of the Day - Beth McCormick shared the blessings of gratitude. She noted that grateful people are more resilient in face of hardship. By recognizing what’s still good and meaningful, we can anchor ourselves in hope instead of drowning in a difficult moment. Gratitude is a choice. Let's help others to choose it.

  • Joke of the DayEric Dillie shared some Rotary-themed chuckles. Why aren't Rotarians gossipers? Because they follow the 4-way test, not the 4-way texts. And did you hear about the new Rotary club forming - the Yeast County Club, because they will rise to the occasion! 

VISITING ROTARIANS & GUESTS
 
  • Visiting Rotarian:

    • Beth McCormick introduced Bob Tucknott from the Dublin Club

  • Guests

    • Mony Nop introduced John Bost, Executive Director of Open Heart Kitchen

    • Mony introduced Christine Dillman, Executive Director of Tri-Valley Haven and her mother, Sueanne Dillman

    • Mony introduced his friend Rick Vistnes

    • Beth introduced her friend Erin Lynch

TODAY'S 10-SPOT
 
We spun the wheel to determine the beneficiaries of Boards 79 and 80. Suzanne Richerson and Beth McCormick "won" the privilege of designating the boards, and both chose to fund the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore. Doing so will help fund RFL's charitable work in our community.
 
Eric Dillie led us in today's 10-Spot:
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS 
  • Check out the "Upcoming Events" listed below for complete details and sign-up information for upcoming club happenings!
Upcoming Events
Livermore Library Summer Reading Volunteering
Livermore City Hall
Sep. 08, 2025
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
Save the Date: Livermore Annual Community Service Day
TBD
Sep. 20, 2025
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Save the date: Volunteer for CALICO
TBD
Sep. 20, 2025
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
 
Ambassadors of Compassion-Launch!
Las Positas College
Sep. 25, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
EVEN MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS . . .
  • Rich Goldstein shared that the Ambassadors of Compassion Kickoff will take place Thursday, September 25 at Las Positas College. All are encouraged to join the event and to spread the news to others in our community.
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TRAVEL TRIBUTES
 
Deb Tacker returned from a trip to Alaska and brought coffee for Past President Beth and tea for President Sarah.
 
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TODAY'S PROGRAM: OPEN HEART KITCHEN
 
We welcomed John Bost, Executive Director of Open Heart Kitchen, who shared the extensive support provided by Open Heart Kitchen, the Senior Meal Program, Vineyard Resource Center, Open Heart Refuge, and the Open Heart Food Bank.
 
Open Heart Kitchen began serving the community in 1995 and is approaching the 8 millionth meal served. Annually, John and his team raise about $3.5 million to meet the needs of individuals in our community who experience food insecurity. Volunteers work to gather, sort, and serve food. In addition to meals served at the facility on N Livermore Ave, senior meals are served at the Tri-Valley's senior centers. Over 37,000 senior meals were served to 740 guests in 2024.
 
 
The goal of Open Heart Kitchen is to stabilize individuals so that they do not have to think only about basic needs, but can move their thinking to dream and plan for their future.
 
The Vineyard Resource Center houses Open Heart Kitchen as well as a number of other facilities and services that provide support, stability and dignity to unhoused individuals. The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore funded the laundry room facilities and furnished a community room. In 2024, the laundry room saw 2,962 loads of laundry for 328 guests. Individuals have access to mailboxes, computers, showers, and some have long-term apartments. 373 guests were able to take over 5,800 showers at the Vineyard Resource Center.
 
The Open Heart dining room transforms each evening to become Open Heart Refuge, where 30 beds are set up to provide safe sleep to those who need a place to sleep. Open Heart Refuge is the third largest sleep refuge in Alameda County. In 2024, Open Heart Refuge provided 6,775 collective nights' rest for 172 guests.
 
John reminded us that food insecurity, along with housing insecurity, impacts many people, at different stages in their lives.
 
 
We are invited to support Open Heart Kitchen by volunteering and/or making a donation. We are also invited to join the annual fundraiser, the Heart of the Tri-Valley Gala on September 5.
 
 
50/50 RAFFLE
 
Kevin McCallum won today's 50/50 drawing!
 
MEETING MOMENTS
 
Thank you, Roy, for capturing these moments!
 
 
 
 
 
Instead of our usual morning meeting, our club will enjoy a social on Wednesday, July 30 at Granada Bowl. Check it out on our Events Page!
 
NEXT SPEAKER
At our next club meeting on Tuesday, August 5, we will welcome State Senator Jerry McNerney. Remember to invite guests to hear this important speaker.
 
Meeting Adjourned at 9:15
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