Happy Spring! Much of the recent weather has been glorious and a glimpse into the coming months. Somehow, 9 months of my presidency has flown by. At our meeting this last week, I outlined some of our accomplishments. Since July 1st, 4 new members have joined with 2 more in the process of joining. We participated in 9 community service opportunities with several more coming up. We also enjoyed 8 social events and raised over $26,000 through various avenues, our biggest being our 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off. We are in the midst of planning the 4th Chili Cook Off for October 5, 2024, so please mark your calendars.
Also, at this meeting, we presented a check for $10k to The Pedrozzi Foundation for the purpose of establishing a scholarship in the name of Kevin Drake, who, sadly, passed away in February. Kevin gave so much to this community: he was an educator, a coach, Rotarian, and family man, and meant so much to so many. His memory will live on in our hearts and now through this scholarship. He would have been so proud.
I recently saw a Facebook post where someone was looking for a place to volunteer. The responses were flooding in, so many choices. It made me realize just how loving and generous this community is. There are so many avenues of service! Just pick one (or more), and you will be so glad you did. Helping others is life changing in more ways than one. I am proud and honored to be a resident of Livermore and part of this club.
We meet Tuesday mornings, gathering at 8:00 and ringing the bell to start the meeting at 8:15 AM.
Meetings are in person at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore, in Building 3300, the new Horticulture Center. Parking is in Lot J.
SPRING GRANT APPLICATIONS INVITED
Applications are now being accepted for club grants up to $1,000
We encourage non-profit community organizations and educators whose work aligns with our mission as Rotarians to apply for a grant of up to $1,000. We are grateful to be able to extend our reach into the community by partnering with our grant recipients.
The Rotary Club of Livermore Valley invites community members to bring unwanted documents to the Annual Community Shredding Event on Sunday, April 28, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Tri-Valley Car Care lot at 1737 First St, across from the Vine Theater.
This is great timing for safely and privately destroying financial and legal papers that are no longer needed. Bring your papers in containers, watch the papers be shredded, and take your container with you.
CELEBRATING THE STUDENT OF THE MONTH
We met Abraham Mercer at our March 19 club meeting. Granada High Principal Clark Conover impressed us with Abraham's outstanding academic record: he has earned A+ grades in every class he has taken at Granada High School! His involvement in the Biotechnology Pathway and his advanced coursework in AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Calculus, along with IB History of the Americas and IB Language and Literature show his passion for learning.
Abraham is currently a member of the GHS Swim Team. As a member of the Granada High School Water Polo team, he has served as JV Captain and was named Varsity MVP in 2023. He founded the Water Polo Club, assuming the role of President and leading his peers with enthusiasm and dedication.
Abraham’s active participation in clubs such as the Math Club, CSF, and NHS demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact within the school community. Outside of school, he has dedicated his time to various community initiatives, including the Livermore Day of Service, the 24 Hour Race, and organizing a church youth camp for over 60 boys.
Pictured below: Abraham Mercer with Principal Clark Conover
Rotarians from both our club and the noon club gathered at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton recently to sort books in preparation for delivery to students starting April 10. This year, we are giving almost 1,000 hardcover novels - one to each 3rd grader in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District.
Students were able to choose from 4 book titles: El Deafo, by Cece Bell; Willodeen, by Katherine Applegate; The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown; and Owly, by Andy Runton. In partnership with Towne Center Books, the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore is funding this annual Gift of Reading. We are looking forward to handing students their new books this month!
Pictured below: Rotarians at Towne Center Books on Sorting Day!
Any Rotarians who would like to volunteer to deliver books may use this form to sign up:
2024 Gift of Reading Book Delivery Volunteer Form
KEVIN DRAKE SCHOLARSHIP LAUNCHED
Honoring Kevin Drake for his legacy of service in the Livermore community, and in support of education, the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley has donated $10,000 to launch a scholarship in Kevin Drake’s name. The scholarship will be offered through the Pedrozzi Foundation to students graduating from any of the public high schools in Livermore.
We invite the entire Livermore community to donate to the Kevin Drake Scholarship fund. Our goal is to raise $100,000, which will fully endow the scholarship, allowing it to support post-high school education in perpetuity.
Starting with the first day of school at Livermore High in 1968, Mr. Drake inspired students to love history and to challenge themselves as student athletes. He taught teenagers to be good citizens, and he showed them what it meant to be a coach and a mentor. As LHS Athletic Director and Vice Principal and then as Granada High School Principal, Kevin modeled dedication, patience, and leadership, supporting students, families, and staff. Long after they graduated, students referred to Coach Drake as the man who cared about them and inspired them.
He was an educator, a family man, and active in the Livermore community, including Rotary, Livermore Granada Boosters, the Pedrozzi Foundation, and Choose Love Livermore. We are grateful to have known him and honored to support the scholarship that celebrates his legacy.
Remember to check out the upcoming events listed on our website and in the ClubRunner mobile app. Events listings include everything you need to know including a Google Maps link! Click on the date's hyperlink for more information.
SAVE THE DATES!
