Mike Stoiber substituted for President Bruce LeMay.

 

Guests

Sandi introduced her goddaughter Saylor Bennett and great goddaughter Alex who are visiting from the State of Washington.

 

Badge Presentation

 

Mike presented Robert Belleci with his permanent badge.  Robert gave us comments about his background:  grew up in Pittsburg, attended Pittsburg schools, started business in Pittsburg because he loves the community, coaches Pittsburg High School freshmen football team, likes Rotary, the people in the club and hopes to be involved for many years to come.

 

Announcements

 Diana gave an updated on the Dictionary Project and distributed the presentation schedule.The schedule will also be e-mailed to all members.

 Caryn provided information on the upcoming Rotary Foundation Annual Convention to be held in 2008 in Los Angeles.  She would like to know how many people would like to attend so that a bank of rooms can be rented at a hotel for all Pittsburg Rotary Club members.  Additional information on the convention is available on the Rotary International web site.

 Caryn also said that Will Casey was sworn in as mayor last night and that Supervisor Federal Glover will be having his annual crab feed on January 3 at the Senior Center.

 Mike announced that Mei Ling McNamara, a previous speaker, has been touring the world and would like to return as a speaker again.  She previously spoke about Madagascar.

 Mike also announced that the Nutcracker will be performed this weekend and that he will be giving his final report on the golf tournment next week.

 He also announced that we will be presenting a check to the Pittsburg Unified School District next week to support the elementary schools Holiday Needy Family Program.  This money helps each school purchase items to help low income families in need.  Police Chief Aaron Baker will attend and it is hoped that Rotary attendance will be good.

 Renee asked if we had provided funding for the Cub Scout Troop banner.  Linda said she would follow-up.

 Happy Dollars

 Sandi was happy to be back from Washington state and had a great time in the motor home.  She is happy to have family visiting her now.

 Larry visited Vietnam for a month and had a wonderful visit.

 Julie had a nice quiet Thanksgiving with her family.

 Mike is happy it is raining.

 Marlin is happy to have completed and graduated from CERT Training.

 Wayne visited Hot Springs, Arkansas and participated in their Christmas Tree Lighting and Rotary Chili Feed which is a very profitable project for the club.

 

 

Speaker

Julie Mason, Volunteer Coordinator, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing

 

27 Units, purchased property in 2001, HUD subsidizes 2,000 homeless families in Contra Costa County

Permanent, supportive housing with services on site; staff, therapist, volunteers to help with homework, pool, community garden, etc.

Garden park apartments, place of own, family becomes stable

Groundwork to stand on their own two feet

30% of income to rent

No safety net for homeless people; most homeless are children

Three types of housing:

Shelters have different requirements

Transitional - usually agency provided with different requirements

Permanent, supportive housing with services on site which is Contra Costa Interfaith Housing

Residents have history of mental illness, post traumatic stress disorders, domestic violence, substance abuse, etc.  Lived month to month previously.

Requirements of each type of housing can put you in catch 22 predicament and ineligible.

Julie decided this year to try to fund raise money for gifts for children.

Board voted to give Conta Costa Interfaith Housing $550 to purchase gifts for children.

 

Lunch