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DON'T MISS OUR ANNUAL OPERA-IN-THE-PARK ON THURSDAY, JUNE 22!

Orinda Rotary sponsors the annual Opera-in-the-Park on Thursday, June 22nd from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Orinda's Community Park. This free public concert features the talented performers of Festival Opera and includes selections of opera's best known arias and Broadway hits. Bring the family, a blanket, a picnic (or enjoy a selection of wine and food from the food trucks that will be on hand) and enjoy an evening of wonderful music!

ORINDA ROTARY HONORS 2023 OUSD TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Our annual Teacher of the Year celebration honored outstanding faculty at Orinda's K-8 schools. Site-specific awards were granted for teachers at each of Orinda's 5 schools, including a District-wide honoree. Those recognized at the luncheon included:

Michelle Pinney – (Orinda Intermediate School)

Gretchen Loughran (Del Rey Elementary School)

Alicia Doyle (Wagner Ranch Elementary)

Diana Owens (Sleepy Hollow Elementary)

Erin Miller - (Glorietta Elementary Schoo) l- also recognized as OUSD District-Wide "Teacher of the Year”

Recipients were given an honorarium, as well as a commemorative plaque as a thank-you for all that they do to support Orinda's students.

REFURBISHING ORINDA OAKS PARK

Orinda Rotary club members assembled for Rotary "Visibility Day" and a celebratory BBQ in Orinda Oaks Park on April 29 to unveil the first of several soon-to-be refurbished benches. The club will be helping the city improve benches and tables in the park, which is a great facility for group/family gatherings.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN RICHMOND

Orinda Rotary has partnered with the Rotary Club of Richmond to support the Peres Elementary School Book Club and Tutorial Program.The ten-week program for third-graders strengthens students’ reading ability so that they can succeed academically. President Rodney and Past President Ken Jew recently visited the program and saw what a difference the personal guidance of the volunteers make in improving students' reading ability.

JOIN ROTARY VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUT AT THE CONTRA COSTA FOOD BANK

Orinda Rotary's commitment to help out at the Contra Costa/Solano County Food Bank continues to assist families in need! WE NEED YOU THERE! Food

Bank distributions and need jumped tremendously because of the pandemic, and there is no sign it is slowing down.

Volunteer sessions are scheduled each month. Our next outing to the Food Bank is Friday, June 16, from 1-3 PM. Participants carpool and often share lunch prior to their work at the warehouse. Please Contact President Rodney Lal if you are interested participating.

CLUB MEETINGS ARE "HYBRID" - IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

Orinda Rotary is once again offering in-person meetings that include scheduled speakers! Our in-person meetings are held in the Founder's Auditorium at the Orinda Community Center and include no-host hot lunches. You must be fully vaccinated (two vaccinations and a booster) in order to attend in-person. Because of the increase in COVID cases, masks are encouraged when not actively eating/drinking. We trust that you will follow the Rotary 4-Way Test and adhere to our policy. Social gathering starts at noon and the meetings begin promptly at 12:30 PM. Click here to let our caterer, Leslie, know if you plan to attend in person and have lunch (cost is $25 per person)!

We also use the online teleconferencing service "Zoom" for those who prefer to attend virtually. Each week, members receive an e-mail from Club Secretary, Horst Rademacher, with instructions on how to join the upcoming meeting, including the requisite meeting ID and password. Members can join video conferencing from their computer or via phone. Non-members interested in participating in our meeting(s) may contact Club Secretary, Horst Rademacher, to request the Zoom link.

Upcoming speakers: Wednesday, May 31: World traveler, Joe Whitehouse will describe his recent visit to Iraq with his presentation, "The Beginning of the Modern World -- 6,000 Years Ago;" Wednesday, June 7: Kent Long, Chair, Joaquin Mirage Adobe Museum will discuss the history of the Moraga Adobe and early California, along with a status report on the restoration project underway; Wednesday, June 14: Stephanie Prescott, The Ladybug Project, provides an overview of this important effort to educate and support adolescent women around the world; Wednesday, June 21: Al Spander, Bay Area Sportswriter; Wednesday, June 28: President Rodney summarizes his accomplishments as our Club's 2022-2023 President.

Additional Upcoming Events and Programs: Friday, June 16: Monthly Volunteer Outing to the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank (see story above); Thursday, June 22: Rotary's Annual Opera-in-the-Park at Orinda Community Center Park, 6:00-7:30 PM; Wednesday, June 28: Club Assembly for out-going Club President Rodney; Tuesday, July 4: Club Members March in Orinda's Annual 4th of July Parade

If you have questions, please contact President Rodney for more information.