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SAVE THE DATE! THIS YEAR WE'RE DANCING WITHOUT THE CARS ON OCTOBER 30th!

This year, because Rosh Hashanah begins on September 11, we will be moving and changing our usual Dancing with the Cars fundraiser to October 30th and Dancing WITHOUT the Cars at a Spooktacular costume party at the Orinda/Wilder Art and Garden Center! Mark your calendars and watch for more updates...!

THANKS, BILL! AND WELCOME ARUNA!

Another Rotary Year ended and a new one began July 1, with the transition from Bill Waterman's leadership to new Club President Aruna Poddatoori. We celebrated the new year on July 17, at the beautiful home of Al and Sue Farmer, where members gathered for libations, laughter and lots of delicious food prepared by our wonderful caterer, Leslie Masler.

Congratulations, Bill on a very successful Rotary year --- and welcome Aruna! We look forward to a year with you at the helm and one full of "Service Above Self!"

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

Since July 2020, our Orinda Rotary club members have been volunteering at the Food Bank once a month and making yearly donations. During our May visit, we presented our check for $2,000 in support of their mission. This will help provide approximately 4,000 meals for those in need, with 97 cents of every $1 donated going toward food distribution.

Every day thousands of people in our community around Contra Costa and Solano Counties struggle to meet basic nutritional needs. The Food Bank serves over 465,000 people each month across the two counties, providing 3.5 million meals through 70 weekly distributions. It’s inspiring to support an organization that ensures our neighbors have access to nutritious food. Children, adults, and seniors benefit from our efforts. The Food Bank is the leading fight against local hunger and volunteers and donations can make a big difference -- consider joining us!

Our next outing to the Food Bank is Friday, September 18, from 1-3 PM. Participants carpool and often share lunch prior to their work at the warehouse. Bring a friend! Please contact President Aruna if you are interested helping out.

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

Orinda Rotary offers 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. 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 President, Aruna Poddatoori, 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 President Aruna to request the Zoom link.

Upcoming speakers, events and programs:

Wednesday, August 26: We will have two speakers--Eva Orbuch of Blue Heart and Gavin Raders of Planting Justice will share how their organizations work together to create employment opportunities, strengthen communities, and promote food justice throughout the East Bay.
Wednesday, August 26: DWOTC Team meeting immediately following regular club meeting.
Wednesday, September 2: Karen Douglas of Choice in Aging will describe the services her organization provides to help seniors remain independent.
Wednesday, September 9: Eric McNamara of Los Alamos National Laboratory (retired) talks about the future of nuclear energy.
Wednesday, September 16: NO MEETING
Friday, September 18: Monthly volunteer outing to the Contra Costa Food Bank.
Wednesday, September 23: Leonard Pirko brings us up-to-date on what's happening at the Orinda Theatre in the fall.
Wednesday, September 30: Stanford lecturer and public policy analyst David Crane discusses the role special interests have in framing legislation.
Saturday, October 10: Our annual Tom Fitch Fishing Day at the San Pablo Reservoir benefitting the Oakland Boys and Girls Club.

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

Make a donation below to the Orinda Rotary Endowment Fund and help us serve the community for another 75 years! The Orinda Rotary Endowment is a 501(c)(3) charity.