The District 5150 Conference on May 15-18, 2025 in downtown Santa Rosa was a true celebration of Hope in Action (this year's District theme). The event brought together Rotarians from across the region to share stories of resilience, innovation, and community impact. Led by our skilled District Governor Steve Wright, the Conference highlighted the enduring spirit of Rotary and the power of collective effort. Attendees enjoyed beautiful weather and had opportunities to visit the Charles Schulz Museum and other attractions.
Club Awards and Recognitions
The Rotary Club of San Francisco proudly received six Club Excellence Awards for outstanding achievement in the following: Membership, Community Service, International Service, Youth Service, Public Image, and Vocational Service. This remarkable achievement reflects our Club's strong leadership and unwavering commitment to service and community.
“Here in this grove of enduring redwoods, preserved for posterity, members of the United Nations Conference on International Organization met on May 19, 1945, to honor the memory of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, thirty-first President of the United States, chief architect of the United Nations, and apostle of lasting peace for all mankind.”
— Memorial Plaque, Cathedral Grove, Muir Woods, 1945
Beginning with a Breath
“Okay, everyone — let’s all take three deep breaths!” called out Jace Ritchey, a dedicated Muir Woods Park Ranger. His calm voice invited us to center ourselves amidst the towering giants of nature.
The following Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco were present: Anil Bhargava, President Bob Hermann, Dan Joraanstad, Heidi Kühn, Lisa Stark, and Eric Orantes (myself) who will soon join this Club. Also present was Lisa Stark's husband — Henry Rubin (a non-Rotarian).
Come and enjoy nature, fresh air, and fellowship as we do some gardening to improve and enhance Rotary Meadow - a garden of native plants our Club planted at the summit of Mount Sutro in 2004. Participation is limited to a maximum of 20 people. Advanced registration is required.
Join us for a special lunch meeting to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Meet and hear from a panel of distinguished Rotarians (Jessica Hansen, Richard Harrell, Heidi Kühn, and PDG Eric Schmautz) whose work has left a lasting impact in Vietnam and among veterans. Through conversation and reflection, we’ll explore the personal journeys, service projects, and enduring goodwill of these remarkable leaders.
As the 2024-2025 Rotary year comes to a close, we invite all members and friends of the Rotary Club of San Francisco to join us for a heartfelt celebration honoring our President, Bob Hermann. During this luncheon, we will recognize Bob’s dedication, leadership, and the many contributions he has made to our Club and community over the past year.
Join us for our Club's NEXT EVENING MEETING where we will conduct some Club business, have dinner, and enjoy Rotary fellowship. There is no charge to attend this meeting, but each attendee pays individually for food and beverages ordered at MoMo's. Please register yourself and your guests so that we can plan the space.
Join us at the beautiful C. A. Belden House to recognize and celebrate Bob Hermann’s outstanding service and leadership as President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Light appetizers, wine, and beverages will be served, and music will be provided by Dick Clark and Rick Harrell. Attendance is limited to 50 people, and registration will close on June 11, 2025. Sign up now!
Join us for our next vocational event to network with fellow Rotarians and sample some delicious wines. This event is open to all Rotarians and their guests age 21 and over. Attendance is capped at 20 people, so register early!
Join us at one or both of the Baby Showers at the Homeless Prenatal Program where we will give expectant mothers diaper bags filled with supplies. The party for Spanish speakers starts at 10 AM; the party for English speakers starts at 1 PM. Registration is limited to two Rotarians at each shower,
Come and spend a day on Mount Sutro with the Rotary Club of San Francisco, the Rotary Club of San Francisco Castro, Sutro Stewards, and Save Nature to learn about bugs and their importance in our environment and ecosystem! Participation is limited to a maximum of 10 people. Advanced registration is required.
Join us to build grocery boxes for seniors, sort donations, and perform other various tasks as needed. The Food Bank continues to need your helping hands. Registration is limited to 9 volunteers; so register early!
Join District Governor Steve Wright, District Governor-elect Mitone Griffiths, Rotarians, and friends at the 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade! Everyone is welcome — Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, potential members, friends, and family — to stand proudly and represent Rotary’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Look for the highlights from the meeting minutes that were approved at the May 20, 2025 Board Meeting and the highlights from the May 22, 2025 Evening Meeting in the next issue.
You are invited to submit stories for publication in Grindings. We are especially interested in stories on recent Rotary events that you have attended. The deadline is every Thursday at 5 PM, and this is a hard deadline so that I can get the issue of Grindings done in time for release on Sunday. If you miss the Thursday deadline, your story will appear in the following Sunday's issue or a future issue.
