The weather?  Iffy, at best.  Still, a good number of us gathered to be honored by the presence of himself:  T. Jack Foster, the man, the legend.

President Stan called the meeting to order promptly at 12:15 PST.  T. Jack asked if President Stan knew Mary Moore?  Why yes, he does.
 

Pledge and Invocation

Marianne Kristofferson led us in the pledge and Marilyn Orr delivered the invocation, advising that happy only are those who have found a way to serve!
 
GUESTS OF THE CLUB & VISITING ROTARIANS
 
Pierre Bouquet introduced his guest John Manning.  Peter Comaroto introduced guest Elijah Grindstaff of Virgin America.  Cheryl Fama introduced her spouse Denis Fama who is a former President of the Millbrae Rotary Club. Walt Ramseur introduced his guest, son Steve. Where in the world was Wendi Upchurch?  Fritz Brauner tried to bribe her with a cookie to come back.  We looked for you and missed you, Wendi. Better up the bribes, Fritz.
 

Announcements

ALERT:  No meeting at the Hilton next Monday.  Next THURSDAY, November 3, in honor of the Little Big Game, Dennis Zell announced that we will meet with the Burlingame Lions Club for a joint lunch at their house, noon, to hold a rally for the Burlingame High School football player, the cheerleaders, and staff.  The Lions Hall is at the west end of Washington Park on Burlingame Avenue, just east of the tracks. 
 
Emily Matthews distributed announcements of the “Kick off the Holiday Season with a Party”, hosted by Burlingame Rotary Fun Fairies, Thursday, November 17, 2016, 6:00 – 9:00 P.M.  Mark Frappier and Suzanne Juptner are hosting in their home at 428 Occidental Avenue, San Mateo, CA  94402. No RSVP required.
The Burlingame Historical Society is presenting the program “Dinos to Denizens,” on Thursday, October 27, 7:00, Lane Room (basement of the library).   This is about the Town of Hillsborough, delivered by the  one and only Sally Meakin!!  Lina Golodriga arrived late and left early a couple of weeks ago , so decided to join Stan’s President’s Club.  Not to worry, she was glowing from enjoying her son’s marriage, her daughter’s birthday, and her granddaughter’s birthday.
 
Program
Pastor Paul Watermulder introduced the one and only T. Jack Foster, developer and namesake of our own Foster City.  Accompanying Jack  was his nephew Todd.
T. Jack’s father was a developer himself.  Jack described his dad as the greatest dad, capable and loving.  There were three brothers: T. Jack, brother Dick, and late brother Bob.  The family had projects going in Hawaii, Texas, and Kansas.  Dad decided the family should work together and “build a city.”  Twenty-six hundred acres were purchased, then known as Brewer Island, San Mateo County. 
Fifteen million cubic yards of sand, extracted from San Francisco Bay, were spread over the marshland.  Sand compacts better than any other material.  Added were 60-90 feet of mud. 
Every house had a reinforced perimeter foundation.     Foster City prides itself on the integrity of the engineering.
Levies were built to enclose the Bay.   Hay was grown in the levies.  The top 2’ of the lagoon is water; below is lagoon.                            
The development was financed by formation of the Estero Development Improvement District, providing for the installation of sewer and water services.  The City is now free of debt.
In order to facilitate sales, 225 waterfront properties were leased at a cost of $500/year with 75-year terms.  Eventually the land was sold to the tenants (homeowners).
Jack is proud that from its inception, there was no discrimination in housing.  The NAACP recognized Foster City as the only truly open housing in the Bay Area at the time.
T. Jack Foster hopes that Foster City “should continue to evolve.” Thanks so much for your visit; it is a pleasure to know you. And…thanks for the Foster City books, author T. Jack Foster, that you gave us to sell!  Available on Amazon if you missed the opportunity to buy.
 
Dates to Remember
Monday, October 31   -    No meeting!  Trick or Treat!!
Thursday, November 3    -    Big Game Rally with Burlingame Lions, noon at Lions Hall
Tuesday, November 7    -    Dr. Ken Montgomery