President Doug Person called the meeting to order.
Jay Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Invocation:Peter Comaroto delivered the invocation.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Susan Dean from the Rotary Club of SF Chinatown introduced herself. President Doug introduced today’s speaker, Fred Pardini, and Fred’s his son-in-law Matt . Past President Fritz Brauner introduced his friend Rick Gilbert. Jennifer Pence introduced Brian Phan, who made our video about India. Al Royse introduced Dan Conway, who was visiting for the third time. Welcome visiting Rotarians and guests!
Sunshine Report:
Alan Drummer is in hospice. We are all keeping him and Charlene in our prayers.
Announcements
Marc Friedman reported on the nominating process for the next President. The last five Presidents got together to nominate the next President. They tried to get a woman to serve as the next President but couldn’t find one willing to take the role. The committee nominated Paul Watermulder, who received unanimous support from the members in the room. Congrats Paul!
Bret Johnson shared a humorous video set to the Hamilton score but with revised lyrics about the importance of the Rotary Foundation. Check it out!
Burlingame’s Got Talent:Jerry Winges announced that the event will be held on April 19 at the Community Center. The committee is looking for additional folks to help on the committee as well as sponsor the event. Got talent? Think about signing up to perform!
High Gear: Marilyn Orr announced that we need more High Gear writers. It’s easier than ever to write the High Gear as there is an AI transcript of the meeting to get you started. Please sign up!
Jennifer Pence announced the next three speakers: City of Burlingame arborist Rich Holtz is on January 21, club member Emily Beach is talking transit on January 28, and Burlingame City Manager Lisa Goldman will chat about City projects and programs on February 4. This is a great lineup of speakers. Don’t miss them!
Susan Dean from the Rotary Club of SF Chinatown spoke about a Rotary project in Guatemala aimed at protecting women from cervical cancer in Guatemala. Cervical cancer is the leading cancer killer among women in Guatemala. Women in Guatemala are six times more likely to get cervical cancer than women in the US. Indigenous women and rural women are disproportionately affected. Susan came to say thanks as Burlingame Rotary joined clubs from across the US and Canada to raise close to $200,000 for the project. The money was used to provide funds for two training sessions and the screening of 1,131 women. 344 thermocoagulation treatments were performed with machines purchased with the grant. The pre-cancerous lesions in these women were found and treated, and no further treatment is needed. Ten professionals were trained in thermocoagulation with the machines purchased by the grant. Some people became certified in other diagnostic techniques. Three additional medical clinics were supported in rural areas. Four thermocoagulation clinics were held for health professionals to be certified. HPV education was provided to thousands of adults and children. Susan is hoping for additional monetary contributions to this worthy cause.
Program:
President Doug introduced Fred Pardini. As a photojournalist in the Bay Area for 44 years, Fred covered Presidents, Hollywood stars, rock concerts, sports, and other notable events. He was first a photographer for the San Francisco Examiner and then worked as a cameraman for KGO News.
President Doug and Fred shared some historic photos and discussed the background behind them during his presentation.
Fred gave details about meeting then-Vice President Richard Nixon, photographing JFK at UC Berkeley (Go Bears!), and covering the 1964 Republican National Convention in San Franciso.
Fred shot photos of Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Vincente Minnelli on the set of a film in Big Sur in 1964. He was the only still photographer covering the film that day and spent time with the actors, director, and crew. He shot photos of Jimmy Stewart, Liberace, and the Beatles, who played the Cow Palace in August 1965 and Candlestick Park a year later. He made a book of Beatles photos, sent it to the group, and received a thank you letter from Paul McCartney!
In 1960, he photographed the Playboy Club in SF and SF entertainer Carol Doda. Oh my!
In the sports world, he shared pictures of Willie Mays, a 1970 Oakland Raiders game, Reggie Jackson, Wilt Chamberlain, Joe DiMaggio, and golf pro Gary Player at the Olympic Club.
He also photographed the closure of Alcatraz on March 21,1963 and the burial of
Admiral Chester Nimitz in 1966.
On April 29, 1996, then-Mayor Willie Brown proclaimed Fred Pardini Day in San Francisco. Fred also received several other honors throughout his long career.
President Doug adjourned the meeting after thanking Fred and presenting him with a certificate noting that Burlingame Rotary is donating polio doses in his name.
Curious about public transit in San Mateo County? Whether you are a regular rider or just want to learn more about how our systems work together to connect our community, join us for an insightful program on January 28th. Emily Beach - fellow Burlingame Rotarian, former Mayor, and current Chief Communications Officer for the San Mateo County Transit District - will provide an overview of the systems and current happenings at SamTrans bus, Caltrain, the Transportation Authority and the U.S. 101 Express Lanes. We’ll explore how these public agencies connect people, drive innovation, and support a sustainable future.
