Recognizing Our Stars
The District would like to take a moment to recognize Rotarians in each Club who have made significant contributions to their Clubs — they are true "Stars of the District".
If there is anyone who deserves being recognized as a Star of District 5160, it is Laura Day. Laura was named Co-Rotarian of the year in 2005. She has continued to be a major contributor to both the District and San Ramon Valley Rotary. She is a Senior Assistant Governor and served the District as an Assistant Governor prior to that. In addition to a demanding District assignment, Laura is both the Secretary and Foundation Chair at San Ramon Valley Rotary. Laura and her husband Dan have volunteered on many occasions to house our GSE visitors. As if that isn't enough, she also serves as the silent auction committee chair for all SRV Rotary's fund-raisers. Her dedication, enthusiasm and hard work are well known in her club and throughout the District. When you have a Rotary problem or issue, Laura is always there to help with a smile and a positive outlook. She epitomes what Rotary is all about.
Martha Goralka: Martha has tirelessly represented our club during its 17 years of existence. Martha was our charter president. She has volunteered to do many extra projects at the local and district rotary levels. Currently she is the assistant district governor for our region.
Delores McNair: Delores is a past president who has also taken on additional club responsibly for projects, the foundation and district activities. Delores will be assistant district governor for next year.- Bill Chapman: Bill is a charter member and past president who we depend on weekly for his efforts at the front door to perform accounting and weekly club management responsibilities. His dedication and dependability over many years deserves special recognition.
Tina Blythe: Can anyone doubt after these recent five weeks ... and the five ahead ... that Tina Blythe (Cordelia) is one of our District Stars? Tina is responsible for recruiting, screening, selecting and training our outbound GSE team .... which five great folks are scheduled to depart 9 April for District 4150 in Mexico. Tina simultaneously arranges for the meeting, the greeting and making at home the inbound GSE Team. She does it with good humor, patience, love of each participant, and hard work in coordinating the host families, the tours, the idiosyncracies of the GSE members and we Rotarians ourselves. Congratulations, Tina, on a job very well done! 
Brett Morey has demonstrated his "Rotary Touch" in many significant ways. His most recent contribution was in formulating a plan to acquire, sort, and distribute food and clothing for the Katrina Relief effort. Brett established lines of communication with media, service organizations, allied workers and truckers to complete this extremely worthwhile project. His efforts resulted in three truck loads of much needed supplies being shipped with little or no cost to help hurricane victims. His coordination of resources truly shows the Rotary spirit and the results have contributed to the well being of many victims.
Jeff Schults represents the Rotary spirit of �Service above Self� by his ability to contribute time, effort and intellect in many ways. Jeff spearheads the Corazon project, a home building program in Mexico and also directs Interact clubs in 2 local high schools. He has served well in capacities of Iocal government and was active in the local school board. He is a motivator and facilitator in all his activities. 
James Wangeman: Jim is a dedicated Rotarian who displays his commitment to community in various ways. As a business leader he presents the important goals of Rotary in his everyday actions. His contribution to community takes many forms and is best represented by his important role in the Police Activity League, Hospital Foundation and Board of Directors, numerous civic projects and is considered an outstanding Rotarian
Jim Cambier gives special meaing to the expression Quiet Rotarian. He is a past President and past Outstanding Distict Rotarian of the year. As a club member he is unfailingly positive, quietly commiting to club projects and delivering without fanfare or followup. As an advisor to the club President, his comments are calm, focused, and on point. His Rotary passion is District Interact. He sets his own high goals and puts in uncounted hours totally absent of self promotion. He started with Interact in July 2003, at which time there were about 25 clubs and 400 members. At this time there are about 30 clubs with 700 members. The first Interact conference was December 2004 at Monte Vista High School with about 45 in attendance. In December 2005 at San Ramon Valley High School there were about 100 in attendance with another 40 participating at Corning High School in February 2006. Jim freely acknowleges that District 5160 is emulating San Jose District 5170 which currently has about 8,000 Interactors in about 80 clubs. There is every reason to believe that D5160, with Jim's continued support, will enjoy Interact success on a par with D5170. 
Aaron Gobler: When our District decided for this Rotary year to create its own Web site rather than rely on outside providers, we inquired of Rotarians what they wanted in the District Web site and quickly came back that they wanted it interesting, consumer friendly, up to date, accurate, informative and fun. Aaron was asked to step in and help set up the Web site given his superb experience - and despite his simultaneous preparation to be President of the Albany RC for 2005-06. He was bombarded with requests as D-5160 Rotarians saw what a great boost the web site could be to our information gathering and disbursing efforts .. he met each challenge with a calm, professional, efficient and effective response. D-5160 is deeply indebted to Aaron for his taking on this huge challenge and we salute Aaron as one of the year long Stars of our District. What a guy! 
What makes Gary Buffon such a stand out at the El Cerrito Rotary Club is his commitment to and obvious enjoyment of the El Cerrito High School Interact Club. I would be remiss not to also mention he has held numerous leadership roles in our Club over the years and even writes our Club bulletin each week. But what he does for the Interact Club is just phenomenal. 
Dany Gregory,is well known in District 5160, especially if you speak French. Now you know her, right? The San Ramon Valley Rotary Club is fortunate to have this spitfire as a member. Why? Because she is everywhere! Surely, you know her. She probably took your picture at your last District function. Or, you enjoyed her centerpieces at the District Conference. Or, you delivered coats to her for San Ramon Valley RCs "One Warm Coat" drive (a project which she and husband Bill created in 1994). Or, she asked you to become a Rotarian and she wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Dany is one of the most dedicated Rotarians you will ever meet. And, she walks the walk by volunteering, taking responsibility and making sure every Rotary project is successful. Go Dany! 
Larry Blair a San Ramon Valley RC member, led the Club and the Community in our annual One Warm Coat drive. Under Larry's leadership, many people are a lot warmer this winter because he and his team collected over 15,000 coats and blankets. Larry coordinated collection efforts from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and local Schools. Next November, look for One Warm Coat collection bins in many San Ramon and Danville locations. Larry will be Club President in 2007-08.
Once again Bob Weber led The San Ramon Valley Rotary Club's award winning Vocational Services project: Rotary Business Achievement (RBA) to another successful conclusion. San Ramon Valley teams up with the School District to produce this exciting and uniquely challenging Business Simulation contest for district high school students. Twenty two teams from all five district high schools started the contest in October, and ten teams made it all the way to the final presentations in early December. The student teams created an array of web sites designed for a local business which are startling in their overall quality, technical virtuosity, and aesthetic appeal. Although only three of the ten finalists were rewarded with cash prizes, all of the student finalists should feel proud of what they learned and of their substantial accomplishments.- Mike Heller, it is said by his colleagues, sells more BMWs himself than do many mid-sized agencies. But he finds time to be actively raising two grandchildren as well as a Rotary exchange student. He drives the kids to school each and every day. With all this he has been known on short notice to prepare a meal in his professional home kitchen for 150 people. As a Lafayette Rotarian he takes an active role in nearly every club project, aways with energy and good cheer. Little wonder that the Chamber of Commerce named him the Marquis Business Man of the Year of Lafayette.
Gary Vilhauer is the recipient of Danville Rotary's 2005 Honorary Paul Harris Fellowship. A Past President with 21 years of Rotary service, Gary currently serves as the Director of Community Service. Past duties include Dantarian editor and numerous Board assignments. Gary is a quiet Rotarian who can be counted on to help when asked, and who gets things done without being chased. Danville Rotary calls on Gary's general contracting skills to get community projects through the town's planning and permit process. Past efforts include the multi-year project which began as an ampitheatre in a north side park and ended as a bandstand in front of Danville Library. His most recent effort is the permit work and Town Council approvals for our Centennial Clock.
Gary Aguiar is our El Cerrito RC superstar in a speedo swimsuit.
Brian Thiessen recently called on President Elect Gary Aguiar to lead
the District's World Swim for Malaria campaign to raise money to
protect children from Malaria. Gary was chosen for this campaign
because he is a dedicated Rotarian with an enthusiasm for swimming.
Gary's many athletic adventures frequently awe members of his Club.
He has swum between Alcatraz and San Francisco 70 times. He's run in
30 marathons, 2 ultra-marathons, and last year he was San Francisco's
2004 SERC Runner of the Year. His Club also enjoys hearing about his
annual trips as an Alaska trip leader for the Sierra Club. This past
summer he made his 16th trip to Alaska, taking a small group of
adventurers into an extremely remote location in the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge.
Danville Rotary member Mike Murray, acting on a Board request, set out to
secure one defibrillator for a public location in Danville. He coordinated with
Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Danville Vice Mayor Karen Stepper,
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District Director Tom Bongi, Contra Costa EMS
representative Ruth Burke, and Danville Town Manager Joe Calabrigo. As a result
of Mike's effort, five Danville public buildings now have defibrillators and
trained operators. A sixth unit was secured for the Museum of the San Ramon
Valley, and two administrators are trained in its use.
Jim Campbell (Moraga RC) ... Accepted the challenge to put on the most
successful District Conference in the history of D-5160 ... A Conference
which was fun and informative for Rotarians thorughout our District but
which was also designed to involve the Public by having keynote speakers who
would sizzle and be accessible to the Public as well .. To let the community
know that Rotary cares. Jim Chaired this year's District Conference
Committee and put together a Team Duke Conference at the Concord Hilton that
was the most successful conference in D-5160 memory ... Over 500 Rotarians
and over 2100 people participated in one or another of our Rain Man
activities. From the first days of organization to the last tearing down of
our new kiosks Jim was there and did a superb job of serving us all!- Susan Whittaker (Redding West RC) had a lot of Rotary program experience behind her (Rotaplast, GSE Team Captain) when asked to take a full week out of her life this October to organize, direct, and be the glue and passion that presented Kim and Fran Peek to our District. From her first contact with the Peeks to the last goodbye's at the airport, both Kim and Fran loved her. She gave unselfishly of her time organizing an 850 plus audience to meet Kim Peek at the Cascade Theater in Redding, separate meetings with the press and with Interactors and public at Shasta High School. In the Bay Area she oversaw all arrangements at our District Conference but also the meetings with his constituency at the Interact meeting at California High in San Ramon and at the California Autism Foundation gathering in Richmond. A HUGE success thanks to Susan's special love and passion and Rotary spirit!
Diana Mason: Pittsburg Club - volunteers
for everything and then efficiently and cheerfully follows through!
Heads up our Dictionaries for 3rd Graders Project, Thesauri for Freshmen
Project, heads our Publicity Committee, chairing Sponsorship Committee for
our Golf Tournament, chairing Nominating Committee AND found time to coordinate
orders for Club Shirts!
Jim Reynolds: In 2001, this long time Berkeley
Rotarian had a vision for assisting high school graduates from our town achieve
their academic dreams. He funded a program that offered substantial scholarships
to youngsters wanting to attend four year universities but who were financially
unable. He described this plan as follows: "It is not the intention to award
these scholarships to students who are at the top of the class and who otherwise
would be able to obtain the necessary resources. It is preferred to have a major
impact on one life rather than mere 'band-aids' on many, and if possible to assure
recipients of continuing support for four years." He is celebrating graduations of
two students this year. Two more will finish next year. Because of Jim's inspiration,
Berkeley Rotary has established a new scholarship for economically disadvantaged
high school graduates.
John Newman: From the beginning of John's year as
president (2004-2005), he demonstrated strong leadership skills by raising over
$5,000 for the "Reach the Peak" PolioPlus campaign. However, just raising money
wasn't enough for John, he also summitted the mountain! What a positive start to
a great year! Throughout the year John continued to motivate and lead the club
and in the true spirit of Rotary was always on the lookout for those in need in
our community. This past spring John found the perfect project to end his year.
A young boy in Concord was suffering from a disease which cripples the immune
system. While the boy was receiving treatments back East, John organized a
makeover on the boy's home. The house was painted inside and out, windows and
doors were replaced, decks added, landscaping improved and more. Thanks to John's
hard work and leadership, the young boy (Jackson White) was able to come home to
a house free of impurities that would harm his fragile immune system. These are
just a couple examples of why John Newman is our STAR!
C. W. "Bill" Gregory, Sr., President of Gregory Associates and founding member of the
Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley, was named Business Person of the year. Bill was recognized
by the City of San Ramon, The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, and the California State
Assembly for his significent contribution to the economic vitality of the San Ramon
community. He serves as a role model for other businesses, shares resources, provides
counsel to others, and has an established reputation for being ethical. He is innovative,
creative and professional.
Joanne Luscher: Joanne just finished a very successful year as president of the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club,
and instead of "taking it easy" for a while she is plunging right in and taking on
the role of Assistant District Governor. Joanne's most recent crowning achievement
was attending the dedication of the bridge for our Club project in Moshi - Tanzania.
Through Joanne's efforts over the last four years, this project to provide a
much-needed bridge over a dangerous river for a poor village in Tanzania has
finally been finished. Joanne coordinated fund raising among several District
clubs and oversaw the matching grant process. She then persisted through years
of delays to see the construction of the bridge through to its completion.
Bob Gibbs: Rookie of the Year - Danville Rotary 2004-2005
Sensing that his gated community was ripe for a clothing pickup, Bob distributed plastic bags with flyers for San Ramon Valley Rotary's "One Warm Coat" drive. Bob collected over 140 bags of garments for San Ramon Rotary. Bob is Chairman of the Camp Royal/Camp Venture committee. He has sponsored one new member into the club.
Mike Burton: Rotarian of the Year - Danville Rotary 2004-2005.
President 2002-2003. Mike is a driving force in the club.
Patient, kind, understanding and supportive, he is first to ask the
question "What needs to be done?". Then he routinely takes on a big
piece of the work. He surprised the club's 50th Anniversary Party with
an exciting club history DVD which he personally funded. He opens his
home to Rotary activities and quietly supports the District with administrative
tasks. Without fanfare, Mike shows his commitment to the principles of Rotary.
Terry Ramus: was awarded "Business Advocate of the Year" by
the California Chamber of Commerce. More than 1000 business people and local
chamber of commerce staffers throughout California were on hand in Sacramento on May 25th
to celebrate individuals who have given above and beyond to help small businesses and their
legislative concerns. Long time Antioch resident Terry Ramus was one of only six people awarded
the prestigious Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. He is the president of the Delta Antioch Rotary Club.