ROTARY
Club of Tiburon-Belvedere

Wednesday, March 27. 2024

ROTARY IN ACTION

Welcome! We're the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere, and we're members of the community who embrace Rotary International's motto, Service Above Self. We've been serving the community and taking on meaningful projects at home and abroad since 1977. Our focus is on youth, literacy and community, and we believe that reaching out to others makes a better world. Here's what we've supported so far this year.

Rotarians lend a hand at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Youth—Investing in the Future

• Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity: Support to provide a safety net of stable housing, guidance and community connections for young people 16 to 25, who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless in Marin County.

• Marielos Fund: A scholarship to send a young woman in El Salvador to medical school.

Meaningful Projects—Service Above Self

• Get Ready to Go 94920: Supporting activities at a local special event devoted to emergency preparedness.

• Homeward Bound of Marin: Support for outfitting rooms at a new building to house homeless veterans.

• Marin Housing for All: Rotarian Cindy Siciliano's program to help Marin County's unhoused population.

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GOING SOLAR

David Berry, a residential clean energy consultant at SolarCraft in Novato, joined us for a question-and-answer session on solar energy. “We’ve been in business since 1984,” he said, and the company serves Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties, with a focus on staying local. He’s been there for 24 years and said, “Our hearts are in the right spot.” The employees own the business, and the transition came about after the original owners decided to transfer ownership.

“In the early ‘70s, I put a solar system on my roof just for my pool,” said George Landau. Little tubes carried water from the roof, but he eliminated them when he changed the roof.  He’d like to put solar on his south-facing roof, but PG&E isn’t interested. “What is my incentive for putting in $40,000 if PGE doesn’t want it?” he asked.

“PG&E has to take it,” said Dave, and he explained that the benefit is that rates will keep going up, so over time, George will save money. Dave explained that he’d need a battery storage system to use a solar installation, but he could draw on the stored energy when the rates are the highest.
Marshall Gross reported that he has a friend who put in a system in Novato, and now he’s almost energy independent.

“Nobody is off the grid here,” said Dave, explaining that you’re always connected to PG&E, but costs can be minimal at best.

George explained that the electric part of his bill is tiny, but gas consumption is high, so he’s looking at what kind of heating devices he could have that use electricity.

Dave said that if people want to convert to more electricity, a system with heat pumps for both heating and cooling works. Solar mini-split units are energy efficient and can run on both solar and grid power. He added that any new construction has to be electric. However, gas is abundant, and if the electrical power goes out, the gas doesn’t.

When you’re replacing appliances, you should get more energy-efficient electric models. However, pool heaters are the same technology that they were 30 years ago.

“How do you maintain your roof when you have panels?” asked Rick Grossman.

Dave replied that if you contact them, they’ll remove the panels and then reinstall them after the new roof has been installed. It’s just labor and takes half a to take them off and another half a day to put them back on.

“How many square feet do you need for a system to be efficient?” asked Marshall, and Dave replied that it depends on your usage. It’s custom for each installation.

In response to a question about cleaning, “I haven’t cleaned my panels in three years,” he said. If you clean your panels once or twice a year, that’s plenty, and the rain has helped. Some window-washing companies specialize in cleaning solar panels.

“Where does the battery go?” asked George.

“It goes on the side of the house,” said Dave, away from the gas meter and windows and doors.
“Do you have to rewire the house?” asked George.

Dave explained that you just have to reconfigure the electrical panel, although sometimes you have to upgrade your whole electrical panel.

Stefanie Cho pointed out that Damon Connolly introduced legislation to restore incentives for clean energy that were eliminated, and “There’s also a tax incentive.” See more about legislation to restore incentives for clean energy, which Assemblymember Connolly introduced on February 14, 2024, at https://a12.asmdc.org/press-releases/20240214-assemblymember-connolly-introduces-legislation-save-california-solar

Rick asked if you put solar panels on the roof, would it make economic sense to put in more and sell the excess energy to PG&E?

Dave said that the rate for compensation is small, and it would be better to add more if you think you might have an increase in your needs in the future. You might want to install a charger for an electric vehicle or air conditioning, for example.  However, you could spend more than you need to.

Net Energy Metering (NEM) refers to a power provider’s policy for buying and selling energy from solar customers. For NEM2, PG&E gave a full credit, but it’s no longer available, and a new Net Billing policy is in effect. The peak time of day for energy usage used to be from noon to 6 p.m., but now it’s 4 to 9 p.m. The rates are higher during peak time, and PG&E will buy buy energy from solar owners during those hours. To avoid higher rates, owners can take energy from their batteries.

Rick asked if a solar system produces more energy at noon than at 2 p.m. “Is there a curve as the sun starts to go down?” he inquired.

Dave said yes, but other factors, such as location, play a role as well. Mill Valley is good for producing solar energy.

George observed that previous presentations focused on tax benefits.

Stefanie pointed out that it’s a tax credit, so you have to pay taxes to get it.

She added that her neighbors have a gas generator that is very noisy, while she has a quiet one in the basement. Her house has light while most other homes in the neighborhood are dark when the power goes out. If you want to claim a generator on your 2024 taxes, order one and get it in. “Think about it in terms of timing,” she said.

Dave added that you have to involve PG&E, and that can take months.

He added that SolarCraft doesn’t touch red tile roofs, because you can’t stand on them without breaking them, but composition roofs work well.

Kathleen Defever has clients whose solar panels were damaged in a wildfire, and someone needs to look at them. The connectors in the pumphouse also burned.

Dave said that a lot of orphan systems are the result of companies that are no longer in business, and SolarCraft is looking at how to help people if they weren’t the original contractor. “We’re trying to figure it out,” he said, observing that they should be able to help people if they have a need. If you have solar, you should update your homeowner’s insurance policy so the system is covered.

“Our house is gas-heated, and the gas bill is huge,” said Rick, and it’s even higher in the summer. In looking at economics, he assumes he’ll have to convert from gas to electric heat. “Do you look at the whole system or just the installation of panels?” he asked.

Dave pointed that PG&E will allow only a certain increase in electrical demand.

“Let’s say we wanted to convert our heat to splits or heat pump. … How much coordination do you have to do with a heating company?” asked Rick.

None, said Dave. The heat pump people would just have to run a connector to a panel.

“Is the first step to talk to a home heating contractor to find out what the demand would be?” asked Rick.

“They can estimate the need,” said Dave, but “You could send me your last 12 months of usage.” He would then look at electrical usage over the last year.

“For seniors, chances are kids will sell the house. Does a solar system add value?” asked George.

“Yes, unless it’s very old. If you installed it in the last 10 or 12 years, it will add value,” said Dave. “My PG&E bill is $100 a year for electricity.”

To find out more, go to www.solarcraft.com.

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HATS OFF TO DEANN

DeAnn Biss, former executive director of the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce left her position earlier this month, and our meeting was in her honor.

“I think she’s been outstanding for the past five-and-a-half years,” said Lynn Fox. “She’s taken it to the next level.”

Angelo Capozzi told us that DeAnn attended St. Mary’s in Indiana, which is across the street from his alma mater, Notre Dame. “Unfortunately, I was there way too early,” he said.

George Landau observed that she turned a sleepy operation around. “DeAnn came in and radiated sunshine,” he said, getting the cooperation of everyone, even the Town Council. “She really put the chamber on the Tiburon map.”

“It’s been such a pleasure to work with DeAnn on all the events,” said President Kathleen.

“She has a fantastic haircut all the time,” said Marianne Strotz.

“You have made such a difference to this town, and I for one will be eternally grateful,” said Nora Noguez.

Kimberly McGrath, who is Superintendent of Schools for Reed Union School District, said DeAnn made her welcome when she arrived, and she makes everyone feel that way.

Kathleen presented DeAnn with an award to thank her for her service to the community.

Kathleen then introduced and welcomed Melanie Haddad (above right), who preceded DeAnn as executive director of the chamber and has returned to that position, thus following DeAnn as well.

Game Time

We then played a game of trivia, with multiple-choice questions that Kathleen had created. She got DeAnn to answer some questions and then had fun making up the other choices. Here are some of the trivia questions with their answers.

Favorite color? Blue.

Where was she born? Iowa City.

Favorite food: pasta. “And Natale got it wrong!” Kathleen exclaimed.

Where she’d live if she didn’t live in Tiburon: In the mountains—rather than one of the alternate answers, which was “As close to Disneyland as possible.”

“It’s hilarious. I love this!” said DeAnn.

Cats or dogs? Dogs.

How many children? Two

Where did she meet her husband? In a bar in Steamboat Springs. “I hit the jackpot,” she said.

Favorite event: Tiburon Wine Festival. “I enjoy putting it on, but not being there,” she said.

What career would she have liked: Broadway performer.

Favorite hobby: Among the answers were watching crime shows on TV, fixing broken clocks, sewing and solving jigsaw puzzles, which was the correct answer.

Favorite flower: hydrangea.

Favorite sports team: None, she really doesn’t watch sports.

Heroes: American journalists Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff

Favorite quote: “Never confuse movement with action,” from Ernest Hemingway

If she were stranded on a desert island, what luxury item would she choose: A really great bed. Not an unlimited supply of pasta, which was one of the answer.

Favorite book turned into a move: The Unbearable Lightness of Being. “Juliet Binoche is just fantastic in it,” she said. However, “You should read the book first.”

Favorite ice cream: Vanilla with butterscotch. But she really can’t eat ice cream, or she pays for it.

What she would do to change the world: Eliminate hunger.

Her favorite thing about Tiburon: All of the above!

Karl Hoppe had the most correct answers with 15, and he won a Tiburon hat from Diana’s.

“These are great questions,” said Lynn Fox.

For a second-place tiebreaker, DeAnn asked which country she visited and was the only U.S. citizen there at the time time. Bhutan and Tibet were popular answers, but the answer was Lebanon, and nobody got it.
To break the tie, the runners up picked poker chips from a hat, and Natale Servino won a beautiful kitchen towel.

“Now we know you better!” Kathleen said to DeAnn.

“I feel like I know you better too,” DeAnn replied.

Please be sure to say hello to DeAnn, when you see her around town.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SPEAKERS AND ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, April 20, 5:15 p.m., Charlotte Cramer, Interfaith minister and chaplain serving the unhoused, Founders Room, Belvedere Tiburon Library

If you'd like to be a guest speaker, please send an email to strotzproperties@gmail.com
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WHERE TO FIND US

Meetings
If you'd like to visit, we'd be delighted to meet you. Our meetings take place at noon on the first Wednesday of the month and at 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the Founders Room at the Belvedere Tiburon Library.

If you'd like to be a guest speaker, at a future meeting please contact Marianne Strotz at strotzproperties@gmail.com or Lata Setty at latapatent@gmail.com

Board of Directors Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors are open to all members and take place monthly at a time to be announced, usually on Zoom. For information, please send an email to judith@telli.com.

Contact
Contact us at rotary@telli.com.

Send mail to Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere, P.O. Box 220, Tiburon, CA 94920.

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NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

Look for us at the Senior Expo! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, April 26, in the Founders Room at the Belvedere Tiburon Library.

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Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tbrotary. Hope you "like" us!

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GALLERY

Bocce Champs

Congratulations to our team for winning the Bocce Ball Tournament, a fundraiser for Rotaplast
International, on Sunday, September 10, at Marin Bocce Federation in San Rafael.

(l. to r.) Charlie Oewel, Stephanie Schmautz, Peter Lagarias, Marshall Gross and Stefanie Cho. Missing from photo: Angelo Capozzi and George Landau.

Rotary Educators of the Year, 2023

(l. to r.) Ryan Sonneville of Del Mar Middle School, Jawanda Smart, of St. Hilary School, Rotary President Kathleen Defever, George Landau. Photos Marshall Gross

Celebrating Angelo's 90th Birthday 

Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity

George Landau gives a check from the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere Foundation to Zara Babitzke, executive director of Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity, a Mill Valley nonprofit that rescues young people at risk of becoming homeless and puts them on the path to successful lives.

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BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT

Kathleen Defever plays Bocce. Photos: Marshall Gross

Teammates Kathleen Defever and Angelo Servino

Anastasia Fink, Charlie Oewel and Marianne Strotz

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Scroll down to see our photo gallery of Rotarians at work and play!

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District Governor Gary Chow of the Rotary Club of South San Francisco, administered the oath of office, launching Kathleen Defever's second year as president.

George Landau presented Janet Cerni, teacher/librarian at Del Mar Middle School, with an Educator of the Year award. Her peers in the Reed Union School District selected her for the honor.

Angelo Capozzi and George Landau presented Ben Cambell with an award, a certificate, and a check.

Angelo Capozzi presented Michael Bronson with a Rotary Educator of the Year award at a school assembly.

District Governor Danielle Lallement, Assistant District Governor Anne Sands, President Kathleen Defever (2021-2022) and Past-President Annette Gibbs (2019-2021)

Linda Emberson and President Kathleen presented Cindy Siciliano with a Service to the Community Award for her work helping the homless.

“She is tireless in assisting people who are needier thank herself,” said Linda. “She identifies a need and just jumps in and does it.”

The Rev. Christine Trainor of St. Stephen's Church assisted in presenting a Service to the Community Award to Sunny Lyrek. “She goes above and beyond and always has a sunny disposition,” said Christine, explaining that Sunny helps those at the margins of our community and does it with love and devotion. She has been providing meals for 85 need families since March 2020 and has also been helping the homeless.

Angelo Servino helped with presentation of a Service to the Community Award to brothers Natale and Vittorio Servino of Servino Ristorante and Caffè Acri. "I'm so proud of them," he said. They earned recognition for pivoting the business to create a market and offer items such as hand sanitizer and toilet paper, which local residents were unable to find. They also donated boxes of fresh produce to a local food pantry during the pandemic.

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President Kathleen Defever thanked Annette Gibbs for her service and presented her with native milkweed seeds, a butterfly house, a book about butterflies and a gift certificate so she can create a habitat for Monarch butterflies in her garden. Linda Emberson gave Annette a bouquet of flowers.

District Governor Danielle Lallement gives Kathleen the oath of office. Among the requirements she asked her to repeat: “I will promise to keep healthy, ask for support and above all have fun.”

“We wish you an amazing 2021-2022 Rotary year,” said DG Danielle. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you your president for the 2021-2022 year.”

LENDING A HAND

Angelo Capozzi picking up groceries from the food pantry at The Ranch to deliver to residents of The Hilarita.

Cindy Siciliano, of the Rotary Club of Tiburon Sunset, has been helping the residents of the homeless encampment at Dunphy Park in Sausalito. Linda Emberson and George Landau of the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere joined her on Sunday, March 7, to prepare and serve a pancake breakfast.

Marianne Strotz, Revati Natesan and Geneva Michaelcheck at Happy Hour at the Club at Harbor Point. Photo: Marshall Gross

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Julie Aubrey visited from Rotary International's headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.

(l. to r.) Irene Russell, Kathleen Defever, Helen Lindqvist and Bill Lindqvist at the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce mixer at the downtown Tiburon firehouse.

HELPING KIDS GO TO CAMP

President Annette Gibbs presented Jessica Hochkiss with a check for $1,000  for The Ranch from the club’s foundation, which will help low-income children attend day camp. “We currently have two large summer camps going on,” said Jessica, and she explained that they take kids to Angel Island every day. “The camp has gone on for 40 years,” she said, and some of today’s campers have parents who attended when they were young.

The Ranch is a nonprofit, and “Every little bit helps,” she said, expressing her gratitude.

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Past-president Linda Emberson and incoming President Annette Gibbs at the Installation Celebration

Lata Setty, Zohre Grothe and Lata's son, Deven Ramachandran

Warren and Irene Russell

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Having fun at the Tiburon Classic Car Show!
Rotary in the community: Cindy Siciliano and Linda Emberson made it look easy, as they spent the day flipping burgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob for scores of happy customers.

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Past District Governor Ron Gin, now district membership chair, presents Mike Keran with a pin in honor of his being chosen Rotarian of the Month for District 5150.

District Governor Jayne Hulbert and First Husband Gene Duffy paid the club a visit.

Cindy Siliciano of the Tiburon Sunset Rotary Club (left) and President Linda Emberson of the Tiburon-Belvedere club get ready to toss goodies to kids at the Labor Day weekend hometown parade. (Photo: Marshall Gross)

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Welcome New Members

Membership chair Angelo Capozzi welcomed new members Neelam Kanwar (upper photo) and Lynn Spitler (lower photo).

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Jim Deitz

It is with profound sadness that President Linda Emberson announces the passing of beloved member Jim Deitz on Friday, July 13. Jim exemplified Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, and his altruistic spirit was a model for everyone. He was devoted to his family, loved dogs and was one of the best. We'll miss him terribly.

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Good Work

(l. to r.) Lisa Brinkmann of Marin Villages accepts a check from Marianne Strotz, and Michael Heckmann presents a check to Michael Keran for St. Vincent de Paul. Photo: Lynn Fox

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Rotarian of the Month

District 5150 named Michael Keran Rotarian of the Month for May. Mike's much-deserved honor is in recognition of his ongoing commitment to St. Vincent de Paul and helping the homeless in Marin County. In addition, he recruits a crew of Rotarians to serve lunch at the St. Vincent de Paul Free Dining Room in San Rafael every month. May marked the beginning of the 12th year of this service project.

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Annette Gibbs (left) and Shelby Gross joined the Rotary contingent and got into the spirit
of this year's first Friday Night on Main

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Celebrating Earth Day

Having Fun at Friday Night on Main

Angelo Capozzi (left) and Neelam Kanwar planted trees at Homeward Bound as part of Rotary International's initiative to plant one tree for every Rotarian. Photo: Marshall Gross

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Lending a Hand at St. Vincent de Paul

Stalwart volunteers (l. to r.) Klaus Meinberg, Michael Keran and Angelo Capozzi in the kitchen of the St. Vincent de Paul Free Dining Room in San Rafael. The Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere serves lunch on the fourth Thursday of every month and will begin its twelfth year of volunteering, under Mike Keran's leadership, in May. Angelo is team leader for the club's participation in the REST program, and he and Klaus also served dinner to a group of homeless men at St. Hilary's Church the same day. Service Above Self at its best!

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First meeting at Sam's

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Rotary does REST

The Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedre hosted dinner for a group of 25 homeless men who were spending the night at St. Hilary's Church on Thursday, February 15, as part of the REST (Rotating Emergency Shelter Team) program.

Members of the Rotary crew (above, l. to r.), John Kaufmann, Angelo Capozzi, Brian Walker, Raja Ramachandran and Deven Ramachandran, took a break before serving dinner to guests in Tarantino Hall. Lata Setty, Annette Gibbs, Bill Goldberg, Zohre Grothe, Karl Hoppe and Lata Setty were also on hand to help. The evening featured good conversation, great appetites and uplifting camaraderie, as well as good food.which included homemade lasagna that Deven, Lata’s son, helped prepare as a family Valentine’s Day project, and Mary Kaufmann'a delicious oatmeal cookies and cupcakes decorated with hearts.

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Karen Glader welcomes new member Valerie Marsh to the club and gives her a Rotary pin.

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Rotarians have fun in the Day Before-Labor Day parade.

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Proclamation

The Town of Tiburon issued a proclamation in honor of the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere's 40th anniversary, which we will celebrate in June, and the 100th anniversary of the Rotary International Foundation. Pictured, left to right, are George Landau, President Linda Emberson and Tiburon Mayor Jim Fraser. Photo: Marsall Gross.

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Visitor from Afar

Rehmah Kasule (above left), with President Linda Emberson) is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Kampala/Impala in Uganda. She took the opportunity to visit us when she was at a conference in San Francisco in October. In 2010, she received recognition at the White House for her work in empowering women and met President Obama. She then wrote a book, From Gomba to the White House. She shared an African proverb: “When you walk fast, you walk alone. When you walk with others, you go far.”

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MAKING KIDS SMILE

Marshall Gross donated two beautiful puppets that he won in a gift basket to Rotaplast's mission in Cebu City, Philippines. Dr. Angelo Capozzi (with the big dog) reports that the puppets are making kids smile every day before undergoing surgery, and the mission is going well.

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Tiburon Challenger

Charlie Oewel, representing the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere, accepted a generous check from Ashoo Vaid (middle) of Wells Fargo and tournament director Brendan Curry (right) at the conclusion of the Tiburon Challenger. The funds will go to the club's education projects. (Photo: Getty Images for Revd)

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Rotary welcomes Kimberly Brooks

District Governor Jeri Fujimoto (center) inducted new member Kimberley Brooks (right) as Kimi's sponsor, Joe Lavigne, looked on. Photo: Marshall Gross

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DAY BEFORE LABOR DAY PARADE

Tari Nix and friend pull wagons with books for kids from the Global Book Exchange, as Marianne Strotz walks alongside, wheeling a Rotary sign. (Photo: Marshall Gross)

To see more photos of the parade, go to www.tiburonrotary.org and click on "Photo Gallery."

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President Linda Emberson (left) of Tiburon-Belvedere and President Marilyn Nemzer of Tiburon Sunset hitch a ride with Michael Heckmann in the Day Before Labor Day Parade. (Photo: Marshall Gross)

Dana and Chester (left), making friends.

Winter in August was the theme of the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's mixer at the Boardwalk. President Linda Emberson took the prize for the most creative hat.

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Jon Rankin views the on-court action at the annual Bocce Ball Tournament, a fundraiser for Rotaplast International. (Photo: J. Wilson)

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Changing of the Guard

Thanks to President Marianne

President Linda Emberson (left) thanks outgoing President Marianne Strotz (right) for her two outstanding years of leadership with a special Rotary jacket, as Karen Glader, the club's new secretary, looks on. (Photo: Marshall Gross)

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Honors for Angelo

Dr. Angelo Capozzi (left) and Dr. John Kaufmann with a child who underwent surgery during a Rotaplast mission to Peru in May 2016. (Photo: Courtesy of Rotaplast International)

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Service Above Self

Dave Hutton presents the Capt. Dave Hutton Rotary Service Above Self Award to Kendall Hermann, graduating senior at Del Mar Middle School, for her outstanding performance in community service. The presentation took place at a special awards assembly in June. Photo: Marshall Gross

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Teachers of the Year

(Left to right) RUSD Superintendent Nancy Lynch, Bel Aire School's Kelly Morphy, Reed School's Ross Modlin, Rotarian George Landau and Erin Turner of St. Hilary School (photo: Marshall Gross)

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Carnaval!

Mary Kaufmann and Jon Rankin got into the spirit of Carnaval, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Tiburon-Belvedere. For more, see the photo gallery at www.tiburonrotary.org. (Photo: Marshall Gross)

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The Rotary Club of Mill Valley’s project to build greenhouses in the high Andes of Peru provides the people with a place to grow fresh produce to improve their diets and give them products to sell at local markets, providing them with a source of income. When Mill Valley Rotarians went to Peru, they enjoyed dancing with the people they were helping.