Events

Castro Valley Arts Foundation – Planning for Next Season 

After years of watching my children and their friends perform on cafeteria stages, I knew our talented students deserved a real theater.  When the Castro Valley Unified Superintendent called a meeting in 1998 to discuss interest in building a performing arts center on the Castro Valley High School campus, I was first in line.  As a co-founder of the Castro Valley Arts Foundation and an active volunteer since its inception, I am proud of what we have accomplished over the twenty-plus years that I have been involved.

Working with the Castro Valley Arts Foundation has enhanced my life. I have made many new friends, built relationships within the community, acquired new skills, and continued my involvement in the public schools that I hold so dear.  It, also, has allowed me to say “thank you” to a school district and a choral and drama department that gave two of my children a jumpstart on their careers.

Terry Liebowitz graduated from UC Berkeley in Classical Rhetoric and received a teaching credential from California State University, East Bay.  Prior to Castro Valley Arts Foundation, her volunteer hours were been spent in education, the arts and the La Leche League.  She is a writer and a regular contributor to the Castro Valley Forum in the Arts and Entertainment section

Library Services at Castro Valley High School

Dawn Balestreri, librarian at Castro Valley High School, will describe the many services that the library provides to enhance student learning. 

Dawn Balestreri is the branch manager at Castro Valley Public Library.  She joined Alameda County Library in 2010 where for nearly seven years she has worked in Children’s services.

Prior to coming to Alameda County Library, Dawn served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Estonia, worked in public health with San Francisco City and County, and in high tech with PeopleSoft.

Dawn received her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at San Jose State University in 2010.

I have been blessed to race yachts all over the world. I was regular crew on the Maxi Yacht…KIALOA. This afforded me many opportunities to photograph & publish. I started accepting a range of thrilling assignments, getting magazine covers, and photographing major yacht racing events worldwide.  At my present age of seventy-seven (77), I gladly pick and choose the events I want to attend & photograph.

I’m presently living in Barcelona Spain.  As a credentialed photographer, I am photographing the oldest regularly contested trophy in all of sport, the America’s Cup.  The Cup resulted from a regatta which took place 173 years ago.

I will return home at the completion of the 37th America’s Cup, and look forward to sharing my experriences with Rotary Club of Castro Valley. Please, enjoy what I’ve seen, experienced, and photographically created.

The Rotary Foundation Today: Driving Positive Change Across the Globe

Tim Lundell will highlight how the Rotary Foundation transforms donations into impactful projects that improve lives worldwide and how Rotarians can continue to drive these efforts forward.

Tim joined the newly-chartered Los Gatos Morning Rotary in 2004, and was its President in 2007-08. His service at the District level has continued as Asst. Governor, Lt. Governor, District Conference Chair, Annual Giving Chair, District Trainer, and, in 2018-19, as District Governor for Rotary District 5170.  His post-Governor service has continued as Dean of the D-5170 Leadership Academy, three years as District Trainer, and four years as District Annual Giving Chair.  Tim is a past recipient of the District’s Rotarian of the Year Award, the Richard D. King Award, and the Carolyn Schuetz Award.

share with the Club  joined the newly-chartered Los Gatos Morning Rotary in 2004, and was its President in 2007-08. His service at the District level has continued as Asst. Governor, Lt. Governor, District Conference Chair, Annual Giving Chair, District Trainer, and, in 2018-19, as District Governor for Rotary District 5170.  His post-Governor service has continued as Dean of the D-5170 Leadership Academy, three years as District Trainer, and four years as District Annual Giving Chair.  Tim is a past recipient of the District’s Rotarian of the Year Award, the Richard D. King Award, and the Carolyn Schuetz Award.

Join us for Rotary Club's Evening Mixer at JP's Family Resturant

Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and a great evening of mixing and mingling with community members and friends. Don’t miss this chance to connect and unwind!

Admission: $20.00 per person 

Come join us for a memorable evening!

Join Rotary Club Friends for Holiday Gift Wrapping

Join us for a festive holiday lunch with a purpose! In Rotary spirit, we’ll be wrapping gifts to bring cheer to those in need this season. Enjoy good food, great company, and a dash of holiday fun as we come together to make each package shine. Bring your best wrapping skills—or just a willingness to help—and let’s transform our meeting into a merry workshop of service and fellowship. Don't miss this chance to spread holiday cheer while sharing laughs and warm moments with fellow Rotarians!

The Madrigals Bring Harmony to the Rotary Club

The Madrigals, the premier acapella chorus from Castro Valley High School, will bring their exceptional vocal talents to the Castro Valley Rotary Club. Known for their harmonious and captivating performances, The Madrigals will treat Rotary members to a special performance from 1:00 to 1:15 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the spirit and skill of these young, talented vocalists as they share the joy of music with our community.

Enjoy the holiday season, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Enjoy the holiday season, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

Enjoy the holiday season, and we’ll see you in the New Year!

What's Happening in the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce

We are excited to welcome Gary Slate, President and CEO of the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, as our featured speaker.

Gary, an East Bay native and accomplished business leader with 24 years of experience, has led seven major retail and small business chains. His career includes notable leadership roles at RadioShack and Target Mobile-Tech, where he rose from a part-time sales associate to Regional Manager overseeing seven states and managing a team of approximately 300 people.

As President and CEO, Gary will share insights into the current activities and future goals of the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission is to drive sustainable economic growth, foster a pro-business environment, honor the area's rich history, and work toward a shared economic vision for the community’s future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the Chamber’s vital role in supporting our local economy and community.

Bill Monsen is a Principal of Monsen Energy Consulting Group, LLC with more than 43 years of experience in the energy industry. He is an expert in electric and gas ratemaking, review and critique of utility electric supply cost-of-service requests, utility resource planning, due diligence for power generation projects, and independent power issues. Bill provides expert witness testimony on utility ratemaking, power procurement, and independent power issues. He has provided assessments of power market dynamics and market prices in various US and international power markets. Prior to becoming a consultant in 1989, Mr. Monsen was an Energy Economist with PG&E.

Bill has a B.S. in Engineering Physics from the University of California, Berkeley and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Solar Energy Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

A native of Castro Valley, Bill graduated from Parsons Elementary School, AB Morris, and CVHS.

UPDATED: Castro Valley Rotary Club Evening Mixer

Let's kick off 2025 together! Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community at JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge.

Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Location: JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge
Address: 3600 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Entrance Fee: $20.00 per person

Enjoy the company of fellow Rotarians, share ideas, and celebrate the new year in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Aaron Lewis at 510-283-3760

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Community Engagement at the Office of Dental Health at Alameda County Public Health Department

Join us for an insightful presentation by Arash Alsami, Interim Dental Program Director at the Alameda County Public Health Department. He will discuss the vital work of the Office of Dental Health in promoting optimal oral health for all Alameda County residents. Learn about their community partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving dental care access and education throughout the county. Don't miss this opportunity to understand how local public health efforts are making a difference in our community's oral health.

www.dental.acphd.org

Jason S. Matthews: Best Selling Author & National Speaker

Jason S. Matthews, MDRT, is the President and CEO of Matthews Financial & Insurance Solutions & Gibson Monroe Wealth Advisors. He began his career in 2004 with New York Life Insurance Company, earning recognition for outstanding sales and becoming the youngest to achieve the Elite Executive Council ranking twice.

In 2009, Jason founded Matthews Financial & Insurance Solutions, specializing in tax strategies and retirement income planning. The firm operates nationally and has been recognized as one of the top Black-owned businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times in 2021 and 2022. Jason holds the prestigious MDRT designation as Member of the International Million Dollar Round Table, representing the top 1% of financial advisors worldwide.

He authored the bestselling book The Age of $elf Reliance and has served in leadership roles, including as Western Regional VP and National Board Member of the Urban Financial Services Coalition (UFSC) and past board president of Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay. Jason is also a guest columnist for the Sacramento Observer, a speaker at prominent events like San Francisco Small Business Week, and a commentator for KTVU's Mornings on 2. Currently, he is pursuing his Tax Planning Certified Professional (TPCP) designation.

Jason is married with three children, Kai, Zion, and Adonis. He enjoys baseball, traveling, and his latest hoby, cycling.  You can reach him by calling (510) 288-3268 or via email at INFO@MFIS.BIZ

State of the Real Estate Market 2025

www.yourlenderchris.com

As a mortgage professional, I am committed to transforming the home buying experience for individuals and families. I deliver expert knowledge to my clients to ensure their dream of homeownership becomes a reality, regardless of the complexity or size of the transaction. I focus on education with my clients to help them choose what works best for them in a low stress way.

I’m not just a lender; I am an educator, advocate, and community builder. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams by offering a comprehensive range of mortgage solutions tailored to their unique needs and goals. Integrity, transparency, and excellence are the foundation of my commitment to improving lives through homeownership.

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for an evening of networking and camaraderie! Meet our Rotarians, learn about our mission, and connect with like-minded community members.

About Us:

The Castro Valley Rotary Club is a humanitarian service organization that unites business and professional leaders to serve the community, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
• Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
• Location: JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 3600 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
• Admission: Members - $20.00

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mingle and build meaningful connections.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Whiskey Dinner Fundraiser

Reserve your seat today: https://events.humanitix.com/cask-and-craft

Get ready for an evening of fine whiskey paired with gourmet food, and community impact! Tickets are now on sale for the Whiskey Dinner Fundraiser, happening on February 22, 2025, at The Breakfast Club at Midtown here in Castro Valley at the Village Shopping Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rotary Club of Castro Valley and the Castro Valley Sports Foundation, supporting vital community programs and youth sports in Castro Valley.

Seats are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event. Invite your friends, colleagues, and anyone who enjoys great whiskey and great company!

What to Expect:

• Expert-Led Whiskey Tasting: Featuring 4 private single barrel whiskeys, paired with gourmet dishes. Jason Lujick of Oakland Whiskey Library will lead us through his personal single barrel picks:
  • Whistle Pig Piggyback Rye OWL single barrel
  • Elijah Craig Bourbon OWL single barrel
  • Starward Single Malt OWL single barrel
  • Westward Single Malt Stout finished single barrel
• Passed Appetizers: Lamb Lollipops, Candied bacon, scallion deviled eggs and Amaretto roasted figs, goat cheese, peppercress on crostini.
• Plated Dinner: Dual Entrée of Coq au vin, bacon lardons, pearl onions, mushrooms and Braised beef short ribs.
• Live Jazz: Enjoy a talented jazz duo during the reception hour
• Silent Auction: Bid on unique items from local businesses and select bottles.

Thank you for supporting our mission to make a difference in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!

We are grateful for our Master Distiller Sponsors for this event.

Club Assembly

Tuesday, February 25^th will be an important Club Assembly debriefing our Year to date and what we have left to accomplish.

Who is the Alameda County Public Health Commission and what do they do?

https://www.acphcommission.org/about

Gary Howard, among his many public serving roles, is also our District 4 Representative for ACPHC and will share information about the mission and purpose of this County agency that you may be unaware of.

Richard King Speech Contest

Come join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley as they host the Richard King Speech Contest.  Students from Castro Valley High School and Redwood Christian Schools will speak on the Four-Way Test.  Winners are awarded a cash prize and advance to District-level competitions.

You're Invited! Castro Valley Rotary Club Evening Mixer – February

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for an evening of networking and camaraderie! Meet our Rotarians, learn about our mission, and connect with like-minded community members.

About Us:
The Castro Valley Rotary Club is a humanitarian service organization that unites business and professional leaders to serve the community, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
• Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
• Location: JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 3600 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
• Admission: Members - $20.00

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mingle and build meaningful connections.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Insights on Property Valuation with Phong La, Assessor of the County of Alameda

www.acassessor.org

Phong La was elected as Alameda County's 23rd Assessor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He oversees property assessments that generate essential tax revenue for local services, including schools, public safety, and infrastructure. Committed to modernization and community engagement, he helped establish the California County Assessors’ Information Technology Authority in 2022.

Born in Vietnam, Phong and his family arrived as refugees in Union City, where he later graduated from James Logan High School. He earned a B.S. in Psychology from UC Davis and a J.D. from the University of California College of Law, San Francisco. Before serving as Assessor, he practiced real estate law, worked in government and private sectors, and taught real estate law and economics.

Phong is an active community member, serving as an advisor to the Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation and a member of the Alameda Rotary Club. He lives in Alameda with his wife and two daughters.

Mike Crosby: Engaging with the PolioPlus Society

endpolio.org

Mike Crosby is an EndPolio Now Leader / Coordinator.  He, along with one other Rotarian, support 30 Districts that cover ½ of the United Staes and part of Canada.  Their goal is to maintain focus on Rotary’s top humanitarian goal – ending polio.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Brentwood, California, District 5160.  Mike is a past club president, Rotarian of the Year for his club and past Assistant District Governor. 

Mike is a member of the PolioPlus Society, a Major Donor for the Paul Harris Society and a Bequest Society member.

His commitment to help end polio has been recognized. In 2022 he was selected by Rotary International as one of 40 regional members worldwide who go above and beyond to help end polio.

He and his wife Marsha Brown traveled to a slum area of India where they vaccinated children for polio and other diseases. Mike and Marsha later went to Uganda where they delivered 265 wheelchairs to polio survivors and others in need.

Robert Paylor: Paralyzed to Powerful

robertpaylor.com

In one moment, I was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn. I suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving me unable to move or feel anything below my neck. My doctor's prognosis was grim: I would never walk or move my hands for the rest of my life.

Even in the face of tremendous adversity, I maintained the drive to reclaim my life, but my challenges had only just begun. My rehabilitation journey began with battling spinal fusion surgery, pneumonia, and an inability to swallow, losing 60 pounds in only one month. I had to re-learn almost every basic human function, from feeding myself, to getting dressed, to brushing my teeth. 

Rather than let this tragedy define me, I used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, I can now walk 400 yards, I stood to receive my diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, and I'm sharing the mental tools that have helped me persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker.

Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie at TwiningVine, Castro Valley’s only local family estate vineyard and winery, established in 2008!

TwiningVine Website

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, business professionals, and community members while learning more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club and our mission to serve.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: TwiningVine, 16851 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552

Admission:

• Members: $20.00
• Non-Members: $30.00

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mix and mingle with our vibrant Rotary community!

We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today and don’t miss out!

#CastroValleyRotary #RotaryMixer #Networking #Community #TwiningVine