Rona Popal, Executive Director The Afghan Coalition  Rona Popal, Executive Director of the Afghan Coalition was introduced by Parvin Ahmadi.  Ms. Popal explained that the exodus of refugees from Afghanistan is only the latest tragedy. Russia invaded the country in 1980 and set off the first wave of refugees. A second wave occurred when a civil war began as the Russians left the country. The Taliban triggered a third wave.  The fourth wave consisted of the “children of the war.” Now after 20 years, the Americans have left the country and the Taliban is back.  Many of the Taliban are the same people who were in the government 20 years ago, and they do not have a good history. Some are on the UN terrorist list. Click here to read more about the Afghan Coalition and watch Rona's presentation.

"The Watch" Shared by John McPartland Since the Castro Valley Fall Festival was canceled, the community did not have the opportunity to honor and   commemorate the first responders, military, and other heroes of 9/11.  John McPartland read a poem “The Watch” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9-11. Watch the reading of the poem here.

September 28 - No Lunch Meeting   September 28 - Club BBQ (5:00-8:00 pm) Members and Invited Guests only Deadline to reserve a spot is 5:00 p.m. on September 24   September 30 - Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 pm Location:  Direct Sales Floors Carpet One - 2973 Castro Valley Blvd. All members are invited.  Attendance at one meeting is a Red Badge requirement   October 5 - Hybrid Lunch Meeting at 12:00 pm Speaker - Timothy Burroughs, Alameda Country Waste Management Stopwaste   October 12 - Hybrid Lunch Meeting at 12:00 pm Speaker - Heather Schomaker, Rotary Wheelchair Imitative   October 19 - Hybrid Lunch Meeting at 12:00 pm Speaker - Roland Williams, General Manager CVSan   October 21 - Mixer with the CVEA Chamber at 5:30 pm Location - DSAL Food Hub 2700 Fairmont Drive, San Leandro   October 26 - Hybrid Lunch Meeting at 12:00 pm Speaker - Sara Lamnin, Council Member- City of Hayward   September 30 - Board of Directors Meeting at 6:00 pm Location:  Direct Sales Floors Carpet One - 2973 Castro Valley Blvd. All members are invited.  Attendance at one meeting is a Red Badge requirement