Many images may come to mind when hearing the term Toastmaster. One may think it refers to lightly charred bread, but “toastmaster” actually refers to a person who gives toasts at banquets or special occasions. The role of toastmaster became the basis of public-speaking clubs led by Ralph C. Smedley during his time as the director of education at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Bloomington, Ill.
That’s right Alamedans, we finally did it. As of this writing, the long-awaited history of Bay Farm Island, promised by my fellow historian Dennis Evanosky and I, is being shepherded through the press by Bob Baker of Excel Graphics. Copies of Bay Farm Island, A Hidden History of Alameda are expected to be available soon after the Fourth of July holiday.
Superior Court Judge Delbert Gee recently administered the oath of office to the board of directors of the Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA). Newly elected Student Director Cameron Furiuchi Fong (Encinal High School) replaced out-going Alameda High School graduate Jacqueline Mitchell. Directors re-elected for second terms are: Cynthia Bonta, Alex Chen and Karen Fong, who joined current directors: Hee Jeong Matz, Bob Ratto, Susan Reyes, Mike Robles-Wong and Flor Ventanilla.
With the help of Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, (FAAS) Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area is granting the wish of 10-year-old Anika to become a veterinarian. Anika lives in Cupertino and has an endocrine disorder. When Make-A-Wish volunteers first met Anika, she spoke very confidently about her love of animals, particularly dogs, and her hope to someday become a veterinarian. With the help of FAAS, that wish came true on July 2.
