Redwood City Resident Awarded Toastmasters Communication, Leadership Recognition

PHOTO: Ken Rolandelli, #RedwoodCity HRAC member, receives Communication & Leadership Award from #Toastmaster Susan Swope.

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News from SRI Organon Toastmasters:

MENLO PARK, CA - SRI Organon Toastmasters in Menlo Park announced this year’s recipient of its Communication and Leadership Award. Ken Rolandelli of Redwood City was in attendance at the club’s 36th Anniversary Luncheon on Tuesday, May 3 to receive his award. Each year, SRI Organon Toastmasters recognizes a local community leader with its Communication & Leadership Award for serving the community; advancing a cause, idea or business; effecting change; and improving the lives of others.

“This has been a long time coming for Ken,” said Dee Eva, who has worked with Ken on the Redwood City Historic Resources Advisory Committee. “He is a gentleman from the beginning of every relationship. Whatever the project, with Ken at the head, you know it is going to be a success.”

Steven Turner, Planning Manager in the Community Development Department in Redwood City, described Ken’s “Magic Briefcase.” According to Turner, Ken carries a briefcase that always seems to contain the exact document needed at every meeting and during every conversation.

In addition, during the ceremony, City Council Member Diane Howard presented Ken with a resolution from the town of Redwood City.

Also in attendance to watch Ken receive his award were Rich Eva from the Sequoia High School Alumni Association; Seth Adams, Associate Planner in Redwood City; John Stewart from the Redwood City Historic Resources Advisory Committee; as well as Ken’s wife Lara and his brother, David.

Ken is an original member of the Redwood City Historic Resources Advisory Committee, first convened 1980, and currently serves as its chairperson. He is also a co-author of the book “Redwood City Historic Tours.” Ken is a former president and current member of the board of directors of the Redwood City Heritage Association, as well as the current President of the Sequoia High School Alumni Association.

Under Ken’s leadership, Redwood City has seen designation of several historic landmarks, and historic districts.

Projects include:

• Saving the earthquake damaged 1859 Pioneer Store (726 Main Street);
• A community “paintathon” at the 1874 Heller Street church;
• Nomination of the Fox Theater to the National Register of Historic Places;
• Obtaining Certified Local Government status for the City of Redwood City by the U. S. Department of Interior;
• Instituting (Mills Act) historic property contracts between the city and the property owners of officially designated historic properties;
• Path of History project in the downtown area, featuring kiosk panels, and plaques;
• Personally conducting historic downtown walking tours for San Mateo County Historical Association Victorian Days and National Historic Preservation Month; and
• Coordinating tours of Lathrop House, the Fox Theater, and the Old Courthouse for Redwood City School District 7th graders.

SRI Organon Toastmasters, which serves Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Redwood City, is known for mentoring by accomplished speakers, a supportive atmosphere, and dedication to members' improvement. The club has welcomed and mentored more than 400 individual members over its 36 years.

SRI Organon Toastmasters is regarded as a model Toastmasters Club in District 4, the Golden Gate District of more than 280 clubs located from San Francisco City and County to the north, through Monterey County to the south, and has contributed many District leaders to District 4 over its history, including District, Division and Area Governors.

The SRI Organon Toastmasters welcomes visitors and new members. For more information, go to www.sriorganon.com or call Denise Hamilton at 650-451-2724. Follow @SRIOrganon on Twitter.

For information about local Toastmasters clubs, visit www.toastmasters.org.