LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary makes vital donations to Putnam Clubhouse


Putnam Clubhouse member Nkrumah Lewis demonstrates use of newly acquired smartboard. Photo provided

Raise your hand if you know what a "blackboard" is. Those who know went to school ages ago. They also know what chalk is. What they may not know, however, is what an "interactive whiteboard" is. Also known as an "electronic smartboard," not only is it white in color, it also incorporates technology that enables its use as a remote learning tool. How so? By allowing images from a computer screen to be displayed onto a classroom board from a digital projector. And, because it can make the learning experience more fun, it is being rapidly adopted in instructional venues everywhere.

Thanks to the generosity of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, Putnam Clubhouse in Concord now has a 55-inch, 4K smartboard of its own. In addition to the smartboard, Lamorinda Sunrise donated a new commercial-grade refrigerator and a new freezer. The combined value is close to $6,000.

Since its founding in 2008, Putnam has offered mental health services to adults seeking to rebuild their lives. It is operated by Contra Costa County Clubhouses, itself a nonprofit. Putnam is the first such program to be accredited by Clubhouse International. All services are offered at no cost to participants, known as members.