NEXT MEETING: April 12, 2013

Heather Kulp and Her Career in Africa

Heather Kulp gives us an in-depth look at the non-profit work she did in Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Angola. Into this account, Heather will weave her “Who Am I” presentation.

MEETING OF April 5, 2013

Welcome

President Jim Young welcomed a large room full of Rotarians and guests. Stephanie Baer led us in the Pledge to the Flag. Stoney Stonework gave the invocation asking for Peace and Freedom on earth.

Visiting Rotarians

We had District Governor Laura Day and Assistant District Governor Fred Collignon visiting today.

Rotarians with Guests

We had 10 guests from the International House at UC Berkeley. President Elect Liliane Kozial was nice enough to bring the whole group to experience a Rotary meeting. Stephanie Baer and Gonzalo Ochoa were guests of Alan Baer. Lesa McIntosh was the guest of Linda Young.

Sunshine Report

Our long time Rotarian Henry Kelman is at home requiring hospice care. Please send your thoughts and prayers for Henry.

Announcements

• President Jim wanted to remind everyone to pay their property tax due by April 10.
• President Jim asked for volunteers to work at our booth at the Richmond Tales Family Festival on April 20 in the Richmond Civic Center Plaza. We need two teams of three Rotarians from 10am to 4 pm. This is a literacy advancement program working with West County Reads which is also picking up books. Six volunteers are also needed for the Rotary booth.
• Tickets are on sale for the 6 shows in May of “Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle” at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Richmond.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and Seniors. See Rotary Project Page for more information on Lost Secrets. For tickets go to Ticket Master or see Linda Young or buy online.
• Tom Waller announced that on April 11-12, Concord High School is having their biennial production of “Every 15 Minutes”, a national program supported by the California Highway Patrol and numerous other agencies and organizations. The program provides a powerful dramatization that challenges students to think carefully about drinking or texting while driving, about personal safety, and the importance of making mature, responsible decisions when lives are involved. Anyone interested to drive to Concord with Tom on Friday morning, April 12, to experience the impactful concluding student assembly should contact Tom directly. This is a program that Richmond Rotary is investigating in order to possibly be a catalyst for getting it started at a high school in Richmond.
• David Brown accepted a $5000 check from Wells Fargo that will go to help our “Richmond Tales” project.
• Mark Howe announced that April 27^th from 3-8pm is the Holiday Auction Barbeque at his home. Anyone who didn’t buy into the event during the Holiday Auction last December can pay $50 to the Club and join in the fun. Should be a great time with plentiful food and beverages.

Special Events

• District Governor Laura Day presented Pam Jones with her Paul Harris +5 award which means that she has donated $5000 to the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Pam!
• Lesa MacIntosh with East Bay MUD was inducted as a new member in Richmond Rotary! Congratulations Lisa! She was sponsored by Rafael Madrigal.

Recognitions

• Stephanie Baer was given a Rotarians at Work T shirt for helping with Richmond Tales PowerPoint at other Rotary clubs.
• Dan Tanita was recognized for his picture in the local newspaper about the Peres Dental clinic and dental care in schools.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• David Brown had a happy dollar to celebrate opening day for the Giants season.
• Nick Despota had happy dollars to celebrate an upcoming 4 week road trip to the desert and other Southern California destinations.
• Dan Sanders was happy to celebrate a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta.
• Connie Tritt was celebrating Tax Season.
• Fred Collignon, Assistant District Governor, wanted to announce the Rotacare fund raiser May 2 at Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Lacy J Dalton is the headliner.
• Hank Covell mentioned the formation of the John Nicol scholarship fund in honor of our dear member who recently passed. John joined Richmond Rotary in April of 1970.
• Mark Howe had a happy dollar since Joe Bagley will be the entertainment at the April 27 Barbeque.

Norm’s Nonsense

An old woman is sitting in a rocking chair on her porch, petting her cat, Puff.

A fairy appears and says, “I’m here to give you three wishes.”

The old woman says, “I wish I were 21 years old and beautiful again.” Poof! She is.

“Now I wish I had a million dollars, and this old house were a mansion.” Poof! Done.

“And now, I wish that Puff were the handsomest man in the world and deeply in love with me.” Poof!

Suddenly she’s in the arms of the handsomest man in the world. He kisses her and says, “Darling, aren’t you sorry you had me fixed?”

PROGRAM

Staying Afloat

Steve Burton told us his amazing story of working in Abu Dhabi for three years building a gigantic luxury marina where money was no object. These were some of his impressions.

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a tiny, wealthy, monarchial, class-based, predominantly Muslim Arab country the size of Maine, is extremely safe for Westerners.
• Abu Dhabi is the largest of 7 emirates that comprise the UAE. It has 90% of the land area and 94% of crude oil reserves (which equal 10% of the world total).
• The UAE was founded in 1971, only 42yrs old. It was the fastest transition from 3^rd world to emerged world status in 20^th-21^st century. It has the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world (estimated at $2-3 trillion).
• Steve was introduced to what became his project in 2006. The presentation he gave was a 2-minute video where the Royal Family would give the project a yea or nay. It was a dream-come-true project for any company on the planet. He was offered a job on the spot, although he was not looking. He assembled a $1-billion marina portfolio in one year.
• The exercise was always to think outside the box (for example, Ferrari world and Burj Al Khlifa, the world’s tallest building, in Dubai).
• One of the related projects was a $40-billion man-made island which included a Formula 1 race track .
• There was no business plan, permits, inspections, planning commissions, environmental review, and no attorneys, because everything was built to be the finest in the world.
• The Nationals (Emiratis) comprise only 1/6 of the UAE population of 800,000. They basically don’t have to work.  Free healthcare, housing, education, and no-interest loans. You get the picture. Unlike anywhere else in the world.

NEXT MEETING: April 5, 2013

Staying Afloat

One of today’s premier marina and waterfront development specialists in the Middle East, Steve Burton has just completed writing a book Staying Afloat documenting his cross-cultural encounters, stratospheric expectations, unimaginable obstacles, hilarious day-to-day adventures, and myths and interpretations faced as an American expat living and working in staggeringly wealth Abu Dhabi for three years. Steve was tasked by the Rulers to design and develop a gigantic luxury yacht marina in the desert from scratch and expect it to become a premier global yachting destination – all within thirty months. His narrative conveys a blend of cultural insight, candor and wit.

MEETING OF March 29, 2013

Welcome

President  Jim “Blind Side” Young called our meeting to order on a beautiful Good Friday. Darlene Almeida had the honor of leading us in the Pledge. Stoney asked all to have a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice.  Prez Jim offered the following thought from Bobby Burns in honor of our dear friend the late John Nicol, “If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.”

Rotarians with Guests

Prez Jim had as his guests wife/driver Linda and Shanton Tyson from East Bay Rotoract. Joan Davis had as her guest Rick Ambrose, Executive Director of the Richmond Art Center. Rafael Madrigal had as his guests Rosa Lara (more on her later), Gonzalo Ochoa from B&O Tires, and Jael Myrick, Richmond City Council. Our guest speaker’s guest was Felipe Guzman.

Sunshine Report

Hank Covel reported that Henry Kelman is home and receiving services from Hospice. Calls to Henry are encouraged.

Announcements

• Alan Baer wanted all to know that Richmond Rotary will be 93 years old (Ralph Hill is 90 “also” and not 92!)
• David Brown read a thank you card from our Interact students (Beatrice, Ashley, Hannah and Sponsor Henry Moe) for the opportunity to attend Camp Royal.
• Stoney informed all that the BBQ at Mark Howe’s home with Stoney cooking and Richard Alexander as bartender will be on 4/27 from 3-7. If you did not sign up at Rotary Auction you can pay $50 at the door for a fabulous time
• RotoCare Clinic did open on 3/19.
• TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME! Rafael announced that Rotary Day at the A’s will be 8/31 with the tailgate starting at 3:30 and the game sometime after that and Fireworks sometime after that…hope you will be able to stay awake for all the festivities.
• Richmond Tales Family Festival will be on April 20 from 11-3 at Richmond Civic Center. Jim needs 6 volunteers to sit at the table
• The play “Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle” will have 6 performances in May. Instead of Thursday night shows we will be having Sunday matinee shows. For more information and to get tickets click on “Learn more” on the right side of the flywheel page, “Discover the Lost Secrets”. Our guest Shanton, who grew up in Harlem and is now in a Masters program at St. Mary’s, told us about how important it was for her growing up in Harlem to learn about its history and to have a positive outlook on life through books about Harlem. “Lost Tales” can do the same for students in Richmond.

Special Events

Jim welcomed our newest member Rosa Lara, who was sponsored by Rafael Madrigal (which New Member Team gets credit for Rosa?), to the Club and informed her about how to get from a red badge to a blue one. WELCOME ROSA!

Recognitions

• David Keystone celebrated his 17^th Anniversary on 3/24 and his wife forgot. So why was there a loud round of applause from all the men in the room when he said that?
• Tom Butt celebrated his birthday on March 23 and was sad that this was the first year he was not celebrating his birthday with fellow architect and Rotarian Don Hardison. Tom did celebrate at his grandson’s 4^th birthday.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Joan Davis was happy to point out that Your Scribe, who placed some happy $ in the box, will be celebrating his 30^th Anniversary with the Y on April 1. Don also invited everyone to come to the 20^th Anniversary of the Hilltop Family Y on Monday April 1^st.
• David Brown, who is always connected to his Giants, was happy to announce that Buster Posey just signed an 8 year $167 million contract.
• Michelle Itagaki was happy to remind all of us to BE HAPPY.
• Josh Genser was sad to report that Doug Millar was not feeling well…get better soon!
• Lynn Martin was happy to get a donation from our Club for Early Childhood Mental Health Program
• Stoney was sad to announce the passing of a close friend.

Norm’s Nonsense

Truth in Advertising …

– A few years ago there was an ad in the motorcycle section of the Oakland Tribune: 1998 Harley “Hog”. This “Chopper” is in great shape because it was formerly owned by a little old lady in Piedmont who only rode it to church on Sundays.

– Clare Valley vintners in South Australia, which primarily produce Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc wines, has developed a new hybrid grape that acts as an anti-diruetic. This new wine for Seniors will be called Pinot More.

– A dentist advertised that his charge for pulling teeth was only $100 each. A patient said, “$100 seems like an awful lot for only a few minutes work.” Dentist: “I could pull it slower if you wish.”

PROGRAM

A Day in the Life of Casino San Pablo

Prez Jim introduced James Grant who is the Director of Guest Safety & Surveillance at San Pablo Lytton Casino. The Casino is operated by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians originally from the Lytton Racheria of Healdsburg, CA.  The Casino is a Class II gaming facility (Nevada style casinos are Class III) where players are playing against each other and not against the casino. The casino gets a cut from all the gaming that goes on whether at the poker table or on the machines. James has been doing security work for Class II and III casinos for some time and is an expert on how customers try to cheat and how to prevent cheating. There was a very lively question and answer period which gave us a good glimpse into how the safety side of San Pablo Lytton Casino works.

– Rotating Editor, The Menehune

NEXT MEETING: March 29, 2013

A Day In the Life of Casino San Pablo

James Grant, Head of Security for Casino San Pablo visits Richmond Rotary to talk about what does and does not go on at an urban casino. Mr. Grant says he is looking forward to the question and answer period.

MEETING OF March 22, 2013

Welcome

President Elect Liliane Koziol filled in for Prez Jim Young and welcomed the club on a beautiful day. Josh Genser led us all in the Pledge, and Stoney offered an invocation for freedom, justice and peace on Earth, in special memory of our esteemed long-time member John Nicol.

Visiting Rotarians

Bob Romero visited us from the Walnut Creek lunch club, where he is their President-elect.

Rotarians with Guests

Jon Lawlis was with his lovely wife, Darlene.

Sunshine Report

Hank Covell let the group know that although Henry Kelman has been having a very hard time of it, that he is starting to feel somewhat better.

Announcements

• Liliane let us know that the BARSHEEP St. Patty’s day event was a great success and everyone had a wonderful time. Our club was particularly well represented!
• Pam Jones will again be leading Richmond Rotary in the Bocce Ball District Tournament this June 8th. Talk to Pam about participating in what should be a fun time.
• Mark Howe said the Peace Garden event was very productive and that we moved 20 tons of material. Mission accomplished!
• Henry Moe’s Salesian Interact kids baked a great meal for the volunteers at the first night of the new RotoCare Clinic.

Recognitions

• Our Guest Speaker Alan Blavins celebrated his 69th birthday and alluded to the obligatory numerical innuendo. He dined well at a fancy San Francisco restaurant to celebrate the event.
• Your pinch-hitting scribe Josh Surowitz turned 39 on Sunday, and spent a lovely day with his family, and also had a great Passover seder with extended family in Vacaville.

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Dan Sanders was very sad that their wonderful dog passed away several weeks prior, whom had brought “boundless happiness and love to all humans”, especially Dan and his wife.
• Alan Baer was happy to be looking forward to a veritable smorgasbord of food.
• Michelle Itagaki is happy she can now walk without a cane!
• Bill Koziol had a very happy and meaningful train trip to Reno with his Dad, who undergoes a major procedure this week.
• Erle Brown was happy because Dr. Dan Sanders’ office was able to send an emergency replacement part to Mexico, so Erle could fix his glasses and see!
• David Brown was happy to hear there are Jews in Vacaville (see above).
• Rafael Madrigal had a great trip to Cancun with his special gal and was glad to be let back into the USA!
• Jon Lawlis was happy to say it was great to see Cliff Dochterman speak.
• Ralph Hill was happy to be seated between two lovely ladies!
• Tom Waller was happy because he is helping with the important “Every 15 Minutes” drunk driving safety program for high school students.

Norm’s Nonsense

Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and be observant. They advise that outdoor enthusiasts wear bells on their clothing and carry pepper spray. They also recommend watching out for fresh signs of bear activity, and learning the difference between black bear and grizzly bear dung: Black bear dung is smaller and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear dung has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray.

PROGRAM

Fishing Surinam. Fishing London.

Our Richmond Rotary Club has had some adventurers over the years, but none seem to be on a level with Alan Blavins, who regaled us with his images and commentary about his most recent expedition – to Suriname. Alan started taking these trips with his son, 20 years old at the time, after watching “River Monsters” on National Geographic.

Though Suriname is in South America, it is not so easy to get to. So much so that they first had to fly to Amsterdam. Apparently, though Suriname boasts the most pristine jungle in the world. It also has more casinos than Las Vegas, in its capital. But clanking slot machines are not what brought the Blavins men to Suriname.

After a dangerous ride down a river a million miles from anywhere, they first caught Piranha for bait, including 5 and 8 pounders. They then proceeded to catch 20 enormous and beautiful fish in less than an hour. The reason being that that part of the river had never been fished! Words cannot describe how these creatures appeared. A hundred degrees plus, right on the equator, they slept on hammocks on a tarantula-infested porch. They also caught a 120-pound cat fish!

Not satisfied with the amount of fishing they had done, the Blavins men hopped back on a plane, but this time to the UK, where Alan’s son has a fishery. Using an incredible technique with a 6-meter rod without reel, they managed to catch a 50- carp. Not a bad fish story!

NEXT MEETING: March 22, 2013

Fishing Surinam. Fishing London.

Alan Blavins will delight the club with pictures and highlights of his recent trip to Surinam, plus a “Fishing Lesson Near London”. Look out for the 8 pound piranha!

MEETING OF March 15, 2013

Welcome

President  Jim Young called our meeting to order on a nice day with many of us looking forward to the weeken. Red Badger Felix “Tree Man” Hunziker had the honor of leading us in the Pledge. Stoney asked all to have a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice.  Prez Jim offered a thought for health and wellness for all!

Visiting Rotarians

Julie Gee was visiting from the El Sobrante Club.

Rotarians with Guests

Prez Jim had as his guest wife/driver Linda and Joan Davis had as her guest Holly Henke, Director of Development for the Richmond Community Foundation (and a former Rotarian).

Sunshine Report

Herb Cole is still in Texas tending to mom. John Nicol has been released from the hospital and is at home. All are encouraged to visit. Stoney reported that Henry Kelman is in Kaiser in San Rafael, room 4018?, calls are welcomed.

Announcements

• Today, March 19, we learned that fellow Rotarian, John Nicol, passed away. John became a Rotary member in 1964, 49 years ago. He will be missed.
• Henry Kelman is in the Kaiser hospital in San Raphael. If you want to give Henry a call, his phone number at the hospital is 415 444-2212, ext. 401a
• March 16, now a fond memory,  was a work day to spruce up the Rotary Peace Garden (which may soon have a new name). Thanks Mark Howe for coordinating.
• St Patrick’s Day BARSHEEP Celebration (H’s Lordships), another distant memory…or not, also took place on March 16.
• RotoCare Clinic opening is scheduled for March 19.
• The Pinole and El Cerrito Rotary Club will be having Past DG Cliff Dochteman as a special guest  on 3/21.
• Richmond Rotary Board meeting takes place this Thursday, March 21st, at La Revolucion.
• Richmond Tales Family Fest will take place on April 20th. The Richmond Rotary Club will have a booth and will be participating in the event.
• The hat was also passed to support medical bills for the Richmond Police Officers injured dog.

Special Events

There was a brief Club Assembly and discussion regarding potential Club projects that the Board is considering. They are as follows:

• Josh Genser made a pitch for completing the funding for the City of Richmond’s Book Van. The goal was to raise $100,000 and they are currently $30,000 short. If we were to take on completion of the project it could be the “Rotary Book Van”
• Tom Waller gave a brief (really?) pitch for sponsorship of an “Every 15 Minutes” teen drunk driving prevention program.  Some may remember we did have a program at Rotary earlier this year. The program does have a very profound effect on the students who participate. The suggestion was to maybe do this at Richmond High School. The cost would probably be around $1-2,000 to get it started.
• Liliane Kosial made a pitch for the India Literacy Project which is a BARSHHEP project.

Please talk with fellow Rotarians about what you think would be good project(s) for the Club to take on.

Recognitions

• Erle Brown celebrated his birthday (and hosting fellow Rotarians) in Mexico and has a check for the Foundation
• Richard Alexander and his bride (former Rotary member) Katherine celebrated their 17^th Anniversary on the 17^th of March
• David Brown had a Foundation check in Recognition of his 19^th Rotary Anniversary
• George Egan also had a contribution for his 11^th Rotary Anniversary
• Stoney was happy about his granddaughter turning 10

Happy and Sad Dollars

To allow enough time for presentation of project proposal (see Special Events, above) we deferred our customary Happy and Sad Dollars.

Norm’s Nonsense

Only talking animals are allowed in bars.

– A penguin waddles into a bar and asks the bartender: “Has my dad been in here today?”
Bartender: “I don’t know, what’s he look like?”

-A dog walked into a bar and said to the bartender: “I’m a talking dog. Do you have a free drink for a talking dog?”
Bartender: “Sure, the toilet is right down the hall.”

-A grasshopper hopped into a bar and the bartender said: “Say, we have a drink named after you.”
The grasshopper replied” “Who would want a drink called Bob?”

PROGRAM

The California Symphony

Prez Jim introduced Betty and Tom Overhoff  with the California Symphony in Walnut Creek, a regional symphony and possibly the “best kept secret” in the County. Betty is involved with sales for the Symphony and Tom is the president of the board.

Formed 26 years ago, the Symphony has an annual budget of $1.2 million.  They recently hired a new 28 year old conductor Robert Trevino. Tom told us about a local school program called “Sound Minds” funded by the Richmond Community Foundation and offered to 1^st grade students at E M Downer Elementary School. They are also part of Music in the Schools that was started in 1992 and has served 55,000 kids in 75 schools. We were all encouraged to go to the California Symphony and if you do Betty will probably be the one to greet you at the door.

NEXT MEETING: March 15, 2013

The California Symphony. And more...

Betty and Tom Overhoff, with the California Symphony, will introduce us to a premiere cultural resource of Contra Costa County. The California Symphony’s programs are performed at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.The California Symphony also conducts and exciting and renowned music education programs, including “Sound Minds” which was launched in the Richmond/San Pablo area just this last year. website of the California Symphony.

And the “more…”?

We will have a short discussion focused exclusively on possible future projects. Lasting only 15 minutes—call it a “Mini-Assembly”—we’ll hear from members advocating possible volunteer projects. The discussion will be carried over to the next Board meeting, or the next Assembly, scheduled for April 26th.

MEETING OF March 8, 2013

Welcome

President “One Eye” Jim Young called the meeting to order on another beautiful, sunny day at the Richmond Country Club. Lilliane Kozial had the honor of leading us in the Pledge. Stoney gave us the invocation and also noted there was a great editorial response regarding Rotary’s PolioPlus. Henry Kelman was back in the saddle with a Thought for the Day…”Dow was over 14K!”

Rotarians with Guests

Henry’s brother Joe, no stranger to the Club, was his guest.

Sunshine Report

Herb Cole is in Texas tending to mom. John Nicol is at Kaiser Richmond (3^rd floor?) and guests are welcomed.

Announcements

• Adler Fellow will be performing at the Arlington Community Church last Friday night.
• March 16 is a big day for the Club. From 9am-12noon Mark Howe will be coordinating giving our Rotary Peace Garden (1^st and Nevin) a face lift and some new dirt.
• St Patrick’s Day BARSHEEP Celebration (H’s Lordships) will take place that same night, this Saturday. Still time to sign up! Lilliane has details. Use the PayPal button in the right sidebar if you’d like to purchase tickets online. Easy.
• RotoCare Clinic opening has been delayed to March 19.
• The Pinole and El Cerrito Rotary Club will be having Past DG Cliff Dochteman as a special guest  on March 21^st.
• Richmond Rotary Board meeting Thursday, March 21 at La Revolucion.
• Richmond Tales Family Fest is on 4/20. Our Richmond Rotary Club will have a booth and will be participating in the event.
• Last Call for Mendocino Rotary Trip…I hear David Brown may be taking flight!
• David Keystone described a particularly upsetting crime that targeted a Richmond Police officer and his dogs. The officer’s home was burglarized, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of personal property. But in addition, the burglar poisoned the officer’s two dogs, locked in a kennel in the backyard. One dog died despite efforts to save it; the other, a police dog, survived but the medical treatment has racked up very high expenses, in the “five figures”.  Jim Young suggests if you wish to make a personal contribution to help mend the crime against our police, please bring it to Rotary Friday and will make the contribution as Richmond Rotarians.

Special Events

Prez Jim had “Rotary at Work” T-Shirts for your scribe, Don Lau, and Joe Bagley, for helping out at the RotoCare Opening. Felix Hunziker, Lynn Martin, Alan Baer and daughter Stephanie were also treated to new T’s.

Recognitions

No birthdays, weddings or club anniversaries… zero, nada. Are we already starting to see the dwindling of the baby-boomer generation here in our club? Or is early spring the season of low births and few matrimonies?

Happy and Sad Dollars

• Hank Covell has a duck up for adoption. (His story quacked us up.)
• Joe Kelman was happy to announce the arrival of a grandchild.
• Stoney was happy his eldest daughter turned 47
• David Brown has some very sad dollars for the officers that lost their lives in Santa Cruz and for the Richmond officer who’s dogs were poisoned (see note in Announcements, above).
• Lilliane was happy to have attended Rotary President Training in San Jose.
• Sid Chauvin is a proud grandfather and passed out cigars and booze to everyone in the Club. Okole Maluna (bottoms up!)

Norm’s Nonsense

Having been invited to his friend’s wedding anniversary party, the man asked which apartment he should go to.

“Go to the 11th floor,” the friend instructed. “Find apartment G, push the buzzer with your elbow, and when the door opens, quickly put your foot against it.”

“Why such an elaborate plan?” asked the perplexed guest.

“Well,” cried the host, “you’re not planning on coming empty-handed are you?”

PROGRAM

Lead Like Lincoln

Lilliane introduced our speaker for the day, author Arnold Kunst, who offered an insightful look at our 16^th president, Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Kunst began by telling us about Lincoln’s tremendous accomplishments, achieved in the face of the dimmest possible outlook for the continued existence of the young nation. In fact, James Buchanan the 15^th President, thought he would be the last president of the United States.

Mr. Kunst explained that Lincoln struggled to hold together a nation starkly divided by deeply opposed ideologies, a nation comprising 19 free states and 15 slave states. Given these conditions, Lincoln’s position at the top of the presidential pantheon was incredibly improbable. Nor did Lincoln’s apparent personal qualities suggest that he could fulfill the role of president: physically unattractive, suffering from chronic depression, lacking in administrative experience, foreign policy and military knowledge.

Yet Lincoln did not step away from the challenges he faced during the country’s time of crisis. His capacity to lead rested in no small part on his ability to inspire people with the depth of his thoughts, the clarity of his expression, and the power of his rhetoric. We should all be able to “lead like Lincoln!”