Yearly Archives: 2015
NEXT MEETING: June 19, 2015Richmond Rotarians at Work – in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico
Four Richmond Rotarians – Shana Bagley (Howe), Josh Genser, Norm Lundberg, and Jim Young – along with Linda Young, participated in Berkeley Rotary’s 2015 Spring International Project in Las Varas, Nayarit, Mexico. They will share their experiences (and photos) of rebuilding a high school, the stories of the local people whose lives have been touched by this 15+year project, and of the fellowship of working side by side with 25 other Rotary clubs. In 1998, Berkeley Rotary started this project by repairing a broken down, one-room high school in Chacala (about 100 km from Puerto Vallarta). In this remote and poor agricultural town, few students attended school beyond 8th grade. Girls were discouraged from attending school. This successful Rotary project has expanded to neighboring Las Varas, La Peñita, and Zacualpan. Now, 75% of the students go to high school and many are attending college and graduate school. Rotary has rebuilt schools, libraries, a community center, vision center, teaching facilities, and computer, culinary, and chemistry laboratories. MEETING OF June 12, 2015WelcomeStoney opened the meeting with a joke: “ A man goes to the cinema and sitting in front of him is a man with his dog. The dog laughs and smiles at the films funny parts and even cries at the sad parts. This continues throughout the film. At its end, the man leans over and says to the dog owner “Your dog seemed to enjoy the film.” “Yes” replied the dog’s owner. “Which is very strange because he didn’t think much of the book.” This set the mood for the rest of the meeting. Sid’s thought for the day: “The only reason a child has a middle name is that he will know when he’s been real naughty.” Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMCannabis: A look at Local, State and National Laws
Bill told a heartfelt story about how he made his connection with cannabis. When his father was struck with cancer, the combination of chemo and powerful medication made him perpetually nauseous. He couldn’t hold down anything. So he tried marijuana, which restored his appetite and made last days of his life much more comfortable. This changed the way Bill viewed cannabis. Bill gave a history of cannabis in the 20th century, from its introduction for recreational use in the 20’s, through the 30’s where the Federal Bureau of Narcotics got involved, and on to the 1940’s when the industrial uses were exploited (“Hemp for Victory” helped augment cotton and paper production). In 1944 New York Academy of Medicine issued its first report. In 1970 the Controlled Substance Act listed marijuana among many far more dangerous drugs. In 1996, Prop 215 passed, making California the first state to approve Medical Cannabis Initiative, with a shocking 56% in favor. August of 2008 saw Jerry Brown’s Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical use. In 2009 and explained that 12 dispensaries operated in the city of Richmond due to the expiration of the Moratorium. In 2010 the city of Richmond passed an ordinance allowing only 3 dispensaries and 3 manufacturing permits. The city currently collects $180,000 in permit fees and approximately $500,000 in taxes per year. Bill reported that today 23 states plus D.C and Guam permit the use of medical marijuana, some for recreational use and others for medical application only. Seven states have legislation pending. As for California’s future: Bill hopes for (and expects) that a 2016 ballot measure will be passed byt the voters. Field polls currently indicate 55% of likely voters in favor. Currently local municipalities must create their own ordinances. The conflict between federal and state laws remains to be resolved. The Federal Legislation CARERS Act is attempting to de-schedule cannabis. De-funding enforcement actions by the DOJ and DEA may be the mechanism. Everyone present seemed to enjoy Bill’s talk but were disappointed there were no free samples. As for me, I think its high time cannabis was legal and government should move on before everything goes to pot! Alan Blavins retiring scribe. |
NEXT MEETING: June 12, 2015Cannabis Discussion: A look at Local, State and National Laws
MEETING OF June 5, 2015WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework welcomed guests and Rotarians and called the meeting to order. Joe Bagley was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney led us in the invocation, a silent prayer for Freedom, Peace & Justice on Earth. Defining reality as few other people know it, Sid’s Chauvinism for today is: Marriage – An arrangement in which a man loses his Bachelor’s Degree and a woman gains her Master’s Degree. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsMark Porter from the Solano Sunset Club, Vallejo. Special EventsStoney invited Robin Wilson to address the club. Robin thanked Rotary and Rotarians for all the help provided to West County Reads last year including:
Robin ended by asking the club if it would consider helping West County Reads this coming fall with a new book drive. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMFrom Nature to Neighborhoods: Developing Youth & Adult Leaders in Richmond
Program Chair Stacey Street introduced YES Program Director, Blanca Hernandez. Blanca, aware that Richmond Rotary is not a stranger to the programs of Youth Enrichment Strategies, thanked the club for its years of support. She noted that YES is grateful to Rotary and the many other organizations that have helped YES address the cultural barriers that prevent many disadvantaged Richmonders from living more fulfilling lives. Barriers YES focuses on are poverty, violence, fear & isolation. YES’ marquee program for addressing these barriers is the summer family camping program. This program has successfully used camping and the campfire experience of community building and self esteem building to empower local folks. People from the Iron Triangle, N. Richmond and other neighborhoods learn they ‘can do’ the many little things that are community; listing, being a friend/helper, successfully doing something that is a little frightening… . High points of the presentation included: Blanca concluded her presentation by saying because of their effort to keep as many campers as possible this summer, YES is forgoing its annual dinner gala fund raiser and asking supporters contributing directly to the camping program via their Summer Campfire Campaign (http://yesfamilies.publishpath.com/Default.aspx?shortcut=summercampfire). If you are interested in supporting YES, do it before June 30 as every gift made (up to $25,000) will be matched by the local Chamberlin Foundation. Thank you Blanca Hernandez for a good program. Hope to see you at the campfire. - Jim Young, Rotating Editor |
NEXT MEETING: May 29, 2015Free to be Me: How to create your personalized Cancer Survivorship Plan
Dr. Shetti has been Medical Doctor, Department of Radiation Oncology, at Doctor’s Medical Center since 2011, where she evaluates patients in consultation, designs treatment plans, provides follow up care and oversees all departmental clinical and administrative duties. Prior to that, she served as Chief Operating Officer for Students Educating and Volunteering for Health Awareness, an international non-profit organization that increases health awareness and decreases tobacco usage among teenagers in India. Dr. Shetti is a Board member for the American Cancer Society. Dr. Shetti completed her residency in the Department of Radiation Oncology at University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals, and she graduated with honors from University of Michigan Medical School. She holds a B.A. in History from University of Michigan, where she also participated in the Inteflex Integrated Pre-medical/Medical Program. MEETING OF March 22, 2015WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework called the meeting to order at the Richmond Country Club and Dan Tanita led the pledge of allegiance. Stoney asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth. Alan Blavins provided this thought for the day: “Never trust atoms. They make up everything.” Visiting Rotarians and GuestsStacey Street introduced her soon-to-be-eleven-years-old daughter, Melissa, who, as a quickly recruited courier messenger, proceeded to surprise her mom with a check for $1,000 as a donation from the Richmond Rotary Club to the Richmond Community Foundation, Stacey’s employer. Thanks, Stacey, for all that you and your organization do for Richmond! Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMI-80 SMART Corridor Project
President Stoney introduced Ms. Dana Koefoed (that’s Danish) from CirclePoint, a communications firm in Oakland doing outreach for The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) related to the “I-80 SMART Corridor Project”. As Dana explained (and many of us painfully know!), more than 270,000 vehicles per day use the 20-mile I-80 corridor between the Carquinez and San Francisco Bay bridges, one of the busiest highway sections in the Bay Area (statistically the most congested in nine of the last ten years). The I-80 Project represents one of the most sophisticated Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the state. It is being implemented as a network of integrated electronic signs, ramp meters and other state-of-the-art elements to enhance motorist safety, improve travel-time reliability, and reduce accidents and associated congestion. Real-time traffic information from new and enhanced road sensors will feed variable-speed and blocked-lane signs which will allow drivers to make informed decisions in the event of an incident. Additional improvements include real-time ramp metering at 44 on-ramps to reduce merging conflicts and manage traffic volume. Once the system is activated in late 2015, the ramp meters and real-time message signs along the corridor should contribute to optimized roadway operations and improved safety. All of this will be integrated with and managed from the Traffic Management Center at the Caltrans Bay Area headquarters in Oakland. According to Dana, a similar system has been used in San Diego and Seattle with these results: 10% overall increase in safety, 15% reduction in traffic incidents, and 20% improvement in motorist travel time. Caltrans, the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), in cooperation with the nine cities and two transit agencies along the corridor, are implementing the I-80 ITS Project with a total budget of $79 million from Federal, State, and local sources. Tom Waller, Rotating Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: June 5, 2015From Nature to Neighborhoods: Developing Youth & Adult Leaders in Richmond
Blanca Hernandez, Program Director of YES, Youth Enrichment Strategies, comes to Richmond Rotary Club to provide an update and overview on YES and its programs. Since 1999, YES Nature to Neighborhoods has provided leadership pathways for youth, adults, and their families through camp and community programs. Each year, YES serves nearly one thousand Richmond youth, teens, parents and community members through four interrelated programs. The YES target audience are residents in Richmond’s Iron Triangle and North Richmond neighborhoods. Blanca joined YES in 2008. Prior to that, Blanca worked for several years with the West Contra Costa Unified School District. It was then that she began to cultivate strong relationships in the community and developed a passion towards working for the well-being of youth and families in the city of Richmond. In her current position, she has the opportunity to share her love of the outdoors by developing and facilitating programming in nature that restores individuals to their essential selves and empowers them to become active residents back in the community. Blanca graduated from the University of San Diego with a B.A. in Literature and completed CompassPoint’s Next Generation Leaders of Color in 2012. She has served for nearly three years on the Health Richmond steering committee, is fluent in Spanish, enjoys painting, writing, and jogging with her dog, Bo. MEETING OF May 29, 2015WelcomePresident Stoney Stonework welcomed guests and Rotarians and called the meeting to order. Connie Tritt was asked to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stoney led us in the invocation, a silent prayer for Freedom, Peace & Justice on Earth. Today’s Chauvinism, fresh from the Emerald Isle, “There are two classes of people that need good memories: liars & politicians.” Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMFree to be Me: How to create your personalized Cancer Survivorship Plan
Prez Stoney introduced Oncologist Dr. Madhu Shetti who presented a program based on the need for (if you are a cancer survivor like me) and benefit from a Cancer Survivorship Plan. This was one of our ‘You should have been there…’ programs because there was a lot covered and depending on your own motivation, the topic could have been anything from frightening to boring. Dr. Shetti provided a handout outline of the program that you can get from her at this email address, madhu@shettil.net, (or me) if you are interested, but I’m not going to cover it’s many important details because they are best discussed with a ‘cancer coach’ like Dr. Shetti. Important topics covered during her presentation included the following:
The best part of Dr. Shetti’s presentation was seeing that bright, talented young people like herself are helping all of us deal with life’s real threats. The program name says it all (Cancer Survivorship Plan) and on to the ‘new normal’. Thank you, Dr. Madhu Shetti, on behalf of Richmond Rotary. Jim Young, Rotating Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: May 22, 2015I-80 Smart Corridor Project
2015 will be a SMART year for motorists on the I-80 corridor! A representative of Caltrans will present an overview of the I-80 SMART Corridor Project, the most sophisticated high-tech network of its kind in California. The project was developed through a partnership between Caltrans, the Alameda County Transportation Commission, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, in collaboration with transit agencies and nine municipalities along the corridor. This important project will be coming online in mid-2015 and will change the way you and your colleagues drive on I-80 and San Pablo Avenue. MEETING OF May 15, 2015WelcomePrez Stoney welcomed all to the friendly Richmond Rotary Club and Tom Butt led us in the Pledge. Stoney offered a silent prayer for freedom, peace and justice. Newly married Tom Waller’s thought was: “if a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman there to hear him, is he still wrong?” Ask your wife Tom! Visiting Rotarians and GuestsMike Barrington, Concord Rotary. Stacey Street’s guest was Kimberly Terry. Accompanying the Consul General were Karina Iqwan and Reza Widamahendra. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMA Snapshot of Indonesia
Past Prez Liliane Kozial introduced The Honorable Ardi Hermawas, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in San Francisco who was appointed to that position August 21, 2014. He previously served as Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta 2012-14. Consul General Hermawas has 27 years of foreign service experience. Indonesia is the largest archipelago with 17,504 islands with 50,000 miles of shoreline and 252 million people. There are 742 dialects spoken. Indonesia gained independence from Japan in 1945 and in 1998 during the “Reform Era” became a democracy. From 1945-98 they had 2 presidents and since 1998 they have had 5 presidents. Indonesia is the 16th largest economy. Its current leader, President Joko Widodo elected in 2014, served as Governor of Jakarta for 2 years before being elected president. Consul General Hermawas is responsible for Northern California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. If you want more details ask Josh Surowitz. - The Menehune Rotating Editor |
Bill Koziol is a busy man. His working life is split between 20% Real Estate and 70% in his medical marijuana dispensary business. He is the director and a board member of Telegraph Health Center. All this plus a wife and family.
As more Americans are diagnosed and cured of cancer, the question of survivorship has become a critical component of long term health and happiness. Please join us for a discussion with Dr. Madhu Shetti on:
