By: Dr. Bill
Despite federal investigators closing in on him, President Lucky “Can-Do” Sandhu called the meeting to order, welcomed the crowd and gave us our Riseley Salute. He introduced our Greeter, Garth Riopelle, who urged us “to live as if we were going to die tomorrow and to learn as if we were going to live forever.” Garth told us that he had been practicing dentistry for the last 30 years; Hermann Welm wondered aloud why he didn’t stop practicing and just start being a dentist. After the Flag Salute, Mike Thelan led us in a pretty decent rendition of “God Bless, America.” Our visiting Rotarian was Katherine Richardson of the San Ramon Valley Club. We had a number of guests: Dalip Miglani, retired from Xerox, a resident of Danville, was checking us out; Ameena Payne, originally from Scotland and a new U.S. citizen, she worked for the U.N. and discovered Rotary through the recent auction; Jalal Afifi, retired from Chevron now working for Morgan Stanley, he was on his third visit with us; Vera Packard is a beloved former member now working in cancer patient support through the organization Lazarex; Sumer Singh, originally from the Punjab and friend of Lucky’s, he graduated from MIT and was an entrepreneur in high tech. In working the room our president failed for the second time to introduce another old friend, Carolyn Degnan. Carolyn is leaving her job on the Peninsula and may be rejoining us; we learned that she had suggested Lucky join the club originally. Our eagled-eyed Sergeant-at-Arms, Naim Katiby, hit the president with a double recognition for his negligence.
Announcements:
Chris Gayler told us the Christmas tree lot would open the day after Thanksgiving and will probably run for about two-and-a half weeks. Everyone needs to sign up for a minimum of two shifts, the first three days of operation being the busiest. Kids and grandkids and friends are welcomed to work.
Hermann Welm officially kicked off the Safe Tree Trimming season; in November and December the “critters are out of the nest.”
Dennis Harvey announced that plans were being made for a club-wide effort to support the relief effort for fire victims; more details to follow.
Rotary Moment:
Ray Giles reminded November is Rotary Foundation month. In the 100 years of its existence the foundation has raised 3.5 billion dollars for good works, such as eliminating polio and working for world peace. We need to honor our commitment to support the Foundation with a contribution of at least $100. Ray handed out Paul Harris sapphire pins to Ana Dominguez and Judy Lewis. Congratulations!
Recognitions:
George Gayler had a birthday, which Lucky said he would use to ambush George when he decided to attend a meeting.
Edgardo Carrillo was recognized for his work in providing relief for victims of recent hurricanes; he dedicated some of his payment in sympathy for Gary Sloan’s Dodgers loss in what everyone agrees was one of the most exciting Series in years.
Speaker:
Lucky introduced Dr. Jewel Johl who spoke about new techniques in cancer detection and treatment. He paid tribute to Dr. Johl for his help in the recent medical emergency that Lucky faced when his father broke bones in his neck. It turns out that Dr. Johl was a classmate of Lucky’s back in Chandigarh, India, from kindergarten through high school. They graduated from St. John’s High School in 1989; Sumer Singh was one year ahead of them. They belong to a worldwide fraternity called St. John’s Old Boys Association. [Editor’s note: If any of these SJOBA guys ever challenges you to a game of cricket for money, don’t do it or you will find yourself facing a very sticky wicket.] Marie Galbo also spoke of her appreciation for Dr. Johl’s Office for their help in assisting in her treatment for cancer over these last 16 years. Dr. Johl graduated from UC Davis and Loyola University, Chicago. He is a specialist in oncology and hematology. He runs a cancer treatment center here in the East Bay.
Dr. Johl (or J.J. as his friends call him) shared with us about how cancer treatment is developing with drugs and protocols specifically designed for individuals to help the body’s own immune system fight the tumor. Radiation treatment is becoming much more refined in reaching the affected area and not causing secondary damage. Imaging has become much more advanced using MRI, PSA and CAT scans to identify problems.
Dr. Johl pointed out that for some cancers there is a significant lag time (10 – 20 years) between behavior changes and incidence of the disease: lung cancer rates for women dramatically peaked several years ago and are now declining because of anti-smoking efforts that started years ago. Women still need to get mammograms regularly after age 40. Cervical cancer rates are declining with regular PAP smears after age 25. A new development for colon cancer detection is the use of DNA testing for stool. Prostate cancer is slow-growing and, depending on the age of the patient, may simply be monitored rather than treated aggressively. Esophageal cancer seems to be related to weight and acid reflux. Ovarian cancer, unfortunately, does not appear to be easily diagnosed in its early stages. Enquiring Rotarians asked thoughtful questions, such as Naim Katiby who wondered if increased sexual activity was involved in certain cancers; he seemed somewhat reassured by J.J.’s ambivalent answer. Gary Sloan wondered about DNA testing for susceptibility to cancer; it is coming but the treatments are yet to be developed, and the implications for health insurance are serious.
Raffle:
Edgardo Carillo won the Greeter’s gift which he will spend on new saddle shoes.
Jeff Disch went into the bag, and to the cheers of his peers, drew blue.
Next week’s meeting is in appreciation of our distinguished Veterans and will be held San Ramon Medical Center.