Brown Bag Meetings Recap for March 18, 2013
Photography 101 Brown Bag - Host John Swentowsky - Members who attended the meeting at Swentowsky Photography began with brief introductions, then moved onto cameras, pictures, lighting, and how to make a picture better, to name a few subjects. After lunch, they toured the studio and ended in the camera room, where they took several pictures and experimented with the equipment as John gave them a demonstration. Next, they discussed what happens after a picture is taken in Photoshop and other such programs. To complete the meeting, everyone gathered in the camera room and took a picture together.
“Book Club” Brown Bag – Host Elfrena Foord - Our Brown Bag, with 10 Rotarians was great fun. Everyone brought books that they just loved reading and shared about them with the group. Everyone talked about their preferred category of reading such as fiction (historical novels vs. suspense) vs. nonfiction (biographies vs. self- help). We heard about traditional favorites such as Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged as well as new areas to understand, such as computers, with a recommendation of Likeable Social Media by Dave Kerpen. We had a self-published book author (Elfrena Foord) as well as an aspiring book author (Ruth Blank).
We all came away with a few new books we want to read and the realization that we have some very intelligent and interesting club members. Brown bag is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about each other. More than one person expressed the desire to have a "Book Brown Bag" every time.
Drexel University Brown Bag – Host David Stewart - 10 of the 12 expected guests were able to attend the Rotary brown bag event. Our lunch exchange was executed in executive education team learning format and the group brought a list a questions relating to higher education that we tackled together. Rotary member and Drexel alumna Katrina Salazar joined Senior Director to provide multiple perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced in our higher education industry to an energetic group of Rotarians.
Topics that were discussed included: Difference of not-for-profit and for- profit institutions of higher education, Technology trends in higher education/global social media, Impact of higher education on regional economies, Challenges to traditional tenure track and institutional governance, Community service alliances to consider, Co-ops and student interns as possible ways to enhance your organization.
In the end, we ran out of time but everyone was nourished, enlightened (maybe entertained) and I think we were able to get everyone safely back to their respective places of work on time.
Safetyville Brown Bag – Host Liz McClatchy - The group met in the Safetyville USA capitol building. After lunch, I explained about all of the programs that Safety Center offers to meet its mission of reducing injuries and saving lives. We then had a mini-tour of Safetyville with Kelly Huffman acting as tour guide and using a self-guided tour map that we provide for people who want to see Safetyville outside of a regular tour. We learned how to cross streets correctly, with or without stop lights; watched a fire safety video at a miniature fire station; learned about railroad (or light rail) crossing dangers; learned about proper waste management; learned about the dangers of abandoned buildings; discussed proper nutrition; found out when and how to use 9-1-1; and learned about dental hygiene. After that tour, the group visited the driving simulator and learned about this program and its results. We also found out about the dangers of driving under the influence or distracted (by texting, using a phone or people in the car). Then we visited the confined space rescue training facility and excavation training pit located at Safety Center (for adults in the workplace) and saw where the motorcycle training course is laid out. Everyone got a “goodie bag” to take home.
Positive Coaching Alliance Brown Bag - Host John Finegan - A group of Rotarians, including President Peter, were treated to a unique Brown Bag lunch at Sleep Train Arena. The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) put on an interactive PCA workshop that focused on effective ways to use positive coaching and reinforcement to drive behavior changes, build teams, culture and teach life lessons. The workshop trainer was PCA's National Director of Training, Ruben Nieves, who coached collegiate volleyball for 18 years as the Head Men’s Coach at Stanford and the Head Women’s Coach at Fresno State. Ruben was twice named NCAA Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year, in 1992 and 1997 and guided Stanford to their first men’s volleyball NCAA championship in 1997. The feedback from Rotary attendees was very enthusiastic and all positive!
Rotary & the United Nations Brown Bag - Host PP Walter Dahl - Rotarians enjoyed fellowship time and a delicious lunch, followed by a presentation by Walter about Rotary International and its role in the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Rotary was invited to participate by designating an official consultant to the United States delegation, one of about 42 non-governmental organizations in attendance. RI appointed 11 prominent Rotarians who served in rotating teams of 3 throughout the organizing conference held in San Francisco. One un-official Rotary observer was Ray D. Siler, then president of the Rotary Club of Corning, California, who was Walter’s grandfather.
Recent Tax Changes Brown Bag - Co-hosts Marty Carling-Smith & Rita Gibson covered many bases in their respective areas of the new tax law and leveraging existing life insurance, IRAs and annuities.
Marty explained the provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act outlining the new rates at different income levels and its effect on individuals and couples. She also explained that several provisions were extended into 2013 and described the new taxes for Obamacare. She also described the new estate tax exclusion and a variety of planning opportunities.
Rita described scenarios to leverage existing life insurance policies, annuities and IRAs to create a larger tax free legacy for your kids, grandkids, and charities. People are living longer and life insurance costs less than it did 10 years ago; even if you’re 10 years older so you may be able to purchase a newer policy at a lower cost! She described new products appropriate for individuals over age 60 to cover Long Term Care and whole life insurance as an asset class and its benefits in a low interest rate environment.
The crowd loved every minute of it and devoured our exciting presentations! The applause caused the cops to show up thinking it was a rowdy party. You should have been there!
California Art Collection Brown Bag - Host Jim Craig - After a suitable time for conversation, the group ate lunch and pursued further badinage. Jim talked about art collecting in general as well as his collection of early California Art work. The talk reached a crescendo when Jim broke out his collection of Hupa Hats (American Indian baskets). That was enough. Everyone left promptly at 1:30.