Meeting Recap of February 11, 2013
Our Guest Speaker this week was Jack Gallagher, a well-known comedian and writer who has made appearances on The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno; won Emmy awards for his work on the PBS series including Money Moves and Off-Limits; and served as the host for The Big Spin game show. Currently, his latest play “Complete and Unfinished” is showing at the B Street Theatre.
He shared that many of his plays were written at significant times in his life including when his father passed away and when his children were born. He and his wife have two sons. He shared that his oldest son Liam, who is now 17, was diagnosed at 7 with autism. He described the challenges of an early diagnosis and misunderstandings of the disease. Jack shared that he misses the East Coast where many of his family members still reside, but Sacramento is his home.
Jack travels extensively to speak about autism and encouraged Rotarians to consider individuals with autism as future employees. They have far more capabilities than we might think. His goal is to eliminate the stereo-type surrounding autism and to help others recognize that they are responsible, good people. April is Autism Awareness Month. Consider how you might help or get involved. A great resource locally is the UCD MIND Institute.
He also provided some insight on his favorite comedians. As a child Bill Cosby and George Carlin were inspirations and today he referred to Bryan Regan. He also shared that he avoids watching stand-up comedy for two reasons. First, he always wants to be cautious that material from other’s doesn’t get integrated into his own work and second, his wife refuses to go as he’s always jumping to the punch line!
Jack also gave insight as to how he prepares and keeps his material fresh. First, he pretends that he’s never done the performance before and second, knows that he can truncate or elaborate the story. He often goes into the audience to get a feel from them.
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Our meeting sponsor was Gary McDonald who gave a brief presentation on the work of Senior Gleaners. They began operation in 1976. Today the now serve 12 counties, partnering with 130 non-profits to provide food and fresh produce to seniors. Many of the recipients are on fixed incomes and struggle to make ends meet.
Many of the 500 volunteers that sort donated food or help to pick produce in the fields are seniors themselves.
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President Peter Dannenfelser inducted two new members into the club: Michael Pearson sponsored by Dave Cohen and Ken Cross – as well as Jonathan Marz sponsored by Karen Diepenbrock and Oleta Lambert.
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Deryl Wallace from the American Cancer Society shared that the national organization is seeking participants for a new study that will begin this year. There have been 3 significant research studies conducted during the organizations history including the first that linked smoking with lung cancer. This third study will examine genetic factors linked with cancer. Participants need to be between the ages of 30 and 65, never been diagnosed with cancer and willing to be involved with the study for 20-30 years. Go to their website for more information.
Yosemite Snowshoe walk is coming up on February 23rd
Squaw Valley ski trip is coming up on March 14th
Get ready for Bid for Kids on May 4th and the District Conference the following weekend.
