Meeting Recap of Jan. 3, 2011
Posted by RCS Staff
on Jan 5, 2011
The Rotary Club welcomed and honored 24 of our Past President’s at today’s meeting. President Scot opened the meeting and welcomed our esteemed guests. Past President Bob Cole shared his Thought for the Day and Sergeant-at-Arms, Mary Healy introduced guests, visiting Rotarians and two prospective new members.
Past President Dan Cole took the podium next to introduce and give us a bit of history on the Past President’s from 1961 – 1989. Past President John Frisch used his story telling talents to enlighten us about the Past President’s from 1990 – 1998. Then past President Rob Scherer finished up the honors with his tales of our Past President’s from 2001 – 2009. It was a great walk down memory lane for all those in attendance who have been members of the Sacramento Rotary Club for several years and also a nice history lesson for those who are newer. With the makings of a wonderful photo opportunity, President Scot asked all the Past Presidents to stay for a group picture after the meeting.
Our speaker of the day was Dr. Angelo Capozzi, who in 1992 co-founded Rotaplast International, Inc. along with the then Rotary Club President Peter Lagarias, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco.
Dr. Capozzi shared his stories and experiences of traveling to many third world countries to provide free reconstructive surgery to correct cleft lip and palate on thousands of children. Clefts of the lip and palate are among the most common of all birth defects. However in some areas of the world treatment is not common. Untreated, these children are ridiculed, rejected from society, and often deprived of an education. They are prone to serious upper respiratory problems, hearing loss, speech and dental problems. Since 1993 there have been over 150 missions all over the world and close to 14,000 patients have been treated. Rotaplast’s primary mission is the treatment of children with cleft anomalies. In some locations, Rotaplast treats burn patients and those with other birth defects that can be corrected by plastic surgery. Occasionally, teenagers and some adults receive treatment.
Since 1994, Rotary Districts and clubs throughout the United States have embraced Rotaplast International’s humanitarian mission as part of their International Service work because it provides a vehicle for medical professionals and non-medical volunteers to actively engage in projects that build international friendships and promote goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the world.