Meeting Recap for April 28, 2015
Posted by Rick Davis
on Apr 29, 2015
President Susan gaveled us in on the hack--12:15 pm--to start a meeting marked by commendable Rotarian generosity. The recent earthquake in Nepal was on our minds, especially since a number of us had so recently returned from Rotary service there (Nov 2014). As invocator, John McIntyre started us off with a poignant remembrance. Then, during Levels of Risk later in the program, Gary McDonald stood to offer $500 toward shelter boxes for Nepal. He then challenged others to match the amount. Within minutes, we had pledged nearly $4,000.
Related: your humble reporter had the pleasure at this meeting of hosting Mr. Michael Morgan, visiting past president from the Rotary Morning Club of Camarillo. As he watched our club's response to Gary's challenge, he commented (admittedly with a touch of hyperbole), "More people raised their hands than I have in my club!" Indeed.
In the same vein, we should also acknowledge Barbara Arnold's eloquent comments and donation on behalf of Judge Brian Van Camp's youngest daughter, Lauren, who passed away this last week. Our thoughts and hearts are with you, judge.
These notes betray a certain characteristic of our club members. It's not the amount; it's the openness and spontaneity. We are a generous breed.
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And speaking of generosity, past presidents Peter Dannenfelser II and Walter Dahl stood to honor our own District Governor Fred Teichert. The two did a fine stand-up routine, complete with pictures that forced us to confess (among other things) that, yes, we once wore Nehru jackets. It was fun and a marvelous recognition for DG Fred, a great and giving soul. Larry Booth offered nicely pithy remarks as our Meeting Sponsor for the day. His subject was Sacramento Works, whose programs provide (as he put it) "options for your superman." Translation: their programs include useful resources and services to employers and job seekers both. For details, contact Terri Carpenter at sacramentoworks.org.
Just before 1:00 pm, Rita Gibson stood to introduce our guest speaker, Mr. David Troxel. Mr. Troxel is a writer, teacher and expert on Alzheimer's disease. It is a global issue, he told us, as populations live longer and, for the U.S., is the sixth leading cause of death. It is also the most expensive disease (a function of increasing longevity); and there is as yet no capacity to prevent, slow or cure it.
So, what to do? Mr. Troxel argued for empathetic care: hugs are better than drugs, he averred. This can be a highly individualized therapy, of course; but it does include common elements for all patients, such as laughter; exercise; creative, purposeful activities; and what he called, "informed love."
It was an excellent, accessible presentation, and one well worth the hearing.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time for Q&A with Mr. Troxel. President Susan gaveled us to a close on time. We are dark next week (5 May), and will return for our next meeting on 12 May. Our guest speaker then will be Mr. Tim Erickson, who will tell us of the last great Yosemite cattle drive--and its future. Join us!
Rotarily,
Rick Davis