President Matt Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the best damn Rotary club in all the world.
Pledge: Jenny Davini
The President asked Jenny Davini to lead the pledge to our flag, and she was happy to do so.
He then asked Mike Grace to provide the blessing... which he did.
Saing Grace
President Ross lead the recitation of the Four-Way test.
... and Guests!
Guest - Linda Abdelbaki
Heather Wulfert introduced her friend and licensed therapist, Linda Abdelbaki. Heather met Linda at the 2030 Club. Linda is checking out our club to make sure that everything Heather has said about it is true.
Guest Speaker - Harry Starkey
President Ross introduced our guest speaker, Harry Starkey. Harry is the president of the Parkinson's Association of Northern California.
Show Me the Money!
Bell Ringer - Christine Jensen
Christine is ringing the bell. She shared that she recently took her motor home on a trip to Depot Bay, Oregon, for a big client meeting. While that, in and of itself, would be worthy of ring the bell, it was not the reason. The reason is that she is here, alive, to ring the bell. She shared that sneaker waves are real and one should never turn their back to the ocean. Sneaker is the secret word. Christine, her friend and their two dogs were surprised by one such wave and were carried out to sea, against their will. Fortunately, a pod of dolphins was nearby and brought the wet and cold terrestrials, and their dogs, safely back to shore and promptly tail-danced away, knowing that they had done their good deed for the day. Christine is very happy to be here today!
Bell Ringer - Al Cady
Al is ringing the bell because he purchased a new Tesla. He was feeling guilty about driving two diesel vehicles and needed to repent to appease his environmental friends... Of course, this editor is joking, as we all know that Al never feels guilty about his vehicle choices, and he does not have any environmentally leaning friends. Al just felt that with all his diesel generating capacity he might just as well use them to charge his new electric vehicle. Should any environmentalist attempt to congratulate him on his purchase, he can share how he charges them with his diesel generators.
Al Frumkin - Happy Bucks
Al was very happy to share that he and Lisa made the most of the Valentine's Day weekend by spending it at the Shores at Hotel Del Coronado, in San Diego. The weather was perfect, sunny... not rainy. As if that was not enough to make everyone envious, Al had to add that they were seated next to a glass wall with a great view of the ocean while they baked in the warm sun.
Bill Hambrick - Happy Bucks
Bill was very happy that the dolphins saved our past president, her friend and dogs from the Nike wave. (For those of you reading this in the morning without your fist cup of coffee... Nike is a sneaker...)
Daniel Martin - Happy Bucks
Daniel shared he was donating in honor of Al's Tesla. He also gave Al a tip, that in a pinch, he could drag the Tesla behind his diesel truck.
Lydia Wytrzes - Happy & Sad Bucks
Lydia was sad that her plans to be is Salt Lake City to go to the ballet and do other fun things were cancelled when her husband's remembered he was on call during the planned time away. He figured the commute was just a bit too long to be able to respond in a timely manner. Her happy bucks were given because her cancelled Utah plans allowed her to be at the Rotary meeting.
Al Cady - Happy Bucks
Al is happy because he was able to prevail upon Rotarian, Rob Olmstead III, to pull some strings and get someone at the FBI to call Alicia. Alicia is heavy into fraud... curtailing it, not perpetrating it. She is in charge of conducting a fraud seminar for Northern Canada in Fort McMurray. Her main speaker is a person with the FBI. This person was not responding as quickly as Alicia would like and she made her frustrations known to Al. Al, eager to keep Alicia happy, and not wanting to hear her complain any longer, found a way to earn brownie points while being thousands of miles away. This, and 25 red roses for Valentine's Day... I'd say Al is on a roll... makes one wonder what he is trying to make amends for?
Lydia Wytrzes
Lydia Wytrzes
Bobsledding
Was the Secret Word...
Lydia selected the beer
for her efforts
Note to Al Frumkin from Chris Lewis
Al shared that Chris Lewis called him to tell him that he might be a few minutes late to the lunch meeting as it was snowing heavier than he had expected.
That's FINE With Me!
Todd Eichman
Todd, a frequent table mate of members that frequently inhabit the tables located towards the back half of the room, was the first target selected by the Prez to play Fine or Trivia. Todd was surprised as he was fully compliant with all of the pins and badge requirements needed to avoid the wrath of Ross... but not this time. He was partially hidden behind the building support, and he is now aware that you can run but you can't hide... The Prez gave him many choices of trivia to choose from and he chose French.
Question: What does Mardi Gras mean?
Todd's answer: Fat Tuesday! Correct answer... no fine.
Joe Green
Joe, also a frequenter of tables in the back of the room, was the Prez's choice for the second Fine or Trivia challenge. Joe chose sports for his trivia question.
Question: Which country has won the most Winter Olympic medals, more than 400?
Joe's answer: Norway. Correct... no fine.
Roy Vogel and Joelle Fondale
The Prez called Roy to the front of the room. He was concerned that someone Roy had recruited into Rotary was not wearing the correct badge. The Prez asked Roy to read the name on the badge he was holding and ask that person to come to the front of the room too. Roy called Joelle to come forward. The Prez then explained that she was wearing a Red Badge and should be wearing a Blue Badge. Roy was pleased to be able to give his daughter, Joelle, her new Blue Badge. The Prez never charges the new Blue Bagder for the badge, but he is not above charging their sponsor... so...
Roy, $10 please!
For the first time in a very long time, we have no Red Badgers in the club. It is time to start inviting prospective members to come see what makes us a special club... and not in the licking-the-window on the school bus sort of way.
!!! NEWS YOU SHOULD USE !!!
15th Annual Poker Tournament
Mr. Thomas Goode noted that most of the major sponsorships have been sold. This is an all-hands-on-deck event for our annual Poker Tournament, March 21st. We need more sponsors and butts in the seats. We have never maxed out the players. We have sold more tickets than seats and even then, due to no-shows, we did not fill every seat. The website is up and running so you can log in and register and see all the sponsors that we already have. Even if you have never played, you stand a good chance of winning as a first-time player won the tournament a few years back. It is a great time... you can even win prizes if you make it to the final table. We have Blackjack for those interested in playing for drink tickets. The food is good, the players are great, and the cause is wonderful.
Aspire's Annual College Fair
Christine Jensen shared that Aspire will be holding their annual College Carrer Fair on April 24th. They are looking for individuals willing to share aspects of their profession with impressionable minds looking for future careers. For more information contact Marisol or Rachel.
As seen through of the eye of the Editor & Stenote.AI
Harry Starkey
District Attorney, Sacramento County
The Prez introduced our Guest Speaker, Harry Starkey, current President of the Parkinson's Association, Northern California. Harry is a two-time Rotarian and is personally affected by Parkinson's disease.
## Summary:
This transcript features a detailed discussion led by Harry Starkie, the president of the Parkinson's Association of Northern California, who is also personally affected by Parkinson's disease. The talk covers the nature of Parkinson's as the fastest growing neurodegenerative disorder, highlighting its clinical diagnosis challenges, symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and the unique variability of the disease among individuals. Starkie explains the critical role of dopamine loss in symptom development and the importance of exercise, especially high-intensity cardio and dual-tasking exercises, in slowing disease progression. He discusses current treatments including the longstanding use of carbidopa-levodopa and deep brain stimulation surgery for tremor management. The organization’s efforts include extensive support groups, respite programs for caregivers, annual conferences, and advocacy against harmful environmental toxins like paraquat herbicide, which is linked to Parkinson's and still used in California despite bans elsewhere. Starkie shares personal reflections on living with Parkinson's, the impact of diagnosis, and the value of mindfulness and community support. Future goals of the association include expanding support groups, rural outreach, mental health programs, and legislative advocacy. The discussion also touches on research hopes in gene therapy and stem cell treatments. Overall, the transcript provides a comprehensive overview of Parkinson's disease, patient experiences, treatment options, and community support initiatives.
### General Information
- Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disorder worldwide.
- Diagnosis is clinical, involving neurologist evaluation of symptoms and patient history.
- Common diagnostic questions include loss of smell, history of concussion, exposure to pesticides or industrial solvents.
- Diagnosis can be difficult and delayed; Harry took a year to get diagnosed.
- About 1 million people in the U.S. live with PD.
- PD is a lifelong disease with no current cure, but promising treatments are in development.
### Disease Characteristics
- PD is called a "snowflake disease" — symptoms vary widely among individuals.
- Men are diagnosed more often than women, partly due to underdiagnosis in women.
- People usually die from complications of PD, most commonly pneumonia caused by aspiration.
- PD affects the midbrain area producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for automatic movements.
- At diagnosis, approximately 80% of dopamine is already lost.
- Tremor is the most visible symptom but not always present.
- Non-motor symptoms include mood disorders, visual disturbances, and hallucinations.
### Disease Progression and Management
- Exercise is critical to slow progression.
- Important exercises include trunk rotation, large amplitude movements, toe lifting while walking, and high-intensity cardio.
- Dual tasking (e.g., walking while spelling words backwards) helps activate neuroplasticity.
### Medications and Treatments
- Carbidopa-Levodopa (L-Dopa) is the gold standard treatment since the 1960s.
- New formulations aim for time-release to provide even medication levels.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option for severe tremor; involves implanting electrodes and a transponder to modulate brain activity.
### Multidisciplinary Care
- Ideal management includes:
- Movement disorder neurologist
- Physical therapist
- Speech therapist (to help with voice loss and aspiration risk)
- Occupational therapist
- Psychiatric and mental health support
- Dietitian (Mediterranean diet recommended)
## Parkinson's Association of Northern California (PINK)
### Background
- Founded in 1990 in a garage.
- Mission: Enhance lives of people with Parkinson's, families, and caregivers.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Budget approx. $700,000.
- Network of over 50 support groups, including specialized groups for veterans, young onset, singles, and Spanish speakers.
### Programs and Services
- Respite program: Provides caregiver relief by hiring professionals to assist patients at home.
- Annual conference: Largest independent Parkinson's conference in the U.S. (~1000 attendees).
- Medical advisory panel (Journal Club): Experts collaborate on latest research and treatments.
### Advocacy and Outreach
- Working to ban harmful pesticides like paraquat, heavily used in California's Central Valley.
- Paraquat is banned in the EU and China but still legal in the U.S.
- Rural outreach program targeting migrant farm workers, who are disproportionately affected.
- Advocacy includes meeting with legislators in Washington, D.C.
### Organizational Growth
- Recently added Bakersfield to support network.
- Seeking to grow support groups and board membership.
- Planning mental health and dental care programs.
## Personal Insights from Harry Starkie
- Diagnosis was life-changing; emphasizes mindfulness and therapy.
- First person with Parkinson's to serve as president of PINK.
- Shares the challenge of "facial masking" symptom during his interview.
## Q&A Highlights
### Clinical Trials and Research
- Hope lies in stem cell and gene editing (CRISPR) therapies.
- Protein misfolding implicated in PD; research ongoing to restore normal protein function.
### Diagnosis Age and Symptoms
- Most diagnoses occur after age 60.
- Early symptoms like loss of smell often overlooked.
- Early diagnosis helps with trial participation and management.
### Environmental Factors
- Paraquat is an herbicide used in agriculture.
- Industrial solvents, degreasers, and chemicals from dry cleaning linked to PD.
- History of concussion increases risk by 50%.
- Smoking reduces risk by about 30%, but not recommended.
### Support Groups
- Separate groups exist for caregivers and family members.
- Support groups provide education and community.
## Closing Remarks
- Encouragement to refer people with PD to PINK.
- Appreciation for Rotary Club support.
- Donation made to End Polio in speaker's honor.
- Invitation to board meeting open to club members.
The Prez thanked Harry for his informative presentation. He then presented him with a certificate showing that a donation of $25 to Polio Plus would be made on his behalf, vaccinating 25 people with the help of matching funds.
President Mattthanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting by ringing the bell and closing the meeting at 1:01 P.M.
Respectfully (more or less) submitted by,
Mike Grace
Reporter, Photographer and Editor
Hellen Weight
Ombudsman and Content Supervisor
DISCLAIMER - Some of the information provided in some of the articles and possibly included in some of the "quotes" from club members, may have been a fabrication of a demented mind. It is up to you to determine fact from fiction. Individuals objecting to all or any parts herein, are encouraged to go to Hellen Weight to lodge a formal complaint.
Club Information
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Piatti
571 Pavilions Lane
Arden-Arcade, CA 95825 United States of America
