Lorez Bailey is the publisher of the North Bay Business Journal. A business-to-business publication and website that for over 35 years has been covering the business news of the North Bay. The North Bay Business Journal is part of the Sonoma Media Investments group of publications including the Press Democrat.
Prior to returning to a career in media Lorez served 5 years as the executive director of Chop’s Teen Club a 20,000 plus Sq Ft. facility serving and mentoring teens from grades 7-12 located in downtown Santa Rosa. Considered an innovative one-of-a-kind recreation facility including culinary, music, art, technology programs and so much more.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, in 2019 she was awarded U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson’s Sonoma County “Woman of the Year” for her work with students across Sonoma County and her smart advocacy to implement change in student support programs that produced important changes that prepare students for the 21st Century economy.
Lorez has also worked a large part of her career in media including The Community Voice, Press Democrat, Fremont Argus, Bay Area News Group, Youth News and Channel 50. Lorez earned her B.A. in Communication Studies and Telecommunications from Sacramento State University and M.A. in Education with an Education Technology emphasis from Sonoma State University.
Before Chop’s, Lorez worked at Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) as the Director of College and Career Readiness where she spearheaded the creation and/or revision of all Sonoma County high school college and career centers. A great part that work also consisted of leading a team of work-based learning coordinators who worked in schools to; elevate Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, connect schools to the business community and implement the work-based linked learning initiatives.
She is a proud active graduate chapter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Nu Omega Chapter. Lorez is member of the Pepperwood Preserve Foundation Board, 10,000 Degrees Sonoma County Advisory Board, Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center Program Advisory Board and the California Press Foundation.
Windsor Sunrise Rotarian, Barbara McChesney commanded a standing room only breakout session at our Rotary International Convention earlier this summer in Melbourne. She graciously presented to Santa Rosa Sunrise Rotary members (many of whom were not at the convention) last Thursday.
She posed the important question, "How do we want to leave our world to our grandchildren?" We watched a profound video titled, "Plastic Soup," a fictious advertisement that highlighted a family making a dinner comprised of soup with plastic pieces to ingest. This gave us a clear, somber idea of ocean wildlife ingesting single use plastics regularly. This commodity of convenience is ruining our ecosystem. If we do not take action and radically reduce the consumption of single use plastics, the consequences will be dire.
Developing nations have also been negatively impacted by single use plastics, causing a tremendous amount of litter on land and on the shores of many communities. This effects access to clean water and omits toxins in the environment that are detrimental to humans and wildlife.
Landfills are now predominately filled with plastic leaving little room for other waste, and plastic exported overseas is wasting valuable resources and use of these plastics are resorting to health issues that we are only beginning to grasp.
Though the realization of the use of single use plastic is dire, there is a glimmer of hope. It begins with educating people on the impact plastics have on our ecosystem. Finding ways to radically reduce the use of plastic will make a difference. Switching from plastic water bottles to a reusable water bottles helps. Instead of purchasing Ziplock bags, use reusable food containers. Barbara brought a basket full of examples of what to use instead of plastic.
Furthermore, a coalition of youth around the world are actively advocating for governmental reform on the production and use of single use plastic. Developing nations are actively refusing plastic to be imported into their countries, and environmental groups around the world are constantly coming up with new ideas to improve this systemic crisis.
Throughout Barbara's presentation, she emphasized that we can do better. How do we do better? Radically reduce the use of single use plastics and continue to educate those around us on how this convenient commodity is harming our bodies and our ecosystem.
For more information on what we can do to make the world a better place for our next generations, please visit Barbara McChesney's blog: https://www.mcsisters.org/making-a-difference
On a regular basis, our resident photo pro Warren Smith, submits pictures of what is going on at the weekly meetings. You can always find the most recent pictures at the websites photo journal called "Meeting Sighting" Please note that all the meeting photos for the entire Rotary year are at this location with the most recent on the last page.
Thanks for all the great pictures Warren!Link to Meeting Sightings. The most recent are on the last page!
President Debra Adjourns Our Meeting with this Message:
As human beings, we each have a responsibility to care for humanity. Pressing concern for others brings inner strength and deep satisfaction. As social animals, human beings need friendship. Friendship doesn't come from wealth and power, but from showing compassion and concerns for others.
M.J. Girard is currently an on air personality on KOWSfm.com His “Roots of Rock” is broadcast every Sunday morning at 7 AM
Artificial Intelligence indeed! Randy alluded to this development, now prevalent in the print medium, at last Thursday’s meeting. The waves of change are crashing upon our shores. The future is now…machines have taken on the role of decision making and I’m not sure if pulling the plug could alter this takeover. (Recall HAL 9000 in the movie “2001 Space Odyssey” released in 1969, this Sci-Fi epic foretold a future world that has come to fruition). Since watching Frontline “In the Age of AI” available for download from the PBS network, this is an eye opener to say the least. Also reading “AI Superpowers China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order” written by Doctor Kai-Fu Lee, a leading researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. We are in this swirl of innovation at hyper speed, there is no turning back to simpler times. There are valid and valuable pluses to AI. Early diagnosis of diseases amongst the best, self-driving vehicles will reduce accidents and fatalities once the “bugs” are fixed. Radio has for years played “canned” computer-controlled programming from distant sources…but the local DJ (few of us left…) can relate to immediate issues and knows his/her audience.
Well, not that I’ve set the mood, let’s treat ourselves to some lighter thoughts as we listen to music from our innocent youth. Remember Woodstock? Fifty-four years ago! The three-day open concert extravaganza held in upstate New York that changed everything. Never had so many people gathered to be entertained. There were many issues that this mega concert brought to the forefront; feeding, sanitation and emergency services come to mind. All of that considered, the event initially was a financial disaster, prepaid ticket sales were far short of covering cost, the once the multitude started showing up, the perimeter fences fell from the throng of concert goers, especially after the local radio stations announced that this was now a “free” event, with the promoters throwing their hands up in desperation. The saving grace was the after-event sales of the documentary film and music albums. Initially the organizers had great difficulty interesting performers to commit to this heretofore untried venue. Most all of the popular groups were invited, Jimmy Hendrix, the Beatles, the Stones, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys and many others, most of whom either chose to pass, had other commitments or just plainly thought this would never come to fruition. The Bay Area group, Credence Clearwater Revival took a chance and decided to appear. This heavyweight band lead the way to others who were teetering on indecision to sign on the dotted line and appear at the event. In total, 32 acts appeared, with a grand total of 162 musicians gracing the main stage!
On the 13th. of August KOWSfm.com will air an exclusive encore special of this life changing event. The “Roots of Rock” is a weekly live stream featuring tunes from the early stages of rock music, accepting requests for “memory making music” …try it….” Mikey Likes It!”.
The year was 1932. The place, Illinois, specifically the manufacturing plant of cookware manufacturer Club Products Standard International. 250 people employed. From the inception of the firm in 1923, its high quality pots, pans and utensils were sold, not exclusively in retail stores, but door-to-door and through in-home pot parties. Not quite what a pot party would be today. The founder of Club Utensils Charles Lachman captured a niche market of discerning affluent women, mostly members of the North Chicago Women's Athletic Club. Similar to the Tupperware marketing model of the later 1940's and '70's, the company thrived during the Roaring Twenties. In 1932, and bankrupt, it was with the new leadership of Herbert "HJ" Taylor who paved the path to post depression prosperity through collaboration, consumer trust-building and applied integrity. Continuing into the 1960's Taylor's inspiration was central to Club's successful survival. His integrity principled drive guided him through progressive Rotary roles culminating as International President in 1954-55, eleven years after his trademark Four-Way Test was adopted by Rotary International.
Leadership expressed itself early in Taylor's life. He volunteered as a YMCA leader during World War I in France coordinating supply logistics in Brest. He served as chair of the War Price Administration Board. He strongly supported Christian faith development, helping found Young Life, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and Girl Pioneers.
For a closer look at the business history, click HERE.
One time, Billy was in Chicago to speak and there a problem with the hotel availability because there was a big convention in town. And he was with his assistant, Lacy. All the rooms were booked and there was only one room left, but it did have two beds so they decided to share the room.
Lacy said, "You know, Billy I'm cold."
And Billy said, "Well, Lacy, how'd you like to be Mrs. Crystal for the night?"
She said, "I'd love to be Mrs. Crystal for the night."
And Billy said, "Then get up and shut the darn window!"
At the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, I asked all Rotary members to become champions in our effort to illuminate mental health needs near and far. This includes helping one another feel more supported, advocating for mental health services, and building bridges with experts in the field to expand access to treatment.
It’s an important task and a big ask. But it’s also something that should feel familiar to every Rotary member — because everything we do is in the spirit of caring, giving, friendship, and compassion, and has been from the beginning of our organization.
We’ve grown into an amazing global network of 1.4 million interconnected community leaders — leaders who share a deep commitment to doing good in the world. But what makes Rotary powerful isn’t just what we do for the communities we serve. We also support and empower each other, by creating a safe space for our members to bring their whole, authentic selves. We show each other comfort and care.
These connections are deeply meaningful. The U.S. surgeon general recently declared loneliness a public health epidemic. Dr. Vivek Murthy said, “We must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” I am proud of what Rotary has done across generations to build those kinds of social connections — and this magazine focused on loneliness and what Rotary can do about it in its January 2023 issue.
Our worldwide community and our foundational value prioritizing Service Above Self makes Rotary a powerful global advocate for mental health. A recently published study by Ohio State University found performing acts of kindness was the only one of three mental health interventions tested that helped people feel more connected to others. Study co-author David Cregg said, “Performing acts of kindness seems to be one of the best ways to promote those connections.”
This research suggests what we’ve known all along — that doing good helps transform not just the communities we serve, but it also transforms us. As we put a greater focus on mental health, let’s not think of this effort as something new to Rotary, but rather as something we can do better and as a result have a greater impact on ourselves and the people we serve.
We are not starting this effort from scratch. The Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives has been focused on these kinds of issues for several years — and we will be looking to members of that group for leadership as we continue to build awareness.
Mental health care fits comfortably within several of our areas of focus. As of May, there are 41 global grant-supported projects with a mental health focus. Many of them have tremendous promise, and we will be highlighting them in the months ahead.
So let’s work together to erase the stigma associated with emotional well-being, raise awareness of mental health needs, and improve access to preventive and interventional mental health services.
This year, I urge all of you to think big about The Rotary Foundation. To reach our goals and make the impact we know we can make, we must think outside the box and embrace innovation. We must make bold plans to expand our reach today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Start by thinking big about Foundation-supported projects. If your club hasn’t engaged in a Rotary Foundation district grant or global grant, make this the year you do. Collaborating with your Rotary counterparts in another district on one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus can make a lasting impact beyond your wildest dreams. Explore Rotary Showcase at rotary.org/showcase or arrange a meeting between your club and your district Rotary Foundation chair to start a conversation.
Let’s also think big about our polio fundraising this year. Begin planning your World Polio Day fundraiser now for 24 October if you haven’t already. Let’s see how Rotaract and Rotary clubs can make this year’s fundraisers our best ever.
Thinking big about the Foundation also means remembering that through it, our impact goes beyond the current Rotary year. We see this through not only the emphasis on sustainability in our grant projects but also in initiatives such as Programs of Scale. The third Programs of Scale recipient will take on a big challenge: combating cervical cancer and enhancing women’s health in Egypt through awareness-raising and improved access to preventive care.
The success of the Programs of Scale grant model lies in our approach of closely collaborating with partners to amplify proven methods. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards $2 million to a member-led program that has demonstrated success and has the potential to reach more people through scaling up over a three- to five-year period.
Our Programs of Scale are the epitome of thinking big: Through them, we aim to establish sustainable partnerships and cost-effective programs that deliver tangible benefits beyond the funding period. This way, Rotary and its Foundation can reach and assist more people in more places.
Lastly, let’s remember that our efforts to make the world a better place should extend beyond our time on earth. As we strive to reach $2.025 billion by 2025 for Rotary’s Endowment, consider how you can leave a legacy by making a gift or a commitment to a Rotary endowment. This will ensure that Rotary’s future generations will have greater financial resources to create positive change, just as so many are doing now, in so many ways.
At Folsom State Prison in California, small groups of inmates have shifted gears through a project of the nearby Rotary Club of Cameron Park. Since 2007 the club in the Sacramento area has collected used bicycles and delivered them to Folsom, where inmates repair them. Rotarians deliver as many as 500 of the refashioned rides each year to school children from low-income households and to organizations serving homeless people, veterans, refugees, and families displaced by wildfires. “The bike refurbishing program not only provides valuable skills and opportunities for our inmates, but it also allows them to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” notes Tracy Johnson, Folsom’s acting warden. “Although it’s a step toward rehabilitation, it’s a big leap toward creating positive change.” The club spends about $1,200 a year on the project. “I look at this as a win-win program,” says Don Fuller, the club’s immediate past president. “We’re picking up bikes that people don’t want. The inmates get a sense of satisfaction.”
Uruguay
The Rotary Club of Fray Bentos scooped up 320 servings of paella during a cook-off that has raised thousands of dollars for activities since 2016. Under the guidance of chef Eduardo Casales of La Tomasa restaurant, 23 of the club’s members peeled and cut vegetables to fill giant pans with the rice dish in April during this year’s event, which raised about $2,800. The secret ingredient? “The high quality of the inputs used added to the flavor that maintains this traditional paella,” along with the charitable deeds enabled by the proceeds, says Alfredo Batista Fernández, a past club president. The club, which maintains a bank of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and canes loaned at no charge to people in need, has devoted the proceeds from the food sales to related causes, including the construction of 16 wheelchair-accessible ramps throughout the city of Fray Bentos, as well as at schools.
This story originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of Rotary magazine.
Rotary projects make a difference in communities around the world.
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At Folsom State Prison in California, small groups of inmates have shifted gears through a project of the nearby Rotary Club of Cameron Park. Since 2007 the club in the Sacramento area has collected used bicycles and delivered them to Folsom, where inmates repair them. Rotarians deliver as many as 500 of the refashioned rides each year to school children from low-income households and to organizations serving homeless people, veterans, refugees, and families displaced by wildfires. “The bike refurbishing program not only provides valuable skills and opportunities for our inmates, but it also allows them to give back to our community in a meaningful way,” notes Tracy Johnson, Folsom’s acting warden. “Although it’s a step toward rehabilitation, it’s a big leap toward creating positive change.” The club spends about $1,200 a year on the project. “I look at this as a win-win program,” says Don Fuller, the club’s immediate past president. “We’re picking up bikes that people don’t want. The inmates get a sense of satisfaction.”
The Rotary Club of Fray Bentos scooped up 320 servings of paella during a cook-off that has raised thousands of dollars for activities since 2016. Under the guidance of chef Eduardo Casales of La Tomasa restaurant, 23 of the club’s members peeled and cut vegetables to fill giant pans with the rice dish in April during this year’s event, which raised about $2,800. The secret ingredient? “The high quality of the inputs used added to the flavor that maintains this traditional paella,” along with the charitable deeds enabled by the proceeds, says Alfredo Batista Fernández, a past club president. The club, which maintains a bank of wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and canes loaned at no charge to people in need, has devoted the proceeds from the food sales to related causes, including the construction of 16 wheelchair-accessible ramps throughout the city of Fray Bentos, as well as at schools.