Welcome to another issue of our weekly bulletin! Find out who spoke at our last meeting and who is speaking at next week's meeting. Also, learn of the passing of a Rotarian who made a mark on the community.
AI Today: Beyond the Hype
At Monday’s Quincy Rotary meeting, we were joined by Jake Williams, Director of Technology at the Indian Valley Innovation Hub and staff member of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce. Jake gave an engaging and informative presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI)—what it truly is today and what it is not.
He explained that the AI we currently have is a tool, not a thinking being. It functions by predicting the next word or pattern, much like completing a paragraph based on context. This type of AI has no awareness, feelings, or intent—it doesn’t experience emotions, hold bias, or possess consciousness.
Jake contrasted this with the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which is often depicted in movies or speculative discussions. AGI represents a hypothetical being—one that could reason, learn, understand, and even exhibit self-awareness or consciousness. However, Jake emphasized that AGI does not exist today. What we have is powerful technology, but it remains a tool created and guided by humans.
***FYI: The above was written entirely by ChatGBT.
Ken Barnard’s Memorial Service
Ken Barnard’s memorial service will be held this Saturday, November 8, at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church, 396 Second Avenue, Portola.
Ken was an active and devoted Quincy Rotarian from 1990 through 2015. He served many years as club treasurer and later as president from 2001 to 2002. By profession, he owned the accounting business now operated by John Breaux. He also played a meaningful role in local development, including Chandler Heights and Galeppi Ranch.
Mike Summerfield remembers that Ken had the kind of humor that belonged on a Bob Newhart stage. That dry, perfectly timed sparkle made him instantly memorable and endlessly appreciated.
Ken will be deeply missed throughout Plumas County.
Next Week's Program
Our Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership students (REGL) will be speaking at next Monday's meeting.
REGL is a professionally delivered three (3) day intensive leadership training session conducted by Rotary District 5190. Eighth (8th) grade students who have demonstrated leadership skills are provided with high quality leadership training with a strong emphasis on ethics. Attendance is by scholarship only.
