Club Meeting on Aug 22, 2012

Posted by William Ring 
on Aug 22, 2012
 

GREETER:

 Past Pres Bill Cope gave a lengthy summary of the Olympics.

  • This was the year of the woman: Of the 46 Gold medals won by the US, 29 were won by women.
  • If US women were a single country, they would be 3rd among all other nations.  
  • This was the 5th straight year that the US won the highest number of medals.
  • Cal and Stanford alumni accounted for 33 medals.   It was 17-16  - Go Bears!  

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

  • Phil has restarted the Raffle.  Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5.  If your ticket is selected, you get a chance to find the one clear marble in the bag. If you find it, you win half the pot, with the rest going to the Club.  For each draw, there will be one less marble.
  • Dr Mike gave a wrap-up on the Golf Tournament. He acknowledged the great work by Matt, Cristy, Roland and Gus. We raised close to $14,000.  Add that to the $3,000 from Past Pres Christie's Tennis tournament, the Cub now has an additional $17,000. 
  • Lisa noted that the Call of the Sea event on Sept. 30th is filling up, please check Capt Alan's website to sign up for one of the few remaining berths. 
  • Marlyn explained the Trading Banner Exchange system.   When you travel, it provides a means to introduce yourself to local clubs.  They are free.  See the person at the desk before you go.  

GOOD TIMES:

  • Dr Mike - Bodega golf event
  • Marlyn - Recalled her trip to Phoenix and how the old guard were treating women in RI in the early 90’s.
  • Cristy – Remembered her trip with John on a PC exchange program with the Budapest Rotary Club
  • Matt – Went to an event honoring a grand old teacher who really connected with kids.
  • Wine Auction: Won by Marlyn

SPEAKERS PROBATION OFFICERS: Kevin Lynch & Matt Perry

Key Roles of probation officers are:

                INVESTIGATION, SUPERVISION, JUVENILE, REALIGNMENT

California spends 78% of the $13 billion Corrections budget on prison-related costs

The major factor that makes this number so large is that the rate of incarceration has dramatically increased from the 90’s.  This is due to a number of factors.  In particular:

  • Greatly reduced incarceration in mental health institutions
  • Cuts in funding for rehabilitation
  • The Three Strikes Law
  • Drug related crime 

All this in spite of the fact that major crime has decreased. 
Some of the decrease is probably because many criminals are still in prison.

Marin County is working hard to decrease criminal behavior by an improved probation department.  This was motivated by the realization that prison guards are well trained to deal with criminals; but not juveniles, drug addicts and the mentally handicapped.

One of the services we offer to youth on probation is access to a job developer, who assists young people who have expressed interest in obtaining employment. The staff person in this position is always interested in developing contacts in the business community, particularly those who would be interested in offering opportunities for youth trying to turn their lives around.

 

If anyone in your organization would like to get more details about how this program operates, please have them call me directly and I can refer them to our Job Developer.