Meeting on April 24, 2013
GREETER:
Paul B welcomed all and read the inspirational poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye. It reminded him of the nature of Rotary and the motto, Peace Through Service.
GUESTS:
Sharon Jackson, visiting Rotarian from the RC of Mission San Rafael
Jeff Allen, visiting Rotarian from the RC of San Rafael Harbor
GOODTIMES:
Bill R gave highlights from his recent car trip in the form of trivia questions:
-Where is the first George Lucas Park? Modesto, celebrates "American Graffiti"
-Where is the largest Monopoly board? Human-size board in San Jose
-Where did the first powered, heavier-than-aircraft fly? Near the San Francisco Airport
-Where is Casa de Choo Choo? Grounds of Casa de Fruta.
Roland C was very happy to be back and spoke with much energy and enthusiasm. He discussed RotaCare and its benefits to our community, which has saved $1.2M. It is, unfortunately, a too well kept secret.
Cammie D visited Rotary clubs on behalf of Interact Inspires. She also promoted the recent fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Tiburon, saying it will be a fun, festive event where you can win prizes and cash.
Dr Mike O spoke of his time at the Interact Inspires event. His grandsons joined him and they were awed by the very impressive speakers, Paul Kingsman and Kaila Mcdonald. Dr Mike's grandsons were able to take pictures with Paul Kingsman's Olympic medal.
Matt T announced how impressed he was with the Interactors. They are very poised and passionate about what they are doing. He also thanked Dr. Lisa P and Cammie D for all the work they have done with the group. All agree they have done a great job with the Interacters.
Dr. Lisa P spoke regarding the Interact Inspires event as well. They raised $1,000 for AHO, towards their center in San Rafael. She and others also had a nice dinner after the fundraiser with Kaila and others from the AHO program who were or are still affected by homelessness as a youth.
Dr Mike O presented Jon Friedenberg a certificate for all his help and efforts over the past 16 years at Marin General.
Pres Chuck O spoke of how he rode in the Napa "Cycle for Sight" ride. He noted that it was more of a wine tasting than a bike ride. However, he was surprised that, when he finished the ride, there was no free beer or food. The ride raised $130,000!!!
Herman V was so inspired by the ride that he got out his bike...but still hasn't ridden it.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Hank C discussed speaking with a veteran friend, Will W, who did his service on a submarine. Hank is going to join Will next week at the RC of Larkspur to introduce and promote our fundraiser to them.
Phil D needs volunteers for the Petaluma ride on Saturday, May 18th. from 6am - 930am. This will be a nice run through for our own ride. We need people to help usher and direct parking for the event.
Emerson J delivered a story regarding the late Margaret Thatcher. One day there was a knock on her door, an aide delivering the bad news that "The Germans have defeated the Brits in our national game." She reminder the messenger, "We have beaten the Germans twice in the last century at their national game."
SPEAKER:
Emerson J introduced Jon Friedenberg of Marin General Hospital. Jon is the Chief Fund and Business Development Officer. He talked about their plans for building a new community hospital. He gave an in depth look at how Marin General will be remodeled to better cope with new safety, seismic and medical care standards. It also must be able to serve the community's advancing and progressing needs. Mr. Friedenberg also discussed how the hospital plans to fund the remodeling effort and what it might look like.
Hospital rooms now have larger needs than they did 50 years ago. Under state law, the district has until 2020 to make Marin General Hospital earthquake safe by either building a new hospital or retrofitting the existing structure. In the new buildings, Marin General will address these issues to be able to stay at the forefront of healthcare. Pressed to estimate the cost of the new hospital, Mr. Friedenberg said it will amount to about $500 million. He said the district plans to ask voters to approve a general obligation bond of $300 million to $350 million with the rest funded by revenue bonds.