Rotary Club of Rossmoor - Walnut Creek

Club Meeting 2024-08-28
Thought for the Day: Presented by Jim O., a native American saying. “If the eyes had no tears the soul would have no rainbows.”

The League of women voter’s presented our program on Disinformation. They had 4 presenters: Janet Hoy,
Martha Van Drshoven, Valerie Ventre-Hutton, and Mike Miller. The program was outstanding.
The three women shared the first part of the program.
It is important to understand the difference between isinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is inadvertent. It is frequently followed up with a correction and can be fact checked. Disinformation is intended to deceive us. It is intentionally created to mislead us into false beliefs.
We believe fake news because we hear it often and everyone else in our group believes it. The media we view differs depending on age. Younger people get their news from social media. We more
mature folks 65+ watch TV. Which media one follows or what station we watch depends on our affiliations. We tend to watch what our groups do.
Fact check with Google Lens and Tineye. Use multiple creditable sources.
This intentional effort to mislead people undermines trust in the voting process and gives false information about voting requirements.
Trustworthy information is available in all 50 states from the Secretary of State, county election office, the league of Women Voters, and Vote411.org
Mike talked about raising trust in elections. A voter is more likely to be struck by lightning than successfully impersonating another voter. Our elections are very secure. We are all familiar with 2 step verification. Our elections undergo a 48-step verification process.

On September 30t the League of Women Voters will present an information program covering all 10 ballot measures. It will be at 7:00P.M. in the Pleasant Hill Community Center.

Club Meeting 2024-08-21
Commenced our Advertising of our 37th Gala to support Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Cancer through local charities.
Hold the date and buy tickets for November 9th.
Midnight in Paris is this years theme.

Tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Gala fundraiser. You may purchase them before the weekly meetings or online at rossmoorrotary.com/gala.
Costs are: $175 pp / $1200 table for 8 / $1500 table for 10. Payment can be made by check, cash, or credit card. Checks are made payable to: Rossmoor Rotary Foundation or RRF. For more information contact Sharon Long at 209-304-5118.

Speaker:
Christy L., and Liann M.-Introduced by Peter V.S.- The topic was The Sisterhood of Sobriety-
A place in Walnut Creek for women seeking recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Christy co-founded the Sisterhood in 2012. She talked about her own experience of 37 years of recovery. The Sisterhood provides a safe harbor for women seeking recovery. At the time of its founding, there were no “women only” safe homes. The programs scope of recovery is multi-faceted. The Sisterhood of Sobriety is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. It recently had its most successful Gala. Operations are funded through grants, sponsors, and individual donations.
Christy talked about the mission of Sisterhood. To “create a safe and nurturing living environment, where women can build a firm foundation of recovery from the disease of addiction.”
There are 300 graduated alumni in its 12 years of existence. Purpose driven scholarships are also provided to those seeking careers in various fields.
Liann talked about her success in recovery, now 4 years. She is now a member of the Board and treasurer.Becoming a part of the “family” of Sisterhood of Sobriety has enabled her to rediscover herself.
Questions from members were about the size of the home, 7500 sq.ft., and total number of beds, 16. The home
is about 10 miles from Rossmoor. The average stay in the home is 1 year. There is no time limit for staying, and children are accepted. For more information, see [email protected]

In addition - New Member Inductions-Jim O. inducted Richard H., retired mining engineer and financial consultant; and,
Brenda Jahn, former hospital director. Welcome!

Rotary of sobriety

Club Meeting 2024-08-14
Thought for the Day: David B read several positive statements, such as “enjoy the little things in life, as, looking back, these may seem like big things” and, ”memories sometimes sneak out of my eyes and onto my cheek.”

Main:

The Wheelchair Foundation, founded by David’s father, Ken Behring, is a nonprofit organization that
seeks to deliver a wheelchair to every child and adult who needs one but cannot afford to buy one. In
2001 his father, helping people worldwide with books and information and asking what needs were,
was asked to deliver wheelchairs to those who needed them. As a result, his father brought, over time,
335,000 wheelchairs to 156 countries. And now, over 1.2 million wheelchairs have been delivered.
What causes people to lose limbs? Earthquakes are the biggest natural disasters. When a building
collapses, it comes straight down, on a person. Limbs are lost. Diabetes is also big, and the number
there is rising. Land mines. Then there is special pediatric care for neurological damage, such as
cerebral palsy.
Wheelchairs are lifesavers to people who cannot get around without them. An organization on the
ground, often local Rotary clubs, decides who need the chairs, and orders the chairs with the right
sizing. There are 5 different widths, different sizes for men, women and children. The recipient must
be permanently disabled and on a list. David is a long-time Rotarian, and uses his Rotary connections throughout the world. Local Rotaries and other service organizations help organize the people to be served and deliver the chairs.
Once there was fear of an attack in Kabul on the place where the chairs were being delivered. Ken went to a different location, and the recipients came by buses to get the chairs. Getting these people on and off buses was an impressive task, but they wanted the chairs.
Ken met all sorts of dignitaries in his work. He met Nelson Mandela, and felt the compassion in the man. Prince William once helped with the delivery in Ukraine. The delivery of the chairs is as
expensive as the chairs themselves.
These chairs change lives recipients go from, “I don’t want to live” to “Yes, I want to live.” Having mobility changes their lives and also changes the lives of the caregivers. People who couldn’t get out
of their bed or room, now can get on with their lives. Their caregivers don’t have to carry them everywhere they go. One time, Vietnam vets took wheelchairs to Vietnam and gave to friends and old foes, Viet Cong, as well. There was a healing bond. The organization has also arranged for young people to travel and give out the chairs.
The chairs have been manufactured in China for the last 12 to 15 years. China uses lots of robotics, and of course, pays cheaper wages. The chairs cost $200, which includes shipping. Shipping is
expensive and is half of the price of the chairs. Donations to the Wheelchair Foundation are matched.
If you give $100, the Foundation adds $100, and one chair is paid for.
David then showed us heartwarming slides of people being given chairs.
Since Rotary has helped his organization do so much, David ended with “Rotarians, keep doing good
stuff.”

Club Meeting 2024-07-24
Thought for the Day: Dr. Eddie told us that when a child cries, adults tell them to be tough and cut it out. When an adult cries, a child will offer comfort without judgement.

Main:

Our speaker was Melissa Allen talking to us about the Rotacare Clinics. Rotacare clinics provide medical care for adults with no medical insurance. It is for adults only as all children in California are covered under a CA. insurance program for youngsters.
There are three Rotacare clinics in Contra Costa. There is a van that has supplies, an administrative station, and two exam rooms. It moves from clinic to clinic.
The one in our area is held on one evening a week at an elementary school on the Monument corridor in Concord. There is a women’s
clinic at the Salvation Army building and a general clinic in Richmond.
There is 1 paid coordinator, and the rest are volunteers. If you have a medical background, they certainly could use your help. Non-medical folks also can volunteer. Contact can be made through their website. Joy A. volunteered there for a number of years as an
intake person.
The operational cost of the program is $100,000 a year. The funding is raised from donations and grants. Our club makes a yearly grant to Rotacare. John Muir partners with the program, LabCorp donates free lab work. CC Pathology does the screening for Pap Smears and STD.

Club Meeting 2024-07-17
Thought for the Day: President Carolyn spoke about the theme of the Rotary International President, Stephanie Urick which is: “The Magic of Rotary.” Carolyn plan is to introduce “pizazz” into our club’s activities.
She has lots of plans in the fire to get our members to participate in worthwhile causes.
Main;
Duffy J., former journalist for the SF Chronicle, and publicist for the SF Giants amongst many other career achievements, talked about the lived experiences of many of us in attendance who grew up in San Francisco, or moved there, during the 60’s and 70’s. Duffy was a lead journalist, working in an always “frenetic,” Chronicle newsroom, covering the Zodiac and Zebra murders; the murders of George Moscone and Harvey Milk, the trial of Dan White, the SLA, the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, the ascension of Diane Feinstein;
interviewing survivors of the Jonestown murders; the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford; the Chowchilla kidnappings; the actions of the Black Panthers.
From someone who wanted to be a police reporter, and who’s first byline was the first draft for the Viet Nam War, Duffy’s work during these “dark days” in California, is a far cry from how we now get our news. These were days when good, honest journalism mattered to those of us who held the SF Chronicle in our hands.
His books is about his work, “Reporter’s Notebook: A San Francisco Chronicle Journalist’s Diary of the Shocking
Seventies,” and “My Inside Story of the Night Stalker, City Hall Murders, Zebra Killings, Chinatown Gang
Wars,” and a “City Under Siege,” are available

Club Meeting 2024-07-10
Thought for the Day: Joy read several famous quotes, such as Think before you Speak; Read before you
Think.
Main;
Our speaker was Ann Mottola, the Director of Community Services at Rossmoor. Ann has over 30 years of experience with community services programs, and started with GRF in April of 2023. Five managers report to her.
She and her staff oversee:
Counseling Service: The service has 3 licensed clinicians and 1 administrator, and is available to Rossmoor residents. There are also many support groups, lately emphasizing Parkinson’s awareness.
Golf Grounds and Maintenance. There are now 12 grounds crew for 27 holes. 15 for 18 holes is standard in the industry. This lean staff also takes care of the lawn-bowling grounds.
Public Safety: Securitas is a contract service provider. Remember they have a stair trac service. And GRF is very involved with emergency preparedness.
Trust Assets: This includes maintenance of the GRF facility; fleet maintenance; and capital project management. Capital projects coming up are pavement repair, work on tennis courts, and Gateway solar. On the golf courses, repair of bridges, pump replacement, and a lake liner study. There is also the Tice pool roof
and resurfacing of the pool and replacement of the fitness sky lights; a new pickle ball facility with start in March. The staff is working on a 5-year plan for all capital projects. These are now being funded on a year by year basis.
Aquatics: there are five pools, counting the 3 at Tice Creek. Lifeguards are not required at Rossmoor unless
a pool is open to the public. When staffing is done with lifeguards, there must be two at a time. There are plans to have lifeguards at certain times during the day for those who feel safer with them, and also when families are using the pools.
Fitness: Fitness now is combined with Aquatics, and the new manager is Adam Cleary, who had many ideas to make the Fitness Center more available to all Rossmoorians, and less available to those who take up time and trainers with individual training. There will be free mini session to acquaint new members with the gym
facilities.
Custodial Services: There are only 12 custodians total. They must cover 16 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Transportation: This involves recruitment and retention of drivers who can work with people.
Room Reservations: This has been undergoing major changes, and staff is working to accommodate people who live in Rossmoor.
Resident Services: This includes such things as the Farmers Market, staged productions, art and crafts, movies, concerts, excursions.
Finally, there is a Food and Beverage Survey, needed as a road map for the future.
Ann was thanked for her time with us, and given a certificate that a donation has been given to Trinity center in her honor.

Rossmoor's 4th July celebration!
Rossmoor Rotary has the honor and pleasure of preparing hot dog lunch for the hundreds of people that attend the 4th of July program at Rossmoor. This year was no different.
The effort is a well coordinated and orchestrated team energy. We had over 20 members involved and although it was a very hot day, it came off without a hitch.
Thanks to all and the cooperation and assistance of Rossmoor's GRF!

Club Meeting 'Demotion' 2024-06-26
The nerve of our new president to be on a birthday vacation having fun!
Main;
Sue A.s Demotion was presented as she transitions from President to Past President. Sue presented great speakers and bios from the members. Sue is thanked for making every meeting exciting. Sue was presented with a world vase as a thank you for a great year as the Rossmoor Rotary President. The members presented
individual thank you comments.
 Chuck L on video Thanked Sue for years as President and congratulations! Chuck hopes you look
back on your successful great year.
 Carolyn H. while sitting in a boat on the lake in the woods sent her thank you
 Jim O. will always remember Sue and her video about the military “BRATS” all the years of moving around the world.
 Kathie D S, Sue’s daughter, spoke of her mom’s many moves around the globe and such a hard worker who moved onto real-estate. She spoke of her work for many organizations in Rossmoor.
She and Sue have worked together for 10 years.
 Fumie S. – Thank you Sue for having the art of delegation
 Bill B. thankful for working with Sue for all the meetings
 Sharon L. thank you for the leadership and great job as President
 Eddy F. sang the “If you are Happy” song for Sue
Sue was presented with thank you gifts of a past president pin with 3 diamonds and a past president badge. The Club also presented the Star of Excellence Plaque to honor Sue as Past President of Rossmoor Rotary. A slide show of memories from the past year was presented.

Club meeting 'Awards' 2024-06-19
Presidential Awards- President Sue on the eve of her ending presidency bestowed numerous gifts for almost all of us.
Rotarian of the Year- Carolyn H. for her ceaseless energy, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Blue Badge-Mike S. He has more than climbed the steps for this award.
All the Club Golfers (you know who you are)- Rotary Golf Paraphernalia
Assorted Rotary Cups, Cocktail Glasses, Ubiquitous pins, Lanyards David B., Nancy R., Kathy and Peter S., Jean D., Alison L., David C., Merilee H., Anne H., Mieko & Scott, Joy,
Connie P., Paul W
Everyone commented on what a successful year we had under Sue's leadership. Here, here!!

Club Meeting 2024-05-12
Thought for the Day: Paul: Keep silent, let success make the noise; You are only confined by a wall you
build yourself; and Nothing is impossible, instead it is I’m possible. This last from Audrey Hepburn.

Main

Frank McCormick received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley. He was a
Senior Economist in the Division of International Finance at the Federal Reserve Board, before becoming V.P.
and Director of U.S. Economic and Financial Research at the Bank of America. After retiring, he taught
economics at the business schools of UCB and UC Davis where he gradually became aware of the huge
amount of suffering and death caused by the shortage of transplant kidneys. He and his co-authors have
written a number of articles in medical and economic journals addressing this problem.
Prof. McCormick spoke to us on the severe shortage of kidney organs available for transplant. This shortage
leads to the deaths of about 42,000 people a year.
First, we must understand what the kidney does. It takes waste from the body. Most people have two
kidneys, but one is all we need for a long, healthy life. Therefore, there are millions of kidneys available for
donation. If a kidney is used for transplant, the patient has 10 to 20 years of healthy life, and can then have
another transplant if necessary. Without a transplant, kidney disease leads to 3 or 4 years of dialysis, with the
patient slowly deteriorating until death.
For a cost benefit analysis of kidney donation, consider the government now pays for the kidney transplant
procedure and also pays for dialysis. The transplant is much cheaper than years of dialysis. Only about 2%
of people die with organs that can be used. Therefore, we need living donors. How to incentivize people to
donate a kidney? Prof. McCormick and his colleagues, after much study, arrived at a figure of about $77,000
for the government to pay the living kidney donor. The process itself can cost about $50,000, counting lost
wages, travel expenses, etc. Then add some money to compensate for the pain and add some incentive.
This $77,000 to a living donor instead of paying for years of dialysis, would save the government millions of
dollars.
Unfortunately, the 1984 National Organ Transplant Act makes it unlawful for any person to sell a human organ.
Prof. McCormick and his colleagues are working in Washington, D.C. to get this law changed.
For more information go to modifynota,org or the 15 minute video he showed us at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfoTwgsLVMY&list=PLr3ivtnIcXRHsaq_LYS1OMD27epoAGM&index=5&t=1737s

Club Meeting 2024-06-05
Thought for the Day: Presented by David B. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of
fear.” ” The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” “Every strike brings me closer to
the next home run.” David then had each of us look under our placemats to find cards with helpful
expressions. Three examples of the cards under the placements: “All things are difficult before they are easy,”
“Don’t lose your FIRE,” and “ This Is Going To Be A Great Day.”

Main
Mark Roberts – District Foundation Chairman and Past District Governor in 2021 Spoke.
Mark reminded all that tomorrow is the 80th anniversary of D-day invasion.
Mark is a resident of Danville and was a past member of the Lamorinda Rotary. When Rotary was begun in
1917, $26 was the original donation funded and today it is $2 billion donated to organizations around the world.
Rotary is our Foundation. Rotary is unique because we know the money will be used as we intended. The
organization is “Boots on the ground.” There are seven areas of focus and every grant is based on focus areas.
 The How – we encourage people to support and get grants
 Polio Plus – Only two new reported cases in Afghanistan and all new cases are very small. Africa has been
polio free for three years with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as great supporters.
 Rotary’s endowment is in an investment account for Rotary. The contributions are invested and managed by
professionals and earnings are used for needs and they never use donations as “gifts.”
 Annual Fund – donations annually to the Paul Harris fund for district donated funds, which go back to the
clubs after three years.
 The How – Rotary direct charge on credit cards at a donated time. Collects funds and send to The Rotary
Fund. An easy way to donate is to go to the “Rotary Direct” through a Google search.
 They Recognize those who are Donors to the Trust Fund as individual and individuals can look to adding to
their Estate Plan.
 Rotary International Charity Navigator shows Rotary International as the top 3 around the world.

6/06/2024 Club Activities
Rossmoor Rotary had the opportunity to present 'who we are and what we do' to the residents of the Walnut Creek Rossmoor community. Great turnout!

05/29/2024 Club Meeting
Thought for the Day: Irv F.- A soliloquy written by Tom Cotton honoring those Americans who have given
their lives for our country and democracy resting at Arlington National Cemetery.

Guest Speaker- Member, Retired Superior Court Judge, Solano County, Mike S. spoke about the “The History of
the California Trial Court System.” Mike gave an expansive historical overview of the creation of the California
Trial Court System; what do Superior Court Judges do; how does one become a judge; and the difference
between the Federal Judiciary and State Judiciary system. He told of the beginnings in Alta California, 1846,
when there was no system of justice when Spanish Alcaldes did the work of justice along with vigilantes until the
Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo ending the Mexican- American war, and Mexico ceded California to the U.S. In
1849, the California Constitution created a unified Judiciary. In 1879, a new State constitution specified that
each county would have 2 Superior Court Judges. There are 58 superior courts in California, one for each
county.
In 1924, municipal courts were created. And, until 1976, you did not have to be a lawyer to be a judge. Mike
talked about why he preferred being a superior court judge and not a municipal court judge. Because of the
difference between working important cases rather than minor cases, such as, small claims, traffic violations, etc.
How does one become a judge? You must be a practicing attorney for 10 years before becoming eligible for
judgeship. Judges are elected officials. During an election, one can run for a vacant position, or run against a
sitting judge. Superior Court judges serve 6-year terms.
Mike said, “the beauty of being a Superior Court judge or Appellate Court judge is the availability of time” to
review cases.
He also commented on his work on the Commission for Judicial Performance assessing the work of sitting
judges.

5/15/2024 Club Meeting
Julia P., MD, Ob/Gyn, hospitalist, Kaiser, San Leandro.
Julia talked about JULAYO, a non-profit that builds
healthcare centers in underserved areas providing essential medical services and employment opportunities.
Julia talked about the medical inequities that exist between America and Akure, Nigeria, where JULAYO, intends to establish its first healthcare center. Julia and her co-founder, Funmilayo B., RN, PhD of nursing, will launch a primary care clinic and vaccination center in Akure, eventually expanding into a School of Medical Sciences and 75 bed hospital. Julia is hopeful that Kaiser will offer its support in bringing their plans to success, as well as
receiving support from donations by other organizations such as Rotary. For more information about JULAYO, check its website: www.julayo.org.

5/15/2024 Thought of the Day
by Patrice J.
“What Money Can’t Buy”
-A bed but not sleep.
-A clock but not time
-A book but not knowledge
-A position but not respect
-Medicine but not health
-Amusement but not happiness
-Acquaintance but not friendship
-Obedience but not faithfulness
-A house but not a home

5/8/2024 Club Meeting
Bill Leary, news columnist for the Rossmoor News, spoke to us about the importance of kindness to the evolution and wellbeing of humankind.
A kindness he still remembers is the day President Kennedy was assassinated. News reached his 9th grade classroom, and most of the children, children of working class, southern whites, cheered. Leary, who revered Kennedy, was so upset he left class and went to teacher Barr’s office. He felt alone in his grief, but Barr comforted him. Barr told him to join Key Club and show service to others.
Also, his Grandpa Bill showed him kindness. He said, “Always try to be more kind than you have to be.”
For the last twenty years, Prof. Dacher Kelton, psychology professor and Director of UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, has written about kindness, and its importance to the evolution of humans.
Even Darwin said sympathy is our primary instinct. The strongest must help others, to cooperate, and to survive.
As our brains grew and we began to walk upright, babies became harder to birth, with their big heads, and they were born profoundly premature.
It takes about seven years for a human child to be independent. Ape babies adapt in months. Cooperation and kindness is imperative to the survival of our babies.
Kindness is healthy. Prof. Kelton has written about the walnut-size part of our brain, called the medulla oblongata, the nurturing part of our brain that releases hormones. This area lights up when kindness is observed to yourself or others. Our vagus nerve also lights up when we confront caretaking, and hormones like oxytocin,
dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released which also give health benefits, making you happier, lowering blood pressure, strengthening your immune system, and reducing inflammations. Kindness gives you strength.
Kindness is contagious. There are universal ways humans communicate compassion including; common sounds to sooth and caring touch.
Mr. Leary also talked about feelings of awe – feeling part of something larger, something that transcends. This feeling is also universal. Awe is when you feel part of beautiful music, walking in nature, an epiphany, birth and death, moral beauty, acts of kindness or courage. Get more awe in your life, use fresh eyes to see. “Service Above Self,” the Rotary’s motto, says it all.

5/1/2024 Club meeting
Kelsey Clyma the new Sr. Manager of Resident Services for Rossmoor gave the presentation. Kelsey succeeds Kelly Burto. Kelsey has been in the recreation field for 15 years and works to connect with Recreation and Community Services. She has a CPRS Certification.
Kelsey oversees Resident Services which includes Recreation, Transportation, Custodial and special events.
Kelsey also oversees Public Safety and Trust management. Kelsey explained the Custodial department is the magic behind the scenes. Transportation service participates with the GoGo Grandparents which help subsidize the trip by providing $10 each way when buses are not running for outside services. Kelsey also oversees Fitness and Aquatics as well as Counseling which is a free service.
Goals: Recreation management software, reservation cleanup and department cohesion.
Kelsey concluded her presentation by answering questions regarding the picnic area change and reservations
with the new system.

See picture of Upcoming Speakers:

May the Force, to serve, always be with us.

Rossmoor Rotary's first venture to make and serve breakfast at Trinity Center Walnut Creek. What a joy to watch. Thanks Carolyn, Anne, Alison and Jim. The big guy is the Boss for the day Tony. Thanks! , ,

4/24/2024 Club Meeting
Patrice introduced three Las Lomas High School students who are being sponsored by our club, to attend Camp Royal in June.
They were invited to speak to us, both before and after attendance, about their individual personal growth in this venture. Here are each of their expectations from attending an outstanding leadership conference.

Nikolai Mladenovic wants to go to Camp Royal to gain leadership skills so he can grow as a person. He is applying to West Point to pursue a military career, in the science and math fields, which is most likely Engineering.

Rianna Islam says her passion for leadership and community involvement drives her desire to attend Camp Royal. Its focus on hands-on leadership activities and community service, perfectly aligns with her aspirations for a career that involves significant human engagement.

Sophia Belgutei wants to become an attorney and study criminal law. She believes attending Camp Royal will help her in communications, decision making and adaptability skills. She is also hoping for making meaningful connections and relationships with the campers who will be there.

4/27/2024 Thought of the day. Eddie Fisher
Jews don’t eat bread during Passover. They eat matzo loaded up with fruit, vegetables, anything but bread. Otherwise matzo is tasteless.