FEBRUARY 26, 2013

NEXT MEETING: March 5, 2013

Noon at Soda Center, SMC

PROGRAM: Stewart McCullough:

Foster Children’s Needs

Greeter & Invocation – Mike Rosa

~~ COMING UP ~~ **March 12 – “Bo” Morse: Disaster Aid in the Philippines *March 19 – Mike Rosa: Staying Behind the Handlebars *March 26 – Chief Bob Priebe: Effects on Service Levels *Regular weekly luncheon in Soda Center **Monthly evening meeting at Soda Center

THIS WEEK President Frank May rang the bell to bring the meeting to order, noting we have served the community and the world for 33 weeks over 45 years. Kevin Reneau gave the thought for the day with a quote from Johnny Cash regarding his attitude toward failure, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Our guests were Larry Tesler of the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, and our two speakers, Helene Glaser and Steve Polcyn, a Rotarian from the Alamo Club who is also on the District Staff. Cliff Dochterman reported that the donations for the elevator at the Rheem Theater are very close to the goal of $30,000, and plans are being drawn for Town approval. President Frank circulated a letter from CAIFF to the Club, thanking us for our donation. Blast from the Past: Frank May recalled seeing a live performance of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash at the Rheem Theater, so long ago he can’t remember when. Announcements: President Frank implored Club members to bring in auction items, buy horse sponsorships, and be available to sign up for jobs at Nite at the Races, just 2 ½ weeks from the meeting date. Send in your reservations and checks, too. Most importantly, invite your friends to join us. He circulated a signup list for the various jobs at the event, so sign up quickly to get the best jobs! Cliff reported that we have 60 donations to date, and that

Grant Shoaf has more horse sponsorships to sell. Tony Schoemehl announced that flyers will be going out to promote Rotary Field Day, which is scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, May 15 at JMI. President Frank reported that we need more suggestions from Club members for good programs; March is fully booked, so we need good speakers for April though June. Debbie Roessler reported that April 27 is Rotary at Work Day, and the Fab Five clubs are coordinating a service project to be announced for that date. President Frank reviewed the Club membership contest, where four teams led by John Erickson, Lad Lynch, Mike Rosa, and Tony Schoemehl will gain points toward fabulous prizes for bringing prospective new members to Club meeting, and follow ups toward new membership. The raffle ticket of Mike Rosa was drawn, and he proceeded to draw the clear marble that was right next to the white marble; soooo close.

R E C O G N I T I O N S & H A P P Y B U C K S

Kevin Reneau celebrated his 59

th birthday on Sunday, and

began the festivities by watching a lacrosse game where his son scored a goal, followed by watching the Oscars and enjoying a nice lasagna dinner.

President Frank gave a High Five to honor his mother-in-law’s 93

rd birthday, at the Bistro with her favorite meal, fish

and chips. David Kruegel gave a High Five in honor of twin granddaughters—his 3

rd and 4

th –Hannah Elizabeth and

Leah Teresa. A Happy Buck from Debbie Roessler whose niece taught her how to watch videos on an Apple computer. Herb Wehmeyer confessed that he and Mary enjoyed a Caribbean cruise after spending some time in Puerto Rico. Fortunately, the cruise was uneventful and nothing went wrong with the ship. He spun the wheel, and paid either $8 or $30 depending on whether he believed that a mysterious lurch of the wheel to the higher amount was proper.

~~ P R O G R A M ~~

The program today was about RotaCare, given by Helene Glaser, a retired RN with 27 years at Kaiser, and Steve Polcyn, a Past President of the Alamo club and a longtime member of the District Staff in Public Relations and now Global Grants. RotaCare was created to provide free medical care to people who couldn’t otherwise afford it through the efforts of volunteers. The organization provides malpractice insurance to volunteers, and administrative, legal, and accounting services. It began in the San Martin area in 1987, and will have 12 clinics in operation after the opening of the clinic in

Richmond. The Pittsburg clinic, where Helene volunteers, operates one night per week and sees about 1800 patients a year. The Concord clinic operates two nights per week and sees 3600 patients per year. They can treat acute or chronic illnesses, dispense low cost drugs, and can refer patients to specialists as necessary. The clinics do not stock or dispense controlled drugs. East Contra Costa County has about 16% of residents living with incomes below the poverty line who can’t afford to buy medical insurance. Many have chronic problems such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or hypertension. With timely care through RotaCare, they can often avoid expensive trips to an emergency room at the hospital. The RotaCare clinics receive much of their support though Rotary Clubs in the area. Two exceptional volunteers were given Paul Harris Fellowships by a Rotary Club. They do not receive any government or medical insurance support, and rely strictly on other sources of funds. Helene has been a volunteer at the Pittsburg clinic for a year, and has found it a very rewarding experience. She thanks all the Rotary Clubs that support the Clinics. They have about 20 volunteers when open, including generally two doctors, one pharmacist, two nurses, two medical assistants, and a diabetes educator. There are volunteer jobs for non-medical professionals doing clerical work or translation services. Most patients don’t qualify for MediCal because of the daunting paperwork and processing, and even then a copayment is required. The County doesn’t treat undocumented workers, so there are many potential patients who have no other place to go than RotaCare.

CALENDAR OF FUTURE EVENTS Mar. 16 – A Nite At The Races – Fundraiser April 20 – E-Waste Collection Center April 27 – Rotary at Work Day May 4 – District Assembly – Solano College, Vallejo May 11 – Moraga Community Faire May 15 – Moraga Rotary Field Day June 8 – Rotary Bocce Tournament -- Martinez June 25 – Demotion Dinner July 13 – District Awards Dinner – Woodland Community Center

MORAGA ROTARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-13 President……………………………………………....Frank May

President-elect …………………….……………….Nora Avelar Secretary…………………………………….........Kevin Reneau Treasurer………………………………………..Louise Schopke Community Service Chair…………………….Barbara Bruner

New Generations..………………………………….Rich Render International Service Chair…………………Tony Schoemehl

Rotary Foundation………………..…………….…... Lad Lynch Public Relations ……………………………… …… Gary Irwin

Membership………………………………………….Nora Avelar Director at Large………………………………Debbie Roessler Director at Large……………………..Mary Elena Dochterman Director at Large……………………………...Cliff Dochterman

President, Rotary International…Sakuji Tanaka District Governor, 5160………………..Laura Day Assistant District Governor………….Jose Avelar

Newsletter Editor for February – Gary Irwin

Rotary International Theme for 2012-13

“PEACE THROUGH SERVICE”