THE LAMORINDAN 4/17

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Brad Davis, substituting for President Pat who opted for a Mexico vacation, asked for a thought for the day. There were no takers until a voice from the assembly, possibly resembling Paul Bettelheim, came forth with "We wish Pat was here!" Brad didn't get it. So we moved onto a flawless pledge of allegiance.

GUESTS

Myrna Kimmelman & Wendy Poling: Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation (LASF).
Amy Goodhart: Town Hall Theatre, Board of Directors
Sharon Rossi: Lawyer and cousin of Dan Garfin

BIRTHDAYS

Steve Ware announced birthday celebrations for wife Laurie and daughter Katie Rose. After some arm twisting by a grumpy Acting Prez Brad, the silver bucket received its just reward.

LASF OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

Myrna and Wendy brought us an update on this ongoing program (28+ years) that provides funding and programs that enrich science, art, writing, music and other essential subjects in all Lafayette schools. The Foundation requests of parents a donation of $500 per child in the schools, or any amount they are able to give.
April 17th has been designated as Donation Day, and the LASF Representatives let us know it would be appreciated if any of us would be able to provide one or two hours of our time by assisting them in soliciting additional funds from the community. The 2009/2010 school year goal is to raise $1.5 million. The donation line is www.lasf.org.

DOUBLING DOWN ON MYSTERY ROTARIANS.

Mystery Rotarian # 1 was the shortest person in the high school graduating class. Personally has met and hob-knobbed with Clint Eastwood and other high profile celebrities too numerous to mention in this humble publication. Jumped off a 4 story building on bet (thus introducing the term "Crash Dummy!). The unanimous choice for these sterling accomplishments was Buddy Burke. Imagine the surprise when Mike Edwards instead stood up and claimed responsibility. He said he jumped off a firehouse training tower and in the 1 ½ seconds he spent in the air he could only hope that the net which had been hastily fashioned at the bottom of the tower would actually hold up. Obviously he lived to tell the tale. He also said he would do it again. This clinches the generally held view that he really is the first, true, certifiable...Crash Dummy.

Mystery Rotarian #2 regularly sleeps with a Grammy winner; was detained by Security in China because he had lost his passport; was a collegiate All-American in football. Somebody was actually in the know on this because Dan Herbert was the only and immediate, correct choice. Dan's wife Annette has collected several Grammies for her work with the San Francisco Chorus. He had the misfortune to lose his passport on a plane, and unbelievable good fortune to have it found by another passenger who called it in to the airline, thus freeing Dan from several hours of solitary confinement, and facing a future that could indeed have been bleak. Dan's football exploits were accomplished at a small Division III school in New Jersey which he failed to name. He did allow as how he played both Guard and Fullback. Impressive!

TOWN HALL THEATRE IS ALL WET, BUT BACK IN BUSINESS IMMEDIATELY

Amy came to the meeting this morning armed with pictures and two "free tickets" to the current production of The Odd Couple. Brad couldn't stand the word free so he promptly auctioned the tickets off with the caveat that the proceeds would go 60% to the foundation and 40% to the theatre. A mini firestorm erupted, so he grudgingly changed the ratio to a 50/50 split between the theatre and the Lamorinda Sunrise Endowment Fund. Chuck Kenney was the winner with a $120 offer.
Amy explained that the Theater was damaged by a fire sprinkler that went off when no one was in the building. It was spotted promptly from the street however after only 800 gallons of water had let loose. The sprinkler was on the second floor where the stage is located, but thankfully the water ran down the stairs and only flooded the first floor. The most valuable structure on that floor was the reasonably new bar, which escaped all damage. The rest of the floor is being gutted and the office area, ticket booth and social space are now under repair. The show does, and did go on, missing only one night of performances. The owner of the Butler Conte office area generously invited those connected with the theatre to use their facility free of charge for as long as necessary. The good news in all this is that ancient wiring and other such items will be upgraded in the rehab operation.
Amy is very proud of the effort put forth by all concerned. She invited us to attend the Town Hall Theatre's second annual gala on Saturday, May 16, 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. There will be an auction, delicacies, and entertainment. Admission cost is $45 person or $80 per couple. Raffle tickets can be purchased at 5 for $40 to win an overnight stay at the Lafayette Park Hotel and a $100 spa gift certificate. Need not be present to win! Town Hall Theatre is a Lafayette icon, and the productions are uniformly outstanding.

WHO WANTS TO WIN $10,000?

After a certain amount of tomfoolery Gillett Johnson and Buddy Burke fessed up that they had committed to sell $800 worth of tickets to the "What's in Our Hat? event presented by Las Trampas in Escape to Africa on Sunday, April 26 at the Lafayette Park Hotel, 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Your ticket admits you to an adventurous party, silent auction and includes you in the $10,000 drawing Out of the Hat. Buddy proclaimed that somebody is absolutely guaranteed to win the prize. This prompted a stampede to grab the remaining 8 tickets before anyone took the time to figure out what Buddy actually said. We are pleased to report the tickets sold anyway in spite of the shameless effort to deceive. It must be because this club is very committed to supporting Las Trampas in many meaningful ways, and will continue to do so in the future. This organization does an outstanding job in supporting adults with developmental disabilities to discover their capabilities and to lead fuller lives in their homes, at work, and in the community.

A PROGRAM NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN

Jim Brencic began his introduction of our guest speaker by sharing something that has been an important part of his life for the past 5 years. Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay (ASEB) began in 1988 as a small, nonprofit organization that provided adult day care services in Berkeley for those with Alzheimer's and dementia. In 1997 ASEB expanded its program and services by adding a second location in Hayward, and in 2008 opened a third location in Oakland. Today ASEB operates 3 locations serving 120 people a day, providing support and care for those in need and their caregivers.
Jim has served on the Board of Directors for the past 2 ½ years, and is the current Board President. He has recruited Chuck Kenney who now sits on the Board and also provides accounting support services.

Micheal Pope is the Executive Director of ASEB as of September 2008, after performing the duties of Deputy Director for Programs and Services for the prior 6 years. Micheal joined the organization in January 1997 and brought with her a wealth of work experience in the home health industry. Micheal has enhanced the organization's fund raising programs with her ability to touch people with her passion for making the world a better place for seniors. She has a special place for those seniors and their care givers living with memory loss. Micheal has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from New Hampshire College and has taken course work in City Planning and Urban Affairs at Boston College. She is a board member of the California Culture Change Coalition Steering Council and a past member of several other prestigious California care groups for adults and children.

Micheal's discussion this morning was on the subject how do we mind our own mind. Her reference was a presentation on a Whole Mind Workout. She started out with the basics, i.e. know your own numbers specifically blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and recommended body weight. Focus on a good brain diet by increasing intake of protective foods. Certain foods may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and appear to protect brain cells. In general, dark skinned fruits and vegetables have the highest level of naturally occurring antioxidant levels. Vitamins may be helpful for a healthy brain diet. There are indications that vitamin E and C together and folate may be important in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer's.

What is Alzheimer's Disease (AD)? It is the number one form of dementia. It is progressive, not reversible or curable, and is associated with age. Warning signs include memory loss, difficulty doing familiar tasks, problems talking or writing, confusion about time and place, loss of judgment, problems with abstract thinking and misplacing things. Warning signs are changes in mood or behavior, changes in personality, and loss of motivation.

The hallmarks of AD are an abundance of two abnormal structures in the brain:
1.      Beta-amyloidal plaques, which are dense deposits of protein and cellular material that accumulate outside and around nerve cells.
2.      Neurofibrillary tangles, which are twisted fibers that build up inside the nerve cell.
The brain has billions of neurons, each with an axon and many dendrites. To stay healthy, neurons must communicate with each other, carry out metabolism, and repair themselves. AD disrupts all three of these essential jobs.
Different mental activities take place in different parts of the brain, e.g. hearing words, speaking words, seeing words and thinking about words. The degree and sequences in which AD attacks different parts of the brain vary by individuals which accounts for the fact that everyone afflicted with AD may have different manifestations of the disease.

What is normal?!? NOT AD.

Forgetting names or appointments. Why did I come into this room? Trouble finding the right word. Forgetting the day of the week. Making a questionable decision. Misplacing keys, wallets or reading glasses. Sometimes feeling weary.

What can you do to mind your mind?

Make connections. Read, write, do crosswords, keep your mind sharp. Make the connection between your brain and your heart. Stay physically active; adopt a brain health diet; control your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels and weight.

AD is a heavy subject which no one takes lightly. Nevertheless Micheal did a fantastic job of balancing hard facts with great humor. There is no question that this lady knows what she is doing and has the personality and passion to handle whatever obstacles she undoubtedly encounters on a regular basis. If all else fails, go see Micheal!

SPEAKING OF PROGRAMS

Steve Ware has answered the call from President elect John Fazel to take on the daunting task of Program Chair for the next fiscal year. He will be phasing into the position by working with Jim Brencic for the next few months. Steve is asking for the assistance of club members in suggesting ideas or themes for future programs. He could also use some help with the program for a month or so at a time. Thank you Steve. You have a rich program legacy to live up to!

TGITLFOTM! FRIDAY 4/24: IN SKIP McCOWAN'S OWN WORDS

Linda and I hope to see most of you at our home this Friday starting at 5:30 pm. Please let us know by return email if you and spouse, significant other, family members or friends will be there. Please remember to bring something to munch on and your favorite beverage. We hope it won't rain so we can be in the garden but rain our shine, we hope to see you there. Our address is 3401 Stagecoach Drive, off Relief Valley Road just before you get to the Queen of the Valley Cemetery. Very quiet neighborhood. jmccowan@gordonrees.com.