May 16, 2014

   Reporter: Ron Brown Editor: Ron Brown Photographer: Leander Hauri                   

President:  Hays Englehart 2013 - 2014          

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

This from jet lagged Alex Arnold: "A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities. An optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties." Reginald B. Marshall

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUEST

Ron Light - Concord Club with 59 years of Rotary perfect attendance

Greg Warner - Concord Club

Susan Wait - Past LSR President, Past District Governor and now returning from Orinda Club.

Leslie Werosh - Guest speaker

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Doing it in style, Marty

Bob Riegg - Pat had a birthday for which he is very thankful.

Gary Fulcher - Five year club anniversary. Most proud of Red Badge longevity record.

Marty Cryan - And Anne celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in NYC recently with a Broadway Play and lovely dinner.

OTHER STUFF

Leander Hauri announced next HOME Team outing, scheduled for May 31, will begin at Gary's shop, with a new

Ever the good samaritan, Leander

starting time of 9 am. Seems that some of our former clients weren't happy to receive us any earlier than that. Also, Leander will be helping to install a camera security system at the offices of one of Joe Bettencourt's colleagues at 10 am this Saturday. This company has apparently been burglarized four times in the recent past. Volunteers were requested to go with Leander.

Brad Davis spoke about the great improvement in Garden Park Apartments kids grades. This is attributed to the Homework Club that has been functioning there for

Brad knows Garden Park Apts

several years. The students receive tutoring from volunteers after school every week. The new series will begin starting in August for the coming school year. Check with Brad if you are interested in joining this very worthwhile program.

President Hays announced a golfing fund raiser for the Episcopal Senior Communities Foundation, taking place Monday, June 9 at the Moraga Country Club. The entry fee is $295 and the Golf Package includes Lunch, Cocktail Reception and Dinner and a Live Auction. People can also sign up for a $95 Fashion Show and Luncheon with a silent auction. There is also a $125 evening program, featuring the Cocktail Reception and Dinner and a Live Auction. LSR has participated in the golfing event for the past three years. Don Jenkins leads the list of golfers thus far committed to playing golf. Hays appointed Ron Brown to round up the usual, or unusual, prospects to fill out a foursome.

Yet another pin from Hays to Don

The aforementioned Mr. Jenkins was invited to come forward to receive a new member sponsorship pin as a result of his recruiting Conrad Breece to join the club. Mr. Breece's absence was immediately noted, which called into question Don's deserving of this pin award, at this time. However all was forgiven when it was explained that Conrad was in Joplin, MO working on a Habitat For Humanity project to rebuild a home, after the devastating losses from dreadful acts of mother nature. Way to go, Conrad!

Doing good work for all concerned

David Isenberg reported that progress is being made... we are moving forward in our real estate process, with four likely prospects. There will be a follow up meeting before the end of the month to hopefully conclude this effort. Stay tuned!

VOCATIONAL MINUTE

Doctor Paul Bettelheim was called on to present his story this morning. He began by saying he was a 20 year member of Rotary, however his attendance record, compared to Ron Light's, was anything but perfect. He is a practicing Veterinarian in Walnut Creek for 42 years and is contemplating retirement in the not too distant future, mostly in order to become more of a "regular" at meetings.

PROGRAM

Can't keep a good man down!

Mark Roberts showed he is making a rapid recovery, from replacement hip surgery, less than two weeks ago, by showing up this morning to introduce Leslie Werosh, Division Director of the California Autism Foundation (CAF). Mark noted there are many worthy organizations working to raise awareness of autism while promoting advocacy, research and financial support. Mark, who has been working with this foundation for the past five-plus years as a board member, asserts it is doing much more; by providing a full array of programs and services to people with autism and their families - here and now, every day; for more than 30 years.

Well done, Leslie!

Leslie joined CAF in 2003 and has served many roles; currently as Division Director of Operations and Compliance. She defined Autism as a complex, neurological disorder. People with autism are often very intelligent, have trouble interacting socially and are possibly affected by genetics and environment. Ten years ago it was estimated that 1 in 150 had some form of autism. Today that number has increased to 1 in 60. Boys are five times more likely to be autistic than girls. Because of research and various studies, various forms of autism, such as a highest level Asperger's Syndrome, is developing an identity of its own. Earlier detection is now possible starting at the age of two.

The CAF was founded in 1983. It has opened nine residential homes for autistic people and clients fulfill jobs, such as assembly and packaging of items, in order to help fund the program. They also have a non-public school to support. The annual budget is approximately $ 7,000,000, with 90% of the funding comes from the State of California, primarily through the Regional Center of the East Bay.and from school districts that transfer students. CAF covers a 40 mile radius of San Francisco, offering services for people from ages six through life. Simply put, the mission is to "Support individuals to live independent, healthy lives." They will also have their annual fund raiser golf tournament at the Moraga Country Club on Monday, June 23. There will be helicopter ball drop prizes for non-golfers who can win up to $10,000!

There were lots of questions asked and answered well by Leslie. Thank you! Mark can provide more info about the golf tournament and other ways our club and members may be able to assist CAF.