Los Altos Rotary Club

Home of the Annual Rotary
Fine Art Show

October 25th 2007

Welcome to Rotary! Greeters were Scott Fleming, Herb Marshall and Paul Schutz.

President John Moss called upon Rotarian Jerry Tomanek to begin the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by Rick Glaze serving as song master in a quaint version of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.It was universally agreed that the song was much better performed by the group than was “The Sound of Music” of a previous week. At least no one was observed covering their ears.

Tim Byrd’s thought for the day, paraphrased, of course: “The best helping hand is found at the end of your arm.”

President Elect Seth Manning welcomed visiting Rotarians and Rotarians with guests.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President John advised all of us that the United Nations has honored the Rotary International Foundation with the 2007 Humanitarian Award for Safe Water, and Sustainable Development.

Roll up your sleeves and bring guests with sleeves rolled up for the November 15, 2007 round of flu shots! What a deal; $25 per person to stay healthy through the winter.

Coeta Chambers invited everyone to the League of Women Voters Candidate Night.

Tom Liston invited all to East Palo Alto Rotary for make ups at 6 p.m. now held at Mings.

Tracie Murray announced that the A Sante’ event was a real success for Rotacare, bringing in more than $25,000!!! As usual, LARC donated the most gifts, and sold the most tickets.

Larry Chu, serving as membership chair, welcomed Steve Fick and Scott Riches as new blue badgers. Steve was sponsored by Bob Rayl and Scott by Larry Chu. Scott is involved in the scholarship committee and with the golf event. Steve chaired the red badge event at the Bus Barn Theater. President John advised that sponsors each receive a new Rotary “sponsor” pin.

BURST OF BRUTAL HONESTY – A 10-MINUTE TALK

Rotarian John Sylvester presented a moving and brutally honest 10-minute talk. John said that December 28, 1978 was a date that changed his life. Then, John was divorced, father of a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, living in a rental home in Palo Alto. He was then a successful partner in a Palo Alto insurance firm, but his partners were disgusted with him. John said he was a daily drinker. He went on binges, which came closer and closer, until they could no longer be distinguished from one another. One day, his partner, Tom, told John, “We have to do something about your drinking. You smell so bad and you look so awful that you scare the women at work.” John said he decided he would “control” his drinking – no more than 3 or 9 drinks.

Then, on December 28, 1978, while John was at the local winery, doing what he did best, his partner called John’s sister and told her that if there was anything that could be done about John’s drinking, now was the time to do it. John’s sister and a friend suddenly appeared at John’s door.

John asked, “Are you here on business?” “Yes,” she said. “AA business”.

“Who are you here to see?” John asked. “You,” his sister replied.

After an hour of persuasion, John was convinced that he needed help. He went with his sister to Beacon House in Pacific Grove for a 30-day recovery program. After the first AA meeting he learned that he liked AA, he liked the people, the laughter, and the hope that AA brought to him.

He felt for the first time that he might get better, his life might get better. As a result, John said, “I have gotten better, and my life has gotten better.” In 1978, John said, “I would not have been welcome in Rotary.” Now John continues to participate in several AA events each week. John says deciding not to drink is a decision that he has to make every day.

As fellow Rotarians, we’re glad that December 28, 1978 is a special day!

FINEMASTER

President John has advised all fine masters that someone has complained about the fine sessions being too trivial. Rick Glaze didn’t waste any time with trivia. Instead, Rotarian Rick quickly picked the pockets of Bob Rayl, and Jean Mordo for robustly singing during last week’s song. Each paid $100 to become members of the president’s club.

Jack Heidmiller paid $20 for a birthday.
Mel Kahn may have caused Rick to pay $10, or Mel paid $100, this reporter is not sure.
Bo Kearns tipped Rick $5 for his birthday.
John McAllister contributed $20, in absentia, because he was married on Jack Heidmiller’s birthday!

FRESH LIFELINES FOR YOUTH – FLY

Guest speaker attorney Aila Malik, acting executive director, of the FLY program, Fresh Lifelines for Youth (www.flyprogram.org), presented an outline of the services provided by this volunteer organization focused on at-risk youth in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

The mission of FLY is:

1) education of youth about the legal system
2) mentoring of at-risk youth and
3) leadership training. Ms. Malik presented a seven-minute video which outlined the FLY program.

The children served by the FLY program are those who lack positive role models and do not know how to end conflict without violence. Without intervention, only 25 percent will not re-offend and continue in the juvenile justice system. Of those who participate in the FLY program, 88 percent do not re-offend, 93 percent obtain their high school diploma or GED.

The seven-year-old program was established in the year 2000, with a then-budget of $32,000. Today, FLY operates with an annual budget of $1.7 million with a staff of 23 and 90 volunteers. The cost to incarcerate one juvenile offender for a year is $101,300. The cost for each child to participate in the FLY program is $7,000. Seventy percent of the case referrals come from the court and probation offices. FLY accepts nearly all at-risk youth except for sex offenders and violent youthful offenders.

After our speaker answered questions from interested Rotarians, President John adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.