October 30, 2007
OPENING
President Richard Short greeted everyone and asked Mark Wodyka to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Bruce Johnson asking thanks for each other and for all we have, asking the Lord’s Blessing on those who serve overseas as well as the first responders here at home and our meal and fellowship.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Bruce brought the Thought for the Day: “Just as a small fire is extinguished by the storm whereas a large fire is enhanced by it - likewise a weak faith is weakened by predicament and catastrophes whereas a strong faith is strengthened by them." Viktor E. Frankl
PROGRAM NEXT WEEK
November 6 Scott Dudek, Alameda County Sheriff's Department regarding Jane Doe case and anything else on our minds.
HAPPY SONG BY CETA
Well, we tried . . . “Happy Days are Here Again” was attempted but many were verse-challenged.
CASTRO VALLEY EDUCATION FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
This Friday night, November 2, is a great opportunity to have fun and contribute to the CV Education Foundation . . . for more info, go to www.cvef.org . . . or call 537-3335, extension 1638.
RECOGNITIONS
$100 Owen Smith (just because he is a nice guy)
$10 Sal Tedesco (another nice guy)
SAL TEDESCO IS LOOKING FOR SOME DING-A-LINGERS!
Sal let us all know that there is plenty of room for more CV Rotarians to help out as Salvation Bell Ringers on Friday, December 14, at Lucky’s (formerly Albertson’s) in Castro Valley. Check out those who signed up below and contact Sal to either fill a vacancy or join others at a time you are available! Email him at greenridge10@comcast.net . . . don’t hesitate to sign up where there is already two signed up as the more the merrier!
9-10 am Cliff Sherwood and Lynn Orne
10-11 am George Chouinard and Bill Nott
11-12 pm Dwight Perry and Al West
12- 1 pm Walt Schneider and Bruce Johnson
1- 2 pm Bob Quenneville and _________________
2- 3 pm Roland Williams and Dick Short
3- 4 pm Jeff Moore and Beth Moore
4- 5 pm Hafsa Burt and ________________
GUESTS
Our guests today included Lisa Ferrer (guest of Bill Jarvis), Ray Williams came back (Director of International Programs at CSU East Bay) and Bill Nott!
HELLO SONG
Mr. Tedesco led us in a glorious perception of melodious noise by a bunch of cheerful folks.
PROGRAM
Leslie Rothwell introduced the Nora Benavides of Children’s Hospital, who was assisted by Hannah Hathaway. Their topic was the Rebuilding of Children’s Hospital in Oakland. Nora has been a advocate for children for decades and has done legislative work for twenty-five years. When asked to assist with this project, “I didn’t even have to think about it . . . of course, I would!” She shared some history of the Children’s Hospital going back over 100 years to a nurse, Bertha Wright, who recognized that children need special treatment. She stated with having a Baby Clinic in a house, then it became a Baby Hospital, and it became Children’s Hospital. We are so blessed to have this hospital being available for our kids. 68% of the children treated are Alameda County residents, with the other 32% coming from other counties, states and around the world. Oakland Children’s Hospital is a teaching hospital, training doctors in the newest of treatments. It has one of the best trauma centers in the world, is one of the top five research centers in the country and is one of forty independent children’s hospitals in the country. Nora stated (more than once) that “No child is every turned away due to finances or lack of insurance.” Every employee is dedicated to children.
The challenge is to completely rebuild the hospital by 2013 – this is necessary due to it not meeting earthquake standards. It will cost $730,000,000 and there is a plan in place to fund the construction: $173M from state bonds, $150M from private foundations and a $2 per month parcel tax (seniors would be exempt). The $2 per month parcel tax would run thirty years or until the project has been paid in full.
Nora and Hannah are available to speak “anywhere at any time” on this topic. You may call her at 510-428-3693.
For more information, please go to http://www.childrenshospitaloakland.org . . .
THE HUNT FOR THE CORRECT MARBLE
Bill Nott’s’s ticket was pulled out and with $177 at stake and 3 marbles in the sack . . . . reached into it and . . . won . . . $5.00 . . .
FUTURE PROGRAMS
November 13 Debbie Deangelis, Cal State East Bay Athletic Director
November 20 Frank Mellon, EMBUD Director
November 27 RYLA kids presentation
December 18 Children’s Christmas Party, Castro Valley Adult School
See you next week!
