ISSUE NO. 23 January 17, 2003 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Craft Talks
Who are they, and what have they done? Some Rotarians have literally escaped with their lives. Some have achieved notoriety beyond all expectations. Some have quietly satisfied their inner yearnings for creativity and serving humanity. To learn the identities and histories of our craft talkers, and the mysteries contained therein, you must attend our meeting on January 24th.
Take Two Aspirin and Call Me Next Year
That facetious advice only pertains who those who will be fortunate enough to have health care insurance in the future, which, according to Robert Tranquada, MD, will be fewer and fewer yet. The state of medicine is grim, indeed. As former Dean of the School of Medicine at USC and national expert on public policy, Dr. Tranquada held out no bromides for what we can expect as funding shrinks and demand increases. The Department of Human Services, with a budget of $2.9 billion, has a $700 million deficit. Some ways to combat the constant loss is reduction of beds in county hospitals and closure of clinics and trauma centers, which impacts the entire populace as immediate care moves further and further away. Statistically speaking in Los Angeles County: 33% of people under 65 years old do not have health insurance, and of those, 84% are employed; 50% of trauma care is delivered by county hospitals; and, at any time, beds are full, thereby necessitating diversion to another hospital. In the past 10 years, 16 hospitals have closed and no new beds have been added. The only salvation is in the largesse of the Federal and State governments, but considering their other demands, the hope for a sufficient bail out is slim. The answer? Contact your representatives in Sacramento and Washington, DC, insisting that we care about our healthcare and we expect them to craft a resolution.
Heads Up
Lending their flair to the head table were Mike Hyler to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests; Richard Kennedy, MD, to introduce speaker Robert Tranquada, MD,; and Larry Maher to give the invocation. Liz Astrin, Executive Director of Project ECHO, was introduced as a new member. Carol Jackson accompanied us on the piano, while John Miller led us in rousing song and pledge.
Of Significance
| Kudos to Shirley Dowling, whose tireless efforts on behalf of literacy have made a tremendous difference to the impoverished citizens of Swaziland. Four clubs there received $800 in precious funds to improve literacy and, due to matching funds, help combat the AIDS epidemic. Lives will change because of you, Shirley. |
| Save January 23rd to take advantage of the unique opportunity to meet and greet Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul on his return visit to District 5280. This diplomat and Rotary leader will be at the Riviera Country Club for dinner. Tickets are $75. Please contact Ted Ihnin, president of the Westwood Village Rotary Club, at President@wvrdc.net for reservations. Prepayment must be received by January 17th. |
| Got license plate? Better hurry, ‘cuz 5,000 Rotary plates must be ordered ASAP or the opportunity will vanish forever. Don’t you want to be a mobile ad for the Service Above Self motto? Log on to http://www.ca-rotarylicenseplates.org/ to get yours while you still can. |
| Rotary Club of Santa Monica is continuing its 10 years trend by participating in the Rotary District’s Group Study Exchange Program. The Program’s mission of promoting world peace and understanding employs a fully-funded, six-week trip that focuses on vocational, cultural and educational benefits. In April, four young Italian professionals will be hosted in the homes of Santa Monica Rotarians who will take them to various sites of interest and meetings with professionals and business people. Please participate by acting as a driver or travel host with other club members. Host a dinner, or a breakfast before an outing. Contact Paul Gaulke at 820-4100 or 459-9770 to become involved. Que bella. |
| Annie Bird is our Ambassadorial Scholar who will be leaving February 6th to attend a university in Buenos Aires for a full academic year. She will join us on February 24th for a brief presentation about what this Rotary Foundation scholarship means to her. A Santa Monican, Annie attended Santa Monica College and was selected for the prestigious Dale Ride summer internship in Washington DC; she was also the elected Student Trustee for one year. Annie was raised by her mother, who lives locally, and who no doubt is very proud of this young woman’s remarkable accomplishments. |
| If you can accommodate house guests in early February, let Shirley Dowling know that the District Governor from India can stay with you while here to attend a conference. |
| Oops. It is expected that our dues collection will increase dramatically, thanks to Harris Levey, who noticed that the return envelope enclosed with the statement was pre-addressed to the Optimist Club. |
| Mark your calendars for January 31st. That’s when Chris Baker wants us to show up wearing our loudest, noisiest, brightest shirts & blouses. Oh, whatever will Mike Dukakis think of us? |
| Susan Dawson let us know that her dad is holding on tight, is stable, but still under hospital care. She expects to shuttle between Chicago (where it is a chilly 26 degrees) and LA until her father’s condition improves. Our good vibes are helping to keep her warm. |
The Welcome Mat
Visiting Rotarians from afar were Chip Ross from British Columbia and Michael Schandroch from Switzerland. Rotarians who didn’t travel quite that distance were Lynn Morris from Allentown, PA., Suzanne Toyryla and Sue Hartenbaum from the Palisades. Guests were Karen Ross, Juan Llaro, Stephan Hulbert, Joel Sarachek, MD, Mike Russell, and Rotaract guests Heidi Nyman, Mitzi Correa, Tori Hettinger, and Reyn Fornwood. A hearty welcome was given to new member Tony Cristiano.
Older & Wiser
Rosemary Regalbuto let us in on the birthday secrets this month. January can boast a day devoted to National Books, Puzzles, Popcorn and Trivia…and the births of these Rotarians: John McIntire, Tom Laramore, Judy Neveau, Conn Oyler, John Lehne, Larry Maher, Alonzo Hill, Klaus Mennekes, and Bill Hunt. Hip Hip Horray.
On The Agenda
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January 24 Craft Talks |
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January 31 Michael Dukakis |
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February 4 District Breakfast (Note date change) |
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February 7 Four-Way Test Competition Awards |
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February 14 Orchid Expert (display & purchase for Valentine’s Day) |
In deference to our esteemed speakers, please, turn off the damned cell phones.