PAT ZUMBUSCH gave the inspiration including quotes from Satchel Paige among others, and GARY HIRSCH and PAT DAVITT combined for the Pledge and song – another strong rendition of “God Bless America”.
We had three Birthday Rotarians, all Past Presidents: JON WANG, LARRY ADAMSON, and ELLIE PATTERSON. JON noted that he is 77 years old, married for 42 years, and a Rotarian for 35 years, and that the more he is involved with service, the more he appreciates Rotary and everyone in this Club. LARRY is a 47 year Rotarian, and he is grateful for having both a father and a brother who are Rotarians. District Governor Elect ELLIE appreciates how Rotary teaches us to care for each other and for our community. Visiting Rotarian John Marnell exchanged flags with PRESIDENT CLIFF from the Hudson Day Break Rotary Club in Wisconsin.
Past President SCOTT VAUGHAN again did a yeoman’s job introducing our many visitors and invited everyone to consider joining our great Rotary Club.
Sergeant at Arms DALE BERG expertly conducted our raffle and organized the following announcements:
- President CLIFF reviewed the March Madness results so far, including a tie settled by coin flip that went to LEE OLITZKY’s Dream Team.
- DALE pinch-hitting for MIKE ORCUTT reminded us of the upcoming work projects: Community Food Bank March 24 and Triangle Y Ranch Project April 6-7.
- JOHN LEWIS reviewed the folks currently signed up to host Home Hospitality during the first week of April, and asked for additional hosts.
- …and finally, DALE reminded those of us who still owe taxes to consider the TRVFA Tax Credit
For our program Past President JONI CONDIT introduced Dr. Paul E. Bendheim, Founder, Chairman & Chief Medical Officer of BrainSavers, LLC. Dr. Bendheim’s topic was “BrainSavers, Because Gray Matters”. He pointed out that memory is what makes our lives, and that unfortunately 30 – 50% of people over age 80 are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that the brain is remarkable in its ability to generate new cells throughout our lives. Encouraging plasticity, building brain reserve, focusing on a vegetable and grain rich Mediterranean diet, getting better sleep, reducing chronic major stress, and cognitive and physical exercise can all help slow and reduce brain decline. A fascinating and encouraging presentation! Dr. Bendheim signed a book for our lending library: “Is That Wise Pig?”President CLIFF welcomed our visitors to consider joining our excellent Rotary Club and finished with an Irish toast in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
