FALL PROGRAMS: A CORUCOPIA OF FUN, FACTS & FELLOWSHIP

From Viet Nam to Pearl Harbor and the wilds of Alaska; from the wild scene of dating and sex after 60 to scenes from the California Independent Film Festival; from conserving our water resources to using them in a sustainable way to create locally grown wines; from healthcare at Sutter’s new hospital to the health of our Rotary District; and (finally) fun with clichés and a much needed group photo – Orinda Rotary has enjoyed fall programs covering a wide range of topics and interests.  Oh!  And we also managed to hold our biggest ever fundraiser, “Dancing with the Cars!”

Becky and Don Jenkins gave an inspirational talk about Rotary’s LN-4 prosthetic hand project and described the difference Rotary is making by providing basic, easy-to-assemble prostheses to individuals who have lost a hand due to accident or violence.  The effort has been life-changing, both in terms of their own experience  traveling in Viet Nam, but also for those receiving a hand and thus enabling them to lead more productive lives.

Rich Cimini took us through his trek to Alaska and other remote locations in search of rare and beautiful birds, while World War II veteran Mickey Ganitch recalled “the day that will live in infamy” as a very different sort of bird swooped down on Pearl Harbor and decimated the U. S. Navy, killing thousands of servicemen and precipitating our involvement in World War II.

Dr. Victoria Bentley shared her personal journey of discovery and related the importance of intimacy to our physical and mental well-being, while Edy Schwartz uplifted our spirits and piqued our curiosity about the films to be shown at the California Independent Film Festival.

Katy Foulkes of EBMUD discussed the drought and provided important information on what EBMUD is doing to boost resources, as well as what consumers need to be doing to reduce consumption. Meanwhile, Moraga’s Captain Vineyards is doing a remarkable job of producing grapes and making wine in a sustainable way that reduces water usage and trains vines to live in a water-restrained environment.

Jim Hickman gave an overview of Sutter Health’s newest state-of-the-art hospital with features to enhance comfort and encourage faster recovery, while District Governor Pam Gray paid a visit to our club, awarding several of our members with well-dserved recognition for their service!

Our own Peirce McKee regaled us with clichés galore –and provided some guidance on putting old saws to rest --and we enjoyed the musical stylings of Claudio Madeiros while posing for the camera.  

All in all a very busy and enlightening fall!  Go Orinda Rotary!