FEBRUARY: MUSIC, MERRIMENT, MERCY, MOUNTAINS

February brought a variety of lively programs and outings to Orinda Rotary. Music filled the air at the Orinda Country Club at our Valentine's Day luncheon on February 12, when our friends from Open Opera treated us to a potpourri of classic arias, Broadway hits and well-known love songs.  From Bizet's 'Carmen' to Cole Porter's 'Night and Day,' from Bernstein's 'West Side Story' to his 'Trouble in Tahiti,'  the singers entertained in high style and humor.  Featured performers included Julia Nielsen (soprano), Lisa van der Ploeg (mezzo-soprano), Leland Morine (baritone) and pianist James Meredith.

Our first-ever Cabernet and Cabaret dinner/fundraiser was held on Valentine's Day at the Masonic Lodge and attendees enjoyed champagne, a 4-course chocolate-themed dinner including wine, plus a 4-set feast of romantic standards from the Great American songbook performed by the Don Santos Quartet and yours truly. Special surprise performers, Jose and Marcela Avelar, added a bit of Latin love to the mix , as well! It was a festive and fun evening!

Our speaker on February 19 was First Officer John Creech of the Mercy Ship 'Africa.' John, a graduate of the Maritime Academy in Vallejo and a naval veteran of the Korean War, has served on the Mercy Ships for many years.

The Mercy Ships were first launched in 1978 -- inspired by the SS Hope which was the first hospital ship of its kind.  The Mercy Ship 'Africa' is flagged in Malta, which allows the use of certified seamen from around the world to serve aboard the vessel.  'Africa' was originally built as a train transport ship in Denmark, but came into service as a hospital ship in 2007. It focuses its services on the west coast of Africa and countries must invite the ship into port to receive aid and they must provide security while the ship is moored.  In addition, host countries must arrange a place for crew members to conduct screenings.  The clinic is not able to treat chronic AIDS, cancer or cardiac patients, but instead lends its efforts to immediately treatable disorders and illnesses.

The entire crew, with the exception of locals who are recruited to handle in-port duties, is volunteer.  Locals who are hired to assistand are paid $5 per day -- a tremendous opportunity for those inured to earning on average $2 per day.  Acquisition of clean water for the clinics is a major challenge and fuel for the ship runs about $32,000 per day.  Rotary International has been a  major funding source for many years and aboard 'Africa' Rotary's support funded the computer lab, as well as 28 vehicles to transport crew members screenings held further in-country.