Wildlife & Beltway Vortex

Newly minted Blue Badger Judd Howell treated us to a history of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center with its Director (Judd) ending up in the Oval Office (the ultimate vortex). President Roosevelt created the Center by Executive Order in 1936. The Center was dedicated in 1939. Its locale is near Laurel, MD, between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. By the mid-1930s, there was general appreciation that wildlife was suffering from the build-out of the United States, and especially from agriculture, which was substantially reducing wetlands.  A harbinger of things to come was the disappearance of the Passenger Pigeon, which in earlier times had clouded the skies of the continental US. The last one died in a zoo in the 1920s.

Today, the Center oversees 17 Biological Research Centers around the country. Its reach is truly amazing, from biological surveys, bird banding, breeding bird surveys, native bee studies, the Florida Manatee Project, controlled exposure studies (e.g. the causal effect of DDT on eggshells through digestion), studies of wildlife diseases (avian influenza), and the Whooping Crane Research & Propagation Project (cranes taught to fly from Wisconsin to Florida, following an ultra-light aircraft).  Judd illustrated these activities and others in a fast-moving slide show.

The highlight was the “vortex.” The Center was seeking to move forward with an $82 million modernization project. President George W. Bush paid a visit to the Center.  Judd captured him, with the aid of whooping cranes.  And so from tour, to ride in the presidential van (First Lady in the jump seat), to White House, to $82 million – and a good look at a tree planted by President Jackson (yes, Jackson, not Johnson).  Bottom line: “Things can get done,” even in the vortex!  And, as Judd concluded, we need more of this, not less.

Visiting Rotarians
Richard Hyde, eClub 1
Cathy Polachek, Denora PA

Guests
Dr. Rod Ellison, guest of Ted Bystrowski

Announcements
President Kennedy (!) announced that Peter Scott was undergoing planned surgery, and would be out for perhaps a month.

Joice Beatty commented on “lack of cooperation” with the Sergeant-at-Arms.  Rotarians were sternly reminded not to forget their assigned tasks.  She made yet another plea for prizes for the "raffle."

President Kennedy reminded us of the Teachers’ Barbecue at Crane Park next Tuesday. There will be a service award to a teacher who has demonstrated "Service Above Self." Confidential details not disclosed here!

President Kennedy announced the September 11 visit of District Governor Michael Juric. The DG will attend the Board meeting, the luncheon, and a reception at 5:30 at Rianda House.

President Kennedy advised that we will partner with the Chamber of Commerce to assist in acquiring new Christmas decorations for Main Street.  More to come.

Judd Howell announced the annual fundraiser for Sunrise Horse Rescue on August 18, at 5:00 p.m., at Blossom Creek Farm, 3547 Highway 128, Calistoga.

Suzan Sculatti sought housing in San Francisco for a Rotary exchange student (her daughter).  Any contact would be appreciated. The need is immediate.

Discussion Interlude (“Attendance”)
President Kennedy sought discussion on strategies to improve attendance.  Declining luncheon attendance is an issue not just with us, but also with Rotary Clubs generally. President Kennedy stressed that members should not rely on their leadership, but need to step up themselves, even in small ways. She invited comment. Rob Andreae noted that in the past “movers and shakers” (the Mayor, the City Manager, the Police Chief, others) were Rotarians. This was less so today, suggesting that we need to reach out.  Steve Yost noted the absence of many members at today’s luncheon. Ted Bystrowski would like assistance in developing a list of persons that the Club should target. Carol Sobczak noted that we should be calling members not in regular luncheon attendance (“it could work”). Cindy Warren pointed out that once Ted’s list was developed, then Rotarians with relationships to listed persons should be called upon to call them.  President Kennedy noted that in past years members were expected to have 100% attendance at meetings, that this expectation was no longer being met, that the Club’s leadership needed help, and she would work on developing a plan.

Induction of New Rotarian and Conferral of Blue Badge

Rotarian Alston Hayne inducted Dr. Rod Ellison into Rotary.  It was especially rewarding to hear him note that he was born in St. Helena.  He has recently relocated his dental practice from Yakima, Washington, to St. Helena. 

Rotarian Alston Hayne also conferred the Blue Badge on Judd Howell.  Congratulations to both!