Story written by: Jim Beazley
WELCOME by President Jaime.
PLEDGE & THOUGHT: Ken Lydon, a quote from Ben Franklin.
SONG: Tom Feutz: “Let Me Call you Sweetheart,” from a 1920’s Rotary songbook AND our own!
Visiting ROTARIANs: Bruce Ketron from Napa Noon.
GUESTs OF ROTARIANS:
George Nielson introduced the Napa City Fire Marshall, Daren Drake.
Kevin Corley introduced Max Wheeler.
Daren Drake told us the Napa 9/11 Memorial is nearing completion and is short about $20,000. President Jaime told us our Board has donated $500 toward the project. Several members made donations today which you will see below.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Brian Kelly thanked Joel Tranmer and the folks at the Napa Landtrust for making our “HIKING social” this last Saturday possible. The 28 of us hiked from Wildlake near Calistoga to a mountain top with a sweeping view of Napa Valley, the Palisades and Mt. St. Helena. Joel gave a short presentation before we began, and after a couple of hours of hiking we munched on sandwiches from the kitchen of Downtown Joes. Even a Porta-Potty was provided.
The BIRTHDAY God Mother strikes again! Rocky Loftus helped us all congratulate all the May Birthdays: Cathy Dickey, Mark Kuhnhausen, David Anderson, John Cordeiro, Gene Waken, Corey Waken, Brian Kelly, Al Ceresa, Jerry Johnson, Doris Gentry Bud Mills and Matt Salsman.
Mike Chramko, standing in (literally & figuratively) for the recovering Chris Craiker, announced we are still looking for volunteers for next week’s duties at the Table. Please contact Mike at 363-6430.
Rose Sheehan reminded us we will host another BBQ for our Pathway Home vets in 2 weeks from today. Call Rose for questions 592.6368 and sign up.
Colleen Clark reminded us of the May 18 & 19 concerts “A Royal Celebration” which will be presented by Sing Napa Valley! at the First United Methodist Church at 625 Randolph St., Napa. Call 261-6165 or visit www.singnapavalley.org for more information.
Doris Gentry gave away two Bottle Rock concert tickets for the Thursday, May 9th concert.
Mike Campi reminded us the Golf Ball Drop is a short 2 weeks away…if you intend to turn in unsold tickets, do so by NEXT week. After that, any outstanding tickets you hold will be charged against you.
Mark Foxworthy announced the “KickOut” will be on June 27th at the Napa Boys and Girls club at 6:30 pm.
HAPPY $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
George Nielson paid $50 to Pathway Home project to announce a May 8th meeting at Meritage Napa Valley to coordinate the upcoming Walk/fundraiser (this Fall) to raise funds to for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Kevin Corley, the proud papa of his swimming sensation son Haydon who swims for Justin Siena HS, gave $100 to the 9/11 Memorial fund.
Tom Feutz grandson Jack Kobylda had two track victories as mentioned in the Register so Tom donated $100 in his name to the 9/11 memorial project.
Bud Mills, perhaps to celebrate his May birthday, donated $100 to the 9/11 Memorial fund.
Matt Salsman’s son Kennedy excels at golf so Matt donated $50 to the 9/11 Memorial fund.
Patrick Sweeney donated $100 to Interact.
Corey Waken not only celebrated his birthday, but a very personal 5 year anniversary, and donated $100 to the 9/11 Memorial Fund and the Rotary Foundation.
Denny Mosher, to celebrate his birthday, donated $50 to the 9/11 Memorial Fund.
The NEWish ROTARY JOKER: with a pot of $75, Leona handed out $10 to Denny Mosher instead when he did NOT pull a Joker!
THE PROGRAM
Doris Gentry introduced Jennifer Brusstar who told us about the Tug McGraw foundation of which she is the CEO. Tug McGraw, a former major league baseball player, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003. Jennifer, at that time an American Airlines stewardess, was asked by Tug’s Country singer son TIM McGraw, to help with his dad’s care.
After contacting medical experts they learned the issues and challenges Tug was facing were similar to those faced by our returning soldiers with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Much of what could be done for Tug revolved around Quality of Life issues which could benefit from on-going Research, Education of patients and their families, Public Awareness and Inspiration.
The work goes on to this day and is continuing through the Tug McGraw Foundation. Jennifer told us the focus of the Tug McGraw Foundation is to provide support and resources for people affected by brain tumors and brain related trauma, including PTSD and TBI. Their efforts focus on advancing science and collaborations to improve quality of life for people affected by brain cancer and brain trauma and promoting awareness of the importance of brain health. To learn more click on www.tugmcgraw.org