Holiday Brunch with Santa - and Motivational Speaker

Ho Ho Ho - our dedicated member and excellent caterer, Diane Braasch, provided a wonderful brunch, with all kinds of tasty delights (and we already have the best breakfast in town!). We were encouraged to bring guests and were delighted that so many people could join us. Then Santa (or was that Mrs. Claus?) arrived and handed out fun gifts, including a "tea with the Queen" flowery hat for Gillian, and a book for Mody on how to attract a nice Jewish girl. Thanks Diane!

We also had a motivational speaker, David Trotter, who is passionate about helping people awaken to the rich, meaningful life that is available to everyone. A former pastor, David encouraged us to embrace change and to alter our mindset from "criticize, complain, contradict" to "model, share, embrace." In his ministry, just as we do in Rotary, he used this philosophy while traveling to several third-world countries to help others. He co-founded the Awaken children's home in India, providing a home, love, safe water, and education for impoverished orphans.

With over 10 years of non-profit leadership experience, David speaks and writes on the topics of motivation, spirituality, and marriage.

Reminder: Next week, December 29 will be "dark" - no meeting. Our next meeting will be January 5, 2011.

Therapy Dogs

Since Dr. Jerry Von Talge retired from his multi-faceted profession as a trial consultant, expert witness, psychotherapist, minister, and writer, he has been very involved in volunteer work.

One of his passions is to work with animals and he volunteers with the Irvine Animal Shelter, including taking new dog photos weekly for their website. He also volunteers with the Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OCSPCA), which includes PAWS therapy dog visitations to various facilities.

“PAWS” stands for “Pets Are Wonderful Support.” Jerry's wife Jean (a retired trial attorney) became a PAWS volunteer about a year ago. They have two therapy dogs: Tzu (“Sue”) Ling, a Shih Tzu, and Bella, a Shih poo. They brought Sue in to demonstrate her skills on stage!

The Director of PAWS gave an overview of their Program, which has 100 dog teams that work primarily with the elderly in nursing homes, and hospitalized children (25 facilities in all). They also participate in elementary school reading programs.

The President of the OCSPCA provided information on how dogs are selected for this program - several of them (like Sue) came from the Irvine Animal Shelter.

Jerry and Jean have been volunteers for the new UC Irvine Center for Diabetes Treatment & Research since 2004. Dogs have a unique ability to detect subtle changes in human behavior that can signal low blood sugar, heart attacks, seizures, etc. Jerry also does grant writing, promotional materials, photography and newsletter articles for the Center.

There is new and promising work being done in the areas of autism, so dogs truly are a man's best friend. Jerry left us with the thought "Change someone else's life and maybe you will change your own." Certainly that is what we aim to do in Rotary!

Helping to Keep the World Green

Our speaker this week was Michael Renzi, one of the cofounders of Zero Carbon Alliance, which was created to provide an opportunity for ordinary Americans to dramatically increase the use of renewable energy in our nation’s homes and businesses.

We were reminded that 70% of our oil is imported, and only 3% of the energy we consume is "green". However, we have many sources of sustainable green energy, including wind, solar, and water. Also, insulation and recycling play a key role in reducing energy consumption.

Renewable energy certificates can be purchased from wind or solar facilities in a government authorized program, enabling many businesses (including Starbucks, Hilton, and Lowes) to promote themselves as being "green". This can be done on an individual basis as well, which can be done directly with the energy companies or through a broker such as Zero Carbon Alliance.

If we are conscientious about using renewable energy, we should be able to be about 75% "green" in 20-25 years - a wonderful legacy for our children!

Prior to starting Zero Carbon Alliance, Michael held the position as Vice President of Sales with FiberTech Polymers from 2005-2010, manufacturing “eco-responsible” products derived from all recycled waste materials.

National Immunization Day - India

Rotary District 5240 invites interested Rotarians to join a National Immunization Day (NID) trip to India in February 2011. The trip will be approximately two weeks. The participating Rotarian and/or the Rotary club pays the traveling expenses, estimating at $3,000 per person.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to see and participate in the eradication program in a country where polio remains endemic.

For more information, click here.

This week's speaker

Our guest this week is Michael Renzi. Michael is one of the founders of Zero Carbon Alliance. Zero Carbon Alliance was created to provide an opportunity for ordinary Americans to dramatically increase the use of renewable energy in our nation’s homes and businesses.

Prior to starting Zero Carbon Alliance, he held the position as Vice President of Sales with FiberTech Polymers from 2005-2010, manufacturing “eco-responsible” products derived from all recycled waste materials.

Holiday Party

A very jolly time was spent at our annual Holiday party, brilliantly coordinated by Barry Brown and Kathy White, with Luana's superb Christmas House decorations, and with Phil as our bar tender!

The Groves community center was tastefully decorated, with a beautiful Christmas tree and many teddy bears that will later be donated to needy children.

The food was delicious - prime rib and all the trimmings, and a great variety of appetizers and deserts.

We had two skilled musicians playing the guitar and piano, with the highlight being the carol singing at the end, particularly "The Twelve Days of Christmas" - Woody did a fine rendition of the "Five Gold Rings" and most people came in on cue (with Peter and others juggling two "day" too!).

Definitely a great start to the season and we look forward to next year's celebration!

Ringing in the Holiday Season with Sound Therapy

Our speaker this week was Mark Romero, who provided an interesting insight into (and demonstrated) the power of sound therapy.

Using his guitar as a metaphor for life, Mark talked about the need to keep our "strings" in tune, and how musical vibrations can promote health, wellness, and vitality and keep our thoughts, beliefs and perceptions on an even plane.

He demonstrated the effect of these sounds on physical strength by putting our strong, young, athletic Ray Benedicktus to "the test". The fact that he could easily move Ray's arms without the music and couldn't when it was playing, certainly looked convincing!

Formerly the CEO of a successful technology company, Mark has developed a unique process to help individuals attain a higher level of success, improve their health, and enhance their productivity. His scientific breakthrough is expressed by means of his unique musical notes and tones. This tool is a proprietary blend of specific sound frequencies to help reduce stress, "supercharge" performance, and heighten creativity.

Mark Romero Music Inc. offers a wide range of services that build on clients' existing efforts, including his sound therapy CDs, Musical Prescriptions CD series, teleconference series, keynote speaking engagements, private and group coaching sessions, and advisory services.