Next Program: August 5, 2010

Governor Karl Diekman's Club Visit

Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith tells us that the 2010/11 Rotary Year, and those beyond will be bigger, better, and bolder. For District 5160 President Ray’s target presents a steep challenge because our immediate PDG Earl Kilmer and each of those that preceded him have brought us to new heights.

PHOTO: Governor Karl and Romi

Now that I have begun to write this I can see where bigger, better, and bolder is a natural take off from PDG Earl’s hot, hot, hot year that brought our District to new heights in projects, collaboration, and Foundation participation. In fact, one of Rotary’s great opportunities is that each year we can celebrate the successes of the prior year while striving to reach a higher peak in the new year. In my terms, Rotary is all about pushing up instead of holding back.

In 2010/11 Rotary International begins implementing its new Strategic Plan that integrates more than 100 policies and resolutions adopted at the 2010 Council on Legislation, and rolls out Future Vision. In addition to these new initiatives Rotary International has reduced its number of committees by half, reduced its meetings, and is moving rapidly to the digital age. All of these initiatives and changes are aimed at reducing the cost and bureaucracy of Rotary while making it bigger, better, and bolder.

District 5160 has also been working diligently on becoming bigger, better, and bolder while being mindful that its sole purpose is to serve clubs. We have made some organizational changes to reflect our status as a Future Vision District, we have incorporated to improve accountability of the District, and we have improved our strategic planning process for continuity of services and practices.

I would be remiss if I did not remind you that on November 4 thru 7 our District Conference in Sacramento promises to offer a rewarding education and social experience conveniently located in our beautiful state capitol city.

Have a great Rotary Year!

Karl Diekman,  2010/11 District Governor

Rotary Club of El Cerrito Weekly Bulletin: The Wheel

President Karen welcomed everyone to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club. Mike G led the flag salute and Mark S provided the thoughts for the day.

Secretary John:  Had Karen introduce her guests, Rebecca Phuong, President of our Interact Club and Ben Leonard, VP of our Interact Club.

4-Way Test Recital:  Don led us in reciting the 4-Way Test

Announcements:

• Frank gave us an update on the speakers and his desire to get a 60 day schedule.
• Jane announced the District Governor's Visit Aug. 5th. All Members please be present for the lunch meeting and bring guests. Board Members please meet in the Board Room at 11 am sharp.
• Marty passed out labels so we can put them into the dictionaries that will be given  to African children.
• Karen announced the Oakland Museum this Saturday and Oakland A's on Aug. 7th. See sidebar for details. Please sign up for the A's at the next meeting.   

Happy Dollars:   Charlie is happy he was accepted for his next cancer treatment.  Gary B is happy to be going on vacation in South Dakota and Montana.  Mark S is happy about the visioning program we did.  Marty is happy about the brownies Cindi Scott provided for the visioning session.  Ilhami is happy even though he did not get into the building for the visioning session.  Don is happy he is going on vacation.  Tracy happy is about the visioning.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:  Not on Duty Today

Today’s Program: 

Jaeyoung Choi, an Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar at UC Berkeley, was introduced by President Karen. Jaeyoung began his presentation by sharing a story of his two month visit to Africa where his main interest was to determine what types of cell phone applications could be used to positively impact populations in developing countries.  His story included the saga of the ten day stay he made in Malawi Africa where he was befriended by a family.  In the course of the stay Jaeyoung agreed to send his friend “Nick” an older laptop computer. In so doing it was discovered just how hard it is to communicate with developing countries.  

With that in mind we were then treated to the activities that are ongoing at UCB in this technological arena.  Some of the key areas include:

CITRIS – Center for Technology Research in the Interest of Societies.  Some of the things being developed include speech therapy apps for stroke survivors in Malaysia.  Another is the use of a cell phone attachment that does microscope operations that allows blood sample diagnosis of malaria  and TB.

TIER – Technical and Infrastructure for Emerging Regions that provides for applications that will help the regions to expand medical and health services in areas where the number of health care professionals is limited.

MILLEE – Mobile and Immersive Learning in Emerging Economics – The development of cell phone applications that get used a education applications for teaching youngster who have never been to school basic educational structures.  One of the big challenges with this arena is making sure the cell phone and its applications are acceptable to the cultural aspects of the communities.   The e-games that are developed have to be relevant  to the population or they will not be accepted.

WILDNET – a method of using of extending the range of WiFi service up to 100 KM so that an entire geographical area can be in one WiFi Node.

Jaeyoung gave us a great presentation that made us all consider the many possibilities.  Thank you Karen for arranging to have him speak to us.

Pres Karen show Jaeyoung the book being donated in his honor 

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Marty had his ticket drawn and won the bottle of wine.  Don F had his ticket selected and drew a cats eye marble costing and won the bottle of wine.  Next meeting the pot will be $65.

Thought for the Week:

Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.

--John Dewey