Thought for the Day: Charlene Drummer was inspired by our Rotary Exchange Students from Japan. We can learn so much about life and wisdom by three Japanese principals:
Gaman: the art of self-control, patience and dignity under pressure
Shen Ren Yuku: “forest bathing”—basking in the beauty and solemnity of nature and letting go of negative thoughts
Kintsugi: making something beautiful out of something broken—there is beauty in repair, and no need to hide the cracks and scars of an object or person who has been mended.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Bob Hermann -- past President of San Francisco #2 Club.
Bob gave us a short talk about RYLA, the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. This is a 40-year-old program for high school students which is supported by all of the Rotary clubs in District 5150, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. It’s Goals are youth leadership development, youth personal growth and youth mental well-being through social connections.
This leadership camp program is held at Scotts Valley Redwood Glen Camp for 4 days every year and is open to any high school student in the District. This year’s dates are July 28-August 1.
The program was started by the SF Rotary Club #2 in 1985 as “Camp Enterprise.” It took inspiration from a book on Leadership created by Kaiser Permanente where Bob used to work.
It serves about 150-160 high-schoolers from 45 high schools and is supported solely by District 5150, at about $800 per student. The SF Rotary Club chips in $50K per year!
Sunshine Reports:
Mike Kimball is out of the hospital, at home resting and is feeling much better.
Mark Johnson attended today and looks great! He did not eat much due to his jaw being wired shut after a second procedure by Stanford Docs --- trying to keep him from talking?—and he is still talking-----? Third time a charm?
Announcements:
There was a membership committee meeting just before this meeting to brainstorm ways to increase and retain membership. Many good ideas came out of the session. There will be a follow-up session at 11:00 next Wednesday before the next meeting—all are invited to attend---bring any thoughts or ideas!
Bob Doerr talked about Shelter Box, a Rotary program that supplies disaster survival kits to those affected by natural disasters. Rotary is active and helping residents displaced by the Southern California fires.
Program:
Carol Tanzi introduced Dr. Bonnie Jue, DDS, who presented a wonderful program on dental health and the efforts of Sonrisas Dental Health of San Mateo County.
Dental health impacts all aspects of overall health.
1 in 5 people over age 65 have lost all of their teeth
60% of kids 5-17 have cavities, and toothaches are a major cause of missed school days
Sonrisas serves all ages and depends on private donations, grants and fundraising; they receive no Federal aid.
The original clinic opened in Half Moon Bay in 2001 and the main San Mateo location opened in 2015.
Sonrisas has a large role in identifying dental problems among children through screenings in classrooms. Catching problems early at the baby tooth stage is so important; many children are found with serious tooth decay which can impact their future overall health.
The organization has innovative portable equipment which can be moved from location to location. There are also air supported dental chairs which can move around the room to serve those in wheelchairs or in bed, and portable x-ray machines.
Dr. Jue had great tips for all of us to be aware of for best dental health:
Use a soft brush and change it frequently. Do not brush too hard and keep an eye out for any gum recession.
If using an electric toothbrush (which is good!) remember to keep it gliding over the teeth and not linger in one spot.
The number one cause of tooth decay is dry mouth
Use toothpaste with potassium nitrate such as Sensodyne if your teeth are sensitive.
If you eat sweets or chocolate, it is better not to nurse it over time, but to eat it relatively quickly; acidity in the mouth goes up once you stop eating and the saliva can neutralize the sugar.
Wait 10 to 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth.
After the meeting a dozen or so of us stayed to pack 800 “goodie bags” consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, timers, and floss picks along with instructions; these are handed out to students at the many school screenings Sonrisas does almost twice a week.
Thank you Dr. Jue and Sonrisas for all of the good work you do throughout the County!
Sonrisas is located at 430 N El Camino Real San Mateo. You can reach Dr. Jue at bjue@sonrisasdental.org
Theater has always been more than just entertainment—it is a gathering place, a mirror to society, and a catalyst for connection. Steve Muterspaugh will explore Hillbarn theater's vital role in building community, fostering empathy, and keeping the arts alive. From the magic of live performance to the impact of inclusive storytelling, discover how theater strengthens bonds, sparks conversation, and reminds us of our shared humanity. Whether you're an artist, an audience member, or an advocate for the arts, this discussion will illuminate why theater remains an essential part of our cultural fabric.
