President Jerry Winges opened the meeting and asked Past-president Doug Person to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Lisa Kiesselbach introduced her guest, Jean Caramatti of the Rotary Club of Belmont & Redwood Shores. Former Burlingame Rotarian and City Manager. Jim Nantell joined us via Zoom.
Invocation
Our AV guru, William Li, shared some fun facts about quantum physics, specifically discussing quantum tunneling and the concept that while passing through solid objects has an astronomically small probability, it's not impossible. He used this scientific phenomenon to illustrate that sometimes seemingly impossible challenges should be attempted, as meaningful breakthroughs often come from willingness to try what seems unlikely. And a lot of progress that we've seen in history and a lot of inventions, they come from being willing to try something that seems unlikely, to keep knocking at the door and recognizing that possibilities we initially dismissed might not be impossible after all.
Announcements
We were treated to a short fun video highlighting the EREY event at the SF Zoo on Saturday, November 7. Bring the whole family for an exciting day.
Paul Watermulder reminded us of our upcoming fall fundraiser. TopGolf will be held on Sunday, November 15. This event is how we are able to support our scholarship programs for Burlingame students. So please participate by 1) a sponsorship, 2) buying tickets and 3)
Jennifer Pence passed around a sign-up sheet for the AVID career event on November 17th at BHS.
Jonnie Dukes explained our World Seres sports pool. The winners will be decided based on the final score of the last game. As game one will be held on Friday, October 23rd there are few days left to pick your squares.
This year Veterans Day, November 11, will be a Wednesday. Doug Person would like to create a program honoring those who served. He is asking members who had family members who were involved in any of our past wars and conflicts, from WWII to the Gulf Wars to submit photos and a bit of narrative. He shared an example of an uncle who died fighting in World War II.
International Service
Bob Doerr presented a new project in India focused on skill training through a HEAL (Health and Education for All) school that provides trade education including electrical work, plumbing, and appliance repair. The project aims to address 39% unemployment among people under 25 years old by offering apprenticeships and certification in essential trades. The total project cost is $150,000, with $60,000 in cash donations already secured and potential for additional matching funds through a district fund that can match dollar for dollar.
Paul Watermulder shared his experi3ence on a recent trip to Mexico City. He also discussed a new initiative in Mexico City where we are being invited to partner on a global grant for a 1,000-meter pavilion that will house arts, music, theater, leadership training, and conflict resolution programs for a school serving 1,200-1,400 students.
Program:
Pete Wanger introduced his neighbor and former police chief of Burlingame Jack vanEtten. Jack presented a picture of the 2002 Wells Fargo Bank robbery in Burlingame, which was the top story of 2004 according to the Daily Journal's 25th anniversary. He began by discussing the background of Seti Scanlon, one of four individuals arrested in connection with the crime, including Scanlon's difficult childhood, family history of violence, and subsequent criminal activities leading up to the robbery.
Jack provided details about the murder of Alice Martel, mother of two young children, who was shot and killed during the bank robbery on October 11, 2002. The two masked suspects entered through the rear of the bank, fired shots to intimidate, and stole approximately $4,000 before escaping.
Alice & David Martell
He described the investigation process, including the use of crime scene photos, snitch information, and confessions. which led to the capture and conviction of multiple suspects.
Jack, who was in charge of the case as an officer of the Burlingame Police Department at the time, told District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe to concentrate on just the shooter. He didn’t care what happened to the other guys in this case. He really wanted the guy that killed Alice Martell with a gunshot to her back.
Scanlon surrendered in Oregon, attempting to flee to Samoa. At trial the jury deadlock 9 to 3 in favor of the death penalty in June of 2,004. The District Attorney's office opted for a life sentence rather than a retrial. Seti was transferred to a maximum-security prison, where he would spend 22 to 23 hours a day behind bars. Seti Scanlon, with multiple felonies, received 9 life sentences, plus 296 years in prison. He died at Corcoran State Prison in 2018.
As noted by a member, there is still a plaque in the Wells Fargo lobby as a memorial to Alice Martell. Thank you, Chief van Etten.
Join us as Congressman Kevin Mullin brings us the latest from Washington, D.C. As a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce, he works on issues that touch nearly every aspect of our daily lives, including energy policy, consumer protection, public health, medical research, food and drug safety, environmental quality, and telecommunications.
Don’t miss this timely opportunity to hear firsthand about what’s happening in Congress and the issues affecting our communities.
