Kevin introduced today’s speaker:  Michael Tempesta, PhD, who is a natural-product chemist and biotech executive.  He began with a little about himself: he was the eldest of six, grew up in the Minneapolis area; his dad was very busy trying to support them all, but he was a property manager who got five chemistry sets when he was younger.

He was the last in the draft during Vietnam, and a conscientious objector who liked the country enough to get drafted, but he wasn’t carrying a gun so they made him a medic. He was in the 101^st Airborne Unit in the Army, trained to go to Israel; he swore he’d never go back to Minnesota even though he entered the University of Minnesota and got a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. A friend persuaded him to go to Arizona where he got his master’s degree and PhD in organic chemistry in three years, and worked in structural analysis trying to identify natural compounds; working with medicinal plants, fungi and the like. He published many graduate-level papers, got two degrees in three years, and was snapped up by what he calls “the best natural products chemistry professor in the U.S.” who looked at his record and said “You’re mine;” he had just opened up a research institute in Japan. He was invited to talk at the University of Missouri; “they offered me a job and I took it,” and was a young professor for years until he left to start a company.

The students in his international group there worked with natural products; one of them was from Peru (students worked on projects with the natural resources from their home areas) and hers ended up being a drug that had powerful respiratory effects. He left the university and started a company here, got on the public market; and the drug got approval…

“Not everything turns out to be a success;” he said; so he showed on paper some examples of  complicated marine molecules for which he was able to figure out the structure based on spectroscopic data. He also showed a marine natural product that is poisonous that he said ended up being involved with HIV and anti-cancer treatments. 

Some of his discoveries are still getting approvals and others have been used in medical treatments; in instances where the gut can repair itself, or to slow down inflammations. 

He was asked how did he get from discovering to isolating a treatment agent. He showed a folk remedy in Peru famous for wound healing but found that the molecules did not get absorbed well in the bloodstream, so they won’t “get you better if you have a cold or the flu.” That led to him discussing a sophisticated South American folk remedy.

He discussed Shaman Pharmaceuticals that he had started, and that had gotten funded to the a Hollywood opening of a film during which he was able to meet Sean Connery, a “real medicine man.” He called that “one of my life events.” 

He spoke of a company he developed which produced a nice booster used in a cold and flu products. He has worked with a lot of nonprofits around the world, and admitted that “my life isn’t going to last forever,” but it’s “doing good.”

Liz Schuck, standing in for President Kevin at his request, called the meeting to order at about a quarter past 12. She began by telling us all “aloha” from Matt Pele (?) and the Hawaiian volcano, and noted that it was “freezing” where she was! Dianne led the flag salute.  Karen was our greeter today, asked her for words of wisdom. In response, Karen said she had two quotes: One from Mary Dunbar, an author and “witch” from Ireland: “We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light;” and “The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it,” by Benjamin Franklin. Applause followed as the Rotarians took their seats.

Liz thanked Paul Wrubel for setting up the room as he does every week. She added that he’d been setting up the room like this for seven years, every single week. More applause followed!  There were no visiting Rotarians. But even though she had been away because she was “in the land of sunshine” and missed Thanksgiving, Liz had a task for us. Since Kevin was not there, she figured we should have a quiz, and since she missed Thanksgiving because she was “in the land of sunshine,” she had treats for anyone who could answer the questions (and there were several tries and ties.) She said several times that she thought they were easy, but …

Which Christmas song was traditionally a Thanksgiving song? Answer: “Jingle Bells.” 

What did the balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade replace? Answer: Live animals. 

What character was the very first character balloon? Answer: Felix the cat. (Liz.)

Liz tried one she called “closer to home:” What household hazard triples on Thanksgiving? Answer: Fire; Irwin got it.

What tradition brings good luck on Thanksgiving? Answer: The wishbone. (Everyone got this one.)

Here’s one only a chef would know: How can you tell if a cranberry’s ripe? Answer: When it bounces. Larkin got it.

Are pumpkins a vegetable? Answer: No. It’s a fruit. No one knew; but Liz said it. 

Statistically, what is America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish?  Statistically, Liz said, stuffing. Also according to a poll, what is the least popular Thanksgiving dish? Answer: The green bean casserole. (Liz had to call that one.)

What type of food was eaten at the very first Thanksgiving, that isn’t included nowadays? Answer: (think where Plymouth is, she said) Fish. (Ginger got that one too.)

(Couple more): What historical figure wanted the turkey to be the symbol of the United States? Answer: Benjamin Franklin. (Liz asked, “Can you imagine a turkey on our flag?”)

 Thanksgiving leftovers led to what invention? (hint: something to do with TV.) Answer: TV dinners. Liz got it. 

 Black Friday is the busiest home repair day for what repairman? Answer: The plumber. (Sandra got it.)

What President declared Thanksgiving a national holiday? (Several guesses.) Answer, I think from Rosi): Abraham Lincoln. 

This was definitely a different kind of Rotary meeting!!

On Thursday, Nov. 6, instead of a regular lunch meeting, the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay held a social at the Barterra Winery, at its new location in Princeton Harbor 

About 15 Rotarians were there plus spouses and partners, and those included club President Kevin with Debbie, Liz and Teri, Dianne, John and Larkin, Irwin and Nancy, Stacy and Doug, Ginger and Paul and son Chris, and Ralph. Also present were new or prospective Rotarians Karen Senffner and Karen Hampton, and guest Robin Chapman.

Among the comments there was a mention that a donation of food from the club members had been made to Coastside Hope. In addition many members brought canned and boxed food to social to donate as well.

Everyone sat down at long tables set up for comfortable conversation, and presently large pizzas with four flavors were brought in for everyone to share: pepperoni, mushroom and sausage, mushroom and prosciutto, and Margarita (really a great flavor!) The food was organized by Club member Ginger Child-Minoletti.

Longtime Club member and PP Liz Schuck noted: “I think it’s great to have different venues for club socials, and to invite different guests!”