March 28, 2024 -  Shelley Mitchell, The Otay Project

Posted by Editor: FDBobko
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
The FOGHORN 
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
MARCH 28, 2024
 
Shelley Mitchell
The Otay Project
Article by Steve Wilson
Pictures by Liz Schuck
 
Our speaker was Shelley Mitchell, who has a seven year old son with apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder.  Shelley came to educate us on the direct and side-effects of this disorder, as well as the struggle she is experiencing with mobilizing the professional resources necessary to treat the disorder (mostly direct work with a trained specialist several times a week).  There are also difficulties here on the Coast finding trained personnel locally  (the alternative to which is trips to Redwood City or equivalent). There are Regional Centers with resources, but children age out of these programs typically by age 3. Shelley also explained the difficulties parents experience with insurance company reimbursements (no more than 25% of out of pocket reimbursement) and the local school district (attention paid mainly to the most severe cases).  Not uniquely, the Coastside is very unresourced.  The statistical data on "collateral" damage to young people is significant, mainly mental health and increased suicide risk. 
 
Shelley has begun to canvass local resources and would like to form a nonprofit to marshal and provide resources, but there is a lot of organizational work to be done before that can become a reality. 
 
She calls her aspirational nonprofit the "Otay Project" because that is how her son says OK.
CLUB MEETING,  MARCH 28, 2024                                             

Pledge of Allegiance and Inspirational Thought

Plenty of goings-on today.  Our greeter was Arancha, who led us in the flag salute and offered words of wisdom.  
 
Birthdays in April include Dave Dickson and Joe Brennan (happy birthday, guys!), and we observed the club-joining anniversaries of a number of members.  As part of the International Womens Day celebrations, clubs were asked to designate one outstanding female member for recognition. Liz put forward Barb Neilsen on account of her exemplary leadership in both event organization and service commitments.  Thank you, Barb!  Flowers were presented to John and Larkin for their long-term hosting of our exchange student, Suzanne.  She has just made the transition to her new host, Dianne Bobko, who received flowers as well.

Inspirational Thought  

Guests We had a second-time guest, Dustin Shafae, son of early Rotarian Charles Shafae.  Dustin had kindly volunteered to help with the mock interviews at HMB High.

Birthdays, Rotary Anniversaries, and International Womens Day Celebrations and More

Birthdays in April include Dave Dickson and Joe Brennan (happy birthday, guys!), and we observed the club-joining anniversaries of a number of members.  As part of the International Womens Day celebrations, Clubs were asked to designate one outstanding female member for recognition. Liz put forward Barb Neilsen on account of her exemplary leadership in both event organization and service commitments.  Thank you, Barb!  Flowers were presented to John and Larkin for their long-term hosting of our exchange student, Suzanne.  She has just made the transition to her new host, Dianne Bobko, who received flowers as well.

 

Happy News

 Prez Liz is trying very hard to clear the final hurdle for our club to meet the criteria for Outstnading Club.  We need attendees for the district 5170 District Conference in San Jose on April 27.  Specifically, five others in additon to Liz.  Please sign up.

Announcements 

In other news, Liz announced that no new cases of polio have been reported globally so far this year.
 
Busy Bee awards were given to Kevin and Warren. 
 
Kevin reminded us to send him checks for reserved seats for Mrs. Doubtfire in July. 
 
The Board of Supervisors has decided to give Farmworker Awareness Week a higher profile. 
 
Irwin and Nancy attended the recent District Conference and Irwin said that the training experience was awesom. 
 
We are again urged to complete the Youth Protection Training, particularly since it is required in order for Rotarians to be in close contact with Interact-ers. 
 
Millbrae Club will be hosting its annual joint meeting/dinner at Basque Cultrual center on April 24th in the evening.  Sign-up forms will be available at next meeting. 
 
There is an April 25th tour of Sam's Castle, Pacifica, with tea afterwards--call Joe Brennan for details and cost information, the max attendance will be 24. 
 
Kevin delivered sobering news that State Farm is cancelling 22,000 policies for HO insurance and small business insurance statewide and that those with State Farm policies should be aware of this.

 

 
 
Liz, Terry and Suzzane are going to a fundraising dinner for Rotary in Millbrae.  It is their annual Celebration of the Chinese New Year with lots of fun and great food.
 

Marble Game -  sadwinkcool  Kevin had a chance, but the color was GREEN

PHOTO GALLERY