Carol Bogezi: Human/Carnivore Interaction a place to start

Can you think of two more diversified interests than coexistence with carnivores and education of the young?

Carol Bogezi is perhaps the only person this side of the dateline (both directions) to carry both credentials. A native of Uganda, Carol has academic degrees both there and in the US. In her slide on human/carnivore interaction, she as an adolescent is seen with a young, trussed up crocodile on her shoulder.

Her work here entails studies on the movements of western WA cougars as well as better acquaintance with wolves.  This must, of needs, take into consideration the economic needs of ranchers. Tolerance for wildlife is the overriding concept of her work.

In her native Uganda, one of her targets is the plight of widows and orphans. She works toward livelihoods for them through the acronymized Community Action Plan and Women Enhancement Progress. This has allowed women to develop their own small businesses through crafts and sweater production, among other creativities.                        

 Then came we to the Child Education Program.  Beginning with universal primary education, the concept is to get as many as possible through at least secondary studies. The impediments to be overcome include HIV, few employment opportunities, lack of resources, driving poverty, and exploitation by sugar companies. Moreover, many regard the country as a forgotten region. 

Additionally, there is school overcrowding and few teachers. But—-once one can make it through secondary school, there may lie ahead good jobs, less HIV, and fewer teenage pregnancies.  It is a teenage pregnancy that so often stops short a girl’s chance for a career (not only there.) A vocational training center for dropouts is now in place.

 

Claire Petersky & Detective Nicole Freutel, Elder Abuse Advocates

Behind bland and innocent façades, venues of ugliness lurk. Occasionally one erupts for all to see, in the form of domestic violence, spousal abuse, child cruelty, and the like.

Claire Petersky of the Wallingford Community Senior Center and Detective Nicole Freutel of Seattle Police HQ, gave us insight into the dark realm of elder abuse. This is a practice that is often hidden; its total prevalence is not known. However, 18,400 cases were identified in King County alone (over what span of time was not specified).

The types of elder abuse may be bodily, sexual, and psychological. As to the category of financial, the elderly has been bilked to the extent of $36 billion nationwide, with an average of $120K per victim. Add to this the areas of neglect and self-neglect.

The risk factors that lead to vulnerability include low social support via no use of social services, isolation, previous trauma, dementia, low income, poor English, and deficient physical health. In any of these situations, an abuser has fertile ground for this sort of mischief. In many cases one’s innate prefrontal cortical “BS detector” will have declined, leading to victimization. Social isolation, including widowed status, contribute to vulnerability. 

Of the perpetrators, 90% are family members, 50% being adult children. 45% are caregivers. A warning sign is the sudden interest one might take in an older person. Others may be unusual money transfers or gifts, unpaid bills, or the purchase of items not appropriate for the elderly.

Victims include those who become vulnerable due to some factor such as a stroke. Someone steps in to assist the newly financially dependent.

What to do? If you feel that something fishy is afoot, file an Adult Protective Services or a Law Enforcement report. The money cannot always be recovered. Seattle does have a unit for elder protection. It is presently understaffed. 

Of interest is that JP Morgan Chase has set up a program to aid in recognizing the red flags when they occur.

Be aware of the recommendation, in case of a suspected instance of abuse, to tell at least one other person.

Comment: Inhumanity takes no holidays.

 

Monica Cortes Viharo, Communication Skills

Emanating from the UW School of Drama, Monica Cortes Viharo provided a set of sine qua nons in confronting an audience. She began with a few examples of the wrong things to do. Thus, were enumerated communication skills in everyday life, with or without addressing a large group. As follows:

  • Eye contact. Without it, one is not engaged nor communicating.
  • Intonation. This should entail variety. A flat affect makes for loss of listeners’ interest.
  • Do not show discomfort.
  • Body Language. Crossing arms shows insecurity, as if the speaker is defensive. In 30 seconds, all can be lost.
  • Ergo, engagement or disengagement happens in the first 30 seconds.
  • Narrative. The ability to tell one depends upon a clear, specific beginning and a clear ending.
  • Preparation. Be in a presentative state of mind. Prepare to take charge. Show with confidence that “I’ve got you.”
  • It is re-emphasized to start with a smile. 
  • Ahead of time, tighten abdominal muscles and do not slouch. Do deep breathing. Warm up with tongue twisters.
  • Stretch. Do some power poses.
  • During the address, keep going, even if a mistake is made.

Comment: Have a look at a speaker, possibly on TV, and see how many of the requirements are met.

 

Debuts & Discoveries Partner: Seattle Uncorked

The last 5 years University Sunrise Rotary has partnered with Seattle Uncorked to bring you Debuts and Discoveries, a wine, beer, and spirts tasting event to benefit a local charity. The Rotary Club would not have been able to produce these events without our partnership with Seattle Uncorked.

David LeClaire is the founder of the Northwest’s largest wine club, Seattle Uncorked. Seattle Uncorked is a “social” club for enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine, beer, and spirits! Unlike most “wine clubs” whose real purpose is to sell wine, Seattle Uncorked is a resource to learn about fun tasting & social events in the Greater Seattle Metro area.

In its 16th year, Seattle Uncorked also produces their own annual events such as NW Women Stars of Food & Wine, Sexy Syrah, Debuts & Discoveries, Rose’ Revival, The Cabernet Classic, Taste of Oregon, Fresh Hops Festival, and many more. There is no membership fee to join.

Come join the fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with us this year at Debuts & Discoveries. The fun runs from 5-9 pm and you’ll have a chance to find your new favorite wine, beer, spirit or cider!  Over 20 local vendors will introduce you to their latest special beverages.  When you get hungry, four food trucks will be on hand with a variety of delicious victuals.  And the Ranken File Band will entertain with a variety of music; dance anyone?

Where’s all the fun?

Building 30, in Magnuson Park.  Enter the park at NE 74th off Sandpoint Way NE and follow the signs to parking and the hangar.

Buy your $35 tickets online, www.usrotary.org or $40 at the door.  Entry limited to 21+.  This event is coordinated by University Sunrise Rotary, Seattle Uncorked (www.seattleuncorked.com) and Friends of the Children (www.friendsseattle.org).  Proceeds benefit “Friends,” an organization that provides professional mentors to at-risk youth.

 

 

John Dobken of Energy Northwest: Nuclear is good

Prior to his talk, we asked John Dobken of Energy Northwest if his talk would be convoluted and hard to summarize. His reply was, “Just keep in mind: Nuclear is good.” Then he proceeded to explain why it is so.

 

 

 

And here is why:

  • Wind is a variable and at times is quiescent. In fact, most of it is in the Columbia Gorge.
  • Time is running out in re carbon emissions and the resultant carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Solar energy is also hard to harvest in times of scant sunlight.
  • De-carbonization is essential as regards automobiles.
  • Nuclear is our largest source of energy. It is independent of the weather; produces zero greenhouse gases; used fuel is safely stored and can be recycled.
  • To cut back on coal, nuclear and hydraulic power sources will suffice.
  • More people are being born and will require the energy that uranium fission can provide. 3000 kilowatts = the good life.
  • China, with great pollution due to coal dependence, is building nuclear plants.
  • Nuclear plants run 92% of the time and can run for years.
  • The wartime sludge burden at Hanford should not be confused with the storable uranium pellets used for fuel.
  • Nuclear plants, water and air cooled, cannot melt down.
  • Nuclear plants can pair with wind farms, both bring carbon-free.
  • It is the safest.

Friends of the Children

Courtney Huck-Edgar Masmela

Courtney Huck and Edgar Masmela told us of the work of Friends of the Children, an endeavor that has merited monetary support from the club. Our, March 17, 2018, major fund raiser, “Debuts and Discoveries”, will highlight support for The Friends of Children.

They have been in Seattle 17 years, are in 12 school districts and 78 classrooms. The most vulnerable youth are identified as early as the kindergarten level. At this point, a professional mentor remains a presence with a child through the latter’s graduation from high school. To have one person in one’s life, a caring adult, becomes a huge impact. It imparts a sense of purpose and bears results.

There is many a cycle of generational poverty. Friends of the children (henceforth FOC) have repeatedly shown that stepping in, as a trained professional, makes a difference. One result is a child’s avoidance of the Juvenile Justice System. Helping one child in this way saves the taxpayers $900,000.

The mentors also serve as advocates, one example being in transition of a child from one foster home to another. The mentor will in such an instance make it easier for a child to adapt and see to the arrangements. Everything that FOC does is intentional. This includes having parents as partners in this work. If a child is weak in one subject, focus is placed on that subject.

Thus far, 84% of those mentored finish high school. And 94% have avoided the Juvenile Justice System even though their parents might have had experiences with the law. For each dollar saved, $7 is saved for the economy. 32 new children will enter the program in the next 4 years. Federal grants will expand the program. By 2020, more than 250 kids will be enrolled.

Comment: To have a one-on-one relationship with someone who encourages, and cares can translate risk factors into a success story. It is anticipated that, in generations to come, sordid family histories shall be left behind.

Walter and Nancy Sponsors

Having Fun Yet!

If you think you are having a tough Holiday season!

Perspective!

Christy Goff: Carb Conumdrum

 

Christy Goff, of PACMED, returned to us, this time in the capacity of dietician/nutritionist.
Her talk delivered many “pearls”, the major ones being:

 

 

  • Of all food elements, carbohydrates deliver the most energy.
  • They are broken down to glucose, to be stored in the cells, largely in the liver.
  • It is insulin that causes such storage, regulating circulating glucose normally at 70-100 mg/ml.
  • The good carbs are in unprocessed foods which are nutrient-dense and high in fiber.
  • Bad carbs are in processed foods, which are low in nutrients and high in calories, e.g., fruit juices.
  • Exemplary diets contain whole grains (oatmeal, breads, salads, brown rice, and protein whole fruits).
  • Several low carb diets were discussed, each containing fiber and protein).
  • Reducing diets at tines produce ketones which are detrimental to brain and kidneys.
  • Most of the reducing diets eventually fail due to a yield to the craving for carbohydrates.
  • Some simplistic advice: “Eat not too much food, and mostly plants”, “Eat less from the box and more from the earth.”

Comment: One who overeats one’s tasty carbs/Is oft exposed to verbal barbs.