ISSUE NO. 16
OCTOBER 27, 2000
OUR 79th YEAR
http://RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
For older men, prostate cancer is one of the most dreaded – and most
common – threats to health. In its later stages, treatment can be costly and
troublesome. But if detected early with simple tests, it usually can be
subdued quickly and easily.
Dr. Mark C. Scholz is a noted expert on this disease. For the past four
years he has been president of the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, as well
as oncology director at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital in Marina Del Rey, and
assistant professor of medicine at USC.
In his spare time, Dr. Scholz has been crusading
against prostate cancer, giving lectures to medical and civic groups. He has
appeared in court as an expert witness seven times. Simply by spreading the
latest facts and encouraging people to get checkups, Dr. Scholz finds that he
can provide a valuable public service.
This Friday, after the meeting, he’ll offer free blood tests that can alert people to the need for treatment before other symptoms become noticeable. So if you haven’t been checked, why not plan to stay after the meeting long enough for a pinprick?
October 28
– (Saturday evening) Paul Harris Foundation Dinner-Dance, Westin Hotel LAX
November 3
– Michael Josephson, “Character Counts” – Frank Lavac, chairman
November 7
– (Tuesday) Rotary Golf Tournament, Sterling Hills
November 10
– Dick Sawyer, Veterans’ Day – John Lehne, chairman
November 17
– Big Game Day, UCLA/USC – Bob Klein, chairman
November 24 – DARK (Thanksgiving)
A fine tea for the First Lady. Our eminent hotelier, Klaus Mennekes, was
recognized for providing his beautiful facilities to Cher as hostess of a tea
(fund-raising type) for Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Only in America can a Hollywood star invite guests in Santa Monica for a native
Illini who was educated in Massachusetts, practiced law in Arkansas, lived in
Washington, D.C., then met legal requirements of residence in New York to seek
Senatorial office representing that State!
Thank you,
Klaus, for arranging such movability and notability. Your generosity of $425 is
appreciated.
Fine
luck, good and bad. Dr. Bob Moore (40-year Rotarian and civic leader) told the
following tale. His daughter’s car is predisposed to fatigue and breakdown, as
shown by a history of sudden failures. Recently it was stolen. Again it broke
down while the thief drove it. He was caught and jailed. Her car was returned to
her. Additional costly repairs were needed before she could drive it. Perhaps
Dr. Moore should prescribe junking it. Anyway, the story was worth the $175
President John assessed.
Fine local boy makes good. Congratulations to Vince Muselli on his ascent to
number 22 on the county’s list of high-volume producers in commercial and
leasing activity. Vince is a native Angelino and a graduate of Venice High. He
founded his company 22 years ago, and has served Rotary, the community, and the
real estate business with distinction. Keep bringing fines to Rotary, Vince.
Your $50 will be well spent.
Fine plea fails. When Paul Gaulke was honored for his daughter’s achievement
in winning a four-year scholarship, he unsuccessfully argued that the statute of
limitations should protect him from fine. President John overruled him and
extracted $50. This sad outcome moved a local poet to pen these heartfelt lines:
“I am grad to add too bad young lad, you’ve been had, so don’t be sad,
don’t be mad, don’t be a cad. Pay your fifty, it’s only a tad. Now hie
thee to your pad, and keep being a fine dad.”
Question of the week. The biggest laugh of the meeting came when Harmon Sieff,
with the passion for exactitude that is characteristic of lawyers, asked the
speaker, “How fast must someone run to escape killer bees?” The speaker
advised Harmon to seek maximum speed while zigzagging. Harmon’s crisp style of
questioning indicates that he must be a formidable cross-examiner in the
courtroom. If I ever need his kind of service, I hope I can get him on my side.
--- Lionel Ruhman
Our October 13th speaker, the county agricultural commissioner, gave us these
key facts about “killer” bees and fire ants, now working their way across
Southern California.
About
Africanized Honey Bees –
After
a 35-year migration across South and Central America, these bees are continuing
to advance 200-300 miles per year by colonizing existing hives or by forming new
hives in the wild.
They
have attacked three people in the Los Angeles area within the past year. Two of
these people died.
Experts
say their spread is inevitable. Their venom is no more harmful than the common
honeybee’s. But if a swarm inflicts hundreds of stings, the effect may be
serious.
If
attacked by a swarm, you can outrun the bees. They may follow for a few hundred
yards, but a healthy person can escape. Go into the nearest building or vehicle,
and shut the doors. Do not try to hide in a lake or swimming pool. The bees will
wait for you.
If
stung, scrape off the stingers with a credit card or fingernail. Don’t squeeze
venom sacs.
Potential nesting sites are cracks in walls, tree holes, and junk piles. If you
see bees flying in and out of a small opening, there is probably a nest inside.
Don’t disturb any bee colony you find. Call authorities to remove the nests or
swarms.
About Red Imported Fire Ants –
They build nests just about anywhere they can find dampness – in lawns,
gardens, in the walls of homes. They normally stay outdoors but will forage
indoors for food and moisture.
They attack when their nest is disturbed. They can attack sleeping or bedridden
individuals. Hundreds of fire ants swarm within a matter of seconds, and inflict
stings that feel like pokes from a hot needle.
Stings are painful, but not dangerous. Wash them with soap and warm water. Do
not break the blisters.
The best control of fire ants may be other ants. Colonies attack each other.
If you believe you have found a fire ant nest, call the State Department of Food
and Agriculture at 1-800-491-1899.
As of September 27th, fire ants have infested 208 properties in Los Angeles County.