CROW’S CALL –April 11, 2019

 

President John Milich, growing more confident in the job, rang us to order.  Greeter Marco Bronzini, after being introduced to the newer members, led us in the Salute to the Flag and offered advice in this Facebook Age – “You have the power to change anything about yourself you wish.”  We agreed to forego the Patriotic Song since there were no tall tenors in attendance.  An old friend, Cho Tang, was present, along with Edgardo Carrillo’s wife, Elizabeth, and his son Matthew Calles, an attorney from Fresno.  The conversation at the head table was enlivened by Patti Hennigan describing her recent trip to Northern Ireland which included a political tour around Belfast where people are dreading the upcoming Brexit for its effect on the cross-border trade with Ireland. It was good to see Julie Fiedler again after her recent health challenges.

Announcements & Recognitions:

April 17^th will be the Six Club dinner at Round Hill Country Club at $39 per person.

            The speaker will be Betty Yee, State Controller.

The Rotary District 5160 Assembly will be May 17 – 19 at Peppermill, Reno.

Bocce Ball will be May 11 if Guy Greco can find the sign-up list.  Call him.

Chris Gayler asked that people let Marie Galbo know if they will be attending the Educator of the Year lunch on April 25.

Edgardo Carrillo and Glen Weber got into some kind of trouble.  Ask them to         explain.

John Tatum had a birthday, date unclear.  He was presented with the sign posted at the Christmas tree lot announcing its final closure. He was thrilled.

Guy Greco was recognized for Mary’s birthday, which he said was her 21^st for the             54^th time.  Marie Galbo posted a strong disapproval.

Marco and Abby celebrated the 22^nd wedding anniversary by attending son Nick’s             baseball game.  Wild and crazy kids!

 

Program:

Marv Remmick introduced Laura Valvasorri of the organization New Day for Children, a group that seeks to heal minds, bodies and spirits of American girls rescued from sex trafficking. Laura explained that sex trafficking in children is a global as well as local phenomenon.  Every two minutes a girl somewhere on earth is sold into the sex trade. She shared chilling stories about specific girls from Oakland, San Ramon and Orinda.  In some cases they had been sold by their parents into slavery.  One girl from Monte Vista High reported that she had had sex with fifteen men in one evening. Modern technology makes it easier for girls to be lured into prostitution.  The average age of girls who are trafficked is 13 years; some may be as young as four.

Sex trafficking is one of the top crimes in the United States.  Its rate rises around the time of the Super Bowl.  Girls who are found by authorities are often taken to group homes, which are expensive and often unsafe.  New Day for Children operates one of only five privately funded homes in the country.

 

The group has a campus in the woods near the Oregon border. Laura showed pictures of the facilities and the surroundings, which seemed more like a country club. At the campus students are home schooled, receive counselling, learn to care for pets and ride horses.  It is supported by the New Covenant Church and has a success rate of 80 – 85%.  It cost about $45,000 a year to support each girl.  The organization will be holding a 5K fun run at the Lafayette Reservoir.  Meanwhile, the State is considering a bill, S.B. 524 which would limit what private homes can offer victims of trafficking.

 

Here are some signs that a girl may be caught up in sex trafficking:

 

Marie Galbo won the Greeter’s gift of $20.  Jeff Disch drew blue and got $10.