Smart Prosthetics, Committee Assignments and Grant Proposals

Here’s what went on at last Tuesday’s meeting of the .

Jeff led us in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Voki read “American, United,” a poem dedicated to the employees of American Airlines and United Airlines, in memory of the victims of the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Alan read “Remembering 9/11: Turning New York Dr. in Pasadena Into a Memorial,” an article that appeared in The Examiner by Laura Monteros.

Tom asked for show of hands for the participants of next . A sign-up sheet was circulated for members who would like to help with the event.

Peggy and Voki will do the flower centerpieces for 5 tables for the VIP reception on 9/11, following the dedication. Peggy will organize girl scouts, and Walter did the invitations to fellow Rotarians from other, nearby clubs. Set up time is 7:30am – 9:00am. Rotary members are asked to be at the site no later than 10:30 am. Chris asked about what to wear and Tom replied that ordinary nice “go to church” clothes were appropriate with your Rotary pin.

If you are firefighter, police officer, member or veteran of US armed forces it will be nice to see you in uniform. The VIP reception is at noon, at John McDannel's home.

Dan sought a place for the son of Sandra Zodio, who received our fire truck in Mexico under Past Pres Dan’s tenure. Sandra’s son would like to study English at PCC. Peggy has a spare room and would be glad to house the young man.

Don’t forget to sign up for “Yeoman of the Guard” at 8:00 on 9/16, Friday at the Sierra Madre Playhouse. Pre-festivities are at 6:30, at Voki and Alan’s house, 661 Mariposa Ave, Sierra Madre.

Happy Bucks!

Louise was thankful for the happy change that Voki donated, and returned the change purse back to Voki. Dr. Bud participated in Burners Without Borders. He flew the leaders from Oakland and San Francisco to the event and back. He camped with interesting people and had a unusual time.

Peggy was happy to spend some time in Fiji, and was thrilled that there was no light pollution. She was able to see the Milky Way. Chief Diaz was happy for having Peggy back and happy to be present for Doug Kerns’ craft talk. Dan Alle told us a little about his guest, Paul Gibson who is from Australia. Paul travels the world designing, manufacturing, and selling women’s shoes.

Alan was thankful for the “Rescue H2O” kick off meeting attendance and is glad we will be going to the playhouse on September 16. Tom is happy for the District Governor’s official visit to our club next week. Louise is thankful for Rotary supporting the Sierra Madre playhouse. Dr. Bud talked to Sudee Riboli from the Sharp Seating Company. She is willing to donate bleachers for the Elvis In the Park event, and for the 9/11 ceremony this Sunday.

Douglas Kerns Talks about Sigenics

Then, we were treated to a craft talk. Douglas Kerns (better known as Lydia Kerns’ Dad) presented. The title was “I wanted to be a Magician.” Doug received a BSEE from Northwestern University in Evanston IL, and a M.S. and Ph. D. from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena California. He is the author of numerous papers on circuit design, silicon sensors, and synthetic neural networks. He is one of the founders of the Chicago based corporation named “Sigenics”. He had samples of some of the silicon wafers he designs and builds, and let us play with them.

Doug was very taken by a young woman he knew growing up, who had difficulty walking. He was determined to grow up and build “something” that could help her walk. He and his company have spent years developing transceivers that attach to muscles that in turn can stimulate prosthetic devices. He has been very successful and has demonstrated the functionality with a human hand prosthetic.

He showed us a video of a human forearm controlling the mechanical hand. Four years ago, these sensor prototypes were successfully implanted in a monkey's forearm. The monkey continues perfect hand control today using the sensors. These sensors are not yet on the market, but Sigenics hopes to start human clinical trials within next year.

Committee Assignments

The assignments for committee chairs and committee members are nearly complete. We’ll be taking a few minutes during our meeting on September 20th to distribute the list, so that we each know who is responsible for what. We’ll also be continuing the process begun by Past Pres Cathy to create to-do lists and timelines for each committee/project function. Currently, this information is housed in various people’s heads, which is not ideal. It needs to be on paper, so that anyone can come along and successfully complete a given project. Stay tuned...

District Simplified Grant

The final report on last year’s District Simplified Grant has been submitted, which means we are clear to apply for another grant this year. The grants should be preferably used for domestic projects within any of the Avenue of Service. The proposed project for the grant must be a NEW project, and it must be completed, and a final report submitted, by May 31, 2012 or the DSG money must be returned to District 5300. The proposed project MUST have Rotarian "hands-on" involvement.

If the grant is approved, the District will provide a 100% match for club cash used in project. The amount of the DSG grant award can be no less than $500 and no greater than $2,000 in order to insure that sufficient clubs in the District have an opportunity to apply for a DSG. Awards will be made for approved grant applications on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Please talk with John if you have an idea for a project.

Club Calendar

9/13 -    DG Fowler’s Official Visit. Please behave!!
9/20 -    The State of Health Care
9/27 -    Federal Bureau of Investigation
10/4 -    RUDY-”How I Spent My Summer Vacation”
10/6 -    Board Mtg., Pres Tom’s, 6:00 PM
10/11 -  Club Assembly
10/18 -  Droids