Paula Rothenberg (last week’s speaker) is passionate about her agency. The impact of a cancer diagnosis hit home for her when her father died of Leukemia and she became aware of the life-changing impact of dealing with cancer, as a patient and as a loved one. She helped create Hope Connections in 2007 so others could find solace in a caring community. It is a non-profit organization who helps people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones cope with the emotional impact of the disease through participation in professionally facilitated programs that provide emotional support, education, wellness and hope. Funded by the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations, all programs are provided free of charge.

Last week’s club meeting featured the first club assembly of the new Rotary year, with reports by President Gary Lett, Vice President Joe DiPietro, Treasurer Steve Vaccarezza, and Directors Claes Ryn and Jim Manley. Unfortunately, about one half of the club’s officers and directors were absent.

President Gary reported that…..

1. the club’s roster book will not be renewed this year, and that its contents would be reproduced in the club’s web site. Lasse Syversen (our web manager) confirmed the plans;

2. All club members will be part of a committee to secure breakfast speakers;

3. Rob Follit will again be in charge of membership;

4. Gonzo Accame will head up our publicity committee.

There were reports from two directors—Claes Ryn on Vocational plans, and Jim Manley, International (no activity).

Treasurer Steve Vaccarezza presented a brief financial report which, in essence, assured the membership that its financial situation is in good shape, in addition to which the club has been able to transfer $5,000 to it foundation, with the possibility of another $2 to $5,000 (who needs a fund raiser!).

The final report was by Vice President Joe DiPietro and was perhaps the most important report of the morning as it treated the ongoing problem of raising funds. Last year’s results were most disappointing , and Joe spoke to the importance of setting goals, involving outsiders (non- Rotarians), better planning for the traditional bike ride events, and the importance of club members

Larry Jackson, who was with the CIA from 1946 to 1978, was the first club member to give a re-classification talk, and to tell of his years with “the Agency” while being careful to confine it to declassified portions.

It all began when he was drafted into the Army and sent to Germany assigned to the Third Division and G-2 intelligence. There followed a succession of assignments starting with using PT boats to launch balloons over Russian barracks where they would be housed.. It worked in the face of skepticism, In the early 1950s he was sent to Berlin to take charge of German scientists returning from the States. His duties included writing orders, some assignments more dangerous, all potentially so.

At the close of his talk, Larry expressed his current view of intelligence as follows: “We should abolish the apparatus and save $15 billion a year. We do not have a clandestine service. The CIA has become a political punching bag.”