Club Meeting on 12/02/2009
  
 

Robert called the meeting to order with 12 members present and one guest. Carolyn Stoffel, Gene’s wife, visited with us.  Welcome.
 
Carolyn Stoffel 120209
Carolyn Stoffel


ROTARY MOMENT:

George asked what was the most under performed aspect of average Rotarians worldwide?

George Rotary Moment 120209

Is it payment of dues, attendance, working on club projects, enthusiasm about Rotary? Answer:.....no, no, no, and no.  It is  SHARING ROTARY WITH OTHERS.   Have you accepted your obligation to share Rotary with colleagues, friends, neighbors?  If not, why not?   Thanks George.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
  • December 9: Lombardi award sponsored by Downtown Rotary Club.
  • December 12: Salvation Army bell ringers at Walmart on Westheimer. Call Craig to volunteer: 10 am to 6 pm
  • December 17: Wonderland in Westchase. We will serve sausage on a stick as a fundraiser. There also a need for volunteers to help set up on the 5th and 12th of December.
  • December 18: Christmas party at Craig and Pat’s house.  It will be a potluck meal.  Please tell Craig or Pat what you will bring.  Thanks Craig
  • December  23 & 30: No club meetings
  • Sarah asked that each of us consider purchasing our Christmas gifts/plants from the Brookwood Community store at Westheimer and Seagler.
  • Dee asked that we bring socks, belts, underwear, etc. for Alief “Stuff-a-Bus” charity, next week  December 9, and December 18.  She will deliver them.
 

PROGRAM:
Michelle Boggs at Podium 120209
Gene introduce his niece, R. Michelle Boggs, Ph.D., research scientist at the Center for Translational Injury Research.  Michelle received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and graduated cum laude. The title of her talk was:  "DNA, How it Rules Your World and your Future". She has been involved in numerous research projects, including mapping the canine genome.

Michelle Boggs 120209
Presently, she is involved in DNA research at The University of Texas Health Science Center relating to trauma, breast cancer, and other diseases. 98% of DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell, but mitochondrial DNA, in the cytoplasm of the cell, is important as well. Its role in the regulation of the nuclear DNA is being researched as well. 

Mitochondrial DNA is more stable and can be relied upon for a longer period of time, especially from crime scenes.  Crime, genealogy, and disease processes are the 3 primary reasons the average person hears about DNA.  There are 450 + hereditary diseases that possibly can be treated/cured by gene therapy.  Reading material: ”Language of God" by Francis Collins and "DNA for You" in Wikepedia . 

Great program Gene.  Thanks Michelle. Michelle can be reached at www.rene.boggs@uth.tmc.edu.
 

MEMBERS ABSENT:
  • Susie
  • Travis

We missed you.
 

WISDOM:
  • If we all worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true is really true, there would be little hope of advance.  Orville Wright, aviation pioneer.
  • Education is an investment, never an expense.  Nick Goble, educator.
  • People often say that motivation doesn't last.  Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.  Zig Ziglar, Motivational speaker.