Program — Northern California Parkinson’s Association (PANC)
Speaker: Harry Starke, President of PANC
PANC is a 501(c)(3) serving individuals with Parkinson’s for over 25 years through programs, services, and more than 50 support groups. Their annual budget is approximately $700K, funded through donations and sponsorships. Their 2026 Education Conference drew over 800 attendees and featured 62 exhibitors and sponsors.
Parkinson’s is a neuro‑degenerative disease affecting the basal ganglia and is marked by dopamine deficiency. Primary motor symptoms include:
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Bradykinesia — slow movement
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Postural Instability — imbalance
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Rigidity — stiffness
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Tremors — often at rest, especially in the hands
Exercise and movement are critical for slowing disease progression.
Treatment options include:
Causes include genetic factors and environmental exposures such as chemicals or toxins. A striking statistic: individuals who have had a concussion are 50% more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
By 2040, Parkinson’s is projected to reach pandemic‑level prevalence.
Meeting Highlights
Greeters: Jeff
Haynes & David Lari
Invocation: Temo Lopez
Flag Salute: Ron Nelms
Song: Working on the Railroad, led by MJ Pasek
Visiting Rotarians: None (other than our speaker)
Beacon Scribe: Kristine Hertin
Guests
The Aviators supporting our speaker Harry Starke
Family of Rotary
No birthdays or anniversaries reported during the meeting.
Happy Spots
John Guerard cruised the eastern seaboard and brought Sandra potato fudge chocolate — $20
Jeff Schwartz traveled to Cleveland for his grandson’s bar mitzvah and brought Sandra holographic postcards — $10
Art Esparza attended a wedding in Chicago and brought back Fanny Mae chocolates — $20
Jacque is $10 happy because Jake is visiting his mom in Virginia and will start at BC in January
Bryan is grateful for a client connection made by Kristine, donating $100 to the Foundation
Recognitions
Birthdays: Art Esparza & Carol Smith — Halloween babies (10/31)
Myrna Arias — 10/25
Anniversaries: Teresa & Mark Waller — Lucky #13
Club Service & Socials
Gaslight Melodrama — December 15 A few tickets remain at $11 each
Community Service
San Miguel Grove Community Clean‑Up November 7
Membership, Foundation & Fundraising
Douglas Carothers has been named District Designate for 2029–2030 (currently at West Rotary) Paint for Polio Night — Hosted by Twilight Rotary on November 14
Community Announcements
None shared beyond program‑related items.
Opportunity Drawing
Winner: Jeff Schwartz — $$$
Next Week’s Program
Dr. Anna Marie Frank — Happy Whole You
Other Notes
DARK on November 11
