ECONOMIC RESEARCH GROUP

MEETING

June 18, 2008

 

 

Some of our members found that Caltrans was still creating road problems for their drive to the San Mateo golf course and our meeting at Dominic’s Restaurant. Despite that we did have 34 of our members register and participate in the meeting. Acting Chairman Schinagl brought the meeting to order at noon and then introduced Len Silva, a new member of SIR Branch 1. Len then briefly told us some of his background and was warmly greeted by all. It was next noted that a two-month recess would follow our next meeting in July and meetings would then commence in October. It was asked if our November meeting was still to be held at Oyster Point. This was answered in the affirmative and that guest’s and wives were welcome to attend in November. There being no other business lunch was served.

 

After a short break the meeting was turned over to Dale Schmidt who introduced April Nakayoshi representing Prevent Blindness of Northern California and the speaker of the day Jerry Coleman retired Burlingame City Attorney. Jerry’s talk was about his current interest in helping people in need of eyeglasses to obtain them and of his recent trip to Mexico to distribute free previously owned prescription glasses. In addition to distributing eyeglasses, the team Jerry went with also provided eye exams for adults and children. All the glasses were sorted by lens prescription; individuals were allowed to pick the one that fitted them and their needs best. Mr. Coleman and his group will examine children locally for sight problems but cannot provide eyewear because of state and federal regulations. He said it was common to find school children in need of correctional eye care both here and abroad, lazy eye problems are at times also found. While adult needs in this country are not addressed they are a large problem for the populace in poor areas of the world. Jerry went on to present a slide show of the areas he visited on his last trip and the people his team serviced.

 

A short question and answer session followed the presentation. It was noted that eyeglasses might be donated at several locations such as the Burlingame library and the First Presbyterian Church in Burlingame.

 

Thank you Dale for bringing Jerry as our speaker and giving us a view a concern not well recognized.

 

Our next meeting will be held on July 16 at Dominic’s Restaurant, Coyote Point. Our speaker will be Ken Neumann. His subject will be “ Soft Power as a Tool in the War on Terrorism”, based on a thesis of his daughter Virginia Neumann.

 

If you haven't already signed up to attend our next meeting you may do so now by calling Bob Way (345-7014). The meal selection will be Chicken Teriyaki or Salmon.

 

Noteworthy News: When the share price of GM fell to $10, their market cap fell to 4% of that of Toyota Motors.

 

William Schinagl, Secretary