Our own Tom Loo did the interviewing and provided the forum for an exchange that kept us all on the edge of our seats.

David explained as he was developing the film and interviewing various stake- holders one important call he received was from the US Olympic Committee asking him to back off the story.  When asked about other victims the response was that some were more willing to cooperate with the investigation than others.

A judge sentenced Nassar to up to 175 years in prison for his crimes saying, I have just signed your death warrant.  The former doctor has already been sentenced to 60 years on federal child pornography charges.

While responding to the straight but gentle questions of Tom, Trinae’s answers were very frank.  At one point she stated that Larry Nassar was treating her at age eight, she said that he was very good at fixing broken bones, but he was also good at creating trust with the young athletes and parents.  She thought the treatment he was providing was legitimate.  The vaginal manipulation as treatment by a powerful and prominent person who is a friend, in some ways is difficult to share with parents.  Nassar was trusted by parents and left in treatment rooms alone with the young athletes. Nassar also treated young people in the basement at his home.

Trinae experienced over eight hundred incidents of abuse by Nassar over her career.  She says one of her hardest things to do was to learn how to be there for other survivors.

When asked about her involvement with Michigan State University, Trinea explained that she is now the Director of Avalon Healing Center in Detroit, MI, a non-profit that assists individuals who have been sexually assaulted. This includes individuals of all genders, ages, races, and religions. The services are available for anyone who identifies as a survivor of rape, incest, or sexual assault, no matter when or where it occurred. The organization provides a safe place where there is no judgment and only professional, compassionate care and support. 

David was asked, what’s next? He explained that his next project is underway and it’s a documentary on the life of Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku.  Tom Loo, of course, immediately asked if David would come back to share his findings with our club.  David agreed and Tom has already started lobbying for that program to be live at “Dukes of Malibu”.

This remarkable program was very well attended on Zoom under the management of our PresidentElect, Ken Waltzer, and we are grateful.  Thanks, Nat Trives, for your inspirational quote as our invocation. Lan Nguyen, thanks for greeting each of us as we joined the meeting.   Mike Kallhoff, thanks for the briefest bio ever, and for welcoming our guests and visiting Rotarians.  Special thanks to Tom Larmore, songwriter and lead singer for all you do to keep the club singing.  TomLoo thanks for introducing our program and you are Interviewer Extraordinaire.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

In accordance with this policy change the RCSM will reinstate our policy on meeting make ups to the standard of practice prior to establishing a COVID policy.  The RCSM’s make up policy is clearly stated in our policy and procedures manual section 3.2 as given below.

3.2: Authorized Make-ups (besides attending regular meetings of other clubs)
In accordance with Article 9 of the club constitution, the board of directors authorizes selected
activities to be counted as make-ups if attended within 14 days before or after absence from a
regular club meeting.  All makeups need to be submitted by email to the attention of The Treasurer (George Pickell currently) at [email protected]  at least two weeks prior to the end of a quarter so they can be credited in the next quarterly billing.

• Board-authorized club events and projects, designated as opportunities arise
• Meeting of the board of directors
• One First Tuesday Happy Hour per year
• One Healthy Living Committee event per year.
• E-Club meetings are treated in the same manner as making up regular meetings at other clubs.
• Rotary International Convention or meeting
• District Convention or meeting
• Club service project

This policy is in effect as of October 1, 2022, with the authorization of a vote by the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica taken on August 25, 2022, at its regular scheduled board meeting.