Rotary Headlight – March 16 Edition
This Monday’s Speaker: Scott Ryan
Our March 16 meeting features Scott Ryan, a Summit resident since 2010 and CEO of Investature, a financial‑education start‑up integrating environmental sustainability into personal finance.
Scott also serves on the Advisory Board of the Natural Resources Defense Council and previously spent several decades in wealth and asset management with Bank of America, Salesforce, and Morgan Stanley.
Expect a forward‑looking conversation at the intersection of finance, climate strategy, and public education.
Nominating Committee Report for 2026–27
Nominating Committee Chair Jim Fleischmann has presented the proposed slate for the 2026–27 Rotary year:
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Office
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Nominee
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President
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Peter Bolton
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President‑Elect
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Donna Patel
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Vice President
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Bradley Eich
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Treasurer
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Jim Fleischmann
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Secretary
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Joe Steiner
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Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
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Francie Cho
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Director
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Henrik Patel
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Director & Immediate Past President
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David Dietze
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Additional nominations are welcome. If there are no other nominations, President David will present the slate for a confirmation vote at Monday’s meeting.
Last Week: Understanding Tourette Syndrome
Our March 9 program shed light on a condition that affects roughly 1 in 50 people worldwide: Tourette syndrome (TS).
We were joined by:
- Claudia Lijo, Education Outreach Coordinator
- Lisa Augliera, Youth Development Coordinator
- Vihan Iyer, a young man living with TS
from the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS).
What We Learned
Claudia offered a clear overview of TS, defined as an inherited neurological disorder marked by involuntary motor and vocal tics. Key points included:
- TS affects males three times more often than females.
- Symptoms may improve, remain stable, or worsen over time—roughly one‑third in each category.
- There is no cure.
- Common associated conditions include ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.
A Personal Perspective
Vihan shared his experience with TS, which began at age six but was not fully diagnosed until age eleven.
He described tics as similar to an itch that must be scratched, often recurring in cycles.
He emphasized how understanding from teachers and peers improves dramatically when he can explain the condition—less so when he cannot.
The NJCTS team thanked the club, noting:
“Conversations like this help raise awareness and understanding, and we’re always thankful for the chance to connect with people who are willing to listen and learn.”
Community Invitation: NJ Walks for TS – May 2
NJCTS warmly invites all Rotarians and their families to participate in the 2026 NJ Walks for TS, supporting awareness, acceptance, and advocacy for Tourette syndrome and associated disorders.
This year’s walk is especially important as the organization faces the possibility of losing critical funding.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Location: Duke Island Park
- Check‑in: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
- Walk: 10:00 a.m.
- Family Activities: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Participants may:
- Start a team
- Join an existing team
- Support a walker with a donation
All proceeds benefit NJCTS programs in education outreach, scholarships, youth development, and research.
