With a wealth of information and ample humor, Dr. Rachel Curtis-Robles provided San Mateo Rotarians with an up-close look at San Mateo's mosquito population as well as an overview of the efforts of the San Mateo Mosquito & Vector Control District to banish mosquitoes from San Mateo County.
Among the mosquito information tidbits Dr. Curtis-Robles shared:
San Mateo County has over 30 species of mosquitoes; California has 50.
San Mateo residents pay an annual $20 household tax to support the work of the Mosquito Control & Vector District.
Only female mosquitoes bite. Why? They need the energy derived from the blood they suck to provide energy to grow their eggs.
How can female mosquitoes be distinguished from male mosquitoes? Females have smooth antennae; males have fluffy antennae.
Be sure to dump out all standing water on your property because that's where mosquitoes breed, especially given the Bay Area's recent atmospheric rivers!
Dr. Curtis-Robles enthusiastically exclaimed, "I could just talk about mosquitoes all day!", but efficiently crafted her presentation to fit perfectly within the Rotary speaker time slot. Club members left Poplar Creek much more aware of the work of the San Mateo Mosquito & Vector Control District and of ways to combat mosquitoes.
If you missed Dr. Curtis-Robles' speech on YouTube, here's the link:
Dr. Curtis-Robles explained the work of the Mosquito Abatement District isn't just about mosquitoes. They also do insect and tick identification, rodent inspections, yellow jacket control, community education, and disease surveillance.
San Mateo Rotarians left Poplar Creek with all sorts of Mosquito Abatement "bling" which Dr. Curtis-Robles generously provided for Rotarians to take home. Thankfully, though, no mosquitoes!
For more information, visit: www.smcmvcd.org
President Dick popped a symbolic champagne cork in honor of Jeff Lowenstein for his selection as the District 5150 Rotarian of the Month. Jeff works tirelessly in the background on all things Rotary-related, but prefers to avoid the limelight. It's great to see an unsung hero acknowledged!
Past President Tom Thompson
San Mateo Rotarians were saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Past President Tom Thompson who joined Rotary in 2002 and served as 2012-13 Club President. Tom's life mantra was "The harder you work, the luckier you get" - words that served him well. Tom is remembered fondly as a devoted husband, stepfather and grandfather; for his avid support of all things San Jose State, especially the Spartan football team; as an accomplished and adventurous fisherman; for his multi-faceted careers spanning work in probation, construction, and real estate; and as a gallant & gracious gentleman. San Mateo Rotary extends its heartfelt condolences to Jane and to Tom's family. Donations in Tom's memory can be made to the San Mateo Rotary Foundation or the San Jose State Tower Foundation. Click on the link below for details.
