March 28, 2024
7:00-8:30pm

CHRIS WAUGH
Designing a Life: Unveiling 7 Insights from Within Health and Wellness Innovation

Chris Waugh
Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer at Sutter Health

As Sutter Health’s first Chief Innovation Officer, Chris Waugh applies his extensive experience in human-centered design to guide the integrated network’s innovation strategy. Human-centered design is a creative approach that seeks personalized solutions to meet individual needs — understanding people and their behaviors, identifying trends and exploring solutions that improve a person’s healthcare experience — in order to make healthcare more usable and accessible for patients, doctors and nurses. Before joining Sutter Health, Waugh held entrepreneurial leadership roles at IDEO, a globally regarded Bay Area design and innovation firm, and was vice president of design at One Medical Group in San Francisco where he helped create a culture of innovation. Waugh graduated from Fort Lewis College in Colorado, with bachelor’s degrees in international business and French.

Visit www.novatospeakerseries.com for more information, and to purchase tickets.

 

 

 

 

 

 


April 25, 2024
7:00-8:30pm

LAURIE REEMSYNDER and VUONG LAURIE
Journey of Hope: Southwest Asian Immigration Chronicles at Hamilton AFB (1980-84)

On April 25, we will hear the stories of Laurie Reemsnyder and Lauren Vuong. Laurie will talk about the 180,000 refugees that came through Hamilton Air Force Base in the 1980”s and her career working with refugees. Lauren Vuong, as a seven-year-old left Vietnam with her family by boat. She tells the remarkable story about being rescued by a ship; her emotional arrival in the United States; and her search as an adult to find her rescuer, the captain of the Ship Virgo.

Lauren Vuong

Lauren Vuong

Laurie Reemsynder

Laurie Reemsnyder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Survival, Gratitude, and the Human Spirit: A Night with Laurie Reemsnyder and Lauren Vuong

Join us for an enlightening evening at the Novato Speaker Series, featuring two extraordinary speakers: Laurie Reemsnyder and Lauren Vuong, whose life stories are testaments to the power of resilience, compassion, and the human spirit.

Laurie Reemsnyder:

From her early roots in Providence, RI, amidst the first waves of refugees, to her impactful humanitarian work in California, Laurie has turned historical narratives into deeply moving experiences. Her journey encapsulates the broad spectrum of human resilience, from the adaptation struggles of Vietnamese soldiers to the cultural transitions of Khmer and Hmong families. Leading her team, “The Fire Breathers,” Laurie’s work exemplifies the profound impact of unwavering support for those confronting the challenges of displacement, shining a spotlight on the enduring strength and sacrifices of refugees and their champions.

Lauren Vuong:

Delve into the gripping story of Lauren Vuong, a San Francisco attorney, whose escape from Vietnam as a child showcases the indomitable will to survive. Vuong’s harrowing odyssey from a war-torn homeland aboard a fragile boat to a new life in San Jose is a pivotal narrative of the “Boat People” crisis. Her subsequent quest to thank her rescuers culminates in a touching reunion, emphasizing the significance of recognizing our unsung heroes and the profound impact of gratitude and acknowledgment.

Together, Laurie and Lauren bring to the stage a powerful confluence of stories that celebrate human endurance, the kindness of strangers, and the unbreakable spirit of those who overcome insurmountable odds. Their narratives not only provide insight into the struggles and triumphs of refugees but also highlight the essential goodness and heroism found in everyday acts of support and solidarity.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be inspired by two remarkable journeys that bridge history, survival, and the transformative power of human connection at the Novato Speaker Series.

Visit www.novatospeakerseries.com for more information, and to purchase tickets.


May 30, 2024
7:00-8:30pm

TONY SAUNDERS
Bay Area Music – From Johnny Mathis to the Grateful Dead

Tony Saunders

Tony Saunders

Tony Saunders is a luminous figure in the world of music, celebrated for his exceptional talent as a two-time Emmy Award-winning bassist, composer, and producer. His musical versatility is unparalleled, seamlessly spanning genres from jazz, gospel, and R&B to pop, rock, and world music. The son of legendary Bay Area keyboardist Merl Saunders, Tony embarked on his musical journey early, securing his first Emmy at age 14 for his contribution to the PBS documentary Soul Is, and collaborating with his father and Jerry Garcia by age 17. His acclaim continued to grow with a second Emmy for his work on the TV show Digital Journey.

Educated at the prestigious Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, Saunders initially trained as a piano player before making a significant mark as a bassist, drawing inspiration from giants like James Jamerson and Stanley Clarke. His illustrious career boasts collaborations with music legends such as Eric Clapton, David Crosby, and Chaka Khan, as well as significant contributions as a producer, musical director, and composer, including for the stage musical Rock Justice.

Launching into a solo career, Saunders has solidified his reputation in contemporary jazz with acclaimed albums like Romancing the Bass and Uptown Jazz. The latter is a tribute to his enriching experiences in Harlem, NYC, encapsulating his memories of the vibrant sounds and rhythms that have significantly influenced his work. Despite his deep roots in the Bay Area, Saunders cherishes his time performing in Manhattan, notably opening for Grover Washington Jr. with Randy Crawford at Lincoln Center. Uptown Jazz celebrates the evolution of smooth jazz, deeply connected to the legacies of icons like George Duke and Cannonball Adderley.

Saunders’ approach to the bass is passionate and evocative, reminiscent of B.B. King’s iconic relationship with Lucille, prioritizing emotional depth over technical prowess. A regular performer at prestigious venues such as the Blue Note in Napa, Saunders’ warm, inviting style and unique flair have endeared him to fans nationwide. His music not only pays homage to the greats but also promises an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences deeply moved and grateful. Through his work with the Rainforest Band and his support for causes like The Jerry Garcia Foundation and Rainforest Action Network, Saunders demonstrates a profound commitment to music and meaningful social impact.

Visit www.novatospeakerseries.com for more information, and to purchase tickets.


The Novato Speakers Series is held at the Bill & Adele Jonas Center, 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Building 19, Novato.
Sponsored by the Novato Rotary Clubs and the Novato Historical Guild
www.novatospeakerseries.com

Past Speakers


February 22, 2024
7:00-8:30pm

FELECIA GASTON
Unveiling Marin City’s Rich History


January 25, 2024
7:00-8:30pm

DR. MICHAEL PRITCHARD & MARK DALE
The Opioid Epidemic – The Silence Has Been Killing Us


December 21, 2023
7:00-8:30pm

HEIDI KUHN
Heidi Kuhn’s social justice story replaces land mines with grapevines

Opening Music by Don Forbes


October 26, 2023
7:00-8:30pm

CHRIS GARGANO, Host & Leadership Coach &
BUDDY BIANCALANA, World Series Hero

Opening Music by James M Harman


September 28, 2023
7:00-8:30pm

DR. MICHAEL BLODGETT, PH.D
Pathways to peace in the Middle East

Opening Music by Scott Van Wagner