Portland Pearl Rotary Club

Laughter, our "universal language,"
can actively reduce stress--Stefano

Stefano Iaboni, a professional keynote speaker from Portland, uses laughter as a stress reliever.

He has published a book titled "From Stress to Success--The Power of Laughter." For two decades, he told Pearl Rotarians on April 28, he's brought humor to businesses, organizations, and non-profits, many with high-pressure environments.

"Stress has become the background noise of modern work," Stefano says on his website, "and most organizations underestimate the toll it takes on performance, communication and culture."

For Rotarians, the motivational speaker used two words from his Italian background to describe life's moments:

"Mamma Mia."

"Bellissimo."

Stefano used the first as an exclamation-point reaction to life's surprises and challenges. The second expression is utilized for joy and happiness. He gave an example from his own life:

He was met with an unexpected cancer and surgery. "Mamma Mia," he summarized.

The early successes of his treatment? He coached Rotarians to say, "Bellissimo," in unison.

Later, when cancer returned, he endured three months of intense chemotherapy. Laughter, he recalled, "made a difference." His perceptions and mindset were positively affected:

"Laughter is not going to change reality. It surely changed the way I faced hardship."

And later added: "Laughter is a universal language," he followed. "It's the easiest, the most direct communication. It's something we all know how to do."

The Post pulled additional background from Claude AI:

"Engaging and insightful, Stefano Iaboni reveals why laughter is far more than a morale booster. Backed by neuroscience, psychology and real-world experience, [he] reframes laughter as a critical tool for helping teams think clearly, connect authentically and perform better under pressure.

"Through storytelling and powerful audience moments, he show(s) how small shifts in behavior—how we listen, how we communicate and how we manage tension—can completely change outcomes. The inspiring part is realizing that these are not innate talents, but learnable skills that anyone can apply to lead more effectively under pressure."

Stefano has lived and worked in Portland since 2013; he recently met Rotarian Corey Omey who made the invitation to speak. "Bellissimo!"

You can find more information at:

Funny Keynote Speaker | Stefano Iaboni | Smile Solution As a corporate keynote speaker based in Portland OR, I help teams reduce stress and boost creativity through humor.

Melanoma message reaches
Rotarians from one family's loss

Speaking to Rotary Clubs across North America fulfills a life mission for Dr. Steve Fine: to share information on self-detection and regular health care to guard against melanoma.

For Steve and his wife, Gail, that journey began in tragedy. Their 26-year-old son, Daniel, died in 1998 from melanoma. A year later, the Fines combined to form what became the Melanoma Education Foundation. Thousands of Rotarians have heard Steve Fine speak; Portland Pearl Rotary became the newest club reached (on April 21, by Zoom from New England).

Melanoma can be slow in growth and difficult to detect, he said. It can strike all ages--from pre-teen to the elderly.

"Melanoma is in a class of itself. It can be fatal if not detected early. It can occur anywhere in the body."

And melanoma is prevalent. According to Fine, 234,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. One person, on average, dies every hour from skin cancer.

He shared a series of images, many of them signs of what serious cases show (and many that are in the "watch" category). He also stated:

• Fair-skinned people have a higher rate than people of color.

• Living in northern climates can make you more susceptible to the sun's radiation during the summer months.

• Only 10% of those with melanoma have a family background with this type of cancer.

• Sunblocks can provide prevention if a higher SPF (Sunblock Protection Factor) lotion or oil is applied but...

• Many people apply too little and not often enough on a day of prolonged exposure.

"When in doubt, check it out," he advised. "Be your own advocate,"

After speaking, Fine circled back to PPRC, writing: "Thank you for the opportunity of sharing what I learned about melanoma self-detection and prevention. Links to our website and online videos are listed below, including a 31-minute video with most of the content of the live presentation."

• Melanoma Education Foundation web page:

https://www.skincheck.or

• Video link to a 31-minute early self-detection/prevention video (this video has most of the live Rotary presentation content):

https://bit.ly/3hipmFK

KC to PPRC--meet
our club's newest member

KC Roland, introduced to Pearl Rotary by fellow new member Ingi Torfason, was officially inducted on Tuesday, March 3. Membership Chair Nadine Menashe made the presentation at our weekly breakfast session.

KC is originally from the San Jose area, and after growing up visiting his aunt in Tigard, decided to make Portland home several years ago to enjoy our outdoors and discover the next phase of his life. Here, he grew his career as a Realtor with Opt, and met his wife of 3.5 years, Missy (who also attended). They live in Tigard and share two cats and a dog.

Nadine has shared: "The thing KC is most excited for about joining Rotary is finding new friends that share his values and creating community. KC is interested in learning more about the vocational service committee, community service committee, youth exchange committee and social justice committee."