MEETING MINUTES August 16, 2007 at Inn Marin, Ignacio

Submitted by Luann Jackman

August is Membership month

The first meeting of the New Year was called to order by our new President John Marshall, who asked Doug DeSalvo to lead us in the Pledge.  Larry Levy gave the invocation and a prayer for Anna and Bernie Levinson, Bernie’s 50 year old daughter passed away two days ago.

Announcements

Daryl Weinroth reminded us about the 3 pm memorial service at Valley Memorial for Hale Knights wife.

Pauline Stuber shared the banner from the Wheelchair Foundation.  We raised money for 65 wheelchairs from our Club and others.

Steve Minutoli shared that we are having the final work party at Stafford Grove at 9 am.

The Foundation fundraiser will be viewing the Blue Angels again this year on a Hornblower yacht.

Novato Business showcase Wednesday, August 29^th at Unity Marin needs volunteers for the booth, please contact Shelley Klaner if you can help.

8^th Annual Day Al Fresco a fundraiser for Miss Marin on September 16^th form noon – 3 pm at Inn Marin.

Matt Pavone reminded us that we will need to submit applications for awards for the club at the end of the year.  One area is member non-Rotary volunteer hours, so to help keep track Matt shared a log to keep track of these hours.

Wendy Irving reminded us about Labor Day at the Lake on September 2, volunteer for wine booth from 3:30 – 6 pm or 6 – 9 pm.

Michael Fish announced about the Rotoplast Bocce Ball (first told us about his Rotoplast trip to Venezuela) on Sunday, August 26^th.

Presentations

Pauline introduced Emily Finzen she shared that she is planning to go to medical school next fall.  Attended UCLA and just graduated this year.  She will be working at the free clinics here in Marin until then.

Information from the Fundraising committee was presented to determine what we will be doing for FUNdraising – 2 choices: continue with Monte Carlo this year or select of the following: an event “that you would watch” party or an Octoberfest in 2008 or New Year’s Eve Party or each person just writes a check.

Fine Time/Recognition

Dallas Hickle was recognized for his last 4 birthdays – was in Florida with Patty’s family, then vacationed in Michigan.  He also shared about an anniversary trip to Healdsburg.  His son is planning soccer in Germany, he is 15 years old and they have won all their games.

Jerry Ghirardo shared that he went to Italy to visit with Lara’s mom who had heart surgery and is doing well.  While they were there they celebrated their anniversary and James’ 3^rd birthday.  While they were in the airport in Amsterdam they met Sally and Tony Elshout.

Tony Elshout shared about his special anniversary celebrated in Copenhagen.  He also shared that they were too tired on the 10^th to celebrate Sally's birthday so they went to dinner on the 11^th.

Roland Fuette shared about his lovely wife’s birthday and that he took her to Bodega Bay and a Giants game.  She had a special dinner the next night – and about 2 more dinners with family and friends.

Shelley Klaner shared that she has been sharing about her 50^th birthday with a liquid lunch and liquid dinner.  A friend flew in today and is throwing a party this weekend.

Larry Levy’s birthday will be celebrated with a box lunch in the San Quentin parking lot.

Speaker/Program

Fran O’Brien reminded us that this is membership month.  She is going to a conference and will learn a lot and will share after that.  Four members shared what Rotary means to them.

Michael Fish shared that it is the friends he has made.  Membership means getting involved.  Some of the best moments in life are because of this club.

Peter Pelham thought he was to talk about his club – Manchester United.  He shared that he has been in the club 16 years.  As a volunteer, we should remember that this is a big commitment and clearly must mean something special.  The club was there for him when his wife passed away from cancer.  You see examples of this every week.  You get more back than what you put in.

Rich Ronsheimer agreed you need to be involved and then told us a story.  He enjoys the giving back part.  More than 10 years ago, they went to the clergy in town and give us address with information about the family to put together gift baskets for the family.  It included food for a holiday dinner and gifts for the family.  The first two were to folks on public assistance and the third one was a surprise.  It was in an affluent area.  A gentleman in a coat and tie answered the door and said no one here needs this here.  So Rich said he was told that he would know what to do with this.  He grabbed Rich with tears in his eyes because he had been laid off 4 months before but had not told his family.  They were running out of money.  Rich shared that if Rotary cared and doesn’t even know him that his family will care even more.  He told Rich later it was the best Christmas ever.

Daryl Weinroth shared that the thing he believes in is helping others.  Rotary is an amazing vehicle to accomplish what he believes in – local and worldwide.  This is one of the best things he has ever done – joining the club.  Some of his closest friends are or were in the club.  Hoping to be in the club for years, he is looking forward to as the kids get older doing something International.

We ended the meeting with a fun icebreaker by yours truly – this is my last meeting and I will miss you all.

Upcoming Meetings

August 23           Golf and BBQ at Indian Valley – no meeting

August 30           District Governor, Brian McLaren

September 6       Mary Neilan, Novato Assistant City Manager

All Rotarians are encouraged to think about speakers for meetings. If you have a suggestion, please contact Catheryne DiPrete at "Catheryne DiPrete" <Catheryne.diprete@morganstanley.com>.

Board Meetings

Ignacio Rotary Board meetings are the 3^rd Wednesday of the month.  They meet at the Inn Marin.  They begin at 5:00 pm.

Upcoming Events/Activities/Projects:

August 23, 2007, Thursday – Hooky Day – Fireside

Members Mini Golf Tourney IVC (two man teams)

▪          Fireside BBQ/ hamburgers/potato salad/ice cream cones

▪          Location the terrace at the Club

November 12, 2007 (Monday) – Wine Cave Banquet

▪          Vertical Wine tasting in a romantic Underground Cave

▪          Tasting vertical Chardonnay

▪          Passed Hors d oeuvres

▪          Catered Banquet

December 1, 2007, (Saturday) – Kick-off Holiday Dinner Party, at Hotel Mac                       

▪          Drinks in the bar among rich holiday decorations

▪          Entertainment by a jazz trio and vocalist

▪          Dinner and Dancing in the private 3^rd floor ballroom

January 17, 2008, (Thursday) – Individually Hosted Firesides

▪          Nine Pot Luck Dinners at individual homes (8 per home)

▪          Timely Club Discussion

March 8, 2008, (Saturday) MONTE CARLO NITE

April 24, 2008 (Thursday)- Fireside / Monte Carlo Critique                    

▪          BBQ Steak / Rib / Corn on the Cobb

May 16, 2008 (Friday)-Afternoon Strutin’ and the Sportin’ Life        

▪          Afternoon at the track-

▪          Chariots race to Golden Gate Fields with Libation

▪          Bet on the ponies

▪          Buffet Dinner at the Turf Club

June 28, 2008, (Saturday) – Presidential Inaugural and Debunking

▪          Inn Marin Banquet Facility

▪          Cocktails and Dinner

▪          Hello Hollywood Hello-theme

▪          That Was the Year That Was- Film and Skits