Submitted by Luann Jackman 

President Tony opened the meeting. 

Larry Curtis led us in the Pledge and Pastor Stan had the thought for the day.

Visiting Rotarians

There were no visiting Rotarians.

Guests

Guests today included Sam Leabo, Ashley DiPrete, Lauren DiPrete, Dolores DiPrete and Peter DiPrete.

Special Recognition

Officer Ron Kern and Rich Ronsheimer received their blue badges.  Rich also made a donation to the Foundation for friendship – all the support he received during his recent illness.

Announcements

      Greg Chidlaw shared with us (in his grumpy tone) the latest and greatest about Monte Carlo, who is going to France this year.  We have gotten some very nice auction prizes:  a Harley-Davidson, a skybox somewhere from Fireman’s Fund and airline tickets to anywhere in the U.S.

There was much comment about the theme and the price of tickets.  It was also emphasized that all the issues and problems with getting into the event last year, will be corrected for this year.   Regarding the price of tickets, by majority vote the price will be $75 this year.

      Art Wasserman thanked everyone who helped at the Food Bank.

      Steve Minutoli passed the basket again for the Salvation Army and announced we have raised a total of $859.  Much better than bell ringing.

Fine Time

The following were recognized:

       Michael Fish for Lisa’s birthday and their anniversary (7 years – precisely 2551 days).  They had dinner at Rickey’s for Lisa’s birthday.  Michael made sure we knew they did not go to the dump for either celebration.

      Rev. Stan shared that for Helen’s birthday they refinished the house and that she is the real Proverbs 31:1.

      Fran O’Brien had a number of birthday dinners and is still waiting for her present since she has not decided what she wants this year. 

      Dick O’Brien was recognized for his lovely wife Fran’s birthday.

      George Dray got an early Christmas present – apparently at our holiday party he took home one of the waitress’s phone numbers.  He also celebrated a birthday on Michael and Lisa Fish’s anniversary and he did go to the dump.

      Dean Moser was without his pin and was “messing” with the Bear so he shared some of his hard-earned dollars.

      Bill Kelly’s wife Joanne had a birthday.  Something about great rates during the hurricane season in Atlanta and Savannah and Cirque Du Soleil.  Bill is often a bit confusing.  J

      Peter Pelham remembered his induction on 12-1-91.  Daryl Weinroth was (is) his sponsor.  He also shared that he was researching for Monte Carlo and spent last week in Paris.

      Roberta DiPrete showered her husband with gifts, love and affection for his birthday.  Apparently it wasn’t a surprise since that is what happens every day.

      Chuck Swensen recalled his induction into the club – December 2000 and Michael was (is) his sponsor.

Speaker/Program

We had two craft talks today.

Denis Pepin shared with us that he has been a peddler for 40 years.  Mostly technology products, starting back with punch cards.  The first 20 years was finding himself and the second 20 years has been with Meridian Leasing Corporation.  They sell and lease high tech equipment.  He and his wife have been in the states (from Canada) for 28 years and became U.S. citizens in 2000.  Recently, he moved his office, which was in San Rafael, to his home.

Denis also shared his second craft – winemaking.  They bottled 6 varietals this year under the label Cirque du Vin.  (We did enjoy some at lunch today – thank you Denis.) 

Stan Dennison was the second to share with us what he does for a living.  He has worked for Edward Jones since 1999.  After nine years of selling insurance, he got tired of talking about dying so he decided to expand and got his security license.  Stan shared with us his Rules of the Road:

1.       Have a strategy – a blueprint/plan

2.       Stick with quality – not a get rich quick philosophy

3.       Diversify

4.       Asset allocate

5.       Buy to keep

6.       Address mistakes quickly

7.       Quality equity out performs bonds

8.       Time in the market

9.       Know yourself

10.   Review plan annually and rebalance

He ended with these final thoughts, “you can not direct the wind but you can adjust the sails”.  Help to build your estate and then protect and preserve it. 

Raffle

I missed who won the raffle.  Sorry however I did not hear any squeals of joy so I guess no one won the prize.  Editor's Note:  Shelley's ticket was picked but the black marble stayed in the bag.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm.

Upcoming Meetings

December 29

January 5

January 12

January 19

January 26           

All Rotarians are encouraged to think about speakers for meetings. If you have a suggestion, please contact Dave Pitchford at 382-8150.

Board Meetings

Ignacio Rotary Board meetings are the 2^nd Wednesday of the month.  They meet at the Bank of Marin located at 378 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.  They begin at 5 pm.

Upcoming Firesides

Upcoming Events/Activities/Projects:

http://www.rotary5150.org/newsletter.htm

Need to make up a missed meeting?  Now you know where and when:

Day of the Week             Name of Club                  Time of Mtg.    Location of Meeting