MEETING MINUTES February 2, 2006 at Inn Marin, Ignacio

Submitted by Larry Curtis

President Tony opened the meeting at 12:20 pm.  Wendy Irving led the pledge of allegiance.  Larry Levy informed everyone that Pastor Stan Warner was admitted to the Emergency Room at Novato Community late yesterday.  Larry dedicated his invocation to Pastor Stan.

Visiting Rotarians

Bill Kelly, with uncharacteristic brevity and lucidity, introduced visiting Rotarians Terry Malloy (Terra Linda) and Jerry Suyderhoud (President of San Rafael.)

Guests

Bruce Moeller introduced Thomas Chesus once again and Gary Gast introduced his wife Lori.

Announcements

Lori Gast (Wife and Special Assistant to Past Pres. Gary) reminded us that there is still time to place an ad in the Monte Carlo auction booklet.  The ads for the silent auction booklet are: $75 for the 1/8 page (business card size); $150 for 1/4 page, $500 for 1/2 page and $1000 for full page.  Camera-ready artwork for new ads should be sent via email to either Wendy, or Lori or Gary Gast..  If you wish to renew an ad from last year, let Wendy, Lori or Gary know.  If you wish to place a new ad or make a change to last year's, have your artwork prepared to send via email and let them know.

Stan Dennison reported on the Vocational Service Committee's involvement with the Regional Occupation Program at Novato High.  Once each week a different member of the club goes to the two ROP classes to speak about their profession/career.  In addition to Stan, the following members have volunteered their time for this important project:  Larry Levy, Matt Pavone, Roberta DiPrete, Rob Sundberg, Art Wasserman, Don Wichman, Ron Kern, Jerry Ghirardo.

Fred Pfeifer reminded us that the Fireside will be held on Friday, February 10 at Cacti Restaurant on Grant Ave.  No host cocktails at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00PM.  No regular meeting next week.  Bring your valentine to lunch the following week on Thurs., Feb 16.  Also, bring your original poem for entry in the Dave Pitchford annual valentine poem competition that day.

Fred also reminded us that the Club's 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held Saturday evening, April 29 at Inn Marin with dinner and dancing to live music.  Details later.

Greg "Monte" Chidlaw took center stage to provide an update on Monte Carlo.  We previewed the cover of this year's live auction booklet featuring our "Monte" at the Moulin Rouge, a bon vivant in black tie and tails, surrounded by a troupe of can can girls - only slightly naughty...but nice.  Greg announced that there are nine live auction items thus far including:  a weeklong eco-tour / fishing vacation trip to Crocodile Bay Resort in Costa Rica; Four Nights for up to six persons in Kona; Three Nights in Squaw Creek; a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.  This booklet will be distributed to a list of prior attendees and prospects.

John Marshall reports that we have 75 Monte Carlo tickets sold and paid for.  Our goal is to sell at least 500 and each member must make every effort to sell his/her allotment.  Ticket money and completed ticket stubs should be turned into John.  Or, per Kirk Hylan, register sold tickets for you and your guests by visiting rotarymontecarlo.org.  Note: if you happen to receive a ticket that has no number, don't sell it.  Destroy it and let John know. 

The new Monte Carlo poster will be printed and available for members to take and place in businesses throughout the community.  The large signs are ready and will be posted around town in the next week or so.

Matt Pavone reports that we have done very well in securing good, silent auction prizes and are near our goal.  If you still have access to prizes of good value, please turn them in to Wendy as soon as possible along with the necessary donor forms.

It was reported that Shelley received a donation of 12 dozen chocolate miniature Eiffel Towers.  (C'est si bon!)  Fran O'Brien reported that the following local restaurants will participate in this year's "Dine Around":  Wild Fox, Rickey's, Hilltop Cafe, Cacti, Grazie, and Boca Steak.  The special menu for each will be posted on the website.  A portion of the sales that night goes to Monte Carlo.

Fine Time

In the absence of Chuck "Woodchuck" Swensen (Daryl suggested he may have been called as a witness to today's proceedings in Punxsutawney, PA) the Rob "the Grizz" Sundberg took over the finemaster duties.  The first victim was Roberta DiPrete who was fined for spending her anniversary with Freddie at Novato's "Paint the Town Red" celebration.  In the midst of this, Roland answered Rich R cell phone.  This got the Grizz's attention.  Roland was overheard to say "that's OK, honey, you can spend all the money you want" before he hung up and paid a small fine.  All of this reminded the Grizz that one of his tablemate's phone rang during lunch which resulted in a small fine for Melissa.  Dallas Hickle was next in recognition of his wife, Patti's birthday.  She turned down Dallas' offer to celebrate by taking the two kids on a family biking trip up Mt. Tam with a stop for lunch in Mill Valley on the return.  She opted instead for a ferry ride to the City and dinner for two at Boulevard.  (C'est romantique!)

Speaker/Program

Today's scheduled speaker was a "no show." 

Raffle

Rob Sundberg had the winning ticket number however was not so lucky with the marbles.

There being no speaker and no further business, Pres. Tony adjourned the meeting a bit early.

Upcoming Meetings

February 9          Dark

February 16        Valentine lunch – bring your valentine

February 23        Dr. D. H. Short, Pass Christian Rotary Club and surgeon. Total destruction of Pass Christian Mississippi by Katrina

March 2              Dr. Seth Shostak of the Seti Institute 

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

February 10                        At the Cacti Restaurant

Upcoming Events/Activities/Projects:

March                        Interact Dinner

March 30                   Blood Drive

April                           MacKey Terrace B-B-Q

April 20 – 23              District Conference

April 29                      Club’s 30^th Anniversary Celebration

June                           Relay for Life

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

 The Four Way Test

Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"