MEETING MINUTES January 26, 2006 at Inn Marin, Ignacio

Submitted by Denis Pepin

He’s Baaack!  President Tony brought the meeting to order at 12:35 P.M.  He thanked the Acting Presidents (Garry, Larry and Bill) during his extended absence on the African trip.  Suggested he was lucky to make it back with the excessive hours he spent in an airplane seat (won’t get much sympathy here).

Pledge by Bill Doughty and Invocation by Reverend Stan…Word of the day is “To love and be loved is like the sun shining on you from both sides”.

Visiting Rotarians

Bill Kelly introduced the visiting Rotarians (big group today),

            Larry Walters – Republic of Palau…a long way from here!

            Kay Jones – Novato

            Dave Jones – Novato

Phil Brown – Novato

Dave Kappanos - Novato

John Reuscher – Novato Sunrise

Irv Schwartz – Terra Linda

Judy Peck – San Rafael Harbor

Guests

For the third week, Bruce Moeller introduced Thomas Chesus, a local financial manager.  I think he likes us!

Announcements

Garry Gast reminded us of his (Lori’s) recent mailing soliciting ads for our Monte Carlo Supplement.  She will “hunt you down” so get those ads in to Lori.

Fine Time

“Woodchuck Swensen” recognized some birthdays: Garry “garlic wings” Gast and Phil “anyone for 18 holes” Snell.  A number of our members seem to be “date challenged” when it comes to their induction dates.  Larry Curtis, Bill Doughty, Jerry Ghirardo and Bruce Moeller struggled and paid.  Melissa also caught those missing their pins.

Speaker/Program

President Tony introduced our guest speaker, Robert Pope, founder of Giant Steps, an equestrian therapeutic program.  Robert had two of his people in attendance, Pam Cross and Audrey Bournazel (from France).  A short DVD outlined his program and gave us some insight about the curative capabilities associated with this innovative program.

They handle fifty different riders (with nearly as many disabilities) at their center.  Two hundred volunteers is never enough…any interest?  They breed and train Tennessee Walking Horses for their unique gait and excellent disposition.  A most interesting program!

Raffle

The raffle was won by Chuck Swensen but he was unable to locate the lucky marble.  And the pot continues to grow!

Upcoming Meetings

February 2          Dr. Seth Shostak of the Seti Institute

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

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 16                        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

District 5150 Newsletter and Information

For more information all you need to do is log on to the District Web Site at:

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?"