Submitted by Denis Pepin

President Garry (60 years plus a week old) brought the meeting to order at 12:20 P.M.

The Pledge was led by Rob Sundberg and the Invocation was from Reverend Stan 

Visiting Rotarians

Bill Kelly (Hi Bill) introduced the visiting Rotarians: George Estes, Dennis Hammonds, Jeff Joseph and David Kapranos, all from Novato, Rick Roman from San Rafael, Kathleen and Frank Mayhew from Sebastopol and Irv Schwartz from Terra Linda. 

Guests of Rotarians

Rick Roman from the San Rafael Rotary introduced his guest, his son Rick Roman. 

Announcements

Larry Levy thanked those who participated in the Wheelchair Foundation donations.  Make checks payable to the Wheelchair Foundation and remember our goal is a container load, 280 chairs.  We need a lot more for a worthwhile cause. 

Bruce announced that we received a check for the Foundation for $3,877, courtesy of a Pauline Stuber stock donation “gone good”.  Yeah for Pauline!!! 

Dennis Hammonds from Novato announced the Annual Polenta Feed and Dance on February 5^th at Our Lady of Loretto.  Call 883-2100 for tickets. 

Pauline is looking for two volunteers for the April 9^th to May 9^th Mexico trip for Project Amigo (I think).  She also indicated that applications for Wulbern Scholarships have been sent out to schools.  We give out three per year, each for $2,500 per year for four years. 

Bill Kelly informed us that Bob Abbott, an old “socially active” Rotarian, had passed away. 

Daryl talked about this Saturday’s work party at Scottsdale Park from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  He also indicated that the Novato Parks and Recreation Department are recognizing the Novato Rotary Clubs with a Community Service Award.  They will receive the award at a dinner that Daryl and Bill Doughty will attend on our behalf. 

Come out and celebrate our 100^th Anniversary on February 23^rd at Garden Court Restaurant in Novato from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Spouses are more than welcome. As a result, we will be DARK ON FEBRUARY 24^TH. 

Our February Board meeting will precede the Fireside Night at the Indian Valley Golf Club on February 16^th. 

Greg was touting the Valentine’s Ball on February 12^th at the Marin Civic Center.  The testimonials suggested it is not to be missed…Greg may even have some room at his table. 

Greg and John Marshall teamed up on Monte Carlo status.  Everyone should be on the ticket bandwagon NOW.  Looking to make $32,500 from ticket sales with the person selling the most tickets getting a special treat at Rickey’s and the Inn.  Remember to fill out the ticket stub and KEEP IT, marking on the back as to whether you have given the recipient an Auction catalogue or not.  If not, they will be mailed one later. 

Greg informs us that we are tracking to net over $90,000, smashing the old record.  He also will have Masquerade Masks available, hoping to sell 300 at $20 to $40 each. 

Recognition

The “Little Shark” Daryl took over but too many MIA’s took the wind out of his sails.  Only picked Phil’s pocket on his birthday.  Again, Daryl says “mix it up” or be fined. 

Speaker

Spanky introduced our guest speakers, Frank and Kathleen (or is that Heidi) Mayhew who gave a very compelling speech about their trip(s) to Uganda on behalf of Rotary. 

Kathleen provided a review of the genesis of the trip (being invited by the President of the Entebbe Club, John Okumu, and acting on that invitation). 

Uganda is a fertile country, straddling the Equator, home to the famed Lake Victoria (source of the Nile).  It has 25 million people and a mere annual income of $260 per capita.  Incredibly, Uganda has 54 Rotary Clubs, very active and project driven. 

Frank outlined some of the local projects and costs related to Rotary Club participation.  These projects covered everything from buying new beds, linens and mattresses for hospitals, creating Sheltered Springs for potable water, developing Fish Farms, donating chicks to raise chickens for egg production, to providing badly need school books in very rudimentary classrooms. 

After informing us that 150,000 children die MONTHLY in Africa as a result of malaria, it is noteworthy that one of the related projects provides mosquito netting and insecticides for pregnant women and children to ward off the disease.  All we seem to hear about is AIDS but this is a stunning revelation. 

Thanks to Frank and Kathleen for sharing this very special story.  President Garry indicated that we might want to help with one of their Uganda projects (C’mon, let’s spend some of those Monte Carlo profits). 

In Closing

Spanky failed on the marble draw.  Pot is over $120 now. 

President Garry mentioned that our speaker next week would be a person who is blind, talking about Secrets of Success. 

In timely fashion, President Garry “gonged’ the close at 1:30 P.M. 

Upcoming Meetings:

February 3            “The Secrets of Success” from someone who is blind

February 10

February 16            Fireside at Indian Valley Golf Course for Valentine’s Day

February 17            Dark – no meeting

February 23            Rotary 100^th Anniversary social at Days Inn with other Novato Rotarys

February 24            Dark – no meeting 

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

Upcoming Board Meetings:

(every 2^nd Wednesday of the Month, 4:00 pm at Circle Bank in Novato

February 16 (special date) before the Fireside

March 9

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

International

About Interact

Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 14-18.  Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but Interact clubs are self-governing andself-supporting. 

Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single-gender or mixed, as well as large and small. The membership base can be drawn from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools from the same community. 

Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through projects, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs. And, in the process, Interactors develop leadership skills and learn the value of hard work. 

As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 8,600 Interact clubs in some 110 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Interactors also often spearhead the formation of Rotaract clubs and participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Interactors also often go on to become Youth Exchange students or Ambassadorial Scholars. 

For more information about Interact in our club, contact Susie Brown, our Club’s Interact chair.