Submitted by Denis Pepin 

At 12:20 PM, President Garry gonged his last meeting to order.  Saul led the pledge and Reverend Stan offered his usual words of inspiration for the invocation. 

Visiting Rotarians

Bill Kelly introduced the visiting Rotarians; Christopher Mychaluk from Novato, David Kappanos from Novato and A. George, all the way from Bournemouth, UK. 

Announcements

President Garry gave a short report on the International Convention in Chicago…sounds like we had excellent representation. 

Larry Curtis needs help for the final (hopefully) Median Strip Work Party on Saturday, July 2^nd at 9:00 AM at the usual place.  Picnic follows at about 11:30 AM.  Bring your shovels and chairs (for lunch). 

Wendy Irving updated us on the Relay for Life event last Saturday (10-15 attendees).  She will give a financial update in the future. 

Time to get rid of Garry…Celebrate by attending the “Debunking Party” on Saturday, July 9^th at Bahia.  Hosted bar at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:30 PM.  READ YOUR FLYER and respond to Fred NOW! 

Larry Levy talked about the Wheelchair Foundation, with whom we partner by sharing the cost of each wheelchair donated.  For each chair costing $150, we pay $75 and the Wheelchair Foundation pays $75.  How many have you bought?  See Larry Levy to further contribute. 

Peter Pelham mentioned the availability of a new roster…contact him with any corrections or if you want and Excel version. 

Michael Fish is being “feted” on the occasion of his 50^th.  Soiree is at the home of Frank and Donna Falzon, 793 Eucalyptus Ave., Novato, CA 94947.  5:00 PM to 9:00 PM! 

Another new member day!  Roberta DiPrete was inducted into the club…Catheryne DiPrete was her sponsor.  She lives locally with her husband Fred and is a Broker for RE/MAX. 

We were pleased to honor several “Employees of the Year”.  Congratulations to:

Josh Reed – Novato Youth Center

Ana Rivera – Novato Human Needs Center

Lori Kemmer – North Bay Children’s Center 

Marie Borders introduced Alan Brayton from Brayton Purcell, our Business of the Year!  This list of accomplishments related to their civic programs is daunting.  Their involvement at the community and business level is truly exemplary.  Congratulations to well-deserving honorees. 

Was that Daryl bearing gifts instead of fines?  I am sure that Bob and Edie Kane will enjoy their “unique” Chicago Convention pin, as will Wendy and Jay love their coasters.  Greg Call and Matt Pavone (Karen’s B’Day) were also recipients of Daryl’s largess. 

And, Spanky’s (Pitchford) daughter Andrea graduated from Gonzaga…and has a job.  Catheryne “finally” got her CFP credential. 

President Garry thanked everyone for their support for the past year…greeted with applause! 

Speaker

Dave Pitchford introduced our guest speaker, Cynthia Murray, County Supervisor. 

Cynthia touched on a number of areas of interest, namely transportation, affordable housing and environmental issues.  As Director of Emergency Services, she reminded us of the fire season danger and the need to be concerned about West Nile Virus and Avian Flu.  Finally, she is looking for your support as she is running for State Assembly next year. 

Finally, at 1:32 PM, President Garry gonged himself out of office. 

Tony, you are up! 

Upcoming Meetings:

July 7                        Dark because of the Debunking

July 14                      Kirk Hylan – New Computer Program

July 21                      Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity- Zara Babitzke

July 28                      District Governor Holly Axtell 

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

Mark your Calendars Now! 

Events:

July 9                        Debunking Dinner & Party, Bahia Clubhouse 

Upcoming Firesides: 

Upcoming Socials: 

Upcoming Community Service Projects:

July 2 – Median strip work project 

Upcoming Board Meetings:

(every 2^nd Wednesday of the Month, 4:00 pm at Bank of Marin in Bel Marin Keys) 

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

History of The Rotary Foundation

Arch C. Klumph, 1916-17 president of Rotary International and founder of  The Rotary Foundation 

In 1917, Arch C. Klumph, Rotary's sixth president, proposed to the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the creation of an "endowment fund for Rotary . . . for the purpose of doing good in the world in charitable, educational, and other avenues of community service." A few months later, the endowment received its first contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri, USA. 

In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US$5,000, the fund was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International. Five Trustees, including Klumph, were appointed to "hold, invest, manage, and administer all of its property. . . as a single trust, for the furtherance of the purposes of RI." 

Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of US$500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The ISCC _ created by Rotarian Edgar F. "Daddy" Allen _ later grew into the Easter Seals organization. 

The Great Depression and World War II both impeded significant growth for the Foundation, but the need for promoting a lasting world peace generated great post-war interest in developing the Foundation. After Rotary founder Paul P. Harris died in 1947, contributions began pouring into Rotary International, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created for the purpose of building the Foundation. 

That same year, the first Foundation program was established _ Fellowships for Advanced Study, which was the forerunner of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships program. Then in 1965-66, three new programs were launched _ Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Grants for Activities in Keeping with the Objective of The Rotary Foundation, which was later called Matching Grants. 

The Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) program was launched in 1978, with the Rotary Volunteers program being created as a part of 3-H in 1980. The PolioPlus program was announced in 1984-85, and the following year saw the introduction of Rotary Grants for University Teachers. The first Peace Forums were held in 1987-88, leading to the establishment of Rotary Peace Programs. Then in 1989, 1963-64 RI President Carl P. Miller and his wife, Ruth, donated US$1 million to establish the Discovery Grants program. 

Throughout this time, support of the Foundation grew tremendously. Since that first $26.50 donation in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than US$1 billion. More than US$70 million was contributed in 2003-04 alone. To date, some 914,792 individuals have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows _ that is, someone who has contributed US$1000 or has had that amount contributed in his or her name. 

Such strong support and involvement of Rotarians worldwide ensures a secure future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its vital work for international understanding and world peace.

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