MEETING MINUTES March 8, 2007 at Inn Marin, Ignacio

Submitted by Luann

President Larry Curtis opened the meeting by welcoming everyone.

John Griffith led the Club in the pledge.  Larry Levy prayed for our men and women in Iraq.

Visiting Rotarians

Syndy Fairbairn from Mission San Rafael

Kay Jones from Novato

Gary Gonsor from Novato

Lisa Fish from Novato

Guests

John Siren guest of Rich Ronsheimer
Noelle Roach guest of Matt Pavone
Jerry Terhune guest of Catheryne DiPrete
Bill Taylor guest of Chuck Swenson
Dillon Fish son of Michael Fish

Announcements

La Coppa Coffee donated 50 pounds of coffee and chocolate to the folks in Iraq.  President Larry also passed around stationary to have all of us write a note to our soldiers.

Matt Pavone spoke about Monte Carlo.  Everyone is doing a great job.  The decorations will be great.  Need to have sold more tickets.  Assignments went out via email.  Matt will be wondering around during the event in case of questions or emergencies.  Everyone needs to be at Fireman’s Fund to set up on Saturday morning at 9 am.

Kirk Hylan mentioned how important it is to get folks signed in as quickly as possible. 

Moving set decorations on Friday afternoon – thanks to the volunteers.  We have to have them out by 10 am on Sunday.

Pauline Stuber talked about the Group Exchange program.  Need housing from April 12 -15.

Speaker/Program

COL Michael Herman, Deputy Commander, Gulf Region Division, USACE in Baghdad, Iraq.  The COL’s presentations started with a video about Election Day in Iraq.  Iraqis were voting around the world.  COL Herman was via satellite from Iraq.  Michael is from Novato and was in the Novato Sunrise Rotary Club.

He talked about Rebuilding Iraq being done by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  The original plan was to help restore the infrastructure damaged from the war, protect the oil infrastructure and secure a new government and exit.  The reality is that decades of neglect to the infrastructure was great and very little of damage was due to the war.  There was also massive vandalism and looting following the invasion.  All pipe lines were broken, most of the power was damaged or destroyed, and buildings were destroyed.  Water, sewer and electricity were minimal plus a lot of trash and waste left over.  Bridges and roads were damaged.  There was also much ammunition from all sorts of sources.  It was estimated that it would cost $60 billion to rebuild however it would need double that.

They have completed 3000 completed projects out of 3700 planned.  The reality is there are 11000 projects (some small).  In July 2003 already started oil exports in north and south, Tigris river levels restored, trash removed, electrical commission assembled, refined fuel imports initiated and ministries re-assembled.  Much more continues to happen. 

June 28, 2004 was the transfer of authority.  Much work continued leading up to national elections in January 30, 2005.  10% of projects (large project, over $.5 million) represent 80% of the projects.  There are a number of transition strategies working with Iraqi workers helping them on the road to self reliance.  May 20, 2006 was the realization of the government formation.

The Corps is currently moving forward with many more projects, as they get funded.  They are to improve the economy and quality of life, improve security, electrical system and oil exports.

The future news is improved security situation, continued economic development under the improved industrial situation and slowly improving conditions in the country.

Michael ended the presentation with a photo of the children in Iraq.  This of course is where the future lies, what they will bring to their country.  The Corps is also working with the children.

Do not try to do too much with your own hands…It is their war, and you are to help them, not to win it for them.  (T.E. Lawrence, 1917)

He was asked how long the Corps would be in Iraq – he feels it could be quite a while.  As some may know, the Corps has been in Saudi Arabia for 30 years helping.

What are ways to support you all in Iraq?  There are websites available to support the military.  They also collect donations that can be distributed to communities and schools.

Asked how many projects have been affected by the violence?  Only about 10 have been destroyed or damaged however abut 10% are effected in many different ways.

Raffle

The raffle was won by a wonderful member.

?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�

Do the right thing

Do the thing right

Having FUN doing it!

?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�

Member Spotlight –  

?�?�?�?�?�?�?�?�

Upcoming Meetings

March 15            Lyndsay Hughes, Amigos de los Americas

March 22            "The Truth About Real Estate in Marin County" by Marin Association of Realtors 

March 29            Dr. Najifi-Tagol - Glaucoma and Other Eye Diseases

 

All Rotarians are encouraged to think about speakers for meetings. If you have a suggestion, please contact Catheryne DiPrete at "Catheryne DiPrete" <Catheryne.diprete@morganstanley.com>.

Board Meetings

Ignacio Rotary Board meetings are the 3^nd Wednesday of the month.  They meet at the Circle Bank on Grant Avenue in Novato.  They begin at 4:30 pm.

Upcoming Firesides

May 10                        6 pm – location to be determined

Upcoming Events/Activities/Projects:

March 30                        Friday Afternoon Club – 5:30 pm, Home to be determined

April 27                        Friday Afternoon Club – 5:30 pm, John Marshall’s home

May 6                        Family Day at Miwok Park

June 29                        Debunking – 6 pm

District Foundation Information

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?"

Bulletin Index

HOME