Submitted by John Tanko 

The meeting was duly called to order by President Tony Elshout.  Fran O’Brien led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  38 people were in attendance.

Reverend Stan Warner provided the invocation and thought for the day.

Visiting Rotarians

Bill Kelly introduced the following visiting Rotarian:  Judy Peck from San Rafael Harbor.

Guests

There were no guests in attendance.

Announcements

John Tanko – received his Blue Badge which was presented to him by his sponsor, Rob Sundberg.

Roland Fuette – Announced that this is Interact Week.

Shelly Klaner – Distributed copies of the “Salute To Rotary” which appeared in the November 9^th issue of the Novato Advance.

Dean Moser – Announced that tickets are available for Michelle’s Miss Marin Pageant.

Steve Minutoli – Passed the hat for the Novato Human Needs Center.  $226. was collected.

Greg Chidlaw – Announce that Monte Carlo Night Live Auction items must be valued over $2000.  We are looking for about 6 or 8 items.

Matt Pavone reported on Monte Carlo Night team progress.  Teams are on-track and doing well. 
 

Fine Time

Larry Curtis was recognized for his 42^nd wedding anniversary, which was celebrated at a B&B in Cloverdale and tastings through the Russian River Wine Country.

Garry Gast was recognized for wife Lori’s birthday.  Besides receiving a beautiful Igancio Rotary shirt, the couple had dinner at Maakas Restaurant.

Saul Cohen was recognized for his son’s birthday.

Chuck Swenson was recognized for his “new-to-him” Jeep.  Donation amount determined to be 10% of the trade-in value of his former vehicle.

Rob Sundberg recognized himself for winning a gift certificate from “Anne’s Secret Hangups” while attending a Chamber mixer.  Shortly thereafter, he wowed the crowd with a cheer that he did with his daughter, Haley as they did the Halloween Trick or Treat thing in downtown Novato.

Denis Pepin was recognized for his induction.  The date was 10/24/2004 and sponsor was Greg Chidlaw.

Dave Prichard was recognized for his wife’s B-day on 11/29.

Greg Chidlaw recognized himself for, not only getting a commercial on TV, but for the new addition to his family:  a year old border collie named “Malone.”
 

Speaker/Program

The speakers this week were from the Assistance Dog Institute, which is based in Santa Rosa.   

Cheryl Brighting gave some introductory information on the Institute, which is the only college to offer Associate of Science Degree in Dog Studies. 

This was followed by a very interesting slide presentation by college instructor, Bud Souza and rescue dog, Kane (pronounced “Connie”).  Souza and Kane spent three weeks in New Orleans following the Katrina disaster.  As part of an 80 member team, their job was to look for survivors of the water-ravaged city.  Despite the snakes, dead bodies, lack of sleep, putrid water, and toxic air, the team assisted in 24 rescues!   

Bud and Kane truly exemplify the Assistance Dog Institute’s mission of “Helping Dogs Help People.” 

Raffle 

Raffle was won by Fran O’Brien.  No luck  L  .

Upcoming Meetings

October is R.I. Vocational Service Month

December 15         Lunch at the Youth Center

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

Upcoming Events/Activities/Projects:

December 8        Holiday Party at the Marin Country Club

December 15      Toy Drive at the Youth Center

December 18      Food drive
 

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