President Tony Elshout opened the meeting at 12:30 pm.

Larry Levy led the pledge and the thought for the day as usual was given by Rev. Stan.

Visiting Rotarians

Visiting Rotarians were Beverly James from Novato Sunrise, Grant Garl, Past President from Novato, and Dave Kappranos also from Novato.  As usual Bill Kelly introduced the visiting Rotarians.

Guests

Shelly Klaner introduced an old (not in age) friend and former member Laura Pond.  Marie Borders introduced Ann Merrymore.

Announcements

Greg Chidlaw and his committee paid a visit to the firm, which in the past has supplied the Monte Carlo decorations.  This year the theme is Monte Carlo goes to - fill in the blank.  Sounds like it could be anywhere- the options explored were Asia, Morocco, New York, SF.  They also looked at a Western theme.  The final nod went to PARIS.  I think the group was impressed with the large Eiffel Tower, which will be at the event. 

Greg also made the announcement that he is looking for someone who can introduce him to a Can Can dancer.  The people at my table think this request relates to Monte Carlo night and is not a personal desire.  We also need a lead on a graphic artist. 

Matt Pavone handed out donor forms.  More will be provided at a later date- just Xerox the form he handed out if you need more than one copy.  There is a Donor Captain meeting Tuesday October 11 at 4:00 P.M. in the Board Room at Inn Marin. 

Roland Fuette announced that the Interact Club is having a rummage sale on Sunday at Novato High and that people should bring their old cell phones 

Jerry Ghirardo reminded members to buy raffle tickets for the Foundation Dinner.  Tickets are 10 for $100 and the $100 counts for your Paul Harris. 

Marie’s guest Ann Merrymore discussed the Dare to Dream Event, which is a fundraiser to support the Novato Unified School District. It is a 3-course dinner at Rickey’s at Inn Marin. It is Saturday November 12^th.  For more info call 883-9477. 

Garry Gast announced that he will have the new Ignacio Rotary polo shirts.

Fine Time

Da Bear time- Rob recognized John Coulston for his 35^th anniversary, Pauline Stuber for her 30^th (and a trip to England), and relative newlywed Marie Borders for her 15^th.  Bruce Moeller was recognized for his undisclosed ??? birthday.  Garry Gast brought a Rotary banner from the Mad River Valley. This club is somewhere in New York, Massachusetts or Vermont.

Speaker

Our excellent speaker was Gerri Miller.  Gerri is a retired schoolteacher.  She represented a grass roots organization called Dear Sudan: Love Marin.  Their goal is to raise $40,000 to help the people in Darfur, Sudan who are the victims of genocide and are starving to death daily.  It is estimated that 400,000 people have died. 

People are dying due to lack of water and food.  Five-year-old children are sent to wells for water because if men go, they are killed, and if women go they are raped. 

For more information about ways to get involved locally to aid those working to end genocide in Sudan, visit www.darfursf.org and www.dearsudanlovemarin.org 

The raffle, but not the big bucks was won by Fran O’Brien. 

Upcoming Meetings

October is R.I. Vocational Service Month

October 13

October 20

October 27

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

District 5150 Newsletter and Information

For more information all you need to do is to 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: