• There is a District Event from SF to Vancouver Canada from May 5th through 9th in 2020; you may get more info as well register online at (staring price at $299 for an interior room only not including airfare & etc):

• Stephen Scott is at MGH as they try to find the cause of his illness.

• Envisioning 2020 Bay Area Business & Leadership Opportunities - Hosted by Rotary Means Business

  10:00am - 12:00pm 2h March 14th SFO Airport
  Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum $30 per person, $20 per Rotaractors. No walk-ins. To Register online: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50155/Event/envisioning-2020-bay-area-business---leadership-op  Hosted by District 5150 Fellowship Chapter Rotary Means Business Panel discussion led by Bay Area executives, entrepreneurs and innovator

• PP Wes has a great new car (leasing for the 1st time ever) an all electric car 
• PP Dr Mike and Dee have given up on Fuel Cell and also got a brand new electric car
• PP Chuck update on his grandson (Wiley) who is in Ranger Training and finally passed his initial 75 push-ups in two minutes ( our Fine Master PP Matt, commented he would be in serous trouble on the 75 push in two months test!!)
• Dr Maryam Y, our newest prospective member thanked Lisa, Matt, RotaCare and our host Saeed.  He has been granted a Green Card from Iran despite all the issues becasue she is truly a brilliant asset (Masters from U of Penn).  With contacts and no family, she now has a free temporary apartment, paid food expenses and a free car till has accepted an offer from various interviews that she is going through.  WOW ROTARY say to go!!    

• PP Chuck announced that our Golf Fund raiser will be exactly as last year with a much more relaxed and less expensive dinner afterwards.  NO major Silent Auction items other than some Golf 4-somes and few dinner/package donations.
• The club will be sponsoring a recurring Thanksgiving Dinners at Whistlestop for the elderly once the details are ironed out.  This was a long tradition at RCMS with St Pat's church in the past.
• There will be a 30 to 40 tree planting by RCMS/ RC Of Central Marin jointly with few members of Lions club once the City Council approves and the details are finalized.
• Vocational outreach to help Redwood HS seniors at Tamiscal program for internship jobs.  Patchen Homitz gave a passionate speech on need for small businesses to open doors to the youth.  There will be a meeting Feb 12th at 6 pm in the Tamiscal HUB.  This will be discussed at the next President's meeting on Mon Feb 10th.
•   Please plan to participate for the 3rd Sunday of this month at Farmers Market Civic Center for ExtFood.  We need at a car & three volunteers. Contact jon@clockfour.com

• PP Jon had to cancel our next week Foundation Board Meeting (whew one less meeting)
• PP Ken reconfirmed our involvement with Shelter Box event for this year; we need to sell ten tickets, provide a donation item valued at least at $500 and finally attend a meeting once a month; PP Ken and PP Farhad with help with PP Wesley will help lead the effort.
• Pres Mitch reminded us of the two events on Oct 5th: Our own fishing with Vets and Kids as well as hike/bike with Harbor Club Event

• PP Ken had a major collision with his office door and Andrea (his long time assistant) used a temp butterfly stitch after a lot of blood; all was fine
• Dr Earl J mentioned how great this club is when it comes to sharing good times as the present club he is part of do not do that; per his opinion. this simple social activity brings the members together and everyone gets to know each other better through the exercise
• PP Jon shared an amazing story on "men" only trip to Alaska for hiking and fishing; he promised to share the slides and pictures in more detail in future; good to have him back as the bears are VERY hungry up there due to climate change and we were worried.
• PP Hank talked of his international adventures in Latin world of S America in the 50's and 60'
• PP Dr Mike share his daughters stories in Germany when Liby and Katie were to meet and one (Libby?) took the wrong train and was MIA for a few very tense hours; it never even bothered the cool headed Katie who stopped the train and got her back!
• Dr Earl shared his international experience in France while with the Airforce
• Pres Mitch shared the amazing time he had during the RI International meeting when he hooked up with an old friend in Prague driving a Corvette across the country
• Barbara shared her time in Vietnam coming back from an RI meeting/party around 2 a.m. when she had to defend herself against two would be robbers; I want her on my team when travelling! :-)
• PP Farhad shared Dr Earl's great contribution as well as Bill Ring's when they helped with the orphanage in Tijuana on an Interact trip few years back;  Dr Earl was to check the kids' teeth that only took an hour or so and then he pulled up his sleeves and fixed all the plumbing on all the toilets of the place!  What a man!! 

• It was great to see Dianne C back.  What a trooper! Fighting off her eches and pains to attend the meeting. During her absence, she organized our Installation/Awards Dinner at Servinos.  Send her  a Check for $60 per person right away.  You must RSVP, there's no signing up at the door.
• And to welcome her back, Dianne won the raffle but drew the wrong marble.
• We still need more golfers, T-sign and other sponsors for the Golf Tournament.
• Sign up for the Golf Tournament Dinner by May 29.
• The Left Bank has decided not to host us.  Cammie D needs more help nominating possibilities.
• We earned the full $700 for the parking help in Pengrove.  Good work Chuck O!
• The club is dragging its feet on Paul Harris - The Rotary Foundation contributions. Get with it - Write a check for $150 at least!

• Reminded us of the Rotary 4 way test
• Presented 'Life's Greatest Lessons' by Dr Hal Urban
  1. Success is more than making money
  2. Life is hard ... and not always fair
  3. Life is also fun ... and incredibly funny
  4. We live by choice, not by chance
  5. Attitude is a choice - the most important one you'll ever make
  6. Habits are the key to all success
  7. Being thankful is a habit - the best one you'll ever have
  8. Good people build their lives on a foundation of respect
  9. Honesty is still the best policy
  10. Kind words cost little, but accomplish much
  11. Real motivation comes from within
  12. Goals are dreams with deadlines
  13. There's no substitute for hard work
  14. You have to give up something to get something
  15. Successful people don't find time, they make time
  16. No one else can raise your self esteem
  17. The body needs nutrition and exercise, so do the mind and spirit
  18. It's OK to fail; everyone else has
  19. Life is simpler when we know what's essential
  20. Essential #1 is being a good person

Clinic Report

September 2013

What a September we had ! and now it is gone….We were very busy with referrals; early in the month we got a notice from Operation Access that they were offering a Gastro Clinic and also a vision clinic and they needed the referrals for these specialties as soon as possible…Thanks to Antoinette at Bay Area for getting the patient list of ICD9 codes to me, and big thank you to Morena who called the patients in. We were able to send a few of our patients for much needed pteryguim removal and also some scopes. I am not sure if you all realize that in order to send patients for some surgeries we have to have a specialist see them. We are blessed by having Drs. Bloom, Sadeghi, and Maddox. I also use Drs. Gross, Heineken, and Pierce for joint issues. By having a specialist name on the referral means they don’t need to go through that step. If I send someone to MCC they first need to see their primary and then to a specialist and then maybe to OA….all this is with charges to the patient.

(There was one down side to the pterygium clinic…the word got out in the community and for the last couple of weeks we have had lots of eye folk arrive…I guess that means more work…. it just never stops).

So we were busy….the first Tuesday in September had 7 patients!!! Real patients! I was so excited.

We also offer our “Healthy Living” program that night and had 6 patients arrive talking about how better they were feeling. The rest of the month was really busy …..  but great...

We lost another doctor….Dr. Smith has left to deal with some personal issues. I sent him a thank you note and Dr. Berkov oriented Dr. Matt Willis who is a Public Health officer and will be starting in October. I also received a call from a new Nurse Practitioner and she will be orienting soon, and I got a call from another Nurse Practitioner that will be restarting with us…so I guess what we learn is we lose some and we get some…BUT I CAN USE MORE!!!!

The advisory board passed the new proposal and we will be offing a Transitional Clinic on Thursdays, twice a month. I have a six page list of patients that have diabetes, hypertension, and asthma. Thanks Antoinette again…I am meeting with my diabetic educator next week and I had a long talk with dietician ( who has recruited another dietitian to come to our clinic next month). I left a list of the medications with Golden Gate for a price breakdown for the supplies to make sure we have what is needed for this service and also received a catalog of supplies from another pharmacy if needed.  I am going to be developing some tracking forms and redoing our specialty binder so we can be prepared for a start in November. Hooray!!! This will mean that we will be able to truly serve some critical patients… I am really happy.

On the last Thursday in September Walgreens arrived to deliver flu vaccines. We have not gotten our supply from the county, so they asked and I invited them…they gave out 21 doses. It was great.

Thanks to Walgreens for being a member of our community.

Talking about vaccines we have not received our order of TB, apparently the manufacturer is out. I have been ordering TB vaccine for the last 3 months and we have about 60 volunteers that need a new test so I am horribly out of compliance. One afternoon I was walking back from the copy area and I asked the Kaiser nurses if they had any….. Well they passed me a vial of 60 doses and we are slowly vaccinating. Thanks to Kaiser for helping me out. 

More news…Morena became ill at the end of the month. She was at Marin General Hospital for about 5 days. She had diverticulitis and an infection. She is home now and on oral meds and taking it easy for awhile. I need all of you to send her good thoughts. The staff has really stepped up in making sure that all is going well at your clinic. I have said it before and I will say it again, it is an honor to work with everyone that I work with. They are so caring and they all pitch in when and where there is a need. I am so thankful…we are having chocolate kisses during the month of October in honor of Halloween so all of you have a great month and we will talk again in October …

PS. I decided not to do the Health Fair this Saturday…it was just too much…This is the first time in 20+ years that I am not participating….I started participating with HeadStart, then the Literacy Program, and now RotaCare. I miss it..but next year I will be there, promise…..Blanche

Clinic Report

September 2013

Sutter Laboratory                             35

Quest Laboratory                             5

Kaiser Images                                   11

Marin General Hospital

            Images                                   10       

            Audiometric Test                  1

            Radiology                              2

            ED                                          2

Operation Access                            7

Dental Clinic                                                 3

California Vision                              3

Marin Community Clinic                 4

Ritter Health                                      0

Total Referrals                                  83

Total Patients                                    195

Total Meds                                         155

Data Base

            New patients                         60

            Returning patients               139

            Total                                       199

Diagnosis and service                    197

Dermatology                                     11

Vision                                                 5

Psychiatry                                         4

Dietician                                            3

Pre-diabetic group                           7

Diabetic Education                          3

GI                                                        4

I think that is it….Happy Halloween!!!!!

GREETER: Pres Chuck led the pledge and there was no inspiration as we were missing our designated Greeter.  We really did not need one as the room was full of excitement and enthusiasm with almost ten guests present.  Then the speakers added a lot more inspiration as well.

GUESTS:

Drew McIntyre, ADG from RC Novato Sunrise

Jared Vollmer. Army Vet who works for the EPA and was our most celebrated rider at Ride4Vets.  He had the most number of sponsors from all over the country and was also one of the few who finished the entire 100 Miles!

John Doolittle Sponsor of R4V , Guest of Dr Mike

Ed Dangers Sponsor of R4V , and guest of Dr Mike

Gerard Chouron Director of NCIRE

Patricia Maglinicki  Legacies in Motion and guest of Past Pres Matt

Erik Jendresen Producer of Band of Brothers and Gearing Up.

Kevin Tarrant son of Past President Ken T was his guest today

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Past Pres Hank C shared the celebrations at Timothy Murphy School on our joint Garden project with Mission San Rafael.

Pres Elect Lisa P shared the event on homeless youth in Marin that the Interact Club is heavily involved with.

Past Press Cristy who attended the Foundation event in San Mateo reported no Raffle win for us! :-(

Pres Chuck reminded all of the District Training coming up at Redwood High School.  Please visit the District 5150 web site to register.

Past Pres Rolando reminded us of the Day at the Races for Rotary on November 16th.  All who received their tickets will see the charges on their next bill.

Past Pres Ken reminded us of the Food Bank event on December 7th at Whistlestop and the December 14th Holiday Social at Ken's home.

Barbara L said that our beloved Lama Tenzin will be visiting our CLub on November 6th just prior to going back to India

Past Pres Alan shared the most successful Blessing of the Keel on the new 100' schooner being built by Call of the Sea. It will be made from 100% eco green material by 100s of volunteers and a few top notch paid boat builders.  Building a ship this big on the West Coast has not taken place in the past 100 years!  Capt Alan said that the success of the Call of the Sea program (which our Club supports was one of the factors leading him to start the new boat building effort. Well DONE Capt Alan.

SPEAKERS:

Gerrad Choucran - NCIRE

The physical and mental consequences of military service are serious and complicated. NCIRE scientists, clinicians and researchers are united in their dedication to care for the brave men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces.

NCIRE is part of one of the world’s most dedicated and successful Veterans care communities, pioneering new treatments and understandings of military medicine and care. They take seriously our obligation to understand and meet the health challenges facing all generations of military Veterans. Through new technologies, novel scientific insights, and international clinical collaborations, NCIRE strives to set a new standard of health care for Veterans and military personnel.

Along with partners at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, they:

• Provide care for Veterans
• Discover and develop effective, safe, and practical treatments for military injuries and diseases, and deploy them worldwide
• Train new researchers in Veterans health
• Prepare new generations of providers to care for Veterans in the years to come

Their focus is on:

1. Psychological Health / Post-Traumatic Stress
2. Traumatic Brain Injury
3. Gulf War illness
4. Heart disease
5. Cancer
6. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
7. Chronic kidney and liver diseases
8. Readjustment and reintegration into society

 Erik Jendresen  -  Producer, Gearing Up

Erik shared a rough cut 10 minute version of the 40 hours of filming Ride4Vets.  The film, tentatively titled Gearing Up, will be used in promoting this program to all Rotary Clubs in the US and many other countries in the coming months.  In 2012, there were more suicides among the active vets than war casualties in the field.  This is a total failure on our government's part and the lack of priorities set for helping vets.  The program that was created by NCIRE jointly with the VA and UCSF has a 94% success rate and many YMCAs are now lending their facilities for this program.  There is no reason why Rotary clubs across the country cannot duplicate the program our small club has started.  Erik feels, rightfully so, that is the just the tipping point of a huge grass-root movement engender a major undertaking towards the care of our vets who need assistance at this critical point in time.

Mr. Jendresen  received a standing ovation after the showing of the film.  We're looking forward to seeing the final product.  Past Pres Herman noted that the cost of all of his work would be worth in excess of $90,000 and was all done by donations, volunteers and a team of citizens whose common motto is "Service Above Self"

GREETER: Past President Matt T shared three quotes from Aristotle, Wayne Gretsky, and the very famous, anonymous.
(Unfortunately the paper on which he had these written was put in the garbage before I got my hands on it) 
 
GUESTS: 

Jeff Allen, Past President of RC San Rafael and a major donor to R4V.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Matt T on the Food Bank, please keep the sealed groceries coming as they are much needed. 
REMINDER on Jan 18th, we will be helping the Food Bank package food.

Cristy E reminded us that Sunday is the Foundation event in San Mateo.
     Also, the Center for Domestic Peace is putting on their FREE breakfast next Thursday at the old Sea Food Peddler. Donations are encouraged.

Alan O announced that the Laying of the Keel  ceremony at the Educational Tall Ships in Sausalito will be on this Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00.

Matt T  reminded us to bring sponsors large and small as well as potential new members to celebrate the R4V event. Pres  Chuck said that we will show the director's cut of the documentary.  Please let Matt know if you are bringing any sponsors with you for a head count PRIOR to the meeting.

GOOD TIMES:

Bill R said that, unknown to most of us, Herman is a great cook. 

Dianne C solved the mystery of the missing aprons.  She has almost all of the RCMS aprons used at our Senior Dinner at St Patrick's.

Dr Mike took his RV all over the Northern and a bit of Southern California including Harris Ranch. He wrapped it up with a visit to grandson (Andy) and daughter in LA.  

Farhad and Chuck joined one of our main sponsors in a wine harvest and party. 

Hank C and Barbara took Wednesday off and went to the Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco and had a great time.

Marlyn was able to see the last show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival  in Ashland, OR.  She recommends future events there for kids as well as adults. 

Cammie and Lisa had a very successful Rising Girls  movie at Unity Sanctuary in Hamilton.  There were over 85 in attendance including a whole table of Interacters for their fund raising efforts.

SPEAKER:  David Jackson  (We can't say it better than in his own words)

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence includes what is learned, how it is learned, and the context in which it is learned. The SFDS curriculum is innovative, characterized by gifted teaching and rigorous assessment. It piques the interests of and strives to attend to the needs of each child. SFDS prides itself as a community of learners in which intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning are valued.

GREETER: Past Pres Matt T was unable to attend because his mother has fallen gravely ill.  Our best wishes to him in this difficult times.  Pres Chuck led us in the Pledge and Farhad provided the following reminder provided by Paul B from Rotary Archives to all with respect to our proposed Cuba project:

In 1918, more than one-third of the total population of Havana of approximately 350,000 were members of various clubs. So it was quite natural that Habana was the first city in a non‑English speaking country to have a Rotary club. Also the Rotary club idea was essentially different from all of the many club ideas which had found root in Havana, the city was so accustomed to clubs of all kinds that Rotary was readily accepted

In 1928, the Rotary Club of Havana was responsible for the initiation and successful conducting of the first National Congress of the welfare of the child. The statements in the resolution adopted sound rather modern, for instance:

- The child has the right to be born under social and physical conditions which

  will lead to a normal life.
 - The  child has the right to receive from society all the means for a free
  development, mentally, morally and spiritually […].

GUESTS:

Visiting Rotarian Charlie Oewel and Susanne Karch from Mission San Rafael

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Paul B reminded of us of several key activities coming up:

• Food Bank Day on Saturday, Jan 18th (we need 25 volunteers, please visit the event page to register or click http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=8926&eid=cf407a79-73c7-4a07-9c55-d7e5b4dc9d41&tid=1
• Proposed working days with Krista of Meals on Wheels for hands-on help (not finalized)
• Proposed work with First Presbyterian Church of Fairfax (not finalized)

Cammie told us about an NPR show on PolioPlus in Pakistan she saw. Women, who are now the major force in dispensing polio vaccinations, are targeted by the Taliban and many have been assassinated.  The Ben Laden connection is the root of the problem.   A doctor who pretended to be a vaccination delivery person helped CIA to locate Ben Laden.  Now the religious fanatics are claiming that PolioPlus  is just a front of the CIA for the purpose of making the population infertile.  This is truly tragic.

Past Pres and current Foundation Chair Cristy E reminded us of the Foundation Day event. This year's Foundation event will be held at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City on October 20th, 2013.  With a theme of "Family Fun Day," there will be fun and fellowship for all.   Register online for a great time. On a Sunday afternoon, do you think of the 49rs? A family outing?   A great BBQ lunch? A concert in the park? A sail on the lagoon? other fun and games?  You CAN have it all at the Rotary Foundation Family Fun Day. There is more information at the Family Fun Day event page.  Or, you CAN  Register Here!  We will draw tickets in a raffle recognizing your contributions to The Rotary Foundation.  Our goal is to set a new record for Foundation giving in our district!

Past Pres Alan O reminded us of the Keel Laying Ceremony for the Educational Tall Ship on October 19th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at 2330 Marinship Way in Sausalito. Visit this site to get more info on the Educational Tall Ships program. (http://educationaltallship.org/)

Past Pres Hank C reminded all of the Senior Dinner coming up in the 3rd week of November. Past Pres Dr Mike reminded us that this event will be held in lieu of our regular meeting.  Hank will confirm the date as we get closer.

Pres Elect Lisa P reminded us that October 11th is the UN-designated International Girls Day around the world.  The Redwood High School Interact club we sponsor is producing this event.  Please visit the Event section of the club website or click on the link to view the exciting program.   http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=8926&eid=3b07e4b7-0f45-44b3-9dd2-7b6d95c146a0&tid=1

Pres Chuck O discussed the need to raise our Dues to be in line with expenses.  He is proposing raising them to $16.66 per month from $13.33.  This is a only a $40 increase per year.  Almost all voted in a straw poll for the increase.  The proposal was brought up in the Board meeting after the regular meeting and approved.  Dues will increase starting in October.

GOODTIMES:

Paul B took an R&R leave,  traveling with Phyllis to Eugene Oregon and then back via Shasta.  Lake Shasta was 39 feet below the normal level for October, very low but not a record.  He had a great time.

Past Pres Ken, pledged $200 for Good Times in anticipation of his trip to Vermont and maybe Fenway Park (in case the Red Sox win and he can get a ticket).  (Matt K, are you joining him in case the Reds win?) 

SPEAKERS:

Emerson gave his usual wonderful introduction of our speakers Charlie and Susanne.   They shared their passion for the Rotary program RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).  This has become a significantly better and more improved leadership program.  For anyone in contact with a sophomore or junior in High School, this is a must.  It is FREE to the participants as the $40,000 event cost is all funded by Clubs and the District.

RYLA is Rotary's leadership training program for young adults. It is offered by Rotary districts around the world. It emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth. The RYLA program for Rotary District 5150, now in its 30th year, is offered to high school students who are in the 10th or 11th grade. RYLA is one of the most significant and fastest growing programs of Rotary service. Each year thousands of young people take part in the program worldwide. The impact spreads further as the program influences other young people.  Participants are sponsored by local Rotary clubs in District 5150 (Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties) and are selected through a competitive online application process. For those who are selected to participate, this recognition offers the opportunity to build self-confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people, meet active community leaders, and learn valuable information and life skills.   If you know any young person who qualifies, please get them to apply! 

GREETER: Bill R

For an inspiration, he gave a test on The Four Way Test.  The club as a whole got all of the parts.  There is some doubt that anyone got them all. 
He then related the test to humor directed at people or groups.  He believes that we pass the test for the handicapped and racial groups.  Gender and gender orientation, and national origin do not fair as well.  And we frequently fail on political orientation and occupations.   Finally, he pointed out that acting as an overly strident policeman for these failures is itself a failure of the Four Way Test.

GUESTS:
Gus Catachi - Nominally a guest of Rolando in fact of all of us.  Good to see you Gus. and thank you Past Pres Rolando to have him join us today.
Patricia Megilnicki, Guest of Matt T (Please visit her website to learn of this incredible individual http://www.legaciesinmotion.org/bod.html ).  She is very special person.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Cristy E encouraged us to attend the Foundation Fun Dinner

Jim C reminded us that there was no fleet week but he could enjoy the fireworks from Emerson's home.  

Past Pres Roland recruited volunteers for RotarCare.  As usual, there were few openings. That there are only few openings is one of many indications of the spirit of community service in our club.

Past Pres Rolando passed a sign up sheet for Rotary Day at Golden Gate Fields on 11/16/2013.  It's a fun outing with the possibility of meting and greeting other local Rotarians.  We need at lead eight more sign ups per list given out.  We have about 16 and need just NINE more so please bring your friends, family, prospective members. Contact Roland on the detail.

Matt T thanked the club on the first day of Food Bank donations.  After some discussion, we decided to leave a box at Whistlestop so that members can bring donations any week to hold for the monthly Food Bank collection.  So please bring all the non-perishable food that you can with you each meeting for the Food Bank for their distribution to the needy. 

Pres Chuck O Reminded us to invite sponsors to the Thank You Breakfast for R4V on October 23rd.   

Alan O announced that the Educational Tall Ships program is about to lay the keel for their first ship.  For $2,500  anyone or any organization can get naming rights.  The Blessing of the Keel will be on Saturday, October 19th from 1:00 to 3:00. Sorry, No grog will be served.

GOODTIMES:

Bill R updated us about his latest trip to Hawaii.

Herman V updated us about his daughter's accomplishments he learned about on his 3-day trip to North Carolina.  It looks like his daughter has taken after her father.

Farhad T made a Paul Harris donation on behalf of Ramin Taleghani as a Good Times in advance (Per a Past Pres Rick W tradition).  Ramin, his son, just went on his own leaving a well paying job for the unknown so Farhad wishes him well with this donation.  Farhad is hoping to have the whole family present at the club sometime soon as all of their lives have been so much affected by Rotary.

SPEAKER: Kary Witt - Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kary spoke on the latest developments on the Bridge such as the automated tolls as well as the new "permanent" lane separators. 

Although the idea of a bridge spanning the Golden Gate was not new, the proposal that eventually took hold was made in a 1916 San Francisco Bulletin article by former engineering student James Wilkins.  The San Francisco City Engineer M.M. O'Shaughnessy estimated the cost at $100 million, impractical for the time, and fielded the question to bridge engineers of whether it could be built for less.  One who responded, Joseph Strauss, was an ambitious engineer and poet who had, for his graduate thesis, designed a 55-mile (89 km) long railroad bridge across the Bering Strait.  At the time, Strauss had completed some 400 drawbridges—most of which were inland—and nothing on the scale of the new project.

Strauss's initial drawings were for a massive cantilever on each side of the strait, connected by a central suspension segment, which Strauss promised could be built for $17 million. Local authorities agreed to proceed only on the assurance that Strauss alter the design and accept input from several consulting project experts. A suspension-bridge design was considered the most practical, because of recent advances in metallurgy.

Strauss spent more than a decade drumming up support in Northern California. The bridge faced opposition – including litigation – from many sources. The Department of War was concerned that the bridge would interfere with ship traffic.   The Navy feared that a ship collision or sabotage to the bridge could block the entrance to one of its main harbors. Unions demanded guarantees that local workers would be favored for construction jobs. Southern Pacific Railroad, one of the most powerful business interests in California, opposed the bridge as competition to its ferry fleet and filed a lawsuit against the project, leading to a mass boycott of the ferry service.

 In May 1924, Colonel Herbert Deakyne held the second hearing on the Bridge on behalf of the Secretary of War in a request to use Federal land for construction. Deakyne, on behalf of the Secretary of War, approved the transfer of land needed for the bridge structure and leading roads to the "Bridging the Golden Gate Association" and both San Francisco County and Marin County, pending further bridge plans by Strauss.

Another ally was the fledgling automobile industry, which supported the development of roads and bridges to increase demand for automobiles. The bridge's name was first used when the project was initially discussed in 1917 by O'Shaughnessy,  and Strauss. The name became official with the passage of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District Act by the state legislature in 1923. Preliminary discussions leading to the eventual building of the Golden Gate Bridge were held on January 13, 1923, at a special convention in Santa Rosa, CA. The Santa Rosa Chamber was charged with considering the necessary steps required to foster the construction of a bridge across the Golden Gate by then Santa Rosa Chamber President Frank Doyle (the street Doyle Drive leading up to the bridge is named after him). On June 12, the Santa Rosa Chamber voted to endorse the actions of the Bridging the Golden Gate Association by attending the meeting of the Boards of Supervisors in San Francisco on June 23 and by requesting that the Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County also attend. By 1925, the Santa Rosa Chamber had assumed responsibility for circulating bridge petitions as the next step for the formation of the Golden Gate Bridge.

GREETER: Missing in Action (Bill R), no inspiration and a simple pledge by Pres Chuck but the meeting picked up steam with Emerson's great humor.

GUESTS: 
Mike Moyle, Retired Lawyer from the Sausalito Club (recently joined that club)
Patricia Megilnicki, CEO of Legacies in Motion and a close friend of Francine W -- guest of Matt T
Kate Colin, San Rafael City Council Member

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Past Pres Matt reviewed the membership plans (see club document from last Board minutes on the detail)

What has Rotary Meant to Me moments (Great idea as we are getting to know everyone better)
Food bank volunteer day and starting next week PLEASE bring a can or non-perishable food to donate to the Food Bank
Rotary Club Legacy Meeting, a trip down the memory lane
Thank you breakfast for all of our sponsors of Ride4Vets day
More active links to the web site and the GREAT Facebook page being kept up by Jirayr
PERLS upcoming meeting - not just for the leaders
Corporate Membership where a business is the member and multiple persons from the same entity can attend

Budget Funding needs to be submitted to the Board, so please send in your request on any items related to youth
The Interact Girl Rising  film coming up on October 11 at 7pm (Unity Church 600 Palm Dr, Novato 94949 415 475 5000 x121)  $10 at door
There will be a table for Interactors and for our Club to publicize the Lama Tenzin orphanage 

Pres Chuck updated us on the the future R4V activities.

The site is still up for donations and money is still coming in.  
We have raised $33K with about $10K expenses.   The Board approved a $15K donation to NCIRE for starting the program in Marin.  
Based on our records, about 62 riders signed up for the race on our behalf.  The final number has not been confirmed by race organizers. 

Past President Cristy reminded us about the Foundation Event on October 20th in Foster City.  The fee is only $48 with all proceeds going to the Foundation (Which ultimately supports our projects.). 
Use this link to sign up for the BBQ, Entertainment, Beer/Wine, Raffle, Electric Boat Rides as well as Kayak and Paddle boats

 http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?accountid=50155&pid=92137

Paul B updated us on the Cuban project and how it is tied to working with Rotary International to potentially start the first Cuban Club after 60 years of absence.  It is just amazing the feats our small clubs achieves.  Great job Paul B on this lofty goal.

Past Pres Dianne won the raffle of $75!

Emerson J introduced Kate Colin, the information below is from her website.  She gave a great presentation on all the issues surrounding Priority Development Areas (PDAs).   She then went into more detail on the homeless issue when Past Pres Ken asked her about that subject.

Ms Colin was unanimously appointed to the San Rafael City Council in January 2013.  She has lived in the Sun Valley neighborhood since 1996 with her husband Jeff and teenagers Jessie and Jared.  They moved to San Rafael for its diversity of people, wonderful neighborhoods and beautiful open space.

Ms Colin was a San Rafael Planning Commissioner for nearly 8 years and she brings her land use background and long civic involvement to the Council.  Her City involvements include participating on the Citizen Advisory Committee to Redevelopment (1999 – 2004), Critical Facilities Stakeholder Committee (2004-2005), co-chairing the General Plan 2020 Steering Committee (2002-2003), co-chairing San Rafael’s Climate Change Action Plan (2008-2009) and, most recently before her appointment, participation on the City’s Homeless Stakeholder Committee (2012).

In addition to her extensive civic commitment, she has spent an equal amount volunteering for organizations in which her children were involved.  She was a Girl Scout leader for 6 years, soccer coach for 3 years, served as a Board member for Family Service Agency, participated in improving Rodef Sholom’s religious school and served as President and Board member of National Charity League’s San Rafael Mission Belles chapter – a mother and daughter organization which provides hands on volunteering to local organizations.

Kate’s primary goals include maintaining a strong economic base in order to provide high quality public safety services as well as a solid infrastructure. She believes the underpinnings of local government require a strong financial position that necessitates focusing on both short-term budget issues as well as planning for long-range commitments.  She believes strongly in planning for climate change.  Kate recognizes the diverse population of San Rafael and the importance of ensuring that all neighborhoods are represented and their voices heard.  In order to find solutions that are sustainable, she believes in collaboration and partnership with local residents, businesses and neighborhoods.

Kate has a MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BA from Dartmouth College. She is a life-long athlete who runs, bikes, swims, plays soccer and practices yoga. She also enjoys hiking with her family and growing vegetables in her garden.

GREETER: President Elect, Lisa gave the inspiration after we sang the National Anthem played by Pres Chuck from a YouTube recording:

"Change: At the heart of resilience thinking is a very simple notion—things change—and to ignore or resist this change is to increase our vulnerability and forego emerging opportunities. In doing so we limit our options."

GUESTS:

Jeff Allen Past President of San Rafael Club

Kyle (husband of  Pres Elect Lisa P). Thank you for joining us.

Ahmad Noshad (Contractor from Concord) interested in joining Rotary as well as participating in our Cuban Project

We had five speakers introduced by Paul B : "It is my honor and pleasure to introduce the Bay Area Cuba Community Alliance team with whom RCMS will partner and be involved in an exciting international project in Cuba. I am very excited about this because it completes a circle of my connection with Cuba where I went to school, grew up, and worked in Havana  from 1929 to 1971. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce the Bay Area Cuba Community Alliance Team."

Nina B (Paul's daughter) grew up in the Bay Area.  As a young person, she began working with and teaching under-privileged and homeless children in the community. She graduated from the New School University and Parsons School of Design. During that time she also lived in Cuba for a year in 2007. Nina was interested my history as being from  raised in Cuba when I was a teenager.

Nina returned to the Bay Area to work with children and families living in underprivileged communities in Richmond and the East Bay, working to develop self-expression and strengthening family bonds through the visual arts, and using her Spanish to help bridge communication during family counseling and support groups.

Felix and Nina met in 2009, fell in love and began working on this Cuba project together! They are continuing to work towards short and long term goals in their community there.

Felix (Nina's husband) was born in Havana, Cuba, and lived there until he was in his early twenties, when he moved Havana, a very historically cultural area and popular tourist spot. You will be able to fine much about his group surfing the internet and YouTube.

Ernesto Moran, a Cuban national, who is currently the owner of Tropical Malecon Travel and Entertainment Company. He is also a Cuba Business and Travel Consultant.   He had worked for the Cuban Diplomatic Corps for over 15 years, and served as a diplomat at the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C.  The experience serves him well in his knowledge about other countries and the peoples of diverse cultural backgrounds.

In 1998 Ernesto joined the burgeoning Cuban Tourism as a professional Tour guide. Later started escorting hundreds of international visitors like Ted Turner, Jane Fonda, Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings , Dan Rather, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, Sean Penn, Robin Wright, Ry Cooder (Buenavista Social Club),Tommy Morello (Audioslave), Peter Nyggard, The Kooks (UK), to mention just a few. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Past President Hank reminded us of the great speaker Richard King (P Pres of RI) at Well Fargo Center in SF on Sept 20th.  This is a great event to attend and take a prospective member who likes to learn more about Rotary.http://rotarysfbayarea.org/Rotary/Pacific_Currents_Aug_2013.pdf (the information is on the PDF file or District 5150).

Pres Elect Lisa P noted the decision of the State of CA to defer all major SAR testing for a period to revamp the entire educational process -back to basics and not just test taking.  The idea is to slow down the learning process and use essays and not just multiple choices.

Bill R reviewed his sailing event with Jim, Cristy, Barbara, and Stephen. .

Marlyn M explained the concept of Fellowship with the Flying Rotarians.  She is a pilot and a member of the group.

SPEAKER Nina, Paul's daughter on theCuba International Project.

BACCA/ENM Presentation Notes: http://www.ecolonianuevomundo.com/

            My name is Nina: I am a community educator and artist from the Bay Area. I live in Fairfax now with my family and my new baby Inti, after having lived in various places, included Havana for a year.

What to expect during presentation?:  I am going to talk about four specific projects/goals we are currently working on in a special area in Cuba. Then I am going to briefly go through a detailed power-point presentation and talk a little about the current and historical and socio-economic context of the work we are doing. When we have gotten through the power-point, we will then open the floor for a brief Q&A. We have a dozen or so thumb-drives to give out at the end of the presentation with the power point saved on them, if you are interested in reading more in-depth about the project, and we have a few hands outs with an over-view of our organization and some info about a few of our current goals.  To begin:

•       What is this Project: Ecolonia Nuevo Mundo (ENM) is a a sustainable environmental community oriented empowerment project located in a beautiful /UNESCO world heritage site and National Park called Parque Nacional del Desembarco del Granma. It lies in SouthEastern Cuba in a community called Nuevo Mundo or New World. We are currently working towards realizing four main projects in collaboration with this community.  

•       1) Water Works: The small colony of Corcobao (1,500 people) which lies 2 kilometers from Nuevo Mundo, (our project site) has had a dry well for many years. A decade ago, the gov’t began installing plumbing to bring water from an abundant well in Nuevo Mundo to Corcobao, but the water works project was never completed because the turbine was taken for use in another region of the island. We want to complete this stalled project by procuring for the community a turbine pump, two large water tanks, and the installing the remaining pluming. Walking two miles roundtrip to the nearest well, or paying to have their small house tanks filled daily puts unnecessary strain on the community. The pump would allow people to farm year-round, save residents’ valuable time and money, and build a necessary foundation for economic growth within the community, that would be otherwise impossible.

•       2) Super Adobe Earth Bag construction community center: Implement this building method which uses inexpensive renewable local resources to build a resource/information/library/education center, internet connection point, and workshop space. Most importantly, the center will serve as an Earth Bag training institute to teach this sustainable building method to visitors from the island and elsewhere. The presence of this institute will help to jump-start local economy via eco-tourism. The resource center will provice agricultural and youth empowerment, and serve to teach sustainable technologies that will widely benefit the region.

•       3/4) Salary for Bernarndo Pitaluga Alvarez: Community Liaison: In order for ‘Pita’ to move from Havana with his family and dedicate himself full time to assist, organize, and facilitate this project from within the island. The goal is that within three years he will be supporting himself by establishing a honey bee colony of 50 + hives, and organize a collective of local bee-keepers in the community. Honey is an important Cuban export, and is world-renown for its purity and flavor. Apiarists also make a good living in this region.

•       Why we are here: Our non-profit organization BACCA (BayAreaCubaCommunityAlliance) is currently collaborating with the Nuevo Mundo/Corcobao community to carry out a number of projects aimed to create simple but fundamental changes towards the improvement of local conditions and provide the community with the encouragement and empowerment to sustain these improvements into the future!

•       Why? Benefit? The Return on Investment (ROI) is huge: 24 Cuban pesos is roughly equal to 1 US dollar, so any donations go a long way to help this underprivileged community get on its feet and create sustainable economic developments with wide reaching benefits for this and surrounding communities.

•       This is an excellent moment b/c of important changes in Cuba that allow individuals to participate in business for the first time.

•       Because there is very little  tourism in this area, this region is especially oriented around the peso economy, making the ROI even more significant

•       What do we need to accomplish today? Fundraising!!! We are seeking funding, donations, and support of any kind towards the continuation of these projects,

Especially: Water Works Project, Earth Bag Project, and a fixed monthly salary for Bernardo Pitaluga, our manager and community liaison in Cuba.

•       We are coordinating a week-long trip to bring folks out there so participants and donors can meet and interface with this Cuban community, bring needed supplies, such as donated cameras/computers/and school supplies to the area, and of course also see other parts of the amazing island.

GREETER: Past Pres Cap Alan, who after leading the pledge gave the inspiration:

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES, The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table, .Josephus Daniels, ambassador to Mexico, sent this quotation to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 1, 1936, in a note of New Year greetings, with this comment: Here is an expression from Holmes which, if it has missed you, is so good you may find a use for it in one of your fireside talks

ROTARY MOMENT: Dr Mike

Dr. Mike started his speach by noting that he had loved Trish's AHA speech on her Rotary Moment(s).  About 15 years ago as active surgeon at Marin General, he was approached by Linda T about the new Rotary Club that was being chartered by both men and women.  It was the first time women were part of the chartering group in the history of RI.  He met so many new friends that he would never have had the opportunity to met and socialize.   But most importantly, he felt it was time to give back to the community.  Because he was born with many more advantages than so many others,  the urge to give back was very strong and he could see that Rotary provided a means for giving back and more.  The chartering group had Chris B as one of the first Rotarian woman Presidents in RI.   Our very first major project lead by Dr Andy M was for drug free youth programs and mentoring.  Our Club was a major sponsor of the Run Across America.   We started the RotaCare clinic, followed by the Centennial Garden Project at Redwood High School and, most recently, the Ride4Vets.  Dr. Mike appreciated the great speakers at the club recruited for years by Phil D and continuing now under the capable leadership of Emerson J is a huge plus.  Enough to make up for his two hour drive from Bodega Bay every Wednesday.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Pres Chuck announced a Board meeting next week after the Cuba International Project presentartion. (Your Editor, the speaker, will start at 7:45 to allow ample time for the full program.  PLEASE be on time because the meeting will start sharply at 7:15. )

Past Pres Herman updated us on Susan W's condition.  She has finally been diagnosed with cancer and is going through chemotherapy with a great spirit and a good prognosis.

Past Pres Cap Alan announced the special schooner sail (FREE) for all interested.  There are only 15 seats and you need to contact him ASAP.  It starts at 10:30 an should be back by 3:00 pm.  Late breaking news:  Sign up for the wait-list. 

Paul B proposed we work on a project with the Foodbank on the last Saturday in January.  It is for just 2 hours and we need 20 volunteers.  The club overwhelmingly approved and so PLEASE get the word out to your family and friends.

Pres Elect Lisa talked of her newly found respect for the Call of the Sea and Educational Tall Ships projects in Sausalito. She and Kyle worked on the ice cream booth at the Sausalito Art Festival raising funds for the projects.

Jirayr K reviewed the amazing work he has done building our Facebook page.  Please check out the page, like it, and sent an invite to all of your friends. Here is the website.   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Marin-Sunrise/166110816879568

GOOD TIMES:

Past Pres Jim C spent day on the Bay with his brother-in-law.  He visited the Educational Tall Ships and met Bill C at the Bay Model.  Then they strolled along the SF waterfront to watch the America's Cup.  They found a front row seats for watching the event.  It is truly amazing to watch the boats go up to three times  faster then the the speed of the wind.  In the Bay, they can get up to  40 to 50 miles pre hour with their new designs.

Past Pres Cristy E attended an Indy Race at the Sonoma Raceway and took in the whole show with planes and parachutists.  It was truly amazing.

Cammie D noted that after the Lisa and Emerson rave book review of Teach Your Children Well. (a MUST read for any one interested in Education), she went to the Mill Valley Library to check out a copy.  She noted that every 1st Friday, there is a get together at the Library on new books, projects and lecturers.  It is open to public and a great place to meet like minded people.

SPEAKER:

Adam Frey was one of the bright students during Emerson's tenure at the highly regarded West Minister Independent private school in North Carolina.  Adam said that when Emerson arrived, the entire school changed its character to become an institution that everyone, especially the students, looked forward to attending.

Adam spent ten years in the clothing industry and then moved to non-profits and is now a Management Consultant. 

 I enjoy figuring out how people and organizations work—celebrating unique strengths and identifying facets that are ready to blossom.

His specialty, despite not being a psychologist, is taking C G Jung's Psychological Types Theory and using it in assisting entities to maximizes their communications.

He reviewed the 4 type of Perceiving and the 4 types of Decision making processes. 

It was a very revealing talk and had many in the room wondering about which category we would fit into.  

GREETER: Barbara L offered this inspiration

     Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.
                       J K Rowling, (Harry Potter)

ROTARY MOMENT:

Trish G gave a short talk on "Why I joined Rotary".  

(Her husband) John was in the Central Marin Club.  I decided the time and location of RCMS was perfect.  I have had a lot AHs not just a single AHA moment.  The first was Bill R who met me upon arrival with an honest unpretentious welcome. Then meeting Dr Mike and finding out that he drives two hours each Wednesday just for the Wednesday meeting.  This must be a special club.  Next the Halloween Party at Maggie's and then the golf tournament dinner.   I was given the Secretary's job and then the Treasurer's so now I am hooked. The parking job for the Sonoma and the the Ride4Vets rides were key highlights for me as well.  Once Eric spoke to our Club, I became a very proud member and realized that we are all like acorns on a BIG TREE".

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Pres Chuck  met with Supervisor Katie Wright and will be meeting with Veterans Services and Blue Star Moms as well to get rolling on our project.  Lots of work but very fulfilling.

Jim C  shared a few moments to tell us about an initiative for Marine Corps that needs funding.  It is for packages of goodies being sent to active duty Marines in the field.  Please review his last e-mail and help if you can.

Cap Alan sponsored a very successful ice cream booth at the Sausalito Art Festival.  It netted close to $12,000 for the Educational Tall Ships and Call of the Sea programs

Rolando announced the open dates for RotaCare.  Please contact him as many slots need volunteers.

GOODTIMES:

Cammie dressed up and attended the opening night of the Symphony with Tony Award Winner McDonald on stage.  It was incredible. They even had banjos in the band because they knew Pres Chuck loves that music!

Bill R has just returned from Cancun.  He now believes that he has seen all the ruins in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. 

Jim C reported on his trip to Elko NV where he visited the incredible Lamoille Canyon.  It is a beautiful place with very few visitors!

Dr Mike shared a snake story (Racer Striker).  Not poisonous but a very nasty bite as they grew older!!

Ken and LeAnn went to Glen Ellen instead of the traditional Tahoe trip because of the heavy smoke up in the mountains.  He also enjoyed hearing about the great opening games by our local players at Cal and North Western.

SPEAKER

Ben Rowe graduated from the Cornell Hotel School and has an MBA from Stanford.  He is the Chief Finance Officer for Kimpton Hotels and lives in Corte Madera with his family.  

The Origin
In 1981, Bill Kimpton pioneered the boutique hotel concept in the United States. His dream was to provide weary travelers with a haven of comfort, service, security and style. Oh, and how about a nice glass of wine and a good meal at the end of the day, too? Today the Kimpton Hotels hold true to Bill Kimpton's legacy by offering personalized service, feel-good amenities like Hosted Evening Wine Hour, and their one-of-a-kind hotels and restaurants.

Staying True
Kimpton employees believe in a culture that includes people, one that celebrates the individuality of their guests and employees alike. They are equally devoted to the greater good and have led the hospitality industry with their innovative EarthCare program. Perhaps it's this unique mix of individual expression and social responsibility that inspires a strong emotional connection with their guests. According to Market Metrix Hospitality Index™, Kimpton has the highest customer satisfaction scores (93%+) and emotional attachment scores (89%) of any hotel company operating in the United States.  

NEWS FLASH:  (Except it isn't)   This just in from our Honorary Member Matt Kawajiri:

The meeting was lead by Past President Ken T who was superb in the role. Pres Chuck had an operation on his shoulder the day before.  Chuck is doing well and recovering very quickly.

GREETER: Jirayr K was the greeter and after the pledge he had a great quote from a famous sports figure.  Take a guess - the answer is at the end of this bulletin (*):

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed"

GUEST: Jeff Allen, Past President of San Rafael Club and a major sponsor for the Ride4Vets.

ROTARY MOMENT: Jirayr shared the first time he participated at the annual Senior Dinner sponsored by our Club.  He felt very much part of the club and was able to get to know many of our members for the first time as he then was a relatively new member.  He was far more eloquent than your editor's writing and gave a very touching speech.  He received a full ovation on his remarks.  Your Editor is getting old and when the bulletin is not immediately updated, the facts fade very quickly. (And the Editor's copy reader is even older!)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rolando/Farhad reminded all that Blanche was doing it all by herself as Marianna was out with a "bug" (Dengue) fresh from her trip to El Salvador.  Please try to go earlier to help her filling forms and pulling files.  Gus C is about to go into surgery and was quite positive to the point of hoping to rejoin us if all goes well.  Susan W was still fighting off an unknown ailment that has sapped all of her energies. You can call them both in the morning when they have more energy to cheer them up.

Past Pres Cap Alan announced the Annual Sausalito Art Festival on Fri/Sat/Monday.  Tall Ships was given the Ice Cream Booth for fund raising. It should net about $8,000 for the Educational Tall Ships and Call-of-The-Sea programs.  They really need a few more volunteers.

Past Pres Matt reminded all to invite quality prospects for new members, but he empathized that more importantly we need to retain our members and share personal Rotary Moments much like Jirayr did this morning.

Past Pres Hank reminded all of RI President Richard King's much anticipated speech at Wells Fargo center in SF on September 20th.  This is a great event to invite prospective members.  Hank also had mounted a great series of collages from the pictures he took on Sat at Ride4Vets.  THANK YOU HANK. To get up to date info on this event and all other Dist 5150 events go to Download District Newsletter August 2013 (pdf)

Past Pres Dr Mike reviewed his discussions with Whistle Stop on participating with their golf tournament for a small fee.  He is still continuing his discussions.

GOOD TIMES:

Past Pres Ken celebrated LeAnne's birthday as well as MLK day and the Marin Catholic player who is now the quarterback for Northwestern playing against Cal.

Marlyn reminded us of her proud moment reading the cover story on the RI new VP who is wonderful lady and the first woman for RI in that position.

Matt T lead the singing for Dr Mike's birthday and all joined in.

Stephen S shared the great time he had listening to the three opera singers at Concord Pavilion.  He said that this was a must see for anyone interested in music.  Marlyn, reminded all of the great series of opera appreciation events at JCC in San Rafael.

SPEAKERS:

Pres Elect Lisa and Emerson lead a wonderful discussion and review of Madeline Levine's Book on education

Teach Your Children Well:

Madeline Levine, Ph.D. is a psychologist, educator and co-founder of Challenge Success a project birthed at Stanford's School of Education. A New York Times Bestselling author, she is a frequent keynote speaker for schools, parents and business leaders. Dr. Levine lives just outside of San Francisco with her husband and is the (extremely) proud mother of three sons.

Levine’s highly anticipated new book TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL: Parenting for Authentic Success (Harper/HarperCollins Publishers; ISBN 13: 9780061824746; $25.99/$33.99 Can.; Hardcover; on-sale: July 24, 2012)  acknowledges that every parent wants successful children, but until we are clearer about our core values and the parenting choices that are most likely to lead to authentic success, we will continue to raise exhausted, externally driven, impaired children who believe that they are “only as good as their last performance.” Real success is always an “inside job,” argues Levine, and is measured not by today’s report card but by the people our children become ten or fifteen years down the line.

Refusing to be diverted by manufactured issues such as “tiger moms versus coddling moms,” Levine confronts the real issues behind the way we push some of our kids to the breaking point while dismissing the talents and interests of many others. She shows us how to shift our focus from the excesses of hyper-parenting and our unhealthy reliance on our children for status and meaning to a parenting style that focuses on protective factors known to contribute to both academic success as well as a sense of purpose, well-being, connection, and meaning in life.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL focuses on choice—how we view success, raise our children, and expend our energies and resources. It is also about the courage to make the changes we believe in. The time has come, says Levine, to return our overwrought families to a healthier and saner version of themselves.

(*) Michael Jordan was was the source of the quote.

GREETER: Emerson got us started with very statesman-like quote (from memory): (This was very appropriate for yours truly who barely made it to the 76 Miles mark of the intended 100 Mile ride on Saturday)!

"We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."  Winston Churchill 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Chuck: The Annual Bocce - BBQ and fund-raiser is on for August 25th from 9 am to 4 pm.  Please contact Peter ASAP is you wish to attend as your organizer, Farhad has a conflict and will be in Tahoe :-(  This is truly a fun event and you need not have a six member team as they fill fit you in with another team.  Contact Peter Lagarias 415-460-0100, ext. 111

Past Pres Rolando announced that that all dates in September, just two weeks away, are available for RotaCare.  Please contact him for signing up if you have not done so already.

Past Pres Ken reviewed the great time and hard work that he with his son Kevin had on the Rid4vets tandem bike on Saturday.  He was interviewed on record without knowing he was being filmed.  We will have to wait to see the edited version.  He is using the GOFUNDME website and has so far raised $450 from that site.  He has totaled $2,000 for the event and met his goal of $1,000 per person.  Well done Ken and of course Kevin!

Past Pres Phil was reminded of a time when hr was to give an interview.  He did what he thought was a practice but it turned out to be the final recording, just as the interviewer had intended. It came out to be quite professional precisely because he was not aware that he was being filmed.

Past Pres Farhad joined Jeff Allen at the Rotary rest stop and unknown to both, ended up riding an extra 22 miles when they were ready to quit.  Farhad had a poor sense of direction because there were no sand dunes or camels to guide him!

Past Pres Herman shared his interaction with the film crew.  Our club will be starring in a film worth about $90,000 to promote many such events at  Rotary Clubs in the US (and maybe even in allied countries) in support of our veterans.  The entire event from the flags and memorial mile signs to the rest stops and finally to the music and home made lunch was filmed.  The West Marin Services group put on a first class individual and family event for all to enjoy in a friendly and informal atmosphere.  It was an honor for us to be part it.

Past Pres Hank pointed out the incredible collaboration among all volunteers to produce such a great event.  Past Pres Herman applauded Pres Chuck for his 100's of hours that he put into the event from the website work, to recruiting key volunteers, and fund raising.  The final results will be available next week.  We have not stopped the fund raising and the site www.Ride4Vets.org is still up if you wish to support the funding.

SPEAKER:

Katie Rice, Marin County Supervisor (not to be confused with Kathrin Sears )

Emerson introduced Supervisor Rice.  She grew up in Mill Valley, went to Tam High and Sonoma State for a BA.  She has three children, ages 16, 25 and 26 years.  She joined Supervisor Hal Brown's team and then became his chief of staff.  Her two main interests are public administration and preservation of Marin County.  She lives in San Anselmo and is quite active with Ross Valley water preservation efforts.

Ms. Rice's message to us was that after a few bumps, Marin County is in an excellent shape fiscally and is planning ahead for many challenges.  The work force is  now 10% fewer than recent past and the issue of pensions is behind us with no layoffs planned in the future.  Our County now has a AAA bond rating.  She then reviewed very quickly the current concerns on land use and affordable housing as the next hot items on the public mind.

She then opened the floor to general discussions that were cordial and informative.  She appreciated the atmosphere of our club as opposed to many contentious meetings most supervisors are facing including few who may face recall.  Thankfully, she is not one of them and, given her obvious integrity and openness, your editor can see why.

She promised to be back for more informal discussions.

RAFFLE:

Chuck won the ticket to choose ONE of the TWO remaining marbles to win $500, but he choose the wrong one!!  Attend next week to WIN the largest raffle we have had in years!!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SEPT 18th - PRESENTATION ON THE CUBA PROJECT!! :-)

GREETER: Since no one took the lead, President Chuck who was fresh from a great trip led the pledge.

GUESTS:

Joanie, Ryan and Steve Wynn from Journeys 4 Good (Invited by Interact and Lisa P and Cammie D)
Siena and Cindy Traverso Vice Pres of the Redwood High School Interact and her mother.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Past Pres Cristy E reminded us about the Foundation event coming up on October 20th from 10:30 to 3:30 in Foster City.   There will be a BBQ and picnic as well as a ton of opportunities for fellowship.  You can buy raffle tickets online or from Cristy to qualify for prizes as well as getting entrance tickets for Foundation credits.  Cristy's goal is to have everyone donate at least $25 to the Foundation.  The real goal is to donate at least $150 per person per year so that we can begin funding projects three years from now.  Every penny that we donate will come back to our Club for approved project spending.  

Pres Elect Lisa P reviewed the assigned area for solicitation on Miracle Mile.  (We need 300 $100 donations to reach our goal of $30,000).  We also need security volunteers for the Century Ride to earn our Club $1,500 for the work.

Past Pres Herman V updated us on the latest efforts of NCIRE and Eric J.  The Band of Riders  filming effort will be coming up shortly.  The film crew, who will be staying at Herman's house, will need about $5,000 for their out-of-pocket expenses.  NCIRE has so far agreed to fund $2,500 of that sum.  Once filmed, the documentary will likely cost an additional $70,000 to complete the editing and distribution.  These costs will be paid by NCIRE. The film crew will document the entire race and once edited (huge job) it will be used for all future rides across the country to raise money for this great cause.

Past Pres Hank C  noted the meeting coming up on Sept 20th with Richard King at the Wells Fargo Center. This will be an opportunity to share Rotary with prospective members or your extended family and to appreciate the many Rotary International projects.

GOOD TIMES:

Bill R listed many of the places he visited over the last two weeks on a car tour.   It is a good guess that most of the fascinating sites he visited are unknown to many of us.  His tour of California covered roughly everywhere south of here.  He called it  his "'Round Toit Tour" -  places he would go if he ever got around to it.  It appears that he finally got one.    (Un)fortunately, he said that he made up a brand new list and is looking for another Toit to get started. On the trip, he celebrated his 75th and was serenaded by the club.

Pres Chuck O shared a week long vacation with his brother who used to work for the Pentagon but is now semi retired.  They rented an RV and traveled all over Alaska.  He said that it could not have been better.   He recommended that we should forget cruises when it comes to seeing Alaska.  The way to see this great state is by car and then boat/raft some rapids!

SPEAKERS:

The team of Wynn has taken a detour from their commercial video production (Corporate marketing/PR/communications) and started Journey 4 Good.  Our Interactors were the first to meet this group and they (Lisa P, Cammie D, and Sienna T) invited Journey 4 Good to address our Club. 

PLEASE visit their web site http://journeys4good.com/ where the following excerpts were taken:

Working with people or animals, short-term or long, student or senior, solo or family — the ways to volunteer travel are as varied as your individual interest.

We hope to provide you with the inspiration and information you need to find the perfect volunteers experience for you. And whatever you choose, we wish you these indelible rewards: a deep and meaningful travel experience, a connection to the global community, a sense of pride and accomplishment, a fresh perspective and, above all else, memories you bring home that will last you a lifetime.

Inspiration: Through our original blog and video content, you can explore the range of opportunities to fine tune the right kind of trip for you.

Information: Resources, links, tour information, travel details and other cool stuff will help you take the next steps in your research process.

Celebration: Check in often to find out what our volunteer heroes are up to around the world. You never know what our next story will be.

And please, help us spread the word…..we are committed to growing this community of like-minded global citizens.

 Our Story:  Over the last 15 years, husband and wife production team Steve and Joanie Wynn have traveled the world together, producing stories for Travel Channel, History Channel, Discovery, HBO and Conservation Corporation Africa.

Recently, they traveled to Tanzania to produce a story on volunteer travel for Roadmonkey Adventure Philanthropy.  Steve and Joanie were inspired by the incredible group of volunteers who worked hard to refurbish classrooms at the Bibi Jann School for AIDS orphans. Their documentary, “A Journey for Good: Tanzania” aired on public television stations around the country. They returned home inspired and motivated.  They decided to develop this site as a way to spread the message of volunteer travel.  They hope to tell more stories about the everyday heroes who use their sweat equity as a way to give back and connect to the world in a meaningful way.

Steve and Joanie own and operate Bayside Entertainment, a full-service video production company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the past fifteen years, they have produced projects for clients like zynga, Lucasfilm, Sony, Walt Disney and Electronic Arts. In addition to work for their Fortune 500 clients, they also enjoy producing video for smaller companies and non-profits. In addition, they also pursue independent documentary projects, like their documentary, “A Journey for Good: Tanzania”, which recently aired on public television stations across the United States

Steve and Joanie were inspired to start Journeys for Good after experiencing several transformative volunteer trips in Africa and Nicaragua. Their dream their skills as storytellers to celebrate voluntarism and the global partners who make it an exciting and transformative way to travel.

We are hoping that the Wynn team will join us with our international project in Cuba.  On Sept 18th Nina Basker will geve us a presentation on the project.

GREETER: Past Pres Matt T presided over the meeting because Pres Chuck was on a family trip to Alaska.  Trish G lead us in the pledge and gave us the following inspiration:

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -  George Eliot

Wikipedia informs us that:

Mary Anne (alternatively Mary Ann or Marian) Evans (22 November 1819 – 22 December 1880), better known by her pen name George Eliot, was an English novelist, journalist and translator, and one of the leading writers of the  Victorian era. She is the author of seven novels, including Adam Bede (1859), The Mill on the Floss (1860), Silas Marner (1861), Middlemarch (1871–72), and Daniel Deronda (1876), most of them set in provincial England and known for their  realism  and psychological insight.

She used a male pen name, she said, to ensure her works would be taken seriously. Female authors were published under their own names during Eliot's life, but she wanted to escape the stereotype of women only writing lighthearted romances. An additional factor in her use of a pen name may have been a desire to shield her private life from public scrutiny and to prevent scandals attending her relationship with the married George Henry Lewes , with whom she lived for over 20 years.

Your assistant editor notes that her gravestone in Higate Cemetery indicates its interee is:

          George Eliot
          Mary Ann Cross

Cross reflects her marriage to John Cross.  The marriage lasted less than a year when she died of a throat infection and complications of a kidney disease.

GUEST: Jeff Allen, Past Pres of the Rotary Club of San Rafael 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

• Past Pres Rolando reminded us that we need 10 volunteers for Sat. August 3rd as security for the Century Ride in Mill Valley.  They will pay our club $1,500 for the task and it is a great bonding experience for those who get up early to help out.  Paul B added his name to the list. We just need one more person.  Rolando also reminded us of the open dates for Rotacare in August.  Finally, he announced the Rotary Day at the Races on Nov. 16th.  There will be about 500 Rotarians present.  10% of all ticket sales will go to the Rotary Foundation.
• Past Pres Matt T wished to publicly thank Trish and Rolando who beat all in getting to the meeting get us all set up.  They are the true heroes of the day! Thank you Trish and Rolando.
• Past Pres Hank C attended a meeting with Keith and Holly Axtell, Past District Governor who announced a donation of $1,000 from the District for Ride4Vets.  Trish G has not seen the check, but we assume it is in the mail!
• Pres Elect Lisa P made a passionate appeal to all to do their part in getting sponsorship for the Miracle Mile.  This is money that will pay for our expenses as well as for our events this year.  Lisa divided the area by person and several members present volunteered to do their part.
• Past Pres Matt T announced that the raffle is up to $447. We hope when Phil D is with us next time there will be a winner.

GOOD TIMES:

• Jeff Allen, pres of the San Rafael Club when it was over 500+ members, announced his special project in Tijuana where he is helping a family with a new home from his funds and many Rotarian friends who are helping out.  This is for a son who lost his mother in a fire that destroyed the whole house and all their belongings.
• Past Pres Dianne C thanked the many Rotarians who have helped her over the last three years.  She has had to deal with too many health issues as well as the resulting fiscal problems. 
• Marlyn M just came back from a trip in Aspen where her daughter has a beautiful house.  She had a great time.
• Cap Alan O had a whole crew of googlies (volunteers) at the Tall-ships Project with Past Pres Jim C overseeing all the paint work. They painted the containers that are used as support structures for the tent as well as a storage location for their tools.
• Past Pres Farhad T described the training that he and Paul B went through in the hot high desert of Hesperia.  They learned how to make adobe with earth and bags to go to Cuba to teach Cubans how to make a building for a youth center with near zero impact on the environment. 
• Past Pres Hank C shared a story from one of his Navy acquaintances on how hot it is in submarines .

PROGRAM:

Past Pres Matt T who is now the chair for New Members led an informal discussion on improving recruitment:

GREETER: Farhad took over for Trish and read the Rumi note: "In the hands of the wise, the earth turns into gold".  The 2nd one that he forgot to recite was "What you seek is seeking you".  Both were based on the excitingly HOT experience of 14 days work in Hesperia with fellow Adobe builders that included Paul B the organizer of our international project in Cuba.

ROTARY MOMENT: Pres Elect Lisa P, played the winner of the International Convention Song in Lisbon by several teenagers from Germany.  It brought tears to my eyes as it is so moving and right-on about what Rotary is all about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8iKAk8VsNE.  If you missed Lisa's presentation, please visit YouTube to view this.  It is quite inspiring.  If you wish to bypass the intro, forward exactly 2 minutes into the video for when the song starts.

 GUESTS: 

• Eric Schmautz, District Governor 2013-2014
• Drew McIntrye, Assistant District Governor
• Peter Lagarias, Past District Governor and co-founder of RotaPlast
• Clint Collier, Rotarian from Walnut Creek who was here to help with Capt Alan's Fund Raising event for the Educational Tall Ships  Project

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Paul B reviewed the Hesperia Adobe building design with earth, bags and barbed wire (certified 4x the Seismic CA tests for earthquakes).  He lost ten lbs. while working and learning the technique to be taught in a club International project in Cuba.  Paul's son-in-law, a Cuban, has started an Eco Tourist center.  Next he plans to develop a youth arts center in Cuba with full government approval.  Our Club volunteers will be soon visiting Cuba on two trips.  The first is to find out more the local needs while addressing only one item: a pump for a water system.  All infrastructure is in place except for the pump.   All the pipes are connected to an existing well but it is missing a pump!  The 2nd trip will be for teaching the locals how to build with the Adobe Earth bag technique (Cal Earth http://calearth.org/).  

Ken T made a passionate speech on why we need to raise as much sponsorship funds as possible for the Ride 4 Vets.  He also auctioned off four seats for next Giants game. 

Past Pres Rolando reminded all of two hands-on projects: Volunteering for the August 3rd Century Ride as bike security staff (that would bring us $1,500 for our CLub) and the two RotaCare spots left (two in July and then all of August).  Get engaged and help out -- we need you.

Barbara L shared great moments of success with her ability to ask anyone for donations (Including Cain Tires who ended up giving her a check as sponsors).  

Dr Mike O shared how his group of golfers,  includes a former Navy Seal, are going to help with sponsorship as well as supporting the RotaCare Trust.

Past Pres Herman V announced that Susan W is sick at home and the last two meetings are the very first ones that she has ever missed.  In respect to her wishes, we are cancelling the Bark in the Park dog show.  We will keep you posted as we get more news from her.  Her son Corey is with her presently and she is being taken good care of.  

Past Dist Gov Peter L shared a Facebook ping from Past Pres Sharon who has now taken up golf and is very excited about it.  Maybe she can join us for the next event that Dr Mike is contemplating.

SPEAKER: The new District Governor Eric Schmautz (Wells Fargo, VP in Charge of Strategy)

Eric had a meeting with our Board the night before.  I can report to all, that in my 15 years with Rotary, this is only the 3rd time that a DG has started and did not push or even ask us to do anything special.  He frankly said, no one likes to hear what a DG "needs".  He only wishes to help each and everyone of our clubs to excel.  He lives in Corte Madera and quite keen on helping our club as it is so close to his home.  He is consumed by all activities dealing with Rotary including chairing multiple important posts within the District.  He has been overseas to dozens of countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Chad, Zambia  with RotaPlast as well as for other missions.  He recently was married to Stephanie who heads the New Generation Clubs at the District level.  

Eric noted that Rotary has four major goals:

• Reduce Poverty
• Feed Hunger
• Reduce Ignorance
• Reduce Fear

RI is known to have saved over $2 Billion with Polio Plus; set up hundreds of micro credit banks as well as locally for such events as our own Ride4Vets, and RYLA & Youth Exchange.

Eric shared his latest trip to Zambia where Foundation funds and local club efforts helped with PolioPlus as well as providing books and school supplies for the youth in need of all assistance.  The new policy of RI is to encourage sustainable, long term projects and more formalized planning and local involvement.  Please visit the District 5150 website for all the upcoming educational and vocational events.

KEY DATES FRO DISTRICT 5150: (Please Visit the District 5150 site for registering http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?did=5150 )

• 07/27 Program Training
• 07/27 Foundation Training
• 07/27 Global Grant Workshop
• 08/03 Membership Training
• 08/03 PR Training
• 09/30 Membership Relations Training
• 10/20 District Foundation Event
• 10/26 Program Meeting
• 10/26 Foundation Meeting
• 11/02 Membership Meeting
• 11/02 PR Meeting
• 01/18 Foundation Meeting
• 01/18 Rotary Foundation Chair DK Lee Visit
• 01/25 Membership Meeting
• 01/25 PR Meeting
• 03/22 District Assembly
• 05/01 Pre-Conference Activities
• 05/02 District Conf
• 05/02 Program Meeting
• 05/02 Membership Meeting
• 05/02 Foundation Meeting
• 05/02 PR Meeting
• 05/04 Post Conference Meeting
• 06/01 International Convention  

GREETER: Cristy E led us in the Pledge.  For an inspiration she noted:

                 People do not care what you know until they know that you care.

GUEST:
            Chris Gregorio, Insurance, prospective member

ROTARY MOMENT: (We don't get enough of these)

Cristy E remembered her trip to Calgary for the Rotary Convention just before her turn as president.  Too many delegates were registered for the number of hotel rooms, so local Rotarians put up some of the attendees.  Cristy and John were two of the lucky ones who stayed with a local Rotary family.  She realized that while Rotary is a service organization, its international scope makes it a World-wide peace organization as well. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rolando noted that Whistle Stop needs some volunteers for the summer when some of their regulars go on vacation.

Dr. Mike added that Whistle Stop is interested in working with us on a golf tournament.  He told them that we have had some experience in that area.

Pres Chuck did some surfing and found out how many sponsors other clubs were able to recruit.  In one case, 37!  We seem to have 7 or so.  More work is needed.

GOOD TIMES:

Will W told us about his good time at the World Series of Poker. 
Unfortunately for him but fortunately for us, he is back on the job instead of on a tropical isle sipping a drink with an umbrella. 

Chuck O had a good time with friends and family celebrating the Fourth.

Jim and Jodie C Went to Apple Valley for his grandson's birthday then on to the Colorado River at Needles (The needle was pegged to the hot side). Finally they did some rafting and sightseeing on the Colorado (using a boat instead of a wire).

Farhad T and Paul  B are down south (Hisperia) learning how to make a kind of adobe house so that they can, in turn, help others make them.  Its a little warm there also.

Farhad T let Pres Chuck O use his Tahoe cabin.  Chuck learned how to navigate a stand-up paddle board.  Not all his spills were accidental.

Dr. Peter M has had an eventful life since we last saw him. Two hernia operations and a visit to, it seems, every place in the UK from Inverness to Wales.

MYSTERY SPEAKER:

The big secret is that the speaker Emerson J recruited was called away.  So Emerson swaped with him and gave a talk scheduled a few weeks from now.    The subject was Gen Matthew Ridgeway.  General Ridgeway headed up the 82nd Airborne in WWII.  Later he led the 8th Army in Korea.  Finally, he became Secretary of the Army. 

Emerson first met the geneeral when he was at Shadyside Academy.  Gen. Ridgeway's only son had been a student at Shadyside when he passed away.   Emerson persuaded him to return to be interviewed by the History class.  A major accomplishment, because Ridgeway's grief for his son led him to vow never to set foot on the campus again.

General Ridgeway's final duty was to accompany President Reagan to the Bitburg Cemetery remembering the soldiers who had died in WWII.  A very sensitive assignment.

GREETER: Phil D pitched in for Cammie but since my notes are now seven days old I can not recall his words of wisdom and his seven "Ps".  I do recall he said live the present as there is nothing you can with past and future is not here yet.  I paid $2,000 for a retreat in Carlsbad with Deepak to learn that, I should have just paid Phil and it would have been a lot less expensive!!

GUESTS:

Kyle Cato (Our Pres Elect's husband)

Chris Gregorio, Insurance, prospective member.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• July 3rd is dark
• Board Meeting/Assembly meeting next week
• A social coming up at Ken Tarrant Home on the 29th
• The Bark in the Park dog show is coming up on August 31st, organized by  Dr. Susan Wright.  We're hoping for a good review by Yelp. 
• Our Marbles Sock kitty is now $400.  Since there are so few marbles, we decided to add a marble for each one removed until there is a winner. 
• Pres Chuck reminded all that we need to really push for more sponsors. Past Pres Herman demonstrated the ease of fundraising by asking "Do you give to Charity?" If the answer is yes as it would for 90% of people, then ask "How about giving $200 for our Ride4Vets event?"  We will put a sign with recognition for your contribution for 100's to see on August 17th

GOOD TIMES:

• Lisa was gone for two weeks when Kyle took over the household chores and the twins, who no longer really need anyone given their amazing achievements.  Lisa was in London and saw one of Gus C's products in a Museum shop.
• Capt Alan had an successful fund raiser for Call of Sea and thanked the many members who supported the fund raiser.  If you have not been there lately, you must visit his office. It is absolutely amazing with the tent and setup.  They need $6 Mill over the next three years to finish the Educational Tall Ships project.  I just checked Google Earth and the satellite picture has not been updated yet but it will soon!
• Bill R went all over the Europe; the trip included London, Kaliningrad, Warsaw, Vilnius, Tallinn, St. petersburg, Moscow and Manchester UK. 
• Past Pres Jim, shared a whole packet of thank you letters from the kids in St Patrick's who were lucky enough to get the Dictionaries we distributed. The scanned copy of a few are in our Document Depository.  So please visit and you will be so delighted that there are still some who can write beautifully in cursive handwriting.

SPEAKER:

He was no other than our own "Budd" who was in charge of Rotary membership till he had to get major back surgery. His insight plus 200+ slides on N Korea was quite interesting and sad.  The contrast between the split countries is so appalling that it was hard to watch the torment the N Koreans are going through under an extremely repressive regime. 

REMINDER TO CHECK FACEBOOK ON TWO ITEMS:

1. Ride4Vets with updated information.  Check out the new Truck Ad built by Paul B and the new signs.  The signs are professionally developed by the team of graphic artists who make the film, Band of Brothers.  The poster says Band of Riders.  It is really cool. I drove it all over town on Sunday and got a lot of heads turning. https://www.Facebook.com/pages/Ride-4-Vets/174325356066477
2. Check out the Facebook page maintained by Jirayr with great pictures of our weekend social FUN RAISER.  We had 22 members and family attend and then another 50 non- members.  That included the 5 person band.  It was like a huge family party with Greek and Persian dancing.  We raised over $3,000 for Meals on Wheels.  How cool is that for a little club like ours?! https://www.Facebook.com/pages/Rotary-Club-of-Marin-Sunrise/166110816879568 The first 13 photos are from the event.  THANK YOU Jirayr

GREETER: Past President Jim C finally got to be greeter. His inspiration was based on some current events - Cases of sexual harassment in the military.  He noted that General Patton had a solution:  "Anyone caught sexually harassing anyone will be shot!"  Probably would not happen, but it was effective.. 

GUEST:  Joan Rodway guest of Rolando

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NEXT WEEK - We will meet at McGinnes Park at 6:00 pm to socialize and have a great meal.

June 22 - Greek-Persian Fundraiser -  Sign up now

June 26 -  Club Assembly

June 29th - Gus C is hanging it up - a reception is planned. We'll miss you.

Grants - Several grants have been received and some are lost.  Any info will be appreciated by Pres Chuck.

Program

Our speaker, Stiewe Payton has the distinction of being born in the US and raised in Germany.  He is a salesman. Over his career he has sold jewelry to high end clients as well as (now) high end real estate. 

Mr. Payton  outlined the current real estate situation and who is buying.  It came as a surprise to many that about half of the sales are "all-cash" deals and that, in many areas, housing prices have recovered to the pre 2008 levels.

Another, not so pleasant, surprise: was his prediction that the mortgage deduction will soon be limited.

GREETER: Past President Jim C was all set and ready to deliver his inspiration but Pres. Chuck skipped all that and went to a full explanation of our special Persian Breakfast at Call of the Sea facility hosted by Past Pres Alan.  Past President Jim C will be our greeter for our next meeting!!

GUEST:

Paul Koski, Retired Teacher, Docent at Audubon Ranch, Expert Bee Keeper and Mycologist (mushroom expert) guest of Farhad

Tom Bauch, Avid sailor as well as son of a paratrooper of WWII, long time supporter of our Club guest of Farhad

Chris Gallagher, Governor Nominee for District 5150 and head of Bay Model Army Corp of Engineers, guest of Cap Alan

Angie Olson, Wife of Cap Alan and supported of every aspect of Call of the Sea

Janet Baltzo, Visiting Rotarian and musician from Seattle performing in Bay Area; guest of Barbara L and Stephen Scott

Narayan Baltzo Diito above

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Paul B, Jirayr, Hank, Lisa, Chuck, Will, Dr Mike, Jim C and Herman as well as few others were busy from 7 am preparing the great spread of Persian goodies.  But in all honestly , half were of Armenian and Lebanese origin such as Lavash bread and Halva.  The Persians like to take credit for all things invented on earth if the Greeks have not done so already.

Narayan and Janet (www.narayanjanet.com) are travelling the whole country and singing about peace, love and creating goodwill.  They are members of Rotary Club in Seattle.  They offered to join in with Call of the Sea fund raiser on June 15th for silent Auction item. Please viisit this site for all info onteh Call of the Sea and the event:  http://www.callofthesea.org/home.php

Past President Alan who hosted the meeting then gave our first presentation:

After a brief intro by Farhad, our little family of Rotarians really got into the spirits and even the Persian tea was totally finished by the end.  If Past PRes Dianne did not find a single item that bothered her, then this was a superb perfromance by all.  Thank you Past Pres Alan for the facility, I personally wish we could meet here every Wed as it was superb.

Past President Alan gave us a brief overview of the Educational Tall Ship project.  It is a $6Mill project to build a Tall Ship that is almost three times the size of the Seaward.  The latter is the Tall Ship presently used by Call of the Sea for its youth educational program.  

Educational Tall Ship’s mission is to build a historic and sustainable wooden tall ship for the San Francisco bay area. During construction the community is invited to visit and observe construction, tour the Visitor Center, volunteer and get involved. Special school programs for K-12, and young adult work training opportunities are available. This boat will join the present Seaward of Call of Sea that is almost 1/3 of the size of the to be built boat.

Call of the Sea now serves 5,000 students per year with hands on programs that connect them to the sea, sailing and our bay watershed. The experience of learning to sail a tall ship builds teamwork and leadership. Participating in on-board marine science experiments and observations stimulates curiosity and knowledge of their environment and will help inspire their future as stewards of the world.

Seaward has already taken several trips all the way down to Baja in joint efforts with other local Rotary Clubs delivering much needed school supplies and chidlren's clothing for the isolated villages on the coastal areas.  They also took many of the youth on the ship for a hands-on experience.

President Chuck delivered a summary of Ride4vets event to date

The website, Facebook, donation directly to our Foundation Account is all setup and running.  We are getting sign ups daily including donation in form of pledges to the riders.  All Corporate Sponsors funds are being used to promote and run the event while all donations to the riders as pledges are being given 100% to 501 (3) C registered entities. 

Jirayr who has been working very hard on our Facebook suggested to all to visit Ride4vets site and press like it so that all those connected to them will increase its exposure. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ride-4-Vets/174325356066477

Any amount given as pledges to Marin Sunrise Rotary Club will be given as 100% to the Vet (NCIRE) for establishment of a pilot program that is running so successfully at the YMCA in SF as a joint program with Vet Admin as well as UCSF.  All coordinated by NCIRE.  Our little Club has attracted major players and if all goes well we may start a national program for all Rotaries across the US.  The main force behind Band of Brothers successful nine HBO series are in the planning stage of sending a skeleton film crew to create a documentary on the Rdie4vets.

There were lots of Questions and Answers on both presentation and the meeting closed with very high spirits.

GREETER: It was to be Past Pres Jim C but Pres Chuck graciously took over as Jim was missing in action!  Pres Chuck shared the singing of national Anthem on a YouTube video.  For his inspiration moment as a vet, he simply mentioned that we all should think of all men and women who have served our country.  This is such a special moment given our upcoming special event: Bike4Vets (www.bike4vets.org).  Please visit the site and help us start a great pilot program in Marin County at YMCA with jointly with UCSF, NCIRE and Veteran's Admin.  This program is incredibly successful in SF in improving the lives of so many vets returning home.  

GUESTS:

Jeff Allen,Past President of San Rafael Club and an avid biker

Valentine Mroozoff, he is a confectionery (makes chocolates) in Japan and recently purchased a home in Marin.  He had visited us many times when we met in Corte Madera.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Past President Alan Olson invited all members to his new office location in Suasalito for next week breakfast.  The Whistlestop has an event scheduled which would take all the parking hence they asked if we do not mind meeting somewhere else.  As a social/fun-fundraiser for Cap Alan, all members will be charged the normal $15 and 100% of proceeds will be given to Call of the Sea/Educational Tall Ships.  You should try to attend as this is one of the most exiting projects in years with respect to wood ship building involving youth and master shop builders.  The venue is Persian breakfast.  The correct address in Sausalito is: 2330 Marinship Way #150

Past Pres Jeff Allen announced a $500 donation from his firm as our first corporate donation to our club.  He promised another $500.  The $1,000 donation will be added to another $2,000 by one of our former BOA long term supporter who will then apply for $3,000 match from BOA making our very first $6,000 fund for our Club.  Thank you Jeff and BOA.

Past President Ken also announced a $1,000 corporate sponsorship from his company for the Club in support of the Bike4Vet and other programs of our Club.  We are now only $23,000 more to go to reach our minimum $30,000 goal for our 2013-2014 year.  We have a Miracle Mile on the ride and for each $100 donation, a sign will be placed.  In Napa, they raised $34,000 from just this sign.  So please approach any vendor/business you know for a donation.

Past President Herman gave us a simple ASK strategy for donation.  He simply asked if the business he was at makes donations and then if so, would they consider donating to Bike4Vets.  He is 100% so far and has raised $600 just by asking!

GOOD TIMES:

Pres Chuck thank all the members who lend a hand on last Saturday in helping the Sonoma Rotary club on a major bike event with over 1,000 riders.

Cammie had a great celebration on Friday night and then showed up for volunteer for the Sonoma bike ride with only three hours of sleep!!  She did better than most of us who had far more hours of sleep!

Past President Ken had a great time in Tahoe and share who his son great positive impression from our new ww.bike4vets.org website.  Kevin was inspired to the point that he volunteered to bike on a tandem special cycle with Ken! WOW!

Paul Basker save the day in making quick peace with a very angry person whose garden was  invaded by yours truly with the Bike Parking signs without a prior permission.  It turned out the gentleman was a vet and he fully calmed down after Paul mentioned our ride in August! :-)

The authorship of this Bulletin is credited to Jirayr K as he so kindly took the notes on the speaker:

SPEAKER:

Rachael Brody: Tunics and Jews in the Garment Clothing

Rachael began by reflecting how throughout history, human labor has been considered cheap and property is the valuable asset. There have been numerous tragic events in the clothing business where there are fires or other catastrophes at factories or sweat shops. Clothing is evocative. It brings up memories of us wearing them at a time in the past. Clothing activates the sense of smell. Some people don't want to wash a pair of clothing because of the smell that lingers on it, often of a good memory. It defines people and gives them identity. Clothing allows people to assimilate into a society and is their ticket to blend in and participate in a group.

Throughout times in history, Jews have been forced to wear certain clothing as a means to dissimulate them from society and identify them from the natives. Rachael went on to ask the question - how did Jews go on become involved in the garment business? She revealed that according to their religion, Jews could not wear clothing made of a wool & linen mix. As most clothing was not labeled at that time, they did not know what the clothes were made out of. Therefore, they had to start making their own. No one knows why that particular mix is not allowed.  Some societies also had Jews ordered to wear distinct clothing. People thought Jews were starting to look too similar to the native population.

Clothing conceals but can also be revealing. Rachael describes how in the Hebrew language, the words for naked and wearing have somewhat alternative meanings. A lot can be learned from history from what people wear and do not wear.

GREETER: Past President Bill C led the group in our national anthem on YouTube as showed by Pres Chuck.  Bill had the Quote (Life's Greatest Lessons, 20 Things I Want Kids to Know by Hal Urban); Thank goodness there was not enough time for good times & announcements as I do not like typing so much!  Great items to think about for all of us, Thank you Bill C,

1. Success Is More Than Making Money
2. Life Is Hard...and Not Always Fair
3. Life Is Also Fun...and Incredibly Funny
4. We Live by Choice, Not by Chance
5. Attitude Is a Choice — the Most Important One You'll Ever Make
6. Habits Are the Key to All Success
7. Being Thankful Is a Habit — the Best One You'll Ever Have
8. Good People Build Their Lives on a Foundation of Respect
9. Honesty Is Still the Best Policy
10. Kind Words Cost Little but Accomplish Much
11. Real Motivation Comes from Within
12. Goals Are Dreams with Deadlines
13. There's No Substitute for Hard Work
14. You Have to Give Up Something to Get Something
15. Successful People Don't Find Time — They Make Time
16. No One Else Can Raise Your Self-esteem
17. The Body Needs Nutrition and Exercise — So Do the Mind and Spirit
18. It's OK to Fail — Everyone Else Has
19. Life Is Simpler When We Know What's Essential
20. Essential #1 Is Being a Good Person

GUESTS:

• Jeff Allen, Past President of San Rafael main club as well as a member of SR Harbor
• Dr Earl Johnson, past member and present member of Tiburon Evening
• Erik Jendresen, Author, Producer and Film director, most notably the most successful nine series by HBO: Band of Brothers with co-producres: TOm Hank and Steve Spielberg
• Girard Choucroun, Deir of VHIP of NCIRE (The NGO behind the Vet program we are funding)
• Joan Corbett, Executive Director of WMSS who are the main force behind Holstien 100 in its 20 Bike Ride event
• Paul Kochis, Board of Directors of SF YMCA, the source of Pres Chuck's inspiration to help the Vets
• Doug Kahn, Jewish Community Relations Council
• Nazan Orr, Pres Chuck's spouse
• Casandra Heron, Banker with Chase and good friend of Jirayr 
• Peggy Clark, The Bike Ride Coordinator for Holstein 100

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Chuck reminded all the Ride4Vets committee chairs of a meeting at his home at 5:00 on Thursday.  The Whistlestop will be closed on Wed May 29th and we will be meeting instead at new offices of Call of the Sea/ Tall ship Educational Foundation (All $15 breakfast fees will be donated to the Tall Ship foundation after the cost).  It will be a fabulous Persian Style spread so PLEASE attend as our host Cap Alan as some amazing items to show us all. 

SPEAKER ONE: Eric Jendresen opened up with the meeting with reference to his undertaking of the HBO series Band of Brothers and the importance of taking care of young veterans who are coming home from traumatic experiences.  Per latest research 80% of the returning vets are suffering from some kind of Post Combat Fatigue and for the first time in our history, there are more suicides among the troops than the actual casualties on the battle ground.  Eric remarked that this Ride4Vets  could be just the tipping point of our entire nation coming together to help where the government has failed.  Rotary International has shown the world through its large number of members and dedicated volunteers how grass root action can make a dramatic difference in lives of so many.  After all, Polio-plus is a prime example of how the world is better because of Rotary International.  

Eric's message was timely and well received.  He is hoping to help us with some graphics ideas from his poster as well as send a skeleton crew to do documentary of the ride for future promotion for Rotarians across the nation to start grass root support for our Vets.  Past Pres Herman was the person who met up with Eric and he deserves a huge THANK YOU for his efforts to have Eric join in with our cause. Great work Pas Pres Herman.

SPEAKER TWO: Doug Kahn who is the PR coordinator for about 80 Synagogues was introduced by Marlyn M.  He has an impeccable resume per Marlyn and takes multiple trips to Israel in promoting better relationship with US.  He pointed our that for 2,000 years the Jews had not had home or state and were the target of persecution.  Finally in 1948, the State of Israel was created in Palestine.  The original idea was a peaceful and wonderful Utopian society with religious freedom for all. He pointed out that Israel is surrounded by hostile countries with the exception of Jordan and Egypt and that they are constantly under attack. Unfortunately, events have changed so much that one finds, especially among the radicals of both sides hatred and distrust.  The best closing was the answer to Dr. Earl J as to what Mr. Kahn  would like to see in 30 years with respect to Israel. His answer: "To see news of Israel on page 75 of the newspapers" instead fo page 1! Peace and tranquility for all.

SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES (Per request by our ex member Heather F, living and loving Italy at the present with both Brownlees! )

• The Sonoma Bike Event: We are the volunteers for the parking signs and parking directors; 1500 riders !! For our efforts, we were given about $5,000 of free website design for our own site
• The August 17th Ride4Vets event on August 17th: We need sponsors for the funding.  The sponsorship levels are $250, $500, $1000, $2500 and $5000.  One of our anonymous members will match any amount for the top level of $5,000 if that amount (at least $2,500 can be sent in by next Wed Meeting). Get in your funds via an email to farhad@taleghani.com ASAP as he is coordinating this effort; the match will be coming from two of our loyal sponsors who have supported every Golf Tournament of ours over the last five years)
• The Greek/Persian Festival on June 22nd.  All proceeds after costs will go to Meals on Wheels.  We have three members who serve as volunteers for this great service. 
• Bark-in-Park event for a spectacular fun Dog Show for everyone organized by our Club to fund many of our present projects next year

GREETER: Past President graciously took over the role as yours truly had forgotten to remind Past Pres Bill C to do take  on the duties.  A metalltica version of the national anthem played at the last Giants Game when Buster hit a home run at the bottom of the 9th inning for a great win was played.  The inspiration for the date was: "If you don't stand up for something you will fall for anything"

The first person to identify this quote will get a FANTASTIC prize from me personally to be mailed to presented in person.  Hint, I have had a deal for the last 10 years with Brian, my Little Brother.  On my Birthday (60th on May 17th) I always give a gift.  The one condition is that you were not present at this meeting!!

GUESTS: Matrlee Johnson, amazingly talented and the power behind her husband Emerson

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Board (post meeting) approved Bark-in-Park Event on Aug. 31 was formally announced to the Club by our very own wonder woman: Dr Susan W.  She had been planning this event for almost four months with full blessing of Past Pres Herman and Past Pres Farhad.  It has taken an incredible number of hours as well as patience as the Mill Valley Community Center was very tough to deal with it but due to her persistent they gave in and our Club will be sponsoring this fun event with many other community organizations helping us.  This is for everyone and not a "real dog show"; there are only three categories: Small, Medium and Large Dogs with prizes for all!! Dr. Susan has already arranged for a food vendor who will be serving RotaDog for food at $5 each.  We expect to raise at least $10,000 for the Club if all goes well.  

The Interact at Redwood High School had a guest on Wed for the first time as announced by Cammie.  They are dong well especially after the successful April Event last month.  Kudos to Cammie and Lisa and of-course to the team at RHS who really deserve  recognition.

Past Prese Captan Alan announced the major fund raiser on June 15th for Call of the Sea in Sausalito.  The Educational Tall Ship and Call of the Sea have a new home at AutoDesk old digs with beautiful new offices to build a brand new Tall Ship; this is a first in Marin in decades.  Youth are involved as key part of this historical major undertaking.  They need our help to fund. Please contact Cap Alan directly to help as they also need hands-on tasks.  This is a long term project and only some one with Cap Alan's stature and incredible steely drive can do it.

Pres Chuck attended the District Meeting last weekend.  I worry about the time he is sparing for our Club as his wife must be very upset; so PLEASE step forward and start helping him as we are staring the new year a bit early with lot of activities.  We won two major awards:

• Best Community Award for all the garden works as well as our very own most successful RotaCare in its 15th year Free Clinic for anyone without Insurance Coverage in Marin County.  Thanks to Past Presdients Hank and Ken for their leadership in this area.
• Best International Award for the joint Micro Credit work in conjunction with Keith A of Marin Evening Club.  Thank you Barbara L

Past Pres Ken announced the wonderful surprise visit by our past Treasurer and member who started our Club on the new direction with the idea of Bike4vets.  Peter D daughter is a professional rider and was on the team at U C Berkeley and she is still riding every day to work.  That is almost a 50+ mile ride per day!!!  David met with Ken to clear his account as well as even give us an extra funds to help our projects.  THANK YOU Peter form all of us and if your business permits, please come back.

GOODTIMES:

Cammie's bithdate was celebrated for the 29th time.  I may have the number wrong but she does have so many fans that the year does'nt really matter does it?!

There are now only two marbles left in the weekly raffle!!  The kitty is over $200, Retired SFO SPD office and a hero of our club will gladly accept purchases if you wish to participate in this sure win.  But please be forewarned that there are a few crazy members who go nuts when the odds are this good!!

SPEAKER: Dr Ronald Simon on Educational state in US

This is was an incredible occasion to hear of all the work on evaluating the whole educational process. The college teaching as genuine scholarship.  The findings of Ernest Boyer ("Scholarship Reconsider: Priorities of the Professoriate").  It is a shame that we did not promote this meeting as so many of our educators would have really appreciated this speech.  The executive summary were the key measurable elements of:

• Discovery
• Integration
• Teaching
• Application

I could not help by think back on our last speaker, the professor from University of Dominican.  She matched each of these areas perfeclty with her directorship of Big History course for the students.

GREETER: 

Past Pres Roland joined Pres Chuck in a YouTube version of the national anthem.  Then Roland provided several wonderful quotes and the one below was his choice for our bulletin

"There are many doors to goodness (Saying) "Glory to God", "Praise be to God". There is no deity but God' enjoining good, forbidding harm from the road, listening to the deaf  (until you understand them), leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help and supporting the weak with the strength of one's arms. All of these are (forms of) charity prescribed to you."

---Prophet Mohammad (s) in Figh-us-sunnah Volume 3 Number 98

GUESTS: 

Jeff Allen, Past Pres of San Rafael Club and present member of SR Harbor

Romy Mogrovejo, A colleague of Melody and Guest of Jirayr who met Romyat a social function

Dr Mojgan Behmand, Professor at Dominican University and Guest Speaker

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Chuck and Emerson announced that even though we typically do not have  a speaker when we have our wonderful annual RotaCare Dinner, we will this time.  The speaker is coming from out of town for our benefit and he had been cancelled once already.  

Past Pres Jim C announced the event on May 18th, the evening of the Petaluma Ride at ST Patricks. The Fund Raiser is for the Fisher House which provides temporary housing for  injured service members and veterans and their families who need medical help far from home. (www.fisherhoiuse.org).  The theme is "An Afternoon at the USO" and will feature USS Hornet so prepare to Swing.

Please mark down our first social on June 22nd with the Greek/Persian Festival at Whistle Stop form 12:30 to 4:30 (Music, Dance, lots of Food and great time to see the two great cultures compete for your attention!)

Pres Chuck Announced  the June 12meeting will be a social event at another venue... to be announced soon.

Will Announced the Celebration of his bank's 50th anniversary on June 12th as well; by invitation.

Members spit into four groups to write down  potential sponsors for solicitations for our Club Rid4Vets;  the papers were collected to be copied.  The original will be sent back to the individuals as a reminder to start  fund raising.  A few brochures and a sample elevator pitch will be sent as well.

We have our first Major Sponsor;  Past President of San Rafael Club, Jeff Allen on behalf of Minto and Wilkie Insurance Firm,  THANK YOU Jeff.

GOODTIMES:

Dr Melini announced two great movies for all to see.

Past Pres Dianne announced that she is now legally permitted to drive her own car again.

Past President Farhad reviewed his retreat with Nahal at Deepak Chopra Center in La Costa resort.  He was having so much fun that he lietrally got sick the 3rd day!  Apparently there were 500 attendees but only 30 of them were men!!

SPEAKER:

Dr Mojgan Behmand has a PHD from Germany.  She started her career at Dominican in English Literature and then became interested in the larger history of the world called Big History. It examines how all history is related. She noted that regardless of our backgrounds, we are all connected when you view cultures from a longer, comprehensive view point. d. She is the key course designer and Director of the Big History Program at the University.  

Big History is a universal and trans-disciplinary narrative that examines the timeline of our Universe on the largest possible scale. Coined by historian David Christian, the term “Big History” means “a modern, scientific creation story…based on the best findings of modern science…a history that includes all human societies and places their histories within the larger histories of the earth and the Universe as a whole” (Christian, Brown, Benjamin 2010). Big History begins with the Big Bang, the creation of stars and planets, the emergence of life on Earth, and extends to human beings and societies that have existed up to the present. This is by nature a multi-disciplinary study, employing astronomy, anthropology, biology, ecology, geology, literature, economics, political science, and sociology, among other fields, in its approach to understanding our collective past and possible futures. While Big History is taught in higher education at universities around the world, Dominican University of California is the only institution that has utilized this content for a one-year course.

She explained how the root of so many issues is not religion or country but the social-economic. using Iran as an example and showed a film in which ssues with young abused girls in Iranian society is a direct testimony to the complicated societal problems in Iran and not just a religious issue.  Three short bios of young girls given a second chance to start their live over again was shown.  The NGO that supports this entity is named OMID Foundation; it means Hope.  Its Board of Trustees are in London with offices in Washington DC.  It is an approved NGO for donations by State Department of US Government. 

Dr Behmand was very eloquent and it is no wonder she was voted as the Teacher of the Year for 2010 by students at the University.

GREETER:
Paul B welcomed all and read the inspirational poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye. It reminded him of the nature of Rotary and the motto, Peace Through Service.

GUESTS: 
Sharon Jackson, visiting Rotarian from the RC of Mission San Rafael
Jeff Allen, visiting Rotarian from the RC of San Rafael Harbor

GOODTIMES:

Bill R gave highlights from his recent car trip in the form of trivia questions:

-Where is the first George Lucas Park? Modesto, celebrates "American Graffiti"

-Where is the largest Monopoly board? Human-size board in San Jose

-Where did the first powered, heavier-than-aircraft fly? Near the San Francisco Airport
-Where is Casa de Choo Choo? Grounds of Casa de Fruta.

Roland C was very happy to be back and spoke with much energy and enthusiasm. He discussed RotaCare and its benefits to our community, which has saved $1.2M. It is, unfortunately, a too well kept secret.

Cammie D visited Rotary clubs on behalf of Interact Inspires. She also promoted the recent fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Tiburon, saying it will be a fun, festive event where you can win prizes and cash.

Dr Mike O spoke of his time at the Interact Inspires event. His grandsons joined him and they were awed by the very impressive speakers, Paul Kingsman and Kaila Mcdonald. Dr Mike's grandsons were able to take pictures with Paul Kingsman's Olympic medal.

Matt T announced how impressed he was with the Interactors. They are very poised and passionate about what they are doing. He also thanked Dr.  Lisa P and Cammie D for all the work they have done with the group.   All agree they have done a great job with the Interacters.

Dr. Lisa P spoke regarding the Interact Inspires event as well. They raised $1,000 for AHO, towards their center in San Rafael.  She and others also had a nice dinner after the fundraiser with Kaila and others from the AHO program who were or are still affected by homelessness as a youth.

Dr Mike O presented Jon Friedenberg a certificate for all his help and efforts over the past 16 years at Marin General.

Pres Chuck O spoke of how he rode in the Napa "Cycle for Sight" ride. He noted that it was more of a wine tasting than a bike ride. However, he was surprised that, when he finished the ride, there was no free beer or food. The ride raised $130,000!!!

Herman V  was so inspired by the ride that he got out his bike...but still hasn't ridden it.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hank C discussed speaking with a veteran friend, Will W, who did his service on a submarine. Hank is going to join Will next week at the RC of Larkspur to introduce and promote our fundraiser to them.

Phil D  needs volunteers for the Petaluma ride on Saturday, May 18^th. from 6am - 930am. This will be a nice run through for our own ride. We need people to help usher and direct parking for the event.

Emerson J delivered a story regarding the late Margaret Thatcher. One day there was a knock on her door, an aide delivering the bad news that "The Germans have defeated the Brits in our national game." She reminder the messenger, "We have beaten the Germans twice in the last century at their national game."

SPEAKER:

Emerson J  introduced  Jon Friedenberg of Marin General Hospital.  Jon is the Chief Fund and Business Development Officer.   He talked about their plans for building a new community hospital. He gave an in depth look at how Marin General will be remodeled to better cope with new safety, seismic  and medical care standards.   It also must be able to serve the community's advancing and progressing needs. Mr. Friedenberg also discussed how the hospital plans to fund the remodeling effort and what it might look like.

Hospital rooms now have larger needs than they did 50 years ago.  Under state law, the district has until 2020 to make Marin General Hospital earthquake safe by either building a new hospital or retrofitting the existing structure.  In the new buildings, Marin General will address these issues to be able to stay at the forefront of healthcare.   Pressed to estimate the cost of the new hospital, Mr. Friedenberg said it will amount to about $500 million. He said the district plans to ask voters to approve a general obligation bond of $300 million to $350 million with the rest funded by revenue bonds.

GREETER: 

Will W, did a great job of welcoming all and then Pres Elect Chuck (who as of last Board Meeting is now the President) played a wonderful YouTube "America the Beautiful" in lieu of the pledge.  I have to admit, given all the incidents that has taken place lately, it was a very touching tribute to US and made all of us proud.

GUESTS:

Harry Willis, Lawyer and Ex Member of RC Marin Sunrise

Mike and Fariba Shamsian, long time supporters of our Club

Teddy Preovalas, Retired Dentist and our Greek organizer

Nahal Taleghani, Farhad's boss

Peter Lagarias, Past District Governor and co-founder of Rotaplast

Joe Grasso, Speaker and retired businessman

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Emerson recovered from his eye surgery and got a gift called the "Last Widow of a Southern Gentleman Confederate"  for being such a good patient.  Matilee will be away for a week so he has plenty of time to read the book.  He did say that cataract operation is quite minor for all except those that get the surgery!

Past Pres Dianne donated a great book to Phil D who announced the great news of selling his home above the asking price.  I am glad as I am not sure given my acrophobia (Greek for fear and summit), I could have taken the steep driveway any more.  Congratulation to Phil and Noreen.

Phil mentioned we need five volunteers for two hours on evening of May 17th.  It is Farhad's 60th birthday and he is in charge of that night.  All volunteers will be treated to a great Persian light meal on-the-go.  You need to (please) sign up on the web http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=8926&eid=c62c9e30-4c54-4807-af0d-ab54868fab86&tid=1

Past District Gov Peter L announced the formation of a New Generation Club in San Rafael.  Farhad is one of a dozen Rotarians helping the Club to launch.  It is quite different than ours and it is meant for 30+ youth who are not ready for a regular Rotary Club.  If you know of any 30ish person who is interested please contact Farhad.  The first meeting will be in May.

Cammie and Lisa gave a wonderful speech on the April 19th event http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=8926&eid=83c6078c-bb6c-44ef-9a5c-ab4d2bdd4370&tid=1 PLEASE join them this Friday if you can.  Cammie also wore her Runner warm-up suite in respect to the Boston event tragedy as she is an avid runner just like her mother.  She pleaded again that attending the April 19th is really very important to our youth; it is in Petaluma so very near to all of us and in particular it is only half-way for Dr Mike and Dee from Bodega Bay!

Pres Elect Lisa sent the sad news on past mayor of Corte Madera who was in a car accident in Mendocino with his nephew in the car and both were killed as a result.  Robert Dunn was 74 and his nephew was a sophomore at Redwood High School

FUNNY JOKE TIME:

We had two, one from Will W about the grasshopper that enters a bar and is told about a drink named after him.  He responded, "Why would they name a drink Bob?".  The other came from Chuck about aging and memory loss; the wife asks the husband to make some oatmeal and followups with a reminder to write down the item to which he responds, no problem, I will remember.  When he returns with two scrambled eggs, she screams at him " I knew you would forget, I wanted them sunny side up".  You be the judge as to which is the funnier.

GOODTIMES:

Pres Elect Lisa P is visiting clubs promoting the great event his Friday and Pay It Forward.  She subsequently received the following email from Past Pres of RC of Novato:  Here’s another idea to add to the Acts of Kindness list...Treat a stranger to dinner.

THANK YOU Peter (Past Pres Rotary Club of Novato)

Past Pres Ken mentioned how the Yankees normally dislike the Red Sox; bu then they actually sang the Red Sox favorite song: Sweet Carolina by Neil Diamond.  This is very special if you only knew the rivalry between these two clubs and their fans base as well;  our dear member Matt K knows this well.

Past Pres Herman mentioned the college visit to University of S. Carolina with his daughter who finally committed to the school and now Herman has to really work hard to pay for four years of her fun!! Thankfully she did get a grant so the pressure is a bit less for the family.

SPEAKER:

Our Guest Mike Shamsian a long time supported of our Club and sponsor of every Golf tournament for the past few years introduced Joe as he has known Joe for years.  Mike owns the Arco station right off 101 with the lowest prices anywhere in Marin!!

Joe Grasso is really a Rotarian by act without being a member of any Club.  He volunteered to nine Rotaplast trips taking him from Latin America to S E Asia.  He has been a dedicated coach to Special Olympics for three decades and still working very hard for this group of youth that cherish these events as it is the highlight of their lives.  Finally Joe's Godson is Governor Christie of New Jersey and despite having differences in politics, Joe gave a very personal and heart warming review of him.  THANK YOU JOE for all that you do and your testimonial of Rotary's good deeds as he was so complimentary to all of work locally and world wide.  Now you just need to join our Club so that we make your Special Olympics as one of our key projects over the years.   

Joe's actual speech was less than fifteen minutes, a true humble man given his amazing success in business and community involvement including so many Board that he sits on including Branson School.  Then for the nest 20 minutes our Club bombarded him with questions on all three aspects of his speech and no one was disappointed with his honest answers from his heart.

GREETER: Susan Wright, after the pledge, the inspiration was a great video provided by Pres Elect Chuck from Susan Boyle, if you have not seen it you MUST review it on YouTube: google Susan Boyle Sat 11 2009 version

GOOD TIMES/ANNOUNCEMENT:

Past President Ken was late to the Giants and did not get the collector's watch; it serves him right as his real heart is with the Red Sox anyway; he did get a snowgoglie (?) for LeAnn so she is quite happy for her collection.  While Pres Elect Chuck's grandson tried selling his watch for $40!

Past Pres and Charter Member Dr Mike and his daughter from Los Altos wen to the game as well and were early enough to even get a magnate calendar and were able to see up close the batting practices of the Rockies; he was treated to a great hotel stay at the Marriott FREE!!

Pres Nominee Lisa P had a great business week and paid a fine towards that; she also make a great connection from across the street with a Persian (?) coffee shop owner who may be interested in our Persian/Greek festival on June 2nd

Paul B, our new active member was thrilled to donate a 4500 lbs kiln that was bought long ago for Phyllis (his wife).  The lukcy recipients were a group of young pot heads (as in pottery making ) in Berkeley.  He said the sincere feeling of GIVING with no expectations back was amazing.  The young group were thrilled at this great gift and after a major coordinating effort by Paul, they managed to load and transfer the kiln across the Bay.

Past Pres Cristy mentioned of a great place to stay in NYC for just $145 per night as she was there with her son visiting friends how were having a baby; she was sick all week on her return; She also announced the Center for Domestic Peace annual event on Friday April 10th.  I personally have attended this event several times with Nahal.  It is one of the best inspirational events of the year; take plenty of handkerchives as you will be move by the emotions among the 200+ attendees.  The key note speaker is Christine Bronstein (founder of a social media for bringing women together call A Bank of Wives http://abandofwives.ning.com/. This is such a great program that we will donate as we have done every yea. Tto register please to to: http://centerfordomesticpeace.blogspot.com/

Pres Elect Chuck announced the May 11 event for Project Amigo please visit the District Calendar: 

http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=50155&eid=37e626fd-0c08-4c12-9ce6-91a724b4c902&tid=1

Pres Nominiee Lisa P announced reminded all of the attendees of the April 19th Interact Event that we all need to truly support.  Paul Kingsman, our honoree member, was present at the meeting and promised a great youth oriented inspirational key note speech.  See our events page on Lisa's write up, we certainly plan to go. (http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/EVPEventDetails.aspx?accountid=8926&eid=83c6078c-bb6c-44ef-9a5c-ab4d2bdd4370&tid=1)

Pres Elect Chuck reminded all present Board and Incoming Members to attend the next Board meeting next Wed., after the regular meeting.

Please go to the Events Page to Register to help, on May 17th and18th, to assist the Petaluma Club with their  rides. http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Events/UpcomingEvents.aspx?accountid=8926

SPEAKER:

Pete Bartlett who holds a PHD and is the Director of new Development at Chevron gave a speech.  There seems to be a huge amount of hope for new sources of fossil fuel energy within the US.  This involves many new methods and reservoirs.  There were quite a few questions but time ran out and the discussions ended abruptly.  He was kind enough to send a series of slides that we will try to out on the websites when we have reduced the size to the limitations of the site.

In Lieu of our annual Golf Event, we are using the www.Ride4Vets.org in raising funds in form of Sponsorship for our 2013-2014 budget.  Please help us keep the great activities of our club funded by donating all you can.  The sponsorship levels are: $5,000, $2,000 and then $1,000 but any amount will help.  Please contact Farhad@Taleghani.com as his is leading the effort and you can even do it online once you discuss with him your level of donations.  It will be fully tax deductible given that we now have a 501(c)3 entity in place as our new foundation.  The goal is $30,000 to fund all of our work.

GREETER: Pres Herman opened the session and lead the pledge & the inspiration was a quite he wrote to his daughter just before she left on long term community project in Latin America:

Success in un-natural and not to be achieved by following our natural likes and dislikes, nor by being guided by our natural preferences and prejudices.  If everyone followed their natural instincts, everyone would be successful.  Successful people are influenced by the desire for pleasing results and do the things they do not like to do to accomplish the things they want to accomplish.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Pres Herman announced his intent to step down and allow Pres Elect Chuck to begin his term immediately.  Pres Herman graciously stepped forward three month prior to his term and hence he has been our leader for the last 12+ months.  His family obligations and work related constraints does not allow him to fully engage his attention as he feels our club need.

Past Pres Ken gave a wonderful appreciation speech to Herman for all that he did and promised a full roasting during our annual year end party.  The entire club gave Pres Herman a standing ovation for all that he has done and a promise to stay active even as a regular Past Pres member for his valued contributions and insight.

Lisa was concerned on the whole issue of the change and Pres Elect Chuck indicated that he had already passed this idea by the District and there were no issues with this.  The Board will meet as there needs to be a formal transition from the present Board to the new Board.

GOODTIMES:

Bill R upped the ante on the dazzle factor for "Good Times" announcements with his slide presentation on the three Fiji Projects he has been involved with.  He recently returned from a week-long visit to the Fiji III project sites.  Highlights were his trip to the island of Ovalau where he lived with a Fijian family, drinking kava more times than he can remember (we wonder why?), and being presented with ritual forks to be used when you are having strangers for dinner.

Melody announced a great news item.  Her aunt who had been in coma for a month came out just two days ago with all her mental facilities intact unlike what they had expected.

Phil announced a huge Spring day celebration for five birth-dates and 2 wedding anniversaries for month of April.  This was done in one day with entire extended family.  It was a great day and he gave generously a donation to the Club.

Past Pres Matt auctioned off four Giants tickets on third Row the tickets were worth minimum $150 dollars and were bid up to $40 by Pres Elect Chuck!  What a deal...

ASSEMBLY MEETING:

The meeting was organized by Pres Elect Chuck with music and video but unfortunately the video did not work!  The music was fantastic and got all of us inspired for a very lively meeting.  The survey of our members are review and the following points were brought up:

• Need to have more members engaged in the Club
• Better speakers (more organized themes rather than all non profits or all businesses; need vacation oriented, more other Clubs summary reports on their projects;) We also need more days open for our own assembly and open group meetings
• Need to do a much better job with our own activity public relationship and media exposures
• Need an active buddy system where when one does not show up, a close friend will follow up with a call as to how the member is doing; we are family and need to act like one
• Create a joke of the day as part of our Goodtimes and then reward the Best and Worst jokes of the month with a cash reward
• We need a permanent Good Time fine master who knows everyone and can generate a lot of enthusiasm among members to share
• Meet more social meetings and events such a progressive dinners/outtings where we rotate among a few homes that are close together
• Expanding Cultural diversity of the members; reach out to invite other races, nationalities and diverse interest/bakcground
• Need more hands-on activities for community and international & not just give money away for random causes
• Need a long term (5 year) strategic plan for all avenues of services of the Club (Service, Youth, Vocational, International, ..)
• We still need small projects among our larger ones to keep the club connections strong
• A position was proposed for a clearing house of all the ideas for the Club (Past Pres Ken volunteered to be that person)

Chuck closed the meeting on a high note and that we need now to totally focus on the Bik4Vets event coming up on August 17th.

ROTACARE CORNER BY BLANCHE: http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/news/HomeNewsDetail.aspx?accountid=8926&nid=48842

Balnche, Director at RotaCare prepare a great monthly meeting and it will be posted in our NEWS section of the web.  Fantastic reading and really fun to review for all.  I will only out a short insert from each monthly meeting that provide a window into this wonderful community service that we all should be so proud of:

I took another woman to get her hearing aids the other morning and she lit up like a sun

rise once she had them inserted….She told me she had no excuse for not going to church anymore,I told her she was going to have a special Easter this year. She said she would now be able to participate in the discussions with the women at school, before she would just say “yes” and nod her head, now she would hear what they were saying. In the car she told me she could hear the engine. It was all brand new again, like she was reborn.  She did not stop smiling or talking, such a difference from the ride up. I asked why she did not seek help before… she said that she had gone to another clinic to have them help her with her hearing, but nothing came of it. She said thank you…… …..Have a great spring Blanche.

GREETER:

Past Pres Ken T lead us in the pledge as well as the inspiration by famous basketball coach of UCLA (the highest recorded win by a collegiate coach in US): by Coach Wooden “You can’t have a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” 

GUESTS:

Monica Brewer; VP of Rotaract of Novato Club
Charles Hoeveler, CEO and Founder of US Sports Camps Inc

ANNOUNCEMENTS/GOOD TIMES COMBINED:

Past Pres. Dr Mike O just returned from a two week road trip with Dee.They attended their daughter's wonderful wedding at Sheridon, Wyoming .  He also visited a sister in Scottsdale, Arizona. He finished  the trip in Las Vegas where he attended a 1500 strong meeting of surgeons to learn emergency preparedness in case of disasters.

Trish G and Dr. Mike told us about the RotaCare  dinner date on May 8.  No regular meetings that day for our Club.

Cammie D had a problem with her back while she was using her computer.  

Bill R, visited FIJI Islands where containers full of books and computers were delivered as part of our International Projects.  He promised a full slide show at our next meeting.

Past Pred Jim C announced a great find. The title of the VCR was "if only I was President again."  Pres Elect Chuck has the tape for anyone who has not seen it yet.  

Lisa and Cammie D reminded us about the April 19th event at Rickey's in Marin where Paul Kingsman will be giving a speech.  PLEASE support our Interact community and attend.  All funds will be donated to AHO (Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity assisting homeless teens in Marin).

Pres Elect Chuck O gave us a brief summary of the work on Ride4Vets.  He is working on the website with the site manager.

Herman V and Chuck O announced the agenda on April 10th where we will be discussing the following:

1. The survey result on our Club
2. The Ride4Vets details

Phil D reviewed the work his buddy from SFPD (Stan) is undertaking with our volunteers on May 18th.  We need 15 volunteers for Saturday and just five for the Friday before.  The signup sheets are on the web under EVENTS.  They are open to non club members for sign ups.

Lisa announced her birthday and we were amazed the beautiful singing by Cammie.  She was terrific.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lisa.

Barbara L recommended Enchanted April at Ross Valley Players.  She and Stephen felt that this was by far one of the best plays they have seen in years.  It will run though end of April.

Cammie gave a thumbs up to the San Rafael Gershwin production where one of Lisa's twins danced and sang professionally.  

Past Pres Ken auctioned wine and chocolates from Santa Barbara. Farhad gave both to Lisa as her birthday gift.

Monica Brewer announced the annual clothing drive for young professionals in need of assistance in Marin.  Monica is the VP of the Rotaract Club of Novato and this the 3rd Annual clothing drive.  All clothes in good condition can be taken to Novato Courtyard Marriott main entry where there is a drop off bin.  The end of the Clothing Drive will be celebrated with a party at Rickey's in Novato on April 3rd at 6:30 PM.

 SPEAKER:

Charles Hoeveler, CEO of US Sports Camp with $27,000,000 revenue covering 600 camps, serving almost 60,000 youths.  He graduated from Dartmouth and then received an MBA from Stanford.  Hoeveler's big break was when a new company started by Billie Jean King's Tennis America, went broke. Hoeveler worked for Clossco, western states distributors of Adidas athletic shoes. Its owner and Hoeveler's business partner, Bill Closs, started investing in Tennis America in April 1974. Closs asked Hoeveler to step in part time and rescue it For 10 years, he crafted a business model for U.S. Sports, creating youth and adult summer tennis camps by utilizing college tennis coaches and their staff and facilities, while lending administrative expertise to support them. Then Adidas decided one day to buy out all its distributorships. Hoeveler and his business associates were offered jobs elsewhere in the company.Now, Hoeveler has camps of all kinds, including the first tennis camp they developed at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.

GREETER: 

Past President Farhad welcomed all early risers with a HAPPY NOU ROUZ hug (Persian New Year, it was the first day of Spring).  It is celebrated exactly at the moment in time when the vernal equinox takes place.  His inspiration from this ancient Zoroastrian religion and favorite of German Philosopher Nietzsche:

• Pen-dareh Neek (Good/Pure Thoughts)
• Gof-tareh Neek (Good/Pure Spoken Words)
• Ker-dareh Neek (Good/Pure Deeds)

GUESTS:

Richard Thomas, chemical engineer graduate of Cornell University Class of '53 and guest of Emerson our very own southern gentleman.  Richard is visiting Emerson from S Carolina; he has to be a great person as you humble editor is also Cornell Engineer Alum Class of '75!

Millie, Volunteer Directory at Whisetlestop, our new Trainer for all us who are planning to ride in the Ride4Vets event on August 17th. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Herman lead a great ovation in appreciation of the hard work by Pres Elect Chuck for the Ride4Vets event on August 17th.  We are almost ready to begin our internal promotion as well as recruiting for this Event.  We need five volunteers for May 17th in Petaluma to assist their Bike Event.  We also need 15 volunteers for the next day, Saturday May 18th; all of this work is being coordinated by Phil D who is working with his buddy Stan from SF Police Department days.  Our club will be getting over $5,000 worth of website design in critical need; thanks for Pres Elect Chuck's negotiating skills.

President Nominee (President Elect Elect) Lisa gave a summary of Interact Day on April 19th.  Please take on a good deed for that day if you are not already doing one.  Our honorary member Paul Kingsman has offered an Inspirational Event for all on that day to celebrate Rotary Interact Day for Marin.   Paul is a former Olympian medalist who is known for inspirational programs through out the Bay Area.  Please contact Lisa for any suggestions as she is finalizing the venue for that event.  All funds raised by our great group of young future leaders of Interact will be donated to the AHO organization that takes care of homeless teens in Marin County  Ambassador of Hope and Opportunity (AHO) is the only organization with focus on teen homeless issue in Marin County.

GOOD TIMES:

Past Pres Dianne with two "n's" as Past Pres Rick W always called her, updated us on the Dog Park listing that she founded in Sausalito named after her and her dog.  The Dog Park was listed as one of the best Dog Parks in S Marin in the latest Sausalito Directory,

Past Pres Jim C shared his time on 8,000' high old volcano in Soledad prior to 1000's of years of erosion.  This location is on the San Andrea's fault with great vistas.  This is the city that was the backdrop for John Steinbeck's famous novel Of Mice and Men.

Past Pres Alan shared his excitement to have his 14 year old granddaughter visiting him from Minnesota.  The little kid is far smarter than most others as there is still snow on the ground in Minnesota! 

Pres Herman's daughter was accepted in S Carolina in the International Studies program (number #1 in US).  This calls for a BIG donation, would not you think so?

Lisa also announced the play of Isabella at San Rafael HS where Sophie (one of Lisa twin daughters) is the costume desginer.

RAFFLE OF THE DAY: Phil D gathered another session of funds, now totaling to about $90 and no one won!!

SPEAKER:

 Carolyn Gauthier's presentation was on Bread and Roses.  The name comes from a famous poem relating to a strike in New England that helped organize the mill workers.  This organization was founded by Joan Baez's sister; it brings " Hope, Healing and Joy through live music to hidden isolated audiences".  This includes rest homes, hospitals for terminally ill, prison and city schools as well as 9 other groups types.  They perform 600 shows a year to 29,000 total audiences.  Below is a summary of some of those served:

• Low Income Childcare 17%
• Senior Center 16%
• Convalescent Home 14%
• Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers 11%  

 They accomplish this all by volunteer musicians and other hosts.  They were formed in Marin County and hence 40% of all activities are in our own county.  They have 946 volunteers with seven full time employees and two part time consultants.  Please use the link below to get a real feel of this successful organization.  It is only a few minutes long.

The best part was Carolyn leading us in a song with her beautiful voice.  Stephen lead the tapping with his percussion skills! :-)  Loved the ending.  I suggest we either start our meetings or end them all this way.  It really makes you feel so good.  It does not have to be some nationalistic song but a heart warming & simple one for joining our voices in a group session.  Is that hard to do?

Greeter: Past Pres Matt was a wonderful greeter; with his spinning classes, he lost so much weight many of the members did not recognize him.  He led us in the pledge and had two inspirational messages:

Alice in the Wonderland:'When you come to a fork..."If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.."

Yogi Bear: " When you come to a fork in the road, pick it up"

GUEST: Drew, Assistant District Governor (ADG) who gave a short description on role of the ADG and then wished to make two points

1. The PET (Pres Elect Training) was last weekend and our very own Pres Elect Chuck was a true trooper and attended all the important sessions.  Judging from many of his emails immediately afterwards, the editor can concur that he is very much ready to go.
2. The most important meeting is this weekend for the District Assembly.  With the last count our club may have nine attendees: Paul B, Melody, Jirayr, Lisa, Chuck, Herman, Will and Farhad.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Melody reminded all of the April sign-ups for RotaCare.  Per Past Pres Roland's suggestions, as soon as he resurfaces from the tax season, April 16th, the list will be maintained on a Google calendar with automatic reminder emailed to each volunteer prior to the meeting.  This will be on Google and free of any charges.  Thank you Melody for jumping in to help on our most important community activity.

Pres Herman gave a quick review of our RotaCare activities for the benefit of Drew our ADG of 5150.

Pres Nominee Lisa reminded us of Interact Day on April 19th.  Everyone is encourage to undertake an act of kindness and if you are already doing one, then take on an additional one.  Our very own Honorary Member Paul Kingsman will be providing a major inspirational speech for the group at no charge to Interact (worth about $1,500).  All proceeds from the activities will be given to Ambassadors Of Hope (AOH), the only organizations in Marin assisting homeless teens.  The executive director and one of the graduates of the program shared their passion with us last week.

Phil D gave an overview of the all logistics around the parking of Petaluma Ride that will be going on on May 18th.  We need a group of five volunteers for the night before and then on the next day, Saturday the 18th of May, we need 15 volunteers to help as parking coordinators.  Our boss, Stan who is a retired SFD officer was in charge of many major public event coordination.   He is a pro; thank you Phil for recruiting Stan!  Our club will get all the Web Site work already done Free as an exchange for the help.  This is worth well over $5,000!!

Past Pres Ken asked for volunteers to help on calling of major sponsors and donors.  He will then need help to drive to some of these; Pres Herman and Past Pres Matt both volunteered to help.  Past Pres Farhad will join is during a brainstorming session to be organized by Past Pres Ken.

Past Pres Farhad reviewed few details on Greek/Persian Festival for June 22nd.  This event is in the final planning stage.  This will be a social event for our club but with a purpose.  Farhad would be meeting with Father Luke of Greek Orthodox Church in Ignacio to firm up Greek participants.  As of now, there is to Greek/Persian food, Dancing, Singing, as well as music.  We may even have a Beauty contest between the two groups.  Please stay tuned as this event is in its final planning stages.  Yvonne who is Development Director at Whistlestop is our main guru on all of this.  Our present committee consist fo: Past Pres Gus, Dr Teddy P, Past District Gov. Peter L, Jirayr and Paul Basker

An update was given for Marlyn.  She is still not ready to accept any visitors but feeling well enough to be going to a short trip to her favorite spot in Ashland, Oregon for the Shakespeare festivals.

SPEAKER:Tamra Peters gave an educational presentation on our local carbon foot print and ways to reduce it.  In summary, if everyone in the world lived like us in Marin County, we would need twenty five more earths to support us.  So it is time to get together & take a measure of our present carbon foot prints so as to reduce it to as low as possible.  This not just for us but for the benefit of all of our future generations.  Based on numerous studies, 70% of all CO2 discharge comes from the residents in Marin.  Transportation alone accounts for 43%, while 22% is from home energy and finally 14% is from waste.  Simple tasks such as composting, turning off all electrical transformers while not in use.  Since we are a big part of this national problem, we have a great opportunity be a part of the solution as well.  We can join in with others in work or our neighborhood and being a Resilient Group through Tamra NGO organization at no cost to any one of us.  She defines Resilient as: It’s the ability to respond with flexibility and strength as local and global conditions inevitably change.  So please try to reduce our carbon foot prints by staring a group and then begin taking any of the 76 steps listing on the site to be part of the solution: 

Tamra Peters, Director

Tamra@resilientnneighborhoods,org

www.resilientneighborhoods.org

GREETER: Pres Elect Elect Lisa P provided a poem titled: Love Is for Everyone, for the sake of space we will quote the last few lines:

When we commit our lives to joy,
When our hearts are bathed in peace,
When we commit our lives to service,
Each of us can make a difference.
When we demonstrate
In every possible way that
Love is for everyone

GUESTS: 
Jim Carriere, Rotary Club of Harbor San Rafael. Visiting Rotarian who did not get a chance to promote his raffle tickets!!
Angela Arenas, Marin County Probation Counselor, Guest of Farhad

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Pres Herman thanked Past Pres Christie for her hard work on setting up a Foundation entity for us.  All members should be reviewing the By Laws that are on the web site under Club Documents.  We need 40% of the membership to vote on this as well as to elect a Board of Directors during our next week meeting.

Pres Elect Elect Lisa P announced the great team work on getting Paul Kingsman to do an inspirational speech for all High schools in Marin County to raise awareness of Interact as well as raise a few funds.  It will be called the Interact Day, April 19th.  The two goals are: 1-Recognition and Promotion of Interact organization; 2-Raise Funds for all of their incredible community services

Pres Herman presented a check for $300 to Angela Arenas to support her successful program using her own time and funds for inspiring the young women in spite of very little support from the County.  She is probation officer assistant and counselor for the Marin County Court system.  She is using physical training and athletics as a way to raise self esteem and better health for the young women who end up in the Juvenile Justice system.  Angela and her husband are tri-athletes.    She will be buying jump ropes and yoga mats for the girls.  There is to be a challenge by her team against a team we form climbing Mt Tam (almost 3,000' elevation).  At present, our team has only Past Pres Ken and Past Pres Farhad on it.  It will take place sometime in June.

Emerson J, our most honorable southern member and our program director has announced an extended stay with our Club replacing his original plan to return to South Carolina which has been deferred.  This is particularly great for us m as Emerson has done such a fine job finding interesting and meaningful programs. 

Pres Elect Chuck shared the inspiring experience that he had at the PET two day training in San Jose last weekend.  He also reminded all to attend the District 5150 meeting on Saturday, March 16th at Redwood High School.

NEW MEMBER SPEECH: Our Newest member Will Walsh gave an inspiring three minute presentation of his life story.  He is currently with First Federal Bank.   It just celebrated 50 years in the mortgage and savings business.  They fund, originate and service all of their loans.  As a result of keeping loans in-house, they were very careful and had none of the meltdown issues affecting other banks, Fannie Mae and Genie Mae.  Will was born and raised in Marin County.  He attended Redwood High School and then went to Dominican University majoring in Fine Arts and Piano recieving a BA in Music.  He then pursued acting and dancing with a successful run with Holiday Hello in Reno.  Will returned to Marin and began his career in retail banking. The group was thrilled to hear of Will's varied activities.  

GOODTIMES:

Pres Ken shared his great time at PET and the inspiration one gets from attending the Rotary International Convention, this year it will be in Lisbon.

Bill R shared the Foundation benefits and then announced his trip to FIJI that will include two containers full books and computers for the youth.  He has been doing this great multi-club project for a few years and we are so proud to be part of it.

Past Pres Gus C was present and announced his 84th birth date with a $100 check to the Club.  Gus is one of our main committee members for the Persian/Greek festival with a well proven recipe for several Greek dishes.  Gus spent years in food services and used to be the head chef for our Thanksgiving dinner.

SPEAKERS:

Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity (AHO)
What a wonderful program for the homeless youth that have no organization to go to as adults do.  This program is a safety net of stable housing, guidance and community connections for young adults ages 16 to 25 who are at risk of no homes to live in or are already homeless.  The youths in Marin County are not visible and yet we have over 2,600 homeless youth in one of the wealthiest counties in US.  They are constantly on the move and do not mix at all with so many adult homeless who have drug or sever mental health issues.  These homeless youths are not appropriate for adult shelters and need special care.  The best route for their saving is by the way of education with a bit of nurturing and support from all of us.

Ms. Babitzke received the 2007 Jefferson Award for Humanitarian Service, a national award for her work with homeless young adults. She brings 18 years experience in social service in Marin County. Eight years as Resource Development Director for Marin County Children’s System of Care. She developed critical resources that prevented thousands of Marin’s lowest income families and youth from falling through the cracks of the system working with the teams at Health and Human Services, Social Service, Community Mental Health, Juvenile Services and Education. In 2003, she was hired by Sunny Hills Services, a residential placement facility, to design, implement and manage the first transitional housing program for young adults ages 18 to 22 in Marin County. When that program was cut due to funding, AHO was founded to meet a critical gap in services for young adults ages 18 to 25 who exit the system without a caring adult, resources and guidance. Eight years in private practice, she assisted families with young adults ages 18 to 25 with special needs to transition from their parents home to independent living.  As Executive Director of AHO, she developed the AHO Alliance for Youth, 22 community partners she has brought together on behalf of youth at risk in Marin.  She participated on the Marin County Strategic Sub-Committee for Transitional Age Youth (TAY), College of Marin’s TAY committee, Marin County TAY committee, County’s Coordinating Committee. A member of the Marin’s Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership and Marin County’s Visionary Team on the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness she has been active in advocating for young adults. Ms. Babitzke received her BS Degree in Education Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972, and her MA in Special Education Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University in 2000, and an Integrated Services-Community Collaboration Credential from SF State in 2001.  She has 2 sons, one age 25, and two grandchildren ages 1 and 15.

Kaila is half Latino and half Caucasian. She grew up in the East Bay in a home atmosphere of drugs, sex and violence.  In December 2007 Child Protective Services removed her from her home after she ran away to protect her safety.  She was then relocated to Marin County with relatives who were willing to take her in to keep her from being thrown into the Foster Care System or a life on the streets. Facing the new environment and culture left her in shock and feeling financially insecure and she began working 3 jobs. When she found AHO she immediately became involved as an active member of the group as the youth program advisor, writing to government officials about the homeless problem in Marin, and sharing her story with other youth in schools. AHO has guided her to these opportunities and other resources including legal advice from one of AHO's community partners, and marketing training through United Way of the Bay Area.  Kaila recently graduated from Tamiscal High School with high honors and is attending UC Berkeley on a full scholarship to pursue her studies in psychology and law. In 2008, Kaila received the prestigious $10,000 National Nordstrom Scholarship Award over 225 other applicants. Kaila has been an active participant of the AHO youth team projects for the past 2 and 1/2 half years.

At the suggestion of Heather F our ex member now in Italy, we will start listing our major projects and goals as an introductory for all:

June 15 Persian/Greek Festival Our goal to raise $30,000 for Meals-on-Wheels.  Sponsors and donations are encouraged.  There will be a food court with recognition for the best ones, dancing, music/singing and a major raffle ($200 per ticket) for the grand prize - A Prius!

August 17 Ride4Vets cosponsored by our Club.  This is the BIGGEST event our club has ever undertaken.  Sponsors funds will go to our general project accounts while pledges brought in by the riders go to the NCRIE (the non-profit NGO helping vetrans adjust to civilian life).  We need sponsors (especially those who work for companies that do matching grants) as well as pledges by everyone to support the riders we sign up.  The last Rotary sponsored ride which was held in Arizona raised $600,000!!

President Herman was back in full spirits after a week off in Atlanta with his 98 year old mother who still drives and has two drinks a day.  He did say the she only drives prior to the drinks.  He was totally unhooked to any and all electronics including the phone.  He loved it.

GREETER: Past President Dr Mike led us in the Pledge.  We all spent a minute of silence with good thoughts and prayers for Marlyn's quick recovery

GUESTS: 

Retied Police Officer Stan Damas who is heading the parking support effort when we help out at the Petaluma Bike Fundraiser. 

John Craig, our speaker and guest  of Emerson.  He is in charge of the America's Cup logistics on the water.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION:

Will Walsh who recently transferred from the Ross Valley Club was inducted as the new member by Past Pres Ken.  Welcome Will and we are so proud to have you with us at one of the most exciting time of our Club history as we make the change into a whole new age.  He will giving his three minute speech soon.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

Melody is off visiting relatives in Buffalo.  I think she just wants to appreciate our weather so a little freezing cold will do her good.

Bill R gave an update on Dianne who is not doing well and, per David Simpson's last e-mail, she is back in the hospital.  Most likely the county social workers will take over her case.

Past President Cristy updated us on Marlyn who will be coming home from the hospital on Friday.  Husband Larry really appreciated all the e-mails.  He read them to Marlyn and she loved every one.

Pre Elect Chuck updated the latest on the Ride4Vets as we roll (cycle?) into the final negotiation stages with West Marin Social Services.  He produced a list of suggestion all major donors with a column for those who have given to the race in prior times.  Farhad is heading the major sponsor drive.  His goal is a minimum of $5,000 and hoping to get $30,000.

GOODTIMES:

Pres Herman shared the news of his daughter's acceptance into the South Carolina International Studies program despite the fact that she did not even apply for early decision.  This is truly a incredible feat.  Congratulations.  The fine-master duly took note.

Past Pres Dr Mike shared that it is Dee's 75th birthday (his wife of 40 years). They are going to dinner tonight in Santa Rosa and then on Tuesday off to Scottsdale for the wedding of the daughter of her cousin.   They will also visit her sister and one more event (but I can read Dr Mike's hand writing amended my notes).  (We need to recruit a druggist into the club for this purpose.) They will be back home in two weeks.

Paul  is back from visiting a close friend who was suffering terribly until they found the cause just last week: Lyme disease.  They are so glad of the proper diagnosis and all should be well now.

SPEAKER:  John Craig

It was a treat to hear, see, feel and get into the spirit of the America's Cup.  We should be, as it has been and will be right here "in our own backyard".  The main event will be this summer.  Here is a summary of John's background:

 

Principal Race Officer for the America's Cup

The  America’s Cup Race Management just made a brilliant move. They’ve hired John Craig to join them as Principal Race Officer for the America’s Cup World Series, Louis Vuitton Cup, and the 34th America’s Cup. For eleven years, John has been the race manager at the St. Francis Yacht Club, responsible for overseeing 120-130 days a year of racing on the Bay  where the Cup matches will be held. John knows every nuance (and hammer blow) of San Francisco Bay. And in addition, he’s been talking to the Bar Pilots, Vessel Traffic Controllers, fishermen, rowing and swimming clubs, Rec & Park, and the  SFPD Marine.

 

Everyone was nailed to their seats and not one person had left at 8:40 when Pres Herman finally rang the bell.  There were lots of questions afterward.  Thank you Emerson for this informative and exciting speaker.

See the YouTube short presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VndIuL_NlJY

GREETER:  Pres Elect Chuck led us in the pledge and his thoughts of the day:

The Seven Social Sins:

Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Worship without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.

GUESTS:
Will Walsh, Banker and ex member of Rotary Club of Ross
Paul Kingsman, Guest and colleague of Past Pres Matt T
Doug Ferguson, Speaker and Lawyer
Todd Juhnky, Software Sales for Beaverton OR, Guest of Farhad
Dr Earl Johnson, Ex-member of our Club

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Past Pres Dianne note of appreciation to Dr Earl for his humanitarian efforts in fixing her fence to keep Rocky inbound!

Pres Elect Chuck announced an urgent need for May 17th (five people in the evening) and 15 more on May 18 for help with the Rotary Club of Petaluma's ride.  They are giving us $4,000 worth of website for our Ride4Vets event.

Melody G was staying with her aunt who after being sent to hospital for pnemania went into a coma.  All of our thoughts and best wishes are with her and her family.

GOODTIMES:

Pres Elect Chuck shared the amazing speech of Vice Adm Surgeon who was introduced by Past Secretary of Defence and State Schultz.   He cited a set of statistics about our combat injuries.  Almost 98% of all injured soldiers survive if they get to the hospital (remember MASH?) and 50% of all injured soldiers are the medics!

Bill R shared his Arkansas trip.  Including being 23 hours late for his flight there.

Dr Earl  shared his story of a mistaken trip to Monterrey Mexico instead of Monterey California!

SPEAKER: Doug Ferguson

What a treat to hear Doug in person at our Club.  I will quote a few items from Citizen of Marin from a recent article on Doug:

Although attorney Doug Ferguson says he has a short attention span, he’s a man of impressive consistencies — married to the same woman for 54 years, practiced law for 51, lived in Marin for more than 40, served the Trust for Public Land for 43, occupied the same Shelter Bay law office for 32.

“As my wife, Jane, has said, it’s a ‘superficial steadiness,’” Ferguson says, “and she both commends it and is concerned by it. I find myself doing 73 different things a day, and that keeps me fulfilled to the point where I don’t need changes in location, occupation, or volunteer pursuits.”

Scattered among the 73 different involvements that occupy Ferguson’s day are serving as a director of the Trust for Public Land, a national organization that acquires open space; acting as a pro bono legal adviser to EAH, a Marin-based nonprofit builder of affordable housing; and working with the volunteer entertainment troupe Bread and Roses; the West Marin nonprofit teaching farm Slide Ranch, and the Marin Theatre Company, Rafael Film Center, Larkspur Cafe Theatre and Save San Francisco Bay.

Oh, yes, Ferguson also been filmmaker George Lucas’s personal attorney untill just a few years ago and served on the boards of most of Lucasfilm Ltd.’s wide-ranging business interests. He also writes music, plays the piano and sings (“badly,” he says). 

 What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishments in Marin County? I’ve been lucky to have participated in a number of projects I’m really proud of—most of which I did with the help of several other folks. However, the one I did virtually by myself was acquiring Slide Ranch, the nature center near Muir Beach. In the mid-’60s, my father had died and I was ruminating about a fitting memorial and just happened upon Slide Ranch, so named because it was literally sliding toward China. 

I tracked down the owner, a Hollywood scriptwriter, and began 30 months of negotiations that ended with the acquisition of the 150-acre property for $150,000, which at the time seemed like an astronomical sum. The seller’s vision was to build a hotel there and he initially thought it was worth 15 times that final price. After purchasing the property, my family conveyed it to the Nature Conservancy and it has continued to this day as [the site of] a wonderful program where people of all ages learn about nature, good nutrition and good animal care.

Doug's final comment to many questions from the floor was "Revolutions start with ONE person who is focused and dedicated; if you really believe in a cause, put all of your energy and work intelligently towards the end result and it will happen".

Sailing Aboard Seaward: A Message From Alan Olson 

Pres Elect Chuck began the meeting on behalf of Pres Herman who who couldn't make it due to illness.

GREETER: Past Pres Captain Alan led the pledge and used his inspiration time to review The 4-Way Test:

1. Is is the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3-Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4-Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

GUEST: Will Walsh guest of Past Pres Ken and long-time friend of Past Pres Hank (35 years);  He would like to transfer from the Rotary Club of Ross.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Elect Chuck reminded us of the District Conference on March 23 at Redwood High School.  The Club will pay the fee for members as well Interact Club members who wish to attend.  Pres Elect Chuck, Past Pres Farhad and our newest member Paul  will be attending.  To qualify for the Best Club, we need one more person  to attend.

Past Pres Dr Mike reminded us to clear our calendar for April 3rd that in lieu of the meeting, we will go to the Annual RotaCare Dinner. 

We need volunteers for the Rotary Club of Petaluma Backroad Challenge biking even on May 18th.  We will tb given $4,000 worth of Web services for our efforts.  We need five persons for May 17th (Farhad's BD) and another 15 the next day.  Please contact Pres Chuck for the details.  This is very critical for our own August 17th event.

Past Pres Ken and Pres Elect Chuck suggested attending the March 23rd Big Brother Big Sister bowling event.  This is a great social event as well as a fund raiser for an important cause.  Pres Elect Chuck will take names for those interested.  Four people raised their hands: Melody, Farhad, Chuck and Jirayr

Melody announced the exciting news that her boyfriend is moving to Marin.  We cannot share this with her mother untill all the the details are settled!

Farhad (Co-Chair of Membership) announced the need for everyone to get involved with recruiting members.  Here are some classifications we might try to fill:

Cost Engineer working at City level
Mayor, City Manager, Fireman, CHP, Sheriff 
Nurse/Doctor/Dentist
Lawyer
Restaurant Manager/Owner

Pres Elect Chuck mentioned that if each one of us could bring just one single guest, the chances are we will have plenty of new members to make up for the attrition that we have experienced this year.  We ONLY wish to recruit great members and not just warm bodies.  We have a wonderful club with a lot of spirit as noted by many who visit our club. So please keep[ on inviting guests.

GOODTIMES:

Bill R is off to Little Rock to see his children/grand children so that is the good time and he will soon be going to Fiji again in May and that is also a good time.  He has been arranging transportation for Past Pres Dianne.  She needs help for going to meetings and a weekly doctor's appointment. Several volunteers raised their hands, but more are needed. Once a month would make a big difference.  Dr Susan volunteered to edit our newsletter.

Past Pres Ken announced the hiring of his son, Kevin, to be working with Ken's team at Smith Barney.  Kevin and his wife Jacqueline will be living at home with LeAnne and Ken for a few months till they are settled in Marin after relocating from Monterey area.

Cammie reviewed the movie Silver Lining and the Playbook (Robert DeNiro).  It has a bit of all activities and was recommended.

Past Pres Farhad announced that our new member, Mahsa, was able to get a permanent job in Marin as project manager with Marin Housing. Unfortunately her work starts at 7:30 am every morning.  Mahsa in her resignation note mentioned her full commitment as a Triage Medical Assistant work will continue Monday nights.  RotaCare gained one and we lost one.  We NEED more members.

PROGRAM:

Today was a Assembly and most of the time was spent on Ride4Vets coming up on August 17.

Pres Elect Chuck noted that we have lots of work already accomplished, such as the logo, draft brochure (Dr. Susan volunteered to edit and Dr. Lisa volunteered do layout), Christie is working hard on our Tax Exempt Status.  There were a lot of questions and suggestions.  For example, sponsorships, donations, fees, logos, as well as the continued negotiations with the West Marin overall organizers. They will get all proceeds for registration and our club will get all pledges by the riders (Our goal is to have $1,000 per rider pledged) plus another $4,000+ pledges to pay for advertising etc.

A Board meeting immediately followed the meeting.

GREETER: Dr Peter  led the pledge and inspired us with his professorial wisdom:

"Everything Begins in Faith and Ends in Politics" Charles Peguy (1871-1914)
"Our Country Right or Wrong; When Right, to be kept Right, When wrong, to be put Right" - Carl Shruz (1829-1906)
"Only the mediocre live up to their potential" - Jonathan Winters

GUESTS:

Will Walsh who wants to transfer to our club.  Guest of Ken
INTERACT CLUB: Ava Sholl, Callie Monroe Watts, Caroline Blattt, Emma Peters, Jade Granger, Siena Tracerso

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Barbara made us aware of a few fund raisers of other clubs: Marin Evening Club Sat April 13th at 6:00 PM. Dance to the music of the Sandy Geller Trio (If you like to see a great dance, come to the event to see Pres Elect Chuck dance with his wife and maybe daughter that night. He is one heck of a dancer).  $75 per person for dinner (Lobster and Filet of Beef) and raffle. Marin Evening is a major supporter of our Club for our International projects.  It is one of the best clubs to go to have a make up. They are small like us, with one heck of an active group.

Barbara Also announced a May 18th Rotary Club of SF Chinatown Mad Hatter Tea Party.  It should be lots of fun for $88 per person.

Pres Elect Chuck is forging ahead with the Ride4Vets .  He arranged for a potential savings of $4,000 for our club for the ride if we can supply 20 volunteers for the Petaluma Club sponsored Ride on May 18th.  By helping out, they will give free use of the website that they developed.

INTERACT DAY:

Pres Elect Elect Lisa introduced the six members of the Interact Club.  
Pres Caroline
Treasurer Jade
Secretary Emma
Ava
Callie

Pres Caroline summarized some of the project that they are involved with.  They had a big Bake Sale to raise funds the Toys for Kids program of the Unity Church which supports youngsters in the Canal Area.  They volunteered for the Tri Athlete program which Cammie is involved with.  Proceeds will go to causes in Marin County.  They are also working with Journey for Good.  The founders or this program will be at our Club for a presentation in March.  One of the recent trips of Journey for Good was to Cambodia to assemble wheel chairs for the needy.

Cammie then auctioned items the group had made, cooked or assembled.  This included a beautiful knitted shawl made just for the auction.  There were also cookies, cakes, and chocolates.  

The Interactors enlivened our meeting and we wish every meeting had as much energy as this one!! :-)

SPEAKERS:

Girard Choucroun and Robin Morikian of NCITE (Northern California Institute for Research and Education)

Ms Morikian introduced the group and Mr. Chouocroun, who is the Executive Director at NICRE gave an inspirational talk about the  work or NCITE.  Girard apologized for the irrelevant name but the cause is well worth it.  NICRE is doing research at the VA Hospital (privately funded) in conjunction with UCSF.  The goal is to find ways to help veterans in the program psychologically and physically.  There 23 million veterans of which 2.5 millon are just from the 2001 to 2003 returning from the Middle East.  One in five have some sort of post trauma syndrome.  If we do not begin proper treatment now, we are going to have much larger and potentially incurable issues in the future as evidenced by several recent mindless disasters.  

There are no magic solutions.  The key is promote self care via guidance.  The YMCA and UCSF have started a pilot program where physical activities including non-traditional healing such yoga and meditation are showing remarkable results in the early stages.  This is not a solution for all veterans but, for many, it may be just the key towards their self help goal. As Bill Gates said praising Rotary for Polio Plus, you need precise measurement and statistics to go forward.  This is exactly what UCSF and a group of 200+ doctors and support team are doing in evaluating the effectiveness of the programs. 

There were many questions from the floor.  It was an excellent and relevant program as so many of our own members are either veterans or have very close relatives that have been affected by combat, both recent and going back to WWII.

GREETER: Marlyn provided several inspirations after leading the pledge. Here is one that was recorded: "Opportunity Favors the Prepared Mind".  Well said, and a great way to start the new month of February 2013.

GUESTS:

Maryam Pirooz, Guest of Mahza.  Maryam is a young student from Iran whose dream has been to study in the US.  After multiple attempts, she was finally able to obtain a visa.  After she got off the plane and on the way to Mahza's home, she said that being here is like a dream.

Yvonne Roberts, Development Director of Whistlestop

Millie Mekarewicz, Volunteer Coordinator of Whistlestop

ANNOUCEMENTS: 

• Yvonne Roberts gave a short history and review of Meals on Wheels.  It is a much needed service with several of our members participating (Paul B, Roland after tax season, Nahal Taleghani (RotaRooter) and her best friend as well as Mahsa's father.  Farhad and Peter Lagarias will be heading up a Greek/Persian Festival in June or July.  (It is not clear at this point if it is a joint effort or a replay of Alexander the Great.) The goal is to raise $30,000, the financial gap in the program presently.
• Pres Herman took a show of hands for the boat ride option for our social.  As he had only four takers, it was shelved. Suggestions for alternate venues are encouraged.
• Dr Mike made an urgent call to complete the 501(c)3 registration for our club before the Ride4Vets event on August 17.  It is believed that Christie is in the final stages of filing the paperwork. 
• Pres Herman noted that Pres Elect Chuck is making good progress on Ride4Vets. Our speaker next week will be from the organization that will be the beneficiary of the fundraiser. 
• PLEASE attend next week.  Lisa, our New Generations Director, has arranged for the Interact group or make breakfast for us and present us with a little surprise. We would tell you, but it wouldn't be a surprise.

GOOD TIMES:

• Bill R paid a fine in order to have Farhad tell us how hard he worked at getting a great speaker today.  Bill had arranged for Rachel Misrahi, who visited us last week, to attend and he wanted the speaker to be a good one.  After finding out that all was re-arranged, he got a call saying that she could not make it after all.
• Lisa made a donation on behalf of her twins who are now attending San Rafael High School after years in a small private school.  She was very worried about their ability to cope with the new environment.  They not only excelled with all A's, but are very much involved in many social projects and activities including being on the Alumni Board of the school.  Lisa just received a letter telling her that they received a California State Achievement Award.   This made Lisa the proudest of all.  Having reared two kids (Redwood High School), your editor offers a heartfelt congratulation to her on behalf of the whole club.  The parents are what makes successful kids, GREAT JOB LISA and DAD.
• The raffle for the day was a beautiful gift package of cologne.  Mahsa out bid several others to be the lucky prize winner. 

SPEAKER:

Chris Valentino is an alumni of two schools that we have supported in the past: Davidson Middle School and San Rafael High School.  He got his BA in Biology from UC Irvine.  After working for Bechtel for several years, he headed to the University of Texas for a degree in Public health.  He worked for several more years at Bechtel (12 years altogether) before starting his own business with a close friend who is a doctor.  Their company sells and sets up medical office systems.  

On one of his trips to Africa, Chris encountered the misery of far too many children, and especially girls, after losing both parents to the AIDS epidemic.  He and ten friends from around the Bay Area started a one-on-one sponsorship program for these children in 2006.  It is called Children of Strength (CoS).  CoS mushroomed to 300 within a year.  CoS is a non-denominational but spiritual organization that supports over 500 children from age 8 to about 16.  They have built and maintained middle and high schools.  By meeting national standards, the schools are now supported by the Kenyan government in a location where none had previously existed.  As a result of the community outreach of CoS, the status of the participating children has been raised from outcasts to even higher than non-orphans.  The program is funded 80% from sponsorships with the remaining funds coming from institutional grants and donations.  

CoS started with 2 cows and a small vegetable garden.  Now they have 12 cows, a methane gas production facility, sell milk to the villages, and are self-supporting for many of their basic food needs.  In an area that most children only get one meal a day at home, the orphans are very well fed.  The best part of the program is the one-on-one aspect achieved by monthly social worker contacts, the relationship to their sponsors and the emphasis on getting the children back into society.  

Chris is supported from several European countries, and in Kenya, Rotarians have been a major force in helping CoS projects come to fruition.  The executive director of the school is a Rotarian.  

Chris has five children and his wife is a full time nurse at Marin General Hospital.  We hope to see him more often and recruit his wife and her nurse friends to our expanding RotaCare program. (RotaCare plans to add one more day per month to serve the overwhelming need for medical services by those who have no other means of paying for them.

GREETER: Barbara gave up her slot to Farhad due to heavy traffic!! Farhad led the pledge and used his inspiration time to share the great time he is having as a once a week volunteer to deliver food for the Whistlestop Meals on Wheels program.

GUESTS:
Rachel Schutt-Mesrahi guest of Bill R.  She is a very accomplished stained glass and jewelery maker.  She has taught locally at College of Marin and internationally in Canada, Japan and Mexico.
Millie Mekarewicz: Head Volunteer recruiter at Whistlestop
Krista Pelletier: Program Coordinator for Meals on Wheels.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ken announced a get-together with another Rotary Club in April.
Matt announced a lunch-social at Toscana Restaurant on Friday with Past Pres Sharron Newton
Pres Elect Chuck updated us on the Ride4Vets fund raiser.  He is working very hard to ensure a success.  Chuck rode all the routes and gave feedback to the organizers.  He is making progress to create a web site as the main instrument for all marketing and fundraising.  (www.ride4vets.org) Chuck, Herman and Bill R had a meeting Thursday with a major veterans organization,  NCIRE (Northern California Institute for Research and Education).  NCIRE, in conjunction with UCSF is conducting a program of physical fitness that has been shown to improve mental health as well.  We are considering providing assistance to this program.

PAUL BASKER gave his three-minute speech. Since the speaker misunderstood the meeting time and was unable to attend, Paul was encouraged to tell us more. And it was well worth it. Paul's mother who was a holocaust survivor met his father in the UK after the war.  His father had Armenian roots.    The family went to Chicago and when Paul was 14, his parents, who were life long socialists, decided to go to Cuba.  Unfortunately, they were stuck there for a while after the revolution.  The family became active in many areas including resistance to some of the severer mandates of the new regime.  They were active in helping with education and the needs of many Cubans after the departure of the Westerners.  After being disenchanted with Cuba and the Communists, they were able to emigrate to Canada and, finally, back to the US where they settled in the Bay Area.  Paul is to say the least, a multicultural man.  He is thrilled with how socially active our Rotary Club is and has already spent time with Blanche at RotaCare where his Spanish is being fully utilized.  

Paul worked with large construction firms prior to starting his own general contractor business in Fairfax.  His daughter, who attended Tamscal and Redwood HS was born on the same day as Farhad's daughter.  Liz was instrumental in convincing Paul to join us with the Senior Garden Project that Paul took on even before he was officially a member.  He is now a grandfather with a Cuban son-in-law.  

Herman then solicited some more three-minute-plus talks.  

Dr. MIKE was working at MGH with Linda Tavassi.  She tried to recruit him to her Rotary club but he kept putting it off.  When he finally gave in, he realized how wonderful it was to be with a diverse group of civic minded citizens that was totally different than his normal group of medical colleagues.  That was about 17 years ago.  Dr Mike is one of the founders of our Club and he is one of the founders of RotaCare in San Rafael.  He currently serves as Fund Raiser Chair.

Dr. Mike had two brothers who grew up in Denver with a father who was a surgeon.  He promised himself to never become a surgeon. He thought of OB/GYN and then Pediatrics but finally ended up as a surgeon just like his father.  Dr. Mike met Dee during his first year at Colorado College and they married after graduation.  This was during the Vietnam war so enlistment or the draft was an important decision. He elected to join either the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Public Health.  He ended up with Public Health even though it was his last choice.  He was stationed in Norfolk VA and then assigned to take care of Indigenous Americans on their reservations.   This led him to an assignment to Montana where Custer's last stand took place (Cree Indians).  They had their first child there and then then moved here to fill an opening for a Public Health Doctor in San Francisco.  They were so excited to go to the North Beach. When they visited it, they realized it was not a swimming hole!  When they visited his great aunt in Corte Madera, they were hooked.  Dr. Mike joined a local practice that increased to five doctors over time but since then has disbanded.  

He has been married for 52 years (lots of applause from all).  He has been in Bodega Bay for 20+ years since leaving Corte Madera.  It normally takes over 1.5 hours each way when he visits the Club most Wednesdays.  THANK YOU DR. MIKE FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US.  

Phil also took us on a wonderful ride through his life.  He joined Rotary about 18 years ago and just last year realized that for 16 of those years he was in charge of the Program/Speakers.  He was career policeman with the SFPD and rose to the rank of lieutenant after 35 years.  For many of those years he was a top notch detective.  One of his four daughters is also with the SFPD and is now a lieutenant and will be retiring next year.  She is in charge of assisting other colleagues for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can occur when a SWAT team or beat officers are involved in fatalities.   His proudest moment was when he gave his badge *99 to his daughter whose license plates reads : AGENT99! 

Phil's father worked the Mint (He made a ton of money there, but not for himself!)  Along the way, Phil became interested in Forensic Hypnosis where memories of observers under extreme trauma are scattered and need help in retrieving information.  He has been teaching the young cadets up to last year and loved seeing so many go through his mentorship.  

Phil claimed that the real reason he joined the Club was to force himself to rise at least once a week early enough to avoid sleeping really late.  His love for the Rotary Club goes beyond our club and has been involved in RotaPlast missions to help children who are born with cleft palate.  This issue is related to lack of folic acid and pollution.  It also has a genetic component, especially among Asians,  Indigenous Native Americans and Latin Americans.  RotaPlast trips organized by Rotary has affected literally 1000's of families around the world.  Many attribute the success of PolioPlus to the systematic organization of RotaPlast which involves local participation.

GREETER: Bill R lead us in the pledge and gave the Inspiration.  - A quote from his recent compilation of Sueisms:  "It is what it is".  If you can help the situation, then pull up your sleeve and do it without a fuss, but if you have no control or impact, then c'est la vie. 

GUESTS: Tim Carueke, Past Assisttant District Governor and member of San Rafael Harbor
              Matthew Briggs, attorney and brother-in-law of Matt T
              Will Walsh: Banker and transferring from the Fairfax Club 
              Millie Makarewicz, Volunteer Coordinator of Whistlestop and guest of Farhad

This was one of our best attended meetings and we would like to share Past Pres Rolando's notes on the meeting
                 (without his permission).

Great meeting, the man behind the curtain; we try, you succeed - Herman
Great speaker, 29 attendance, record for the last 5 years - Emerson
Great energy, a driving force, good organization - Chuck
Great behind the scenes work, quiet but oh so loud, it is what it is - Bill
Great energy, great behind the scenes work, will always get the job done, not so quiet, but oh so effective - Farhad
Thank you for making me (us) better people.

Roland Carr

Written in the style of a race horse handicapper. I will always bet on you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Elect Chuck spend a bit of time on the Ride4Vets.org event scheduled for August 17, 2013.  We will need a lot of volunteers.  Jirayr stepped forward to be the official photographer for the event.  Chuck and Herman are meeting with a veterans organization and with West Marin Social Services to initiate the many preparations required for the event.  Chuck is even in touch with singer John Meyer who is quite involved with veterans programs.

Barbara and Stephen finally returned home after a three months stay in Italy.  They loved the trip and visited the ONLY three Rotarians who are on the list of home visits for the entire country!!  Barbara brought back a bunch of flags.  Stephen said that the highlight of the trip for him, without a doubt, was visiting Rotarians.

Dianne announced that she would like to hear back from anyone who knows members in Marin Yacht Club.

Cristy and friends visiting her had a great time exploring our beautiful Bay Area

Jim shared his time in Mojave desert with daughter and son-in-law.  His Rotarian contacts helped to get his son-in-law's car fixed right away!

SPEAKER: Our own EMERSON JOHNSON talked about his experiences in the South as segregation was being dismantled.

Emerson lived through the aftermath of the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. He shared his first hand experience of what the South was going through starting in 1954 and continuing through the the next decades.  Hearing history from a devoted and outstanding citizen like Emerson was riveting.  He reviewed how the system was skewed in favor of whites, especially the school systems.  His own personal experience in helping the totally desolated blacks was eye opening.  

What finally broke resistance to change turned out to be the power of economics as exercised by our military. It was our admirals and generals who finally convinced states such as Virginia and South Carolina (where there were many economically important bases) to change.  As Emerson noted, the battle is not over.  All we have to do look at our own club that, despite having members from multiple countries and religions, we no longer have an African American among our ranks.  

A GREAT SPEECH.  -  It was such a spell binding 35 minutes that your editor did not dare to take notes for a chance of missing his comments.

GREETER and INSPIRATION:

Our newest member, Paul Basker, who is well on his way to his Blue Badge was our greeter. and after the pledge provided the Inspiration:

"A BLESSING OF ANGELS"

May the Angels in their beauty bless you.

May they turn toward you streams of blessing.

May the Angles of Awakening stir your heart to come alive to the eternal within you to all the invitations that quietly surround you.

May the Angels of Healing turn your wounds into sources of refreshment.

May the Angel of the Imagination enable you to stand on the true thresholds at ease with your ambivalence

And dawn in new directions through the glow of your contradictions.

May the Angels of Compassion open your eyes to the unseen suffering around you.

May the Angel of Wildness disturb the places  where you live domesticated and safe

Take you to the territories of true otherness where all that is awkward in you can fall into its own rhythm

May the Angel of Eros introduce you to the beauty of your sense to celebrate your inheritance as a temple of the holy spirits

May the Angel of Justice disturb you to take the side of the poor and the wronged.

May the Angel of Encouragement confirm you in worth and self-respect,

That you may live with dignity that presides in your soul.

May the Angel of Death arrive only when your life is complete

And you have brought every given gift to the threshold where its infinity can shine.

May all the Angels be your sheltering and joyful guardians.

GUESTS: Peter Lagarias, Past President of SF#2, Past District Governor and co-founder of RotaPast

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LARGEST FUND RAISER TO DATE: Ride4Vets in N Marin and S Sonoma.  Please endorse anyone you know that will be riding for pledges (our goal is to have 100 riders who pledge $1,000 each).  See Web side for this Aug 17th 2013 EVENT: www.ride4vets.org  We have five members and guests who are already riding (Farhad and Chuck from our own club with each bringing with them another 3+ riders, you can start your pledge NOW)

Lunch with the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael on Thursday 1/10/2013 to honor Dave Phelps for his contributions to the Mission/Sunrise garden project. .

Pres Elect Chuck reviewed the goal and purpose of the recent Survey sent from Rotary International.  

The results are directed only to the club that you belong to. It takes less that 5 minutes to fill it our online, please do it for our Club improvement.

Past Pres Dianne volunteered to organize the holiday social event.

GOODTIMES:

Past Pres Capt Alan had to step in and lead the sail of teens and at-risk youth headed to LA area.  There were 11 teens with 8 girls and three happy boys on the trip.  It was an amazing five days and four nights of adventure.  They traveled around the clock and each crew member had specific roles including night watch. Despite a stormy weather and rough sea start, they sailed to Catalina and Pt Inception off Santa Barbara.  The group was totally elevated by the experience.  Capt Alan thanked the Club for the donations that made this trip possible for so many.  His best reward was recruiting a fully certified, young new Captain to help on these trips.

Marlyn celebrated her birthday on Christmas day at the Comedy Club in SF.  She highly recommends this event to all.

Mahsa shared a great moment of running after and worrying about their newly joined member of her family: a small dog who has changed the life of her family.

Pres Herman celebrated Christmas with a fresh crab dinner from (after much discussion) the Western Boat Shop.  Several other members also highly recommended this location for both fishing supplies as well as seafood like fresh crab.  Apparently the owner/manager is such a great character that it is worth a visit just to meet him.

SPEAKER: Peter Lagarias told the story of how he became a member of Rotary and all the many good things that followed this event.  His connections and the world of Rotary make it possible to create one of the most successful medical missions, RotaPlast.  It has set the standard for all such undertaking including PolioPlus.  Peter is a lawyer by profession with specialization in franchising.  Rotary International with all of its members around the world helps make any of our dreams to help the World come true.  There is no barrier if you can dream and then follow through as there are millions of aspiring other Rotarians who, like us, wish to make a better world.

Mr. Lagarias has Greek roots and has volunteered to be our Master of Ceremonies for the yet to be announced Greek/Persian event fund raise in the Spring.  The event is to raise funds, volunteers and awareness of the Meals on Wheel program of Whistlestop.   Past DG Peter thanked our Club for our support of the RotaPlast as we have supported RotaPlast with checks as well as sending Phil and former member Sharon on RotaPlast trips a few years ago.  

GREETER: Bill R mistakenly began greeting until Lisa arrived and took over the task.  She led the pledge and then we had a moment of silence for all the children in Connecticut as well as the women who were killed in Pakistan while providing polio vaccines. 

INSPIRATION:  Do a meritorious deed and dedicate it to those who suffered from the recent tragedies.

GUEST: Harry Willis, past Rotary member as well lawyer friend of Farhad.  Harry is a classical guitar player, active in his law practise in San Anselmo, and former Youth Exchange sponsor of our club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  The bulk of the time was spent on a training headed by Melody who showed us: How to login, send e-mails, check club documents, check attendance record and pay your bills.  The most important aspect was the updating of your profile which is linked directly to the Rotary International website.   Bill R passed out a cheat sheet to take home.  Then Mahsa provided a ten minute overview of all the Website features accessible by the public without a password. Stories (back dated bulletins), news (Any pertinent information such as the e-mail from Stephen and Barbara in Italy), and the e-mails from Lisa and Cammie on their New Generations activities. The Calendar and Speakers areas were also shown, and the new link for prospective interested parties was pointed out (Responders will be added as Friends and get the Bulletin as well).

GOOD TIMES: Cap Alan gave us an update on the Educational Tall Ship program. This is a major project with a total budget on the order of $5 million.  The well oiled organization of Cap Alan had just agreed on the site to be used.  It is next to the old AutoDesk headquarters in Sausalito. (next to the tennis courts by the Bay Model).  Once the tent is up, our club will hold special breakfast meeting at the Bay Model followed by a personal tour by Cap Alan with proceeds to go to his project.  Incidentally, anyone wishing to get a big recognition plaque ($2,500), this is the best time to get in your donation for one of the best locations (and it's 100% tax deductible).  Your name will be immortalized for centuries on this wooden tall shop being built from ground up.

Dianne gave us an update on her sunshine function and her note to Dr Earl as well our dear friend Steve Thompson.

Past Pres Ken shared the long and great life of his Grandmother Peggy who recently passed away. She has more than 45 surviving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren!!  She was a very devout Catholic

NOTE: Ex Olympian Medalist Kiwi Swimmer, Paul Kingsman was nominated to be our newest Honorary Member.  This is an official announcement to the Club.  Please let any of the Board Members know if you have any objections.  He will be inducted into the Club early next year. 

ASSEMBLY MEETING:

The rest of the meeting was devoted to a presentation by Pres Elect Chuck on his major bike ride fun/fundraiser.  Our Club will be joining with WSS (West Marin Social Services - similar to Whistlestop).   WSS has been producing this event for 20 years.  It is a 100 mile bike ride through Marin and West Marin with shorter goals for the less athletic riders.  The Rotary Club of Marin Sunrise will be the only other organization sponsoring this event.  Pres. Herman took a vote and found overwhelming support for this project.  The event will not only add the possibility for raising funds for programs supporting Veterans (the primary focus) but it will also support the general fund of our club.  He plans to volunteer the Club to run the first stop as well as offering major raffle prizes at the celebration event at the end of the ride.  Each rider who signs up pays an entry fee of around $85 to WSS and we ask our riders to find pledges of $1,000 to support our project to fund Veterans programs in the Bay Area.

THERE WILL BE NO MEETING FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.  

Next Meeting on Jan 9th 2013.  

Have a great holiday.

GREETER:  The Pledge was led by Pres Herman and the

INSPIRATION: By Past Pres Dianne:  "Be yourself because all others are taken".  Attributed to Oscar Wilde

GUEST: Jill Carmody,  hair stylist.  Guest of Pres Herman.  (Jill's husband is a doctor at the VA hospital and will most likely assist Pres Elect Chuck with the bike event next year!:-)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Next meeting will be a very important Club Assembly.  Major new fundraisers will be discussed and a training on how to use our new website including the new billing system.

Community Activities were summarized by Past Preses Ken and Hank: Senior Dinner, RotaCare, Timothy Murphy School Garden, St Geronimo School, and the Dictionaries projects.   Past Pres Ken reminded us of the celebration lunch at Mission San Rafael Club in mid January

GOOD TIMES:

Dr. Earl had a great time skiing in Heavenly at the higher elevations on the fresh (and only) snow.  He also won the raffle.  He then announced that he was resigning to join another Rotary Club for personal reasons. We'll miss you , Dr. Earl.

Past Pres Farhad barely averted a biker who flew through a red light in Tiburon Blvd.

Past Pres Cristy wished everyone a great holiday with her newly printed calendars.  Many of us look forward to them as they always have excellent art and lots of space for notes. 

Pres Herman celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary.

Past Pres Phil had a great day at a surprise 27th year retirement party honoring his teaching police cadets in Sacramento

Past Pres Farhad gave another $100 to celebrate his future son-in-law's job offer in the Bay Area.  This means his daughter will be back close to family!

Marlyn shared the reasons to attend next year's RI convention in Lisbon.  Pres Elect Chuck will be joining her at this annual event.  Next will be in Australia.

Pres Elect Chuck just returned from visiting his grandchildren in Selida, Colorado.  The location is in the high desert of the Rockies and quite beautiful.  He also went skeet shooting.  All the skeet survived untouched.     

SPEAKER:  Assemblyman Marc Levine

Mr. Levine was recently elected to represent our area in the California Legislature.  He is very keen to keep the recently-passed taxes for schools and teachers and out of the hands of the other politicians favorite pork projects.  He lives with his family in San Rafael and is one of the 38 new members of the legislature.

Pres Herman led the pledge and gave the inspiration.

Mahsa presented her very entertaining 3-Minute Speech.  She came to US in 2007 after establishing her own business in Iran for computerized library systems developed by 3M.  She was also working for a health care for a firm that specialized in replacement body parts such as hips, heart valves, knees, etc.  It was very difficult to work in that environment with all the sanctions.  She started her own beauty product line as well as a retail business that is still going strong, but the partnership did not work out.  She returned to health care and is working part time at a San Francisco hospital as a Certified Medical Assistant.  

Mahsa is planning to get another health care degree through Berkeley.  She has been volunteering as a Triage Medical Assistant at RotaCare every week since joining our Club.  She announced that those few hours are her best of the entire week!   If that isn't enough, she is balancing life with her husband of five years and a recently adopted dog.  She is in the process of working on adopting an orphan but it is very difficult.  It has been almost a year since the process started.  She offered for sale a special spray for dry feet with all the proceeds to be given to RotaCare.

Lisa, our Chair for New Generations gave a review of the Interactors at Redwood who had joined many other youth at Whistlestop to prepare 20,000 food packages for those in need. The Interacters are also working on a daycare center and fund raising through Unity Church for another good causes.

Past Pres. Hank shared a picture and write up on the turkey distribution headed up by Rolando two weeks ago.

Past Pres Rolando announced that the only opening over the next two months for RotaCare is Jan 3rd, 2013.  Please contact him if you are interested to volunteer.

Past Pres Cristy, announced the arrival of her beautiful calendar. If you love Marin, you need to get one as it has some awesome local pictures.

Past Pres Dr Mike came up with lots of interesting stuff as he was cleaning his old computer.  For example, book labels, new member forms etc.

Past Pres Dianne announced that her good friend (Saint) Steve Thompson must to visit the hospital another more time as pressure on his skull is building up. We all wish him the best in this struggle.

Trish and Farhad will be getting the next billing out after our last meeting this month (12/17/2012 next week).  This will include two quarters of meetings, fines, makeup fees and any good times that were recorded but not paid! They ask for your understanding and forgiveness in case we err in any way.  It has been a tough time with the changing of the guard but we think we finally have it under control.  The frequency of the billing now is totally up to the members as it is much simpler and quicker than the prior methods.

GOOD TIMES:

Pres Elect Elect Lisa, had a great pass-forward story.  A friend of hers was passing a homeless looking character asking for money.  A $10 bill was given to the person who in turn gave back to the generous donor five one-hundred dollar bills! :).  He explained that he is passing forward his good luck in life to others.  The recipient, immediately gave the money to few causes including a turkey purchased for St. Vincent's kitchen.  What an inspiring story.

Past Pres Cap Alan shared his delight over his night of Persian food as part of a $1,000 benefit at Chez Nahal.  Cristy and John also joined in the fun.

Past Pres Dr Mike  reported Dee's fall that had her in bed for several days.    Past Pres Jim added a note on the extra precaution we all need to take when using a ladder.  Unfortunately Jim's warning came a bit too late for Farhad who took a nasty fall in his basement. He is still with us and, so far, with all body functions in tact.

SPEAKER: Mark McCormick of the Buck Center spoke on his research on ageing. Mark provided a fascinating view of his research on yeast and worms investigating the pathways and genes that control aging.  (Personally, I am not sure if I really wish to live any longer than so many already do.   But, if I can stay productive, then that is a whole new story. - Farhad)  

GREETER: Past Pres Farhad lead the pledge and quoted Blanch, our RotaCare Clinic Manager for the inspiration: "Congratulations to all. I celebrate your wonderfulness and thank you on behalf of all the patients that we have seen in the RotaCare and all that we will see in the future. You are all such amazing beings!"

GUESTS: Goran Kovacevic, guest of Susan  and speaker

Rotarian John Burke from the Rotary Club of Mill Valley who mentioned that the time is listed for our Club as 8:00 am.  (He may have mistaken our Club with the San Rafael Harbor Club.)

Announcements:

Paul Harris Award:  Jirayr awarded Dr Earl with a pin for his 5th $1,000 donation.  Dr Earl noted that if you had been a member since 1968, it is easy to pile them up!

Community: Hank and Ken as well as Pres Elect Chuck gave a review of the successful St. Pat's Senior Dinner.  According to Pres Elect Chuck,  there were more Rotarians there than at our normal meetings.  Jodi Costello's class presented a series of songs including a medley of military songs for the Veterans present that was very appreciated by all.

New Generations: Lisa mentioned that today at 11:15 the Interact Club will be meeting in Liz's classroom.  If you have the chance, please visit and support them. (And it can count as a makeup.)  While visiting, take a moment to appreciate the garden, our centennial project few years ago.

Membership: We have three new members in the pipeline: Steve (Roland's friend), Harry W (an ex-member who is a lawyer friend of Farhad and will be re-joining), and our speaker of the day, Goran Kovacevic, sponsored by Susan.

Pres Elect Chuck announced that there would be no meetings on Dec 26th and Jan 2nd.

Bill R gave us a quiz on the The Play at the Big Game 30 years ago.   ...... No one won, but he donated $20 anyway.

Susan gave an update on the idea of a fundraiser dog show.  More information will be forthcoming.  

Past Pres Dianne mentioned that a while back, the rotary Club of Tiburon/Belvedere held one.  It was discontinued because they felt that there was not enough interest.  Past Pres Dianne will do a little research on that event and its ending.

Past Pres Rolando reviewed the Day at the Races with 500+ Rotarians from across five Districts.  He presented Dr Earl with a personalized picture of the Jockey with the best winning record. Ever on the case, Dr. Earl noted that he needed some orthodontic work.

GOOD TIMES: Past Pres Ken gave a summary of his South Pacific cruise through Bora Bora and Fiji.  He was not tanned as he used a ton of sunblock.  The kindness of natives living in Fiji combined with their calm and easy disposition provided a long lasting therapy for Ken that he still enjoys today.

Past Pres Matt shared his good time with his buddies elk hunting while at a Linfeild College reunion.  They did not shoot any Elk so he had to admitt that the elk won this year as well as his Alma Mater which is now in first place in their league.

Paul  won the lottery but did not find the magic marble in the old sock.

SPEAKER: Goran Kovacevic gave a fantastic but scary summary of all the viruses and malware that may attack our computers.  He reviewed his background dating back to the old NCR bank computers back in Ohio in the 80's and how he was involved with the network setup at the Sarajevo Olympics.  When his work at Price Waterhouse Cooper became well known, he was picked to be the head of IT Security for VISA.  When asked by Bill R if there was a safe way to frustrate key-loggers, he responded with a definite negative.  He had a few suggestions on how to protect yourself.  We plan to publish these as a news item shortly.  The meeting was very interesting and went overtime because of many questions and inquiries. 

GREETER: Pres Elect Chuck was the greeter. He provided the inspiration for the day: "Life is all about your attitude, so pick a good one."

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Every 2nd Wednesday the RotaCare Board meets and every 3rd Wednesday our Club Board meets.

PROJECTS COMING UP:

SENIOR DINNER: Nov 14th at St. Pat's (We will be serving over 100 senior citizens for Thanksgiving.)

TURKEY DISTRIBUTION: Nov 19th and Nov 20th (delivering 100s of turkeys and food baskets to the needy in Marin) in conjunction with Big God Ministries.  We need at least four volunteers to distribute turkeys in Marin City on Nov 19th and in the Canal area on Nov 20th.  Don't be a turkey, give them away!  Sign up in the Events section.

PROJECTS IN CONSIDERATION: Crab feed joint project to raise $30,000 for Meals on Wheels/Whistlestop (See our last bulletin under stories).  We need a lot of sponsors and donations for this event.  If you are interested please contact Farhad.

ROTARY PERSIAN DINNER by CHEF NAHAL: This event is coming up on Nov 30th.  We are delighted to announce that we're sold out but there is a waiting list.  AND donations are welcome.  The money goes directly to the Club. 

EVENTS:  Rotary Day at the Races on Sat Nov 17th.   Check Events if you have not already signed up.

Nov 14th there is no meeting.  Sign up for the Senior Dinner.

Past Pres Hank announced a change in the joint luncheon meeting with RC of Mission San Rafael.  It will be rescheduled for January

Past Pres Rolando was pinned as extraordinary member for his introduction of a new member with a special pin from Membership Committee

Bill Ring gave an update on the FIJI III project.  The boat is winding it's way through the Pacific with an expected arrival at the end of November.  It is carrying a literal ton of books and twenty computers for two schools.  A commemorative plaque will be unveiled honoring several Rotarians, members of the computer club and volunteer from GBX who contributed to the project.

A new seating arrangement with placecards was started today as recommended by Past Pres Dianne and Pres Elect Chuck. (It went well after a bit of grumbling.)

Pres Elect Elect Lisa gave a report on the New Generations area of service.  With help from Cammie, the Interact Club at Redwood High has become an active, involved organization.   The Club participated in the in Marin Triathlon and are thinking of proposing a Random Act of Kindness Day.  It meets every Wednesday in Liz's classroom.  Feel free to drop by, and when you are there, take a look at the garden that was our Club's centennial project  

Pres Elect Chuck gave a summary of the Bike Event planning.  We are still searching for a go-to person or organization to help our Club on this event.  

Past Pres Rolando announced that our RotaCare volunteer sign ups are booked through January 2013.

Pres Herman led a discussion as to how we could best help the victims of the big storms on the East Coast.

SPEAKER:

Paul Kingsman (see his resume under stories), gave a spell binding speech.  His topic was how to overcome distractions.  His 13 year quest in getting the first swimming medal for New Zealand was so compelling that yours truly did not take any notes.  His key point was that passion is what you need.  But the passion is unlike all the touchy-feel books, serious passion is needed.   One must be ready and focused on taking on the hard work that comes with the goal.  One key element in setting any goal is the time line.  Passion and hard work with time specific goals is what keeps us on path and avoids the distractions which keeps us from out goals.   He characterizations of passion for goals with his Olympic medals and distractions by his Speedo swimsuit was an effective illustration of his points.

Paul Kingsman (born 1967) is a swimmer and Olympic medalist from New Zealand. He participated at the 1988 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 200 metre backstroke. He also competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.^[1]

The 21-year-old went into the 1988 Olympic Games the 20th fastest backstroker in the world over 200m. He qualified for the final and raced in lane one. Kingsman's time earned him a bronze medal in the final few strokes. His time of 2:00.48, which set a new Commonwealth record,^[2] is currently the longest standing national record in New Zealand swimming at 20 years (broken in 2008 by Kent Basset).^[3]Kingsman was New Zealand's first male Olympic medalist in an individual swimming event.^[4]

Over his swimming career, in addition to his Olympic medal, Kingsman also earned four Commonwealth Games medals and twelve New Zealand national senior titles.^[1] Kingsman was trained during his entire New Zealand career by coach Hilton Brown. When he was 15, he qualified for the 1982 Commonwealth Games team, making the 200m final at Brisbane, Queensland. At the time, he was the youngest Kiwito ever compete in the Commonwealth Games.^[5]

At age 17, he joined Gary Hurring in representing New Zealand at the 1984 Summer Olympics swimming backstroke, and he finished tenth in the 100m. By the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Kingsman's performances bettered enough to earn him two silver medals, in the 100m and 200m backstroke. That year, he also earned a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, where his swimming developed a sharply competitive edge under the tutelage of coach Nort Thornton.

Kingsman closed his career by taking a bronze and a silver in the 1990 Commonwealth Games in his home town of Auckland, New Zealand. He was always an exceedingly popular competitor, and his farewell at those Games in Auckland was an emotional occasion.

On retiring from swimming, Kingsman took up a position as New Zealand national sales and marketing manager for Speedo sportswear. He then set up and operated his own swim school in Auckland. In 2001, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son, where Kingsman is a financial advisor and also a professional motivational speaker and executive coach to the financial services industry.^[6]

GREETER: Past Pres Capt Alan lead us in the pledge and gave us the inspiration that could be our club motto: "This is not the time for us to say: Someone ought to do that, but our words must be: We will do it!".  Rotarian Joseph Abey 1961

GUESTS:

Past President of the Rotary Club of San Rafael, Don Violin, retired with the classification of Management Training.

Goran Kovacevic, Guest of Susan, MIS Risk and Security at VISA; Goran gave us a summary of his life and his delight in joining the US community after several very tough years in Bosnia.  He lives in Marin with his wife and a young daughter and commutes to Foster City everyday for work.

Steve Thompson, F&A Director at Whistle Stop -  Speaker

Joe O'Hehir CEO of Whistlestop, Speaker

Yvonne Roberts, Development and Marketing Director of Whistlestop

Krista Pelletier, Meals on Wheels Coordinator of Whistlestop

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pres Herman congratulated Capt Olson on his successful fund raiser.  Treasurer Trish gave a check for $2,500  to Call of the Sea for scholarships to underprivileged youth who will accompany Capt Alan's tall boat to LA

Past Pres Hank our co-chair of Community Services announced: Nov 14th is the St. Pat's Senior Lunch. There will be no meeting that week.  

Past Pres Hank also reminded all to mark your calendar for a joint lunch with the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael on Dec 20th at their usual meeting place.  This joint meeting is to thank them for the participation of their members on our joint garden project at Timothy Murphy School.

Past Pres Dr Mike also reminded the Foundation Committee of the advisory meeting to discuss our funds at the Marin Community Foundation.

Our newest member Melody, who was sponsored by Past Pres Roland gave her three minute speech.

Melody was born in the Philippines Islands but came to US at very early age.  She grew up in San Jose and went to college in san Francisco.  She has done many community projects such as the AIDs walk, food deliveries and serving the needy.  She sees Rotary as a means to be part of a group that is more active on an ongoing basis.  When Rolando, who knew Melody as a business associate, asked her to check us out, she jumped at the idea.  She loves our group and is especially impressed by the long term members who have done so much for our community.  Melody works full time for Paychex, so the only times she can participate in projects are the weekend ones.  Her boyfriend, who is lawyer, just finished working on the Disney merger.  He will be moving to Marin and hopes to join Melody on hands-on projects.  He is originally from Buffalo. (Brrrr!)  Paychex provides payroll services for small to medium size firms in US.  It is based in Syracuse (Brrrr! also) and is a public company.

GOODTIMES: 

Dianne thanked Capt Alan, Bill R, Jim, Dr Earl, Farhad and David/Dianne Simpson (ex members) for their continued support.

Phil mentioned his travels to Sacramento and his teaching work with local law enforcement.  This will be his last year.

Peter mentioned his travelling throughout New York as well as through the Rockies to celebrate his 30th anniversary.

Marlyn enjoyed the gathering with flying Rotarians in Palm Springs where they all had their planes on display in the main street!  She serves as an arbitrator for the insurance industry.  She is hoping to finish her last engagement in two weeks.  She recalled flying into a hurricane once when in Mexico. When the storm was over, the only two building still standing were her hotel and a synagogue! 

Past Pres Dr Mike mentioned his delight with the website now that he knows where all the information can be found.

New member and leader of our last Garden Project Paul  mentioned the huge relief when they heard back her doctors that Phyllis, his wife, does not have a recurrence of the cancer that she fought so bravely 15 years ago.

Dr Earl mentioned the major task of choosing a final 15 candidates from a list of 100's for coming year of residency at the UCSF Medical School of Dentistry.  He is glad that this is over for another 365 days.

Pres Elect Chuck announced he attended the last day of the Giants in San Francisco where tickets were going as high as $600 when his son-in-law bought them a week before.   That day they could have sold each of the tickets for minimum $1,000!!!  Maybe we can use this as a fundraiser scheme next year (Is this legal? Can the Giants do it again? Maybe the 49ers this year?)

SPEAKER:

Joe O'Hehir, CEO of Whistlestop and Meals On Wheels (MOW).