Club Assembly

PE, Dick first gave us his update on the PE Retreat in Solvang and shared a few photos. At the retreat the PE's also did community service at Santa Ynez High school. Dick then handed out his calendar for Community Service which includes our annual Holiday Dinner, Rotary Clean-up Days and fundraisers. Next gave a treasure's report and handed out the budget for 2009-10. Keith will be our International Service, Chair. He explained the Matching Grant process and that he would be working on a proposal to have ready for next year. We are presently hoping to have a computer lab at the school in the Philippines were we donate books annually. Keith would also like to support Nalani in her efforts to purchase solar ovens for Africa. Carolyn is our Vocational Service, Chair read a beautiful letter from out out-bound exchange student Dorothy Upton. Dorothy is living in Spain on the coast and has water views from her balcony bedroom window. She loves her new country and family and thanks our Club for all their support. Carolyn also mentioned that as she will be working with her committee members on the RYLA students for April 2010 and our annual Spring Dinner for Scholarships February 8, 2010. Gary spoke about Club Service and weekly speakers. Please e-mail him with suggestions. Gary said he would be planning Fireside Chats and he would promote Club and District events. Jim will continue as Foundation Chair and he explained how Rotary International Annual Program Funds works and passed out an outline of how the money is used and that each Paul Harris Fellow also receives recognition points for their contribution. Our club has a commitment of $125.00 per member. Michelle is the one of the District's PolioPlus members; she will be giving presentations on her experience as an NID member to India to Clubs and the public. Michelle's goal is to bring awareness to Rotary's efforts as we progress on this last mile to eradicate polio; this is also a fundraiser for PolioPlus. Shirley followed up with the last presentation for New Generations, Membership Committee and the Rotary of Family. New Generations, our out-bound exchange student Dorothy Upton in Spain and our sponsorship of the community based Rotaract Club in San Luis Obispo, tentative charter date March 2010. She asked members to invite friends and business people to our weekly meetings, introduce them to the club and explain what Rotary is. Shirley reminded everyone that although we want to increase membership we also need to evaluate prospective members first before guaranteeing them membership. Family of Rotary is the umbrella over membership; it's supporting our Club members and their families as they too are part of the Rotary Family. Bill Pitzer has offered to write notes to members who have missed meetings as part of the Family of Rotary.