Observer for December 13, 2011

AT THE GONG:

Pres Budd surprised the few present by whacking the bell precisely at 1215, a first for this Rotary Year.  Lee Page (standing in for Helmut Sommer) led the Pledge and offered the Thought for the Day ."Every great mistake has a halfway moment, a split second, when it can be recalled and perhaps remedied".  Author: Pearl Buck

THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY:

PDG Greg then demonstrated a bit of "The Magic of Rotary" wherein he made a napkin disappear into a handkerchief, did a rope trick, and then made Pres Budd disappear (just kidding about the Budd part).

PP Wally Chipman introduced visiting Rotarians Saint Marsha Molloy from the Novato Club and Jeanne Leoncini from the Mission San Rafael Club.  PP Wally announced that there were no visitors today, whereupon Greg embarrassed both himself and the Club when he demanded to know why Tamara Hall had not been introduced.  Pres Budd patiently explained to Greg that Tamara has been a member since September and that Greg might benefit from more frequent attendance at our meetings.  (Note to Tamara-Please accept our apologies for Greg's behavior).

Pres Budd made a smooth segue from the unfortunate incident above to a plea for better attendance (we had but 26 members at today's meeting).  He reminded those present that the amnesty from a surcharge for missed meetings (approved by the Board) was over and that effective in January the charge of $10 would be levied for any meetings not made up.

He went on to explain that the Club would be liberal in crediting as "makeups" not only makeups with other Rotary Clubs, but also attendance at Club projects, Board meetings, District meetings or events, Rotary Means Business and Interact or Rotaract as well. Remember that the time frame for credit totals 28 days (14 days prior to and 14 days following) the missed meeting date. (Historical Note - Until a couple of years ago, the requirement was but one week either side of the missed date).

Pres Budd went on to recruit additional members for the Meals on Wheels project.  We have been doing this project for 15 years wherein two meals are delivered each Tuesday to seniors and shut-ins in the TL and Lucas Valley areas.  PP Marty Malkin, Christine Goodin, Trevor Henley and Tamara Hall volunteered on the spot.  Participation by others is also welcomed, just let Pres Budd know and he will get you briefed on the program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOLLOWED:

Without missing a beat or relinquishing the microphone,  Pres Budd extended congratulations to Christine Goodin for being one of but ten Rotarians in our whole District (1800 members) to complete the Master Level of PRLS (Potential Rotary Leadership Seminar).  PRLS is a dual-level program offered by the District to better prepare individual Rotarians to do what ?  To improve their skills at organizing themselves, conducting meetings, and speaking in public.  For Why ? To prepare individual Rotarians for Leadership positions in the Club, the District and Beyond Basic PRLS is a one day seminar. Master PRLS is a multi-day expansion of these and other skills.  All participants from our Club have been enthusiastic about the program and recommend attendance by all Rotarians.  Further good news - our Club will pay the $50 registration fee for any members who participate in either level of PRLS.

Jeanne Friedel reminded all that the next "meeting" will be on Tues, 20 Dec at the Embassy Suites Hotel across the highway.  Festivities begin at 1730 (5:30 pm for civilians).  Cost is $35 per person which includes hors d'houvres, the first drink, and live music.  If you haven't RSVP'd yet, reply immediately to Lauri Hammer (Lauri@allamericanprinting.com) as she must give the venue a total count for our attendees by tomorrow, 14 Dec)

The next event, the "Party Party" will be held once again at PP Sandy Magid's home on Sat, 07 Jan 12.  It is a BYOB event.  Also please bring either an appetizer or dessert.  Cost is but $10 per person (to cover cleanup, broken glassware, ambulance charges, footprints on the walkway and fire damage from igniting the Christmas Tree/Chanukkah Bush. (Only kidding about the glassware).

Christine Goodin reminded all of the December Walk of the Month coming up this Saturday, 17 Dec.  Assemble at the Las Gallinas Sanitary District parking lot at the east end of McInnis Parkway (turn left just before entering the McInnis Golf Course).  Dogs on leash are welcome and Christine has offered to walk the walk alone in the event of HEAVY rain.  Light rain is no excuse for not being there.

Tom Martz confessed to misplacing several (all) of the ticket stubs for the Crab Feed on 11 Feb 12, but promises to find them prior to the event.  He requests that stubs for all sold tickets be given to him ASAP and that unsold tickets be returned to him on the same basis.

CELEBRATIONS:

Finemaster PP Marty Malkin, reached into the pockets of:

     Don Jarvis for an upcoming birthday of Child Bride Ginny for $50 to the Club.

     Secretary Joe Stewart fessed up to not ordering a Blue Badge for Tamara Hall until            last week.  He fined himself $50 to be credited to Tamara's Paul Harris Fellowship.

     Trevor Henley for his recent week in Jamaica where he made up with the RC of Montego Sunrise.  Claiming no cash or check, Trevor deferred his contribution of $? until next year.

Likewise, both Trevor and Beth Huber made the same claim when asked to contribute to our Christmas contribution to our server, Marta Bernal.  Pres Budd advises that the total was something north of $200.  (FYI, both Marta and her husband Miguel are Paul Harris Fellows, Miguel is currently working at Embassy Suites),

THE RAFFLE AND MARBLE:

The large tin of European Cookies (donated by Helmut) was won by Tim Long

Unfortunately, PP Marty Malkin drew a green (losing) marble.  The pot continues to grow.

OUR SPEAKER;

Annette Mixon introduced our speaker for today. Christine Goodin (who has been mentioned several times above).

Christine responded to an ad in the IJ for a property management specialist at Prandi Realty in San Rafael on 01 Sep 01.  Her interview for the position was on 12 Sep 01 which worked well for her because she could not get to her previous job as a financial manager in San Francisco on the day following 09/11.

She was hired immediately and has now completed 10 years with Prandi.  She says that the primary requirements for her job are resourcefulness, negotiation and patience.

With her colleagues, they manage over 500 properties, from Pacheco Valley to Sausalito and west to Fairfax.  When asked about the tight definition of operating area, Christine replied that all of their properties could be reached within 20 minutes in the event of an emergency.

Prandi realty has been in business for 30 years, 25 of which have been under the guidance of Melissa Prandi.

Their mission statement includes being the most trusted management firm and the best in Marin.

They make this possible by very close relationships with property owners.  They use available technology and continuing education to assist them.  They offer three levels of management to their property owners ranging from simple document preparation to leasing assistance to full management.

All of the key personnel of the firm hold advanced designations from NARPM (National Association of Real Property Management) and all employees are full-time, unlike many other firms using "Independent Contractors".

Prandi prides itself in its superior relationship with both landlords and vendors.

As you might have guessed, Christine is very happy with her job and her employer.\

That's it for now.

Your (stand-in) scribe for today

The lockmaven.