Meeting on Feb 27, 2013
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