Notice anything new with your AppleKnocker? Last week was the first trial run using the ClubRunner Bulletin feature to create the AppleKnocker. One of the benefits is that it opens right in your email, no downloading and opening a separate attachment. Another benefit is that it integrates with the Website and we hope that integration will make both the AppleKnocker and the Website better. One of the issues however is that the editors need to learn some new tricks and so this version won't have quite the same "polish" as the older method using Windows Word and then creating a PDF -- at least until the Editors learn more.
The AppleKnocker team is reevaluating a number of things about the AK including learning more about what members want to see and how members prefer to get their Sebastopol Rotary Club information. Please do not hesitate to provide your thoughts and feedback now or in the future.
At the Bell
President Rick’s Reminder: Welcome to the Rotary Club of Sebastopol, where the nicest, most caring folks in town meet weekly to foster fellowship, while thinking and acting both locally and globally in an attempt to make our community and world better places to live.
The flag salute was led by Debbie Brooks.
Keller McDonald followed this with another Kellerthon, the singing of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the historic version.
Richard Petersen gave the ‘Thoughts for the Day’:
“Life should not be a journey to the grave and the intention of arriving well-reserved…but to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, and still screaming, ‘WHOOO! What a ride!”
“Whenever you feel you will never see light, feel warmth or be happy ever again…just remember: Somewhere on earth right now, the sun is shining!”
Somehow, through Prez Rick’s vast collection of resources(spies), it was revealed that Richard is also a celebrity for the famous McKrosky mattress company. He has been spotted in television commercials, trying out their wares. Our ever-vigilant leader --figuring Richard’s new fame is tied to increased revenues -hit him with a simple $5 fine.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Brendan Houston introduced his ‘mum’, Toppy, visiting from the United Kingdom.
Jim Passage introduced the day’s speaker, Lawrence Jaffe.
Katy Spyrka re-introduced Rotary exchange student Bruna Pelaquim, who is also a member of the Analy High School Interact Club.
Special Announcement
President Rick highlighted the recent holiday event at Frank and Kathie Mayhew’s mansion (aka the Gravenstein B&B), flashing some great photos. However, it did appear that our esteemed Prez fell asleep in a cushy chair --though not a McKrosky mattress or lounger.) The Prez stayed awake long enough to highlight some of the party-goers who also put in imagination and time to make this such a success. Those noted included Larry and Jerry, Linda and first lady Cindy.
Announcements
Past Presidents-January 22 -’Special Meeting’
It’s a ‘Blast from the Past’, a second opportunity to fire away at former club presidents over the years. Harry Polley has gone on record that some of our most illustrious leaders will be on stage (on trial) once more --during the January 22 program. In other words (in song and music, satire and farce), this is a must-see event.
Seoul, Korea International Conference (May 28-June 1, 2016)
Deadline for registering at the lowest rate is December 15, 2015.
Rotary Crab Feed - Meeting
Nao Noguchi will host the second Crab Feed meeting --Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 pm., at the Noguchi residence.
Community Grants
David Schreibman announced that community grant applications are now available, through the end of January. Information is available on the website.
Adopt a Family - December 19
Dan Rasmus shared that the club’s annual holiday event will take place at the Sebastopol Fire Department and encouraged members to check it out. The wrapping and sorting takes place from 9:00 to approximately 11:00; then it’s off to deliver presents and food baskets.
The program serves 25 families and 75 local children/youth.
Rotary’s New Tax Status and Club Opportunities
Ken Jacobs shared information regarding changes --and how these are a good thing. He noted the changes aren’t dramatic, but a few more opportunities are available.
Because the charitable giving part of the club there is a two-board infrastructure, and the club offers flexibility regarding tax deductions and specific sponsorship opportunities.
The explanation of a ‘two-board system within Rotary went well --until someone threw out the word ‘bifurcate’, leading to discussions about Alma Maters and aspersions cast over the “Big Game” outcome (for the uninitiated, the Cal-Stanford football contest.) It was Greg Jacobs who pointed out that Stanford recently trounced the Bears. Meanwhile, Ken Jacobs, post-meeting, put together a synopsis of his report, available online [Scribe note: may not be available to Greg.]
Recognitions
Inspired by the above discussion, Prez Rick introduced a new fining system, using rationales from Starbuck’s (‘one can’t get a cup under $5) and Oregon’s low/no tax system. The bottom line: the ‘traditional’ $5 per experience suddenly doubled. And the timing could not have been better: there was a long list of anniversary and birthday targets covering November and early December.
The notables impacted by this decree included birthdays; Dan Rasmus, Harry Simms, Keller McDonald, Ted Baggett, Steve Prandini, Norm Stupfel, Ken Jacobs, Linda Johnson, Tom Campbell, and Paul Yeomans (also signaled out for his role as SRJC’s board president.)
As for anniversaries, Sally and David Ewald were highlighted for #49 and a photo of a visit to Hawaii, a special place and remembrance for David (before their first anniversary,) from the time he was stationed there.
Not far behind in the anniversary roll call were Henry Alker (44 years), Bill Lippert (33), Guy Smith (10), Paul Thielen (39), and Robin Maybury (2). All in all, it was a good time to double down on birthdays/anniversaries --at least for the club’s Prez.
While there were no visiting Rotarians on this day, Robin Maybury turned the tables --showing up in Vienna recently for a Rotary meeting. Just for a Rotary make-up? Robin had a special present for the Prez but for some reason the Prez was reluctant to open it?? It now appears that Robin is known simply as ‘the Crazy Brit’, at least in Sebastopol and Vienna.
His photo was followed by a pic of other traveling locals: the brother-sister combo, Olivia and Jack Jacobs, were spotted outside Puerto Vallarta at the Paso Ancho school, playing (and, of course, studying with) local elementary school students --and also meeting with Mario Ramos’ wife/educator at the campus.
Today’s speaker, Lawrence Jaffe, introduced by Richard Power, highlighted the role Grange Halls played in this country’s growth as well as sharing what Grangers and Grange Halls are doing in today’s world.
Lawrence has sparked the Grange movement in western Sonoma County, describing the multiple services it offers and how it brings communities together. The Grange ‘system’ began in 1867 to advance methods of agriculture and promote social and economic needs of farmers. At that time 97% of the population consisted of farmers. During those years towns were far apart from one another and travel was slow so there were many Grange Halls.
From those times Grange organizations developed farm credit systems, co-operative efforts and social/educational opportunities, and connecting communities to one another. The Bennett Valley Grange, founded in 1873, is currently the oldest in the U.S. Sonoma County once boasted several Grange facilities; while the numbers have decreased, communications and cooperation have diversified and increased.
Lawrence mentioned one of the legends of the Grange movement, Horace Weeks. It was noted at that point that Horace was also a Rotarian.
Today the Grange Hall on Highway 12 offers special events, dinners, educational programs, instructional films, entertainment, classes --and a much-improved facility that the west county area has come to appreciate.
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n attempt to make our community and world better places to live.
ntroduced his ‘mum’, Toppy, visiting from the United Kingdom.
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Community Grants
As for anniversaries, Sally and David Ewald were highlighted for #49 and a photo of a visit to Hawaii, a special place and remembrance for David (before their first anniversary,) from the time he was stationed there. 
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From those times Grange organizations developed farm credit systems, co-operative efforts and social/educational opportunities, and connecting communities to one another. The Bennett Valley Grange, founded in 1873, is currently the oldest in the U.S. Sonoma County once boasted several Grange facilities; while the numbers have decreased, communications and cooperation have diversified and increased.
