Sebastopol Rotary AppleKnocker for the Meeting of April 15, 2016 (Apr 17, 2016)

Lincolns Boots - Michael Anthony Carnacchi

Date:	April 15, 2016
Volume	2015/16--Issue E14-40
Scribe:	Keller McDonald
Photog:	Mike Ferguson
Co-Editors:	Tom Boag/Jack Dunlap/Jim Raffini
Club President 2015/2016:	Rick Wilson

BEFORE THE BELL

One could feel the energy and enthusiasm in the room for Rotary following last week’s Overcoming Obstacles Awards. Today there is a surge of visitors and guests … including some potential new members! President Rick was feeling so good that he was heard to exclaim, “If I was doing any better, I would have to be twins!”

AT THE BELL

Julie Cugini kicked off the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Keller McDon

ald lead “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in honor of the start of the Giants / Athletics season and start of the Warriors' playoff run.

Guy Smith shared Thoughts for the Day (which Guy revised slightly to gender neutral) … thoughts that give great hope to some of us who are daydreamers!

“All people dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it is vanity.

But the dreamers of the day, these are the achievers. For they act their dreams out, with open eyes to make them possible.”

- T. E. Lawrence

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS

Jack Blasco introduced our visiting Rotarians: Bill Sauber (Videography) from Sebastopol Sunrise, Randy Seelye (Newspaper Publishing) from Santa Rosa Sunrise, and Jose Guillen (Court Executive Officer / President Elect) from Rotary Club of Santa Rosa.

Jan Weiner attended today’s meeting on behalf of her wonderful husband, Sebastopol Rotarian Steve Zivolich.

Guests included Bob Cugini’s wonderful wife, Julie; Jack Dunlap’s wonderful wife, Ruthie; Jeff Boal’s wonderful wife, Jean; and Bob Roger’s wonderful wife, Peggy. (Indeed, these are wonderful wives for putting up with their Sebastopol Rotarian mates!)

Katy Spyrka introduced Bruna Pelaquim, our current Rotary Exchange Student from Brazil, who introduced Lindsey Rippert, our outgoing Rotary Exchange Student to Milan, Italy.

Harry Polley introduced returning guest Jennifer Estrella; and Barbara Beedon introduced returning guest Ellen Harrington.

ROTARY TAG TEAM

Richard Power presented today’s “Rotary Tag Team” craft talk. Born near New York City, Richard attended Harvard for undergrad and Bolt Hall Law during the turbulent ‘60’s. Richard has practiced law for 46 years, and has been a pillar in Sonoma County since 1992. He has focused on affordable housing law for decades. Carle, Mackie, Power, and Ross, a firm that started with 4 lawyers, have now expanded to 20 attorneys.

Richard’s firm is considered one of the best wine industry law firms in the state. Their business model parallels the principles of Rotary by providing Service Above Self and putting the customer first. Richard tapped President Elect David Schreibman to give the next craft talk.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Rick gave kudos to Tom Boag, David Schreibman and the Overcoming Obstacles Award Committee for organizing a very successful and moving program last week.

President Rick also announced that our own John Blount is in Chicago this week representing District 5130 at the Rotary International Council on Legislation. It’s quite a year for politics, inside and outside of the Rotary world!

The Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise will host a blood drive on August 24 (location TBA). Visiting Rotarian Bill Sauber challenged our club to give more pints at the blood drive than Sebastopol Sunrise does, even if they have fewer arms to puncture! The date is May 24th and the location is SWMC (Sonoma West Medical Center) parking lot where a mobile blood center will be set up from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Dorothy Rodella announced our club’s spring Rotary International Foundation fund drive will culminate in 3 weeks with a big raffle.

Henry Alker shared interesting information on Rotary International Foundation’s Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program, which operates 5 interdisciplinary master’s degree programs and a certificate program at universities around the world.

Henry gave several examples of outstanding students in the program making positive contributions in high-conflict areas. He urged all to review the story of five scholars in the program featured in the February edition of the Rotary magazine.

Cindy Carter asked help identifying Sonoma County restaurants interested in participating the upcoming “Dining Around Town” fundraiser to support Teacher Mini-Grants … 12 wonderful bottles of wine to enjoy with 12 wonderful meals on the town! Look for tickets on sale soon.

Edwin Wilson shared that Sebastopol Rotary, Sebastopol Sunrise and the Sebastopol Rotary Education Foundation will have a joint entry in the annual Apple Parade on Saturday morning, April 16. Project Make, Interact and Teachers of the Year will be featured;-- along with Harvey Henningsen’s 1912 auto car! We’re all invited to join President Rick and Sebastopol Sunrise President Mikel Cook walkin’ in the parade!

We have received wonderful letters of thanks from Ives Pool and Mr. Music for Sebastopol Rotary’s support through Community Grants. Just two examples of Sebastopol Rotary’s outstanding community service!

Save this date! June 24, for the Debunking of President Rick, will be at the Community Church Garden and Memorial Hall, details on time to follow, Tickets going on sale soon."

RECOGNITIONS

President Rick growled that he was going to be “meaner than a junkyard dog” with today’s recognitions, but he actually went pretty lightly on the club today -- perhaps more due to time than temperment. Still, not everyone dodged his bite ….

Dorothy Rodella was fined for proudly wearing her “Human Race” t-shirt with “Exchange Bank” boldly emblazoned on the back. ($20)

Kathie Mayhew was recognized for being extensively interviewed on Radio KRCD regarding Adopt-a-Village, Ant Hill Foundation, and other international works. ($25)

Donna Pantzer was recognized for the engagement of her wonderful daughter, in London no less! Her daughter is a senior at Ohio State University. ($35)

THE RAFFLE

Hal Kwalwasser had the winning ticket, and only had 2 cards to choose from. Lady

Luck was not smiling on Hal, which means next week’s raffle is a sure thing, unless the rules suddenly change!

LINCOLN'S BOOTS -- MICHAEL ANTHONY CARNACCHI

Patti Blount introduced today’s program.

Michael’s story began in 1987 when he roared out of his hometown, Detroit, on his Harley, his ponytail swinging in the wind. He was en route to fulfilling his dream of becoming a working artist somewhere in the West. Twenty-eight days later he hit Tomales Bay where he realized he was out of land and also out of money!

In need of a job he went to Schuman Brothers Shoe & Boot Repair in Cotati where he discovered the artistry and liked what he saw. A quest to learn more took him to Marelli Bros. Shoe Repair in San Rafael where the owner said “his artistry showed through.”

In 1994 the little Sebastopol shop at 227 N. Main Street became available and Michael went out on his own. As he repaired factory boots he couldn’t help but notice the deteriorating quality, and decided that people would be willing to pay for the best, so he decided to learn how to make them by hand.

He convinced legendary Texas boot maker Jack Reed after many attempts to accept him as a student for two weeks and so began many trips to Texas on his Harley.

Today Michael has

been doing business in Sebastopol for 22 years, but his clients are those very people he knew would appreciate quality. He spends over an hour taking measurements of his client’s feet and then begins the 372 steps to making a custom Western boot.

Michael Anthony Carnacchi gave a unique and very interesting glimpse into his work examining and replicating Lincoln’s boots! Michael Anthony has been a custom bootmaker in Sebastopol for 22 years. It takes 372 steps to create his handmade western boots, which cost $1200 to $10,000!

Michael Anthony was invited by the National Park Service to visit Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC and physically examine Lincoln’s boots. After careful measurement he crafted an exact replica of Lincoln’s boots, right down to the leather fancywork, woven bootstraps, and hand stitching.

Another amazing individual and story from West Sonoma County!

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM

"The Farmers Guild"

Next week's program will provide us with an introduction to the genesis and objectives of the ten Farmers Guilds located throughout Northern California.

We are fortunate to have their Executive Director, Evan Wiig as our speaker. Getting his start in a Brooklyn community garden, he has been devoted to discovering new solutions to the many problems faced by family farmers.

THE FINAL BELL

President Rick thanked the speaker and presented him with a fine bottle of Sonoma County wine. He then banged the Bell, closing the meeting at 1:30 PM.

Program for April 22, 2016

Posted by Patti Blount

Program for April 29, 2016

Posted by Patti Blount

District 5130 Conference May 6-8

Posted by Patti Blount

Bocce Ball Tournament Saturday, June 11

Apr 22, 2016
Evan Wiig
"The Farmers Guild"

Apr 29, 2016
Kevin Briggs, CHP
"Kevin Briggs Search for the "Thread" on the Golden Gate Bridge"

May 06, 2016
District 5130 Conference
"Visit our District Conference in Napa!"

May 13, 2016
Bill Sauber, Sebastopol Sunrise
"Appalachian Trail Experiences"

May 20, 2016
Michael Pritchard, Comedian, Motivational Speaker
"The Shortest Distance between Two People is a Good Laugh!"

May 27, 2016
Joe Hasson,VP & GM, Graton Resort & Casino
"Secrets of a How A Casino Runs"

Jun 03, 2016
Denis Mulligan, GM Golden Gate Bridge & Hwy
"An Overview of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District"

Jun 10, 2016
Dan Howard
"The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary"

Jun 17, 2016
Wendy Trowbridge
"The Laguna Foundation"

View entire list

Sebastopol Rotary Club 2015-2016 Board Meeting

Rick's house

May 10, 2016 5:30 PM

Interclub Bocce Ball Tournament, BBQ & Family Day

Juilliard Park

Jun 11, 2016
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Sebastopol Rotary Club 2015-2016 Board Meeting

Jun 14, 2016 5:30 PM