The flag salute was led by Friend of Rotary, Lynda Puccinelli.
Keller McDonald promised a dramatic moment, one that would end concerns about the extended drought --and all it would take is an enthusiastic choir singing “White Christmas”. Keller modestly predicted that president-elect David Schreibman would garner international credit for this musical brain child (that is, Keller giving himself a parachute) and a Rotary International award would follow shortly turning that term. How convincing was our wondering minstrel? Well, everyone gave it a musical shot. Since it’s been months since Sebastopol has seen a good drenching and years since the last snow, time will tell.
Steve Prandini gave the Thoughts for the Day, all centered around love;
“Fear less, hope more, whine less, breathe more.
Talk less, say more.
Hate less, love more --and all good things are yours’.”
-a Swedish Proverb
“Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
-Mother Teresa
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous or conceited or proud. Love is not selfish or irritable.
Love does not keep records of wrongs. It is not happy with evil, but is happy with truth. Love never gives up and it’s faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal.”
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Dewey Watson, formerly of the Sebastopol Sunrise Rotary Club but still very involved in the community, joined today’s gathering.
Jeff Boal introduced his much better half, Jean.
Bob Hirsch introduced his house guest, Pat Gilmore; she is a world traveler with stays in Massachusetts and Argentina --and Sebastopol?
Jack Dunlap introduced his wife Ruthie.
Guenter Meiberg introduced his spouse Elaine.
Business Tag Team Presentation
THE PREZ’S LATEST INNOVATION --AND IT’S FREE OF FINES (for now)
Yes, it’s THE ROTARY TAG TEAM….where Sebastopol Rotarians share unique, exciting experiences with the club (even when those experiences include Frank Mayhew).
For those not present, now you know our presenter, Kathie Mayhew. And how could this program not include Kathie?
A childhood in southern California --as a Blue Bird --and teen time in San Luis Obispo was a foreshadowing of things to come in Rotary. Her first family included three children in that neck of the woods. Later she found her way to Paso Robles and Atascadero (and where the heck is Creston?). Kathie was part of a community that thrived on team work and healthy farming and natural products.
All of those good habits seemed to disappear in 1994 when, after a long engagement, Kathie married Frank. Their wedding up here should have given her a clue; a hectic ceremony including a pool dousing --all in the name of cleaning the frosting that once was part of the wedding cake. OK, the Mayhews have seen the world, done many wonderful deeds, but it was hard not to focus on the photos from that ceremony.
At about this time the Mayhews shared their talents and energy with the rest of the world; nine years with ‘Project Ammigo’ in Mexico…stays in Argentina and Uganda….27 countries in all, with one simple mantra: “Make a difference’.”
While making that difference in so many ways, Kathie came up with an awakening that brings everyone together: “We all want the same things for our families.” To underline that thought, Kathie’s kids convinced her to take an international DNA test sponsored by National Geographic. While sharing a photo of one of her closest international friends, a dark-skinned woman from east Uganda, Kathie noted that she shared similar DNA with this person --despite all the external differences one might notice at first.
In closing, Kathie reminded all that another trip to Uganda is right around the corner --and a great experience awaits! Sign up now!
NOTE:Kathie chose (as are Rick’s Rules) to tag Tom Lambert as the next ‘player’ (and Tom can’t use the next two ‘dark’ Fridays as an excuse to avoid this opportunity).
A New Red Badge
A new RED BADGER --Jim Raffini earned this honor; it was noted that he did so in (possibly) record time!!!
Announcements
Dorothy Rodella took the stage/podium to honor three members with Paul Harris awards. The recipients are Tom Boag (Paul Harris plus three), Larry Ford (Paul Harris plus six) and Yvette Williams Van Aggelen (Paul Harris plus seven, and membership in the Paul Harris Society (committing to a $1000 gift each year).
President-elect David Schreibman shared the new tri-fold publication for Sebastopol Rotary. This concise work highlights the many programs and projects the club takes on, the benefits for the community (as well as throughout the world) and the opportunities to join up. David incorporated many of the ideas and thoughts of current members as he spent considerable time picking our brains, one-on-one, recently.
Guest Dewey Watson spoke about the Park Side School free-food program, noting the need to help provide grains, vegetables and fruits to needy, local families. He pointed out that poverty is a growing issue in Sonoma County, a population increase from 10% needy in 2010 to almost 13% today. Park Side’s need continues to grow: currently there are 48 bags given out each week, but students and parents can only participate every other week. He noted that the school could easily use another 24 bags a week next year. Simply put, he said there is a growing, huge demand. Our club has been a partner in this program since its inception--with Sebastopol Sunrise.
He also noted that there are opportunities to participate. Currently, there are four to seven volunteers a week who help with the collection and distribution (the majority of the helpers are retired teachers and employees from the school.) The program is also supported by the Sonoma County Redwood food bank.
Community Grants
Reminder: We are accepting applications for Community Grants through January.
Recognition
Les Crawford was able to share a touching and cute photo of his new grand-daughter, Madeline.
If ‘cuteness’ a criteria for setting the size of a fine, it would have been costly. As it is, Les did make a significant pledge on behalf of his daughter.
The Raffle
The raffle ‘drought’ finally ended, the grand prize eluding the last four meetings (and four losing cards). Brad Benedetti picked a winner --and promptly turned his $100 prize over to Dewey’s food/meal program.
Ron Puccinelli introduced today’s speaker, Sebastopol Fire Department Chief Bill Braga. The two worked together in Sebastopol for years, but kept their focus on the day’s topic (well, Bill did, anyway --Ron was chomping at the bit with many stories to tell…can’t wait ‘til someone tags our 2014-15 president.)
Bill is a rarity, a life-long Sebastopolian who married his Analy High sweetheart. The chief started his career (SRJC graduate) in law enforcement and concluded after a few years ago that it was much more rewarding to be in the fire protection/safety profession. However, one highlight in police work was a traffic ticket issued to Brad Benedetti (?).
The Chief shared many stories and observations regarding the past, present and future of the department. As only the third paid fire chief in Sebastopol history, Bill noted that in the all-volunteer days the staff had to make tremendous sacrifices, financially and family-related….not to mention the risks. And many of today’s volunteers must take courses to be qualified and certified.
Bill is just the third paid fire chief in the town’s history. There hasn’t been much he hasn’t seen and there’s not a structure he couldn’t find in a flash. However, he noted that his job includes conducting commercial inspections 350-to-400 times a year. He also pointed out that 65-to-70% of the emergency calls the department receives are related to medical emergencies. Of the many volunteer fire departments within a large area beyond just Sebastopol, Bill is especially proud of the training and certification programs that Sebastopol has offered to the almost-all volunteer force.
27 families have smiles on their face thanks to the generosity of all Rotarians, Interactors (and Teacher Advisors), and Vanguard Realtors.
It was great to see so many Rotarians drop by and help out the Interact elves yesterday. A special thank you to Santa Rick Wilson and his elves for bringing so many smiles to the children and also to all of the Reindeer drivers: Hal, Mia, Bob and Peg, Jack and Ruth, and Torrey (with his supersized sled).
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troduced his house guest, Pat Gilmore; she is a world traveler with stays in Massachusetts and Argentina --and Sebastopol?
For those not present, now you know our presenter, Kathie Mayhew. And how could this program not include Kathie?
While making that difference in so many ways, Kathie came up with an awakening that brings everyone together: “We all want the same things for our families.” To underline that thought, Kathie’s kids convinced her to take an international DNA test sponsored by National Geographic. While sharing a photo of one of her closest international friends, a dark-skinned woman from east Uganda, Kathie noted that she shared similar DNA with this person --despite all the external differences one might notice at first.
A new RED BADGER --Jim Raffini earned this honor; it was noted that he did so in (possibly) record time!!!
orothy Rodella took the stage/podium to honor three members with Paul Harris awards. The recipients are Tom Boag (Paul Harris plus three), Larry Ford (Paul Harris plus six) and Yvette Williams Van Aggelen (Paul Harris plus seven, and membership in the Paul Harris Society (committing to a $1000 gift each year)..JPG)
Guest Dewey Watson spoke about the Park Side School free-food program, noting the need to help provide grains, vegetables and fruits to needy, local families. He pointed out that poverty is a growing issue in Sonoma County, a population increase from 10% needy in 2010 to almost 13% today. Park Side’s need continues to grow: currently there are 48 bags given out each week, but students and parents can only participate every other week. He noted that the school could easily use another 24 bags a week next year. Simply put, he said there is a growing, huge demand. Our club has been a partner in this program since its inception--with Sebastopol Sunrise.
Les Crawford was able to share a touching and cute photo of his new grand-daughter, Madeline.
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