The Splinter - Archive  Nov 24, 2009

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 CLUB 470 * DISTRICT 5160  *  ORGANIZED APRIL 29, 1926                   MEETING DATE:  November 24, 2009

www.rotary5160.org                                                                                    ww.woodlandrotary.org

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Today's Meeting 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

President Bob welcomed a good crowd to today’s meeting on a bright autumn day.

Christian Sherrill led the Club in the Pledge while Mark Werum got a smooth rendition of Rotary Grace going.

President Bob shared some inspiration he found in an article in the latest Rotarian magazine (Maasai Warrior Behind 9/11 Gift to Begin Peace Fellowship; December 2009, page 13). The story is about a then pre-med student from Kenya who happened to be in New York on September 11, 2001. The student returned home and shared his firsthand account of that fateful day with his East African tribe. Deeply moved by his story, Maasai elders felt compelled to do something. They decided to send a herd of 14 cows to the United States as a gesture of compassion. After the US State Department determined the cost of importing the cows exceeded the monetary value of the herd, the tribe decided to keep them for the Americans, setting the cows apart and vowing never to slaughter or sell them. The student, now a Rotary World Peace Fellow, said “Rotary International embodies what I believe in my heart: that using compassion can help solve problems”.

Visiting Rotarians 

Carla Sanborn announced Steve Bick (Davis), Dave Reed (Luna Vista) were in attendance. Charlene Schaffer (Luna Vista) arrived later.

Guests of Rotarians

Don Huff III introduced FFA student Madison Keyes, as well as his son Adam Huff.

Announcements

President Bob invited Madison Keyes, a local FFA (Future Farmers of America) student, to the podium where she thanked the Club for attending the Yolo County Fair and purchasing FFA animals. Madison admitted to being a nervous first-timer this year and was much relieved when the goat she had raised was purchased by our Club. The proceeds have gone to her college savings. She hopes to get into the agriculture industry someday. Meanwhile, Madison presented the Club with a gift basket as a token of her appreciation. Don Huff III indicated Bob Dorris along with other strong Club supporters have raised between $4,000-$5,000 annually as a pool of funds to make purchases supporting FFA.

Our District Governor Earl Kilmer will be attending our Club’s December 1^st meeting.  President Bob urged everyone to attend saying he would personally donate $100 to our Endowment Fund if the Club has 100% attendance that day.

Charlene Schaffer reminded us that the annual Rotary Club Christmas party, organized this year by the Luna Vista Club, will be held Friday, December 4^th at the Yolo Fliers Club. Cocktails will be served beginning at 6pm, dinner at 7pm. $35 per person. Dona Mast is taking our sign-ups now.

Due to our participation in the Christmas Party, there will be no regular Club meeting on Tuesday, December 8^th.

Donations for the Christmas Toy Program benefitting deserving Woodland boys and girls are due by December 11^th. This program is organized by the Kylee Lillich Charitable Giving Tree, Inc. (www.kyleesgivingtree.org) through the Woodland School District. Our District contact is Debi Sterling. President Bob urged us to bring donations of toys for boys or girls (i.e. new basketballs, footballs, Barbi dolls, bake sets, etc.) to next week’s Club meeting or to the Rotary Christmas Party. Checks made out to Kylee Lillich Charitable Giving Tree will also be accepted.

President Bob announced that work to replace the Rotary Park shade structure will begin the weekend of December 12-13. Volunteers with carpentry skills, or just general laborers, who can work then are asked to call Bob as soon as possible.

The Club has been asked if we would like to provide any volunteers to serve as bell ringers for the Salvation Army this holiday season. President Bob asked if any Club member was interested. After none were found, Bob said he would take no further action on the idea.

Standing in for Chuck Maltese, Kevin Haarberg said 'the Curmudgeons' (aka past Presidents group) will be meeting at his (Kevin's) home at 6pm Monday, December 7th to discuss nominations for next year's Club officer and Board seats. Liquid refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, December 5^th is Rotary Day at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley at 11am.

The Reno train trip is scheduled for January 24-25, 2010. Tabb Randolph reported at least 4 people from our Club have signed up so far. We have 8 slots to fill for that event. Contact Tabb if you are interested in attending.

Birthdays

Kevin Haarberg celebrated his birthday today and the Club sang its heart out for him. Kevin did not disclose how old he was, nor where he was born (somewhere in the frozen tundra), but he did say he was delivered by Tom Brokaw’s father in law. Hmmm.

Anniversaries 

Ben Pate and Michiko celebrated their 8^th anniversary (Woodland) on November 21 with a trip to Maui. Herb Chandler and Iona celebrated their 63^rd anniversary (Reno) on October 23. Mahlon Whittle and Jan will celebrate their 20^th anniversary (Woodland) on November 29^th. Mahlon was heard to say “Gee, 20 years already!!!” What a husband!

Recognition

Dan Stroski did the duty today. He set a stern tone by starting with fines for all attending Club members who were not wearing their badges; whiners were fined twice. He then asked a series of Thanksgiving trivia questions of Mark Werum, Don Huff III, David Janes, Peter Faye and George Berrettoni with limited success. Peter remarked that he once saw a flock of turkeys that reminded him of Stanford rooters. With some amount of glee Bob Moeller noted that FDR has once tried unsuccessfully to move the date of Thanksgiving’s celebration.

Visiting Rotarian Steve Bick was thankful for a Virgin Island vacation he recently took through a Rotary Auction purchase. Don Huff III was happy his son recently learned that he had passed the bar exam. A couple of attending Cal alums were happy with their Big Game win.

Mahlon Whittle and President Bob were happy with Sac State’s win in the Causeway Classic. Philosophical UCD alum David Janes paid his debt. Gary Wirth is looking forward to the December 3^rd meeting of Oregon and Oregon State to determine which one will play in the Rose Bowl.

Rags to Riches

With the pot at $529, visiting Rotarian Steve Bick got a free lunch.

Today’s Program

Standing in for Carey Sullivan, Dona Mast introduced Celina Alveraz, Volunteer Services Coordinator and Counselor for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center. Celina opened by thanking the Club for its recent donation toward the exterior repainting of the Old Maxwell School which the Center hopes to occupy as its offices beginning next Spring. Since its start in 1977, the Center’s mission has been to eliminate sexual assault and domestic violence in Yolo County through sensitive prevention, intervention and treatment. Specific services include a 24 hour crisis phone line, emergency victim shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal services, education and outreach. Celina noted that the Center sees a current increase in the number of victims within the County, mostly women and children, especially during the winter season. The Center receives funding from a variety of grants and very welcome donations from the community. Volunteers are accepted upon completion of a 65 hour peer counseling certification training program which is offered twice annually. Celina indicated the Center is currently seeking to be more accessible in the community. More information about the Center can be obtained at their Crisis Line: 530 662-1133.

Upcoming Programs

Dec 1 – District Governor Earl Kilmer

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