Volume XXII
Number 6

Tuesday
Mar. 28, 2006

Coming Programs Every Tuesday Mar 28 Dorothy Lind Salmon and Beth Carmichael CVB (County Visitors Bureau) Apr 4 John Tutor Paper Trail? How to record the vote because now it's electronic. Apr 11 Wayne Leong Sulphur Creek flood restoration flood control. Apr 18 Kati Lynn Hungarian Revolution (Care of Steve Yost) Apr 25 David Duddles Robert Louis Stephenson (Care of Donn Black) Coming Events April 1, '06 District Assembly College of the Redwoods Fortuna, CA May 19-21, '06 District Conference Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa Kelseyville, CA Birthdays Mar 10 Al Albright Mar 10 Steve Yost Mar 12 Bill Word Mar 18 Jim Haslip Mar 19 Charles Bell Mar 19 Dick Osborn Mar 23 Kathy Zelazny Mar 24 David Rice Mar 25 Robert Herrick Wedding Anniversaries Mar 10 Steve Ebersole (Sharon) Mar 12 Norm Alumbaugh (Gwen) Mar 15 Tim Coon (Teresa) Mar 22 Richard Shurtz (Barbara) Mar 30 Beverly & Servaas Mes Mar 30 Bob Trinchero (Evalyn) Club Anniversaries Mar 1, 1991 Elaine John Mar 1, 1960 James Lider Mar 1, 2005 Erick Risch Mar 30, 2004 Steve Ebersole

TODAY'S PROGRAM:
MEASURE H
By Doug Durward
 

JONATHAN BRIANO

CHARLOTTE WILLIAMSON

JOHN SALES

March 14, 2006 Meeting
 

GUESTS:

Jonathan Briano brought his friend (and possible future family member?) Doug Thompson.

Tony Albright introduced his friends Ed and Jim.

Charles Bell had the pleasure of new wife's company at the meeting.

Steve Yost welcomed his wife Barbara and his visiting family members Norma and Chrissy.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Jim Ryan announced that the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will take place on April 20, 2006. They are looking for teams and sponsors. Credit cards are accepted.

Charlotte Williamson announced that the "yellow team is on again."  The run for research is set for April 23, 2006, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Hotel reservations are currently being made.

Suzan Rada told the meeting that the Farmworker's Committee is putting together a Cinco De Mayo Golf Tournament, currently set for May 5, 2006 at Silverado.

John Sales reminded the group that anyone who is interested in learning about how Rotary works should accompany him to an assembly in Fortuna on April 1st. New members are encouraged to attend.

Measure H ... Continued

PHIL TOOHEY

BILL WORD Club President 2005-2006

Phil Toohey clarified an earlier statement he had made by affirming that Rotary works closely with the UN; however, it does not have a seat. He also announced that an all-members club get-together is scheduled for May 7, 2006 at Crane Park from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. There will be food and wine tasting and all are invited.

President Bill Word reminded the group that all persons are invited to attend the Board of Director's meetings. The next Board of Director's meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2006 at 12:00 (noon) at the Carnegie Building.

It was also announced that the St. Helena Rotary Club will co-host an event where attendees will be able to speak with members of the Napa Valley Symphony. There is no cost to attend and all are invited to enjoy themselves at Merryvale Vineyards on April 2, 2006 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

STEVE YOST

BEVERLY DAVIES-MES

Bell Ringers:

Steve Yost celebrated visits from his family and donated $25 each for his "wonderful wife Barbara", his "wonderful sister-in-law Norma" (visiting from New York), and his "beloved sister Chrissy" (visiting from Maryland).
 

Charles Bell donated $100.00 in celebration and in honor of his new wife.
 

Beverly Davies-Mes celebrated that her husband Servaas Mes was in Tacoma making a presentation to over 150 physicians who will be treating victims from the war in Iraq, by ringing in $100.00.

PAUL KRSEK

DONN BLACK

FINEMASTER:
PAUL KRSEK

Paul Krsek acknowledged the major impact that the Winter Ball has had on the club, its direction and its effectiveness in its mission. After fining Norm Alumbaugh for having been randomly given the #1 designation on the Rotary roster, he also fined him for not knowing that this year was the 16th year that the Winter Ball had been held. In what was later admitted to being a conspiracy to target newer members about the history of the club, finemaster Krsek started by calling Christopher Lynch's name and asking him if he knew who founded the original Winter Ball. In a win for the newcomers, Chris answered correctly, but got fined anyway. Donn Black, Doug Durward, Charlotte Williamson and Gary Jaffe all found themselves with $20.00 fines for their sometimes spotty knowledge of obscure footnotes in the Club's history.
 

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AWARDS GIVEN:

KATHLEEN PATTERSON

The efforts and participation of the members of St. Helena Rotary Club garnered honors and recognition from Rotary International recently. In bestowing the medallions listed below, our club and members were recognized for their efforts and contributions to the community and abroad during the period in which Kathleen Patterson served as our capable president and leader. Current President Bill Word congratulated Kathleen for her leadership and was able to present the following honors:

Presidential Citation – earned by the club
and accepted by Kathleen Patterson

Centennial Award – presented to the club
for its work on Centennial Park

Bronze Medallion – Club Bulletin
(Polly Keegan)

Silver Medallion – Youth Service
(Roger Adams)

Measure H ... Continued

Silver Medallion – Vocational Service
(Lisa Marie Andersen)

Silver Medallion – Club Service
( Steve Yost)

Silver Medallion – Club Website
(Tony Albright)

Silver Medallion – Centennial Project
(Jeff Epps/Rob Andreae)

Gold Medallion – International Service
(Jake Scheideman)

Gold Medallion – Community Service
(Jim Haslip)
 

RAFFLE:

Jonathan Briano had the lucky ticket, but not the lucky hand as the black marble was not drawn.

Beverly Davies-Mes and Michael Thomas also had their numbers drawn for the runner-up prizes.

JONATHAN BRIANO     BEVERLY DAVIES-MES MIKE THOMAS

PROGRAM: MEASURE H PRESENTATION
 

MIKE ZDON

St. Helena Rotary welcomed Mike Zdon, the Executive Director of the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency, who gave a presentation on Measure H – a ballot measure set for the June 6th ballot. Also attending the presentation was Liz Marks who is running the campaign behind Measure H.

Measure H is a proposal to increase the Napa County sales tax from the current 7.75% level to 8.25% for the next 30 years in order to fund many different transportation issues confronting drivers in this county. Mr. Zdon reports that he has been working on this proposition for nearly two years and has carefully listened to the concerns of county citizens so as to address the most-pressing transportation issues. Based on his research, he concluded that the major issues are: safety, road maintenance, congestion, senior mobility and funding.
 

Safety:

Jamieson Canyon is among the top safety concerns for county residents. 14 people die every year, and 2.4 accidents are reported each day, on this relatively short span of highway. Research was also conducted so as to identify other high accident areas in the County. Among other findings, it was discovered that 28% of all morning driving trips are school related, meaning that many vehicles are in school zones and child safety needs to be addressed.
 

Road Maintenance:

Mr. Zdon reports that Napa County ranks as the second worst county in the entire Bay Area when it comes to road maintenance. Although only mild population growth is predicted, it could add up to a 25% increase over the next 30 years, causing more congestion and stress to our roadways. And, outpacing our population growth is job growth, meaning that many are commuting to Napa County for employment and using the roads on a daily basis. It is predicted that the whole south part of Napa County will soon reach "Level F" congestion.

Measure H ... Continued

Senior Transportation:

It is predicted that the senior population in Napa County will double over the next thirty years, causing the demand for senior transportation alternatives to rise dramatically.

Funding:

According to Mr. Zdon, all of the above needs cannot be met through existing funding, which primarily comes from the gas tax. Enacted in 1990, the gas tax has not been increased to allow for inflation and the resulting dollars are not enough to make the necessary repairs and improvements. Exacerbating this fact is the reality that vehicles have become more fuel efficient. Although good for the environment, it creates a reduction in gas purchases and reduces the dollars the County receives from the gas tax. Mr. Zdon estimated that the gap between what is funded and what is needed is approximately $33 million annually.

This measure would make us a "self-help" county and would qualify Napa County for additional State and Federal funds. Napa is currently one of only three counties in the Bay Area that is not designated with a "self-help" status.

What Measure H will do:

Mr. Zdon reports that 66% of the tax increase will go to road maintenance, 28% will go to Jamieson Canyon, and 6% will go to other transportation needs, including but not limited to: $14 million to develop and expand safe routes to schools (sidewalks and bike lanes); $10 million for senior transportation issues, including door-to-door VINE transport services; $2 million will go to fund Napa Express; and $2 million will be spent on a commuter reduction plan. Mr. Zdon estimates that $36.5 million will be used for St. Helena road issues, effectively doubling our city's road maintenance expenditures. Once the roads have been improved, the money received by the tax will go to other projects, such as synchronizing traffic lights, constructing roundabouts, building sidewalks and bikepaths and improving Main Street drainage issues.

Mr. Zdon expressed that many taxpayer safeguards are also included in the measure, including audits and effectiveness reviews. He does not know of any opposition to the measure.

If you have questions of the measure, he invites you to call 707-259-8631 or to email MeasureHinfo@nctpa.net. He is also looking for campaign volunteers and would be interested in hearing from anyone interested in promoting Measure H.
 

TODAY'S PROGRAM:
NAPA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
By Gene Armstead

FATHER MAC

JIM WRIGHT

REX STULTS

CHARLOTTE WILLIAMSON

March 21, 2006. Tuesday's meeting was called to order promptly at 12:15 by President Bill Word, and an inspirational invocation was offered by Father Mac.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

President Bill announced that a gift of Girl Scout cookies was delivered by Sarah Cakebread, and the cookies were destined to be a raffle prize. (And soon were.)

Jim Wright asked for two more golfers for the Chamber of Commerce's Starr Baldwin Golf Tournament.
 

Tim Doran announced that on April 6^th, there will be a reception with Conductor Asher Raboy of the Napa Valley Symphony at Merryvale Vineyards. It will be sponsored by our club and the Kiwanis Club and will mark the 75^th Anniversary of the Napa Symphony. Call Tim for additional info.
 

Rex Stults announced that there will be informational meetings for Leadership Napa Valley this week and Thursday of next week (3/30) in Calistoga. Leadership Napa Valley is a great way to find out "how the Valley works." It's patterned after other very successful programs around the country. Call Rex.
 

Charlotte Williamson reminded us to Join the Yellow Team for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 5K Walk/Run, Sunday, April 23, at Crissy Field in San Francisco. Toni Heydlauff has arranged for great room rates at Hotel Majestic and the hotel is donating 10% of each reservation to the MMRF.

BILL WORD Club President 2005-2006

David Moreland announced that there were still a few items that had been left at the Winter Ball. If you're still missing anything, check with David.
 

John Sales reminded us of the up-coming District Assembly on April 1^st. Please make your reservations soon.
 

Norm Alumbaugh has tickets for the NEWS dinner at Silverado. See Norm for those tix or for additional information.
 

President Bill reminded us of the District Conference at Konocti Harbor on the weekend of May 19^th -21^st . More information is on the District web site. Rumor has it that you should make room reservations soon or miss out on great rates. President Bill read a thank you from Pam McCollough that included a check for a memorial at Centennial Park.
 

ED BEARD

DAVID MORELAND

Suzan Rada lauded Father Mac for running the Napa Marathon, finishing in 4:19. Fr Mac said he was happy with his time, even though it was two hours too slow for Boston.
 

Visiting Rotarian Lee Broad from Napa gave a brief presentation on the Boy Scouts. During his talk, he eked confessions from Ed Beard and David Moreland that they were Eagle Scouts. Lee said that there will be an informational lunch at Silverado Brewery on April 3 on the Boy Scouts, and that everyone is invited. It will be a fund-raiser; pay what you'd like, but remember that it costs about $160 to fund one Boy Scout for one year.
 

Raffle:

David Moreland drew the lucky black marble, with $100 going towards his Paul Harris.

Napa County Office of Education ... Continued

CAROL SOBCZAK

FINEMASTER:
Carol Sobczak

Bell Ringers by: Jeff Epps – he's a grandfather; Alan Fowler for Doug Ernst and mention in the Discover St. Helena section; Joel Toller for his untimely notice of an e-mail scam; and Norm Alumbaugh for a favorable article in Sunset Magazine for his merlot. Step-in Finemaster Carol Sobczak managed to nick several members for forgetting to sign in before the meeting. She also fined Charles Bell, Doug Ernst and Polly Keegan for not paying attention during the announcements.
 

ALAN FOWLER DOUG ERNST     JOEL TOLLER NORM ALUMBAUGH     CHARLES BELL POLLY KEEGAN

PROGRAM: NAPA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
 

The main speaker was Rotarian Barbara Nemko, who answered the common question of "What is the Napa County Office of Education?" Essentially, the Napa County Office of Education (NCOE) is the local school agency established by the California State constitution to perform a number of important educational functions. Its 175 employees serve over 2400 students each year in a wide range of programs. The NCOE is different from the five school districts in Napa County. The districts offer school programs for children in kindergarten through high school classes while the County Office is a multifaceted agency mandated by the State constitution to act (1) as a go-between the State Department of Education and local school districts, and as a State-empowered monitor of district personnel and fiscal practices, (2) as a staff training and curriculum support system for district instructional and business functions (particularly to small upvalley districts), and (3) as a provider of specialized school programs that are most efficiently administered on a countywide basis.
 

These programs include ROP career training classes in all high schools, six child development centers for low income families, special education services for all infants and preschoolers with disabilities, and court and community school programs for children incarcerated, on probation, or expelled from district schools. The NCOE obtains grants for countywide services and coordinates a variety of community leadership efforts including staff support for the Napa Commission on Children, Youth and Families and the Napa Child Care Council. The seven person County Board of Education and the County Superintendent of Schools are elected on the basis of countywide election every four years.
 

Barbara also gave an explanation of how schools are scored, both by the State and the feds, but you had to be there. Her presentation can't possibly be replicated here, and distillation wouldn't do it justice.
 

Barbara also gave a plug for Dreamweavers, a local theatrical group of which she is a board member, which she said is immensely enjoyable and affordable.
 

Notwithstanding the large amount of information that was presented and exchanged during the meeting, President Bill rang the final bell at 1:30 PM.