Volume XIX
Number 27

Tuesday
July 8, 2003

PRESIDENT PHIL TOOHEY'S DEBUT
By Michael Njo

Phil Toohey Club President 2003-2004

On June 24, the meeting started with the usual formalities with our incoming President Phil Toohey .  President Toohey led the invocation, a possible second calling.

The Fine Master was Joel Toller. Being that this was the last day for fines, Joel systematically picked off the remaining fellow Rotarians and assessed them the balance of their fines for this year. Ranges of fines varied; however, some will have to work very hard throughout the summer to pay for their fines.
 

MUSIC CAN IMPACT OUR LIVES -- LET US START WITH OUR CHILDREN

Grant Showley Napa Valley Youth Symphony

Our speaker was Grant Showley. Grant has lived in St. Helena since the early 90's when he brought his restaurant and catering business from Newport Beach. He opened a restaurant, Showley's, where Cindy's Back Street Kitchen is now located. Grant has been a very involved citizen, which is what has brought him to our organization today. He shared with the group his other passion, music, and his desire to bring music to the youth of our town. Grant is actively involved with the Napa Valley Youth Symphony. He shared personal stories of how much music has affected his life as well as the lives of others. At the Youth Symphony's inception, 45 children began practicing at PUC and now they practice at Napa High School. We all enjoyed the video he brought showing his Alma Mater. It was heartwarming to hear and see the youngsters share what positive influence music has been in their lives.

President Phil Toohey's new Board of Directors comprises a healthy mix of proven holdovers from last year and new doers eager to contribute.

Carryovers who know the ropes and will be able to help the new members in many ways include:

• Jeff Epps as Past President
• Mike Thomas as Secretary
• Nick Bermudez as Sergeant at Arms
• Jerry McQuiddy for Special Projects
• Joel Toller for Winter Ball
• Jake Scheideman for International Service
• Don Scully for Youth Services
• Kathie Patterson as President-Elect

President Phil's goals are well displayed on our web site, and his three pillars of World Peace, Service to our Community and Support for our Youth will be well served by this experienced and energetic new Board. Let's all give them an eager sendoff and all the help we can along the way.

President Phil Toohey's Goals

There are three things that the St. Helena Rotary has worked a lifetime to achieve and has a deep and abiding love for. The first is world peace through understanding. The second is the love of our own community and the third is the love for our young adults. It is only fitting that as President I embrace these ideals and work hard through our Board to further promote their benefit.

My goals this year are to:

Promote world peace through understanding by working with the Rotary Club of Katmandu, Nepal to personally deliver 580 wheelchairs to their needy in a joint club effort. We will continue our work with Jake Scheideman and his Nicaraguan project. We will be sending out and receiving a foreign exchange student and continuing to support Rotoplast.

The love of our community continues with our Winter Ball fundraiser. As a benefit to our local Boys and Girls Club we will attempt to raise the bar beyond the $300,000.00 of last year to help those in need with Homework Club and a safe place for after school programs. We will be putting on a new roof to the Red Cross office and continuing our swim free day with the high school pool program.

Our Centennial program will be community-based as we landscape the front of historic Vintage Hall and honor one of our past Rotary presidents in the Don Heydlauff Memorial Garden.

The love of ours for our young adults will be through scholarship funds, Junior Achievement, Interact Club, RYLA Camp, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Napa Valley Schools Foundation, to name a few.

Fellowship at VENUE
By Wendell Laidley

President Phil Toohey wasted no time in establishing Fellowship as a priority for his Administration. On July 1, Theresa Engelstad and her business partner, Susan Vick, hosted a beautifully catered gathering at their new VENUE store at 1424 Main Street among gracious home furnishings (offered at a discount for Rotarians for a little while longer).

Former President Jeff Epps was back from Hawaii, and many members brought spouses in a relaxing and informal atmosphere that fostered easy camaraderie. Many commented how much they enjoyed the event, suggesting President Phil is right that members might like more of the same.

Tim Coon was disappointed there was no lottery he could win, but others who had been nailed the previous week were relieved there was no Fine Master, particularly one as ruthless as Joel Toller had been.  While few items of business were raised, the meeting was a rousing success enjoyed by all.

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