Volume XVIII
Number 10

Tuesday
Sept. 3, 2002

Teachers' Barbeque

On Friday, August 23 ^rd, St. Helena Rotary hosted its annual Teachers' Barbeque in Crane Park. Held each year for the faculty and staff of St. Helena's schools, the Barbeque is Rotary's way of honoring the work and commitment of the men and women who teach our children. This year, more than 180 Rotarians and school employees turned out for the party – making it one of the most successful ever. Vocational Service Director Hendrik Smeding organized the event, catered this year by our friends at the Silverado Brewing Company.

Rotary Meeting Notes -- August 27, 2002
by Dave Brotemarkle and Jake Scheideman

Pictured L-R: President Jeff Epps, Jorge Tinoco, Jake Scheideman, and Tila Tinoco

August 27^th was a special day at St. Helena Rotary. Jake Scheideman brought Jorge & Tila Tinoco from Nicauragua to the Rotary Meeting to meet all those people who have made a difference in his community and in his life. Jorge and Tila were Jake's special guests at the Citizens of the Year banquet – but Jake also felt it very important to give Jorge and Tila the opportunity to say thanks to Rotary and perhaps learn and understand more about what we do.

Jorge was eloquent, as usual, and spoke (thru an interpreter) of how his community knows the Rotary Sign from the baseball stadium but now he knows the "People". He did not quite grasp the "international" membership aspect until now, but he knows he has brothers in St Helena. He told us that the kids cannot wait for their new Playground that Jake and the Club have committed to build this year. 

Jeff Epps presented him with an Honorary Rotarian Pin to top off the 10 minute speech. Jorge and Tila both feel great pride being here and have been overwhelmed by the great kindness they have received this week. Many found it hard to believe that on Monday he would be back to cooking over an open fire and washing all clothes by hand in a loud and noisy house of 12 people. (Not to mention his latrine facilities.) This will be a trip that he will cherish for the rest of his life. Jake extended his thanks to St Helena Rotary for making Jorge and Tila feel so special on Tuesday, which was also his 58th birthday .

Somewhat appropriately, Denise Steiner and one of her colleagues were our guests for the regular program. They spoke to the club about the effort they put forth to obtain new playground equipment for Crane Park. The existing equipment has not been in good repair for some time. The new playground equipment will bring Crane Park into ADA compliance and create a beautiful environment for children.

Tim Coon Community Services Director 2002-2003

The pair shared the terrific news that all monies had been raised and the playground equipment ordered. Sign up sheets were distributed in an effort to solicit assistance with the installation of the equipment. The Kiwanis Club has offered help and the speakers would like some of our members to join with them to help with the installation. The sign up sheets were distributed around. Those wanting to help can contact Tim Coon, Community Services Director.

Golf Fellowship
By Colin Ware

On Thursday, August 15^th, a group of St. Helena Rotarians journeyed South to Vallejo for the first Golf Fellowship outing of the year. The destination was the shuttered naval shipyard on Mare Island. One of the Bay Area's least known, yet most challenging and interesting courses lies at the south end of the island, winding through historic buildings and old ammunition bunkers.

The course dates back to the 1890s, and five of the holes are among the oldest west of the Mississippi. This is evident in the large trees that line their fairways, the very small greens – pretty much the size of pie plates from 150 yards out. The new holes are stunning additions, including five signature links holes on the back nine that offer unbelievable views of the Bay.

The drive up to the course is in itself, almost worth the price of admission. During the Second World War, as many as 40,000 service men and women and civilians worked at the Shipyard, and the ghostly buildings, some dating back to the turn of the century, are a silent reminder of the Island's place in our country's history.

Past District Governor Franz Wartenweiler joined eight other St. Helena Rotarians on the links. Others out for the day included Miles Metzger, Alan Fowler, Dale Smith, Steve Yost, Jerry McQuiddy, Mike Thomas, Colin Ware and William Thompson.

Past District Governor Franz Wartenweiler
Miles Metzger	Alan Fowler	Dale Smith	Steve Yost
Jerry McQuiddy	Mike Thomas	Colin Ware	William Thompson

Miles Metzger was the big winner, claiming both the lowest gross and net, along with the closest to the pin on the uphill par 3. Colin Ware came away with the longest drive, though, there was some controversy as a certain sculptor claimed not to have seen the marker in the fairway because his ball was hit so far down the long-par five that he believes he drove right past it…

Dinner followed at Pizza Azzurro in Napa where much fellowship ensued, fueled by the wonderful hand tossed pizzas, fresh salads and copious wine.

The next golf outing is the St. Helena Hospital Golf Tournament on September 16^th. A trip to the Presidio in San Francisco is being planned for October.

Home  |  Leadership  |  Make Up Clubs  |  Calendar  |  Newsletter  |  Winter Ball  |  District 5130  |  Rotary International  |  Archives  |  Contact Us

Copyright 2003 - St. Helena Rotary Club - www.sthelenarotary.org