Volume XXII
Number 14

Tuesday
Sept. 19, 2006

Coming Programs Every Tuesday Sept. 19 Erna Stevenson District Governor's Visit Sept. 26 Phil Toohey Wheelchair Project Coming Events Oct. 14 Foundation Recognition - South Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma, CA Oct. 28 Foundation Dinner - North Adorni Center Eureka, CA Birthdays Sept. 2 Elaine John Sept. 11 Wendell Dinwiddie Sept. 14 Margo Kennedy Sept. 15 Suzan Rada Sept. 18 Gene Armstead Sept. 20 David Moreland Sept. 22 Beverly Davies-Mes Sept. 26 Mike Thomas Wedding Anniversaries Sept. 1 Robert Hoffman (Elaine) Sept. 4 Frank Toller (Colleen) Sept. 7 Albert Albright (Marilyn) Sept. 9 Kelly Crane (Patricia) Sept. 14 William Word (Margaret) Sept. 20 Mike Smith (Dina) Sept. 22 John Sales (Joan) Club Anniversaries Sept. 1, 1989 Joice Beatty Sept. 1, 1969 David Rice Sept. 1, 1998 Steve Yost Sept. 16, 2003 Jonathan Briano Sept. 16, 2003 Ron Scullati Sept. 24, 1996 Frank Toller

Drug Enforcement: Officer Gary Pinkin
by Jim Haslip

Tony Albright, who has done a fabulous job as Program Chair, introduced Gary Pinkin. Gary is a narcotics officer who described the local efforts and limitations of trying to confront illegal drug production in Napa. Marijuana plant seizures have risen from 4,600 in 1995 to 20,000 in 2002 and now to 92,000. It was astonishing to learn that one plant could produce up to $3,000 worth of product for sale. There were only 3 arrests this past year due to the elusive nature of the growers. Gary depicted the perpetrators as armed bandits with Mexican drug organization connections. He lacked information about high school narcotics crime since his task force deals with the production end of the problem, rather than the distribution and usage. They cooperate with other agencies because there is a clear link between drug use and child abuse, domestic violence, theft, and many other violent crimes.

Rotary News and Notes – September 5, 2006 Meeting
by Jim Haslip

CHUCK MEIBEYER

The Winter Ball theme will be Venetian Carnivale and will be held on March 10, 2007. We will be able to hide behind masks and celebrate Italian culture at this year's Party of the Year for St. Helena. Mark the date and look forward to the fun. Of course, pitch in and help make it happen under the leadership of President-Elect Chuck Meibeyer and his dedicated committee.

Past President, Bill Word, received a plaque of gratitude for his service last year. John Sales has very difficult footsteps to follow. Thank you, Bill!

Perfect attendance for 17 years! Most of us hope to make it next week! Joice Beatty is the Tiger Woods of attendance! By the way, is it true that Steve Carbone was here? Where have I heard that name before? Welcome back form Florida, Steve. Becky Peterson came by to confiscate one of our banners to make the folks jealous in her new community of Mobile, Alabama.

Jim Haslip continues promoting the Ryan Collins Organ Donor Program. Frank Toller promised to make the topic fun! See him or one of our other attorneys for detailed information on all the implications of organ donation or visit DonateLife.org to sign up.

Our District Governor will be here for a visit on September 26. If it is not possible for you to stay for the entire meeting on that day, please choose to make up the meeting instead so that the Governor's talk is not interrupted.

Phil Toohey made it to the top of Mt. Whitney, "with Father Mac in tow". Who was towing whom?

Joice Beatty's son returned from Africa from a "bow and arrows" hunt. Did I hear that right?

Alan Fowler wants to remind all Rotarians to bring in their raffle prizes. Each prize should be valued at approximately $25.00. For members who do not bring in prizes, your account will be billed and Carol Sobczak will have a shopping trip to make with your money.

Diane Bylund embarrassed us on U.S. history questions as fine master. Are you sure, Diane, that we only have 5 rights in the First Amendment. It seems like we have a lot more than that. Let's see: religion, speech, assembly, press, and .....?

Young Professionals Sought for Mexico Exchange
Announcement from District Governor

ERNA STEVENSON District Governor 2006-2007

Young professionals in careers related to education and health are encouraged to apply for the Rotary Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team going to Guadalajara, Mexico, in April-May 2007. The GSE program is a month-long visit with Rotarians in Mexico, meant to encourage professional development, community service and world peace. Rotary International covers all travel expenses, and the team stays with Rotary host families in Mexico.

"GSE is an extraordinary experience," said Erna Stevenson, District Governor. "Besides the career-enhancing knowledge gained by the team members, they will all be enriched by the cultural experience. Staying with local host families, the team members will be immersed in Mexican life. Staying with Rotarians, the team members will gain a greater understanding of Rotary's ideal of service."

Applicants must be adults between the ages of 25 and 40 years old, work full-time in a profession related health or education, be sponsored by a local Rotary club, and be able to take off a month from work (approximately April 20-May 20, 2007). There is also preparation time before and reporting time after the trip. Applicants cannot be Rotarians or immediate family members of Rotarians.

Four young professionals will be chosen from the Rotary District 5130, which includes the Northern California coastal counties from Del Norte to Sonoma, plus Lake and Napa counties. The team will travel with a Team Leader who is a Rotarian.

More information can be found at http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/gse/index.html. The application deadline is October 23^rd, and selection interviews will be held October 29^th. Please contact President John Sales for more information.

President John Sales
Presides Over the
September 12^th Meeting
by Steve Yost

JOHN SALES President 2006-2007

Our president named of all the people who so far this year have perfect attendance – were you one of them? Please try harder.

He also noted the GSE team visit to Mexico next April needs a Rotary leader – will you apply? Also needed are non-Rotarian qualified candidates to be recommended from our community – do you know of anyone?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Kelly Crane informed us the District Rotary Foundation Dinner will be held in Petaluma on Saturday October 14^th – will you be attending this black tie optional event?
• Jim Haslip shared with us there are 50 Rotarians signed up for the organ donor program – please die quickly so someone will benefit from your donation!

Then Steve got into action fining all members depending on whether they spent vacation time within the state, spent time within the USA, or had the guts to travel abroad. Nobody could sleep through this one as everyone was required to stand at some point.

OUR SPEAKER

Jessie Norris , District 5130 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship Winner, was our guest speaker. She is a graduate of the Scripps Institute and after working for a year following graduation she decided to apply for the scholarship which she used to study in Taiwan.

She told us about her year in Taiwan where she studied various subjects in a university and was the only American attending classes. She speaks and writes Mandarin Chinese which is the official language of the country – you would think it would be English since we are supporting the country in its relationship with mainland China. Anyway, along the way, she also taught some of the students English. She commented she did not believe any of the English teachers were really qualified. Each semester she took 3 classes all of which were taught in Chinese.

She had many stories to tell us about her year overseas. One thing that impressed her was a Rotary beach clean up project. She also had her hair cut in front of 200 people.

This fall Jessie is going on to UCLA where she will study for a Masters in Health Education.
 

Member Profile:
PAUL KRSEK

PAUL KRSEK

When not traveling the world scuba diving with his wife, Paul Krsek finds himself serving the local community in a number of different roles. As a Registered Investment Advisor with K&A Assets (www.kaassets.com), he has earned the respect of his clients. As a past President of the St. Helena Rotary Club, he helped direct and build our club, and he continues to serve with his annual Rotary presentation on the state of the economy. As a proud father of three – Chad, Shannon, and Audrey – he has had his hands full along the way.

Although Paul coyly refers to something odd happening at his "debunking," he refers to his "Graceland" trip as his fondest Rotary memory. He treasures the "many great friendships I have formed with other Rotarians" and considers it "my honor to serve my clients." Paul was introduced to Rotary in 1990 by former President Lee Gustafson and another former President, Joice Beatty.

Paul is currently working with his wife Meghan and various groups to raise consciousness regarding the need to preserve the reefs and the oceans. He enjoys his role as a Dive Master, assisting in the scuba certification of hundreds of new divers, and working with children to introduce them to the activity. Paul and Meghan also serve as "angels" with the Hospice of Napa Valley.

Board Adopts Formal Fines and Meal Charges Policies
by Donn Black

JOHN SALES President 2006-2007

BILL WORD

ALAN FOWLER

On September 12^th right after 8:00am, President John got Members Word, Fowler, Haslip, Yost, Black , Andersen, Meibeyer, Sobczak, Armstead and Crane into their seats and quieted down for a Board meeting. After the usual approval of prior minutes and the Treasurer's report, the Board considered and approved a formal Fines Policy for the Club. It specifies all the details of what fines do and which don't count toward each member's $85/year levy, the classifications exempt from fines and others details. The Policy will be published in full in the NairatoR. Likewise a formalized Meal Charges Policy.

GSE Team. Prez John announced that our District 5170 he is recruiting a team leader and four non-Rotarian members for our Group Study Exchange ("GSE") Team slated to go to Guadalajara, Mexico. Team members are young (25-40), District area, health and education professionals, men or women. Travel, room and board are paid for them. Anyone interested in leading the Team or who knows of potential team members should contact President John. He would very much like at least one of the Team members and even the leader to be sponsored by our Club.

President Elect Meibeyer reported that Winter Ball 2007 is set for March 10^th. The theme will be, Venetian Carnivale. The annual Holiday Dinner date is December 19 this year.

The resignation of member Jeff Whitehead was approved with regrets.

DONN BLACK

PR Director Black reported that Editor Doug Durward is doing a fine job with the Nairator and that various new features are being added. In about November our Webmaster, Caroline Fox, will give a program on using the Club website.

Directors Haslip and Crane reported on upcoming community service projects and Rotary Foundation activities, respectively. The District goal for Paul Harris contributions is $130 per member this year.

New Business. Prez John announced a potential new hands on Club project. It's construction of new bocce ball courts at Meily Park. The project, now in the design phase, has been discussed with City officials who have indicated the possibility of some City help out. More later.

Gene Armstead, the new president of Rianda House, called for Rotarians to help man/woman their ticket booth at the Harvest Festival October 21^st.

Meeting adjourned at 9:36. Next Board meeting October 10^th.

PR Money from Rotary!
Public Image Grants approved
 

Applications due October 31

The Rotary International Board of Directors recently approved funds for grants to assist Rotary clubs and districts in their outreach efforts to the general public, promoting Rotary and improving Rotary's public image. The grant will enable Rotary clubs to place limited Rotary billboards, banners, and TV and Radio Public Service Announcements in their local TV and radio stations, or newspaper supplements that feature local Rotary stories.

For the 2006-07 Rotary year, clubs will be approved for funds up to US$3,000 per grant to support projects taking place during the current Rotary year. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2006. For more information and an application, go to  rotary.org/support/prtools/awards/pr_grants.

Formal Policy on Meal Charges

1. The Board of Directors will determine the regular meal charge to be paid by the members for meals.

2. All members excepting those excused from attendance requirements will be charged the regular meal charge for all meetings, including rescheduled regular meetings or special events held in lieu of a regular meeting.

3. For special club functions such as the Debunking, Christmas Dinner, Valentine's Day Sweetheart Luncheon, Teachers Picnic, the treasurer will determine the meal charge, giving credit for the regular meal charge assessed automatically.

4. Any regular active member may present a valid makeup for a meeting missed and be credited the regular meal charge if the member was charged for a meal at the makeup meeting.

5. Members are responsible for paying for their guests. If a guest subsequently joins the club, the sponsoring member may request reimbursement for up to three guest meals paid for the new member.

6. For any meeting for which the club is not responsible for setting the charge, such as all-Napa Clubs functions, all members attending will be charged the actual event charge, adjusted by any amount that the club may contribute.

7. For special meetings that are not regular meetings, such as a new- or prospective member orientation or a separate function for a District Governor's visit, members will be responsible for paying for their share; the club will bear the cost of meals for special club guests such as prospective members or the district governor and his or her party.

8. For any other special fellowship outings, each member registered or in attendance will be responsible for his or her proportionate share of the actual cost, and that of any personal guest.

9. In any of the above events, the treasurer will add amounts being charged to the members' accounts. Members are responsible for the timely payment of all such charges, which will be due and payable upon being billed to the member.

Formal Policy on Fines

1. Members, excepting Honorary members, may be assessed fines by the Finemaster at a regular meeting for any offense, real or imagined, serious or trivial.

2. When the total of Regular fines reaches $85.00 during a fiscal year, a member may declare "bleeding heart" status and pass on to some other member in attendance any regular fine assessed by the Fine Master.

3. A member may also volunteer a "Bell Ringer" fine. A Bell Ringer fine will be in an amount specified by the member.

3.1. Bell Ringer fines may not be passed on by Bleeding Hearts.

3.2. The member may direct a Bell Ringer fine be credited to his or her Paul Harris Fellowship or such other purpose as he or she may choose.

3.3. Bell Ringer fines are counted towards the annual minimum of $85 in fines, except fines designated for Paul Harris Fellowships or other designated purposes.

6. The President or other presiding officer at a meeting may fine a member for an infraction of rules or decorum at the meeting. This fine will count towards the $85.00 annual minimum fines total. 

2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake City, 17-20 June

If you sign up online in Member Access by 31 October 2006 for the 2007 RI Convention, you'll receive a free, limited edition pin (right). If you're not already registered for

Member Access, have your district, club, and membership ID numbers handy, choose your password, and you're ready. After you register, print out your receipt, and wait for your confirmation packet. Your Rotary family and your online registration pin will be waiting for you in Salt Lake City. In addition, while you're in Member Access, get the latest news by subscribing to the Meetings and International Convention E-bulletin.

About the event

The Wild West is the setting for the 98th annual RI Convention, slated for 17-20 June 2007. But you won't find anything rough or unsophisticated about Salt Lake City. Utah's state capital boasts all the amenities of a big city — world-class accommodations, entertainment, dining, and culture — as well as the family atmosphere and safety of a small town. And like Rotary itself, Salt Lake City offers a welcoming environment with more than 80 languages spoken by its citizens.

Known as the Crossroads of the West, this cosmopolitan U.S. city makes an ideal base camp for visiting the many natural attractions and historic sites nearby. Stay in the city and visit the Olympic Legacy Plaza, historic Temple Square, or the Family History Library. Or take to the road and tour one of 15 scenic national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Arches, and historic monuments within a day's drive of Salt Lake City.

Why not make this year's convention a family affair and plan a vacation before or after the meeting? It's a unique chance to involve your family in the international family of Rotary. In addition to the city's many family-friendly venues, including the Children's Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, and Utah's Hogle Zoo, the Salt Lake City convention offers a variety of activities and events sure to please everyone.

While in Salt Lake City, here are just a few of the activities that you won't want to miss:

Genealogy Research Rooms
Research your family's roots by using the resources of the world's largest genealogical library. The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is setting up genealogy stations in rooms throughout the convention hall to help you explore your ancestry.

Plenary Sessions
Experience the scope and strength of Rotary alongside thousands of Rotarians from around the world in the daily plenary sessions. This year's program promises sensational entertainment, stirring speeches, and inspiring opening and closing ceremonies, including a Maori (New Zealand) welcome and a performance by renowned New Zealand opera singer Dame Malvina Major!

HOC Events
Each year, the Host Organization Committee (HOC) arranges various events to showcase the host city and offer attendees a unique cultural experience. While in Salt Lake City, plan to attend a rodeo, enjoy a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or experience a taste of the Old West at the Rendezvous in the Park event, featuring authentic food, entertainment, and hands-on craft demonstrations.

Host Hospitality Night
Enjoy the warm hospitality of Utah's Rotarians while dining in private homes and area restaurants during the always-popular Host Hospitality Night. You may even be treated to a famous Rocky Mountain Dutch oven dinner prepared and served in the great outdoors. Spaces are limited, so sign up early.

Unofficial Affiliate Events
Interested in hosting your own club, district, or regional event? Find out more and download an unofficial affiliate events form. Whether this is your first or your 21st convention, you'll discover new friends, new project ideas, and a renewed sense of commitment at this year's meeting. And best of all, you'll find it all under one roof! Salt Lake City's state-of-the-art convention center, the Salt Palace, is located in the heart of town and within walking distance of most hotels and HOC events. The Salt Palace will be the site of all your convention favorites.

Home  |  Leadership  |  Make Up Clubs  |  Calendar  |  Newsletter  |