Santa Rosa West Coming up

April 12, 1999

And the Winner Is...

Opening

George Mickelson led us in the pledge and a fine invocation was offered by John Palmer.

Visiting Rotarians

Bob Zeni introduced our visiting Rotarians.  The count was: Downtown Club: 9
Other Clubs: 2

Rotarians with Guests:

Bill Dodson - Karen Pregler

Announcements

For a message from the G.S.E. team in the Phillipines and a description of their adventures click here.

"Rapp in Rotary Assembly" being held by Maureen and Mike Merrill focusing on the roles and possibilities for partners, family and friends of Rotarians, with discussion about how to get involved in Rotary, and the chance to ask questions about how family can participate in Rotary activities. It will be a fast paced activity on Saturday April 17- 8:30-2:30PM. Call Chris Parr at 544-7286 for more information.

The Santa Rosa-Kagoshima Student Exchange Program is accepting applications for students to travel to Japan for 4 weeks over the Summer of 1999.   The trip is subsidized by the Santa Rosa Sunrise Group as well as Rotary Groups from Hiroshima and Kagoshima Group, Friends of Kagoshima and Santa Rosa Businesses. The cost for each student is only $1,900.00. Applications must be in by April 16, 1999.   Contact Mary Haller at 538-0950 or Fern Harger at 539-8030 for more details.

Its On the House if SRWest members attend the upcoming District Assembly, SRWest will pick up the registration fee.  This is Mike Merrill's year and it is important that we make a good showing at the Assembly.  Contact Bob Harris or Rich Standard for Details.

Janet Codding and Ginny Pitts reminded us of the Bob Lucas Life and Music Celebration coming up this Sunday, April 18, 1999 at the Friedman Center. Tickets are still available through Janet or World Of Carpets. They are in need of volunteers for the event. If you can help, even a short time, Janet would like to hear from you. Tickets are $20.00 per person for the 1 to 5 p.m. event.

Bob Lucas asked if anyone could donate their frequent flyer miles to bring some family members to the celebration. Tight finances is preventing them from coming. Call Janet or Bob Lucas if you can help.

President Richard had several announcements. First, the District Assembly is this weekend. The two day event begins Friday with a dinner and continues Saturday, adjourning at 2:00 p.m. All members of the club are encouraged to attend. New members and board members if at all possible should attend. The $25.00 member registration cost is covered by the club. A car pool is available. Call Richard Standard for the details. Also this is Magazine month, Rotarian magazine month. Our international publication is a wealth of information on what is happening in Rotary around the world.

Rotarian of the Year

Mike Merrill, incoming District Governor and Larry Bellow, Past district Governor surprised a unsuspecting Bob Marigo (right) with our club’s coveted Rotarian of the Year award. Bob has shown a tireless effort in leading our SOS program, the Crab Feed dinner and auction, and several district level positions as well as being Mike’s lead liaison in this upcoming year. Bob was speechless this time over the standing ovation he received.

General Recognition

Janet Codding 3rd highest in sales in her Company’s market place. $25.00 fine

Marc Matson - Vacation Kwai $25.00

Bob Leland - Just for being here after not seeing him in a while.

Raffle

$1040.00 in the pot 28 marbles. Dennis Wilkinson drew the loser marble. The raffle king, Ron Allen won the 2nd draw and promptly donated the $25.00 to The Bob Lucas Celebration Fund.

Program:

John Westoby, Director of Sonoma County’s Ag and Animal Control Commission, presented a history of agriculture in Sonoma County and how it has evolved with the increasing population, changing economics and how pest and disease infestations have altered agriculture in the county.

The Russian settlement at Fort Ross was where it all began. They brought with them several row crops from their native land which flourished in the great climate and rich soil. The farming influence was further expanded by the Catholic mission fathers and the Mexican land barons. Our climate and soil supported all kinds of fruit and row crops but apples, pears, prunes, and grapes seemed to take hold. Over the years, economics and growing seasons took its toll on all but wine grapes and apples which are the county’s major crops.

The dairy, cattle, poultry and egg industries were main stays until the mid 1970’s but have slowly been edged out by the population growth. They are still important ag industries but are contributing less than they once did. Sonoma County is still a major agriculture force in California. As most of the world knows we are located, as Luther Burbank put it, "God’s chosen place".

This Weeks Writer is Mark Decker
New E-mail address or Fax number?

Let me know at DRBjork@thegrid.net or
phone (707) 576-7632 or fax (707) 576-7672.

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