Santa Rosa West Coming up

May 24
Grandparents
Parenting Again
Ann Pierce

May 31
DARK
Memorial Day

June 26
President's
Celebration
4:00 p.m.
Wikiup Swim &
Tennis Club

June 28
The Last Dance
Story Telling
& Awards
by King Richard

May 17, 1999

DOUBLE FLAG WEEK

OPENINGS

King Richard gleefully announced six more meetings to go. A few cheers were heard from the lively group. Laurie Burmeyer led us in the double flag pledge, one to the right for Bob Marigo and a few others, and one on the left for the rest. Fred Zmarzley reflected on the issue of "worrying" during our Rotary Moment – worrying never solved a problem, and it distracts us from business of the living; now we can worry about worrying. This almost sounds like a travel ad for a trip to the Caribbean – Don’t worry, be happy!

Bryan Jamar, who is used to wielding a "mean gavel," had to resort to the microphone to command some respect and attention to introduce 10 Visiting Rotarians – mostly from the B-I-G club. That group is frequently called the Downtown club, but has not met in downtown since Jim Groom and Luther Burbank planted trees together.

GUESTS and HOSTS

George Mickelson brought son Max. Bill Gittins introduced prospective member Carolyn Fox; Tom Tessier brought a banker, Julie Scherer, and Laurie Burmeyer introduced Scott Whitman.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ken Kushnir noted the debunking (note that he did not say "celebration") is scheduled for June 26^th at 4:00 p.m. at Wikiup Swim & Tennis Club. Thanks to Pete LaMonica for the use of this great facility. The cost is $25 per person. Ken gave our Glorious Leader a new nickname borrowed from a character in a former TV show (you had to be there). We will be treated to a "royal feast," provided by gourmet cook Ken and others on this "merry and festive" occasion. [Does this mean our outgoing president will come dressed as Henry VIII or Richard the Lionhearted or Friar Tuck? Following this 700-800 year old theme, will incoming president Patsy Barnes show up looking the part of Queen Elizabeth I or Kathryn the Great?] Be sure to show up with spouse or guest to find out the answers to these mysteries and enjoy Ken’s great treat. We will also have entertainment. The club has underwritten $200 to $300 – sounds like high quality fare – a real bargain!

Roger Olson said the Pacific Coast Air Museum has a new toy. Come out to the airport on Saturday May 22^nd from noon to 2:00 p.m. for the dedication of the Grumman HU-16E Albatross.

President Rich announced that the club has donated $675 toward 15 tickets for deserving youths in Project Graduation. Jim Benoit graciously accepted this award on behalf of his wife, Lynn Benoit, who is a key organizer of this worthwhile event.

The Board voted to allocate funds from the weekly raffle to Rotary International in $100 increments to match donations made toward Paul Harris fellowships. This means that 17 members who have donated $100 will have $100 in matching funds allocated toward a Paul Harris fellowship. About 60% of this money is returned to our District.

Bob Marigo and Bob Miller were recognized for their great efforts resulting in $6,400 being donated to buy 171 pairs of shoes for under-privileged children from Sports Mart.

Ann Abrams and Lisa Greenfield were presented with a $2,500 check toward a new awning for the Multi-Cultural Center Pre-school. Ann is the director of this special state supported school, and says the experience has changed her life as well as those of many others. This school has become a model for many others. During a recent contract compliance audit, this school received three commendations:

Nutrition program – 140 meals per day
Collaboration with other groups – i.e., Head Start referrals
Community Involvement – interface with various organizations, especially Rotary for in-kind and financial support, as well as bringing professionals to work with the kids.

Neil Silverman is looking for help with Disneyland tickets and accommodations for the May 28-30 GSE team from the Philippines during their visit to Southern California.

Remember the Sonoma County Wine Library's annual fundraiser, Sonoma Odyssey Bayou  is on June 12th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richard's Grove and Saralee's Vineyard. Click on the above link for details.

RECOGNITION

	George Mickelson was recognized for several May birthdays and other celebrations in the family; his son Max (born May 2nd) paid dad’s $50 fine.
Phil Talamantes (right) fell and injured his wrist and finger during a 10-day trip to Spain. As a "bleeding heart," he passed his $20 fine onto Fred Zmarzley who thought he had just gotten rid of all his worries.

Carson Mitchell paid $50 after-the-fact for John Withers’ "free" show tickets.

RAFFLE

Visitor Doug Dilley drew the wrong marble for the $1,160 pot. Ron Allen got $25 of his $40 to $50 of purchased tickets back.

PROGRAM

Marc Matsen gave a powerful introduction for today’s program by recounting the difficult experience with his son who had become addicted to "crack" cocaine. The theme was "stop the stigma – treatment works".

Michael Spielman, Executive Director of Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC), who said he has been "clean and sober" for 20 years, was credited with saving Marc’s son’s life through this organization’s intervention program. About 10 years ago, SRWRC donated $6,500 to DAAC for getting their video library off the ground. He gave an overview of the DAAC program and how it works as an effective means to help people make real progress, not perfection, but definite results. It is important for family (especially parents) and friends to "stay aware and pay attention". DAAC has several different types of programs, and is tied in with Teen Court, Project Intercept and several other organized activities. They also do corporate training and assist with confidential referrals and consultations. The average adult client is 25 to 30 years old, and the average age of minors in the program is 16 years.

He introduced a former client, Mary Maggio, who described herself as a "recovering addict". She started with "recreational" drugs, then moved onto the more serious stuff leading to cocaine addiction. Her life story is about long-term denial and many "low points". She entered a 28-day Project Intercept drug intervention program. Later, she was arrested for theft. After spending seven days at an "honor farm" which was really jail and a big shock to her, she was fortunate to have a sympathetic judge review her case. She was referred through the Drug Court program to a nine-month rehab program, then continued with outpatient classes and group sessions. She has been "clean and sober" for about three years, and is now sponsoring people in the program. She has returned to school, and has her six-year-old daughter living with her.

Today’s program was a dramatic illustration of where and how Rotary makes a difference and a significant contribution to the community.

This bulletin was written by Ray Mattison, with contributed notes and comments from Paul Schwartz.

Internal Service Recognition & Reminder

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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