Banker Bill Ferguson earned some points toward his blue badge by introducing 18 Visiting Rotarians – mostly from the B-I-G club.  The VR list included VIPs Bruce Campbell (Aide to Governor - South) and Norm Owen (Governor's Representative - Area 8).

Bill Ferguson

Visiting Rotarian and DG Mike Merrill’s better half, Maureen McDaniel, introduced guest Sara Boulware, Tom Boylan for the umpteenth time introduced soon-to-be-red-badger, Tom Laenge from TV50, and President Pat Barnes introduced Dennis Sepp, a chemist/entrepreneur.

The court appointed Parliamentarian was our District Awards Chairman and Website Coordinator and Past President, Jim Valinoti.  His Lordship moved us quickly through the calendar.

Anne Abrams called on our newer members to contact her to have their photos taken for the new roster to be published.

Harry Rubins reminded us to sign up for the November 13th Foundation Celebration at the Sonoma County Airport, and to buy $100 worth of $10 raffle tickets which go toward your annual Paul Harris contribution.

Harry Rubins

John Hathaway reported on the Books for Uganda program.  More information will be available on the November 8th bulletin.

For the Crab Feed, Pete Lamonica recognized

• David Wattell for the 80-bottle donation of premium wines with a "street value" of over $1,600
• Mike Moore for his donation of an HDTV worth about the same
• Ray Schofield for a case of Korbel Champagne and a weekend getaway at the Benbow Inn
• Don Ling for donating back $500 of his recent marble winnings
• Ken Prouty for his $100 cash donation.

Pete also reminded us to get those wine donation items turned in by November 8th.

President Pat Barnes will be appointing a new RFE chairperson, and is still looking for five couples to participate in the exchange with Sweden next year.

Joe Perez still needs host families for our Chilean Exchange Student.

Fein Meister Bill Fisher was at it again, and called upon the following members to be recognized:

Henry Von der Mehden was nailed $15 for his fishing trip to the Klamath with Don Ling and Art Volkerts.  But, nothing more was said about his brother retiring from the Superior Court bench.

Queen Patsy paid $20 for her birthday celebration and proudly displayed a tote bag gift with the Rotary International insignia that she received from her hubby.

Harry Rubins was recognized in the November issue of Sonoma Business, and raised his $15 fine up to $50 in appreciation for the publicity.

Bill Dodson forked over $20 for being mentioned in the Home & Garden Section of the Press Democrat for an architectural award to his firm.

Don Ling passed on his $20 history lesson fine to Bill Fisher – something about a Tennessee Walking Horse Show in October 1965.  You had to be there!

Don Ling

Bob Reinking popped for $10 for moving the 2000 RI conference from Argentina to Windsor.

Jim Benoit drew the wrong color marble for the growing prize.  Roger Olson donated his $20 consolation prize to the Rotary Foundation.

Jim Benoit & Queen Patsy

Our esteemed District Governor Mike Merrill visited the Home Club and brought us up to date on the major events and changes occurring in Rotary International and our District.  His excellent Powerpoint presentation was well received.  The text is included in its entirety for those of us that missed it or would like to have it as a reminder of our mission, goals and accomplishments.  Earlier, our Board had a special two-hour meeting with Governor Mike to discuss plans, ideas and progress.

It is composed of:

• 41 Rotary Clubs
• 2,450+ Rotarians
• In 6 counties:  Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma & Napa
• One of 528 Rotary Districts in 162 countries

The District’s Major Role is to support the activities & goals of Rotary Clubs.

District Committees help clubs access the resources, benefits and programs of Rotary International, such as Youth Exchange, International Service Projects, Group Study Exchange, and Scholarship programs.

In addition, the District committees connect with clubs pursuing Rotary goals by coordinating Camp RYLA, Foundation Giving, District Conferences and Leadership Training, and Membership and Communication Support.

The District also provides awards and acknowledgement, connections between clubs, areas in the district, and other districts.

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The theme of this year’s Rotary International President, Carlo Ravizza:

CREDIBILITY

• With our members
• With our communities
• As a world-wide service organization

CONTINUITY

• Policies
• Programs
• Leadership

We’re pursuing continuity in our district right now.  I am working with my predecessor, Lou Delsol, and my successor, Harry Johnson, to ensure smooth transitions and a continuity of services.  From the Rotary Club to the leadership of Rotary International, it’s important to put aside "my year-ism" and look at multi-year projects, progress, and continuity.

Rotary is a dynamic, always evolving organization.  One way the organization changes is through the COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION, which meets every three years.  It meets again in 2001.  We have the opportunity to help revitalize Rotary by offering our suggestions, by June 15, 2000.

Several New Directions for Rotary’s Future have been discussed by Rotarians across the globe, and recorded in a report from a "Dreams for the Future" Committee:

1. Simplify membership, other policies, and procedures
2. Work for education of all children in the world - (including) access to primary education for all by 2025, and focus on girl children
3. Focus on Environment & Energy - plant 1 million trees worldwide per year for 10 years; forest renewal; energy efficiency
4. Work for Peace & Goodwill - through personal diplomacy and humanitarianism
5. Bring Rotary into 21st Century:
   -  Relevant language
   -  Younger members
   -  Dual gender throughout organization
   -  Use of new technology
6. Maintain consistent Rotary Programs with emphasis on core issues
7. Promote Rotary's public image with professional, high-quality information in media

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AMONG THE CHALLENGES

• Better service to an increasing # of Rotary Clubs
• 528 Districts worldwide – saturation point near
• Expense & Manageability
• Expansion into new areas
• Organizational Development

SOME SOLUTIONS

• Minimize new districts
• Consolidate & grow existing districts
• Improve effectiveness & efficiency: USE A DISTRICT LEADERSHIP PLAN

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The Chain of Support includes three Zone Aides (called "Assistant Governors" in the Leadership Plan recommended by Rotary International).    We are the only district in northern California that has not adopted a Leadership Plan.  Most districts throughout the world now have one.

A District Leadership Plan is NOT:

• Compulsory
• The same for all districts
• To reduce DG visits to clubs

A District Leadership Plan DOES PROVIDE:

• Assistant Governors
• Better service & support for clubs
• More useful DG visits
• Additional funds from R.I.
• Pool of experienced leadership

The role of your club in developing a District Leadership Plan:

• Discuss leadership issues and proposed plan(s)
• Offer suggestions to DLP & Resolutions Committees
• Prepare to vote on a DLP at District Conference in May 2000

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We are not looking for a "body count," rather, we are looking for a "Quantity of Quality."  Are there people in our communities who should be in Rotary?  Do our clubs represent and reflect as much of the business and professional leadership in our areas as it can?  Are there people who don’t know about Rotary who would be great Rotarians?  These are the important membership questions.

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The CORE ISSUES addressed by Rotary’s Programs are:

• Health
• Hunger & Poverty
• Clean Water
• Children’s Issues
• Environment
• Education
• Disaster Relief

Rotarians are compassionate citizens of the world.  Though 90% and more of our time and money goes into our communities, we are a force for peace, health, and education in the entire world.  We are changing the face of the world through our humanitarian programs, fellowship, and dedication to peace.

I’m proud of what we do in this district for our communities and for this entire world.  Thanks to everyone, keep up the great work, and have a terrific year.

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This bulletin was prepared by Ray Mattison and edited by Caroline Fox. The text of the District Governor’s presentation was provided by Maureen McDaniel.    Photography was provided by  Anne Abrams.