Monday Noon, Los Robles Lodge
925 Edwards Ave., Santa Rosa, California

President Declares
"No Fine Day"...coffers suffer

Call to Order:

The meeting was officially started at 12:32 pm by our Commander in Chief President Chuck. Unofficially this meeting was deemed "No Fine Day" as no monies were collected.

Pledge:

Was performed by Bill Fisher.

Rotary Moment:

Was performed by Susan Nowacki, who was thankful to be able to meet the visiting GSE team from Russia and host them at her home.

Visiting Rotarians:

Tom Laengle introduced the visiting Rotarians.

Guests:

There were no guests of Rotarians at our meeting.

Announcements:

Terry Galazzo gave us an update on the Christmas in April event that took place on April 28th. There were over 160 volunteers that showed up for the event. Many SR West Rotarians participated in our Kids Street project while other members worked on different projects. Phil Talamantes was reported to be seen pulling weeds, and President Elect Brian Herndon was wearing a fancy new tool belt he brought out for the occasion. Channel 50 was also there covering the event and we will try and have a video presentation of our Rotary Project prepared for the District Conference May 17th-20th.

Janet Codding announced there would be a Projects Committee meeting on May 7th. Also don't forget about SRWR hosting a party with caviar, vodka and Russian River wines at the Rotary District Conference at Konocti.

Patsy Barnes told us she is moving to Fresno at the end of May. We will miss you Patsy!

Bob Marigo thanked the club on behalf of the SOS Committee for the $6000 donation we gave them last week. Teri Evans will be the new Chair of SOS. Congratulations Teri!

Our Rotary luncheon for Monday, May 7th will feature Mexican dishes in honor of
Cinco de Mayo. Los Robles is specially preparing delicious dishes for the
special holiday.

New Member Inducted:

Joel Burdick was welcomed to the club and given his badge by Paula Wrenn, who was filling in for his sponsor, George Mickelsen. Joel is a retired stockbroker with Edward Jones Co. and was previously in the Petaluma Rotary for 11 years. PDG Mike Merrill said some inspiring words about never being retired if you're in Rotary and that your Rotary pin is the key to the world. (Amen to that! -Editor)

President Chuck proceeded to avoid fining anyone and mentioned we have a SR WEST Rotary Polo shirt being developed.

Arnie Carston and Caroline Fox gave us a Crab Feed update, for next year, not this year. A date is tentatively scheduled for January 26th, 2002 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds Hall of Flowers building. We would have a bigger venue with the potential of up to 550 guests. A theme for the fair will be Western/Goldminers and they are taking suggestions for a theme for the Crab Feed.
Donations and Wine are being solicited every day as we have already procured a convertible car, a Soft Tub Jacuzzi, some fancy dinners, and a digital camera. We are also looking for a charity to be named as the main fundraiser project. Contact Arnie or Caroline with donations, themes or charities.

Time waned and still no fines were given out. President Chuck called on the Evil Knieval of the club, Chris Rosell. Apparently Chris has the luxury of time to ride his bike at lunch at Annadel and ended up flipping his bike, breaking his clavicle, and some bones near his eye. He is now back to work and Rotary, and looks just fine. Glad to hear you're on the mend, Chris. Maybe now you will stick to a banker's sport......... like golf.

Jeri Arnold was then given her Blue Badge and this rotary "rite of passage" was also missed as a fining opportunity. Congrats Jeri!

Marble Draw

The lucky ticket belonged to Jim Underhill who had a 1 in 3 chance at the monies and came up empty. Only two marbles and over $300 next week!

The Program

Arnie introduced our guest speaker, Robert Lyon of Animal Assisted Therapy. Robert and his wife have over 70 animals at their ranch in Sonoma that they bring to hospitals and care homes all over the Bay Area. These animals provide emotional and mental stimulation to the elderly and handicapped, lifting spirits and bringing some unconditional love into their lives.

Robert takes in former animals that were abused or set to be euthanized and gives them a home and a purpose in life. His program has dogs, cats, birds, a servile (an African long limbed cat), donkeys and a camel named "Kazoo" that he has raised since it was 3 days old. Kazoo the camel goes in elevators, hospitals, care homes and has a habit of putting his head in the faces of wheel chair bound patients demanding to be petted. This camel brings joy to all kinds of people and comfort to those who may be critically ill and dying.

Robert is a retired pilot who does not charge for these wonderful services that he provides. He funds this therapy entirely on his own. Robert is a person who truly lives the motto of Rotary by putting "service above self". He even gave the club $10 to thank us for doing what we do. He loves what he does, and even though animal therapy has not been clinically studied for its benefits, the success stories we heard make it pretty conclusive that it works.

Edited by Jim Valinoti

Robin MARRS will be selling Luncheon Tickets for the month of MAY.

Reported By: John Meislahn

Edited By: Jim Valinoti

Here are the Bulletin Writers through June 01:
May 07 - Bob Harris
May 14 - Chuck Baker
May 21 - Chris Parr
May 28 - DARK
Jun. 04 - Jim Hinton
Jun. 11 - Jeri Arnold
Jun. 18 - Lisa Greenfield
Jun. 25 - John Meislahn

STANDBY WRITERS ARE:
John PALMER & Tom LAENGLE

Changes or comments?

Contact Jim Valinoti at valinoti@sonic.net or (707) 829-2300.