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

President Chuck's Last Meeting

The last meeting of our soon-to-be-debunked President Chuck Stark was called to order at 12:15 PM, early by Stark standards.   The pledge led by Ray Schofield.

And the Rotary moment, a quiet one to remember the fathers of those of who are no longer with us, was given by District Attorney Michael Mullins.

Tom Boylan welcomed 8 visiting Rotarians from the Downtown Club.

President Chuck introduced the newest members of our club to the rest of the membership and guests attending the meeting. He then presented to the following members, whose efforts contributed to significant increases in membership this past Rotary year either a red or blue disk to be placed behind their Rotary pins signifying that they have sponsored one or more members during this past rotary year. The recipients were John Withers, Ray Schofield, Janet Codding, Bob Reining, and Michael Merrill. Congratulations All!

Tom Boylan announced the Crushers Baseball and BBQ to be held on July 8th. Hurry and make your reservations with Lori Burmeyer, there's only room for 80 people and the seats are not in the sun. Please let Lori know by June 20th. 542-3331. (See the Bulletin sidebar for details.)

Henry "Von" Von Der Mehden was fined $50.00 for the whole year. President Chuck said he had difficulty digging up anything to fine him for. Chuck did however come across a March 8, 1945 Santa Rosan newspaper titled March Madness. 

It featured one Robert Reining who was pictured with his basketball team. (With little more than dead reckoning this editor would guess that young Bob was not quite 17 years of age in that issue.) Is there something we need to know?

Paul Harris Recognitions

Harry Rubins assisted President Chuck in the presentation of Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Ron Allen, Linda Capuano, and Jeff Ray. Ginny Pitts was similarly recognized for having hosted and paid for the Bartley BBQ.
And finally, the outgoing First Lady, WinAnn Stark.

President Chuck was consumed with the emotion of the moment when he spoke of his mother, Ruth Cadwaller Stark, the person he credits for inspiring him to become involved in community service. In true Rotary style, Chuck's father, Tony, a new member of our club, accepted the Paul Harris on behalf of his deceased wife, Ruth. 

The last person to receive a Paul Harris Fellowship Award from our outgoing President was someone who has been as much a part of our club as any member, having provided "Service Above Self" with near perfect attendance at our meetings for the last 16 years.  Doris Lovett, has been our "not so silent" liaison between the kitchen and the table. She has also provided us with a "special" brand of humor of which we can never seem to get enough. Thank you Doris, and thank you all, for your generous contributions to Santa Rosa West Rotary and the Rotary Foundation.

Additionally, President Chuck Stark and Past President Bill Gittins ('96-'97) have both become Rotary Benefactors.

On behalf of the club, President Chuck made a presentation of funds to the following organizations; Senior Advocacy Services, The Ukraine Diabetes Project and The Children's Language and Learning Center.

	Elsa Lippiatt from Senior Services let the club know that the funds would be used to investigate elder abuse that occurs at a high rate. Elsa informed the club that elder abuse has no social, ethnic or economic bounds.
Richard Delsi of The Children's Language Learning Center accepted the funds for the Center that will be used to help dyslexic children.
	Andy Strapka accepted the check for $2500.00 that will be used to educate youth with diabetes in the Ukraine.

Raffle

Although it was not reported in this bulletin, it does seem that Tom Boylan made his way up to the podium to attempt a successful marble pull .... Apparently it was not to be, although it does seem that Bob Reining did come away with a "whine".  -Ed.)

Program

 
Robert Waska was our guest speaker. Robert was the Senior Inspector for Diplomatic Services. He graduated from St. Cloud MI. where he received a BA in Economics; he also has an advanced degree from Harvard. Robert served in WWII as a trombone player until another soldier took his place.

After Robert met and married his wife Francis they started to travel and go to language training. It was required that you be fluent in the language you were assigned to, so Robert is presently fluent in 5 languages. This family has traveled the world and experienced bomb shelling, death
threats and some things that are still classified. The Waska family has lived in Burma, Greece, Pakistan, Naples, Italy, The West Indies, Trinidad, Taiwan, Beirut and the list continues on. If you are interested in hearing more about Robert and his Diplomatic Service do a make-up meeting at The Rotary club of Oakmont of Friday mornings.

Extra bits of info: Places to Play $100.000 donation is in for the soccer field on West Third Street. Although Chuck and Brian will be at the San Antonio Conference on July 2, 2001 we WILL NOT be dark.

Everyone will be able to access the conference by going online to our club Web site and clicking on the link. (www.sr-rotary-west.org)

This was an extremely busy meeting and I'm hoping I didn't forget any vital information. (Well, now that you mention it: Thanks for this week's bulletin, Lisa ... J -Ed.)

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Reported by Lisa Greenfield

Your Bulletin Editor was Jim Valinoti

STANDBY BULLETIN WRITERS ARE:
John PALMER & Tom LAENGLE

Changes or comments?

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