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Neighborhood Revitalization
Program

Our meeting started on time, albeit a week late, as President Mike rang the bell at 12:30 sharp! I think he wanted to get off to a timely start after all the chiding he had given Past-President Brian.

He then led us in the Pledge, impressively remembering the words after his not-to-be-forgotten time in Barcelona.

Janet Codding offered the Rotary moment, thanking Rotary and a number of others, obviously still somewhat befuddled by all the excitement in her life.

Visiting Rotarians were graciously introduced by our Greeter, John Meislahn.

Kyle Stelling did a stellar job of hawking raffle tickets trying to give away a hefty $600 pot while Gary Lucas was selling empty plates for $14 a pop. The question remains, which is the wiser investment?

Mike Mullins, after time in Hawaii and South Carolina, was finally back to work with the mike.

And speaking of money, as our ever-diligent secretary Fred Zmarzly is wont to do, asked for some. Invoices for dues will be in the mail this week. So dig deep, it's time to pay up! He also told us that nominations were being accepted for the Women in Industry Award sponsored by the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women and the YMCA. Please see Fred for applications if you have someone in your organization that merits this special recognition.

Recognition

Tony Stark and Kyle Stelling were charged a mere $10 apiece and received their Blue Badges. While Tony was right on track, President Mike did mention that Kyle's red badge had gotten a little rusty in waiting to go "blue". Congratulations to both!

And what is a meeting without special recognition. Today's honorees were Janet Codding for having become a grandmother for the second time. And since she hadn't been recognized for the first grandchild, she donated $25 each in the names of these special little ladies.

PDG Mike Merrill, having had his mug featured in Sonoma Business, ponied up $75 toward Polio Eradication;  and Caroline Fox, who was featured in the PD for having developed the web site for the downtown club, made the first $50 donation to Paul Harris of the new year.

Raffle

Scott Bartley had the winning ticket and the losing marble.		But Chuck Baker came up the winner of a nice bottle of wine, which he donated to the 2003 Crab Feed! Thank you Chuck!

	On a more official basis, Past-President Brian officially turned over his presidency by presenting President Mike with his New President's Pin and President's Badge. In turn, Mike presented Brian with his Past President's Badge and Pin.
Then President Mike shared with us some of the highlights of the RI convention. Most noteworthy of which is our new president's desire to have Rotary return to it's basic roots and have clubs set goals on a local level. The only project that he asks is that each club to develop a Centennial Project to be accomplished by our 100th anniversary in 2005, which will be celebrated in Chicago.

Program

Today's program featured Sharon Wright and Jane Bender who brought us up to date on the Neighborhood Revitalization Project. The objective of this group has been to eradicate crime and restore community to areas in need. They provided information on the Apple Valley/Papago Court, Corby Olive Neighborhood and Aston Avenue. In all three areas significant successes have resulted from a tough approach to code enforcement and community involvement. By taking back property from slum lords or encouraging their participation, housing has been remodeled and upgraded and parks and playgrounds restored. Encouraging residents to "take back" their communities, they have been empowered to create better lives for themselves and significantly reduced the presence of gang activity.

While much has been accomplished, much is yet to be done. Here is another opportunity for us to contribute time and/or money for this worthwhile cause. If you are interested, please contact Ellen Bailey at the City of Santa Rosa 54304321.

Your Bulletin Reporter: Tarina Hall

Your Editor: Jim Valinoti

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Changes or comments?

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

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