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The Sawyer Center - Where Good Ideas Become Good Business

President Michael Moore eloquently called the meeting to order.

Pledge: In Terry Galazzo's absence, Doris Lovett, who has one of the best attendance records at our meetings, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moment: Anne Abrams provided us with a wonderfully fulfilling Rotary Moment.

Our Greeter: Tarina Hall introduced our visiting Rotarians including our District Governor Norm Owens, hailing from the downtown club. We were happy to see him and, his health not withstanding, he was happy to be at our meeting, or anyplace else, for that matter. Here's to your health, Norm!

Ticket Sales:

Tarina Hall also sold tickets for the raffle. Kyle Stelling couldn't make it because, as a stockbroker these days, he keeps getting phone calls from those disturbed by recent business developments, yelling "Cell, Cell, Cell". No, wait, that's only for CEOs.

Guests:

Paul Stychno once again introduced Jack Bill as his guest and Neil Silverman introduced his lovely wife Susan.

Announcements:

Jeff Ray had two announcements: Next Monday he needs a show of hands to find out if he can muster at least 45 people to attend the Snoopy Ice Show in the middle of December. Ask around; it's a good show. The Sixth Annual Santa Rosa West Rotary Golf and BBQ Social will occur at the Bennett Valley Golf Course and Galvin Park on Friday September 6 at 2:00pm. (Yes, you can all applaud Jeff's Service Above Self in his role as our official Director of Athletics and Outdoor Activities. Thanks, Jeff, for your continued willingness to put these events together for all of our members! -Ed)

Caroline Fox thanked some of our members for helping Pete's Lamonica's Crab Feed Auction "Company Picnic" at the Wikiup Racquet and Swim Club last weekend, specifically Pete, Arnie, Terry, Steve (Fox), Jeff, Tarina, Roger, Robin, David MacDonald and David Wattell, Neil and Susan Silverman. Thanks for a wonderfully selfless contribution on behalf of our club!

Recognition:

Bob Marigo, who inherited a fine grandson from his son Ken, was asked to contribute an 'appropriate' amount as a fine in honor of the little guy. Without hesitation he offered $25 big ones, which didn't go over too good with the crowd. Amid a vociferous chorus of heckling, he raised it to $50 bigger ones.

Bill Fisher has just returned from London - on the QE2, no less - and land cruised from the dock at New York to Richmond, Virginia, to visit his daughter. Gone 25 days and fined $25. Welcome home, Bill!

Ron Street (Tommy Banana? -Ed) was acknowledged for building a new house for himself, his lovely wife and his new car (Lori Burmeyer had something to do with that, which President Mike noted). His house and new car are insured by Paul Stychno, (which was also noted by President Mike) and Ron quickly agreed to match Bob Marigo's second offering of $50.

Gil Lucas, who was recognized for having assisted his son in buying a house from Ron Street AND confessing to 29 years of marriage, coughed up ten bucks.

Speaking of wedding anniversaries, Ken Prouty is proud and bewildered because he and his lovely wife, Marty, recently celebrated their fiftieth with a big party. President Mike, who has been known to be anniversary challenged, was in awe and fined Ken $25 for his half of the fifty years.

Confessing to a close second in the marriage department, Bob Zeni informed the crowd that he's been married 48 years and recently visited Hawaii and Brooks Lake Lodge in Wyoming. That was worth $25, for sure.

Rick Rybicki, who has missed Rotary lunches in his home club because his former employer required his services outside the area on many occasions, confessed to starting his own business with fellow labor attorney Blevins (hence the name Rybicki and Blevins) at 50 Old Courthouse Square. Rick feels like he'll be able to attend a lot more meetings now. This one cost him an extra $20.

Raffle:

David MacDonald tried to pick the black marble, but Jim Sullivan won the bottle of wine.

Program:

Steve Schneider, Executive Director of the Sawyer Center, gave us a great presentation of a program that is part of the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center and Santa Rosa Junior College. The Sawyer Center was started by Bruce Sawyer in Santa Rosa to work with inventors with good ideas. There are more than a dozen centers throughout California now and it may go national.

Steve helps with patent research, prototype development and copyright and trademark issues. He also offers training and online services. The Center is sponsoring a two day conference on July 27 and 28 (this weekend!) called 'Success though Invention' at the Luther Burbank Center.

For more information on any of the above, contact Steve at 524-1778 or email at SBDC@ap.net. The Sawyer Center in on the Net at www.santarosa.edu/sbdc.

(For those of you who missed it, DG Norm Owen was captured here speaking with PDG Mike Merrill. DG Norm was overheard lamenting to PDG Mike, "Jeez Mike, these District Governor visitations are really tough, do I have all the right pins and badges on? Oh, and which club is this again?" J Welcome Back, Norm! -Ed)

(Oh yeah, for you new members who don't know her, this is Doris, nice picture huh? Don't mess with her! She'll chew you up and spit you out before you swallow your first bite of lunch! Also, this is Secretary Fred. Mess with him every chance you get, he loves it! J -Ed)

Your Bulletin Reporter: Bill Dodson	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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