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Giant Steps
Therapeutic Equestrian Center

President Michael Moore eloquently called the meeting to order upon his return form 'golf land' (that would be St. Andrews, Scotland for those unaffected by that particular disease).

Pledge:
Bill Dodson lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rotary Moment:
Doug Dilley provided a poignant moment about the wonders to learn from a child with special needs. Doug and his family are very close to today's special program.

Our Greeter:
Judith Light eloquently introduced our eight visiting Rotarians.

Ticket Sales:
Doug Dilley, doing triple duty today (setup with his daughter's help and the Rotary Moment) sold the winning ticket, among many other tickets.

Guests:

Kyle Stelling isn't a guest, but we treated him like one because he hasn't been around much lately. He's been too busy working (stock broker) and waiting to become a father in about three more weeks. That's when he thinks it will be over. We didn't have the heart to tell him that is when it BEGINS! Kyle, the only thing that will be over is your ability to get a good night's sleep!

Caroline Fox introduced Steve Wright of Edward Jones. Doug Dilley introduced his lovely family.

Tony Stark introduced Winanne Winefred.

Announcements:

Jeff Ray announced that he has thirty golfers signed up for the Sixth Annual Santa Rosa West Rotary Golf and BBQ Social that will occur at the Bennett Valley Golf Course and Galvin Park on Friday September 6 at 2:00pm.

Ginny Pitts had two announcements: Go see the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and don't forget the Bartley BBQ will occur on the evening of September 23 at her lovely grounds amid the Harvest Moon Vineyards. (Where, by the way, her youngest son is beginning to produce what some of us think will be some outstanding Zins! -Ed J)

This annual event is in honor of Bob Bartley Sr., Charter Member, who did so much for our club before passing on recently. It's a special time to be a Rotarian, and it's a lot of fun as well. Ginny is looking for volunteers to set up and run the event. Let her know if you are available. (And remember, this is a mandatory membersoonly event (which means you are charged for it whether you attend or not...so be there. AND it's MEMBERS ONLY - hey, call it "OUR SLUMBER PARTY J -Ed)

Gail Johnson introduced our foreign exchange student from Brazil, who presented President Mike with a flag from her country. She is a most welcome visitor to our country.

President Mike mentioned that Past International President Richard King will be speaking in Eureka on September 16. Those interested in attending should contact Mike.

New Members!!!!

Janet Codding welcomed two new members to Santa Rosa West Rotary: Dennis E. Kelley, financial consultant sponsored by Ron Allen and Dr. Ralph Lassa, sponsored by Chuck Stark. We look forward to your involvement and sharing in the rewards of being a Rotarian. Welcome, indeed!

Firesides:

Many of you already know that Santa Rosa West Rotary participates in what we call Firesides. For those of you who are new and have never attended one, here's the scoop. Four times this year our Fellowship Chair Susan Nowacki will be coordinating a social gathering at four different member's businesses. We gather at a member's business, typically at about 5:00 PM and enjoy food and wine, which is usually provided by our host member's business. It's an opportunity for fellowship outside of our normally scheduled meetings, and it's also a chance for a member to showcase their business and provide us with a chance to see what they do. Tours are welcomed and the company is always enjoyable. Please contact Susan Nowacki SOON, if you would like to share your business with the members of our club in one of these upcoming Firesides, you'll be glad that you did!

Fishing! Fishing! Fishing!

Hey, it's that time again, and Rick Rybicki wants to hear from all of you who have a little talent with fishing, kids and fun - OR would like to! It's a great program, this "Fishing in the City". I remember the first time we heard about it at a Board Meeting during Bill Gittin's administration. Our PDG from the East Club Jack Vallerga presented us with the description: kids being taught to tie hooks on their lines and bait 'em, AND also learning the do's and don'ts of casting, all in a school room the day before, and then what they could expect when they showed up at the lake the next morning.

Jack was there at the Board Meeting to petition for some funds to get the program started. That was back in 1996 and we couldn't believe that that many kids could benefit from a program like this, for the miniscule amount of money that he was asking us for. It was a slam dunk! We just said YES! So, some of you newer members that haven't had the pleasure of helping a young child catch their first fish, just Say YES to Rick when he asks for your help! (Believe me, you'll get more out of it than they will J -Ed)

Recognition:

Our President recognized members Roger Olsen and Joe Perez as the two outstanding announcers at the air show at the airport this past weekend. They, in return, thanked our club for our donations and assistance with the event which, by all accounts, was a total success.

(Your Bulletin Editor attended Sunday's spectacular performance of jets and warbirds. It was a rush to be up close on the flight line viewing the show, and most nostalgic to once again walk through a Med-Evac chopper, something I haven't done in 33 years! Oh, and yes, Joe and Roger sounded just like two World Series announcers who've been doing the play-by-play on this event for years. Couldn't have been better! Bravo guys! Ed J)

Gail Johnson acknowledged that she has relocated her real estate talents to REMAX, with fellow member Ron Street. That cost her ten bucks, which she will probably request as reimbursement from her new employer as a business expense.

Ginny Pitts was recognized as having a husband, Bob, with a birthday on September 29. She found tickets to a concert with Chuck Berry and Little Richard. We need not ask how old he might be.

President Mike thought John Palmer should be recognized for being married to his lovely wife for FIFTY years. Actually, John pointed out discreetly, he has only been married forty-seven years. The first three years were called something else. Let's leave it at that. Congratulations, John, for all those years.

Raffle:

Paul Schwartz has done it again!!!! He picked the marble that earned him $775. We might have to rename it the Paul Schwartz Raffle. John Hathaway won the bottle of wine.

Program:

"Giant Steps" is a therapeutic equestrian center specifically created to provide an interface for people with physical, emotional and developmental disabilities with a very special kind of therapist: a horse. Robert Pope, who with his wife Lee Justice, have developed and operated "Giant Steps" for four years. Robert presented our program which included a video of their operation and reflections on the many special moments he and the staff frequently encounter.

Gaining physical balance, improved motor skills, speaking their first word or overcoming a great fear are some of the wonderful accomplishments with this type of therapy. Each client is assigned a horse, a leader, one or two side riders and an instructor. The Center serves 50 riders a week who range in age from 4 to 70 years old.

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a fully accredited operating center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, one of over 700 centers in the United States. They have a waiting list of clients and need additional volunteers. If you can participate, call Robert at 707-769-8900 or email robert@gaintstepsriding.org. Their website is www.giantstepsriding.org.

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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