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Shriners' Hospital for Children

President Mike President Mike continued his stellar record by starting the meeting a few minutes early as we found our way to our temporary digs in the Oak Room while renovations continue at the lovely Los Robles Lodge.

Chris Rosell deftly handled the cashiering duties and directed lost souls to the hidden food. Mean while, Chuck Baker sold tickets for a chance at the illusive black marble and $300.

After searching the room for Judith Light, the pledge was graciously led by Bill Dodson - our stand in of all stand ins. And using Bill as a role model, Ron Street stepped in for Gary Lucas to offer a Rotary Moment by reminding us of the many benefits we receive as Rotarians in service. Obviously, Judith and Gary were direction-impaired and never found the Oak Room.

Harry Rubins did the honors of welcoming and introducing our eleven visiting Rotarians.

Our guests today included Neil Silverman's friend and fellow shutterbug, Chuck Honig, as well as Dale Sipe's lovely wife, Teddie.

Announcements:

Our recent Foundation Dinner yielded three additional winners. Gary Bayless won a dinner for two at John Ash. Tony and Chuck Stark each walked away with a 2-pack of wines. Clearly, families who stay together, drink together.

Special recognition was given to Ginny Pitts in a letter of appreciation for all of her efforts on our recent Veteran's Day luncheon and celebration. Lots of time and hard work went into making this event such a success and Ginny led the charge for our club. Thanks, Ginny!

We were again reminded that our Holiday Party would be held at Janet Codding's home on December 6th starting at 5:30. Naturally, spouses and significant others (what is an insignificant other?) are invited and will be a welcome addition to the event. After Janet and Susan Nowacki discussed it, we were assured that more info would follow.

CRAB FEED NEWS!!!

Arnie Carston is on the hunt for major donations, valued at $500 or more. And while we have received several (a car, a cabin and a few special dinners), many more are needed. If you have a stray chalet, a yacht not in use, a lovely Lear jet, just let Arnie know...as soon as possible. So put your thinking caps on, contact friends, acquaintances and associates. The more we have to sell the more good works we can do for the community!

And speaking of good works, Jim Hinton reminded us that grant requests are due no later than December 31st. This is earlier than last year, so be sure your deserving groups get their requests in on time. To date, we have received 5 grant applications and Jim has all the necessary paper work.

Tickets, tickets, tickets...Bob Zeni is the man to see for your table and individual tickets. We want this to be another sell-out crowd, so do your part! Jim Benoit is the raffle man. If you haven't picked up your raffle tickets either see Jim or he will be seeing you. Raffle tickets are $10 apiece if sold individually or $80 for all ten. A diamond tennis bracelet, modeled by Chris Parr today, will be the grand prize from the drawing.

And last but not least, at our Silent Auction last year, we had over 300 items and we need many, many more to meet our goals. What do you have, what can you get to donate - think hard and dig deep. Either bring your items to Tarina Hall or contact her for pick up. As you know, some of our more profitable areas are the wine tables. Tarina also announced that Monday, December 9th would be "Bottle(s) Day". We want you to look into that old cellar of yours and come up with some jewels - a 6 pack of Rochioli, a case of Champagne, a couple of Bordeaux wines that will titillate someone's wallet. Please bring your wine offerings to our meeting on the 9th and Tarina and Ginny will transport them to the Pitts' Family Cellars for safe storage.

Recognition:

Phil Talamantes was recognized for having been featured in "Legacy" for his generous bequest of property to the Junior College as well as the recent purchase of a new car. He willingly paid the $25, but wanting to share the limelight, reminded President Mike that Von Von Der Mehden had sold him the car, resulting in $10 from Von.

Pete Lamonica recently returned from escorting 25 folks on a 7-day Caribbean cruise and kindly forked over a mere $10. Pete, your travels are getting too well known and a little expensive.

Recovering from shoulder surgery, Jim Sullivan (seen here before surgery) appeared with arm in sling and was fined $20 for the 20+ stitches/staples he acquired in the hospital. The surgery didn't seem to slow him down too much, as he was still able to reach for his wallet.

M-I-C...K-E-Y...M-O-U-S-E - Roger Olson celebrated his 60th with a trip to Disneyland - his first! Who says there isn't a second childhood?

Fined $30, Roger offered to pay $35 if he could say that Franco American stuffing mix was back on the shelves, but President Mike declined and accepted the $30.

Jeff Ray just returned from a "doctor recommended" ski trip (now that's what I call a good doctor), where the fresh air and lonely slopes ended up costing him more in fines than his lift tickets. So what's up with that?

Robin Marrs and Paul Stychno survived their trip to Ukraine, running out of booze in one direction and encountering some pretty scary looking characters on the return. Still, they presented the club with flags from the new Kiev Center and the original Kiev Rotary Clubs. Our men in Russia were there to work with the Kiev club who is a co-sponsor of the Diabetes project in Kiev. They will be preparing grant applications to support this important program. Daunted by their travel experiences Robin and Paul made a much-needed stop in Paris on their return for a little R&R. Oooo La La!

Program:

Today's guest, graciously introduced by Bob Marigo (I think that is an oxymoron) was Jerry Schultz representing the Shriners' Hospital for Children, Northern California. From his presentation it was obvious that Shriners are truly more than a bunch of men in funny costumes. Their philanthropic work is definitely making a difference in the lives of children in need.

Here are a few highlights from his presentation and the brief video he shared:

• There are 22 Shriners' Hospitals nation wide, 18 specializing in orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and 3 in burns for children under 18
• The hospital, once located on 19th Ave in San Francisco, was relocated to Sacramento after the 1989 earthquake and now adjoins UC Davis Medical Center
• Currently there are 515,000 Shriners, 315 members in Sonoma County
• There are 191 Shriner temples
• 650,000 children have been treated to date, at no cost to the patient, family or insurance companies
• 95% of the $567 million budget is spent on patient care
• Locally, funding comes from dues, the East-West football game and next month's Crab Feed
• Monies are spent on treatment, education and research
• Extensive services are provided all patients, including on-site parent accommodations
• Anyone in the US knowing a child in need can contact 1-800-237-5055 for a referral and immediate attention or visit www.shrinershq.org

We were each given an informative brochure describing, in more detail, the history, mission and accomplishments of this fine organization as it helps children lead more productive lives by treating the patient's mind, body and spirit.

After presenting Jerry with a bottle of Sonoma's finest, President Mike adjourned our meeting.

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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