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Rotary Exchange Program
Japan 2001

Openers…

President Michael Moore eloquently called the meeting to order (this being his last meeting of the year; more later).

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

Moment: Susan Nowacki provided our 'Rotary Moment'.

Our Greeter:
	Bill Dodson introduced our visiting Rotarians.

Ticket Sales:
Chuck Baker sold raffle tickets like crazy.

Guests:
Well, there wasn't a guest to be found today.

Announcements:

President Mike mentioned that he would be gone the rest of the year because he is taking his lovely wife on a CRUISE. He's sorry to miss the last meeting of the year but he knows we all understand and that we will be anxiously waiting to see how much he fines himself upon his return.

Gary Lucas started a 'pass the microphone' announcement with any Crab Feed subcommittee chairpersons who might wish to plead for additional volunteers. Many did. If you haven't volunteered yet, you're being observed.

Bob Zeni reminded us to contact him for tickets to the Crab Feed.

Dave Wattell and Chris Parr talked about those raffle tickets for the beautiful diamond tennis bracelet to be given away at the Crab Feed. You need not be a tennis player to wear this bracelet!

Harry Rubins is incredible. He has created a matching grant for the Rotary Foundation. Here's the deal. Any Rotarian who has contributed his $203 (or $210, depending on how you figured your contribution) and donates an additional $100, Harry will match it personally up to a $500 total match. Harry raises the bar to new levels and our Foundation recipients and Santa Rosa West Rotary Club shines in the glow of generosity.

David McDonald, our Community Service Co-Director, has organized a Salvation Army Bell Ringer corps who will spread good tidings and collect change at the north entrance to Coddingtown by Narsi's Haufbrau on Friday, December 21. Thank you to all of the volunteers!!

Recognition: Well, who hasn't heard that Scott Barley, who has been going to the PACE Ball every year since he learned to dance, and who hasn't EVER won one of the lovely Christmas Trees that are auctioned off at the event: Guess what - HE WON TWO of them. President Mike 'HO HO HO'd' $30 from Mr. Christmas Tree.

Janet Codding and Gail Johnson were recognized for hosting a wonderful Rotary Christmas party at Janet's house. If you weren't there, you missed a good party.

Our President somehow found out that David McDonald had lost his list of volunteers for the Bell Ringers and Ginny Pitts found it. That cost Dave $30.

Steve Wright was fined $25 for not having a baby. But his lovely (and very tired) wife did have a beautiful daughter on November 25. The club passed the hat and raised $253 that was given to Steve. He has to match that amount and open a savings account for his new future Rotarian. Congratulations, Steve!

John Palmer was fined (honored, actually) for being 81 years old. When asked what his secret to longevity is, he proclaimed that Black Russian cocktails work pretty well. Happy Birthday, John - and, bartender, line 'em up.

Chuck Baker and his lovely wife have just celebrated 37 years of matrimony. President Mike fined him $5 and we can probably assume that after 37 years, Chuck knows not to get reimbursement from his wife.

Gail Johnson acknowledged that she has recently purchased a residence in Florida. What does this mean? Well, she took her exchange student with her, but Mike fined her $10 anyway. Gail's studying up on the difference between alligators and crocodiles.

President Mike recognized Rich Standard for having his son married in southern California. Rich managed to mention that he is also giving health lectures at the Aviation Club and also giving dulcimer lessons. $50 fine for the advertisements.

Dennis Wilkinson has not been attending Rotary meeting too much lately because he has been so busy. But, he did have time to buy an old car. It's just this little 1970, T-top, 350 cu. In., 4 speed, yellow Corvette. Our Pres fined him $25, which is about what it costs Dennis to leave a stop sign.

Raffle:

Bob Reiking tried to pick the 'whatever the color is' marble and didn't, but Brian Jamar won the bottle of wine.

Program:

Jon A. C. Vonder Haar, an attorney with Rivkin Radler, visited Japan last fall as a team member of Rotary's Group Study Exchange Program. He provided us with a glimpse of life in a country that has approximately 1000 seismic events per year yet is one of the safest places he has visited. He even saw vineyards. Jon told us that Japan imports almost 80% of its food, especially fruits and vegetables which can be very expensive. Seafood, however, is plentiful and cheap. When you go to a restaurant you usually cook your own food as well.

English is a world language and allowed few problems for Jon on his trip. He stayed with a CPA who explained, among other things, how the freeways in Japan are not free, in fact, are privately owned and very expensive to use.

Jon enjoyed the many festivals that are very common in Japan and is very grateful that Rotary allowed for this very exciting adventure.

Visit  the Group Study Exchange program for more information on.

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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