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As I Recall: by Evee Lewis

President Louie Capuano was out of town. That gave our President Elect Jim Hinton the opportunity to master the dais and eloquently called the meeting to order.

(And as you might imagine it gave our membership a chance to test Jim’s Presidential metal. Past President Mike Moore (ever “The Master of The One-Liner”) shot an opening broadside that momentarily slowed our elect down, but PE Jim recovered quickly to resume his barrister bearing and provide us with a fun and memorable meeting.

Pledge:

Marv Hyman lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Rotary Moment:

Janet Codding read from the First Book of Galatians.

Our Greeter:

Fred Zmarzly introduced our ten visiting Rotarians.

Visiting Rotarians:

Visiting Rotarians; Larry Meiano, (sorry about the spelling Larry) and Mary Farha

Ticket Sales:

Chris Parr sold tickets like crazy.

Guests:

Our Club did not have any guests today.

Announcements:

On a sad note, John Withers announced that former member Bill Imboden’s wife, Charlotte, passed away this past week. Our sympathies extend to Jim and his family.

Steve Wright mentioned that the Shoe Program is doing well with 177 pairs going to students in seven local schools. Steve noted that the principals of those schools are very appreciative of the Rotary program.

Pat Stoll was standing in for Harry Rubins to provide our members with an opportunity to buy dinner and raffle tickets for the upcoming Rotary Foundation Hoedown. The annual event will take place this year at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, on November 8. Chris Parr said that our chapter will host a booth to sell Crab Feed tickets for January 24. Someone suggested we have a dunking booth but so many names were mentioned as targets that the idea got out of hand (Really...a dunking booth in January).

Speaking of Crab Feed, John Meislahn told us there will be tickets available next week. Arnie Carston pitched for more live auction items and made some good suggestions. It’s not too early to start thinking of what you will be donating to the Crab Feed. Remember, it’s just like shopping for Christmas.

Secretary Janet Codding reminded club Rotarians to pay their Rotary bills.

Roger Olson mentioned that he had a conversation with Dan Benedetti of Clover Stornetta Farms and suggested a billboard with Charles Schultz’ Peanuts family and Clo the Cow boosting our local ‘Moooseums’ which includes Roger’s beloved Pacific Coast Air Museum, Check out the results on Hwy 101 near Wilfred Avenue. Roger said it was a very ‘moooooving’ experience.

Recognition:

President Elect Hinton checked with District Governor Elect Bruce Campbell to find out how much power he has available prior to assuming office. Bruce’s comment went something like this: “Until you are President, you have no authority.” Does that stop him from recognizing Members? No again! Here’s what he decided to do: He offered Don Ling a maximum of $100 credit toward next years recognition opportunities if he could remember the most significant event in Rotary by Don with Jim. He would lose $25 for each wrong answer. Don’s second answer was the correct one: he sponsored Jim Hinton into our Rotary Club in 1996. $75 credit for next year.

Next he picked on Pete Lamonica. No, meeting the Hinton’s in Italy recently wasn’t quite the right answer. Inviting Jim and Carolyn to Pete’s family reunion in Italy recently was the right answer. $75 credit for next year.

Bob Zeni turned 75 on October 17. That must be a typo. Was it really the 17th?

Arnie Carston saw to it that his wife Gale got to celebrate her birthday in Berlin this year on October 7.

And Caroline Fox’s husband Steve had his birthday this month as well.

Raffle:

Arnie Carston tried to pick the right marble and couldn’t. John Meislahn won the bottle of wine.

Program:

PDG John Withers introduced our Guest Speaker today. She is Evee Lewis, our Registrar of Voters (among other positions) for Sonoma County who talked to us about the recent recall election.

Here are some highlights of her presentation:

• This was the most difficult election since her tenure with the county in 1971!
• The candidates where not completely known until 59 days before the election. Sonoma County has the highest percentage of voters requesting absentee ballots in the entire state (approx. 97,000 of 230,000 registered voters).
• This vote was done with only ½ of the normal poling places. Several rulings during the pre election period created havoc with the process of recruiting poling officers and preparing for the vote.
• Poling officers are required to attend 2-3 hour training sessions conducted by Ms Lewis’ staff. Sonoma County had a 68% turnout compared to the state average of 55%. Each ballot must be checked for over-votes.
• This is usually done by computer but because there where multiple voter cards for the governor’s race, all of the ballots had to be checked by hand!
• Each county must compile statistics and forward to the state within 28 days after the vote for certification.
• This bulletin writer (who always votes as I’m sure most Rotarians do) certainly was left with the impression that everyone’s vote counted.
• She has a difficult job and, having been elected to her position seven times, does it quite well. If Evee Lewis ever retires, feel free to campaign for her job.

Yours truly in Bulletin Reporting, Bill Dodson		Yours truly, in Bulletin Editing, Jim Valinoti

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Changes or comments?

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

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