In the Beginning…
As the clock ticked to 12:15 pm, President Jorg rang the bell, eventually got everyone’s attention and asked Bob Caro– who was actually attending his third meeting in a row! – to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. This Marine did an admirable job! Larry Harrison followed up with two “Thoughts for the Day.” One from Winston Churchill: “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however makes a life.”
A special welcome back was extended to member Peter Fulchiron, accompanied by his wife of almost 50 years, Cindyand his two sons, Corey and Richard (who flew in from London for a visit.) Peter thanked Club members for “all you have done to support me and my family, and all you continue to do.”
In the Beginning…
As the clock ticked to 12:15 pm, President Jorg rang the bell, eventually got everyone’s attention and asked Bob Caro– who was actually attending his third meeting in a row! – to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. This Marine did an admirable job! Larry Harrison followed up with two “Thoughts for the Day.” One from Winston Churchill: “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however makes a life.” One from Betty Reese: “If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito!”
Visitors & Guests
Visiting Rotarians included only one, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael, John Godsay.
As guests of Rotarians, we welcomed the Love of Jim Spilman’s Life, his wife Diane; Keith Wheeler as John Ringgenberg’s guest; Camie Studley’s guest, her caregiver, Joy; and Karen Strelia and Kelly Brown as guests of President Jorg.
A special welcome back was extended to member Peter Fulchiron, accompanied by his wife of almost 50 years, Cindyand his two sons, Corey and Richard (who flew in from London for a visit.) Peter thanked Club members for “all you have done to support me and my family, and all you continue to do.”
Marty Wickenheiser hosted former member Peter Ruebens and his daughter Kim. Phil Dougherty was accompanied by his charming wife Laurie.
Nohemi Beisseman-Mason took the opportunity of the passed microphone to thank Club members for their sympathy and caring following the passing of her beloved Jerry.
Announcements
To kick off the announcements, President Jorg introduced Karen Strelia and Kelly Brown of Covia, formerly Novato Independent Seniors. The organization assists seniors to stay in their homes as long as possible, performing simple, but necessary tasks, such as shopping, changing light bulbs, etc. Recently, a Rotary Club that had been helping them had to take a break and they are looking for another Rotary partner.
Club Changes
President Jorg commented on the fact that humans seemed to be allergic to change, but the Board is integrating the comments and feedback from members into the process of making some changes within the Club structure. It will be discussed again at the Board meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
The Camp Fire Documentary
John Godsay invited all to the showing of “The Camp Fire Documentary” at 7 pm on Monday, April 15 at the Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth Street, San Rafael. A $20 donation is requested, and it is a benefit screening for the members of the Rotary Club of Paradise.
Rotary Club Bocce Ball Social Event
Peian Harness encouraged all to attend and root on members of the RC Novato Bocce Team who will be up against Ignacio and Sunrise Teams this Saturday, April 13, 11 am-3 pm, at the San Rafael Bocce Courts, 550 B Street, San Rafael. Cost: $10/person, players and non-players, includes lunch, bring your own drinks.
Los Robles Clean-Up
Marty W. encouraged her usual Team, plus others who might be interested to the monthly clean-up this Saturday, April 13, at 9 am, at the Los Robles Mobile Home Park.
It’s a Small World!
Al Angulo told a wonderful story about being in the middle of the plaza in the city in Mexico where he was participating in a water project and striking up a conversation with the fellow next to him about the new president of Mexico. As they chatted further, Al asked this Luis Rodriquez where he was from and he told All he was from Novato, CA! Furthermore, his daughter had recently received a $5K scholarship from our Club! Small world doing good works!
Sunshine Report
In the Sunshine Report, Peter Fulchiron reported that he had spoken to Jay Wayne and he was home, in good spirits but has a long way to go! Cards, good thoughts and prayers would be appreciated.
Reading to School Children
President Jorg thanked those who had responded to his email about reading to school children on Wednesday, April 24, at 10 am, and encouraged any others who wished to join them to let him know.
Recognition Time
Then the mercenary Jorg took over from the kind Jorg and began levying “recognitions! Ben Borok was touted for 65 years of wedded bliss to his wife Frances which they celebrated on March 14. Robert Marshall was tapped for a birthday on March 23. He and 17 friends and family went out for a sushi dinner and drank sake. Bill and Vicki McDill celebrated 56 years of marriage with a “subdued” event as they were in the middle of chasing all over the Western United States! Lastly, Treasurer Jim Botko will be chalking up another birthday on Saturday, April 6.
In light of the naming of Phil Brown as the 2019 Novato Citizen of the Year, Mike Morrissey introduced a rerun of the “Marty’s Moments” featuring Jean and Phil Brown. Following the usual AV irritations, the video was postponed, but finally shown after the day’s program was finished. It was enjoyed again!
The Program
Patti Hurst introduced our member Cynthia Gregory, development officer for Novato Community Hospital, who, in turn, introduced Shannon Thomas, the new head of nursing and chief administrative officer for NCH. A labor and delivery nurse by original training, she is overseeing the 42-bed hospital that is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the Sutter chain. The Hospital is growing as providers from Terra Linda are moving up to Novato.
She explained how - though small, but mighty - the Hospital is able to expand its services through telemedicine and become stroke-certified. Their ER has the shortest wait time for emergency care in the North Bay.
As a “not-for-profit” hospital they are required to provide community benefits and do so by having sports trainers at all high school sports games to assist coaches, as well as providing cognitive testing for all student athletes, and school nurses for all middle and elementary schools.
The current funding priorities for the hospital are their Kalmanovitz Child development Center which addresses developmental delays in children and helps to normalize their experiences and the Institutes of Health and Healing which provides acupuncture, therapeutic massage and alternative medicine. The third focus is to raise money for a new Precise Imaging Mobile C arm to keep the orthopedic Department on the leading edge of technology.
She invited all to help the hospital to celebrate the arrival of the new services on the Novato Community Hospital campus on Tuesday, April 30 from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more information contact Cynthia Gregory or Patti Hurst.
The Winner
Tricia Tabayoyon won the $25er and we can only hope that she and her husband spend it on a wonderful night out before the baby comes or maybe it will be the start of the college fund!
President Jorg wrapped up the meeting by thanking Sam for another great meal and thanking all for coming!
