Wednesday, September 27, 2006 convened by President Russell (‘a steamed’), theme for the year ‘Lead the Way’. 

 

Forrest led the pledge.

 

Thought of the Day:   To err is human; to really screw up requires a computer (anonymous by way of Libby).

INTRODUCTION OF ROTARIAN GUESTS:  Angela Isola, Century 21 Bundesen and husband Chuck; Fernando’s son Antonio; Carol York, Bank of Marin.

 

VISITING ROTARIANS:  Lou Steinberg Petaluma Club; Jim Tuck, Russian River (Guerneville).

 

The Club welcome JoAnn P., who arrived late.

 

Secret Toucher:  Forrest Frye; also if you missed Cliff Dockterman last week, worth another $1. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS / EVENTS.

 

Rowtary on the River:  Connie thanked Jim O’Grady (activities director); Walt and Sue for Friday night activities; Jim Tuck (Saturday night activities); made $1200 on the silent auction, netting $600 on the event.

 

World famous Rotary Canoe Regatta – winners were Jim Tuck, Sue Hussey (and grandson Ray). 

 

Lend A Hand to Education:  Libby announced the update, no event but lots of letters out to teachers, 45 replies; review by Committee next Wednesday immediately after the Club meeting. 

 

Derek announced this Saturday’s Rotary Walks – McNear Park at 8:30 AM.  Derek thanked the various organizations supporting this community event.

 

Sally J. announced the Three Club picnic, this Saturday after the Rotary Walks, $15 for adults, much less for little kids (free!!!).  She and Will attended the Ideal Husband last weekend – a must see for the community.

 

Sally booked 10 rooms at the Hampton Inn in downtown Salt Lake City. 

 

Russell announced the distribution of a survey, see Dave Johnson (comments about our wonderful President may result in fines). 

 

Dawn announced the Foundation Dinner; first two raffle tickets are matched by the Club on our Foundation account. 

 

Terri announced that the Youth Exchange students are coming next week, bus tour to San Francisco on Saturday.  We are feeding the Sunday night dinner, October 8^th; call Terri to volunteer with serving. 

 

Russell recognized John Burns and Jim O’Grady.  Jim has graciously donated the back of the Money Mailer on October 1, 2006.  John Burns, on behalf of the Argus Courier, is doubling the size of our ads. 

 

Russell is celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his business – Edward Jones, so he donated to the Interact Club for babysitting services at Rowtary on the River.

 

HAPPY DOLLARS, FINES, ETC.:

 

Connie T (Club anniversary, wrong guess resulted in a slightly larger fine, also a trip to Atlanta), Sue H (Sue’s birthday accompanied by a few confessions about Walt’s new motorcycle and a new horse trailer), Warren H. (special birthday celebrated by big family party), Libby FitzGerald, Forrest Frye (trip to the B-29 reunion in Hartford Connecticut); Bob Hill (spouse’s birthday and Club anniversary); John Strong (award for setting up the program in Mexico) and Ron (award from Rotary International); Gordon (celebrated his 19^th wedding anniversary with Lynn); Sheila B (7^th Club anniversary, fine reduced due to secret knowledge of Rowtary on the River info???); Libby F. (trip to New England including bicycle riding, jam making with a gift for President Russell); Jo T. (celebrity running for elected office, endorsement from the Argus but not from President Russell due to a spousal conflict of interest – way too complicate to explain); Debbie M. (fine for something, I was stuffing a cookie into my mouth and missed it); Linda P. (national recognition for a painting now displayed at the Naval Academy – no fine!); Phillip P. (son’s birthday).

 

Linda P. got her blue badge and paid a fine; Ricki R. made a fine for the return of her badge (missing story on where it went?). 

 

RAFFLE:  $307 dollars available,

 

PROGRAM:  John B. Tony Estavez, representing Pets are Loving Support (PALS), a non-profit all volunteer agency organized to improve the quality of life of people with AIDS living in Sonoma County, by preserving and promoting the human/animal bond through the care and maintenance of their animal companions.  Tony introduced Kelly, his doggie companion (a 14-year old Chihuahua Beagle mix).  Tony serves as the ‘gopher’ for the organization, running errands.  Created in 1991, the agency is self-funded through the Human Society of Sonoma County.  Services include food, care, vet care, respite care, placement upon death of owner. 

 

The agency currently services 72 clients with 152 animals (mostly cats and dogs) although it has included chickens and horses in the past.  $23,900 is the annual budget, which includes $42 a month for a phone bill, the rest goes to flea control; heart worm medication; kitty litter, special diets, vet services.  Most money comes from individual grants and donations (i.e. Sebastopol Rotary); Board member runs a marathon every year and raised $2,000 from sponsorships last year; community of Guerneville (Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Bingo event), a booth at fairs (i.e.: Marin County Pet Fair); a tavern in Guerneville (once a month for a few hours donates all proceeds).  Donations vary by year, sometimes as low as $12,000.  Seven volunteers keep the organization running, mostly by Tony and the Executive Director.  His worry is that if they get too well known, they won’t be able to meet the need. 

 

Currently there are 1097 cases of AIDS in Sonoma County; they are only serving 72 individuals.  Those 72 individuals, both men and women, are mostly low-income living on $823 a month; they are not capable of providing fully for their animals.  Most of the individuals have progressed in the disease to be homebound, not able to socialize with neighbors.  One major problem: the side effects of medication, which prolong life, causes disfigurement which further isolates the client.  Sometimes the only thing that keeps these people going is their animal; a daily dose of love.  Raising funds is of primary importance. 

 

Tony was diagnosed with AIDS in 1994 and the only reason he is still here is Kelly.  He had to get out of bed to take her outside.  Through a second hospitalization, Kelly gave him one more reason to live.  He decided to take his pills and to do his best to live – to take care of Kelly.  He confided that he cares more for the animals than clients and that he does what he does for the animals.  This country spends over $3 billion dollars on our pets, well worth it!  His worry is that the individuals will not be able to property provide the care for their animals. 

 

He has two clients in Petaluma but most are in Santa Rosa and Guerneville.  Housing prices keep going up; in the future he sees more people moving to Petaluma.  A major cost factor is the rising cost of flea and heart medication for the animals.  When PALS was started there were a lot of volunteers and a lot of interest, but now with only 2 fully dedicated people, services are stretched thin.  For example, they can no longer provide transportation services to vet appointments. 

 

Question:  How does a fish make a difference to a client?  Tony’s neighbor has Koi; they are beautiful, and peaceful to look at.  However, he is partial to dogs. 

More pictures can be seen by clicking here.