Our Rotary gathering was greeted by Mike Moore and Mike Stepanovich who said he was pinch-hitting for a whereabouts unknown Sister Judy. Sister Judy later explained she depends on Uber to get her to Rotary, and her Uber driver was a bit tardy. She apologized profusely for her lateness and missing her duties and fined herself $10. Michael O’D, who himself arrived more than a little late, said he would pay her fine and upped it to $40 because he heard her state 4 reasons why she was late. Michael O’D fined himself another $40 for his own lateness. Sister Judy thanked Mike S. for taking her place.
We feasted on eggs benedict, enjoyed fun conversation and perused the many fliers on the table prior to the gavel.
The meeting was called to as orderly state as can be expected of us, at 7:03.
Dr. Nunez, with the strong encouragement from a smarty pants I could not see, of “Don’t screw it up”, gave a very nice invocation. Craig Holland led us in the flag salute. Mary Jo Pasek, who apparently accepts texts very late at night from people she doesn’t know, led us in singing, “This Land is Your Land”. Seems Neil Walker could not be with us and the mystery text was from him asking her to step in as songstress. Pat Paggi introduced no visiting Rotarians and we had 3 visitors: Jarod Collup to support Athena Collup who was inducted, Jan Black celebrating her anniversary month with husband Bill, and Shirley O’Donnell celebrating her anniversary with Ed.
Our Rotary anniversary for the week is Bill Black who joined a decade ago. The wedding anniversaries celebrated are Past President Steve Shayer and Carla, 32 years on the 18th, Greg & Janis Desme, 33 years on the 27th and Ed & Shirley O’Donnell, an amazing 48 years on the 17th. Congrats to all the blissful couples.
Lots of happy people today, none but Gina Hayden providing a dollar value for their happiness. Gina was happy for $5 that 2 of her dogs did VERY, VERY well in a dog show in Seattle. BB got “Best in Specialty” and “Best Opposite” (basically 1st and 2nd) in 2 days of shows. Magic did well with a points race that my ears didn’t quite pick up very well. My apologies to the proud show dog owner. Greg Desme traveled to Kansas to assist his daughter to set up her 2nd Grade classroom. While there he attended a meeting of the largest Rotary Club in Kansas City. He brought back a Rotary banner and BBQ sauce. Cheryl Scott brought back a goodie from her travels to Cabo San Lucas. Liz Rozell let us know Rylan had back surgery, felt instant relief from the horrible pain, and is recuperating nicely. He hopes to be with us again in a month.
Sargent at Arms, Dan Johnson, did a room sweep checking for Rotary pins. Seven Rotarians got popped for $10 for a new pin which Dan distributed. Michael O’D was one of those bringing his fines for the day to $90. Someone heard him say, “Ah, just make it $100”. Very nice Mr. O’D.
In other community goings on, Susan Searey announced a 5K Run to benefit Dress for Success on Sept. 10th. Michele McClure announced a 4-hour comedy show benefitting Habitat for Humanity on October 22nd to be held at Temblor.
Membership Director, Marilee Reagor, together with sponsors Mike and Shari George, inducted our newest member: Athena Collup. Athena is a Realtor with Miramar. She has an impressive community service resume’ including many important volunteer gigs in the world of Real Estate. She is married with 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren. She is excited to be a part of us and has already shown her commitment to us by being on the fund raising committee. Welcome to Breakfast Rotary Athena!
Mike Stepanovich and Frank Wooldridge had a grand kick off to our 2016 Fundraiser, Wine, Place and Show slated for November 4th, 5:30 to 9:30 at Seven Oaks Country Club. Horse racing, wine tasting featuring some pretty spectacular wineries, amazing food menu, music by No Limits promised to be party down, kick booty music, and a live auction boasting some pretty amazing merchandise, are the features of this event. Everyone is encouraged to buy their own 2 tickets and sell 3 more. Everyone is also encouraged to bring in just 1 sponsor. There will be a ticket selling competition with all past Presidents being team captains. The team selling the most will be treated to a gourmet dinner and wine hosted by the Stepanovichs and the Pitts. Does Mike S. get to count the Bks. Wine Society tickets???
President Kay requested a motion to approve the by-laws revisions: amending the dues from $75 to $80, deleting the word “the” (Article VII, Section 4, pg 5), update the footer to reflect the approval date. Motion by Mike Stepanovich, 2nd by Ed O’Donnell. Standing vote. Ayes took the floor. Motion passed. New dues will be effective September 1, 2016.
Our program presenter was Lt. Cmdr. Leon Tackitt. He was 27 years with the Navy starting out as a helicopter pilot and then volunteering to work the Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) unit. He retired in 2008 and became the owner and vintner of Tackitt Family Vineyards. The property in Paso Robles has been in his family since the 1970’s. Tackitt specializes in Gewurztraminer; however, they create other beautiful wines as well: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and a Bordeaux.
The EOD is a cooperative effort of the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. The men and women of the unit are responsible for clearing battle areas that troops are about to enter, of all explosives, most commonly known as improvised explosive devices (IED’s). They are also used stateside to clear the approximately 4,000 sites left with explosives used in training during WWI and WWII.
The EOD Warrior Foundation was formed to assist the EOD technician veterans and their families. EOD techs suffer some of the most severe injuries. The focus areas of assistance are: emergency financial relief, education, hope and wellness and EOD memorial care. The Foundation is very close to reaching its goal of raising $2 million each year. The professional staff comprises the Executive Director and 3 office staff. The Foundation depends on its many volunteers.
Tackitt Family Vineyards has introduced EOD Cellars, a special collection of wines sold to honor veterans and support the EOD Warrior Foundation. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of these special wines, is donated to the EOD Warrior Foundation. Thank you Leon Tackitt and Tackitt Family Vineyards.
Following the program 2 quick announcements: remember to complete your Foundation pledge sheet. Next week the “Square” will be available to make credit card payments. And last night’s diner’s club at the Crest Drive In was a success with 27 attendees. The next gathering is at Bill Black’s cabin on Sept. 17th.
Finally, 100 Paul Harris points were won by new member Michele Cooper, A mystery gift card was won by Frank Wooldridge and Marilee won something that I did not see. Yeah for our winners.
