UPCOMING SOCIALS & PROJECTS & EVENTS  

More socials, projects, & events coming soon!

Opening the Meeting

It was a dark and stormy lunchtime. Okay, not that dark, but with monsoon-like rain pounding outside, we still managed a solid turnout. And who kicked off the meeting? None other than me! Yes, Matthew Henry, your humble scribe, was asked to handle the pledge and thought of the day. Of course, I completely forgot, but thanks to my good pal ChatGPT, I whipped up a poem about Rotarians giving thanks. Crisis averted. You’re welcome.

Guests Galore

• Richard Allen proudly introduced his wife, Trisha, and our esteemed speaker, Dr. Carla Manley. (More on her later.)
• Pete Lescure introduced Gary Nichols, MD, who will soon join the club. Always nice to have a doctor in the house.
• The rest of us just showed up soggy but guest-less.

Sunshine Report

Ginny Cannon delivered some tough news: Michael Moore’s wife, Jan, passed away this weekend. A heartfelt reminder of the love and care we share in Rotary, even in difficult times.

For those of you who would like to send a card to Michael Moore, here is his address:
217 Pacific Heights Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Opportunity Drawing

Curt Groninga orchestrated the drawing, with Fred Levin plucking the winning ticket. Past President Ann Gospe, sitting right next to me, had purchased 15 tickets but received only 11 (someone owes her some tickets—or at least an apology). Sam McMillan emerged victorious, drawing a yellow marble for a $10 win. As tradition dictates, Casey asked Sam how much of that would be “donated to Polio.” I’m impressed with Casey’s persistence!

Announcements

Casey tried to dodge responsibility, pointing us to the tabletop announcements, but quickly found a second wind and mentioned that Trivia Day is coming: Mark your calendars for December 18th. Dig out your ugly (or stylish) Christmas sweaters and bring your A-game.

Next, a long line of Rotarians stood up keeping me frantically trying to keep up…

• Poinsettias for Seniors: Debi Zaft gauged interest in reviving this festive program. A quick show of hands confirmed it’s on, with at least 20 members signing up to buy two poinsettias each.
• Holiday Party: December 22nd from 3–7 pm at the Gospe compound. Bring holiday cheer (and maybe a good bottle of wine?).
• Nutcracker Youth Event: December 21st at 2 pm. Don’t forget to bake cookies if you signed up. (Seriously, we’re counting on you.)
• Bell Ringing for Salvation Army: Time to snag those coveted sign-up slots and reclaim our #1 status.
• Jamison Merit Award: Steve Olsen updated us on this impressive fund, which now boasts $321,000 to help kids raise livestock. This year, we’re supporting 60 kids and covering half their costs. Way to go, Rotary!
• Membership Approval: Kerrie Chambers has been approved for membership by the board of directors. Please say hi to Kerri at our next meeting.

Craft Talk: The Professor, aka Rich Rossi

Casey reminded us that Rich Rossi hadn’t given his Craft Talk yet—better late than never, right? Rich’s story took us on a whirlwind tour from his Bronx roots (Little Italy!) to a career trifecta: journalist, marketer, and educator. Along the way, he married his high school sweetheart, served in Internal Affairs in D.C. (with a humorous jab at Fred Levin about his cushy Air Force gig), and worked PR gigs for Visa and DHL. Corporate politics eventually wore him out, so he became a communications director and taught business at the College of Notre Dame. His passion for teaching and working with students? Inspiring. From now on, I’m calling him “The Professor.”

Remembering Norm & Beverly Owen

With the passing of Norm on October 24^th and Beverly on November 21, 2024, Rotary has lost two very dedicated and passionate advocates. Norm and Bev were inseparable supporters of Rotary since Norm’s induction in 1978. As a “Rotary Power Couple”, they worked tirelessly in leadership roles at all levels of Rotary. Everyone knew that when (Click here for the rest)

Guest Speaker: Dr. Carla Marie Manley

Dr. Manley, an author and psychologist, wowed us with insights from her fourth book, The Joy of Imperfect Love. She tackled big topics like communication, love, attachment, and change. Her message? Healthy relationships start with clear communication. She even plugged her podcast, Imperfect Love. If you missed the meeting, grab her book or tune in for some sage advice on creating securely attached relationships. (No pressure, but I’m expecting some Rotary book club action soon.)

Closing Thoughts

As the rain continued to pour outside, the meeting wrapped up with plenty of holiday cheer (and reminders to sign up for bell-ringing and cookie-baking). Just remember, no meeting next Wednesday—so enjoy Thanksgiving with your perfectly imperfect families.

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