The honorable President Riley opened the meeting as per his usual greeting and Maren Namdar led the Pledge.  Gary Rose ackowledged the many Rotarians who helped with the recent Cycle for Sight event. He also acknowledged the other local service clubs and organizations that helped out. Gary said that the attendees were close to 2500 and that we raised significantly more this year than last. Thanks to all those who made it possible. And especially to John Imrie for getting the needed insurance.  (You had to be there.)  Gary toasted all with glasses of champagne and he and Tim Cooney received a standing “O” for their efforts at organizing the event.

Our speaker was Elsebeth Schoenberger, a local author who has published her first novel. It is based on her own experiences during World War II. “Birgitte’s War,” is the the story of a young girl coming of age during the German occupation of Denmark, also tells how residents of one town came together to defy the Nazis.  She told us how she grew up during the occupation and through the efforts of the Danish resistance, were able to warn Danish Jews of troops that were on their way to imprison them and send them to concentration camps in Germany. Through their efforts many were able to escape such a fate.

Elsebeth likened her story and the experiences of the Danish resistance and the good they did for the population to the good acts we do as a service club.  Good job to all.

President Jim Reilly was in his usual fine form and solicited happy dollars from some members for their various accomplishments.  John Cardinale returned from a Hawaiian vacation and brought back some gifts from the island which were auctioned off.  Elizabeth McKenzie was the winning bidder.

Gary Rose, Robert Green, Jill Barwick and Tim Cooney reminded us that our one big annual fundraiser is a little more than a week away. If you haven’t volunteered yet, let them know your preferences for an assignment and they would appreciate the help. It’s a great cause and the one major event we ask all members to help out with.

Incoming President Kent Gardella told us who some of our upcoming speakers were going to be, but I can’t remember them…  There will be a business meeting May 16th in lieu of a speaker.

Kent then introduced our speaker, Commander Marcella McCormack (USN, Ret), the administrator of the Veterans Home in Yountville. A retired Navy commander, during her 20-year military career McCormack was stationed in Virginia, Florida, Maryland, San Diego and Guantanamo Bay.
She gave an informative presentation about the history of the home and its purpose. She entertained some questions afterwards.

President Jim closed the meeting with more of his ageless humor….

Our speaker was Jim Treadway, General Manager of Bardessono Hotel and Spa of Yountville. Jim gave a very interesting talk about the building of Bardessono as well as its operations.

The club has received three applications for membership: 1) Karen Hunt, president of Daou Vineyands (sponsor, Barbara Nemko); 2) Lissa Gibbs, Executive Director of the Napa Valley College Foundation (sponsor, Lorie Massaroppi); and 3) Julie Richardson, vice-president of Rabobank NA (sponsor, Gary Rose). The board invites comments.

Thought For the Day:
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot & hang on”. Thomas Jefferson

Visiting Rotarians: Edna Bahre Kovolani, President of Napa Valley College (Sunrise Club) & Lisa Gibbs the new Executive Director of the Napa Valley College Foundation (Tucson).

Guests of Rotarians: Karen Hunt, of Dow Winery and the Executive Director of the Napa Valley Boys & Girls Club, Mark Kuhnhausen.

President Jim Riley gave Mel Engle a “Welcome Back” salute, as Mel has been working out of town & away from us for a while.

James Barrett was the lucky raffle winner, but no so lucky as to be the big winner. James drew the two of diamonds and the pot stands at $3,200.

President Jim Riley had the good fortune to win $400 in a Boys & Girls Club Super Bowl pool, whereupon he graciously donated the proceeds to the Rotary Foundation. He asked that Rotary Club of Napa members ALL participate in their Paul Harris where, the goal is “Every Rotarian Every Year”.

The Rotary Club of Napa has achieved the single largest increase in memberships of all clubs in the District. Good work & “Thanks” to those members who are fully engaged in prospecting and welcome to our new members.

Women in Rotary will host the Silver Hearts Celebration lunch on March 16th from 11:00 until 2:00. The luncheon will take place at the Vintners Inn Events Center at the Santa Rosa Expo.

Ann Cash announced that Glenn Giamo has established a scholarship via his $1,000 donation to incent Napa high school kids to develop a love for science and math. Our club contributed $500 to this cause, which will result in two $750 scholarships for one student at both Napa and Vintage High. Plans are in the works to do the same for Justin Siena and New Tech.

Members are reminded and encouraged to attend the joint Rotary Club of Napa meeting with the Napa 20/30 Club. The dinner meeting will begin at 6:00 pm on February 22nd at Compadres. Jan Wahl will be the guest speaker.

Sunshine Report: Mike Loughran, Phil Champlin, Dean Donaldson & Joe Dacanay are “on the mend” and would welcome phone calls.

Leadership Napa Valley: Our club will provide to any one member so interested, the cost to participate in Leadership Napa Valley. See President Jim if you are interested.

Dick Lyon continues to be prolific in retirement. He provided a copy of his book Wild Flowers of the Napa Valley, which is available on Amazon. His book was auctioned for over $100 to Jeanne Christofferson.

Larry Wolfe informed the club of an opportunity to assist the international community via the Festival of Brotherhood – a cooperative effort of local and international clubs, their District Club and Rotary International. Members dipped into their pockets and raised $1,910 with another $90 donated from Jim Riley’s President’s Fund. Proceeds will go to purchase specialized medical equipment used in the treatment of epilepsy in children.

Alecia Hancock reminded everyone that our meeting next week will be our Valentines Day meeting and include hosted tables. If you wish to bring a guest, please let Alecia know as soon as possible.

Kent Gardella introduced Nancy Levenberg, the Executive Director of the Napa County Historical Society and Research Librarian Alexandra Brown. They spoke on the organization’s mission of Education, Research, Preservation and Advocacy of Napa County History. The Napa County Historical Society is closely associated with Napa County Landmarks to share resources and reduce operating costs. For more information, go to www.napahistory.org

Closing Thought from Woody Allen, “In my house I’m just the boss; my wife makes all the decisions”.

The raffle is over $3,000!

After opening announcements, Harrell Miller spoke on the subject of the Object of Rotary.

Our regular program featured a review of CPR techniques and included a demonstration of a defibrillator.
The club has received a membership application from the head of NapaLearns, Peg Maddocks. Peg is sponsored by Dorothy Lind-Salmon. The board invites your comments.

Upcoming Programs
2-8-12 Napa Historical Society Nancy Levenberg
2-15-12 Pat Wolfe PHD The brain chemistry of love.
2-22-12 Jan Wahl movies and the Oscars.
2-29-12 Napa Emergency Women’s Services Tracy Lamb.
3-7-12 Bardessono Inn Yountville green resort.
3-14-12 Group Study Exchange France
3-21-12. Chuck McMinn Vine bicycle trail. Commuter rail line.
3-28-12. John Woodbury County of Napa Parks and Recreation. Update on take-over of State Parks.

Announcements:

Bruce McCall gave an update on The Pathway Home. There is a request to any local restaurant owners to occasionally provide meals to the Pathway residents, doesn’t have to be fancy, but would be a welcome break form the chow hall. See Bruce for more information.

Brenda Perry is coordinating the food for a super bowl party at the Pathway Home, see Brenda if you would like to contribute.

Tim Cooney announced that sign ups for the Crab Feed, January 28 are under way. See Brenda Perry to rsvp. Wear your Mardi-Gras themed attire!

Ed Barwick gave an update on the progress of the new Theatres in south Napa. The theatres are due to open this Labor Day. One of the first steps, obtain the proper permits, Ed reported that the total cost of permitting the project is $564,057, or 5.4% of the $10.5 million dollar project.

Dorothy Lind Salmon and Gary Rose were recognized for their recent awards given by the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation

Welcomed New Rotarian, Nancy Lewis

Celebrated January Birthdays

Kent Gardella introduced our speaker, Stan Hewitt, who spoke about his career in energy management and the current state of the world’s energy resources.

Our first meeting of 2012 featured speaker Dave Whitmer, Napa County Agriculture Commissioner.  Dave spoke largely about to enormous task of controlling pests that threaten the wine industry.  Dave is a very accomplished speaker and fielded a number of questions.  Our thanks to him for taking time out to speak to us.

We have received a membership application from Nancy Lewis-Heliotes.  Nancy is a financial advisor with Citi Personal Wealth Management in Napa.  She is sponsored by Alecia Hancock.  The board invites your comments.

Tim Cooney led the Pledge of Allegiance

The ladies of Rotary led the club in a round of “Jingle Bells.” Tom Nelson played the Grinch.

The “thought of the day” shared by President Jim was, “ I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.” Thomas Edison

President Jim also shared his story about his recent occupational interest test resulting in his next career as a hamster – he also shared an inspiring video of Yves Rossi flying with man made wings, something we’ll all put on our bucket lists.

The raffle kitty is up to $2200, Chuck DeLormier had the winning number but drew the seven of hearts so the pot continues to grow.

Board Nominees for 2013 – 2014

Past President Bruce McCall presented the slate of nominees for the Rotary Board

President – Kent Gardella

President elect – Barbara Nemko

Treasurer – Brenda Perry

Secretary – Laura Rentz

Sergeant at Arms – John Cardinale

Foundation Chair – Jeannie Christofferson

Continuing board members, Brenda Speth, Elisabeth Mackenzie, Jerry Medlin, ?????, Jason  Luros,

New board members, Robert Greene, Phil Champlin, Maren Namdar and ?????

President Jim asked for a motion to close the nominations, Ed Barwick moved to do so and Larry Wolfe seconded. The nominations were closed by unanimous approval.

Announcements, fines, etc.

President Jim reminded the members of the Rotary goal, “every club, every member $100 challenge.” As we approach year end, remember donations are tax-deductible.

Jeff Erickson gave an update on Salvation Army bell ringing.

Tim Cooney was recognized as the December Rotarian of the Month

Gary Rose provided samples of his Bardessono Chardonnay. Buy now, and a portion of the sales will go to the Salvation Army.

Stuart Slipiec reported that Steve Orndorf was beaten by Kent Gardella at bowling last week. Steve is willing to debate anyone on that claim.

Reminder. Due to the upcoming holidays, Monday night bowling our friends from the Pathway Home will resume Monday January 9. No Bowling on Mondays December 19, 26 and January 2.

Wayne Panchesson contributed to his Paul Harris for a number of outstanding accomplishments,

For his musically talented daughter Zoe, a senior at Napa High School, who was featured in Monday’s Napa Valley Register – $250

For Stan Hewitt, who is a model rehab patient at the Meadows – $50

For Kent Gardella for fixing Wayne’s watch – $25

Wayne is a super nice guy who has allowed the residents at Meadowood to choose which day they will celebrate Christmas. This year they picked December 25^th! The San Francisco Chronicle reported the big news.

Jill Barwick added $5 for Kent being able to talk and fix a watch at the same time.

John Prescott added some pertinent facts to the legend of the “Quiet Coyote” and contributed $100 to the Rotary Foundation.

Speaker

Steve Orndorf introduced our speaker, our own Barbara Nemko, Superintendent of the Napa County Office of Education.

Barbara gave a great overview of the history of public education in the United States which helped put the challenges facing our educational system in perspective.  For example, math, reading, writing, science and math were the main topics taught when public education was first founded. Over the last century the mandates for topics have increased exponentially – in the last decade alone we’ve added No Child Left Behind, Bullying Prevention, anti-harassment policies, expanded early child care, body mass index and obesity monitoring, personal financial literacy, entrepreneurial and innovation skills, health and wellness, and Race to the Top to name just a few items.

We’ve added many mandates but have not any more time to accomplish these goals, in fact in Napa they’ve been reduced due to the current budget situation.

At the local level programs that are focused on teaching real life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving etc. have been paying off in better prepared students. New Technology High School is a model for the rest of California and the country and the SC21 model is being replicated in dozens of schools, including other schools in Napa County. Innovations such as using I-pads in the classroom to teach reading skills has been showing better results than traditional teaching methods because the process is so interactive and engaging.

Barbara implores us all to get involved, get into the schools to see the good things going on and then talk to our elected officials to make education funding a top priority.

Final Thoughts

Next week is party week! We’ll be celebrating Birthdays with hosted tables.

Closing Thought from hair obsessed President Jim, “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb… and I also know that I’m not blonde.” Dolly Parton

Reminder: No meeting on the 28th.

-Our speaker for today was Chris Piper.   Chris is a former member of our club and served as club president.  He currently heads the Napa Police Volunteer program which he described to us in detail.  Excellent program, excellent speaker.

It was craft talk day.

-Lee Niesh began be describing his journey which has landed him in Napa as Pastor of the Napa First United Methodist Church.

-Norm Alumbaugh followed, regaling us with stories of his career and, in particular, with tales of his experiences with airplanes.

-John Prescott of Bank of Marin spoke about his banking career and his family.  Of particular interest to the group was his demonstration of “Quiet Coyote”.

Paul Watts has submitted a membership application to the club as he has attended the requisite three meetings.  Paul is a transfer from the Belmont Club and is sponsored by Jim Rossetti.  The Board invites your comments.