Rotary Club of Montecito Axis - Archive  Oct 13, 2009

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Our meeting today amidst much-awaited rainfall was cozy and inspiring.

Our speaker this week was Nola Stucky, the Founder and CEO of NS Ceramic, Inc.  She was knowledgeable and informative.  In view of the aesthetics of the beautiful tile-work associated with California generally and Santa Barbara in particular we have a better perspective.  From Tunisia to Catalina, to Portugal and California we heard about the intricacies and care it takes to produce the beautiful tile-work at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, Casa de Herrara, LotusLand and other venues in and around Santa Barbara.  Thank you Deborah Schwartz for making the arrangements.

The GSE Team from Bangladesh will be here this Thursday and be in our area for five days.  There is a special reception Saturday, October 17^th from 4 PM to 7 PM in Carpenteria.  The flyer is attached.  There was an expression of interest from about 7-8 Montecito Rotarians to attend.  It is a BBQ for $10 per person.  The flyer is attached.  Please RSVP directly to Janet Napier or Michael Ensign as indicated on the flyer!!! Directions are also on the flyer.  Bangladesh is the seventh largest  country (by population) in the world. 

The District Conference in Ventura is about a month away (10/23-10/25).  You can find out more details at http://www.rotarydistrict5240.org/.

Larry Thompson, our International Service Chair, presented a compelling case for supporting the Congo Project spearheaded by our member, Victoria Bentley.  Larry has challenged the Club by offering a Leadership Matching Gift of $1,000. if we can raise $3,000. From our Club in addition to our International Service budget contribution.  The case is compelling and meets desperate needs.  Victoria’s

Web site is www.empowercongowomen.org  If you are in a position to support this project, please let Larry know as soon as possible.  We have some time-sensitive opportunities to partner with other Clubs and leverage District funds, but time is of the essence.  Larry can be reached at medesign@verizon.net

Gunnar Thomer has been working on our Club Directory.  He will be in touch with you to be sure your contact information is current and will be attempting to get photos of everyone who still needs to submit a photo for the directory.  He will have his camera at the meeting on the 20^th if you need a photo taken.  Please check the info that Gunnar sends you and get back to him promptly if corrections are needed.

Due to your generosity between Happy Fines and Harlan turning in his 50-50 Raffle Proceeds, we raised over $120.00 toward the Ethics Workshop at today’s meeting.

Next week, E. Russell Smith will be visiting us to share information about the Rotary Foundation and several Paul Harris Fellowships will be presented.

A date for the 2010 Golf Classic has been set for May 6^th at Glen Annie.  Plan Ahead and save the date!

Assignments are as follows:  Invocation/Flag Salute Harlan Green (Diane Gabriel back-up)   and 50/50 Raffle Sherry Melchiorre.