Rotary Club of Montecito Axis - Archive  Oct 20, 2009

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Montecito Rotary Club Newsletter

October 20, 2009

Our meeting was memorable in several ways.  E. Russell Smith, our Group 8 Foundation Chair presented an informative update about the Rotary Foundation which described the sometimes complex procedures in an understandable way.  The Rotary Foundation provides the support necessary for programs such as the Group Study Exchange Program (currently underway in our District with a splendid group from Bangladesh – hosted by Lynda Nahra at Community West Bank on Monday), Ambassaborial Scholars, Polio Eradication and many more programs.

E. Russell also presented three Paul Harris Fellowships, Carolyn Brown (sponsored by Sherry Melchiorre),  Robyn Palmquist (sponsored by Phil Palmquist), and John Glanville (who was the recipient  of his three-ruby pin, signifying Eight PHF contributions.  Congratulations to all the recipients and their sponsors!  Thanks to Andy Berwick, our Club Foundatiopn  Chair for shepherding this process.

There was a Group 8 Reception for the Bangladesh GSE Team in Carpenteria last Saturday and several members were present, check in with Les Esposito, Bill Lindberg or Peter Feitis for details.

Larry Thompson, our International Service Chair, presented the status report on the Congo Project spearheaded by our member, Victoria Bentley.   We are extremely close to reaching our goal here and it has been wonderfully gratifying to see the generous outpouring of many members of our Club in support of this most worthwhile effort.   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

Next week, Dr. Victor Chakarian, a specialist in sports medicine who has trained many athletes during the Soviet era will be our speaker.

If you have make-ups, please email Les Esposito, so it is reflected in your statements.  If you have unrecorded make-ups, please let Les know by email.

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

We are also planning for our meeting place transition in January, 2010. Because of the renovation and closure of the Montecito Country Club for renovation,  Effective, January 5, 2010 our meeting place will be Emilio’s Restaurant on Cabrillo Boulevard across from the Harbor.

Assignments are as follows:  Invocation/Flag Salute Johnny Rios(Jennifer Combs, back-up)   and 50/50 Raffle  Larry Thompson