It struck me, as I was preparing the notes for this Tuesday's meeting that it was meeting number 30 and I am about 60% through my term as president of our club. I feel pretty good about what has gone down so far this year but any success we have had to date is not due to me.

I looked back at an organization chart that I prepared way back in July and remember how thankful I felt when the people who were asked to be chairs of the various committees all said that they would be glad to help. I have to acknowledge them now, before the year is out, for the wonderful results they have had so far and will have during the balance of this year. So thanks to….

Anu Rettig for her work in membership and the member increase we have had so far.
Craig Thomas for taking on Club Service and keeping track of all the service activities of the club.
Dick Ashworth for his efforts to make us a 100% Foundation club.
Betsy Sater for keeping me straight as to what is going on and the club bulletin and all the other secretarial duties.
Marilyn Crary , Treasurer, for taking valuable work time to keep our books straight.
Dave Weiss for overseeing Club administration and keeping our meeting running smoothly
Ron Perrella for his work in Public Relations and, most importantly, overseeing our upcoming fundraiser.

I am truly humbled by the work and dedication of these Rotary volunteers

Only 20 more to go.

Jerry

Ed Gowen greeted Rotarians to the February 2 meeting. Jerry McCloskey called the meeting to order. Craig Thomas inspired us, and your reporter led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Robie Robeson challenged us as we sang the second verse of America the Beautiful. Bob Aston introduced his grandson, Chris, who is becoming a regular a tour meetings. David Weiss introduced a friend and neighbor Merit Johnson.

President Jerry then invited everyone to repeat The Four Way Test. He told us that he had read that Laguna Niguel was the safest city and then shared some of the Deputies' reports that were written in the Laguna Niguel News—they were good for a chuckle—the humor for the day! Vito Ferlauto announced that the dinner groups should have met at least two times and should be planning their third dinner.

To make our CASINO DE NIGUEL fundraiser more fun, and to raise a few additional bucks, Dick Ashworth and David Weiss approached me to lead an effort to have each Rotarian donate a bottle of wine for the auction. The wines will be offered in separate lots of four to six bottles.

A bid sheet will be prepared for each lot and they will be available as silent auction items. To make this more fun and significant, we have decided to suggest that the wines donated are of a $20 per bottle value or higher. Since rose wine is not very popular, we suggest that the wines considered are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Oyrah, Chardonnay, Fume Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or other such popular varietal wines.

Please bring your bottles to our meetings every Tuesday during the month of February. I will gather them to have them available for the event.

I am also looking for a volunteer to help prepare the auction bid sheets and set up the items for bid at the event. Those of you who may be interested in helping, may call me at (949) 831-3867.

As many of you may know, last January our grandson, Eric, was diagnosed with Type I Juvenile Diabetes. Our family has now learned so much about the important work the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation does to support research to find a cure or help with the daily complications of living with this autoimmune disease.

Eric, age five, will be participating in the "Walk to find a Cure" event on February 27. Please read Eric's Story on his webpage: http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87611385. If you would like to help Eric, you may donate on line. Please do not feel any pressure - just sharing one family's story. Thanks if you can help.

Dear fellow Rotarians,

I wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful honor you bestowed on me at your weekly meeting. No one could ask for a better send off to retirement. Betsy, Jeanette and Ellen did a wonderful job at presenting the program. It was fun to hear memories from Vince, Joe, and Dave. I loved the Orange County flag from Supervisor Bates. We already have guests coming from home this next weekend so I can't wait to fly it. All of my California friends will be so envious when they see it flying.

Of course the poem from dear Ellen was amazing. I packed the framed version especially well and it has now arrived and will be a constant reminder of the great club I am proud to have been a part of.

If any of your travels take you to the four corners area please look us up....the Moore B and B will always have a door open for Laguna Niguel Rotarians.

Warm Regards to all of you, Cheryl

We have two parties left for this year.  They will be February 14 and May 1.   Keep in mind that all our parties are open to friends and family – especially those considering joining our club. A party is a great way to introduce them to fellow Rotarians and get them excited about joining our club!

Valentine's Day Party 
February 14, 2010
5 PM to 8 PM
$50.00 per person
Bistro K (AKA Tony's)
30100 Town Center Drive
Laguna Niguel

Hawaiian Luau
May 1, 2010
4 PM to 8 PM 
at the home of
Linda Lindholm 

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say or do

1.  Is it the TRUTH?
2.  Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3.  Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4.  Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?