On the International side, Group Study Exchanges occur annually and it is to my regret that this club has not been more involved in these.  How many of you remember the team from Italy in the spring of 2001?  We had so much fun and I intend that this year, we will do more here.  It is so much fun to meet with, and even host, business people from other countries.  I would ask that when the call comes, you are more open to attending the receptions for them, or offer to put one of them up in your house for a day or two.

International and Intra-national, attend meetings at other clubs.  It is so much fun to do a make-up in a different city or country and Rotarians are often more than willing to show you their city and way of life - who knows, you may get another friend for life. 

Closer to home, the Foster Children project is really taking off and it s my intent to continue that.  Last year, because of the attention our Halloween Party attracted, we received grants from the Orfalea foundation and Venoco.  Both organizations gave us money with the stipulation that the funds NOT be used to fund the party but that they should go to the Foster Children program - and the fact is, through our Foundation we can do just that.

Rotary - What is it and who are these people?  On your tables you will find yellow cards - carry one with you.

 Most people, including many of our own members don't really know how to answer the question "What is Rotary?"  Hopefully we can change that and also get our name into the community.  So many people don't know what Rotary is.  This year, it is my intent to improve on our Public Relations.  Dilys Jones (stand up, please) is in charge of PR - but that doesn't mean she does it all.  If you take the time to write a press release, Dilys will get it out to the media.  We can't control what they print, but we can control how much we give them.  So PLEASE play your part, and if you're on a committee, or have arranged an interesting speaker, consider writing a release.

We have a lot of visitors to our Club and it was mentioned to one of our Past Presidents a little while back that we were not a very friendly club.  I hope that is never said again.  Past President Laurie opened her meetings with the phrase "the friendliest club in the world" - and that was for a reason. 

In the coming year, and hopefully as part of my legacy, I would like you to come to the meeting and if you see a new face, make it a point to say hello and take care of them, taking them through the food line and sitting with them introducing them to another club member.   If you can't do it yourself, grab another club member and ask that person to help host.   This is not just with guests of Rotarians (for they usually come with their host) but it applies especially to visiting Rotarians. 

We're going to have a "mystery handshake".  If not, see those bags on the table?  If you didn't greet that person you need to put a quarter in the bag.

In fact, plan on bringing four quarters with you to every meeting..if you don't want to play, buy "insurance" and put a dollar in.  these funds will be used for Polio Plus.

On your way out of the door, look for the change box.  Any spare change that is wearing a hole in your pocket - lighten your load and throw that in - funds for foster Children.

Theme: John Kenny - The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands.

My Goals this year:

          Membership - Maintain.  You are my committee.

          Fundraising - (no new fundraisers)

-         Foster Children

-         Polio Plus

-         Wheel Chairs 

          Increased Participation in Rotary Events

          Better PR

          Have Fun