Ted Bystrowski, Reporter

Speaker: John Woodbury, “The Campaign to Save Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park”.

John Woodbury is a Napa County employee contracted full time to serve as the General Manager of the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. He Staffed a citizens advisory committee in 2005 that recommended the County support the formation of the park and open space district, and resulted in voter approval of the District in 2006. Prior to working in Napa, John was Executive Director for 12 years of the Bay Area Open Space Council, a non-profit organization that supports park districts and land trusts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The mission of the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is to protect, restore, enhance and steward the open space resources of Napa County, and to provide opportunities for the public to learn about and experience these natural resources. The Distric has to date committed to owning and/or managing 10 open space parks and regional trails in protecting over 6,200 acres of open space.

Most importantly, the District has just reached a five year agreement with the Sate of California, Department of Parks and Recreation to operate and manage the 1900 acre Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the Bale Grist Mill State Historical Park. The District agreement to operate these two parks will prevent them from being closed by the State of California. These parks have over 60,00 visitors annually and add more that $1.6 million annually to the local economy. The District will partner with the local Napa Valley State Parks Association to operate the Bale Grist Mill.

The District has no dedicated tax basis; it revenues come from a mix of grants, donations and program income. There have been many people throughout the San Francisco Bay Area that have volunteered their time to improve the new Napa open space areas and park facilities. The District has within its’ first six years become a great investment for Napa County.

The State of California spent $2 for every $1 the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the Bale Grist Mill State Historical Park made. The Districts challenge is to make these parks breakeven by increasing the revenue they generate. However, in order to operate and manage these parks it is critical that the District continues to receive support from the local community. If you with to volunteer your time or donate money please call 707-259-5933 or email jwoodbury@ncrposd.org.

Carol Sobczak - Reporter

RYLA - “One of the Greatest Weeks in Our Live" - our Rotary HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

This reporter was lucky once again to report on youth issues. Today, Andy Bartlett introduced this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Award winners, Dana Cronin and Joseph Davis, who will attend the RYLA camp this summer.

Last year’s winners, Kristina Ericson and Ian McCaffrey, showed us photos of last year’s RYLA camp and talked about what a wonderful experience it was. For five days, 75 campers worked on improving their people skills, public speaking skills, and participated in activities including sports and listening to motivational speakers. Each one actually said it was “one of the greatest weeks in my life.” Ian had such a great time he is going to be a counselor next year, and every year thereafter “that they’ll have me.”

Cindy Warren introduced the two high school scholarship winners. The winner of the Rotary Scholarship, in honor of Roger Adams, was none other than Kristina Ericson, who read us her paper answering the question, “How Does Community Service Promote Peace in Our World?” Kristina will attend the Global College of Long Island University and study in about 12 foreign countries.

The winner of the Elwood Mee Scholarship, which goes to a student who will major in agriculture, was none other than Ian McCaffrey. He read his paper entitled, “The Most Important Issue Facing Agriculture Today.” That issue -- WATER. Ian will attend UC Davis in the fall.

Thanks to Joel Toller for our thought of the day.

Phil Toohey, Reporter

PROGRAM: Are You the One? The Boys and Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga

May 15, Tuesday Frank Sottile brought 15 of his youth and some parents to join us for a welcome, a Rotary lunch and an update on the Boys and Girls Club, as the new caterers were having a cardiac arrest from the overload. (I guess no one told them the lunch count doubled.)

Before I launch into the particulars I would like to beg a private moment to say how happy I am to be a Rotarian. When I hear the stories of children who through no fault of their own are left destitute for whatever reason, I want to help. Every time I want to help. That’s just the kind of guy I am. I want to save the world one child at a time. Last night I went to bed thinking of these kids - by the way 1,862 kids last year in St. Helena and Calistoga used the Boys and Girls Club - I felt good because as difficult as some of their stories were, we as St. Helena Rotarians have given almost 2 million of our club dollars over the past 23 years to keep the boys and Girls Club running and help build their building.

The Boys and Girls Club started in 1989. It was first started in the Catholic School then moved to the gym then to portables on the Elementary School Property then into their own building. They serve 200 kids a month, 296 in March. They run a one million budget one third is private donation, the rest from the state and county. The population is 57% Latino and 41% Caucasian. There are two, actually 3 locations to serve you, St. Helena, Calistoga and the Calistoga teen center. The Club works with the county Sheriff’s department for at risk kids and their homework club in St. Helena raised test scores an average of 10 points in Math and 12 points in English.

This was awards day. The Boys and Girls Club give out four awards that mirror Rotary’s four way test. Clarissa Hernandez got the Honesty award. Gabriel Roche got the Trustworthy award. Samara (Sam) got the Goodwill Ambassador award and Christian Vazquez got the Respectfulness award.

Are you the one? Who will love and support the kids in their time of need? The one who will support the teachers, coaches and mentors when these kids are broken? The one who will aide and support those dealing with “at risk kids”? The answer is yes to all. You are St. Helena Rotarians from the little club that could, the little club that can, the little club that does.

Reporter: Alan Galbraith 

Theme of the Day: Interaction with Interact 

Our Interact Advisor Suzan Sculatti introduced St. Helena High School teacher and Interact Faculty Advisor Jason Kelperis. Mr. Kelperis began his remarks by noting that there an ebb and flow to Interact participation – and for now it is all about “flow.” Yes, there is an element of coercion in “persuading” adolescents to engage in volunteer activities, but they also come to recognize the importance of community service projects. He noted that Interact plays an important role in pulling non-Interact high school students into community service projects. Mr. Kelperis especially focused on the unifying theme of gardening projects – including the “Farm to Table” curriculum. He is appealing to members of all service clubs to show their support for gardens throughout the St. Helena Unified School District. Mr. Kelperis concluded by introducing the current president of Interact, Kristina Ericson.

Kristina introduced the several members of the Interact Club who were also present at the luncheon: Marla Ericson, Emily Griffin, Nicole Lemieux, Marie Masyczek, and Madeline Oliver. Overcoming mechanical difficulties with confidence and grace, Kristina presented a short video illustrating the activities of the Interact Club. It began with Club Rush Day. The Club promotes recycling through “recycling games.” It spends a day annually at Beach Cleanup (Doran Beach). It works with a biologist, checking on the health of beach creatures, especially sand dabs. It is involved with Nature Trail Cleanup in Napa County. It promotes fall and spring food drive, with last fall’s food drive collecting 1400 pounds of food, a new record. It promotes “Fast for Haiti,” in which Club members fast for a day, collecting pledges to aid young Haitians. Club members attend Interact Camp (with other Clubs), camping in yurts. Its last activity for the year, fast approaching, is encouraging all seniors to walk to Senior Prom (at Merryvale Winery).

Kristina stressed that the Club truly appreciated the support that it has received from Rotary. Our (very dedicated) emissaries are Interact Advisors Andy Bartlett (10 years) and Suzan Sculatti (8 years). They offer encouragement and support at the High School every Monday evening.

Cindy Warren, Reporter

PROGRAM: “Silverado Orchards, Retirement Living is a Family Affair”
Speakers: Cary Baldwin, Janelle Ross

Cary Baldwin grew up helping out in the family business, Silverado Orchards, which opened on November 1,1978. His grandfather Meade Baldwin was a prominent St. Helenan. Cary has taken over as the Head of the facility.

Silverado Orchards has 95 rooms and employs 84 people. It is an independent living facility, though some residents have caregivers. Silverado Orchards provides meals, housekeeping, meals, transportation and activities to the residents. Over the past 34 years not one meal has been missed. The seniors enjoy shows and visits from local service organizations, youth groups and sponsored educational programs. They have taken “field trips” to such places as the Charles Schulz Museum and trips to San Francisco via the Vallejo Ferry.

The need for Retirement Living facilities has greatly increased and will continue to do so. The Baby Boomers are now at retirement age. In 2009 there were 39.6 million seniors 65 and older. By 2050, there will be 88.5 million. We are fortunate to have an outstanding facility like Silverado Orchards to serve our community.

Carol Sobczak, Reporter

YOUTH EXCHANGE - from Sicily to St Helena

Andy Bartlett introduced our current Inbound Exchange Student, Maria Victoria Gurrieri (fondly known as “Mavi”), along with two sets of her host parents, Jill & Darrell Quirici and Lisa Drinkward and Les Behrens. Also introduced were St Helena High School principal Julie Synard and vice-principal Ben Scinto. To round out such an illustrious gathering were Gemma Aquilina, our Rebound Student, and Chip Decker, who is Outbound next school year.

This reporter hopes she spelled everyone’s name correctly and, if not, she apologizes profusely in advance!

Mavi gave us an informative presentation about her native land of Sicily which, as she boasted, is farther south on its southern edge than the most northern part of Africa. (I’m getting my atlas out tonight!). Mavi first showed us a video she made on how much she loves Sicily, to thank us for our support, and to show how our two cultures are different, yet similar. We were all taken aback by the subjects that Mavi learns in school, such as Greek language and literature, and Latin language and literature. Her school is in a 17th-century building (how cool is that) and most kids old enough ride Vespas to school. We were amused when she said she was afraid she would gain 30 pounds here because of MacDonalds and Burger King, but I don’t think she has gained an ounce! We do keep our students busy here!

 Thanks to the host families, to Andy, and to Suzan Sculatti who work so hard with our youth. And a posthumous thanks to Roger Adams, who held a place in his heart for all our students. This reporter definitely felt his presence in our meeting room today.

 Thanks to Frank Sottile for a lovely thought of the day, an American Indian saying that reminded this reporter of our four-way test.

Phil Toohey, Reporter

PROGRAM: Sara Cakebread speaks on the St. Helena Family Center

What is a community but the members of that community? What makes a diverse community thrive? The answer is making each member feel like he or she is a part. The reason people leave any organization is simply that they feel as individuals, left out. Yet another reason that I am a member of our local Rotary club is that Donn Black brings us great speaker like Sara Cakebread who is the director of the Family Center and while enjoying my lunch and fellowship I get to hear front and center what our community is doing to support the “between the crack” guys. We ask so much of people just trying to live life in St. Helena and sometimes you need an advocate to help them manage. Paying taxes is a nightmare even for the most equipped. The struggle to get bills paid when you don’t speak or read English. When you are given 17 hours to vacate your rental 4 days before Thanksgiving, where do you go?

The St. Helena Family Center sits right next to its landlords, the Presbyterian Church at 1440 Spring St. I must have passed it a million times. Our own Wendell Laidley and Christine Gorelick sit on the board. In 2011 it served 600 families and saw 1863 individuals at least one time if not on multiple times. Programs like Healthy Family Dynamics, Claro and Clara and 24/7 Dad are just a few of the outreach this tiny little house of a practice provides. Help with bill payments, Zumba classes and child advocacy are all part of the umbrella service that are provided for free.

You know they say a joy shared is a joy made double a sorrow shared is but half a trouble. My Rotary ethic tells me that we can share the sorrow and one member at a time makes a difference. This week I am going to go over to the Family Center and take a tour. Que tenga buen dia.

Reporter: Alan Galbraith

Program: Library Good News/Bad News Day

Our speaker was Jennifer Baker, Library Director. She also attends meetings of the Library Foundation’s Board of Trustees. She therefore speaks to the perspectives of both organizations.

First, the good news: The St. Helena Library for the last five years has been rated the best library in California by Library News. It is a “STAR” library. Without doubt, this is an extraordinary achievement for a small library in a small city. Jennifer stressed that the library was the most used facility in St. Helena, with 12,000 users a month. Last year, about 250,000 items were checked out of the Library. Further, a library card enables its holder to access about 1.2 million items. Jennifer described in detail the broad range of programs available at the library, including programs aimed at improving use of computer technology (Facebook classes on Fridays of this month, for example) and on-line resources available through the Library. Of course, a major focus of a library is literacy, and Jennifer stressed the importance of literacy programs for young kids. After-school programs are crucial, especially in the summertime – so as to avoid dilution of what was previously learned. Beyond that, Jennifer stressed the “rebranding” of the library, so that it was not just a place to look for books, but a true community center, even to the point of couches for an afternoon nap (for youngsters – not aging Rotarians). The library has sponsored a swing dance, a jazz concert, and is looking forward soon to a Salsa session. The library is stressing Spanish language programming for children and adults. With all that said, it remains a place to enjoy a book.

But, now, the bad news: the library has lost $185,000 in crucial State funding. While the City general fund (at $1.1 million annually) supports the physical facility and staff, the State funding supported a number of vital library programs. This includes monies for SNAP participation (interlibrary loans), internet access, media purchases (newspapers, magazines, books), training, office supplies, Spanish language programming and community digital education. The issue, then, is replacement of the $185,000.

Cindy Warren, Reporter

SPEAKER: Janet Viader, Viader Vineyards and Ann Steinhauer, Napa Valley Vintners Assn

“Napa Valley ROCKS! What makes Napa Valley a superior wine growing region”.

Napa Valley Info:

• The Napa Valley produces 4% of California wine.
• The valley is 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, comprising 45,000 acres.
• Only 9% of this acreage is planted to grapes.
• 77% of Napa Valley Vintners produce less than 10,000 cases per year. 95% are family owned and operated.

The Napa Valley is unique due to its Mediterranean style climate. Only 2% of the world has this type of climate characterized by a long growing season, and no summer rain. Marine fog adds cooling effects and maintains acidity for better balance and temperature variations.

The first vines were planted by George Yount. The first wineries were Charles Krug and Inglenook. Phyloxera wiped out the vines in the late 1800’s. Prohibition wiped out the industry leaving only 5 wineries out of 150. Those 5 wineries were making “church” wine.

The Napa Valley Vintners Assn. was formed in 1944. The mission is “To promote, protect and enhance the Napa Valley Appellation and its wines”.

The Napa Valley Vintners Assn. is responsible for:

• The first Ag Preserve (1968) in the U.S...
• The preservation of this land has kept our valley from becoming Silicon Valley.
• Napa Green Land and Winery program which enhances the watershed and restores habitat.
• Enhancing the Napa Valley “Caring for our Community” program labeling and trademark protection: 75% of grapes must come from the Napa Valley

Over the years, the Napa Valley Vintners Assn. has donated $100,000,000 back to our community. Their promotions and auctions include Auction Napa Valley, Premier Napa Valley, Taste of Napa Valley, Master Napa Valley, Symposiums for Professional Wine writers and the Wine Educators Academy.

Michele Neumann, Reporter

Speaker: Pamela S. Chanter, “Drinking Water- A chance for a life in the Amazon Rainforest”.

Pam Chanter is an owner of VANTREO Insurance Brokerage in Santa Rosa and spoke to us about her efforts to bring clean drinking water to villages along the two main tributaries of the Amazon River in Peru. These rivers in this region have become highly polluted from oil drilling, gold mining and other sources. St. Helena Rotary club member, Michele Neumann, has accompanied Pam to the Amazon twice in the past 10 years.

It is shocking to hear that one in five children under the age of five dies from the polluted and disease-infested waters, primarily from dysentery. Today, the number of indigenous people are only at 10% of what they were 100 years ago. The largest city in the region, Iquitos, with 600.000 people, does not have a wastewater treatment plant, so the raw sewage adds further pollution to the river.

The good news is that there have been efforts by Pam’s teams and several Rotary clubs to build permanent water catchment systems in the villages to improve the lives of the indigenous people.

Since 2005 five systems have been built and two more will be built this June 2012. Most recently Pam has been working with the “Engineers Without Borders” to build the systems, and their NGO and non-profit partner is Amazon Promise. Amazon Promise has been providing medical and dental campaigns and other services for 18 years and also provides the hygiene training for the villages.

Several years ago five clubs in Sonoma County and two in Southern California worked together to obtain a matching grant of $24,000 to help build several of the water systems. Two engineering firms also did pro-bono work to help design the catchment system. While many ideas were considered, the system could not have parts to be maintained or use chemicals.

So, the water systems have consisted of large cement or plastic tanks that collect the rainwater. Keep in mind that it rains nearly every day in the rain forest! This project helps maintain the indigenous population, the caretakers of the rain forest.

Cindy Warren, Reporter

Wind power is not a new concept to society. It has been in existence forever. During the 19th century and the Industrial Revolution, we started seeing the
ological changes brought on by wind power. In today’s world, we need a combination of wind, solar and nuclear power. The U.S. must increase it’s wind turbines to meet energy goals, but it comes at a price. For example, the Altamont Pass has 6000 turbines. The Altamont Pass is also home to golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, rabbits and ground squirrels. The birds perch on the towers and blades and have been killed doing so. The spinning turbines create barometric pressure that affects bats and birds. Studies have been done and some remedies are in place to diminish the deaths of birds and bats through acoustic interference and motion cameras. Though wind power contributes to decreased avian populations, it falls near the bottom of the spectrum compared to avian deaths from buildings, power lines, autos, cats, etc.

Cindy Warren, Reporter

SPEAKER: Susan Hoff, Best Buy Children’s Foundation

“Corporate Generosity”

Best Buy started in 1966 in St. Paul, Mn. as a single store called Sound of Music. The store sold only audio goods. The store, now Best Buy, grew throughout the Midwest and eventually expanded nationally. The name was changed to Best Buy in 1984. By 1994 Best Buy was a Fortune 500 Company. Today there are 1,107 stores in the US alone and $50 billion in sales.

Susan Hoff, whose father started Best Buy, started working there in high school and continued to work in many capacities through college. A medical experience with her 2 year sold son inspired Susan to reach out to other kids. She has been instrumental in the Best Buy philosophy of corporate giving back to the community.

In 1995 Best Buy hosted a gold tournament to raise funds for their newly created Children’s Foundation. Partnering with other non-profits, they have put $300 million into community reserves. The Best Buy Scholarships program has given out $19.7 million. The Chidlren’s Foundation trains and helps teens explore their passion for technology. The foundation has created after school tech centers.

After doing extensive research about teens and their stressful years. Best Buy established their “At 15” program which targets 15 year olds. The program mentors them and makes community service a priority. Best Buy is poised to donate $31 million into communities this year.

Reporter: Phil Toohey

Understanding Your Garden

Spring has sprung and it is time to think about the garden. If you are like I am, I start looking at the drip hose the dog has chewed up over the winter and looking around at new plantings in the beds and what needs to be pruned back, this year maybe earlier than most.

To our rescue, Jonathan Plant and his associate Jeff Niezgoda spoke to our lunch group on understanding your garden. Jonathan was introduced by Donn Black. And, Rob Andreae reminded us that the Vintage High Garden aka Rotary Centennial Park, Rotary had as a project in 2005 was designed by Jonathan Plant and Associates, who donated his entire scope of work.

Plant gave a fascinating talk with great slides. He made a number of good points and actually left us a check list of 21 top things to do. Here are a few: Garden yourself. Your garden should not glow in the dark (not really sure what that means?) Mulch, mulch, mulch. Use water carefully. Again similar to last week and the city general plan, it all comes down to water. This time water can be the controller. If you want to spend your time picking endless weeds out of your garden, water everything. If you have better things to do with your time, don’t put water where you don’t need it. Drought tolerant planting is a real key to sustainability. Native plants do better than non-indigenous plants. “A garden should be a joy not a burden” says Plant.

Plant made a good case for drip irrigation. Judicial use of water can control the plants growth too far, too fast. Trees such as oaks need a good soak one or two times a year, no more. People tend to protect the tree base but put lawn over the roots and then overwater. Lawn should be accent not a default because you can’t think of anything else to do with the landscape. Reduce planting density and increase plant density.

Reporter: Phil Toohey
 
St. Helen City General Plan

Greg Desmond, interim Planning director for the city of St.Helena, came to speak to our Rotary Club on the status of the St. Helena City General Plan. He started by asking us if we had the full five hours that it would take to go through his presentation and after only a few minutes with his power point it became clear how difficult the information was and just a small part of how the process works with regards to the many issues that his department has to deal with beyond trying to find a consensus with the state of California and our local city council.

I think a General Plan is an oxymoron like saying “adult male” or "military intelligence”. As I see it there can be no “general” plan in that there are too many specifics that get the process gummed up.  Here’s one for you…try as they might there is no clear definition of what a “local” is.  So trying to find that which is local serving, is dead in the water.  As was pointed out by Mike Lane, a local can be someone who was born and raised here.  A local can be someone who just moved here and the third in the category of local could be someone who in the future might want to locate here. Each person may have different needs and wants going into the future.

Reporter: Carol Sobczak

THE STATE OF THE COUNTY by Supervisor Diane Dillon

Donn Black introduced our guest speaker today, Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon, who gave us annual presentation about the State of the County.

Supervisor Dillon believes the biggest issue currently facing the county is the “sovereignty” issue brought about by the lawsuit of the Wappo Indians.  It’s a complicated and controversial topic with possibly large-scale ramifications for the Napa Valley. If the tribe prevails, it could buy any land and use it for any purpose, notwithstanding our current county regulations.

On the brighter side, last year the county accomplished many things, including a 12% increase in the hotel occupancy tax, the completion of a Gang and Youth Violence Prevention plan, a 50-year lease for a new library in American Canyon, the first caregiver permit ordinance in California, and redevelopment of the Health and Human Services campus. 

Looking ahead to 2012, the Board of Supervisor’s Wish List includes maintaining the fiscal health of the county, a decision regarding the location of a new jail, resolution of the Napa Pipe issue, and the future of Lake Berryessa, among others.

The full list of accomplishments and wish list can be found on our web site under “My ClubRunner,” “View Club Documents.” It is document number 30. Or, if you want one sent to you, e-mail this reporter at carol@carolsobczak.com.

Reporter: Alan Galbraith

Program:  Boy Scout Appreciation Day

The special heroes of today’s luncheon were the troops of St. Helena Boy Scout Troop No. 1, including their Scout Master of the past five years, Pat Griffith.  Troop No. 1 is in (about) its 95th year, going back nearly to the founding of the Boy Scouts 112 years ago.  Troop No. 1 is in a growth spurt, and Scout Master Griffith likely will extend his impressive leadership for a sixth year.  The Scout Master acknowledged the importance of senior volunteers to the organization and activities of the Troop.

The Scout Master announced a number of awards, including the “Rookie of the Year” (Scott Speck) and three who had accumulated vast numbers of award points.  The Scout of the Year, Thomas Scott, was also Scout of the Year in 20ll.  The first runner-up was Gus Conwell and the second runner-up was Tucker Crull.  The Scout Master noted that up to six members of the Troop could make Eagle Scout in the next few months, and that at least three should succeed.  This is well above the annual norm.

The Scout Master illustrated various activities and outings of Troop No. 1, including an annual winter camping trip in the Sierra which, last year, was curtailed by high snowfall.  The Scout Master dwelled on a planned trip to the Keet Seel Cliff Dwellings, which are in a remote and rugged canyon in the Navajo National Monument.  They date back to about 1250.  The Keet Seel Dwellings themselves are in the Hopi reservation, a small island inside the Navajo Reservation.  The Scout Master related that the Hopis at one point (centuries ago) bailed out the Navajos, the Navajos never forgot, and have been the protectors of the Hopis ever since.  The Scout Master also made mention of a 14-day scuba diving and sailing voyage aboard a schooner off the coast of Florida.  Closer to home, the Troop also takes on Mt. St. Helena.

Reporter: Polly Keegan

Program: The Regulatory and Financial Environment Standing In The Way of Renewable Energy.  Speaker: Gopal Shanker

Gopal Shanker works for the firm Recolte Energy here in the Napa Valley. One of the goals of Recolte Energy is to advocate on behalf of its clients to remove obstacles to achieving clean energy alternatives. Their projects have achieved many technical, financial, and regulatory “firsts”: 

• Far Niente Winery  - 1^st “floatovoltaic” system in the world
• Sutter Home Winery – 1^st large scale winery fuel cell installation
• Gasser Foundation – 1^st solar PPA for a small non-profit
• Saintsbury Winery – 1^st solar installation in PG&E’s right-of-way

Reporter: Carol Sobczak

WORLDREADER - Books for All

Donn Black introduced our guest speaker today, David Risher, CEO and Co-Founder of Worldreader, who spoke to us about “A Quiet Revolution: Transforming Reading in the Developing World.” david@worldreader.org    
 www.worldreader.org    Twitter:  @DavidRisherWR

Worldreader currently works in Ghana and Kenya, distributing e-readers (such as Kindles) to schools to help children improve their reading without the cost of shipping books that may never arrive at their destination, or may be outdated, etc. Currently, the book downloads are donated by publishers. What was surprising was that Ghana and Kenya have good cell phone networks, which is what the e-readers use.

The logical reason for the organization is that there is a real correlation between illiteracy and poverty. The emotional reason is to give children a future they may not otherwise have. David showed us two very short videos of some of the children reading and, believe me, they touched our hearts.

Reporter: Polly Keegan

St. Helen’s History with the Chinese Immigrants

Today’s Speaker: Miriam Hansen, St. Helena Historical Society

The speaker today was Miriam Hansen, who along with Susan Salvestrin have been our town’s principal gatherers and distributors of history, photographs and general memorabilia.

Miriam began by relating* a little of St. Helen’s founding in 1826 with a deed for 126 acres filed by Mr. Waters.  About the same time, in China, the Cantonese Province became the principal region trading with the West, giving the Cantonese exposure to western ideas and products. Beginning in 1850, the 13-year rebellion against the Manchu dynasty cost millions of lives and hard times. News of the gold rush in California caused Cantonese to migrate to California. These Chinese migrated here in three ways: as entrepreneurs, as indentured servants and as poor peasants whose passage was paid with a “credit-ticket” to be repaid from wages. Except for prostitutes, all the migrants were men.

Alan Galbraith, Reporter

Speaker:  John Blount, Sebastopol Rotary Club

“I think we are on an irreversible course, but that could change.”  (John’s theme was drawn from a remark of Dan Quayle (who, in keeping with his quotation, is irreversibly not a candidate for president in this election cycle – though that could change!).

John has held a number of distinguished positions with Rotary over the years, including as a director of Rotary International and Governor of our District.  He has been a teacher and trainer for Rotary for many years, with special emphasis in communications.  He has chaired the very important Communications Committee of the International Board.  It provides oversight and direction of a large component of International Rotary. consisting of eight divisions and nearly 270 employees, with responsibilities for the website, public relations, video productions, archives, among other activities.  It has given John broad insight into the operations of Rotary International.

Reporter:  Carol A. Sobczak

LAST MEETING OF CALENDAR YEAR 2011

This reporter was lucky enough to report on the last meeting of the previous Rotary year, and here I am again reporting on the last meeting of the calendar year. There must be a message in there somewhere, but I don’t know what it is.

Our last St Helena Rotary Club meeting of 2011 was an intimate and informal affair. Alston Hayne reminded us that the Christmas Season is not over until the Feast of the Epiphany, or the Feast of the Magi (The Three Kings). (This theme will repeat later, so stay tuned.) President Kelly Crane arranged for Chef Israel of Vercelli Ristorante to provide us with a lovely pasta lunch.

There were no Visiting Rotarians or Guests, but Dale Smith was the “Man of the Hour” as we helped him celebrate a 33-year Rotary anniversary and a 61-year wedding anniversary!

Reporter: Phil Toohey 

Program: Napa Valley Department of Corrections

Lenard Vare is the current director of the Napa County Department of Corrections. He came to give us the state of the union on Napa County Jail. He had a lot of very interesting things to say and information to pass along.

The best news that I heard is that the governor is not emptying out the state prisons into the local county jails.  That is simply not the case.  The other great news is that to get a place in the prison system, you have to really earn a place there.  Some criminals have seen a judge 20 times before they are sent to prison. 

Reporter: Alan Galbraith

Broad Paints Broadly

Today’s Speaker: Gary Broad, City Manager

The speaker today was Gary Broad, our newly installed city manager.  Of course, he painted with a broad brush.  The major community issues in St. Helena are complex, and he has been on the job only since November 14.  He refined the number to 21 days.

.

Gary stressed that he was trying to get to know as many in our community as he could.  He wanted members of our City to know that his door at City Hall was open, and that he wanted to hear from our residents – stressing that they were a diverse bunch.  But he also stressed his hope that a reasonable consensus will emerge on our difficult issues.  He saw our residents as most capable of coming to reasonable decisions in the community interest.  Gary came across as an optimist for our future.   He put it in the context of much “positive energy” to be marshaled among our residents to serve the public interest.  He perceives himself as a resource for the City Council, City Staff, and City residents.  Best solutions are achieved when major constituencies come together.

When she was a journalist about 15 years ago, she interviewed Robert Mondavi, then about 80 years old. What keeps you so enthusiastic? She asked as she witnessed him jumping up on a table and infusing his audience with excitement about the wine industry. "If you are not going to put that kind of energy into what you are doing, what good is what you are doing? Putting that sense of excitement into this great organization around you, the Rotary is a unique opportunity to give, to take pride in your achievements and know that this is the time when Rotary is needed more than ever.