I was invited to a Rotary Club meeting at the Harbor Club in San Rafael in 2002
by my friend and fellow Realtor, Marti Guerra.
After the meeting, Pablo Castro asked
me what I thought about the meeting and the guest speaker. I told him how impressed
I was with all of it and especially that they work to do good in the community,
the nation and the world. I said, Too bad you don't have a Rotary Club in West Marin.
Pablo and others asked if I would be willing to help bring Rotary west of Fairfax.
I was certainly willing to try. They had made attempts for years, but they could
not find someone determined enough to lead the effort. Since I had been a resident
of West Marin for so long, I thought it would not be too hard to find other like
minded individuals wanting to make a difference.
Preliminary meetings, then
The Training of a Rotary Club President:
As it turned out, many of the community members I invited to meet were either already
committed to other groups, like the Lions Club, or they were juggling work and family
to the point that a weekly commitment for a meeting seemed like too much for them,
at the time. We began meeting at the San Geronimo Golf Course for lunch meetings.
Later, we met at the Station House in Point Reyes Station. Greg Molloy was the first
District Governor (2002-2003) doing everything in his power to help. Pablo Castro
was quite instrumental.
I was honored to be asked by Rotary officials to go through the
official training seminars (PETS)
that all Presidents-Elect go through. I felt there were others more suited for
the task since I knew so little about Rotary, but they assured me that I could do
it, and many would help me if I needed help. It was such a profound and heart-warming
experience to learn all that Rotary does, along with all the other Presidents-Elect
from California, Nevada and Hawaii for three days of training. Even though it
can be serious, rule number one at PETS is "Have Fun". West Marin is unique.
So the fact that I was not yet a Rotarian did not faze anyone. Everyone at the
training, who knew about our goal, commented to me that I must either be very
brave or else I did not know what I was getting myself into. My desire to be
of service leads me to just try my best. I decided to not give up unless absolutely necessary.
Fred West was the next District Governor (2003-2004) to lead our efforts.
Each Rotarian brought his or her own special talents or ideas to offer help. Fred will
also be remembered fondly for all he did to assist us in our journey.
Getting Chartered
We would need at least twenty members to get chartered. Part of the challenge for
West Marin is that we cover so much territory. Members have to drive from all areas
west of Fairfax to meet in Point Reyes Station. It ultimately made sense to meet
there since it is central to all areas between the San Geronimo Valley, Nicasio,
Stinson Beach and Tomales (and all areas in between). That is more of a commitment
than most clubs experience. Membership numbers would rise and fall due to members
moving, getting a job transfer, retirement, and so on.
Into our third year of meeting weekly as a provisional club, with Ross Valley as our
sponsor club, we were chartered on June 8, 2005. Eric Shapira was our
District Governor (2004-2005). It was the Centennial year for Rotary and we
became the 16th club in Marin County. The Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard was
Dave Dermanelian, and thanks to him, we were privileged to meet there at the galley
for breakfast meetings. He was a Rotarian already and he supported our efforts
whole heartedly. He was one of our twenty charter members.
Through the efforts of many great Rotarians, along with our determined club members,
we finally reached our goal. Rotary in West Marin was a dream that finally became
a reality. I and others firmly believed that West Marin had unmet needs and could
benefit from Rotary International. We knew that there were others wishing to
contribute to our extraordinary and sometimes remote territory. I felt, and still
do feel that West Marin is the greatest place in the United States, yet there is
always room for improvement. We would only be limited by our imaginations. Our
mission would be to add to the great works already being done by volunteer groups,
clubs and individuals in West Marin and elsewhere around the world.
Through the Rotary Club motto,
Service Above Self, a little bit of giving goes a long way. It builds friendships
and raises spirits. Many are alone or feel neglected in some way. Together,
we have the power to make the world a better place.
Due to the untimely death of our second president-elect, Jim Sword of Bolinas,
I remained president until 2007. During these years, our club was blessed to have
amazing guest speakers (local, national and international). It is a highlight of
the meeting to be visited by a new guest speaker, not knowing what you will hear,
or how you will be touched. Club members know what I mean. Sometimes, you are
forever changed by the experience, for the better of course. Members, speakers and
guests may come and go, as life moves us, but the friendships are long lasting.
I know that, for as long as I live, I can count on Rotarians.
Our next president was Dick Aston (2007-2009), formerly from the
Niles-Fremont Rotary Club (30 years); Dick lives in Inverness. He brought a wealth of knowledge and
experience to our club at a critical and wonderful time. Paul Elmore from Marshall
is our current president (2009-2011). He graciously took on the leadership when
we needed him most. He too brings so much knowledge and experience to our club.
We are still writing our history. May there always be residents in West Marin who
appreciate what Rotary has to offer. Community members do not need to know much
about Rotary International to get involved. I am proof of that. We each have
something to give if we wish to be of service. The Rotary Club of West Marin will
continue to impact the world for the better, because we are determined to do so.
Some of our contributions have been: