Bulletins - 2010 - 01/27/2010
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By Judy Bambace
Claire Remillard led us in the pledge of allegiance. Wendy Patrick gave a very touching and inspiring invocation. Led by Linda Jalving and Mary Engles, the club sang “Puff the Magic Dragon” even though no one knew the words.
Scott Carr auctioned some wine and a Rotary calendar. There were several “bitches and brags.” No one picked the blue marble in the weekly drawing.
Sandee Rugg introduced Brian Harvey; Pete McGuire introduced Kelly Berner; and John Phillips introduced Fariah. We had one visiting Rotarian, Kevin Clark, from Club 33.
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A meeting of the Membership Committee will be held tonight at the home of Gary and Karen Green.
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Melissa Blackburn and Mike Whitehurst are continuing to collect monetary donations for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund through the Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund. So far, the response has been great.
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Lynn Hamilton announced she will be attending President-elect pre-training. Rotary’s theme for next year will be “Building Communities and Bridging Continents.”
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Joe Marshall and Lynn Hamilton encouraged everyone to participate in the upcoming fundraiser, “Friday Night Fever.” Team captains for auction items have been selected. They are former club presidents and new member Tom Larimer. The next committee meeting is Monday, February 1, from 5:30 to 6:30, at Joe’s office.
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Frank Defrancesco reported the success of Bowling Night on January 22. More than 50 people attended and a good time was had by all. Awards went to Wendy Patrick (dishonorable mention) and Mary Engles (for realizing she should have been bowling left-handed). The grand prize went to Lucy Killea for her skillful bowling performance.
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The Social Committee announced there will be more fun events.
Sandee Rugg conducted a Blue Badge ceremony for Jeff Olson, John Phillips and Steve Wells. Their sponsors and mentors were also recognized.
Nancy Vaughn introduced Alex Kreit, Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and head of the Mayor’s Task Force on Medical Marijuana. Professor Kreit gave the background of California’s medical marijuana law as enacted under Proposition 215. Although marijuana remains illegal for any purpose under federal law, California law allows qualified patients to use marijuana for medical purposes. Collectives and cooperatives were established for patients who were unable to cultivate marijuana for themselves. A patient identification card system was also established to protect against arrest and prosecution. In the past year or so, marijuana “dispensaries” have opened in the city at a rapid pace. The Mayor’s Task Force was established to help determine how these collectives and cooperatives can operate legally through regulations and limitations that allow patients to have safe access as well as to address legitimate concerns such as proper locations and avoiding illegal activity. The Task Force consists of 11 members from diverse backgrounds, representing a wide range of views. It must make recommendations regarding zoning and regulating cooperatives. All members of the Task Force have agreed on: (1) place restrictions (e.g., not near schools or other youth facilities, and not within 500 feet of each other); (2) the prospective applicant/permitting process through the Planning Commission and public hearings will ensure only legitimate operators and locations; and (3) other restrictions, such as hours of operation (these are currently under advisement). Most importantly, according to Professor Kreit, the City needs to act relatively quickly to get regulations enacted and implemented.
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