The Voice of the Vineyards The Weekly Electronic Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Healdsburg “The mission of a bulletin is inform the membership, comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable” Date: November 17, 2014 Author: Kate Buchanan Photographer: George Heath Publisher: George Heath WELCOME President John Avakian called the meeting to order and asked Rob Rinne to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Irene Young’s Quote of the Day: Ashley Brilhaut: “The funniest thing about some people is that they have no sense of humor!” VISITING ROTARIANS  None GUESTS of ROTARIANS  Don Mitchell, guest of Doug Ruthnick  Jeff Cox, guest of Bob Mosby ~~~Vintage Valley Caterers served luncheon of tossed green salad, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, bread and butter, delicious mixed winter vegetables, and homemade cranberry relish~~~ 5 Yums (Yum scale is from 0 to 5, with 5 being excellent.) ANNOUNCEMENTS  Max Dunn reminded us again that he needs every Rotarian to bring in 2 bottles of good wine for our Fundraiser.  Kent Mitchell reminded us of this year’s Thanksgiving Luncheon for the Senior Center, Monday, November 24. To help serve, be there at 11:30. Don’t forget to bring at least 2 raffle prizes, as the seniors really enjoy those! Also, bring pies!!  Grady Wann announced that Wilson Winery is donating all the table wine for our December 13 th Crab Feast! The next Crab Feast Committee meeting will be this Wednesday, 8:15, Center Street Café.  Gloria Egger announced this year’s Christmas Party to be held Wednesday, December 17. Bring a white elephant gift ($20 or less) to exchange.  Gary Anderson announced that his wife, Cynthia, has opened a personal training studio in Healdsburg that offers a complimentary initial visit. He made a $25 contribution to the general fund. RECOGNITION  Jan Grimes celebrated her 42nd Anniversary and donated $50 to the International Fund. She also visited Project Amigo and Ireland, from which she brought a Rotary banner.  Wonderful Wally Schultz scored a new Rotary Storage Unit on the ground floor (!!!) AND was recognized by Prez John, who awarded him Rotarian Who Lights up Rotary! No one deserves it more!!! PROGRAM Bob Mosby introduced our speaker today, the infamous Jeff Cox, best known in these parts as the Restaurant Reviewer for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. He’s also written 20 books on a variety of food and gardening related topics. Cox grew up on Long Island, where he was – believe it or not – a picky eater! He came from a family of artists, and studied journalism in college. He worked for National Lampoon for a while! Cox moved to Sonoma County in 1985, where he owned a farm. He became friends with John Ash, who referred him to the Press Democrat as a candidate for the restaurant reviewer position. He’s been in the position for 11 years now. (Some of us read his weekly reviews religiously…) A few of his favorite restaurants in Sonoma County are: Scopa, Madrona Manor, Luma, Harvest Moon Café, and the new Marigold Indian Bistro. His favorites in Napa are too numerous to mention. It was fascinating to see and hear this local celebrity. As usual, we are donating a book to the Healdsburg Elementary School Library each week, in the name of our weekly speaker. RAFFLE: Eric Drew had the winning ticket, but not the winning marble...He did receive a nice bottle of wine. CLOSING: Prez John thanked and visitors and guests for coming.