Susan spent a wonderful week with her mom in Arizona
Patricia encouraged everyone to get a heart workup to catch any blocked arteries like she had
Beverly was the high bidder at $75 for a Rotary/Ukraine pin that Bill supplied
Malcolm is off to PETS this weekend along with Steve, reviewing duties as President-Elect
THANK YOU!!
There is one day left to donate to the Kitty McGee Memorial Fund in honor of our long time friend and supporter. We have raised $540 to date
Herb reported that we have raised $4100 ($2300 from club members + $1800 from our international budget) for our project to help kids in El Salvador through OEF, which will be matched by Ildiko.
Click on this link to watch a video of some of their activities: https://youtu.be/6byI_FPdLiE
The next blood drive will be March 18
Susan & Barbara attended the membership workshop on zoom last Saturday, which focused on attracting young professionals. When looking for new members, remember how much Rotary has done for you and pass on that opportunity to others so they can also benefit
We were happy to have the Mayor of Del Mar, Tracey Martinez speak with us this morning. This female, Latino, nurse has been on the City Council for three years and will be serving in this rotating term as mayor for one year. She feels that one of the most difficult tasks ahead is meeting the affordable housing requirements and dealing with ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and SP9 expansion issues. On a happier note, the City will receive $300 million to do an environment study on moving the train tracks off the bluff.
Susan presented Tracey with our OEF certificate that the above video highlights of our activities in El Salvador
Thank you Di on leading us on a wonderful walk
through the San Elijo Lagoon in honor of our $5000 District Grant to the Nature Collective
Vicky started with a John Wesley invocation
Welcome to visitors Tessa, who represented the U.S. in snowboarding at the Olympics in China; Judy, a Rotarian who divides her time between Del Mar & Colorado; Mauer, who we're always glad to see with Charlotte; and Luis Carranza, District Governor Nominee Designate
Happy Rotarians included:
- Paul who with George & Bill attended the ceremony of retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams who was awarded the Navy Cross for his exploits during the Korean War
- Barbara who shared with other Rotarians her wine tasting event won at LobsterFest
- Herb & Beverly for a great trip to Egypt, Paris, and Normandy
- Charlotte for Lief's 11th birthday
- George for his invitation to visit Korea with grateful Korean war survivors
Di shared that we will be giving Feeding San Diego $500 from Community Service funds, and will be helping again at afternoon shifts to sort food. Also, the Mental Health programs at the CRC will be receiving $1000 from the CS budget. Di helped count and interview the homeless in North County last week
Kevin & Nicole reported that the Model UN training went well with 39 teams, two which we are sponsoring from Casa de Amistad who will be representing South Korea & India
Patricia reminded us that the 3rd Thursday of each month will be a social at Bushfire Kitchen in lieu of the Friday meeting
Malcom reminded us that today is
And on a lighter note, they celebrate Ginuary all month in the UK
We were honored to have Dr. Michael Mantell as our speaker today. He is a world renowned behavior science expert and author, well known for his book "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff PS: It's All Small Stuff." He praised Paul Harris for starting in 1905 an organization that puts Service, and Others Above Self and reminded us that the link is what you think; space is power; your emotions are your responsibility; and its important to incorporate acceptance and flexibility in ones thinking. As he quoted from Voltaire: "Life is a wreck, but we must learn to sing in our lifeboat"
Malcolm, as Acting President, presented him our certificate that shows our support of OEF in El Salvador
Another fun social at Bushfire Kitchen in Del Mar
President Susan leading the toast to good friends & family
We wish Herb a speedy recovery from Covid
A new banner greeted members as they entered the meeting room
Steve reminded us that Arch Klumph started the Society named after him in 1927 to recognize donors who have contributed $250,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. Recent new members Susan & Mark Hennenfent will be going next March to the Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois to watch as their portrait is placed in the Arch Klumph Society Gallery.
Vicky shared a touching Foundation video and awarded Jan her Paul Harris +3 pin (with 3 rubies) in recognition of her contributions to the Rotary Foundation
Susan encouraged all to attend The Membership Seminar - How to attract & engage with young professionals which will be via zoom next Saturday, 1/21 from 9-10:30am. We are all part of Membership, and need to grow our club
or join Kevin & Nicole at the Model UN training session the same day - 8:00am-1:00pm, Del Mar City Hall. They also need Advisors for the Model UN students
Patricia invited all to see the King Tut immersive experience at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on February 2 at 11:30 before heading over to Viewpoint for lunch
Di shared that Feeding San Diego desperately needs volunteers to help sort to keep their vital operation functional. She will be heading up more work parties and encouraged members to contact them directly for other times to assist
We are looking for additional donations to reach our goal of $2200 continue our work helping children in El Salvador through OEF. Let Herb or Susan know if you'd like to contribute.
Nicole Mione-Green, club member and Executive Director of Casa de Amistad shared with us how their volunteers and mentors help young people form developmental relationships, which change their lives. These relationships help them discover who they are, cultivates abilities to be successful and thrive, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them.
After a wonderful presentation, Susan presented Nicole with our certificate showing our support for OEF in El Salvador
Art quoted Shakespeare in his invocation:
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none
We are so glad Patricia went for an angiogram and wish her a quick recovery from the 4 stents they put in!!
Best Wishes to Malcolm & Venesse on their 39th Anniversary & to Bill for his upcoming 76th Birthday
Happy travelers over the holidays were Charlotte for a trip to Puerto Vallarta with family; Art to Mexico, Alaska, & DC to see his son's new home; Jon to Chicago to spend with his grandkids, daughter, & wife
Nicole shared the following comic about superhero Rotarians that her husband found
Welcome to Rotarian Judy Hunt who was visiting from Colorado
Jan showing off the Imagine Rotary pin given her by Susan in recognition of her work on our website and press releases
We were proud to present Casa de Amistad a check for $7364 as one of our LobsterFest major beneficiaries
It was with great sadness that we learned that long time friend and supporter, Kitty McGee passed away on December 27.
She provided countless hours of her time and brilliant graphic arts/marketing talents in support of our club and our fundraisers - Boccefest and Lobsterfest. A site for donations in honor of Kitty has been set up through the Rotary Foundation. Click below if you'd like to contribute
After much analysis, Treasurer Charlotte presented two options going forward for dues (club, district, international) which will be charged to all whether present at meetings or not:
Option 1: $206/qtr to include coffee but no breakfast
Options 2: $245/qtr with full access to the hotel breakfast buffet
Let her know your choice if you did not complete a ballot
Our own Di Shimkus (founder of Everyday Mindfulness who has been practicing & teaching mindfulness for over 40 years), started our new year with mindfulness practices for every day. We learned that due to neuroplasticity the brain can be changed for the better and that the first 3 thoughts of the day can determine what kind of day you will have.
"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live wisely and compassionately in the present moment"
Rotarians place wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes for the holidays to remember & honor them
in conjunction with Wreaths Across America
Charlotte Jones, Mauer and Leif Halgrim; Suzanne & Bill Sutton (not pictured)
The last meeting of the year brought out a great turnout:
- It was nice to see Phil in person - Art showed up & was fined for his long hair - Molly was back after Covid
The Suttons & Butler have the same wedding anniversary on the 27th
This would have been George & Lou's 72 Anniversary
Bill gave happy dollars for his & Suzanne's 52nd (or is that 53?, to which Suzanne responded: It's been real!!)
Paul almost forgot to contribute for his & Mary's 44th, but he came through
Molly was happy for Riley's 4th Birthday!!!!
Ken was fined for his ugly Christmas sweater that appeared in Newsbits as part of Surfers United
Jan was $76 happy for her 12/17 Birthday
Congratulations to Patricia who was recognized by Susan for all her great work with our socials
And we learned of upcoming socials at Bushfire Kitchen the 3rd Thursday of each month through March
Barbara Berkovich gave her Who Am I: She is a professor at USD with a PHD in Medical Data Records and has a son who lives in Beijing, a daughter, and a dog named Ruben
Malcolm generously gave everyone a Charles Koll Jewelry Works Holiday Ornament, which they will engrave for free if you stop by their store in Sorrento Valley
Our speaker, Don Kent, President & CEO of Hubbs-Seaworld Research gave a fascinating talk about how this non-profit scientific research organization is committed to conserving and renewing marine life to ensure a healthier planet.
Happy Holidays - See you in 2023
So much fun at the Holiday Extravaganza we threw for Casa de Amistad Families -
tamales, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, Santa, gifts, & love
Thank you Fosters & Suttons for sponsoring & everyone who contributed & helped
Helping At Feeding San Diego for CRC Families
Susan kept count as we reached the goal of 270 bags each of kiwi & onions
Bag cutters Al, Di, & Charlotte
Working the kiwi: Sandy, Bill, Suzanne, Barbara, & Jan
Onion baggers: Mark, Kevin, Vicky, Paul, & Lew
President Susan recognized Suzanne Sutton for all she does
for the club as Secretary & Social Co-Chair
Carl Nettelton, founder of OpenOceans Global, brought copies of ArcNews for Venky that featured his grandson, Karen Chakravarthy
Vicky reminded members to make their contribution to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund by the end of the year for a tax reduction
Kevin shared that Model UN has picked two resolutions to discuss: space security and food insecurity
Contact Charlotte if you're interested in helping with Wreaths Across America on 12/17
George presented our wonderful Hilton staff with a thank you donation from the club for all they do to make our meetings run smoothly
Chris Kelly spoke with us about the San Diego Seniors Foundation programs, one of the many non-profits his philanthropic family has been involved with. The need is great as there were 405,000 seniors in San Diego County over 65 in 2000, and it is expected to swell to 950,000 by 2030. Currently only 3% of charitable dollars go to helping seniors.
Susan presented Chris with our OEF Certificate showing our help to the needy of all ages in El Salvador
The Holiday Party at the home of Jon & Barbara Fish started the season with great fun, food, and fellowship
and social divas Patricia & Suzanne had members competing in the Christmas trivia contest
Happy Holidays & thank you to all
Charlotte reminded us to give thanks for the light
We were sorry to hear that Sandy has the flu, Molly has Covid, and Venky broke his wrist. Happy Rotarians were Susan for a wonderful trip to Hawaii where she swam with the manta rays & watched Mauna Loa erupt; Charles for a great trip with grandkids to Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, & sale of his home; Steve for a fun trip to Cabo where he played pickleball
To give the Hilton a good count, Susan would like to know by noon on Wednesday of each week if you cannot attend the Friday meeting
Patricia in her Christmas attire reminded members of the Holiday Party at the Fish's on Sunday, 12/4, at 5:00 - byob
Our most critical area of focus this year is membership. Paul reiterated our goal of 38 members by the end of the fiscal year. Look for 1st responders in December - police, fire fighters, paramedics
Check Upcoming Events for Food Sorting & Casa de Amistad Holiday Extravaganza which will now be in two shifts
Wreaths Across America will be on 12/17 this year. Sign up directly with them
We were reminded of the wonderful services provided by Interfaith Shelter Network in conjunction with local congregations and community partners to provide shelter, transitional housing, & homelessness assistance. We learned from Joe Zilvinskis that the non-profit has been around 36 years and counts on its 4000 volunteers & 8 staff to provide their guests a safe, caring environment. ISN also has a transitional living program for domestic violence victims.
As Presiding President-Elect Malcolm so succinctly said in the invocation:
To Friends, Fellowship, and The Opportunity to Serve
(We loved his day-glo gavel, but don't ask him why an angel is at the top of a Christmas tree, and remind him he cannot fine a non-member such as Kirk)
Best Wishes for a Wonderful 92nd Birthday to our Korean War Hero, George Sousa, on the 23rd
Vicky reminded members to go to Rotary.org and give to the Foundation's Annual Fund on Giving Tuesday, 11/29
Be sure to sign up on the Feeding San Diego website for our food sorting on 12/9 - click on the link under Upcoming Events
Youth Chair, Nicole read another letter from a happy LEAD participant and brought a wreath with numbers identifying families to support for Casa de Amistad Holiday Gift Drive. Gifts can be dropped off from 9-12pm on 12/15 at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church on Stevens Avenue
Dave Oates from Club 33 who helped launch the District Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce during Steve Weitzen's term as Governor, gave a great update on the Task Force's activities. He included what to look for in victims, the breakdown of the $70,000 Global Grant that we contributed to, and how they are working with schools to train teachers and focus on prevention.
Malcolm presented him with our OEF Certificate that shows our help with kids in El Salvador
Happy Veterans Day
We began a great Veterans Day listening to God Bless the USA song by Veterans
We also had a table honoring some of our own with items from Bill Sutton, George Sousa, and Paul Butler
and enjoyed seeing George in his decorated jacket and Charlotte in her grandfather's Navy uniform & dixie cup
And fittingly, our speaker today was Akilah Templeton, CEO & President of Veterans Village of San Diego who updated us on their work in helping veterans with temporary housing, drug treatment, employment services, health issues, and financial assistance. We learned there are over 240,000 veterans in San Diego and over 100,000 active duty military here.
Auctioneer extraordinaire, Keven Cahill auctioned items left over from LobsterFest with proceeds going toward our Polio Eradication campaign. $150 was raised from gift certificates for men's & cowboy clothing, massage/fitness, hair cuts, and a great picnic basket won by Di Shimkus
Nicole read a letter from one of the two middle-schoolers we sent to the LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Aspirations & Determinations) conference with nothing but praise and gratitude for the experience
Di encouraged everyone to sign up under Upcoming Events for our CRC food sorting and Casa de Amistad party. She also shared that we will be giving $500 toward an Honor Flight veteran. Please contact George Sousa if you would like to contribute to the $2500 fee
Welcome to Luis Carranza who was with us today and who was recently named District 5340 Governor for 2025-2026
And Warm Birthday Wishes to Beverly Liberman
We also welcomed Angela Aguirre, Rojan Krishnan, and Connor Chung from Canyon Crest Academy who with the non-profit Nova Spero (New Hope) help refugee kids in City Heights with friendship, tutoring, and mentoring to help them on their way to a successful education and life.
Patricia identified the group after Susan sent out a plea to find and recognize people doing good in our communities
President Susan presented each with our Distinguished Student Service Citation and an "Imagine Rotary" pin
Charlotte gave the final numbers for LobsterFest 2022
Gross Income - $61,985
Expenses - $24,665
Net Profit - $37,320
Great Job!!! All funds go to charities with 40% to our two major beneficiaries - Just in Time for Foster Youth and Casa de Amistad; 5% to our Foundation fund, and the rest split with our service areas - Community Service, International, and Youth
Social Diva Patricia wore her Holiday Sweater to promote our Holiday Party on Sunday, 12/4, from 5-7pm at the home of Barbara & Jon Fish, and to give members time to polish up on their holiday trivia
Vicky passed the Polio Jar to focus attention on the importance of eradicating this disease
Di announced our commitment to help at Feeding San Diego on 12/9 from 12-2pm to pack produce that will be given out at the CRC Holiday Baskets Event the next day
We also will be sponsoring the Casa de Amistad Holiday Party on 12/13 from 4-7pm. Charles & Alicia and Bill & Suzanne will match up to $1000 in donations from club members to help with this event
Jon introduced our speaker, Maren Kavanagh, Community Education Coordinator with I love a Clean San Diego.
Their mission is to create zero waste lifestyles and zero litter throughout San Diego County. Through education and action they are dedicated to empowering every person to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living in order to protect and improve our health and environment.
Susan presented Maren with our OEF speaker certificate and explained how we are making lives better for the less fortunate in El Salvador
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Service Above Self
Del Mar, CA 92014
United States of America