Stories

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 29, 2023

ONLY 2 WEEKS BEFORE OUR GREAT FEST!!

Final week for sponsor signup, and remember to bid on our fabulous auction items

Please give Suzanne guest names

Charles Koll, Community Service Co-Chair, (shown below with club donations of tennis shoes and jeans), talked about all the good work Showers of Blessings does and their partners for the homeless community. Showers of Blessings is a remarkable program with a mission to extend a helping hand to homeless men, women, and children in San Diego by providing showers, clean clothes, socks, and toiletries with a welcome and smile.

See below to sign up to give blood for our Socktober Blood Drive, and let Lew Williamson know when you can help.

Bill Kerlin, Managing Director of North Coast Repertory Theater spoke to us about their current season and the wonderful job this professional "local" theatre has done for the past 42 years providing world-class, quality productions. He helped it grow from being fiscally underwater in 2011 when he joined NCR, to a profitable 1.2MM budget, thanks to loyal subscribers and donors. North Coast Rep also has a theatre school and provides scholarships for students.

Visit https://northcoastrep.org for more information or tickets

Sharp Neuroscientists Discuss Alzheimer Breakthroughs

Posted on Aug 04, 2023

Mark Dobrina (L) and Esteban Gonzales (C) are shown with Club President, Malcom Koll following their presentation on the work of the Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center. They are running a drug trial for people with early stage Alzheimers. This work impacts the club directly as one of our members is enrolled in the trial, and has seen the benefits first-hand.

Visit the Sharp Neurocognitive Research Center website

Here is a list of Sharp clinical trials in San Diego.

Community Service at Adaptive Sports and Recreation Camp

Posted on Jul 28, 2023

Vicky, Monica, Joe, Patricia and two of Di's friends had a wonderful experience serving lunch to 60 kids, ages 4-18 finishing their last day at Adaptive Sports and Recreation Camp. They set up and served lunch to attendees, their "buddies" and other volunteers. It was a remarkably rewarding time. I have asked the coordinator to let us know early for 2024 so that more of you can participate. You will LOVE the interaction with the kids.

Joe served Pita and Tzatziki. He convinced kids to try this as he knew they "would love it." I think he could have convinced them to try escargot.

Veteran's Village of San Diego Stand Down Event

Posted on Jul 21, 2023

VVSD STAND DOWN is a 3-day outdoor event designed to guide homeless veterans, and those at risk of homelessness, to services that rapidly remove barriers caused by medical, legal, mental health, and substance use concerns.

We are grateful for the 100+ agencies and over 3,000 volunteers who have offered personalized care to each veteran.

Thank you all (& any others I have forgotten to include) for supporting the Club effort at the Water Tent @ VVSD Stand Down 2023.

We "did good and served others" so, as Malcolm would say, you should move your "Rotary 4-Way Test Coin" to the other pocket.

Top Left: Charles Foster, Bill Sutton, Steve Weitzen Bottom Left: Jon Fish, Charles Fost Bottom Right: Bill Sutton, Jan Parsons, Suzanne Sutton, Charles Koll	Also Volunteered: Vicky Mallett & Barbara Berkovich Ken Barrett & Paul Butler Kevin & Sibylle Cahill Sandy LeVine Charlotte Jones Molly Fleming Mark & Susan Hennenfent Kirk Collins

July 7 Meeting Opens the new Rotary Theme

Posted on Jul 11, 2023

A New Rotary Year... A New Rotary Theme, and some thoughts from Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally.

Our own Del Mar Solana Beach club president, Malcom Koll, kicked off the first meeting of the year by having members think about the the types of projects that will grow the impact of our club and offer Hope to our community.

1. Will the project break a negative cycle?

2. Is our involvement short term?

3. Will our impact last well past our involvement?

4. Will it encourage involvement from the community?

5. Will the person or people we help feel the need to help others.

Vicky Mallett presented the LobsterFest goal of $36,500 for the 2023-24 year. This is the club's major fundraiser, and supports the local and international project supported by the club. Costs have definitely gone up this year, so we'll need everyone's support to meet the goal.

Our latest new member, Robyn Bailis (second from right) was pinned by Paul Butler, Di Shimkus, and Molly Fleming.

Governors Dinner

Posted on Jun 26, 2023

What a wonderful night at the Governors Dinner

Over 400 Rotarians celebrated this year's accomplishments (thank you President Susan)

and inducted our next President, thank you for stepping up once and future king Malcolm

After his induction, Malcolm got in the Rotary spirit of his new position

A great time was had by all

Herb & Bev Liberman, Joe Kuhn, Paul Butler, Patricia Case, Suzanne & Bill Sutton, Malcolm & Vanesse Koll, Mark & Susan Hennenfent, Jan Parsons, Hilary & Charles Koll, Vicky Mallett, Barbara Berkovich

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 23, 2023

Happy 52nd Wedding Anniversary to Lew & Sue on Monday

Our last meeting of the 2022-2023 fiscal year was jam-packed, even without a speaker!!

We started with Paul awarding Barbara her blue badge, after completing all the red badge requirements including visiting another Rotary club, inviting a guest to a meeting, doing a Who Am I, and attending a Board meeting

We then heard from Shaurya Bairaria from Canyon Crest Academy who started Tennis Without Borders. His goal is to teach 8-13 yr old refugees from around the world tennis, so they can experience the same joy that he gets from the sport. Susan awarded him her last Distinguished Student Service Certificate

Matt Wechter, lead attorney for Standown's Homeless Court, shared how they are able to quickly remove warrants that serve as barriers for recovery for homeless vets, and showed us the hats that Bill orders each year that are a huge hit with the attorneys

Leslie and Paul (Vanna White) Sagar updated us on all the good work they have done with Hope Without Boundaries in Tijuana since 2008 for the poorest of the poor. Susan and Herb presented them with a check for $2500 to assist with school uniforms, backpacks, and food

Herb also updated us on our donations to OEF in El Salvador to help needy children & families

Charles Koll gave a loving tribute to all those close to him who have helped him along his road in life as part of his Who Am I. He recognized his family, colleagues, and Rotarians Susan & Mark Hennenfent and Kirk Collins who helped get Viewpoint Brewery off the ground and operational

And finally we heard from Edmar and Yaretzi who were two of our Model UN students this year who displayed the confidence and poise they gained by working with others and speaking at the event

We ended with a standing ovation for President Susan as she completed a great year - and that's a wrap

George Sousa Honored

Posted on Jun 20, 2023

We're so proud of our George Sousa who is being honored in South Korea for the many lives he saved during the Korean War

Celebration of Service

Posted on Jun 16, 2023

Kevin shared the following quotes for our invocation today as we celebrate the impact our club has had on the lives of local and global neighbors. As he said, let us continue throwing our beam and changing the world.

Happy Birthday to Suzanne who celebrates her special day tomorrow and Happy 53rd Anniversary to Meera & Venky!!

President Susan started our festivities by reminding us who Rotary is

(go to our Facebook page to watch the live video)

Vicky, in her multiple hats as Immediate Past President, LobsterFest Chair, and Foundation Chair, reminded members that we raised $35,320 at LobsterFest to share with our Major Beneficiaries Just in Time for Foster Youth and Casa de Amistad and other service organizations/projects. We added 5 new Paul Harris Society Members and had 100% EREY participation

Nicole as New Generation (Youth) Chair shared that we spent $5800 helping Casa de Amistad, Model UN and sent students to LEAD and RYLA for the first time since the pandemic

Herb, as International Chair, thanked Venky, Suchandra, and Steve for their help with projects in the countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Malawi, and India

Here Suchandra showed our next project teaching organic farming, and told about the $35,551 grant we did helping the homeless, mentally ill women in India where they were able to add more staff for vocational training & therapy and grew from 10 to 25 beds

Di, as Chair of Community Service (or the heart of Rotary as she says as we get directly involved), with the help of Bill, Lew, and Ken reminded us of the $5000 sent to the Nature Collective, $1000 sent to CRC for mental health initiatives and $500 for their general fund, besides helping over 700 families with food through Feeding San Diego

Bill, Lew, Sandy, and Jon helped with Programs this year and we learned so much in the following categories

Patricia on behalf of her and Suzanne as Social Chairs reviewed the 8 fun socials we did and were pleased with attendance with a minimum of 20 people for each

President Susan then thanked all the members of the club who are active behind the scenes and reminded us of the generosity of club members

She then rang the bell for the last time as President, and wrapped up the year

Rotary at the Padres

Posted on Jun 13, 2023

It was a great Rotary night at the Padres as they rallied right from the start and beat the Guardians 6 - 3

Jan Parsons, Susan & Mark Hennenfent, and Andy & Cole Sutton enjoyed the game

Demotion Party

Posted on Jun 11, 2023

Thank you Suttons for hosting a fun demotion Party; Patricia & Suzanne for organizing; and Kevin for being Master of Ceremony

Festivities began on the patio with a charcuterie board before moving inside for a dinner of kabobs

Bill told how he has no more gold gavels to give away before Ken and Charlotte eloquently praised Susan for a colorful year (see her beautiful, colorful paintings below), her steadfastness and calm demeanor, and innovations as President (including using Facebook Live, slides for meetings, and new name badges). They presented her on behalf of the club with an artist's apron and her picture signed by members

But where is the gavel to pass on to the next president? Kevin came through again, with a bucket of iced Veuve Clicquot hiding the wrapped original gavel

Malcolm then took the hot seat while Susan, Patricia, and Kevin departed upstairs and then we saw Queen Susan make her appearance with the gavel on a royal cushion, led by queen consort Patricia. But wait!!! Susan is not carrying the REAL gavel!!! Court Jester Kevin then appeared with the answer

In true Shakespearean fashion, he offered Malcolm the real gavel if he could answer two clues correctly. Unfortunately Malcolm failed, but he graciously produced the gavel so the night was saved. Susan then gave Malcolm his Presidents pin, and Kevin was awarded the framed original Club Charter as our first President

The once and future King was now official and Susan gave her heartfelt thanks to club members for making this a fabulous year!!

We then all enjoyed a special cake and Patricia's pound cake & strawberry shortbread

THE CAKE SAYS IT ALL - THANK YOU, SUSAN, FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR!!!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 09, 2023

We welcomed and enjoyed hearing from the Casa de Amistad students who were inspired by attending RYLA or LEADS

Ariana, Ali, Janidy, and Daniel

Felix gave his Who Am I, and though he just joined Rotary, we feel he has always been a Rotarian at heart as his life goal is to give back and make a difference in peoples' lives

Thanks to Di and to Joe Kuhn, our members & Hilton GM, who organized our last Community Service event of packaging care bags for victims of human trafficking served through SafeHouse.

Jeff Moore of Exotic Succulents in Solana Beach, and author of five books, gave a colorful presentation of these plants and how to care for them. We learned that all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. And yes, Jeff does consult on an informal basis.

Be sure to invite guests to next weeks Celebration of Service!!

Bushfire Social

Posted on May 11, 2023

Everyone had too much fun to take pictures but a good time was had by all

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 05, 2023

Two member were honored this morning:

Lew Williamson by Vicky Mallett for his Rotary Foundation donations achieving a PH+4

and Susan Hennenfent awarded Charles Foster an Imagine Rotary pin for all his contributions to Rotary and our club over the years, saying he is a mentor to her and many other members

THANK YOU BOTH - WELL DONE!!

We were all impressed that Susan & Mark Hennenfent got to meet one on one with Rotary International President Jennifer Jones as part of their recognition of being new Arch Klumph Society members. She said its been an exhilarating and exhausting year!

The Casa de Amistad Gala was a wonderful night and Nicole thanked Charles and Viewpoint who supplied free beer for the event.

Di was the big winner of the Carlsbad Rotary raffle winning $2500 on a $100 donation (it helps to be generous) and Judy Hunt who often visits us when in town from her Colorado Rotary presented us with her club flag

Herb reported on our $9200 Grant to OEF in El Salvador and recognized Ildiko Tesak for her large contribution. We also send another $1000 per year in recognition of our speakers, as shown in the photo below when President Susan presented one to our member and speaker, Barbara Berkovich who spoke on ChatGPT and AI

RAW Day

Posted on May 04, 2023

Rotarians At Work Day

Posted on Apr 29, 2023

We were joined by Solana Beach Eco Rotary & Encinitas Rotary for Rotarians At Work Day 2023

at the Nature Collective planting new growth in the La Orilla Restoration Site & weeding non-native plants in San Dieguito Park

Orientation by Nature Collective staff & volunteers

La Orilla Restoration site where we planted over 40 new shrubs

Weeding in San Dieguito Park to get rid of non-native plants

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 28, 2023

HAPPY 31st ANNIVERSARY TO US

DMSB Rotary spun off from the Del Mar Rotary Club on April 24, 1992

Best Wishes to all our members with Birthdays next week:

Patricia on April 30, Kevin on May 1, and Steve on May 2 along with a Happy 32nd Anniversary with Ava last week

Happy Birthday, Anniversary with Alicia, and Rotary Anniversary all in April to Charles Foster

And Happy Club Anniversary to Charlotte who joined us in April, 6 years ago

James Morrison, Paul Harris Foundation Society Coordinator for District 5340, helped us induct Vicky Mallett and Di Shimkus as new Paul Harris Society members, with a commitment of contributing $1000/year to the Rotary Foundation

President Susan Hennenfent, Vicky Mallett, Steve Weitzen, Di Shimkus, James Morrison

Steve and Susan welcomed Di as a Paul Harris Society Member (she contributed $1000 to the Rotary Foundation both this year and last) and next level pins for contributing another $1000 to the Foundation to members Kevin Cahill (PH+6, receiving a pin with a ruby); Charlotte Jones (PH+2); Herb Liberman (PH+4); and Beverly Liberman (PH+2)

They have helped DMSB Rotary contribute over $389,000 to the Rotary Foundation

Well done and thank you!!

Calendar Items:

Rotarians At Work Day, tomorrow 4/29

Club Social, May 11

Feeding San Diego, May 16

Our speaker today was Pam Maher, a Research Professor in the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute. Her research focus and talk was on Alzheimer's disease and factors that can contribute to the disease. She emphasized paying attention to the lifestyle factors which we can control.

President Susan presented Pam with our OEF certificate and explained how we are helping the children in El Salvador with health, education, and nutritional needs and have been involved with this organization for over 15 years

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 19, 2023

7-WAY Luncheon Meeting with Area 4 Rotary Clubs

Del Mar-Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe., Encinitas, Encinitas Coastal, San Diego Downtown Evening, Solana Beach Eco

DMSB Members George Sousa, Susan Hennenfent, Malcolm Koll, Jon Fish, Jan Parsons, Vicky Mallett, Ken Barrett, Molly Fleming, Paul Butler, and former member Radia Hunter

Our own Korean War Hero George Sousa

led the flag salute

Jordan Harrison, Rotarian & Vice President of Community Impact & Partnership for Reality Changers, was our keynote speaker and gave a motivational talk on the impact of Rotary & Rotarians. Paulette Britton, RSF President was Host and presented Dylan Stolba a comfort bear for her 4-Way Test Speech on mental health.

Then each Club President gave an overview of their club's activities and priorities. Here is Susan talking about our community involvement with Stand Down and Blood Drives

And we ended the afternoon happy to see other dedicated Rotarians and feeling good

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 14, 2023

It was a great day in Rotary as we inducted three new members - Felix Singh, brought to us by Elena of the Santee Rotary club; and Monica Stuck and Yolanda Silva with the Hilton Corporate Membership, joining Joe Kuhn. WELCOME!!

Congratulations to Art on his new home purchase, with Paul's help, and Vicky's help with insurance; and to Barbara on her closing of Double B Ranch in the Columbia River Gorge area

Welcome back to Venky who went to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and to Susan who was visiting Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, IL and her sister in Michigan

Here she is "shaking the hand" of founder Paul Harris and with Mark and 4 Past RI Presidents

Charlotte enjoyed lunch at Viewpoint Brewery with friends visiting from Norway after a fun hike; Nicole was grateful for apple Care after her phone landed in the water; and we were happy to hear that Patricia has an ablation scheduled next week to relieve back pain

Vicky reminded members to contribute to Rotary International Annual Fund by April 30 and shared pictures from our first project in El Salvador as a result of funds available through a Foundation Grant - building a school and vocational center.

And where we continue to help 15 years later

Vicky was recognized by Susan with an Imagine Rotary pin for all her contributions to the club

Art is our new auctioneer extraordinaire as he collected $360 for 3 Ukraine Rotary pins - thank you Venky, Jan & Herb

Please visit our Upcoming Events for more information and to signup for Feeding San Diego and Rotarians At Work Day and our 7-Way Meeting on April 19 (we will be dark on the 21st)

Jordan Karney Chaim, an art historian and Curator for the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego, gave an interesting, informative talk about this institution that is in Balboa Park and Encinitas. Their mission is to present experimental art and learning with a mission to question everything - and their focus next year will be on the interface of art and science using human data. They also have a sculpture trail overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon that is inspired by the coastal landscape. A good time to visit ICS North will be on April 29 at Casa de Amistad Gala

President Susan presenting Jordan with our OEF certificate for speaking with us today

Model UN 2023

Posted on Apr 02, 2023

Congratulations to Nicole Mione-Green & Kevin Cahill on another fabulous Model UN at Del Mar City Hall

and to the students with Casa de Amistad who did a great job representing So. Korea & India

Students and supporters from our club

Nicole, Alex, George, Edmar, Yaretzi, Jan, and Kevin

(Yadira missing from picture)

Edmar and Alex presenting positions on space debris

Rotary & Club News

It was great to have Felix back with us today and Joe Kuhn and Monica Stuck from the Hilton,

as we welcomed Joe as a new Corporate Member

As Membership Co-Chairs Molly Fleming and Paul Butler made the induction and pinned him, all joined President-Elect Malcom Koll in congratulating him on joining the other 1.2MM Rotarians who do good in the world

We wish Susan & Mark Hennenfent a great trip to Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois where they are being honored as Arch Klumph Society members and recognized as Rotary Foundation's highest level of donors

Malcolm wished Herb & Beverly a Happy Anniversary on the 23rd, but was not sure which one it is as different dates are showing in Club Runner under their profiles. He also shared that there are many more changes than his first time as President, such as more acronyms and 7 areas of service instead of 4. He will be focusing on Anti- Human Trafficking during his term.

Thank you to Di, Herb, Malcolm, Charles K, & Barbara for attending the District Training last Saturday

Herb shared a request from Glenda Collins with Friends of Joshua to help with funds for Malawi, Africa after the devastation done by the

recent cyclone

Vicky asked that all donation to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund (EREY) be made by April 30. It can be in amount amount above $25, and the suggested donation is $250

Nicole offered 10% off for tickets to Casa de Amistad's Celebration on April 29th, which Malcolm quickly grabbed by purchasing a table for 10

Paula Claussen and Doug Hoffman spoke to us today about Project Mercy Baja and the wonderful work their non-profit does for the impoverished in Eastern Tijuana. Not only do they build solid and secure houses for those in need, but they are also building schools, supporting children's education, providing needed food and water, and helping with sanitation. Before they left, the club presented them with $255 collected at the meeting.

Malcolm presented Paula with our OEF Certificate for speaking with us today, which shows our help to needy in El Salvador

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 24, 2023

Our Korean War Hero & 10 Year Rotarian George Sousa drew a crowd of over 15 guests to hear him talk about his Korean War experience and watch an interview of him when he was in Washington DC as part of Honor Flight San Diego

Here he is with some of his family and friends who were there - Stacey Halboth with Honor Flight San Diego, friend and Snowboard Olympian Tessa, sons Jim and Bill with their wives

George was 21 when he was drafted into the Army 2nd Infantry Division & headed to Korea, leaving behind a wife of 2 months, pregnant with their first son. He is the only survivor of the tank attack on Heartbreak Ridge for which he won a purple heart.

Please click on link below to see the touching interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIT1i6SleXY

Here, Stacey Halboth, who accompanied George on his Honor Flight, holds a newspaper article of George in the local paper upon his return from the war

George wants everyone to remember that this was a real war where over 36,000 Americans died; he is very proud of his unit saying the 2nd Infantry Division is 2nd to none; and wants people to remember to thank Veterans for the sacrifices they made for our country. All gave George a standing ovation (Pictured here: Akilah Templeton, CEO of Veterans Village; Alicia Foster, Jon Fish, Monica Stuck, Human Resources with the Hilton; Nancy Starling, Carlsbad Rotary; Charles Foster, Joe Kuhn, Hilton General Manager; and Suzanne Sutton)

Acting President/President Elect Malcolm Koll presenting George our certificate showing our commitment and work with OEF and the children of El Salvador

On a lighter note, Malcolm showed George dancing to the music in a Korean "Gangnam Style" video

Other Rotary news included Di Shimkus reminding members of the Nature Collective walk next Thursday, 3/30 at 9:00am & Rotarians at Work Day there on April 29; Paul Butler, Membership Chair sharing Susan's goal of going from 29 to 34 members; Sushandra Brahma updating us on the $32K Global Grant on organic farming that we are doing with her non-profit in Calcutta, India; and Nicole Mione-Green, Youth Chair, asking for funds to purchase business attire for our students who will be participating in Model UN on April 1 & 2.

Blood Drive

Posted on Mar 18, 2023

Another great Blood Drive -

Thank you Lew for organizing and Rotarians & friends for helping & donating

March Social

March fun social at Bushfire Kitchen

Rotary & Club News

Visitor's Day was a huge success with over 12 guests to see the great work that Rotary and our club does

One of the highlights was inducting Charles Koll as a new member - the third generation of Kolls as Rotarians!! Proud dad, Malcolm pinned him, Paul as Membership Chair read the induction, and President Susan handed him his red badge, and then the club gave him a standing ovation.

We were also pleased to learn that Joe Kuhn and the Hilton will be joining us as Corporate Members. Welcome all!!!

Herb connected us with Chikondi Dyson in Malawi who we are helping attend college and got an update on his activities

Vicky showed a video and updated us on the status of the Rotary Foundation's End Polio Now campaign and reminded us of their pledge of $50MM pledge toward this goal, which is matched 2x1 by the Gates Foundation. Herb shared that they have also made 300,000 grants totaling $15MM to Ukraine

John van Cleef, the CEO of the Community Resource Center and Encinitas Rotarian, was our speaker today and updated us on the long range plans of this wonderful non-profit that started as a bread truck in 1979. Susan showed some old photos of our 15+ year support of the CRC, including the Holiday Food Baskets program

Di, as Community Service Chair, presented John two checks from our club: $500 for their Capital Campaign and $1000 for their Mental Health program. President Susan thanked him for being our speaker by presenting him with a certificate showing our support of OEF in El Salvador with the emphasis on children's education, health, and development

We hope we will see all our guests at our social next Thursday, 3/16 at Bushfire Kitchen in Del Mar starting at 5:30, which will take the place of Friday's meeting. Also mark your calendars for the 7-Way Meeting on April 19 at the Hilton

Happy Holi & International Women's Day

Posted on Mar 08, 2023

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 03, 2023

It was a great day as Susan recognized George for all the wonderful things he has done for Rotary, his family, the community, and the world

We faced a beautiful picture of San Diego & snow capped mountains from 1989 - which it looks like today after our recent storms, as Steve reviewed Rotaries 7 areas of focus: Peacebuilding, Disease Prevention, Sanitation, Child Health, Education, Economic Development, & Environment

And it was nice to see Sibylle with Kevin, Charles Koll back for his 4th time, and Jerry, a visitor from Atlanta. Patricia and Susan gave huge accolades to Barbara, Barbara (Fish), and Molly for taking all the items from our locker. Let Susan know if you can store 4 bins of lobsterfest items. And thank you to Bill & Suzanne who will host the demotion party on June 11

Patricia gave a touching update on Shelter Box and showed the major countries where they are helping the 85 million people who are displaced due to violence or turmoil in the world: Turkey, Syria, Ukraine, Pakistan, Mozambique

Molly reminded everyone that next Friday's meeting will be a membership day, so invite your friends, colleagues, acquaintances to hear John Van Cleef, CEO of the CRC

Di clarified that Rotarians at Work Day will be on April 29 from 9-1 which we will be doing with the Solana Beach Eco Club and Encinitas Rotary

We had a great update on happenings in Solana Beach from Lesa Heebner, Mayor, which could also be viewed live on facebook. SB is the 2nd smallest region in the area with 3.4sq miles and faces the same issues as Del Mar - affordable housing and issues with multi-property dwellings. The third phase of the $7MM government grant Corridor Improvement Project is underway to make street more user-friendly and safe. Susan let Lesa know that we will be making a donation in her name for speaking with us, to OEF, a non-profit we support in El Salvador that focuses on children's health and education.

And some were fortunate to hear Kevin's beautiful playing as we left the Hilton for the day

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 24, 2023

It was great to have Area 4 Presidents & Governors with us today

Our Invocation from Suchandra, who is back from India after 4 months

We were also happy to have back Judy Hunt from Colorado, Charles Koll from Viewpoint for the 3rd time in anticipation of becoming a new member; Leif Halgrim with mom Charlotte, and Don Wells with Just in Time for Foster Youth, who we presented a check to for $6488.97 as one of our LobsterFest Major Beneficiaries. This is the 20th Anniversary for Just in Time, and we have been one of their main supporters from the beginning.

Let Susan, Malcolm or Patricia know if you are interested in any of items from our locker as we clean out

A fun time was had at our social last Thursday at Bushfire. The next will be Thursday, March 16

Joe Kuhn, General Manager of the Hilton where we meet, gave a fun talk about his life in the hotel industry where he started as a housekeeper and rose to regional manager. He considers himself an Innkeeper - taking care of guests, employees, and owners, and works under the management style of Fun, Fair, and Firm. The Hilton is part of Aimbridge Hospitality, the largest franchise hotel industry in the world.

Susan was proud to present Joe with our OEF certificate showing our support for needy children in El Salvador

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 10, 2023

We had a great turnout today - a reflection of the great job Susan is doing as President

We welcomed visitors Mark Hennenfent, Barbara's guest Lola, Charles Koll from Viewpoint Brewery, and Evan Bridgham from Country Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer's office who mentioned the $500/month rental subsidy for qualifying seniors (contact their office for more info)

Paul proudly attended the swearing in by Governor Newsom last week of daughter Katie Butler as the Deputy Director of Hazardous Waste Management with a staff of over 300 people - Congratulations!!!!
Art was able to visit with his son Brandon who was home from his job in the Capital Hill office of Sarah Jacobs
Happy Birthday to Molly's Finn who turns 3 next week
Nicole shared that Casa de Amistad has raised over $9K for one of their families affected by the earthquake in Turkey
Charles invited all to the fundraising event at Viewpoint for local Ukrainians who have been displaced by the ongoing war

NEWS FLASH - LOVE FOR UKRAINIANS NOW CHANGED TO ONE EVENT:

DINNER 6:30-9:30 FOR $120/pp

Vicky shared a Rotary Foundation video and highlighted the seven areas of focus

Susan recognized Di Shimkus with an Imagine Rotary pin in recognition of all the great work she does with Community Service for our club, her work, and her personal life

Social at Bushfire Kitchen next Thursday, 2/16 from 5:30-7:00 and dark on Friday

Nature Walk led by Di after our 2/24 meeting

Patricia invited Rotarians to an upcoming Shelterbox online event on 2/28 at 9:00am which will give a briefing on their humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine

Our speaker today, Chris Khoury, MD has been recognized for his many environmental contributions by the State of California, County of San Diego, Cities of San Diego & Escondido, and the San Dieguito River Park. He shared that the climate crisis is real and as Jonas Salk said "We have no greater responsibility than to strive to be good ancestors". Visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org for more information.

Susan presented Dr. Khoury with our OEF Certificate showing our help to children in El Salvador

Solana Beach Living

Posted on Feb 04, 2023

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 03, 2023

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

Nature Collective Walk

Posted on Jan 28, 2023

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

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 27, 2023

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

Bushfire Social

Posted on Jan 20, 2023

Another fun social at Bushfire Kitchen in Del Mar

President Susan leading the toast to good friends & family

Rotary & Club News

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

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 06, 2023

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

https://raise.rotary.org/KittyMcGee/memorial

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"

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Posted on Dec 24, 2022

Wreaths Across America

Posted on Dec 23, 2022

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)

CRC/Casa de Amistad

Posted on Dec 22, 2022

Casa de Amistad Party

Posted on Dec 20, 2022

More pictures from the Casa de Amistad Party

Enjoying holiday crafts & Santa

Happy Hanukkah

Posted on Dec 19, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 16, 2022

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

Holiday Party for Casa de Amistad

Posted on Dec 14, 2022

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

Feeding San Diego for CRC

Posted on Dec 10, 2022

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

Rotary & Club News

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

Holiday Party

Posted on Dec 07, 2022

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

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 02, 2022

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.

Namma Beach, Namma Chennai

Posted on Dec 01, 2022

Nova Spero

Thanksgiving

Posted on Nov 23, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving

No meeting on Friday, 11/25

Rotary & Club News

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

Newsbits/Namma Beach, Namma Chennai

Posted on Nov 13, 2022

See full article at: https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/arcnews/a-global-approach-to-preventing-plastic-from-reaching-the-ocean

Rotary & Club News/Veterans Day
Veterans Day

Posted on Nov 11, 2022

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

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Nov 04, 2022

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

Rotary & Club News/Blood Drive/District Conference

Posted on Oct 30, 2022

It's been a busy weekend starting with our meeting on Friday where President-Elect Malcolm Koll presided in Susan's absence, and was fined by Steve for a bad joke

Happy dollars came for Paul's giant leap with Reality Changers' Over the Edge and Di's leading us on a great walk through San Elijo Lagoon for World World Day; Charles reminded us that the CRC truck has the DMSB Rotary logo on it; and Venky shared info on our $4800 District Grant in Chennai, India for beach cleanup and education

Manuel Camargo updated us on the decommissioning of SONGS power plant which should be done in 2028. He encouraged members to join the Action for Spent Fuel Solutions, a new coalition to advocate for solutions

Lew organized another successful Blood Drive on Saturday, where we had a lot of walk-ups give blood

Thank you to those who helped: Mark, Bill, Suzanne, Herb, Jan, & Beverly and especially to those who gave blood : Sandi, Malcolm, Jon,

Ken, Charles, and Di's husband Al

Susan was busy at the District Conference which consisted of morning/afternoon business sessions and then the Foundation Gala in the evening. The evening activities began with talented Aerialists on the outside patio during cocktail hour and lots of Rotarians in fun costumes to admire

We then headed indoors where we were treated to a performance by the Carlsbad HS Lancers Dancers

which was enjoyed by Susan & Mark Hennenfent, Steve & Ava Weitzen, Beverly & Herb Liberman, and Jan Parsons. Herb, Bev, and Jan had fun with Rotaract members from San Diego State University where they all shared "Rambo's" wig

Chuck started the formal meeting introducing speakers for The Foundation and recognized Susan and Mark as the Newest Arch Klumph Society members for their large donation. He then changed into Superman (super hero that he is) before recognizing Steve as Past DG who never got a live conference due to covid precautions and declared costume winners

Rotarians closed the celebration by dancing to the great music of Matt Heineke & Crown Town Music

Happy Diwali

Posted on Oct 24, 2022

Happy Diwali

May your life be full of light and love

Over the Edge

Posted on Oct 23, 2022

The Butler Did It - went Over the Edge in style for Reality Changers

with family & friends cheering on his cheeky form

Reality Changers' CEO Tamara Craver was on hand, along with his admirers, to congratulate Paul on a job well done

End Polio Now Walk

Posted on Oct 22, 2022

Walking to End Polio Now

in honor of World Polio Day 10/24

and enjoying a docent led tour with The Nature Collective

through San Elijo Lagoon

where we saw lots of native plants and local birds

including an egret and a blue heron catching fish

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 21, 2022

It was wonderful to have distinguished District 5340 guests with us this morning: DG Chuck Pretto, DG Elect Don Fipps, and Major Gifts director John Teish, who was our speaker

The highlight of the meeting was recognition of

Susan & Mark Hennenfent as new Arch Klumph Society Members

(meaning they have contributed at least $250,000 to The Rotary Foundation)

Congratulations & Thank You

And Happy Birthday to Susan on the 24th which she shares with World Polio Day

Happy Rotarians also included Steve for his 3rd granddaughter, Charles for his recent move, Ken for the Clubs support of his 100 Wave Challenge (see his fabulous shirt below), Paul for his upcoming rappel, Jan for Paul's upcoming rappel, Herb for Kevin's wedding party, and Charlotte for joining her mother in Vegas for a John Mayer (oops - John Legend) concert

Steve was fined by President Susan for signing up under the SB Eco Club

Chuck also recognized Phil on zoom with a Paul Harris +2 pin for his contributions to The Rotary Foundation

Look forward to seeing everyone at our End Polio Now Walk at The Nature Collective tomorrow, 10/22

2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff

John gave an impassioned talk about the Rotary Foundation and ways we can fulfill Rotary's Vision Statement to unite people and create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves

Susan presented him with our OEF support certificate and explained how we have used Global Grant funds to help make a better life for the needy in El Salvador

Over the Edge

Posted on Oct 17, 2022

Come cheer Paul on as he goes Over the Edge for Reality Changers

Sunday, 10/23 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego

1 Market Place, San Diego

His window to rappel is between 9:00-10:00am

and he will be wearing his traditional Butler's outfit of white shirt, black pants, and bow tie

And help him raise funds to prepare youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change by clinking on the link below. Donate today to help students achieve their dreams and help The Butler go Over The Edge

https://give.realitychangers.org/fundraiser/4235871

Rotary Social

Posted on Oct 14, 2022

A fun evening at Bushfire Kitchen

thank you to our social divas Patricia & Suzanne

And it was wonderful to meet Meera's cousin Malini Srinivasan, Past President of the Mysore East Rotary Club, India, who we were able to exchange flags with

Indigenous Peoples Day

Posted on Oct 10, 2022

Happy Indigenous Peoples Day

Let us remember our history with compassion and understanding

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 07, 2022

Congratulations and Welcome to our newest member

Barbara Berkovitz

who Susan presented with her new Red Badge, Rotary pin, and Member Certificate

Barbara is a professor at USD, has her PHD in Medical Data Records, and lives between Susan & Bill & Suzanne.

She joins 1.2MM Rotarians in 33,000 clubs in 200 countries who share in friendship and service

We wish Susheela well in her upcoming knee surgery in 2 1/2 weeks, after years of delays

It was good to have Jon back after an Oceana Cruise from Montreal to New York; Charles has two 10x10 pop-ups for anyone interested; and Bill was happy for such warm comradery at the LobsterFest wrap-up meeting

Sign-up with Lew for the Blood Drive on 10/29

Charlotte asked members to watch for upcoming quarterly billings and requested payment by credit card if possible to make accounting easier. And let her know if you have any outstanding LobsterFest expenses for reimbursement.

Susan recognized Charlotte for all the hard work she has done with LobsterFest and as Treasurer.

She also asked members to watch for people in our community who are doing outstanding service so we can invite them and their family & friends to our club to honor them

As Foundation Chair, Vicky announced the upcoming walk To End Polio Now in Honor of 10/24 World Polio Day. The walk will be at the Nature Collective on 10/22 from 9:00-12:00 with lunch after. Let her know if you need a red End Polio Now t-shirt

Di with Community Service took pledges and encouraged support for Ken's 100 Wave Challenge (with the help of daughter Issie) on Saturday 10/8 to help Boys to Men, and awarded a $50 Flemings gift card to Charlotte who won the raffle. Upcoming events may include baskets for the CRC if the club approves and Feeding San Diego food sorting.

Club member Suchandra Brahma, Psychiatrist in Pharmacology, born in Fargo, ND, and founder of A View in Calcutta, India, gave a touching and informational talk and video of the work her non-profit does in providing treatment and rehabilitation to medically handicapped, homeless women in India. We have done a Global Grant to help in her work and everyone was grateful to see the good they are doing.

Susan presented Suchandra with a well deserved Service Above Self Award

Honor Flight San Diego

Posted on Oct 02, 2022

Rotarians & friends give a warm welcome to

Vietnam Veterans

returning from their Honor Flight to Washington DC

Veterans finally receive the welcome home they deserved

Susan Hennenfent, George Sousa (former Honor Flight recipient for the Korean War), Mark Hennenfent, Maria Moujaes, Jan Parsons

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 30, 2022

We had many guests today starting with Dawn Van Siclen, Rotary Asst. Governor Area 6, Carlsbad; our speaker & Rancho Santa Fe Rotarian Amy Scruggs; El Presidente of DMSB Rotary Susan Hennenfent, and Past Dist. Governor and member of our club, Steve Weitzen

Dawn also is the Chair of the District Conference & Foundation Gala on October 29 at the Del Mar Hilton. Sign up at the District website

Also joining us today was former DMSB Rotary Pres., Kirk "the great" Collins; Malcolm's cousin Dave and brother Peter from South Africa, here for Charles' upcoming wedding; and Chris Dinofia from Movement Mortgage, who works with Paul

The other great news regarding Malcolm, is that he is our new President Elect

That means he will be our President for the Rotary year 2023-2024 (his 2nd time in this position)

THANK YOU MALCOLM!!!

It was good to have Venky back in person after his successful knee surgery and Kevin after his recent marriage in Switzerland and honeymoon in The Cook Islands. Susan shared that OEF in El Salvador received a $20K grant from Women's Empowerment International, partly based on all the projects we have done with them

And a WARM WELCOME to our newest member Barbara Berkovitz, who will receive her Red Badge next week in a formal presentation

Susan, Mark, Bill, and Suzanne recently cleaned out our storage locker at Smart Self Storage. If members can store our canopies in their garages, we could clear the locker and save $1000/year. Let Susan know if you can help. Herb took one growler that Bill brought in (but he has more) and extra pens went to Casa de Amistad. Malcolm is in charge is finding a new home for the bocce equipment, and Patricia volunteered to help.

Charles displayed pictures and clippings from club activities over the years, that he hopes can find a new home (he is cleaning out his in anticipation of his move to La Costa Glen)

Herb shared a picture of Chikondi Dyson, the student in Malawi that we are supporting to attend the University of Malawi for 4 years and Lew announced our next Blood Drive on October 29

Our speaker, Amy Scruggs is not only an accomplished country music singer but an expert in digital marketing and media coaching. She shared how important it is to communicate effectively and gave tips on how to tell The Rotary Story. We then were treated to a video of her latest hit "What if all goes right"

SD Foundation Picnic

Posted on Sep 25, 2022

Sharing our Rotary Story at the Del Mar Foundation Community Picnic at Powerhouse Park

Thank you Lew, Charles, Sandy, Patricia, Suzanne, Bill, Jan & Paul

Rotary & Club News

Everyone was happy to reflect on our wonderful LobsterFest last week where 100% of club members participated.

Charlotte updated us on current gross numbers which total aprox. $62,000, but are not yet final:

$33,750 sponsorships, $3,750 individual tickets, $8,000 donations, $3000 raffle tickets, $13,584 auction

Happy Birthday to Susheela for her Monday birthday

Patricia announced a change in venue for our October social on the 13th to Bush Fire in Del Mar instead of the Hilton and Paul reminded us to focus on Education/teachers which is the classification for the month. The Holiday party will be 12/4.

We got a wonderful presentation on our local geology and formation of our mountain ranges from Mike Thacker, who is a Senior Staff R&D Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Carlsbad. Though his knowledge in geology is self taught, it has served him well as a member of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Archaelogical Center since 2017

President Susan presented Mike with a speakers certificate showing our support for OEF in El Salvador

LobsterFest

Posted on Sep 22, 2022

LobsterFest 2022

Posted on Sep 19, 2022

Another fabulous LobsterFest

Thank you everyone who participated and contributed

Casa de Amistad helped at the registration table; hosts & hostesses welcomed all; we had lobsters helping with raffle and auction items; and while guests seemed to enjoy the tequila tasting, our fabulous guitarist James Clarkston attracted the ladies

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ALGckmBaGxg

We then sat down on the beautifully decorated patio and enjoyed a wonderful lobster tail dinner, baja style

President Susan & LobsterFest Chair Vicky thanked everyone for their help and recognized our distinguished Veterans, and our Major Beneficiaries from Casa de Amistad and Just In Time for Foster Youth. Herb then proceeded to auction off tonight's paintings by artist Heather Roddy

Everyone enjoyed the music of Hot Rocks San Diego, and danced the night away

Clink the link below for full set of pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/emHY37CE2hkdDBpg8

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 16, 2022

One day til LobsterFest 2022

Di helping Sandy with the lobster hat

Bill gave Steve a Rotary hat signed by Bob Marley (is it the truth?). The real one is available on our LobsterFest Auction site,

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341699980

President Susan was seen and captured by The Del Mar Times supporting Del Mar Rotary's Sunset Soiree - and no, she is not married to our former DMSB Rotary President Kirk Collins, but to the wonderful Mark Hennenfent on the left

We were honored to have District Governor Chuck Pretto with us today, who handed out two Paul Harris Fellowship Awards: a PH+6 pin to Art and a PH+5 one to Vicky. Congratulations - well done!!

Chuck talked about how he joined Rotary to fill up his Rolodex but learned the true power of Rotary when he housed a Rotary foreign exchange student and learned how Rotary can create lasting changes in ourselves and the community. A top priority is adolescent mental health, and he has started a 5340 Mental Health Action Group along with Vista Hill and Rady Children's Hospital. Another goal is to put 30 Peace Polls in high schools throughout the county, for which Rotary International President Jennifer Jones will come and dedicate. Let's make it happen!! He ended by handing out the new Rotary pin which tells who we are.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 09, 2022

Counting down to LobsterFest on the 17th - this is the week that matters!!

We're now over $40,000 revenue
The article in the paper got attention and Vicky helped two people register
Charles' friend has donated $1000
Jon signed up for another table
Venky donated $500 since he cannot be with us
Monday is the cutoff as we need to give the Hilton a count
Check out more auction items

Susan updated us on the $9K District Grant we did with OEF in El Salvador, that helped change the lives of fifty-nine children living in extreme poverty. Dinorah & Dinorah joined us on zoom from El Salvador and shared a video they made with the children, showing us how the funds were used

Happy Rotarians were: Patricia for 36 days of hiking in Europe; Charlotte for their new tortoise; Bill because he only has a stuffed one; Paul as he met Katie's Rotary foreign exchange student; Ken for each year of Queen Elizabeth's rein

Malcolm did a fabulous job when fine-master Steve had him recite the 4-Way Test; Susan held the wheel as he spun to see how much Molly would pay in his place

Contact Paul to sign up to help at the Del Mar Foundation Community Picnic on 9/25 from 1:00-5:00 at Power House Park. This is a good opportunity to share Rotary and attract new members (as is LobsterFest)

Our speaker today was Yigal Adato who shared his experience as a leadership coach to help each person be more successful in business and life

LobsterFest 2022

Posted on Sep 01, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 26, 2022

Happy Rotarians included Jan for her church's upcoming 90th White Elephant sale; Molly for Riley's 1st day of a 2nd year of school; Charlotte for Leif's 1st day of 7th grade; Vicky for the fun Powerhouse Park concert; Bill for a great trip to the Canadian Rockies with Suzanne; Di for upcoming silent retreat; Charles (happy & sad) to report he & Alicia will be selling their home and moving to La Costa Glen; Steve for a wonderful Rotary meeting where he was honored with his picture on a cake & members paid homage to his Jewish heritage

It was great to have Nicole back from sabbatical and she updated us on activities with Casa de Amistad: they are very excited to be one of our major LobsterFest beneficiaries; they are meeting in person again after two years of being virtual due to the pandemic; they are extending activities to La Costa; and they are adding kindergarten & college prep assistance

LobsterFest Update: We are currently at $37,525 in sponsorships; we need to encourage bidding on our online auction (Charlotte confirmed the trips with Travel Pledge are great); Di thanked everyone for their raffle restaurant support and Paul helped pick our $200 raffle donation winner which, appropriately, was Vicky!!

Sandra Scheller, curator of the "RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust" museum in Chula Vista (which was named after her mother), shared pictures saved in a trunk by her mother and touching stories of survivors who live in southern San Diego County. Bill, as presiding president today, presented her with our OEF certificate for speaking.

Newsbits: LobsterFest 2022

Posted on Aug 21, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 19, 2022

We had another great turnout of visitors to hear 3rd generation San Diegan & County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer update us on what she and other representatives are doing about homelessness, the train tracks, human trafficking, rotating in/out of jails, vaccinations, and more

Charles' daughter Laura Robinson joined us, as did Paul's granddaughter Zulima Butler Litsey, Di's friends Kelly McCormack and Bill Paxton, Barbara Berkovich for the 3rd time, and Rosy from Casa de Amistad

Happy $$s came from Charlotte on her upcoming 18th wedding anniversary; Venky for 11 family members visiting; Nicole for swimming with the manta rays; George for his trip to Washing DC; and Jan for Malcolm & Charles Koll Jewelers fixing her dad's ski trophy from 1936 that she brought back from Seattle

Vicky presented Sushandra her first Paul Harris Fellow award for donating $1000 to The Rotary Foundation, and Art on zoom his PH+6 pin (a ruby) for donating over $7000 to The Foundation. Thank you & well done!!

Susan thanked everyone for helping with Casa de Amistad Back to School Registration & Math Festival (but fined herself for not wearing Rotary attire). We helped over 200 children & families with backpacks, school supplies, snacks/beverages, games, and books donated in loving memory of Patricia Case's son, Dan.

Sushandra talked about her non-profit in India, A View, that helps women who have mental heath issues, and auctioned off 3 beautiful quilts that they made

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 12, 2022

We had a great turnout for Visitor's Day, which included Catalina Beltran from Casa de Amistad, Ivan Chavez and Ryan Mancera from Just in Time, former Rotarian Kirk Collins, Susan's neighbor Barbara Berkovich, Paul's CPA Louis Tommasino, Lisa from Dan McAllister's office, David Opperman, Malcom's cousin visiting from So. Africa, and Mark Hennenfent on zoom

We had two birthdays last week - Paul turned 67 and Art hit 68. Happy Birthday to both!!

Other happy Rotarians were Charles for a clean bill of health, Steve for 97 years with his father-in-law who just passed away; Charlotte for a trip to Sequoia National Park; Suzanne for surviving 3 days at Disneyland with 4 grandkids; Vicky, for a wonderful trip to the Flathead Lake area of Montana, and Jan for her 6600 mile road trip, where she got a chance to visit with Trish in her beautiful "new" digs (grandmother's former home) in San Luis Obispo

Di with Community Service reminded us of the Casa de Amistad event this Thursday, 8/18, to bring gift cards for our LobsterFest raffle & to enter our drawing, and shared that we will be doing a $5K District Grant with the Nature Collective. Herb with International informed us that the Board approved funds to help a student in Malawi with tuition and board. Paul filling in as Social Chair passed around a signup for the concert in Powerhouse Park on 8/23. Vicky as LobsterFest Chair said we are at 52% of goal from sponsorships to date. Every member should bring in a sponsorship, raffle gift card, and auction item. The online auction will go live on 8/17.

Bryan and Ivan with Just in Time updated us on their activities out in the community during Covid helping over 1200 youth. 98% of their funding is from non-governmental entities.

Dan McAllister, San Diego County Tax Collector gave an informative, often humorous talk about how the County uses the $14.5B investment pool serving 200 agencies including schools districts (42), fire, and water. SD has a 99.1% collection rate, was the 1st county to use recycled paper for it's bills, uses public feedback to simplify & make clear the bills (which Charlotte said are the best of any county), and decided again using a penguin (Taxi) as a mascot (the county owns the zoo).

Susan presented Dan with our new speaker certificate that shows our support of OEF in El Salvador.

And this just in from Switzerland on the wedding today of Rotarian Kevin Cahill & Sibylle Sticher, and attended by Patricia Case. Congratulations!! You all look fabulous!

Coastal Farm Tour

Posted on Jul 17, 2022

Rotarians enjoyed a nice tour of the Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas, we learned about sustainable farming, how the farm supports the local community and purchased fresh vegetables at the "Pay what you Can" Farm stand.

Loyal Soccer

Posted on Jul 10, 2022

Rotarians cheer on the Loyal soccer team, who gave to our LobsterFest auction last year. It was a fun night, even though they lost. Thanks for arranging, Charles.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jul 08, 2022

Susan kicked off her first meeting showing the new banner Imagine, that represents the seven areas of service around the circle. Rotary International's 1st woman President Jennifer Jones, wants us to imagine all the ways we can make a difference to transform the world

Susan then introduced our new Officers & Chairs

President: Susan Hennenfent

Past President/Foundation/Fund Raising: Vicky Mallett

VP: Bill Sutton

Treasurer: Charlotte Jones

Secretary: Suzanne Sutton

Community Service: Di Shimkus

International: Herb Liberman

Youth: Nicole Mione-Green

Membership: Paul Butler & Molly Fleming

Programs: Jon Fish, Sandy LeVine, Lew Williamson

Public Relations: Jan Parsons

Sergeant-At-Arms: George Sousa

Care Bear: Bev Liberman

Vicky gave happy dollars for her retirement and was fined for no longer being President; Charlotte joined us from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with family. Vicky also updated us on LobsterFest which now has open online sponsorships with $11,000 committed. The goal this year is $84,000 with 30% reached by August 1.

Molly gave Sandy LeVine his blue badge today, as he has fulfilled all his requirements with the help of his mentor, Herb Liberman

Matt Wechter, Dep. Public Defender for SD County, joined us to explain how the Homeless Court at Stand Down helps veterans & families clear fines and tickets. Sign up with Bill to hand out water for Stand Down on July 29-31

It was so nice to have Ildiko Tesak from El Salvador with us today who said even though she is not always with us in person, we are always in her heart. She updated us on the current harsh and difficult situation in El Salvador

Laura Mello, Rotarian & 3rd generation San Diegan, who is the Director of Gift Planning at Rady's Children Hospital, talked with us about how strategic planning uses wealth instead of income to help one's charity of choice

Rotary at the Padres

Posted on Jul 05, 2022

Another fun night at the Padres

Susan & Mark joined other District 5340 Rotarians

Happy 4th of July

Posted on Jul 04, 2022

Governor's Dinner 2022

Posted on Jun 30, 2022

The Governor's Dinner with a sold out crowd wrapped up a successful year

We are so proud of our own Susan Hennenfent who was presented a People of Action Award by Outgoing District Governor Dan Gensler, before being sworn in as our new Club President

A lovely evening was enjoyed by Paul, Mark, Susan, Jan, Steve, Beverly, Herb, (and missing from this picture) Bill, Charles & Alicia, and Vicky

Demotion Party

Thank you to our hosts, Alicia & Charles, for a wonderful Demotion Party,

and to the planners, Patricia & Suzanne

After drinks and dinner, members Herb, Bill , and Charles thanked Vicky for a fabulous year and shared how successful & fun her LobsterFest idea proved to be as our new fundraiser

Then the roasting began with the lobster theme relevant all night. Patricia presented Vicky with a stuffed lobster to cuddle and lobster sandals

Susan then surprised Vicky with a giant lobster that she could bring to the next LobsterFest and/or use in the pool

Kevin and Sibylle passed out champagne and Patricia led us in a toast to Vicky and the club

Vicky took to heart the warning to keep her remarks brief, before thanking her Board for a great, successful year and honoring Beverly and Herb as Rotarians of the Year

She did a stalwart job of holding on to her gavel all year, but unfortunately it disappeared at the Demotion Party. Bill felt sorry for her and so gave up his last golden gavel

Just as she despaired of not having a gavel to pass on to Incoming President, Susan, Kevin came rushing out with a pot - could it be a gavel lobster pot? Yes!!!!

The evening was saved and Vicky presented George with patriotic beads to thank him for his service to the Country and to us for his years as Sergeant at Arms. And then the real celebration began!!!

Rotary & Club News

Happy Rotarians included George for having his two sons, Jim & Bill, with us today; Susheela for Venky's successful knee surgery; Lew for his and Sue's 51st Wedding Anniversary on Sunday; Jon for his 78th Birthday on Sunday

George Kamau Karuku, President-Elect of the Ruiru-Nairobi Rotary Club is visiting from Kenya where we are doing a global grant for an orphanage called Praisegate

Paul, in his last duties as Foundation Chair, presented Lew with his Paul Harris plus 3 pin for contributions over $4000 to the Foundation. He also reported we are again at 100% for donations by all members thus fulfilling the goal of EREY: Every Rotarian Every Year

Bob Brewer, Special Ops Ranger shot down during the Vietnam War, talked about the Vietnam Veteran; gave us a chronological history that led up to our involvement in Vietnam; and shared the disillusionment with the war as it progressed due to lies told to the public by the government. He encouraged everyone to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC and remember the National Vietnam War Veterans Day each year on March 29. As he said, the best words a returning vet can hear is "Welcome Home".

Rotary at Petco Park

Posted on Jun 22, 2022

We had a great day at Petco Park with Del Mar Rotarians

- especially since the Padres beat the Diamondbacks 10-4

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 17, 2022

We signed cards that Bill got for 14 graduates of Solutions for Change which included a $50 gift card. Congratulations for a job well done!!

Suzanne gave happy $$s for her Birthday today; Paul gave for having his granddaughter with them; Molly is happy they will be doing a family road trip to Tahoe; Herb was happy the Warriors won another NBA Championship; Vicky gave funds for her wonderful trip to Spain

The Del Mar Rotary sent us a thank you for the use of our popups at their Chili & Quackers event

Vicky led our Celebration of Service with our LobsterFest video where we netted $28,000 to fund our projects throughout the year; and Herb with International shared a slide presentation about our $9000 grant in El Salvador to help needy children

Other presenters included Jon as Treasurer who shared that after giving away $49,000, we still have $106,530 on deposit; Paul as Foundation Chair reported we have given $379,366 to the Rotary Foundation over the life of our club; Di, Bill, and Charles reported for Community Service and reminded of some of the events/organizations we helped: Feeding San Diego, SD Blood Bank, Nature Collective, SD Food Bank, CRC, Hope Without Boundaries, Casa de Amistad, Stand Down/Veterans Village, Solutions for Change; and Kevin shared our Youth contributions to Model UN and Cristo Rey scholarship

We remembered Lou Oberman for all his contributions to Rotary & Veterans, and Herb suggested naming the LobsterFest Auction in his honor as he was the one who introduced us to Travel Pledge

A big thank you went out to Jon who is stepping down as Treasurer after 12 years and Paul who is leaving his post of Foundation Chair after 6 years

We ended the meeting with a fine to Sandy from Vicky for meeting his last blue badge requirement by being at the board meeting on zoom (but they never saw his face); and Malcolm fining Charlotte for making us all tired watching her on the treadmill; Nicole for her & Peter's 15th Anniversary; and Venky for his and Meera's 52nd Anniversary. He shared Venky singing a love song to Meera (click on link below to hear)

https://apis.mail.aol.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-HLIkBv9YmePvSiTYcmg81DgU1oziPTM1LKLNKHogDthfp-P3M3R0caMugFCXRIhRGH4nkLovJSeSm65J69qU1w/messages/@.id==AJrh1l0PjzrwYqyqaAHJCCTZCC0/content/parts/@.id==2/refresh?appid=aolwebmail&ymreqid=a4b12814-1391-165d-302c-5a0f82012b00

Thank you Vicky and club members for a great year

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 10, 2022

Steve reported on the Convention in Houston which he attended, along with 10,000-11,000 other Rotarians - half the number of previous attendees with Asia & Europe underrepresented. One of the largest breakout sessions was on human trafficking with many countries interested in finding ways to prevent it. He also reported over $50 million have been raised by Rotary to eradicate polio

Join Kevin & Patricia in donating new or slightly used shoes for Nova Ukraine all of June

Malcolm generously gave many more than six 6-packs of specially crafted Lager for Ukraine which Viewpoint created to raise funds to help the people of Ukraine, but they went fast

Happy Rotarians were Charles who attended his school reunion & for Loyal Soccer Team tickets supporting last year's LobsterFest; Charlotte for Lief's graduation from 4th grade; Paul for his trip to Arizona to visit mom and son; Jan for the opportunity to join Parkland school shooting survivors' March For Our Lives in San Diego tomorrow at the Admin Building from 10:00-12:00 (join her at the Nobel Trolley Station at 9:00am if you'd like to participate)

and we surprised Suzanne a week early with a birthday card signed by club members for her June 17 Birthday

Di shared our long term commitment to The Nature Collective where we & the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club will be doing a District Grant, before introducing Jennifer Bright, Associate Director and Elayna Flanders, Volunteer Director. Jennifer updated us on the completion of their lagoon restoration project and Elayna talked about various volunteer opportunities.

Bill, acting President today, gave them our Joshua Orphan Care certificate along with a six pack of Lager for Ukraine

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 03, 2022

George started us off with a Patriotic "Proud to be an American" video in honor of Memorial Day

Happy Birthday to Charlotte on her birthday today

Happy dollars came from Venky for a wonderful trip to India to visit family, Art for a great trip with Ildiko to Nova Scotia to see rock formations and the highest tide swings; George for son Rick visiting us today, Bill for his and Suzanne's fabulous trip to Morocco, Susan for the Hilton parking meter machine; Ken for his and Bebe's 18th Anniversary on the 22nd

Bill reminded us of Stand Down which will be July 29-31, where we will again hand out water. Bring used clothes next Friday for needy Veterans which Bill will deliver

Bring shoes for Nova Ukraine that Kevin will collect, which are bought and donated to needy countries with the proceeds given to help Ukraine (And Viewpoint will give a 6-pack of its special brew to the first 6 donors)

Charlotte updated us on LobsterFest, September 17, 5-8

Thank you to Foster & Friends who will be a Premier Sponsor, and to CaliFino & Viewpoint who will provide libations
Website is up and will go live for sponsorships shortly which include: Presidential Premier - $6200; Premier - $5000'; VIP - $1500; Friends (table of 8) - $1250, Individual - $150
We are promising a plated lobster tail dinner
Major beneficiaries are Just In Time for Foster Youth & Casa de Amistad

Susan presented the Slate of Officers for next year that the Board approved and we voted on

We need a Program Director (to be divided by 3 people for 3 months starting in October), and help with zoom so we can continue with hybrid meetings

In lieu of a speaker, Trish talked about the program

which allows participants to experience the San Dieguito River Valley, to follow its path from mountain to sea, to encounter plant, animal and human inhabitants, and to connect to the River Valley with heart and mind

Memorial Day 2022

Posted on May 30, 2022

Celebrating our Partners

Posted on May 27, 2022

Celebrating with Casa de Amistad at the Future Leaders Scholarship Celebration, Class of 2022

where we gave $1200 for College-Ready Baskets, which was matched by a generous Rotarian

and supporting Opera for Kids as they performed The Enchanted Tail at a free concert in Balboa Park

RAW Day

Posted on May 19, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 13, 2022

We continue to pray for peace in Ukraine

Happy Rotarians included Jon for a wonderful trip to Amsterdam, Belgium, & Berlin; Patricia for a successful play directed by her grand-daughter; Trish for a spectacular hike in Morrow Bay, Herb for a fun trip to Sun River, Oregon; Paul for avoiding a $19,500 IRS penalty; Jan for Trish's recommendation of Dr. Bronner's Magic Balm

We enjoyed learning more about Sandy as he gave his Who Am I: he is a native San Diegan, graduated from SDSU and UCSD grad school; job offer from Westgate to become Human Resources Asst. Mgr, then Manager kept him from travelling to Europe after college; then on to SDG&E in HR, software sales for 15 years before following his passion for stocks 12 yrs ago when he became a money manager. He's lived in Del Mar for 26 years and married 3 years ago

Patricia reminded us of Upcoming Events: Thursday night meeting/social, Demotion Party, Padres Game, Coastal Farms Tour (see dates under Upcoming Events)

We will be donating $1200 for College-Ready Baskets for Casa de Amistad (more info to come from the Community Service Committee)

La Jolla Golden Triangle Foundation will be matching our $6000 for Ukraine

Paul shared a Rotary Foundation video that made us all feel good

Dr. Michael Remson, President & CEO of San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory, talked with us about how this organization (which was started 76 years ago) provides cradle to college music programs with a vision of enriching lives through music. They have partnered with Rotary International Youth Exchange for 18 years to form an International Youth Symphony MusiCamp with multiple performances in July of each year.

30 Anniversary Party

Posted on May 12, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 06, 2022

Goodbye, Good Luck & Thank You Phil as you ride off into the sunset of retirement

Bill presented him with a card signed by all, a box of popcorn, chocolates, & champagne to send him on his way

Even though Herb & Beverly were in Oregon (using a LobsterFest auction item), Herb was able to fine members for not wearing pins and not sharing a recent anniversary (he caught Susan, Ken, and Vicky (who just celebrated her 14th year with Farmers)

$6000 has been donated by club members and friends to help the victims in Ukraine, and we hope it can be matched

LobsterFest is set for September 17 with our flamenco guitarist, James Clarkston back along with Trish and Hot Rocks San Diego. Bill & Suzanne are again sponsoring a table for active military and sponsorship for a retired military table is available

Our own Steve Weitzen updated us on efforts to eradicate human trafficking in San Diego which include education and awareness. This $32 billion industry includes organ, slave labor, and sex trafficking. Visit our district website at rotary5340.org for more information

Rotarians At Work Day 2022 (RAW)

Posted on Apr 30, 2022

Thank you Di for organizing a great Rotarians At Work Day

We joined the Nature Collective at the Stonebridge Trail head of the San Elijo Lagoon

Volunteers led us on an informative hike, identifying native plants before we began our work of pulling invasive ones

Native plants include the California poppy, cobweb thistle, and white sage

While carrying out our bags and supplies we came across a woodrat nest

before heading to San Dieguito County Park for a quick lunch from Goodonya and more non-native plant pulling

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 29, 2022

"Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have" Jim Rohn

Happy Jubilee Birthday to Patricia on the 30th, followed by Kevin's Birthday on the 1st, and Steve's on the 2nd. Best Wishes to all!
All happy dollars went to helping the people of Ukraine, with many given for a wonderful 30th Anniversary Party
It was good to see Suchandra on zoom from India
As Shelter Box Ambassador, Patricia received a solar-powered lantern

Congratulations to Phil on his upcoming retirement with next Friday being his last day with us in person, and move to San Luis Obispo in July (close to Trish)
Best wishes to Nicole who received a well earned, three month, all paid Clare Rose Sabbatical through the Fieldstone Leadership Network. Corey Ford, Casa de Amistad Program Coordinator will be filling in for her at Rotary

Kudos to Di who Paul presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. 15 of 29 have contributed this year to the annual fund; please do so by the end of May

Please confirm participation in the Aqua Farm tour to Patricia
Vicky announced the 2nd Annual LobsterFest will be on September 17. Mark your calendars & let her know if you'd like to help with the planning
Our speaker, Christine Garde Denning with CouldYou?, which started in Mozambique, has devoted her life to caring for the poor and especially women. 500 million women globally experience menstrual poverty every month, which could be alleviated by the CouldYou?Cup, which is cost effective, environmentally friendly, long lasting, and efficient.

Feeding San Diego & Shelter Box

Posted on Apr 28, 2022

30th Anniversary Party

Posted on Apr 23, 2022

Thank you Patricia & Suzanne for planning a fabulous 30th Anniversary Party and to everyone who helped make it a very special night

Mary Butler did a fabulous job on table decorations, and with the help of Bill, Jan, Patricia, Paul, Suzanne, and Trish, a beautiful venue & night awaited Rotarians & friends at Powerhouse Park

The western theme was apparent in attire as guests enjoyed drinks & appetizers on the patio with the music from Hot Rocks San Diego playing in the background

Kevin, the club's 1st President (when he had more hair), was the MC; Marty Peters from the Del Mar Club (of which were were spun off) congratulated him and presented Steve with a Has Been badge

President Vicky talked about all the wonderful projects we did in El Salvador and our trips there, which were acknowledged by Ildiko Tesak who was here for the festivities; Malcolm explained how our Bocce Ball Fundraisers & Tournaments came about; and Mary was recognized for her beautiful decorations

Zoe Swift from Terra Lawson-Remer's Office with The San Diego County Board of Supervisors honored us with a Proclamation naming April 24, 2022 DMSB Rotary 30th Anniversary Day

We were treated to a fabulous sunset which everyone enjoyed, including Dwight Worden, Major of Del Mar and two visiting foreign exchange students staying with Kevin & Sibylle, Andrea from Bordeaux, France and Joelle from Schaffhausen, Switzerland

And then Rotarians and guests moved inside for a fabulous tri tip & chicken barbeque with all the fixings catered by Bekker's

The Powerhouse Clubhouse balcony provided a good overview of the room....

and as Hot Rocks San Diego resumed play, (and a few die-hards let our handy volunteer bartender Rodger Price, long time friend of Sandy, continue to pour)....

everyone took to the floor and enjoyed dancing the night away (click on video link below)

https://apis.mail.aol.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-HLIkBv9YmePvSiTYcmg81DgU1oziPTM1LKLNKHogDthfp-P3M3R0caMugFCXRIhRGH4nkLovJSeSm65J69qU1w/messages/@.id==ANR38JBiq2eLYmiolA8m6KsJf5I/content/parts/@.id==2/refresh?appid=aolwebmail&ymreqid=a4b12814-1391-165d-302c-5a029c018f00

Thanks to Bill, Charles, Jan and Patricia for all the photos

Shelter Box Hero Award

Posted on Apr 21, 2022

7-Way Meeting

Passover/Easter/Spring

Posted on Apr 16, 2022

Lou Oberman

Posted on Apr 12, 2022

Rest in peace, Lou - a beloved member of our club since 1996

Rotary & Club News

We had a great turnout for Visitors Day with 7 guests joining us to learn more about Rotary and to hear District Attorney Summer Stephan give an update on her office's efforts to pursue justice, prevent crimes, support victims, and fight homelessness across SD County

It was great having George & Phil back;

Charles was happy for his birthday & a trip to his 60th high school reunion; Steve was happy for his & Ava's 36th Anniversary; Di gave happy $s for her & Al's upcoming 41st Anniversary; Bill was happy to play in the Operation Game On Golf Tournament along with son Andy, and PDG Steve, where George was their putting coach

We will be dark the next two Fridays with our next meeting the 7-Way on April 20th at noon

Patricia & Nicole had a wonderful time at Casa de Amistad's 20th Anniversary Gala & Fundraiser on April 2

And thanks to Kevin, Nicole, and Bill who helped make Model UN another successful event with over 100 students participating from 17 schools and Casa de Amistad

Feeding San Diego

Posted on Apr 05, 2022

Helping Feeding San Diego help others

Rotary & Club News

Molly reminded us to plant seeds of love to make a better world

It was wonderful to have Phil back (though a little hoarse); Jan recalled her retirement 11 years ago today (& it was no April Fool's joke); Paul was happy to have Mary Beth back after batching it for a week; Susheela was happy to spend time with her sister from India showing her the Bay area; Susan was happy to encounter Kitty on Mark's birthday and joined her for a lovely evening; Bill anticipated being happy after Model UN; Di is anxiously awaiting her son's marriage in 3 weeks

Sandy avoided another fine by uploading his picture to club runner; but Fine Master Bill fined members for not wearing their Rotary pins, and Kevin, Jon, and Molly for not acknowledging recent birthdays of spouses/spouses to be

Susan reminded everyone of our Visitors Day next week with District Attorney Summer Stephan which will be in person only - not hybrid

Check the calendar for other upcoming events. Patricia confirmed a Coastal Farms Tour on July 17

People should know that we're a pet friendly club as shown by Beverly and Tootsie

We enjoyed hearing about The Enchanted Tail and Opera 4 Kids from founders & renowned opera singers Bernardo Bermudez and Victoria Robertson, who will again be highlighted at the 7-Way Meeting on April 20

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 25, 2022

We continue to pray for peace in Ukraine

It was with heavy hearts that we said good-by & honored Lou today as he joins other Rotarians in the sky - he will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered

Vicky began by remembering his smile and wry humor, and reminded us that he seldom missed a meeting in his 40+ years in Rotary
Steve remembered many golf outings with Lou, along with his love of Stand Down
Paul thought of their military background and Lou's dedication to being the best ref at Bocce
Herb recalled his love of Rotary and golf (Lou has asked that donations in his honor be made to our club)
Kevin enlightened us to Lou's inventive soul with patents involving golf
Bill thought of their mutual Marine background and how active Lou was with the Marine Aircraft Museum at Miramar
Ken shared that Lou was responsible for bringing him into Rotary, and reminded us to thank those who have made a difference in our lives while we still can

It was fun to see Mauer on zoom as Charlotte gave 12 Happy $$ for his 12th birthday today

A big thank you to Bill for getting the Rotary Wheel from George, so Jan could use it as today's Fine Master. The wheel was generous to the club as it landed on 16, 16, 17, & 22. Donors were

Sandy for not uploading his picture to club runner
Kevin for keeping his surgery secret
Venky for not remembering the play Jan told him to see (Bhangin It at the La Jolla Playhouse about Indian music & dance)
Jon for scheduling his upcoming trip to Europe at the time of our anniversary party

(note the age of the wheel as our name included "Sunrise")

Bob Nascenzi, CEO & founder of Cristo Rey High School San Diego joined us on zoom along with Camila Tirado who Vicky presented with a $2000 scholarship

Zoe Swift, a fellow with The Office of SD County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, also joined us in person

Lew shared that the blood drive raised 37 units of blood, with 6 new donors (saving 111 lives)
Di reminded us of Feeding SD on April 5 that will serve over 600 families
Model UN is next weekend & RAW Day on April 30 will be at the Nature Collective
Paul reminded everyone to make their annual fund contribution to the Rotary Foundation (we need 17-18 more to donate to reach our goal of 100% participation)
Steve talked about the Power of Rotary in sending money and humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Our speaker, Jim Mendelson, Foreman of the SD County 2021-2022 Grand Jury shared many fascinating facts about this organization made up of volunteers. Their mission is to represent the citizens of San Diego County by investigating, evaluating and reporting on the actions of local government and special districts. Common denominators with Rotarians & the Grand Jury is its Service Above Self and Is It The Truth.

District Assembly & Blood Drive

Posted on Mar 20, 2022

We had a great turnout for District Assembly and latest Blood Drive on March 19 - thank you to everyone who attended and helped

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 18, 2022

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine

and our love goes out to Patricia whose son left this earthly life suddenly, and for Lou who is in hospice

We were happy to hear that Kevin is doing nicely after hip replacement surgery; Phil is doing well (but a bit behind) full recovery from pneumonia/Covid; George continues to improve after his knee surgery; Venky has retired after 50 years with General Atomic; Di's son picked up his marriage license for an April 22 wedding; Paul was happy to see long time friend Armand here as our speaker; Bill showed off the sweatshirt he bought on our Wolf Education Project visit

Venky (who forgot he was temporary fine-master) fined himself and Steve, just because he could. Jan is fine-master next week and she loves to raise money for the club, so watch out

Susan reminded us of Visitors Day on April 8 when we will have District Attorney Summer Stephan here as our speaker. Ask guests and give their names to her or Molly

We learned much from Armand Olvera, a volunteer for 13 years with the San Diego Police Department's Retired Senior Volunteer Program, started in 1992. A walkie talkie is the only "weapon" they carry, but Armand's seal training (he was with Seal Team 1) serves him well. Qualifications to become a volunteer include being 50 yrs or older, semi or fully retired, valid CA driver's license, available at least 3 days/month

They encourage ride-a-longs for anyone interested and Bill asked about raising funds for much needed vehicle replacements. President Mallett presented Armand our Joshua Orphan Care Center certificate and explained all the wonderful things they do in Malawi, Africa, which we support

Holi

Posted on Mar 18, 2022

Blood Drive

Posted on Mar 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Posted on Mar 17, 2022

Wolf Project & Nature Center

Posted on Mar 17, 2022

Wolf Education Project & Santa Ysabel Nature Center

Posted on Mar 13, 2022

Thank you Patricia for organizing a fabulous visit to the Wolf Education Project

and Santa Ysabel Nature Center

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 11, 2022

Along with Herb, we pray for peace in Ukraine

The Board approved sending $1000 to Shelter box for Ukraine and $1000 to the District's efforts through Romania for Ukraine, all from excess Community Service funds

We wish Sandy a Happy 66th Birthday next week, and a Happy 94th to Paul's mother.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Lou who is recovering from multiple surgeries and will be taking a 6mo leave from Rotary.

Nicole thanked Bill for his mentorship for Model UN students,

and shared that we will again be giving Camila Tirado a $2000 scholarship to attend Cristo Rey San Diego High School

Di encouraged everyone to sign up for Feeding San Diego on April 5

and confirmed we will be helping the Nature Collective for Rotarians at Work Day on April 30

Paul presented four Paul Harris Fellowships to Charlotte (PH+1), Patricia (PH+2), Di (her first), and Bill (PH+3).

Congratulations and thank you to all!

Anne Middleton, Executive Director of EcoLife Conservation shared how they are helping humans and nature prosper together by making more fuel efficient stoves, creating biosphere reserves, and building aquaponic facilities

Shelter Box Responding to Ukraine Crisis

Posted by Patricia Case on Mar 05, 2022

“ShelterBox is deploying a response team to the region to begin assessing the humanitarian needs related to the displacement crisis in Ukraine, including the emergency shelter needs for refugees. The team from ShelterBox includes highly-trained security, safety, and logistics personnel, who will coordinate with other humanitarian agencies to understand the gaps in emergency shelter and what are the household aid items that will be needed over the weeks and months to come.”

- Kerri Murray, ShelterBox USA Preside

Blood Drive

Posted on Mar 04, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 04, 2022

Kevin reminded us to open our arms and our hearts to the people of Ukraine

and Patricia pointed out what a great job Shelter Box does in helping with humanitarian relief

Happy $$ went for having George back home and Venky in person at the meeting, and it was great to have Mauer with us again.

Malcolm joined us after missing 3 months due to cataract surgery/ closing his store in Fashion Valley/starting construction on new store in Sorrento Valley (for twice the budget & half the speed) /selling home in Del Mar/buying compound in Encinitas for his family

(WHEW!)

Kevin explained how Model UN is a simulation of the actual UN with high school students becoming ambassadors for "their" countries & representing their political views on selected resolutions. All are welcome to visit the sessions on April 2 & 3

35 members & guests will be visiting the Wolf Education Center on March 12 (great job Patricia).

Let Patricia know by April 1 if you will be attending the Anniversary Party on April 23. The Board has been deputized to help with the party

Join Vicky, Susan, Di, Suzanne, Herb, Sandi, & Steve at District Assembly on March 19 and/or sign up to help with/give blood at our Blood Drive the same day

Other news includes Vicky selling her home, Susan & Mark recommending riding the new trolley line to downtown, Lou is doing well and has been moved to the Aviara Rehab facility, Phil still has pneumonia but has reduced oxygen needed and will be back on March 16

Dr. Steven Dowdy gave a fascinating and high-level talk on the research his team is doing which focuses on the development and delivery of siRNA and ASO therapeutics to treat cancer. Less than 1% of RNA therapeutics get into cells as opposed to 30%-70% of viruses

Vicky "presented" Dr. Dowdy with our Joshua Orphan Care Center (who we support) Certificate for speaking

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 25, 2022

Paul reminded us that Rotarians are peacekeepers

It was great to have Phil join us on zoom (with a little help from his oxygen tube) and George again from his rehab bed

We have another walking wounded and learned that Venky will have knee surgery the end of March

Di & Ken helped count the homeless in Encinitas as part of a county wide effort

Our $40K Global Grant for Praise Gate is signed off by all and sent to RI for approval

See our Upcoming Events column for service projects & socials

Model UN has been moved to Del Mar City Hall on April 2 & 3

Vicky announced we will have a 2nd Annual LobsterFest in September that she will chair and invited members to help

Deb Martin, CEO & Executive Director for ElderHelp talked with us about all the wonderful things they are doing to help the elderly stay in their homes. See www.elderhelpofsandiego.org for more info

Vicky presented Deb with our certificate from Joshua Orphan Care Center in Malawi Africa that we support and explained how they house, school, and feed over 1000 children a day

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 18, 2022

A cloud still hangs over the club as we learned that Phil has Covid and pneumonia and is on oxygen 24/7, trying to get his numbers up. We're all praying for a complete recovery!!

Susan ran the meeting and was recognized as a new Paul Harris Society Member by District Governor Dan Gensler who presented her with a certificate and a pin by District Foundation Treasurer James Morrison. She has committed to making a $1000 donation each year to The Rotary Foundation - thank you, Susan!!

Dan also inducted our newest member, Sandy Levine, who joined us on zoom. Welcome Sandy!

And Past DG Steve Weitzen presented Nicole Mione-Green her Blue Badge as she has met all of the requirements. Congratulations Nicole!

Many happy dollars went for having George at the meeting on zoom from his rehab bed and for the caregivers and physical therapists who are helping him

Javier Guerrero, President & CEO of Coastal Roots Farm and Kesha Spoor, Director of Philanthropy, shared how this 22 acre farm in Encinitas practices sustainable farming and shares their harvest with communities that lack access to healthy food, inspired by Jewish wisdom and agricultural traditions. We can't wait to visit and help on the farm!

Susan presented Kesha our Joshua Orphan Care Center certificate as a thank you for speaking

Food Bank

Posted on Feb 17, 2022

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 11, 2022

A reminder from Trish:

Happy Rotarians included Vicky for a great day of golf; Nicole for being covid free; Ken for a great food bank night; Charlotte for her new niece Coco; and for our left-handers: Bill, Herb, Lew, & Steve; and especially Charles who brought this picture of a good-looking Captain George and son Bill, on his way to recovery from knee-cap surgery

Sandy Levine was approved as a new member at the Wednesday Board Meeting and will be given his Red Badge at the next meeting - IN PERSON at the Hilton on 2/18. Come and welcome him!! And hopefully we can present Nicole with her Blue Badge which she has earned by completing all the requirements.

We had a great Club Assembly focusing on Membership which Vicky began by reminding us that Rotary has been around 116 years, is in 200 countries, and has over 1.2 million members.

Susan then gave a great power point emphasizing the importance of bringing in new members and reminding everyone of the goal:

EACH ONE BRING ONE

We then broke into groups to discuss further ideas to grow our club led by Vicky, Paul, Molly, and Susan. Ideas included:

ASK
Focus on businesses using corporate memberships, church groups, friends, friends' grown children, and spouse memberships
Focus on stewardship and invite potential members to service projects
Remember 62 is the new 40
Set aside time to focus on this
Have socials every other month at the Hilton to get to know perspective members and they us

Next Perspective Membership Day will be April 8 with District Attorney Summer Stephan as our guest speaker

San Diego Food Bank

Posted on Feb 09, 2022

Thank you Rotarians & Friends (and Di who organized) for lifting 8000 pounds of food, filling 655 bags, and providing 6823 future meals for those in need at the San Diego Food Bank

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 04, 2022

It feels like there's a dark cloud over the club....George fell and shattered his knee-cap, Lou is in the hospital for his lungs, Nicole has Covid along with her son, and Phil's mother passed away - best wishes to all. As Bill said, we should all feel lucky and grateful to be here!! (Amen)

Good news from Patricia who is thankful to everyone after her successful surgery; Di celebrated a birthday on 2/2/22 and is full of love; Paul is back from Scottsdale where they packed up his mom after 55 years in the same place; Ken had a fun ride with his pilot-brother; Venky is happy to see his grandson join us & receive recognition from our speaker; Sandy is getting ready to start his red badge requirements as a new member; Beverly is taking on the position of Care Bear; we will again do hybrid meetings starting February 18.

Paul shared the attached video on The Rotary Foundation, which Charles highlighted as one of the leading foundations for usefulness and management. https://youtu.be/vvvt_8CC9F4 . Please make your Annual Fund donations by the end of May.

Susan encouraged members to sign up for District Training Assembly on March 19 at Liberty Station, as a way for current and new members to learn more about Rotary. And she shared that her #1 goal in 2022-2023 will be to get new members.

Our fabulous speaker today was Carl Nettleton, writer, speaker, water expert and founder of Open Oceans Global -www.openoceans.org who shared fascinating facts of where most of the plastic comes from (rivers), where it ends up (coastlines & beaches), and who is the largest polluter (the Philippines), and what we can do about it.

And we were all proud to see how Venky's grandson was recognized for the work they are doing in India to fight pollution.

Rotary & Club News

Updates on/from members:

Susheela's knee replacement surgery is scheduled for 2/23 after a two year delay - she welcomes words of encouragement
Lou is having drainage from his lungs today - we wish him the best
And best wishes to Phil's mother who is in hospice & turned 92; who he cares for 24/7
Susan is off to Pre-PETS this Saturday with PETS scheduled for 2/24-2/25 in LA
Trish's band, Hot Rocks San Diego, will play at our Anniversary Party. Patricia & Suzanne will shortly be sampling a recommended caterer's barbeque (let them know if you'd like to join them)
Art is in Sayulita for his son's 2/19 wedding
Model UN training was last Saturday in preparation for April 2 & 3 with over 100 students attending virtually. One of the topics discussed was the possible Russian invasion of Ukraine

Happy Dollars came from:

Trish who had a clear chest x-ray after covid
Molly for their new nanny who the kids love and visit from her Rhode Island in-laws
Charlotte whose kids are back in school after covid and for Leif turning 10
Patricia for her successful surgery and all the kindness & generosity of club members
Charles for Patricia's successful surgery & hopefully Susheela's upcoming one

Colin Khoury with the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly Quail Botanical Garden) showed how it has come a long way from its founding in 1970. This 37 acre urban oasis in Encinitas has more than 5000 plant species and varieties, including 300 plants that are only found at SDBG. Click on the link below to see more pictures of the 15 gardens they maintain that represent different regions of the world.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1j6FV6BNeVCPKkWF16VCHDYt-q-4q0aZw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106599683195805803500&rtpof=true&sd=true

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 21, 2022

Paul reminded us to be grateful for each other & Rotary and to be mindful of those in need - to provide food for the hungry; heal the wounds of hatred with love; comfort those in sorrow; and bring peace to those living in areas of unrest.

We so enjoyed seeing Finn, our youngest Rotarian,

were so sorry to hear Charlotte is in quarantine after Mauer & Leif tested positive for Covid, and wish Patricia well on her rotator cuff surgery today. Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help her over the next several weeks.

Molly was happy to have a new nanny start Monday; Charlotte passed her 3rd & final EA (Enrolled Agent) exam; Venky was happy to be back home from India; Charles & Alicia had a wonderful trip to Paso Robles wine country; Art likes Charles' beard & is off to skiing in Park City; Vicky is in Mexico, and Nicole was happy Lisa Montes could join us

It was agreed we should continue on zoom into February with no "soft date" yet set for our hybrid meetings

We will be sending the money gathered for outreach in India to Project Peanut Butter, as we are not able to send the funds to India as planned

The Grant for Praise Gate is on hold as Venky, the "premier commander," gathers more info for the Kenya DG

Lisa Montes from La Colonia Community Foundation informed us of ways they are helping youth and those with food insecurity in La Colonia Eden Gardens. She is a 4th generation Eden Gardens resident - the 1st neighborhood in Solana Beach founded by Mexican Americans who moved here to help in the agricultural area & citrus groves

Father Garrett Galvin from the Franciscan School of Theology at USD spoke with us on their mission and commitment to social justice. They prepare men & women in theological education that allows them to focus in solidarity with those on the margins of society with the realization that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. Unfortunately we could not see his slide presentation as USD was undergoing a blackout.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 14, 2022

Nicole's impromptu invocation was the prayer she recites to her kids each day as they head out:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you,

wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness,

protect you through the storm.

May He bring you home rejoicing

at the wonders He has shown you.

May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

We are again meeting on zoom through January due to the rapid Omicron spread. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Trish who got caught. We enjoyed seeing Vicky who gave happy $$ to be back; Jan in her Girl Scout sash in honor of our speaker; Kevin in his scarf as he can't afford heat with inflation; Ken with his sheared finger tip growing back; Paul with his grandkids frog art on the wall; & Lou and Patricia who both will be undergoing surgery soon (Lou for heart issues/Patricia for rotator cuff)

Patricia is doing a great job on socials (see Upcoming Events and register). She needs a volunteer for our demotion party in June, and help with our April 23 western-themed Anniversary party. Herb will be riding in on a horse and Ken will be showcasing his lasso skills.

Ken showed the Community Service Plan for the rest of the year and Di reminded members to register for upcoming food sorting nights on the website. Stay tuned for more info on RAW Day involving the CRC. She also encouraged Rotarians to join her & the CRC on 2/24 at 3:45am for a homeless survey.

Nicole shared that Model UN training will begin next weekend.

Liz Sheahan, Chief Advancement Officer for the Girl Scouts of America, joined us again on zoom to update us on current activities and remind of us all the skills they help young women achieve.

The famous cookie sale will run from January 30 - March 8 and will again include Operation Thin Mint (which began in San Diego) and has sent over 3MM cookies to service members overseas. Liz encouraged Rotarians to promote scouting and interact with the girls when purchasing cookies

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 07, 2022

Paul started the New Year with the following Invocation

As the Calendar turns and another new year begins,

Let us be thankful for our Rotary friends and the changes our service can bring.

Let us rise to the challenges given

Let us aim to give more to the cause

Let us continue to make the world better

Even if no one gives us applause.

Bill led the meeting as Vicky had jury duty; Venky joined us from India; everyone congratulated Lou on starting his 90th year; Paul celebrated his & Mary's 43rd Anniversary; Patricia was happy to be house sitting with Herbie cat; Art was happy to walk along the lagoon with a beer in hand from Viewpoint; and Happy Birthday wishes to Bill on his January 11 birthday

It was good to see Sandy Levine again who is meeting with Molly & Susan to learn steps to becoming a red-badge member

Herb updated us on the Praise Gate Grant in Kenya, which is awaiting signatures

The 6-Way meeting has been postponed until April, and we will be meeting on zoom only for two weeks. Sign up under Upcoming Events for our February 8 SD Food Bank Distribution, our March 12 Wolf Center trip, and our April 23 30th Anniversary Party

Let George or Bill know if you'd like to contribute to Honor Flight

Paul reminded Rotarians to make their Annual Fund contributions to The Rotary Foundation

Kevin informed us that climate change will be one of the resolutions debated at Model UN which will take place April 2 & 3

We learned how Project Peanut Butter seeks to advance the treatment of severe malnutrition in children in the poorest countries of Africa (Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Ghana) in the talk given by former DG Marilyn Sanderson, who joined us on zoom from Palm Springs. Visit www.projectpeanutbutter.org for more information or to make a donation.

Bill presented Marilyn with a virtual Joshua Orphan Care Center Certificate and ended the meeting with his blue gavel (which he will paint pink to hand over to Vicky)

Helping Others

Posted on Jan 06, 2022

Happy New Year 2022

Posted on Jan 01, 2022

Happy Holidays

Posted on Dec 24, 2021

Tecate Houses Furnishings

Posted on Dec 22, 2021

Our $1200 for furnishings & household items for the 6 homes we helped build in Tecate were well spent

Casa de Amistad

Posted on Dec 21, 2021

Rotarians helping Casa de Amistad families - Thank you everyone who contributed

Wreaths Across America

Posted on Dec 18, 2021

Thank you to everyone who helped lay a wreath on a veteran's headstone in Miramar National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Day - it was a touching experience

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 18, 2021

Happy Dollars came from Jan who was Queen for the Day as it was her birthday, and was thrilled to be serenaded by Opera stars Bernardo Bermudez and Victoria Robertson with Opera4Kids as they sang Happy Birthday;

Susheela was happy to be able to visit family over the holidays; Molly was happy for her best real estate year ever & for Riley's upcoming 3rd birthday; and Trish was happy for a large donation to the SD River Valley Conservancy

We also heard that Lou is having a big birthday on the 28th - Happy Birthday Lou!!

As Youth Chair, Nicole reported that Casa de Amistad kids will make up two teams for Model UN in April. Please sign up to join Bill as an advisor. She also reminded members to drop off gifts for Casa families by Monday

It was a hard choice, but Patricia beat Herb & Phil for ugly holiday sweater champion!!!

As District Annual Fund Liaison, Susan reminded everyone to make their contribution to The Rotary Foundation for 2021-2022

Walter Lam spoke to us on how the non-profit he started, Alliance for African Assistance, is not only helping refugees from Uganda and Kenya, but refugees from around the world, including most recently a large influx from Afghanistan. He is especially proud of the hospital Rotary helped build in Atiak, Uganda and was very pleased to receive our speaker certificate which shows our support of the Joshua Orphan Care Center in Malawi, Africa

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 12, 2021

Welcome again to Sandy Levine, on his 3rd visit to our club in anticipation of joining

Happy Dollars from Molly on her dad's heart doing so well; Charles for a great Holiday Party; Venky for his family off to India; Nicole for a great holiday gathering at Viewpoint; Malcolm for double projected sales at his store closing & upcoming purchase of 1-1/2 acre compound in Encinitas for his family; and Happy Birthday dollars for Vicky's upcoming Birthday on the 15th and getting her cast off;

Herb was happy to visit Mami and her new husband in San Francisco with Bev and her son;

Susan was happy for her, Mark, Ken, and Bebe's participation in building 7 homes in Tecate with the District. We gave $1000 to help furnish the homes

Steve presented the club with another Foundation Banner for our contributions to Polio Plus

And we presented a check to Dawn Wensel of Reality Changers for $9,724 from LobsterFest

Thank you to Bev who has done a great job of getting speakers as we transition to Trish heading this endeavor.

We are funding $2500 for Honor Flight for Vets to Washington DC next year, and invite others to contribute to reach our goal of $3750

See Upcoming Events for our February 8 date at San Diego Food Bank and sign up

Rotarian and author, Stephen Tako, creator of award-winning anti-bullying books and films for children, gave us helpful information on how to write a book and leave a legacy. We also learned the fun trivia fact that at 15 and 6'7" tall, he won best dancer on roller skates

Vicky ended the meeting with The Four Way Test, and thanked this Rotary Family for the great work done to date. Bill will Acting President next week and encouraged everyone to wear ugly holiday sweaters

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 07, 2021

Happy members included Patricia for the beautiful Hilton decorations; Paul for a wonderful Thanksgiving/Mary's birthday celebration/and moving his mother into a retirement home; Lew for his son's new job; Vicky for Malcolm's magic on her grandmother's wedding ring; and Steve for Paul's great work as our Foundation Chair as he presented us with two banners for 2020-2021: one for EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) and average $100 with 100% participation. Paul reminded everyone to go online to make this year's contribution.

Ron Kohl talked about a Rotary Foundation cruise next year and encouraged members to sign up

Members who neglected to bring Toys for Tots included Ken who Patricia made hop around the room; Molly who confessed to a guilty pleasure of watching dateline; and Susheela who had to walk like a zombie

Visit Charles Koll Jewellers in Fashion Valley for spectacular savings as Malcolm & Richard prepare to close the store and move to a new location in Sorrento Valley (stay tuned for more info)

Jason Kuiper from the Wolf Education Project joined us on zoom from Julian along with Miigwan, the wolf. Their mission is to increase public awareness and understanding as to the true nature of wolves and the critial role they play in maintaining ecological balance in our environment.

We're all excited for our January 29 field trip to the Center which Patricia has arranged (where Jason said we can hug the wolves & puppies), followed by lunch & a tour of the new nature center nearby. Let Vicky know of other fun places to visit in the future

Holiday Party

Posted on Dec 07, 2021

Thank you Patricia & Suzanne for organizing a wonderful Holiday Party and to Vicky for hosting in her beautiful home

We had delicious food and broke into teams after dinner for a fun game of holiday trivia pursuit

Thanksgiving 2021

Posted on Nov 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving

Community Service

Posted by Jan Parsons on Nov 25, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Nov 19, 2021

It was a full house for Visitors Day - thank you Di, Linda, Malcolm, and Suchandra for bringing guests, and thank you Phil for the new room layout

Molly's invocation invoked Rotary's Four Way Test and reminded us of our commitment to help others

Patricia surprised George with cupcakes and a bag of cards from members for his 91st Birthday, and his heartfelt thanks to his Rotary friends brought a tear to many an eye

We were happy to present Don Wells with Just in Time for Foster Youth a check of $9522 as one of our major beneficiaries from LobsterFest

Suchandra & Herb shared information about the Global Grant we did in India for mentally ill homeless women, and Nicole gave members & guests an opportunity to pick a Casa de Amistad family to help grant their wishes for a Happy Holiday - all 10 families were grabbed

Mark your calenders for our 30th Anniversary party in 2022 on the day of our founding - April 23. Patricia has secured Powerhouse Park Community Center where we'll dress casual and enjoy good food, music, and each others company

Andrea Compton, Superintendent of the Cabrillo National Monument, told us the history of the monument that was formed in 1913 under the Department of the Army. She began her national park service career here in 2002 and returned in 2016 after taking a position as head of Resources Management at Joshua Tree National Park. Activities at Cabrillo include exploring the tide pools and we learned that they have one of the largest bee colonies in the country.

Community Service

Posted on Nov 18, 2021

Thank you Lou for coordinating Rotarians at a modified Stand Down and for the members who helped give out water at Veterans Village of San Diego

Beverly, Herb, Suchandra, Jon, Jan, Lou, Charles, and Bill (not shown)

And to our head elf, Di, who organized a great crew of Rotarians for the CRC Holiday Baskets Sorting

Nicole, Patricia, Kevin, Jon, Mark, Susan, Jan, Bill, Charlotte, Paul, Trish, Charles, & Alicia, with Di in front

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Nov 12, 2021

Jon's invocation went something like this:

"All things in life, including you, are in an imperfect state of flux, so strive not for perfection, but for excellence instead."

Susan stepped in for Malcolm and fined Trish for trying to auction off her Viewpoint mug at River Fest and then remembered she already gave it to someone

Rotarians supporting San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy River Fest last Sunday

Proclamation naming November 7, 2021 Trish Boaz Day by the County of San Diego

We had a furry friend visit our meeting this morning via zoom

Patricia shared this Shelter Box video with an update on how they are helping after the earthquake in Haiti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noqV7qjPo6I

Remember our Visitors Day next week and let Molly know if you are inviting someone to join us

San Diego Parks Foundation Founder and Chair, Marcella Bothwell talked with us about the Foundation and the state of our parks in San Diego. Since Covid, their programs focused on providing free WiFi in recreations centers, free meals for kids in communities of concern, Come Play Outside programs, and city wide tree planting. Vicky presented her with our Joshua Orphan Care School Certificate for speaking.

Veterans Day

Posted on Nov 11, 2021

Visitors Day

Posted on Nov 11, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Nov 05, 2021

Happy Rotarians included: Susan for mountain biking in Sedona; Bill for a fabulous Tahiti trip with Suzanne; Phil for the $80 Breeder Cup valet parking visitors; Paul for his 6yr old granddaughter( one of the first her age) who got the covid vaccine; Ken for all the upcoming Community Service events; for Suchandra being with us today; Trish who announced her retirement & move to San Luis Obispo at the end of the year

Lew updated us on another successful Blood Drive where 25 units of blood were donated

Molly reminded us of Visitors Day - 2 weeks from today on 11/19 - invite all your friends & neighbors

Di has room with her non-profit, Everyday Mindfulness, for the CRC Distribution Day on 12/4. Contact her if you're interested.

Malcolm recognized Ken for his 15th and Jan for her 25th Anniversary with the Club this month, and fined everyone else

Patricia shared the wonderful video below about Wreaths Across America which we will be doing on 12/18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_-EW6a_VAs

Sherriff Bill Gore, Rotarian, San Diego native, former Asst. Director of the FBI, and Meritorious Executive Award recipient from the President of the United States, talked with us on his 51 years of public service. One of the biggest issues facing the community & the nation is dealing with mental health issues. Major accomplishments include spearheading the creation of the Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center, the Homeless Assisted Resource Team, and the Mobile Crisis Response Team, all who work together with unusual cooperation and collaboration.

Blood Drive

Posted on Oct 30, 2021

Thank you Lew & Rotarians for another successful Blood Drive

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 29, 2021

Happy Halloween!!

We arrived at the Hilton to these fun creations created by the staff

And words of wisdom from Patricia "to review our checkbooks, our hearts, and indeed, the registers of our lives with honesty as we consider our priorities and our opportunity to help others"

There were a lot of Happy $$ for the great job Paul did in covering for Vicky and for World Polio Day; from Molly for a fun trip to Big Bear; from Paul for his 3.4MM home sale & for the $775 raised to End Polio Now that increased to $5000 with District & Gates match

Jon reported final LobsterFest figures: a whopping $76,700 in Revenue with Profit of $50,475 - Great job!!!!!

Steve shared that we will be partnering for a $70,000 Global Grant with District 4100 in Baja

Herb informed us that $9K is on its way to El Salvador to help children with health & education needs

And Happy Birthday Wishes to Beverly for her upcoming birthday and to Scott for whom Charlotte paid a fine

Our speaker, Marj Cole, former District Governor and in her 3rd year as Foundation Chair, brought us up to date on the Rotary Foundation and our contributions: We have 27 Paul Harris Fellows (have given $1000 or more); 3 members are part of the Bequest Society (have included The Foundation in their Estate Planning; 3 members are Major Donors (have given over $10,000 to The Foundation); the Club has donated $11,000 to the annual Fund with an average of $378 for a total of $400,000. Rotarians on the west coast can become a Polio Plus Society Member by donating $100/yr to Polio Plus. The Rotary Foundation has one of the highest non-profit ratings as 91% of its funds go philanthropic endeavors

LobsterFest Thank You

Posted on Oct 28, 2021

World Polio Day 2021

Posted by Jan Parsons on Oct 28, 2021

World Polio Day 2021

Posted on Oct 24, 2021

Thank you Paul for arranging our fun activities for World Polio Day 2021

starting with the District walk in Balboa Park, followed by our Club Walk along the coast, and ending at Viewpoint for lunch and drinks. It was a fun time for all for this worthy cause!!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 22, 2021

We welcomed District Guests, Susie Callahan, Chief Asst. Gov.; Sandy Pugliese, Newsbits Editor & Area Asst. Gov.; & Luis Carranza, Area Asst. Gov.

Steve received two heart-felt books: a collection of tributes that Susie put together & Sandy's book of Steve's Sunday Morning Musings commemorating the wonderful year of Steve's 2020-2021 District Governorship

Paul was President-for-the-day in Vicky's absense, and reminded everyone about the End Polio Now activities on Sunday. Steve proclaimed him the best Foundation Chair in the District.

Visit our Upcoming Events & register for the CRC Holiday Baskets and Stand Down by clicking on the event. Bring clothes (new or worn) for Vets to the next two meetings and Lou will deliver them to Veterans Village on 11/5

Our speaker today, Fari Moni, Rotarian from the La Jolla Golden Triangle Club and a member of San Diego/Jalalabad Sister Cities Foundation brought us up to date on activities in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. Things are not good and she is heartbroken over the difficulties there. The government would like to see the computer center reopen, which the team will not do until the high school is open to girls. Money is being raised to help the 34 members of the team in Jalalabad with food and necessities, and Janice Kurth is leading the local Rotary effort to help Afghan refugees in San Diego. Contact Fari or Janice to help.

Octoberfest 2021

Posted on Oct 17, 2021

Vielen Dank to Susan & Mark for a fabulous Octoberfest

with brats & all the German trimmings from Tip Top Market, Vienna Lager from Viewpoint,

and a beautiful night on their terrace

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 15, 2021

Happy Fall

We continue with hybrid meetings. Please see our Upcoming Events & mark your calendars

Kevin's invocation reminded us to focus on being quick to listen and slow to speak; melding our differences, creating unity; highlighting integrity, emphasizing service to others

Happy Rotarians included Charles for enjoying fall leaves while hiking WV & Tennessee trails with daughter & family; Susan for upcoming birthday on the 24th (the same day as our End Polio Now Walk); Charlotte for 5 new clients; Steve for having Robert Brewer with us today; Ken for mother's successful move to SD & upcoming birthday; Paul for Alzheimer's walk tomorrow with Bev & Herb

George & Bill welcoming Vets back from their Honor Flight last week

Robert Brewer, Jr. talked with us about his 25 months as US Attorney for the Southern District of California, one of four Federal Districts in California. It took him 2 years to be approved by the White House, the US Senate, and the Dept. of Justice. He emphasized the high ethical character of the assistant US attorneys he appointed, and was very proud to reorganize the Criminal Division to include Violent Crimes & Human Trafficing (VC & HT), at the urging of Steve. Highlights of his term are shown below:

As a thank you for speaking, Vicky presented Brewer our Joshua Orphan Care School certificate where we help with school supplies & desks in Malawi, Africa

LobsterFest 2021 Video

Posted on Oct 09, 2021

LobsterFest 2021 Video by North Gilman Photography

Click link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1afaPX-UqQDwAiwB8xGs3EbP8Ah5lcDIF/view?usp=sharing

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 08, 2021

Happy $s: $50 from Phil in celebation of his & Cynthia's Anniversary where they ate at Born & Raised, and also for his son staying in San Diego; $25 from Steve for Chuck joining us today and for his 2nd grandchild; $30 from Bill for over 3000 people welcoming back our veterans from honor flight and the marines from Afghanistan to Camp Pendleton

Calendar Items:

- Octoberfest: Saturday, 10/16, 4-8pm at Susan & Marks

- World Polio Day: Sunday, 10/24; District Walk, 7am (https://www.crsadmin.com/EventPortal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=584e104a-898e-463b-8ac3-a1cb5ca478d2 )

11:00am, Club Walk starting at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar; Lunch after at Viewpoint Brewery; Donate to Rotary.org

- San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy River Fest: 11/7, 4-7pm, Del Mar Hilton (https://paybee.io/@sdrvc2020@34)

- Visitors Day: Friday, 11/19. We will have a speaker from Cabrillo National Monument. Invite all your friends and neighbors

- Tecate home building: 12/4

Paul shared an eradicating polio video emphasizing We're Not Done Yet!

District Governor Elect, Chuck Pretto was our speaker today and shared many fascinating facts about Kobey's Swap Meet - San Diego's biggest outdoor market. Started by his father-in-law, Monte Kobey in 1976, it is a family affair with Chuck, his wife Kimberly, son Anthony, & brother Joseph on the management team. At Anthony's urging it has expanded to become America's largest outdoor sneaker & vintage clothing swap meet, earning 30% of its income from sneaker sales and attracking over 13,000 people who pay over $1200 per pair. Chuck offered free space for Rotary and Roteract events.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Oct 01, 2021

Trish started the meeting with inspiring quotes from Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Albert Schweitzer, and Mother Teresa, who said "The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace".
Condolences to Vicky who broke her wrist in a fall & came in a sling
Happy Dollars: George for his son Jim speaking today & restart of honor flights; Patricia for ESP/San Dieguito River Valley Conservatory; Malcolm for new fiber laser that he hasn't figured out yet; Charlotte for passing her latest financial services test; Di for all the heartfelt wishes & cards; Herb for having Bev at the meeting & Venky's efforts on the Global Grant; Andy for his son's upcoming wedding where he'll only have to dress from the waist up since it is on zoom

Thank you to Venky who couldn't make LobsterFest so donated $1000 instead
Vicky shared upcoming District Events:
- Oct. 5 - Del Mar Rotary Sunset Soiree, 5:30-8:30, Del Mar Plaza (let's reciprocate their support of our LobsterFest)
- Oct 21 - Membership mixer, 6-8pm, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, Carlsbad
- Dec 4 - House building in Tecate with overnight stay
Holiday Party will be Dec 5 at Vickys - more info to come
Membership: Susan reminded us to talk about Rotary and invite new members
International: District Grant for El Salvador is approved and awaiting funds; Global Grant for Kenya orphanage has been written and is awaiting amount of host Rotary funding
Community Service: Committee will meet week of Oct 14; Contact Lew to help with the Oct 30 Blood Drive

LobsterFest: Numbers are not final, but Vicky shared that Total Pledged reached $62,000!!!!!!!! including a net of $17,738 from the auction and $2000 from the raffle. Vicky thanked everyone for their help (not just her committee). Wrap up meeting was last week, but let her know if you have any suggestions/comments, and let Herb know if anyone hasn't received their Travel Pledge certificate
Our fascinating, informative Speaker today was Jim Sousa, Director of GS Fisheries Inc. and 4th generation of family tuna fishermen. The U.S. tuna industry started in 1912 when Portuguese fishermen arrived (including Jim's Great Grandfather in 1918) and grew steadily until 1984 when our canneries closed. Boats grew from 125ft long to over 300ft and from holding 250 tons of tuna to 1500 tons. As Jim said, the boats were made out of wood and the men were made out of steel (this is the 2nd most dangerous business behind lumbering).

LobsterFest 2021, more photos

Posted on Sep 28, 2021

Photos by Noah Gilman Photography

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 24, 2021

Bill presented flowers to Vicky and Charlotte for the great job they did with LobsterFest (and brought a bottle of wine for Phil)

Everyone agreed it was a wonderful event and fundraiser - numbers to come!

Condolences to Di for the passing of her father-in law; Congratulations to Molly on her 5th wedding anniversary (she was here at the Hilton exactly 5 yrs ago); Jan was happy that she won the Reality Changers Over the Edge auction item where she will get to rappel down the side of a 30-story building (which we will make into a social); Susan was happy for a fabulous sailing day; and we were all happy to have with us Dan Gensler, current District Governor and his Chief Aid, Don Fipps

Dan shared with us that he joined Rotary a decade ago to grow his business but quickly learned that this is the most successful organization to eliminate human suffering by focusing on compassion, charity, and service. Dan is passionate about humanitarian causes both here and abroad and chaired the Millions for Hope fundraising drive in 2015 that raised over $30 million in bequests and donations to The Rotary Foundation. He was inspired by Sister Ethel who left Ireland in 1972 for South Africa to help fight apartheid, where he has gone many years to distribute shoes and help the poor. And he has also been involved with Limbs of Freedom in Ensenada, Mexico where Rotary helps build prosthetics for the needy. He encouraged everyone to following RI President Mehtas lead to grow Rotary - each one-bring one; each one-keep one.

LobsterFest 2021

Posted by Jan Parsons on Sep 23, 2021

...and the rest of the story that was cut...

Over 250 people attended the event Including Premier Sponsor Foster & Friends, and VIP sponsors Northstar Financial Management, Inc., The Sutton Family, PSRS, Charles Koll Jewellers, and Ergos. Youth from Just In Time and Reality Changers helped with set up, the raffle, and auction. When Premier Sponsor Alicia & Charles Foster were asked why they supported LobsterFest they shared that they feel very fortunate in life and want to express their gratitude by helping others. “We think that DMSB Rotary does a great job of helping people in need through well-chosen nonprofits, and especially for underserved kids and their families. We believe that improved education and mentoring can be the key to helping them overcome their and their parents’ lack of education, their views of potential opportunities, and other obstacles”.

DMSB Rotary President and LobsterFest Chair Vicky Mallett thanked her committee and said, “I am thrilled to have such enthusiastic support from our Community and our Club members for LobsterFest. The event raises funds to support our Club Programs and major beneficiaries, while providing a fun, social gathering in a beautiful setting.” Mallett ended by saying she hopes LobsterFest will be an annual fundraiser for the Club for years to come.

LobsterFest 2021

Posted on Sep 20, 2021

Thank you Vicky for imagining and chairing a wonderful LobsterFest, and to Linda for running a great opportunity drawing

Invitees arrived at the check-in table manned by Rotarians Weilynn, Suzanne, & Patricia and Just In Time for Foster Youth, one who came as a lobster and enticed guests to purchase opportunity tickets for local restaurants

They were then directed to the VIP tequila tasting run by Carlsbads CaliFino Tequila and to our auction area, overseen by Charlotte, Mauer, and Herb

Guests enjoyed the Spanish guitar music of James Clarkston as they sipped marqaritas, wine, or beer from Viewpoint Brewing Co., and found their tables in the courtyard of the Del Mar Hilton

https://youtube.com/shorts/Qc8PyIzKVAo?feature=share

Artist Heather Roddy invited guests to add to the painting she was doing for our live auction before a dinner of lobster tacos and all the trimmings, baja style

President Mallett thanked everyone for their hard work, and MC Steve Weitzen introduced our military dignitaries and the Leaders of Just In Time For Foster Youth, Dianne Cox & Don Wells, and Reality Changers Management, Tamara Craver and Dawn Wensel. Then everyone sat back to listen and dance to the music of Hot Rocks San Diego with Trish at the mic

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It was a great evening, enjoyed by all in a magical setting on a beautiful night!

Rotary & Club Meeting

Posted on Sep 17, 2021

Vicky began the meeting with the following quote and thanked all her LobsterFest committee members for the fabulous job they have done. We are expecting about 260 people, and have raised over $12,000 in the online auction to date

Happy Dollars included Happy Birthday wishes for Susheela & Nicole; a $1000 check to the SD Foundation from Charles' friend; Charlotte for her auction intern Mauer, who joined us today; Patricia for a night at the fabulous Shell; Jan for a fun impromptu gathering at Viewpoint where Malcolm supplied beer & munchies; Ken for surviving his 1st week at his new Seattle job; Bill for Phil & all his hard work; Andy for a very memorable 9/11 rememberance ceremony at Di's where as they reflected on those who died, a new life was being born by a participant on zoom

Charlotte won this special shirt as part of the We Are Baack drawing

Patricia as fine master again caught members lacking in knowledge about our members as three could not identify Susan as our President Elect. Paul escaped a fine by identifying Jan as Public Relations/Media Chair

Susan shared with us the beautiful booklet done by and about the women in A View, the non-profit in India started by our member Suchandra, to help & empower women with mental illness. She also showed us the fine quilts available in the LobsterFest auction that were made by these women

Visit aviewforwomen.org for more information

Susan also raved about the District Conference that she, Mark, Vicky, Beverly, and Herb attended and shared a video of Steve Brown's presentation on current happenings in Afghanistan. The future of the schools they built and support is uncertain, as there is a financial crisis right now. They are also helping with visas for eligible Afghans who assisted them. He reminded Rotarians that the programs they funded were not sustainable without our help, but the capacity building they did in education and internet skills will be long lasting and very worthwhile.

LobsterFest Here We Come - tomorrow, Saturday, 9/18, 5-8pm

LobsterFest Raffle

Posted on Sep 14, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Sep 10, 2021

Steve led us in prayer as we reflected on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Malcolm invited all to come to Viewpoint on Monday from 3-6pm when a film crew will be taping; Susan rightfully bragged about a 33 mile bike ride she & Mark did; Charlotte was happy for her & Scott's 17th Wedding Anniversary; Trish will be celecrating her mothers 97th birthday on the 13th; and Bill showed us the centerpieces that will be on two LobersterFest tables reserved for the military

Paul, as todays Fine Master, showed that members are not paying attention as three of our Rotarians on zoom could not name our current Club Secretary - Suzanne!!!!! But Susheela avoided a fine by giving the correct date for LobsterFest - next Saturday, Sept. 18!!!! Lew gave our next blood drive date as October 30. Jon again won the We Are Baack raffle - Batch & Box cookies.
Vicky shared that LobsterFest is currently at $42K gross plus $6K in auction proceeds. She is confident that we can reach $54K gross with everyone's help in promoting the auction and raffle. Linda has $100 gift certificates for the raffle from the Brigantine, Jake's, the Poseidon, Keis, the Fish Market, Pacific Coast Grill, In & Out, Patagonia Store, and Seaside Market, so encourage LobsterFest participants to bring cash or a credit card!!

We all celebrated our newest Blue Badge Member, Trish, as Susan shared the steps taken to reach this goal and presented her with her new badge. Susan reminded us to invite friends and associates to Rotary - Trish came from a long-time Rotary family, but no one had asked her to join until now. We are happy she did - Congratulations Trish!!!

Anil Srivatsa, who is an active Rotarian & has chartered two clubs, gave a passionate talk via zoom on the gift of life - organ donations. He has visited 44 countries and given over 550 talks championing the cause of Organ Donation with a goal of reaching a million donors with his message of compassion and fighting fear with love. He encouraged Rotarians to start Rotary Action Groups for Organ Donations. See the video he shared by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/hE8Gx8k9JFw or visiting the GOLA Foundation on Facebook

Nicole collected $200 from members to send to Anil's Go Fund Me page to help cover gas as he travels the world

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 27, 2021

Healing wishes to Lew who broke his collarbone from an electric bike fall and to Beverly as she recovers from tremors as a result of her fall; best wishes to Ken who will be starting a new job with the Seattle company Arzeda

We have 54 items in our auction with $2030 raised to date. Send the following link to all you friends and colleagues & bid early and bid often:

https://www.biddingforgood.com/dmsbrotary

Thank you to our Premier LobsterFest Sponsor and to our libation providers:

We Are Baack winners were Molly who got her Sees candy from last week and Jon who won a $20 gift certificate from Diesel Book Store in Del Mar Highlands Town Center

We enjoyed meeting and hearing from Tasha Matthews, Civic/Faith Specialist with Just In Time for Foster Youth. You are welcome any time!

And we got to congratulate Di again on being our newest blue badge member. Susan went over the transition requirements and Patricia shared how much she enjoyed being Di's mentor and how inspired she was working with her. Both Trish and Nicole are almost there too. How about Andy?????????

Susan Day from the Burn Institute gave an informative, fact-filled talk on all the wonderful things they do to provide fire prevention and burn survivor support. And we learned she was grateful to Rotary for RYLA, which her daughteer attended a few years ago

LobsterFest Auction

Posted on Aug 21, 2021

Getting Herb and wine baskets ready for LobsterFest auction...oops... only wine!!!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 20, 2021

Todays invocation

Charles was finemaster today and did not fine $50/each: Herb for Beverly's black eyes and Jan for her quick & consistent website postings; and lots of happy $$s were given to have George back

We were sad to learn that Radia has resigned, but understand with a new little one, and that Suchandra has been working in San Jose & Monterey, and will soon be leaving for India again - we miss you in person!

Venky reported that according to Steve Brown, the Taliban control of Afganistan will not affect the school they built in Jalalabad where they educate boys and girls, or Nangarhar University. We hope that is true and continues. See interview below:

https://fox5sandiego.com/news/world-news/group-funding-education-in-afghanistan-cautiously-optimistic-amid-taliban-takeover/

President Vicky wielded her gavel today and warned she will levy a heavy fine if it is stolen before LobsterFest

29 days to LobsterFest

Artist Heather Roddy will not only have a painting in our online auction, but she will be painting the night of LobsterFest. The painting will be sold during a live auction with Herb as auctioneer extraordinaire; and Steve will be the masterful Master of Ceremony for the night

Charlotte has done a fabulous job with our LobsterFest website (click link in menu line or donate button to give), and we will now have Spanish guitar music during cocktails. Let Suzanne know names of guests and any alternative food choices; and Vicky know if you have extra seats available so we can accommodate Rotary friends who would like to support us

Seth Tilly, a member of the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club, spoke to us today about the changing technology and regulatory landscape of residential solar power, to help with making informed decisions about solar power for your home. Due to a power glitch, we lost connection during his talk, so feel free to email him at seth@sandiegocountysolar.com with any questions or for more information (and congratulations on your new baby)

LobsterFest

Posted by Jan Parsons on Aug 16, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 13, 2021

The LobsterFest Committee has done a great job!! We are still taking donations and need auction items, and contact Vicky if you have a sponsor or need more seats

We wish George a speedy recovery from a brief hospital visit; Beverly successful surgery for a detached retina after a fall; and Happy upcoming Birthdays to Paul and Trish

Charlotte won a Starbucks gift card and Reeses peanut butter cups (for which Vicky was reluctent to part) in our "We are Baack" drawing

We are very excited that Nicole will be the Youth Services Chair, and know she will do a fabulous job!!

And congratulations to Di who received her Blue Badge in record time - way to go!!!

Dawn Wensel, President of Reality Changers was our speaker today and updated us on what they have been doing during the pandemic. You can help them by volunteering as a tudor or mentor: www.realitychangers.org

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Aug 06, 2021

As part of her invocation, Trish encouraged members to share Love Notes with others

Venky won a gift certificate from San Clemente Pier Fisherman's Restaurant as part of the "We are Baack" campaign

We had a lobster visit us today in the form of Linda, to promote our September 18 LobsterFest. Let her know restaurants you would like her to contact for auction items.

Get your reservations in soon for rooms at the Hilton as there are only 5 reduced-rate rooms left for the 18th. If you're inviting more than 8 friends, Phil can accommodate tables of 10 or 12. Herb asked members to visit other Rotary clubs to share our event. And Andy's & Phil's double teaming secured the tequila commitment from CaliFino Tequila: www.califino.com

Venky's grandson Karan talked with us about NBNA - Namma Beach Namma Chennai (Our Beach Our Chennai) and the wonderful work this non-profit is doing to raise awareness of and clean up beaches in India: www.reciprocityfoundation.in

Our speaker Chase Harr joined us from the top of Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire to talk about Shelter Box and his goal to raise over $100,000 as he scales 1400 ft peaks throughout the country: www.ShelterBoxUSA.org/SecondSummits

In closing, we learned how Casa de Amistad is partnering with Reality Changers to meet the needs of 9-11 graders and older students through their college prep program. Mark your calendars for a fun picnic social on August 22, 2-4pm; sign up for Trish's San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy Friendraiser on August 12 at Viewpoint; and attend the District Membership Seminar on zoom on August 14, 9-10:30am.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jul 30, 2021

It was great to see Nicole in person who was our greeter today and picked the "We Are Baack" ticket for macarons from Le Parfait Paris. Vicky's name was drawn but she graciously abstained, and Malcolm was the lucky winner

Paul, in his cleaning out to move, shared a brochure he found of the Rotary Youth Exchange in Germany from 1999, which his daughter, Katie attended

Andy showed his new LobsterFest shirt with the colors of Mexico (or "watermelon" as Trish said & fined him), and gave a colorful one made by a friend's company to Phil

Trish also fined members who didn't bring a bottle of wine for our LobsterFest auction, but we did collect a nice selection

And we got to see some of the pictures at the Hilton which will be part of our auction through Bidding for Good. Vicky informed us that individuals can be part of the tequila tasting for an additional $105, and members can split a table sponsorship

Our speakers today, Caulene Bussard and Lucy Njuguna, joined us on zoom from Canada and Kenya. They shared the wonderful work Praise Gate Orphanage does to help, feed, and house former street children, orphans, and abandoned babies near Nairobi, Kenya. We are doing a Global Grant of $30,000 to assist them with water and solar needs for a new facility they are building.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jul 23, 2021

Mami joined us before taking a new job as counselor at an International School in San Francisco and was made an Honorary Paul Harris Fellow for all her help with Youth, Cristo Rey San Diego, and scholarships last year

Di was center stage today as she was the greeter, gave the invocation, invited two guests, and did her Who Am I (and finished the last of her Blue Badge requirements). From the Chicago area, she is a life-long practitioner of mindfulness, and loves being named after the Goddess Diana who was the protector of women and children. Rotary fits her well as service and community are daily aspirations (and she gave blood for the first time as part of our blood drive).

Trish won cookies from Batch & Box as part of our "We are Baack" promotion. And she showed us Rotary pins that her 96 year old mother gave her that were gifts from or belonged to her Rotarian father - a Rotary wheel surrounded by a heart, a "small" PH pin, and a 35 & 40 year pin.

Malcolm shared a promotional video that Venky made to be considered for entertainment for our LobsterFest (open link below to watch)

https://apis.mail.aol.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-HLIkBv9YmePvSiTYcmg81DgU1oziPTM1LKLNKHogDthfp-P3M3R0caMugFCXRIhRGH4nkLovJSeSm65J69qU1w/messages/@.id==AKyynAZQ8fAjYPrUtQxcEKTQ5vo/content/parts/@.id==2/refresh?appid=aolwebmail&ymreqid=a4b12814-1391-165d-302c-5a004701b000

Vicky reminded us that LobsterFest is only 67 days away and we only have commitments of $16,000. Everyone needs to get busy with sponsorships and auction items. Our auction theme is leisure activities, and Linda suggested making up baskets of wine for the in-person auction. Trish is finemaster next week and said she will fine anyone who doesn't bring a bottle.

Bill Payne, CEO of Second Chance, was our speaker today and we were very impressed to learn that they provided 3.1 tons of fruit & vegetables as part of their outreach to the Encanto community last year. Visit www.secondchanceprogram.org for more information.

As a thank you for speaking, Vicky provided Bill with our Joshua Orphan Care Center Certificate where we will make a donation in his name

LobsterFest

Posted by Jan Parsons on Jul 22, 2021

Eid al-Adha

Posted on Jul 20, 2021

Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid al-Adha

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jul 16, 2021

Past President Bill started off the meeting in Vicky's well-deserved absence as she vacations in Hawaii. He proudly displayed Herb's golden gavel lent to him, along with 1 of the 25 gavels he bought when president after his was stolen at his first meeting (he says he didn't know our tradition)

Happy Birthday to Molly who gave $21 for her birthday on the 21st (and still looks 21) and $9 for the great news that her dad is able to put off heart surgery as his numbers look good

A Salt & Straw gift certificate went to Lew in our "We Are Baack" drawing - a two-week winner (better buy a lottery ticket!)

Phil deserves an award for the outstanding job he is doing with half his regular staff!! He is looking forward to today & race season as the crowd of happy drinkers are less demanding

Paul, as Foundation Chair, was happy to present next level Paul Harris Awards to Herb, PH+3, Steve, PH+6, and Lew, PH+2

The LobsterFest Committee is hard at work: Andy reminded us that personal relationships are the most successful to bring in sponsors; Bill & George are working on getting two tables for the military; and Herb asked for help with auction items. Charles reminded us that the purpose of LobsterFest is to raise funds to make a difference in someone's life!! Please join the LobsterFest Committee this Thursday, 7/22 at 5:00 at the Suttons

Mami will be at the meeting next week before leaving for San Francisco, so come to say goodby and wish her well

Our speaker, Karen Jongeward, told us about the wonderful volunteer program Crisis Intervention, that the San Diego Police Department began in 1987 to help individuals in the community during times of crisis. They provide immediate short-term emotional and logistical support to victims, witnesses, and other effected individuals who have experienced traumatic or potentially traumatic incidents. We are proud that our new member Trish, volunteers with them. For more information contact Officer Denise Mills at drmills@pd.sandiego.gov or by phone at 619-733-9352.

And Bill presented Karen with an actual (as oppossed to a virtual) Joshua Orphan Care Center Certificate where we make a donation in honor of our speakers

Governor's Dinner & Celebration

Posted by Jan Parsons on Jul 15, 2021

Bastille Day

Posted on Jul 14, 2021

Happy Bastille Day

LobsterFest

Posted by Jan Parsons on Jul 11, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jul 09, 2021

Its a new dawn, its a new day... and Vicky started us on a new year, building on a strong foundation!!

Along with Kevin's inspirational invocation:

To encourage members to attend in person, Vicky started a "We Are Baack" drawing each week of gift cards and small gifts with the grand prize a $100 gift certificate - so come live, and come often!!

Members helped our coffers by being happy: Charles for Maggie, their new Lab puppie; Venky for his 1st in-person meeting; Lew for his birthday; Molly for Riley's 1st week of school; Bill for graduating from cardiac rehab center; Di for being able to get on zoom in Santa Barbara parking lot; Linda presenting Herb with a deck of cards; Herb for zoom working & thanking everyone for their help last year

Congratulations to our latest Paul Harris Award recipient, Phil on his PH+1

Charlotte shared the LobsterFest website which is up and running: dmsblobsterfest.com

And we ended the meeting with a wonderful speaker - Captain Jennifer Swain from The Salvation Army San Diego Adult Rehabilitation Center. She gave touching examples of how they work with body, mind, and soul to help those afflicted with addictions, and we learned where the phrase "fell off the wagon" came from.

Happy 4th of July

Posted on Jul 02, 2021

Governor's Dinner

Posted on Jun 29, 2021

Over 400 attended the Governor's Dinner in-person or on zoom

We were very proud (especially his Granddaughter Andrea) to have George lead us in The Pledge of Allegiance

Steve thanked everyone for the wonderful job we did all year and expressed how proud he was to be District Governor and a member of Rotary. Among his many awards given, one was a beautiful crystal and pins to Susan & Mark for being a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation

And as Herb turned over the Home Club Banner to the Coronado Rotary, he passed off his Demotion Party wig to Steve

And Rotary Year 2020-2021 was a wrap!!

Herb's Demotion Party

Posted on Jun 27, 2021

Thank you Bill & Suzanne for hosting a wonderful Demotion Party & Patricia for being the fabulous Master of Ceremonies

Kevin started the activities with a history of the gavel being stolen that started with his Presidency 29 years ago, and then the Random Acts of Kindness began after a scrumptious meal

Bill presented Herb with the golden gavel for a job well done without one for the last few months; Vicky gave Herb a new shirt to replace the blue Rotary one worn at most meetings; Art, as chief physician, presented Herb with a bag of food (pickeled herring, spam, kippers, vienna sausage, etc.) to supplant all the breakfasts Herb missed running the meetings; Herb admired the watch given him by Phil (which Malcolm engraved) as a reminder of meetings starting late even though Herb was at the Hilton by 6:30; after Molly presented a wig for Herb in memory of all the comments about hair this year; Patricia gave Herb a picture showing his gavel travelling the world; Charlotte was overjoyed to unload all the auction paraphenalia to Herb as new auction chair

And at long last, Herb recovered his gavel with the help of Tootsie II, given him by Jan and passed it on to Vicky as incoming President before the end of the night

Herb gave out lots of trophies & awards but none more worthy than to his wife, Beverly, who has done an outstanding job at Program Chair - and love was in the air for the whole Liberman family

We toasted Steve as he received this District Governor pin from Herb, so beautifully designed & crafted by Malcolm & Charles Koll Jewellers (yes we want to see the pin AND YOU, Steve)

And we ended the lovely evening celebrating two other milestones - Jon's 77th Birthday and Kevin & Sibylle's engagement which was recently made official

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 25, 2021

Herb's last meeting as President and Celebration of Service - as he would say: SHOW TIME! He gave out "Stanley Cup" trophies or award pins to his handlers (Jan, Susan, Patricia, Sarah), and to committee chairs for a job well done in a difficult year

Malcolm informed us he will be the Fine-Master Delegator, with a different member playing the role of Fine-Master each week starting alphabetically with Ken. Goal is to fine a minimum of $25/week or make up the difference
Vicky confirmed that hybrid meetings will continue but as Molly said "we miss your face" (and the rest of you)! Let Herb know if you can help with setting up meetings Friday mornings
BocceFest: All agreed with Bill that our "non-event" that raised over $40,000 was our biggest accomplishment of the year and gave a big shout-out to Charles for coordinating
The Rotary Foundation: Paul shared that we hit $10,521 in annual giving and $17,400 overall, with an average of $7,700 over the last 4 years, and per capita of $363 (the District average is $170). Great job for hitting the 100% EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) goal again this year!
Membership: Vicky & Susan did a great job of bringing in 6 new members this year (Andy, Diana, Linda, Nicole, Trish, and Weilynn)

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 18, 2021

Herb started us off celebrating Juneteenth - the new federal holiday recognizing the end of slavery in 1865
He warned everyone to wear a Rotary pin next week or expect a fine
Happy Anniversary to Lew & Sue celebrating their 50th; Phil & Cynthia their 32nd; Nicole & Peter, and Venky & Meera and Happy Birthday wishes to Jon, Charlotte, Suzanne, and Suchandra, who Malcolm highlighted along with Herb in the attached video:

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/walking_on_sunshine/03ec28b0-a116-4ffd-a0b3-1db26ea1633a

DG Steve presented George and Vicky their Paul Harris +4 pins, Malcolm his PH+6, and Susan a Major Donor Crystal Award & pin, which will be officially presented to her and Mark at the Governor's Dinner on June 28. Well done all!!

Trish gave a great Who Am I and we learned that she is very competitive (having grown up with 7 siblings), trees are part of her DNA, she loves nature, national parks, her job, and family & relationships are key in her life

And we heard that Di has some competition for

Solana Beach Mayor, Lesa Heebner was our speaker today and she updated us on traffic flow plans, housing issues, and the challenges of meeting affordable housing requirements in an affluent coastal community

Hope without Boundaries

Posted by Jan Parsons on Jun 17, 2021

Del Mar Times/Carmel Valley News/Solana Beach Sun

Just in Time

Posted on Jun 16, 2021

Thank you Just in Time for a wonderful evening of food and drink at the Sky Deck grand opening. We had a blast!!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 11, 2021

Hot off the press - not Maine nor East Coast, but a Baja Style LobsterFest celebration on September 18, 5-8pm on the back patio of the Del Mar Hilton with music, dancing, special VIP tequila tasting, and yummy lobster with all the trimmings
Congratulations to Nicole's daughter who is turning 12 and was named student of the year
Di was happy for Cubs win on Rotary at the Padres night and for Rotarians accepting their cheering without judgement; next Rotary/Padres Night on July 12 - let Herb know if you can join him and Beverly
Molly's Small Act was encouraging neighbors to celebrate their kind mailman's birthday with cards, which they all did
Demotion Party on June 26 will cost $39/pp. Deadline to rsvp to Patricia & order vegetarian meal is 6/18
Charles, as part of the Community Service Committee, presented a $1500 check to Paul & Leslie Sagar of Hope without Boundaries to buy school supplies and food for kids attending the Carretes Learning Center in Tijuana, Mexico

Leslie shared how grateful they, and all the needy families they support across the border, are for our continued assistance since the founding of HwB in 2008

https://dl-mail.aolmail.com/ws/download/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-HLIkBv9YmePvSiTYcmg81DgU1oziPTM1LKLNKHogDthfp-P3M3R0caMugFCXRIhRGH4nkLovJSeSm65J69qU1w/messages/@.id==AMV3bohJhvU7YMO-7gG9UBMMkos/content/parts/@.id==2/raw?appid=aolwebmail&ymreqid=a4b12814-1391-165d-302c-5a0149010d00&token=zitEzqOML3j84e6ealFTT5U7-km5qEQF52lp7AcCuBaLB06Xia5sUZ20te2WZkl8kUp2Ucvkha2hoUci7oHnGV-n4_czdHRxoy6AUJdEiFEYfieQui8lJ5Kbrknr2pTX

And our speaker today, fellow Rotarian Matt Kurth, who has been in the clinical research & pharmaceutical world for more than 20 years, gave a very informative talk on how Covid-19 vaccines were developed so fast and yet are highly effective and safe. He ended with encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and to trust science.

Rotary Night at the Padres

Posted on Jun 09, 2021

A fun time was had at the Padres game last night with fellow Rotarians, but would have been better if the home team had won - although Chicago natives Di and Al were very happy!!

Al, Di, Patricia, Steve, Jan, Susan, Chuck, Mark

Piedras Pintadas Trail Hike

Posted on Jun 05, 2021

Trish leading the group on a 4.6-mile hike at Lake Hodges (often steep & rocky). The Piedras Pintadas Trail is part of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy, of which she is the Executive Director.

Mark, Art, Trish, Susan, Charlotte, Alicia, Charles, Patricia

Jackets come off as the day warms up

And celebrating after with refreshing brews and delicious food at Karl Strauss in 4S Ranch

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jun 04, 2021

Welcome to our newest member, Linda Saville, a former Rotarian & Club President in Laguna Beach.

DG Steve, Membership Co-Chair Susan, Linda, and Mentor Ken.

We were entertained by a video about Steve, based on the song On & On, Down in "La Jolla" (click on link below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbEMiXkKi8

We learned more about red-badger Nicole from her Who Am I and her lifelong dedication to helping youth & people with disabilities
And then we were treated to an Empower Party hosted by Dianne Cox and Don Wells from Just In Time for Foster Youth, where we received a great swag bag and watched a touching presentation where JIT staff & participants made a music video of Keep Holding On. And we heard moving testimonials from former foster youth on how much JIT has made a difference in their lives as they transitioned to life on their own and the love they receive from them, their volunteers, and contributors.
Diane and Don gratiously invited all Rotarians to join Just In Time for a complimentary evening of food and drink at the Grand Opening of the Sky Deck in the Del Mar Highlands Shopping Plaza on Tuesday, June 15. Let Paul know if you will be able to attend.

Memorial Day 2021

Posted on May 31, 2021

Beverly & Herb watch as George & others are honored this Memorial Day on the Midway in recognition of WWII & Korean War Veterans.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 21, 2021

Members were happy to be travelling again - Charles to Hawaii, Susheela to the Bay Area to see family; Bill for Suzanne's successful cataract surgery; Susan for the 100,000th car pass through the covid vaccination site; Ken for his 17th Anniversary & for our zoom meetings as he was in Telluride
Welcome to Bill Paxton, a guest of Di as she quickly fulfills her blue badge requirements
Anniversary Congratulations to Ken & Bebe and Susan & Mark which Malcolm helped memorialize (click link below), and Happy 63rd Birthday to him for his May 22 birthday (which he didn't share in a video)

https://e.getjibjab.com/c2/225:1ce5c77a7441134bf063aad1f54bcb6f:d210520:5b9075989dadbb3b3b062780:1621563028627/5ffd026c?

https://e.getjibjab.com/c2/225:1ce5c77a7441134bf063aad1f54bcb6f:d210520:5b9075989dadbb3b3b062780:1621560323844/f625bab2?

It's official - Vicky was voted in as our new President for 2021-2022, as were her Board & Committee Heads:
- President Elect: Susan Hennenfent
- VP: Bill Sutton
- Secretary: Suzanne Sutton
- Treasurer: Jon Fish
- International: Herb Liberman
- Community Service: Ken Barrett
- Foundation: Paul Butler
- Membership: Molly Fleming & Susan Hennenfent
- Fundraising: Andy Laub
- Youth: Mami Takahara
- Programs: Beverly Liberman
- Socials: Patricia Case & Suzanne Sutton
- Website/PR: Jan Parsons
- Social Media/PR: Molly Fleming
- Fine Master: open
We will be sending over $7000 to a hospital in India to help people who have covid and no health insurance. Members gratiously donated over $2000 which the club matched along with another $3000.

George brought tears to many for his Small Act of hugging a woman who asked for it after seeing him & another Korean War Vet in their military jackets & sharing with them her thanks as she lost her husband in that war
John Dobkens gave a very informative talk on the San Onofre Decommissioning Project and shared that they will again be restarting walking tours of the site this summer

DG Steve Weitzen

Posted by Jan Parsons on May 20, 2021

Del Mar Times/Carmel Valley News/

Solana Beach Sun

Cristo Rey San Diego High School

Posted on May 15, 2021

Andy & Molly were very impressed with the study & work program at Cristo Rey San Diego High School which they visited, where we are giving a scholarship for Camila Tirado

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 15, 2021

Words of Wisdom from our own District Governor, Steve Weitzen on his official Home Club Visit

Many Rotary dignitaries attended our meeting in honor of DG Steve's talk. Members were ready to greet visitors and we started with a congratulatory mimosa toast. Steve told how an angel brought him to Rotary, but any member can go from red-badger to club president to DG, as he did. He encouraged all Rotarians to continue to be warm and welcoming. Why we continue as Rotarians is because we want to change the world in service to others. He talked about the insidious evil in our country of human trafficking: organ, slave labor, and sex and the reason he instigated a $50K global grant to fight it. He ended with the reminder that Rotary opens opportunities to repair the world - to heal ourselves. Marty Peters ended the meeting with a "has been" sticker that he attached to Steve's badge.

President Herb shared Malcolm's video in honor of Steve (see link below)

https://e.getjibjab.com/c2/225:f2d3a6b0cbb601c8e6181f28b9fd0725:d210512:58938ddaf46e7ee974b773b6:1620874333425/6f43a56c?

Love is in the air as happy dollars were given by Art for the announcement of son Brandon's upcoming wedding at his place in Sayulita, Mexico and Di whose son proposed to his beloved on her & Al's 40th Wedding Anniversary

And congratulations to Mami on her May 15 graduation

Rotarians At Work Day

Posted by Jan Parsons on May 13, 2021

Del Mar Times/Carmel Valley News/

Solana Beach Sun

Soul Swap Meet

Posted on May 08, 2021

Jan & Patricia visited Soul Swap Meet as suggested by former speaker Shawn McClondon, founder of the Sister Cities Project, and got ideas for a fun social activity. Malcolm will be happy to know Viewpoint Brewery was packed (socially distanced, of course) on this beautiful Saturday.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 07, 2021

Charles let Nicole know that there were extra vaccines available yesterday & many of her Casa de Amistad families were able to get a shot
Happy 40th Aniversary to Di and husband Al
Prayers go out to former Rotarian Sanjiv whose parents are in the hospital in India with Covid-19
We will be dark the Fridays before Memorial Day, 5/28 and 7/2 for 4th of July Holiday
Malcolm sent out a Happy Mother's Day message:

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/when_you_met_mom/84ab91d4-da95-4fb2-9aa3-152adfac6ab9?recipient_token=cd71c2db-f7f8-4350-9791-b6dbb4fb33ea

And congratulated Di and Nicole (two of our new red-badgers) for posting their pictures to their profiles on clubrunner:

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/push_it/7a97d29f-2c42-4fd9-8769-45a66cec9b11?recipient_token=44a93681-510b-4559-9b9b-95e0bbd6c787

Suzanne Veta, Training Manager for Tender Loving Canines (part of Guide Dogs of America) gave a wonderful talk showing the four program areas where these service dogs transform the lives of individuals: Veterans (helping with PTSD), Autism, Facility (schools, hospitals, court appearances), and Prison Training. As one of the inmates said "these dogs teach you to love" - a win, win, win - for the dog, the trainer, and the recipients

After the meeting Jan met with Nicole and was able to "pin" her

Cinco de Mayo Social

Posted on May 05, 2021

A fun time was had by all at our Cinco de Mayo Social at the Hilton

Thank you Patricia & Phil

Rotary & Club News

Posted on May 02, 2021

1st Club Assembly of the Year

Jan gave the invocation below and ended with Be Love

We started with a Small Acts of Kindness video about the NY Waldorf-Astoria Hotel & it's first manager George C. Boldt

Some member small acts included: Venky-feeding a parking meter that was expired; over 50-person half days at vaccine site as highlighted by Charles; Paul-Knights of Columbus cemetary clean-up; Bill acknowledging Alicia for books on eating healthy; Di-setting up free horseback riding lessons for Klohie (daughter of Lived Experiences founder Oscar Ortega)

And we welcomed our newest member, Caterina Hunter born 4/1/21 to proud mom & Rotarian Radia & husband Sean

Malcolm shared fun videos for birthdays: Patricia's Friday 4/30, Kevin's 5/1, and Steve's 5/2:

https://e.getjibjab.com/c2/225:1ce5c77a7441134bf063aad1f54bcb6f:d210429:5b9075989dadbb3b3b062780

https://e.getjibjab.com/c2/225:f2d3a6b0cbb601c8e6181f28b9fd0725:d210429:5b9075989dadbb3b3b062780

Members want to continue zoom & hybrid meetings as they are efficient and easy to join, especially when away. Huge thanks to Sarah for all her work on setting up the hybrids, and Patricia for her continued zoom assistance

Patricia reminded us of Cinco de Mayo social on the Hilton patio on 5/5 from 5-7pm; May 10 visit to Cristo Rey HS at 11:00 with Andy & Di; June 5 hike with Trish, and June 26 demotion party at the Suttons - more info to come

Committee Reports highlighting accomplishments to date included:

Blood Drive

Posted on Apr 26, 2021

More pictures of Rotarians helping garner 31 blood donations at our 2nd Blood Drive: Herb, Lew Wiliamson, Bev, Ken Barrett & daughter Issie, Vicky. Lew, Tootsie, Herb, Bev, Vicky, Paul, Ken. Not pictured: Charles Foster, Molly Fleming, Mark & Susan Hennenfent, and George Sousa. (Sorry if I missed anyone)

Rotarians At Work Day

Posted on Apr 25, 2021

DMSB Rotarians help Oceanside Rotary Club at Rotarians at Work (RAW) Day

with food drive and bingo to assist Lived Experiences

Diana Shimkus & Charles Foster in back row.

Diana, Lived Experiences founder Oscar Ortega & daughter Klohie, and Andy Laub. Beverly, Herb, and Tootsie. Diana & Oscar with donated food. A great time was had by all and much food and funds were collected, including $300 from our Community Service budget. (Thanks to Andy & Charles for the pictures & info).

Word has it that Diana was the big winner at bingo (and a known "bingo hustler" in Oceanside). She graciously donated her winnings to Oscar's non-profit and he claimed that she was "Legit" - a good thing!!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 23, 2021

What a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood.....at Rotary!!

HAPPY 29th ANNIVERSARY TO US!! DMSB Rotary was spun off from the Del Mar Club on April 24, 1992, as testified by 1st President & current member Kevin Cahill
Charlotte & Molly joined us on zoom from their cars in line to get their covid vaccines
Camila Tirado, our Cristo Rey High School scholarship recipient joined us on zoom, along with Sean Green from Pontem Path
Rotarians & friends Andy, Alicia, Charles, Diana, Klaus, Lorelei, Mark, Molly, Sanjiv, & Susan helped yesterday at the DM vaccine superstation where Scripps gave a record 6000 shots (more than at Dodger Stadium as Andy pointed out)
DG Steve started with the induction of FOUR new members, 3 on zoom and Trish in person where her mentor Susan pinned her. Welcome Diana "Di" Shimkus, Director of EveryDay Mindfulness; Nicole Mione Green, Exec. Director of Casa de Amistad; Trish Boaz, Exec. Director of San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy; and Weilynn Chiang, Product Development Business Owner. WELCOME ALL!!!

Steve then had the honor of presenting Sarah Taylor with her first Paul Harris Fellow Award & pin, and gave Bill & Suzanne their PH+2 pins. Then came another surprise when Herb presented Steve with his PH+5 pin. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Marissa Kennerson, author of the podcast Age Thoughtfully, spoke about her mission to help individuals age with intention & vibrancy

Susan & Vicky shared the new Baja LobsterFest mailer & encouraged members to sign up to help with planning

Patricia reminded us of the Cinco de Mayo social at the Hilton on 5/5 from 5-7, and to mark calendars for the Demotion Party on June 26
And we ended the meeting with a sad note from Herb that his gavel was stolen (it has been seen out partying with our BocceFest visors)

Blood Drive

Posted on Apr 18, 2021

Thank you to everyone who gave blood & helped at our recent Blood Drive

Herb Liberman, Vicky Mallett, Beverly Liberman, Jon Fish; Paul Butler; Suzanne Sutton, Lou Oberman, Bill Sutton, Jon Fish

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 18, 2021

2nd Hybrid Meeting

District Governor Steve presents the Home Club Banner to President Herb and the zoom & socailly-distanced, in-person members

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Apr 09, 2021

1st Hybrid Zoom & In-Person Meeting

It was so wonderful to be with each other again!!!

Thank you Sarah (aka Vanna White) for orchestrating, Herb for running, Phil for yummy omelette bar, Andy as a great Greeter, and George for having our badges ready as usual

Happy Birthday to Charles who gave $77 in its honor and welcome to George's new 8 year old rescue lab, Carly

Malcolm should be fined for asking if being at the meeting in-person and on zoom counts as a make-up
Phil shared with us the DM Hilton's new dinner menu that will be available starting Monday, 4/12

Our speaker, Bob Nascenzi, told how Cristo Rey San Diego High School's mission is to educate young people of limited economic means to become prepared for life with faith, purpose, & service. They provice a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience and community service.

Happiness

Happy Passover, Happy Holi, Happy Easter, Happy Spring!!!!

Del Mar Times, Carmel Valley News, Solana Beach Sun

Posted by Jan Parsons on Apr 01, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 26, 2021

Venky's invocation showed gratitude for our scientists for giving us new hope, freedom, and joy with covid vaccines

It was wonderful to see back Diana, Trish, & Nicole for the 3rd time, Dave Allen, Weilyan Chiang, & Cathi Shipright all the way from Truro England (a childhood friend of Nigel & Rotarian whose club meets in the headquarters of Shelter Box)
Small Acts of Kindness were shared by Herb who helped Beverly's sister with her smoke alarm battery; Paul who called 911 for a man he found on the sidewalk with a broken leg; Patricia for finding a tutor for a La Costa family; Beverly who sent money to a man in Kenya; George who received a card from Alicia; Nicole who was grateful for the Rotarians who helped with the vaccinations of her staff at Del Mar yesterday. Click here to register for the future: https://www.rotaryonlineservices.com/events/scripps
Congratulations to Herb & Beverly on their 30th Wedding Anniversary; Venky on his 100th (he said) Birthday; Barbara Fish on her 75th Birthday, & to Charlotte's oldest who turned 11.
We are dark next Friday, April 2, for Good Friday and April 9 will be a hybrid in-person/zoom meeting
Sarah Robinson, Director of Development for ShelterBox USA gave a wonderful talk on the incredible impact ShelterBox has made on displaced families around the globe. Visit www.ShelterBoxUSA.org to learn more & see how you can help

Covid Vaccination Site

Posted by Jan Parsons on Mar 25, 2021

Kudos to the Rotarians who helped at the Del Mar Covid Vaccination site today

Suzanne Sutton, Susan Hennenfent, Jan Parsons, Alicia & Charles Foster, Charlotte Jones

And congratulations to Susan & Mark Hennenfent who received their 2nd shot

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 20, 2021

We were moved by the song Proud to Be an American that began our meeting today
Many members were happy & shared Small Acts centered around being with friends & family again and helping neighbors
Pres. Herb, Beverly, Jan, Susan, Charles, Andy, & Charlotte have all signed up to help at the Del Mar Vaccine site - more are needed
Six visitors are interested in joining our club - Herb's goal is to have the most new members in his year as President. The draw - good speakers & ASK!
Paul requested Annual Foundation Contributions be in by May 31 and Lew needs workers for the April 17 Blood Drive
Thank you Art for picking up the tab at Viewpoint last Friday. Other members' dollars totalling $235 will go to the Community Service budget
Del Mar Rotarian, Author, & Scholarship Originator Scott MacDonald gave an informative talk about the problems and issues with student debt.

Casa de Amistad School Supplies

Posted by Jan Parsons on Mar 18, 2021

Del Mar Times/Carmel Valley News/Solana Beach Sun

Click on the following for a short video: Video.mov (8.9 MB)

Casa de Amistad school supplies

Posted on Mar 13, 2021

Casa de Amistad School Supplies Distribution

We were happy to watch cars arrive with students to receive bags of school supplies provided by Community Service funds & member donations

Lew, Charles, Herb, Nicole (Exec. Director of Casa de Amistad), Beverly, Jan, Patricia

And then we enjoyed a brew & bite at Viewpoint where Paul presented Lew with his Paul Harris pin & certificate; we were awed by the snow-capped mountains, and were glad George & Art could join us - all maskless as we've had our two covid vaccines!

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 12, 2021

It was wonderful to see returning guests Diane Shimkus, Nicole Mione-Green, & Trish Boaz from our successful Visitors Day
Bill will be taking Sees candy to his followup checkup for the wonderful care he received during/after his surgery
Happy 5th Anniversary to Sean & Radia (who is on temporary leave from Rotary expecting their 2nd child)
Paul shared a short video from The Rotary Foundation:

18 members volunteered to help on Thursday mornings at the Del Mar Fairgronds Covid Vaccination site. More info to follow
April 19 will be our 1st hybrid in-person & zoom meeting, which Sarah is coordinating
Vicky gets 10 gold stars for surviving10 hours on zoom at PETS but left invigorated and enthusiastic. Membership is the main focus next year
Malcom shared a video for St. Patricik's Day with our Governor, President & banker which can be viewed with the following link (disregard any political implications): https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/leprechaun_bailout/6153709c-a02c-4c5d-a4e0-1c948a6e04a1?recipient_token=3ca3cc91-8a29-461b-8819-64c611690c4e

Ken announced a Sister Cities Project Virtual Cultural Tour via zoom on Saturday, March 27 from 12-1:30. This can be a great way for us to form a partnership with & support local, underserved communities in SD County. Register at: https://zoom.us/meeting/ register/ tJ0udu2vpjwpGtNz3fjScWO6dtq22Y Im1zDS

Please let Herb know if you have any suggestions for Global Grants next year

In 1992, our speaker Vitaliy Bezrodnov came to the U.S. on a cultural exchange program from Kazakhstan and formed the Moscow Nights music group that toured the country. In 1995 he attended a Rotary Club meeting that changed his life and he became the youngest member of the Lakewood Rotary in Ohio. He was inspired to form the Rotary Children's Fund, an international cultural exchange program to allow young artists & musicians to come here to share their culture and talent and to learn about our country. We enjoyed his enthusiam & would love to see a group visit us some day.

Rotary Highlighted

Posted on Mar 11, 2021

Thank you Molly for highlighting Rotary in Solana Beach Living

Helping Children in El Salvador

Posted on Mar 09, 2021

We are happy to be working with OEF in El Salvador to support 5 children ages birth to 3 years in an initial education program. See below to learn more about the children and their families.

Blood Drive

Posted on Mar 09, 2021

Click the link to sign up for our next Blood Drive:

https://www.mysdbb.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/68719

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Mar 05, 2021

What a wonderful Visitors Day we had - thank you Susan & Vicky for organizing and Patricia for facilitating. We had 18 guests join us to learn about Rotary and hear our great speaker, Trish Boaz, CEO of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. We look forward to seeing them again!
Herb shared some Rotary facts: founded in 1905 in Chicago; 35,000 clubs in the world with 1.2 milliion Rotarians; broken into 500 Districts, 60 clubs in our District of San Diego/Imperial County; focus has been eradication of polio in the world; we are bound by the 4-Way Test - Is it the TRUTH - Is it FAIR to all concerned - Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS - Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned
Vicky then shared some club info: We were founded on April 17, 1992; we are small & mighty with a heart for service and feel like a family; we are known for our International Projects & Bocce Tournament; we actively support Just in Time for Foster Youth, Reality Changers, Veteran's Village, Solutions for Change, Hope Without Boundaries, along with many projects in El Salvador and India
Our next Blood Drive will be Saturday, April 17, from 9:00-2:30 at the Lomas Santa Fe Plaza
Distribution for the school supplies we provided for Casa de Amistad supported students will be a drive-by on Friday, March 12 from 3:00-5:00 at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church
Trish Boaz has over 25 years of experience in conservation and environmental protection and coordinated the County's acquisition of over 7,100 acres of open space lands. She updated us about the San Dieguito Watershed, Lagoon Pond & River Path Del Mar, Coastal Crest Trail, San Dieguito Lagoon, & Multi-Sensory River Path Trail Del Mar. And it was nice to learn that her father was a Rotarian and Rotary played a huge part in her life.

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 27, 2021

Herb's mantra for the week: BUY COOKIES & BRING GUESTS (for the 3/5 Visitors Day Meeting)

Kendall & Megan joined us from the Rancho Bernardo Girl Scouts to offer cookies for sale. Click on https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/troop2054-623 to help them, your sweet tooth, and the military
Many Happy Dollars went to wish Bill well after a succesful triple-bypass surgery
Paul has a new daughter-in-law as son Paul Jr. just got married
Molly is taking the kids on their first outing - to the zoo
Congratulations to Lew Williamson for receiving his first Paul Harris Fellow Award

Acts Of Kindness included Beverly for getting a computer for a student in Kenya; Charles who bought donuts for the RN who gave Alicia & him his second shot; Herb for helping a women whose grocery bags broke; & Vicky for checking up on a man recently discharged from the hospital
Steve reminded us that Tuesday was Rotary's 116th Birthday
We will be giving $1260 toward a project in El Salvador to help children up to 3yrs old to provide nutrition, education, and family support
Our speaker today was Shawn McClondon who founded the Sister Cities Project to partner affluent white communities with underserved minority communities to build new relationships and deepen cultural understanding and support. Currently, two partnerships have been formed: Solana Beach & Southeast San Diego, and Encinitas & City Heights. Rotarians showed a strong interest in participating.

Helping in India

Posted by Jan Parsons on Feb 18, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 18, 2021

Patricia played a video on Random Acts of Kindness, showing that one small act a day can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression for the giver and recipient. Click here: https://youtu.be/O9UByLyOjBM

You can now register to give blood for our April 17 Blood Drive at: sandiegobloodbank.org/donate
Join the Fireside Chat on Thursday, 2/25 at 7:00pm on zoom to acquaint new members with Rotary Basics
Herb mentioned a possible Global Grant next year with a Kenyan Rotary club to help with a new facility for Praise Gate Orphanage
Our speaker tonight, Gail Young, explained and showed how it is very important to stay hydrated and drink water that is highly alkaline as oppossed to acidic. She uses a Kangen Water System

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 12, 2021

Herb's invocation focused on returning to normal as more & more Rotarians and the public get vaccinated
Molly helped in that effort for an elderly couple; we heard of Rotarians helping Rotarians (Mark for the Suttons & Charles for George), and Paul stopped his bike ride when he saw a Small Act waiting for his help
We are very happy that Ildiko is doing better after a rough 3 wks with Covid, and wish her continued improvement. And a huge thanks to Art who has been a major contributor to her care

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for our new exciting fundraiser

Four Paul Harris Fellow awards were given by the club in recognition of time, talent, and/or treasures: Honorary Member & Youth Chair, Mami Takahara; 1st time award to new member Sarah Taylor; PH+3 for Vicky Mallett; and Bocce Premier Sponosr Steve Todoruk

Paul Greenwood was our fabulous speaker today. Intrigued by America after watching Easy Rider, he moved from England to San Diego after meeting & marrying a native, and spent 25 years as a Deputy District Attorney - 22 of those in charge of a new area: Elder Abuse. He retired 3 yrs ago but continues to do webinars on scams - #1 being romance scams for seniors. Other scams to watch out for include the 45-55 yr. old son living at home with widowed mother, unemployed, lazy, & addicted to drugs or alcohol; care givers; contractors (home repair workers, carpet cleaners, termite fumigators), and phone scams. He emphasized the importance (especially during this pandemic) of staying in daily contact with loved ones & the elderly

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Feb 05, 2021

Small Acts: Herb related the story of the 88 yr old veteran who was given his high school diploma after 70 years due to the interruption of the Korean War. Susan shared giving a bouquet of flowers to her mother's neighbor, a nurse practioner, who is helping everyone during the pandemic

Malcom honored Lou with a video on his 40th Anniversary with Rotary. Lou mentioned that Rotary was just starting the polio eradication campaign when he joined. Clink on the link to watch: https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/happy_zombie_versary/275de2bf-c4f4-489d-8838-2dea5ca8640e?

Nicole Mione-Green, program director with Casa de Amistad updated us on how they are matching volunteers and students online to provide mentoring and tutoring services during the stay-at-home order. We will be helping them with $3700 for school supplies for 160 kids. Let Charles know if you'd like to donate to this project.

Paul presented Suzanne & Bill their Paul Harris +2 pins, for their continued contributions to the Rotary Foundation

Vicky announced we will host a visitors day at the March 5 meeting, when Trish Boaz, CEO of the San Dieguito River Valley Conservatory, will be our guest speaker. Invite friends, community leaders, and business associates to join us for an inspiring talk. Send Patricia guest info on March 3 or 4, so she can send them our zoom link

Our speaker today was Nick Gulion, a Rotary Scholarship recipient who went on to Yale Law School and was a White House Intern before founding Recover, a Del Mar based organization working to make addiction treatment effective, accessible, and affordable to everone who needs it.

Anti-Human Trafficking

Posted on Feb 04, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 29, 2021

Susan Cabon joined on zoom from England to update us on Joshua Orphan and Community Care Malawi - an organization formed in 2002 to help children orphaned by HIV/AIDS near Blantyre, Malawi. They have since grown to provide community based childcare centers (CBCCs) in over 30 villages, providing meals, health care, and education for thousands of children. Click on the link below to watch two videos of their work.

https://youtu.be/cIZRrZK2dEk

We have supported Joshua Orphan Care School in recognition of our speakers since 2009, when Kirk Collins visited Malawi with Rotary to deliver all-terrain wheelchairs to the disabled, and discovered the great need to help with school supplies and desks. It was nice having Kirk & Glenda join us today from Berkeley.

Venky also updated us on a Global Grant we did in India to help train and establish businesses for handicapped men & women.

Stay tuned for our next blood drive on April 17, and projects to help Hope Without Boundaries and Casa de Amistad

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 16, 2021

It was nice to see Luis Carranza, Asst/Area Governor from Rancho Santa Fe

Lots of Happy Dollars were shared by members:

Paul for his & Mary's 42nd Wedding Anniversary on the 27th (the same date as Bill & Suzanne)
Susan for her 8th grandneice/nephew in 3 years, & able to schedule a vaccine shot for her mom
Charlotte sad/happy that her "baby" Lief is turning 9
US Citizenship for Charles' & Venky's cleaning ladies, & new baby boy for Nicole, former Rotary exchange student of Charles
Bill to see his friend & best man of 51yrs, and Luis glad to see Bill who was club president the same year as he
Steve for all his club connections over the week
George for Patricia's help on the computer & especially for the huge plate of cookies she brought

Paul comfirmed that 12/30 members have made their annual Foundation donation, and shared a Foundation video:

253) DOING GOOD: ROTARY'S SIX AREAS OF FOCUS - YouTube

Lew will head up another blood drive in April

Vicky, Susan, & Herb attended the District Membership Seminar & shared some ideas:

Reach out to alumni in good standing and set up a structure to accommodate them
Engage new members to learn more about Rotary
Get high-powered speakers from around the world to draw potential members

Nicholas Domingo, a Rotarian & Co-Executive Director of Call To Inspire and Captain Encouragement, spoke to us on how he went from a bullied youngster, to an angry athelete, and after a brain aneurysm, to a superhero helping to inspire children in K - 3rd Grades. He also inspired us!

"Our goal is to perpetuate positive change in the world, starting by and giving our children the tools to break the cycle of violence that is inherent in our society and the media. We need to use the world’s unprecedented inter-connectivity to wake up the new generations, and finally trade our apathy and isolation for the love and kindness of a more positive humankind. "

Due to the pandemic, they pivoted from school assemblies to the online space developing video content, youtube tv series, and games. For more information go to https://calltoinspire.com/

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Jan 11, 2021

Let Herb know if you would like to join the Fundraising Meeting at 3:00 on 1/11 to discuss plans for next year
Steve thanked Venky for all the hard work on getting the Anti-Human Trafficing Grant approved & ready for funding
We were very sorry to learn from Meera that her father passed away, a month shy of his 100th birthday
Patricia asked for social ideas & suggested an online cooking class, and another theatre night in March
Kevin reported Model UN is in full swing with 56 teams and will take place on March 27 & 28 via zoom
Susan reminded members that we need $100/per capita to the Foundation Annual Fund to support our future District & Global Grants
Speaker Robert De Maio let us know how CaptionCall is helping the hearing impaired by supplying & training users, at no cost, how to use a special amplified phone that transcribes the call. Vicky shared how this was a huge help in communicating with her father who had dementia & lived out of state

2021

Posted on Jan 01, 2021

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 20, 2020

Our last meeting of the year was festive and fun. Patricia and Charlotte won best outfit with Charles close behind. It was nice to have former member Sanjiv join us

Malcolm was happy to miss the meeting since it meant he was with clients, but sent two videos highlighting December Birthdays & Anniversaries

Vicky, Radia, Jan, & Lou celebrating Birthdays; Suchandra (and Ray) an Anniversary

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/all_about_that_bass_birthday/eef81357-8372-4382-85f1-fbbedf2d50d8

Bill & Suzanne for their 51st Wedding Anniversary

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/like-its-christmas-jonas-brothers-starring-you-ecard/8b374a3e-8d09-468e-a524-1e4f896bb1e6

Rotarians are performing many Acts of Kindness including Bill & Suzanne putting wreaths on Veterans' graves in Greenwood Cemetary; Andy working with our former speaker from The League of Amazing Programmers to teach the children in Nepal; and Susheela cooking & delivering food for neighbors who have Covid-19

David Ellenstein, Artistic Director of North Coast Reportoary Theatre, talked about his family's life in theatre, how he's enjoyed his 18 yrs. at NCR (which is in its 39th Season), how he'd like to move to a larger space (which is currently only in the talking phase), and about the two current shows that were filmed for viewing - A Christmas Carol (traditional but with a twist) and The Iliad (an anti-war piece). NCR is one of the busiest theatres during this pandemic & is receiving wide recognition and praise throughout the country

And Patricia put together a fabulous, fun Game Night on Saturday that kept Bill, Suzanne, Beverly, Herb, Mark, Susan, Jan, & her happy and entertained. Games included Taboo, Scattergories, Who Am I, Holiday Trivia, and the favorite, a Scavenger Hunt. Thank you Patricia!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Rotary & Club News

Paul's invocation focused on this Season of Light

And George led in a minute of silence to remember those lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941

Many Happy Dollars were given for Sagittarius Birthdays, including Ken's 13 year old daughter, Charles' sister, and Susheela's daughter
We were sorry to learn George's 15 yr old dog had to be put down
Paul & Herb's Small Act of Kindness was support for Reality Changers speech contest participants
Molly encountered an Act of Kindness when she ran out of gas
We will be giving a $2000 scholarship for a high school student through Potem Path
Please join the committee in January who will be looking into Bocce 2021 or other fundraiser(s)
Kudos to Susan who suggested including Rotary International for Giving Tuesday, which raised over $24,000
And a round of applause for the generosity of our members who donated $1500 to buy holiday gift cards for our servers & helpers at The Del Mar Hilton who we have missed seeing these many months
We will be matching recognition points for all donations to the Rotary Foundation this year as part of EREY
Remember to support The DM Hilton & Viewpoint Brewery with takeout during this latest lockdown

And don't forget the evening social/meeting next Thursday evening and our Holiday/Game Night on Saturday, 12/19. Wear your ugly Holiday sweaters and/or hats

(though that may be passe)

CRC Holiday Baskets

Posted by Jan Parsons on Dec 10, 2020

Rotary & Club News

Posted on Dec 04, 2020

Herb thanked Susan for being the "Best Handler" and keeping him on his toes

Jan finished a 1000 piece puzzle she bought because it had an Amala-like cat in antlers. This prompted the idea of a Rotary Puzzle Exchange

Bill learned at Stand Down that a "Small Act" of helping even one is a success

We were all saddened to learn of the passing of Charlotte's dad and Venky's sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with them

But we were thrilled to learn that Radia will be adding a baby girl to her family

We were honored to have District Attorney Summer Stephan talk with us this morning about sex trafficing in San Diego and what is being done to prevent it. She emphasized how excited she is that this is a priority for Rotary, as Rotarians are doers. For more information, click on this link: https://www.sandiegotpc.org

CRC Holiday Baskets

Posted on Dec 03, 2020

7 Rotary Elves Fill 100 Boxes as Part of a Revised CRC Holiday Baskets

Thank You for Helping!

Molly, Beverly, Susan, Herb / Jon, Suzanne, Bill

Stand Down 2020

Posted on Nov 27, 2020

Thanksgiving 2020

Posted on Nov 25, 2020