Rancho Bernardo Rotary February 4, 2016 Meeting Minutes & Images by James Kaspar and John O'Neill

Posted by Karen Stelman 
on Feb 10, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The club will be serving dinner at Ronald McDonald House this year 2016 on these nights:
Wed, April 6
Tues, June 14
Tues, Aug 9
Wed, Oct 5
 
 
 
President Arilla called the meeting to order early as we had a big agenda.  She thanked our volunteers:
Bob Barr, Pledge
Shirley Napierala, Inspirational Thought
Sonny Googins, Greeter and Welcome Song
Joel Doss, Front Desk/Check in 
 
Welcome back to John and Jeanne Hawkins, music man and Club Secretary
 
After our guests were introduced, Mira gave our Family of Rotary Report.  
 
John Kasser had additional surgery under his eye following a skin cancer removal.  
Dan Barrios had hip surgery and is recovering at home.
Jim Sommer had back surgery and is doing very well.
Jim Edwards hoped to join us but is still not quite strong enough to get around.
Jim Hyldahl has had some health challenges but is back with us and thanked everyone for their kind thoughts.
I'm sure cards would be welcomed.
 
Our visiting District Governor, Janice Kurth, gave out several awards to our members.  They included:
 
Paul Harris Foundation Award + 1 to James Kaspar and Kathleen Smith
PHF + 2  Bob Barr
PHF + 3 Jim Sommer
PHF +5 Dr. Gary Saks
PHF + 8 Bill Angus IV
 
Many thanks to President Elect Benita Page  who showed extraordinary service for leading us in the annual PHF drive for the past 3 years and helped our club earn many honors.
 
Also mentioned for  extraordinary service was Frances Blair, Assistant Treasurer (just retired after 5 years), committee chair for our food drive for the Interfaith Counsel in Escondido, Underwear and Sock Drive for Stand Down San Diego.  She also helps Veterans in need, working with Wounded Warriors Freedom Station.  
 
Dave Brooks, Assistant District Governor,  was recognized for chairing the annual 4th of July Parade in Rancho Bernardo, the care and upkeep of our Rotary Clock and is also the "Go to Man" for computer setup for our guest speakers.
 
Outstanding Club Activities are:
 
The entire Club's devotion to assisting in the labeling and delivery of Dictionaries and Thesauri for 11 years to public and private
schools, both domestic and international.
 
Our Club's support of the Rotary Functions, The 4 Way Test, Scholarship Programs, RYLA and LEAD each year.
 
We've supported Poway families in need at holiday times and helped Interfaith Escondido with food and volunteer  time.
 
We also have a committee working on better ways to serve seniors in our community.
 
Members who have sponsored new members are:
Sonny Googins Level one 
Don Glover  Level four
 
We also happily inducted new member Ann Sullivan.  We know she will be a wonderful addition to our club!
 
Gary Saks, President of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation, presented checks to the following organizations :
A Matching Grant was awarded to Gently Hugged (benefiting new babies and mothers who need additonal help) and our members who matched this gift are:  Bob Barr, Ron Hunt, Benita Page and Jim Sommer.
 
St Madeline Sophie Center who help the disabled and youth who are mentally challenged, ages 18 to 85, at after school or adult daytime care programs.   Maguy Feghali matched this gift.
 
Our very own Fine Master, John O'Neill,  did a wonderful job filling our "bucket" with Happy Bucks and fines of his choice!
 
Benita addressed the club with a request for us to choose a good cause to support as a group.  Her suggestions were:  #1 Interfaith in Escondido,  #2 Poway Adult Day Care Center for memory loss and disabled people, #3 RB Speech  and Debate Teams to help judge at their meets.  She'll have more on this at the meeting on the 11th.
 
Our speaker was Janice Kurth, District Governor for 5340.  Janice not only spoke on our district accomplishments, but gave us an in depth look into her past and what made Rotary so  important to her.  Janice earned her MD and PHD before becoming a Rotarian.  She was invited by a neighbor through a letter of invitation.  She decided to see what it was all about and here she is today.  Her journey started with a mentoring program in which she didn't connect with that student.  She almost gave up when she was assigned a second student, eager to learn.  From there she invited this girl in to her home (with her husband and 2 daughters giving the ok) and provided short term shelter for her.  She went on the welcome exchange students into their home, lead a  Group Study Exchange team of medical personnel to Africa which was the beginning of her many trips to that continent.  She epitomizes what a true, dedicated, selfless person and Rotarian she is and represents someone who has a huge, giving in her heart.  Thank you Janice!
 
The meeting on the 11th will be our evening meeting at 5:30.  Our speaker will be Dick Fisher speaking on Alcatraz - Growing up as the son of a prison officer in the 1930's through 1050's.    Should be a fascinating talk.  See you there!
 
Karen Stelman, Scribe