Our social time brought us to recollections of members' visits to beautiful Hawaii-with the return of P.P. Mike Fuqua and Patty from the islands. (Fewqua - phonetic correct pronouncing of his name) corrected for us by Doug Dawson. We heard of favorite islands, and places, no longer operating sugar refineries, Diane Remick's recalling of strong unpleasant 'aroma.' This switched to nuclear submarine tours there and personal stories of the subs. Backyard tales of Judy L's Praying Mantis and Bob Vaughn's Monarch butterflies' cocoons ; visiting bobcats and owls concluded our visit. As we signed on, Judy Lutticken welcomed all to the meeting as they joined.
President Alex convened the meeting at 11:00 a.m. leading us in The Four-Way Test. Diane Remick, previous to leading the pledge reminded us that a 17 year old teen, Robert Heff, presented the winning re-design contest of the flag requested by President Eisenhower when Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959 The youngster received a B-for the project at school, don't you know? For our inspiration Sandie Dewane gave us useful, humorous and wise reminders of the adverse and positive features of growing older. Sandie- the whole list would be fun for our 'elders' to have! Who me? Joel Doss armed with his powerful Baton greeted all with the Welcome song.
A very interesting "Who am I" was presented by Mike Ortiz. Texas to San Diego, back to Texas and return to San Diego characterized his early years. He recalled going to Downtown San Diego at Christmas time as a kid to see Santa and get gifts as well. Later, a competition for Scholarships requiring a memorized speech was a haunting memory. He drew a blank half way through. Class President Mike has to deliver a speech to a huge audience at Graduation. He did not draw a blank! His future activities included events that led him to media studies and honed his speaking ability. Adversity prepares us for success, perhaps? His family, wife Heidi and daughters and son and pet animals are his focus in life along with his occupation. He finds golf a great recreational relaxer. He did not reveal his handicap.
President Alex thanked volunteers: Zoom set-up-Mike Fuqua; Scribe, Sonny Googins; and Newsletter, Bill Angus.
Arilla-Family of Rotary -advised us that she will remind us again of the memorial service for Bill Angus's mother , May 22.
She then wore the Fine Mistress's hat to accept Happy Bucks-all of which were directed to the Rotary Foundation to help assure our annual quota. President Alex praised Jim Hyldahl's efforts over the past year wherein donations because of Smoken' Jim's bacon, salmon, chicken, etc.(all at his own cost) have filled our coffers! Thank you, Jim.
Jan Goldsmith introduced our speaker, Dana Goodrow of the San Diego Mentorship Network.
Dana informed us that the organization began 20 years ago-with short resources. This led to a coalition of those who mentor in various ways and places. The kinds of mentoring include a one on one structure, Formal or Informal, a group of adults or youth-(peers) virtual, and more. Mentoring Focus can be based on relationships, common interests such as sports, art, academic careers and more. She identified 'embedded mentoring as part of a system wherein many environments provide professionals such as social workers, counselors, etc. within organizations.
The question of why mentoring matters had interesting answers: It almost always leads to positive results such as personal growth, providing help navigating challenging systems. One way to help is Tutoring, a major need. The impacts of mentoring youth are: 46% fewer do drugs, 27% stop drinking alcohol, and 81% participate in sports and activities. One in three students who need mentors can't get one. The dominant needs include, funding resources, lack of mentors and support of programs to combat adverse childhood experiences for teens and young adults. We were encouraged to: become a mentor, donate, and check into coalition groups that we might help. Terry Heck explained our speaker gift, a book to a middle school library in her name and the organization she represents.
Wrapping up with Announcements:
Dave King explained the Military support programs: the Honorary Sword given to the top Marine student at a Mira Mesa graduation program, Poinsettia sale and personal kits for returning Marines. A $1,000 donation provides each sword. You can attend and present it personally.
Jim Hyldahl tells us the Community Clean Up is pending, awaiting an answer from a community.
Dan Barrios reminds us that 5 Rotarians need to donate to give us 100% for this year for the Rotary Foundation. He felt sure that this would happen.
The April 29th. speaker is Vince Mudd, Former Chair, Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce speaking about what the Post-Pandemic Future Workplace will look like! Be there!
Sonny Googins, Scribe.
