Rotary Meeting Notes – April 29, 2021 Meeting
By Sandie Dewane, Scribe
President Alex Robertson called the meeting to order and we joined him in reciting the 4-Way Test. Doug Dawson, who was subjected to a bit of ribbing about his jokes prior to the meeting, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Shirley Napierala gave today’s inspirational message. Cathy Glover was Virtual Greeter and welcomed guest Sherry Slaght, with Joel Doss singing the Welcome Song. Alex thanked Mike Fuqua for Zoom set-up; Sandie Dewane, Scribe and Bill Angus, Newsletter Editor.
President Alex announced that Arilla St. Laurent has been named “Rotarian of the Month” for all that she does behind the scenes and the many roles she takes on at our weekly meetings. Congratulations – well deserved!!
Membership Chair Alan Turner congratulated Paul Heeter on doing his “Who Am I” as it is the final step to membership. Charley Crew served as Paul’s mentor and Don Glover introduced him to our Club. Paul wore his new Gold Badge during his presentation.
Paul was born near Dayton, Ohio on Groundhog Day in 1943. His first work experience was at his Grandfather’s farm, where he learned what farming was all about. After graduating from high school, his Dad got him a job at GM. In June of 1967 he married Norma and in 1969 worked in sales at a GM dealership while attending classes. Daughter Leslie was born in 1972 and in 1973 Paul decided to attend Sinclair Community College full-time and received an Engineering Science degree in 1976. He was then hired by the college as Cooperative Education Coordinator. In 1986 he fulfilled his goal of earning a Bachelor Degree in Engineering Science! He and family decided to leave Ohio and Paul accepted a 2-year position at Maricopa Community College in Phoenix. In 1988, they moved to San Diego where Paul worked in the Engineering Dept. for the City of San Diego. He also began a Classic Car consulting/evaluation business. Paul and Norma moved from Escondido to RB in 2006 and purchased a home in which they spent 3 months remodeling and upgrading. Just 4 weeks later, their home burned to the ground in the Witch Creek Fire. They lived in a rental home for 18 months until their new home was ready. These days, Paul is retired and active in his Community Association and now Rotary. He is still enamored with autos, specifically Corvettes!
Arilla gave the Family of Rotary report. She welcomed John O’Neill’s return after his recent back surgery. She reported that Ron Hunt notified her that Jim Sommer had a 7-hour surgery on his back yesterday. When he leaves the hospital, he probably will go to a rehab center before returning home. Arilla’s next announcement was about herself – she has begun dialysis treatment and considers it a lease on life. Our sincere best wishes to John, Jim and Arilla.
April birthdays were recognized and Joel Doss had the honor of serenading Cathy Glover and Shirley Napierala.
We heartily welcomed Fine Master John O’Neill back with lots of boos and jeers and he felt right at home! He is still in recovery mode from his 6th back surgery and it will take some time to see if was successful. John asked for and received Happy Bucks from Arilla St. Laurent, Sandie Dewane, Cathy Glover, Mike Fuqua, Alan Turner, Bill Brehm, Doug Dawson and Sonny Googins.
Jan Goldsmith had the pleasure of introducing today’s dynamic speaker – Vince Mudd, Managing Partner at Carrier Johnson, an award-winning international architectural firm, and former Chairman of the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. While sitting in his car, Vince gave an outstanding, informative and humorous presentation on the Post-Pandemic Future Workplace! President Alex commented that Vince “blew us away” and welcomed him back anytime to our Club. Terry Heck thanked Vince for his presentation and explained that in lieu of a speaker’s gift, our Club will donate a book in Vince’s name to the Bernardo Heights Middle School.
Club Foundation Chair Mike Fuqua gave a brief presentation on the often- confused Rancho Bernardo Club Foundation and The Rotary Foundation. He also reviewed the annual report with the members. He reported that there are 9 trustees on the Foundation Board, 4 are elected to three- year terms and 5 are designated by the current Club President. At a previous meeting, Mike announced that Charley Crew was “terming out” and asked the Club members for nominations, however none were received. Today, Mike asked if there were any nominations from the floor and there were none. Since no nominations were received, and according to the by-laws, Mike asked for a show of hands for those in favor of Charley remaining as Secretary/Treasurer. The vote was a unanimous yes!
Jim Hyldahl reported that a Community Clean-up Day has been scheduled on Saturday, June 26th, at Seven Oaks. More details to follow. He also mentioned that he has 4 batches left of smoked steelhead trout with bagels and cream cheese and if anyone is interested, please let him know. President Alex immediately put in his reservation.
Our next Zoom meeting will be on May 6th at 11:00 a.m. The Speaker is Mara Elliott, San Diego City Attorney.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane
