ROTARY CLUB OF RANCHO BERNARDO
AUGUST 12, 2021
Co-president Athenea rang the bell and Co-President Alex called the meeting to order, followed by reciting of the Four-Way Test. Bob Vaughn told us that he had found a very old Club flag in our equipment box. Co-President Alex suggested that the flag be hung with the other flags on one of the club flag banners.
Bob then read an email sent to Dave King, who could not be present today, from a friend of his who lives in Afghanistan, asking for any help Dave could give for him and his family as the Taliban surges through that country. Bob then led the Pledge of Allegiance reminding us how fortunate we are to live in America.
Co-President Alex read a letter from Rotary Foundation Chair, K. R. Ravidran, saying “Our inventiveness and hard work paid off, and I am delighted to tell you that we set a new fundraising record for The Rotary Foundation, raising over $440.7 million (unaudited) in 2020-2021, surpassing our $410 million goal beyond expectations”. Co-President Alex especially thanked Club Foundation Chairs Dan Barrios and Bob Vaughn for their work at the Club level.
The greeter today was Rosalind Duddy, fulfilling her Red Badge obligation. Only our speaker and his wife were guests today. Joel Doss, in his “conductors” shirt, led the Welcome Song.
The Inspirational Message, given by Don Glover seated comfortably on a velvet bar stool, said he wanted us to know he was talking to us as friends and not preaching. He reminded us that Rotary is a World Wide Collection of Friends, and often lasting friendships, that share worldly wisdom with us as we seek to make a better life for other peoples.
Co-President Athenea thanked today's volunteers: Scribe Rz Norris, Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Vaughn, Front Desk, Cathy Glover, Pat Chaffee and Joel Doss, Photographer James Kaspar, and Newsletter editor Bill Angus.
Bob Vaughn presented Dan Barrios, past Club Foundation Chair, with his next level Paul Harris pin. Cathy Glover talked about the See’s Candy fundraising program, noting that it would be a good thing to save order forms, sent by email, for future use. She reminded us that the small boxes are available for the holidays.
Arilla St. Laurent, Family of Rotary, said she had no news, but Bob Vaughn told us that Bill Brehm was having surgery today. Arilla also said that she had bought a “cherry pitter” and some cherries, and had way more pitted cherries than she could use. So, she baked a cherry/vanilla cream tart which she auctioned off for $35.00. Doug Dawson was the lucky winner, and he generously rounded it up to $100.00.
When introduced, our “Illustrious” Fine Master, John O’ Neill, was greeted with a heavy chorus of Boo’s. After apologizing for his “shades (so he could see people in the room against the glare), he went on to collect fines and Happy Bucks. Don Glover had even collected a fine from a member of another Club at the Padres Ball Game. After Don had teased the poor man for wearing a pink shirt, he voluntarily offered a $10.00 fine to our Club.
Jim Reed introduced the speaker today, a longtime friend of his, Dr. Chun Yim, who spoke on his experiences going from ‘Immigrant to Business Success' . Dr. Yim is the recipient of many awards for his contributions and many successes as an entrepreneur. He came to America from Korea to attend University on a full scholarship in anthropology, but was persuaded to change his major to Business, leading to the loss of his scholarship.
After unsuccessfully trying to find work to support himself, he declared that “I will work for Nothing”. This philosophy led him to paying jobs and the completion of his education. From there Dr. Yim went on to found many successful businesses throughout the country. He wrote a book, “Something From Nothing”, which stressed friendship and a sense of humor in business.
Cheryl Roop presented the Speakers book about entrepreneurs in history, “The How and Why of Toilets, Toasters and Telephones”.
Co-President Athenea reminded us that the first Membership Seminar of the new Rotary year is on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 9:00am to 10:30am via Zoom.
Our next Rotary Club meeting will be August 19th, at noon.
