RB Rotary August 24, 2023 Meeting Minutes
With the ring of the bell, President Jim Reid called the meeting to order; welcoming everyone. Leading us in reciting the 4-Way Test, President Jim then thanked today’s meeting volunteers: Pat Chaffee, Joel Doss (front desk); Bill Brehm (photographer) and Bill Brehm and Joel Doss (set-up); Christine Testa (Greeter); Wendy Vazquezanzua and (Pledge and Inspirational Message); Barb Alberts (Scribe).
Wendy Vazquezanzua inspired us with her gratitude for our freedom to celebrate our county and flag compared to countries currently under siege. She then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Greeter Christine Testa introduced five guests who were greeted with our Welcome Song, led by Joel Doss.
President Jim announced there was still time to give blood today (3 PM closing) at Blood Drive hosted by Rotary Poway-Scripps. He also reminded us about Day at the Races social event, tomorrow August 25, and thanked Diane Remick for her time and talent organizing this social event for members and their family/friends.
Mike Fuqua gave an update on past DG Chuck Pretto’s health and his critical journey ahead for recovery from Leukemia. Members offered wishes and hope in get well cards that Mike will mail immediately.
Jim Sommers informed membership about the passing of former RB Rotarian Chris Overly and his family’s generous memorial gift to RB Rotary Club Foundation. A testament to the impact of Rotary and this Club in particular, Chris and his father, Harry, were members decades ago prior to moving to other states for career and family. Foundation President Athenea reported that she spoke with Chris’s brother and extended members’ gratitude and condolences to Chris’s family.
Youth Protection Officer, Charley Crew, encouraged and informed members on youth volunteer certification. He defined activities for which working with youth mandates this training, explained the process, and referred members to the district site to learn more and acquire documents: Rotary5340.org, select Service / Youth Service.
Filling in for Fine Master John O’Neill and Happy Bucks Mistress Arilla St. Laurent, Athenea Luciano produced laughter and good will as she fined a few and called upon many who shared happy news and kept the camel hair coat challenge in motion.
Michael Ortiz introduced Guest Speaker Michele Nash-Hoff, Founder and President of ElectroFab Sales and VP of Industry Reimagined 2030, a new non-profit with a mission to change the narrative of American manufacturing from one of “inevitable decline” to “vibrant opportunity.” Michele’s eye-opening and encouraging presentation covered several factors explaining what happened to American Manufacturing and key actions critical to reviving it involving sectors such as law making, foreign relations, both education and workforce development, and more. Michele is the author of Rebuild Manufacturing – the key to American Prosperity, a sequel to the 2009 and 2012 edition of Can American Manufacturing Be Saved? Why We Should and How We Can.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Alberts
