ROTARY CLUB OF RANCHO BERNARDO
July 8, 2021
Our in-person meeting today was opened by Co-President Alex Robertson. Co-President Athenea Luciano led the Four Way Test. Red Badge member, Mary Doss, gave a brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance, then led the Pledge.
Bob Vaughn gave the Inspirational message, quoting sayings about diversity and how diversity applies to our Club membership. Bob also spoke of an easy way of giving to the Rotary Foundation by setting up a monthly credit card donation. He can help set a program up.
Lunch was served during the meeting.
Greeter, Michael Ortiz, recognized guests attending the meeting today (there was no Zoom connection today), followed by the Welcome Song, led by Joel Doss. Joel apologized for forgetting his baton.
Co-President Athenea recognized and thanked the volunteers for today. Scribe: Rz Norris, Newsletter: Bill Angus (who was present at the meeting today), Sergeant-at-Arms: Bill Brehm, Front Desk: Joel Doss and Patrick Chaffee, and Photographer: James Kaspar.
Reesa Coopat thanked Club members for their support during the Spirit of the Fourth, and said the donations and money collected from the fireworks display would go a long way in helping Rancho Bernardo programs.
Family of Rotary: Arilla St Laurent said John O’Neill is recovering, but please wait with the phone calls. Changing hats to Fine Mistress (following the usual round of “boo’s”), Arilla first fined herself for failing to introduce potential new member, Rosalind Duddy, during the greeting session. There were few fines. Happy Bucks were aplenty. Bill Angus honored Ed Knight (recently passed) with Happy Bucks, telling about Ed’s early involvement with the Rotary Foundations’ attempts to help in 3rd world countries. This past week we collected $ 180.00 in Happy Bucks/ Fines
Mike Fuqua, Membership Chair, noted that he had placed Rotary Club cards on each table.
Co-President Athenea mentioned her talk last week on her plans for the Club, and hopes that a FireSide Chat would happen soon. She then introduced the program for today, saying that Co-President Alex would expand on the Demotion Party slide presentation as a “Who Am I” talk.
Alex first introduced us to his parents (via slides), and told of his father’s actions as a pilot during WWII. His Father was awarded the French Legion of Honor and the Chevalier du Tastervin. He then talked about his career and business accomplishments in media and computer fields, beginning in South Africa and expanding throughout the world. His company in South Africa was the first to be integrated. He has been married twice. He has been Knighted (Sir Alex!!) and met with world leaders in the course of his career. He was actively involved in NASCAR motor racing.
