Rotary meeting notes- June 10, 2021 Meeting
By Sandie Dewane
Social time tidbits: While at the Padres/Cubs game with fellow Rotarians, Charley Crew caught a home run ball! It was a Cubs home run ball and Charley graciously gave it to a little boy near him who happened to be a Cubs fan. You’re a good man, Charley Crew! Bob Vaughn sat next to Joel Doss at the game and said you really get to know someone while at a Rotary outing, more so than sitting next to someone at lunch. He encouraged more people to join in as it’s a lot of fun.
President Alex Robertson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Patrick Chaffee led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Diane Remick gave the Inspirational Message. Cheryl Roop was the Virtual Greeter and welcomed guests Sangeeta Prabhaker; Mason Tsang, Didi Saks, Barb Crew and Joanne Hyldahl. Joel Doss, accompanied by our newest member Mary Beth, sang the Welcome Song.
Alex thanked today’s volunteers: Alan Turner, Zoom Master; Sandie Dewane, Scribe; and Bill Angus, Newsletter Coordinator.
Scholarship Chair Gary Saks introduced Mason Tsang, who received a scholarship from our Club Foundation. Mason is excited about attending UCLA and his goal is to become a doctor. He was asked what motivated him to get high grades and excel and he attributed it to the “Best Buddies” program. His best buddy has intellectual and developmental challenges and that experience motivated Mason to work and study hard because he was fortunate not to have any of the obstacles his best buddy faced each day. Awesome!
President Alex announced that the Club’s first in-person meeting will be held in the evening on Thursday, July 1st at Bernardo Heights Country Club. Alan Turner and Dave Brooks have been working behind the scenes to accommodate our hybrid model of in-person and Zoom meeting attendance. He mentioned that a Camcorder was needed and if anyone has one, please let Alan or Dave know. All evening meetings will now be held on the first Thursday of the month, due to a conflict at Bernardo Heights for the second Thursday.
Arilla St. Laurent, literally wearing two hats tonight, mentioned that she had not heard from anyone regarding Family of Rotary. Ron Hunt informed us that Jim Sommer is having a slow recovery from his back surgery. Our best wishes go out to Jim. Next, Arilla changed into a green Irish hat as she was stepping in for Finemaster John O’Neill. One person received a fine – Joel Doss who accidentally got his picture in the newspaper. Happy Bucks were received by many members, most notably from Alex in honor of Max Gurney’s 100th birthday and Jim & Joanne Hyldahl’s 57th anniversary.
Mike Ortiz introduced today’s speakers: Nicole Koch and Reggie Branch from Voices of Children. Nicole oversees the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and Reggie is a CASA volunteer. This program serves children in foster care from newborn to age 21. Many times the only constant in a foster child’s life is their Volunteer CASA, who is involved in all aspects of their life. Reggie said it requires many hours, however it’s very rewarding to him. Terry Heck presented a book that will be donated to the Bernardo Heights Middle School Library in their names. Great presentation!
Doug Dawson reported that San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Mary Ellen Barrett will be named “Peacemaker of the Year” and honored with the Pathways to Peace award on October 11, 2021. Mary Ellen has worked tirelessly for years throughout the county on behalf of human trafficked children, who are mostly minorities.
Upcoming Events:
June 24 at 5:30 p.m. President Alex’s Demotion and New President Athenea Luciano’s Welcome Party via Zoom.
June 26 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon, Community Service project at Seven Oaks Clean-up Day.
June 28 – Governor’s Dinner
Our next Zoom meeting is on Thursday, June 17th at 11:00 a.m. Speaker: Kevin McNamara, developer of the Farms in North Poway.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane,
Scribe
