March 3, 2022 Meeting Minutes
President Athenea convened the meeting with the ringing of the bell and then led a full house of congenial Rotarians in the 4-Way Test. Sonny Googins followed with the Pledge of Allegiance linking our pledge to the Stars and Stripes, representing patriotism and historical courage to Ukraine's blue and gold and their extraordinary courage in fending off the Russian invasion. John Goodrich's inspiration reminded us how fortunate we are compared to the rest of the world and our own country's people having the most elementary comforts in life!
Our president welcomed the evenings' guests and thanked volunteers who manned/and "womaned" the desk, Joel Doss Pat Chaffee and Mary Doss and Scribe Sonny Googins. Joel flew about the room, baton in tow, as we joined him in a hearty Welcome song.
Announcements included: Poway Symphony Concert tickets are still available for the March 20th concert, Box office open Fridays 12-5 and Saturdays 10-3. -reference RB Rotary, 3K was raised for the Afghan Refugee Foundation and Mike Fuqua boosted V&V for volunteers, Cathy and Don Glover spoke of the Dictionary project in progress wherein folks applied labels and distribution was under way.
President-Elect Alan Turner spoke of his PET training, Mai Tais, fun and knowledge gained and meeting Jennifer Jones our Rotary International President Elect. Jennifer will be the first female President of Rotary International, who Alan described as "an amazing person." This year's theme is 'Imagine Rotary'. Imagine a world that deserves our best. Where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference. Alan announced his goals which include: Membership, Interact High School Clubs, and Adolescent Health -focus on high school student suicides, all of which we'll hear much more.
Arilla, Family of Rotary, asked for info regarding members who might be ill, etc. and noted the passing of Pat Donner. John O, our superb Fine Master was appropriately booed.......and collected cash for our coffers. Get your photo in the paper, $10 bucks but worth it ...good publicity for our Rb Rotary.
Our speaker, Matthew Brown, Anti-Defamation League, was introduced by Gary Saks and concluded the meeting. His presentation cleverly connected our 4-Way Test, Is it the truth, Fairness, goodwill etc. One motto-Fighting Hate for Good. It was established in 1913 with the goal of challenging anti-semitism and seeking Justice and Fair treatment for all.
We know that "Hate Crimes" go back to the beginning of time. If you were different, race, nationality, religion, gender, the most common, and today, politics, government over-reach sexuality, even positions about vaccinations- propaganda led the way with lies about all that led to Hate Crimes. Matthew called propaganda "The Devil." Peaks occur throughout history, especially under Hitler's regime that destroyed one third of the world's Jewish population . There are ways to combat that we as good people can do. Visit http://www.ADL.org.
A traditional book was presented by Mike Fuqua in our behalf.
Sonny Googins, Scribe.
2022-23 R.I. Theme