Rancho Bernardo Rotary
May 2, 2024
There was extra excitement in the room as Ron Hunt warmly greeted Rotarians, guests, 14 RYLA students and their families this evening.
At 5:45pm, President Jim rang the bell and led us in reciting Rotary’s “Statement of Values – the Four Way Test”; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Today’s meeting volunteers were thanked by President Jim. They included:
Greeter: Ron Hunt
Scribe: Charlene Zettel
A/V: Dave Brooks
Front Desk: Pat Chaffee and Joel Doss
Sgt. At Arms: Joel Doss and crew
Photographer: Bill Brehm
Special Photo Recognition: Katie Hunter for Hats Off to Volunteers
Our greeter, Ron Hunt, introduced visiting Rotarians Fred Nasseri (RB Sunrise and Silver Sponsor of Vines & Vittles) and Wendy Urushima-Conn (Incoming President of Club 33 San Diego); followed by introduction of Rotarian spouses (Sandy Brehm, Barbara Crew, Chris Goldsmith, Deborah Goodrich, Sue Haskell, Jean Heintz, Mitra Nasseri, Didi Saks, and Dave Zettel) and other guests. Joel Doss then led us with a rousing welcome song.
Announcements:
The Club Board Meeting will be May 16, 2024, at 1:30pm, following our Rotary meeting.
Athenea reminded Rotarians there will be a V&V Mixer and Kick Off from 4:00 – 6:00pm at Lucia Capital Group, a 2024 V&V sponsor.
Alan Turner asked Rotarians to sign up to volunteer for Vines & Vittles, our annual fundraiser that supports our many philanthropic activities.
Volunteers are needed to honor our fallen veteran heroes with flag placements for “Operation Flags for Vets” on Memorial Day weekend.
President Jim thanked Rotarians for their participation in the NAMI Walk on April 27 and for attending Hats Off to Volunteers to honor Barb Alberts and Gary Saks. A special shout out to Dave Brooks for attending both events!
RB Rotary Foundation President Athenea thanked Rotarians for their generosity and announced that the Foundation had already donated $100,000 this year!
Rotarians Bonita Page and Shirley Napierala joined Athenea to present a $4,000 check to AAUW for their annual Tech Trek camp at UC San Diego for middle school girls to learn more about math and science. This check will enable the Rancho Bernardo AAUW chapter to sponsor 12 girls for a week to develop their interest, excitement and self-confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) before they enter 8th grade.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference 2024 Presentation:
Ken Heinz thanked the Club for sending 15 students from our three high schools to the RYLA conference, 13 of whom attended the evening’s program. He also commended principals Dr. Yael Bozzay from Mt. Carmel and Ty Eveleth from Del Norte for supporting RYLA for several years.
Other key supporters of RYLA, presented with beautiful rose bouquets, were Kathy Marron (Del Norte), Joyce Toledo (RB), and Husani Whitlock & Diana O’Quin (Mt. Carmel).
Ken thanked RYLA co-chair Barbara Noerenberg and the RYLA Committee who evaluated 22 applicants and interviewed the 17 finalists: Mike Fuqua, John Goodrich, Sonny Googins, Russ Haskell, Athenea Luciano, Benita Page, Lee Proimos, Diane Remick, Cheryl Roop, Gary Saks, Jim Sommer, Mike and Karen Stelman, and Charlene Zettel.
Christine Testa presented a short video of the 3-day RYLA camp in Idyllwild and the leadership topics and activities that were covered: fundamentals of leadership, ethics of positive leadership, qualities of a “servant leader”, importance of communication skills in effective leadership, conflict management and problem solving, building self-esteem and self- confidence, elements of community and global citizenship, and Rotary’s purpose of service to the community and world.
Student leaders were then introduced, received a certificate, and took pictures with Ken, Barbara, Christine, and Jim. They were asked to introduce their family and guests, and to share a “One-minute RYLA moment”.
Mt. Carmel High School students Breck Abugan, Trevor Carroll, Peter Patrico, and Sara Strauss were honored first.
Then Del Norte High School students came forward: Tanvi Bhide, Brandon Chu, Mayte Hernadez-Guerrero, Katie Hua, Eun Lim, Jayce Nguyen, and Sarah Strauss.
Rancho Bernardo High School students followed: Addie Callahan, Sophie Callahan, and Anvi Kakar.
Rotarians were inspired and impressed with the 2024 Class of RYLA leaders!
At 7:00pm, the meeting concluded with a reminder of next week’s meeting with Daryl Williams presenting a program on “Emergency Preparedness”.
Respectfully submitted,
Charlene Zettel
