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RB Rotary ZOOM Club Meeting
May 21, 2020
May 21, 2020
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President Dave King called the meeting to order at 11:05 am. Dave led us in reciting The Four-Way Test, “Is it the truth?, Is it fair to all concerned?, Will it build goodwill and better friendships?, Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Tom Kapocius led us in the pledge first reminding us our flag, Old Glory, is our symbol of freedom. The inspirational message was provided by Doug Dawson who shared a recent TV presentation entitled, “Graduate Together: America” honoring the high school class of 2020. Main theme was to engage graduates to take the ball and mend the ways of the world. James Baldwin stated,, “Not everything can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Lebron James encouraged seniors to spend time helping locally especially at this time in our country. President Obama added, “The old ways don’t work. If the world is going to get better it is up to you, the class of 2020.”
Don Glover introduced his guest, Bob Kaplan, currently a consultant to The Train Guys. Bob a neighbor who saw front page article in the Rancho Bernardo Journal last Thursday about the donations the club has made locally to several groups related to COVID-19 relief and indicated to Don he was interested in joining the club. We welcome Bob. Joel led us all in a “hearty” rendition of our Welcome Song to welcome Bob.
Dave King thanked volunteers, Mike Fuqua for setting up our Zoom meetings, Diane Remick, Scribe and Bill Angus newsletter.
Dave announced upcoming district activities including:
District Governor Virtual Red Badge Chat - 5/26/20 -12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
District 5340 COVID-19 Grants Virtual Celebration - 6/5/20 - 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
2020 Rotary International Virtual Convention - 5/20 - 8:00 am; 5/26 - 5:00 pm
District 5340 Virtual Governor’s Dinner - 6/29/20 - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Dave reported club needs two volunteers to attend Online Grant Training District grants due August 1. He will discuss with Doug about attendees. Alan Turner will be sending invites to our Red Badge members regarding attending the District Governor Red Badge Chat May 26th.
Patrick reminded us our fiscal year ends June 30th when the books close for this year encouraging all those needing to forward checks for fines and happy bucks to do so ASAP. Approximately $653 in happy bucks raised today. Boos when Arilla introduced not necessary today because she said she likes Happy Bucks over fines. We all agreed. Arilla tweaked our curiosity when she indicated she and John are discussing the “wildly” anticipated return of pink shirts for the handsome men in our club June 1. Stay tuned for more details.
Arilla reported John O’Neill is set for surgery and is doing well. Feels good. It was reported John Sullivan had knee surgery yesterday and doing well also. .
WHO AM I
Benita Page - Benita has lived at Casa de Las Campanas since 2013 and reports residents are getting excellent care during the COVID-19 crisis. No residents/staff have contracted the virus. When she saw some residents not eating their food delivered to their units April 1 Benita, carrying on the Rotary dedication to service to others began a project to collect the food donating 121 bags of food to Interfaith Community Services.
Benita is a member of several organizations including Casa Resident Association Executive Council. Served as treasurer for Casa Residents For Education initiating project to provide funds for low income elementary school libraries donating $9000 to nine Title 1 schools.
Benita graduated from Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio with a major in Business Administration and minor in Communication. A certified Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). Finished college one year ahead of youngest child.
Retired as Senior VP of Marsh & McLennan, world’s largest insurance broker/risk management firm with 35 years experience.
Involved in Rotary since 1989 joining La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club then RB Rotary after retirement serving as president 2016-2017, on Foundation Board for ten years and Club Board co-secretary since 2019. A Paul Harris Society member and major donor.
Co-president two years for RB AAUW branch. Board member RB Community Foundation as well as Gently Hugged. Served as president four years of SAY a private social services agency with an $800 million dollar budget.
Lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio. Traveled extensively (23 cruises). Traveled/camped in 38 states when children young.
Two sons and husband deceased. Has one son and grandson in Maryland and a daughter and two great-grandchildren in Florida. Encouraged at a young age by her mother who told her she could do anything. Husband a great support for whatever she chose to do. Favorites including volunteering, reading, theater, travel, great grandchildren and of course, Rotary.
Maguy Feghali - Maguy grew up in Lebanon in a middle class family with seven brothers and sisters. She is the mother of three “awesome” boys born in Monterey, California. Parents made education a priority. All attended college. Lived in Beirut in the winter and summer in their home town with extended family nearby. Attended Catholic schools and university. Fluent in English, Arabic and French. Married her American/Lebanese husband in 1984. Settling in Monterey, California. Taught at MISS (Monterey Institute of International Studies) then at Defense Language Institute.
Moved to Boone, North Carolina where she and her husband taught statistics and French respectively at Appalachian State University. Also taught economics at Watauga College. Attended seminars in behavior modification to be able to coordinate son’s therapy at home and school.
Plans changed when husband diagnosed with kidney cancer. Moved to San Diego and sought medical treatment at Scripps then moved to Bakersfield to be near family. Husband treated at UCLA. Unfortunately, husband passed away in 1999, ten months after diagnosis.
Built house in Bakersfield while teaching in math department at Cal State Bakersfield.
Sons grew up to he amazing men and big achievers. Peter lives in San Diego. Andrew lives in Houston. Sold Bakersfield home and moved to San Diego finding a part time job teaching statistics at Cal State San Marcos because of the close relationship between Peter and Mario who formed a deep bond.
Always wanted to join Rotary but never had time because several family members belonged. Thanks to Arilla I joined Rancho Bernardo Rotary.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 by President Dave who reminded us all that Monday is Memorial Day and a day he hopes we will all remember and honor those who have died in the sacrifice of our freedom we so richly enjoy every day and to all essential workers and their families who are sacrificing themselves everyday for us during the pandemic.