Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2022
President Athenea Luciano rang the bell to open our evening meeting and led us in reciting the Four Way Test.
Mark Alberts led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
For the Inspirational Thought, John O’Neill told us about the family history of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine. This survivor of survivors came from a family persecuted by Nazis since 1941.
New member Frank De Francesco introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests. One of them was Simone St. Laurent who is in town from New York City visiting her Mom, Arilla.
Jim Hyldahl reported that our cleanup at Westwood was very well attended and that we collected 30% more than we had at other events.
We collected more used toys than usual because of the younger Westwood demographic. Mary Beth Doss drives a donation to be repurposed.
Rotary Foundation Chair Bob Vaughn asked for help in achieving 100% participation in the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” program by contributing $100. President Athenea announced that we would be opening the doors to our meetings earlier at 11:15 am to allow for more social interaction. She also has volunteered to head up the Social Committee for the ’22-’23 Rotary year.
President-elect Jim Reid invited us to attend the next Poway Symphony concert. The third concert of the season will be on Sunday, May 29, 2022; it will offer a program of popular favorites. The highlight will be the “Fantasia para un gentil hombre” by Joaquin Rodrigo with guest artist Fred Benedetti on guitar. Also included are the two suites from “l’Arlésienne” by Georges Bizet and “España” by Emanuel Chabrier. Purchase tickets at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts box office by calling 858-748-0505 or online at www.powaycenter.com . The Box office is open Fri 12-5, Sat 10-3 and one hour before the concert.
Vines & Vittles fundraiser chair Mike Fuqua said tickets will be available at club meetings and online at https://vinesandvittlesfestival.com/
Arilla said that the Family of Rotary is well! She welcomed back Terry Hunter who has completely recovered from her eye surgery.
Barb Alberts gave her Who Am I. Barb has worked as a grant writer and for organizations that improve mental health and combat domestic violence.
Gary Saks introduced our program, the musical duo of Larry Okmin and Kathy Shoemaker.
They played many Duke Ellington pieces including his orchestra’s signature tune “Take the A Train”, which was written by Billy Strayhorn in 1939.
As a speaker’s gift, Jim presented them with a book titled How to Build a Human.
Athenea adjourned today’s meeting at 7:15 pm.