Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo
November 5, 2020 Meeting Notes by Sandie Dewane, Scribe
President Alex Robertson called the Zoom meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. and we recited the Rotary 4-Way Test with him. Pat Chaffee led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Dan Barrios inspired us with a series of quotes, including one of his own about the Rotary Foundation. Joel Doss was today’s virtual greeter and sang the Welcome Song for our guests. President Alex thanked today’s volunteers: Mike Fuqua-Zoom Setup; Sandie Dewane-Scribe; and Bill Angus-Newsletter publisher.
Gary Saks was pleased to introduce Michael Rennie, CEO of Poway OnStage and RB Sunrise Rotary member. Gary spoke about the importance Poway OnStage has in our community, especially through its youth programs and activities. He “presented” a $1,000 check to Michael on behalf of the Club Foundation. Michael told us about the popularity of the youth programs and explained that all programs are now done virtually. An example of a current virtual “fieldtrip” is The Nutcracker, which includes its history, a building tour of the theater, excerpts from the show, and enhancements such as how to design a set and costumes.
Don Glover gave a report on the recent End Polio Now Skydive that took place on 10/31/20, with jumpers Don, Mike Stelman, President Alex, Joel Doss, Mike & Heidi Ortiz plus polio survivor and Honorary Club member Jo Casterline, who rode in the plane with them. Also attending were over 30 Rotarians and friends cheering on the jumpers from the ground! It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone had a great time, especially Don, who was celebrating his 80th birthday! Our Club raised over $5,000 for End Polio Now and will total over $15,000 thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s matching funds.
Mike Stelman reported on the Poinsettia Fundraiser and said we have sold 150 cases thus far – double from last year’s sales. Orders will be placed on 11/16. He thanked the members who own trucks for volunteering their time to help with deliveries on 12/5.
Arilla reminded members to shop in participating stores to support the Couch Potatoes program and for those who shop at Major Market to save the receipts as they will need to be submitted in early January.
Our wonderfully illustrious Fine Master, John O’Neill was introduced and received an impressive chorus of boos and jeers. He questioned if we had been rehearsing it. He went directly into Happy Bucks and received pledges from Mike & Karen Stelman, Brian Flaherty, Cheryl Roop, Maguy Feghali, and Jim Hyldahl.
Jim Hyldahl announced that RB Sunrise has invited our Club to join them in packing Comfort Bags for the sailors awaiting redeployment on the USS Roosevelt. The packing is set for Veterans Day, November 11th, from 3-6 p.m. at the Ed Brown Center in the RB Community Park. Please let Jim know if you would like to participate.
Today’s program consisted of two “Who Am I” presentations by Dan Malloy and Mike Fuqua. Following is my “Readers Digest” version of their talks:
Dan Malloy. Dan was born in California and lived in different communities throughout the state, eventually settling in Poway in 1979 with his wife, Sharon and family. Dan and Sharon met at an accounting class in 1961, resulting in marriage in 1963. Before going into accounting full-time, Dan had jobs as a jackhammer operator and lumberjack, among other things.
After receiving his CPA certification, he worked for Arthur Young & Company, followed by years as Financial Officer at various companies. He joined Dickerson, Rix & Company in 2006. His community service activities include Boy Scout Troop Treasurer; Poway High School Redevelopment Foundation member for the school’s new track and field; and certified U. S. Soccer Referee. He joined our Club in 2002, Ed Knight was his sponsor. Dan helped to organize six District 5340 Music Camps, he became Club Foundation Treasurer in 2006 and was Club President in 2008-2009. Dan & Sharon moved to RB in 2015. Thank you, Dan – the club members benefit from your professional expertise and willingness to serve!
Mike Fuqua. Mike was born at San Diego Naval Hospital in 1950 and relayed that being raised in San Diego then was great and very much like the TV show “Happy Days”. He graduated from Hoover High School and San Diego State. He met wife Patty on a blind date on 12/31/70 and they were married in 1972. They moved to Utah where Patty found a teaching position and Mike was hoping to become a Forest Ranger, however he soon discovered that his job opportunities were limited. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Navy beckoned and he went to Officer Candidate & Flight School. He earned his wings in Imperial Beach and became a flight instructor. Their first home was in Chula Vista. They have a son and daughter.
His navy career took him all over the world through assignments and deployments. He credits Patty with the wonderful job she did in holding everything together with the kids and home when he was away from for long periods of time. After he retired from the Navy, Mike was employed in the aerospace industry and was with Northrup Grumman in RB for 12 years as Director of International Business. He and Patty retired at the same time and enjoyed family time and traveling. He joined Rotary after he met Don Glover while golfing and the rest is history. Mike said he loves all things Rotary, especially the camaraderie that is similar to his past squadron experiences. Mike is Past President of our Club, Vines & Vittles Chair, Club Foundation president and the list goes on! At the end of Mike’s presentation, he had a surprise from Dan Barrios who recognized Mike as achieving Major Donor status in the Paul Harris Society. Congratulations!
President Alex reported that Remembrance Poppies are available for a donation and suggested that members wear them to next week’s meeting. Joel Doss will have them at his home for members to pick up. Dan Malloy requested that those who have made pledges for Matching Gifts should send in their checks so the accounts can be closed out.
Next week’s evening meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. The Zoom line will be open about 5:10 for socializing. The program will be presented by Leah Watson, CEO of GRACE (Girls Rising Above Child Exploitation).
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane
