Rotary Club Scribe Notes – 10/7/21
By Sandie Dewane
Co-President Alex Robertson called this evening’s meeting to order. Jim Hyldahl led us in the Pledge and Jan Goldsmith’s Inspirational message truly was an inspiration to all! Alex, filling in as Greeter this evening, introduced 3 Visiting Rotarians, and 6 Guests. We joined Joel Doss in singing the welcome song.
Alex thanked tonight’s volunteers: Bill Angus, Newsletter Editor; Bill Brehm, Sgt at Arms, assisted by his wife Sandy; Pat Chaffee and Joel Doss, Front Desk; James Kaspar, Photographer; Alan Turner, Zoom Manager; Dave Brooks, Operations Manager; Sandie Dewane, Scribe.
Mike Fuqua reported that last March he was contacted by Rotarian friends from India who he met when he, Patty, Barb & Charley Crew and Didi & Gary Saks traveled there to help with polio prevention. His friend expressed how dire the COVID situation was in India and asked for help to purchase items for COVID kits to be distributed in the villages. Mike started fundraising immediately thereafter and happily reported that over $34,000 was raised! He showed photos of the kit items and noted that our Club’s logo appears on some of the items. He also showed a brief video of Rotary masks being handed out to students at a crowded girls’ school, with deplorable conditions. Our donations to fund reusable sanitary pads will make an on-going difference in ensuring that the girls won’t have to miss school during menstruation.
The Rotary Foundation Chair Bob Vaughn had the pleasure of presenting Paul Harris pins to Bill Brehm ($5,000) and Co-President Athenea Luciano ($3,000). Congratulations and thank you, Bill and Athenea! Bob announced that the #5340 Rotaract clubs are holding a “Walk to End Polio” on Sunday, October 24th at Balboa Park. Registration starts at 7:00 a.m., the 3.5 mile walk at 8:00 a.m. $30 donation includes breakfast burritos & beverages. Past RI President John Matthews and wife will match up to $250 per club for End Polio donations. Bob said that in addition to the Paul Harris Society, Rotary now has a Polio Plus Society and it requires a donation of $100/year to be a member.
Jim Reid reported that all 28 tickets reserved for Rotary have been sold, but tickets are still available through the Poway Symphony and the Poway Performing Arts center websites.
Jim Hyldahl reminded us that the Oaks North Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, November 6th. He was happy to report that the RB Swim & Tennis Club is on board as a new community service project for our Club.
Arilla St. Laurent’s Family of Rotary report was brief as she informed us that Steve LaPointe is having more tests to determine a diagnosis. Quickly changing into our Illustrious Fine Mistress, she mentioned that she had no fines today, but was accepting happy bucks. Several people were generous including Scott Lawn, Visiting Rotarians Barbara and Mark Alberts, Bob Vaughn, Alan Turner, Co-President Alex, Co-President Athenea who gave $10 for each of the 16 ladies present in person and on Zoom, Bill Brehm, Bartender Leo and Mike Fuqua who asked for others to join his $50 donation to End Polio and 6 members responded!
Co-President Athenea introduced speaker Walter Lam, leader of Alliance for African Assistance since 1989 and member of Rotary Club 33. He told us about the services offered by the Alliance. As a refugee from Northern Uganda, Walter understands the hardships faced by millions of refugees worldwide.
The focus of his presentation was about the 53,000 Afghan refugees who will be settling in the U.S. – 5,255 in California and 510 in San Diego. Walter was contacted by the State Department because of his work with the Alliance and his connections to Rotary and faith-based organizations in San Diego. He told us that approximately 73 families will be moving here and that the family sizes range from 4 to 10 members, which presents an immediate obstacle for housing because of the costs of renting and size of available spaces. Each refugee is given $1,250 by the government, which doesn’t go very far. The asylum process is slow and prevents the refugees from securing employment until they have been granted asylum. Immediate needs are adequate housing ensuring that families can stay together, prescription drug funding, completed applications for asylum- attorneys required, education, language and cultural solutions, employment.
Walter mentioned that he spoke to his Rotary Club about his challenge in helping the Afghan refugees and to date $35,000 was raised by them. He also contacted La Jolla Presbyterian Church and a donation of $50,000 was matched, increasing the total to $100,000, plus an additional $60,000 has since been received from the church! Numerous in-kind donations have also been received. He is planning to reach out to other Rotary Clubs and organizations throughout San Diego County. Wonderful presentation!
Co-President Athenea announced that our next meeting is at noon on October 14th. Chris Romero will be speaking on the Outreach Program.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane, Scribe