Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo May 29, 2014 Meeting Minutes

 

President Gary opened the meeting with another clever set of jokes, thanked all the volunteers and Greeter Jim Sommer introduced guests, of which there were many.  We were delighted to have several Jr's and 1 Sr. from Del Norte High School and RB High School along with counselors from their prospective schools.  They were the lucky ones selected to attend RYLA this year.  Troy Daum, the "Man in Charge", explained what RYLA is all about and had the students come up, introduce themselves and tell what they liked most about the camp.  What a great bunch of future leaders we are helping to mold.  RYLA has been supported in San Diego for 42 years!!

 

Sandie Dewane was kind enough to bring some bite size cakes to help celebrate the May birthdays.  We had several Rotarians and 2 students stand up as we sang Happy Birthday to them all.  Sandie supported one of our sponsors for the golf tournament by buying the goodies at "Nothing Bundt Cakes".

 

There was nothing new to report on the Family of Rotary but Karen announced that the Elephant Bar is closing its doors after many, many years in RB.  We will really miss them.  After the announcement, President Gary gave Karen a Rotary golf towel to thank her for working on so many club projects over the years.

 

There wasn't time for happy bucks but Sandie snuck in a quick $42 in celebration of her 42nd anniversary.

 

Our speaker sent a sad but inspirational message to our club.  His name is Azim Khamisa who spoke on "From Conflict to Unity", one of four books he has written after his 20 year old son was senselessly gunned down by a gang member who was only 14 years old at the time.  Through his grief came a positive message.  He learned to open his heart and find peace.   After 5 years of trying to make a new life after his only son was taken from him, he forgave the killer (who is behind bars for life) and began speaking on the healing powers and fulfillment he has achieved by forgiving this young man.  He opened a safe school model and teaches non violence lessons to keep "kids from killing kids".    It was a very moving, thought provoking message he delivered and it was such a coincidence that we had so many young students visiting us this day.  I'm sure they will never forget this wisdom and the kindness he showed for this man to befriend the killer and actually offer him a job if he is ever released from jail.

 

Our speaker next week with be a representative from Reality Changers for Disadvantaged Youth.  (Name TBA)

 

Our schedule for June is as follows:

June 12   -   Evening Meeting with Bruce Glassman and beer samples

         19   -   Dark for lunch and Demotion Party that evening at BHCC

         26  -    Family Day at BHCC - Kids are $10 for lunch

Aug   14  -    Kevin Faulconer, our new Mayor!

 

Parting Quote:  Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind - JFK

 

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Stelman, Scribe