Rancho Bernardo Rotary April 21, 2016 Meeting Minutes and Images by James Kaspar

Posted by Sandie Dewane 
on Apr 26, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The club will be serving dinner at Ronald McDonald House 2016 on these nights:
Tues, June 14
Tues, Aug 9
Wed, Oct 5
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo
Meeting Notes – April 21, 2016
 
President Arilla St. Laurent called the meeting to order. Don Glover prefaced leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance with remarks about Alexander Hamilton.  Dave Brooks gave the inspirational thought in the form of a poem since April is national poetry month.  “Sunny” Sonny Googins was today’s greeter and had the pleasure of introducing 5 guests.  She was brave enough to lead us in the Welcome Song.  Great job, Sonny!
 
President Arilla thanked the following volunteers:  Sgt-at-Arms Vern Cook and his set-up crew:  Judy Lutticken, Paul Donick and Dave Brooks.  Front Desk – Joel Doss; Club Administrator – Kathleen Smith; Secretary – Jeanne Hawkins;  Piano music – John Hawkins; Photographer – James Kaspar; Club newsletter – Bill Angus; and Scribe – Sandie Dewane.
 
In Mira Bozanich’s absence, Dave Books gave the “Family of Rotary” report. He recently spoke with Suzie Lisio who is now at home, having physical therapy and doing quite well.  Suzie sent along greetings to the Club.   Frances Blair was welcomed back after her latest health challenge.
 
President Arilla reminded us that Rotarians at Work day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th.  Our project is at the Boys & Girls Club of 4S Ranch where we will be transforming a large storage room into a game room.  About 20 volunteers are needed.  Please contact Mira Bozanich if you would like to help.  Arilla mentioned that volunteers are also needed from 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Balboa Park as part of District 5340 RAW Day.
 
Dave Brooks informed us that “our” student Omid Rooholfada took second place in the District 4Way Test Speech contest on April 20th.  Several of our club members were on hand to support him.  
 
Scott Robertson, our Club leader for the recent RYLA event, reported that this was a life-changing event for him and the 8 students who attended.  We will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from the students at our May evening meeting.  Hopefully we’ll get to hear the entire cheer they created as Scott shared just a bit of it with us.
 
Gary Saks reported that the Club Foundation fundraiser is going quite well and has already surpassed the amount raised at last year’s golf tournament.  There is still time to donate.
 
We had the pleasure of hearing from RZ Norris as she gave her “Who Am I” speech today.  In attendance were her husband, son and daughter – great family support!  President Arilla was thrilled to reclaim the red badge from RZ and present her with the permanent Gold Badge.  Congratulations, RZ!
 
Don Glover announced that Arilla’s Demotion Party is set for the evening of June 30th..  More details to follow.  John Kasser auctioned off an arrangement from Cozy Posies and Larry Saunders was the high bidder.
 
April showers bring May Flowers, but we have our wonderful John O’Neill who brings fines and happy bucks.  As usual, John jumped right in with the fines, starting with his own table as they were unable to attract a female to sit with them.  Better luck next time, fellas!  Happy Bucks were given by Ron Hunt, Don Glover, Larry Saunders, Dan Malloy, Sonny Googins and RZ Norris for various reasons.  President Arilla gave a few happy bucks “just because” which brought a gleam to Mr. O’Neill’s Irish eyes as he may use that phrase for future fines.  Members beware!
 
Dave Brooks and John O’Neill talked about the earthquake in Ecuador.  The situation is dire as over 550 people have died, numerous homes and resources have been destroyed and there have been hundreds of aftershocks.  Our club is donating a $1,000 shelter box for the victims.
 
Speaker Chair John Kasser introduced today’s program.  We were honored to have the  talented pianist and vocalist Vincent Young entertain us with the “Music of Broadway.”  All of us enjoyed Vincent’s musical expertise and humor.  Thanks, John for another great program.  The speaker’s gift was presented by the amazing Jim Hyldahl who, as usual, correlated the book title with the program.
 
Next week’s meeting is at noon and our guest speaker is Tomas Herrera-Mishler who is CEO of the Balboa Park Conservancy.
 
President Arilla closed the meeting by encouraging us to have lunch with a special person next Thursday by inviting them to Rotary.  Remember, the main reason people aren’t Rotarians is because they weren’t asked to attend a meeting.  With that, the meeting was adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane, Scribe