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RB Rotary – December 17, 2020 Meeting Notes
By Sandie Dewane, Scribe
After a lively social time, President Alex Robertson called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. Bill Brehm led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vern Cook gave the Inspirational Message and Virtual Greeter Jim Hyldahl welcomed today’s guests: Lisa Friedrichs from RBHS, Connie Alvarez, Past District Governor Marty Peters from Del Mar and Max Gurney from the Torrey Pines Club. Max is responsible for introducing President Alex to Rotary. Joel Doss welcomed them in song. President Alex thanked Mike Fuqua, Zoom set-up; Sandie Dewane, Scribe and Bill Angus, Newsletter editor.
A very hairy Santa a/k/a Don Glover had the pleasure of doing a special Foundation presentation to Lisa Friedrichs in the amount of $500. Lisa mentioned that this is the first year in her history as Music Director at RBHS that the Madrigals have not performed. Through the magic of technology and hard work on the part of individual choir members, Lisa showed a video of the Madrigals performing “Lullabye”. It was beautiful!
President Alex announced that Sandie Dewane is Rotarian of the Month. Thank you, Alex, from today’s scribe! Thanks to Alan Turner for mailing the End Polio bumper stickers to the membership.
Arilla St. Laurent did not have any Family of Rotary news, but thanked everyone who donated pajamas for foster children. She and Dave Brooks delivered 47 sets of PJs from our Club! Next up was the man we lovingly boo and hiss at each week – John O’Neill, wearing a great Christmas shirt. He went right into Happy Bucks and numerous members were happy to part with their money for various reasons! Aubrey announced that the RB Inn is hosting a drive-by Food and Toy Drive on Wednesday, 12/23 from 4-6 p.m. Food donations should be unperishable and toys unwrapped.
Jan Goldsmith gave his “Who Am I”. He was born and raised near New York City in a diverse neighborhood with lots of Italians. Some of the New York odd jobs he had along the way – washing windows in January (brrrr); McDonald’s where he “invented” the Big Mac and driving taxi. Jan went to college in Washington D.C., worked for Senator Ed Muskie while there; drove cross-country in a 1966 red VW to attend USD Law School where he met Christine, his wife of 46 years! He wisely chose not to back to New York to finish law school and he and Christine graduated from USD Law School together. His career included: practicing law; Poway City Council member and Mayor, 3 terms in the State Legislature; appointment to the Bench and was a Judge for 10 years; and elected as San Diego City Attorney for two terms. Jan was interested in becoming a newspaper columnist even though he didn’t have any experience in journalism, being on the opposite side of the media. His award-winning column “Someone San Diego Should Know” appears on a regular basis in the U-T. He and Christine have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.
President Alex and his long-time friend and Rotarian, Max Gurney – age 99 years and 6 months, gave a unique interview-style presentation about the interesting life of Max, a WWII Veteran. Max was born 6/10/21 in Frankfurt, Germany, was educated in Switzerland and is multi-lingual. He enlisted in 1942 and was trained in the U. S. and served as a cryptographer to General Patton. He was employed as a Senior Director for PanAmerican Airlines in Southern France/Monaco and while there became acquainted with Princess Grace, Prince Rainier and family and remains close to Prince Albert, who named Max “Honorary Counsel of Monaco.” Max met his beautiful Scottish-born wife, Kay, in Rome and they were married in 1951 at a home in Portofino, Italy owned by Rex Harrison, who was a witness at their wedding. Max and Kay were married for 54 years before she passed away. Max also had the opportunity to meet Winston Churchill and his wife over drinks at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. Max first joined Rotary while in the Bahamas many years ago. He talked about Rotary and the importance of it to him and the world. Thanks to President Alex and Max for this super program!
Dan Barrios presented three Paul Harris awards on behalf of The Rotary Foundation to: Phil Warner, Terry Heck and Toby Westbrook. Congratulations, gentlemen!
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. A Foundation presentation will be made to San Diego Youth Services and Bob Rogers will be speaking on the Polio Plus program. President Alex wished everyone a happy holiday season and best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year!
Holiday dress observations as seen from this scribe: Gary Saks in a self-described blue/white “Hannukah” shirt; numerous members (Alex, Vern, Don G., Jim Hyldahl, Sonny, Diane Remick) wearing Santa hats; Bill Brehm, Alan Turner and Doug Dawson wearing shirts with holiday ties; Terry Heck’s very cute Elf costume; John O’Neill’s subtle Christmas shirt; Bob Vaughn’s red shirt; Phil Warner’s “Grisswold Family Christmas” t-shirt; Jan Goldsmith’s Padres red t-shirt; Sonny Googins, Pat Chaffee, Joel Doss, Dan Barrios and Mike Fuqua’s holiday sweaters; Don Glover’s very hairy Santa Beard; Arilla’s wintry scarf; Dave Brooks’ red plaid shirt; Shirley Napierala and Max Gurney’s red sweaters. Yours truly wore red/white earmuffs decorated with candy canes, which caused much discussion about what I was wearing! Thanks to everyone for celebrating our last meeting of the year in style.
Warm holiday wishes to all,
Sandie Dewane, Scribe
