The social time before the formal meeting was fun. Arilla was accused of showing up as Lady Gaga with her shiny really pink wig. A lesson from Bill Brehm on Alaskan fish, from King Salmon, Halibut, and a 40 lb. delicacy Cod-all hovering menacing over his shoulder in his Zoom background. President Alex described fishing in South Africa as it lies between the warm and cold oceans, prolific fishing and home of many great white sharks. Golf followed with our lady golfers on the courses. President Alex describing the Scottish Pound Note that has The Golden Bear, Jack Nicolas images, the only non-Scot to appear on their paper money. He keeps one in his wallet, hoping to run into Jack to give it to him!
President Alex convened the meeting at 11:03, leading us in the Four-Way Test.
Joe Leventhal preceded the Pledge with information about George Washington. He first ran for the position in the House of Burgess in Virginia and lost. He won his second attempt. The rest is history.
An outstanding Inspirational message from Connie Alvarez who found inspiration in our new Secretary of State and the first black woman to hold that office, Shirley Weber, sworn in on January 9, 2021. Shirley spent her life in the service of others. An Assembly member from the 79th District since 2012-2020 before her election. She achieved a BA. MA and PHD from San Diego State. She was an advocate for those who could not fight for themselves for better education, and quality of life. Past President Dave King, Greeter, scouted out guests and among them was Karen from Poway Rotary who is known to many members. Joel Doss, in his best voice and rhythmic baton welcomed all in good voice. Volunteers were thanked: Zoom Master, Mike Fuqua, Scribe, Sonny Googins, Newsletter, Bill Angus. Special thanks to John Goodrich for taking over for Pres. Alex when his sound conked out last meeting.
Arilla had us celebrating Jan. and Feb. Birthdays. Bill Brehm had his 70th, this day; Connie on Jan 31st. Sorry-one more but name not caught. The Birthday song filled the air, with Joel leading. John O'Neill forgave us fines. Members responded with Happy Bucks totaling over $400, a number for those getting their final Covid vaccine.. Dan Barrios announced that Jo Casterline achieved her 3d Paul Harris Tier pin.
Announcements:
Feb. 24- 6:00 pm-Immediate PastPresident Mike Maloney will speak about Rotary this past year and what he believes the future holds for Rotary
Bob Vaughn reminded us: "Check out The Mars Landing today."
Every day we see more and more signs that we are starting to return to "normalcy". One sure indicator is Rotarians back out in the community helping people and fulfilling their calling to be "people of action". Here is the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club “team” under the direction of Jim Hyldahl with coordination from Alan Turner(Seven Oaks) and Don and Cathy Glover(Mirador) that mounted 19 new Neighborhood Watch Signs in the Seven Oaks Community and 2 in the Oaks North Community of Mirador. This is the second time in the last few years that Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club has mounted Neighborhood Watch Signs and we are available to any other Rancho Bernardo Community that needs assistance in mounting such signs.SPEAKER, introduced by Michael Ortiz: SUSAN WINTERSTEEN, Savvy Giving by Design, Founder.
What began as a single venture to help one child with cancer have a better home environment after and during radiation and other treatments, exists today with Chapters in 15 states. She formed a Board of Directors of a coalition of designers in the industry who donate their talent and coordination with vendors to rehabilitate their children's rooms. Susan told us she heard from a "friend of a friend" of a child in need. The suggestion that her room need rehabbing to help provide a comforting place while being treated and recovering . She grew this non-profit with her designer friends. We saw photos of child after child react to their 'new digs', bright, cheery, favorite children's personally chosen themes ranging from Batman to Disney, Science, etc. They work with families of children from 18 months to 18 years old. Susan runs her own design firm, plus conducting her Savvy Giving by Design, non-profit and balances a family of 5 daughters. This project was very personal with her husband having been a cancer patient. Average cost is maxed at $6500, takes a Monday to Friday week to the "Big Reveal" when the child sees it on the Friday! The largest population is minority families. Wow...and thank you, Susan.
Terry Heck presented the book "The Finest Hours"
Next meeting: 25th of February, 11:00 a.m. John O'Neill to introduce: Lee Wills, Head of Talent Acquisition & Inclusion at SONY Corp.
Sonny Googins, Scribe
The 1st pictures coming out of Mars and thankfully there's a local club! They don't meet until next week though!