RANCHO BERNARDO ROTARY
ZOOM MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2021
Club President Alex Robertson opened the meeting at 11:02 am, led attending members in reciting the Four-Way Test, and welcomed Benita Page to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Benita displayed an American Flag that her Granddaughter brought back from Afghanistan where she served in 2009. Past District Governor, Mike Stelman, gave the inspirational message quoting Mother Teresa on completing the many duties that life presents to us. Before turning the meeting over to the Virtual Greeter, President Alex personally welcomed Simone McCune, President of the Romana Rotary Club. Vern Cook is the official Greeter today, introducing our speaker Mara Morrison. Joel Doss led members in singing (members muted) the Welcome Song.
Mike Fuqua presented a Foundation award to Judy Blackford from “Gently Hugged”. This was a $2,000 Matching Grant award initiated by Benita Page. Gently Hugged gathers distributes used clothing and baby materials to military families and other needy community members.
Vern Cook said he had been trying to reach Judy about donating yarn. Sonny said that the Casa de las Campanas Knitters Club would gratefully accept the yarn and turn it into baby items which they, in turn, could donate to Gently Hugged.
John Goodrich spoke of objectives for the “Diversity and Action” Committee. Members of this Committee are: Mike Fuqua, Jim Hyldahl, Jim Reed, Terry Heck, Doug Dawson and Michael Ortiz. The primary issue they would address is the inequality of races, but have added the objective of having a more diverse membership in our club. They have recognized that this is a problem “much larger than Rotary”. He would like the Club members to think of a project that would benefit a minority community to “demonstrate who we are and that they too can be a part of something good”, and making this be a learning experience for Club members. Part of that education is securing speakers on these issues, like our speaker today, to broaden our knowledge of what the problems are and what impact we could have toward solving those problems. Now that the basis has been established, John welcomes all Club members to join or sit in on the committee meetings and offer ideas for the committee. The Committee meets on Zoom every Tuesday at 2:00pm. Let John know if you are interested and he will send a Zoom invitation.
For Family of Rotary, Arilla St. Laurent said that Johanna Mullin broke her wrist and some ribs, but is on the mend, and attending todays’ meeting. Arilla also asked anyone with Major Market receipts to get them to her so she can turn them in the to close the quarter.
President Alex asked members to un-mute in order to welcome our Illustrious Fine Master, John O’Neill. A robust round of “boo’s” greeted John. No fines today, so straight to Happy Bucks. Bill Brehm, Gary Saks, Patrick Chaffee, Benita Page, Bob Vaughn, Alex Robertson, Dave King, Arilla St. Laurent and Athenea Luciano were all Happy today.
President Alex reminded the members that Don Glover had retired from the Club Foundation Board earlier in the year, and Mike Fuqua volunteered to fill his place on that Board. Don has indicated he is now retiring from the Club Board. Jim Reed has volunteered to step in and fill Don’s place on the Board for the rest of the year. A confirmation vote from the membership is required. It was proposed that Jim Reed be confirmed to join the Board. A show of hands was taken and approval was unanimous. Jim said he was pleased to serve on the Board for the rest of the year. President Alex thanked Don for his service on those boards and in the club. Don has recruited many new members and served actively. Don said he looks forward to his continuing membership and service to our Club.
Terry Heck introduced todays speaker: Mara Morrison, Director of Marketing and Development for San Diego Youth Services. Mara has a wide career in business and foundations, and has been with San Diego Youth Services for 15 years. Mara shared power point about the services offered, and video clips of youth benefitting from these services designed to build futures and empower Homeless youth and young adults. This is a 50 year anniversary for Youth Services. Programs include Intervention Services, Foster Care and Adoption Support, Transitional Housing, Survivors of Sex Trafficking, and a lead position for the Voices of Youth Count Program.
Terry Heck presented the Speakers Book: “Irene’s Children”.
President Alex thanked the volunteers for today: Mike Fuqua for the Zoom set up, Rz Norris was scribe, and Bill Angus does the Newsletter. He also thanked Terry Heck, Mike Fuqua and John Goodrich for bringing Mara Morrison in to speak today.
Patrick Chaffee gave a brief summary for the Happy Bucks: From July 1 to 12/31, 2020, Happy Bucks pledged and paid $15,654 total. $5,654 benefitted the Club, while $9,762 went to the Rotary Foundation.
Dan Barrios reminded the members that the annual member donation to the Foundation is $100, and he hopes to have a 100% Club participation again this year. Dan also awarded a Paul Harris pin to Bill Brehm.
Next weeks’ meeting, January 21st, at 11:00 am, will feature Dr. Richard Miller; Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at USD.
The Board meeting will take place at about 1:15 pm.
Club President Elect will attend a virtual PETs (President Elect Training) meeting in March.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:35 pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Rz Norris.
