Rotary Meeting on July 1, 2021
Scribe Notes by Sandie Dewane
With great excitement, anticipation and camaraderie our club members met in person for the first time in over a year! The meeting also had a Zoom component, thanks to the technology expertise of Alan Turner and Dave Brooks. The evening meeting began at 6:00 p.m., with social time and sit- down dinner served prior to start of the meeting.
Co-Presidents Athenea Luciano and Alex Robertson called the meeting to order. Dave Brooks led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Mike Fuqua inspired us with his message. Greeter Bill Brehm, microphone in hand, worked the room and welcomed every guest. A smiling Joel Doss led us in singing the Welcome Song.
Thanks were given to Zoom Master Alan Turner and Operations Manager Dave Brooks for all the hours they put in ahead of tonight’s hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting; Scribe Sandie Dewane; Newsletter Editor Bill Angus; and Front Desk Volunteers Jeanne Hawkins, Pat Chaffee and Joel Doss; Decorations/treats Arilla St. Laurent.
The Board officers and directors were called to the podium to receive their official badges for 2021/22. Athenea Luciano and Alex Robertson, Co-Presidents; Alan Turner, President Elect; Jeanne Hawkins, Secretary; Pat Chaffee, Treasurer; and Bill Brehm, Sgt. At Arms. Directors Mike Fuqua, Dave Brooks, Bob Vaughn, Past President Dave King (absent).
Jim Hyldahl announced that the Seven Oaks community cleanup event was a huge success! He thanked the over 30 volunteers who worked that day and stressed the importance of Community Service in our own neighborhoods. Oaks North cleanup is scheduled in fall.
Mike Fuqua reported that the fund we started to help the Agra, India Rotary Club distribute COVID kits has reached $35,000!!
Arilla St. Laurent reported on Family of Rotary: She reminded us that our long-time friend and respected member, Ed Knight, passed away a few weeks ago and interment will take place in his home country of Canada. Our condolences go out to Charley Crew and family in the recent loss of his mother. Guest Ann Westbrook announced that her sister, who is also her best friend, is in serious condition due to a fall and she welcomes our prayers.
The ever-versatile Arilla next morphed into our Illustrious Fine Mistress (filling in for John O’Neill). She was a force to behold as she started fining people who weren’t wearing red as requested by Co-President Athenea; Jim Hyldahl was noticeable in a pink shirt, which he tried to pass off as red – and was promptly fined. The fines and happy bucks went on and on and this scribe was so caught up with the spectacle that many names weren’t recorded!
Alex introduced Co-President Athenea Luciano as tonight’s speaker. Athenea first joined Rotary in 2014. She became President of the Route 78 Rotary Club in 2016/17; Assistant Governor 2018/20 and PETS facilitator and District Conference Speaker.
Athenea gave an excellent and passionate presentation about her plans and goals for the coming year. “If the wheel isn’t broken, don’t fix it” is how she described our successful projects and programs that will continue, giving examples such as Poway Symphony; North County Interfaith, Neighborhood Cleanup at 7 Oaks & Oaks North; Poinsettia fundraiser, San Diego Blood Bank, RYLA. She also invited us to think creatively about new and innovative events and projects. Since our club is growing in diversity, in culture, in traditions as we have differences in backgrounds, ethnicities and ages, Athenea stressed upon all of us to be sensitive toward others as we all grew up differently and sometimes when things are said, it can be misunderstood from the actual meaning. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee formed this past year will continue under the leadership of Mike Ortiz. Examples: Abraxas High School and the Imperial Valley Project.
Athenea’s Key Goals: 1) “Quarterly Club Assembly” 2) “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or whatever social event – as long as no Rotary business takes place. Simply a chance to relax and get to know each other better. Lead – Jeanne Hawkins. 3) “Boots on the Ground” – Mike Fuqua, Lead. Coordinate, projects with other Clubs leveraging our resources and energy. 4) ”Fireside Chats” – Alan Turner, Lead. Opportunity for new members and seasoned members to learn about Rotary and our club’s history. 5) “International Projects” such as the India kits, polio vaccines and water projects. Athenea mentioned that Rotary 5340 has two trips planned – Guatemala in February 2022 and Kenya at the end of that year. She questioned if we want to join 5340 or do our own trip.
Rotary International’s focus this year is on empowering girls and young women to have greater access to education, better health care, more employment and equality in all walks of life, which should be imbedded in every Rotary project we launch. Athenea ended her presentation by thanking all of us for our generous time.
Jan Goldsmith suggested a new fundraiser – a softball game between our Club and the Sunrise Club. The way you make money is to get key sponsors and a worthwhile charity to be the recipient of the proceeds. We already have a pitcher – the one and only Don Glover!
Bob Vaughn, newly representing The Rotary (International) Foundation, recognized Mary Davis with a Paul Harris pin for donating $1,000 in her first year as a Rotarian. Congratulations, Mary!
Co-President Alex invited all those new members inducted into Rotary during his term and the last part of Past President Dave King’s term, to position themselves at the door to shake hands with everyone as they leave. Mary Doss, Mary Davis and Jan Goldsmith participated.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 8th. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., sit-down lunch served at 11:45 a.m., meeting begins between 12:15 and 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandie Dewane, Scribe
