ROTARY CLUB OF RANCHO BERNARDO
May 12, 2022
Co-President Athenea sounded the opening bell, and led the gathering in reciting the Four Way Test. Frank De Francesco led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Jim Sommer leading the group in singing God Bless America. Russ Haskell gave the Inspirational Message.
The Greeter today was Vern Cook, who welcomed our guests, followed by the Welcome Song led by Joel Doss.
Mike Fuqua said he had received a Thank You note from the Ukraine Relief Fund for the $5000 contributed by the Club. Mike also said that the Vines and Vittles Web site was now able to offer tickets to that affair. Full Adult tickets are $40, Food only ticket $20, Kids tickets are $10.
Co-President Alex reviewed the Imperial Valley Project, which our Club supports with a District Matching Grant, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Calexico. This program aids in educating children of migrant workers by providing virtual lessons, in addition to in class lessons, as migrant families move around the country following work. The program is approved by the US Department of Education and provides basic skills through graduation.
After recognizing those members with health issues, Family of Rotary’s own Arilla encouraged members to donate blood for the Blood Bank, as supplies of blood are very low.
Our resident Fine Master, was greeted in the usual manner (BOO’S), then fined Bill Brehm “just because”. There were no other fines, but Happy Bucks a-plenty followed.
Red badger Jeff Grace was inducted into our Rotary Club. His sponsor was Diane Remick.
Bob Vaughn presented two Paul Harris Fellowship pins. He thanked both Arilla and Alex for their contributions to the Foundation. Bob also reminded us that if we had not made our $100 annual contribution to the Foundation to please do so before the end of this fiscal year.
The scheduled speaker, Steve Breen, had failed to arrive, so the members improvised. Joel Doss gave a “Who Am I?” talk. He was born in San Francisco, but his father was Navy, so they traveled around during his childhood. His first real job was in Calexico, where he worked on a produce farm for 20 years. That farm owner created “Fresh Express” bagged lettuce while he was there. Joel also tried cattle ranching and was a newspaper distributor in central California. He retired in Poway. Joel said he had not completed this “Who Am I?” requirement for membership previously and, technically, he wasn’t a Club Member. So following his talk, he was awarded his gold pin and welcomed into the club.
Terry Heckt continued the Club Update by giving a presentation on Rotary Youth Program opportunities. These programs have not been active during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The Rotary Youth programs included in our local high schools: The Four Way Test speech, Scholarship, Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, Music Scholarship, Model UN, LEAD, AVID and Interact. All of these programs are designed to help youth grow and expand their skills while preparing for college.
It was noted that our Club membership has expanded by 15 new Applications!
There being no further business, President Athenea closed the meeting after noting that next week, May 19th, is the Scholarship Presentation Program. Doors will open at 11:15, lunch service at 12:00. The meeting will begin a few minutes early.