RB Rotary September 10, 2020 Virtual Meeting Minutes

Meeting Notes – RB Rotary Evening Meeting

September 10, 2020 by Sandie Dewane, Scribe

After a lively social time amongst members and guests, President Alex Robertson called the first evening Zoom meeting to order.  We began by joining him in reciting the Rotary 4 Way Test, followed by Shirley Napierala leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and new member Paul Heeter giving the Inspirational Message.

Virtual Greeter Vern Cook introduced several spouses and other guests and Joel Doss welcomed them with a solo serenade.  President Alex thanked the following volunteers:  Mike Fuqua- Zoom set up; Sandie Dewane- Scribe and Bill Angus- Newsletter Editor.

Arilla St. Laurent gave an update on the Couch Potatoes Fund Raiser in which we can raise money for the Club Foundation by shopping at home (from your couch) or in person at a store.  All we need to do is sign up for reward benefits with the participating stores and the proceeds go to the Foundation.  To date, the stores are:  Major Market, Amazon Smile, Ralphs’ Market and Food 4 Less.  She happily reported that a new crop of “Spuds” (mashed, baked or fried) has joined the Couch Potatoes.   More details can be found on Rotary Club Runner. Changing hats, Arilla welcomed Benita Page back to our Zoom meetings. 

Next up, was our Illustrious Fine Master John O’Neill, who was acknowledged with lots of “unmuted” boos and jeers.  However, no fines were levied, he simply asked for happy bucks in which the likes of Bob Vaughn, Doug Dawson, Jim Reid, Diane Remick, Vern Cook , Mike Fuqua, President Alex and Jim Hyldahl and others contributed.  Jim Hyldahl’s pledge was to recognize Past President Dave King for the fact that he survived an entire week in the woods with Doug Dawson!  It was immediately matched by Mike Fuqua, with John O’Neill wondering just how many bad jokes Dave had to endure that week.  Doug said he was not going to take the bait by commenting.

Jim Hyldahl reported that he was leading an effort to raise money for matching funds for the Poway Symphony Orchestra and expressed his appreciation to the 11 members of the Club who each donated $100.  

Club Foundation President Mike Fuqua thanked members for their generosity in donating funds for Lebanon as almost $3,200 was raised!  He also mentioned that the Foundation has approximately $50,000 available for future grants and matching gifts.  The deadline to apply for new grants and matching gifts is October 1, 2020 and Mike will be sending a memo to the membership regarding the process.

Bill Brehm introduced Debra Erickson, Marketing Director for San Diego Zoo Global.  Debra’s presentation was about the San Diego Zoo Kids TV Channel that is available 24/7 without any commercials or breaks.   Development of the TV channel started over 8 years ago when Debra was contacted by a nurse who worked in a cancer ward in Northern California. She told  Debra that she worked with children who received long-term chemotherapy and other treatments and would tell the families to bring a laptop or i-pad with them so she could set up the San Diego Zoo Panda Cam for them to watch during treatment.   The nurse explained that the kids who watched the Panda Cam, generally had less pain, needed less pain medication, had less depression and slept through the night.  Many of the caregivers referred to it as “Panda therapy.”  Debra received permission to post this story on Facebook and received 150 hits from people of all ages regarding the healing properties of PandaCam!

Fast forward to today - the San Diego Zoo Kids TV channel is in almost all Children’s Hospitals (except Loma Linda) and Ronald McDonald Houses in California.  It is in 47 states and 13 countries and has become a vital part of caregiving.  Research shows that hospitals using this Channel found that 83% of kids and parents were happy when watching the program. It brings hope, happiness, healing and learning to the kids and parents as it takes their minds off their illness.  Debra also mentioned that about 50 Assisted Living facilities now have it for their residents.  Bob Vaughn told Debra about the memory care place where his wife, Helen, had lived and asked if the Kids TV Channel would benefit them.   Debra graciously offered to donate the TV channel to the facility!  Bill Brehm, filling in for an ailing Terry Heck, did the virtual book presentation to Debra.

Next week’s Zoom meeting will be at 11:00 a.m.  The speaker will be Luis Pena from the San Diego District Attorney’s office – Human Trafficking Task Force.

Speaking in the Zulu language (we think), President Alex adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandie Dewane, Scribe