President Jim Reid called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Together, we recited the 4-Way Test and appreciated today’s meeting volunteers: Pat Chaffee & Katie Hunter (front desk); Bill Brehm (photographer) for room setup, our three new members (highlighted tasks), and Barb Alberts (Scribe).
Dave Fitter (Greeter) helped us recognize our guests and we welcomed them with our song. Susan Lewallen led us in the Pledge that she prefaced with stirring commentary. Paul Courtright offered personal testimony about the impact of, and inspiring written words by, the late statesman of peace and reconciliation former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela.
Some signups and attendance talk followed visiting Rotary President Marty Greenwald’s requested support for RB Sunrise Club’s Beernardo festival on 10/21/23.
Barb Alberts shared the Vines & Vittles 2024 grant strategy for securing $27,000 funding. She announced one $9,000 City award and two pending government requests.
Club social at Poway Symphony Orchestra is on November 19 at 4:00 PM. For Rotary seating buy tickets in person at the box office (Fridays Noon-5 pm / Saturdays 10 am-3 pm.)
Welcome back to Marty Judge, who delivered an interesting Who Am I talk and received his Gold Badge from Sponsor Don Glover and President Jim.
Bob Vaughn congratulated and presented Lee Proimos with his second Paul Harris Award while we appreciated Lee’s generous commitment for supporting RI projects.
Newly-appointed Family of Rotary correspondent, Sandie Dewane, gave an encouraging update on John O’Neill’s recovery and requested that members keep her informed when Rotarians are facing challenges. Relief and cheer followed Ken Heinz’s news of his wife Jeanne’s very good surgery results. Ken was grateful for the club’s support pre- and post-surgery.
The Camel’s Hair Challenge continued as the funny comments kept the fundraiser for club operations entertaining.
Our new Happy Bucks leader and “fill-in” Fine Master, Bob Vaughn, collected some good fines while being quick with a good comeback for a fine challenge in jest. A bit pressured on time, Bob still managed to collect some terrific happy statements and buck$.
Michael Ortiz introduced guest speaker Blair Shamel, who educated us on the history and current therapeutics for Prostate Cancer. With over 30 years advising biotechnology and therapeutics companies developing and marketing highly valued clinical products for cancer patients, in layman’s terms Blair told us important facts for making us wiser patients and advocates. Evident that many of us appreciated what we learned and came away empowered, there were many questions for Blair after Mike Fuqua extended our appreciation for his talk and had him sign a gifted library book for B.H.M.S. students.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Alberts
