Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo
September 7, 2023, Meeting
Scribe notes by Sandie Dewane
President Jim Reid rang the bell and called the meeting to order. We recited the 4 Way Test together. New (returning) member Marty Judge, before leading us in the Pledge, pointed out that he was wearing a camel hair jacket, as was President Jim. He told us that in researching the making of the flag, Betsy Ross used camel hair as thread. President Jim quipped that “he remembered reading that Betsy kept a camel in her garage.” (Gentlemen – is it the truth????)
President Jim thanked today’s volunteers: Greeter and Pledge – Marty Judge, Inspirational Message – Christine Testa; Scribe-Sandie Dewane; AV-Dave Brooks; Front Desk – Pat Chaffee, Joel Doss; Sgt. At Arms room set up Bill Brehm (photographer) along with Joel Doss and crew.
Marty introduced 9 guests and Joel led us in singing our unique Welcome Song. An excellent inspirational message was given by Christine Testa. Focusing on our inner child and free spiritedness that she encouraged us to practice in adult hood.
A wonderful photo tribute to our beloved member and friend, Arilla St. Laurent was shown. Special thanks to photographers James Kaspar and Bill Brehm for the photos and to Dave Brooks for creating the photo collage. Arilla’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Church, with a reception to follow at The Heights Country Club.
Bob Vaughn, representing The Rotary (International) Foundation, presented Thomas Murphy with his first Paul Harris award. Congratulations, Tom!
Vista Hill Board member Barb Crew reported that Vista Hill does two fundraisers a year. One is the fashion show and the other is an author presentation/luncheon and both are usually held in Mission Valley. She was excited to tell us that the Author’s event will be held at RB Oasis, thanks to Alan Turner. The date is November 10, 2023, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Author Jean M. Twenge will talk about her book “iGen” which studies the lifestyles, habits and values of Americans born from 1995-2012. They are the first generation to reach adolescence after smartphones became widespread.
Dave Brooks, wearing two hats, mentioned a matching gift for the Poway Symphony Orchestra and the upcoming RB Community Foundation’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon which falls on Thursday, November 16th. The Heights Golf Club is unavailable to Rotary on that date and it is Dave’s hope that our club will have a good showing at the luncheon.
President Jim said he will be riding with Sonny Googins in the Poway Rotary Parade on Saturday. Bob Lutticken, Abraxas teacher and son of our own Judy Lutticken, is the Parade Grand Marshall.
The Club’s Fireside Chat is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the offices of the Lucia Financial Group in Rancho Bernardo.
Scott Butler gave his “Who Am I” today. A proud father of 7 children, Scott began his presentation by circulating photos of his family. He told us how his involvement with sports influenced him and that he learned from his experiences. Scott has a soft spot for the elderly and religion is an important part of his life.
Don Glover reported that his wife, Cathy, had a double knee replacement and is doing very well. She hopes to be at next week’s meeting. Yay Cathy!
Bob Vaughn, stepping in for Athenea Luciano, did a fine job of extracting Happy Bucks from several members.
Terry Heck introduced tonight’s speaker, Vicky Zien of Anvil of Hope. Vicky’s presentation was riveting as she told us her story of growing up in poverty, the oldest of 5 children to a single mother and the prejudice her family experienced. Her mother worked two jobs to support the family, but always welcomed relatives and friends by giving them a meal or place to stay. With 4 younger siblings, Vicky had to pitch in and help her mother, thereby missing her own childhood. (Vicky was especially touched by Christine’s inspirational message tonight about how as adults we should try to focus on our inner child and free-spiritedness.)
Due to the example set by her mother, Vicky always wanted to help families in poverty, especially the children, to give them a fair chance at life. Anvil of Hope was co-founded by Vicky and her husband, Peter Zien. It became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in March 2020 and focuses on families in Southeast San Diego as the need is so great there. She is seeking donations and volunteer tutors. Terry Heck thanked Vicky and explained that as a speaker’s gift, our Club is donating a book in her name to Bernardo Heights Middle School.
With the ringing of the bell, the meeting was adjourned.
Sandie Dewane, Scribe
