Over 80 students from 22 schools gathered at the Del Mar Civic Center on March 23-24, 2024 for the 20th annual District 5340 Model United Nations. The delegates considered resolutions to mediate the loss of global biodiversity and to implement counter-terrorism measures to build a safer world. On Day 1 students gave ~2 minute speeches about the resolutions before breaking into caucus groups for closed-door negotiations. On Day 2, final amendments to the resolutions were made. Our own Don Fipps opened the meeting. The speaker panel featured Vice Admiral Charles Martoglio and Rotary Peace Scholar Bogdan Matuszynski. Thank you to Kathy Reed for organizing the food and volunteers and Klaus Gubernator for securing the venue and wrangling the audio/visual. Thanks as well to Sharon Schendel, Walt Strangman, Steven McDowell and Marty Peters for helping at the event. Click HERE to view photos from the day.
Matt Kurth
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Del Mar. I am honored to be president of our club for the Rotary Year 2023-2024. As a member of the Rotary Club of Del Mar for over 8 years, I have been incredibly fortunate to meet and make friends both here in San Diego and all over the world. Rotary is the premier service organization that takes an active, hands-on approach to solve local and international problems. Members of Rotary Club of Del Mar love to work together to improve the quality of lives in our community and spread that joy to our Rotary friends in Asia, Africa, America and Europe. Rotary projects focus on 7 areas of service:
- Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution.
- Disease Prevention and Treatment.
- Water and Sanitation.
- Maternal and Child Health.
- Basic Education and Literacy.
- Economic and Community Development.
- Supporting the Environment
To learn more and to make a difference in our community and the world, please join us at an upcoming meeting. We meet Thursdays at noon at Pacifica Del Mar. This video summarizes just a few of our recent projects.
Thank you and see you soon!
Matt Kurth
What’s Rotary?
Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.
Philippe and Dugan with a picture of a leopard Philippe took on safari. The flags of Uganda and Burundi are on the left and right, respectively.
Philippe and Dugan Lamoise spoke at our March 28, 2024 meeting about connections they’ve made with Rotarians in Africa. Dugan outlined our most recent Global Grant (G-2939) to help refurbish the maternity ward at Prince Regent Hospital in Bujumbura, the largest city and economic capital of Burundi. This grant devoted nearly $74,000 to upgrade showers and toilets as well as purchase beds for recovery wards. The grant also covered purchase of blood pressure monitors and installation of TVs in the wards that can be used to broadcast educational and training videos. Leading the grant were four Rotary clubs in the Bujumbura area. Six Rotaract clubs were integral to project planning and execution. These Rotaract clubs are now themselves qualified to lead their own Global Grants- an important demonstration of the role that Rotaractors can play at an international level. Philippe summarized his long-term involvement with projects in Uganda, including an ~$83,000 Global Grant (G-2893) in partnership with Rotary Club Kampala North to upgrade the Namalemba Health Centre to a Level IV facility that offers a surgical theater, laboratory services and maternity care. These projects arose out of connections made in part at Rotary International annual conventions. Click HERE to watch a video of their talk.
Example of a sleeping cottage interior
The sleeping cottages our members helped build on the campus of the Palomar were recently featured on KPBS. Click HERE to read more and watch the report.
Beth Davidson completed all the steps to earn her Blue Badge, which President Matt Kurth awarded to her at our March 21, 2024 meeting.
We welcomed Toni Schoon, a Rotary Youth Exchange student from near Hamburg Germany, at our social and March 28, 2024 meeting. Toni’s host family is in Anaheim, and he’s staying with Matt and Janice and seeing the sites in San Diego while his host family is traveling. Have you ever thought about hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student? Click HERE to visit the District 5340 Youth Exchange page to learn more.
We had a great crowd at Salt + Lime for our March social on March 26, 2024. The margaritas were excellent, the service was so efficient, and the Happy Hour menu offerings were perfectly sized. Salt + Lime began as a food truck and we wish them much success in their permanent venue just across from the Del Mar Civic Center.
Garrie Rhodes presents a check to Lauren Suh, who will compete in the finals on April 20
Come on up to the Carlsbad City Library (1775 Dove Lane) to enjoy an afternoon of music from talented young musicians at the District 5340 Instrumental Music Competition on Saturday April 20 at 3 PM at the Carlsbad City Library. The winner of our club competition, flutist Lauren Suh, a junior at Torrey Pines High School, will be competing in the finals. Click HERE for the listing on our website’s Event Page.
Field trip Friday on March 15, 2024. Instead of our regular meeting, we headed just a bit north to Free Flight bird sanctuary. Isabelle Zapata, the Free Flight Learning Center coordinator, was our guide and introduced us to several of the delightful birds that call Free Flight home. After giving the birds a snack, we had our own snacks at Viewpoint Brewing Company.
We were saddened to hear of the death of our long-time member Al Tarkington on March 13, 2024. Al joined the club in 1973 and membership was just one aspect of his devotion to the Del Mar community. He was the Del Mar mayor from 1979-1980 and was instrumental in the acquisition of Powerhouse Park. Al was an incredible athlete. In 2019, when he was 80 years-old, Al was the final finisher at the World Championship in Kona, just one of his many years at Kona (click HERE to see a story about Al’s 2017 presentation to the club). Al was married to Stephanie (Steve) for 61 years and in 2022 we were happy to see them both chauffeur Karl and Suzy Wagner to their demotion party in a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II, one of several classic cars they owned. Click HERE to read a memorial to Al.
We are delighted to induct Dr. Manu Sohaey as the newest member of our club. Manu had a successful plastic and reconstructive surgery practice in the Chicago area, where he raised three children with his late wife, Minoo. His daughter Dr. Roya Sohaey is a respected radiologist at Oregon Health Science University and daughter Jasmine Sohaey Grassi runs a retina care practice with her husband in the Chicago area. His son Christopher is in real estate in the San Diego area. Manu is proud to have been a U.S. citizen for more than 60 years and his family emphasizes the value that immigrants bring to this country.
Membership chair Dee House (third from left) and President Matt Kurth (far right) congratulate our newest blue badgers RoseMary Pellegrino (far left) and Susan Maronde (second from left)
Congratulations to Susan Maronde and RoseMary Pellegrino for completing all the steps on their journey to earn their regular badges.
Beth Davidson stands on the Bloodmobile steps showing off a new addition to her wardrobe.
The San Diego Blood Bank Bloodmobile was back behind the Del Mar Civic Center on March 7 for another successful blood drive. We collected over 60 pints, and donors got a T-shirt as a special reward. If you couldn’t make this blood drive, click HERE to book an alternate appointment time at one of SDBB’s convenient donor locations. If you donate before March 31, 2024, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a Magnum Pathfinder 500 fat tire E-bike. Thank you to Mary Savoy for organizing the drive.
Jude and PDG Mel Gallegos (far left), PDG Steve Brown, Chuck DuVivier, Dr. Nick Tsoulos and PDG Marty Peters shared memories of a trip to Eritrea
As Marty Peters was preparing for his District Governor year (1998-1999) he had a simple idea: encourage all Club Presidents during his term to raise $500 to give to Rotary International’s polio eradication efforts. That simple idea snowballed into something far more. Click HERE to watch a video that includes a brief overview of the polio virus and its impact by Dr. Matt Kurth followed by memories from Marty, PDG Steve Brown (1995-1996), PDG Mel Gallegos (2018-2019), Chuck DuVivier (Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club) and Dr. Nick Tsoulos (Rotary Club of Escondido).
Wrapping up the Assembly (l to r) Patti Kurtz, Toni Mecaro, Sharon Schendel, Don Fipps, Matt Kurth, Steven McDowell
Our club great representation at the March 9, 2024 District Training Assembly. Of course Don Fipps was there as District Governor, and Janice Kurth delivered the Global Grants session in the afternoon. International Services chair Patti Kurtz attended, as did members of the Presidential line: Matt Kurth, President-Elect Toni Mecaro and Steven McDowell (nominee for Rotary Year 2026-2027). Past President Sharon Schendel was also there working with District Governor Nominee Luis Carranza. Our club is now certified to participate in District and Global Grants in the coming Rotary Year.
Over 10% of our club was up in Vista on February 24, 2024 working hard to build more sleeping cottages for the Rising Tide Ranch. Thank you to all the members who helped. There is another build on March 9, 2024.
Susan Maronde gave her “Who Am I?” presentation at our February 29, 2024 meeting. She was introduced to our club by Beth Davidson, but Susan was already connected to Rotary through her father, George Lewis, who’s a dedicated Rotarian in South Florida (click HERE to see the July 2023 story about George, including a video about George’s pet portraits).
Susan is married to Mike and mother to son Harrison, who’s a freshman at Indiana University. Susan, Mike and Harrison also share their home with two Westies, Fenway and Poppy. Susan has a Bachelor’s from USC and a Master’s at University of San Diego. She just retired from Wells Fargo after a successful 26-year career.
In addition to Rotary, Susan is involved in the Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective and next year will serve as its president. Each year the Collective supports organizations with around 60,000 in grants and to date they’ve granted over $500,000. Susan will also assume a leadership role in our club in July when she will take over as Club Secretary.
Members enjoy sandwiches before attending a performance of "Clyde's" at Moxie Theatre; Valentina Lunati (Development Director) and Desireé Clarke Miller (Executive Artistic Director; upper right) gave an introduction to the mission of Moxie Theatre
Our members met at the Moxie Theatre on March 3, 2024 to see “Clyde’s”, a play about creative expression and the importance of taking simple ingredients you have on hand to create something new and personal (click HERE to read the story about Moxie’s visit to our club in January, 2024). The Moxie lobby was set up to look like Clyde’s sandwich shop in rural Pennsylvania, while the stage had the back kitchen of Clyde’s, staffed by Montrellous, Rafael, Letitia and Jason, who’ve all spent time incarcerated. All four strive to make “perfect” sandwiches while keeping to task of their boss Clyde, who struggles with her own challenges to keep the business afloat.
In advance of the play, we all enjoyed some perfect sandwiches from Chēba Hut that were generously provided by Dugan and Philippe Lamoise, who are also title sponsors of the production. There is still time to catch a performance of Clyde’s, which runs through March 10, 2024.
Some of Bob's favorite jackets on display in the St. Peter's Parish Hall after Bob's Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life for Bob Fuchs was held Friday February 23, 2024 at the St. Peter’s Church. Bob served as club president in 2003-2004 and was instrumental in launching our Sunset Soirée and reviving Chili & Quackers in 2017. He also arranged multiple Rotary at Work Day projects at the San Dieguito Lagoon. Bob led a full and rich life and he will be sorely missed. Click HERE to read Bob’s obituary and leave a memory in the virtual guestbook that follows.
Event organizer Garrie Rhodes (far left) presents checks to the competitors (l to r) Lauren Suh, Annie Verkhoczy, Koe Goodsell, and Taj Aliotta
Four talented young musicians treated our members to wonderful performances in the first round of the District 5340 Instrumental Music Competition on February 22, 2024. Taj Aliotta, a senior at San Dieguito Academy, began the competition by playing Cantabile el Presto by George Enescu for flute. Koe Goodsell, a Junior at Canyon Crest Academy, played the Allegro molto appasionato movement from Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, followed by another flutist, Lauren Suh, a junior at Torrey Pines High School, who played Danza de la Mariposa by Valerie Coleman. Annie Verkhoczy, a sophomore at Cathedral Catholic High School, finished the competition with a keyboard piece, Merry Go Round of Life from the Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi. The judging panel comprising Janice Kurth, Miles Fleming, and Lowell Gaspar considered the difficulty of the piece as well as the musical interpretation, musical emotion, stage presence and the command of the instrument. All four winners received a check from the Youth Services committee for their participation and the judges chose Lauren Suh to represent our club at the upcoming semifinals in March. Thank you to Garrie Rhodes for organizing our club’s competition. Click HERE from some clips of their performances (unfortunately, Facebook embargoed the video of the meeting).
Our parking arrangement with St. Peter’s is in flux. Any 2022-2023 St. Peter’s parking passes are now invalid. President Matt Kurth is working with the church to get new passes, but the number they provide will be limited.
For upcoming meetings: 1) find street parking; 2) pay at the metered spots along Maiden Lane (insert your credit card FIRST, then select the amount of time you need);
or 3) park in the Del Mar Plaza garage. Pacifica Del Mar offers discounted parking validation for garage parking. Here’s how to get (and pay for) the validation:
- BRING YOUR TICKET with you to the meeting
- SLIP YOUR TICKET in the folio when you pay your lunch bill
- Our server Aly will add $4 to your bill and affix a sticker with a bar code to your ticket, which will now have TWO bar codes.
- Upon exiting the garage, scan BOTH bar codes. Scan the bar code on the ticket FIRST and the bar code from Pacifica Del Mar SECOND.
The lunch pre-order form is updated to ask whether you want Plaza garage parking (question 2). If you want validation, PLEASE fill out the form so they can prepare stickers.
Dugan Lamoise (far left) with (l to r) Valentina Lunati, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Tanya Alexander and DeAndre Simmons
Look up “moxie” in a dictionary and the definitions might include terms like “courageous spirit and determination”. MOXIE Theatre is aptly named. In 2004, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, one of the speakers for our January 18, 2024 meeting, co-founded MOXIE Theatre to address the lack of representation and voice for women in the dramatic arts. Twenty years ago the need was great: only 15% of plays produced in the United States were written by women. Companies like MOXIE Theatre helped raise awareness of the viewpoints of women+ playwrights, and 100% of plays the company produces are by women+. Development Director Valentina Lunati, the first Managing Director for MOXIE Theatre, also spoke and said that not only does MOXIE Theatre produce plays by women+, but partners with SDSU to encourage women+ to be involved behind the scenes by offering internships in production and marketing as well as technical and administrative support. Beginning February 2, 2024, MOXIE Theatre will present “Clyde’s” a comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage that Turner Sonnenberg will direct. To give members a preview, cast members Tanya Alexander and DeAndre Simmons acted a scene from “Clyde’s”. All members are invited to attend a performance of “Clyde’s” on Sunday March 3 at MOXIE Theatre near SDSU. Thank you to Dugan Lamoise for arranging this program.
District Governor Don Fipps with members of the Secretariat General (far left photo l to r) Alex Radulescu, Jordan Smith and Ereny Tanious and with Conference Co-Chairs (far left photo) Kevin Cahill and Pauline Lim-Endresen; Center photo (l to r): Klaus Gubernator, Kathy Reed and Walt Strangman
The 20th annual District 5340 Model United Nations Conference kicked off on January 20, 2024 with a delegate training session. The session began with country selections, followed by introduction of the two resolutions for debate that concerned loss of global biodiversity and strategies to quell terrorism to build a safer world. The guest speaker was Dr. Ari Novy, the CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden, who focused on global efforts to preserve biodiversity. Don Fipps also attended as District Governor. Thank you to Kathy Reed for again organizing the food, Klaus Gubernator, for securing the Del Mar Civic Center as the venue, and Donna Fipps, Sharon Schendel, Walt Strangman, and Ina von Ber for helping with check in. Mark your calendars for the full session on March 23 and March 24.
The Rotary Family suffered a tremendous loss when Immediate Past District Governor Chuck Pretto passed away on January 15, 2024. Chuck was in the middle of successful term when he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. After a bone marrow transplant, he developed graft versus host disease, from which he did not recover. You may recall that Chuck encouraged every Rotarian in District 5340 to wear their pin proudly, so we encourage you to wear your pin in memory of Chuck. Our pins can spark memories in others about how Rotary touched their lives, or conversations about all the ways that Rotarians do good in the world. Chuck certainly did good in the world, and he will be missed. If you would like to make a donation in Chuck’s memory, the Pretto family suggests Rotary International Annual Fund, San Diego Rotary (Club 33) Foundation (Chuck was a proud member of Club 33), or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
We were sorry to learn that Bernadette Watkins, beloved wife of our member Jim Watkins, passed away last week. We will post information about services and the obituary when it becomes available.
Foundation Chair Janice Kurth and President Matt Kurth (far right and left, rspectively) presented pins to the latest multiple Paul Harris Fellows (l to r) Miles Fleming, Patti Kurtz and Donna Fipps
Rotary Foundation Chair Janice Kurth recognized Miles Fleming, Patti Kurtz, and Donna Fipps with their latest Paul Harris Fellow pins. For members like Donna who are enrolled in Rotary Direct, Paul Harris Fellow awards come like clockwork! Check out Rotary Direct as a simple way to manage giving to the Rotary Foundation, which provides funds that allow us to pursue projects that benefit our community, and communities around the world.
We had wonderful weather for our first social of 2024, which was at Il Fornaio in the Del Mar Plaza. Thank you to all members who attended and Il Fornaio for the wonderful food and service. We are grateful to Il Fornaio for their long-standing support of our Sunset Soirée.
Scott LaRue (center) accepts check for MCRF Scholarships from President Matt Kurth (right) and Sean Barrett (left)
In 1962, a Marine veteran read in the newspaper that a fellow Marine veteran, a Medal of Honor recipient, could not afford to send their child to college. That veteran helped raise $1500 for a scholarship and represented the beginning of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF), which has since awarded scholarships worth 200 million dollars. Our members raised nearly $600 in Happy Dollars at the January 11, 2024 meeting to help support MCSF scholarships.
MCSF Board of Director Member L. Scott LaRue told us that the MCSF current provides around 11 million dollars in annual scholarship support to help over 2,700 children of Marines. The scholarships are need-based and non-competitive so that all qualified applicants receive support. To qualify, the student must meet simple eligibility criteria: 1) Be a child of a Marine, Navy Corpsman, or Religious Program Specialist, living or dead, who received an honorable discharge; 2) Demonstrate need for financial aid; and 3) Have a high school GPA of at least 2.0.
The success of MCSF graduates in part reflects the work ethic of a Marine. Over 91% of scholarship recipients graduate in four years (relative 56% national average), and almost half are first-generation college students. Scholarship recipients study at a range of institutions, including community and 4-year colleges, as well as vocational schools. The MCSF makes what they perceive as a Cycle of Impact in which a Marine makes a sacrifice for his/her country, the child of the Marine receives scholarship support, and, using the education they receive, strengthens the nation as their parent did. We thank Pat Dougherty for bringing MCSF to our attention.
We have upcoming cottage build opportunities in February and March! In partnership with the St. James Mission Circle Cottage Project, more sleeping cottages are going up at the Rising Tide Sober Living Ranch (2207 Guajome Lake Road, Vista, CA). Help provide safe shelter those who are at transition points in their lives.
The builds will be February 10 and 24 as well as March 9. Check the EVENTS page for details. Wear your “Rotary at Work” shirt (ask Sharon Schendel if you don’t have one) and in general clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or painted. Email Pat Caughey or Steven McDowell if you have questions.
Our past president Bob Fuchs passed away on December 17, 2023 shortly after suffering a stroke. He was 79 years-old. Bob served as club president for Rotary Year 2004-2005, and was instrumental in making the Sunset Soirée a reality. He also revived Chili & Quackers in 2017 and organized several work projects at San Dieguito Lagoon, a place that was very important to him. Bob provided strong leadership for the Rotary Club of Del Mar Foundation, which provides the funds to drive our projects. We send our condolences to the Fuchs family and will have fond memories of Bob’s outstanding service to the club. He will be missed.
Wyatt Hinshaw (left) receives congratulations from his sponsor, Patti Kurtz, Membership chair Dee House, and President Matt Kurth
We’re delighted to induct our newest member, Wyatt Hinshaw. Wyatt gave his “Who Am I” at the January 4, 2024 meeting. Wyatt is a Hoosier by birth, but came to San Diego when he was 8 years-old after his mother accepted the CIO position for Scripps. After graduating from Bishop’s High School, Wyatt studied mechanical engineering at Berkeley hoping for a career in the automotive industry. He joined Fiskar Automotive, an experience that demonstrated that the auto industry was not for him. In 2014 Wyatt joined biotech company Scientist.com working in corporate development. Then, in 2017, Wyatt’s friend Charles Cole asked him to help with the finance side of a beer brewing venture, which would eventually become Viewpoint Brewing Company. Wyatt is now working on a new project: he founded FundaMental Health, which seeks to help individuals struggling to access mental health obtain the help and resources they need. Family is important to Wyatt. He’s one of seven children and is uncle to 9 nieces and nephews. He enjoys cars, surfing and snowboarding, and spending time with his black lab, Maggie Maude.
Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris fellow, RoseMary Pellegrino, and to Val Myers, who earned her Paul Harris +3, respectively. Rotarians who donate $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation are honored as Paul Harris fellows. They earn additional recognition for each subsequent $1,000 they donate. Support for the Foundation comes back to our club in the form of District and Global Grants.
Wyatt Hinshaw, Donna Fipps, Val Myers, Dugan Lamoise, Janice Kurth, and Sean Barrett (l to r) all gave brief "Who Am I" presentations to kick off 2024
For our first meeting of 2024 we featured “Who Am I”s from several veteran members of the club and two of our newest members, including Sean Barrett. Sean was born in Kentsville, Missouri and graduated college as the Viet Nam war was ramping up. Since his father had been in the military, Sean knew that entering the service would be his only option. Trying to secure a job as a supply officer, he listed Viet Nam for his top three duty stations, which explain why he was ultimately assigned to Guam. After serving in Guam, he went to New London, Connecticut Naval Submarine Base, where he officially became a “bubblehead”: someone who served on a submarine. After leaving the service, Sean earned an MBA from Indiana University and entered a career in banking. Sean wore a flat cap for his presentation to accompany a story about his being mistaken for a certain celebrity while traveling with his wife, Denise, by train between Paris and London. Apparently this celebrity, also named Sean, frequented the train, and there is indeed a certain resemblance.
We added our latest regular badge to the box for Dr. Ina von Ber, who completed all the tasks for Rotarians who transfer into our club. Congratulations Ina!
Powerhouse Park was the site of a holiday party for Ukrainian children and their families that was hosted by Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services. Our club helped support the fun through a donation of $750 from the Youth Services committee and $1250 that members raised in a single Happy Dollars session. Thank you to Klaus Gubernator and Steven McDowell for helping to organizing and being onsite during the event.
Enjoying wines at Gianni Buonomo (lower photo, clockwise from left) General Manager Al Dorvinen, Linda Strangman, Sharon Schendel, Matt & Janice Kurth, Patti Kurtz, Roy Randall, Toni Mecaro, Ina von Ber, Suzy & Karl Wagner, Walt Strangman. Keith Rolle and Al Dorvinen (upper center and right) were our guides, and Luigi Agostini of Pizzeria Luigi pizzeria stopped by.
We wrapped up a year of socials in the heart of Ocean Beach, where we thanked our long-time Sunset Soirée supporter, Gianni Buonomo Vintners. Our tasting featured a variety of interesting wines, including a Blaufränkisch, Lagrein, and a Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc reserve. We extend our gratitude to the "Secret Santa" who picked up the entire tab! General manager Al Dorvinen was our guide in choosing some interesting bottles, and vintner Keith Rolle also stopped by to provide some insight into the inspiration for some of his wines. Next time you’re on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, stop in for a taste!
The Rotary Club of Del Mar is a registered 501c4 non-profit organization.