President's Message

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.
Club Stories
Three Cottage Build Opportunities in Vista
 
Posted by Sharon Schendel
Scenes from earlier cottages builds in 2022
 
We have three upcoming cottage build opportunities (October 7 and 21; November 4) at the Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Vista. These sleeping cottages are like those we’ve helped build in the past and will be part of the Decelles Unicorn Village that seeks to provide shelter for youth who are at risk of being homeless. We’ll again be working in partnership with the St. James Mission circle.
There are projects for all skill levels. Lunch and snacks will be provided.  You may bring your own tools or use those provided. Also bring your own work gloves, hat and your preferred sunscreen. Wear your “Rotary at Work” shirt and in general clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or painted.  Check the EVENTS post for details and location. Email Pat Caughey if you have questions. 
District 5340 District Seminar November 4
Posted on Sep 24, 2023
 
Every year the District Foundation Seminar showcases projects that best embody the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.  Our own Janice Kurth is this year’s organizer. The Seminar is always an inspiring experience and a wonderful way for newer members to learn about all the ways that Rotary is making a difference. For Red Badgers: the District Seminar qualifies as a district event on your Blue Badge task list.
Click HERE to register.
Buy It Now or Cry Later: The St. Peter's Thrift Shop
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Sep 22, 2023
Thrift Shop manager Valerie Rieger outside the thrift shop
Mark Barry, Donna Fipps, and Garrie Rhodes checked out the Thrift Shop inventory right after the meeting
 
For over 50 years the St. Peter’s Thrift Shop in Del Mar has been raising funds that go to support the ministries of St. Peter’s and the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Valerie Rieger, the Thrift Shop manager (and St. Peter’s parishioner), came to speak to our club on September 21, 2023.  As manager, Valerie draws on her extensive experience in retail, including 15 years at Nordstrom. Every month the thrift shop highlights a different organization. The Giving Jar on the checkout counter collects donations that go the organization of the month. This month the beneficiary is Beacons North County. Many of our members, but particularly Dee House and Steven McDowell, frequently check out what’s on offer at the shop. Shoppers must be decisive. Items sell quickly, thus the mantra: Buy it today or cry tomorrow. During hours (11AM-4PM Mon-Sat) the shop accepts new and gently used items that are clean and in good condition. You can also bring non-perishable food, which is transferred to the local food pantry. Click HERE to hear Valerie’s talk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.    
Best Soirée Baskets
Posted on Sep 24, 2023
 
Early in the Soirée planning, Matt Kurth promised prizes to baskets contributed by members that were judged to have a little something extra, as judged by basket-maker extraordinaire Val Myers. The “Most Beautiful” basket prize was shared by Mary Savoy (It’s Cupcake O’Clock) and Dee House (Day of Brunch and Shopping).  “Most Profitable” basket was Karin and Jim Davies’ Death by Dark Chocolate, which earned 116% of its estimated value (special mention to the Fipps’ Crate O’ Scotch, and Mary Savoy’s Livin’ in Margaritaville, which both earned 100% of estimated value).  Richa Mohan’s Nothin’ But Blue Skies fitness basket won for best Red Badger basket (and also praise for including the Soirée logo). Dugan and Philippe Lamoise contributed six baskets that together brought in around 10% of gross profits, and Val Myers, Sharon Schendel, and Suzy and Karl Wagner each contributed four baskets.
 
Special thanks also to Matt Kurth for serving as event chair, the Wagners for all their work in getting a fantastic lineup of restaurants to serve, Mark Matthess for lining up the wineries, Philippe and Dugan Lamoise for managing the event website and implementing the very successful online bidding, Janice Kurth for overseeing rentals and event furniture layout, Philippe Lamoise for suggesting the new auction layout that gave everyone more room to move, Marlene Gotz for donating the Yeti cooler and several wine baskets, in addition to securing hard-working helpers for the event; Boys & Girls Club San Dieguito's SuLynn Daugherty and Joe McLeod for coordinating BGC checkin volunteers; Toni Mecaro for overseeing club volunteers; Pat Caughey for early morning setup; Mark Barry for transporting glassware and other day-of items; Lorelei Nielsen for serving as table captain and donating several special baskets; Sharon Schendel for housing, photographing and writing descriptions of the auction items;  Dee House, Linda Groom, and Patti Beck for helping get auction items  to the Plaza (Dee drove the van!), Tony Villasenor and his band for the music, Clay and Esther Sheffrey and Beth Westburg for staffing the raffle table; Patti Kurtz for donating a basket and helping people navigate online bidding; the Grossnickles for donating a wine basket; Rose Mary Pellegrino for donating the Midway and Aerospace basket; Kathy Reed for making sure vendors were paid and for donating a basket; Casey Robison for donating auction items and service delicious desserts at teh event; Chris Stewart for being Santa; KC Vafiadis for the sheaf of Stratford Square certificates; Brett Mattei for organizing the Del Mar Lifeguards, who provided several volunteers, Kathy Quillan for making all the baskets so beautiful, event sponsors Pat Dougherty (who also donated the Vail condo stay), Eric Nelte, and Marty Peters, and Dan Smargon; Walt and Linda Strangman for securing the Paso Robles trip, Val Myers and her staff, Briana Leyba and Sara Hernandez (who both were also runners who got food to the vendors) for providing the "convenient post-event location" for basket pickup (all but one have been delivered!).  Thanks as well to ALL our members who contributed to the auction and attended the event.  It was one of the best ever.  
Social at WestBrew
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Sep 24, 2023
 
We got started thanking our Sunset Soirée servers at WestBrew, just across the street from the Plaza. We enjoyed their beautiful new outdoor space at the corner of Camino Del Mar and 15th street.  The colors are beachy, and if the weather is cooler, there are soft blankets scattered around to cut the chill. For Happy Hour some of us had selections off the lunch menu, and others held out for the dinner menu. WestBrew has a wide range of their own brews to sample.  If you find yourself in Vista (their flagship) or in the Gaslamp, WestBrew has locations there, too.
Sunset Soirée a Smashing Success
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Sep 17, 2023
 
The 19th Annual Sunset Soirée was our most successful yet.  We grossed more funds than in any previous year, and all the money raised will fuel our projects over the next year. We also had one of the highest number of vendors, with 13 restaurants serving and a total of 13 wineries, breweries and tequilerias pouring.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.   Click HERE to visit a Google Photo album for pictures from the Soirée.
More Rescue Boards for the Del Mar Lifeguards
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Sep 17, 2023
Brett Mattei, Steven McDowell, Matt Kurth and Toni Mecaro present a new rescue board to Lifeguard Aidan Goodman, who is vice-president of the Del Mar Lifeguard Association
 
President Matt Kurth, Community Service Chair Steven McDowell, Vocational Service Chair (and former lifeguard himself) Brett Mattei, and President-elect Toni Mecaro were down at the beach to present the Del Mar Lifeguards with another rescue board. Aidan Goodman, a Del Mar Lifeguard and current Vice President of the Del Mar Lifeguard Association accepted the board. These rescue boards have immediate life-saving impact. Aidan said that they use these boards in around 80% of their rescues. We’re proud to help make the Del Mar beaches some of the safest in San Diego County.
In Memory: Stan Tomer and Ed Eginton
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Sep 17, 2023
It is with great sadness that we report the unexpected death of our newest member, Stan Tomer.  Bill Rawlings introduced Stan to the club and we were delighted to induct him into the club just in August.  Click HERE to read his obituary.
 
We also learned of the death of long time member Ed Eginton earlier this month. Ed was a member from 1975 until 2000. Even after he left the club, he was still a supporter and often provided ceramics he produced as Soirée auction items. Ed was an architect in Solana Beach. No obituary is available at this time.
Freedom Park at Navy Pier
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 27, 2023
Pat Caughey presented on his firm's design for Freedom Park on Navy Pier near the USS Midway Museum
 
The USS Midway Museum has been a fixture alongside Navy Pier since it opened in 2004.  To mitigate loss of view, the California Coastal Commission mandated that a park be constructed. Freedom Park recently received unanimous approval of a development permit from the CCC. Pat Caughey’s firm landscape architecture firm Wimmer Yamada and Caughey is designing Freedom Park, which will connect with park areas adjacent to the Midway. The Park will include including areas along the promenade and extend into the G Street Mole to the Bob Hope Memorial. Upon completion, Freedom Park will be the largest veterans’ park on the West Coast. Click HERE to see the video previewing the park that Pat showed in his talk, and HERE to read releases from the San Diego Port Authority about what the park will encompass.
 
Welcome Rose Mary Pellegrino
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 27, 2023
 
We are delighted to induct our newest member, Rose Mary Pellegrino. After a career in finance, Rose Mary has long been engaged in community service by serving as a member of the Board of Directors for The Country Friends and Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito.  She was also the president of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce and was a torch runner for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Eric Nelte sponsored Rose Mary for membership. 
Annual Day at the Races
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 18, 2023
Linda Strangman with Lorelei Nielsen and Karl Wagner
Even from a distance Monty Woolley knows when the camera is on him, and poses appropriately
 
Rotary Club of Del Mar members were back at the track on August 17, 2023 and the Del Mar Rotary race was the first on the card. The favorite, Kissed by Fire, a 3 year-old filly ridden by Mike Smith, took the win. Catch a glimpse of President Matt Kurth and District Governor Don Fipps in the winner's circle after the race.  Click HERE to see more photos from the day. 
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Prioritizes Safety
Posted on Aug 13, 2023
 
Honorary member and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) CEO Joe Harper made his annual club visit on August 10, 2023. The handle at the track continues to increase with 90% of bets placed off-track. Safety remains Joe’s top concern and for several years running Del Mar has been the safest track in the country. Currently 1,900 horses are stabled at Del Mar.  Now, invitations to trainers are based not only on race times, but also where and how often their horses race. In addition, DMTC now stations veterinarians at different points around the track to watch morning workouts. The vets are looking for any hints that a horse isn’t sound and they are empowered to pull horses off the track to prevent injury. The DMTC is working to change the culture of the entire horse racing industry to ensure that the safety of horse and rider always comes first. Joe and his team were instrumental in helping craft the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) that seeks to duplicate Del Mar’s safety efforts at other tracks around the United States.
DMTC looks forward to the return of the Breeder’s Cup in 2024 after hosting two highly successful Breeder’s Cup races in 2017 (the first time for Del Mar) and 2021.  Don’t forget that our own Day at the Races is Thursday August 17. 
Fireside Chat for Newer Members
Posted on Aug 13, 2023
Fireside chat attendees:  Row 1 (l to R) Mark Barry, Richa Mohan, Marty Peters, Donna Fipps, Jim Davies; Row 2 (l to r) Linda Groom, Steven McDowell, Sharon Schendel Row 3 (l to r) Don Fipps, Jen Segura, Karin Davies, Dee House, Toni Mecaro; Row 4: Greg Harris, Jennifer Caughey; Row 6: Pat Caughey, Jan and Pete Grossnickle, Stan Tomer, Brett Mattei
 
The Fireside Chat returned to the Solana Beach & Tennis Club on Tuesday August 8. These chats are an informal opportunity for newer members to meet club leadership, learn about the club organization, and hear updates on ongoing projects. All attendees shared what brought them to Rotary and what they hope to gain from club membership. No green flash, but the sunset was still spectacular! Thank you to Marty Peters for providing the venue and Pat Dougherty for the delicious food from Pizza Nova.  
Jarvis Leverson: The Morning Hero
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 06, 2023
 
When Jarvis Leverson was in his early 30s, he was coasting through life, until he found himself without a job and without his longtime girlfriend. This was an awakening for Jarvis, who saw the need to do something different. He read multiple books about the habits of successful people and took away two main things that they did:  (1) They got up early in the morning; and (2) They didn’t waste time.
 
From that revelation, Jarvis crafted his “Morning Hero” approach to a productive life that has three key components:  (1) The Power Hour, (2) The Zero Calendar, and (3) 30 Day Commitment.  The Power Hour involves getting up one hour earlier and devoting that hour to yourself. The Zero Calendar maximizes the hours in a day by scheduling, everything, not just work, but meals, naps, and hobbies, so your calendar has no blank spaces. For the 30-day Commitment, Jarvis gave the familiar example of a doubling a penny every day for one month. Starting with one penny and doubling every day for 30 days, yields ~$5.38 million, but doubling every other day yields only $327. Many people don’t commit and give up on their goals too soon. 
 
Jarvis now leads a community of Morning Heroes that he inspires every day on his Instagram feed, the.morninghero. Click HERE to visit Jarvis’ website and click HERE to download his Morning Hero journal, or click HERE to purchase a bound version.
Don Fipps Kicks Off His District Governor Term
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 29, 2023
District Governor Don Fipps with President Matt Kurth
 
Don Fipps began his tour of District 5340 clubs at our July 20, 2023 meeting (click HERE to watch the recording). Don began by talking about his and Donna Fipps’ passion: raising puppies for Canine Companions, and he urged members to find support for their passion through Rotary. A life-long Californian, Don’s own journey with Rotary began at a high school convocation when he unexpectedly heard his name announced as winner of a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Delano, which helped fund his education in biochemistry at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he had a “meet cute” with Donna while they both were working on a Rose Parade float. This blog post tells Don’s backstory before he joined our club in 2012.  Don was club president in Rotary Year 2018-2019 and had an accelerated trip to the governorship after being nominated to serve in October 2021. As a veteran himself, veteran’s affairs are a cornerstone of Don’s term, and reflect the large role the military and veterans play in the San Diego community. Don launched the District 5340 Military Coordinating Committee to leverage the power of district Rotary clubs to help active duty military and veterans in San Diego. If you’d like to get involved, contact committee chairs Mike Fuqua (mfuqua.rbrotary@gmail.com; RC Rancho Bernardo) and Jim Mendelson (jsmclmax@aol.com; RC Fallbrook).
 
Last, Don encouraged members to register for the District 5340 Conference, which will be a cruise organized by our own Val Myers and Toni Mecaro! Attendees will board the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas that leaves Los Angeles April 26 and returns Monday April 29. Click HERE to check out the video made by Philippe Lamoise and email d5340conferencecruise@gmail.com with any questions. Ready to register?  Click HERE!
Portraits for Palates
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 29, 2023
George Lewis, Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Venice-Nokomis, paints pet portraits and floral studies. For each portrait, he makes a donation to support his club's Global Grant that provides cleft palate surgeries for children in Latin America
 
Beth Davidson brought co-workers Vinay Agarwal and Allison Naui and friend Susan Maronde to the July 27, 2023 meeting. Susan’s father, George Lewis, is a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Venice-Nokomis in Florida. George paints pet portraits (14” x 11” oil on canvas) that can be purchased for $150 (he’s done nearly 600 portraits and does florals, too!). For each portrait, George donates $100 to support their club’s Global Grant that partners with AdventHealth and Sharing Smiles, which offers corrective surgery for children in Latin America born with cleft palates. Click HERE to watch a short video or email George (waterman6960@yahoo.com) to commission a portrait. 
Who Am I: Beth Davidson
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 29, 2023
Beth Davidson (far right) with Vinay Agarwal (far left) and Allison Naui (center left) of Barry Estates and friend Susan Maronde (center right)
 
Beth Davidson gave her “Who Am I” presentation at the July 27, 2023 meeting. Beth grew up in New Jersey and attended Villanova University, as her did her father. After graduating, she lived and worked in New York City.  Beth has three children, Tripp, an Arizona State University student, Charlotte, who also graduated from Villanova, and Ben, who graduated from Canyon Crest Academy.  She has worked with Barry Estates for six years and is a member of the Luxury Coast Group in Del Mar (giving her a very short commute to our meetings). In addition to being a Rotarian, Beth serves as a board member for A Bridge for Kids that matches talented youth with sponsors who can help level the playing field, not only financially but strategically with help navigating college prep tests and applications. Beth is also a member of the Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective, which provides grants to non-profits in the San Diego community. 
Year-End Recap
Posted on Jun 23, 2023
Take a look back at all the fun we had in Rotary Year 2022-2023. Lots of new members, service projects, and social events made for a wonderful year. There is more to come in the next Rotary Year!  We are especially proud to be the home club of incoming District Governor Don Fipps.  
 
A Year of Engaging Programs
Posted on Jun 23, 2023
Engaging and interesting programs are the cornerstone of great meetings. Have a look back on all the speakers we had for Rotary Year 2022-2023. Special thanks to Program Chair Beth Westburg for such an amazing lineup!  
 
Bench Warmers Part 3
Posted on Jun 18, 2023
The Bench Warmers:  Mark Matthess, Bill Rawlings, Dugan Lamoise, Linda Groom, Philippe Lamoise (l to r, lower left); Donna Fipps (lower right); Suzy Wagner (upper right). Photo credit: Don Fipps
 
For the past three weeks Bill Rawlings has led small teams to sand and stain benches around Del Mar Village. Thank you to all who’ve helped already!  Bill needs another group- between 5-8 people to meet Thursday June 22 at 8:30 AM at the Del Mar Civic Center.  Email Bill (wmdrawlngs@aol.com) in advance to let him know you want to help.    
Cristo Rey San Diego High School: A School that Works
Posted on Jun 18, 2023
Christo Rey San Diego High School co-founder David Rivera (left), Dean of School Culture Jacqueline Mendez (center) and Marty Peters (right)
 
More than 20 years ago, David Rivera, speaker for our June 15, 2023 meeting, co-founded Nativity Prep Academy to help economically disadvantaged middle school students start on a path toward higher education. In 2020, in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, David helped launch Cristo Rey San Diego High School, which is part of a network of 38 schools that combines a rigorous college prep curriculum with work study experience that allows students to build solid foundations both in knowledge-based learning and practical skills that will apply to any career.  
The school has 155 current students and is off to an impressive start. All students exceed University of California A-G requirements for admission, 75% take at least one advanced placement (AP) course by their junior year, and 100% of seniors are taking AP math and computer science. Nearly two-thirds of students maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and 90% of graduates pursue higher education. 
Cristo Rey San Diego students spend one day a week working at one of range of corporate partners. The academic schedule is structured so the students can complete their classwork and devote themselves to work at the corporate partners. This work helps offset around 50% of the cost of tuition, with the remaining costs covered by fundraising (around 40%) and family contributions (around 10%, if possible).     
There are several ways corporate partners can help Cristo Rey San Diego succeed: Employ an on-site team comprising four students who rotate through the workweek (hybrid remote work options are also available) or sponsor a job through a tax-deductible contribution that underwrites a student team placed with a nonprofit organization. 
Leave a Legacy: Live Like Jack
Posted on Jun 18, 2023
Fred Salas (upper left) told the story of his young son Jack (upper right; photo credit, Live Like Jack Foundation) and the importance of organ donation
 
On February 1, 2018, Jack Salas, only 10 years-old, suffered a severe asthma attack. Fred Salas, the speaker for our June 8, 2023 meeting, told about the farewell he and his wife said to their beloved son, and the decisions they made in the two days after the attack that would ultimately impact the lives of five other people. Fred and Jessica decided to donate several of Jack’s organs. A teenage girl received his liver. Both his kidneys went to fathers, and his heart valves helped two young girls.
In 2019 Fred and Jessica founded the Live Like Jack Foundation to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. They want to dispel myths about organ donation, especially that no one is too old to be a donor, and that there is no cost burden to organ donation.
Becoming a donor is simple and urgently needed: over 114,000 people are waiting for an organ.  If you aren’t already a donor, sign up at One Legacy, Southern California’s Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), which is part of a nationwide network of OPOs. If you’re renewing your driver’s license, be sure to check “Yes” that you’re willing to become an organ donor.  Also, be sure to let your loved ones know that you are an organ donor.
Back to the Bench
Posted on Jun 03, 2023
Suzy Wagner working on the latest round of bench care
 

Our new club motto could be: we sand and stain anything! Bill Rawlings is leading the effort for our latest round of Del Mar village bench refurbishment. Bill will lead teams starting Thursday June 8 at 8:30 AM. We need about 4-5 people each week. Meet at the Rotary Clock on the west corner of 15th and Camino Del Mar (across from the Del Mar Plaza, near L’Auberge) and wear your Rotary at Work shirts.

Suggest a Speaker
Posted on Jun 03, 2023
 
After Beth Westburg’s fantastic turn as Program Chair, we’re trying something a bit different.  Incoming president Matt Kurth is asking all members to contribute suggestions for programs with Karin and Jim Davies coordinating speaker scheduling.  You may think:  I have no ideas! But many of our best programs were suggested by our members. There are several good sources for ideas, including:
  • Yourself and your story or agencies you’re involved with
  • Personal contacts
  • Community newspapers (e.g., Del Mar Times)
  • KPBS Midday Edition
  • Following other Rotary clubs on Facebook and their websites
Email Jim Davies with your suggestions, or click HERE to fill out a simple Google Form. 
Supporting Young Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Posted on Jun 04, 2023
Two PhDs and an MD/PhD (upper left): Sharon Schendel (left) and Janice Kurth (right) with Prof. Erica Ollmann Saphire (center), President and CEO of La Jolla Institute for Immunology; (right) Dr. Dawid Żyła, a post-doctoral fellow in the Saphire lab, receives his award from LJI Board Director Barbara Donnell 
 
Launching an independent academic research lab can be one of the most challenging times in a young scientist’s career.  The Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK award at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) provides funding to help young scientists collect data projects they’re passionate about. These data form the foundation for competitive applications for larger grants that young scientists need to have a firm footing in the next phase of their career.  
Every year, dozens of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows submit proposals that are then reviewed by the SPARK panel comprising LJI scientists, leadership and the Tullie and Rickey families. The panel selects finalists, who then make a presentation to the panel about their research and their career goals. In addition to funding, the SPARK award provides recipients the opportunity to learn how to communicate their research and to lead an independent research project. The Rotary Club of Del Mar Community Service is proud to support young scientists through the SPARK award with a donation of $2,000. Current Club President (and LJI scientist) Sharon Schendel and past Club President and past District Governor Janice Kurth presented a check to LJI CEO and President Prof. Erica Ollmann Saphire at a reception for the latest SPARK awardees.  
Skating, Playing, Belonging
Posted on Jun 04, 2023
San Diego Chill President Ryan Labrum (upper left) shows some concept drawings of the vision for the San Diego Chill center (lower right). The San Diego Chill welcomes all children to learn to skate and play hockey (upper and lower left)
 
Hockey, in San Diego?  Yes, San Diego has the Gulls and numerous club teams, but how does someone start with hockey?  And how might a child who is neurodiverse or is experiencing developmental challenges learn to play hockey? The San Diego Chill is dedicated to helping all children experience the joy of gliding on the ice and being part of a team. Ryan Labrum, President of San Diego Chill, spoke at our club June 2, 2023.  The Chill is open to all children with developmental challenges. They provide new hockey gear to the children at no cost and a chance to discover their own confidence and ability to be independent from their parents.  Ryan said that Chill coaches can have a child skating confidently within an hour using a technique involving two coaches and two hockey sticks.  Click HERE to watch an episode of “Making Good” that features the Chill and this training technique.
The volunteer coaches are high school students who have at least three years of hockey experience. The Chill also regularly invites child development and medical experts to meet with the teen coaches to tailor instructions to individual needs and abilities. The biggest challenge for the Chill is ice time.  After the closure of two rinks in Escondido, ice time is at a premium and the Chill must compete with other hockey clubs.  The dream of the Chill is to build The San Diego Chill Center, and, as a full-time architect, Ryan drafted some plans envisioning what the center might look like.  For now, the Chill is working hard to ensure that all of their members have a place for fun and independence.     
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Field Trip
Posted on Jun 03, 2023
 

White sea bass is a popular dish at many restaurants, but, like most seafood, sustainability is an issue. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is working to provide sustainable seafood and better understand ocean ecology in the face of climate change. In lieu of our regular meeting, on Thursday May 25, 2023 we had a field trip to HSWRI in Carlsbad. This field trip is a follow up to the presentation made by HSWRI President and CEO (and Rotarian) Don Kent to our club in January (click HERE to read the story).  At the Institute we saw tanks of teenage sea bass that breed millions of new fish, like the 100 day-old fish that were in a separate tank. We also visited the labs that carry out water quality testing and analyze tagged fish heads that are donated back to the Institute to study migration and genetic patterns. After, we headed south to the Windmill Food Hall for lunch.  

Chili & Quackers Rough Seas
Posted on May 21, 2023
 
 
The ducks were back at the beach at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar on Saturday May 13, 2023.  We had a great crowd to enjoy the day (despite the full-on May gray), which included games, balloon twisting by Happy Twist Balloons by Keiko, face painting and chili dogs made with Don Fipps’ award-winning IPA chili, prepared by Viewpoint Brewing Company (they also provided the beer).
 
Special thanks to Suzy and Karl Wagner for organizing the event and to Philippe Lamoise for the event website and management of online duck adoptions. We are grateful to the Del Mar Lifeguards for rescuing Don Fipps, launching the ducks, and for helping shepherd safely back to shore when the waves were a bit rough. We also are indebted to members of BSA Troop 713, especially William Bowen, Jayden Schaffer, and Jason Ghalla, for all their help at the event.  Platinum sponsors were Janice and Matt Kurth and Mark Barry; At the Gold Level: Marty Peters, Sharon Schendel, Dan Smargon, Susan and Karl Wagner; Silver Level: Don Johnson/Walking Path Travel, Pat Caughey, Mayor Tracy Martinez and Alan Wittgrove, Steven and Jennifer McDowell; Bronze Level:  Jan and Pete Grossnickle, James and Wendy Morrison,  Malaeh Neary, and Pam Rudolph. 
 
Thank you as well to all the members who attended and particularly those who took on tasks to make the event a success:  Linda Saville for layout; Janice Kurth for securing rentals, Beth Davidson, Dee House, Clint McCalla, Bob Muller, Kathy Reed, Jen Segura, Walt Strangman, Karl Wagner, and Walt Strangman for a ready supply of chili dogs; Don Johnson, Toni Mecaro, Val Myers and Linda Strangman for staffing the onsite sale desk; Steven McDowell for bringing the pop-up canopies; Garrie Rhodes and Jeff Matthews for staffing the drinks tent; Brett Mattei for coordinating with the lifeguards; Don Fipps for drowning again; Joe McLeod for bringing some fun games and for the kite flying; Mark Matthess for being the MC, and Linda Groom for taking the ducks home to dry.
 
There are lots of pictures from the day. Click HERE to download any you like from the Google Photo album. Dee House arranged for the Del Mar Times to take some pictures. Click HERE to see the article. Last, click HERE to view video of pictures from the day and the duck release.  Feeling nostalgic?  Click HERE to watch video from the 2010 edition of Chili & Quackers.    
Club Social: Koi Zen Cellars
 
There’s a relaxing place tucked back in Carmel Mountain where guests can “uncork, sip back and relax”. Lisa and Darius Miller always dreamed of owning a winery. But after a health setback together with the realization of just what having a working winery entailed, they went the path of an urban winery and founded Koi Zen Cellars in 2015. Darius and Lisa hosted a special tasting for our members at Koi Zen Cellars on May 9, 2023 when they discussed how they source their grapes and make their wine. Koi Zen Cellars has already signed on for our 2023 Sunset Soirée and they also support several other wine-themed Rotary events around San Diego. Their tasting room is open Wednesdays-Sundays.
Nativity Prep Academy Rotary at Work Day
Posted on May 08, 2023
We had a beautiful day for Rotary at Work Day on April 29, 2023. New members Beth Davidson and Richa Mohan teamed up with Nativity Prep Academy alumni as well as members Donna Fipps, Linda Groom, Dee House, Steven McDowell, Marty Peters, and Bill Rawlings (friends of the club Jim Kohn and Ina von Behr were also there) to take on two major tasks:  painting the old choir loft, which will serve as a new library space; and sanding and sealing the tables on the AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Patio. Parents of NPA students also helped to make quick work of the jobs.  NPA makes an 11-year commitment to its students. The journey begins on campus with middle school grades 6-8 when students take on rigorous classwork and to attend college-prep high schools around San Diego. After students enter high school, they return to the NPA campus at least once a week to meet with mentors and work towards applying for college.  During college years NPA continues to support their students, which all contributes to the high college graduate rate for NPA alumni.  Click HERE to watch a video with pictures from the day and click HERE to visit the Google Photo album to download your favorites.
 
Millennium Falcons Fly at National Competition
Posted on May 08, 2023
Through our Youth Services Avenue of Service, our club is a Platinum sponsor of the Torrey Pines High School Robotics team, the Millennium Falcons. Klaus Gubernator is one of the team mentors, and the team credits him with spearheading the upgrade of their “pit”, where the team keeps all the tools and materials that are critical to keeping the robot in top working condition. Last month the team traveled to the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas. The Falcons team had 25 members in Houston, and they were among 700 teams that participated. The team did very well by advancing to the semifinals. For the finals, over 50,000 watched in the convention center (the same venue as the 2022 Rotary International Convention). Click HERE to watch the team’s robot (look for 3647) in action. You can also follow the team on Instagram.
 
Paul Harris Plus!
Posted on May 08, 2023
Jim Davies (upper left), Donna Fipps and Mark Matthess (lower right) receive their latest Paul Harris pins from Foundation Chair Janice Kurth
 
Congratulations to Jim Davies, Donna Fipps, and Mark Matthews, who recently earned their Paul Harris +7, +7, and +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. Through $6000 the pins have blue stones. Upon reaching PHF+6, the pins have red stones. Jim and Donna’s latest pins each have two red stones, and Mark’s pin has three blue stones. We are grateful to all our Paul Harris Fellows.
Area 4 7-Way Meeting
 
Posted on Apr 23, 2023
Members at the 7-way: Red Badgers Beth Davidson and Clint McCalla (upper left); Red Badger Jen Segura with Mark Matthess (upper right)
Beth Westburg with Karl and Suzy Wagner and Val Myers (center left); Klaus Gubernator, Linda Saville and Pat Caughey (center right); MC Paulette Britton with 4-way test speaker Dylan Stroba (right, lower left); Keynote speaker Jordan Harrison (lower right)
 
Members from all seven Area 4 clubs gathered at the Del Mar Hilton on April 19, 2023. Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe president Paulette Britton was MC and Jordan Harrison was the keynote speaker. Carlsbad High School freshman Dylan Stroba presented the talk she gave at the recent 4-way test competition that focused on the importance of self-care and mental health. Presidents or other representatives gave brief presentations on all the projects that their clubs had undertaken over the past months and it was amazing to see all the ways the clubs are helping their communities and growing their membership. 
Workshop for Warriors Spring Graduation
 
Posted on Apr 23, 2023
Spring Workshops for Warriors graduating class (top). President Sharon Schendel, District Governor Elect Don Fipps (left) and Past District Governor (Right) attended the ceremony. The dog tag (lower left) honors support from our club
 
The latest class for Workshops for Warriors (WFW) graduated on April 20, 2023. These graduates are new veterans and join more than 1,100 others who have undergone intensive, 16-week training courses in machining or welding during the 15 years since WFW was founded in 2008 by Hernán and Rachel Luis y Prado. By graduation, nearly all WFW students have jobs secured or will undertake additional training to gain more certifications. Overall, WFW graduates have earned nearly 12,800 recognized credentials. WFW is gearing up to extend its successful model to other sites around the United States to help provide more highly skilled workers to fill the over 800,000 open positions that require workers with advanced manufacturing skills.
The Rotary Club of Del Mar is a registered 501c4 non-profit organization.

Weekly Meeting

Thursdays

12:00 Noon

At Pacifica Del Mar, Del Mar Plaza, 

Del Mar

Speakers
(Click on the Speaker for More Information)
Dr. Ellen Rodarte
Oct 05, 2023
Generative AI in Patient Education
Dr. Ezra Cohen
Oct 12, 2023
The Immune System and Cancer
Lucia Kearney, Au. D. (Audiologist)
Oct 19, 2023
Hearing and Hearing Aids
Alan Mindel
Oct 26, 2023
Fast Horses!
Alan Havir
Nov 02, 2023
A History of Rock Drums, aka Rotary Leadership
View entire list...
Upcoming Events
Club Executives, Directors & Committee Chairs
President
Matt Kurth
President Elect
Toni Mecaro
Vice President
Patrick Caughey
Past President
Sharon Schendel
Secretary
Sharon Schendel
Treasurer
Kathleen Reed
Director, International Service
Patti Kurtz
Director, Youth Service
Chris Stewart
Director, Membership
Dee House
Director, Program
Karin Davies
Director, Sergeant-at-Arms
Jim Davies
Chair, Foundation (TRF)
Janice Kurth
Chair, Community Service
Steven McDowell
Chair, Club Service
Susan Wagner
Chair, Vocational Service
Brett Mattei
Click to Donate to The Rotary Foundation
 
Club Download Files

Rotary Service Committee Meetings are held at 11:15 am every month:

1st Thursday: Youth Service
2nd Thursday: International Service
3rd Thursday: Community Service
4th Thursday: Vocational Service

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