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Big Surf and Fast Ducks: Chili & Quackers

Posted by Sharon Schendel

Ducks waiting to be picked up while Dano's Island Sounds (lower left) played. Troop 713 members (center) helped with all aspects of the event while

Patty Kurtz, Miles Fleming and Philippe Lamoise (lower right) staffed the duck/food/drink sales table

Viewpoint Brewing Company brought some beer and cooked Don Fipps' award-winning IPA chili that topped the chili dogs; Happy Twist Balloons by Keiko was back with a full menu of balloons; Beth Westburg (lower left) took a break from the "What's Rotary?" booth to visit with District 5340 District Governor Dan Gensler (center) as he waits for Garrie Rhodes (center right) to finish dressing her dog served up by Casey Robison (center right). Bob Fuchs (lower right, center) with Mary Savoy (lower right, left; Bob was Mary's sponsor) and her husband, Gene Helsell.

The Del Mar Lifeguards rescued Clay Sheffrey (bottom, center) and representatives of the Friends of Powerhouse Park sold tiles to raise funds to refurbish the the playground. Suzy Wagner (lower right) was ready to note the winners of the duck race and we had lots of help (lower left) corralling the ducks when they returned to shore.

Some future lifeguards check out the Zodiac rescue boat; balloon sword duels while Scouts collect ducks. Del Mar Lifeguards displayed rescue equipment, the purchase of which was supported in part by Rotary Club of Del Mar

Karin and Jim Davies spend some time with friends Pete and Jan Grossnickel outside the beer tent; the ducks get tossed in the surf (center left); Marty Peters and Karl Wagner were expert grill masters- Philippe Lamoise stopped by for a chili dog; Lots of beer and wine on offer.

Bob Muller and Dee House stop to say hi to Mary Alice Peters and Nelly (upper left); the moment of release (upper right)

The final Jenga match with Caroline Morin was riveting.

May Gray was in full force for our Chili & Quackers “friendraiser” on May 21, 2022, but the weather made for a good tide that brought the ducks back to shore within minutes of release. The ducks had been virtual for the past two years, so we were delighted to bring them back in person to Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Returning to the beach were Dano’s Island Sounds with calypso music, the Del Mar Lifeguards who launched the ducks and demonstrated a rescue of a swimmer in distress who was expertly played this year by Clay Sheffrey. Mary Peters and Karl Wagner kept the supply of hots dogs ready to be topped with Don Fipps’ award-winning IPA chili, which was made by Viewpoint Brewing Company (they also supplied the beer). District Governor Dan Gensler and his wife, Chris, took time out of their busy schedule to stop by. Special thanks go to Troop 713 members and their parents, who all worked so hard before and after the event. Thanks as well to co-presidents Karl and Suzy Wagner for overseeing the planning, Brett Mattei for getting up early and securing the site, Beth Westburg for leading the “What’s Rotary” information tent, Philippe Lamoise for developing the online site that ensured smooth and secure duck adoption and food pre-purchase; Karin and Jim Davies for organizing the children's activities; Marty Peters, Karl Wagner, Dee House, Casey Robison, and Gregory House for running the food tent; Keith Ward and Jeff Matthews for tending bar; Miles Fleming and Patty Kurtz for handling on-site purchases; Val Myers for day-of oversight and organization; Linda Groom for sheltering the ducks post-race; Linda Saville for spearheading the event layout (and flagging gopher holes); Bill Rawlings for tent transport; Janice Kurth for getting tables and chairs (no small feat given the busy party season); Dugan Lamoise for organizing the Troop 713 volunteers; and Steven McDowell for event breakdown. Last, we thank all the sponsors, donors, and duck adopters!

Governor's Dinner - June 30th

Join all your Rotary friends from around the District for the year-end festivities celebrating the accomplishments of our outgoing District Governor Dan Genzler and ring in the new with the exchange of flags for incoming Governor Chuck Pretto. All new incoming club presidents will be sworn in during this event as well. Please let Suzy Wagner know if you're going to attend.

April Rotarian of the Month - Beth Westburg

Congratulations to Beth Westburg - April Rotarian of the Month

Thank you for all your contributions to the Rotary Club of Del Mar and especially for bringing all the wonderful speakers to our meetings!

Rotary District 5340 Model UN.

We’re Proud to help sponsor Rotary District 5340 Model UN. Thank you to all the students and advisors! Thanks as well to City of Del Mar for providing the venue and of course to our member Klaus Gubernator for organizing the event

Rotarian at Work Day, April 30

On April 30, Rotarian at Work Day, the Rotary Club of Del Mar got together to seal new tables and build new bookcases for Nativity Prep Academy. Nativity Prep is a private-independent, all-scholarship Catholic middle school and college-preparatory program for young men and women from low-income families who represent the first generation to graduate from college. Eleven years of support empowers our students to excel through high school, college, and beyond, becoming role models and leaders in their communities. It is an honor to support these incredible students and amazing organization

Annual Chili and Quackers Challenge Saturday, May 21

The Quack is Back! The Rotary Club of Del Mar Chili & Quackers challenge returns to Del Mar Powerhouse Park
Saturday May 21, 2022 from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Ducky Derby: Adopt one duck or multiple ducks to be released by Del Mar Lifeguards as part of a ducky flotilla. The adopters of the ducks that float ashore the fastest will win valuable prizes.

The event is free to attend- adopting ducks is completely optional. Also enjoy chili dogs, soft drinks, beer and wine, which will all be available for purchase. For the little duckies, we'll have games and balloon twisting. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Del Mar charitable service projects, both at home and around the world.

For more information, click here

Workshop for Warriors

Posted by Sharon Schendel

Co-presidents Suzy and Karl Wagner present WFW CFO Rachel Luis y Prado with a donation.

Linda Groom, Marty Peters and Janice Kurth learn about WFW welding projects

Machining Instructor Randall Uerkvitz

Machining students take a break from class for our tour

Fiber laser cutter donated by Amada America

WFW welding shop

Near the General Dynamics NASSCO and BAE Systems shipbuilding and repair sites is a place of transformation: Workshops for Warriors (WFW). Around 200 students annually undertake intensive 4-month training programs in machining or welding at the WFW campus. After earning portable and stackable credentials, WFW students pursue manufacturing careers in their chose skill. Around 95% of WFW students receive job offers and graduates work at a range of major manufacturers like Ford, General Dynamics, Boeing and SpaceX.

On April 14, 2022, Rotary Club of Del Mar members toured the WFW campus. We were led by Rachel Luis y Prado, WFW CFO and Chief Academic Officer, who is married to the WFW founder and CEO, Hernán Luis y Prado, and WFW Director of Operations, Keisha Javis-Jones, who is a Marine Corps veteran.

WFW began in Hernán’s garage in 2008 and the campus opened in 2011. A Navy veteran, Hernán realized the need for resources to help veterans transition from the military back into civilian life. The need is particularly urgent in San Diego County, which has one of the largest veteran populations in the United States and nearly 10% are unemployed or live in poverty.

Students learn about WFW through word-of-mouth or through collaborating partners like Camp Pendleton. Active-duty personnel nearing their End of Active Service Date are eligible to enroll. Accessibility is a key goal of WFW. Students who qualify receive scholarships and living assistance and the accelerated training program means that students can begin earning robust salaries rapidly.

In 2022, WFW will surpass 1,000 graduates who will help fill an emerging gap in the manufacturing sector: skilled machinists and welders are retiring and the demand for skilled workers to fill these positions is high. WFW is undertaking a capital campaign that will substantially expand the campus and allow more students to enroll.

Rotary Club of Del Mar is proud to donate $4,600 to help more WFW students earn skills and credentials they need and to ensure that veterans transition from the military to high-paying, in-demand jobs.

Recognition for Polio Contributions

Rotary is an international community that brings together leaders who step up to take on the world’s toughest challenges, locally and globally. The eradication of polio is one of our longest standing and most significant efforts. Along with our partners, we have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. We have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide and we won't stop until we end the disease for good.

At our March 24th meeting, former District 5340 Governor Steve Weitzen awarded the Rotary Club of Del Mar a Certificate of Recognition for exceeding our fundraising goal to end polio.

Thank you to all who contributed!

Solterra Social March 15

On March 15, several Del Mar Rotarians met to show off their winemaking skills in a fun evening of competition and wine tasting at Solterra Winery. Outfitted with the necessary tools and a brief tutorial, we got into groups of 4 and 5 and experimented with finding a blend of wine that best suited our palate! Owner and Winemaker Chris Van Alyea did the judging and the team lead by Sharon Schendel came in first place with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.

La Colonia Gets a New Ramp!

Nearing completion (L to R) Karl Wagner, Pat Dougherty, Bill Rawlings, Matt Kurth, Suzy Wagner, Walt Strangman, Klaus Gubernator, Janice Kurth, Bob Fuchs, Dee House, Sharon Schendel

Kathy Reed sanding the railings smooth

Tandem painting by Matt Kurth and Karl Wagner

Finished!

Our members met at the La Colonia Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito in the Eden Gardens neighborhood of Solana Beach to refurbish the access ramp to Casita de Gloria. Members installed new handrails and a fresh coat of paint to provide a pleasing pathway to the Casita, which houses mentoring programs and other club activities. Outside the casita, El Jardin de los Ninos provides hands-on experiences in organic gardening. Casita de Gloria was named to honor Gloria Castellanos, who spearheaded the La Colonia branch, and currently serves as the La Colonia clubhouse manager.

Donna Fipps Recognized with a Paul Harris Society Certificate

On Thursday, February 17, Rotary Foundation Chair and Past District Governor Marge Cole presented our very own Donna Fipps with a Paul Harris Society Certificate. Congratulations Donna!

February Rotarian of the Month - Donna Fipps

Our February Rotarian of the Month is recognized for always being willing to help. She's been our Secretary for the past 5 years, keeping everyone up to date with all things Rotary Club of Del Mar, and she's been a constant volunteer for all of our most recent projects. Donna, we are so grateful for you! Thank you for all you do for Rotary and our club!

January Rotarian of the Month - Bill Rawlings

The Rotary Club of Del Mar is thrilled to announce Bill Rawlings as the January Rotarian of the Month!

Bill is a past president sitting on the Board 2022-2023. He organized the Del Mar Beautification Bench Refurbishment Project that was just recently acknowledged at a Del Mar City Council meeting! Bill built Christmas decorations for the Rotary clock and recently installed the education bird sign on the San Dieguito Riverwalk.

Thank you Bill for all you do for the Rotary Club of Del Mar and the community!

Del Mar Riverwalk Gets a New Bird Sign

As part of the Rotary Club of Del Mar's city beautification efforts, the community service committee recently purchased a new bird sign to replace the old unreadable sign found on the Riverwalk.

Rotarians at Work Day - April 30th

Rotarians At Work Day takes place the last Saturday of every April. Started in 2006 as a joint effort between two Rotary Districts (one in the United States and one in Mexico), Rotarians at Work Day continues to grow. Each year, Rotary clubs around the world identify hands-on projects that all members can participate in to help their local community.

The Rotary Club of Del Mar is happy to announce that this Rotarians at Work Day, April 30th, we will be supporting Nativity Prep in along with the Rotaract Clubs of Torrey Pines High School, Cathedral Catholic, and Sunset High School with a work project on their campus.

The mission of this inner-city school is to provide a uniquely effective, integrated program of academic preparation, graduate support, and mutual long-term commitment that achieves nationally recognized excellence in terms of college graduation rates for their students. Nativity Prep develops their students and their families ability to live a life of opportunity, choice, and service.

Del Mar Bench Refurbishment

After completing the refurbishment of the benches in Del Mar so beautifully, the community service team was asked to also refurbish the tables, chairs, and benches at City Hall. The City of Del Mar recognized all who participated during their February 7th meeting

Community Service Grants At Work

The Rotary Club of Del Mar proudly supports the Del Mar Lifeguards. Part of this year's grant went towards the purchase of the pictured EMT kits. To date two lifeguards have been able to complete EMT training, and more are scheduled. They are also available to Del Mar Firefighters.

Huge thanks to the Del Mar Lifeguards for all they do to keep everyone safe! It is our honor to support you!

San Dieguito River Park Clean Up

December 4 was a busy day for the Rotary Club of Del Mar! Not only were we supporting Project Mercy building houses in Tecate, several of our members spent the day taking care of the San Dieguito River Park.

May be an image of 8 people, people standing and outdoors

La Colonia Christmas Party

The Rotary Club of Del Mar just held its annual Christmas party for the Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito, La Colonia with food and fun. It's still a little different because of Covid-19, but fun was had by everyone involved, especially the kids!

Rotary and Project Mercy House Building Project in Mexico

On December 4th, the Rotary Club of Del Mar with approximately 140 others from District 5340 traveled to Tecate, Mexico to build 7 homes for families in need. The project was in conjunction with Project Mercy a 501-C (3) non-profit agency based in San Diego, California. The goal of Project Mercy is the improvement of basic living standards and quality of life for impoverished families who live in conditions precarious to their health in the shantytowns of the colonias east of Tijuana, Mexico. It was an incredible day of service and fellowship. For those who wanted to stay overnight, their hard work was rewarded with a fabulous dinner.

May be an image of 6 people, people standing and outdoors

150+ people from La Jolla Interact Club and over 20 Rotaries from both Mexico and the US built seven homes for families in need – Project Mercy Baja

Rose Naigino - Rotary Global Scholar

The Rotary Foundation provides scholarships to graduate students who have demonstrated long-term commitment to certain areas of focus such as peace-building and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and a focus on environmental health.

In June 2021, Rose Naigino received the Global Grant Rotary Scholarship intended to cover SDSU mandatory campus fees, living expenses, housing, health insurance, and travel expenses during the period of Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters.

Rose is a second year, Joint Doctoral Public Health student majoring in Global Health at San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kyambogo University, Kampala-Uganda and her Master of Health Services Research (MHSR) from Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda. Shortly after, Rose was absorbed into the Makerere University’s Public Health Department to manage the implementation of several research projects on behalf of the faculty. She then decided to complete a short postgraduate diploma in project planning and management to support the work that she did for the University.

If you missed our Rotary Global Scholar Rose Naigino speaking at our November 18th meeting, you can read all about her work, experience here and the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship here:

https://publichealth.sdsu.edu/blog/2021/11/15/joint-doctoral-student-receives-global-grant-rotary-scholarship/

Welcome Pat Caughey

The rotary Club of Del Mar is pleased to introduce our newest member Pat Caughey! Welcome Pat! Thank you for moving over to our club!

Oyster Shucking Party!

On November 11, the Rotary Club of Del Mar visited the Carlsbad Aquafarm where we learned how our aquafarm protects the natural ecosystem and enjoyed a unique farm tour and fresh oyster tasting experience!

2022 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION:
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Registration is now open for the 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas. Join us next year to explore what’s possible in Rotary, in Houston, and in yourself.

Whether you’re new to Rotary or a longtime member, it will be an unforgettable experience. Learn more at convention.rotary.org/houston.

Register and pay by June 16, 2021 to take advantage of the promotional rate of $425. Don’t miss your chance to Discover New Horizons at the 2022 Rotary International Convention!

Don Fipps Selected to Serve as District Governor 2024-2025

The Rotary Club of Del Mar is thrilled to announce that our very own DON FIPPS has been selected to serve as District Governor during the Rotary year 2024-25!!

In accordance with the provisions of Rotary International Bylaws Article 12, Rotary District 5340 created a Nominating Committee to review and interview candidates. This year's Committee included eight past, current, and future District Governors. and was chaired by Immediate Past District Governor Steven Weitzen.

Currently, Don is the Assistant Governor for Area 3 - Carlsbad Hi Noon, Carlsbad Evening, Tri City and San Marcos. He is also serving as Governor-Elect Dan Gensler’s chief aide. You may be familiar with Don as the man behind all the District Zoom meetings. Yes, Don is the brains behind the operations that brings us the Membership seminars, Foundation seminar, District Training Assembly and the monthly guest speaker program.

Join us in congratulating Don for this well deserved, hard earned honor!