Video Newsletter October 12, 2024
Here's the latest edition of our video newsletter that highlights some of our club's recent activities and upcoming events.
Stories
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Video Newsletter October 1, 2024 |
Sunset Soirée is This Tuesday! The Sunset Soirée is this TUESDAY! How are you going to help? The Soirée funds the majority of our projects and ALL members need to be involved. We still have plenty of tickets available, so please invite friends and family to join us for an evening of great food, fine wine and beer, as well as exciting auction items. Videos on the club YouTube channel summarize the food and beverage VENDORS and AUCTION ITEMS. There is also a video GUIDE to ticket purchases and signing up for bid numbers. Visit the event website: www.delmarsunsetsoiree.org to purchase tickets and see the auction items. Online bidding is ongoing- put a bid on your favorite baskets! |
Helping Neighbors at the Community Resource Center Debbie King of the CRC (center) with Community Service Chair Steven McDowell (left) and President-Elect Pat Caughey, whose wife Jenny is a CRC volunteer Debbie King, Senior Director for Donor Relations of the Community Resource Center (CRC) was our speaker for the September 5, 2024 meeting. Debbie is also the current president of the Rotary Club of Vista. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of its founding, CRC currently helps over 7,000 clients annually to have healthy food, stable homes and safe relationships. To expand its impact, in 2022 the CRC began a $10 million capital campaign, One Community • One Heart, to upgrade their main campus in Encinitas. Construction is slated to begin in 2025 and will provide an accessible building that has efficient workspaces for CRC staff and meeting spaces both for confidential appointments and educational workshops for CRC clients. The new Food & Nutrition building will have a sheltered entry walkway that leads to an interior reception area that offers clients needed privacy and dignity as they wait for service. The building also has increased storage and intake area for food and supplies, and includes a flexible space for cooking demonstrations that instruct clients on how to prepare and enhance their family meals. Debbie addressed questions about the evolution of the holiday baskets, which were a favorite volunteer opportunity for members. The CRC now gives clients gift cards to area retailers. These gift cards give families served by the CRC greater choice and the ability to select items that are tailored to their needs. |
Welcome Our Newest Member: Betsy Winsett Four generations of Rotary (l to r): Klaus Gubernator, Kathy Reed, Betsy Winsett, Dee House We're delighted to welcome Betsy Winsett as our newest member. Betsy is "fourth generation" Rotary in terms of member sponsors: Dee House (far right) sponsored Klaus Gubernator, who sponsored Kathy Reed (second from left), who sponsored her good friend Betsy Winsett for membership. Friendships are just one way that Rotary International grows!
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Commitment to Rotary Foundation at All Levels
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Post-Meeting Treat at Wynston’s Scoop Shop
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A Visit from District Governor Diane Crawford
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Welcome Our Newest Honorary Member Hayden
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Going Over a Cliff with the Del Mar Lifeguards
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Halloween Costumes for STEP
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Jim Watkins Amphitheater Tile Installation Complete
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Sunset Soirée Fast Approaching The 20th annual Sunset Soirée is Tuesday September 10! Encourage your friends and family to join us for this exciting event. Remember that ALL club members must purchase two tickets (married couples who are both members purchase one ticket each). Click HERE for a quick guide to ticket purchase and securing bid numbers for you and your guests. Click HERE to download a PDF of the guide. |
Partnerships for the Future
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Annual Day at the Races  Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO and honorary member Joe Harper again hosted our annual Day at the Races in the Turf Club at the Del Mar racetrack. Lots of members were traveling this year, so there was an opportunity to invite Betsy Winsett (who just applied for membership) and her partner David Rawson and former member Chad Brown (Chad secures the all-important ABC permit that allows us to serve alcohol at the Sunset Soirée), as well as spouses Jim Kohn and Jennifer McDowell to thank them for behind-the-scenes support of club events. Current District Governor Diane Crawford and District Governor-Elect Luis Carranza were also our guests. President Toni Mecaro was joined by Val Myers in the winner’s circle with the winner of the Rotary Club of Del Mar race (the first on the card), Pioneer Prince. Click HERE to watch the race (watch all the way to the end to see Toni and Val in the winner’s circle). |
A Visit from the District Governor Diane Crawford
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A Visit from the District Governor Diane Crawford
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Ice Cream Social at Wynston’s Scoop Shop August 29
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MAEGA: Don Lapham Memorial Dinner Sept. 3
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Sunset Soirée: All Hands on Deck On Tuesday September 10 we celebrate our 20th annual Sunset Soirée! Clay Sheffrey is serving as auctioneer this year so this should be one of our best ever! How can you help? BUILD BASKETS: Need a reminder on what recent baskets looked like? Click HERE to visit our YouTube channel and see videos of all the auction items from the 2022 and 2023 Soirées. VOLUNTEER: Toni Mecaro has a list of tasks that both in preparation and on the day of the event. BUY TICKETS: Ticket sales are our largest source of event revenue. The website will be live soon. Invite friends and family to join us for samplings of top wineries and restaurants. |
Work and Play in Del Mar Wednesday July 10 was cool and misty, but that didn’t stop our crew from adding a new coat of stain to protect benches and trash cans around Del Mar. Bill Rawlings headed up the team (he came with handy condiment bottles to dispense stain) that included Suzy Wagner, Walt and Linda Strangman, Suzy Wagner (she coordinated with the city), Brett Mattei, Don Fipps, Sharon Schendel, and Steven McDowell. That evening, Suzy Wagner organized a club social at Beeside Balcony and we had a great turnout. |
Blood Drive at Del Mar Civic Center August 1 The San Diego Blood Bank is in urgent need of blood right now. The Bloodmobile will return to the Del Mar Civic Center on Thursday August 1. To schedule an appointment, either email Mary Savoy or CLICK HERE. If you can’t make August 1, CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment a donation center near you- mention Rotary Club of Del Mar to credit our club. |
Day at the Races August 15 Our annual Day at the Races is coming up on Thursday August 15. Click HERE to visit the Event page to sign up and for details on the dress code and where to pick up tickets when you arrive. |
Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday
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Bench Sealing July 10 The Del Mar Beautification Committee will be out sealing benches in Del Mar Wednesday July 10 at 10 AM. We could use a few more volunteers. Click HERE to email Suzy Wagner to let her know that you're able to help. Meet at the Del Mar Post Office on 15th Street. Wear your Rotarians at Work shirt and pants/shoes you don't mind getting a bit stained.
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Toni Mecaro's First Meeting as President This Thursday, July 11, 2024, is the first meeting of Toni Mecaro's term as President. We also have an exciting speaker who will join us via Zoom: Dr. Stephan Martin, the Director of the West-German Centre of Diabetes and Health and Chief Physician for Diabetology of the Catholic Hospital Group Düsseldorf. Dr. Martin specializes specializes in internal medicine, endocrinology, and diabetology. The Zoom link will be emailed before the meeting.
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Resend of Newsletter with active linksApologies for the second sending of the newsletter, but I realized that the links in the earlier version did not connect to the intended website. Check out this version that has the correct links to websites. Sharon
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No Meeting on July 4 There will be no meeting on Thursday July 4, 2024. Join us on July 11 at Pacifica Del Mar Private Reserve room for Toni Mecaro's first meeting as Club President!
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Demotion Party June 27
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Karl Wagner Celebration of Life Members are invited to attend a celebration of life for Karl Wagner on Saturday June 22, 2024 at 4PM. Email Suzy Wagner if you would like to attend. She will provide directions to the venue near Pt. Loma. Click HERE to read the obituary. |
MAEGA Scholarship Awards
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In Memoriam: Deacon Al Graff
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Volunteer for Miramar Cemetery Operation Flags for Vets
 Photo credit: Chris Stone, Times of San Diego Of the 155 National Cemeteries across the United States, Miramar National Cemetery is the only one that has an Avenue of Flags over which 50 United States flags fly every minute of every day of every year. However, unlike other national cemeteries, Miramar has no funding for placement of flags at each grave on Memorial Day. This year District 5340 District Military Coordination Committee (DMCC) sought to change that by launching Operation Flags for Vets, which sponsored purchase of 22,000 small flags that will be placed at each grave in the Miramar National Cemetery by volunteer Rotarians and their families. The District will store the flags and purchase new flags for placement in future years. If you’d like to volunteer to place (Saturday March 25) and take up (Tuesday May 28) the flags, click HERE to visit the event website and complete the volunteer interest form (found at the bottom of the page). Click HERE to read the story about this effort at the District 5340 webpage.
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Club Social: West End Bar & Kitchen Eric Nelte and RoseMary Pelligrino enjoying the March 2023 social at West End Bar & Kitchen Our next social is Tuesday May 14 from 4PM-6:30PM. Take in views of Los Peñasquitos lagoon while enjoying the menu at West End Bar & Kitchen. Owner Sal Ercolano is one of our most steadfast participants at our Sunset Soirée, so please come to thank him and his crew for their longstanding support of our club. Click HERE to visit the Event page on our club website for additional details.
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Rosebud is Graduating On Friday May 10, members are invited to watch our dear Rosebud IV graduate to the next phase of her training to become a Canine Companion service dog. Click HERE to visit the Event page on our club website for the time and place.
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Balboa Park Committee of 100: Restoring a Legacy
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Annual 7-way meeting
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Congratulations to the Lamoises on joining the Arch Klumph Society
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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Shows Where Change Begins
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In memoriam: Ole Prahm We were saddened to learn of the passing of Ole Prahm Tuesday April 16, 2024. Ole was officially a member of the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe, but he was a frequent visitor to our club and attended many of our events. We offer our condolences to his wife Patricia and to his family. |
In memoriam: Karl WagnerLast week we lost one of our keystone members, Karl Wagner. Karl and his beloved wife, Suzy, stepped up on short notice to serve for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year as the club’s first co-Presidents. They both ensured that our Sunset Soirée had delicious food by cultivating relationships with restaurants in the Del Mar area that we thanked throughout the year with club socials, which they also arranged. In addition, the Wagners led the charge to keep Del Mar beautiful by refurbishing benches and tables and taking the lead on the amphitheater project. Karl also helped with blood drives for many years. We will all miss Karl’s unfailingly positive attitude and his generosity. Members are invited to celebrate Karl’s life on Saturday June 22 at 4 PM. Please save this date and look for additional information to follow. Click HERE to read memories of Karl. |
Collaborating on Global Grants in Africa
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Model UN Delegates Discuss Biodiversity and Counter-Terrorism
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Mark Your Calendars: Demotion Party and Sunset Soirée  The demotion party for Matt will be Thursday June 27, 2024 and the Sunset Soirée is set for September 10, 2024. Save those dates! |
Sleeping Cottages Featured on KPBS
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Kurths Hosting Rotary Youth Exchange Student
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Congratulations to Our Newest Blue Badger: Beth Davidson
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Salt + Lime Club Social 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. |
Annual 7-Way Lunch April 17
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District 5340 Music Competition Finals April 20
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In memoriam: Al Tarkington 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. |
Board of Directors Tuesday March 19 Zoom only The monthly Board of Directors meeting will be held Tuesday March 19 at 8 AM on Zoom. All members, and especially red badgers, are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88223159845?pwd=aTVIK0lkZGZEUmRlanhYUDdocWQ0Zz09
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Free Flight Field Trip 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. |
Newest Blue Badgers Susan Maronde and RoseMary Pellegrino
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Our newest member: Dr. Manu Sohaey
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Club Social: Salt + Lime on March 26
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Starlink Launch Tonight For those of you who enjoy watching bright things hurtling through the night sky, Sharon Schendel’s husband Jim Kohn notes that there is a SpaceX launch tonight from Vandenberg AFB. Look west tonight- the launch is scheduled for 7:13 PM PT. |
What happens when you Say YES: A trip to Eritrea that changed lives
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District 5340 Training Assembly 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 60 pints collected at the March 7 Blood Drive
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RYLA Interviews and Facilitators RYLA 2024 is just six weeks away! We have three applicants from Cathedral Catholic that we’ll interview on Thursday March 7, 2024 from 2-4 PM (right after the meeting). Email Sharon Schendel if you’d like to help interview. Gregory Harris, a member of the RYLA organizing committee, says that more facilitators are needed for the RYLA weekend. Being a facilitator is truly amazing. You have the opportunity to meet spectacular young people and some of the coolest Rotarians in the district while spending time in beautiful Idyllwild. Facilitators must be able to attend the entire weekend (late Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon) and be able to walk a few miles each day. Also, they MUST be Youth-Certified for District 5340. Email Greg if you’re interested in learning more about being a RYLA facilitator.
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Rising Tide Sleeping Cottages 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. |
Who Am I: Susan Maronde
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Perfect Sandwiches at Moxie Theatre 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. |
Birds and Brew March 15 Klaus Gubernator with some Free Flight birds who visited us back in 2017 In lieu of our regular meeting, we have a field trip on March 15 to the Free Flight bird sanctuary near Del Mar Plaza on Jimmy Durante Blvd. (click HERE for a map). Afterward, we can discuss our favorite birds over some Viewpoint Brewing Company brews. The cost is $8/attendee for a guided tour and opportunities to feed the birds. There is limited parking near the sanctuary and dirt lots adjacent to Viewpoint. Email Linda Saville if you have questions. For those attending: wear close-toed shoes that you're comfortable walking in. |
Musical Meeting 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). |
Blood Drive March 7 The San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) Bloodmobile returns to the Del Mar Civic Center on Thursday March 7. Reserve your appointment now and encourage family and friends to donate as well. Email Mary Savoy if you'd like to book an appointment, or click HERE to sign up online at the SDBB website (click HERE to book an alternate appointment if you can't make March 7).
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District Training Assembly March 9 The Annual District Training Assembly is March 9 at Liberty Station. This once-a-year event will equip you with all you need to know about Rotary at the club, District, and International level. Learn from experienced Rotarians the ins and outs of club management, the Rotary Foundation, fundraising and more. The afternoon session is particularly important for our club. To be eligible for District and Global grants, two members MUST attend and be certified. Red Badgers- this is a great learning opportunity and it qualifies as a District event to satisfy one of the steps on the journey to a regular badge! Also, are you looking to get Youth Certified, but still need a LiveScan? You're in luck- you can get your LiveScan done at the conference for $20 (the club will reimburse you for the cost). Click HERE to visit the registration page. |
Fireside Chat March 6 View from the aptly-named View Room where the Fireside Chat will be held Attention all red badgers! Our next fireside chat (one of the steps on the journey to a regular badge) is Wednesday March 6. All members as well as family and friends are welcome to join for an opportunity to talk with club members and officers in an informal setting. Enjoy pizza from Pizza Nova and learn more about our club's organization and projects, as well as how we integrate with Rotary International. Look for balloons to guide you to the Solana Beach & Tennis Club View Room (there is typically plenty of street parking). Click HERE for the map. |
A Celebration of Life for Bob Fuchs 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. |
Sharon Out of Town Sharon will be back home again in Indiana from January 26 until at least February 16 helping a family member recover from planned surgery. The newsletter may be sporadic during this time. If anyone would like to help write stories or take pictures, I'm happy to post them on the website and Facebook! Just reach out by email.
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In Memoriam: Bernadette Watkins 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. |
Model United Nations 2024 Training Seminar
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Il Fornaio Fun 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. |
Sleeping Cottage Build Opportunities in Vista 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. |
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 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. |
Model United Nations Training Session January 20 Scenes from the 2023 Model United Nations Training session Model United Nations 2024 kicks off with a training session at Del Mar City Hall on Saturday January 20. Kathy Reed needs volunteers to come early (around 7-7:30 AM) to help set up, check in delegates, and manage refreshments. Email Kathy to for more information and to sign up. Red Badgers: helping at this event qualifies as a “Club Fellowship Activity”. |
Board of Directors Meeting January 16- Zoom OnlyThe monthly Board of Directors meeting will be held Tuesday January 16 at 8 AM on Zoom. All members, and especially red badgers, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Watch for the Zoom link in an email. |
January Social: Il Fornaio January 17 Celebrate the new year with our first social at Il Fornaio in the Del Mar Plaza on Wednesday January 17 from around 4:00PM-6:00PM. As always, friends and family are welcome and encouraged. Il Fornaio would like a rough head count, so please email Suzy Wagner if you plan to attend. |
Newest Blue Badger: Ina von Ber 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! |
Ukrainian Holiday Party in Del Mar 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. |
In Memoriam: Bob Fuchs  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. |
New Member Induction: Wyatt Hinshaw 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. |
Who Am I: Sean Barrett 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.
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New Paul Harris Fellows 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. |
New Favorites at Gianni Buonomo Vintners 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! |
Board of Directors meeting Tuesday December 19- Zoom onlyThe monthly Board of Directors meeting will be held Tuesday December 19 at 8 AM on Zoom. All members, and especially red badgers, are welcome and encouraged to attend. Watch for the Zoom link in an email.
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Don't Miss the Boat! District Cruise April 26-29 Registration is open for the District Conference Cruise to Ensenada, which will be a casual, fun, educational, relaxing and affordable weekend cruise on Royal Caribbean's newly remodeled "Navigator of the Seas." The 3-night cruise will depart from Los Angeles at 4 pm on Friday April 26, sail to and dock in Ensenada and return to Los Angeles at 8 am Monday April 29. Our planned Rotary activities include a Welcome Aboard reception on Friday, Saturday Day at Sea with two Rotary General Session meetings and the option to participate in Rotarians at Work projects in Ensenada and a paella lunch on Sunday.
Don't wait to register. Cabins are going fast! After you register, join the District Facebook group dedicated to the District Cruise. You can share information and ask questions, etc. Important: Click "Read More" for some very vital information about the cruise. |
Merry & Bright at the La Colonia Holiday Party    Another wonderful holiday party for members of the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club La Colonia Clubhouse and their families. Children made crafts at the different stations and enjoyed a wonderful dinner provided by Jake's Del Mar.
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La Colonia Holiday Party December 14 Our annual holiday party for members of the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club La Colonia clubhouse is Thursday December 14 from 4-6 PM. All members and their families are invited to make holiday crafts, tell their wishes to Santa, and enjoy delicious food donated by Jake's Del Mar. Klaus Gubernator is chairing the event and Kathy Reed is organizing the craft stations. Click HERE to check the event page for directions.
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Early birds: Volunteer for CRC Holiday Baskets December 9 Calling all early birds! The Community Resource Center (CRC) is looking for help with holiday baskets on Saturday December 9 from 5:00AM-9:30AM (yes, that's AM). Holiday baskets are fun, and they're even more fun if you get up super-early on a Saturday morning. This is a self-schedule. If you'd like to help, email CRC staff directly at HBVolunteer@crcncc.org. The staff will provide additional details, include the work site. |
Amphitheater Booth at Del Mar Taste & Sip Sunday December 3 Tickets for Del Mar Village Taste & Sip are officially sold out, but you can still swing by Del Mar on Sunday December 3 from 1PM-4PM to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Our club will have a booth near the Jim Watkins amphitheater to unveil our plans for a tile enhancement of the amphitheater risers. The tiles will have a wave motif that echoes those on the nearby beach. We'll be raising funds to cover the cost of materials and installation; there are several levels of recognition for donors. Contact Suzy Wagner if you have time to help staff the booth. Thank you to Pat Caughey for preparing the graphics in the flier. |
Early Newsletter Early edition for the newsletter this week because we have some events this weekend (i.e., tomorrow!). As per Sharon's mantra: "It's on the website", so if you miss any of the details, visit www.delmarrotary.org
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FundaMental Health Inaugural Fundraiser Saturday December 2 Viewpoint Brewing Company is the site for the inaugural fundraiser for FundaMental Health, a 501(c)3 organization founded by our soon-to-be newest member Wyatt Hinshaw. Click HERE to purchase tickets for brunch on Saturday December 2, 2023 at 10:30AM-1:30 PM. |
Holiday Party December 12 at the Kurth's |
Me and My Drum Sandy Abalos and Alan Havir gave a musical version of the 4-Way Test and members are at the ready to practice some rhythms with their new drumsticks Conductors lead orchestras, but for rock bands the drummer is the lead and timekeeper. Past District Governor Alan Havir (he served District 5510, which in 2017 merged with District 5490 to form District 5495, covering Arizona) visited our club with his wife, Sandy Abalos, to talk about the history of Rock and Roll drumming. Alan has been a professional drummer himself for over 60 years. He demonstrated some major rhythms used by famous bands and how they evolved from ¾ time and the shuffle (e.g., Bill Haley) to more complex rhythms like Brubeck’s Take Five (5/4 time) and Led Zeppelin’s 12/8 and 17/8 time. Alan brought presents: a set of drumsticks for everyone to drum their own rhythm on the tables. |
Another Successful Blood Drive Our latest blood drive on November 2, 2023 was a great success. We collected 23 pints that can help 69 people. Thank you to Mary Savoy for organizing the drive. Couldn’t make this drive? Donate any time at one of the convenient San Diego Blood Bank donation centers. |
Cottage Build Opportunities in VistaWe have another cottage build opportunity on 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. |
Best Soirée Baskets 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. |
Three Cottage Build Opportunities in Vista
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District 5340 District Seminar November 4 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. |
Suggest a Speaker: Dates Available Can you believe we're scheduling speakers for 2024 already? All Thursdays in January 2024 are currently open. Contact Karin and Jim Davies at wjdavies@sbcglobal.net with your suggestions. |
Social at WestBrew 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. |
Buy It Now or Cry Later: The St. Peter's Thrift Shop 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. |
Sunset Soirée a Smashing Success      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. |
In Memory: Stan Tomer and Ed Eginton  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. |
More Rescue Boards for the Del Mar Lifeguards 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. |
Club Social at WestBrew September 19 at 4 PM  We have A LOT of restaurants to thank for serving at the Soirée. We’ll start this week at WestBrew at the corner of 15th Street and Camino Del Mar. Come join us for Happy Hour from 4-6 PM. As always, encourage family and friends to come! A note about parking: Tuesdays are a busy night for St. Peter's, and our parking passes for their lot are valid only for our Thursday meetings. As such, please use the metered spaces along Maiden Lane, find street parking, or park at the Plaza. Click HERE for other nearby parking options.
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Board of Directors Meeting September 19The monthly Board of Directors meeting Tuesday September 19. All members (especially Red Badgers) are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88223159845?pwd=aTVIK0lkZGZEUmRlanhYUDdocWQ0Zz09 |
Backyard Wine Tasting of Castelli & Pizzarro Family Winery Wines Val Myers hosted a tasting for Castelli & Pizzarro Family Winery, which also served at our Sunset Soirée. We enjoyed a selection of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon produced by this Ramona winery. |
Freedom Park at Navy Pier 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 areas along the promenade and extend into the G Street Mall 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 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. |
Sunset Soirée Ticket Purchase It’s time to buy your Soirée tickets! Please visit the Sunset Soirée website to buy your tickets and secure bid numbers. By buying through the website, you’ll get a bid number and expedite check in at the event. Members: even if you won’t be attending, it’s helpful to buy your tickets through the event website. Click HERE for a guide to buying your tickets and helping guests register for bid numbers. |
Wine Tasting Social August 31 Val Myers is hosting the August club social at her home on Thursday August 31 at 6 PM. Wines will be provided by one of the wineries that will serve at the Soirée. The cost is $35 person. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please email Suzy Wagner if you’d like to attend. Directions to Val’s home will be provided before the event, but if you know how to access the member area in ClubRunner or the ClubRunner mobile app, you can find her address there. |
Fireside Chat for Newer Members 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. |
Day at the Races: Sign Up By Monday Our annual Day at the Races is Thursday August 17. Click HERE to see who is signed up. If you're not on the list, email Marty Peters by MONDAY AUGUST 15 to sign up. This is a members-only event and there is a dress code (jackets required for men, appropriate attire for women with dresses or suits preferred; no jeans, shorts or athletic wear). On August 17 starting a bit before noon, pick up your pass at a small table near the gate (see map). If you arrive late, pick up your pass at Will Call. Take the elevator to Il Palio restaurant. Please bring some cash for betting and for generous tipping of our servers. Newer members: Want to see what the day is like? Click HERE for pictures from 2022. |
Sunset Soirée Basket Update Sunset Soirée basket activity is picking up! We have around 20 so far and our goal is to have 50 within the next couple of weeks. Remember that, ideally, baskets should fit within one or two Rotary Club of Del Mar shopping bags. The deadline for basket completion is August 30. Click HERE to check out the Google Sheet to see what we have and who we’ve approached so we can avoid duplicating efforts. Make updates to the sheet to note your efforts; Google Sheets work exactly like Excel. You can also email Sharon Schendel and she’ll update the Google Sheet on your behalf. |
Board of Directors Meeting Tuesday August 15The monthly Board of Directors meeting Tuesday August 15. All members (especially Red Badgers) are welcome and encouraged to attend. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88223159845?pwd=aTVIK0lkZGZEUmRlanhYUDdocWQ0Zz09 |
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Prioritizes Safety 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 Returns Tuesday August 8The fireside chat returns on Tuesday August 8 at 5:30 PM. All members as well as family and friends are welcome to join for an opportunity to talk with club members and officers in an informal setting. Enjoy pizza from Pizza Nova (generously donated by member Pat Dougherty) and learn more about our club's organization and projects, as well as how we integrate with Rotary International. Thank you to Marty Peters for arranging the venue. Look for balloons to guide you to the Solana Beach & Tennis Club View Room (there is typically plenty of street parking). |
Workshop for Warriors Graduation August 18 \Workshops for Warriors, which we've supported through our Vocational Services Committee, is holding its graduation at noon on Friday August 18 at their South Bay Campus (2970 Main Street- only about 5 minutes' walk from the Harborside trolley stop). Marty Peters will be attending and is able to carpool.
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Annual Day at the Races August 17We’ll gather at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Thursday August 17 for our annual Day at the Races event. The $20 fee for lunch and drinks will be billed to your account, but bring a few extra dollars- not only for betting- but to generously tip our hard-working servers. If you haven't registered yet, let Marty Peters know you'd like to attend so he can get your name on the list. Remember- this is a member-only event. On August 17, arrive around 11:45 and look for a small table staffed by members to pick up your pass to enter the grounds. The gates open around noon. If you arrive later and don't see a table, go to the Will Call booth and let them know that you're with Rotary Club of Del Mar. Once you pick up your pass, head to the elevators inside the grandstand and go to Il Palio restaurant, high above the track. Gentlemen- remember to wear a jacket (no denim or shorts) and ladies, well, you’ll know what to wear. We’re grateful to our generous host and honorary member, Joe Harper, for sponsoring this outing. |
Sunset Soirée Basket BulletinCompleted baskets and bag dimensions. Baskets that fit within the bags facilitate transport, both to the event and home with the winner. Last week Val Myers hosted a Sunset Soirée basket-making party. So far, we have just over a dozen baskets, with a goal of having at least 50 (last year we had 68), so we still have a way to go. If you have good relationships with local vendors, ask them if they’re willing to donate an item, or a gift card or gift certificate. We can use these items to make more baskets. In particular, we need golf items (e.g., certificate for a round of golf) and restaurant gift certificates. If you’re making a basket yourself, it’s helpful to keep size in mind. Baskets should either fit within our 13” x 15” x 10” Rotary swag bag, or be easily dissembled so the contents can fit within the bag and the basket carried separately. If you have baskets or items, drop them by Sharon Schendel’s house or bring them to the weekly meeting. Thank you to those who’ve made baskets or have baskets in progress: Karin and Jim Davies, Don and Donna Fipps, Dee House, Matt and Janice Kurth, Philippe and Dugan Lamoise, Brett Mattei, Toni Mecaro, Jennifer McDowell, Val Myers, Bill Rawlings, Mary Savoy, Sharon Schendel, and Linda Strangman. Thank you as well to Mark Mathess for coordinating the beverage vendors (we need more of those, too!) and Suzy and Karl Wagner for coordinating the restaurants as well as the city permits. The Sunset Soirée is truly an all-hands-on-deck effort and we need every member to help. |
Jarvis Leverson: The Morning Hero 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. |
MAEGA Don Lapham Memorial Dinner at Tony's Jacal August 29 Gregory Harris has tickets for the Don Lapham Memorial Dinner at Tony’s Jacal that will benefit the Mexican American Educational Guidance Association (MAEGA). The dinner is August 29 and tickets are $25. |
Don Fipps Kicks Off His District Governor Term 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 d5340conference
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Sunset Soirée Basket Weavers Back in Action
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Portraits for Palates 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 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.
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A Year of Engaging ProgramsEngaging 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! |
RYLArian to Teacher RYLArian Marisol Lopez (black baseball cap; this is RYLA 2017) is a new teacher Marisol Lopez (in the black baseball cap) was a RYLArian in 2017 and Sharon Schendel was her facilitator. Last year Marisol earned her bachelor’s degree from SDSU, where she was a first-generation college student, and she just completed her Multiple Subject Bilingual Credential. Marisol accepted a position teaching second-graders in a dual-immersion format. Please consider helping Marisol outfit her new classroom. Click HERE to view her wish list. |
Cristo Rey San Diego High School: A School that Works 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. |
Bench Warmers Part 3The 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. |
Board of Directors Meeting: Note Date and Time Pastries at Darshan (photo credit: Julie Maxey-Allison, The Sandpiper) then outdoor meeting at Del Mar Civic Center photo credit: BWE) The last Board of Directors meeting for the Rotary year will be WEDNESDAY June 21 at 9:30 AM. After a year of meeting on Zoom, we’ll meet in person. As always, ALL members are welcome to attend. First, stop off at Casey Robison’s Darshan French Bakery, grab a pastry and some coffee, then cross the street to the Civic Center to meet on the deck. Can’t make the in-person meeting? Click HERE to join via Zoom. |
Leave a Legacy: Live Like Jack 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. |
Supporting Young Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology 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 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. |
Demotion Party Sunday June 25 The demotion party for Sharon Schendel will be Sunday June 25 at 5 PM. Details to follow (i.e., Sharon is ignorant of the plans). Email Suzy Wagner with any questions. |
Suggest a Speaker 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:
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Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Field Trip 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. |
Suggest a SpeakerEngaging and interesting speakers are the cornerstone of great weekly club meetings. For the past two years Beth Westburg has done an incredible job as Program Chair. For the upcoming Rotary Year, incoming president Matt Kurth is asking all members to suggest possible speakers. Maybe, like Beth, you met someone interesting at a party. Maybe you read an article in a community newspaper or heard an interview on the radio. When asked, so many prospective speakers say yes! Members are our MOST important source for speaker ideas (when Sharon Schendel was Program Chair, over 30% of speakers she scheduled were suggested by members). Past Program Chair Jim Davies has kindly agreed to help coordinate/schedule speakers, so please start thinking of topics/speakers that you’d like to have visit our club. Already have ideas? Click HERE to submit them. |
Field Trip! Meeting at Hubbs-SeaWorld Institute May 25
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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. |
Chili & Quackers Rough SeasThe 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. |
Chili and Quackers on the Rough Seas 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. |
Nativity Prep Academy Rotary at Work DayWe 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. |
Governor's Dinner June 26 Scenes from the 2022 Governor's Dinner We have three tables booked and 8 seats remain at our tables for the Governor’s Dinner on Monday June 26. Click HERE to email Sharon Schendel by JUNE 9 if you plan to attend. If we can’t fill at least three more seats, we’ll release the table back to the general pool. Remember: this is our chance to support Matt Kurth as he’s sworn in as Club President, and to take part in a fun banner exchange (accessories provided!) to honor Don Fipps as he begins his term as District Governor. |
Sleeping Cottage Build at Rising Tide Ranch Scenes from Cottage Builds at San Diego Peace Village More cottages are springing up, this time in Vista at the Rising Tide Sober Living Ranch. We’ll again partner with St. James Mission Circle to raise more cottages to shelter those who are at transition points in their lives. The build will be Saturday May 20 from 9AM-4PM. Click HERE to sign up at the event page, or email Sharon Schendel directly if you’d like to help. There are jobs for all skill levels, and family and friends are welcome to join us. |
Millennium Falcons Fly at National CompetitionThrough 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. |
Club Social: Koi Zen Cellars Come support one of our Sunset Soirée wineries on Tuesday May 9 from 5-7 PM. Koi Zen Cellars will provide a wine flight and light bites at their urban winery in Carmel Mountain. The cost is $35/person and you can bill your account. If you’d like to attend and haven’t yet signed up, email Sharon directly by 2 PM Monday May 8. |
Paul Harris Plus! 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. |
Woman of Distinction Janice and Matt Kurth at Salvation Army Women of Distinction event (photo credit: Luis Carranza) Congratulations to Janice Hall Kurth for being recognized as one of the Salvation Army San Diego Women of Dedication for 2023. Janice is a past president and was Rotary District 5340 District Governor for 2015-2016. She is an invaluable guide for Global Grants in our district, and also serves on the Boards of the MiraCosta College Foundation and Girl Scouts San Diego. In an interview for La Jolla Light Newspaper, Janice said that she sees education as the best way beat poverty and thus providing educational opportunities is one of the best investments communities can make for their future. |
Area 4 7-Way Meeting
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RYLA Returns Naval Academy painting their family flag After a 4-year hiatus, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) returned to Idyllwild Pines camp. Around 250 high school juniors from high schools all over San Diego and parts of Imperial County came for a three day weekend of fun and learning about servant leadership. We sponsored six students in all: Macey Milligan from Cathedral Catholic and Monica Mok from Canyon Crest Academy, as well as three students from San Dieguito Academy and one nominated by the RYLA committee. |
Workshop for Warriors Spring Graduation
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Rotary at Work Day April 29 at Nativity Prep Academy "Rotarian Gothic" Dee House and Joe McLeod at a previous Rotary at Work Day at Nativity Prep Academy We return to Nativity Prep Academy (NPA; 4463 College Avenue) on April 29, 2023 for our annual Rotary at Work Day. Click HERE to see details on the club website and to sign up. Come ready to take on tasks including painting, light cleaning, organization, or whatever else would help make the NPA campus the best it can be. Arrive at campus by 9 AM. Enjoy Mona Lisa #8 sandwiches donated by Marty Peters when the work is complete. As always, family members and friends are welcome to come help. |
Visit from Rotary Club of Tirupur
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Book Club Reading “Being Heumann” June 6 The book club returns to discuss “Being Heumann”, which tells the story of how the late Judith Heumann, who was paralyzed by polio at just 18 months-old, became of the most influential activists advocating for disability rights. Her work laid the foundation for a movement that would eventually culminate in the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The club will meet JUNE 6 at Sharon Schendel's house in Carmel Valley. Watch for an email with her address and directions. |
Model United Nations Debates Hunger and SpaceThe Rotary Club of Del Mar was the host club for the District 5340 Model United Nations held at the Del Mar Civic Center on April 1 and 2, 2023. Over thirty different nations were represented by teams of two delegates that debated two resolutions: (1) Specific actions to address global food insecurity and its disproportionate impact on women; and (2) Prevention of an arms race in space and continued peaceful and sustainable space exploration. Teams began preparing in January with a kick-off training session. Over the past months with guidance from advisors, the delegates worked to understand how each resolution and delivered a two-minute speech outlining their country’s position at the General Assembly on the morning of Day 1. After closed-door caucuses on the afternoon of Day 1, the students returned for Day 2 to present final amendments to the resolution. Several distinguished speakers were also part of the program, including Vice Admiral Charles Martoglio (UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy), Janet White (Portfolio and Platform Lead, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), Walter Lam (Alliance for African Assistance), Bogdan Matuszynski (Rotary Peace Scholar), and Olga Ilinska (Ukrainian Women and Children Refugees). Thank you to members Kathy Reed for arranging all the food and Klaus Gubernator for A/V coordination. Click HERE to watch a video of scenes from the day. |
Buzzing at Beeside Thank you to Beeside Balcony for providing a great club social on March 28, 2023. Beeside gave us a sneak peek at the new happy hour menu they’ve now launched and the prices and variety couldn’t be beat (and the service was wonderful too. A delicious way to show our gratitude to Beeside for providing tastes at our Sunset Soirée. |
The Quack is Back 2023 They’re coming- don’t let those big blue eyes and the long eyelashes fool you, these ducks are ready to swim. Chili & Quackers returns to Powerhouse Park on May 13, 2023 from Noon to 3:30 PM. Philippe Lamoise has generously fired up the website again, so there are hundreds of ducks just waiting to be adopted at www.chiliandquackers.org. We need as many members as possible to help. Email Suzy Wagner to claim a role. |
Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Uncorked for a Cause Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito’s Uncorked for a Cause returns to the Del Mar Plaza Ocean View Deck (same site as our Soirée) on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The premise is simple: teams of up to 3 people bring three bottles of the same red wine. One bottle goes to the jackpot, and the other two go into the tasting pool. All teams blindly taste every team’s wine and vote their favorite. The top three teams who earn the most votes split the wine jackpot. Click HERE to register a team. |
Workshop for Warriors Graduation April 20 Our club is a supporter of Workshop for Warriors, which trains new veterans skills to land hand-demand, well-paying positions that require expertise in welding or machining. The latest class is set to graduate on April 20. Our club is dark that day, so let Marty Peters know if you would like to attend. |
Trauma Intervention Program: Preventing the “Second Injury” When emergencies happen, first responders are there to help those who are ill or injured. But often, spouses, parents or children are left alone to process what’s happening to their loved one. In those situations, first responders can call on the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) to send a specially trained volunteer who can listen to the loved one, support them, and provide guidance on what to do next. The presence of a TIP volunteer helps prevent what mental health professionals term the “Second Injury”, which can occur when, from the victim’s perspective, the emergency response system did not provide adequate support. Tarah Campbell, the Outreach Coordinator for San Diego TIP (and also co-owner of Handel’s Ice Cream in Del Mar Highlands) spoke to our club on April 6, 2023 about her experiences as a TIP volunteer. TIP was founded in 1985 by Wayne Fortin, a mental health professional working in San Diego county. There are now 14 TIP affiliates who provide volunteers to help those in crisis in 250 cities across the United States. Volunteers for TIP are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can be on the scene typically within 20 minutes of receiving a call from police officers, firefighters, paramedics or hospital staff and upon arriving start assisting family members and friends who are experiencing trauma associated with death of a loved one, violent crime or accidents. Volunteers usually take three 12-hour shifts per month. During those shifts, they are available to respond quickly when they receive a call for help. You can help. To be a TIP volunteer, no special background is needed. All candidate volunteers undergo mandatory 40 hours of classroom training that focuses on the five emotional first aid skills: reaching out, protecting, reassuring, organizing and reinforcing. They then undertake 3-month field training with experienced volunteers and participate in three hours of continuing education once a month. Click HERE to learn more about volunteering for TIP. |
Granting Wishes Growing Hope Having a serious disease is scary for anyone, but for a child it’s even worse. The granting of a wish to a seriously ill child can build hope and inspire strength. Heather Ginsky, Sr. Manager, Corporate & Community Partnerships, spoke at our March 30, 2023 meeting about her work for the San Diego chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation. Starting in 1980 with one seven-year-old, Christopher James Greicius, who wished to be a police officer, Make-A-Wish now has nearly 60 chapters across the United Sates. The San Diego chapter began in 1983 and has since granted more than 5,000 life-affirming wishes to children in San Diego and Imperial counties. After a referral by medical professionals, Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers work with the child to discover their perfect wish. Wishes typically fall into four categories: I wish to (i) be; (ii) have; (iii) meet; and (iv) go. For fiscal year 2023, the San Diego chapter hopes to grant 250 wishes, and already 99 have been granted. The most popular wish is a family trip to Disney World, but meeting celebrities or athletes are also popular. The wishes have a big effect. In their National Wish Impact study, nearly all clinicians surveyed said that granted wishes had a positive impact on the child’s physical well-being. Nearly all parents surveyed said that the wish reduced the degree of stress in their child and brought their families closer together. Most importantly, nearly all wish alumni said they felt more hopeful about their future after receiving their wish. The current average cost of a gift is $10,000, and, like everything else, costs of providing the same quality wish are rising. Heather said that there are lots of ways to help Make-A-Wish grant more wishes. In addition to a range of volunteer opportunities, donations of airline miles help fulfill wishes that involve travel. You can also attend their Wine and Wishes gala in October. Reach out to Heather if you’d like additional information about helping wishes come true.
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District Training Assembly Thank you to all the members who attended the District Training Session at Liberty Station Conference Center on March 25, 2023. Don and Donna Fipps (and Rosebud, of course) were there, with Don leading several sessions in his capacity as District Governor Elect, as were Clay Sheffrey, Matt Kurth and Rex Mize. Sharon Schendel came for the afternoon session after attending most of the RYLA facilitator session in Encinitas (Greg Harris, RYLA committee member was up in Encinitas, too). Janice Kurth gave a comprehensive discussion of the ins and outs of Global Grants. Thanks to these members (apologies if we missed anyone), we’re ready and eligible to apply for District and Global Grants in the upcoming Rotary Year. |
Model United Nations April 1 and 2 We’re proud to host the District 5340 Model United Nations (MUN) at the Del Mar City Hall. Students from San Diego County and Baja California will debate two resolutions as MUN delegates. They will apply their knowledge of history, geography and science to seek peaceful solutions of real-world conflicts. As MUN delegates, students gain critical tools to become peacebuilders and community leaders. Members are welcome to sit in on any sessions. EMAIL Kathy Reed to volunteer to help with check-in on Saturday April 1. |
Sign Up for the 7-Way Meeting It’s time again to meet with our friends at other Area 4 clubs. Motivational speaker Jordan Harrison (he’s amazing) will be the Keynote Speaker, and the Area 4 presidents will give brief summaries of their club’s activities. Let’s have a great turnout this year! If you’d like to attend, sign up by MONDAY APRIL 4 in one of three simple ways: 1) Click HERE to complete a short Google Form; 2) Sign Up at the club website (click the MEMBERS button in the online registration box on the left); or 3) EMAIL Sharon Schendel directly. Chicken is the default, so be sure to indicate if you’d like a vegetarian meal. The cost is $35 per person and will be billed to your account. |
Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club Members Visit Meeting We were happy to squeeze in a bit tighter to accommodate 10 members from Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club, who are touring local clubs to meet more Rotarians and see different meeting styles. Encinitas Coastal has one of the coolest fundraisers going: their Ball Drop. A helicopter drops hundreds of golf balls over Encinitas Ranch Golf Course and the balls that land closest to the pin win cash prizes. They’ll also have a silent auction. Funds raised benefit the Griset Clubhouse of the San Dieguito Boys and Girls Club, Lifeline Community Services and Warrior Freedom Foundation. Click HERE to buy tickets to the event and/or purchase golf balls. |
Red Badge Conversions Membership Chair Dee House (center left) exchanged the red badges of Steven McDowell (far left) and Jan and Pete Grossnickle, who all received their regular badges Three more red badges are back in the badge box (where they await use by new members)! Steven McDowell gave his “Who Am I” presentation and then immediately turned in his red badge. Jan and Pete Grossnickle also exchanged their red badges to regular horse badges, overseen by Membership Chair Dee House. |
Write Out Loud Fulfills the Need to Hear Stories
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Club Social: Beeside Balcony on March 28 Caroline Moran and Brett Mattei enjoying food from Beeside Balcony at the 2022 Sunset Soirée March is a two-for-one month for club socials! Come by Beeside Balcony on Camino Del Mar Tuesday March 28 from 4:30-6:30 PM. Beeside Balcony is our newest restaurant providing tastes at our Sunset Soirée, so it would be great to have a good turnout to thank them for their support. |
Board of Directors Meeting March 21
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Ramping Up Reading With the San Diego Council on Literacy
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Welcome New Member: Richa Garg Membership chair Dee House (left) inducted new member Richa Garg (center), who received her pin from her mentor, Linda Groom We’re delighted to induct our newest member, Richa Garg. She first visited our club during the pandemic period, and we’re happy that she persisted as we worked through that rather strange time. Richa’s younger daughter recently started college and she was looking for ways to give back to her community. With the help of her mentor Linda Groom, Richa is already well on her way to exchanging her red badge for a regular badge. |
Badge Conversion: Clay Sheffrey Clay Sheffrey after his "rescue" by Del Mar Lifeguards at the 2022 Chili & Quackers Congratulations to Clay Sheffrey who traded in his red badge for a regular horse badge at the March 16, 2023 meeting. He’s been an active member from the start, and at last year’s Chili & Quackers braved the chilly waters as our “swimmer in distress” who allowed the Del Mar Lifeguards to show off their rescue prowess. Clay was also a fantastic help at the Sunset Soirée. He’ll be part of the crowd at the upcoming District 5340 Training Symposium on March 25. |
RYLA Facilitators Needed Become a RYLA facilitator and you too can have a new dress, just like Don Fipps! Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is back in person for the first time since 2019. This year our club is sponsoring five high school juniors (including Greg Harris’s son Daniel and the Macey Milligan, President-Elect of Cathedral Catholic Interact Club and daughter of our great faculty advisor Mara Milligan). Greg Harris is on the RYLA committee and says that they are still in need of facilitators. Talk to Greg or Chris Stewart if you’d like to be a facilitator. It’s an experience you’ll always remember! Training is in Encinitas on March 25 from 8-noon and the RYLA weekend is April 14-16 in Idyllwild (facilitators must attend the entire weekend). |
Disaster Relief USA: Rebuilding with Rotary
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Who Am I: Jen Segura Jen Segura (center) and her family (clockwise from lower left: Marley, Cedella, Penny Lane, Gracie (black) and Hazy (blonde) Red Badger Jen Segura gave her “Who Am I” presentation at the March 2, 2023 meeting. Jen had been a member of the Rotary Club San Diego Downtown Breakfast and is returning to Rotary after a hiatus. We’re delighted that she chose Rotary Club of Del Mar! Jen is the owner of West Coast Family Mediation Center and practices out of the Del Mar office. Through mediation, Jen and her team have helped families navigate divorce and also avoid divorce. She noted that communication is crucial: many couples simply don’t talk about basic topics like attitudes toward finances. Her practice focuses on minimizing conflict and maximizing harmony. Jen is married to Juan “Johnny” Segura and together they have two daughters: Marley Jean and Cedella Schade. They share their home with a black dog named Gracie, a blonde dog named Hazy, and a cat named Penny Lane. |
Club Social at West End Bar & Kitchen We had a great crowd at West End Bar & Kitchen on March 7. We took over the central table to show our gratitude to West End and Sal Ercolano for his steadfast support of our Sunset Soirée. |
Honor Flight San Diego Ruth Gunther (upper right, left) and Saundra Cima (upper right, right) presented on Honor Flight San Diego and Ruth told of her personal experience working in the Hospital Corp in World War II (photos of previous trips courtesy Honor Flight San Diego) Saundra Cima and Winona Ruth Gunther visited our March 2, 2023 meeting to tell us about Honor Flight San Diego. Since 2005, Honor Flight has been escorting veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials that have been built in their honor. In 2010 Dave Smith, the son of a World War II veteran, founded the Honor Flight San Diego hub, which has since flown over 1,500 veterans from every branch of service to Washington. The trips are funded entirely by private donations and the staff is all-volunteer so that all funds raised go to providing veterans with their tour of honor at no cost to t hem. Each packed weekend trip features a number of stops: Arlington National Cemetery, Military Women in Service, WWII Memorial, Korea War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, U.S. Air Force Memorial and the U.S. Navy Yard Museum. In October 2021 Ruth Gunther took her tour of honor. Ruth is now 103 and she told us about her work as a nurse during World War II. Pearl Harbor was attacked when Ruth was 21 years old and working in a drugstore as an apprentice pharmacist. She said she felt drawn to contribute to the war effort. Ruth wanted to train as a physician, but met pushback and instead began serving in the Hospital Corp as a member of the US Navy WAVES in 1943. At the Corona Naval Hospital in Norco California, Ruth cared for sailors and Marines who had been seriously injured in the Pacific Theater. Ruth has authored two books: ‘What Would Your Father Say’ that describes her work during the war, and “Papa Said” that tells story of growing up on a farm in north central Indiana near the Wabash river. There are many ways you can help veterans like Ruth take their tour of honor. Honor Flight San Diego publishes a newsletter (or follow them on Facebook) and always welcomes donations to support upcoming charter flights. You can attend a Welcome Home at the San Diego International Airport. The next flight comes home April 30, 2023 and all are welcome to gather at the Terminal 2 baggage claim at 2 PM to be part of the return celebration. You can also encourage family and friends (especially young people) to contribute cards and letters that are delivered during “Mail Call”. These cards are an excellent way to provide a personal note of gratitude to the veterans. Send Mail Call letters care of Donna Hester, 645 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (donna@thehesters.com). Letters must be received by April 22. Happy Dollars at the March 9 meeting will be devoted to Honor Flight. |
District Training Seminar March 25, 2023 This once-a-year event will equip you with all you need to know about Rotary at the club, District, and International level. In the morning session from 8-noon, learn from experienced Rotarians the ins and outs of club management, the Rotary Foundation, fundraising and more. The AFTERNOON session (Noon to 2 PM) is particularly important for our club. To be eligible for District and Global grants, TWO members MUST attend and be certified. Click HERE to visit the registration page. Registration is FREE this year with the option to purchase lunch (the club will reimburse this cost). |
Club Social at West End Bar and Kitchen March 7
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Pacifica Del Mar Lunch Pre-Orders and Parking
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Three More Gallons for San Diego Blood Bank
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Area 4 Presidents in Attendance
 Area 4 presidents (left to right): Paulette Britton (not shown, President, RC Rancho Santa Fe), Roshanak Clune (President-Elect RC Rancho Santa Fe), Susan Hennenfent (President, RC Del Mar Solana Beach), Julie Morisot (President, RC Solana Beach Eco), Maryzella Jimenez (President, RC San Diego Downtown Evening), Luis Carranza, Kent Pollock (President-Elect, RC Encinitas), Sharon Schendel Assistant District Governor (and District Governor Nominee Designate for Rotary Year 2025-2026) oversees clubs in Area 4 of District 5340. Every month Area 4 presidents get together to talk about their club’s progress. Luis also encourages the presidents to join him when he visits Area 4 clubs. Luis was at our March 2, 2023 meeting and it was great to have almost all of the Area 4 presidents attend. |
Training the Trainers in Pediatric Orthopedics
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Welcome to Rosebud Donna and Don Fipps brought their latest Canine Companions puppy-in-training, a 14 week-old yellow lab named Rosebud. Our meetings offer great socialization opportunities for these puppies. |
Peace Village Community Room Comes Along Peace Village Community Room flooring installation (l to r): Dee House, Klaus Gubernator, Betsy Winsett, Bob Muller, David R., and Kathy Reed Klaus Gubernator and Kathy Reed have been spearheading the refurbishment of the community room at the San Diego Peace Village. Dee House joined in, bringing Bob Muller who spread quite a bit of thin-set mortar for the new floor, which is almost done (the ceiling is done). Kathy brought friend Betsy Winsett, who brought her husband David. We always welcome the helping hands of family and friends! |
Book Club Meeting February 26 How are you doing with “Less”? Our book club meets at Karin and Jim Davies' home to discuss the book on Sunday February 26 from 5 PM to 7 PM. Look for a recent email with directions. |
Back in Private Reserve Room We’re back in the Private Reserve Room for the February 23, 2023 meeting. Look for a lunch pre-order link next week. |
Blood Drive March 2We’ll hold our next Blood Drive for the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday March 2. Walk-ins are welcome, and there are still some appointments available between 12:45 and 1:45 PM. Email event chair Walt Strangman to schedule, or click HERE to visit the drive’s registration site. One pint of blood can help and our goal is to collect 25 pints. If you can’t make March 2, click HERE to schedule an appointment at a nearby donor center. |
Thank you to Cook & Cook We thank Larry and Katie Cook for their many years of service to the club. Larry joined the club in 2001 and Katie became a member almost 10 years ago in 2013. They have decided to leave the club, but we are grateful for all their contributions, especially to the Youth Service committee and for their many donations of SDSU ticket packages for the Sunset Soirée (the Cooks are stalwart Aztecs). We hope to welcome them back as guests should they be up in the Del Mar area on a Thursday afternoon. |
Board of Directors Meeting February 21 The monthly Board of Directors meeting will be via Zoom at 8 AM on Tuesday March 21. All members are welcome, and red badgers are especially encouraged to attend. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84572303746?pwd=aHl2TFc5czA0VVJRYSt5ZGxKbmdIQT09 Meeting ID: 845 7230 3746 Passcode: JOINRCDM |
We're in the Gallery Room February 16 For next week’s meeting on February 16, 2023, we’ll be in the Pacifica Del Mar Gallery Room (behind the fish tank by the bar). Our new member Dr. Mark Barry will be speaking about his Rotary-sponsored vocational training grant to train surgeons in Africa in pediatric orthopedic surgery. Look for the Google Form to pre-order lunch. |
Rotarians on the Road: Guatemala Literacy Project Dugan and Philippe Lamoise, along with Bill and Mary Rawlings are wrapping up a tour of Guatemala where they visited schools that are served by the Guatemala Literacy Project. Near the end of the trip, they met current Rotary International President Jennifer Jones.
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Socializing at Sbicca We had a fantastic turnout for our social at Sbicca Del Mar on Tuesday February 7, 2023. Organizer Suzy Wagner said she counted 27 members and guests gathered around the large table. It was great to see members bring along friends, who are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Donna Fipps’ newest Canine Companions puppy-in-training, Rosebud, was also there enjoying all the opportunities for socialization. |
New Member Induction: Beth Davidson New member Beth Davidson (left) with Membership Chair Dee House (right) Membership Chair Dee House inducted Beth Davidson as our newest member at our February 9, 2023 meeting. Beth is a real estate professional working with Barry Estates as a member of their Luxury Coast Group. She has a meeting commute to envy: her office on Camino Del Mar is only about 500 feet from Pacifica Del Mar. Beth is good friends with Mary Savoy, who will act as her mentor. |
The Courage to Teach and the Power to Learn
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St. Leo’s Dental Clinic: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
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Book club Reads “Less”
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Club Social at Sbicca February 7 Join us at our next social on February 7, 2023 at Sbicca in Del Mar. Happy Hour begins at 3:30 PM and runs through 5:30 PM, so we're saying "4ish" for a start time. Bottles of wine are also discounted. Come help support one of the restaurants that serves at our Sunset Soirée. As always, family and friends are welcome! |
Rising Tide Cottage Build: PostponedPlease note that the cottage build project at Rising Tide Ranch is postponed as they work out some administrative issues. We'll re-post this service opportunity when a new date is set.
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Induction of New Members: Clint McCalla and Jen Segura Membership chair Dee House (far right) inducted Clint McCalla (second from left) and Jen Segura (second from right), who are with their mentors Linda Saville (far left) and Suzy Wagner (center), respectively We are happy to induct two new members of our club: Clint McCalla and Jen Segura. Clint is a CFP and Lead Advisor with LourdMurray Delphi in Carmel Valley. He is married to Sarah, and they have two children, Eunan and Annemarie. Clint is a native of Texas and a Texas Tech graduate. His father was a Rotarian. Jen is a professional family mediator and has her own practice, West Coast Family Mediation Center, in Del Mar. She is married to Juan (Johnny) Segura and they are parents to Marley and Cedella. Jen was a member of Rotary Club of San Diego Downtown Breakfast. Thank you to Suzy Wagner, who will mentor Jen, and Linda Saville, who will mentor Clint. |
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute: Seeking Sustainable Solutions
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Cottage Builds: New Site Work is ongoing at the community center room at the San Diego Peace Village (here's Flash supervising the new tiling). The Mission Circle folks also reached out for our help with sleeping cottages at the Rising Tide Ranch in Vista. Mark your calendars for February 11 and February 18. The project coordinators have a variety of tasks that they can align with your skills. |
Mentors Needed for New Members We have a happy problem: lots of prospective new members! Mentors are essential to ensure that new members are immediately engaged and understand the workings of the club. If you’d like to take on this very important role, please email Membership Chair Dee House. |
Pacifica Del Mar Private Reserve Room DirectionsAfter a few weeks of musical venues, we will be happily ensconced in Pacifica Del Mar’s Private Reserve. This private dining room is just past the main restaurant. Just walk past the main entrance, turn right and follow the arcade (star) to the end- the room is on the right. If you’re coming from the St. Peter’s parking lot, just cross 15th Street and take the stairs by the fire hydrant (star). The Private Reserve room will be immediately to your left. |
Meal Pre-Order and ParkingThank you to all who pre-ordered their lunches on Thursday. The menu will be the same this week, but the selections will be rotating in the coming weeks. Click HERE to submit your-pre-order. Remember to submit your order no later than 4 PM on Wednesday. For parking, we have a limited number of updated parking passes from St. Peter’s. Pacifica Del Mar also offers a voucher for discounted parking: $3/car (your account will be billed or you can pay cash- exact change highly appreciated). |
Rotary Club of Dog Mar Our club has a nascent YouTube channel. We’d like to add to it with videos featuring the many dog lovers in our club. If you’d like to have your pup in one of the videos, email Sharon Schendel. We can use either stills, or have Sharon video you with your dog. |
A Wedding in Downtown San Diego
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Winter Songs of Ukraine: Tomorrow!
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New Shelving for New Entra Casa Dee House, Jim Davies, Linda Groom, Bill Rawlings and Executive Director Julie Brunetto after finishing some new shelves Bill Rawlings supervised the installation of new storage shelving at New Entra Casa, a safe place for women who are transitioning back into the community. The shelves provide a much-needed space for storage of needed supplies and items for the facility. Thank you to Dee House, Jim Davies, and especially Linda Groom for making us aware of this project. We are also so grateful to Pat Dougherty, who generously donated the supplies for the project. |
Remembering Jim King Jim and Janie King cut the cake at their wedding reception at the Old Del Mar hotel in 1951.  Some of the many members who attended the Celebration of Life (l to r): Jan Fuchs, John Baranowski, Dee House, Bob Fuchs Many members attended the Celebration of Life for Jim King on January 21, 2023 at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church in Solana Beach. Jim’s children Jim, Teri and Nancy, as well as his grandson Justin and many friends shared memories of Jim at the service. They all spoke of Jim’s love for nature. Jim told of how his dad learned to waterski in a rather non-traditional way: in the ocean towed behind a car rather than a boat. Jim was also an excellent bodysurfer and taught his children and grandchildren how to ride the waves without a board. Throughout the service, the love Jim had for his family, and especially Janie, was evident. We all enjoyed the slide presentation with pictures of Jim and his family; he and Janie were such a beautiful couple who raised a special family. Donations may be made in Jim’s name to MAEGA or the Community Resource Center, and, of course, follow Jim’s example and become a regular blood donor. Click HERE to read Jim's obituary, HERE to read Janie's obituary and HERE to read a story about Jim and Janie. |
New Member Induction: Dr. Mark Barry and Rex Mize Mark Barry (center left) and Rex Mize (center right) are our newest members! They're pictured with their mentors Jim and Karin Davies (left) and Kathy Reed (right) along with Membership Chair Dee House We are delighted to welcome as our newest members Dr. Mark Barry and Rex Mize, who were both inducted by Membership Chair Dee House at our January 19, 2023 meeting. Mark will be mentored by Jim and Karin Davies and Kathy Reed is mentor to Rex. Congratulations! |
District 5340 Model United NationsScenes from the Model UN Training Symposium. Clockwise from upper left: Kathy Reed with Army Navy Academy students; Chair Ann-Marie Bryan (San Diego Downtown Breakfast club) starts the session; District Governor Chuck Pretto with Sharon Schendel, Pat Caughey, Beth Westburg and Kathy Reed who all helped with registration; Kathy Reed arranged a hearty breakfast Klaus Gubernator and Kathy Reed were up early on Saturday January 21, 2023 for the Model United Nations (MUN) training session. Kathy organized the breakfast and the registration desk while Klaus made sure that all the audio-visual was ready to go. He also secured the Del Mar Civic Center for the symposium venue. District Governor Chuck Pretto welcomed the delegates to the training. Thank you to Pat Caughey, Sharon Schendel and Beth Westburg, who enlisted friend Shelly Carder, to help with the check-in table. Mark your calendars for MUN: April 1 and April 2. Everyone is welcome to attend! Click HERE for more information. |
Weekly Meeting at Pacifica Del Mar on January 26, 2023The Gallery Room at Pacifica Del Mar We will return to Pacifica Del Mar’s Gallery Room (see picture) for our January 26, 2023 meeting. In February and beyond, we will settle in the Private Reserve room. |
Communication Preferences You may have received a text message prior to the January 19 meeting. Our club now is sending group texts for weekly meeting and event reminders. These texts are sent from (858) 842-5310 to cell numbers filed in ClubRunner. You may opt out at any time. Email alerts will continue as usual. If you need to make an update, email Sharon Schendel to confirm your preferred phone number/email. |
Submit Your Lunch Order The staff at Pacifica Del Mar did a fantastic job getting so many lunch orders ready last week. They said it would be helpful if we could submit pre-orders so they can get lunch started a bit before we arrive at noon. Make your lunch selection by clicking HERE. |
SONGS Sunset: Decommissioning Progress Update
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Casey Robison is Our Newest Blue Badger Casey Robison (center) with her mentor, Dugan Lamoise (left) and Membership Chair Dee House (right) Congratulations to Casey Robison for receiving her “blue” badge at our January 12, 2023 meeting. All new members have a circular, red badge until they complete a list of activities that are designed to help them learn more about both the club and Rotary International and to get to know current members. Once they’ve accomplished all the activities, we exchange their red badge for a regular badge with our club logo. Red Badgers have a mentor in the club who is always ready to help. Casey has a long connection to Rotary: She was a Youth Exchange student and spent a year in England. A chance spotting of Marty Peter’s pin in the bakery she and her husband co-own, Darshan Bakery, led Casey back to Rotary and membership in the club. Thank you to Marty for sponsoring Casey for membership and to Dugan Lamoise for being Casey’s mentor. |
Hosting Ukrainian Families
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Work Day January 28 Peace Village
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First Club Social of 2023 at Pacifica Del Mar
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Model United Nations Training January 21: Volunteers Needed Scene from the 2022 Model United Nations Klaus Gubernator is again coordinating the District 5340 Model United Nations. All participants must take part in an initial training session on January 21, 2023 that will be held at the Del Mar Civic Center (1050 Camino Del Mar). Kathy Reed needs some help staffing the check-in table from 7AM-8AM that morning. Email Kathy to sign up to help. |
International Assembly for Rotary International Donna and Don Fipps (left) with Rotary International President-Elect Gordon R. McInally and Heather McInally Every January Rotary International hosts the International Assembly that provides training and programming for District Governor Elects (DGEs). The Assembly returned this year as an in-person event in Orlando, after being held for many years in San Diego. This year, Rotary International President-Elect (PE) R. Gordon R. McInally (member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, west of Edinburgh), revealed his presidential theme for Rotary Year 2023-2024: Create Hope in the World. The theme calls on Rotarians to inspire or restore hope through the projects they champion. PE McInally also recognized the importance of emphasizing peace, which provides the true foundation for hope. Click HERE to watch his announcement of the theme. Our own Don Fipps is DGE for District 5340 and both he and Donna Fipps were in Orlando last week. Don’s bobblehead (with a bobbling Canine Companions dog) joined those of several other DGEs (click HERE to see Don’s and others). Follow the adventures of Don’s bobbling doppelgänger on Instagram at @bobbleheaddgdon. |
Board of Directors Meeting: January 17, 2023All members are welcome and encouraged to join the January Board of Directors on Tuesday January 17 at 8 AM. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84572303746?pwd=aHl2TFc5czA0VVJRYSt5ZGxKbmdIQT09 |
Services for Jim King January 21, 2023
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Club Social at Pacifica Del Mar January 10 We kick off a year of socials at Pacifica Del Mar on Tuesday January 10. Happy Hour runs from 4-6:30 PM (the rain is forecast to move on around 4 PM). Come enjoy some great food and beverages as we us express our gratitude to one of our Sunset Soirée restaurants. Family, friends and anyone interested in learning about our club and Rotary in general are encouraged to join. |
Partnering Kitchens for Lunch During the slow winter season, Jimmy O’s is focusing on evenings and is not serving lunch. Never fear, they are still opening on Thursdays for our meetings! Jimmy O’s arranged partnerships with neighboring restaurants, primarily Americana. Consider pre-ordering your lunch. Billing will be handled just like before with payment made to the servers. Jimmy O’s will provide drinks and also receive a small percentage of the check to cover operating expenses. |
Tiling and Painting at the Peace Village January 14 Klaus Gubernator is back at the San Diego Peace Village and is looking for volunteers to help with tiling and ceiling painting on Saturday January 14 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The site is the same as the sleeping cottage builds. Email Klaus with questions. |
Happy Trails Walking Club: San Dieguito River Park January 11 Keep up your New Year’s resolutions by joining the Happy Trails Walking Club for a gentle walk in the San Dieguito River Park. Meet that the staging area at 8 AM on Wednesday January 11. Access the staging area by turning south onto San Andres Drive off of Via de la Valle (red star in picture). Family, friends and dogs welcome!
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In Memory of Jim King We were saddened to learn of the passing of long-time member Jim King at the age of 96 years-old. Jim joined the club in 1990 and always had a ready smile (click HERE for brief video). The family is planning a service and will let us know the details. Gifts in Jim’s memory can be made to the San Diego Blood Bank, where Jim was a 10-gallon donor. |
January 5 meeting cancelled Due to a late-breaking speaker cancellation and inclement weather that's due to hit Del Mar around noon, the January 5, 2023 meeting is cancelled. We'll kick off the new year on January 12.
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In memory of Jim KingWe were so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim King, who had been a member for over 30 years. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife Janie; they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2021. Jim was a generous supporter of the club and the community. The first picture in the video was taken just after he'd made one of many blood donations along his way to being a 10 gallon donor for the San Diego Blood Bank. Many club presidents arrived at their demotion party in Jim's butter yellow Model A Ford. We extended our deepest sympathies to Jim's family. He will be missed. If you wish to make a donation in Jim's memory, the family suggests the San Diego Blood Bank. |
A Little More Holiday Cheer at the La Colonia Clubhouse
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A Little Holiday Cheer at Viewpoint Brewing Company Clockwise from top left: Harold and Casey Robison with Don and Donna Fipps (who's holding Tube Man); Rob Vaughn wondering what he might do with hugging stuffed mice, which Jennifer McDowell, Garrie Rhodes and Kathy Reed find amusing; Karin and Jim Davies admire Tube Man, which they would possess only briefly; Donna Fipps brought melting snowmen cookies  Clockwise from top left: Mark Berry helps Jennifer McDowell extract a box from a snug-fitting bag; Matt Kurth holds the stuffed mice he stole from Rob Vaughn (mainly to get the Lindt chocolates that came with them) while Klaus Gubernator covets the gift; Kathy Reed displays her moose head punch set (which was never stolen) and Jeff Matthews and Val Myers with Suzy Wagner; RoseMary Pellegrino thinks of all the fun she can have with the game "Senior Moments" and Eric Nelte hopes he can play too  Clockwise from top left: Dee House and Suzy Wagner try to figure out the dice game Suzy won while Rob Muller and Casey Robison look on; Candace Bahr with Steven McDowell and Walt and Linda Strangman; Toni Mecaro with Pat Caughey and Steven McDowell; Matt Kurth admires the tequila that replaced the Lindt chocolate balls stolen by Klaus; Garrie Rhodes and Rob Vaughn; Don Fipps guards the cookie table Everyone dressed warmly on Tuesday December 13, 2022 for an outdoor holiday party at one of our favorite venues, Viewpoint Brewing Company. There were plenty of appetizers and food at the buffet. Dinner was capped with offerings from the cookie exchange participants. We did a “Dirty Santa” gift exchange this year and lots of fun gifts found new homes, many after changing hands a few times. Sharon Schendel has been enjoying her burrito blanket brought by Val Myers every night since the party. Kathy Reed was happy to have a moose head punch set, and the Lindt chocolate balls passed through a few hands, including those of Matt Kurth, who ended up with a bottle of tequila instead. Jim and Karin Davies were certain that they might get to keep “Tube Man”, until Donna Fipps stole him away. Thank you to all who attended, and special thanks to Suzy Wagner for securing the venue, Kathy Reed for the lovely centerpieces, and Dee House for making the nametags. We’re also grateful to all the bakers and to those who provided gifts for the exchange.
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Monthly Board of Directors Meeting on Monday December 19All members are welcome to join the December Board of Directors meeting. Due to travel schedules, the BoD will be a bit earlier in the month, on Monday December 19 at 8 AM. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83201529902?pwd=UzZmTzJTM25xRVpUSVpmRWFiM0Qwdz09 |
Happy Trails Walking Club at San Dieguito Lagoon For this installment of the Happy Trails Walking Club, Bob Fuchs (along with his dog, Rascal) Don and Donna Fipps, and Sharon Schendel enjoyed a nice easterly walk in the San Dieguito River Park from the staging area parking lot off of San Andres Drive to the Del Mar Horse Park. Bob recalled the multiple work projects our club has done to support the San Dieguito River Park. The club is out walking on every on alternating Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Interested in leading a walk on Saturday December 22? Email Sharon and she’ll post the information on the club calendar.
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No Meeting December 15 There will be no regular meeting on December 15. |
La Colonia Christmas Party December 15 at La Colonia Park in Solana Beach
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Holiday Party December 13 at Viewpoint Brewing Company
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A Very Merry Verbivore Richard Lederer returned to our club for the December 8, 2022 meeting to spread a bit of holiday cheer. In particular, he described how Clement Clarke Moore’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” together with Thomas Nast’s illustrations, formed the basis for many iconic Christmas images including Santa Claus as a jolly elf who enters homes via the chimney. Richard provided some noted basic facts to support that the reindeers pulling Santa’s sleigh were all females. Reindeer are the only member of the deer family in which both males and females have antlers. However, males lose their antlers after the fall rut and thus by Christmas in December only females would have the antlers seen in Nast’s pictures. He also told how “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens helped popularize “Merry Christmas”. Dickens wrote the book in a frenzied 6 weeks and made liberal use of “Merry” rather than the more staid “Happy”. In a well-known quote, Ebenezer Scrooge tells his Christmas-loving nephew Fred: “If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” Richard is the author of over 50 books (he is grateful to the local publisher Waterside Productions in Cardiff for his latest publications) and his column “Lederer on Language” appears every other Saturday in The San Diego Union Tribune. He is the founding host of NPR’s “A Way with Words”. Follow Richard at his website: verbivore.com.
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Book Club at Bud's Book club members at Bud's: (clockwise from left): Sharon Schendel, Linda Groom, Jim Davies, Karin Davies, Don Fipps, Janice Kurth, Matt Kurth, Beth Westburg With crawdads in the title, facilitator Beth Westburg sought out a cajun-themed restaurant for Book Club members to discuss their most recent reading “Where the Crawdads Sing”. The food at Bud’s Louisiana Café in Tierrasanta was so good that there was just as much discussion about the dishes everyone got as there was about the book. There were even fresh beignets for dessert. The club will read the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer. Come join the next discussion! |
Peace Village Cottage 5 BuildMarty Peters (left) paints panels that Dee House and Steven McDowell (center) loaded into the truck; Steven McDowell trims out the front window on Cottage 5 Mark Barry, Donna Fipps, Dee House and Bob Muller, Klaus Gubernator, Steven McDowell and Marty Peters were at San Diego Peace Village to help with construction of Cottage 5. These five cottages make up the first phase of what will eventually be 20 cottages that will provide private spaces for people to live as they integrate into the San Diego community. |
Happy Trails: San Dieguito Lagoon December 7 Join the Happy Trails at San Dieguito Lagoon on Wednesday December 7 at 8 AM. We’ll walk part of the Coast to Crest Trail. Park at the staging area lot at San Andres Drive off of Via del la Valle. Family, friends and dogs welcome and encouraged! T-shirt update: estimated delivery on December 12. |
The Burn Institute: Fostering Recovery and Preventing Burn Injuries
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Casey Robison: Who Am I Casey Robison and her Rotary mentor, Dugan Lamoise, who's holding Casey's Youth Exchange pin-laden blazer As her final step to convert her badge from red to regular, Casey Robison gave her “Who Am I” talk. Casey owns Darshan Bakery in the Del Mar village, where they make some of the best croissants in town. A conversation with Marty Peters at the café led Casey to our club so she could reconnect to some Rotary roots. Casey was a Rotary International Youth Exchange student sponsored by the Rotary Club of Walnut Grove near Sacramento California, to spend a year in England hosted by the Heckmondwike Rotary Club near Leeds. She has fond memories of her host family. Casey is married to Harold Robison and they are parents to two sons, aged 6 and 8. Do you know a youth who might like to be like Casey and be a Rotary International Youth Exchange Student? Encourage them to attend an informational session, 6:30 PM, on Tuesday December 6 at Coronado High School. This session is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Coronado and District 5340. Click HERE for information about the session. |
Club Holiday Party at Viewpoint Brewing Company December 13
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La Colonia Children's Christmas Party: Craft Stations Needed!Our annual Christmas Party for members of the La Colonia Clubhouse (715 Valley Avenue Solana Beach) of Boys & Girls Club San Dieguito is set for Thursday December 15. The party will run from 4PM to 7 PM. Klaus Gubernator is organizing this year. PLEASE NOTE: we still need two more craft tables and volunteers to help serve food. Please stop by and lend a hand if needed. This party is always a wonderful time! Email Klaus with any questions or to volunteer. |
Project Speed In 1899, Charles “Mile-a-Minute” Murphy, was the first to set a paced bicycle land speed record when he pedaled 60 mph behind a train in Long Island. In 2018, Denise Mueller set the current record of 183.9 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. She visited our club on November 17, 2022 to tell how she did it. Denise has always been fast on a bike. In the late 1980s, then teenage Denise was on a ride between San Francisco and San Diego. As she pedaled through Camp Pendleton, she drafted another cyclist for 8 miles. That cyclist happened to be John Howard, a 3-time Olympian, co-founder or the Race Across America and member of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. In 1985 John himself set the land speed record of 152.2, so he recognized her talent. John helped get Denise into competitive cycling and was her coach. She enjoyed success until, as she put it, she needed to start “adulting” and put aside cycling to focus on her career and family. Her career included running the family business Rancho Santa Fe Security, a company that was founded by her father. Denise approached John Howard when her son was training to run all 19 Rock n’ Roll Marathons. John asked her whether she might return to cycling, and in particular, pursue a land speed record, which no woman had ever attempted. In 2012 she began training and in 2016 set the women’s record of 147.7 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Denise was further encouraged by Dutch cyclist Fred Rompelberg, who had held the record of 166.9 mph since 1995. Rompelberg even gave her use of the pace car he used in 1995 that looks a bit like a drag racer with a large hood at the back that serves as a wind shield. Having the car was one thing, but finding a driver in whom she had complete confidence was another. Denise found Shea Holbrook to be that driver. In their attempts, Denise followed behind the pace car riding a customized bike with an extremely high gear. She explained that with one turn of the crank on this bike she could travel 131 feet (compare to a traditional ten-speed where one crank turn allows the rider to travel 31 feet). Even to turn the crank she had to reach a speed of around 100 miles an hour. Shea had to get to around 130 mph within one mile, and when Denise cast off the tow rope in the final mile, around mile marker 4, she reached nearly 184 mph, far faster than she expected. The attempt was not without danger. Denise brought with her a broken wheel hub. The hub cracked soon after the attempt, but fortunately held true as she set the record. One other great thing about Denise: she is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe! Click HERE to watch a video of Denise setting the record. |
The Journey to Safety Olga speaks to the club (left) and Klaus Gubernator is hosting a family from Ukraine (right) Thanksgiving Day marks nine months since Russia attacked Ukraine. On the day of the attack, Olga and her son began her journey to safety. Within one week of her departure, Vyshneve, where Olga lived with her three year-old son, was bombed. Olga had friends in Oceanside who advised her to get to a place that had planes leaving Europe. If she could find a plane, they would fund her tickets. Olga showed a video of her car ride to Rădăuți-Prut in Romania. Cars were lined up for miles and Olga and her son ended up sharing a car with a woman who drove them to Debrecen, Hungary. In Hungary, Olga and her son boarded a plane to start the trip to San Diego, where they’ve lived since early March. Olga grew up in a family of doctors, but she followed a different path to become fluent in several languages, including English and Japanese. She worked for five years in the Embassy of Japan in Kyiv. Using these excellent communication skills, she has told her story and acted as a liaison for other Ukrainians in the San Diego area. Olga and James Morrison, a member of Rotary Club of Point Loma who serves as District 5340 Treasurer and Paul Harris Society Coordinator, spoke to our club on November 10, 2022. James has helped organize District efforts to help Ukrainian refugees. In total, Rotary International has raised $15 million for Ukraine and these funds have been distributed through nearly 300 disaster response grants. Our own John Baranowski and Candace Bahr helped Olga and her son when they drove her from Oceanside to Mission Valley to participate in the services fair hosted by the Amna Sanctuary. James said that housing is the number one need of Ukrainian refugees. Klaus Gubernator has offered rooms in his home to house a Ukrainian mother and her daughters. If you are able to help in any way, please email James. |
Del Mar Village Association Community Cleanup
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Happy Trails Walking Club November 26
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Blood Drive Collects Over 3 Gallons
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Walking Club Starts November 9
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Club Citations for Rotary Year 2021-2022 District Governor Elect Don Fipps presented immediate past co-Presidents Suzy and Karl Wagner with a citation for meeting all the club goals they set for their term as well as recognition for contributions to the End Polio Now campaign. The club also had the third-highest per capita donations ($600) to the Rotary International Annual Fund that returns funds back to clubs in the form of District Dedicated Funds and supports Global Grants. |
Sleeping Cottage Trim Out Clockwise from upper left: Four cottages are nearing completion; Working on the front porch; Member of Troop 713 paint side panels; Cottage interior  Clockwise from left: Bob Muller trims out a side window; Members of Troop 713 took on all tasks; Painting trim work; Jan Grossnickle guides Scouts in painting panels; Klaus Gubernator works to install a front window  Clockwise from upper left: Caulking window trim; Dee House customizes some window trim supervised by Flash and Mira; Roof and window work; Kathy Reed with Pete and Jan Grossnickle; Steven McDowell cutting trim; Marty Peters helps a gal wield a mean reciprocating saw Four cottages are now nearly complete and a fifth will soon be built to complete the first phase of the San Diego Peace Village. Klaus Gubernator and Kathy Reed (along with Mira and Flash) put in a full day at the build site and were joined by Jan and Pete Grossnickle, Dee House, Steven McDowell, Bob Muller, Marty Peters, and Sharon Schendel. We’re grateful to members of Scout Troop 713 led by Scout Xander Schroeder, who reached out to us to offer help on our work projects. Members of the St. James Mission Circle rounded out the crew and Project Organizer Kathy Faller kept everyone busy and on track. |
MAEGA Celebrates 50 Years of Scholarships
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District Conference is Approaching! October 29
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Rotary vs. Lions Food Drive Challenge
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Fisher House: A Home Away from Home
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Cornholin’ on the Beach
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Community Clean Up with Del Mar Village Association October 26 Join members of the Del Mar Village Association in a Community Clean up on Wednesday October 26 from 3-5 PM. Click HERE to register. Then, meet at the Jim Watkins amphitheater outside L’Auberge at 15th Street and Camino Del Mar (near our clock). Afterward, celebrate making Del Mar more beautiful with happy hour at L’Auberge Ocean Terrace. Prizes will be awarded for the most trash collected, largest item, and strangest item. If you attend, please take pictures! |
Walk to End Polio in Balboa Park
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Happy Trails Walking Club Starts November 2
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Blood Drive at Del Mar Civic Center November 3
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Battle at the Border Robotics Competition Our club is a major sponsor of the Torrey Pines High School Millennium Falcons Robotics club and member Klaus Gubernator is one of the club mentors. On Saturday October 15 the Falcons were one of over 30 local teams that competed in the off-season
 Battle of the Border competition at Cathedral Catholic High School. The competition provides an opportunities for teams to have more time with their robots and give newer members a taste of what a competition is like. |
Thank You from MAEGA Scholarship Recipient Daniella Hernandez Every year the Youth Services Committee uses part of their annual budget to fund a scholarship for the Mexican American Educational Guidance Association (MAEGA). The club has a long history with MAEGA. Charter Members Don Lapham and Dr. Dick Wheelock were both committed to MAEGA; Don was a co-founder and Dick served on the Board of Directors for two decades. Daniella Hernandez is a MAEGA scholarship recipient this year and will use the funds to pursue a degree at SDSU. |
Labor Day Lunch and CPR Training Manikins for the Del Mar Lifeguards
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Nutrition Support for Children in Southern Myanmar  Myanmar has been a site of extreme political unrest since a military coup in February 2021. Through Marty Peters, the club was able to donate $500, which was used by the Good Shepherd Sisters to purchase two months’ worth of food for orphans in Yangon, a city in southern Myanmar. |
Keeping Cool at New Entra Casa We always encourage members to find new projects that have needs the club can help fulfill. Community Services Committee member Linda Groom learned of a need of New Entra Casa, which has been serving women and their families in the San Diego area for around 50 years. New Entra Casa is a 6-bed facility for women who are involved with Child Welfare Services (CWS) or who have limited visitation with their children. As residents, these women receive education and support to reach their goal of reunifying with their children. Moreover, New Entra Casa is committed to helping individuals recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders through counseling, small groups, and 12-Step and holistic therapy models that address the underlying causes of addiction and trauma. The club provided funds for New Entra Casa to purchase a new refrigerator that can be used by the counseling staff. Linda said that the staff members are happy to have dedicated space to store their lunches and other items. |
Hands of Peace: Youth as Agents of Change
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18th Annual Sunset Soirée     We had perfect weather for our 18th annual Sunset Soiree on Tuesday September 13, 2022. After a streak of hot weather, we were fortunate to have a pleasantly warm night with little breeze. Many of the restaurants returned this year and we were pleased to have Cevasco’s and Beeside Balcony as our two newest restaurants. On the beverage side, Koi Zen and Solterra were first-timers. Ruth Grayson was our auctioneer, assisted by her partner Michael Lewis. They kept the enthusiasm up during the live auction, but they also kept a close watch over the silent auction. The robust 70% average return on fair market value of all the auction items reflected their efforts. Meanwhile, the gift card tree was so big that we could split off two “saplings” that both offered a great selection of cards. Click HERE to access a Google Photo album with full-size pictures available for download and click “Read More” for important thank yous! |
Sunset Soirée this Tuesday! It’s almost here! We still have plenty of tickets remaining, so please encourage friends and family to attend. The forecast is for clear, calm, and comfortably warm weather. We’ll have some new things this year: an auctioneer team, something different with the gift card tree, and a special gift for anyone who wins an auction item. Buy tickets now at www.delmarsunsetsoiree.org |
District Governor Chuck Pretto: Focusing on Youth and Raising Rotary’s Visibility
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Sunset Soirée Auction Item TourThis video gives a quick tour of ALL the silent and auction items on offer at this year's Sunset Soirée. See additional details about the items or place an online bid at http://www.delmarsunsetsoiree.org. |
Sunset Soirée Video to Share Do you have friends wondering what will be available to eat and drink at the Soirée? Please share this link with them (and also post on social media): https://youtu.be/CURHtMhSCxw. Or, you can send them to the club website, www.delmmarotary.org, where the video is embedded. |
Delicious Desserts! President Sharon has a large sweet tooth. With the blessing of Jimmy O’s, we’ve launched a dessert of the week sign up. First up was Sharyn Daly, who brought pink boxes full of delicious coconut cakes and lemon tarts. If you’re hungry for more, these confections were prepared by member Casey Robison, owner of Darshan Bakery & Café, which has outposts in Del Mar and Encinitas. Beth Westburg kindly volunteered to bring dessert for our September 8 meeting. No one has signed up for September 29, December 1, and December 29. Contact Sharon if you’d like to be dessert master one of those weeks. |
District Governor Chuck Pretto Visits September 8 Our September 8 meeting will feature District Governor Chuck Pretto as the speaker. Let’s have a great turnout! Chuck will have a small gift for every member who attends. |
Using Genetic Genealogy To Make the Unknown Known
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Sunset Soirée Vendor TourWondering who will be serving at the Sunset Soirée this year? Watch this video to see a complete list! Tickets are selling fast, so buy yours now at |
Reducing Maternal Mortality in Rural Panama: Phalarope's Approach Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer (center), founder of Phalarope (logo at top), and the community leaders of Phalarope's Programa Manchichi that seeks to partner with and educate comadronas to reduce maternal mortality in rural Panama Imagine being pregnant in a community high in the mountains of Panama that is accessible largely by foot. Would there be anyone trained to help you in case something went wrong? Dr. Miriam Rittmeyer, our speaker at the August 28, 2022 meeting, founded Phalarope to help women in situations like this. Phalarope seeks to empower women through education and community outreach to enable families and communities in Latin America to reach their full potential. Phalarope has six priority areas, and in her talk Dr. Rittmeyer focused on projects to improve maternal and community health. Phalarope took the unique approach of partnering with comadronas, women who are highly respected and trusted community leaders. Comadronas carry out traditional birth practices in indigenous communities in Latin American countries like Guatemala and Panama. In rural Guatemala, Phalarope implemented a vocational training program, Programa Ixchel, to equip comadronas with medical skills and tools to monitor fetal development as well as detect hypertension and high blood pressure. Using these skills, the comadronas could identify signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy that can endanger the life of both mothers and their fetuses. This training is critical to reduce the rate of maternal morbidity and mortality, which can have long-lasting effects for families and communities. Building on the success of Programa Ixchel, Phalarope secured a Global Grant (G-2658) to start Programa Manchichi that will help six communities in the mountainous region of Panama. The Global Grant allowed expansion of preliminary findings from a Phase I project in which teams in these communities teams compiled detailed regional maps that identified where families are living, and the health status of family members. These data were used to generate a dashboard with health indicators that could provide alerts from the field when patients were in need of higher-level care. The Global Grant funds a training program with a curriculum that focuses on cultural competency that respects traditional practices while allowing for active monitoring and response to high-risk situations as they emerge. The training is conducted within the remote communities where comadronas receive instruction in identifying high-risk pregnancies in addition to preventative screening for other communities members, many of whom are affected by chronic conditions like diabetes. The curriculum also includes training in prenatal care, particularly coaching to optimize maternal nutrition, determining fetal presentation, as well as post-partum care that is critical to reduce maternal mortality. Dr. Rittmeyer is a native of Guatemala. She earned her MD in Guatemala and received a Ph.D. in Nutritional Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina as well as a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. In 202 |
