Bulletins - 2010 - 02/03/2010

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Alexandra M. Kwoka

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

Gary Green, in the absence of our President, Karen Green, acted as Meeting host, welcoming those in attendance.  H is introductory remarks reminded those in attendance that there are 1.2 million Rotarians in the world, who exemplify our motto of “Service Above Self.”  Attending were 47 members of the Club.  Jane Berry led the Club in the pledge of allegiance, and Mel Gallegos offered the invocation.  Jim Mulvaney and Mary Engles led the Club in singing God Bless America.

SGT. AT ARMS

Scott Carr, as Sgt. At Arms opened the floor to members:  Frank DeFrancesco told members that he and his wife would be in the audience of the Judge Judy Show.  Lynn Hamilton paid a fine - as a former resident of New Orleans her cheer was “Go Saints.” 

GUESTS

Peter McGuire, introduced our guests: Non-Rotarians included Arline Fisch, Kelly Berned, Allison Hooper, Eddie Castoria, and Steve Laub.  Rotarians included Alison Cummings, El Cajon Rotary Past President, Bill Styer, Coronado. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Melissa Blackburn and Michael Whitehurst are collecting funds for Haiti relief.
2. Bobbi Spinner Flack advised the Club will serve meals on Feb. 15, 2010 at the USO at the SD Airport, and solicited participation.
3. Chris Carstens advised that the Boy Scout Food Drive will begin in March.
4. Robyn Bottomly advised that the Social Event Committee was organizing these events:  On Saturday March 13th at 9 am, Gary McElroy will lead a private tour at the SD Zoo, including the newly opened Elephant Odyssey.  On February 19th, Melissa Chapman, Jonathan Stone, and the other members of the Committee will be hosting a “Wine Tasting” at 6pm at the Chapman Collection, Horton Plaza.  On Sunday March 21st, the play Armando (based on the Blue Tarp book) will be presented re: David Lynch’s Project Responsibility.
5. In April, Club members will gather at the House of Blues for the Gospel Brunch.
6. On Saturday March 6th, Melissa Blackburn reminded us that Rotarians will participate and assist at the Women’s Resource Fair, which provides aid and advice to homeless and battered women.  Last year more than 600 women attended.  A sign-up sheet circulated.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Membership Chair, Sandee Rugg, was not in attendance; therefore Mel Gallegos presided over the induction of Kelly Burner as a new “Red Badge” member.  Peter McGuire introduced Kelly to our Club.  Kelly is the daughter of a six time, Paul Harris Fellow, member of the Victoria Texas Rotary.  Kelly has been involved in banking for more than 20 years in San Diego, and is a Wealth Management Program Director for Union Bank.  Kelly shared with members a personal experience, at a fund raiser in Victoria, Texas - clay pigeon shooting.  Welcome Kelly! 

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

Chris Carsten introduced our speaker: Eddie Castoria, (Edward Castoria) President of TZ, and the Executive Director of Motorist Aid and Call Box Program (SAFE)

Initially, Mr. Castoria summarized the evolution of motorist assistance.  C all boxes were introduced, on highways throughout San Diego in 1989.  These call boxes were intended to provide assistance to motorists, and there are approximately 1,400 call boxes on the San Diego freeways.  Mr. Castoria introduced the 511 non-emergency roadside assistance programs, and provided flyers/note cards to members in attendance - urging members to provide the flyers/note cards to family members or employees to place in your vehicle.

SANDAG, in 2007, authorized the development of the “511" system.  The “511" call number is for NON-EMERGENCY problems - 911 is to be used in the event of an emergency on the road.  The “511 Program” provides a variety of types of assistance to motorists, who call this number on their cell phone.  Assistance includes:

 Jack Burkman (a fellow Rotarian from Club 33) spoke briefly - he showed us the news paper inserts which will be a part of the marketing program to inform San Diegan’s of the existence of the “511 Program”, and to encourage its use throughout the County.

Questions were answered: the “511 Program” provides cell-phone service at no charge.  The cost is funded in part through a $1 tax on vehicles sold in San Diego.  The “511 Program” is available throughout San Diego County - but not yet available to motorists traveling from San Diego County to Orange, Los Angeles or Riverside County on the freeways.