Bulletins - 2010 - 02/24/2010

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Steve Tornay

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

The Pledge of Allegiance was done by Jonathan Stone.  The invocation was done by Wendy Patrick who impressed everyone with her off-the-cuff prayer for fellowship, patience, and peace.  A stirring rendition of America The Beautiful was led by Mary Engles.

SGT. AT ARMS

The infamous clear marble was drawn by Kelly Berner, Nancy Vaughn and Jim Lauth in the raffle.  Scott Carr reminded us to go to calendar@SD rotary.com (on Twitter) for the latest info on meetings and club events.
Also, to bring in your used cell phones (even if they look like something Austin Powers would have used) for reselling or recycling.  Mike Whitehurst told us the "Rick King" story.  Mel Gallegos, while in Costa Rica, was unable to do a makeup visit as there is no Rotary Club in CR.  Que Malo!  Sandee Rugg gave thanks to Bobbi Spinner-Flack.

GUESTS

Lynn Hamilton introduced Sheri Elko, a former ambassadorial scholar.  Chris Carstens introduced Michael Kosakowski.  Steve Loeb was greeted again and Richard Couts visited from club 33.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Mike Whitehurst and Gary McElroy of the International Services Committee told us of several international grants and associated projects that are completed or ongoing.
• Robyn Bottomly reminded us of the SD Zoo tour of the new elephant enclosure and baby panda exhibit.  It will be on March 13 (Sat.). We will be meeting Gary at the flamingo exhibit at 9:00 am.  She told us to get your RSVP in by the Wed. before so you can get discount tickets. She will be sending a rreminder email. 
• Robyn also mentioned the play in Encinitas supporting the Blue Tarp School which is Sunday March 21 at 3:30.  She will be sending an Evite with suggested donation.
• Also, the House of Blues date is changed until after April 15.
• Chris Carstens and Claire Remillard of the Community Service Committee presented a check to Paul Downey and Nancy Vaughn on behalf of the Senior Community Center.
• John Addams of the Youth Services Committee informed us that March is Rotary International Literacy Month.  Please bring any books you wish to donate for a book drive for The Bookman, Irwin Herman.  Mr. Herman distributes these books all over the world to help others learn English.  He also requested that we donate canned foods to be collected by March 10 in honor of the Boy Scout's 100th anniversary.  Our district is teaming up to make this a huge success.
• Gary McElroy announced Musicamp which is to be held July 16-Aug. 8, 2010.
  About 26 students will need to be hosted.  He will be giving us information on what is required of host families.
• Sandee Rugg suggested that everyone please RSVP for next week's meeting in which Marvin Hamlisch will speak and perform.  It is new member guest day and we expect a large showing.
• Nancy Vaughn reminded us that USO representatives will be coming on March 10.  Our goal of 100lbs. of canned coffee for our servicemen and women is currently at 50 lbs.  Keep that coffee coming!
• Bobbie Spinner-Flack reminded us of the Women's Resource Fair on Sat.
  March 6.  It starts at 8:00 am at the SD Concourse, 202 C St. downtown.  It is suggested that you get there a little early, carpool or take the trolley as parking fills up quickly. It would be great if volunteers could plan on participating for at least 2 hours.  Thanks!
• Paul Marsh announced the football game between the SD Enforcers and the US Marine All-Stars on Feb. 27 at 5:00 at Escondido High School.  Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure fund to defeat breast cancer.
• Frank Defrancesco gave the date for serving meals to seniors as April 3.  He will be passing out sign-up sheets.
• Allison Hooper will be playing piano for us starting in May.  We are all greatly anticipating hearing her play and seeing Gary Green part with $20 per each performance.

THIS WEEK'S MEETING

Lucy Killea introduced Steven Dinkin, the president of the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC).  While conflict, war, divorce and violence seem to be increasing worldwide, the NCRC has been created as a way to deal with these problems and to provide a structured process to address and solve them.  Their mission is "Building a More Civil Society".   The skills taught by the NCRC take place within a 3-tiered system.
Each subsequent tier can be utilized as the persons/organizations involved in the conflict attempt to find solutions.
The basic premise is to provide the individuals involved in the conflict a system and the methods to empower them to find their own solutions.  This process will lead to the accountability for the problem and solutions to the parties involved.  This can save time and money for all concerned by reducing litigation and turnover costs.
This process can take place on an individual level, within the workplace or on a broader community level.  Being a mediation process, it helps the parties involved come to their own decision/agreement.  It differs from arbitration in that mediation is non-binding vs. arbitration which is a definitive decision usually handed down by a judge and is binding.