Bulletins - 2007 - 05/02/2007

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Jenny K. Goodman

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

Frank De Francesco started us off with the invocation entitled "Man in the Glass".  Margaret Opplinger lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance complete with a  new flag and flag stand.  In honor of the new flag, Linda Jalving appropriately selected "Its a Grand Ole Flag" as our song of the day. 

SGT. AT ARMS

Jonathan Stone filled in for Rosalie Kramm today and, as usual, hit us hard in the pockets fining anyone not wearing their Rotary Badge.  At $5 a pop, we all better be more diligent about wearing our badges when Jonathan takes over as full time Sargeant at Arms.  Jim Mulvaney won the 50/50 raffle as well as being the highest bidder for the coffee basket and the old flag. 

GUESTS

Dr. Paul Marsh filled in for Pete McGuire today and welcomed all of our guests.  Our furthest traveling visitor was from the Bonn Club in Hamburg which is a club about the size of our own. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Steve Seligman reported on another successful Rotarians at Work project.  The crew painted 12 different residences and also presented Al Pavich with a $3,000 check.  Steve related how the seniors really appreciated our efforts and such small things as Pat Cowett sharing her cell phone so a senior could call and find out the status of his newest grandchild went a long ways to building good will towards all.
• Karney Stefan reported on the tijuana homebuilding project although she was tight-lipped about certain activities claiming "what happens in TJ, stays in TJ".  We'll root out the story and report back soon. 
• Lynn Hamilton reported on her trip to see the Responsibility project in TJ as well.  She plans on coordinating an International Services project with this great group in the near future. 
• Frank De Francesco also reported on a successful social bowling night event last Friday where about 25 people participated and many adult beverages were consumed. 
• Margaret Opplinger reminded us all of the upcoming Vocational Services Day coming up on May 9th, 2007.  REMEMBER, OUR MEETING WILL BE OFF-SITE THIS COMING WEEK FOR THIS EVENT.  Members have a choice of attending one of three locations.  1) Jewels by the Sea in La Jolla, 2) the Chapman Collection in Horton Plaza, or 3) the Better Business Bureau.  Contact Margaret if you have not yet signed up for one of these three locations. 
• Reminder that May 23rd is an off-site meeting as well.  Our meeting will be held at the zoo that morning so it should be a lot of fun.  Please mark your calendars so you don't miss this exciting forum meeting. 
• Eileen Henesey - our newest grandmother. So cute...it's a girl!!!!! Addison Henesey Ward 8 lbs 20" blonde and beautiful!!

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

President Carol Jensen introduced this week's speakers, Susan Hill and Ted Rose both of whom are fellow Rotarians.  They gave up their careers and worldly possessions to found Project Amigo in a Mexican village of about 1500 inhabitants.  Approximately 40% of the village lives in poverty.  The project's goal is to break the cycle of poverty and aims to keep kids in school by offering incentives for students who stay in school such as special field trips and gifts at Christmas time.  Project Amigo offers special opportunities for work weeks throughout the year where interested individuals can go to the village for specific work projects such as a vision clinic or a reading week.  Visitors can interact with Mexican families and experience their culture.  These work weeks are the inspiration of the Rotary vision helping to promote peacemaking and hands on service.  While constructive criticism of the project is always appreciated, Project Amigo's motto is, "If you don't like the way we're doing it, write us a check and we will do it your way."  Project Amigo also arranges for sponsorships for kids who want to go on to higher education.  They only support majors that would yield immediate jobs and also focus on kids who will not leave for the United States or Mexico City.  The idea is to get these kids to come back and improve their community to help break the cycle.  These two Rotarians exemplify the spirit of Rotary and we thank them for their work. 

PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS

Craig Choy
Development/Fundraising
St. Augustine High School

Peter Denehy
Real Estate Development
The Sullivan Group

Richard Evans
Dentist

Sheila Hardin
Center City Development Corporation