Bulletins - 2007 - 08/29/2007

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Mary Dawe

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

President Mike Whitehurst called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.  Larry Nuffer offered the invocation.  Dave Ferguson led the salute to our flag, asking all to remember our soldiers in uniform.  Jim Mulvaney, Jr., and Linda Jalving led a spirited rendition of "You're a Grand Old Flag."

SGT. AT ARMS

Pete McGuire welcomed guests and visitors, including Brad Benson, guest of Sandra Schrift; Josie and Christopher McCain, guests of Tana Cleaves; Jenny Seligmann, guest of Steve Seligmann, ambassadorial scholar, Daniel Figueiredo, and J.C. from "Up with People."

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• President Mike Whitehurst informed the club that the cost of breakfast is increasing to $18.00.  This price will be charged to visitors and guests.  First time visitors, Rotaract members and military are always free.

• Jonathan Stone reminded members of the wine tasting party on September 12.

• Maureen Eberle announced that "1000 Laughs for 1000 Smiles" will be at Singing Hills Country Club this Saturday, September 1.  25 members are attending, tickets at will call.

• Members were reminded of the opportunity to provide scholarships for students attending school in Tijuana through Responsibility.

• Mike Lewis told us about the exclusive premier of "Revolution Green - A True Story of Biodiesel in America."  This new film will be shown on Friday, September 7 at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. at the ECOCenter for Alternative Fuels, 4001 El Cajon Blvd.  Q & A with the filmmakers, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., 30 minutes before each film.  Tickets at www.sdecocenter.org.

• President Mike announced the Rotary Foundation Seminar on September 8.  Breakfast at 7:00 a.m., program 8:00 - 12:00.  Included in the program, Past District Governor Nick Phillips will speak about South African projects to aid children orphaned by the A.I.D.S. epidemic.  The Club will pay the $20 fee, unless you sign up and don't show.

• Mary Engles sent around a signup sheet for the September 15 program, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the Potiker Seniors Center, where members will provide lunch and social time for the seniors there, in addition to helping with planting of new plants on the patio.

• Members were reminded that October 19 is the "Holes for Heroes" golf tournament benefiting Wounded Warriors via Rescue Task Force, Home Front San Diego, and Veterans Village of San Diego.  More golfers are needed.  Gary Green asked for hole sponsors.  Fabulous silent auction items will be available for bid and more donations for the silent auction are welcome.

• Carol Jensen asked members to bring school supplies to next week's meeting for school children in Liberia.

• Mike Jones was happy to report the great progress his wife, Carol, has made after a stroke.

• Ron Erbetta gave the good news that, except for small tumors in his liver, he has no other tumors.

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

Sheryl Bilbrey, President/CEO of the San Diego Better Business Bureau and a member of Club 33, gave a spirited and informative presentation about how we can be better informed and wiser consumers.  The BBB began almost 100 years ago as a response to a lack of truth in advertising.  Today there are 15 standards BBB members must adopt, including truth in advertising and responding to consumer complaints.  Sheryl said the three groups in San Diego most often targeted by scam artists are seniors, Latinos, and the military.

The Top 10 Scams

10.  Charities:  Remember not all charities are legitimate.  One red flag is being asked to send your donation to a P.O. box.

9.   Who's Who lists:  These are just ego boosters.

8.   The official looking van and jacket.  When someone driving an official looking van and wearing an official looking jacket comes to the door of your home or business and tells you he must check out something like a meter or phone system, be sure it is legitimate before you pay.

7.   Investment Schemes:  These are often related to something topical in the news.  The caller may tell you it is the latest secret technology.

6.   Overpayment Scams:  This often happens on eBay.  The buyer may say he sent you too much and requires a refund.

5.   Human Resources Posters and Meeting Minutes:  This material is sent to your business indicating you are required to buy and post it.

4.   Office Supplies:  Your business is sent material you did not order.

3.   Yellow Pages and Yellow Pages Web Sites:  Note that "Your Fingers Do the Walking" is not trademarked.

2.   Nigerian Scams.

1.   Identity Theft:  If your identity is stolen, file a police report.  You may check your credit through a free government web site.