Bulletins - 2008 - 06/11/2008
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By Sheila Hardin
Sandy Schrift presented a thought-provoking, reflective invocation about the Kennedy years and the transformative politics of the 60's, with references to the philosophy of former President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy's health status today. Her remarks were a reminder that with 'Service Above Self'' we continue to improve ourselves. The pledge of allegiance was lead by Gary Green. Our morning song leader was Mary Engle.
Jonathan Stone, Sargeant-at-Arms, received several sensational brags about: 1.) Gidget ran in the Rock 'n Roll Marathon and jumped out of a plane; 2.) Gary Green will present three Paul Harris awards to his grandchildren on Wednesday, June 18th and a fourth grandchild is on the way; 3.) Dr. Chris Carstens' granddaughter is healthy & alert; 4.) President-elect Mel Gallegos went to Africa in 2007 and was feeling worried when he arrived, but he was elated to be met by Rotarians and he will be going to Los Angeles to pick up the people who met him in Africa; 5.) Another member bragged that his granddaughter graduated to the next level of the Busybee's in her school; 6.) Dr. Marsh, chiropractor, provided his support to 'Reality-Changers'; 7.) Melissa Chapman, owner of Chapman Antiques in Horton Plaza relocated in the mall to another space last Thursday and after giving her employees a week's vacation, they had to be contacted to come in to unload a shipment of containers from Paris; 8.) Jonathan attempted to give away some gigantic veggies; however, Gary told him to save them for the wine tasting event.
The guests included Ian Munday, a Rotarian from London, Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr. from Arizona and Michelle Wright from the Rotaract Club.
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A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 12th for Bob Watson at the Coronado Yacht Club. Rotarians are being asked to bring memorabilia about Bob to the service and to make donations to 'Rotarians-at-Work.'
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Jonathan Stone announced that another 'Wine-Tasting Event' is scheduled for Friday, June 13th at 57 Degrees; the cost of the event is $40.00.
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Lynn Hamilton is still selling $40.00 Padre tickets for the game on Sunday, June 22nd and a pre-game event will be held at Leah's Swearingen's condo in East Village in close proximity to Petco Park.
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On Tuesday, June 24th, the last Rotary District Council meeting of the year will be held.
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Our Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club meeting will not be held on Wednesday, June 25th.
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The 'Demotion Party' for President Mike Whitehurst will be held on Thursday, June 26th at the San Diego Yacht Club. Downtown Breakfast Rotary members do not have to purchase tickets. However, there is a fee for guests. Also, drink tickets can be purchased at the door.
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Bobbi Spinner-Flack provided an update on the 'Diaper Drive' for Father Joe Carroll's 200-plus kids, under age 5, that reside at St. Vincent's de Paul - Joan Kroc Center, shelter for homeless families. She indicated that if you don't have time to shop for diapers, then providing money to purchase more diapers will suffice. The last day for collecting diapers will be Wednesday, June 18th. Diapers will be delivered after the meeting on this date.
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Sherri Barnswell from the YMCA & Balboa Hospital received a check $1,000 check and after describing the program for families of wounded warriors. She expressed her gratitude for the gift.
Ian Munday, from England has been a Rotarian for eight (8) years. His club has 43 members and their top priority program is 'The ShelterBox Program.' He has been retired from the British Royal Navy for three (3) years. He also resided in Coronado for three (3) years. Consequently, being in San Diego at this time reminded him of a 'coming home.'
 The purpose of 'The ShelterBox Program' is to provide survival materials, equipment and supplies to help people that experience disasters, i.e., hurricanes, floods, conflict, tornadoes, earthquakes, or tsunamis. It was pointed out that disasters can occur at anytime, anywhere in the world. During Hurricane Katrina, 1,320 ShelterBoxes were provided in the form of shelter. Teams are also currently providing help in China. Humanitarian support is being provided worldwide through this effective, successful program. The contents of the ShelterBox includes a tent and all the essential items, i.e., a tent and pots and pans; that an individual would require during a disaster. The boxes are distributed worldwide. The cost of each box is $1,000.00.
In 2001, 143 boxes were sent to Gujarat in India to the site of the earthquake. Over the past two to three years, $2 million has been invested in this program. In 2004, a quarter of a million received help for the Tsunami, referred to as 'Boxing Day Tsunami.' Thus far, the ShelterBox Program has raised $40 million and helped one-half a million people. The program has an international presence and there is also a ShelterBox USA. This represents their largest club project.
The original program is based in Cornwall, England in the United Kingdom. There are also affiliates in Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland and there is the possibility of a program being formed in Italy.
ShelterBox Response Teams make sure that the boxes get to the person who needs them. Operations are currently underway in Hong Kong and Bejing. China has been helped so far with $1 million worth of ShelterBoxes. Bolivia was provided with ShelterBoxes after a major flood. Last month, $1 million in aid was provided to Burma. Ian stated, "This is a great international project; please send us $1,000.00 ....... Get Involved! ....... It's a Great Project!" He continued, "Our goal is to get Rotary Clubs to donate $1,000.00 a year to the ShelterBox program."
Leah Swearingen volunteered to participate by stating, "I'm in for $100.00 ....... we can make this happen today if there are at least ten (10) Rotarians who can contribute toward the $1,000.00." Downtown Breakfast Rotarians stepped up to the challenge during the meeting by contributing $1,000.00 to the ShelterBox Program.
 The second speaker was Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr., son of the late Senator Barry Goldwater, Sr. The rise of conservatism was attributed to his era in congress and catapulted California Governor Ronald Reagan to the presidency. Barry Goldwater, Jr. was a congressman in California from 1969 to 1983.
Throughout his presentation, he promoted the book, "Pure Goldwater" and signed copies were sold at the end of the meeting. The book is all about the Goldwater dynasty. Congressman Goldwater, Jr. stated, "Politicans create the problems we have to deal with." "Under my father's leadership, Senator Goldwater made conservatism very popular," stated Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr. He continued by remarking that his father was interesting and exciting with combat experience. He was also described as a man of high standards who took his family camping and told them, "You are walking with God." He was someone who loved our country and loved our fellow man. In addition, he taught his children that every man gets his share of the whole when he provides service.
It was reported by Congressman Goldwater that his father owned a business in Arizona, contributed money to the NAACP, ran for President of the United States in 1964, served in Congress under seven (7) Presidents and was close friends with the late President, John F. Kennedy. Before Kennedy was assassinated, he and Senator Goldwater had discussed competing against one another and jointly get on the same airplane; then, travel around the country conducting political debates. President Mike Whitehurst presented speaker gifts of Paul Harris medallions to Ian Munday, his wife and to Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr. The meeting was adjourned promptly at 8:30 a.m.
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