Bulletins - 2008 - 11/05/2008
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By David McKee
We were welcomed by President Mel Gallegos who also led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Larry Nuffer gave a stirring invocation celebrating the democratic process that elected Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States, and Jim Mulvaney and Linda Jalving led us in a patriotic “America” in honor of the election.
The Union Tribune’s article covering the reconstruction of the Kansas City Barbeque did NOT result in Martin Blair being fined as an earlier article on the same subject had resulted in a fine last month. The picture accompanying the article depicting Martin wearing flip-flops in a construction area, however, did result in Sgt at Arms Paul Marsh levying a small fine for his violation of OSHA safety regulations.
Mike Lewis was also fined for several articles in which Pearson Fuels was the subject in such publications as Automotive News and the San Francisco Times. Tom Sayers reported that his son Andrew joined his school’s Rotoract Club. Joe Ciokon pointed out the return of the USS John C Stennis and encouraged club members to be on the lookout for the return of the USS Ronald Regan returning soon. Mike Whitehurst anted up, allowing he was probably the only past president that voted for John McCain and attended a Madonna concert all in the same day.
Pete McGuire introduced a number of guests and visiting Rotarians.
Alexandra Kwoka reported on a successful fund raising event by The San Diego Lawyers Assn. that resulted in an $8000 donation to the Ming Museum.
Chris Carstens related that last weekend’s Rotary sponsored USD football game outing was successful; Maureen Eberle noted our ambassadorial scholars also enjoyed the event.
Jeramy Larson noted that the Red Badge event held at Jacobson-Spedia Fine Jewelry, was successful, despite being scheduled the same night as the USD football outing. It was also noted that Jacobson-Spedia’s annual holiday promotion will be in effect for all Rotarians that purchase jewelry between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To wit: All monies spent on jewelry purchases will be refunded and the merchandise kept if it rains on New Year’s Day morning….or something to that effect, see store for details.
Members were treated to a special video created by and for our very own “Rotary Players”. The stellar performance of the “Wizard of Oz” inspired production encouraged members to save the date of January 10th for next year’s District Foundation Gala. The celebration theme is “Make Dreams Real”, tickets will be $75 ea. and the event will take place at the Omni San Diego Hotel. Last year’s fund raising events helped provide $1.3M for the fight against polio, the clean water initiative and various other Rotary charities around the world.
Members were also reminded that this year’s Holiday Party will be December 13th and graciously hosted by Melissa and Wyatt Chapman at their home. We all know what great parties the Chapman’s have hosted for various Rotary events at their fine furniture establishment The Chapman Collection, we are no doubt in for a wonderful evening at their home!
Past President Mike Whitehurst presented Lynn Hamilton with her 3rd Paul Harris Fellow award and her husband Peter with his first. Peter and Lynn’s two sons are also Paul Harris Fellows recipients making their entire family Paul Harris Fellows!
Lynn Hamilton introduced Suresh Subramanian and his wife Aneka, Co-Founders of the Power of Love Foundation and Felix Mwale, Executive Director of Power of Love’s projects in Zambia. The Power of Love Foundation is a community based, volunteer self help program formed in 2002 to fight HIV/AIDs in Africa and Asia. The POL Foundation received a $17,000 grant from the SDDBR and the Rotary Foundation two and a half years ago and started with the treatment of 130 children. The program’s core belief is that the answer to the HIV/AID’s crisis lies in the local community where the problem resides and therefore focuses its efforts on supporting those communities with training and supplies.
By utilizing an all volunteer organization, 100% of donations received are directed to the program’s efforts at reversing the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa. The magnitude of the problem is severe. Felix Mwale reported that life expectancy in Zimbabwe, where his efforts are focused, has dropped from 51 in 1994 to 37 in 2008. On a happier note Felix reported that of the 200 children that entered into the program since its inception, all but 3 are still alive. The POL’s program model has so successful that is has been adopted by President Bushes USAID initiative and will be studied for ways to adapt it to Africa’s fight against Malaria.
In closing Lynn Hamilton presented Suresh with a check for $4000 on behalf of the International Services Committee. Suresh reported that the donation will be used to fund the services of a full time nurse for a year for the clinic in Zimbabwe.
Alex Montoya will be next week’s speaker.
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