Bulletins - 2011 - 08/31/2011
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By Dr. Chris Carstens
Jerrilyn Malana led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sandy Rugg provided an invocation of inspiring words from Mr. Fred Rogers. Linda Jalving led us in song.
Rotarian guests included Bill Sturgeon from Coronado. Jerry Winter brought us two non-Rotarian guests, Judy Wilson and Bob Johndahl.
Other guests included Devin Roepke, Brian Madder, Joe Ciokin’s lovely daughter Lisa, who came in her Navy uniform, and two guests introduced by Pat Cowett, Amy Lapeen and Adriana Sanchez.
With his usual flourish, Tom Larimer took us into a marble drawing. Steve S. and Barry took their turns drawing losing marbles. Better luck next time. Eric Davy and Julie Brennan celebrated birthdays. Joe Marshall, Mike Lewis, Eric Davy, Alex Kwoka and Caroline Chen paid fines for their anniversaries. Lots of Complaints and Kudos led to contributions for the happy pot.
The international services committee will be holding a fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 for African famine relief on 9/15/2011 at The Mark. For information or to RSVP, email Pauline –Endreson at Limpauline@paulineandbjorn.com
Allison Hooper brought a flag from her Rotary make-up in Dublin.
Sandee Rugg announced the collection of toiletries for seniors moving into permanent housing through the Senior Center. We will be collecting: Shampoo, bath soap, combs, socks, deodorant, razors, toothpaste, lotion, as well as men's and women's underwear, at meetings this month.
Gary Green announced that the Holes for Heroes golf tournament is 75 days away. All the golf slots are filled, and there are lots of pledges and sponsorhips, but the goal is to raise an additional $8,000 even more, through hole sponsorships, bunker sponsorships and sponsorships for wounded warriors. You will be hearing from Gary and the committee.
Pres. Scott said that, after much consideration, the Board of Directors is proposing that we change the name of the club to "San Diego Downtown Rotary (Breakfast)." He said that this name change would confirm our commitment to the downtown community, and link to our goals of helping to form an evening club downtown and to strengthen our link to the Downtown Partnership. There will be a vote at an upcoming meeting about that name change.
Pres. Scott announced that this year's featured charity is the Alpha Project, and said that the club would be involved in promoting and supporting their events.
Jerilyn Malana introduced our speaker, Bob McElroy, CEO of the Alpha Project (this year's featured charity).
  
Bob told the story of the program, beginning in the 1980s. He experienced a life-changing event at church, which led him to decide to spend his time attempting to break the cycle of homelessness. "You can get by on handouts, but it does not break the cycle. Food is not an issue." He said there is a rollout of talented people who are trapped in homelessness and mental illness. The goal of his project is to give them an opportunity to do great things. Alpha Project now has 14 programs in seven cities. They are the largest employer in San Diego of former convicts, gang members and drug addicts. He asks, "Who else will hire these guys?" This year at the Neal Good Center, 5000 people are registered. Between 600 and 700 people a day make use of their services. He described the variety of programs they are operating to help people lead dignified and respectable lives. He repeatedly emphasized that this is not about giving people sustenance so they can be comfortable on the street, but to offer them a challenge and a way up.
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