December 5, 2001

 

This Bulletin Was Written by Michael Whitehurst

 

This Week’s Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Melissa Blackburn promptly at 7:36am.  Howard Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Margaret Oppliger’s invocation was inspired by “a few words from Andy Rooney”.  (Life is like a roll of toilet paper, it goes faster near the end…among others.)  The song selected by Linda Jalving was the popular Cat Stevens number “Morning has Broken”.

Guests included several Rotaract members, and Vanessa, our Rotary Ambassador Scholar.  Vanessa addressed the members on her recent trip to Vancouver.  Visiting Rotarians included Ed from Columbus, Ohio who is vacationing in San Diego, and presented us with a flag from his home club.

Announcements

Ø      Hugh Largey reminded members that the “Responsibility” Christmas gifts are due by next Wednesday.  Remember, presents can be gift wrapped but must be placed in a single unwrapped box with the completed form affixed to the outside.  If you cannot attend next weeks meeting, or would like to deliver your gift sooner, it will be accepted by Jennifer Cusick at her office.

Ø      Michael Whitehurst announced that Holiday Bowls tickets are available through the club at a reduced price (good seats, too!).  As of this writing we are now sold out, but call Mike if you would like to be placed on a waiting list

Ø      Mike Jones inducted our newest member, Greg Simmons.  Greg is employed by Hilton Hotels, with responsibilities in employee motivation, various new revenue producing programs, and consulting work in the community.  He is single, enjoys surfing and restoring his 1968 Dodge Dart.  Welcome to the club, Greg!

Ø      Dave Ferguson continued his winning streak by announcing, yet another, new Paul Harris Fellow, Dennis Dater.  Thank you Dennis.  You may now be the 30th Paul Harris Fellow in the club.

Ø      Tana Cleaves and Dave Donnelly, have done a great job with the weekly program this year.  President Melissa recognized their hard work by awarding each with “blue badges”.

Ø      Gary Green announced a new member program by the University Club.  In exchange for a $50 donation to the “Windows on the World” World Trade Center relief fund, the University Club will waive the $1,200 new member fee.  See Gary about how to take advantage of the new member offer.

Ø      Jim Mulvaney, Jr. reminded members of the Thursday, December 13th party for St. Vincent de Paul at the Hotel Del Coronado.  Tickets are $60.  See Jim about this event next week.

Sgt.-At-Arms

Frank DeFrancesco recognized anniversaries for Steve Bridge (14…no 17 years) and  V (21 years).  Brags from the audience include Gary Green’s daughter’s upcoming wedding on the 29th  (Grampa Green?); Martin Blair’s wife Cindy’s leadership for the Joan Kroc Center; and Patricia Moore, now engaged, moved to North County, merged her business, daughter graduating from college, and is her company’s top loan producer (did I get all that?).

This Week’s Speaker

Meg Newcomb, Manager of Community Relations with Sea World, provided an update on the expansion and redevelopment plans for the park.  The park’s beginning dates back to 1960 when it began as “a playground for citizens of land and sea.”  Today’s renovation plans includes four areas for immediate improvement.  A new educational facility that includes wet and dry labs, and a dormitory for students.  A new front gate renovation with the look of a marina complete with scaled down light house.  An expansion of the special events center to increase capacity from 600 to over 1,000.  And the new “Splashdown Ride” which incorporates the look of Atlantis rising from the water along with a commerson dolphin tank.

In the coming years, the plan includes eight additional proposals to update existing attractions such as the penguin encounter.  Longer term three new projects include a new parking structure near the corner of Sea World Drive and Mission Bay Drive; a three story 300 room hotel if market conditions warrant, and marina facilities near the northeastern corner of the property, in the area of the Splashdown Ride.

Final approval of the plan is expected to be given to the master plan by the Coastal Commission this coming spring.

Home - Calendar of Events - Getting Involved - Member Info

Service Committees - Bulletin - Links

Created by David Tereschuck of:

Copyright © 2000