June 18, 2003

This week's Bulletin was written by George Thomas

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

The meeting was started promptly at 7:30 a.m. by President Gary Green.  Gary thanked all for a wonderful presidential “reign,” as this was his last regular meeting.  He also provided the membership with his measure of success prior to becoming our 2003 - 2003 Rotary president:

Ø      Is it good for Gary

Ø      Does it promote goodwill for Gary

Ø      Does it benefit Gary

As his “reign” as president comes to a close, Gary has found he has been significantly changed by this post by both the people involved in Rotary at the International Convention and at our club meetings, and by involvement in worthy causes.

President Green, along with several other members, attended the year-end District Council Meeting at the La Jolla Marriott on June 17th.  Past President of Rotary International Rick King spoke during the event.  Mr. King has had 150 speaking engagements and visited 72 countries during the last year.  He gave the District Council a very inspiring and motivating speech.  During the event, the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club was presented the Presidential Citation Award for involvement in the Rotary International “Sow the Seeds of Love” and a Rotary Club Service Award from District 5340 for keeping the Ideals of Rotary.  President Green also received an award from the District 5340 Governor for his work as president of our club.  He briefly covered some of the year’s highlights of this last Rotary year:

Ø      Operation Malawi – The club sought donations of $50,000.  Actual donation neared $200,000 and distribution of over 2,000 wheelchairs

Ø      Polio Tees Us Off Fundraiser – Over $35,000 raised

Ø      Margaritaville Fundraiser – Over $22,500 raised

Ø      Inducted 35 new members

Ø      Paul Harris Fellows – 42 new fellows

Ø      San Diego High School Student-of-the-Month – Scholarship given in the amount of $1,000, $600, and $400

President Green Introduced Melissa Bolthouse of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and presented a check for $2,000 to the organization.  Ms.

 

Melissa Bolthouse and Gary

 

Bolthouse told us over 20 million people suffer from type I and II diabetes nationwide, with over 150 million internationally.  The international number is expected to increase to 300 million by 2025.  Ms. Bolthouse explained that many advances have been made with donations put to good uses.  You can get additional information on the Foundation at www.jdrf.org

The Pledge of Alliance was led by Caroline Chen.  She also gave the meeting invocation.  Linda Jalving sang a special rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” to welcome back Don Lang.

Announcements

Ø      Ron Erbetta reminded the membership of the upcoming Operation Stand Down scheduled for July 11th, 12th, 13th at San Diego High School.  This is an event started by our club, which has expanded nationwide.  Please let Ron know if you are interested.

Ø      Gary Green reminded all of the upcoming Demotion Party at the San Diego Yacht Club.

Ø      Tana Cleaves reminded all to search for blankets for the Neil Good Day Center blanket and men's clothing drive.  Members can bring used articles to the July 9th meeting and Tana and Dan will transport over to the Center that day.  Besides blankets, they are in desperate need of men's jeans, underwear, socks, shoes.....(all can be used!).  The day center provides the clothing free to San Diego's homeless in need.. 

Ø      Jennifer Grebing provided flyers for the First Annual Summer Family Bar-B-Q.  It is scheduled for Sunday July 20, 2003 at the Model Yacht Pond on Vacation Isle in Pacific Beach.  Price $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6 – 12, 5 and under free.  Sign up by Thursday, July 17th.

Ø      Ms. T.J Barnes was presented her blue badge

Ø      Lou Scanlon announced several birthdays and anniversaries

This Week’s Speaker

Tana Cleaves introduced this week’s speaker John Chaffetz, author of “The Personals Predator” and “Gay Reality.”  As a past speaker, Mr. Chaffetz has

 

John Chaffetz

 

 

Team Guido

 

spoken about the first book, which details a rape case he heard as a jury

foreman (See August 14, 2002 Bulletin).  Today, Mr. Chaffetz spoke about his newest book, “Gay Reality – The Team Guido Story,” which follows the lives of two gay men, Joe and Bill, who participated as contestants on the CBS reality television show Amazing Race (www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race).  Mr. Chaffetz explained some of the difficulties he encountered gaining permission to write the book, due to the extensive contract between the participants and CBS.  Additional information and photographs are available at www.teamguido.com.

Mr. Chaffetz believes there are political and sociological changes on the horizon with respect to homosexual/lesbian issues.  He bases this in part on recent changes in national polls and popular politicians with lesbian offspring.  Mr. Chaffetz considers his book a work promoting tolerance and hopes it will invoke thought by all readers, should they hear a friend, relative or close family member is gay or lesbian.

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