SDRotary - Getting Involved

December 10, 2003

This week’s Bulletin was written by George Thomas

Frank rang us to order and promptly invited the Honorable Patricia Cowett to lead us in the pledge. Larry Nuffer delivered the invocation:

“If you work hard at something, you get better. You may not get good, but you get better. And the discipline of working hard carries over into the next thing which may be the enterprise which changes your life.”

Then it is was a Linda Jalving with a round of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town, ” though remembering the words for many was difficult since it only come around once a year. Pete McGuire introduced our guests, visiting Rotarians, and dignitaries.

Announcements

Ø Mike Lewis thanked all for sponsoring the Secret Santa program. This year we agreed to sponsor children living in the Tijuana Dump. This year we agreed to sponsor 124 children. Several members had already accepted several children. Having passed out the majority of the sponsorship forms, Mike sought only seven more sponsors to complete the program. Also, Mike reminded all to bring all the gifts to the club next week and to please ensure each gift is secured in a box – see directions on forms for more details.

Ø Lynn Hamilton reminded all to come to the Rotary Holiday Party at 6-8 pm on December 12^th at the San Diego Historical Society (Casa Del Balboa next to the Prado in Balboa Park). This event is free and please bring your spouse/guest.

Ø Gary Green thanked those who brought clothes, blankets and any other contributions for Alpha Project which assists homeless in San Diego. Gary expected to provide tax receipts to those who donated. Gary planned to deliver the donation to the

Ø President De Francesco reminded all of the upcoming Board meeting on Monday, December 15 at his office, 5:30 p.m., 3655 Nobel Drive, San Diego. The meeting is expected to be short. Those in attendance will then participate in the “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. If attending, please keep gifts to $15.00 and without markings, which would identify the gift.

Ø The President also reminded members that the Club needs volunteers to conduct the pledge and invocations at the beginning of the meetings, as well as a reminder that after next week Club will be dark for two weeks for the Holidays.

Ø Nancy Vaughan requested a French foreign exchange student for three days, while she seeks a more permanent residence for school. She will be in town beginning January 6^th. She is also willing to speak to the Club about France.

Ø Ron Erbetta attended the District Council meeting and presented the Club’s Centennial project – the Senior Community Center (SCC). He also encouraged members to take donation envelopes for the project. At the meeting, A United States Marine Corps Colonel was presented 37 Paul Harris Fellowship awards, one for each soldier he lost in Iraq. Also, the District sponsored about 30 people in the Rotary Leadership & Development academy, which graduated after an eight-month program.

Student of the Month

Carol Jensen introduced Jose Lopez as our SDHS Student of the Month. Jose will be the first in her family who will attend college. In addition to science, he enjoys track and competes in the 1600 and 3200 events. He has applied to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State Fullerton, and plans to pursue a degree in biology or genetics.

GUEST SPEAKER

David Buro introduced our Guest Speaker, Ian Campbell, General Director of the San Diego Opera. Mr. Campbell began his own operatic career in 1967 as a tenor, which continued to 1974. He then moved into management, moving to San Diego in 1982 as assistant artistic director. Mr. Campbell became the Director of the San Diego Opera in 1993. He has also hosted “Ian Campbell at the Opera” for 18 years on both radio and now the Web.

Mr. Campbell gave great insight into the workings of opera management, particularly the San Diego Opera. He explained how the organization is dealing with challenges of declining funds and his constant search for those wishing to support the organization. He explained that the Opera, because of the much higher skill levels of the performers, must be strategically planned over several years to provide the San Diego community access to this art. He also explained that many of the performers in San Diego are the same as those in performing in New York, Paris, Germany and other places with stronger public association to the opera. Mr. Campbell strongly suggested that members, and the public in general, seek to support the San Diego Opera. Support can certainly be in the form of donation, but merely attending the opera supports the art and gives the organization a stronger base in which to draw performers.

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