February 25, 2004
This week’s Bulletin was written by Tom Sayer
this week’s meeting
Looks like President Frank’s “Good Morning Medley” may become a regular feature! After this musical sweep of the cobwebs, Bill Poirier led the Pledge followed by Maureen Eberle’ starfish parable, “I may not be able to save them all, but I can make a difference in THIS one’s life!” Jim Mulvaney led us in the National Anthem, followed by the seasonal, “Play Ball!”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ø Tim Montague reminded us that we need sports memorabilia and pictures for the upcoming All-Star San Diego Sports Fundraiser at the San Diego Hall of Champions on May 1.
Ø
Don’t forget to sign up for the 1st
Annual (not Memorial) Frank De Francesco Bowling event to be held March 5th
at Mira Mesa Bowl (8210 Mira Mesa Blvd) starting at 7pm till 10pm. $15/person
to include shoe rentals. Family members are invited. RSVP to
Ø Jennifer (Cusick) Grebing just gave birth to their first child, Olivia. Mom, Dad and Baby are all doing fine. Congratulations!
Ø
Dave Dawson asked for volunteers to help with an
“extreme makeover” of the
Ø Frank De Francesco passed around a sign-up sheet for the District’s April 3rd San Diego Gulls game.
FINES
Sgt. Billy was back with the raffle – and, yes, it will continue despite some rumors to the contrary! Jerrilyn Malana was the winner this week, shattering all predictions of a Gary Green or Rosalie Kramm sweep of this program. A few bitches and brags followed:
Ø Margaret Oppliger paid dearly for her ski week.
Ø Gary Green proved that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree – his son (just turned 30) is salesman of the year for his company!
Ø
After being wined and dined by the Mighty Ducks
on a road trip, Frank made good on his promise to contribute $20 in exchange
for an autographed cookbook from the chef of a fancy restaurant in
Ø Yours, truly, gladly padded the coffers after moving from the apartment to an actual single family dwelling! We will be just a stones’ throw away to watch the rebuilding of our home which is still (hopefully!) expected to be complete by Christmas 2004.
THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER
|
Dave Ferguson, Speaker Gail Levin and Jim Mulvaney |
Gail Levin joined the Monarch School Project staff in May
2002, but has been in
Gail began her presentation by proudly stating that her position allows her to “throw the starfish back into the sea.” This reference to Maureen’s invocation reflects the truth that even if we can’t save all the kids, we can make a difference in some of their lives. Monarch does this by taking homeless kids who want to improve their lot in life and giving them a chance at education and a meaningful life. The school has more applicants than available positions, which is a testament to its success. The kids have somehow figured out on their own that an education will get them off the street.
Much of the success of the program is due to simply providing a safe atmosphere for these kids to feel comfortable helping each other. One student was distraught when her mother was sent back to jail. But she felt safe enough at Monarch to share her situation and another student came to comfort her. They both were then able to continue working on their school work. Such support would be quite the exception on the street – but is commonplace at Monarch.
Future goals for the organization include building a second school to serve as a high school. The SD Unified School District is completely behind this project, but funding is difficult. Monarch raises money through a 501(c)(3) sister organization. Some financial support is also starting to come from the Rubio’s-like restaurant run by the kids near the school. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring as well as such simple things as hosting a weekend activity such as a hiking trip for the kids.
With volunteer time and financial support, Monarch may just defy the odds and actually save all the “starfish” some day!
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