August 24, 2005

This Week’s Bulletin Was Written By Michael McAlice

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

Maureen took the helm again after a short absence. After calling the meeting to order, she shared a souvenir from her business trip, Dumb Tennessee Laws, including these two: “No driving while asleep” and “No more than eight women may live in one house without it being considered a brothel.” Maureen offered no explanatory comments.

The invocation was delivered by Ron Erbetta, who read from the Dali Lama’s 2005 Mantra or “lessons for life.” Among these lessons we find advice to

Ø      Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck

Ø      Spend some time alone every day

Ø      Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer

Ø      Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before

Joseph Escobio led the pledge, and Jim Mulvaney helped us find perfect pitch for an enthusiastic You’re a Grand Old Flag.

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS

As always, a number of visitors joined us to see what all the excitement is about at Breakfast Rotary. Jolene, from the Taipei Club in Taiwan, was recognized as the person who’d traveled farthest.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Ø      In another welcome demonstration of creative and successful fundraising tactics, Larry Nuffer promoted a raffle, winners TBD based the success of the Rancho Buena Vista Little League All-Stars as they chase the top prize this week in the Little League World Series. (FYI if you’re in the running to win the raffle: if RBV won on Wednesday, they’ll play for the U.S. Championship at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.)

Ø      Cynthia and Jay Sener are having a girl!

Ø      Mary Dawe is the newly elected 2005-06 president of the board of trustees of the San Diego Museum of Man

Ø      Michael Cowett, Patricia Cowett’s husband, is one of The Daily Transcript’s “Top Attorneys 2005.”

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION

Membership Chair Jay Sener yielded the podium to Gary Green for the introduction and induction of our newest member, Scott Silver-Hill. Scott is a native San Diegan if you don’t count the first six months of his life.  He and his wife have raised three daughters. Welcome Scott!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ø      Our club’s 4th annual golf tournament is October 14th. Please see Melissa Blackburn with you donations, foursomes and sponsorships.

Ø      Gary Green and Sig Weitzman both encouraged Rotarians to participate in the upcoming blood drive.

Ø      Mel Gallegos reminded us of the August 25th event, “A Thousand Laughs for a Thousand Smiles,” at Sycuan. Proceeds support cleft palate surgery and dental care for needy children in Mexico. Tickets are available at the door.

Ø      Please support the American Cancer Society’s August 27-28 Relay for Life. Contact Jonathan Stone or Rachel Landel to participate or to be a sponsor.

Ø      Senior Community Centers’ 5th annual golf tournament, Swinging for Seniors, is Monday, September 26 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. Please come out and golf and help seniors in San Diego who are living in poverty and struggling to survive. Call, e-mail or see Jim Mulvaney or Carol Jensen. (By the way, Carol is feeling better and hopes to see everyone one Wednesday morning in the very near future!)

PROGRAM

Maureen introduced Martha Ranson, director of Homeless Women’s Services for Catholic Charities, Diocese of San Diego. Martha talked with members about The Tomorrow Project, a program of Rachel’s Women’s Center that enables homeless women to learn job-readiness skills and small business expertise in a nurturing environment. Assembling and selling unique, chef-created soup mixes teaches life-skills, helps women overcome poverty and unemployment and empowers them to change their lives. “It’s not about the beans. It’s about the women.”

These delicious soup mixes will be available to purchase here at Breakfast Rotary next Wednesday morning, August 31st as well as daily, Monday through Friday, at The Tomorrow Project retail store at 1777 5th Ave. (5th and Elm). If you’d like to order on-line, visit www.tomorrowproject.org , where you can also donate to support homeless women who are working toward self-reliance.

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