One thing I've learned as a way of keeping the club's name "out there" is the value of sending out a regular schedule. This was just sent out to the press, and can be expected to appear in about a half-dozen community schedules.
June 30, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RB Sunrise Rotary Speaker Schedule
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has announced their speaker schedule for Summer.
· Tue, Jul 8 Dr. Kendra Jeffcoat, new club president – “The future of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club”
· Tue, Jul 15 Gordy Erickson, president, Carolina Wood Products – The wholesale building supply business in today’s economy
· Tue, Jul 22 District Governor Pam Russell-Official Club Visit
· Tue, Jul 29 “Pilates” Exercise System with Anne-Marie McNabb
· Tue, Aug 5 RB Sunriser Bill Sullivan discusses Cases of the FBI
· Tue, Aug 12 “Geriatric Care” with Susan Soeft
· Tue, Aug 19 Arlene Cawthorne, Executive Director of the Joslyn Center of RB – relating to seniors when you’re not one
· Tue, Aug 26 Audiologist Debbie Abel–Prevention/Treatment of Hearing Loss
The meetings start promptly at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Speakers begin their presentations at 8:00 am. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings. A $14.50 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.
The public is invited to review two blogs being kept by RB Sunrise Rotarians tracing the ongoing adventures of this exciting community organization. Those seeking a woman’s perspective should check out www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com. The man’s perspective will be found at http://rbsunrise.blogspot.com/.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Rotary International Convention sets Guinness record for world’s largest book drive
This story just went out to our local press
Rotary International Convention sets Guinness record for world’s largest book drive
How many donated books does it take to set a world’s record? Rotary club members from around the world found out during the Rotary International convention at the L.A. Convention Center that ran from June 15-18.
At the invitation of the Southern California and Southern Nevada Rotary clubs hosting the convention, many of the nearly 20,000 registrants from more than 140 countries brought children’s books representing their home cultures and languages for the Wide World of Books project. This international book drive, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times’ Reading by 9 program, aims to gather 250,000 books to be donated to public school students in grades K-3 throughout the region, where studies show too many children read below grade level.
The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club and RB Sunrise Rotary Club were both active participants, and donated well over 1,100 books from just their two clubs. Other area Rotary clubs were equally energetic in their participation. Members of the public were also encouraged to drop off books at the Convention Centers during the convention itself.
While final confirmation is still pending, organizers of the event are confident that the quarter of a million books gathered in the week’s time will qualify for a Guinness World Record. An adjudicator from Guinness was on hand to certify the results. Rotary members unable to make the trip to Los Angeles have also been invited to contribute through a “virtual book drive”.
During the convention, a symbolic “mountain of books” welcomed convention registrants and members of the public in the atrium of the Los Angeles Convention Center, where Rotary members were available to read to local schoolchildren.
“It is symbolic that the mountain of books was built atop the world map in the atrium’s floor design,” says local Rotary leader Ingo Werk, who chaired the project. He noted that nearly 100 languages are spoken throughout the diverse Los Angeles Unified School District.
The book drive is just one example of the hundreds of literacy-related projects supported by Rotary clubs worldwide. “Literacy is crucial in determining a person’s overall academic, professional, and personal success,” says Werk.
The annual Rotary convention is the humanitarian service organization’s most important meeting of the year, giving members from around the world an opportunity to plan service projects, share success stories and renew acquaintances. It is often described as a “mini-United Nations” due to its international and cultural diversity.
Rotary International’s Mountain of Books
Rotary International Convention sets Guinness record for world’s largest book drive
How many donated books does it take to set a world’s record? Rotary club members from around the world found out during the Rotary International convention at the L.A. Convention Center that ran from June 15-18.
At the invitation of the Southern California and Southern Nevada Rotary clubs hosting the convention, many of the nearly 20,000 registrants from more than 140 countries brought children’s books representing their home cultures and languages for the Wide World of Books project. This international book drive, co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times’ Reading by 9 program, aims to gather 250,000 books to be donated to public school students in grades K-3 throughout the region, where studies show too many children read below grade level.
The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club and RB Sunrise Rotary Club were both active participants, and donated well over 1,100 books from just their two clubs. Other area Rotary clubs were equally energetic in their participation. Members of the public were also encouraged to drop off books at the Convention Centers during the convention itself.
While final confirmation is still pending, organizers of the event are confident that the quarter of a million books gathered in the week’s time will qualify for a Guinness World Record. An adjudicator from Guinness was on hand to certify the results. Rotary members unable to make the trip to Los Angeles have also been invited to contribute through a “virtual book drive”.
During the convention, a symbolic “mountain of books” welcomed convention registrants and members of the public in the atrium of the Los Angeles Convention Center, where Rotary members were available to read to local schoolchildren.
“It is symbolic that the mountain of books was built atop the world map in the atrium’s floor design,” says local Rotary leader Ingo Werk, who chaired the project. He noted that nearly 100 languages are spoken throughout the diverse Los Angeles Unified School District.
The book drive is just one example of the hundreds of literacy-related projects supported by Rotary clubs worldwide. “Literacy is crucial in determining a person’s overall academic, professional, and personal success,” says Werk.
The annual Rotary convention is the humanitarian service organization’s most important meeting of the year, giving members from around the world an opportunity to plan service projects, share success stories and renew acquaintances. It is often described as a “mini-United Nations” due to its international and cultural diversity.
Rotary International’s Mountain of Books
thank you steve ad
All kinds of stuff happening at this time of year, including:
1) A thank you ad placed in the RB Sun, thanking Steve for all his hard work and welcoming Kendra as the incoming president
2) Gordy Erickson was named our Rotarian of the year (boy, does HE work hard as a fundraiser, organizer and public face of our club!)
3) The '07 disc of the year in pictures came out, and our club is represented with about 20 shots (WHEW!)
4) The annual convention took place in Los Angeles (press release about our contributions to the mile high pile of books going out separately)
5) New members joining our club
6) Our club has been nominated for best publicity of RI on a worldwide basis (WOOHOO!)
7) We're going to start getting involved with more electronic media, including an enewsletter, Facebook, and other blogs besides this one.
8) I've been invited to come speak at my fourth PETS (I wonder what the record is for most consecutive PETS being attended. Hmmmm...)
Went to the District dinner on Tuesday and had a chance to see a lot of old friends, and I'll celebrate my 4th anniversary with Rotary on Tuesday. KEWL!
1) A thank you ad placed in the RB Sun, thanking Steve for all his hard work and welcoming Kendra as the incoming president
2) Gordy Erickson was named our Rotarian of the year (boy, does HE work hard as a fundraiser, organizer and public face of our club!)
3) The '07 disc of the year in pictures came out, and our club is represented with about 20 shots (WHEW!)
4) The annual convention took place in Los Angeles (press release about our contributions to the mile high pile of books going out separately)
5) New members joining our club
6) Our club has been nominated for best publicity of RI on a worldwide basis (WOOHOO!)
7) We're going to start getting involved with more electronic media, including an enewsletter, Facebook, and other blogs besides this one.
8) I've been invited to come speak at my fourth PETS (I wonder what the record is for most consecutive PETS being attended. Hmmmm...)
Went to the District dinner on Tuesday and had a chance to see a lot of old friends, and I'll celebrate my 4th anniversary with Rotary on Tuesday. KEWL!
Kendra takes over as president
This press release just went out
RB SUNRISE ROTARY ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has elected Kendra Jeffcoat as club president for the Rotary year beginning July 1, 2008. A professor at SDSU, Kendra has been a member of Rotary International for over 12 years.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has elected Kendra Jeffcoat as club president for the Rotary year beginning July 1, 2008. A professor at SDSU, Kendra has been a member of Rotary International for over 12 years.
“It’s not often that one gets a chance to lead an award-winning organization that’s the caliber of the RB Sunrise Rotary” she says proudly, adding “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for years!”
A long-time resident of Rancho Bernardo, Kendra is a survivor of the Witch Creek fires, which destroyed her home. Despite this setback, she was out and about in the community within days of the evacuation, looking for ways to help those less fortunate than she and her family. “Nobody was hurt” she says gratefully ”and things can be replaced. This experience reminded me of the importance of appreciating the ability to wake up every morning.”
It also taught her about the value of simple things, like clean water and a warm blanket. “Rotary today has a positive impact on hundreds of millions of lives around the world” she says, observing how the efforts of her group in RB can change the lives of people all over the world. “It is both an honor and a privilege to be asked to lead this fine group of community volunteers and professionals” she said of her election. “I firmly believe that no matter how long a person has been in Rotary, they can always learn more, do more and gain more from active involvement in their club’s activities and programs.”
During the upcoming year, Kendra will continue to emphasize the concepts of giving back to the community for which she has become so well known. “Our outreach programs will continue, both locally and anywhere around the globe where they’re needed. As in the past, the world community should know the RB Sunrise Rotary will be there to help provide shelter, medical assistance, youth exchange opportunities, and whatever else it takes to make even a single life more rewarding.”
Kendra and her husband Jay recently returned from Rotary International’s 99th annual convention in Los Angeles, and look forward to attending next year’s convention in Birmingham, England. The Rotary International theme for the upcoming year is “Make Dreams Real”, with a special focus on youth. Given Kendra’s background as an educator, she is undoubtedly the perfect match for helping to teach north county youth how they can use the Rotary vehicle for making their own dreams come true.
Kendra Jeffcoat and her dog Trevor stand at the site of their home just after the Witch Creek Fire swept through RB.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Kids Attending Rotary
My daughter attended my Rotary meeting this morning. She's 12, and loves the attention of being the only child in the room.
She'd come once each month if I allowed it, but I think three times each year is sufficient. She gets to enjoy the meeting, has made some friends in the room, and gets good experience at working a room full of professional people.
She also participates when we build houses in Mexico. And she helped clean up the fire site in Escondido last month. She'll even be on the cover of the community newspaper next month in front of all the Rotarians who were working at the Sikes Adobe site.
Today she ws the mystery guest. She acts embarassed - hey, she's 12, let's not forget - but I believe she gets a kick out of it.
This kid will be a Rotarian when she's older. She's already talking about Interact and Rotoract, and I'm told she should explore RYLA when she's a junior in High School. I'll have to put it on my list of things to do.
Meanwhile she's amassing experience and building her resume. Good stuff.
She'd come once each month if I allowed it, but I think three times each year is sufficient. She gets to enjoy the meeting, has made some friends in the room, and gets good experience at working a room full of professional people.
She also participates when we build houses in Mexico. And she helped clean up the fire site in Escondido last month. She'll even be on the cover of the community newspaper next month in front of all the Rotarians who were working at the Sikes Adobe site.
Today she ws the mystery guest. She acts embarassed - hey, she's 12, let's not forget - but I believe she gets a kick out of it.
This kid will be a Rotarian when she's older. She's already talking about Interact and Rotoract, and I'm told she should explore RYLA when she's a junior in High School. I'll have to put it on my list of things to do.
Meanwhile she's amassing experience and building her resume. Good stuff.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
giving money to kids korps
Well, I couldn't make it to the annual convention being held in LA, even though it was just 100 miles up the road from me. There's WAY too much going on in my life, and I just couldn't spare the four days. SIGH! But in the interests of doing my part, I instead sent out this press release.
RB Sunrise Rotary Helps Kids Korps Open RB Branch
Finishing up their fiscal year on a high note, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary announced a $2,500 gift to Kids Korps of Solana Beach.
Dedicated to teaching children and teenagers the meaning of community service, Kids Korps helps a community’s youth develop leadership skills while introducing perspective on how every individual can make a real difference in the world.
“Rotary International is all about finding ways to help those in need – be it locally or worldwide.” says Rotary club president Steve Sayler. “In Kids Korps we’ve found a group that is built around the idea of getting kids – from 5 to 18 – to volunteer to make things a bit better.”
Some of the projects Kids Korps volunteers can expect to be involved with include:
“We see this as a way to help instill positive values that will guide childrens’ choices throughout their lives, simultaneously strengthening their academic and social skills.” Dr. Jeffcoat continues, adding “to us, the Kids Korps philosophy of cultivating caring and compassion in children leads directly to Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which asks of everything a person thinks, says and does, the following:
From Left –RB Sunrise Rotary Community Services Director Nasrin Barbee delivers the funds necessary to start the RB High School chapter of Kids Korps to incoming senior Maddie Baca and Kids Korps organizer Veronica Baker.
RB Sunrise Rotary Helps Kids Korps Open RB Branch
Finishing up their fiscal year on a high note, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary announced a $2,500 gift to Kids Korps of Solana Beach.
Dedicated to teaching children and teenagers the meaning of community service, Kids Korps helps a community’s youth develop leadership skills while introducing perspective on how every individual can make a real difference in the world.
“Rotary International is all about finding ways to help those in need – be it locally or worldwide.” says Rotary club president Steve Sayler. “In Kids Korps we’ve found a group that is built around the idea of getting kids – from 5 to 18 – to volunteer to make things a bit better.”
Some of the projects Kids Korps volunteers can expect to be involved with include:
- Serving meals to the homeless at soup kitchens
- Painting over graffiti
- Building shelters for homeless families
- Planting trees
“We see this as a way to help instill positive values that will guide childrens’ choices throughout their lives, simultaneously strengthening their academic and social skills.” Dr. Jeffcoat continues, adding “to us, the Kids Korps philosophy of cultivating caring and compassion in children leads directly to Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which asks of everything a person thinks, says and does, the following:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all Concerned?
We’re delighted to be in a position to help the youth at RB High School to get their chapter of Kids Korps off the ground.
More information about Kids Korps is available online at http://www.kidskorps.org/. More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary is available online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
From Left –RB Sunrise Rotary Community Services Director Nasrin Barbee delivers the funds necessary to start the RB High School chapter of Kids Korps to incoming senior Maddie Baca and Kids Korps organizer Veronica Baker.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Rotary Picture Disc
How cool - the Rotary in Pictures CD is out for the year 2007, and our club has about 20 photos being distributed worldwide. While I wish it was for better reasons (the Witch Creek Fire was the main impetus), it's still great from a publicity standpoint to be getting this exposure.
RB Sunrise Rotary Selects Final Abraxas Student of the Month of 2007-2008
RB Sunrise Rotary Selects Final Abraxas Student of the Month of 2007-2008
As part of its ongoing partnership with Abraxas High School, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club announced their final Student Of The Month award for the 2007-2008 school year at this morning's breakfast meeting.
As part of its ongoing partnership with Abraxas High School, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club announced their final Student Of The Month award for the 2007-2008 school year at this morning's breakfast meeting.
The presentation to graduating senior Amadeo Gonzales was made at the club’s weekly breakfast meeting by teacher Dave MacLeod and Rotary/Abraxas liaison Rex Teets.
“Students typically take 15 credits per quarter as a minimum towards graduation from Abraxas” explained Mr. MacLeod. “Mr. Gonzales is graduating this semester after completing a quarter in which he took 48 credits, completely of his own volition!” The announcement of Gonzales’ achievement was greeted by a standing ovation by the members of the RB Sunrise Rotary. He was also given a gift certificate and an award in honor of his achievement.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
From Left to Right – Teacher Dave MacLeod, graduating senior Amadeo Gonzales, RB Sunrise Rotarian Rex Teets.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
RB Sunrise Rotary Selects Abraxas Student of the Month
This was just sent to the local media
RB Sunrise Rotary Selects Abraxas Student of the Month
As part of its ongoing partnership with Abraxas High School, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club announced their Student Of The Month at this past week’s breakfast meeting.
The presentation to graduating senior Maryelle Co was made at the club’s weekly breakfast meeting by teacher Gary Beare and Rotary/Abraxas liaison Rex Teets.
Co is graduating a full quarter earlier than expected, and has been highlighted at the school for sponsoring the first student-run blood drive ever held at Abraxas. Coe was given a gift certificate and an award in honor of her achievement.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
From Left to Right – Graduating senior Maryelle Co, RB Sunrise Rotarian Rex Teets, Abraxas teacher Gary Beare
RB Sunrise Rotary Selects Abraxas Student of the Month
As part of its ongoing partnership with Abraxas High School, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club announced their Student Of The Month at this past week’s breakfast meeting.
The presentation to graduating senior Maryelle Co was made at the club’s weekly breakfast meeting by teacher Gary Beare and Rotary/Abraxas liaison Rex Teets.
Co is graduating a full quarter earlier than expected, and has been highlighted at the school for sponsoring the first student-run blood drive ever held at Abraxas. Coe was given a gift certificate and an award in honor of her achievement.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
From Left to Right – Graduating senior Maryelle Co, RB Sunrise Rotarian Rex Teets, Abraxas teacher Gary Beare
Exciting things are afoot
We're getting things lined up for the new year. A new electronic newsletter is being developed. A new website (with a web master who hopefully has more time than I ever did). A marketing committee and a budget to work with. And a president who "gets" marketing.
Members of the club are starting to talk about this stuff. There's a new "new member" kit being developed. And there's an air of excitement about the club that I haven't seen since I started four years ago. Good stuff - I'm glad to be a part of it.
Of course, part of it is our visibility. We're on Rotary's web site. We're in the year in pictures video, with Kendra Jeffcoat on the cover and in the ad in the Rotarian selling the video. Mike Miller's in there too.
And we're in the paper a lot - I'll take some of the credit for that, with help from Carl Kruse, Nasrin Barbee and more people that could possibly be mentioned.
But it's not just the publicity or the visibility - it's a feeling like the club is being reborn. We went through a lull, and now it feels much better. I'm enjoying going to meetings again - I don't think I'm the only one, either.
Members of the club are starting to talk about this stuff. There's a new "new member" kit being developed. And there's an air of excitement about the club that I haven't seen since I started four years ago. Good stuff - I'm glad to be a part of it.
Of course, part of it is our visibility. We're on Rotary's web site. We're in the year in pictures video, with Kendra Jeffcoat on the cover and in the ad in the Rotarian selling the video. Mike Miller's in there too.
And we're in the paper a lot - I'll take some of the credit for that, with help from Carl Kruse, Nasrin Barbee and more people that could possibly be mentioned.
But it's not just the publicity or the visibility - it's a feeling like the club is being reborn. We went through a lull, and now it feels much better. I'm enjoying going to meetings again - I don't think I'm the only one, either.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Looking towards an electronic future
It's kind of cool being the head of the publicity committee (actually, I'm the entire publicity committee, but that's another issue) for my Rotary club. Nobody breathes down my neck to make deadlines, my words appear in the newspaper (and sometimes my name as the source of the photographs), and the club members appreciate the work I do.
Yesterday there was a lot to appreciate - 14 articles published in the past 21 days, most of them with photos. There are four more stories to write this week (Friday's project) and others in the works. Hopefully it's helping the club and the overall effort.
On a sadder note, we had a memorial for Marc Aaron this past Sunday. Lots of people turned out to drink beer and eat (his recipe) hot wings at the Tilted Kilt (owned by his best friend Tony). And I understand there's already been a decent initial donation to the Marc Aaron fund set up at the Temecula Valley Bank in Rancho Bernardo.
Finally, four of us sat down after yesterday's meeting to strategize a new website and other technological issues. Seems we're going to test Club Runner, which will help us get our site back on track. We're also going to develop an electronic newsletter (Martin and Michael working together, instead of it just sitting on Martin's shoulders) and begin implementing YouTube, FaceBook, LinkedIn and other technologies.
Kendra is getting off to a good start - I'm very impressed with her already, and she hasn't even taken office yet.
Yesterday there was a lot to appreciate - 14 articles published in the past 21 days, most of them with photos. There are four more stories to write this week (Friday's project) and others in the works. Hopefully it's helping the club and the overall effort.
On a sadder note, we had a memorial for Marc Aaron this past Sunday. Lots of people turned out to drink beer and eat (his recipe) hot wings at the Tilted Kilt (owned by his best friend Tony). And I understand there's already been a decent initial donation to the Marc Aaron fund set up at the Temecula Valley Bank in Rancho Bernardo.
Finally, four of us sat down after yesterday's meeting to strategize a new website and other technological issues. Seems we're going to test Club Runner, which will help us get our site back on track. We're also going to develop an electronic newsletter (Martin and Michael working together, instead of it just sitting on Martin's shoulders) and begin implementing YouTube, FaceBook, LinkedIn and other technologies.
Kendra is getting off to a good start - I'm very impressed with her already, and she hasn't even taken office yet.
Monday, May 12, 2008
A busy few weeks
Wow - three weeks flew by really fast, and nobody even noticed I hadn't made an entry in my blog. Should I be relieved that nobody's breathing down my neck, or upset that nobody reads the silly thing. Well...either way.
Sent out a bunch of publicity, including this:
RB Sunrise is there for Joslyn Center
Ever eager to help the RB Community, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has contributed $1,000 to the Joslyn Center of RB.
The Joslyn Center for Senior Citizens sponsors everything older residents could possibly want in a community center. From exercise programs to tax help, seniors in RB know they’ll find it all under one roof.
Operating entirely without tax support for operating expenses, the Joslyn Center sometimes finds it a challenge to meet their budgetary needs. “We usually don’t have any extra dollars for upgrading old equipment or buying new.” says Arlene Cawthorne, Executive Director of the Center. She adds “We are planning on using this $1,000 donation to purchase new computer equipment to improve our efficiency as well as providing additional services for our membership.”
“We’re delighted to be able to help the Joslyn Center meet such a critical need” says Steve Sayler, president of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club, noting “Rotary always tries to be present when there’s a need anywhere in our community.”
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
=====================
The memorial service is being held for Marc Aaron this saturday at the Tilted Kilt, owned by his friend Tony Laureti. 4-8 pm, by Petco Park. I miss Marc - he was one of the good guys. There will be a notice about the service and the memorial fund in the Pomerado Papers this week. It reads as follows:
A “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” in honor of Marc Aaron will be held from 4-8 pm on May 18th at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 310 10th Avenue, by Petco Park in downtown San Diego.
Originally from Philadelphia, Aaron passed away on April 15th after a short illness. The president of Bob Worner, Ltd., he was active in the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce, RB Sunrise Rotary, BNI and numerous other community groups.
A memorial fund has been set up for his family. Contributions should be made to the HELENA AARON IN MEMORY OF MARC fund, and mailed to Temecula Valley Bank, 16469 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128.
===================
This weekend we'll also have our club's reverse drawing. Tickets are only $100 each, and we're selling 200 of them. I just bought lucky number 175 for my daughter. More later - gotta go walk the dog.
Sent out a bunch of publicity, including this:
RB Sunrise is there for Joslyn Center
Ever eager to help the RB Community, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has contributed $1,000 to the Joslyn Center of RB.
The Joslyn Center for Senior Citizens sponsors everything older residents could possibly want in a community center. From exercise programs to tax help, seniors in RB know they’ll find it all under one roof.
Operating entirely without tax support for operating expenses, the Joslyn Center sometimes finds it a challenge to meet their budgetary needs. “We usually don’t have any extra dollars for upgrading old equipment or buying new.” says Arlene Cawthorne, Executive Director of the Center. She adds “We are planning on using this $1,000 donation to purchase new computer equipment to improve our efficiency as well as providing additional services for our membership.”
“We’re delighted to be able to help the Joslyn Center meet such a critical need” says Steve Sayler, president of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club, noting “Rotary always tries to be present when there’s a need anywhere in our community.”
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
=====================
The memorial service is being held for Marc Aaron this saturday at the Tilted Kilt, owned by his friend Tony Laureti. 4-8 pm, by Petco Park. I miss Marc - he was one of the good guys. There will be a notice about the service and the memorial fund in the Pomerado Papers this week. It reads as follows:
A “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” in honor of Marc Aaron will be held from 4-8 pm on May 18th at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 310 10th Avenue, by Petco Park in downtown San Diego.
Originally from Philadelphia, Aaron passed away on April 15th after a short illness. The president of Bob Worner, Ltd., he was active in the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce, RB Sunrise Rotary, BNI and numerous other community groups.
A memorial fund has been set up for his family. Contributions should be made to the HELENA AARON IN MEMORY OF MARC fund, and mailed to Temecula Valley Bank, 16469 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128.
===================
This weekend we'll also have our club's reverse drawing. Tickets are only $100 each, and we're selling 200 of them. I just bought lucky number 175 for my daughter. More later - gotta go walk the dog.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Stars Shine at the RB Sunrise Rotary Club
Today's press release - anything to find an angle, eh?
The Stars Shine at the RB Sunrise Rotary Club
First it was Michael Rennie, a 16-year-veteran of the not-for-profit arts world and Associate Director of the Poway Center for Performing Arts Foundation, who joined the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club.
Then it was James Stewart, 28 years at Hewlett Packard and networking in search of his next success, who started attending the Tuesday morning breakfasts.
Suddenly, there were famous names in the room. Who’s next? Gary Cooper of the Cyclery of Rancho Bernardo?
“That’s the nice thing about the RB Sunrise Rotary Club – it doesn’t matter how much fame (or lack of it) you have – we happily accept you into our midst and treat you like family from the very beginning.” says membership chair Debbie Abel.
Rennie, who is frequently mistaken for his namesake from the movie The Day The Earth Stood Still joined the RB Sunrise Rotary for the networking, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to give back to the community. “This” he says “is the nicest bunch of people you’d EVER want to meet in your life!”
Stewart echoes the sentiment. “Okay” he admits “I didn’t star in Philadelphia Story. I was nowhere near the set of It’s A Wonderful Life.” But he confesses “I have been making some wonderful friends in that room, and believe becoming a Rotarian was one of the smartest moves I’ve made in the past few years. These people make it a wonderful life!”
Ironically, Mr. Rennie’s connections could probably open an acting career for Mr. Stewart. His response: “I’m kind of like the way they described Fred Astaire when he first tried out for a part – ‘Can’t sing, can’t act, can dance a little’.”
“Only in my case it’s true” he laughs. “I won’t even sing in the shower.” Stewart then turns serious to announce for the record, “I would take an acting job as Sean Connery if one came along, provided I didn’t have to do his stunts or otherwise get beaten up.”
None of this seems to matter much, though, to the members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary. Says club president Steve Sayler, “Whatever your name is, and whatever your skills, we’ll find a place for you at our table.”
Rotarians James Stewart (left) and Michael Rennie Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Farewell to Marc Aaron
I just hung up the phone with past president Carl Kruse, who called to tell me that Marc Aaron died at 3pm PST today.
We are looking into doing a memorial for him, since he will be buried in Philadelphia.
He was expected to last three days after his brain surgery - instead he last 11 weeks. He was my breakfast buddy, sitting next to me almost every week for two years. He was my friend. I shall miss him something awful.
We are looking into doing a memorial for him, since he will be buried in Philadelphia.
He was expected to last three days after his brain surgery - instead he last 11 weeks. He was my breakfast buddy, sitting next to me almost every week for two years. He was my friend. I shall miss him something awful.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Visit To Suffern, NY
I'm in New York this week, attending to a little business and a little pleasure.
Decided to tear myself away from everything else to do a makeup meeting at the Suffern, NY Rotary. It's an 80-year-old club with 35 members and a nice bunch of folks - just what you'd expect from RI.
There were some interesting coincidences to this make-up meeting. For instance:
* Several years ago when my brother-in-law passed away, my wife's sister was asked to take care of the children. Money understandably became tight in short order, and this club adopted my sister-in-law's family for the holidays.
* I sat next to a fellow at lunch whose good friend goes to my temple in San Diego.
There were the usual connections to be made, of course. One guy had a business lead for me, I had a real estate connection for someone whose daughter just moved to SD. Like that.
There were some other points of interest, too. This club gives out about 2,500 saplings to elementary school kids (each year) - an idea I'm getting more details on in hopes we can do something similar. However, they don't do much on publicity (we talked about ways they might improve that). They pray at the beginning of the meeting, which didn't appeal to me, and haven't gotten into the Rotarians At Work program yet (though they were all over the idea).
The similarities were more than the differences, though. They do the dictionary project, had the local firefighters in to speak to us and give a presentation, collect happy dollars (they actually pass the bucket to each person to contribute. However they don't spin the wheel).
Incoming president Larry told me he's never gone to a club where they spin the wheel (I invited him to do a makeup at our club). Interestingly, when I brought a flag with me from our club, the president told me she'd never had anyone give her a flag, and they didn't have one to give me to bring back. Larry will get one to me before I leave town to close the loop.
The food was good, the company enjoyable, and the $15 well invested. I'm very glad I went.
Decided to tear myself away from everything else to do a makeup meeting at the Suffern, NY Rotary. It's an 80-year-old club with 35 members and a nice bunch of folks - just what you'd expect from RI.
There were some interesting coincidences to this make-up meeting. For instance:
* Several years ago when my brother-in-law passed away, my wife's sister was asked to take care of the children. Money understandably became tight in short order, and this club adopted my sister-in-law's family for the holidays.
* I sat next to a fellow at lunch whose good friend goes to my temple in San Diego.
There were the usual connections to be made, of course. One guy had a business lead for me, I had a real estate connection for someone whose daughter just moved to SD. Like that.
There were some other points of interest, too. This club gives out about 2,500 saplings to elementary school kids (each year) - an idea I'm getting more details on in hopes we can do something similar. However, they don't do much on publicity (we talked about ways they might improve that). They pray at the beginning of the meeting, which didn't appeal to me, and haven't gotten into the Rotarians At Work program yet (though they were all over the idea).
The similarities were more than the differences, though. They do the dictionary project, had the local firefighters in to speak to us and give a presentation, collect happy dollars (they actually pass the bucket to each person to contribute. However they don't spin the wheel).
Incoming president Larry told me he's never gone to a club where they spin the wheel (I invited him to do a makeup at our club). Interestingly, when I brought a flag with me from our club, the president told me she'd never had anyone give her a flag, and they didn't have one to give me to bring back. Larry will get one to me before I leave town to close the loop.
The food was good, the company enjoyable, and the $15 well invested. I'm very glad I went.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Rotarians At Work Day 2008 - project announced
This announcement just went out to the local press about our efforts on Rotarians At Work Day.
RB Sunrise Rotary Helps Repair Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead…Again!
Supporters of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club will be spending Saturday, April 26, 2008 performing maintenance, repair and clean-up work for the Sikes Adobe Farmstead. The club members selected this project as their contribution to Rotarians At Work Day, and will be out there starting at 9am.
The only thing is they did the same work less than three years ago.
In June, 2005, The RB Sunrise and Escondido Sunrise Rotary Clubs invested significant time, energy and treasure to refurbish the property on the border of Escondido. Under a blazing summer sun, dozens of Rotarians, family, friends, and area historians worked to create and set in place a working replica of an 1870 windmill.
“It’s a day I won’t soon forget” says past president Mark Berdan, recounting how member Randy Williams was swinging at the top of a crane at great risk to his life and limb. “Rotarians do what needs to be done, when and where it needs to be done.” observes Berdan, noting “sometimes our enthusiasm gets away from us.”
Located in the San Dieguito River Park, the Sikes Adobe Farmstead is an official State Point of Historical Interest. Originally built in 1870, it is one of the oldest structures in the county and one of the few remaining adobes in the region. “Sikes Adobe Farmstead represents a legacy of Old California and our ranching and farming history.” says Sikes Adobe Museum Manager Anne Cooper.
The Sikes family was one of the first families to settle in the area in 1869, and their farm represented the beginnings of agricultural development in post gold-rush San Diego county. The owner and head of household, Zenas Sikes, was the first postmaster of the town of Bernardo, where he also served as president of the Grange.
And this past October’s Witch Creek Fires destroyed almost all of this registered historical landmark. “The house is a major loss” says club president Steve Sayler. He points out that while some adobe walls remain, the cumulative damage of the fire and this past winter’s rains were devastating.
“A beautiful sewing machine was brought in the day before the fire” points out charter member Rex Teets. “That was lost, along with books, maps, a history of the Sikes Family. It’s a huge loss for our community, and we aim to help set things right.”
And while it won’t be perfect after the April 26th event, the Sikes Adobe Farmstead will be in much better shape than it is right now. All courtesy of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary and the Rotarians At Work program.
Rotarians At Work started in San Diego and is quickly gaining traction around the world with the objective of having all 33,000 Rotary clubs on the map working on community improvement projects simultaneously.
The Rotarians At Work program was conceived by former District Governor Bob Watson, and is being organized and run by District 5340’s 2006 Rotarian Of The Year Jim Roth. Roth is a member of the RB Sunrise Rotary.
Non-Rotarians are also invited to donate time or resources, as well as to visit the house and see what construction methods were used in that era. It is easily accessible off Route I-15, exit Via Rancho Parkway and go East. Travel 100 yards and turn right on Sunset Drive. Another 100 yards and turn left into the long dirt driveway.
More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary is available online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/. More information about the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead is available online at http://www.sdrp.org/.
Prior to the Witch Creek Fires of 2007, the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead was a piece of living history, showing the very roots of the Rancho Bernardo community.
Much of the 5.7 acre complex was destroyed or damaged this past October. The historic significance of the buildings, maps, and even the wallpaper demands the community pitch in to refurbish this registered landmark. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary will be out there at 9am helping do the right thing. Will you?
RB Sunrise Rotary Gets Worldwide Recognition
Okay, I couldn't resist the temptation. Maybe that's why I'm the publicity chair for my club. So I sent out this announcement to the press this morning. I don't think there'll be a dry eye in the house by the time people are done reading this story and watching that video.
RB Sunrise Rotary Gets Worldwide Recognition
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary and Poway Rotary clubs have been recognized by Rotary International for their efforts in helping victims of the Witch Creek fires this past fall.
A five minute video is prominently displayed on Rotary International’s home page (http://www.rotary.org/). The presentation discusses funds the Poway Club raised, and the substantial “on the ground” support provided by members of the RB Sunrise Club for fire victims.
“Four of our members lost their homes, and there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation among the members of this club. Every one of them was there to help in any way they could.” says president-elect Kendra Jeffcoat (who lost her home in the fire). She adds; “Their support was overwhelming.”
“Rotary became the eyes, ears, and pulse for Rancho Bernardo following the fire,” says club member Jim Roth. “Families who lost everything looked to us for leadership and help.” And from financial contributions to time spent sifting through the rubble for anything of value, the help was there.
The video ends by telling the tale of former RB Sunrise Rotarian Mike Miller, who had resigned from the club a week before the fires. “We were happy to get out of our burning home alive” he says “and as soon as word got out that our house had been destroyed, I started getting calls, notes, and emails. Everyone from the club I had just left wanted to come and help us. It didn’t matter to them that I had resigned – they wanted to help.”
A tear comes to Miller’s eye as he tells the story. “Rotarians are very special people. My family was in pain, and nothing else mattered to them except that they were in a position to help us, and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” The outpouring of practical and emotional support he received from Rotarians so moved him that he decided to rejoin the club a few days later.
“I will never leave this club. Ever!” he says now. And knowing what Rotarians can do when they set their collective minds to do something, it’s easy to understand why Miller feels his club is so special.
And now Rotarians around the world will also have a chance to see what’s so special about our community.
More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary is available online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/. More information about the Poway Rotary is available online at http://www.powayrotary.org/.
RB Sunrise Rotary Gets Worldwide Recognition
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary and Poway Rotary clubs have been recognized by Rotary International for their efforts in helping victims of the Witch Creek fires this past fall.
A five minute video is prominently displayed on Rotary International’s home page (http://www.rotary.org/). The presentation discusses funds the Poway Club raised, and the substantial “on the ground” support provided by members of the RB Sunrise Club for fire victims.
“Four of our members lost their homes, and there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation among the members of this club. Every one of them was there to help in any way they could.” says president-elect Kendra Jeffcoat (who lost her home in the fire). She adds; “Their support was overwhelming.”
“Rotary became the eyes, ears, and pulse for Rancho Bernardo following the fire,” says club member Jim Roth. “Families who lost everything looked to us for leadership and help.” And from financial contributions to time spent sifting through the rubble for anything of value, the help was there.
The video ends by telling the tale of former RB Sunrise Rotarian Mike Miller, who had resigned from the club a week before the fires. “We were happy to get out of our burning home alive” he says “and as soon as word got out that our house had been destroyed, I started getting calls, notes, and emails. Everyone from the club I had just left wanted to come and help us. It didn’t matter to them that I had resigned – they wanted to help.”
A tear comes to Miller’s eye as he tells the story. “Rotarians are very special people. My family was in pain, and nothing else mattered to them except that they were in a position to help us, and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” The outpouring of practical and emotional support he received from Rotarians so moved him that he decided to rejoin the club a few days later.
“I will never leave this club. Ever!” he says now. And knowing what Rotarians can do when they set their collective minds to do something, it’s easy to understand why Miller feels his club is so special.
And now Rotarians around the world will also have a chance to see what’s so special about our community.
More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary is available online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/. More information about the Poway Rotary is available online at http://www.powayrotary.org/.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
worldwide recognition
And have you seen the video about the RB Sunrise Rotary on the home page of Rotary International?
HOW COOL IS THAT?
HOW COOL IS THAT?
speaker schedule for April 2008
March 26, 2008
RB
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has announced their speaker schedule for early spring.
· Tue, Apr 1 Program: RB Sunrise project in
· Tue, Apr 8 Program: Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Daniel Figueriedo
· Tue, Apr 22 Program: Ms. Orit Ostrowiak – trainer, public speaking
· Tue, Apr 29 Program: Veronica Baker – Kids Korps
· Tue, May 6 Program: Steve Dreyer, Executive Editor, Pomerado Newspapers
The meetings start promptly at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road,
The public is also invited to review the blog of Arlene Cawthorne, one of the club’s newest members, as she traces her adventure in joining and participating in Rotary. It can be found at www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com. Another blog, maintained by club publicity chair
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
Just keep breathing. Just keep breathing.
I went to pull up my blog and the system tells me it doesn't exist.
Uh oh - time to panic.
Actually, anyone who's been in Rotary for a while knows there's lots of stuff every day that could make you want to panic. The web site is down (or non-existent). Computers and projectors don't work for the speaker. The speaker doesn't show. The list goes on endlessly.
A week after I first joined Rotary the new president (who had helped recruit me and been in the position for ... a week) abruptly left office. Seems there was something unseemly going on, and what she was doing wasn't considered to be good for all concerned. So here I was, committed to being in a room full of strangers with absolutely no concept of what I'd gotten myself into.
I've been that speaker whose projector pooped out 30 seconds before going "onstage". And I've learned the value of the advice from Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy: - Don't panic.
Oh yes - and always carry your towel (it's a Ford Fairlane thing).
Anyway, I've obviously found my blog, more or less intact, though I still wonder whether anyone is reading the silly thing. No? Well, I'm no surprisedzzzzzzz...
Sorry - I kinda dozed off there myself. It IS kind of boring, isn't it? Well, Rotary isn't always exciting, but it is kind of fun.
The big event this week was seeing my friend Marc at the hospital. No, he's still sick. In fact, he looks terrible. But the fact is the son of a gun is still alive. They predicted he'd last three days after his brain surgery, and nine weeks later he's still around. Go figure. I like to think he knows I'm there, but even if he doesn't recognize me, his family appreciates my being there, and that's the most important part right now. So I go. And I want to hope there's a miracle. And I guess the miracle is that he's still alive. I'll take what I can get, I guess.
Oh yes - there was a meeting this past Tuesday. We held 4-way test speeches for the district. Eight speakers were due, five showed, four went on to the next level. And we need to find a more positive way of announcing the winners, since the young lady who came in last looked like she was going to cry.
This, too, is nothing to panic about. We'll learn from this and do better next time. So will that young lady.
Uh oh - time to panic.
Actually, anyone who's been in Rotary for a while knows there's lots of stuff every day that could make you want to panic. The web site is down (or non-existent). Computers and projectors don't work for the speaker. The speaker doesn't show. The list goes on endlessly.
A week after I first joined Rotary the new president (who had helped recruit me and been in the position for ... a week) abruptly left office. Seems there was something unseemly going on, and what she was doing wasn't considered to be good for all concerned. So here I was, committed to being in a room full of strangers with absolutely no concept of what I'd gotten myself into.
I've been that speaker whose projector pooped out 30 seconds before going "onstage". And I've learned the value of the advice from Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy: - Don't panic.
Oh yes - and always carry your towel (it's a Ford Fairlane thing).
Anyway, I've obviously found my blog, more or less intact, though I still wonder whether anyone is reading the silly thing. No? Well, I'm no surprisedzzzzzzz...
Sorry - I kinda dozed off there myself. It IS kind of boring, isn't it? Well, Rotary isn't always exciting, but it is kind of fun.
The big event this week was seeing my friend Marc at the hospital. No, he's still sick. In fact, he looks terrible. But the fact is the son of a gun is still alive. They predicted he'd last three days after his brain surgery, and nine weeks later he's still around. Go figure. I like to think he knows I'm there, but even if he doesn't recognize me, his family appreciates my being there, and that's the most important part right now. So I go. And I want to hope there's a miracle. And I guess the miracle is that he's still alive. I'll take what I can get, I guess.
Oh yes - there was a meeting this past Tuesday. We held 4-way test speeches for the district. Eight speakers were due, five showed, four went on to the next level. And we need to find a more positive way of announcing the winners, since the young lady who came in last looked like she was going to cry.
This, too, is nothing to panic about. We'll learn from this and do better next time. So will that young lady.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I slept in this morning
Couldn't get out of bed today for a 7am meeting, so I slept in. I doubt anyone missed me, though the hat was probably missed. Ah well - there's goes my perfect attendance record.
Meanwhile, I got out this press release instead. There's my contribution to Rotary for the week:
March 17, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greg Christensen Wins RB Sunrise Rotary Speech Contest
As part of an ongoing partnership with Abraxas High School, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary recently held their annual 4-way speech contest.
Participants in the program each make a 5-7 minute presentation in front of an audience and team of judges. While the choice of subject is left to the individual speaker, the rules mandate their wrapping their subject matter around the 4-way test of conduct for each Rotarian. The four-way test asks of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Topics presented to RB Sunrise Rotary this year were:
“Using the 14th amendment to benefit illegal immigration” (Greg Christensen)
“Teenagers replacing personal relationships with technology (Jennifer Rodriguez)
“High school dropouts drain the economy” (Zachary Seibel)
“The toll taken by Anorexia and Bulimia” (Amanda Covington)
Both Mr. Christensen and Ms. Covington, who finished in first and second-place, respectively, will be representing their school at Rotary district-wide speech contests later this spring. Mr. Christensen will compete at the RB Noon club and Ms. Covington at the Chula Vista club at dates still to be scheduled. Rotary district 5340 has 61 member clubs.
The RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/. Abraxas High School can be found online at http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/pusdahs.
From Left to Right - Connie Kenemnar, Rex Kenemnar, Amanda Covington, Rex Teets, Zachary Seibel, Esther Bloom, Greg Christensen, Jennifer Rodriguez, Carole DeBruin.
For additional information, contact:
ROB WEINBERG
rob@marketbuilding.com
858-673-9960
For additional information, contact:
ROB WEINBERG
rob@marketbuilding.com
858-673-9960
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
4-way speech contest
This morning we heard the 4-way speech contest. It's a contest of four high school students who are judged based on their content, organization, delivey and application of Rotary's four-way test.
That's Rex Teets, our connection to the school, on the left.
The subjects were very interesting, and included high school drop-outs and the drain they cause to the economy; how the 14th ammendment benefits illegal immigrants (presented by a young man with a great deal of suppressed rage); teenage over-reliance on computers and lack of socialization from too much television; and the impact of anorexia and bulimia on a person's health.
The young man with the suppressed rage won the contest, just edging out Miss Anorexia/Bulimia. He will go on to speak at the district level in two weeks.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Recruiting Younger Rotarians
We had Liz Raines, Britt Catton, and Bob James, Jr. of the New Generations Club in La Jolla, CA speak to our club this past Tuesday. Liz is the incoming president, Bob the current president, and Britt the PR director.
They spoke about how to get younger members into your club - a critical issue for any Rotary, and a message I'm trying to help them get out into the Rotarian magazine. The way I see it, if this organization doesn't recruit more young members, it'll be dead in 30 years.
Interestingly, Liz was cited at the PETS session last week, joining President Lee as an example of young Rotarians coming up through the ranks. By the time the conversation was over, it turned out there were seven incoming presidents all under the age of 30 - good stuff.
Here was Liz (left of president D. K. Lee) and the other six at Saturday night's dinner event.
They spoke about how to get younger members into your club - a critical issue for any Rotary, and a message I'm trying to help them get out into the Rotarian magazine. The way I see it, if this organization doesn't recruit more young members, it'll be dead in 30 years.
Interestingly, Liz was cited at the PETS session last week, joining President Lee as an example of young Rotarians coming up through the ranks. By the time the conversation was over, it turned out there were seven incoming presidents all under the age of 30 - good stuff.
Here was Liz (left of president D. K. Lee) and the other six at Saturday night's dinner event.
new schedule of events
We've posted our schedule of events for March
March 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RB Sunrise Rotary Speaker Schedule
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has announced their speaker schedule for March.
· Tue, Mar 11 Program: Four-Way Test Speech Contest
· Tue, Mar 18 Program: “How to Sink a Cruise Liner Barehanded” - Hans Norden
· Tue, Mar 25 Program: Four-Way Test Speech Contest – District Finals
The meetings start promptly at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Speakers begin their presentations at 8:00 am. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings. A $14.50 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.
The public is also invited to review the blog of Paul Gorman, one of the club’s newest members, as he traces his adventure in joining and participating in Rotary. It can be found at www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com. Another blog, maintained by club publicity chair Rob Weinberg, is tracing a year in the organization. That one – entitled THE ADVENTURES OF ROB THE ROTARIAN can be found at http://rbsunrise.blogspot.com/.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
For additional information, contact:
ROB WEINBERG
rob@marketbuilding.com
858-673-9960
PO Box 270241 ö San Diego, CA 92198
858-673-9960 (phone) ö 858-673-7132 (fax)
results@marketbuilding.com ö www.marketbuilding.com
Unique Marketing Solutions.
Profitable Results.
March 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RB Sunrise Rotary Speaker Schedule
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has announced their speaker schedule for March.
· Tue, Mar 11 Program: Four-Way Test Speech Contest
· Tue, Mar 18 Program: “How to Sink a Cruise Liner Barehanded” - Hans Norden
· Tue, Mar 25 Program: Four-Way Test Speech Contest – District Finals
The meetings start promptly at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Speakers begin their presentations at 8:00 am. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings. A $14.50 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.
The public is also invited to review the blog of Paul Gorman, one of the club’s newest members, as he traces his adventure in joining and participating in Rotary. It can be found at www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com. Another blog, maintained by club publicity chair Rob Weinberg, is tracing a year in the organization. That one – entitled THE ADVENTURES OF ROB THE ROTARIAN can be found at http://rbsunrise.blogspot.com/.
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
For additional information, contact:
ROB WEINBERG
rob@marketbuilding.com
858-673-9960
PO Box 270241 ö San Diego, CA 92198
858-673-9960 (phone) ö 858-673-7132 (fax)
results@marketbuilding.com ö www.marketbuilding.com
Unique Marketing Solutions.
Profitable Results.
I've finally recovered from PETS
I spent last weekend at PETS - the President Elect Training Seminar. It's held in Los Angeles each year, and is a four-day session to train incoming club presidents in what they need to know to run their club.
Since every Rotary club gets a new president every July 1, it stands to reason they will need to be taught how to fundraise, manage a meeting, and the like. My job this year was to teach these new presidents how to generate publicity and build a web site for their club.
I got to the LAX Hilton around 5 pm last Thursday, driving up with past president Carl Kruse and President Elect Kendra Jeffcoat. We stopped at the hospital en route to visit our friend Marc, who still lies in bed with his brain tumor and doesn't seem to be improving. I fear the worst for him.
After a brief stop there, we were off to LA. Checked in, and by 5:30 I was at a reception for instructors, speakers, and bigwigs. Then it was dinner and I spent the rest of the evening loading my PowerPoint presentation onto the seven laptop computers I'd be using on Friday. I was asleep before 11.
Friday was when all the fun started, of course. First off to breakfast, where I got into a rather lengthy (and energetic) discussion with a gentleman named Lynn. It seems he wants to include references to Jesus Christ in public discussions at RI, while I maintained the group is non-denominational. I fully respect his right to believe anything he will, but object to the idea that he's going to force his beliefs on anyone else in the organization who believes otherwise. Let him keep his prayers in church, but not at my Rotary meeting.
There were the usual opening sessions, then a quick lunch, then the actual training. Now I got to sing for my supper. What followed were four back-to-back sessions, each one 50 minutes long, of me blathering on about my hat, the value of branding, and how it all ties in to public image, public relations, and web sites.
I was well-received (another way of saying nobody beat me up for what I spouted off about), and tried to incorporate the criticisms I received from last year's presentations (didn't use the microphone in one session, didn't move from behind the podium, didn't leave enough time for Q&A).
Friday night was much more interesting - dinner, then parties galore. The nice thing about being just one of seven trainers in a group this size (550 participants plus about 150 support staff) is that they treat you like you're a celebrity. People want to meet you, to shake your hand, and to ask your advice. Even if I don't know what I'm talking about (hey, it COULD happen!), people there THINK I know. And as my old friend Chris once advised me; "If they want to think you walk on water, who are you to disagree?"
Saturday was more of the same - breakfast, two sessions, a break, and a final session. Then came dinner and five more parties - two of which were shut down by security for being too raucous.
I learned from last year's event by not drinking NEARLY as much as I did then. Last year I drank so much on Saturday night that I thought I was going to die (and was afraid that I wouldn't). This year I kept it light, kept my head (and my breakfast), and didn't wake up with any headaches.
By Sunday at noon, I left with hundreds of people having heard my message. I know what I say works, because I'm opening the newspaper more often and seeing press from many more area clubs. Of course, their success makes it harder for me to get my stuff in the papers, but I can work with that.
Now I'm home and trying to find my desk. A few more days and I hope to be more or less caught up. WHEW! I had fun, met some great people, made a few new friends, and even got to meet D. K. Lee, the incoming president of Rotary International. I think it went well - should be interesting to see the responses from those actually in attendance who listened to my drivel.
Since every Rotary club gets a new president every July 1, it stands to reason they will need to be taught how to fundraise, manage a meeting, and the like. My job this year was to teach these new presidents how to generate publicity and build a web site for their club.
I got to the LAX Hilton around 5 pm last Thursday, driving up with past president Carl Kruse and President Elect Kendra Jeffcoat. We stopped at the hospital en route to visit our friend Marc, who still lies in bed with his brain tumor and doesn't seem to be improving. I fear the worst for him.
After a brief stop there, we were off to LA. Checked in, and by 5:30 I was at a reception for instructors, speakers, and bigwigs. Then it was dinner and I spent the rest of the evening loading my PowerPoint presentation onto the seven laptop computers I'd be using on Friday. I was asleep before 11.
Friday was when all the fun started, of course. First off to breakfast, where I got into a rather lengthy (and energetic) discussion with a gentleman named Lynn. It seems he wants to include references to Jesus Christ in public discussions at RI, while I maintained the group is non-denominational. I fully respect his right to believe anything he will, but object to the idea that he's going to force his beliefs on anyone else in the organization who believes otherwise. Let him keep his prayers in church, but not at my Rotary meeting.
There were the usual opening sessions, then a quick lunch, then the actual training. Now I got to sing for my supper. What followed were four back-to-back sessions, each one 50 minutes long, of me blathering on about my hat, the value of branding, and how it all ties in to public image, public relations, and web sites.
I was well-received (another way of saying nobody beat me up for what I spouted off about), and tried to incorporate the criticisms I received from last year's presentations (didn't use the microphone in one session, didn't move from behind the podium, didn't leave enough time for Q&A).
Friday night was much more interesting - dinner, then parties galore. The nice thing about being just one of seven trainers in a group this size (550 participants plus about 150 support staff) is that they treat you like you're a celebrity. People want to meet you, to shake your hand, and to ask your advice. Even if I don't know what I'm talking about (hey, it COULD happen!), people there THINK I know. And as my old friend Chris once advised me; "If they want to think you walk on water, who are you to disagree?"
Saturday was more of the same - breakfast, two sessions, a break, and a final session. Then came dinner and five more parties - two of which were shut down by security for being too raucous.
I learned from last year's event by not drinking NEARLY as much as I did then. Last year I drank so much on Saturday night that I thought I was going to die (and was afraid that I wouldn't). This year I kept it light, kept my head (and my breakfast), and didn't wake up with any headaches.
By Sunday at noon, I left with hundreds of people having heard my message. I know what I say works, because I'm opening the newspaper more often and seeing press from many more area clubs. Of course, their success makes it harder for me to get my stuff in the papers, but I can work with that.
Now I'm home and trying to find my desk. A few more days and I hope to be more or less caught up. WHEW! I had fun, met some great people, made a few new friends, and even got to meet D. K. Lee, the incoming president of Rotary International. I think it went well - should be interesting to see the responses from those actually in attendance who listened to my drivel.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Profile of a murder case
RB Sunrise Rotarian Gary Jaus spoke at our meeting this morning. He's a former police detective, and he showed how a murder case was taken from event to conviction - all in half an hour (faster than CSI, I'd say). Fascinating stuff.
We had the editor of the RB Sun sitting in the room watching all this unfold, and he was getting more and more excited as the meeting evolved. I think he walked away with four or five story ideas, and I expect he'll be giving us more visibility in the future.
Investing in improving relationships with media folks always pays off handsomely.
We had the editor of the RB Sun sitting in the room watching all this unfold, and he was getting more and more excited as the meeting evolved. I think he walked away with four or five story ideas, and I expect he'll be giving us more visibility in the future.
Investing in improving relationships with media folks always pays off handsomely.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Happiness is getting your stories published.
Yes, I'm at it again. This story just went out to the press.
Also had a big success today, meeting with the publishers of two area newspapers, both of whom will be making extra efforts to carry our stories in the future. One of them will be attending tomorrow's meeting, and including our women in a special photo for an issue next month.
Also had a big success today, meeting with the publishers of two area newspapers, both of whom will be making extra efforts to carry our stories in the future. One of them will be attending tomorrow's meeting, and including our women in a special photo for an issue next month.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “WELCOME TO RB Life is never dull at the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club, and members have had a chance to interact with service dogs, bell choirs, fire fighters, and police detectives. And that’s just some of the recent guests. Still, perhaps one of the more interesting visitors was a robot who attended breakfast last week when the Poway High School Robotics Club appeared with Team Spyder #1622. Team Spyder is affiliated with First Robotics, which coordinates all such student programs around the world. Three students were also there demonstrating how some smart kids can take an idea and what some might consider a bunch of spare parts, and turn it all into something from a science fiction novel. “The idea is to take the robot, use it to pick up this inflated pool toy, and drop it on the pylon over there.” explained team member Zack McClure. Teacher Roger Dohm told the club’s story: “Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders. We seek to engage them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that encourage innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.” McClure further explained how the team acquires corporate sponsorships (Spyder wears corporate logos, much as on a NASCAR driver’s uniform). Various schools compete for prizes and bragging rights over what their robot can do. Club president Steve Sayler turned that all into English by observing; “They let high school kids build robots. COOL!” Team Spyder can be reached at rdohm@powayusd.com. More in-depth information about First Robotics is available online at www.usfirst.org. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org. The internet can be reached by using the robot on your desk called a computer. |
 |
| From left to right – Spyder, Zack McClure, Julie Gattenio and David Peabody prove to the members of the RB Sunrise Rotary that they’re never too old to learn something new. |
Thursday, February 14, 2008
No wonder I'm tired all the time!
Rotary seems to come into my life in waves, it seems. After a month or two with little to talk about, I suddenly have four stories that went out to the press this week. Another five or six are waiting to be written, including the fire fighters from station 33 who visited us this past Tuesday.
Last night I got a story out about a fundraising effort going on in Thailand, and a speaker who came to our club. This piece went out to our local press, in coordination with the Rotary Club of Bangkok South.
February 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RB Sunrise Rotary Hosts Thailand Clinic Day Care Speaker
As participants in of a worldwide organization, members of Rotary International always have an opportunity to make new friends from around the globe.
This past week, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary was hosting William Fantozzi, a visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South in Thailand. His goal that morning was to make the community leaders in the room a little less comfortable by exposing them to the overwhelming need for building a medical clinic near the Cambodian border.
"Thai villagers moved to this location about 15 years ago when the government offered them free land. What no one knew at the time was there were live mines still in place from the Khmer Rouge war era." he said. The distributed land was in a buffer zone for active land mines.
To earn an income, villagers must farm in or travel into mine-affected areas to produce goods for resale in Thailand. To nobody’s surprise, an exceptional percentage of village inhabitants are affected by land mine accidents. At least one seems to occur each week.
“Our goal is to help build a day clinic to help these people” said the ex-patriot American. “Overnight we could provide medical care for almost 600 people in the village – people who now get no medical care at all, or have to travel a great distance to have someone help with their illnesses and wounds.”
Fantozzi continued “We've already completed about 80% of the structure , and the local villagers have put a great deal of personal time into the project. They really believe in this as a way of making their lives better, and are putting every available dollar they can personally raise and donate into this important project.” A total of $25,000 is needed to complete the project.
“We take local medical care for granted in this country” said RB Sunrise Rotary Club president Steve Sayler. “If we, as Americans, hope to continue our claim to moral leadership in the world, then it’s imperative that we dig deep in our hearts – and our wallets – to help those who are negatively impacted by events that we helped put into motion 40 years ago.”
Mr. Fantozzi believes so strongly in this program that he made an unusual offer; “If anyone makes a minimum donation of $1,000.00 (USD) I will personally pay for them to stay for three nights at our 4-star resort and elephant reserve. If you give $5,000, I’ll make it a week at the resort!” The property (http://www.resort.co.th/) is 400 acres with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the mountains of Thailand. Donations to this cause are considered tax-deductible, according to IRS regulations.
Mr. Fantozzi can be reached via E-Mail at William.Fantozzi@gmail.com. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
Thai Villagers among the mine fields near the Cambodian border collect vegetables for dinner.
Thai children mug for the camera near their unfinished medical clinic
Last night I got a story out about a fundraising effort going on in Thailand, and a speaker who came to our club. This piece went out to our local press, in coordination with the Rotary Club of Bangkok South.
February 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RB Sunrise Rotary Hosts Thailand Clinic Day Care Speaker
As participants in of a worldwide organization, members of Rotary International always have an opportunity to make new friends from around the globe.
This past week, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary was hosting William Fantozzi, a visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Bangkok South in Thailand. His goal that morning was to make the community leaders in the room a little less comfortable by exposing them to the overwhelming need for building a medical clinic near the Cambodian border.
"Thai villagers moved to this location about 15 years ago when the government offered them free land. What no one knew at the time was there were live mines still in place from the Khmer Rouge war era." he said. The distributed land was in a buffer zone for active land mines.
To earn an income, villagers must farm in or travel into mine-affected areas to produce goods for resale in Thailand. To nobody’s surprise, an exceptional percentage of village inhabitants are affected by land mine accidents. At least one seems to occur each week.
“Our goal is to help build a day clinic to help these people” said the ex-patriot American. “Overnight we could provide medical care for almost 600 people in the village – people who now get no medical care at all, or have to travel a great distance to have someone help with their illnesses and wounds.”
Fantozzi continued “We've already completed about 80% of the structure , and the local villagers have put a great deal of personal time into the project. They really believe in this as a way of making their lives better, and are putting every available dollar they can personally raise and donate into this important project.” A total of $25,000 is needed to complete the project.
“We take local medical care for granted in this country” said RB Sunrise Rotary Club president Steve Sayler. “If we, as Americans, hope to continue our claim to moral leadership in the world, then it’s imperative that we dig deep in our hearts – and our wallets – to help those who are negatively impacted by events that we helped put into motion 40 years ago.”
Mr. Fantozzi believes so strongly in this program that he made an unusual offer; “If anyone makes a minimum donation of $1,000.00 (USD) I will personally pay for them to stay for three nights at our 4-star resort and elephant reserve. If you give $5,000, I’ll make it a week at the resort!” The property (http://www.resort.co.th/) is 400 acres with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the mountains of Thailand. Donations to this cause are considered tax-deductible, according to IRS regulations.
Mr. Fantozzi can be reached via E-Mail at William.Fantozzi@gmail.com. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
Thai Villagers among the mine fields near the Cambodian border collect vegetables for dinner.
Thai children mug for the camera near their unfinished medical clinicSaturday, February 9, 2008
Thank you, Margot Jackson
I've long said that publicity is the gift that keeps on giving. Imagine my surprise to open this morning's North County Times and find a love note in Margot Jackson's column, observing "You won't find a friendlier group to have breakfast with than the Sunrise Rotary Club, so rise early and join them at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. It's only $14.50 for breakfast and the speaker of the week begins at 8 a.m.
She then goes on to tell about our next speaker.
She's a nice lady - I must remember to send her my thanks.
She then goes on to tell about our next speaker.
She's a nice lady - I must remember to send her my thanks.
Friday, February 8, 2008
My cup runneth over!
Here I am in the middle of my agency's busy season. We're writing press releases, drafting newsletters, creating web sites, developing PowerPoint presentations, and researching marketing plans. There are several direct mail campaigns in the works, and I just came up with a killer sales promotion today.
In the midst of all this, six press releases need to be written for the RB Sunrise Rotary club.
I'm not complaining, mind you. It's just a headache to craft them A) in the middle of everything else and B) to distribute them in a way that doesn't annoy my editors.
After I finished developing my PowerPoint for PETS (three weeks from yesterday), and sent it, along with my bio and photo, to the printer (superdave's. This is a name?), I took a bit of time to get the first one written. Five more to go. I figure I'll take my daughter's advice, and eat this elephant one bite at a time.
Today's contribution was as follows:
In the midst of all this, six press releases need to be written for the RB Sunrise Rotary club.
I'm not complaining, mind you. It's just a headache to craft them A) in the middle of everything else and B) to distribute them in a way that doesn't annoy my editors.
After I finished developing my PowerPoint for PETS (three weeks from yesterday), and sent it, along with my bio and photo, to the printer (superdave's. This is a name?), I took a bit of time to get the first one written. Five more to go. I figure I'll take my daughter's advice, and eat this elephant one bite at a time.
Today's contribution was as follows:
Rides and Smiles and RB
“We can’t aid every organization, but we help where we can” says Steve Sayler, president of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club.
His comment was in response to the question “Is it true you help anyone who comes to Rotary”, and reflected the importance of the group’s community outreach during fundraising programs.
The most recent recipient of RB Sunrise’s largesse would be Rides & Smiles - a volunteer-based transportation program and a non-denominational division of Jewish Family Services. It works with adults 60+, in the North County Inland area serving seniors in the 92127, 92128, 92129, 92131, and 92064 zip codes. Additional information about Rides and Smiles is available at (858) 674-1124.
“Our program continues to grow because of the generosity of groups like Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary” says program coordinator Marilyn Greenblatt. Since Rides and Smiles started, it has grown from 12 riders and five drivers to over 250 riders and 100 drivers.
“This program is so popular that they have a waiting list of 40 riders” says club president-elect Kendra Jeffcoat, adding: “Since 1988, our club has been working to help those most in need within the community. It’s truly a pleasure to be able to help a worthwhile organization like Rides and Smiles.”
Ms. Greenblatt and her son Daniel attended the Rotary breakfast to discuss the Rides & Smiles web-based scheduling system, and to spotlight their efforts to generate 30 more drivers and volunteers for the Poway-based organization. During Rotary’s Centennial, RB Sunrise Rotary sponsored Rides & Smiles as their annual project by providing volunteers, drivers, and financial support.
Rides & Smiles – a division of Jewish Family Services – can be found online at www.jfssd.org. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.
The RB Sunrise Rotary meets each Tuesday morning at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road,
The public is also invited to review the blog of Paul Gorman, one of the club’s newest members, as he traces his adventure in joining and participating in Rotary. It can be found at www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com. Another blog, maintained by club publicity chair
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Speaking in El Cajon
On Thursday morning, I spoke at the El Cajon Sunrise Rotary. My topic was how to increase publicity for your Rotary club.
Since this is the 50 minute presentation that I give at PETS, I had to shorten it considerably for the 20 minutes I have as a speaker at a club. It ran a little long, but nobody seemed to mind. Since this meeting took place at 7am, I suspect they slept through it anyway.
Since this is the 50 minute presentation that I give at PETS, I had to shorten it considerably for the 20 minutes I have as a speaker at a club. It ran a little long, but nobody seemed to mind. Since this meeting took place at 7am, I suspect they slept through it anyway.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Club presentation
Rex Teets and I were the speakers at today's meeting, each of us speaking about our business. Rex spoke at length about the air purification systems that he represents. I spoke about the following points:
* Every person in the room will be exposed to 5,000 marketing messages today, including Al's Starbucks cup (Al always drinks Starbucks at our meetings), the brochure from Rides and Smiles (we had just given them a contribution) and the logos on the back of the cars in the parking lot.
* Branding and Messaging are key to any business' survival and growth.
* The MarketBuilding Team is a full-service marketing agency. Our job is to:
* Help structure and develop a firm's image
* Develop a strategy to get your message out
* Help focus on your objective, audience, budget, timeline and unique selling proposition (USP)
* Implement your strategy in a way that makes sense for your business
* Bring together the best marketing tools to suit your business, audience, message and budget. Tools we can bring to bear include:
* Advertising specialties
* Public relations
* Web site development
* Brochures
* Trade shows
* Newsletters
* It's not creative unless it sells (David Ogilvy)
I finished by reminding the club they can find our agency at www.marketbuilding.com. Our slogan is UNIQUE MARKETING SOLUTIONS. PROFITABLE RESULTS. And they can sign up for a free marketing newsletter by visiting our website. If they prefer, they can get free marketing advice at www.askmrmarketing.com.
I had fun doing that. I just hope I didn't speak too fast.
* Every person in the room will be exposed to 5,000 marketing messages today, including Al's Starbucks cup (Al always drinks Starbucks at our meetings), the brochure from Rides and Smiles (we had just given them a contribution) and the logos on the back of the cars in the parking lot.
* Branding and Messaging are key to any business' survival and growth.
* The MarketBuilding Team is a full-service marketing agency. Our job is to:
* Help structure and develop a firm's image
* Develop a strategy to get your message out
* Help focus on your objective, audience, budget, timeline and unique selling proposition (USP)
* Implement your strategy in a way that makes sense for your business
* Bring together the best marketing tools to suit your business, audience, message and budget. Tools we can bring to bear include:
* Advertising specialties
* Public relations
* Web site development
* Brochures
* Trade shows
* Newsletters
* It's not creative unless it sells (David Ogilvy)
I finished by reminding the club they can find our agency at www.marketbuilding.com. Our slogan is UNIQUE MARKETING SOLUTIONS. PROFITABLE RESULTS. And they can sign up for a free marketing newsletter by visiting our website. If they prefer, they can get free marketing advice at www.askmrmarketing.com.
I had fun doing that. I just hope I didn't speak too fast.
Who Am I?
Yesterday afternoon I learned I was going to do the WHO AM I at today's meeting. Normally this wouldn't be a concern (I'm always up for speaking about myself, and haven't been called "shy" in many years).
However, I was also scheduled to be the speaker today to tell the club about my business. So doing the WHO AM I seemed a bit redundant, if not out-and-out obnoxious.
Still, our Sergeant at Arms prevailed upon me to do the presentation. So I whipped up THE TOP 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ROB WEINBERG, which were as follows:
However, I was also scheduled to be the speaker today to tell the club about my business. So doing the WHO AM I seemed a bit redundant, if not out-and-out obnoxious.
Still, our Sergeant at Arms prevailed upon me to do the presentation. So I whipped up THE TOP 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ROB WEINBERG, which were as follows:
10) I grew up in NY, attended school in DC and lived in MA for 12 years
9) Moved from
8) Married 18 years with a 12-year old daughter and an adopted pooch
7) 27 year marketing pro with years of experience as principal of a Madison Avenue ad agency and running in-house agencies for client companies
6) MarketBuilding Team president, creating unique marketing solutions and profitable results and publishing free marketing newsletter since 1996
5) Frequent public speaker at PETS and Rotary clubs throughout southern
4) Active in
3) I’m the club’s publicity committee but no longer have anything to do with the web site.
2) I’ve published two books on marketing, and write a weekly marketing advice column entitled “Ask Mr. Marketing”
1) I sit next to Dick Kurtz so it appears like I have more hair than I actually do.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Garth Miller Memorial
This article was just sent off to the newspaper to honor our friend Garth Miller
January 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garth Miller Defined This Rotary Club
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Garth Miller Defined This Rotary Club
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club lays founding member Garth Miller to rest this coming Friday.
“Garth Miller was the very definition of a Rotarian – someone willing to give of himself while trying to make the world a better place” says club president Steve Sayler.
A highly respected RB resident for 22 years, Miller, who died January 6 at the age of 84, was considered by many to be the soul of the organization.
A WWII Navy veteran from Moberly, MO, Mr. Miller had been a sales manager for both United Board & Carton Corp. and Mead Corp. before retiring.
“Garth was the older brother whom you wanted to emulate.” says Elmer Getz. “I never questioned whether he had my best interests at heart.”
“A true Rotarian.” Rex Teets says, noting Mr. Miller was always active in the club’s leadership and a wide range of activities. “He’d go way beyond what was expected in everything he did. We’ll always remember Garth living his life in ‘Service Above Self’.”
“Garth was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and a gentleman – the father, uncle or grandfather everyone wishes they had” says Carl Kruse. A Paul Harris fellowship is awarded for every $1,000 donated to Rotary International’s Foundation.
“Garth had already been treasurer for years when I was president” recalls Jim Roth “I suggested he step aside, but he refused to quit anything he ever did.” Roth found Miller’s service to be “exemplary” and his contribution to be “invaluable.”
Miller ended up being treasurer for 12 straight years – typical of his commitment to all he did. “He kept us out of trouble” recalls David Breitweiser.
Longtime friend Harold Dokmo, who befriended Miller shortly after he and wife Marva moved to RB, observed: “He was a very special person who did everything with his whole heart.” Which is why, when the two men transferred from the RB Rotary (Noontime) to the fledgling RB Sunrise club, it was a foregone conclusion the new club would be successful.
Recalls Mr. Dokmo. “Whether he was giving of himself to his church, his Rotary, or in his position as president of the RB Country Club, he was always positive, energetic, and putting in at least 200%!” Asked for a single word describing Garth Miller, Mr. Dokmo unhesitatingly reports; “Integrity.”
“Garth’s solid approach to life has always, and will always, serve to inspire me.” says Getz, adding “I’ll miss him.”
He’s not alone. Says Mr. Dokmo: “No one can come close to replacing Garth Miller.”
Mr. Sayler adds: “To honor this Rotary giant, we’ve created the Garth Miller Memorial Award, to be given annually on his birthday (November 2) to the RB Sunrise Rotarian who best exemplifies Garth’s commitment to living life in true Rotarian style.”
Memorial services will be held at 3pm on Friday, January 25th, at the RB Community Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Bruce Humphrey officiating. The family suggests donations to the ALS Association in lieu of flowers.
Always Wear Your Rotary Pin
I've been ranting about this for years - I wear my Rotary pin everyplace I go (okay, not to bed or in the shower, but besides that, yeah, pretty much everyplace). I've been stopped at parties, at the airport, and walking down the street by people who recognized it and either said "What is it?" or "What club do you belong to?"
So how comforting to find my fellow RB Sunrise Rotary blogger Paul Gorman came out with an unsolicited column about the value and importance of wearing your pin all the time (http://www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com).
If you ever drive down the street, watch two Corvette owners happen upon each other. They flash their headlights. Rotarians are kind of the same way. As Paul says, it's kind of like a secret handshake...only we don't have to wear the funny hats.
There's business out there for anyone smart enough to recognize that wearing the Rotary pin in public is just one more way of marketing yourself. And remember - people do business with people they know, and like, and trust. And what could be more trustworthy than a fellow Rotarian?
So how comforting to find my fellow RB Sunrise Rotary blogger Paul Gorman came out with an unsolicited column about the value and importance of wearing your pin all the time (http://www.redbadgerotarian.blogspot.com).
If you ever drive down the street, watch two Corvette owners happen upon each other. They flash their headlights. Rotarians are kind of the same way. As Paul says, it's kind of like a secret handshake...only we don't have to wear the funny hats.
There's business out there for anyone smart enough to recognize that wearing the Rotary pin in public is just one more way of marketing yourself. And remember - people do business with people they know, and like, and trust. And what could be more trustworthy than a fellow Rotarian?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
an odd week
Well, this past week was very peculiar in the land of Rotary.
Sunday last I got a phone message from my good friend Marc. I tried calling him back at work on Monday, only to be told he was too busy to take my call. No big deal, right? I'll see him at breakfast on Tuesday, like I always do. Invariably, he and I end up sitting together, and we catch up then.
Only he didn't show for breakfast on Tuesday, and I figured something was up. Sure enough, past president Carl Kruse (or PP, as we like to call him) was running the meeting and announced that Marc was going in for brain surgery that day.
I called Marc at home immediately (forgive me, speaker of the day - this seemed a bit more important) and he said he was going in for tests at 4 and for surgery at 7. Given the slurring in his speech from just before the holidays, I knew something was probably up, but figured it was a stroke - never a brain problem.
Turns out the poor guy has a tumor and they were hoping to resolve the situation.
Wednesday I went to a luncheon at the Poway, California lunch club. Somehow they've been able to wangle getting the president of RI to address their club each of the past three years. Neat trick. They use it as a fundraiser, and charge $25 to attend. Of course, it would have been nice if someone had told me that prior to my showing up at the door, but you can't have everything, right?
They have a big sign at the door that they take Mastercard and Visa, but they didn't take either. Seems the one person who knows how to do that wasn't there that day. Sounds like poor planning to me.
So president Wilf Wilkinson spoke to us, but frankly, he didn't say anything that memorable. He was reading from notes, and seemed to be poorly prepared. I'm not even sure he knew which club he was at.
I did take a few minutes to speak with him after the meeting. I had what I considered to be legitimate thoughts on what they could do to improve visibility (more PR, naturally, and actually show people how to do it, a la my presentation at PETS). He dashed off with the president of the club to have a picture taken, and just gave me lip service. I didn't particularly appreciate it. He also seemed to be in quite a hurry to leave after the photo op.
I also spoke with his incoming replacement about Peter Meisen's idea of electrifying Africa as the next big RI project after we defeat polio. His answer: "That would be a great club project to take on". Talk about not even listening to what someone was saying to you.
Bottom line - these guys are just politicians in another type of suit, and I'm not very impressed.
Meanwhile, back to Marc and important things, like his health. I spoke with his wife as soon as I got out of the luncheon, and she let me speak with Marc briefly, since he's so wiped out. He sounded terrible, but there was rumor he'd go home that day or the next. GREAT NEWS!
Thursday, things took a turn for the worse. They operated again to try and relieve the pressure in his brain, but it doesn't look good. Turns out the tumor is the size of a golf ball, cancerous, very aggressive, has been there for about seven months, and...
So Thursday night I went to the hospital and wiggled my way into the ICU to see my breakfast companion one last time. He's a good guy, and I'd do anything to help - I had to go show my respects.
So I went to the ICU and, while the family (who had all flown in from Philadelphia) and his wife and son met with the doctors, I talked to him. It was a rather one-sided discussion. We talked about football and how he owed me a plate of buffalo wings and I owed him a caesar salad. He looked awful, hooked up to a machine that let him breathe. His arm moved, but was it intentional? Who knows?
So now I have this anger and frustration that my pal Marc - one of the good guys - is probably never coming home, even as some really rotten people continue to walk around. He's 44, and he's dying, and there isn't a damned thing I can do about it.
And after losing Garth Miller last week (okay, he was 84, but still!), I'm feeling more than a little vulnerable at the moment.
Sunday last I got a phone message from my good friend Marc. I tried calling him back at work on Monday, only to be told he was too busy to take my call. No big deal, right? I'll see him at breakfast on Tuesday, like I always do. Invariably, he and I end up sitting together, and we catch up then.
Only he didn't show for breakfast on Tuesday, and I figured something was up. Sure enough, past president Carl Kruse (or PP, as we like to call him) was running the meeting and announced that Marc was going in for brain surgery that day.
I called Marc at home immediately (forgive me, speaker of the day - this seemed a bit more important) and he said he was going in for tests at 4 and for surgery at 7. Given the slurring in his speech from just before the holidays, I knew something was probably up, but figured it was a stroke - never a brain problem.
Turns out the poor guy has a tumor and they were hoping to resolve the situation.
Wednesday I went to a luncheon at the Poway, California lunch club. Somehow they've been able to wangle getting the president of RI to address their club each of the past three years. Neat trick. They use it as a fundraiser, and charge $25 to attend. Of course, it would have been nice if someone had told me that prior to my showing up at the door, but you can't have everything, right?
They have a big sign at the door that they take Mastercard and Visa, but they didn't take either. Seems the one person who knows how to do that wasn't there that day. Sounds like poor planning to me.
So president Wilf Wilkinson spoke to us, but frankly, he didn't say anything that memorable. He was reading from notes, and seemed to be poorly prepared. I'm not even sure he knew which club he was at.
I did take a few minutes to speak with him after the meeting. I had what I considered to be legitimate thoughts on what they could do to improve visibility (more PR, naturally, and actually show people how to do it, a la my presentation at PETS). He dashed off with the president of the club to have a picture taken, and just gave me lip service. I didn't particularly appreciate it. He also seemed to be in quite a hurry to leave after the photo op.
I also spoke with his incoming replacement about Peter Meisen's idea of electrifying Africa as the next big RI project after we defeat polio. His answer: "That would be a great club project to take on". Talk about not even listening to what someone was saying to you.
Bottom line - these guys are just politicians in another type of suit, and I'm not very impressed.
Meanwhile, back to Marc and important things, like his health. I spoke with his wife as soon as I got out of the luncheon, and she let me speak with Marc briefly, since he's so wiped out. He sounded terrible, but there was rumor he'd go home that day or the next. GREAT NEWS!
Thursday, things took a turn for the worse. They operated again to try and relieve the pressure in his brain, but it doesn't look good. Turns out the tumor is the size of a golf ball, cancerous, very aggressive, has been there for about seven months, and...
So Thursday night I went to the hospital and wiggled my way into the ICU to see my breakfast companion one last time. He's a good guy, and I'd do anything to help - I had to go show my respects.
So I went to the ICU and, while the family (who had all flown in from Philadelphia) and his wife and son met with the doctors, I talked to him. It was a rather one-sided discussion. We talked about football and how he owed me a plate of buffalo wings and I owed him a caesar salad. He looked awful, hooked up to a machine that let him breathe. His arm moved, but was it intentional? Who knows?
So now I have this anger and frustration that my pal Marc - one of the good guys - is probably never coming home, even as some really rotten people continue to walk around. He's 44, and he's dying, and there isn't a damned thing I can do about it.
And after losing Garth Miller last week (okay, he was 84, but still!), I'm feeling more than a little vulnerable at the moment.
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