Now Back From RYLA

So I spent the past weekend at RYLA - the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Truly an educational experience on many levels as I spent 50 hours effectively tethered to nine high school juniors, none of whom knew me or each other prior to beginning the weekend. My group was made up of Alexis Jenkins, George Matta, Chalisa Sims, Reese Russell, Ali Cardenas, Emilie Myers, Maddie Wilson, Tanya Villalpando and Ben Esquivel.
We spent several in-depth hours talking about serious issues, had inspirational speakers like Garry Ridge (WD-40), above, and Jim Brogan, and got to know each other...and ourselves...a bit better.

All this at a campground in beautiful Idylwwild, CA. It was a stereotypical campground

where the food was just so-so, the accomodations drafty and uncomfortable, and the s'mores addictive. And while there were things I would have suggested be done differently, all in all I found the experience to rate 8 on a scale of 10.

If the kids got as much from it as I did, the experience will definitely serve them well.

And in case you're wondering, yes, I would do it again.

Carol Prendergast earns Paul Harris Award...Again!

Carol Prendergast, fresh from her European vacation, joined fellow RB Sunrise Rotarian Craig Brown as he presented her two stone Paul Harris award pin. The Paul Harris award is given any time someone contributes $1,000 to the Paul Harris Foundation, and this was Carol's third time. Awesome job, Carol! Your generosity is something we're all trying to emulate.

Joann Whetstine speaks to Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary

Joann Whetstine, social media marketing consultant, spent breakfast with the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club explaining how to get more value from blogging and social media for our club and individual businesses.

AAUW sends girls to science camp

Irene Dunny of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) and wife of RB Sunrise Rotarian Jim Dunny receives a donation of $750 from Joseph Giamanco to help cover the costs for sending a teenager to science and math camp for a week over the summer. This is the third year when the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has sponsored a child to go to this camp.

Giving money to the girl scouts

Cassie and Heather Dugdale - daughters of Rotarian Heather Dugdale - showed up this morning to collect a $500 contribution on behalf of the Rancho Bernardo Brownies and Daisies. Aren't these the same two scamps who ruined my diet with their @#$%^&* cookies?

Meet Jonathan Zabrocki - owner of Zabrocki Realty Group and the newest member of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary. This morning he was welcomed into our club by Membership Chair Jana Markley (Center), past president Carl Kruse (Right), and a standing ovation from the other 63 members of RB Sunrise.

Lloyd Trilling Gets Third Paul Harris

Lloyd Trilling has earned his third Paul Harris award. Wow! This guy is really something! Not only is he generous and active in the RB Sunrise Rotary Club, but Lloyd is also one of the main guys putting together RYLA every year. This morning he announced that almost 300 high school juniors will be attending RYLA (The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) in Idyllwild, CA this coming weekend. Great stuff! Craig Brown presents Lloyd with his third Paul Harris pin.

$5,000 Grand Prize Reverse Opportunity Drawing

It’s that time again! My Rotary club is selling tickets to our annual Fun Raiser. We will sell only 180 tickets for $100 each. On Saturday May 7 we will have a nice dinner and pull the tickets one at a time. The last ticket drawn wins a $5,000 cash prize. This event raises money that supports our charitable work in the community, and besides you could win $5,000! Did I tell you the grand prize is $5,000 in CASH?! If you are interested in buying a ticket and/or attending the dinner, let me know and I’ll get you set up. And If you can’t attend the dinner, I will arrange for you to have a representative for the drawing.