RB Sunrise Rotarians Give Toys For Tots

Members of the RB Sunrise Rotary Club know to count their blessings. “If the poor economy is hitting us hard, it’s hitting others even worse.” says Rotarian Sue Herndon.

Which is why Herndon takes it upon herself each year to organize a Toys for Tots collection, working closely with the Marines at Miramar’s 4^th Medical Battalion.

“We collect several hundred thousand new, unwrapped toys annually and provide holiday cheer to around 75,000 children from our base alone,” said Sgt. Arron Miller at this week’s breakfast meeting. He noted “Three or four toys are given to each child, so there’s plenty of room for a happier holiday.”

“This is the fifth time our Rotary club has participated in the Toys for Tots program” reported club president Paul Sullivan. Every holiday season Herndon initiates and coordinates the entire RB Sunrise Toys for Tots effort, which typically generates donations of between $3,000 - $4,000 in gifts and cash contributions.

The club’s 55 members can always be counted on to respond enthusiastically,” notes Herndon.

According to Miramar News, the official web site of the Marine Corps Air Station (Miramar), toy drive coordinators distribute the toys to children of needy families through churches, foster homes, The Coalition for the Homeless and several other local non-profit agencies. The Toys for Tots program originated in 1947, and in 65 years has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children.

“You’ve got to say this for Sue” says the obviously impressed Sullivan. “She’s a Rotarian through and through! This is a woman who knows how to make good things happen.”

Contributions can still be made to Toys for Tots by contacting Herndon at 858-344-9000.

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club is comprised of 55 north county business and community leaders who meet for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region considering membership in the club are invited to attend for a free breakfast and some of the finest camaraderie to be found in San Diego.

More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

 

From left – RB Sunrise Rotarian Sue Herndon, Corporal Stephen LaRochelle, Sargeant Arron K. Miller gather around the tree to celebrate RB Sunrise Rotary’s generosity

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Meeting Speakers for January, 2013

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of speakers for January, 2013. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie, community, and business insight. The schedule includes:

• January 08 Maurice Wilson, co-founder of NVTSI/REBOOT, visits to address high rates of unemployment, homelessness, drug abuse and other issues associated with military-to-civilian reintegration. Mr. Wilson has been named a Champion of Change by President Barack Obama.

• January 15 Bob James, Jr. – Membership Chair for Rotary District 5340 (San Diego and Imperial Counties) – explores the benefits of membership in Rotary International and the potential benefits that come from increased numbers of people committing themselves to giving back to the community.

• January 22 Carl Kruse – Former Poway City Council member, Former Poway mayor, and Governor-elect of Rotary District 5340 (San Diego and Imperial Counties) – returns to his home club fresh from the annual International Governors Assembly, where all 512 governors from around the world gather to discuss Rotary’s place in today’s society. Attendees will be among the first to learn of themes and messaging being utilized by 34,000 Rotary clubs around the globe beginning July 1.

• January 29 Alison Farrin, President of Innovative Pension Design, will do a presentation on the 100 Mile One Day Western States Trail Ride (the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride). Since 1955, this annual tradition has been the very definition of extreme sports – a 24-hour run over 100 grueling miles that tests horse and rider alike. This year’s run is scheduled for June 1-2, and Ms. Farrin will tell what it looks like from the saddle.

Doors open at 7:00 am, and all RB Sunrise Rotary 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 at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

Marc Nimetz joins RB Sunrise Rotary

Marc Nimetz may be the newest member of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary, but with 24 years as a Poway resident, he brings a LOT of local experience with him when he walks through the door each week.

“Early on in my career I worked 70 hour weeks for my employer. This taught me to work for myself AND to help those with less than I have,” he says.

The young entrepreneur opened his own Farmers Insurance Agency in 2011 and never looked back.

“Now that I’m controlling my own destiny and reaping the fruits of my own labor, it’s time for me to give something back. And THAT is why I joined Rotary.”

“I want to help this community that has given me so much for so long. This is my home and these people are my family, and I wouldn't trade it for anyplace in the world.”

“We truly are privileged to live in such a wonderful area – rich with culture, history, and talent. I see it as the responsibility of everyone who enjoys and appreciates Poway and RB to lend a hand, both personally and professionally. And I see it as my own responsibility to lead by example.”

You’ll find Marc and the other 50+ business and community leaders in the RB Sunrise Rotary meeting for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region considering membership in the club are invited to attend for a free breakfast and some of the finest camaraderie to be found in north county.

More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Meeting Speakers for November, 2012

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of speakers for November, 2012. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie, community, and business insight. The schedule includes:

·         November 6       Bill Brelza of the Salvation Army focuses on the upcoming holiday season and helping those most in need.

·         November 13     Paul Gorman, International Events chair for the RB Sunrise Rotary, discusses the club’s efforts at helping those most in need in Mexico. 

·         November 20     Club is dark for Thanksgiving

·         November 27     Ron Sekeel of New Generations talks about hands across time – helping those who will be most in need tomorrow.

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 at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

Feeding people with a club

The board of the RB Sunrise Rotary has agreed to help Interfaith Community Services by hosting a hole at the first annual mini golf for good, being held September 2 in Poway, CA. Come visit the wackiest, wildest mini golf course to ever hit San Diego County and help feed the hungry and house the homeless...all for less than you'd spend going to the movies.  www.minigolfforgood.org

The Doctor is IN at RB Sunrise Rotary

Elvis may have left the building, but Jason Keckley is in…at least on days when the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club is in session.

As the newest member of the RB Sunrise Rotary, Dr. Keckley is used to serving others and finding ways to improve their lives.

“Here is a man who served his country as a marine,” observes club president Paul Sullivan. “He has earned a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine, and has already set his sites on how he can use his professional dental experience at Poway’s Pomerado Cosmetic Dentistry to help the community at-large.”

With programs ranging from reading to children to driving seniors to medical appointments, Dr. Keckley certainly has a wealth of opportunities to select from. He notes, “There’s a program where the club goes to Mexico to provide free dental services to indigent children, and to me that’s a natural.”

“To know you can spend a day and a few hours doing what you love and positively impact dozens of lives is just amazing,” says Dr. Keckley, who adds “Understanding that you’ll make new friends at Rotary clubs on both sides of the border because of your efforts – THAT is what Rotary International is all about.”

Dr. Keckley and his wife Kristy live in Poway with their English bulldog Diego. Besides dentistry, Dr. Keckley enjoys attending SDSU Aztec basketball and football games.
You’ll find Dr. Jason Keckley and the other 50+ business and community leaders in the RB Sunrise Rotary meeting for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region considering membership in the club are invited to attend for a free breakfast and some of the finest camaraderie to be found in north county.

More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

RB Sunrise Rotary Initiates Jeanne MacLaren

San Diego’s newest resident has joined the RB Sunrise Rotary Club.

Jeanne MacLaren, who moved here after spending 27 years in Scotts Valley, is a retired speech language pathologist who willingly swapped the mercurial weather patterns of central California for the steady sunshine of Rancho Bernardo.

“Jeanne is an amazing woman and we’re thrilled to have her with us,” said club president Rick Coburn as she was inducted at a recent breakfast meeting. He cited her lifetime of professional and personal accomplishments, including 16 years of previous Rotary experience, participation as a member of the board of trustees for the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, involvement with community cultural councils, and an active role in countless non-profit and educational boards of directors.

Added RB Sunrise Rotary Membership Chair Karen Mortimer; “Jeanne MacLaren has won an embarrassment of awards and commendations over the past 30 years, and she brings a wealth of experience, talent, and ability with her. It seems if there’s a place to help the community, Jeanne can be expected to be there. Knowing that, it’s no surprise that she joined our dynamic club as a way to help her get plugged into the happenings in her new home.”

“Rotary has been my base for so long that there wasn’t any question about my joining once I’d moved,” says Jeanne. “As I began exploring San Diego I attended several Rotary meetings and found the RB Sunrise club to be refreshingly dynamic. These are people who genuinely enjoy each other. They have fun, even as they look for ways to help people in need.”

You’ll find Jeanne MacLaren and the other 50+ business and community leaders in the RB Sunrise Rotary meeting for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region considering membership in the club are invited to attend for a free breakfast and some of the finest camaraderie to be found in north county.

More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
Meet the newest RB Sunrise Rotarian – Jeanne MacLaren

RB Sunrise Rotary adds Paul Harris Fellow

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club has added another Paul Harris Fellow to its ranks.

The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon an individual. Recipients are typically Rotarians, professionals and community leaders who are recognized for their outstanding contributions to those around them.


The honor and recognition accompanies a donation of $1,000 or more in the name of the recipient to Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fund in support of Rotary’s world-wide programs.


Honored at a recent Tuesday morning breakfast meeting was Mitra Nasseri who, with husband Fred and other family members, owns and operates the iconic Unicorn Jewelry in RB.


“Community is always high on the list of priorities for our friends at Unicorn Jewelry,” said past club president and future district president Carl Kruse. “Organizations of every stripe know they can count on Fred and Mitra Nasseri, and I take great personal satisfaction in giving Mitra this honor as a small token of our esteem and thanks for everything they do for the rest of us.”


Club president Rick Coburn noted of the experience; “Since its inception, the Paul Harris Foundation has been dedicated to doing good for those who may not be able to help themselves. The very first grant in 1930 provided seed money for what became the Easter Seals Foundation.”


“We can only hope our efforts here today also have that kind of positive result.”


The RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.


From left – Future Rotary District Governor Carl Kruse, Rotarian Fred Nasseri, Mitra Nasseri

4-way speech contest - sub-regional finals

This morning's excitement focused around the sub-regional finals for the 4-way speech contest.

Joining us were (from left) Julian Stanley, Ashley Hope, Erin Singer, Emyle Rogers, Kathryn Markham and Danielle Ashmun. Ashley Hope will go onto the regional finals, having claimed first place with her presentation about broken promises.

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Meeting Speakers for April, 2012

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of for April, 2012. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie and community insight. The schedule includes:

· April 3 Wayne Saunders, Curator at the History of Man Museum, will be in talking about the History of Games.

· April 10 Joe Molina of Navy Seals – Team Red, White and Blue – discusses his actions in Afghanistan and his receipt of both Silver and Bronze stars for bravery.

· April 17 Katrin Belenky of the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum shows how to inspire children to learn about the world they live in through exploration, imagination, and experimentation.

· April 24 Brett Weiss of Scan Diego will examine ways pre-digital media are deteriorating and how to salvage them from the ravages of time.

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 at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

Publicity - the gift that keeps on giving

Publicity - the gift that keeps on giving. Just ask Wayne Hamburger about this article that appeared today in the North County Times.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary recently welcomed computer consultant Wayne Hamburger as its newest member. Hamburger, a New York City native who graduated from MIT in 1976 with a degree in mathematics and computer science, owns Computer Software Consultants Inc. in Poway, which provides technical support and part-time IT department services to small businesses to help minimize overhead. RB Sunrise Rotary meets at 7 a.m. for breakfast every Tuesday at the RB Country Club, 12280 Greens East Road. Visit rbsunrise.org.

Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/community/photos/rancho-bernardo-new-member-inducted/article_fa4397cd-fdf6-5079-9724-721a64f5fc42.html#ixzz1p6beUXDc

Teenage voices restore hope

Just came from a meeting of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary where we were treated to a concert by the RB High School Madrigals - 32 of the most talented teenagers you're ever likely to encounter. They started the meeting with the national anthem - sure to perk you up regardless of your politics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsy67oQdEe0&feature=youtu.be

Paul Harris x 3

Meet the three newest Paul Harris Fellows from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club.

At this morning's meeting we met Jim Stewart (Left - Paul Harris x3), Nasrin Barbee (Center - Paul Harris x5) and Alison Farrin (Right - Paul Harris x3).

The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon an individual. Recipients are typically Rotarians, professionals and community leaders who are recognized for their outstanding contributions to those around them.

The honor and recognition accompanies a donation of $1,000 or more in the name of the recipient to Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fund in support of Rotary’s world-wide programs.

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Meeting Speakers for March, 2012

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of for March, 2012. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie and community insight. The schedule includes:

· March 6 State Assembly member and Mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher will address the state of the community and field questions regarding the future.

· March 13 The Rancho Bernardo High School Madrigal Singers will provide a special, one-time only, Spring concert.

· March 20 Rick Coburn, president of Coburn Restoration, will speak about the challenges associated with Huntington’s Disease.

· March 27 The annual Four-Way Speech Contest - Sub-regional finals for Rotary District 5340 (San Diego/Imperial Counties) - will be held at the RB Sunrise Rotary Club.

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 at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.

RB Sunrise Rotary Catches Kids Being Good

Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary played “Gotcha” with three students from Painted Rock Elementary School at this past week’s breakfast.

The students were honored at the club’s semi-annual “Service Above Self” awards.“He took his lunch period to help me with my homework’ is typical of the kinds of things these kids do” read Rotary project coordinator Mike Miller from a list of recommended winners submitted by the students’ peers.

“Your good deeds in daily life do not go unrecognized.” Miller continued. “Because though virtue may be its own reward, getting the occasional public pat on the back doesn’t hurt either.”

All winning students receive a Certificate of Achievement and a gift certificate to a local merchant, donated by the RB Sunrise Rotary.“These kids are our future, and they need to know that the community at-large appreciates when they’re helping make the world around them a nicer place to live,” said club -president Rick Coburn.

Added Rotary president-elect Paul Sullivan “We run this program twice each year to help kids throughout RB understand their good deeds are like dropping a rock in a pond. These certificates and gifts are just part of the ripple effect.”

Kids caught doing good deeds (from L to R) Kylie Kim, Karli Gigstad and Catherine Johnson stand with RB Sunrise Rotarian Mike Miller.

RB Sunrise Rotarians Get Ink!

From the North County Times, 1/28/12 - Margot Jackson's column (http://m.nctimes.com/mobile/article_7725b9ed-1b50-5b98-84bb-31f96bb083e3.html)

Older memories change: Join the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, when a representative from Brain Gain will talk about how memory changes as we age. The meetings are always held at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo so try to keep that firmly in mind.

And more Rotary: On Feb. 7, Jonathan Smith, MD, MBA, will combine insights into human behavior to provide answers to many of today's personal and business issues. His topic? Healthier is wealthier. An anesthesiologist for almost 40 years, Dr. Smith should know the answers.

On Feb. 14, Mel Robinson of Identity Theft Solutions, LLC will discuss identity theft and how businesses can become compliant with FACTA (the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act).
On Feb. 21 there will be the Rotary's District 5340's Four-Way Speech Contest.

And on Feb. 28, Gary Rossi will discuss strategic planning working with the Malcolm Baldridge School of Performance Excellence.

All meetings start promptly at 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. Members of the public are invited to attend meetings at no charge if staying for just the speaker. If staying for breakfast, a $15 fee will be charged. The RB Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

Abraxas' Joe Radovich visits to say goodbye

After working together for 17 years, Abraxas principal Joe Radovich (second from left) and Rotarian Rex Teets (left) bade each other a fond farewell at this week's RB Sunrise Rotary meeting at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo. Radovich is retiring after 34 years. Joining them for the send-off were Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians Trudy Armstrong, Jim Roth, Andy Patapow, Rick Coburn and Joe Giamanco.

RB Sunrise Rotary Initiates New Member

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary this morning welcomed computer consultant Wayne Hamburger as their newest member.

Hamburger owns Computer Software Consultants, Inc. in Poway, providing technical support and part-time IT-department services to small business to help them minimize overhead.
The New York City native graduated from MIT in 1976 with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. After a couple of years working at the MIT Francis Bitter National Magnet Lab on magnetic containment systems for fusion reactors, Wayne left the northeast in search of warmer climes. He’s lived in San Diego since 1978, and has two grown children who frequently cause the buttons on his vest to pop off.

“I’ve long respected and admired the work done by Rotary International” he says of his reasons for joining the organization. “Here is a group of over a million professionals around the world who are willing to give up their time, their talent, and their money to improve the lives of those around them. It’s amazing, and I want to be part of that scene. I want to give back to the community like they do, and look forward to finding opportunities to serve and to make new friends.”

“The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary is a fun group with something for everyone. I came to a few meetings and saw these were people who could enjoy each others’ company, even as they were seeking ways to make the world a better place. They appealed to the character in me, even as they connected with the altruistic side of my personality.”

Hamburger also observes how he’ll have a good deal of extra time over the next few months, making this a great point in his life to get involved with Rotary. “The love of my life is a CPA” he smiles “and this is her busy season. Since I don’t expect to see much of her for the next few months, we both figured this would be a great way to avoid getting into trouble.”

Besides his lady friend, Hamburger’s passion is developing custom software for small businesses, both on the desktop and on the web.

You’ll find Wayne Hamburger and the other 50+ business and community leaders in the RB Sunrise Rotary meeting for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region considering membership in the club are invited to attend for a free breakfast and some of the finest camaraderie to be found in north county.

More information about the RB Sunrise Rotary can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.

Meet the newest RB Sunrise Rotarian – Wayne Hamburger

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 award for January 2012 at this morning’s breakfast meeting.

The presentation to Derek Hudgins was made by teacher Bill Palmer and Rotarian Joseph Giamanco.

“Derek is a poster child for all the good things that come from an education at Abraxas High School,” explained Palmer to the room of 50+ professionals. “He’s been aggressively pursuing an education, understands how important it is to his future, and will actually be graduating three months ahead of the rest of his class.”

“Derek also plans to attend college, then go into the US Air Force,” his teacher proudly announced.

Said Mr. Hudgins; “Abraxas is an amazing school that lets students work at their own speed. I’m treated well there, and have really had a chance to improve my life.”

Joining in the conversation, Rotarian Joe Giamanco also noted how Abraxas has successfully cut dropout rates by fifty percent. “Obviously they’re doing something right over there.”

As a reward for his hard work, Derek received a gift certificate and an award in honor of his achievement from the RB Sunrise Rotary.

More information about Abraxas High School is available at www.powayusd.com/PUSDAHS/. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.
From Left to Right – Abraxas student Derek Hudgins, teacher Bill Palmer, and Rotarian Joe Giamanco at the breakfast honoring Derek’s academic accomplishments.

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Meeting Speakers for February, 2012

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of for February, 2012. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie and community insight. The schedule includes:

• February 7 Jonathan Smith MD, MBA – An Anesthesiologist for almost 40 years and an MBA, Dr. Smith combines insights into human behavior to provide solutions to many of today's personal and business issues. His topic: HEALTHIER is WEALTHIER.


• February 14 Mel Robinson of US Identity Theft Solutions, LLC will discuss identity theft and how businesses can become compliant with the FACTA (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) Law.


• February 21 Rotary District 5340’s Four-Way Speech Contest.


• February 28 Gary Rossi will discuss strategic planning working with the Malcolm Baldridge school of Performance Excellence.

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 at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at www.rbsunrise.org.

RB Sunrise Rotarians Teach Youth to LEAD

“Thank you, thank you, thank you Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club for giving me this priceless opportunity. Not only did I make friends and memories that will last me a lifetime, but I also got started on the path to making a difference in the world.”

These words poured from Samantha Lee at a recent breakfast meeting after her participation at Rotary’s LEAD Conference. LEAD stands for Leadership, Ethics And Determination.

This conference is a leadership and personal development program for 8th grade middle school students. Talented young people attend a two day camp developed, presented and paid for by the members of Rotary International District 5340 (San Diego and Imperial Counties).

Samantha was sponsored by the 50 professionals who make up the RB Sunrise Rotary Club.
LEAD encourages regional youth to examine ethical responsibility, improve leadership and communication skills, and develop a positive outlook on life. They do all this in an atmosphere that fosters fun and making new friends. Simultaneously, participating Rotarians have the opportunity to share their love of service, develop a new generation of leaders, provide valuable expertise, and bridge the gap between generations.

“There are only a few words to describe the experience” Samantha noted, mentioning “amazing” and “unforgettable” as those that are high on her list. She reports she returned from her weekend knowing she can make a difference in the world.

“LEAD tackles issues large and small,” observes club president Rick Coburn. “From long-range life planning to learning how to give firm handshakes, we’re providing these kids with the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and the world around them.”

“I learned a great many things,” Samantha says now. “I learned to stop putting myself down, to ignore my insecurities, and to work towards making a difference in the world. This experience changed my perspective on life.”

Students who will be in the eighth grade in the school year 2012-13 and are interested in participating in LEAD should contact club coordinator Kendra Jeffcoat (kendrajeffcoat@gmail.com) for additional information.

Samantha Lee – Rancho Bernardo’s newest leader

Visit of the Five Rotarians

This past Saturday five members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary began the year right for 78 orphans in Tijuana.

Coordinating with Club Rotario Milenio Minarete and Club Rotario Tijuana Oeste (both based in Tijuana), RB Sunrise arrived bright and early at Sonrisa de Angeles Orphanage.

Their primary goal was to participate in an annual religious celebration called the Visit of the Three Kings. Yet with the idea of service above self firmly in mind, the five San Diegans also brought with them sweatshirts and shoes as presents for each of the children.

“The facility is located in a remote location on the periphery of Tijuana, and houses 25 children on a full-time basis,” explained project coordinator Paul Gorman. He also noted an additional 24 young children are left there to allow their single mothers to work.
Wanting to maximize the opportunity, the three Rotary clubs also coordinated similar donations for the children of nearby Ciudad de los Niños orphanage.

A total of $1,600 was raised from contributions by generous San Diegans to purchase the sweatshirts and shoes for these 78 children in need. Said Gorman appreciatively; “We could never do this without the help of the larger community, and look forward to being able to help even more children in the future.”

Lupita and Kevin celebrate the Visit of the Three Kings

RB Sunrise Rotary and Interact Start 2012 Right for 1,300 Needy Kids

With support from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary, the Interact Club of Scripps Ranch High School helped 1,300 needy children start the new year off on a positive note.

By participating in the Annual Copley YMCA Holiday Party, Interactors helped deliver gifts for kids who needed them most. The day included raffling bicycles and other large gifts, playing games, applying temporary tattoos, snacks, a jumping machine, piñatas, and a photo booth.

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for students ages 12 to 18. Sponsored, supported and guided by individual Rotary clubs, it is the equivalent of a Rotary club at the high school level.

Interact clubs are expected to complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of leadership skills, personal integrity, helpfulness, respect for others, individual responsibility, hard work, international understanding and general goodwill.

There are over 10,700 Interact clubs with almost 200,000 young people in 109 countries and geographical areas around the world.

“We’re VERY proud of our Interactors” said program coordinator Joe Giamanco, who noted that 20 students represented the RB Sunrise Rotary at this year’s event. “These are the kinds of kids who demonstrate the quality of students working with Rotary International and their love for community service. They help provide a shining example for the rest of the community to follow.”

RB Sunrise Rotary Doesn’t Understand the word “NO”

Determined to continue improving lives at every age and income level throughout the community, 20 volunteers from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club recently fanned out across area elementary schools to distribute free dictionaries to third graders.

“We organize this effort in cooperation with the SoCal Dictionary Project,” reports club president Rick Coburn. SoCal DP is dedicated to providing free English and Spanish/English bilingual dictionaries to all third grade students in the nation’s public schools. “We are very proud to have been involved in this excellent effort.” says Coburn, noting this is the ninth year the RB Sunrise Club has worked with area schools in this way.

Each year RB Sunrise Rotary distributes almost 1,350 dictionaries – one for every third grader at 11 San Diego-area elementary schools. The money used to sponsor this year’s program was raised during the club’s 2011 holiday campaign, an annual event that uses a full-page ad in area newspapers to thank the generosity of area individuals and businesses responsible for donating tens of thousands of dollars to help make North County a better place to live. RB Sunrise Rotary returns every dollar to the community through programs like the Dictionary Project.

Children at Dingeman, Ericson, Hage, Hickman, Jerabek, Mason, Midland, Painted Rock, Park Village, Valley, and Walker elementary schools benefited from the dictionary program. Coburn reports efforts are already underway to raise money for next year’s dictionary campaign.

About Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary: The RB Sunrise Rotary is a group of professional men and women dedicated to service above self. They meet each Tuesday morning at 7:00 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Prospective members are invited to attend a meeting as a guest.

Each club meeting includes a speaker addressing items of interest in business, politics, finance, and the world at-large. Speakers begin their presentations at 8:00 am. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings at no charge if staying for just the speaker. A $15 fee will be charged to those staying for breakfast.

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club itself can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.

Rotarians Harold Dokmo (white shirt, standing, right) and Michael Rennie (teal shirt, beard, right) left Ericson Elementary with a whole new bunch of friends. The kids have been sending in thank you notes without a spelling error in sight.