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.

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?

RB Sunrise Rotary announces new schedule of speakers

Exciting news - the next round of speakers scheduled to address the RB Sunrise Rotary has been announced. They are:

Date Speaker Subject

2/22/11 Rex Teets 4 Way Speech Contest
3/1/11 Staff Therapeutic Riding
3/8/11 Jim Stewart Wildlife Conservation
3/1/5/11 Tiffini Lopez Center Stage Productions
3/22/11 Rex Teets Sub-Regional Speech Contest
3/29/11 Mary Cay Durrant Leadership/Coaching Executives
4/5/11 Tijuana Rotary Club Update Visit
4/12/11 Carl Demaio - Councilman Efforts to Reform City Gov’t
4/19/11 Joanne Whetstine Blogging-Marketing My Business

All club meetings begin at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road. Speakers start their presentations at 8 and are done by 8:30. This is the place to be to get the news before the rest of north county has woken up yet!

Abraxas Student of the Month - February 2011

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club welcomed their student and teacher of the month at breakfast today.

"Your donations are the lifeblood for students at Abraxas High School," said Teacher of the Month Jabette Caterina at this morning's meeting. She added "Your money is well invested, and we appreciate it more than you can ever know. You truly make a major change in their lives."

Said Student of the Month Linda Villanueva of her Abraxas experience and plans to become a Pediatric nurse, "Going to Abraxas has really helped me. I never had the kind of education and teachers as I have had here. Thank you for making a difference."


Abraxas Teacher of the Month Jabette Caterina and Student of the Month Linda Villanueva joined Abraxas Liason Joe Giamanco as the RB Sunrise Rotary honored Linda for her hard work and success.

Helping Mary's House

Open since summer 2003 and located in rural Escondido, Mary’s House is the first North County program that provides transitional housing for young women who have outgrown the county’s foster-care facilities. Mary’s House helps these women, ages 18-24, with their ongoing educational needs, job placement and life skills - from chores to household budgeting. The facility has room for six women, each of whom can stay up to 18 months as they shift to independent, self-sufficient lives.

Here we have Krista Creighton picking up a check for $2,500 from Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Community Chair Rod Weiss. Just another way our club does the right thing for those most in need.

Hey, it's WET out there!

Today's forecast - rain. In fact, it's been raining non-stop for the past five days. President Al told us if we didn't want to come today, he understood and nobody would hold it against us. I took him at his word.
Happy holidays to all...and to all, a good night.

Armed Services YMCA

Meet George Brown - CEO of the Armed Services YMCA of Camp Pendleton, CA.
George visited our club yesterday morning to tell us about Project Liberty Call, Concrete Beach, Operation Hero and the ASYMCA Preschool Programs. "The Armed Services YMCA's sol mission is to serve Camp Pendleton's active duty and their family members." he said, adding "There are many programs and services in place to achieve this goal, and witht he ever-changing needs of this region's service members, the ASYMCA must stand ready to respond to those needs as well."

George then talked about the Ball Gown giveaway and the annual Mud Run, and I couldn't help but wonder if they are both held on the same day...

We proudly provide the newest tile in Poway's Veteran's Park.

'Nuff said.

Will the real Elmer Getz please stand up?

Longtime Rotarian Elmer Getz did the "Who Am I?" at this week's meeting of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary breakfast. A man who is truly committed to the community he moved to in 1985, Elmer is active at the Maranatha Church. He is the very definition of a gentleman - something I proved to myself by finding his picture next to the word gentleman in the dictionary.

Pam Russell and the Rotary Foundation

Did I mention that Pam Russell of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary club came to visit with us yesterday morning? She told us everything there is to know about the Rotary Foundation, and let me tell you - this lady REALLY knows her stuff!

I liked the part where she explained about us receiving $4,000 to use on a clean water project in Africa. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Speakers for November, 2010 Meetings

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of speakers for November, 2010. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie and community insight.
Next month’s schedule includes:

• November 2nd Jacques Lord will examine the challenges associated with building the ultimate “GREEN” house after the Witch Creek Fires
• November 9th Andrew Skinner of the Triumph Foundation will discuss the impact that spinal cord injuries have on the people who live with them
• November 16th Pam Russell will provide an overview of the Rotary Foundation
• November 23rd Robin Hill will be speaking about PTSD -- Its History, Present and Future, and the latest protocols used to resolve the trauma associated with PTSD in our veterans
• November 30th George Brown will provide a range of ways to provide support for members of the armed services and their families year-round, and especially during the holidays

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 Rotary Distributes Six Interact Scholarships

At this past week’s breakfast meeting, RB Sunrise Rotary awarded its first scholarships to departing members of the Scripps Ranch Interact club. Six scholarships of $500 each were distributed.

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 Phil Schneider upon announcing the scholarships. “While all our students are very active with the programs we’ve established for them, these six in particular stood out and deserved to be recognized. They demonstrate the quality of students working with Rotary International and their love for community service, and help provide a shining example for the rest of the community to follow.”

The students receiving the scholarships (and the schools they’ll be attending this fall) are:

• Emily Berg Co-President Interact; UC Santa Barbara


• Lauren Trott Co- President Interact; Cal Poly San Luis Obispo


• Phoebe Gurrola; University of San Diego


• Radhika Raman; University of Southern California


• Samantha Conrad; UC Berkeley


• Tiffany Chu; UC Berkeley

“Young adults in Interact have a chance to help themselves by helping others” noted Dr. Kendra Jeffcoat, an educator and past-president of the RB Sunrise club. “For us it’s the equivalent of a farm team.”

“We see this as a way to help instill positive values that will guide young peoples’ choices throughout their lives, simultaneously strengthening their academic and social skills.” Dr. Jeffcoat continues, adding “In reinforces Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which asks of everything a person thinks, says and does, the following:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all Concerned?

“We’re delighted to be in a position to help the youth now leaving Scripps Ranch High School to start the next chapter of their lives with some tangible support.”

The RB Sunrise Rotary is a group of 65 professionals dedicated to providing service above self. They meet every Tuesday morning at 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Area professionals are invited to explore membership at a free breakfast of their choosing.

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

From left – Lauren Trott, Emily Berg, Phoebe Gurrola, RB Sunrise Rotarian (and Interact Advisor) Phillip Schneider, Tiffany Chu, and Radhika Raman. Not shown - Samantha Conrad.

Can marketing solve the homelessness problem?

Here's a marketing solution for the homelessness problem. http://tinyurl.com/374ljmq

RB Sunrise Rotary Announces Speakers for August, 2010 Meetings

The RB Sunrise Rotary Club has announced the following lineup of speakers for August, 2010. Their meetings are a MUST for anyone interested in camaraderie and community insight. Next month’s schedule includes:

• August 3rd Michael Rennie, Executive Director of the Poway Center for Performing Arts, will provide an overview of the 2010-11 season.
• August 10th Andrew Skinner – a recovering quadriplegic and Founder of the Triumph Foundation – will discuss how to help people recover from spinal cord injuries.
• August 17th Robin Kaufman of CERT explores how to maximize the Community Emergency Response Team’s efforts in time of disaster.
• August 24th Mark Berdan of Berdan Benefits will examine the potential impact of President Obama’s Health Care Plan on the average family and business owner.
• August 31st Kathy Weyer of Performance Partners will discuss myths and legends of San Diego’s hospice facilities she’s learned through her volunteer efforts.
  
  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 Rotary Initiates Three New Members

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has welcomed three new members to their midst:

• Scott Bramwell, Managing Director of Cornerstone Wealth Management
• Kathy Weyer, President of Performance Partners
• Terry Green, President/Chief Development Officer of the Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation

Now in its 105th year, Rotary has grown steadily over the years and currently has well over 1.2 million members in almost 34,000 clubs worldwide.

“We’re in every community, in every country. We’re men and women, every age, every nationality. We’re your neighbor and your friend. And we’re leading the way to make the world a better place.” noted past-president Carl Kruse as he introduced the new members to the club.

The 65 business and community leaders in the RB Sunrise Rotary meet for breakfast every Tuesday at 7am at the RB Country Club on Greens East Road in RB. Professionals from throughout the region are invited to attend for some of the finest camaraderie to be found in north county, and prospective members are always welcome.

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

Picture (L-R) New Rotarians Scott Bramwell, Kathy Weyer, and Terry Green welcome the opportunity to give back to the community by joining the RB Sunrise Rotary Club.

RB Sunrise Rotarian Plays for Chelsea’s Light

RB Sunrise Rotarians live their lives to do right by others. So it was no surprise when longtime member Michael Moon announced he’s taking time away from his financial planning business to help raise money for the Chelsea’s Light Foundation (chelseaslight.org) with his rock and roll band.

Called “The Grateful Dads”, Moon’s group started as a lark in 2002 and quickly developed a loyal following. “We’re now in our third chapter” Moon explains “and we play fun, danceable, rock and roll.”

“But this is bigger than making music. There isn’t a family in RB or Poway that hasn’t been heavily impacted by the recent tragedy that befell Chelsea King” says Moon. “Whether or not you have children in the schools, it’s easy to appreciate the pain her family continues to feel.”

“We all want to reach out to help the Kings” Mr. Moon explains “and those of us in the band wanted to do our part.” For the Grateful Dads, doing their parts consists of providing a fun community event and raising some money for a worthy cause - all at the same time.”

The Foundation is dedicated to helping eliminate harm to children by sexual predators through community activism, legislative reform, and education. Its efforts are tied to Chelsea’s Law, a piece of legislation sponsored by Nathan Fletcher and currently working its way through the state legislature and seen as a model for other states to follow. Chelsea’s Law (“The Chelsea King Child Predator Prevention Act of 2010”) significantly increases sentences for sexual offenses against minors -doubling current penalties, creates life-without-possibility-of-parole sentences, and requires lifetime parole for most of these offenses.

The event which Mr. Moon’s group will be headlining is scheduled for 8 pm on Saturday, June 5th at Kaminski’s BBQ & Sports Lounge (12735 Poway Road, Poway). 10% of the evening’s proceeds (and 10% of all Kaminski’s sales for the entire June 4-6 weekend) will go directly to the Foundation.

A live auction with items such as a flat screen television and season tickets at the Poway Center for Performing Arts professional season is also planned. There will be a small cover charge for the concert, and attendees will also be encouraged to make direct donations to the Chelsea’s Light Foundation that evening and afterwards.

“100% of the money paid to the Grateful Dads, and a big chunk of money raised that weekend, will go directly to benefiting this very worthwhile organization.” says Moon, adding, “As for us, we’re just there to have a good time and help out. We aim to make this an exciting and fun way to enjoy a pleasant June evening while doing the right thing for our community.”

FX5, which will be playing at Kaminski’s that Friday night, has announced that they will also be donating a portion of their performance fees to the Chelsea’s Light Foundation. Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Susan Wintersteen says she’s anticipating a great show. “I’ve seen these guys perform, and you can’t help but enjoy yourself. Do yourself a favor and come both nights - you don’t want to miss this weekend!”

There will also be an exciting raffle drawing on Sunday night, with tickets being sold all weekend. Mr. Moon reminds buyers they won’t need to be present to win.

“Come for the dancing. Come for the laughs. Come for the live auction. Or come to help carry forward the vision of a world without sexual predators having free reign to harm our children.” says Moon “Come for whatever reason you want, but for heaven’s sake, DON’T MISS THIS EVENING!”

Mr. Moon also warns; “We’re expecting a big crowd that night, so plan to get there early.”


For additional information, contact:
MIKE MOON
858-550-2865
Moonfam1@cox.net

Five Grateful Dads and a Grateful Mom

From left to right – Back row – LJ Johnson, Jim Fraser, Dede Clark
Center row – Steve Coran, Michael Moon
Front Row – Rich Harchol

(L-R) RB Sunrise Rotarian Carl Kruse collects congratulations from State Assembly Member Nathan Fletcher, RB Rotarian Marty Judge, and RB Sunrise Rotarian Rob Weinberg

RB Sunrise Rotary Names Carl Kruse “Hats Off Volunteer”

At this past weekend’s “Hats off to Volunteers” event in Webb Park, Poway Councilman Carl Kruse was feted by members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary for his community-minded spirit and willingness to volunteer. And volunteer. And volunteer.

“Carl is one of those people who seems to be all places at the same time,” observed club president Nasrin Barbee. “In addition to being past president of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club, he’s been on every committee imaginable in our organization, coaching and guiding both new members and veterans alike. He also did a stint Assistant Governor for Rotary International District 5340, which covers San Diego County and parts of Imperial County.”

Kruse is currently the District Governor's Chief of Staff and the District Membership Chair. In addition to having been Assistant Governor, he also helped Rotary International in the recent past as the Club Foundation Chair; was named Rotarian of the Year in 2009; and earned the prestigious Rotary Presidential Citation in 2007. He’s been a Facilitator for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA); helped a team of the region’s top teenagers to fulfill their leadership potential at the Leadership, Ethics and Determination conference (LEAD); and volunteered to travel to India at great personal expense to aid in that country’s Polio Immunization efforts.

“I’m tired just thinking about it!” Barbee laughed.

With 1.3 million members in over 33,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary International requires a considerable regional administration to support individual club communications, membership development, successful community and international service projects, support of the The Rotary Foundation, and the development of leaders beyond the club level. International headquarters in Evanston, IL, relies on people like Carl Kruse to make things happen successfully.

“Carl has played a significant role within the District 5340 administration during his 14 years in Rotary.” said president-elect Al Watson. “Here is a man who truly lives his life according to Rotary’s Four Avenues of Service-Club, Vocational, Community, and International. He’s an inspiration to us all.”

Carl, whose vehicle license reads SERVIZ, in keeping with Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, adheres daily to the motto “Rotary is a Journey, Not a Destination”.

Carl Kruse and the other 64 members of the RB Sunrise Rotary club meet for breakfast at 7:15 am every Tuesday morning at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road, San Diego, CA 92128. Professionals in the community exploring membership are invited to attend an initial breakfast meeting at no charge. Members of the public are always invited to club meetings, with a $15 charge for those staying for breakfast. Visitors coming to just hear club speakers (starting at 8:00 am) are welcome at no charge.More information about the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club is available online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.

It's Noon and I'm still in my pajamas

Well, last night was the demolition party for club president Kendra Jeffcoat, and what a night it was. Starting with the cocktail hour at the Radisson Suite Hotel in Rancho Bernardo, the RB Sunrise Rotary Club showed they're always up for a grand old time. And though it got a bit cozy in the room, the 60-some members, spouses and guests all had a great time. Kendra even brought her dog Trevor for the occasion.

Past President Carl Kruse acted as Master of Ceremonies, and there was much of the usual fun and frivolity from one of these events. Past president Steve Sayler said a few words - I wonder what they were. Then President-elect designate nominee in waiting Mike Miller said a few words, and he's wondering what they were.

From there we went into a skit poking fun at Jay Jeffcoat, Kendra's husband and resident member of Kiwanis, starring Jim Roth and Carly Bohnsack. President elect Nasrin Barbee carried on in a blonde wig about what a selfless person Kendra is.

Then we were on to a video showing Kendra's entire life (though given that almost everything the woman owned was lost in the Witch Creek Fires 18 months ago, most of what was in the video had to be fabricated. I'm still not sure if she was really a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model or if, maybe, they were making that part up!)

Turning to a serious portion of the proceeds, Carl Kruse brought on councilmember Carl DeMaio to officially declare yesterday "Kendra Jeffcoat Day" within the city of San Diego. Of course, it was after 7pm by the time we heard about this, so it probably should have been called "Kendra Jeffcoat's 15 minutes of fame", but there it is. Why don't they tell you it's your day at 6am so you can make the most of it?

Carl (Kruse) was also busy getting swag from Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Rainbow Girls (who helped set Kendra on her path 40 years ago) and a ton of other people. All this was witnessed, by the way, by our district governor, governor elect, governor designate, governor designate elect, and the pool boy working next door who just happened to wander in to see what all the hollering was all about. Nice job, Carl!

As the party-goers munched on steak and salmon, salad and dessert (and drank a LOT of wine, which is probably why they didn't notice the pool boy!), new officers were installed for 2009-10. The outgoing officers were thanked (with more wine!) and Kendra was showered with gifts, including at least two books of jokes. Given her track record in the humor department, I frankly found it surprising that only two of us gave her joke books.

Lots and laughing, joking and good-natured ribbing were trumped, though, by the evening's last three events:

1) Jay Jeffcoat was made a Paul Harris Fellow, which makes him a Rotarian in spirit, even if he insists on calling himself a Kiwanian.

2) Kendra made one of the nicest speeches I've heard in a very long time - one that obviously came from the heart about how much working with this club had meant to her and how the past year has changed and improved her life.

3) Carl read a poem. Unlike the past when he would write a poem of his own, though, Carl read the following:

“Heavenly Father, up above
Help me live the words I love,
Help my Rainbow Dreams come true
In everything I say and do,
Bless those who have faith in me
That the girl they want, is the girl I’ll be.
And when the sunset ends the day
Our living Rainbow will guide the way.”
Amen

This is a poem that Kendra wrote when she was involved with Rainbox many years ago. To this day, "All of our girls still say it at every meeting". reports Sara Lee Martin of Rainbox.

When Carl was done there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It's no wonder I love this club so much!

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:

Rides and Smiles and RB Sunrise Rotary

“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, San Diego, CA 92128. Prospective members are invited to attend these meetings as guests of the club.

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 of a more established Rotarian. That one – entitled THE ADVENTURES OF ROB THE ROTARIAN can be found at rbsunrise.blogspot.com.

Pictured – RB Sunrise Rotary Community Service Director Nasrin Barbee presents Rides & Smiles Coordinator Marilyn Greenblatt a small token of the Rotary Club’s esteem.