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...

Demerie Hill Picks Up The Magic Pen

After six years as the Publicity Chair for the RB Sunrise Rotary, I have finally handed over my pen to Demerie Hill. Demerie, who joined the club just two months ago, has jumped right into the fray, introducing herself to area columnists and editors, and getting the word out about our club and all the great events we're doing. I, on the other hand, will now have more time to focus on this blog and other forms of electronic media, like our Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=247469753192) First up on her agenda - announcing the Distinguished Citizen Dinner for President-Elect Rick Coburn and our annual dictionary project, where we give away about 1,000 dictionaries to third graders at nine area schools.

Sorry, Demerie - didn't mean to scoop you! Looks like putting down the pen may be a little more challenging than I realized.

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 Donates $1,000 to Ed Brown Senior Center

Ever eager to help those most in need within the community, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has contributed $1,000 to the Ed Brown Senior Center.

The Ed Brown Senior Center sponsors everything older residents could possibly want in a community center. Writing seminars, games, socials, virtual driving lessons, health screenings and a wide range of classes and entertainment are all available free to members paying a small annual fee.

Operating entirely without tax support for operating expenses, the Ed Brown Senior 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.” said Program Director Kathy Weyer. She added “We are planning on using this $1,000 donation both to improve our efficiency and provide additional services for our membership.”

“We’re delighted to be able to help the Ed Brown Center meet such a critical need” said the club’s past-president Nasrin Barbee upon presenting the donation. She noted “Rotary International always tries to be present when there’s a significant need anywhere in the world.”

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.

Information about the Ed Brown Senior Center can be found at http://www.edbrowncenter.org/. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club can be found online at http://www.rbsunrise.org/.


From left – RB Sunrise Rotary Community Service Chair Rod Weiss, EBSC Program Director Kathy Weyer, RB Sunrise Rotary Immediate Past President Nasrin Barbee

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.

(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/.

The queen is dead. Long live the queen!

And so the torch is passed from Kendra Jeffcoat to Nasrin Barbee.

As columnist Eileen Haag observed:

Kendra Jeffcoat has just completed her term as president of the RB Sunrise Rotary and her successor is Nasrin Barbee. The president-elect of the RB Noon Rotary is Barbara Baldwin.

Methinks that the men who didn’t want to admit women in the first place may have been right in saying that to let them in would be to let them take over —­ and it seems that now everyone agrees that’s a good thing!

It was a teary time this morning as Kendra thanked everyone who helped make her year a success. As part of this, Kendra instituted a new tradition - the passing of the scarf (and good wishes) from old presidents to new. I found it vaguely reminiscent of the SUNY Binghamton tradition of Stepping on the Coat, done each spring.

Now Kendra will, no doubt, take a well-deserved break to catch her breath, then find her own niche within the club. It should be interesting to see where in the heirarchy she ends up after all is said and done.

Getting back into the swing of things

Okay, it's been a while since I've done a post. Sorry 'bout that. Like everyone, I've been focusing on business and trying to keep the boat from capsizing. Things are still hairy out there, but it's time for me to start reporting again.

This morning we had Jim Ponder of Turnkey Strategic Relations (Escondido, CA) come speak to our club. Good stuff. He's a wise man who has been on the entrepreneurial side of things and now coaches business owners in how to make the most of their opportunities. He brought his delightful daughter Kelli with him, who works side-by-side with her dad and is learning the industry from the inside-out. I applaud them both.

Kendra Jeffcoat's year is quickly winding down and Nasrin Barbee is gearing up to take over. Don't look now, but I think they're planning something to celebrate the transition. Meanwhile, we've got the demotion party (or Demolition party, as past president (and potential city council member) Carl Kruse likes to call it) on June 12.

Our little club continues to grow, and a public thank you was provided this morning both to Jim Dunny (webmaster/club secretary) and to Jana Markley (membership chair) for all their hard work and success in growing our club. Add to this a story that appeared in the Pomerado Newspapers about our guest Cindy Barbee (okay, I had something to do with that - I admit it) and it was a busy day.