Third Quarter
Centennial Year
District 5340
State of the District

What happened to the year!!?? The third quarter is long since past but not easily forgotten. So many accomplishments by so many committed Rotarians!!

Our Iraqi Efforts continue with the deepening association with Camp Pendleton. My thanks to Russ Hanthorn, Neil Black, Larry Sundram and many others for building that relationship and continuing to have our military men and women in their hearts. Because of the leadership of Neil Black, we are very close to chartering a new Rotary Club on Camp Pendleton. By last report, the charter members will be about 2/3 civilians and the rest officers.

On January 22, many Rotarians from our district helped represent us all at District 4100’s Centennial Ball in Mexicali, MX. DGE Bob Watson, DGE Philippe Lamoise, Mel and Judy Gallegos, Frank Britton, Dean Currie, Mary Walker, Sylvan Meeks, Nick Pricola and Kay Day were there to help Celebrate Rotary.

Rotary Club of Mission Bay celebrated its 50th anniversary on January 24. Their program that day was nostalgic and historic and especially meaningful for all of us that attended. A great job of organizing so much information!!

GSE Chair Bill Stumbaugh and GSE Team Leader Russ Hanthorn worked hard on the organization of the incoming GSE team from Ecuador. That team has since come and gone and you’ve seen the photos on our district’s website. Another successful exchange!! Thanks guys.

On February 4 and 5, Suzanne Babbitz, Dick Thorn, and Randy Seefeldt, and their hardworking committee, hosted the combined District Conference and Paul Harris Gala. They had many challenges including a last minute change of venue but the end result was great fun, educational, and worthy of note. The Mardis Gras theme for the Paul Harris Gala was a great success with Pam Russell being crowned queen and Wendell Cutting being crowned as king.

In late February it was confirmed that San Diego would be the host for the future 10 International Assemblies. This is quite an honor for our district. Although, most of the organization is handled by Rotary International and a central and international committee, Rotarians in our district will be able to participate in helping with the greeting and home-hosting of Rotarians from different parts of the world. Remember, International Assembly is the 8-day conference where District Governors are trained. Yes, District Governors are trained whether it’s apparent or not.

Many Centennial projects were dedicated in February and early March: clocks, parks, and benches to name only a few. How proud we can all be.

The first of the Circle of Life awards were presented to RC of Brawley in mid-February. This award is the brainchild of AG Carl Russell. Those that have earned the award are Paul Harris Fellows and have sponsored an existing member in their home club. To date, members of 30 of our clubs have earned this award. Is your club on the list? If not, contact your club president. We are dedicated to continue to honor those Rotarians that understand the importance of membership retention and our inherent generosity.

RC of Escondido Sunrise celebrated its 25th anniversary with a fun-packed dinner held at the Escondido Country Club.

Sandi Rimer
Centennial Governor.