Stories

Polio Plus Precursors

A Rotary Minute - A Look Back in History

We all know that it was in 1985 that Rotary International launched the PolioPlus program.

However, many years earlier, Rotary-Clubs had taken initiatives to fight against this terrible disease.

Thus, in 1915, the Rotary-Club of Toledo, Ohio, USA, was the first to invest in this field.

In 1937, Porter Loring, member of the Rotary-club of San Antonio, Texas, USA, had offered an iron lung worth $2,400 and had been named " Friend of Humanity".

In 1945, members of the Rotary Club of Deming, New Mexico, USA, donated an $1,800 iron lung to the local hospital.

Then, in 1950, the Rotarians of Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA, offered a portable steel lung.

These few actions identified are probably not the only ones and testify to the fact that Rotary International's efforts to fight polio began more than a century ago.

Thousands Raised for End Polio Now

The Coronado Rotary Club’s End Polio Now wine tasting event raised thousands of dollars to eradicate polio globally. Over the past 17 years, the Coronado Rotary club has raised millions of dollars partnering with the Gates Foundation 2:1 match. This effort ensures that millions of children will be spared from the crippling effects of polio.

Job well done!

Uniting to Combat Hunger Food Drive

Join District 5340 in participating in the Uniting to Combat Hunger Food Drive.

Introducing Expert Chat Sessions

We are proud to introduce the establishment of 30-minute Expert Chat Sessions to provide an opportunity for you to increase your knowledge and understanding of Rotary.

A Taste of African Food and Tea

Come experience the taste of Africa and enjoy fellowship with other Rotarians,

Pub Crawl for Polio

The Pacific Beach Rotaract is thrilled to announce their 8th Annual Pub Crawl for Polio!

Grow Your Club Membership with Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship

Ever thought about how you could turn your hobby into a Rotary Fellowship to connect and grow the Family of Rotary?

Host Families Needed for IGFR Event

Hosts Still Needed!

The International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (IGFR) will be hosted in San Diego from September 22 to September 27, 2024. Learn how you can help.

Collecting Gently Used Halloween Costumes

The Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club has chosen the Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) as their primary community service initiative this year and could use your help.

Help the Rotary Club of Coronado END POLIO NOW!

The Rotary Club of Coronado has launched its annual END POLIO NOW online auction, which will conclude on September 6th at 8 PM. This event provides Rotarians and the community an opportunity to bid on over two dozen unique opportunities, items, and experiences. With 26 local merchants contributing, this event is a highlight of the year. All proceeds will support the END POLIO NOW campaign by Rotary. For shopping and bidding, visit the Club's website and click "Read More" for a preview of the items available.

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

September’s theme is Basic Education and Literacy Month, an Area of Focus that embodies our commitment to a world where every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The lack of basic education and literacy skills is a profound issue affecting millions globally. For those who are uneducated and unable to read, life can be a daily struggle. Imagine navigating a world without the ability to read a medicine label, fill out a job application, or understand the simple instructions that many of us take for granted. Illiteracy often perpetuates a cycle of poverty, limiting access to stable employment, healthcare, and civic participation, and depriving individuals of the ability to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. Click "Read More" to continue with the article.

Israel Agrees to Pauses in Fighting in Gaza for Polio Vaccination

Photo Courtesy of CNN

Israel has agreed to a series of pauses in fighting in Gaza in September to allow young children in the enclave to be vaccinated for polio, according to United Nations and Israeli officials.

The polio campaign, which will aim to vaccinate around 640,000 children across Gaza, comes after the highly infectious virus was found in sewage samples in the Strip in June.

CNN has a seven-minute article on this effort. If you wish to read it, click here.

100 Backpacks Donated

The Escondido East Rotary Club donated 100 backpacks to Farr Elementary School to kids who might need them on a fixed income. The club stuffed them with folders, and items that will be needed for school.

A Change in How You Read Newsbits

To enhance Newsbits' readability and attract more visitors to our website, we're making changes starting with this edition. Now, a brief teaser will accompany the headline image, and the main content of the article will be accessible by clicking on "READ MORE." The editor will no longer remind readers to use the "Read More" option; it will be the standard method to access the full article, which will be displayed on a full screen. Additionally, viewers can explore other content on the website via the menu bar at the top of the page at their convenience.

Chat with the Expert Series

This month marks the beginning of 'Chat with the Experts,' a series of brief online discussions. Open to all, these chats will cover a range of topics, including sessions for new members. The schedule will be released this week, so stay tuned for further details.

San Marcos Rotary to Hold 16th Annual Golf Tournament

The Rotary Club of San Marcos invites you to participate in their 16th Annual golf tournament.

You Are Invited to Hear Speaker

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad invites you to join them at their October 10 meeting to hear a presentation on Mediators Beyond Borders International.

Four Global Grants Awarded

Rotary District 5340 is pleased to announce funding to FOUR Global Grant projects!

Readying a Space for a Nature Education Center

A group of Rotarians from Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club spent Thursday morning with the San Diego River Park Foundation at the River Center at Grant Park helping prepare the space to be a nature education center and eco-park by digging holes and planting a tree.

Rotary Clubs Cleaning Up Local Highway

14 volunteers from 3 different Escondido Rotary Clubs collected over 20 bags of trash and 1 bag of recyclables for a local highway.

Encinitas Yields $87K from Wine and Food Festival

Congratulations to the Encinitas Rotary Club for raising $87,000 at their 21st Encinitas Wine & Food Festival. Proceeds will benefit 14 local charities!

Sunset Soiree Set for September 10

September 10 marks the return of the Rotary Club of Del Mar’s 20th Annual Sunset Soirée Gala and Auction. Mark your calendars for tastings and libations from the area’s finest restaurants, wineries, and microbreweries.

10th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe Returns Sept. 29

The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe presents the 10th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe on the lawns of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Sunday, September 29, from 3:00 to 6:00PM. Would you like to join them?

Join Rotarians from All Over the World

Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary!

Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant to the Center for Community Solutions

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission Rotary President Bob Chalfa, Art Pratt Board Members Aryanna Edwards, Donna Maytum and Tom Sandler, CCS Chief Development Officer Suzie Colby, Art Pratt Board Members Stan Vogelsang and Don Krupp, Art Pratt President Lee Kaminetz and Art Pratt Board Member Shari Stauder.

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded a $9,919 grant to the Center for Community Solutions (CCS), received by Suzie Colby. This grant will fund new laptops for caseworkers, significantly enhancing their ability to respond swiftly to those in need.

CCS, a nonprofit organization in San Diego, is committed to stopping relationship and sexual violence. Established in 1969, CCS offers trauma-informed, comprehensive services to support survivors in their healing and recovery journey. CCS provides a range of free services, including a 24/7 confidential crisis hotline, four domestic violence shelters, counseling, legal assistance, safety planning, prevention education, and more.

A Bit of Hawaii Under the Stars

Join us for an exhilarating luau presented by the El Camino Real Rotary Club Oceanside! This festive event will take place at Heritage Park and Museum, offering an evening filled with traditional Hawaiian music, dance, and culinary delights. Prepare your grass skirts and leis for a memorable night celebrating under the stars. Seize this thrilling chance to embrace the spirit of aloha in Oceanside. For tickets, scan the QR code provided above.

At Rotary's Core Are Our Members

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

As August ends, marking Rotary's Membership and New Club Development Month, I wish to acknowledge the remarkable dedication and enthusiasm that propel our organization forward. At Rotary's core are our members—individuals united by a shared zeal for community service and friendship. This month has showcased the solidarity and vigor that characterize our Rotary family.

Throughout the month, we have concentrated on expanding our membership and seeking new avenues for club growth. These initiatives extend beyond mere statistics; they signify our growing potential to effect change. Our collective commitment to taking action binds us as Rotary members. From welcoming newcomers to establishing the groundwork for new clubs, each action fortifies our service capabilities.

Moving ahead, let's maintain this month's energy throughout the year. United, we can further our growth, foster innovation, and amplify our impact within our communities and the wider world.

Share the MAGIC OF ROTARY!

Join Us in a Magical Celebration of 100 Years of Service

You are cordially invited to celebrate a century of service to the Escondido community.

13th Annual Rancho BEERnardo Festival Supports Humanitarian Causes

More than 900 people are expected to attend the BEERnardo Festival on Saturday, October 19, 2024, organized by the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. Will you be one of them?

Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Presents a Record-Breaking $125K in Grants

Posted by Elizabeth Marie Himchack, San Diego UT

Photo: Sunrise Rotary Community Service Chair Elizabeth Engelberg, San Diego Oasis ' Chief Operating Officer Michael Craig and RB Sunrise Rotary President Marty Greenwald in April when Oasis received a $3,000 grant (courtesy of Marty Greenwald).

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Club has given a record amount in grants during its 2023-24 year, totaling $123.326 for local and international causes.

Marty Greenwald, the club's outgoing president, said "it would not be possible without community support for the Rancho BEERnardo Festival held last October in Webb Park." The event, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary's only fundraiser, brought in $150,000 this year.

The event drew around 750 attendees, on the festival's largest crowds, and all festival sponsorships went towards the grants, with all overhead costs were covered through ticket sales and other revenues.

"Instead of nickel and diming our members, we seek community support as sponsors," Greenwald said. "We've had huge success when soliciting local community members and even those from places such as Canada and Washington state with whom members do business. We get them to also be corporate sponsors."

"The grant and donation process is very competitive, he said, with recipients falling into one of several categories. They are club service, community service, special projects, foundation, international services and youth services."

Our Grant and Budget Analysis Committee vets all of them," Greenwood said, noting all have 5013c status or are rated by Charity Navigator. "We make sure they are very viable, and we turn plenty down.

The grant recipients were:

Under Club Service - $3,168 for Free Wheelchair Mission

Under Community Service - $5,000 each to Poway OnStage, Feeding San Diego and the Kitchen Table; $4,000 to Riding Above Disabilities; $3,000 each to Solutions for Change, San Diego Oasis - Rancho Bernardo, Ed Brown Center for Active Adults; $1,675 to Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc.; $2,500 to Spirit of the Fourth; $1,500 to Rancho Bernardo Historical Society; $1,000 to Canine Companions for Independence; $978 to Valley Elementary's holiday party; $666 for Rotarians at Work Day tree planting at Poway High; $475 to give backpacks for Hoover High School students and $245 for Anvil of Hope at Christmas.

Under Special Projects, $2,500 each as memorial gifts to the Rotary Foundation to honor district governor Chuck Pretto and Jim Dunny.

Under Foundation Grants, $4,025 for the Rotary Foundation, $3,333 for Polio Plus and $1,500 for Maui Relief.

International Services, grants helped those in many countries: Oasis Haven South Africa received $10,500, while Project Mercy received $7,800. Two grants went to Thousand Smiles - $4,000 to support the August clinic and $1,234 was designated for volunteer lunches. Pediatric surgery training in Africa received $3,000, while $2,100 was designated for international Peace Scholar and $1,500 for Interntional Disaster Relief.

As for Youth Services, $15,000 was given to support Anvil of Hope - Bell Blazers baseball team; $5,500 was given to SoleEffects; $4,800 to support Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program and $3,000 was designated for the Kendra Jeffcoat Scholarship. In addition, Scouts BSA received $2,702; Toys for Tots was given $1,872; grants of $1,500 each went to the AI Linton Foundation and RB Gridiron-Men of Character program; Rotary's 4-Way Test Speech Contest and Rotary District Music Competition each received $776 and LEAD (youth leadership program) received $600.

Greenwald said many of the grant recipients have received funding for several years, but there are also some new recipients. Riding Above Disability, a therapeutic horse program, is one. "A lot of times we find out about an organization because we have someone who is a good speaker at our meetings," he said. "The director spoke. We loved what we heard so much that we encouraged them to apply for a grant."

Greenwald added that he is looking forward to visiting one of the international grant recipients - the Oasis Haven school that the club financially assist in Johannesburg, South Africa. "My wife and I are going in three weeks to visit the school," he said.

Greenwald said the club's 57 members are already planning this year's Rancho BEERnardo Festival set for October 29 in Webb Park.

Editor's note: you will find under "News" information about this year's festival. It has information on how to purchase tickets.

World Polio Day Coming Soon

World Polio Day is quickly approaching on 24 October! If your club hasn’t started planning its World Polio Day event, now is the time to begin.

Rotary Direct Supports Our Foundation

The programs of The Rotary Foundation foster enduring, positive change both locally and worldwide. You can assist Rotary's ongoing charitable efforts by joining Rotary Direct, the Foundation's recurring donation program.

In the previous year, the Foundation allocated funds to over 1,200 global grants, 480 district grants, and 105 disaster response grants, all made possible by our altruistic benefactors. Rotary Direct stands out as a convenient and secure method for donors to back the Foundation, with automated contributions eliminating the need for manual check mailing or annual donation reminders. Click "Read More" to continue article.

Wine and Food Festival a Success

Congratulations to the Encinitas Rotary Club. They raised $87,000 at their 21st Encinitas Wine & Food Festival benefitting 14 local charities:

Children’s Category Beneficiaries:

San Diego LabRats
Do Something Now!
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
Encinitas Education Foundation
MAEGA - Mexican American Educational Guidance Association

Community Category Beneficiaries:

Heritage Ranch
Rotary Club of Encinitas
Green Dreams Women
Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club
Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Encinitas Chamber of Commerce
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito
Pacific Southwest Community Development Corp See Less

Tips for Membership Growth

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

The primary challenge for Rotary clubs is increasing their membership. A larger membership equates to a greater impact both locally and globally. Adequate membership ensures sustained leadership, a steady stream of ideas, and the capacity to carry out service projects. Below are strategies to consider when developing a recruitment plan for your club. Like businesses, clubs must stay relevant to the community. Consider how you can position your club to successfully attract and retain members. Click "Read More" for tips to consider.

Guests at Fisher House Receives Pizzas

Rotarians from the Coronado Rotary Club delivered 18 pizzas to their neighbors at Fisher House at Balboa Medical Center. Coronado Rotary provides monthly meals for the guests. This month all 18 rooms were filled. It’s not about the food; it’s about the love!

Foster Youth Supported by the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club

On August 10, eighteen volunteers from the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club took part in the My First Home Program by Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT). JIT initiated My First Home to provide essential items to young adults exiting the foster care system, helping turn their living spaces into welcoming homes. The Club donated $2,500 to the program and helped five young participants select a variety of new and gently used items from JIT's well-stocked warehouse. They then transported these items to their new homes. The opportunity to meet these resilient individuals and contribute Rotarian's time and effort was an inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Revived Vocational Services Business Mixer Slated for September

We invite you to our revived Vocational Services Business Mixer on Thursday, September 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., located at the UCSD Faculty Club Lounge. This networking event welcomes all Rotarians across District 5340. Joining Rotary offers numerous opportunities, including growing your business through networking events like this. Bring your business cards and engage in fellowship while presenting your business to peers. We look forward to seeing you!

Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) is Taking a survey

The District's 5340 Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) is taking a survey of all veterans in the district so we can maintain contact, to honor you for your military service in support of our country, alert you to opportunities to assist and serve the veteran and military community, let your clubs know about events that they may interested in to serve our veteran community, and to honor you for your military service in support of our country. Click "Read More" to learn how to take the survey.

D5340 Chapter of RAGMHI Creates Newsletter

The Rotary District 5340 Chapter of the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives has created a newsletter that will periodically come out providing you with the action group's plans and dreams for how we, in San Diego and Imperial Counties can take action on behavioral and mental health initiatives. A variety of topics will be covered in each edition. We encourage you to join our mailing list, simply click here. To read our August Newsletter, click here to download.

Selection for 2026-27 Rotary International President

Sangkoo Yun, a member of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, is the selection of the Nominating Committee or President to become Rotary International’s president for 2026-27. Yun will .officially become the nominee on 15 September if no other candidates challenge him.

Yun received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Syracuse University School of Architecture in the U.S. and an honorary doctoral degree from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He is the founder and CEO of Dongsuh Corp., which engineers and markets architectural materials, and the president of Youngan Corp., which operates in real estate and financial investment. He is involved in many civic organizations and has a special interest in the preservation of cultural heritage.

A Rotary member since 1987, when he was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Yun has served Rotary International as a director, trustee, committee member and chair, and RI learning facilitator. He served for eight years as co-chair of the Keep Mongolia Green Project, by Korean members of Rotary. His RI committee roles include the Board Administration Committee (2013-15, vice chair 2014-15), the International Assembly Committee (vice chair, 2020-21), and the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (regional vice chair, 2023-27). He also served on The Rotary Foundation’s Executive Committee (2019-22, chair 2020-21) and Programs Committee (2019-22, chair 2020-22).

Yun received The Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021-22. He was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, awarded the Friendship Medal by the president of Mongolia, and recognized for distinguished services by the president and prime minister of Korea. He is a veteran of the Republic of Korea Army and an emeritus elder at Andong Presbyterian Church.

Yun and his spouse, Eunsun, are Rotary Foundation Benefactors, Major Donors, and members of the Arch Klumph Society, the Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society. They have two children.

To learn more about Yun, read his interview and vision statement, which outline his goals for Rotary.

Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant to American Academy of Pediatrics

On Tuesday, August 6th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded a $1500 grant to the American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chapter 3, in support of their Reach Out and Read Program.

The San Diego Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has been a reliable advocate for children's health and well-being. Since 1961, they have not only provided services to local pediatricians but also managed numerous community projects aimed at promoting child health initiatives.

The Reach Out and Read program leverages the special bond between parents and medical professionals to nurture essential early reading skills in children, beginning from infancy.

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission Rotary President Bob Chalfa, Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz and Tara Milbrand, MSW who serves as the Associate Executive Director of the San Diego office of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Serving Up Lunches

A few members of the Del Mar-Solana Beach Sunrise Rotary club spent their lunchtime last week serving lunch to the campers at the Junior Adaptive Sports Camp put on by Angel City Sports on the Miramar College campus.

Feeding Those in Service

Members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club supplied lunches for everyone at the August Thousand Smiles clinic in Ensenada, including volunteers and families. This event presents a fantastic chance for newcomers to aid a variety of professionals—doctors, dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, audiologists, health educators, nurses, and other volunteers—who dedicate their efforts to offering dental care, orthodontic treatments, and surgical corrections for cleft lips and palates to children in Mexico who would otherwise go without such services.

LEAD Just Around the Corner!

Just a reminder that this year's LEAD event (Leadership, Ethics, Aspiration, and Determination), a key initiative for introducing young people to Rotary values, is scheduled for October 12-13, 2024. The application deadline is September 8th.

Rotary Friendship Exchange to India, January 2025

The Rotary Friendship Exchange program gives Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience other cultures firsthand, by participating in reciprocal visits with Rotarians from other countries and their families. We have an opportunity for you!

Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant to the San Diego Air & Space Museum

Photo: Members of Old Mission Rotary visited the San Diego Air & Space on Tuesday, July 30th to present a $10,000 grant from the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary. In the crowd are Air & Space Museum President and CEO Jim Kidrick, Collection & Research Director Katrina Pescador and Collections Curator Becky Conrad.

On Tuesday, July 30th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded a $10,000 grant to the Air & Space Museum for the specific purpose of renovating their uniform and textile collection's basement storage room. The new state-of-the-art storage and shelving systems will enable Collections Curator Becky Conrad to organize and catalog the invaluable collection.

President and CEO Jim Kidrick, along with Collection & Research Director Katrina Pescador, expressed their gratitude to Old Mission Rotary for the grant. Rotarians were honored with a lunch and a guided tour of the museum. Many attendees, having not visited the museum for years, were thoroughly impressed and resolved to return soon with friends and family.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum, an aviation and space exploration museum located in Balboa Park, first opened its doors to the public in February 1963 and has been a beloved and ever-evolving San Diego attraction.

The museum's missions are:
- To preserve significant artifacts of air and space history and technology.
- To inspire excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- To educate the public on the historical and social significance of air and space technology and its future potential.
- To celebrate the history and technology of aviation and space flight.

August is Membership and New Club Development Month

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

August, designated as Membership and Club Development Month, is an ideal time to contemplate the numerous advantages of Rotary membership. Rotary is a worldwide network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers dedicated to creating a positive, enduring impact on our communities and across the globe. The pillars of Rotary's success are our united efforts in service, leadership, and fellowship.

Being a Rotarian comes with a wealth of benefits, including professional networking opportunities and avenues for personal growth. Members join a global network of 1.4 million Rotarians, which encourages connections that go beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. This diverse assembly offers a forum for idea exchange, collaborative projects, and the formation of lasting friendships. Moreover, Rotary's dedication to ethical leadership and service provides members with opportunities to enhance their leadership abilities and effect real change in their communities. Click "Read More" to continue article.

Past District Governor Passes

We regretfully announce the passing of Past District Governor Frederick "Pat" Cromwell on August 1, 2024. Pat served as governor in 1993-1994, was a member of Club 33, and a retired civil practice attorney.

A private service will be held shortly, with a public memorial planned for October. Condolences may be sent to his wife of fifty years, Maggi Crowell, at Casa de Mañana Retirement Community, 849 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037.

We unite in sorrow over the loss of one of our own, a man with an immensely generous heart.

Over 1000 Backpacks Provided to Students

For a decade, K-12 students have been receiving free loaded backpacks to kick off a successful return to school, thanks to the program known as SMOAC Buddy's Backpacks. Named in honor of its late co-founder Buddy Rabaya, the initiative has expanded rapidly over the years. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Buddy's Backpacks has gained fame and broadened its reach. Initially catering to the Santee School District, it now welcomes any East County student provided their parents and student can come to collect the backpack. Any leftover backpacks are taken to school district offices to be given to students in need.

Starting in early summer, collection sites are set up across the Santee community for organizations and individuals to donate backpacks and supplies. These items are stored and organized at Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park, the base for the Santee Mobile Homes Action Committee, whose residents handle the initial preparations for this successful program. Community volunteers come together on the eve of distribution day to fill the backpacks with supplies.

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club has played a key role in supporting this initiative since its beginning. Rotarian Elana Levens-Craig, a member of the SMOAC Committee overseeing this project, has led the Club's efforts in gathering backpacks, supplies, and financial contributions to ensure students are well-equipped for school. Club members also assist with the packing activities and manage parking and distribution of backpacks to families at the school site.

The Club proudly reports that they distributed 600 backpacks within the first 40 minutes and nearly 1,000 in total!

Rotary Citation Winners Announced

Former District Governor Don Fipps announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Rotary Citation, an award that honors the diligent efforts of clubs over the year. Actions taken to meet the citation's objectives enable our club to involve our members, maintain community relevance, and operate more effectively. We would like to offer our heartiest congratulations to the following clubs:

Carlsbad High Noon	Carlsbad
Chula Vista	Chula Vista-Eastlake
Coronado	Del Mar
E-Club of San Diego Global	El Cajon Sunset
El Cajon	Encinitas Coast
Escondido	Fallbrook
La Jolla Golden Triangle	La Mesa
Mission Valley Evening	Oceanside
Point Loma	Rancho Bernardo Sunrise
Rancho Bernardo	Ranch Santa Fe
San Diego Coastal	San Diego Downtown Breakfast
San Diego	San Diego-Paradise Valley
Encinitas	Santee-Lakeside
Southeast San Diego	Sweetwater San Diego

Nominations Now Open for District Governor

District 5340's Nominating Committee is now accepting completed application forms for the Governor of District 5340 for the Rotary Year 2027 – 2028. The application deadline is September 30, 2024.

Do You Want to Learn Spanish?

Are you looking to improve your Spanish AND want to support the RECSDG Madrinas Project in Guatemala? Then we have a great offer for you and you should read on!

The Rotary E-Club San Diego Global has been supporting indigenous students in Guatemala since 2017, first through high school education and now through the university setting. One of the recent college graduates, Lilian, is now offering Conversational Spanish Language classes to support herself and her family and also to raise money for the Madrinas Project. For more information or to sign up click here.

RYLA Scheduled for April 25-27

RYLA is slated for April 25-27 in Idyllwild. It's time to start planning.

Operation Gratitude

The District Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) looks for opportunities to support our military and veteran community. One such is occurring next month and we are offering information for clubs and individuals to participate if desired. Click "Read More" for further information on this service project.

Food Valued at $1,400 donated to the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center.

This past week, members of the Coronado Rotary Club had the privilege of partnering with the San Diego Naval Base Commissary to deliver $1,400 worth of food to the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center.

A big thank you to all the Rotarians who joined in. Together, we’re making a difference in our community!

District Governor Champions End Polio Now Campaign

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

Rotary's foremost goal remains the global eradication of Polio. This year, there have been 17 cases of Wild Poliovirus, with 9 in Afghanistan and 8 in Pakistan. Eradicating a disease is an immense task, and your support is crucial as we continue to advocate, educate, and fundraise for this vital cause. Information and resources about our campaign to END POLIO can be found at www.endpolionow.org.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (www.polioeradication.org) offers comprehensive information on the collaborative efforts of Rotary and its partners to eliminate Polio. The GPEI has released a new technical brief titled "Building a Climate-Resilient Polio-Free World," which discusses the link between the climate crisis and polio eradication, providing valuable insights into how we can achieve a polio-free world while ensuring a climate-resilient future. Click "Read More" to continue article.

Escondido Rotary After 5 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our Escondido Rotary After 5 Scholarship Recipients from Del Lago Academy. These very deserving students will receive scholarships of $1,500 per year during their undergraduate programs:

Vanessa Varona Barriga CSUSM Nursing
Edith Castellanos UC Berkeley Genetic Counseling (Ophthalmology)
Harmony Ortega SDSU Sociology
Analisse Garcia-Arana USD Dentistry
Camilla Lopez Gandara SDSU Nursing
Juliana Lindsay Escolano CSUSM Biology/Nursing
Yury Pastor Ibarra UCLA Law/Criminal Justice

A US-based Liberian Immigrant and Rotarian Makes a Difference.

Benjamin Kettor, a Rotarian and executive of the Rotary E-club of San Diego Global, hailing from Foya, Lofa County, Liberia, was unfamiliar with computer science until post-high school. His journey commenced in 1996 during his exile in the Republic of Guinea, where a kind donation of one US dollar ($1.00) provided him the chance to acquire basic computer skills. Over two decades later, Mr. Kettor, now involved with various humanitarian organizations and living in San Diego, California, is delving into computer science to enhance the educational landscape in his native Liberia.

In March 2024, Ben, commonly known by this name, traveled to Liberia under the banner of Destiny Hands International, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization he had previously established. He collaborated with his San Diego-based Rotary E-Club, as well as other like-minded individuals and organizations, to launch a computer project. The initiative aimed to equip and establish a computer lab and digital library at his childhood school in Foya, featuring a wireless system called SmartServer. The project was successfully completed with twenty laptops and a SmartServer, marking the first time a school in his hometown of Foya, Lofa County, District #1, had received such facilities.

Having established Destiny Hands, Mr. Kettor brought together a committed team, successfully registering and incorporating BENDIS Technologies (BETECH) as a non-profit to formally conduct and execute projects in Liberia. BETECH stands for BENDIS Technologies, a non-profit organization in Liberia focused on educational innovation and dedicated to:

Every student in every school in Liberia having the opportunity to learn computer science and develop basic computer skills as part of their K–12 education.
To expanding access to computer science in schools.
To increasing participation by girls and young adults, including but not limited to students from other groups that are unrepresented.

For those seeking a dependable partner for projects in Liberia, West Africa, and beyond, consider joining forces with Ben and the Rotary Eeclub of San Diego Global. Alongside partners such as Destiny Hands International and BETECH, they aim to equip Liberian students with essential computer skills before their high school graduation. If you are aware of any individuals or companies with refurbished computers that could benefit students in Liberia for an upcoming project, please contact Rotarian Benjamin Kettor to discuss a partnership via email at bendis4us@gmail.com or destinyhands21@gmail.com.

Resources for more information: WWW.DESTINYHANDS.ORG and WWW.RECSDG.ORG.

Rotary Clubs of North County Independence Day Parade 2024

Participating in the Independence Day parade in Oceanside on June 29, 2024, were members and friends from Oceanside, El Camino (Oceanside), Carlsbad High Noon, Carlsbad Evening, and The San Diego Coastal Rotary Clubs.

The clubs celebrated 100 Years of Service to a large crowd of cheering spectators lining the streets of Coast Highway!

Lobster Fest Slated for September

You are invited to participate in the Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary's Baja Lobsterfest fundraiser on September 28th.

Introduction to Membership

Membership Seminar - Introduction to Membership

Saturday, August 10, 2024

9-10:30AM

Via ZOOM

(Zoom Information will be provided to registered participants)

This seminar will offer an overview of membership concepts, resources, and ideas. Participants will explore key areas related to membership, learn about the resources available to support club growth and success, and have the chance to share experiences and ideas with fellow Rotarians within the District.

This workshop is intended for club presidents, membership chairs/committees and all Rotarians who want to learn how to help their clubs and Rotary grow and thrive!

REGISTER NOW

6,500 Toys Donated at Del Mar Fair

Over the past few weeks, the Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club has been assisting the Rotary Club of Torrey Pines with their Care 'n Share Toy Drive at the San Diego County Fair. They have facilitated the transportation of donated items from the fair to a Mission Valley site for further delivery to the ultimate destination.

A remarkable total of 6,500 toys were gathered, enough to fill three single-car garages! By Tuesday, these toys were on their way to the border, destined for the children at Hospital Infantil de las Californias in Mexico.

To view the CBS8 newscast covering this year's Care 'n Share Toy Drive as it wraps up its annual efforts, click here. The initiative, spearheaded by Rotarian Nancy Stokes, is gaining traction and generating excitement throughout San Diego.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all the Rotary Clubs and Rotarians who volunteered, contributing to the success of this exceptional District-wide service project. A special acknowledgment is due for Nancy Stokes' remarkable dedication, which has been instrumental in shaping the program's success.

It's Time to Think About Signing Up for the 2025 Rotary Convention in Calgary

It’s time to start making plans to meet up with your Rotary besties in Canada at a convention with an epic backdrop: the Rocky Mountain foothills.

The Rotary International Convention returns for a second time to Calgary, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics and a city known for its bicycling culture and strong Indigenous heritage. Clubs will use Rotary’s signature event 21-25 June to boost membership and interest in working with the organization, while exchanging ideas with attendees on how to do the same in their hometowns — whether that’s Toronto or Tokyo. You’ll leave renewed with Action Plan inspiration to make your club the place to be.

Organizers will showcase inspiring community projects — you might be asked to help with one — to drive awareness of Rotary around the convention, last held in the city in 1996. It will be one of the largest events in the recently expanded BMO Centre. You’ll help spread the story of Rotary’s good work simply by attending. And you’ll find plenty of excitement in the city, known for its Calgary Stampede summer rodeo (search online for snapshots of cowgirl hat-wearing 2022-23 RI President Jennifer Jones in the parade).

This gateway to the Canadian Rockies will tempt you to extend your travels. Many people visit Calgary to start or end a Western Canada rail tour. Calgary is an ideal launching point to explore a piece of North America. A stopover on your way home in sunny Hawaii or Mexico, toting a souvenir bottle of cherished Canadian maple syrup in your luggage, would be oh-so-sweet.

To learn more, click here.

Rotarian Help Families Receive Essential Groceries

It's heartwarming to see the community come together to support those in need. Kudos to Rotarians Karen, Phil, and Jeri from the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps for their efforts with Feeding San Diego. It's amazing how events like these can make such a positive impact, ensuring that families have access to essential groceries.

July is Maternal and Child Health Month

Posted by Dianne Crawford, DG

It's wonderful to see Rotary's dedication to maternal and child health. Your efforts in reducing mortality rates, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting nutrition and prenatal care are truly impactful. By collaborating with local healthcare providers, governments, and NGOs, you're creating sustainable solutions that empower communities.

Initiatives like providing clean water, supporting vaccination programs, and educating on nutrition are crucial for healthier futures. Supporting Rotary's efforts this month and beyond contributes to a global movement prioritizing the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment. WE are the Magic of Rotary. Let's make this the best year ever for District 5340!

Escondido East RC Celebrating 50 Years of Service

The Escondido East Rotary Club is Celebrating 50 years of service. It's a huge milestone worthy of much celebration. Enjoying wine, a BBQ dinner, and a Casino Night sounds like a perfect way to mark the occasion. We invite you to join us on September 7th from 5:30-8:30 PM at the Forgotten Barrel Winery in Escondido. For more information, scan the QR code above.

$26,000 Donated to Local Charities

The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Community Service Committee's generosity is truly inspiring. Supporting such a diverse range of charities, from the San Diego Botanical Garden, St. Andrew's Church Breakfast Program, Solutions for Change, Shades of Pink California, Meals on Wheels to the San Diego Humane Society, shows their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

As a finale to the 2023-2024 Rotary year, the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Community Service Committee donated $6,000 to local charities, bringing their total donations for the year to over $26,000! It's heartwarming to seeing Rotary coming together to support those in need.

An Introduction to the Role of District Governor

If you're interested in the qualifications required to become a District Governor, we offer an excellent chance for you to meet with former district governors as well as the current district governor line to learn directly about what the position involves.

An Informational Social for individuals interested in learning about becoming District Governor will be held on August 14, 2024, at 6 PM at the residence of PDG Janice and Matt Kurth.

A catered dinner will be provided, so please RSVP to PDG Don Fipps at donfipps@gmail.com.

Santee-Lakeside Rotary "Gives a Sheet"!

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club has a longstanding tradition of supporting the East County Transitional Living Center. Among their cherished service projects is the collection of toilet paper, aptly named "Give a Sheet." The club donates the collected toilet paper to the faith-based emergency shelter, which serves both individuals and families. Additionally, the shelter offers transitional living and a range of social services, including transportation for healthcare appointments. The shelter program lasts for 90 days, while the transitional living provides a 200 sq. ft. room, equipped with beds, a bathroom, a refrigerator, and a TV, for a nominal fee. This includes all utilities and the option to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at set times. This arrangement enables residents to save sufficient funds for deposits, the first and last month's rent, and other expenses associated with moving into a new home. One can only imagine how much toilet paper these families go through!

New backpack Racks for Cabrillo Elementary School Students!

Last week, Members of the Point Loma Rotary Club constructed durable composite racks with stainless steel hooks to replace the old wooden racks and damaged hooks as part of a Rotarians at Work project. The sight of the children's tidy backpacks adorning the new racks provides a gratifying reward for the Rotarians' diligent efforts. School Principal Rebecca Vogel and site lead Terrence Steward gratefully received the new racks from Point Loma Rotary Club members Lloyd Weaver, Leon Scales, and President Debra Gookin.

Americana Personified

The Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth parade was the epitome of Americana. Featuring marching bands, politicians, and a variety of entries, it was a festive occasion for the entire community. The club's new President, Terry Heck, was highlighted, and Rotarian Mike Fuqua served as one of the Grand Marshals. Rotarians cherish the 4th of July in RB! Heartfelt thanks to David Brooks, Resa Coopat, Don Glover, Cathy Glover, Jim Hyldahl, Cheryl Roop, and many other members of the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo for their efforts. Kudos also to Brett Morey and Karla Prieto Morey for adding their impressive Humvee to the parade lineup.

Lifeguards Receive New Rescue Board

On July 3rd, members of the Del Mar Rotary Club, including former lifeguard Brett Mattei, Community Services Chair Steven McDowell, Club President Matt Kurth, and President-Elect Toni Mecaro, presented a new rescue board to Lifeguard Aidan Goodman, who is also the Vice President of the Del Mar Lifeguard Association.

Family of Four Experiences the Magic of Rotary

In a joint venture, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary club, Santana High School Interact club, La Mesa Sunrise Rotary club, La Mesa Rotary club, and El Cajon Sunset Rotary club gathered funds to construct a house in Tijuana, in partnership with Project Mercy Baja - Community Development Projects Inc.

On June 29th, these clubs fulfilled a family of four's dream by building an entire house in less than seven hours. The Rotarians managed to transform the lives of this family in a single day. Thanks to the generous contributions from club members, they delivered food, household essentials, and toys to the family in Tijuana. Moreover, the family received a surprise donation of a bed, dresser, fan, and mirror to furnish their new home.

The volunteers' ages spanned from 18 to 76.

Rotary Clubs of North County Independence Day Parade 2024

Members and friends from the Oceanside, El Camino (Oceanside), Carlsbad High Noon, Carlsbad Evening, and The San Diego Coastal Rotary Clubs participated in the Independence Day parade in Oceanside on June 29, 2024.

They commemorated 100 Years of Service amidst a large crowd of enthusiastic spectators along the Coast Highway!

The Magic of Rotary - Reach for Great

As your District Governor for 2024/25, I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you under the inspiring theme, "The Magic of Rotary." This year, we have unparalleled opportunities to serve more, to make a greater impact and implement new ideas. As we celebrate the end of another good year of service, we need to ask ourselves: Is this the best we can do? Is this all we can do? The world needs Rotary now more than ever, we need to do better than good. We need to challenge and push ourselves past good and REACH FOR GREAT!

On this 4th of July weekend, let's ponder how our Rotary initiatives can further freedom and peace. By leveraging our varied skills and passions, we can forge a world where these essential values are accessible to all. Let's unite to make this year exceptionally magical by surpassing the usual and accomplishing the remarkable.

Your commitment and dedication to positive change are invaluable. We are the Magic of Rotary! Let's ensure this is the most outstanding year yet for District 5340.

Why the Rotary Year begins July 1

The international convention was pivotal in setting the start date of our fiscal and administrative year. Rotary's inaugural fiscal year commenced on August 18, 1910, the day following the conclusion of Rotary's first convention. The fiscal year of 1911-12 also coincided with the convention, starting on the opening day of the 1911 convention, August 21.

In August 1912, the Board of Directors mandated a financial audit of the International Association of Rotary Clubs. The auditors advised concluding the fiscal year on June 30, allowing the secretary and treasurer adequate time to compile a financial report for the convention and board, and to ascertain the correct number of club delegates for the convention.

The executive committee agreed, and in April 1913, it officially marked June 30 as the fiscal year's end. This adjustment also facilitated modifications in the reporting schedule for club membership and dues. Correspondingly, The Rotarian magazine adjusted its volume numbering to align with the fiscal year, starting with volume 5 in July 1914.

Rotary maintained the tradition of hosting its annual conventions in July or August until 1917. At the 1916 convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, the delegates passed a resolution to conduct future conventions in June, primarily due to the high temperatures in the host cities. Consequently, the subsequent convention took place from June 17-21 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The phrase “Rotary year” has denoted Rotary's annual administrative cycle since at least 1913. An article in the July issue of The Rotarian remarked, “The Rotary year nearing its end has been marked by several highly successful joint meetings of Clubs, which are conveniently located for collective gatherings.”

Following the executive committee's resolution in 1913, the closure of the Rotary year has consistently been June 30.

Creating Hope was Celebrated in Style

This year's Governor's Dinner marked a significant triumph, as Rotarians from across the District convened to celebrate the transition of leadership and the virtues of Rotary. The event was filled with humor and a sense of pride. The attendees were captivated by the exceptional skills of our Music Competition finalists, who gave solo performances that earned them standing ovations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing District Governor, Don Fipps, for a remarkable year of growth and inspiration under his guidance. His Governor's message highlights the numerous achievements of the past year that have brought hope to many. His leadership has been pivotal, motivating us to embody our motto, "Service Above Self." (Click "Read More" to continue article.)

Last Governor's Message from Don Fipps

This marks my final article for "From the Desk of District Governor Don Fipps." As of midnight today, District Governor Dianne Crawford will take over. I am fully confident that she will excel in infusing our District with the Magic of Rotary.

It has been both a pleasure and an honor to serve the 63 clubs and over 2,900 members of Rotary District 5340.

I extend my gratitude to all the Club Presidents, District staff, Committee Chairs, Assistant Governors, and the entire leadership of District 5340. This past year has been enjoyable, and together, we have achieved much.

In the 2023-24 period, our members across 63 Rotary and Rotaract clubs have significantly impacted the communities we serve, with an estimated:

751 Projects
11,379 Volunteers
66,280 Hours of Work
$1,998,884 in Expenditures

On behalf of everyone we serve, I thank you for Creating Hope in the World.

2023-2024 Governor's Awards

2023-24 District 5340 Awards

People of Action Award – Tom Miller – Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunrise

People of Action Award – Luis Carranza – Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe

People of Action Award – Michael Brunker – Rotary Club of San Diego

People of Action Award – Bonnie Welch – Rotary Club of La Mesa

People of Action Award – Val Myers – Rotary Club of Del Mar

People of Action Award – Toni Mecaro – Rotary Club of Del Mar

People of Action Award – Fernanda Torres – Rotary Club of San Diego Coastal

People of Action Award – Bob Silvas – Rotary Club of Chula Vista

People of Action Award – Gary Bryant - Rotary Club of Chula Vista

People of Action Award – Sylvana Meeks – Rotary Club of Borrego Springs

People of Action Award – Rick Clark – La Jolla Golden Triangle

District Distinguished Service Award – Kay Barron – Point Loma Rotary Club

District Distinguished Service Award – Elana Levens-Craig – Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside

District Distinguished Service Award – Sandy Pugliese - Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside

Most Improved Club – Rotary Club of Borrego Springs

Best Small Club – Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club

Best Medium Club – Rotary Club of Carlsbad

Best Large Club – Rotary Club of San Diego Downtown Breakfast

Best Rotaract Club – Pacific Beach Rotaract

Rotaractor of the Year – Eric De Haas, Rotaract Club of UC San Diego

Rotarian of the Year – James Morrison – Point Loma Rotary Club

Kids Helping Kids

Posted by Kevin A. Cahill

Witnessing children at the San Diego County Fair donate their hard-won stuffed animal prizes to the Care 'n Share Toy Drive, bringing joy to ill children at a Tijuana hospital, is an extraordinary sight. Nancy Stoke has been remarkable in leading this initiative for 16 years, amassing over 110,000 stuffed animals for the children of Tijuana.

What's truly astounding about this endeavor is that the children themselves, not their parents, choose to donate their prizes. Repeatedly this week, upon hearing our announcement, children aged 9 and 10 paused, contemplated, and then sought their parents' permission to contribute their beloved Cookie Monster, Mario, or Pikachu to aid the sick children in Tijuana. A teen girl donated her large pink bear to the drive, stating, "These kids need it more than I do, and I really don't like clutter!" In a touching moment, a young boy, initially hesitant after donating his colorful snake, was comforted by another child who offered his own toy to soothe him. This is the magic of children helping children.

Our gratitude goes to Nancy for profoundly moving the hearts of donors, both young and old, the recipients at the Tijuana hospital, and us Rotarians, who are fortunate to witness the incredible magic of Rotary, aptly the theme for Rotary Year 24/25.

Surfers Unite Fellowship Sponsors Switchfoot BroAM

An incredible event was held June 15 at Moonlight Beach. The 20th Annual Switchfoot BroAM! Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship is thrilled to be a Sponsor of this event each year with the partnership of Rotary District 5340.

As if being on the sand with 17,000 amigos for the surf contest, surf jousting and live music wasn’t enough the fact is we are supporting the cause to benefit: A Step Beyond offering dance scholarships to children, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Feeding San Diego, Monarch School for homeless kids, Rady Children’s Hospital and Save the Music Foundation gifting musical instruments for disadvantaged children.

Join Us for a Padre Game

Padre tickets are still available for the August 20th matchup with the Minnesota Twins. Seize the final chance this season to enjoy fellowship with fellow Rotarians and root for the Padres. Tickets are priced at $58. To purchase tickets, click below. For ticket inquiries, please reach out to Patty Fortin at pfortin@rotary5340.org.

Open World Program Needs Hosts for Upcoming Year

Rotary International is excited to offer new hosting opportunities through the Open World Program for the 2025 calendar year, celebrating the twenty-sixth anniversary of Rotary's involvement in the program.

The Open World Program invites Rotary and Rotaract clubs in the United States to foster fellowship and international understanding by hosting emerging leaders from Eurasian countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. For more details, please click "Read More."

Grant to Support Cancer Research

The Point Loma Rotary Club recently toured the UC San Diego Moore's Cancer Center, where they learned about the latest pancreatic cancer research from the esteemed doctors there. Additionally, they had the chance to tour the lab and meet the research staff. As part of their visit, the club presented to the physicians a check in the amount of $60,000.

Care 'n Share Toy Drive Needs Volunteers

This year, District Governor Don Fipps is championing the Care 'n Share Toy Drive as a district-wide initiative, and the response has been phenomenal!

For the initial 20 days of the San Diego County Fair, we aim to cover 120 three-hour shifts. The Torrey Pines Rotary Club, along with the Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club and the Mission Valley Evening Club, have all participated with remarkable enthusiasm. Yet, we are still in need of more volunteers.

The Care ‘n Share Toy Drive is accepting donations of new and clean, gently used stuffed animals from June 12 – July 7 at the San Diego County Fair. We're also on the lookout for volunteers and promise a rewarding and enjoyable experience!

Interested in helping out? Please take a moment to review the job descriptions posted here. You can also view the Master Volunteer Schedule.

As this weekend comes to a close, we expect to have gathered over 1,200 stuffed animals to delight sick children in the area. Celebrating its 15th year, the drive has already distributed over 110,000 toys!

Man About Town a Wild Success

The Ramona Rotary Club hosted a delightful and triumphant fundraising event named Man About Town last Saturday, June 15, at the Lavender & Olive Venue in San Diego. The community showed immense support by generously donating money, desserts, and basket items, making the event a success through their kindness.

The participants this year included Robert Krysak, Emanuel Pasternack, Lee Castillo, Vinnie Ciampoli, Peter San Nicolas, Jonas Dyer, Brandon Powell, Peter Bidegain, Travis Ross, Tim Connelly, Jared Domnitz, and Micole Moore, who all exceeded expectations and entertained the crowd to the fullest. They were indeed the Greatest Of All Time (GOATs) of Ramona.

The Ramona Rodeo Queens also took part in the festivities. Keep an eye out for our Man About Town 2024 Calendar!

Rotary Cruise Planned for October 2024

Posted on Jun. 16, 2024

Enjoy a beautiful and fun-filled river cruise vacation with other Rotarians while improving lives! This cruise will be a wonderful opportunity to help raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.

Rotarian and WWII veteran Max Gurney in Normandy to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Max Gurney, a highly decorated WWII veteran and long-standing member of the Torrey Pines Rotary Club, was present in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, accompanied by Tim McCulley, president of the Point Loma Rotary Club. Following their visit to Normandy, Max and Tim went to Monaco to celebrate Max's 103rd birthday with Prince Albert, in honor of Max's role as the Honorary Consul for Monaco in San Diego. Max was interviewed by CBS 8 regarding his experiences.

Flags Put Away Until Next Year

Following the placement and retrieval of 17,000 flags by 400 volunteers for "Operation Flags for Vets" at Miramar National Cemetery, a team of 10 volunteers sorted, organized, and stored the flags in preparation for the next Memorial Day. Jim Frost, a member of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and proprietor of Frost Lumber, kindly provided storage space at his lumberyard on Miramar Road. Flags will be brought out again for next year's Memorial Day flag placement.

Don't Miss the Deadline for Grant Application Submission

Please ensure that your club submits its District Grant applications by the August 1, 2024 deadline. For the upcoming year, District 5340 will award matching grants of up to $3,200 to qualifying clubs.

If you're uncertain about your eligibility, review the policies on the District 5340 website. It's mandatory for clubs to complete and sign off on all previous District Grants.

For any inquiries, please reach out to alanturner.rotary@gmail.com.

Global Grant DDF Increased for 2024-2025

During the June 10 meeting of the District 5340 Rotary Foundation Committee, it was decided to raise the amount of District Designated Funds (DDF) available to each eligible Rotary Club. For the 2024-2025 Rotary year, the cap for Global Grant DDF per club has been set at $20,000, marking an increase from the earlier policy limit of $10,000. It is anticipated that this enhancement will encourage our clubs to initiate a greater number of significant projects.

Join Us on the Last Mile to End Polio!

Last week, Rotary Zones 26 and 27 provided an update on Rotary's ongoing efforts to eliminate polio. It is with disappointment that we report two additional cases of paralysis caused by the wild poliovirus, one in Afghanistan and one in Pakistan. This year, the total number of wild poliovirus cases has reached ten, equally distributed between the two nations. For context, there were 12 cases in 2023, 30 in 2022, 6 in 2021, and 140 in 2020. Despite this, we have seen overall progress.

Now is an opportune moment to support Rotary's Polio Plus campaign. Every contribution aid in acquiring the necessary vaccines, transportation, and materials to combat polio. Consider donating today. Additionally, you may join the Polio Plus Society by committing to a yearly donation of $100. District 5340 is inviting you to join the District’s PolioPlus Society. Joining is easy!

Download the complete June 14 weekly polio update.

Snacks for Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment

The Escondido East Rotary Club purchased and assembled snack bags for the Emilio Nares Foundation, which offers specialized services to low-income families coping with a childhood cancer diagnosis. These snack bags, prepared by the Rotarians, will supply nutritious sustenance for children undergoing chemotherapy.

Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club Raises $57,000

On May 11, 2024, the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club hosted a Golf Ball Drop and Silent Auction at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for local charities aiding at-risk youth. The Boys & Girls Club Griset Ranch, The Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, and Lifeline Community Services were among the beneficiaries.

The event saw 185 guests who witnessed the thrilling drop of 3,000 numbered golf balls from a helicopter, with the closest ball to the hole winning a $2,000 prize. Guests also enjoyed a selection of fine desserts, appetizers, and cocktails on the veranda, which provided breathtaking ocean views. The event was a triumph, raising over $57,000.

Better Support for Interact Club Presidents

Interact club presidents can now opt to share their name and email with Rotary International (RI). Those under 18 require parental or guardian consent. Upon sharing their email, they'll gain access to virtual training resources for leading successful clubs, stories and inspiration from fellow Interact clubs, plus chances for recognition and engagement. Distribute the Interact Club President registration form to your 2024-25 Interact club presidents.

Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra Receives Grant

On June 4th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra a $9,655 grant for the purchase of robust timpani cases, ensuring the safe transport of these sensitive symphonic instruments.

Since its inception in 1988, Mainly Mozart has united the San Diego community through exceptional orchestral music, intimate concerts, and outstanding music education for youth. The renowned Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival is recognized as the premier assembly of Concertmasters and Principal Players in the U.S., featuring elite musicians from the finest orchestras globally.

The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, a pivotal part of the organization since 1995, champions excellence in musical performance and education. Catering to students aged 3-18, it offers solo, chamber, and orchestral performance opportunities, including the unique chance to rehearse and perform alongside the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra. The program promotes the inclusion of students with cognitive and physical differences in its main ensembles.

Mainly Mozart is set to present six extraordinary concerts from Thursday, June 20th to Saturday, June 29th, hosted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla. For more information, visit Mainly Mozart's website.

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Foundation Board of Directors member Tom Sandler, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Nancy Laturno is the CEO and co-founder of Mainly Mozart, Lee Kaminetz is the President of the Art Pratt Foundation, Don Krupp, Judi Copeland and Bob Chalfa all serve on the Art Pratt Foundation Board of Directors

Zone Institute Slated for September

Summer is fast approaching, and hot on its heels is the Zone Institute. Don't miss the camaraderie, outstanding keynotes, and entertainment. The event is set for September 11-14, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.

Spokane, as the crow flies, is the largest city within a 1,656-mile radius! It's also a healthcare epicenter with the highest concentration of hospitals, labs, clinics, health education, and research facilities in the Inland Northwest and Northern Idaho. Discover this Pacific Northwest jewel by joining us in Spokane this September. Register now before the registration fees increase on July 9th.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

The Rotary Motto: Service Above Self

The motto of Rotary International, "Service Above Self," reflects its commitment to community service and selflessness. More than a mere slogan, it serves as a core principle that motivates Rotary members globally to put others' needs before their own. This dedication to putting service first propels the organization's volunteer initiatives, encourages teamwork, and nurtures a spirit of servant leadership. By embracing "Service Above Self," Rotarians create significant positive change in their communities and the wider world, exemplifying the conviction that genuine satisfaction is found in helping others.

Vines and Vittles Enjoyed by All

The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club enjoyed a delightful time at this year's Vines and Vittles fundraiser, which took place at Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo. The day was splendid, the turnout was impressive, and the vendors exceeded expectations. The Kids Zone was particularly popular. The funds raised will enable the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo to continue supporting young people, community groups, and humanitarian efforts globally.

The 2024 Wine Vine Uncorked Carlsbad Tasting Event is almost here!

Join the Rotary Club of Carlsbad Evening for an evening of food, fun & frolic with the best wineries, breweries, tasty morsels, live music and the most enticing auction items you’ll encounter this year.

All proceeds go to charity, and tickets are discounted until 7/19.

But don’t wait…seating is limited. BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

As the convention concludes, a prevailing thought is the joy of spending time with individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in the world. Fellowship is a vital aspect of Rotary, underpinning our meetings and social events. It allows us to connect with those who share our enthusiasm for service and uplift our spirits. Returning from Singapore, we find it fitting to be greeted by June's theme of Fellowship.

Rotary Fellowships are composed of individuals who share a common passion for recreational activities, hobbies, professional pursuits, or cultural identities. These groups contribute to skill expansion, vocational growth, and the enrichment of the Rotary experience by fostering interests and building global connections.

Rotary Fellowships provide a chance for friends and family to get to know Rotary, nurturing lasting friendships that extend beyond one's club, district, or country. They present international leadership opportunities and contribute to enhancing Rotary's public image and identity. If your recreational or vocational interests aren't covered by current Rotary Fellowships, you can contact rotaryfellowships@rotary.org to explore starting a new group.

Please visit www.rotary.org/fellowships for additional resources on Rotary Fellowships. You may also enjoy watching this video to learn more.

Peace Pole Erected at San Marcos High School

The San Marcos Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Interact Club at San Marcos High School, recently unveiled a Peace Pole on the campus. The ceremony was attended by the 2023-2024 President Chase Odom, the 2024-2025 President Diego Gonzales, Club Advisor Bryan Gonzales, and numerous club members.

This striking peace pole features the school's Columbia Blue letters and the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Russian. It is prominently placed in a beautiful garden near the school's front gate. Congratulations to the SMHS Interact Club on this commendable achievement.

Convention Ends on Optimistic Note, Looks Ahead to Calgary

After five days of fellowship, excitement, and cultural exchange, the Rotary International Convention in Singapore ended with a look forward. Speakers during the final general session previewed next year’s gathering, to be held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Fostering understanding was a central theme of this year’s convention which highlighted Rotary’s history of promoting peace. Rotary Peace Fellows María Antonia Pérez and Clara-Valentine Tigenoah celebrated the 25th year since the Rotary Peace Centers program was announced. Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Graça Machel, co-founder of the global leadership group The Elders, and Nacho Dean, a naturalist and entrepreneur who walked 20,000 miles and swum between five continents. Read more highlights from the 2024 Convention.

Paul Harris Society Annual Pledge Due

The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to any combination of the following:

Annual Fund-SHARE
Annual Fund-World Fund
Annual Fund-Areas of focus
PolioPlus Fund
Disaster Response Fund
Disasters of Magnitude
Approved global grants

The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.

To join and make your annual pledge, click here.

DMCC Thanks Rotarians for Placing Flags

The District 5340 Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) is very proud to have coordinated the first annual Operation Flags for Vets (OFFV) on Memorial Day weekend, 2024. This first of its kind effort rallied 400 volunteers from over 25 clubs from across the district as well as volunteers from other organizations on May 25 to place small American flags at every gravesite at Miramar National Cemetery. After the weekend volunteers again came together to remove the flags and place them in storage for next year.

Rotarian Rick Clark from the La Jolla Golden Triangle club was the inspiration for OFFV. A Navy Seabee and Vietnam veteran, Rick brought this project to the DMCC and asked for support. The barriers were formidable, but Rick persisted in bringing it to fruition. He worked closely with the administration of the Miramar National Cemetery and received the full support of our District Governor, Don Fipps. He searched for and found an American manufacturer of flags and authored a district grant to purchase 17,000 small flags. We wanted this to be an annual event so Jim Frost, another La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotarian volunteered space in his warehouse at Frost Lumber to store the flags and Rob Cenko from the Pt Loma Rotary Club asked his company, Northwestern Healthcare Solutions to sponsor purchase of storage bins. The entire DMCC contributed in various ways to include leading a group of section leaders, assigning the volunteers to sections, arranging for water at the sight, and promoting the event to local media.

The DMCC wishes to thank all District 5340 Rotarians who gave generously of their time to both place the flags at gravesites and remove them after the weekend. You can be justly proud of your dedication and participation in this event. The feedback we received was universally positive and we believe we have started a tradition that will continue into the future.

To watch news coverage of the event, click here.

Gratefully,

Mike Fuqua, Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo, Co-Chairman
Jim Mendelson, Fallbrook Rotary Club, Co-Chairman
Rick Clark, La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club
Rob Cenko, Pt Loma Rotary Club
Randy Large, La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club
Bob Rutherford, Coronado Rotary Club
Virginia Bayer, Coronado Rotary Club
Marty Peters, Rotary Club of Del Mar
Don Fipps, Rotary Club of Del Mar

$42,000 in Scholarships Awarded

The Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary has awarded $42,000 in scholarships to students from Carlsbad High School and Sage Creek High School this week. Warmest congratulations to all the scholars who applied, underwent interviews, and were awarded. The funds were generated by the club through its dedicated Scholarship Raffle.

Alison Brown in Concert

There's only one week left to secure your tickets for the concert of Grammy and Emmy award-winning Alison Brown. Alison, known for her frequent performances with actor/comedian Steve Martin, has been highlighted on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. Don't miss this extraordinary event featuring a world-class performance at the prestigious Conrad Performing Arts Center, all in support of Rotary's mission. Tickets are online at the box office.

Building Beds for Pets

This past week, the Chula Vista Rotary club members came out and built pet beds for the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility. What a wonderful idea for a service project!

Peace Pole Installed at Mt. Miguel High School

La Mesa Rotary and Interact kids installed a Peace Pole at Mt. Miguel High School last week. There were lots of cheers for hope in the world!

Miramar National Cemetary Blanketed in Flags

Several hundred Rotarians, friends, placing American flags on every headstone at Miramar National Cemetery to honor the fallen yesterday. This is first time that has happened at Miramar and Rotary District 5340 plans to keep this project going every year. This extraordinary effort was coordinated by the newly formed District Military Coordinating Committee. If you missed out this year, look for more information in Spring 2025 on date/time.

Red Shoe Day

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotarians were out bright and early last week to collect donations for Red Shoe Day supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Funds help families whose children are hospitalized by providing support for families with housing, nutritious meals, and additional children activities and more!

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

The Oceanside Rotary Club extends an invitation to all North County Rotarians to participate in their Independence Day Float. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, on Main Street Oceanside at 701 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054. Festivities begin with float decorating at 9:00 AM, followed by the parade at 10:00 AM.

In celebration of the Oceanside Club's centennial year of community service, participants are welcome to bring a chair for seating on the float or comfortable shoes for walking alongside. For details on the staging area, please contact Renee Richardson at 760-518-5076 or rotaryrenee@cox.net.

Register by May 29 for Special Savings!

We’re delighted to announce that the 2025 Rotary International Convention will take place in Calgary, Canada, 21-25 June 2025, and are pleased to offer a special discounted rate for those who register and pay by May 29, 2024.

Calgary, along with breathtaking beauty, is a big city with a small-town feel that warmly welcomes visitors. More than 165 languages are spoken in Calgary, making it a perfect destination to bring together Rotary members from around the world.

The 2025 convention theme is "Magic All Around," and from the moment you arrive, you'll feel it. The one-of-a-kind connections and friendships. The people with different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. The energy of thousands of members with their spirits, hearts, and passions together in one place, creating lasting impact and changing the world. That's magic!

Our special discounted rate for the 2025 Rotary International Convention is available for just a short time, so register now, and join us in Calgary.

Forever Balboa Park Receives Grant

On Tuesday, May 21st, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded a grant of $9172 to Forever Balboa Park to replace aging lockers in the Volunteer Room.

Balboa Park opened over 100 years ago, in 1915, in honor of the completion of the Panama Canal. The people of the city of San Diego came together to host a phenomenal two-year party called the Panama-California Exposition. This international event celebrated innovation, architecture, culture, and the natural beauty of the city of San Diego. Today Balboa Park covers 1200 acres and hosts 4.5 million visitors per year. There are 17,000 trees in the park, over 60 miles of hiking trails and more than 20 gardens. The historic Balboa Park Carousel gives 125,000 rides per year!

Balboa Park is so expansive and complex that the City of San Diego has partnered with Forever Balboa Park a non-profit dedicated to the care and enhancement of Balboa Park.

Forever Balboa Park has a full-time staff of 15 but depends on over 350 volunteers to serve as Garden Stewards, Park Ambassadors, Visitor Center staff, Tree Stewards and a group just to care for the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden!

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Foundation Treasurer Jackie Carpenter, Forever Balboa Park Vice President of Planning Jacqueline Higgins, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Forever Balboa Park Vice President of Facilities & Operations Craig Batrez, Art Pratt Foundation members Tom Sandler and Judi Copeland, Forever Balboa Park Vice President of Institutional Achievement Phillip Sammuli and Art Pratt Foundation members Bob Chalfa and Don Krupp.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Greetings from the city-state of Singapore the home to the 2024 Rotary International Convention. The Rotary convention is where friendship and learning come together to inspire.

A Global Celebration

Singapore, known for its vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and rich history, serves as an ideal backdrop for this global event. The convention is taking place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, a world-class venue that exemplifies Singapore’s status as a global city. Delegates are experiencing Singapore’s unique blend of East meets West, with opportunities to explore its diverse culinary scene, iconic landmarks, and cutting-edge attractions.

Environmental Summit a Success

District 5340's Environmental Sustainability (DES) Committee held its inaugural Environmental Solutions Summit on May 19 at the beautiful San Dieguito County Park. There were approximately 75 to 100 people in attendance for this 5-hour event. There were Rotarians, RYLArians, Rotaractors, Interactors from the entire district as well as appearances from DG Nominee Luis Carranza and PDG Steve Weitzen. There were also plenty of people from the community who stumbled onto the event at this busy park and were excited to see the work of Rotary and other organizations. Everyone left with a bit more hope for the future of the environment.

The core of the summit was made of five booths filled with great ideas for service projects and speakers and lead by Rotary Environmental Ambassadors (REA). The booths included Saving Pollinators with REA Jay Klopfenstein, Plastic Solutions with REA Mark O'Connor, Litter Cleanup with REA Scott Horst, Food Waste Solutions with REA Amelie Catheline, and Tree Planting and Revegetation with REA Jenny Parker. Each booth had representation from major environmental organizations in San Diego who partner with Rotary for impactful service projects and exciting educational speakers; the full list of organizations can be found on the summit website.

The summit also had a showcase of environmental projects led by various Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors. The showcase included projects from The Escondido Rotary Club, La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary Club of El Cajon Sunset, UCSD Rotaractors, Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club and the Hilltop High Interact Club, and Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club. The Judges Choice Award for $600 was won by RC El Cajon Sunset for their project helping to plant fruit trees in Kenya. The Public Choice Award for $400 was won by the Chula Vista Sunrise RC and Hilltop High Interact Club for their food waste diversion and education program.

The summit also involved a 1-hour service project to beautify the park and a wonderful tour through the park’s pollinator garden. Reusable cloth shopping bags (30) and metal water bottles (25) were collected to be repurposed with other charities. Plastic Beach collected a large amount of plastic film to be recycled appropriately. The event was, of course, a Zero Waste Event sponsored by Solana Beach Eco RC, EDCO and made possible with the help of Interactors and RYLArians of Hilltop High Interact Club and Youth for a Sustainable Future (Y4SF). The icing on the cake was the excellent vegan food and drinks from Scratch House San Diego.

A huge round of applause for the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club and all organizers and volunteers from around the district who worked diligently to make this summit a success and inspiration for the community. A special thanks to Rotarian Amelie Catheline who was the driving force behind the summit. Lastly, this event would not have been possible without the financial support of Rotary District 5340, EDCO Disposal, Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club, Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club, Street Stewards, San Diego County Solar, and Jimbo’s.

Making a Difference with Rotary Grants

Through The Rotary Foundation, clubs and districts can get a variety of grants. You can use them to support service projects, offer scholarships, and pay for other initiatives that make a difference in communities worldwide. This new infographic, Making a Difference With Rotary Grants, gives basic information about four types of grants: district, global, disaster response, and Programs of Scale. Download it to share with other members.

Important Changes to the Rotary Citation

The Rotary Citation will become known as the Club Excellence Award starting in 2024-25. The RI Board approved this change to better convey the award’s purpose as recognition of club excellence. Although the name of the award is changing, the criteria for earning it are not. Also starting next year, Rotaractors will be able to set their goals and report their achievements in Rotary Club Central, and they’ll need to do so by 30 June 2025 to earn the Club Excellence Award. Write to our Awards staff at riawards@rotary.org with any questions.

The San Diego Council on Literacy a grant of $10,000

On Tuesday, May 14th the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded the San Diego Council on Literacy a grant of $10,000 to help fund the "Imagination Library " project.

The San Diego Council on Literacy proudly coordinates Dolly Parton's "Imagination Library" program. Through this initiative, books are sent monthly to the homes of low-income children aged 0-5 in specific local zip codes. At an annual cost of $26.00, a child can receive 12 books. The program currently serves children living in the following zip codes: 92021, 92102, 92105, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92054, 92057, and 92058.

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Foundation board members Tom Sandler and judi Copeland, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz, San Diego Council on Literacy Executive Director Jose Cruz and Art Pratt Foundation board members Don Krupp and Bob Chalfa.

Message From District Governor Don Fipps

Over the past year, while attending Rotary club meetings in District 5340, I've made it a point to bring Rosebud along to spread awareness about Canine Companions and their invaluable work in training service dogs for lifelong partnerships with individuals with disabilities. Donna and I have dedicated several years to being puppy raisers. We ensure these specially bred puppies have a secure home, attend obedience classes, enjoy a nutritious diet, experience socialization, and receive abundant love. As my tenure as District Governor draws to a close, so does my time with Rosebud. She's embarking on a six-month professional training program at Canine Companions at the Oceanside Southwest Regional Training Center. Parting is difficult, but we send her off with our best wishes. We're hopeful that come November, we'll escort her across the stage to meet her permanent companion.

Making a difference comes in many forms, but for me, this avenue has been immensely joyful and fulfilling. To discover more about Canine Companions, their expertise, and their esteemed reputation in service dog training, please visit their website.

Football, Softball, Soccer Anyone?

On Saturday, May 18, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary and the El Cajon Rotary Club collaborated to support the Special Olympics at West Hills High School in Santee. The clubs contributed to a non-competitive showcase featuring a football toss, baseball throw, and soccer kick. They also took some time to enjoy the activities themselves. The West Hills Drama Team supported the Rotary in the morning and were outstanding with the participants. It was the inaugural year for a Rotary event within the Special Olympics. Club members expressed immense joy in assisting the participants, which in turn provided a fulfilling Rotary experience.

Soft Opening Held

The Rotary Club of Hillcrest hosted a soft opening at the LGBTQ+ Community Center on Thursday, May 15. The event saw a significant turnout and garnered support from community leaders, friends, and fellow Rotarians throughout San Diego. The Rotary Club of Hillcrest aims to support local community initiatives, including the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation.

Plaques at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

On Saturday, April 27, District 5340 celebrated Rotarian at Work Day, marking the 12th year that Torrey Pines Rotary Club members have cleaned plaques at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Annually, on the last Saturday in April, Torrey Pines Rotary Club members gather at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial to honor our veterans by cleaning their plaques on Rotarians at Work Day.

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial stands out as one of the most distinctive veterans memorials in the United States. It is the sole memorial that commemorates veterans from the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terror with a personal image, listing each veteran's achievements during their service.

Numerous current and former members of the Torrey Pines Rotary Club are honored with plaques at the memorial for their service, including Don Yeckel (Captain, US Marine Corps), Max Gurney (Technical Sergeant 4, also honored on the Return to Normandy for D-Day), George “Chip” Hayes (Commander, US Navy and Past Rotary President), Tom Ferrier (Captain, US Navy), Dudley C “Doug” Ray (Lt. Commander, US Navy), and Gordon Shurtleff (Airman 2nd Class, US Air Force), among others. A plaque for Jerry Zampa’s father is also present.

Max Gurney, a centenarian member of the Torrey Pines Rotary Club, will join 50 other WWII veterans on an Honor Flight to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.

Accompanying this text is a photograph of the Torrey Pines Rotary Club members who participated in the plaque cleaning at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial for Rotarians at Work Day.

Photo: From left to right - Gordon Shurtleff, Jason Ventetuolo prospective member, Merritt Haugen, Jennifer Preimesberger, Cynthia Schubert, Max Gurney, Joe Marron, Henri Migala and Jerry Zampa

Food Bank Benefits from Stomp Out Hunger

The May 12th Stomp Out Hunger event in Santee, hosted by the Postal Services, saw an overwhelming amount of donations from community members. The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club has long been in partnership with the Post Office and the Santee Food Bank, ensuring that the Santee Community's contributions are delivered to the Santee Food Bank. Members of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club, along with postal workers, offloaded 14,473 pounds of food from the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. They emptied the postal trucks, filled a truck provided by the club, and transported all the food to the Santee Food Bank, where volunteers organized the donations.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Embracing the Power of Youth

The youth are the heartbeat of our future. With boundless energy and fresh perspectives, they drive progress, innovation, and change. Their passion for making a difference and their fluency in technology are catalysts for positive transformation. Embracing their diversity and providing them with support and opportunities are key to unlocking their full potential. Let's invest in youth development to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

We have chartered a new community-based Rotaract Club, the Rotaract Club of Chula Vista, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista. Congratulations on for the formation of this new club!

15,500 meals of Minestrone Soup and Mac and Cheese Packaged

Thanks to Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary club members and their families as well as friends from other Rotary clubs and the Allen School community who joined them last weekend for their food packing event! They packaged over 15,500 meals of Minestrone Soup and Mac and Cheese for the Outreach Project in less than 90 minutes! The delicious food will be delivered to those with food insecurities within San Diego County.

New Rotary Club to Support LGBTQ2+ Community

A new Rotary Club is forming in Hillcrest to support the LGBTQ+ community, provide goodwill, and peace through [the] fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Join Rotary District 5340's soft launch of the NEW Rotary Club of Hillcrest on May 15, 2024, at the LGBTQ Community Center. This will be part of the networking event from 4pm to 6pm and will be co-hosted by the Rotary Club of Hillcrest, The Human Dignity Foundation, and the LGBT Community Center.

Come meet incoming new Rotarians, bring people interested in learning more about the club and looking to join!

Existing Rotarian and Rotaractors are encouraged to join us. The event is free!!!

Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant to Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center

Photo (L-R) Art Pratt Foundation Board Members Jackie Carpenter and Don Krupp, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Olivewood Gardens Associate Director Claire Groebner, Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz and Art Pratt Foundation Board Members Judi Copeland and Bob Chalfa.

On Tuesday, May 7th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant presented a grant of $10,000 to equip their educational kitchen with a new range and oven. Olivewood educates children, adults, and families through healthy cooking, environmental education, and leadership development.

Olivewood Gardens was established in 2008 and is a 7.85-acre educational garden located in National City. The property acts as a resource for community members to explore health education, environmental stewardship, and community connection.

School Garden Renovated

Rotarians At Work Day 2024 is now complete for the Rotary Club of Carlsbad. Volunteers met to serve their community by installing 45 plants, mulching, weeding, trimming trees, painting signs and so much more! Thanks to their Community Service Director Kelly for organizing this project and to the club's exchange student for participating in the workday. The garden at South Oceanside Elementary School is a labor of love by the teachers and students. Every student has the opportunity to connect with nature, explore the gardens and learn through doing. From fruit trees, edible plants and flowers, reading areas with books at the ready, to cooking with a celebrity chef - South Oceanside Elementary has created a place of inclusion and exploration! More than 30 volunteers and 3 hours later the club made a difference.

Events App for Rotary

Keep everything you need to know for #Rotary24 in your pocket. Plan your daily schedule, learn about speakers, download session handouts, and connect with friends through the Rotary Events app!

Download the app:
Apple App Store ➡️ on.rotary.org/44BLa8T
Google Play Store ➡️ on.rotary.org/44QWpdT

Army/Navy Academy Provided a Refresh of Campus

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary participating in ROTARIANS AT WORK on Saturday, April 27 by painting five historic buildings on the grounds of the Army/Navy Academy in Carlsbad. Teams were defined by building assignment and the gardening crew. Staff and cadets of the Academy also participated and when it was done the Academy had a much-refreshed campus. Thanks to all who participated - 50 volunteers - the largest volunteer group ever helping the Academy, according to Maj. General Peggy Combs.

May is Youth Services Month

Attend the Environmental Project Showcase and Contest

Join Rotary members on Sunday May 19, 10 am to 3 pm at San Dieguito County Park, in Del Mar for a day filled with fun and hands-on environmental activities. The summit is organized by the District Environmental Sustainability (DES) Committee with the support of Rotary District 5340, EDCO, Del Mar Solana Beach et Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club to make this event free and open to all. Bring your family and friends!

What can you expect when attending the summit?

Visit the DES Ambassador booths featuring the following topics: Tree Planting & Revegetation, Saving Pollinators, Plastic Solutions, Food Waste, and Litter Cleanups.
Join a 1-hr group activity whether you want to beautify a native plant trail or walk with pollinators.
Present your environmental project and participate in the contest to win one of the cash awards (Public Choice or Judges Choice). EXTENDED Deadline to submit your poster: May 14!
A food vendor will be onsite for anyone wanting to enjoy lunch.
This event is zero waste!
The site provides shade, picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground.

This summit is for any Rotary, Rotaract and Interact members who want to increase their environmental impact and/or showcase what they do. For more information, please visit the summit website.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

May is Youth Service (formerly called New Generations) Month when Rotary clubs, around the world focus on youth services, Rotaract, RYLA, Youth Exchange, and Interact, a Rotary-sponsored service club comprised of 14–18-year-olds. For more information on what is going on in District 5340 click here.

Last weekend District 5340 conducted its District Conference on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of Seas to Ensenada. Please have a look at videos and photos of the event.

On Saturday, May 25 District 5340 Military Coordination Committee (DMCC) will be placing an American flag on the headstones of our veterans interned at Mira Mar National Cemetery. If you wish to volunteer to help, please sign up here.

Rotary Supports NAMIwalks

Rotary District 5340 had a great turnout for the NAMIwalk 2024. This year, as well as supporting the great work of NAMI in San Diego and Imperial Counties, Rotarians walked to celebrate the memory of Chuck Pretto. The walk in Liberty Station had over 60 Rotary participants, and we were delighted that Kim Pretto and some of her family (including grandchildren) could join us.

And those on the District Conference Cruise also formed a walking team, what a great way to celebrate Chuck.

Rotary has raised $17,000 towards NAMI's programs in SD/IC. It is estimated that there were over 3,000 people at the walk and NAMI has raised a record $255,000. There were many Rotarians volunteering during the event.

For more details or to sign up to the D5340 Chapter of Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives please contact alanturner.rotary@gmail.com
For more info about NAMI visit https://namisandiego.org/

Hygiene Bags and Bedding Supplies for ECTLC

The Rotary Club of El Cajon chose the East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) as their recipient for this year’s Rotary at Work project. Members donated health and hygiene products and we assembled “Hygiene Bags” for the ECTLC participants. The Club also provided new bedding to help them equip five new rooms used to house families in their transitional living center located in El Cajon.

Every day, East County Transitional Living Center’s programs house over 450 men, women, and children. Their loving, holistic process offers an end to homelessness and the promise of hope to future generations. The El Cajon Rotary Club has been a long-standing partner providing grants and conducting projects to benefit the Center's objectives.

Seven Clubs Join Together for Rotarians at Work Day

It was a beautiful day in the valley as multiple organizations gathered at San Pasqual Academy for their annual Ag Day or "Rotarians at Work Day". A cool morning welcomed over 100 volunteers, and an announcement at 9:00 am declared that a record was set for the most Rotary Clubs in our District joining together on Saturday.

Along with the Escondido Rotary Clubs, Coronado Rotary Club and La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club (seven in total) joined in. The morning progressed to the fields for weeding, fertilizing, planting, and even rock painting in their Serenity Garden. After a productive morning, a delicious lunch was served.

Old Mission Rotary Supports District 5340 RYLA

At a club meeting on Tuesday, April 30th, Old Mission Rotary welcomed four of the nine high school juniors who attended District 5340's Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). Eight students were from St. Augustine High School and one was from the Academy of Our Lady of Peace.

Tom Sandler has served as the RYLA Chairman for Old Mission Rotary for 20 years and is relieved to see that the program is slowly recovering after the pandemic. The quality of the training event was as good as ever.

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission RYLA Chairman Tom Sandler, Mirshah Misirlioglu (Our Lady of Peace), Carson Van Nort, Kendrick Vazquez and Jacob Kajmowicz (St. Augustine). Jerry Rey is a guidance counselor at St. Augustine.

Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Grant to the San Diego Blood Bank

On Tuesday, April 23rd the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a $10,000 grant to the San Diego Blood Bank for purchasing sterile welding equipment. Sterile connecting devices produce sterile welds between pieces of compatible tubing to permit sterile connection of a variety of containers and tube diameters.

The grant was made in honor of Past District Chuck Pretto who passed away after a valiant battle with Leukemia. Chuck's wife Kimberley and son Anthony attended our Rotary meeting.

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Board Members Don Krupp, Jackie Carpenter, Bob Chalfa, Old Mission Rotarian and Blood Bank Development Manager Susan Josephson, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Art Pratt Board Members Judi Copeland and Tom Sandler, Kimberly and Anthony Pretto, Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz and San Diego Blood Bank Development Director Cheryl Castro-Lector.

Fallbrook Rotary Club Supports Rally for Children’s Arts

For Rotarians a Work Day, the Fallbrook Rotary Club got together to support Rally for Children’s Arts in the Park! Last Saturday, Rotarians gathered at Live Oak Park to cook cheeseburger and hotdog combos to feed families and raise Rally for Children funds. Everyone enjoyed close to 500 burgers and hot dogs!

Next Year's RI Foundation Goals

Mark Daniel Maloney, our incoming trustee chair, has set some Foundation-related goals he calls “Mark’s Magical Markers” for district leaders next year. Clubs will be asked to incorporate these goals into their action plans as well.

Lead by example by contributing to the Annual Fund by August 31 and the Endowment Fund by December 31.
Increase the number of donors in your district who are enrolled in Rotary Direct, our recurring giving program.
Encourage giving to our PolioPlus Fund and learn how to establish or continue to build a district-administered PolioPlus Society.
Raise awareness of the Paul Harris Society, whose members generously commit to giving $1,000 to the Annual Fund every year.
Recruit a team to plan a million-dollar event to increase giving to our Foundation’s Endowment.

Annual Governors Dinner - SOLD OUT!!!

2024 ANNUAL GOVERNORS DINNER

MONDAY JUNE 24TH FROM 5PM TO 8:30PM

SOLD OUT!!!

To be added on waitlist contact Bonnie Welch at bawelch@pacbell.net

4:30pm Check-In/Registration Opens
5pm-6pm Cocktail-Garden Terrace (No Host Bar)
6:00pm-8:30pm Dinner and Program with Entertainment!!!
(Parking is included but you must get parking ticket validated at the valet station)

SDSU International Scholar Seeks to Thwart Substance Abuse in His Native Zambia

Story Credit: SDSU International Affairs

Psychiatrist Brian Maila recently won a Rotary Foundation grant to further his academic research on interventions for substance use disorders in low-resource settings.

Brian Maila’s academic journey to San Diego State University originated not in the classroom but at his father’s grocery stores in his hometown of Kabwe, Central Province of Zambia.

As a young teenager, Maila began managing the family markets, spending considerable time at what he saw as an eventual career in business.
His father, however, had a different vision for his future.

“He came to me and said Sonny, I have looked at your results at school, and I am impressed that you are doing well. I would rather you focus on school than on business,” recalled Maila. “This business, let your young brothers and I focus on it.”

That conversation sent Maila on a path to becoming the first member of his immediate family to earn a university degree. Now, he researches addiction, treatment, policy, and prevention in the Joint Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use at SDSU and the University of California, San Diego.

Maila’s academic endeavors were recently enhanced when he was awarded a $41,400 grant from The Rotary Foundation to finance his studies in the United States. Rotary District 5340, The Rotary Club of Del Mar and The Rotary Club of Nkwazi in Lusaka, Zambia jointly sponsored Maila for the 2024-25 academic year award.

Maila becomes the fourth SDSU student since 2015 to receive financial backing through this specific Rotary program. Other recipients came from Uganda, Brazil and Sri Lanka.

“Our district always chooses to support an international student, someone who is from a developing country,” said Janice Kurth, Rotary Foundation chair for the San Diego/Imperial counties district and a member of Rotary Club of Del Mar. “Our primary focus with this grant is to prioritize global and public health.”

The district encompasses 60-plus Rotary Clubs in greater San Diego and Imperial counties. However, some individual Rotary Clubs also have their own programs supporting international scholars and projects. Old Mission Rotary, for example, has been a long-time funder of nutrition and other public health projects in rural Mexico for VIIDAI, a binational health and research collaboration between SDSU, UCSD and Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.

An international student’s hometown Rotary Club must officially support the grant for the student to receive funding. While these hometown Rotary Clubs do not provide money themselves, their role is essential to fostering international collaboration and relationships, said Kurth.

After earning his degree in Zambia, Maila traveled to Australia and South Africa for a six-week program on mental health and substance use, including opioid treatment. When he returned, Maila began implementing what he learned at the hospital where he worked.

Those efforts helped him land a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship through the State Department’s Institute of International Education to study at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Afterward, he returned to Zambia and put his education into practice again at the hospital. But Maila felt he needed key expertise. While well versed in treating substance use, he needed to learn more about prevention policies, community engagement, and theories underpinning both drug use and evidence-based interventions.

“I needed to delve into research,” he said. “Research will help me address these issues at a larger scale, rather than address issues at the individual level.”

Maila will complete his JDP classes at SDSU this spring and then relocate to UCSD in the fall to pursue further courses before commencing his dissertation.

“I have keen interest in alcohol, opioids, and cigarette smoking,” he said. “It is high time we got researchers trained in this area to help address the substance use problem, because it is a growing concern in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Mission Trails Gets a Clean Up

In recognition of Rotary's Enviromental Month, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club chose as their Rotarians at Work Day project - I love a Clean San Diego Creek Cleanup at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground in the Mission Trails Regional Park. The club went off trail cognizant of snakes and poison oak to get into the brush area for trash and debris likely caused by run off associated with recent heavy storms. They were accompanied by two park rangers who made sure they were safe and provided conservation and nature tips along the way. Interactors from Santana High School also joined in and were amazing company and hard workers.

Welcome Home - 50 Years Later!

Honor Flight San Diego has dedicated their April 26-28 24 Honor Flight to 90 Vietnam combat Naval Special Warfare SEALs, UDT and Boat Guys. These men served in an unpopular war and were treated poorly on their return to San Diego. Honor Flight is giving them the Honor and “Welcome Home” that is 50 years overdue. The charter Alaska flight departs San Diego on Friday 26 April, tours the Washington DC war memorials including the Vietnam Memorial Wall and will return Sunday 28 April. The Honor Flight is completely free to every veteran.

Bring your patriotic Red, White and Blue and welcome those who served as the arrive at San Diego Airport, Terminal 2 Baggage Claim on Sunday, 28 April 2024 at 1pm. This is a family friendly tribute to those who served. Navy SEAL Rotarians past and present will be on this historic flight - come out, show your patriotism and welcome them home.

Rotary District Military Coordination Committee is providing flight arrival details on their website via following link.

https://rotarydistrict5340dmcc.com/upcoming-events/honor-flight-san-diego-homecoming-april-28-2024/.

Goat for Joe Golf Tournament and Mental Health Fair

The annual Goat for Joe Golf Tournament and Mental Health Fair is a fundraising event orchestrated by Dana and Andrea Albert through the San Marcos Rotary Club Foundation. Their presenting sponsor is Lawyers Title San Diego. Hosted by San Marcos and Oceanside Rotary clubs, this event was created in memory of Joseph Aaron Nunez, Andrea's brother, who passed away by suicide in March 2017. There are several families in North County San Diego that may have a "Joe" in their lives that is struggling with mental illness such as suicidal behavior, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any other debilitating mental disability. Please join them for this incredible event - register by going to www.goatforjoe.org.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

History of Rotarians at Work Day.

In 1911, Rotarians adopted the motto "Service Above Self." Past RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, selected “Service Above Self” as the theme for 2005-2006. Through the vision of Past District 5340 Governor Bob Watson 2005-06, every Rotarian in the world had the opportunity to renew our commitment to this timeless message of compassion and generosity of spirit by participating in Rotarians At Work Day.

The first Rotarians at Work Day was on April 29, 2006. 60 clubs within District 5340 came forward and identified one or more projects that they performed. Many clubs partnered with other clubs including those in Mexico in District 4100, and nearly all of the clubs integrated other groups to assist such as Rotaract Clubs and Interact Clubs. Rotarians planted trees and performed much-needed maintenance to our communities’ highways, senior centers, a variety of public buildings such as schools, and parks. All in one day!

Today, Rotarians at Work Day is a Rotary International initiative spanning the globe. Not every District does it on the same day, but Rotarians can be seen globally wearing their Rotarians at Work shirts while performing service in their communities. This year, District 5340 is conducting its Rotarians at Work Day, April 27, 2024.

United Way Receives Funds from the Art Pratt Foundation

On Tuesday, April 16th the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $8540 to the United Way of San Diego. The United Way of San Diego focuses on ways to support early childhood and youth success and family stability. The funds will be used to purchase furniture for their newly remodeled outdoor break space for their staff. Nancy Sasaki is the President and CEO of the United Way of San Diego and she was present to accept the grant check.

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Art Pratt Board member Tom Sandler, President and CEO of the United Way of San Diego Nancy Sasaki, Art Pratt Board member Judi Copeland and Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz.

Editor Attending District Conference

10 Things You Can Do to Build the Environment and Support Peace

How Can Your Club Make a Difference?

Build a community garden and plant a peace pole.
Implement a community tree planting project assuring that it will introduce or incorporate individuals from all different segments of the community.
Plant Pollinator Gardens feeding birds, bees and butterfly populations, especially during the summer season.
Teach the proper management of solid waste and help eliminate disease through elimination of exposure to pets and rodents carrying the disease. Also helping reduce the pollution of rivers and oceans through discharge of wastewater materials in stormwater and title action.
Work with schools to have students help with clean stormwater projects. Litter and pollution swept away by rainfall goes directly into lakes, creeks, rivers and streams.
Build sustainability in the community through community rehabilitation and restoration projects. Rotarians should do these projects jointly with non-Rotarians and other partners to increase outreach across community lines.
In almost all parts of the world, mosquitoes are a transmitter of many illnesses. A Community Birdhouse or Bat House Project will provide a source of mosquito consumers for the community. These projects can be built and installed cooperatively with community members at schools, churches, and many public areas and can be used to build community.
Teach youth groups such as Interact, Rotaract, school youth groups, church youth groups, and other such audiences the fundamentals of respect for the Environment, and the fundamentals of building Peace both based on the Four-Way-Test. Behaviors which negatively affect ecosystems and are environmentally damaging are as contrary to the Four-Way-Test as behaviors which disrespect other people and deny them human dignity.
Provide education on and actions community members can take to reduce the impact of invasive and non-native species.
Identify ways to reduce the community energy impact. In some communities it may be carpools or in other areas it may be accessibility to alternate or natural fuel.

Rotary Nights at the Padres

Rotary Nights at the Padres

Join Rotarians from District 5340 for a Padres game! All seats are located in left field at The Point. Electronic ticket(s) will be emailed to you by Patty Fortin, 5340 District Administrator 30 days before the game. Click on the team's name to purchase tickets.

Padres vs. Washington Nationals
June 25, 2024 - 6:40 PM
Tickets $58 - limit 4 per person

There's plenty of tickets available. Come join us for a fun evening of fellowship and baseball!

Padres vs. Dodgers
July 30, 2024 - 6:40 PM
Tickets $74 - limit 4 per person

SOLD OUT!

Padres vs. Minnesota Twins
August 20, 2024 - 6:40 PM
Tickets $58 - limit 4 per person

There's plenty of tickets available. Come join us for a fun evening of fellowship and baseball!

Sign Up for Operation Flags for Vets

The Rotary 5340 District Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) is proud to be sponsoring the inaugural “Operation Flags for Vets” at Miramar National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend. In cooperation with the cemetery administration, members of Rotary District 5340 will be placing a small American flag at every gravesite to honor our fallen heroes. This effort is one that the cemetery has no funding or personnel to complete so they are excited to welcome Rotary to what will be a long-term commitment. Click "Read More" for more information and how to sign up yourself or your club to help participate.

To volunteer go to our new website rotarydistrict5340dmcc.com/volunteer.

Operation Flags for Vets dates are listed in “Upcoming Events” for additional details.

World Immunization Week

Time to start planning how you are going to support this effort.

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

Today, we have four Wild Polio Virus cases this calendar year and twelve last year – equal numbers in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year. Rotary International has made strides in Polio Eradication through teaching the importance of protecting children through lifesaving vaccines. Learn more here.

Help Rotary raise awareness for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines during World Immunization Week, 24-30 April. Find a variety of resources to help spread the word at the End Polio Now Resource Center.

Register for Zoom Workshop on Developing a Membership Action Plan

We all know that Rotary clubs everywhere struggle with attracting and retaining membership. Rotary Zones 26 and 27 are hosting a Zoom workshop to help clubs achieve their membership goals. Click this link to registrar for the Zoon link that applies to the date you choose to participate. Don't miss out on key discussions and insights that will help your club succeed.

La Mesa Rotary to Hold Pickleball Tournament

The La Mesa Rotary Club is having a pickleball tournament fundraiser on May 5, 2024 at the Hub, 9545 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 92077. Prices have been reduced from last year. Come test your skill or if you never have played, join the free clinic for first time players. Tickets are $70 for players and $40 for non-players.

Poway-Scripps Rotarians Are Busy Bees

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps has been busy this year providing Service above Self. They started in January with a blood drive. In February they donated 50 Hygiene kits to Interfaith Community Service follow shortly thereafter donating a lot of hygiene products to San Diego’s Your Safe Place. In March lots of items were donated to Poway Unified School Youth in Transition and helped them pack up 100 bags of items to hand out at their grab and go day to their needy families. Also donated approximately 100 baby items to STEP (Support the Enlisted Project) for their Baby on Board project. Working on several more upcoming projects as well as beginning to plan for the Poway Rotary parade, their annual fund raiser scheduled for Sept 14.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

This weekend, District 5340 conducted Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for area high school juniors at Idyllwild Pines Camp.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership development program run by Rotary International and funded by sponsoring clubs in the district. It aims to empower young people by providing them with the skills, experiences, and resources necessary to become effective leaders in their communities and beyond.

RYLA typically consists of a series of workshops, seminars, team-building activities, and networking opportunities. Participants engage in discussions on leadership principles, ethics, communication, problem-solving, and community service. They also have the chance to interact with established leaders from various fields who serve as mentors and role models.

Overall, RYLA aims to inspire and empower young people to make positive changes in their communities and to become the leaders of tomorrow. Click
"Read More" to get a pictorial look at this weekend's event.

Save the Date - Governor's Dinner

Mark your calendars today! You won't want to miss this year's Governors' Dinner slated for June 24 at the Del Mar Hilton. This is going to be an evening of celebration. Stay tuned for more information, including the registration link as it becomes available.

Car-Seats Distributed to Marine Families

On Friday, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Camp Pendleton and Rotary Club of Carlsbad were at the Warrior Warehouse to distribute more than 120 car seats to active-duty Marine families in need. That makes over 360 car seats distributed this fiscal year!

Wine Soiree To be Held on April 26, 2024

Friday, April 26 from 6 -10 pm

The Ida and Cecil Green Faculty Club, UCSD (parking included) $100pp

Details and registration here: https://lajollagtrotary.org

Lift a glass with the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotarians on April 26. Join us for our Wine Soiree FUNdraiser featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres and live/silent auctions.

Join us at the Faculty Club on the UCSD campus to enjoy a collection of wines from Sonoma, Paso Robles, Stag’s Leap District in Napa and more. Bid on some one-of-a-kind Experience Packages, all in support of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary’s local and international humanitarian projects. Unwind with friends and fellow Rotarians on a Friday evening and enjoy the creative pairings of UCSD’s chefs: Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Skewers, Tri-Tip Crostini, Meatballs, Beet Tartare, Garden Vegetables and a charcuterie board of fruits, cheeses, nuts and artisan breads. Click "Read More" for additional information on this upcoming event.

LEAD Program Scheduled for October

Since 2009, the District LEAD Program has been an opportunity for clubs to provide a unique two-day leadership, confidence, and growth conference for area 8th grade students. Pre-selected for their DEMONSTRATED leadership skills, the students attend a two-day (Saturday and Sunday) camp developed, presented, and funded by local Rotarians, and hear from speakers who help further nurture these talented leaders at a most critical point in their development.

Over 70% of clubs in the district have participated in LEAD. That means 30% have not availed their local students of the opportunity! Your club could make all the difference! Participating clubs can sponsor up to 3 pairs of students – 1 pair equals one boy and one girl - from their area-partner middle schools. The LEAD Committee is standing by to help those clubs who haven't made this commitment identify middle school administrative support - we can help you get connected - and provide a club-specific presentation at one of your meetings to help your club make this a priority. Click "Read More" to continue article.

District 5340 Military Coordinating Committee (DMCC) Established

San Diego County is home to more than 110,700 active-duty service members and 240,000 veterans, making it one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the country. San Diego is the home to 118,300 family members, of which 60.7 percent are children, which represents 7.6 percent of San Diego County’s total population. Unfortunately, incidence of divorce and child abuse among military families is considerably higher than the general population. Many veterans struggle with mental health issues and nearly 1,000 are experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Click "Read More" to continue story.

Florida Rotarian Paints Pet Portraits for Cleft Lip Surgeries

George Lewis joined the Rotary Club of Venice-Nokomis, Florida, USA, well into his 70s, but quickly found his purpose in Rotary. Lewis took part in a service project to install stoves for Mayan families in 2006 and learned of their need for clean drinking water. Organizing water projects with the help of district and global grants became his passion. Recently, he has turned his energies toward putting together grants to provide cleft lip surgeries. He has painted hundreds of pet portraits to raise money for the grants. Learn more of Lewis’ story on Rotary Voices.

Many of you have probably seen George on Facebook where he shares a number of his pet portraits and other art projects that he has engaged in for the benefit of supporting Rotary projects. George takes requests from all over - not just Florida. If you are interested in having a pet portrait painted by George, connect with him on his Facebook page.

Rotary Model United Nations 2024

District 5340’s 20th Annual Model United Nations Conference was held last week on March 23-24, 2024 at the Del Mar City Hall. Congratulations to all 81 Student Delegates, 11 student Secretaries-General, and all Advisors, both Teachers and Rotarians, who participated in this year’s Conference!

Once again, our outstanding high school students impressed us with their leadership and team-player abilities, their grace and strength under fire, their negotiations, conflict-resolution and coalition-building skills.

Rotary International and the United Nations are globally recognized organizations and Rotary was intricately involved in the formation and Charter of the UN. This Model UN experience will be beneficial to our students in their college applications, collegiate studies and future career endeavors. In fact, many of our Model UN alumni have pursued careers in international relations and other humanitarian vocations. Others have gone on to pursue degrees as varied as pre-med, law, business, and engineering. Click "Read More" to continue article.

Rotarians Invited to Attend the Mr./Mrs./Ms. San Diego Awards Program

San Diego Rotary Club 33 invites all Rotarians to attend the Mr./Mrs./Ms. San Diego awards program on Thursday, April 18 at 12 noon. Club 33 will honor the beloved late San Diego Padres Chairman Peter Seidler as the 2023 Mr. San Diego Award recipient. The award is given to a person deemed to have contributed outstanding community betterment to San Diego over an extended period. Seidler was notified of his selection and accepted the award in Nov. 2023, just before he passed away. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Padre's attire. Rotarians are encouraged to RSVP by April 15. Please contact jordan@rotary33.org or becky@rotary33.org to RSVP and to learn more.

Golf Ball Drop and Silent Auction Slated for May 11

Join the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club for the Golf Drop and Silent Auction. The date is May 11, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00PM. Tickets and golf balls are now on sale. Click here to purchase. Proceeds benefit youth at risk.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

April is Environmental Month! Last weekend my Notes had an article about how April was Maternal and Child Health Month. Rotary changed its monthly theme schedule in March so that now, April is about Environment.

The goal of Rotary Environmental Month is to mobilize Rotary members and communities to take action to protect the environment, address climate change, and promote sustainable development. By focusing on environmental issues during this dedicated month, Rotary clubs seek to make a positive impact on the planet and inspire others to join in efforts to preserve the Earth for future generations.

Please attend First District Environmental Solutions Summit May 19, 2024, at the San Dieguito County Park, it is FREE. Click here to register!

Access the new revised monthly theme document - Download 2024 Monthly Themes.

Rise Up Industries Receives Rotary Grant

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Board member Tom Sandler, Rise Up Project Manager Michael Lucero, Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang, Art Pratt Board members Bob Chalfa and Don Krupp.

Rise Up Industries is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that prepares the formerly incarcerated for careers as CNC machine operators in their full-service CNC machine shop. CNC (Computer Controlled Numerical Milling) Machines are highly technical computerized industrial machines.

The program assists many former gang members who receive employment, classroom training, and real-world experience on contract work to give them the skills needed for a well-paying career. The $10,000 Art Pratt Grant is assisting them with tenant improvements in a new and larger facility.

Rally 4 Reilly Receives $5,198 Grant

On Tuesday, March 26th the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a $5198 grant to Rally 4 Reilly. The non profit offers comfort and support while offering resources and financial assistance to individuals and families in San Diego County who are affected by spinal cord injuries. The award was accepted by Mark Daggett who is the Founder, Chairman, & Executive Director of Rally 4 Reilly and funds will be used to upgrade computer equipment.

Fisher House Grounds Get a Spruce Up

Chula Vista Eastlake Rotary Club joined the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club for some yard cleanup at the Fisher House.

Fisher Houses provide “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. These homes offer free, temporary lodging to military and veterans’ families, allowing them to be close to their loved one during a medical crisis and focus on what’s important—the healing process.

Third Graders to Get Dictionaries

March 23, the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo a labeling party prepping for distribution of dictionaries to 3rd graders in Poway Unified School District. Each dictionary gets a label in the front cover that depicts the Rotary Four Way Test and a place for the student's name. Long time member and elementary school teacher Cathy Glover lovingly leads this project. Next up is the delivery to schools to get to the schools and get the dictionaries in the hands of the kids!

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Tomorrow is April Fool's Day. I have never been very good creating April Fool's Day practical jokes, but I fall for them all the time. Also, tomorrow starts Rotary's Maternal and Child Health Month.

Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented. Rotary Creates Hope in the World by providing education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease. This is the power of Rotary!

Multifamily Housing Complex Becomes Service Project

Members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake, wearing white protective suits, masks, and wielding sledgehammers, embarked on a significant service project within a multifamily housing complex in Southcrest. The community is closely connected with Balboa Elementary and Chavez Elementary schools. Positioned with St. Jude’s on a nearby hill as a backdrop, the volunteers tackled the work head-on with youth volunteers from the Urban League. The extensive damage encountered was a sobering reminder of the need for community involvement and support. The spirit of solidarity among the volunteers and local groups was inspiring. Together, they participated in demolition and debris removal, part of ongoing cleanup efforts. While the city facilitated the effort by providing dumpsters, it was the united effort of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake and other organizations that truly made a substantial impact. Special thank you to our coordinator and Rotarian Koko Fajardo.

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake has tackled a series of hands-on projects that showcases our capacity to mobilize for the greater good. "Rotary in Action" exemplifies more than just a motto; it's a testament to the remarkable outcomes achievable when communities come together in a united effort for positive change.

Vines and Vittles Family Festival Date Set

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY

Vines and Vittles Family Festival

June 1, 2024

2:00-5:00PM

Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo

We're back on June 1. We look forward to a great day in the park. Join us for an unforgettable day of local flavors, crafts, and entertainment. For more information click here.

Rotary to be Awarded 2024 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award

Join Us in Celebrating This Distinguished Award

Rotarians, you have served California's Community Colleges' "best" and we want to thank you! Mira Costa College Foundation invites you and two guests to a special viewing party. On April 3, we will be streaming the Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award event.

This year, the Newtwork of Community College Foundations will be presenting the Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award to the Rotary Foundation and California Rotary Districts for their exceptional philanthropic support across our state's community college campuses.

Join us as we recognize them for their generous contributions and celebrate the impact of philanthropic commitments to our California Community Colleges.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 2024

TIME: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: MiraCosta College Community Learning Center

1831 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058Community Room 127

Rotary to be Awarded the 2024 Bernard Osher Philanthropist of the Year Award

Join Us in Celebrating This Distinguished Award

Join us as we recognize them for their generous contributions and celebrate the impact of philanthropic commitments to our California Community Colleges.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 3, 2024

TIME: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: MiraCosta College Community Learning Center

1831 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92058

Community Room 127

Complimentary appetizers and drinks will be served at the event. Speakers include District Governor Don Fipps and current MiraCosta College Foundation President Dave McGuigan. Specific clubs in our district that have been involved with MiraCosta include:

Oceanside Rotary Club
Carlsbad Rotary Foundation
Rotary Club of Encinitas
Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club
Rotary Club of El Camino Real “Oceanside”
Rotary Club of Del Mar
Vista Rotary Foundation

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How to Reserve the Rotary Blow Up for Your Event

8'x8' x 12" (H x W x D)

Free to Use for Club Events
Light and Easy to Set Up
Outdoor or Indoor Events
Four Outdoor Anchor Stakes

Included: blowup, four outdoor stakes, patch kit and blower; not included: hammer (for stakes) and extension cord,

To reserve the unit, send an email to District @Rotary5340.org that provides the following information:

Club name, your name and position within your respective club and the name and date(s) of the club function for which the blowup will be needed.
You will be contacted to confirm availability and to determine the pickup and return dates and times.

Bowling for a Cause

Join the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club for an evening of bowling and comradery. Their fundraising event will be held at Parkway Bowl on May 10 from 5:30 to 8:45PM. Proceeds benefit the Club's charity and community projects.

Tickets are:

Individual - $60

Teams of four - $240

Cosmic team of four - $280

Scan the UR code above or click here to purchase online. By check: mail to La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Foundation, PO Box 3277, La Mesa, CA 91944.

District-Wide Volunteer Event at the Fair

For 15 years, Nancy Stoke at the Torrey Pines Rotary Club has been collecting toys at the Del Mar Fair. Each year, she and her team of dedicated volunteers set up collection boxes and collect toys and stuffed animals from willing participants. Volunteers interact with departing Fair guests to encourage donations of toys won at the Fair, answer questions, arrange for hand-offs of gently used donations that may be at home, and hand out bookmarks or some token item as a thank you for a donation which has Rotary contact info on the back. Volunteers get complimentary admission tickets to the Fair, so you can enjoy the Fair before or after your shift. Click "Read More" to continue reading about this membership initiative that we would like all clubs to participate in.

San Marcos Rotary Club Celebrates its Success

The San Marcos Rotary Club is basking in the glow of recognition for its exceptional contributions to The Rotary Foundation during the 2022-2023 term. Past President Alan Geraci and Past Foundation Chair Steve Kildoo were recently commended by District Governor Don Fipps for their outstanding leadership and dedication. One of the club's crowning achievements was receiving the prestigious Every Rotarian, Every Year Club award, a testament to the unwavering commitment of each member to the Annual Fund. With an impressive 100% participation rate, the San Marcos Rotary Club demonstrated its unity and philanthropic spirit.

Moreover, the club was lauded for its members' remarkable generosity, with a contribution of over $100 per capita. This level of support underscores the collective passion for giving back to the community and making a tangible impact. The Rotary Foundation, with its century-long legacy of transformative projects, has been a beneficiary of the San Marcos Rotary Club's dedication. Having invested over $4 billion in initiatives ranging from healthcare improvements to education and poverty alleviation worldwide, the Foundation continues to be a driving force for positive change.

As the San Marcos Rotary Club looks ahead, its members remain steadfast in their commitment to effecting change both locally and globally. Join them in their mission to make a difference and be a part of something truly impactful.

Save the Date to Celebrate 100 Years

The Rotary Club of Oceanside is reaching a very significant milestone - its 100th Anniversary! Mark your calendars today so that you can join in on the community celebration. The event will be held April 20, 2024, from 11am to 2pm at Heritage Park, 220 Peyri Drive, Oceanside. The event is free and on-site food vendors will be available. There will be a whole host of activities to enjoy.

District Youth Music Competition Finals Set

The Final Four have been chosen! Earlier this month, twelve talented high school student musicians from across the District competed in the North and South Regional Semi-Finals of the 2024 District 5340 Rotary Youth Instrumental Music Competition. The Regionals were held in Carlsbad and Coronado, each featuring the club-sponsored winners of this year's ten participating RYIMC clubs. Two students from each Regional will now advance to the District Finals to compete for the $2500 Grand Prize, and an invitation to play at the Governor's Dinner in June. Click "Read More" for additional information, including time and date of the final competition.

$5000 for Camp Scholarships Awarded to YMCA

On Tuesday, March 19th, The Old Mission Rotary Foundation awarded a grant of $5000 for camp scholarships for children living in the underserved community of City Heights.

The Copley-Price Family YMCA opened its doors to the public in 2014 and proudly serves one of the most diverse communities in San Diego, offering a supportive environment for people in the City Heights, El Cajon, Kensington, Hillcrest, Talmadge, and North and South Park areas.

Old Mission Rotary has a long tradition of supporting the Copley-Price YMCA and meets at their beautiful, state-of-the art facility every Tuesday at noon. Lunch is catered by the onsite UrbanLife Cafe which is a YMCA program that trains youth in food service and retail restaurant operations.

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang and Julian Villegas of the Copley-Price YMCA. Julian serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for the YMCA San Diego Region.

The Rotary Club of Coronado Presents Peacemaker Award

The Rotary Club of Coronado annually presents a Peacemaker Award to an individual or group whose service promotes good will and exemplifies “people of action.” In recognition of his leadership in tackling the human trafficking epidemic, the club presented this year’s award to San Diego Club Rotarian Dave Oates. Active in this cause since 2019, Dave continues to spearhead preventative, education and survivor support initiatives in and out of Rotary to increase awareness of the scourge in the region and encourage active involvement in combatting it.

In addition to his anti-human trafficking work within Rotary, Dave also serves on San Diego County’s Anti-Human Trafficking Advisory Council, which reports to the County Board of Supervisors on all matters relating to this issue.

Pictured above: Coronado Rotary Club President Bob Rutherford, Coronado Rotary Peace Committee Chair, Sharon Raffer, San Diego Rotary Club Peacemaker Award Honoree David Oates; Rotary District 5340 Governor Don Fipps and Coronado Rotary Club Past President, LuAnn Miller. Not pictured: San Diego Rotary Club President Michael Brunker

Message from District Governor, Don Fipps

This weekend, Rotary District 5340 conducted its 20th Annual Model United Nations in Del Mar with 42 countries represented by teams of two from 20 difference schools debating two resolutions; Specific Actions to Address Loss of Global Diversity and Counter Terrorism: To Build a Safer World.

As Model United Nations delegates, students become exposed to and engaged in major world issues, while meeting and working alongside their peers from different socio-economic groups, cultures, and backgrounds. This experience is very similar to the situations encountered by actual delegates to the United Nations. Students will strengthen their leadership qualities while applying their studies in such areas as history, geography, and science to practical real-world situations. Most importantly, they will learn how to peacefully resolve conflicts and reach consensus on various issues – critical tools to become peacebuilders and community leaders. This is how we Create Hope in the World.

To learn more visit: https://modelunrotary5340.com/

Escondido Rotaries Go Wild

Want to visit another club and get a good deal in the process? Well, you can! Simply attend the Rotary Club of Escondido's annual meeting being held at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park at the Hunte Pavilion and get a good deal. For only $48 you get parking, admission to the park, lunch and a special program. This is not a fundraiser, but the Club does need to meet a minimum headcount. To join in, scan the QR code above or click here to make your reservation.

Entry Garden Built at San Dieguito Park

Nine members of Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club were joined by 15 students from Torrey Pines High School Earth Club to plant an entry garden at the San Dieguito Park. The club has a regular workday at this park every month to plant or clean up. This was a special day of planting green in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The club and friends were able to plant about 150 one-gallon plants and seven flats, mulch and water in just under three hours. The result will be beautiful blooms to see and smell and nectar for birds and bees for years to come. Please come visit and see the San Dieguito Park for yourself. The club invites Rotarians to join them for future events - usually the third Sunday of each month.

Military Outreach Mission Receives $10,000 Grant

Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Board Members Bob Chalfa, Judi Copeland and Donna Maytum, MOM President Sandy Carder, Art Pratt Board Members Don Krupp and Tom Sandler, MOM Executive Director Barbara Chavez and Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz.

On Tuesday, March 19th, The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Awarded a grant to the Military Outreach Mission of $10,000 to help replace their van.

The Military Outreach Mission (MOM) serves a vastly underserved population of junior enlisted military in San Diego County with basic needs to help stretch their limited funds while they live in one of the most expensive areas in the country. Their services are free of charge and consist of:

Distribution of food seven times a month at military housing.
Enabling military families to shop at their La Mesa Distribution Center for baby items, children’s clothes, and household items.
Helping families feel a sense of community, especially spouses of deployed members, by holding special events such as baby showers, Christmas Stores, Easter egg hunts, back to school backpacks drive.
Helping families during personal emergencies.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

March is National Women’s History Month

This month, let us celebrate women in Rotary. In 1987, the United States Supreme Court ruled that women could be members of Rotary International. The very first club President was Sylvia Whitlock of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California. The first woman Rotary International President was Jennifer Jones for 2022-2023. Stephanie Urchick will be our 2nd woman Rotary International President for 2024-25. Today, 40.3% of the members of District 5340 are female. Next Rotary year, 2024-25, Dianne Crawford will be our District Governor. Our District and Rotary International are much better organizations with woman as members and as leaders. Let’s celebrate women in Rotary and all of us Create Hope in the World.

Dine and Dance Under the Stars

Saturday, March 30, 2024
5-9:00 PM

Join the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs for dancing and dinner under the stars. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit a host of local causes. To purchase tickets either scan the QR code above or click here. Admission includes tacos and all the fixin's, wine, beer, soft drinks and coffee.

Foundation Cruise Will Honor PDG Chuck Pretto

As many of us heard at Chuck Pretto's Funeral and Celebration of Life, it is very important to enjoy every day of your life. Kim Pretto shared at both services how wonderful it was to go on the Rotary Foundation River cruise last April. It was only a few short weeks later that Chuck was diagnosed. Kim's point was that you never know when your last day is, so enjoy life every day.

This October on the next Rotary Foundation River Cruise, we will dedicate an evening to PDG Chuck’s legacy and memory. Come and help us celebrate Chuck, The Rotary Foundation and LIFE on this cruise. For more information email 5340cruise@gmail.com.

Old Mission Rotary Hosts Subregional Level of the Four Way Test Speech Contest

On Tuesday, March 12th, Old Mission Rotary Hosted a Subregional Level of the Rotary District 5340 Four Way Test Speech Contest.

Pictured (L-R) Dante Salata of Coronado High School (Rotary Club of Coronado), Varun Venkatesh of Carlsbad High School (Rotary Club of Carlsbad), Angeline Rodriguez of Hoover High School (Club 33), Yana Patel of Brawley Union High School (Rotary Club of Brawley) and Celeste Rodriguez of Hoover High School (Club 33).

The contest judges from Old Mission Rotary awarded first place to Varun Venkatesh and second place to Angeline Rodriguez. Both students will continue on to the next level of competition.

Have You Reported on Your Rotarians at Work Day Project?

Rotarians at Work Day

April 27, 2024

Now is the time to report on your Rotarians at Work Day event. Who's planning on joining the District wide NAMI Walk event for mental health? This important event in honor of Past District Governor Chuck Pretto will likely involve the support and participation of many Rotarians, however, we also know clubs have planned other events for April 27th. Please help your District Leadership team by reporting your clubs' activities using the following link below:

Google Form for Reporting Rotarians at Work Day Projects

Of course, if you get stuck or need help, contact the Rotarians At Work Day Chair for District 5340, Past President Brett Morey of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle at 858-602-2532.

Most Rotarians in District 5340 realize that the last Saturday in April is known as Rotarians at Work Day encouraging club members around the world to conduct a hands-on project. Did you know that this was started here in District 5340 and has since been adopted throughout the globe? Well, you do now, and you can thank the late Bob Watson of the Rotary Club of Coronado. Just another gentle reminder about how we can change the world for the better with one small gesture at a time. Thank you in advance for sharing what your club is organizing for April 27th with the District Leadership Team.

Medical and Dental Mission Philippines 2024

The Rotary Club of San Diego-Paradise Valley traveled again on an important medical and dental mission. Their goal was to complete three missions in three locations in the Philippines.

Their first medical and dental mission was in the urban area of Smokey Mountain Tondo, Manila, followed by a long land journey to the next two communities located in the small towns of Barili and Naga, Cebu. The last two communities required a tiring drive to a port using ferry boats to catch the other island to be there at a specific time. With perseverance and determination, dedicated Rotarians and volunteers safely arrived on time to setup what they came to do. The locals greeted them with open arms and are humbled to see them. Their smiles gave them the energy to complete their mission.

Armed with compassion and medical supplies, they provided essential care to those in need. Rotarian club members and volunteers worked tirelessly, offering optical care, minor surgeries, dental services, medical check-ups and screenings to the underserved communities.

This medical and dental mission not only addressed immediate health concerns but also empowered the communities with knowledge for long-term well-being.

As the mission concluded, smiles replaced pain and the people's voices echoed with gratitude. Rotarians and volunteers helped a total of 5,409 people.

New District 5340 Facebook Page

We have launched our NEW Facebook “District 5340” page. Please take the time to go to the page and click "Like" and "Follow". Our old page (Rotary District 5340) is no longer active, and we need to build up our following on our new page. This is where you will see District events and activities posted and should be your go-to-page for District news.

We also have an Instagram page as well as a LinkedIn page. Again, make sure you like and follow our page on these platforms and don't forget to tag #District5340 so that we can see your events on the District Facebook page.

Rotary Night at the Padres

Join Rotarians across the District at Rotary Night at the Padres! Come see the San Diego Padres play the Colorado Rockies on May 14.

Start time is 6:40PM.
Seats are located in left field at "The Point".
Game ticket is $58 - Limit of 5 per person!
Game giveaway is a Joe Musgrove bobblehead!
Click here to purchase tickets.

NAMI Walk in Honor of PDG Chuck Pretto

Saturday, April 27th, 2024 – Liberty Station and April 13th – Imperial Valley Mall

Please join us on this walk and celebrate the memory of Past District Governor Chuck Pretto. Chuck made Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health his primary theme and his family have asked us to dedicate our walking team and our donations in memory of Chuck.

District 5340 will have a walking team at NAMIwalk on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Liberty Station and on April 13 at the Imperial Valley Mall. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The event starts at 7:00am. The walk is from 8:00am to 9:00am and the Wellness Expo is open until 11:00am. All proceeds will be used in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Rotary also needs volunteers to support this walk. Click "Read More" for registration and volunteer contact.

Attend the First District Environmental Solutions Summit

Registration: MyEventRunner - Event Public Fill (crsadmin.com)

Join Rotary members on Sunday May 19, 10 am to 3 pm at San Dieguito County Park, in Del Mar for a day filled with fun and hands-on environmental activities. The summit is organized by the District Environmental Sustainability (DES) Committee with the support of Rotary District 5340 and EDCO to make this event free and open to all. Bring your family and friends! Click "Read More" to learn what you can expect when attending the summit.

Youth Instrumental Music Competition

Rotary International District 5340 hosted an incredible event last weekend! On Saturday, March 9th, the 2024 Youth Instrumental Music Competition for the South Region took place at the Coronado Public Library. The competition aimed to identify and recognize the student contestant demonstrating the highest level of excellence in talent, training, and passion for music. Prize money was awarded at every level of the competition, with hopes of supporting today's young musicians in their dreams for tomorrow.

The South Regional finalists were Asher Bende (French Horn), Mirren Fallon (Violin), Ava Patri (Tuba), and Enrique Wilcox (Vibes). Congratulations to all of them! We also want to congratulate Ethan Fairclough (Double Bass) and Caden Jiang (Violin) for advancing to the final round.

If you want to learn more about the Youth Instrumental Music Competition and how it supports young musicians, visit the website.

District Training Assembly Held Yesterday

Rotary International District 5340 Governor Elect, Dianne Crawford, convened the 2024 Training Assembly today at Liberty Station Conference Center. 2024 District Governor Don Fipps led the opening session then passed the baton to Dianne for a day of informative training sessions.

Rotarian Earns High Honor

We are proud to report that Rotarian, Rotary Peace Fellow, Fulbrighter, RISE Sand Diego Fellow, Bogdan Bogey Matuozynski recently received the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is a celebration of unity, compassion, and a shared vision for a better world. It embodies the strength of a community committed to kindness, diversity, and service to others.

Bogdan's experiences as a Rotary Peace Fellow, international educator, a student at the U.S. Naval War College, a Fulbright Awardee, and a federal law enforcement agent among other roles solidified his belief in kindness as the universal language of empathy. He expressed these experiences have taught him that true strength lies in vulnerability and that authentic connections are born from shared humanity. Community service, for him is a vital avenue for resolving conflicts and fostering positive peace. It's about actively engaging in our roles, formal or informal, whether in our jobs or as global citizens, to promote peace.

$6,326 Grant Presented to Elder Law & Advocacy

On Tuesday, March 5th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a $6,326 grant to Elder Law & Advocacy. Since 1978, the non-profit has helped underserved seniors navigate the complex legal system and get equitable legal treatment. The funds will be used to purchase an "owl" virtual meeting camera to facilitate virtual meetings.

Photo: (L-R): Bob Chalfa and Donna Maytum of the Art Pratt Foundation, Lee Kaminetz president of the Art Pratt Foundation, Tom Sandler of the Art Pratt Foundation, Stan Vogelsang president of Old Mission Rotary and Jamie Levine who is the Executive Director and Supervising Attorney of Elder Law and Advocacy.

Dianne Crawford Named as a Black Leader of Influence

District 5340 is honored to announce that District Governor Elect Dianne Crawford was selected as one of the 2024 Black Influential Leaders in San Diego! This recognition comes as she gets ready to step into her new role as District Governor for Rotary District 5340. Dianne says "It is truly humbling to be among the 50 exceptional leaders chosen for this honor."

Dianne shared that as she embarks on his new chapter of her Rotary journey, she is reminded of the importance of serving our community and embodying the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." She believes that by working together and serving others, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact on the world around us.

She is very excited about her new role and the opportunity to lead thousands of passionate Rotarians throughout San Diego and Imperial County in serving their communities and the world. She see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Argh. Today, we all lost an hour of sleep as most of the country transitioned to Daylight Savings Time.

Several attempts have been made in California to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 7, which allowed the state legislature to establish permanent Daylight Savings Time (DST) if federal law, Uniform Time Act, is amended to permit such action. However, any change to Daylight Saving Time in California requires approval from the federal government due to existing federal law.

Efforts to enact permanent DST at the federal level have faced challenges and have not yet been successful. There are various reasons for this, including concerns about the potential impact on interstate commerce, transportation schedules, and other logistical issues. Additionally, there is ongoing debate and disagreement about the benefits and drawbacks of DST, making it difficult to achieve consensus on a nationwide policy.

As we adjust to the “spring forward” time change, let's use the daylight we have to Create Hope in the World.

3rd Annual Spirit of the Community Recognition Gala Held.

On Saturday February 17th, Rotary of Escondido After Five held its third annual Spirit of the Community recognition gala fundraiser at California Center for the Arts Escondido. The Polynesian Themed Gala included a silent and live auction item, dinner, entertainment, and a special presentation of the Club’s “Spirit of the Community Award”. This year’s recipients were Cynthia and George Weir.

The Spirit of the Community Award recognizes individuals that exemplify service to the community of Escondido. “The Weirs have been long time philanthropists in Escondido, supporting many community organizations and special projects. They were well deserving of this special recognition”. Stated Doug Clark, After Five’s Community Service Director. The award was presented by former Spirit of the Community recipients Al Owens and Rich Aeling.

The nearly 150 guests, were treated to a Polynesian themed dinner, and entertained by Ho’okupu O Hawaii dance group. The silent and live auctions raised funds for the Rotary After 5 Foundation, which focuses on education, high school leadership training, underserved youth, youth sports, food insecurity, seniors, veterans, and other community need.

Rotary Camp Enterprise

Rotary Camp Enterprise, sponsored by Rotary International's San Diego Rotary Club, is an all-expenses paid, three-day workshop that provides a unique opportunity to learn from some of San Diego’s top business leaders in a fun and educational environment. Since 1976, Rotary Camp Enterprise has offered a select group of outstanding eleventh-grade students a series of panels, presentations, and group discussions that present a broad view and an exploration of the free enterprise system.

During the workshop, Rotarians assist the students with planning and preparation, but do not advise the students on the details of their chosen product and business plan. This approach allows students to learn team building, collaboration, and the give and take process of business by doing rather than being instructed on creating the best plan. Each team presents their final plan to a team of judges, and every student is required to present a part of the plan before the panel and audience.

Camp nominees from various schools are recommended by school counselors and are selected by the camp’s committee. Typically between 80-90 students primarily from San Diego’s public schools attend Camp Enterprise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop essential business skills and network with like-minded peers.

$20,000 in Scholarships Awarded to 11 Students

This past week the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 11 students from Rancho Bernardo High School, Del Norte High School, and Mt Carmel High School. There was a great turnout of students, friends and family. Rotarians said they are always proud to award these scholarships and every single year leave optimistic for our future.

Rotary Serves Up Hot Dogs and Hamburgers

La Mesa Rotary Club served up over 400 hamburgers and 100 hot dogs to little league players and parents at Opening Day on Saturday, March 9.

The Rotary Club to La Jolla to Hold Benefit Concert

The Rotary Club of La Jolla is holding a benefit concert on June 12, 2024, featuring Alison Brown at the Conrad Performing Arts Center. Alison Brown was raised in San Diego and just happens to be the daughter of the Club's current Rotary President, Barbara Brown. She has been awarded both a Grammy (nominated four times!) and an Emmy. She frequently collaborates with Steve Martin and is a member of the Banjo Hall of Fame. Although she always wanted to play the banjo, she started her career as an investment banker. She is hugely popular and has played to sold out concerts throughout the U.S, Europe and Japan.

One Night only!

Wednesday, June 12th, 7:00 PM.

The Conrad Performing Arts Center

Tickets are now available online or at the box office.

Ticket prices:

$250.00 (includes reception and Q&A with the artist)

Only the first 100 tickets purchased at this level will be able to attend the reception due to fire regulations.

$175 and $100

10% discount for active-duty military and students

Competitive DDF Global Grant Proposal Letter of Intent

Rotary District 5340 will support 3 competitively selected Global Grant projects in the Rotary year 2024-2025 with $20,000 of District Designated Funds (DDF). No cash contribution will be required.

Rules:

A Rotary club in District 5340 must be either the international or host sponsor club for the project.
The sponsor club from D5340 must meet DDF eligibility requirements per the D5340 2024-2025 Grant Policies.
The timeline and deadlines specified below will be strictly adhered to. Failure to follow the timeline will result in disqualification.

Uniting to Combat Hunger

To recognize our Veterans, District 5430 has organized a food drive during our District Assembly Day on March 9, 2024. We are asking our participants to bring in non-perishable food items to the event. No glass items please. Click "Read More" for additional information and instructions.

the Rotary Club of La Mesa Foundation presented a $7,000 grant to the Camp Julian Oaks Camp

On Wednesday, February 14th, the Rotary Club of La Mesa Foundation presented a $7,000 grant to the Camp Julian Oaks Camp. The check will be used for assisting the operations of the camp. Camp Julian Oaks serves as an outreach for children and teens who have been abused and neglected. These children have been removed from their homes and are desperately in need of love and hope. They are invited to camp for a week each summer, a weekend in the winter, and attend other gatherings throughout the year.

Rotary Club of La Mesa President Becki Schwartz and Rotary Club of La Mesa Foundation Chair presented the check to Tina Massa. Tina and her husband Nick founded the camp in 2009.

Scholarship Established for Welding Program

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad established multiple welding school scholarships at Palomar College in honor of their long-time member, Pete Rogers. Thanks to the Palomar College Foundation Board for their help, the Pete Rogers Welding School Scholarship is an endowment that will exist in perpetuity. The scholarships created for this full-scale welding program offer countless opportunities for students.

Old Mission Rotary Grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego

On Tuesday, February, 27th, the Old Mission Rotary Foundation presented a $4000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego. The funds will be used for scholarships for children to participate in Boys and Girls Clubs programs. Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang (L) presented the check to Michelle Malin who is a Senior Vice President at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego and an Old Mission Rotary Club member.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day by Planting Green!

On Sunday, March 17 the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club (SBECO) will be replanting a favorite entry garden at the San Dieguito County Park. SBECO has spent a decade improving the park each month. This entry garden was due for a major update. The bed was prepared in January with improved soft soil. The drought tolerant flowering shrubs we will be planting will bloom most of the year and provide food and nectar for a variety of birds and insects and a feast for human eyes for years to come. We will have about 150 1-gallon plants to put in the ground, then top off the area with mulch. Come help us beautify the park! Please email me to let me know if you can come: jenny@jparkermd.net.

St Patrick's Day, Sunday, March 17 from 9am-12pm.

San Dieguito County Park at 1628, Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92104. Park inside - it's free for volunteers.

Wear Green, of course and your Rotary T-shirts/ hats, sunscreen and sturdy closed shoes/boots.

Bring a reusable water bottle and gloves if you have them.

March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month

Participate in Peace Corps' Virtual Service

Make a lasting impact in communities around the world without leaving home.

Rotary and Rotaract members are eligible to serve in the Peace Corps’ Virtual Service Pilot. Participants donate 5-15 hours per week for 3 to 6 months to support organizations abroad with their community-level projects related to education, health, agriculture, youth development, and entrepreneurship. Apply your professional skills, language skills, and interest in both global friendships and cultural exchange to build capacity and sustainability through a short-term, virtual engagement.

Learn more about Virtual Service opportunities and apply - https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/virtual-service-pilot/.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Month

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) form the bedrock of public health initiatives worldwide. While often overlooked, these fundamental elements play a pivotal role in preventing the spread of diseases, promoting overall well-being, and fostering socio-economic development.

Water: Access to clean water is a basic human right, yet millions still lack this necessity. World Water Day is March 22. https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day.

Sanitation: Proper sanitation facilities are indispensable for human dignity and health.

Hygiene: Personal hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap, proper food handling, and menstrual hygiene management, are fundamental in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene are indispensable pillars of public health, underpinning efforts to combat diseases, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable development.

You want to help and get involved? Join the WASH Rotary Action Group and help - https://www.wash-rag.org/. The Beers Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide (BREW) Fellowship donates proceeds from their fundraising to WASH-RAG - https://www.rotarybrew.org/index.php. Drink beer while Creating Hope in the World.

Trivia Registration Deadline Approaching

Thank you to those teams who have already registered for Trivia Night 2024. All teams registered and paid by February 9 will receive two free mulligans! Registration closes on March 1. Please visit www.cvsrtrivianight.org for registration details and more information! Can your team unseat last year's winners from the San Marcos Rotary Club? Get your winning team together now.

If you aren’t sure of players at this point, you can register by putting “TBD” in the name spaces. Visit www.cvsrtrivianight.org to register! Please continue to share the flier with friends and colleagues to give yourself some new competition. For those of you already registered, you will hear back from us the week of the event with last minute suggestions and reminders. Thank you for supporting the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Community Benefit Fund.

Local Non-Profits Receive Grants from the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club

Each year, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club provides grants to deserving organizations. Taking advantage of District Matching Grants, the grants were doubled allowing the club to do even more good. Many of the club members volunteer with these organizations and are featured in the photos below. This year, the club issued grants to the Santee Food Bank, Meals on Wheels San Diego County, Paws for Purple Hearts San Diego, Innovation Charter High School, Reading Legacies, East County Transitional Living Center and a malaria net project.

10th Annual Mariachi Festival

Route 78 Rotary club is proud to announce that Mariachi Los Camperos will be the featured performers at our 10th Annual Mariachi Festival on Sunday, April 7 at the Center for the Arts, Escondido. The pre-concert VIP "Tacos and Tequila" event includes a taco lunch, tequila tasting, Silent Auction and a live Tequila Auction. Those tickets ($100) sell out quickly. There are also general admission tickets for the concert only ($25 to $50) The QR code on the flyer will take you directly to the CCAE website to buy tickets or you can click here - type mariachi in search bar.

New Mailing Address for the District

Please note that District 5340's address has changed to: Rotary District 5340, P.O. Box 712407, Santee, CA 92072.

A Night of Laughter

Join the Rotary Club of Point Loma for a night of laughter and fellowship. The Club is hosting its 21st Annual Comedy Night on Friday, March 15 featuring Stephanie Blum, Jim McDonald and Dewey Bratcher and with Host Tony Calabrese. You can purchase tickets online at pointlomarotary.org, or through any Rotarian or at the door. Proceeds fund local and international projects. If you have any questions, please contact Diana at dianalm13@hotmail.com or by phone at 619 733-0600.

$4,000 Awarded to Mission Valley YMCA

On Tuesday, February 20th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a $4000 grant to the Mission Valley YMCA. The funds will be used for scholarships for individuals and families to participate in YMCA programs. Old Mission Rotary President Stan Vogelsang (L) presented the check to Mission Valley YMCA Director and Old Mission Rotary Club member Ron Sauvajot.

Message From District Governor Don Fipps

Celebrating 119 Years of Rotary: A Global Legacy of Service

This February marks the 119th anniversary of Rotary International, a testament to its enduring commitment to service and fellowship. Founded February 23, 1905, Rotary has grown into a global force for good, with over 46,000 clubs, both Rotary and Rotaract, spanning 200 countries. From eradicating polio to promoting peace, Rotary's impact knows no bounds.

One of Rotary's most celebrated traditions is the "Sun Never Sets on Rotary," an online relay event commemorating the 119 years of Rotary. Rotarians from several countries are participating by showcasing their projects, symbolizing its global reach and the continuous work undertaken by Rotarians around the clock.

The last Zoom event featuring Scotland ended yesterday morning at 6 am. The event was a 50-minute review of the activities and projects in District 1320 - South Scotland, home club of the late Gordon McInally's (Past RI president). If you search YouTube, you should find this event along with several others from across the globe.

An interesting nugget that I came away with was that the wife of Paul Harris, Jane Harris, was born in Edinburgh Scotland and is buried there.

As we celebrate this milestone, let's reaffirm our dedication to service and continue shining the light of hope worldwide. Let us Create Hope in the World.

Happy Birthday Rotary!

Easier Access to Polio Vaccine

Countries will soon have easier access to the novel oral polio vaccine type 2, also known as nOPV2, a crucial new tool for stopping outbreaks caused by variant poliovirus. The World Health Organization made this possible by issuing a key approval for nOPV2 in December. This is the first approval of its kind for a vaccine being used under the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing.

With nearly 1 billion doses administered already, this next-generation vaccine will continue to play an important role in tackling type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, also known as type 2 variant poliovirus, and in protecting millions of children against illness and paralysis.

Continued Support for "Your Safe Place" Project

The Anti-Trafficking Committee has received enormous support for their efforts. This time it was the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps who donated lots of hygiene products for the "Your Safe Place" project.

AYC & TETT Volleyball Tournament for Polio Awareness

Recently Steve Brown, former Trustee for Rotary International, received news from Abdul Qayoum Almas, Jalalabad Rotary President 2018-2019 and In Country Program Director of the Afghan Youth Connect Project (AYC) and Teaching English through Technology (TETT) and a member of the Afghanistan National PolioPlus Committee, about a polio eradication awareness campaign undertaken in Afghanistan by his team. Their team has been involved in this effort for many years. Last year there were only six cases of polio caused by the wild virus in Afghanistan and this year there have not been any such cases.

The AYC and TETT team members collectively carried out a volleyball tournament for polio awareness campaign voluntarily. Furthermore, it is substantial to imply that this volleyball tournament was held between following schools’ students on a much larger scale, hence fortunately the watchers of different ages participated.

1- Nangarhar Boys High School
2- Chicknawary Boys High School
3- Abdul Wakil Boys High School
4- Shahid Mohammad Arif Boys High School
5- Nasrat II Boys High School
6- Mia Omer Boys High School

This volleyball tournament was arranged in Jalalabad - Sirajul Amerat playground, and after the government collapse and since Taliban ruling, this was the biggest volleyball sport activity for the polio awareness after many years. It is also important to indicate that at the start of the tournament, the students also presented and showcased the gymnastics and kickboxing moves and tactics to the audience which was appreciated and enjoyed by all.

These young sportsmen also received cash amounts as a present from the Director of Nangarhar Education Department. All schools’ administrators and students along with the education department members participated in this tournament.

This is our joint mission to eradicate polio and we therefore take full responsibility on our shoulders to assist under any circumstances. This was a grand celebration that successfully within two days this volleyball tournament was finished as pre-planned, and hundreds of people are aware now and will share the message with their friends, families and loved ones in the neighborhood about polio eradication, its prevention and significance of vaccination for their children. The sport tools which have polio messages and logos will be used in the future in different areas. There was also a PowerPoint Presentation created highlighting the volleyball tournament and the polio awareness campaign, Click here to download the PowerPoint photo presentation.

A report out of this effort emphasizes the need for Rotarians to remain vigilant in keeping up the momentum of giving to the polio eradication campaign.

Join Us for a 60-minute Conversation About Empowering Women

On March 8, 2024, Rotary International is hosting a 60-minute panel discussion as a way to celebrate and recognize International Women’s Day, and we would love for you to join us!

The discussion will focus on the importance of not only including but being a champion of women in leadership — in the workplace and beyond. We will discuss the importance of identifying leaders early, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, supporting women in joining women-led professional organizations, and focusing on allyship. We’ll also announce and celebrate the recipient of the 2023-24 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award.

This event is open to Rotary members and members of the public of all genders. Feel free to share with your networks. Click Read More for registration information.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Earlier this month presidents-elect went to Presidents Elect Training Seminar (PETS). This was an opportunity for presidents-elect (and other future presidents) of all Clubs in our District to get together and share ideas and concerns to help prepare them for a successful Rotary year. Training is essential as it gives Club leaders the tools do accomplish their goals and achieve success during their year of leadership and for them to connect with their counterparts fostering a collaboration of ideas that can be generated year long.

The District's Training Assembly (DTA) coming up March 9th at the Liberty Station Conference Center is another opportunity to connect and share ideas and methods for not only presidents-elect but for all Club officers. It is also an ideal opportunity for Rotarians who are red badgers to learn more about Rotary. This seminar is open to all and this year it is FREE! Come learn about Rotary programs, tips on program and project management and best practices from other Rotarians. DTA is also a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Rotarians. Let us inspire you to Create Hope in the World.

Showing The Beach Some Love

After numerous winter storms created by atmospheric rivers and El Niño events, Rotarians and Rotaract members from across District 5340 joined forces in the Cupid’s Clean Up at Mission Bay. Lead by Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship Founder Brett Morey and his wife Karla, both Rotarians in the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle, more than 30 volunteers showed up to clean up the sand, the park, boardwalk and parking lots. Over a dozen UCSD Rotaractors participated along with members of Pacific Beach Rotaract & Rotarians from around the District representing Carlsbad Hi-Noon, La Jolla Golden Triangle, La Mesa Sunrise and San Diego Coastal. Many members wore NFL jerseys since it was Super Bowl weekend as well as Surfers Unite hats, shirts and sweatshirts which drew attention to those walking along the shore. The event not only removed debris but created new friendships and interest from non-Rotarians to join in on future volunteer opportunities.

For those interested in participating in upcoming volunteer opportunities such as the teaching inner city kids how to surf with City2Surf and Hope Leadership Academy, volunteering as a family at the Switchfoot Bro-AM in Encinitas, assisting at-risk youth through the 100 Wave Challenge and Boys to Men Mentoring or assisting disabled children and adults with Life Rolls On at La Jolla Shores simply text “SURF” to 858-602-2532 or register at: www.surfersunite.org.

Get more out of your experience as a Rotarian by joining this Rotary Fellowship with members in 32 countries too.

Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake Tackle Big Project

Old Mission Rotary Club Hosts 4-Way Test Speech Contest

Photo caption: (L-R) Reality Changer Achievement Coach Lizeth Araiza, Contestants Muquadas Delawarzai and Diego Maya, Old Mission Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest Chair Eric Benink, Contestant Andrea Dona, Reality Changer Achievement Coach Michael Alvarez Franco, Contestant Aimee Guiterrez and Reality Changer Achievement Coach Melanie Lopez.

Old Mission Rotary hosted a Four Way Test Speech Contest on Tuesday, February 13th. Four high school students from the Reality Changers Program participated. Reality Changers prepares youth to become first generational college graduates and agents of change in their communities. The four contestants were all very impressive and the Rotarian judges selected Aimee Guiterrez to continue on to round two of the District 5340 competition.

Personal Hygiene Supply Campaign a Success

Rotary District 5340 Members continue to answer the call to help human trafficking and domestic violence survivors. Thanks so much for the additional donations of needed personal hygiene supplies by La Jolla Rotary, Fallbrook Village Rotary Club, Scripps Ranch-Poway Rotary, and the Del Mar-Solana Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. The District estimates that Rotarians contributed nearly $10,000 in much needed items. You all continue to show those in need that they matter!

Encinitas Rotary Creates Magic!

On March 16, 2024, the Encinitas Rotary Club's Charity Benefit Magic Show featuring five professional magicians from the famed Magic Castle will be held at the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center. These magicians have performed on Penn & Teller, Masters of Illusion, late night TV and Disney Cruises. The night will be full of magic and humor for the whole family! One of the magicians is a Rotarian who has been the showrunner for 38 years. Last year, the first for Encinitas Rotary Club and North County, was a blast! This year is on the way to being a sellout. Tickets make great presents. Show length is 2.5 hours long (including intermission), so may not be suitable for some young children. Tickets can be purchased here.

Beach Cleanup a Success

Surfers United expressed a special thank you to all their volunteers for the cleanup efforts on our shores yesterday. The had over 18 college students from Rotaract at UCSD, Rotarians & Rotaractors from five different clubs including San Diego Coastal Rotary Club, La Mesa Sunrise Rotary, Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club, La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and Pacific Beach Rotaract. This is what makes Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship so special, bringing together generations of community leaders to make a positive difference in the world.

Community Resource Center in Encinitas Receives Donated Items

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad was happy to participate in collecting food items for the community. Rotary Areas 3 (Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos) and 4 (Encinitas, Encinitas Coastal Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Del Mar/Solana, Beach, Solana Beach Eco and San Diego Evening) presented collected items to the Community Resource Center in Encinitas. This is definitely Rotary in Action!

Old Mission Rotary is Looking for Talent

Old Mission Rotary is looking for talent to compete for prize money at our Saturday, May 18th So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego!

Please pass along our invitation to anyone you know who has a talent. Acts can include musical performance, singing, dancing, comedy, magic, gymnastics and much more.

For more information, please contact Don Krupp at gottalent@oldmissionrotary.org or call 360 561-7983.

Carlsbad Rotary Club Assists Thousand Smiles

Our Smiles International Foundation partnered with Children's Lifeline International and the Rotary Clubs of Los Cabos, MX and Carlsbad, who together had another marvelous and successful week of providing longitudinal care for the disadvantaged children of Baja, Mexico suffering with their facial differences resulting from congenital Cleft Lip and Palate formation. Using specialized and safe pediatric anesthesia, 17 more of the 355 children treated at this clinic received a large number of reconstructive procedures over the week's comprehensive management. 59 total surgical procedures were performed taking advantage of the opportunity to provide more than one procedure at a time under this skilled specialty Anesthesia. Click on the picture and enjoy a video prepared by SIF vice president, Sra. Maribel V. Moses that shows the team in action with these children.

District Hosting the 59th International Golfing Championship

The 59th International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians World Championship is coming to San Diego on September 22, 2024 and you're invited! The International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians is a Fellowship within Rotary International. Their purpose is to promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship amongst golfing Rotarians.

This year the event is hosted by District 5340. The venue for this event, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Hotel, is located on the 18th hole of the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course with majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. The course hosts the annual Farmers Insurance Open and the 2008 & 2021 US Open.

Interact with attendees at the IGFR House of Friendship throughout the event and enjoy the hospitality provided by the Rotarians from District 5340, San Diego & Imperial Valley. Join us for what is sure to be an incredible & memorable event. For more information, click here.

REGISTER TODAY!

Message From District Governor Don Fipps

February is Peace Building and Conflict Resolution month.

Peace building is not merely the absence of violence but the active cultivation of conditions that promote cooperation, harmony, and justice. It involves addressing the root causes of conflicts, whether they stem from political, social, economic, or cultural disparities. By fostering inclusive dialogue, promoting empathy, and empowering marginalized voices, peace building initiatives aim to bridge divides and forge pathways towards mutual understanding and respect.

Conflict resolution, on the other hand, is the process of managing and resolving disputes through peaceful means. It encompasses a spectrum of approaches, ranging from negotiation and mediation to arbitration and reconciliation. Central to conflict resolution is the recognition of the humanity and dignity of all parties involved, as well as a commitment to finding win-win solutions that honor the interests and rights of each stakeholder.

Peace building and conflict resolution are not abstract ideals but practical endeavors that require collective action and unwavering commitment. By embracing the principles of dialogue, reconciliation, prevention, collaboration, and long-term engagement, societies can overcome divisions, build resilience, and create a world where peace and justice prevail. This is how we Create Hope in the World.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

I am excited to share that this weekend presidents-elect from District 5340 as well as all Districts in the Southeast region will be participating in the 46th year of Southwest PETS (Presidents-Elect Training Seminar). PETS started in 1978 with six Rotary Districts. Today we have grown to nine Rotary Districts and are adding two additional Districts next year. Leadership has planned a full weekend of fellowship, education and inspirational speakers for attendees. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit all the District Hospitality rooms throughout the weekend and will have the opportunity to meet with fellow presidents-elect from District 5000 (Hawaii), District 5240 (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura & Kern Counties), District 5280 (Los Angeles Area), District 5300 (Pasadena, High Desert & Las Vegas Area), District 5340 (Orange Country), District 5330 (Inland Empire; Low Desert), District 5340 (San Diego), District 5495 (Central; Northern Arizona); District 5500 (Tucson; Southern Arizona) as well as your District leadership.

Our incoming District Governor, Dianne Crawford and her team have prepared classes that will provide the president’s-elect with information they need to lead their clubs. They will experience courses ranging from Welcome to the Digital Age, Budget, Conflict Resolution, Diversity, Membership, Fundraising, Partnerships and so much more. To continue, click "Read More".

February is Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention Month.

Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. Half of them are children. Rotary’s goal is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide. Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization. Click "Read More" to learn more about Rotary's Peacebuilding efforts.

Beach Cleanup

Recently, the Pacific Beach Rotaract Club spent part of their weekend cleaning up Pacific Beach. Here's a glimpse of their effort.

Hope Through Housing

Photo: Photo: (L-R) Art Pratt Board member Steve Nuñez, Old Mission Rotary Club president Stan Vogelsang, Stephanie De La Torre of Hope Through Housing, Art Pratt Board members Aryanna Edwards and Shari Stauder.

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary is happy to support another great organization: Hope Through Housing. A $10,000 Art Pratt Grant will be used to fund laptops for the technology center for low-income tenants at Encanto Village apartments.

Hope Through Housing is a program that provides low-income youth and adults and veterans with a home and a community of support to get their lives back on track.

So many marginalized and underserved community members slip through the cracks of Federal and State protections meant to provide support. It's through programs like Hope Through Housing that San Diego is able to be a nationwide leader in welcoming and caring for all people.

Special thank you to Stephanie De La Torre who is the Lead Services Coordinator for Hope Through Housing in San Diego County. Members of Old Mission Rotary met at the Encanto Village Hope Through Housing community apartment building on Tuesday, January 30th.

Rotarians Harvest Pack Bulk Foodstuffs for the North County Food Bank.

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary, working with the food insecurity element so prevalent in today’s society, spent one extended club meeting packing Harvest Pack bulk foodstuffs for the North County Food Bank.

Over 50 Rotarians, family members and guests proceeded to measure, weigh, vacuum seal and box meals for 20,000 children during the 2.5-hour project. It was an exercise in mass quantities of oatmeal, cinnamon and sugar to help children kick-start their day with a healthy breakfast. Food Bank employees were on hand to accept and deliver the boxes of prepared food to the North County Food Bank for distribution.

Personal Hygiene Drive Still Underway

Rotarians are answering the call to provide personal hygiene products as part of an outreach effort associated with the District's Anti-Human Trafficking effort. This is just a small sampling of all the personal hygiene items donated by Rotary District 5340 member clubs that will help domestic violence and human trafficking survivors know that they matter and are supported. Thank you all and keep them coming! Please refer back to the News section of this edition of Newsbits. All items will go to onesafeplacenorth.org/ and https://www.sandiego.gov/yoursafeplace.

2024 District Training Assembly

FREE EVENT

Coffee Hour 7:30-8:30 am

Held only once a year, the District Training Assembly (DTA), offers training on a variety of subjects to Rotarians including club officers, directors and committee chairs to help them be effective club leaders. ALL Rotarians – especially Red Badgers – are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Come learn about Rotary programs, tips on program and project management and best practices from other Rotarians. DTA is also a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Rotarians. Register by clicking the link below. Classes fill up quickly, so don’t miss out, register today!

Two members of any club planning to apply for a District Grant MUST register and attend the District Grants Seminar. The Global Grants Seminar will be held from 12:10 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.—two members of every club planning to apply for a Global Grant are required to attend this Seminar.

RYLA 2024

RYLA weekend will take place April 12-14, 2024, at the Idyllwild Pines Camp. This exciting program provides high school juniors from throughout District 5340 with a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to connect with other young leaders during an all-expenses-paid weekend. "Rylarians" will be inspired by a diverse group of exceptional speakers, make life-long friends through fellowship activities, and discuss the ethical and social issues of today. These students then return to their schools and communities motivated to take on additional leadership roles and to find additional ways to serve, through Rotary and beyond. Click "Read More" for additional information related to registration, key dates, etc. You will also find a link to the new RYLA video that was just released.

Rainwater Harvesting System Invented by High Schooler

Ron Feuchs, is a project coach working with a high school student in New York, Madeline Abrams. Ron relays that Madeline has created a unique way to use discarded water bottles to create an irrigation system for growing vegetables. By using empty water bottles, cutting them in half lengthwise, duct taping them with waterproof tape, Madeline has created a gutter system to capture the rainfall that comes off of a roof. She then uses water bottles to create a downspout to direct the water to a holding tank similar to a rain barrel. Madeline recently presented on Zoom to Rotary Clubs in Zone 22 in Africa with 25 members in attendance. Madeline will be presenting her water harvesting innovation again on Zoom on February 17. Ron is inviting Rotarians in District 5340 to view her presentation on Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, at10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83517790604?pwd=QjZzY3pCUWdraUdnaTlJbXdmK2Zndz09 Meeting ID: 835 1779 0604 Passcode: 565529.

Click "Read More" for additional information on the project.

Promoting Rotary on Social Media

Want to learn how to leverage social media to promote Rotary and your club? Check out the Learning Center in My Rotary. Simply log in and look for the public image box and then click Promoting Rotary on social media.

The Rotarian Minute on Facebook

Join the Facebook Rotarian Minute Group. You will find quotes from Rotary Leaders, history and news you can use in your club meeting and to educate your members about Rotary. To join, click on the photo above.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

This past week Rotary International District 5340 said farewell to our Immediate Past District Governor Chuck Pretto. Many District Rotarians and Rotaractors attended his funeral and his last Rotary club meeting of the San Diego Rotary Club, a celebration of life. The best way to honor Chuck is to support what he loved, The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Donations to the Annual Fund come back to District 5340 to fund our numerous District and Global Grants. These grants support Rotary’s worldwide effort to reduce human suffering and to make our communities vibrant and a better place to live. Here is the link to make your contribution to the Rotary Foundation. It is easy to donate in honor or memory of PDG Chuck Pretto.

Let us Create Hope in the World.

Making Our Clubs Simply Irresistible

President-elect Stephanie A. Urchick is calling upon Rotary members to make their clubs “simply irresistible” to community members seeking service and fellowship. She calls on members to use Rotary’s Action Plan to assess where they are and where they need to go. Urchick talks about her priorities in an interview with Rotary magazine. Tom Gump, presidential aide to Urchick, further breaks down the concept in his blog post for Rotary Voices.

Rotarians Joined in on Clean Up Project

The Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club's January Service project with the San Diego River Park Foundation was very productive! their volunteers chopped away plants encroaching on the sidewalk on Qualcomm Way, cut branches back on trees hanging over sidewalks, picked trash and pulled weeds to improve the area.

San Diego Flood Victims Need Our Help

Picture Source: USA Today

The Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego is collecting gift cards for families affected by the recent floods in the Southeast San Diego area. The critical need is for housing, which is scarce. Without housing, meals are limited to whatever is quick. Gift cards for fast food meals are needed to fill in the gap. Cards for burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, and hot meals are needed. If you would like to donate to this effort, please contact the club at sesdrotary@yahoo.com.

La Mesa Rotary Club members Mark and Nancy Matthews are volunteers with Disaster Aid USA, which is a Rotary Club Project managed and run by American Rotarians. They were incorporated in Washington D.C. on June 10, 2010. The Matthews are looking for Rotarians who would like to assist with clean up following the damage caused by the recent flooding. They assessed the affected areas and see the need for additional manpower in cleaning out the houses and is asking for your help. If you are interested, please contact either Nancy or Mark Matthews at 619 454-8694.

Hygiene Kits Assembled by Rotarians

Once again Rotary Club of Carlsbad members gathered to assemble much needed hygiene kits for their community. Working together 900 hygiene kits were assembled and a total of 1500 kits distributed (thanks to individuals in their community who participated in a kit matching campaign) to local nonprofit organizations serving neighbors in need.

2nd Annual Binational Softball Game with Club Rotario Tijuana Independencia

Postponed Due to Inclement Weather

New date to be Determined.

Co-hosts, the San Diego Coastal Rotary and Club Rotario Tijuana Independencia invite Rotarians, Rotaractors and family and friends from Districts 5340 and 4100 to participate and/or watch their annual softball game on March 2, 2024. Click "Read More" to get details.

Blue Hawaii Gala and Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Escondido After Five will hold their annual fundraising on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Center for the Arts Escondido. The Polynesian themed gala will begin at 5pm and include silent and live auction items, dinner, entertainment, and a special presentation of the Club’s “Spirit of the Community Award”. Live auction items include a special experiential day with Escondido Police and Fire Departments, as well as airline tickets. Click "Read More" for additional information.

Time to Tee Off

Grab your golf buddies to play Coronado’s beautiful course and see if you can take home bragging rights and cash prizes. You can win a $10,000 Hole-in-One prize on the 9th hole or sink a putt from 50 feet to be entered in a drawing for $10,000. You can also win prizes for closest to the flag on par 3's.

While you’re having fun, you’re also supporting Rotary’s more than 60 community projects, including Camp Able, Coronado SAFE, Feed the Needy and Wounded Warriors. Click "Read More" for details.

Join the Effort to Collect Basic Supplies for Victims of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence

Rotarians! Make a difference to folks in great need to know that they matter and care. Support this hygiene drive through your clubs to support human trafficking and domestic violence victims. We're looking to compile a list of personal essentials to give to individuals who are just beginning their healing journey. Details on the flyer. Contact David Oates at david@publicrelationssecurity.com to coordinate activities. Thanks for making a difference!

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

On Monday, January 15, 2024, Rotary District 5340 lost an outstanding Rotarian, a dear friend and mentor, Past District Governor Chuck Pretto. We lost him after battling leukemia for 8 months. Chuck had a tremendous impact on all Rotary members, Rotarians and Rotaractors during his many years in Rotary. He and his family hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students that had a profound impact on the lives of Chuck and his family along with the students they housed. My heart goes out to his wife Kimerly and his two children Anthony and Liza. Rest in peace, dear Chuck. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were blessed to call you a friend, a family member, and a loved one.

I know Chuck's passing impacted many of you and if you'd like to attend his Celebration of Life, his family has provided the information below.

Being a Rotarian - Incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick

Incoming RI President Stephanie Urchick

Every club is different. There’s not a cookbook that we can give to clubs and say, “Do this and you’re going to be fine.” Every club develops its own culture. Country to country, Rotary is done differently. You can have Rotary clubs in the same district that are very different. We need every club to take a moment, do an assessment, and look at the four priorities of the Action Plan. Then they must ask themselves, Is there something we can do a little differently, or are we already doing the best we can in this or that category? If you’re already irresistible, then stay that way. But we have to attract people to our existing clubs, and we have to start new clubs. That’s the way to grow Rotary and to have a future.

It’s simply The Magic of Rotary. People can put any verb they want in front of it. Believe in the magic of Rotary. Spread the magic of Rotary. Build on the magic of Rotary. Celebrate the magic of Rotary. There are all kinds of words that we can use.

2024-25 Annual Theme Revealed

Rotary International President-elect Stephanie Urchick announced the 2024-25 theme, The Magic of Rotary, at the International Assembly on January 8, 2024. The assembly is Rotary’s annual learning event for incoming governors and leaders. Urchick, a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, called on members to use the magic of Rotary to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. She also called on them to make their Rotary clubs “simply irresistible.” Read more and see the theme speech.

Model UN Training Session

District 5340 Model United Nations Training Session was held yesterday where the student delegates selected the country they will represent and then learn about two resolutions (Biodiversity and Terrorism) to be discussed during the 20th Annual Model UN Conference March 23-24. The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Del Mar.

Car Seats for Military Families

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad in early January provided car seats for active-duty Marines in need. Using social media, the club utilized this effort to encourage community members to consider joining Rotary.

Passing of PDG Chuck Pretto

It's with great sorrow that District 5340 announce that after a very long 8-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and GVHD, Past District Governor Chuck Pretto passed away this morning.

Chuck received his Bone Marrow Transplant on August 29th, but shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with graft versus host disease which caused a great deal of side effects to him, which is very common in most transplant recipients.

The Pretto family would like to thank Rotarians for sending love, cards, words of encouragement and the tender way in which they supported the family on a personal level during these past months.

We will post an update when we have information from his family on services/celebration of life.

Rest in Peace

January is Vocational Services Month

It all began almost one hundred sixteen years ago on February 23, 1905 in the windy city of Chicago. At that time the Chicago Rotary Club’s constitution had two objects. The first was the “promotion of the business interests of its members” and the second was the “concept of friendship.”

In 1910 at Rotary’s first Convention in Chicago, a quote of “As man comes into the light of wisdom, he comes to see that conduct toward others pays, that business is the science of human service and that he profits most who serves his fellows best,” became one of Rotary’s first mottos. Then two years later in 1911, at the conference in Oregon a second motto we all are familiar with -- “Service Above Self” was introduced. The idea of business as an object of Rotary was established in 1912 by the International Association of Rotary Clubs when it adopted a statement containing the 5 objects of Rotary. Both "mottos" were officially adopted in 1950. Click "Read More" to continue article.

New Years Cheer - The Paul Harris Society

Thinking of a way to start the New Year off with a meaningful gift that lasts long past the holiday season? Here's the perfect gift that keeps on giving year-after-year - the Paul Harris Society.

Joining the Paul Harris Society is one of the best gifts ever. It's easy. Just enroll in Rotary Direct to contribute monthly, quarterly or annually. Your generous contribution to the Rotary Foundation allows us to fulfill the promises we make to improve our communities here and around the world.

If you need assistance, you may email James Morrison and he can walk you through the process. Let's lift a glass to Creating Hope in the World.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Leap Year: A Symbol of Hope

In the rhythmic cycle of time, a leap year emerges every four years, carrying with it an extra day. Beyond its role in synchronizing calendars, this anomaly symbolizes hope and possibility.

The bonus day challenges us to break free from routine, finding beauty in the unexpected. It encourages us to dream big and embrace the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary.

The universality of the leap year unites us globally. This shared experience transcends borders, fostering a sense of commonality among diverse cultures.

As we mark this extra day, February 29, 2024, let it serve as a reminder to Create Hope in the World. May it inspire acts of kindness, compassion, and unity, weaving a tapestry of positivity as we navigate the uncertainties of the future.

Happy New Year.

Start the New Year Off with the Gift of Life

Give the Gift of Life and Create Hope in the World. There is no better way to create hope that by donating blood. This lifesaving donation means everything to someone in need. Join Rotarians of the Poway Scripps Rotary Club in making a difference in someone's life on Thursday, January 18. Make a reservation by calling the number above. What a way to start the New Year off - being of service to others.

Rotary's Float in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade - January 1, 2024

Every year, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has a viewing audience of over 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories. The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats. That's what we call boosting Rotary's public image. Tomorrow, make sure you turn on the TV or your streaming service, whichever communication mode you use to see this year's float in all its glory.

Shown below, you will find our District Governor and other volunteers doing their part to ready the float for public viewing.

Membership Seminar Slated for January 20

Membership Seminar

Saturday, January 20, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
VIA ZOOM

Join Rotarians throughout the District for this informative seminar that will provide an opportunity to learn and engage in discussions about how to attract new members and enhance the club experience for existing members. Participants will be provided with a list of available resources and will participate in break-out discussions with other Rotarians who will share their thoughts and practices on membership.

This seminar is for Club Presidents, Membership Chairs, and all Rotarians who would like to know more about how to help their clubs grow and thrive.

Zoom information will be provided to registered participants three days before the event.

Escondido East Rotary Club Plays Santa

The Escondido East Rotary Club was very busy this holiday season. The club first stocked stockings for the kids at Escondido Community Child Development Center, a nonprofit pre-school for single parents or a family on a low income. Then the following week they had their very own Santa, Walt Cichocki and club members meet the kids at the school and Santa and elf (our club President Shelby King) pass out the gifts to the kids.

Then the club adopted three families in need this Christmas. One family's daughter is in the hospital with leukemia; she is doing better; along with gifts she is being showered with prayers for her. The other two families were very surprised as Santa Walt delivered gifts to them at their home. The club also rang the bell for the Salvation Army's kettle in front of Major Market Grocery store, bringing in around $860 from passing by customers.

Happy Holidays

Newsbits Schedule Change

Surgery Schedule:

The Newsbits editor is slated to have a full knee replacement on Tuesday, January 2. Newsbits will be dark January 7 and 14 as she enters her recovery period. It is anticipated the next edition will come out on January 22, 2024.

Big West Peace Fellow

Your Endowment /Major Gift Advisers, Marge Cole and Steve Lewis are excited to share some fabulous news with regards to the selection of the latest Peace Fellow nominated from our two paired zones. After much effort this past year to fully fund ($500K+) our shared Zone 26 & 27 Named Endowment Fund #E10557 that was created under the leadership of PRIVP Jerry Hall back in 1987, we’re pleased to inform you that Isabel ‘Izzy’ Gutierrez was selected from District 5340 in Zone 26 as one of the 92 fellowships awarded in the 2023 calendar year selected from 42 countries. Izzy is our first Peace Fellow that’s being funded by our paired zones fully funded Named Endowment Fund!

As a Foreign Service Officer in the United States Department of State, Izzy worked in overseas posts promoting peace and strengthening diplomatic relationships between countries.

Izzy is one of 17 Peace Fellows attending the International Christian University (ICU) in Japan. ICU was founded in 1949 as a unique experiment in international education after the Second World War and is a recognized leader in international education and is known in Japan for its emphasis on academic excellence.

As Izzy earlier noted “studying at the Rotary Peace Center in Japan will help strengthen my work as a diplomat by giving me a deeper understanding of international relations and how to most effectively make an impact.”

Please review the three attachments specific to our Rotary Peace Centers and our Zone 26 and 27 Endowed Fund for Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as our newest Peace Fellow, Izzy Gutierrez.

We’re happy to inform you that our named endowed fund balance has just exceeded $530,000 and continues to grow! To date, there are 17 Districts here in the Big West who have previously invested both cash and DDF into this fund since its inception and another 20 individual Rotarians who have generously made additional cash contributions to this Endowed Fund. Currently, our fund will allow us to fund one new Fellow every four years. Once our named fund hits $750,000 in total contributions, we’ll be able to fully fund a new Fellow every three years.

To learn more about Peace Centers and Izzy, click here to download the summary. Listen to Izzy herself as she expresses her gratitude and conveys what she hopes to accomplish as a fellow.

Over 4,200 Clubs Participated in World Polio Day

Thank you to the more than 4,200 clubs that organized over 6,300 actions in 115 countries for this year’s World Polio Day! We also want to recognize and celebrate Districts 4455, 4170, 4700, 4590, and 4380 for having the highest percentage of clubs register a World Polio Day action.

The dedication, passion, and generosity of Rotary members in polio eradication is unparalleled. Thank you for making World Polio Day a success!

Polio Update - Closing in on Zero!

Wild poliovirus is still circulating in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Last year, the variant poliovirus was detected in a few previously polio-free countries — a stark reminder that if polio exists anywhere, it’s a threat everywhere. To get an idea of the recent progress made and challenges met, the Rotary magazine team sat down with Aidan O’Leary of the World Health Organization, Melissa Corkum of UNICEF, and Omotayo Bolu of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WATCH POLIO UPDATE VIDEO

A Message from District Governor Don Fipps

As the year comes to a close, people around the world are gearing up to celebrate the holiday season, a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. While traditions may vary, one common thread unites us all—the spirit of happiness and goodwill. In this global tapestry of cultures and beliefs, the holiday season serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of embracing diversity. Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, Eid al-Fitr, or Eid al-Adha, the underlying message is one of love, peace, and unity. As we exchange greetings of "Happy Holidays," let us celebrate the richness of our global traditions and foster understanding and respect for one another. Let’s Create Hope in the World. Wishing you a joyful and harmonious holiday season!

Wheelchairs Donated

For the second time, past president Richard Makau of the Rotary Club of El Cajon Sunset, traveled and delivered for the Rotary Club of Sweetwater San Diego, another wheelchair and a wheeled folding walker with seat for an indigent patient in Kenya, Africa. Members of the club led by president Marissa De Luna (fourth from left) are shown with past president Richard Makau (second from left) receiving the wheelchair and folding walker.

Internal Medicine Physician Joins the Rotary Club of Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines Rotary Club met Wednesday, November 29, and held their bi-monthly meeting at the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel. The Club inducted their newest member of this nearly 60-year-old club.

The induction honors were conducted by PDG Karl Kruse. Dr. Merritt Hougen (Internal Medicine) spend 41 years at Scripps Clinic and was responsible for establishing the General Internal and Urgent Care facility at Scripps. Merritt was joined at the podium by his wife (Linne) and President Leilani Sakai, and PDG Karl Cruse (see photo).

It can be said of Torrey Pines Rotary Club that the Club is not only known as “the Wine Club” but can also boast that the Club has five members who hold doctorate degrees, a dentist, a medical doctor, and the Club’s oldest member, Max Gurney (Member Emeritus), 102+ years young, and a WWII veteran.

Also, Torrey Pines Rotary Club is very proud of its Club Foundation, which distributes thousands of dollars each year to support such causes as veterans, youth, education, international and national crises, the Club’s Care ‘N Share toy drive, and other community causes and organizations.

Torrey Pines Rotary Club will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this coming June 2024.

The Environment Gets a Great Assist from the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club

During Thanksgiving week, Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club was able to assist in planting 39 native oak trees. Since this is the best time of year to plant trees, the club scheduled two service projects at San Dieguito County Park. They have a regular monthly third Sunday service project at the park. On Sunday, November 19, a group from the club planted 17 oak trees in their Native Plant Trail area. They came back with more members and Rotarians from San Diego Coastal Rotary Club as well as several members from the community to plant another 22 oaks around the park on Green Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). This was wonderful way to work off extra Thanksgiving calories and an excellent environmental project for multiple reasons. The trees will be well cared for by the park service and will survive to old age, making our community more lush, vibrant, welcoming to wildlife (humans included) and resilient to climate change for many years to come - a lasting Rotary legacy.

Working with community and local families that enjoy the park showcases Rotary and helps teach the values of volunteering/ giving back to the next generation as well as the importance of trees and the environment. They may have recruited a few new Rotarians too! Working together in such a beautiful setting always brings fellowship - they had a great time. We are hoping that tree planting will catch on as a common Rotary event. If your club is interested in a similar project, there are multiple ideas all over the county and many eager partners to help. Please contact Rotarian Jenny Parker at jenny@jparkermd.net if you want more information.

Santee-Lakeside Rotary Provides Holiday Cheer to Seniors

Santee-Lakeside Rotary club members have been hard at work this holiday season. This past Thursday they made 70 "We Care Bags" for Meals on Wheels San Diego County. These bags will bring holiday cheer to local seniors in their community.

In addition, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club along with Santana Interact Club and family members and friends wrote holiday cards for seniors in the community. These cards were presented at their holiday party to John Hossick (green coat) who is the president of the Santee Mobile Home Association Committee and who will ensure these holiday wishes get delivered to the seniors who often times are alone for the holidays.

Santa's Helpers Build Bikes for Kids

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club, its members and past presidents, came together yesterday to build this year’s bike/helmet/lock donations to some of Carlsbad’s children who would never otherwise get a bike. These children are in for a great surprise.

Gifts of Love Across the Border

Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake members recently visited friends at Casa Para Pobres Desamparados del Hermano Pablo, A.C. in la Rumorosa, BC. Residents received personalized gifts, blankets, and other provisions. More importantly, club members who participated in this visit said they treasure the opportunity to be of service.

Maui Says Thank You to Rotarians

After a devastating fire destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, on August 8, 2023, Rotary District 5000 created a fund to help the survivors recover and rebuild. Rotary members from around the world responded in a big way. Click below for a short video message from District 5000 Governor Mark Merriam who provides an update on the fund and thanks the donors.

Platelet Shortage - Call to Action

Past District Governor Needs Your Help

Kim Pretto has asked for assistance in getting members to donate platelets. Past District Governor Chuck Pretto has been fighting cancer and is using them and there is a shortage.

Interested platelet donors should contact the Blood Bank of San Diego or the American Red Cross to schedule a donation. Please make sure you tell them you are donating on Chuck's behalf.

The process of donation typically takes 2-3 hours. It involves drawing blood, separating platelets and returning the remaining components to the donor through an automated collection device. The actual platelet donation itself usually lasts around 90 to 120 minutes. Keep in mind that specific procedures might vary depending on the donation center or organization.

Govenor Don Fipps Donating Platelets today for PDG Chuck Pretto

Santee Santas Get a Helping Hand

Once again, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club joined with the Santee Santa's Foundation in gearing up for its holiday outreach. The Santee Santas Foundation is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) registered organization, providing help to members of its community living within the Santee School District and in need of assistance.

Santee Santas’ signature effort is an annual holiday children’s toy and food (grocery store gift card) drive focused on bringing the Christmas spirit to 150-200 families in our community. Their senior outreach program ensures seniors in our community who are living alone or in senior care facilities are not forgotten over the holidays. Their volunteers serve the Santee community throughout the year and have done so since 1953!

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club kicked this holiday effort off this past Saturday with their well-organized assembly line method of putting boxes together. They put a total of 800 boxes together in less than two hours. Several members also have signed up for packing food items into the boxes they have put together. Food is placed in boxes with content dependent on family size and toys are sorted and wrapped for recipient children from 0-11. Children 12-18 receive a gift card to purchase a special gift of their choosing. There is a myriad of tasks for volunteers who want to help. If you'd like to help here is the link to sign up to volunteer.

A New Home for a Family in Mexico

This past week Governor Don Fipps was in Tecate Mexico with the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotaract of San Diego State University building a home for a family living on a dirt floor in a single room and one bed. By the end of the week, the group left the with keys to a home consisting of a concrete slab, lockable steel door, 3 windows, an internal loft and a roof. Govenor Fipps was joined by District Governor Elect Dianne Crawford and District Governor Nominee Designee Jeb E Bakke Rotary District 5340 Members. What a great Christmas present for this family.

Low Ride and Stride Fundraiser Raised Over $142,000 This Year

The Rotary Club of Coronado has partnered with Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) on two occasions in 2023. STEP is a 501(c)(3) that builds financial self-sufficiency among junior active duty and listed members, recently discharged enlisted veterans and their families facing financial crisis through counseling, education, and emergency grants. STEP was one of the beneficiaries of the annual Low Ride and Stride club fundraiser, which raised over $142,000 this year.

Message From District Govenor Don Fipps

Welcome to December. This month, Rotary International recognizes Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. This is one of the 7 Areas of Focus for The Rotary Foundation. Our most recent District Foundation Seminar mentioned some of the aspects of this Area of Focus. Eradicating polio globally is our largest effort, but there are other diseases that plague our global community, one such disease is malaria. There is a $6M program lead by The Rotary Foundation through its Programs of Scale, Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia. The project will add 2,500 community health workers to the national health system in Zambia, allowing for effective malaria diagnosis and treatment for more than 1.3 million people in ten of the most highly affected districts in Central and Muchinga provinces. This is the power of Rotary to Create Hope in the World.

Chula Vista Rotary Decorates Trees for Veterans

One of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista's favorite annual traditions is decorating Christmas trees at the Veterans Home of California - Chula Vista. This past Saturday the club put up 5 Christmas trees for the Veterans - located in the main lobby, three wings, and activity room. It's another way to Create Hope that the Rotary Club of Chula Vista is spreading joy and celebrating "Service Above Self".

San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club
Assembles Welcome Home Baskets at Father Joe's Warehouse

The Welcome Home Basket Project, benefitting clients of Father Joe’s Villages, has been a favorite hands-on activity of the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club. These baskets are filled with household items to help previously unhoused people get started in their new homes. Thanks to a $3,000 District Grant and a matching $3,000 donation from the club’s Foundation, items were purchased for 72 Welcome Home Baskets.

On a Wednesday morning after their regular club meeting, 12 Rotarians met at Father Joe's Warehouse and set up an assembly line to put the baskets together. As each basket was completed, a hand-written note welcoming the recipients to their new home was added. These notes were prepared by members of the Community Service Committee and were sealed with a Rotary sticker. Many thanks to all who participated in making this such a rewarding event!

RI Annual Report for 2022-2023 Has Been Released

According to John Hewko, General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer for Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation recently relayed that Rotary International released its Annual Report. "Thanks to Rotarians' generosity, we can all reflect on another year with pride in our achievement and ambition for the future.

The commitment of friends, leaders, and problem-solvers united in taking action makes a life-changing impact. This past year, 1,098 global grants supported large-scale projects, scholarships, and vocational training teams. Leaders who are building peace in the Middle East or North Africa will soon have the opportunity to get world-class professional development at the newest Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. Our global polio eradication effort is intensifying through our joint commitment with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Our progress in advancing important causes is possible because of your support.

As you explore the stories, review RI's finances, and hear from RI's community of donors in this year’s report, I hope that you’re as inspired as I am by the change we’re making – change that adds hope to people’s lives today and makes a difference for years to come"

READ REPORT

December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month

December is Disease Prevention & Treatment month.

Rotary is dedicated to fighting and preventing disease. Rotary and Rotarians are committed to helping people to live healthy lives. Our signature project in this area is Polio eradication, but polio is not the only disease or aspect of healthy living on which Rotarians have expended energies. They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. They also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the people in the world who can't afford to pay for healthcare.

The health and vitality of a person, a family and a community can be seriously impaired by what in many cases is a preventable disease. Disease prevention is really a keystone to progress in other areas as well because of the interplay with other areas of focus like Water and Sanitation and Maternal & Child Health.

Rotary Club Collects Books Galore

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club is feeling thankful for an incredible Book Drive they conducted this past October, with books still coming in! More than 6,000 titles were dropped off to benefit the Friends of Santee Library. The collection generated roughly $5,300 in income. As a result of so many children’s books coming in, they have even partnered with a local nonprofit for a holiday infant-2nd grade book giveaway!

This effort was coordinated by Rotarian Cheryl Cozart who is a retired librarian. It was also supported by the newly formed Interact Club at Santana High School. Rotarian, Elana Levins-Craig has extensive communication capability due to all of her efforts supporting various programs throughout the region. Her call to action on the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club's behalf was definitely fruitful.

Up next for the club will be an activity on December 2 in support of the Santee Santas Foundation and a Holiday card distribution to seniors in local mobile home parks. More to come as these projects come to fruition.

Support The RI Foundation on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, a Global Day of Generosity, is an opportunity to make a big impact with a gift of any size supporting projects you’re passionate about. Our Foundation helps Rotary members advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Consider making a gift this Giving Tuesday, November 28.

Giving Thanks Through Action

Oceanside Rotary Club members participated in a service project that supported the Tri-City Pantry. Over 300 bags of food were assembled for families for Thanksgiving. The Oceanside Rotary Foundation contributed $3,500 towards the project!

Coronado Rotary Club Feeds 400!

On the morning of November 15 and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, members from the Coronado Rotary Club were at Father Joe’s Villages serving 400 meals to those in need. In the words of one of the Rotarians - "the hands of God are often at the end of our own arms". Another good example that Rotarians are Creating Hope in the World.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving prompting us to reflect on all the good works Rotary has done throughout the year. This Tuesday, November 28 is Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It was created to encourage people to donate to charitable organizations and causes they care about. Rotary International has embraced the concept of Giving Tuesday and encourages the use of this day as a fundraising opportunity for clubs and for The Rotary Foundation. Since 2017, Rotary has also used Giving Tuesday to reach out directly to prospective and current donors, and the campaign has grown each year.

It is important that we all support this online giving opportunity since many clubs rely on grants provided by the Rotary International Foundation to Create the Hope in the World in their communities and throughout the world. I encourage you to make a donation and to encourage your friends on social media to consider giving a gift to the Rotary International Foundation Annual Fund. All donations will help us provide all the support needed to make a difference in the world.

Give to Rotary on Giving Tuesday!

November 28, 2023

A Call to Action for All Rotarians. November 28 is Giving Tuesday, and we need your help to raise funds and awareness for The Rotary Foundation this Giving Tuesday.

This Global Day of Generosity is an opportunity for all members to make a big impact, with a gift of any size that supports projects you’re passionate about.

Here’s what we need you to do:

• Watch our Giving Tuesday video with Southeast San Diego.

• Donate to Annual Fund-SHARE on Giving Tuesday to support district and global grants.

• Share our Giving Tuesday graphics on Facebook or LinkedIn.

The Foundation will recognize the top three clubs in fundraising, donor participation, and online giving. Find out which clubs were recognized last year and set a giving goal for your club this year. Just be sure the gifts are made on November 28!

District Facebook Page is Down

Currently, the official District 5340 Facebook page is down. We are unsure as to when it will be up and running again. In the meantime, please post to our Rotary District 5340 Members group page.

This Holiday Season Give a Gift that Gives to the World!

The Rotary E-Club of San Diego is selling a limited edition of beautiful convertible cross body/”fanny” packs from Guatemala. These make ideal presents for Rotarians who want to give with a purpose. Two Guatemalan college students, Nallely and Reyna, whom the EClub has been supporting tuition costs through District Grants and private donors, are selling their hand-made products to raise money for needed college expenses outside of tuition. Click "Read More" for additional information including cost and contact information.

Smiles International Pre-Thanksgiving Clinic a Success

Rotarian, Dr. Jeffery James Moses, Founder and President of Smiles International Foundation relayed that their pre-Thanksgiving Clinic where they served patients with cleft lip and palate issues was a blessing for the Smiles International Foundation's cleft mission team as well as their partner, Children’s Lifeline International. Patients benefitted from continuity treatment and long-term staged follow-up care throughout the course of the last 18 years by the team.

The Rotary clubs of Carlsbad California and Tecate Mexico, Districts 5340 and 4100, and many young adults forming the ranks of SAVG (Smiles Action Volunteer Group) help provide logistic support along with pre-clinic advertising.

During this clinic, 27 pre-screened children received specialty consultation, annual treatment planning and scheduling. 14 of them were deemed ready and received facial reconstructive procedures. These children were scheduled into an outpatient facility built by Rotary as a Centennial project of the Rotary clubs of Bakersfield, CA, and Tecate, Mexico.

Patients benefitted from the precision pediatric anesthesia by their anesthesiology team led by Dr. Nick Pollard. Then, with a surgical team led by Craniomaxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Andrew Campbell, an estimated 50 combined surgical procedures were able to be performed over the course of this clinic. Multiple procedures are given to each child, where possible, taking advantage of the anesthesia time allotted. Many children with this congenital facial difference require several surgical procedures applied at various stages of growth in order to achieve the desired final outcome of them entering their community with enhanced abilities to properly eat, breathe, hear, speak, and smile.

While the USA calculated value was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars if billed privately, due to the volunteers all donating their expertise, the value of care donated to these children and their family's is incalculable.

Again, many thanks are extended to each volunteer and each sponsor for the opportunity to serve this deserving population.

How Does Rotary International's Annual Fund Work?

Your gift to the Annual Fund helps Rotary and Rotaract clubs take action today to create positive change in communities close to home and around the world. Your contributions help us strengthen peace efforts, fight disease, provide clean water and sanitation, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment.

The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund includes SHARE, the World Fund, and our areas of focus funds. The Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative asks all members to donate to the Annual Fund each year and take part in at least one Foundation project or program each year.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thanksgiving Meal Bags Collected

This past week, the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary club collected 29 Thanksgiving Meal Bags for families in need within their community, which will be distributed by the Chula Vista Community Collaborative. Each bag includes the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and two gift cards totaling $50.

Toy Drive Underway

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps is assisting STEP (Support the Enlisted Project) with their Toy Drive for military children in their community.

If you'd like to participate or if you need more information, please call (858) 695-6810 or email barb.fiorina@teamstepusa.org.

Coronado Rotary Club Recognized for Polio Plus Contributions

At District 5340's recent Foundation Seminar, the Rotary Club of Coronado was recognized for outstanding club contributions to the Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Program. Over the past 15 years, with the Gates Foundation match, they have collectively donated over $3 million to Polio Plus. Congratulations, the Coronado Rotary Club is certainly Creating Hope in the World.

Socks and Sleeping Bag Drive

The Rotary Club of Eastlake is holding a sock and sleeping bags drive to assist the Dreams for Change/Safe Parking Program to assist the housing insecure during the holiday season. The collection drive will run from October 14 to December 9.

For more information, please contact Miriam at 619 259-9810 or Stephanie at 619 851-2984.

A Heart-Warming Journey to Renovate Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel

Join the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake in a heartwarming journey as they renovate Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel, a children's home in Tijuana. Witness the transformative power of service and compassion in action. Special thanks to Fordham University student Sofia Hernandez for producing this video. Watch here.

Save the Date - Trivia Night 2024

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to announce next year's fundraising event! Trivia Night 2024 will be held March 8, 2024. It's time to form your team so you'll be ready for Early Bird Registration which opens on January 8. For prices and more info, please visit www.cvsrtrivianight.org.

El Cajon Rotary Volunteers at Thousand Smiles Clinic

Members of the El Cajon Rotary Club traveled south to Ensenada to lend a hand at the Thousand Smiles Clinic. Tasked with shopping and providing lunches for the volunteers, club members provided sandwiches and all accompaniments on Friday and chili and salad on Saturday. Members also had the opportunity to meet and talk to other Rotarians and volunteers as well as get a glimpse of the many services provided to young ones who otherwise would never receive care. This particular weekend, with school out on Friday, the clinic registered over 120 children to receive care. Families lined up outside starting in wee hour of the morning. Children were screened and provided basic exams and education on Friday with approximately 20 children returning on Saturday for necessary surgeries or more complicated procedures.

Volunteer professional staff included dentists, an ENT physician, anesthesiologist, audiologist, hygienists, dental students and nurses. Alongside Rotarians were community members both local and US based who provided meal preps, basic education and much more. The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club is likely to have a new Rotarian soon as a result of a first-time community volunteer who learned about Rotary and saw first-hand that Rotarians are People of Action!

El Cajon Rotary Club has a long-standing relationship with the Thousand Smiles Foundation providing volunteers, purchasing a commercial grade stove and building picnic tables for outside breaks and dining.

Holiday Drive for Military Children

Join the Rotary Club of Carlsbad to help make the holidays a little brighter for some children? Please contact Kelly for drop off location at kjl_schafer@roadrunner.com.

Message from District Governor Don Fipps

Daylight Savings Time ended today at 2 am. If you have not yet, set your clocks back one hour. I am a morning person, up at 5 am so I can be in the pool for my swim workouts at UCSD Canyonview Aquatics Center Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 am. As a result, I get up at the same time every day. I use the time in the morning for me. My Rotary Club of Del Mar recently had a speaker, Jarvis Leverson, The Morning Hero @the.morninghero talking about getting up early with a structured routine and being intentional with every minute of the day. I thought he was one of the better speakers I have heard for personal growth.

November is Rotary Foundation Month and as part of this week's 2023 Rotary Zone 26/27 Insitute at the Town and County Resort, we will be celebrating on Friday the Rotary Foundation at the Rotary Foundation Gala, Disco Inferno. We are going to have fun. I hope to see you there!

Brewing Beer for the Holidays

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary club is brewing beer for the holidays again. This is open to all Rotarians and friends of Rotarians and will feature three types of beers you will be able to personally brew and bottle. The owner of Citizen Brewers (by Mission Gorge Rd. and highway 8) will teach everyone how to make the beers, and you will have the chance to do all the work. This is a unique opportunity to engage in a San Diego tradition. The beers that are made always taste professionally made. The labels will be created by all of us and display the Rotary logo so you can share them with friends and family as gifts over the holidays or drink the beers yourself. Contact Ivan Alba at mathispower@hotmail.com to sign up, but space is limited. After all the cases are claimed, those who still wish to make beer will be invited to the next brewing event very soon.

November is Rotary Foundation Month

Rotary Foundation Month is celebrated in November every year to emphasize the importance of and need for Rotarian support of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation was created in 1917 by Rotary International's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund for Rotary "to do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of US$26.50 to more than US$1billion. It has one of the largest and most prestigious international fellowship programs in the world. The Rotary Foundation transforms donations into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent over $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

The Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. For instance, a donation as little as 60 cents can protect a child from polio, $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness, and $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

To make a contribution, visit rotary.org/donate.

Clean Up Day a Huge Success

The Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo's clean-up day this past week at Westwood in Rancho Bernardo was a big success. There was a huge turnout from the club including 30 students from Rancho Bernardo High School, Mt Carmel High School, Del Norte High School, and Poway High School, which made the work easy. More than 100 vehicles brought junk and donations to fill five huge EDCO Trash bins and provide gently used stuff for Interfaith Community Services, Rise Resale and The Assistance League Thrift Shop. Club members finished off their successful day with a wonderful Mexican lunch provided by Toni Craft from craftcateringllc.com.