Stories

 

 

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. 

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

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".

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.  

 

 

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.

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!

 

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.

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

 

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.  

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.

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.  

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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. 

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.  

 

Your District Nomination Committee met to interview candidates to serve as District Governor.  Jeb Bakke from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club was selected to lead District 5340 as Governor in 2026/27.  Please join us in congratulating Jeb!  

 

 

Jeb originally joined Poway Rotary Club (now Poway Scripps) in 1991, where he served in various offices and avenues of service.  He moved to the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise club in 1994 where he was also active in a variety of capacities. He took a leave of absence to raise his young family, while keeping in touch with the many relationships he formed through Rotary.  He returned to Rotary in 2017 to RB Sunrise where he served as President in 2020-21.  He has served the district as International Service Chair from 2021-23 and is currently an assistant governor for Area 15 that serves both the Paradise Valley and Sweetwater Rotary clubs as well as four active Rotaract clubs - D5340 of SDSU, UCSD, Pacific Beach and City Heights.  Click "Read More" to continue.

 

Members of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club had a spooktacular time at their Halloween Party 2023 benefitting Seeds of Hope.
 

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad installed their first Peace Pole on October 19, 2023, at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center in Carlsbad. It was the celebrated highlight of the Club's 84th year (established on 10/19/1939)! Agua Hedionda welcomes the public all year and serves over 8,500 children from 13 school districts in the community. The Peace Pole will be enjoyed by thousands for years to come encouraging thoughts and conversations about peace. May Peace Prevail on Earth! 

 

 

The San Diego Rotary Club brought the spirit of the spooky season to their community! They teamed up with San Diego Youth Services to transform their Temporary Housing for Youth Center into a Halloween graveyard. It was a heartwarming experience, and members we're grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these incredible young individuals.

 

As People of Action, this Rotary club will continue to work hand in hand to create a brighter future for all.

 

The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club members recently participated in the Walk4ALZ fundraiser, raising a total of $3,375 for Alzheimer's San Diego. This was the club's first participation in the event, and several members and friends walked in North County to show their support for the cause. After the walk, members gathered at Union Kitchen to celebrate their successful fundraising efforts. Alzheimer's San Diego aims to assist the 100,000 San Diegans living with dementia and their care partners. The funds raised from the walk will benefit the local community in San Diego County.

 

 

Today is National Cat Day! As most of you know by now, dogs have a prominent place in my Governorship.  However, in our home we have a cat that “gets along” with our CC Puppy Rosebud. Cats make wonderful companions but don’t suffer from separation anxiety. All companion animals teach us to care for those that require our support. Rotary members care for those who need our help to Create Hope in the World.

 

 

World Polio Day is October 24th.  There is an excellent article in this month’s Rotarian that describes why your gifts are so important, how your gifts are being used, and why we need to continue our fight to eradicate Polio.  To show our ongoing support, District 5340 is inviting you to join the District’s PolioPlus Society and/or The Rotary PolioPlus Kennel Klub.  Joining is easy!  Just commit to an annual contribution of $100 or more and receive a Polio Plus Society pin, End Polio Now wristband, and printable PolioPlus Society Certificate or an End Polio Now Doggie Bandana.  Click "Read More" to get links to each membership and to view additional statistics. 

 

Sunny San Diego is calling. There is still time to register to join us in person at the Town and Country Resort or on our virtual campus. Hear from our amazing keynote Leapfrog founder John Marggraff, Peace Corp Director Carol Spahn, Brainwise Founder Dr. Patricia Gorman Berry and Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick, dance the night away as we raise money to support the Rotary Foundation at Friday’s Disco Inferno Celebration and Celebrate our incoming District Governors at the Saturday Evening Gala. Learn more https://www.zoneinstitute.org/2023-institute-schedule.

 

 

When they say a picture says a thousand words, they weren't kidding.  The Rotary Club of Ramona recently distributed dictionaries to 3rd graders at three elementary schools - all of it caught on camera!   Of special note, Superintendent Thurman was in attendance for all distributions, which is quite impressive. 

 

Rotarian Eva Trieger was so excited about handing out dictionaries this morning to third graders in Mrs. Brisendine's and Mrs. Ramirez's classes at Mt. Woodson Elementary School! Superintendent Dr. Brian Thurman was there, too.

 

At James Dukes Elementary School, Rotarian Traci Jones visited Mrs. Stewart's 3rd grade class along with Superintendent Thurman. Special needs student Daisy received her dictionary on her Chameleon, a portable braille display with local apps, like an editor and library. 

 

Here's Mrs. Gibbs' 3rd grade class at James Dukes Elementary School with Rotary President Carol Fowler and Superintendent Thurman.

 

Rotarian Lee Castillo was at Barnett Elementary School to hand out dictionaries and tell the kids about the Rotary Club. Also present were Superintendent Thurman, Principal Meris, and teachers Mrs. Wrenn, Mrs. Youngdale, and Mrs. Rosenbusch. Another great Rotary day.

 

 

District Governor Don Fipps and DG Designee Luis Carranza visited the LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Aspirations & Determination) Camp at the San Diego County Office of Education, Cuyamaca Outdoor School. There were over 80 8th grade students enrolled in the two-day program.  Congratulations to the committee of Paul Pierce, John Harmata, Jessica Long, Jim Czarnowski, Elizabeth Harmata, Jim Piburn, Gregory Harris & John Simonelli for a great 2023 program. 

 

 

With the ever-growing complexity of the internet and the potential for abuse, one needs to know how to protect themselves from being hacked or scammed.  This article is to give you some ideas on how you protect yourself from being a victim of cyber-crimes.  

 

 

 

As the 2023-24 Rotary Youth Instrumental Competition (RYIMC) kicks off, every club in District 5340 is once again invited to join in seeking out and rewarding the most musically gifted and dedicated high school students in our communities.  This long-standing Rotary tradition annually demonstrates Rotary's commitment to today's youth and tomorrow's leaders by awarding cash prizes to local young musicians demonstrating the highest levels of excellence in talent, training and love for music.  Click "Read More" to continue.

 

Fall is a great time to plant trees in San Diego. The temperatures are cooling, reducing stress on the trees and the winter rains will nurture new roots. I’m going to give you some reasons why trees are so vital to our community and then give you tree planting events to join this fall. If you are a planner, note that San Diego Tree Week is April 22-28. There will be several tree planting events on Saturday, April 27 which happens to be Rotarians at Work Day. If your club does not already have plans, consider joining one of these events.   Click "Read More" to continue.

 

A much-needed paint job and sports court refurbishment were given to Ensenada Benito Juarez Elementary School by our own La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club on October 7-8, 2023.  Led by past president Ron Kohl, a veteran organizer of cross-border project trips, the efforts of over 100 people painted ten school buildings and installed basketball backboards, new rims, and new sports nets.

Ron Kohl and the leadership team, Tony Grillo, Ranjan Lahiri, and Garry Kachkovsky geared up with a pre-project visit, budget calculations, and arranged for Baja fellowship and fun!  52 Rotarians and guests, arriving by a chartered bus, were joined by the Rotary Club of Ensenada Todos Santos, Ensenada Interact students, Rotarians from Tijuana, and over two dozen college students from SDSU and UCSD Rotaract Clubs! We also had school parents, teachers, and children help paint the buildings.

The La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotarians and Rotaract Students donated over 100 stuffed toys to present to the children at the school. The children each carried their new toys close to them the whole day, even while painting!

Following the project, a delicious paella dinner was provided by the Ensenada Todos Santos Rotary Club at Chateau Camou Winery in Guadalupe Valley. Early Sunday morning, Rotary Surfers Unite leader Brett Morey took Rotaract Students surfing. 

So great to bless others down in Ensenada once again. Who wants to join us next October?  For more information about our club or to join us on a future project, email info@lajollagtrotary.org or check out our website https://lajollagtrotary.org. 

 

 

September 23 was a busy day at the La Mesa Community Garden. The La Mesa Interact Club volunteered to help in the garden, and Craig of Yard-to-Table Creations provided a great workshop about fall planting!

 

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary and Carlsbad Rotary produced a sensational 41st Oktoberfest at the Strawberry Fields this year with thousands of people enjoying this Family Fall Festival.  Bill Baer and Kate Hanham chaired this massive event representing each of their Rotary clubs.  German meals, music, beer (of course), dancing, contests, and loads of fun - thanks are extended to all Rotarian volunteers who made it happen.

 

 

It's not too early to start thinking about the holidays.  Order your poinsettias today.  Your orders will help support the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo fund projects for the Marines and Sailors stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.  Payment instructions are above.

Last month was truly remarkable as Sufers Unite supported four major events locally including the 100 Wave Challenge for Boys to Men Mentoring at Mission Beach, Life Rolls On assisting disabled children and adults at La Jolla Shores, the Supergirl Pro in Oceanside and City2Surf with inner city kids and Hope Leadership Academy (HLA).  Unfortunately, due to weather the HLA team had to make a difficult decision to cancel the City2Surf event however we will hold it again next May in Del Mar as we have for almost a decade.

 

 

Today is National Hero Day and honors the people we look up to and who inspire us to be the best person we can possibly be.  In an effort to Create Hope in the World, let’s be a hero to someone in our lives whether that person is one of our children or for many of us, grandchildren.  Be the role model or mentor that had a positive influence in your life, pay it forward, be the hero!

For anyone who lives in Santee and its surrounding areas, the horrific shooting at Santana High School on March 5, 2001 is forever etched in their hearts and minds.  This was the day that student Andy Williams shot 15 people, two of whom died. The two students that were killed were 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon. 

 

In memory of the two boys who lost their lives, a community scholarship fund was established, and the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club was asked to be the administrator of the fund.  Two scholarships are awarded each year - one to a girl and one to boy.  Rotarians interview and make the final selection.  With an emphasis on bully prevention, eligible scholarship candidates (current students at Santana) were asked to write on the subject of bullying and how it has or has not affected their lives and things they can do to promote a non-bulling atmosphere at their school.

 

The funds allocated have diminished over the years and the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club was set to retire the program.  One past Santana graduate Kristin Dare who is also the Executive Director for the Santee-Chamber of Commerce learned of the depleted funds and initially started a Go-Fund-Me Account to keep the program alive.  She said that Santana Students agreed that at the names of Bryan and Randy would be spoken, and their memory kept alive.  Her efforts grew to become a Santana Class of 2003 20-year reunion class project championed by Kristin Dare, Lauren Gaines, Andrew McPortland and El Cajon City Councilman Phil Ortiz. 

 

On Thursday, October 5 these champions presented the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club with a check for $7,000 to ensure that Bryan and Randy's names are spoken and to honor them by keeping efforts around bulling prevention alive.  This time the table was turned, and the community rallied to support the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club's efforts by ensuring they had the funds to administer the scholarship fund to deserving students at Santana High School.  It was a unique picture of cooperation and support that exemplifies Rotary's theme of Creating Hope in the World.  

 

How fitting it was that this presentation occurred during the month of October which is National Bullying Prevention month.

 

 

October is National Bullying Prevention month and the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club is sponsoring over 75 Preuss students to participate in a dance-a-thon organized by Motivated to Act to raise awareness for youth mental health. The event is open to the public and features live multicultural performances, dancing, and a chance to meet former NFL players. Please join us on October 14 from 11 am to 6 pm. For more information visit Calendar - MTA - Motivated To Act - View Upcoming Events.

 

 

Today is National Homemade Cookies Day.  A wonderful way to Create Hope in the World is to bake some homemade cookies, package them up and share them with neighbors, co-workers, and friends!  This gesture will make anyone feel better.  My favorite is chocolate chip with macadamia nuts.  Have a home baked cookie and a great Sunday!

 

 

Club members from the Del Mar Rotary Club Brett Mattei (former Del Mar lifeguard), Steven McDowell (Community Services Chair), Matt Kurth (Club President), Toni Mecaro (President-Elect) hand over a new rescue board to Lifeguard Aidan Goodman, who also serves as Vice President of the Del Mar Lifeguard Association.

 

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotarians were joined by 33 Hilltop High Interactors at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility to make 21 dog beds for shelter pets. Former Mayors Cheryl and Greg Cox (also former County Supervisor) hosted the clubs and commented on how "friendly and focused" Interactors were. It's fantastic to see so many young people committed to service. The future is bright with this generation.

 

 

On September 26, 2023, Rotarians of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club planted raised gardens at San Diego Oasis in Rancho Bernardo. The produce will be enjoyed by chefs at Shamily's teaching kitchen. 

 

Ride the hidden, unridden, and forbidden in the Point Loma Rotary 10th Annual Jim Krause Memorial Bicycle Ride the Point for pancreatic cancer research on November 11, 2023.  The ride starts and ends at Liberty Station and includes exclusive scenic routes throughout beautiful San Diego. This local all-volunteer ride has raised over $300,000 for pancreatic cancer research at UCSD Moore's Cancer Center.

 

Ride the Point has three distances to accommodate diverse levels of cycling experience. The 5-mile Family Fun Ride is a relatively flat course on bike paths along beautiful San Diego Bay and is perfect for cruisers, beginning riders, challenged athletes, and families. The 25 and Metric Century are street rides with exclusive routes and challenging climbs around scenic San Diego. The public is invited to the free healthy lifestyle expo at Oggi’s in Liberty Station from 9 am until 2 pm with local vendors, music, and refreshments. For more information visit www.RideThePoint.org, watch our YouTube Video, or follow us on Facebook. 

 

 

Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
 
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable, and long-term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by:

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club celebrated Community Week by partnering with the Santee Kawanis Club and West Hills High School Key Club along with the newly formed Interact Club from Santana High School.  This new Interact Club was spearheaded by a RYLA student sponsored by the Santee-Lakeside Rotary club who was so motivated by his experience last year at camp that he went back to his school and found not one but three teachers who were willing to be their sponsor and a whole host of students who wanted to be involved.  This is the first Interact Club started by the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club.    

 

The project itself was coordinated by Santee-Lakeside Rotary club president, Karen Fleck and Santee-Kawanian Dan Bickford.  Their joint effort was the creation of a butterfly garden at Woodglen Vista Park in Santee.  They planted 160 Monarch Butterfly friendly plants, bushes and trees. As you can see from the pictures below, there were a lot of students involved.   Another outstanding example of Creating Hope in the World.

 

For the third year, Rotary International (San Diego Rotary), Kiwanis International, Lions International, and Optimist International worked together to celebrate and give back to our communities with a week-long service event. Rotary and Rotaract clubs were encouraged to partner with local Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist clubs on a project that will have a long-term impact in their community. In San Diego, our #CelebrateCommunity project featured a project at San Diego's first high school - San Diego High School on Friday, September 22, that included presentations about each of our service organizations and the youth clubs we sponsor.

They modeled doing more when we work together and affirmed when we harness the collective power of our four organizations’ 3.4 million members we can #CelebrateCommunity together.

The visit ended with a QR code on the screen that led to a survey allowing attendees to ask for more information from the organization of their choice or all of the above.  They had 85 responses within ten minutes!

Each student in attendance received details how they can register for the next Student Self Leadership Program from Blanchard.com and 2,500 flyers were being distributed campus wide for all students, faculty, staff, and parents to enroll by the Sunday, September 24 deadline.  

 

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, non-profits throughout San Diego County were guests of the El Cajon Rotary Club for their Annual Grants Night event.  Through fundraising efforts, the Rotary club distributed grant checks of various amounts to 20 non-profit organizations.  Organizations included the American Legion Boys State program, El Cajon Police Department, Noah Homes, Saint Madeline Sophies Center, the Miglat Project - an anti-sex slavery project, Crisis House, Boys and Girls Club, 29 Eleven Maternity Home, Sonshine Haven, Meals on Wheels, Workshop for Warriors, Wreaths Across America San Diego, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, Fisher House Southern California, Home of Guiding Hands, Shelter Box USA, Proxteem Mobility and Esteem, Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, East County Transitional Living Center and Foothills Christian High School Football for a player scholarship.  

 

Each recipient was provided an opportunity to speak to the club about the programs that will benefit from these grants.  It was clear in listening to them that these organizations and the El Cajon Rotary Club are indeed Creating Hope in the World. 

 

 

 

The Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club invites you to join them in helping package 50,000 meals that will be donated to The San Diego Food Bank and the recovery efforts in Maui and Ukraine.

 

This service project will be held on Saturday, November 18 and will have two shifts to choose from:  9-11 AM or 1-3:00 PM.  Click here to register.  There is a $65 cost (underwrites the cost of meals) to participate.  

 

 

 

Our District Foundation Seminar will be held November 4.  Come for a morning of inspiration and fellowship as we share the great works that our clubs, district and the Rotary Foundation do in our community and the world. 

 

This is a fantastic event for newer Rotarians to attend to learn and be inspired through the work we do and long-time Rotarians to be reinvigorated and reminded and of the “why” behind all we do.  A continental breakfast will be provided at 8:30 a.m. with presentations beginning at 9 a.m.

This is also an opportunity to experience the beautiful newly completed Sharp Prebys Innovation & Education Center, which is a new community resource offered at significant discounts to non-profit organizations making a difference in our community.  Thank you Sharp!    Registration is now open. $20 per person.

 

 

 

 

 

Mark your calendars for October 7, 2023, from noon until 8:00 p.m. and be part of the 41st Annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival brought to you by Carlsbad Rotary clubs.  Indulge in authentic German cuisine from Tip Top Meats, partake in activities for both kids and adults.  Immerse yourself in live German music and, of course, relish in our vibrant Beir Garten!  The garden will showcase a diverse selection of draft beers, including a special Oktoberfest brew, along with a variety of wines.  

 

Oktoberfest requires a $10 Entrance Fee to the Strawberry fields.  Free parking.  Cashless Event.  Learn more and to purchase food tickets by clicking here.   

 

Join the Rotaract Club of UCSD on October 7&8 for their Ensenada Work Project alongside La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club (LJGTRC) to revitalize a local school!  It will cost Rotaract/Rotary volunteers around $78 to take part in this amazing opportunity. This would cover the chartered bus, snacks and drinks on the bus, volunteer event, hotel, food (dinner & lunch), wine and beer at dinner, a t-shirt, and surfing lessons. However, there may be reduced costs for Rotaractors  due to subsidies from the LJGTRC or Rotaract District 5340!   Passports required.

Make sure to fill out this interest form for more details:

 

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSct3qUmMSgPAN.../viewform.

Encinitas Coastal Rotary and the Encinitas Rotary Club successfully collaborated with students from SDA to refurbish and paint seven picnic tables and student cubbies at the Boys & Girls Club Griset Ranch. This joint effort was a fantastic project completed with great enthusiasm and dedication. As community service enthusiasts and People of Action, the Encinitas clubs are committed to serving their youth and community. They look forward to more successful collaborations in the future. 

 

 

As People of Action, members Corie and Blanca from the Route 78 Rotary Club brought and served dinner to the residents at Operation Hope North County. Residents loved the tacos & quesadillas from Señor Grubby’s! They all came back for seconds! Thank you to Thrivent for funding this Action Team activity.

 

 

The Council on Legislation (COL) is Rotary’s governing body that amends its constitutional documents. Every three years the Council on Legislation meets to debate and vote on proposed enactments. Each district sends one representative to the Council on Legislation, and any club or district may propose enactments. The next COL is scheduled for the spring on 2025 and I will be the representative for District 5340. If your club or district is considering proposing an enactment for the COL they must be received by Rotary on or before December 31, 2023.

 

Detailed instructions on how to propose enactments can be found at https://my-cms.rotary.org/en/document/how-propose-enactments-council-legislation.

You can also find additional information on the COL at https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/councils.

Note that these enactments must be to propose changes to the constitutional documents only, not to recommend decisions that can be handled by the RI Board or TRF Trustees. And, due to the extensive process for submissions, it is recommended to start this process way ahead of the actual deadline if you are inclined to do so.

 

Feel free to contact me PDG Philippe Lamoise, COL Representative for District 5340 if you have any questions.

 

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotarians were joined by 33 Hilltop High Interactors at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility to make 21 dog beds for shelter pets. Former Mayors Cheryl & Greg Cox (also former County Supervisor) hosted their clubs & commented on how "friendly and focused" thr Interactors were. It's fantastic to see so many young people committed to service. The future is bright with this generation.

 

On August 26, the Point Loma Rotary Club held its Peninsula Pints & Bragging Rights; Cornhole for a Cause fundraiser.  This was a unique outdoor event for the community organized by the Point Loma Rotary Club and in partnership with Good Wood Customs.   The event incorporated a cornhole tournament with divisions for beginners and advanced players, with a total prize pool of $1,500, while also offering local craft brews, a DJ, specialty food vendors, local small businesses for shopping and children's activities. 

 

For over 70 years, the Point Loma Rotary Club has provided support for local San Diego civic projects including: Boy Scouts, Peninsula YMCA, Little League, and Point Loma Library. They sponsor students at camps to develop leadership and public speaking skills. And. on an international level, the club funded ShelterBox survival kits for the international disasters; funded polio eradication; and clean water projects in Fiji.  They definitely put their fundraising dollars to good use.  

 

 

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club held its meeting in the beautiful library in Lakeside.  Besides getting a tour of the facility, Rotarians settled in and put on their creative hats to create cards of support for PDG Chuck Pretto who is recovering from a bone marrow transplant.  There was a lot of lobe and support put into designing each card and we know that Chuck will fill the love behind them.

 

 

We are THIS close to ending polio!!  Recently, the Coronado Rotary’s annual End Polio Now wine tasting at Rotarian Jim Kaufman’s home was another fantastic sold-out event.  It’s the “party with a purpose” that they love!  The club has raised over $1.2 million and given more than 22 million polio drops to children all over the planet that will never have polio.

 

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps were very excited by the strong turnout at their recent blood drive in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank. The drive was held in a new location, the old Vons in Scripps Ranch and everyone was bowled over by 22 donors rolling up their sleeves to donate blood.

 

Thanks to members Don, Jeri and Karen for handling this community service project. As for the second photo, well that deserves an explanation.  Member Karen never met a stranger, and she went hog wild for this fellow who parked his Harley near the bloodmobile. She sidled up to him, asked to sit on his bike with him, yada, yada, yada, you can guess the rest. Club members teased that they hope to see this photo as her 2023 Christmas card.  They added to their Facebook page a call to action: "We promise you, if you join the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps, you too can have this kind of fun."  

 

 

Help decorate the Rotary float for the Rose Parade, seen by millions of people throughout the world. Signup began Saturday Sept. 2nd.  Work hand-in-hand with Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors as we cover every inch of the float with flowers and other natural materials. This takes place in a large float barn, where you’ll see many other floats also being built.  Join in - go to www.rotaryfloat.org and register today.

Become an ambassador club and get entered into a drawing to ride the float!

 Click Here to Register Today

 

Registration is open for the District Conference Cruise to Ensenada, which will be a casual, fun, educational, relaxing and affordable weekend cruise on Royal Caribbean's newly remodeled "Navigator of the Seas." The 3-night cruise will depart from Los Angeles at 4pm on Friday afternoon April 26th, sail to and dock in Ensenada and return to Los Angeles at 8am Monday morning April 29th. Our planned Rotary activities include a Welcome Aboard reception on Friday, Saturday Day at Sea with two Rotary General Session meetings and the option to participate in Rotarians at Work projects in Ensenada and a paella lunch on Sunday. 
 
Don't wait to register. Cabins are going fast!  After you register, join the District Facebook group dedicated to the District Cruise.  You can share information and ask questions, etc.  

 

Important:  Click "Read More" for some very vital information on the upcoming cruise. 

 

 

The Rotary theme for September is Basic Education and Literacy.  Also, today is National Grandparents Day.  What better way to celebrate grandparents than to have them read to their grandchildren.  Let us Create Hope in the World through education and literacy.
 
The 2023 Rotary Zone Institute is in San Diego this year at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley November 8-12, 2023.  This is your opportunity to attend an event designed for learning, fellowship and fun!  It is open to all Rotarians. Click here to learn more and to register.  https://www.zoneinstitute.org/ 
 
The District 5340 Rotary Foundation Gala is November 10 during the Zone Institute: Click on the button below for more information and to purchase tickets:  

 

Come join us for an evening of Disco Inferno and help raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month for Rotary.  This is one of Rotary’s six areas of focus.  We all know how critical reading and writing are for success in life – for gaining information, communicating, making agreements, and so forth.  Enhancing Basic Education skills and Literacy are essential in reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.  Improvements can reduce maternal death, improve childhood survivability, and reduce poverty.  They can also enable success in business or a profession. 
 
Projects undertaken by a Rotary Club can address low adult literacy, returning youth to school, enhancing student performance, or supplementing limited school resources.  Listed below are examples of a number of projects in which clubs are engaged. 
 
Call to Action:  Consider how your club is, or could be, MAKING A DIFFERENCE by supporting basic education and literacy in your community or somewhere else in the world.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know District Governor Don Fipps joined Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship as a Lifetime member more than five years ago?  Not only can Don throw a proper shaka he and his wife Donna quickly embraced Surfers Unite because it attracts members to Rotary while creating fun and relevant service projects in San Diego and across the globe.  Surfers Unite now has members in 38 countries.  There are four SoCal events you just might want to participate in and extend an invite to friends in the surfing community to join as well.  All Surfers Unite events are open to Rotarians, family members, Rotaract, Interact and those who wish to make a difference.  So, what exactly can volunteers do?  Well for those who want to serve on our Life Rolls On crew we will take disabled children and adults surfing.  Volunteers will be working the registration desk, handing out jerseys, assisting with wheelchair transfers, serving as photographers, assisting in the water and many other capacities.  Know a teen or college student considering a career in the medical field?  Let us introduce you to some of the best Occupational and Physical Therapists in Southern California and cheer folks on from the shore.  Register today to serve on Team Pink with Surfers Unite at Huntington Beach August 26 or La Jolla Shores on September 23 and use the opportunity to invite surfers you know in your club.  Know someone who has some mobility challenges?  Get them set up as a participant in Life Rolls On.

 

 

Calling all golfers.  The San Marcos Rotary Club is holding its 15 Annual Golf Tournament on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.  Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.  Tee times are starting at 11:00 AM.  Come join in on the fun.  There will be contests, prizes and food.  Register now by go to www.sanmarcosrotarygolf.org.

 

 

Join members of the San Diego Downtown Rotary Club for an evening of fashion on September 22 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.  Tickets are $80 per person.  More information to come.

 

So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego is the fundraiser gala for Old Mission Rotary.  President Stan Vogelsang reported that the 11th annual talent show generated a net profit of $28,514.  

The Thousand Smiles Foundation received $21,146 which is about 20% of their annual operating budget. Thousand Smiles is a permanent dental clinic in Ensenada Baja composed of doctors, dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, audiologists, health educators, nurses, and regular volunteers who work to provide dental care, orthodontia, as well as surgical repair of cleft lips/cleft palates for children in Mexico who might otherwise receive no care.  

The Old Mission Rotary Foundation received $7,369 of the net profits.  These funds will be disbursed to a variety of local programs and organizations.

 

The show took place on Saturday, May 13 at Francis Parker School and we congratulate Michelle Malin who served as the chair of the event.

 

 

 

Old Mission Rotary is proud to support the STAR/PAL Program that connects at risk youth with San Diego law enforcement.  Charlotte Cofield represented Old Mission Rotary at their Back-to-School event on Saturday, August 19 at Colina Del Sol Park where school supplies were distributed to kids from the local underserved community.

 

 

Please consider volunteering to serve as an Advisor at the LEAD conference on October 14 and 15, 2023. You can make a difference in the lives of 8th grade students as you exemplify leadership and service. Please see the LEAD website at www.rotary5340lead.org for information (complete your registration application by clicking on “Advisors” then “Advisor Application Form”). If you have questions or want to discuss LEAD, please contact Paul Pierce at 760-942-9911 or pepjr@peplaw.com. For a 10-30 minute LEAD presentation at your club, please contact Jim Piburn at (619) 372-8474 or james.piburn_plrc@yahoo.com.

 

 

Our Newsbits Editor is having knee surgery and will be recovering over the next couple of weeks.  As a result, Newsbits will go dark for the next two weeks.  In the meantime, continue to submit articles, etc. to sandyp304@gmail.com and articles will be posted as soon as possible.  

 

Today is National Just Because Day.  This day offers up an opportunity to do stuff…just because. It is a Sunday!  So feel free to celebrate this day any way you choose.  Just because!  Every day we all do things that are expected or required of us. Sometimes we even do things because we have to do them; we don’t know why.  Well, on this occasion, that does not apply.  This day is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason.  However, it is my hope for this National Just Because Day, that you do something to Create Hope in the World, just because, after all we are Rotarians and Rotaractors!

 

Barry Rassin, 2018-19 Rotary International President and his wife, Esther are our special guests on this cruise. Enjoy a beautiful and fun-filled France river cruise vacation with Rotarians, while improving lives! This 2024 cruise is an opportunity to combine a wonderful time with Rotarians and raise funds for the Rotary Foundation. Click here to download cruise information.

 

Contact Ron Kohl at 5340cruise@gmail.com to sign up for this adventure.

 

 

 

Update on PDG Chuck Pretto:

Chuck goes back to the hospital on August 23rd to begin the process for his stem cell transplant.  He expects to be in the hospital for five weeks.  Then once home, he will need to “shelter at home” to rebuild his immune system.  He very much appreciates everyone’s supports, prayers and well wishes.  Once in the hospital, he can’t receive flowers, but he loves receiving the cards, emails and calls, when appropriate.
 
Today is National Radio Day to recognize the great invention of the radio. Celebrate the news, information, music, and stories carried across the airwaves.  You may be asking yourself, why does our District Governor care?  I am an FCC licensed amateur radio operator, general class, with the call sign KJ6NQQ.  I am a member of an organization that talks every night at 7 PM across the Western United States to be ready for emergency radio use when conventional communication is no longer available.  Let’s hope that never happens.  http://www.goldenbearnet.org/

 

What is the best way to improve your members' knowledge of Rotary?  One exemplary way is to dedicate 1 minute to it at every meeting.  All Rotarian Minutes are available online: https://bit.ly/44MRlGi.

 

You're invited to join a webinar with RI President Elect Stephanie Urchick on “Become Climate Friendly and Sustainable.”

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee is pleased to extend an invitation to join a keynote presentation by RI President Elect Stephanie Urchick on August 26, 2023, 7:30 AM. Pacific Standard Time. Are you concerned about the climate or other environmental issues? You and your club can easily be part of the solution by becoming more climate friendly and sustainable. How? Join the webinar and hear Rotary International President-Elect Stephanie Urchick, Synergy Rotary Fellowship Alliance, and ESRAG leaders share ways you can succeed. More information here.

RSVP here to receive the zoom link or the recording of the presentation.

 

 

 

As a brand marketing consultant and past assistant to my club’s public image chair, I’m consumed with a zeal for putting the Rotaract Club of Surulere South on the map. I want us to be known for the selfless services our members are rendering. I want to motivate others to join us in the work we do.

 

Upcoming events 2023:

Month of August – San Diego Health and Human Services Agency Promotes Immunization Month. 
October 22nd – District Event: Rotaract PolioPlus Walk in Balboa Park.
October 24th – World Polio Day – Need ideas or Register your Club event at World Polio Day | End Polio. 

 

Let’s make polio history. Together, we end polio!

 

 

Contact information: 

Beth Garrow, District Foundation PolioPlus Chair – bethgarrow@comcast.net
Jeanne Schmelzer and Cheryl Wilson– Don’t Wait, Vaccinate Subcommittee Co-chairs: jschmelzer@netzelgrigsby.com, cherylaw237@gmail.com
Emily Chen – District 5340 Rotaract Chair -emilyluo.chen@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

The Escondido East Rotary Club is hosting their first Pickleball Tournament/Fundraiser at Castle Creek in Escondido. Proceeds will help out their yearlong of giving to their communities. You can scan the QR code above or sign up on Eventbrite. Space is limited so please do it soon. For more information, you can contact Rotarian's Kevin at 719-291-5286 or Don 760-807-5131. Hope to see you out there.  They will have some fun club competitions. Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/686661481977?aff=oddtdtcreator.

 

 

Welcome Back FUESD! On Thursday the Rotary Club of Fallbrook held its annual Welcome Back barbeque for the staff of the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District. FUESD staff took a break from preparing for the coming school year and were treated to a BBQ lunch at Ingold Sports Park. Just their way of thanking them for all they do to care for the children in their community.

 

Santee-Lakeside Rotarians were hard at work supporting Santee School District and Pathway Community Church on School Beautification Day. This annual event occurs prior to the beginning of the new school year.  Beautification efforts were completed at all nine school sites. Projects included weeding, painting, spreading mulch and making each of the schools pretty for students' first day.

Old Mission Rotary applied and was awarded a Global Grant of $61,000 from the Rotary International Foundation.  The funds will be used for the Thousand Smiles Clinic in Ensenada for solar energy and for vacuum pumps for the surgery suites.

 

The El Cajon Rotary club had an outing in beautiful Balboa Park this past week.  They specifically came to tour the Old Globe Theatre.  They were met with a very nice surprise.  The volunteer leading the tour was none other than PDG Marge Cole!  Marge has a deep appreciation for the arts, travel and Rotary.  Rotarians were briefed on the history of the Old Globe, given a behind the scenes tour of the theatre itself and a glimpse into the story of the Shakespearean comedy - The Merry Wives of Windsor.

 

 

I want to thank everyone that had already donated to the Maui Fires Relief Fund.  From District 5000 Governor Mark Merriam: “The outpouring of support is incredible.  My email is full of people wanting to know how to help.  We are so grateful for all the care and concern. I have had multiple meetings with Maui folks, they are in shock, but it helps to know Rotary stands with them.” This is how we Create Hope in the World.
 
Today is National Spirt of “45 Day that honors the can-do attitude of an entire generation affected by the trials and hardships of World War II. Observed every year on the second Sunday in August, communities around the country hold events and memorials. Each one honors those who have inspired us, sacrificed, and preserved our nation for future generations.  The Greatest Generation has left us all a great legacy.  

 

 

You have heard about the devastating fires in Maui, Hawaii.  Rotary District 5000 in Hawaii has activated their District Foundation to collect donations and provide relief through the Maui Fire Relief Fund.
 
Click this link if you wish to donate to this effort.

 

 

 

Last week Route 78 Rotary club made lunches on Friday and Saturday for all the patients and their families at Thousand Smiles Clinic in Ensenada.  It was a very good clinic - seven cleft surgeries, four sets of ear tubes and over 130 dental patients!

 

With the help of pageant winners, The Fallbrook Village Rotary club just finished a project for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). EFMP provides school supplies to families for special needs children.

 

Mark your calendars today to join in on the fun at the Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Uncorked Wine & Vine! The festival is on August 18 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the ViaSat Courtyard Plaza - 2446 Town Garden Road, Carlsbad, 92009.  You can obtain tickets at www.givsum.com or click the QR code above.   We can’t wait to see you. 

 

Come enjoy the Del Mar sunset from the top of beautiful Del Mar Plaza at the Rotary Club of Del Mar’s 19th annual Sunset Soirée. Take in the dazzling sunset view while enjoying hosted wine, beer, and cocktail tastings, as well as samples of menu items from Del Mar area restaurants.  The event will be on Tuesday September 12, 2023, 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Del Mar Plaza - Ocean View Deck, 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014.

 

Visit www.delmarsunsetsoiree.org for details, tickets, and to explore sponsorship opportunities.  Click "Read More" for additional information.  

 

 

August is when Rotary Clubs around the world focus on membership in Rotary. This is the perfect time to celebrate your club’s members and the amazing work they do in their communities and consider the many options available for strengthening your membership.
 
Does your club have a plan? Are you executing your own plan to invite your friends and business associates to join your Rotary Club?
 

There are many ways to join in the celebration.  Click "Read More" to learn about a few activities to get you started.
 

 

Enjoy a fun night and help the Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary raise funds for their 2023-2024 community and humanitarian projects at their 3rd Annual Baja Style LobsterFest. The event will run from 5:00-9:00 PM on October 14, 2023, in the beautiful courtyard of the Del Mar Hilton. 

 

For more information, to register for a fun evening, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit DMSBLobsterfest.com or call Vicky Mallett, Event Chair, at 858-245-7968.  Click "Read More" for additional information.

 

 

Today is National Friendship Day, Yes, last week was International Friendship Day.  On the first Sunday in August, National Friendship Day encourages people across the country and world to connect with friends.  Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one.  August is also Membership and New Club Development Month for Rotary International.  What better way to connect with a friend than to invite them to your club’s Rotary meeting or, better yet, your club’s service activity.  Let’s get more people in Rotary to help us Create Hope in the World.
 
From the week’s club visits: The Rotary Club of Solana Beach Eco has a Zero Waste initiative.  Clubs should be looking to reduce waste at their weekly meetings; use reusable dinnerware, divert organic waste from the landfill, recycle properly, offer a vegetarian option in the menu.  For more information of what you may be able to do, contact the District 5340's Environment Sustainability Committee at info@sbeco.org or https://portal.clubrunner.ca/10061/page/zero-waste-committee.

With school just around the corner, East County Rotarians were doing their best to set kids up for success and what better way than to make sure they have the supplies they need to be successful students.

 

This past week, the La Mesa Rotary Club got busy packing almost 100 backpacks with various supplies for kids going back to school. 

 

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club did something similar with a program called Buddy's Backpacks. Rotarians donated $620 plus supplies to help meet their club goal of 1,000 full backpacks for kids.  Rotarians will also help with putting bags together and with the distribution (more to come on this).

 

Every year as part of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club's installation dinner, members of the club donate scores of toilet paper to be given to the East County Transitional Living Center in El Cajon.  The Center is a recovery center for homeless who are trying to get back on their feet.  With the number of clients that are housed at any one time, the need to have toilet paper is essential to the organization.  Appropriately named "Give a Sheet" this service project is one of the club's favorite outreach efforts.  Shown in the picture below are members delivering this much needed commodity.  Much of the paper rolls are stacked waist high behind those who took time out of their day to help club president, Karen Fleck with the delivery. 

 

 

Calling all Rotarians - Join in on one of the most impactful service efforts you can participate in - giving life-sustaining blood.  The Rotary Club of Poway Scripps is hosting a blood drive on August 24 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  The drive will take place in the Vons parking lot located at 10016 Scripps Ranch Blvd. Scripps Ranch 92131.  Scan the QR code above or click here to schedule an appointment.  Walk-ins are welcome.  Photo ID is required.  Arrive hydrated. 

 

Districts 5340 and 4100 held a binational exposition softball game on July 29 at the Unidad Deportiva Tijuana.  Coordinators and ball players hit it out of the park.  Everyone had a great time playing and enjoying a BBQ following the game. This event helped build relations between the two districts and is slated to be an annual softball game. It also opens up the possibility of Rotarians and Rotaractors from District 5340 to participate in some local recreational softball leagues.  

 

To see a portion of the game, click here to watch the video. 

 

International Literacy Day is September 8. We encourage members to give in support of basic education and literacy year-round, and especially on and around this day. Through your donation, or by encouraging others to donate, you can empower educators to inspire learning at all ages, increase adult literacy, and reduce gender disparity in education.  This is a great opportunity to give a hand up to those whose lives would change if they were literate.  

 

Celebrate Community, an annual collaborative initiative from the service organizations Kiwanis International, Lions International, Optimist International and Rotary International, will take place the week of September 11-17, 2023. Barry Villamil, a member of the Rotary Club of Pearlridge, Oahu, Hawaii, USA, describes working with local Lions clubs to beautify a pedestrian underpass in a blog post for Rotary Voices. Plan your event now and learn more on the event’s Facebook page.

 

The District 5340 Nominating Committee is now accepting completed application forms for the Governor of District 5340 for Rotary Year 2026 – 2027.  The application deadline is September 30, 2023. 
 
All nominations must be submitted on the District Governor-Nominee Application Form.  
 
Fully completed forms can scanned and emailed to Dan Gensler at dgensler@wealthenhancement.com or submitted to the District mailing address: District 5340 – DG Nomination Committee, 5052 Clairemont Drive #178651, San Diego, CA  92117. 
 
Qualifications for District Governor are prescribed by the Rotary International Manual of Procedures (RIMOP). 

 

Click "Read More" to continue.

 

 

Edwin Bos and his family have visited India, Nepal, and most recently, the Philippines, through one of Rotary’s unique programs, Rotary Friendship Exchange. This exchange program gives Rotary members and their families the chance to experience new cultures — and make lifelong friends — by staying in the homes of Rotarians in other countries.

 

"Participating in the exchange was the best decision I’ve made as a Rotarian."

Ellen Waldmer
Member of the Rotary Club of Jefferson, Wisconsin, USA

 

Bos, assistant governor of District 6250 in Wisconsin, USA, led 13 Rotary members and their families on an exchange to the Philippines, where they stayed with Rotarians in District 3850. While there, they visited several projects, including a depository for shoe donations, a library’s computer literacy program, and a clean water initiative. Participants also enjoyed local festivals and learned about ecotourism in the Philippines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today is International Day of Friendship and was designated by the United Nations General Assembly. On July 30, we step back and get thankful for these relationships worldwide, as they promote and encourage peace, happiness, and unity.  This is what happens in Rotary.  I am happy to say that the members of my club are my friends. According to a Mayo Clinic article, friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being, but it's not always easy to develop or maintain friendships. Let's Create Hope in the World by understanding the importance of social connections in your life and what you can do to develop and nurture lasting friendships. 

 

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club will hold its annual Rancho BEERnardo Festival fundraiser on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 2:00-5:00 PM.  A special early first-hour tasting of special brews will be held for VIPs from 1:00 - 2:00 PM.  The festival will take place at Webb Park at the corner of Bernardo Center Drive and Avena Place in Rancho Bernardo.  

 

The festival will have 30+ top-rated breweries with 70+ of the best rated beers available in Southern California. Wine tastings are also offered from regional wineries, along with live music, delicious food and fun games. 

If you’re ready to buy, good news - SAVE $15.00 on VIP tickets - but only until August 21!  For more information about tickets, participating breweries and wineries, visit RBFEST.COM. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event. 

 

 

 

Enjoy a beautiful night on the water.  The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake is sailing away on August 26, 2023, for an evening of drinking dancing and music.  Want to join them?  Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased through Venmo.  Use the QR code above.  

Writing in the Rotary magazine in 1946, Paul Harris remarked that “travel is a good corrective for … mental near-sightedness.” The same holds true for photography, especially if, like Rotary itself, the photographer takes a global perspective.

 

To verify that observation you need look no further than this issue of Rotary magazine, where we reveal the finalists in this year’s Photo Awards. Including the cover, there are a dozen photographs that carry us from Egypt to Idaho, from Nigeria to Taiwan. Along the way we see everything from an intimate moment as a medical team prepares for surgery to a sweeping nightscape illuminated by an aurora borealis.

 

Though they are shot in different parts of the world, employ distinct palettes, and evoke different emotions, all of these photographs have in common an unseen beauty. These days we’re constantly bombarded with images — and in an era of AI and CGI, it can be difficult to know if what we’re seeing is real. But in these 12 photos we have the privilege of standing in the photographers’ shoes and experiencing an honest understanding of a particular moment.

 

That generosity of spirit is another Rotary trait.

 

By sharing their pictures, the photographers enable the rest of us to join them on their journey.

 

 

As District Governor, one of the most enjoyable things you get to do is visit all 69 clubs.  This past week on Thursday, I made my first club visit at lunch to my home club, the Rotary Club of Del Mar with President Matt Kurth.  I had the honor of many of our Past District Governors including District Governor Elect Dianne Crawford and District Governor Nominee Luis Carranza attend the meeting.  That evening, I made my second club visit to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunrise with President Gina Woodard, and yes for dinner.  I love it when clubs meet at different time to accommodate their members.  Joining me on the club visits were my Chief Aide Kay Barron, my wife Donna with our Canine Companion puppy, Rosebud.
 
Today is National Vanilla Ice Cream Day.  Take a bow, vanilla. I scream, you scream, we all scream for…VANILLA ICE CREAM!  Yes, you remember correctly, last Sunday was National Ice Cream Day, what can I say, we love ice cream.

 

 

 

 

Don't miss the boat! Do you want to attend a District conference that will be fun, educational and relaxing?  Then you need to join Rotarians across the District for an affordable weekend cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. 

 

The conference will include:

 

Friday:     Welcome Aboard reception

Saturday: Day at Sea with 2 General Sessions

Sunday:   Option to participate in Rotarians at Work projects in Ensenada in conjunction with local Rotary clubs or you can stay on the boat or you can explore Ensenada on your own or you can stay on the ship. 

 

Click on the Watch Video button below.  Once you see it, you will want to sign up to attend this amazing conference.  for any questions you may have, please send email to: d5340conferencecruise@gmail.com.  To register, click here.

          

 

Love to play tennis? Want to raise money for an important cause? Let’s support a club in our sister District 4100, by helping them raise money for a global grant to get drinking water in local schools.  For more information: jimenezramos.marcela@gmail.com.

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary is making a big effort to help the North County Food Bank.  This past Thursday, July 20, 15 Rotarians packed hundreds of packing bags and over 2,500 pounds of produce.

 

 

Join the Point Loma Rotary in putting the fun into fundraiser on Saturday, August 26 at the NTC Park -lot B.  Tickets range from $5 to $100.  To learn more about this event scam the QR above or contact Margaret Virissimo at 619 313-0446 or Rob Cenko at 619 318-9762.

 

 

Opinion: As the new San Diego Rotary president, my responsibility is bigger than Rotary Club 33 - sandiegouniontribune.com.

 

It was 1970 when I graduated from St. James High School in Ferndale, Michigan, near the Eight Mile Road northern border of my hometown of Detroit. Melvin lived two houses down from our home on Northlawn. I’m sure my mother had something to do with the full-page ad in the yearbook from one of the founders of The Temptin’ Temptations.

 

The larger message he shared was powerful — “We, the Temptations, encourage education, for only through knowledge can ‘MANKIND’ grow to true Glory.” He could have stopped there, but he added the postscript prediction. To have a mentor like Melvin Franklin believe I could be president of the United States of America was certainly profound to an 18-year-old rolling into the 1970s and three years removed from the riot in 1967 that forever altered the trajectory of the Motor City.

 

History will forever note the prediction went unfulfilled.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Ensenada (District 4100) is hosting a fundraising event to raise money for their Global Grant “Clean Water for Kids”, which will supply drinking water in public schools in Ensenada through installation of reverse osmosis systems. 

All Rotarians or non-Rotarian friends are welcome to participate and enjoy this event in Guadalupe Valley. There are single tickets or tables for 8 or 10 people.

This is a great way to support our sister district..  For more information, contact Octavio Sanchez at octavioprecision@gmail.com.

 

The Coronado Rotary Club combined fun and service and had a great day doing it.  First they visited the Fisher House where the club supports the families of injured or ill military members being treated at Balboa Naval Hospital.  They supplied new blankets and hair dryers for the rooms in addition to monthly food deliveries.  They then went on to buying peanut butter for their monthly social to be delivered to the IB Food Pantry where many military members are served. Rotarians Mary and Bob Griffin, Ginger Cox, Suzanne Moore Manuel, Amy Kesteloot Steward, Dave John Johnson and Paul Laedlein had an amazing time being people of action.  Following their service project, they enjoyed a club social at the lovely home of Meredith Heinecke.  

 

 

 

 

R. Gordon R. McInally, only the second Rotary president from Scotland, is embarking on his hope-filled agenda. Gordon wants Rotary to exist everywhere in a style that suits everyone who has the desire to work with us to do good. During this Rotary year, he'll focus on three presidential initiatives that Create Hope in the World: prioritizing mental health, building peace through virtual exchanges, and empowering girls. Read more about Gordon and his Scottish roots in the July issue of Rotary magazine and listen to a reading of the article on RI's podcast

 

As one of his presidential initiatives, Gordon encourages Rotary members to make mental health a priority. Rotary has the ability to create the kind of world where we all feel supported as part of a community and where we help expand access to quality care. Everyone in Rotary has a role in this effort. Learn how you can support this and other presidential initiatives and watch Gordon’s video appeal.
 

 

Rotarian Nathan Oestreich donated his blood and simultaneously the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary made a $1,000 contribution to the San Diego Blood Bank - Chula Vista location. On hand to receive the funds were South Bay Center manager Tracey Jaymalin and Nurse Tina.

 

 

I was very pleased to see the 113th President of the Rotary Club of San Diego, Michael Brunker had his 8-year-old grandson Kolu Kalaniopio swear him in in front of a packed audience at Liberty Station this past Thursday (see article from UT in the story section).  I love to see family involved in our Rotary activities; it makes us all better Rotarians and Rotaractors.  A bit of Rotary trivia, the Rotary Club of San Diego is the 10th largest club in the world with 405 members.  The largest is in India, Rotary Club of Vijayawada Midtown with 787 members. 

 

 

 

Since 1939 the Rotary Club of Carlsbad has been actively supporting the community.  In conjunction with our satellite club at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Rotary Camp Pendleton, and the community we will be able to support the 25,000 Marines who cycle through the rigorous training on base.

 

Click "Read More" to Continue.

 

 

Each new Rotary year brings fresh new opportunities to lead, strategize, and make a real impact in our communities. We're excited to share what's new in ClubRunner to launch the new Rotary year!

 

 

Connect with your members and keep them informed of updates, event reminders and more instantly. Compose and send broadcast messages to your members' mobile phones through the ClubRunner mobile app. Through push notifications, members are notified of important announcements immediately.

 

Click "Read More" to Continue.

 

 

The Rotary theme for July is New Leadership.  We are seeing new leadership with our new Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, our new Rotary International Director, Dan Himelspach, 69 new club presidents in District 5340 along with your new District Governor.  Yes, I am now including Rotaract clubs in our number as both Rotaractors and Rotarians are "People of Action" in District 5340.  July is a time for very exciting changes in Rotary, but it is also laced with a lot of continuity. 

 

Today, July 9th, is National Sugar Cookie Day.  To celebrate, this may be a good time to bake up a fresh batch and enjoy them with your friends and family. All you need is some sugar, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, and either baking powder or baking soda. Who knows, perhaps your batch of sugar cookies will help Create Hope in the World!

 

The Rotary Foundation so far has awarded more than 375 disaster response grants, totaling more than US$17.3 million, to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. Your generous donations have made it possible to provide refugees with food, water, and clothes. Grants have kept electricity flowing to hospitals, allowed wounded civilians to receive care, and found shelters for displaced families. But the need is still great. More than 45 grant requests are on hold waiting for additional funds to become available through the Ukraine Response Fund. Please consider making a donation today and read how Rotary members have been weaving a global web of giving in Ukraine since the war began.

 

 

 

 

The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your club and District 5340 on the go! Completely free to download and use and available to ALL ROTARIANS AND ROTARACTORS in District 5340, this app will let you access key info while you're on the go.
 
Using the newly upgraded ClubRunner services from District 5340, the ClubRunner Mobile App is completely independent of whether your club subscribes to ClubRunner itself or not. That means everyone in District 4340 can download, use and benefit from the app.

 

Click "Read More" to Continue.

 

Every year during the Governor's Dinner, the outgoing Governor presents awards to individuals and clubs who have made significant contributions in support of District 5340's objectives.  Past District Governor, Steve Weitzen presented awards on behalf of   District Governor, Chuck Pretto who is at home preparing for a bone marrow transplant in late August.

 

These are coveted and well-earned awards.  Winners are:

 

Alan Turner, Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club

Laura Mello, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club

 

Azareel Canizales

 

Rotaract Club - University of California

 

Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club

 

La Mesa Rotary Club

 

Mission Valley Evening Rotary Club

 

LuAnn Miller, Coronado Rotary Club

Ron Kohl, La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club

Marissa De Luna, Sweetwater Rotary Club

Bonnie Welch of La Mesa Rotary Club

Kay Barron, Point Loma Rotary Club

James Morrison, Point Loma Rotary Club

 

Click "Read More" to view a few photos.

 

 

Congratulations to all the newly inducted club presidents.  I am sure you are going to have a great year and I would like nothing better than to assist you.  There are several ways I can help you promote your club:

 

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary member Craig Smith dropped off our $4,500 donation to the San Diego Rescue Mission last week. Their donation will assist with providing meals, shelter, clothing and hygiene items. Classes, counseling, job training and guidance is readily available which can help rebuild lives.

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club believes Sunday morning is a great time to volunteer with the education staff from The Living Coast Discovery Center! Sophia, Rhett, Trish, Chris and Rochelle joined friends and community members to clean up along the bike path near Marina Park in Chula Vista. Supporting our environment is a focus of the club.

 

People of Action: Refurbishing wood benches in Del Mar by the Rotary Club of Del Mar Community Service Committee.

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary club incorporates a service project into their annual installation dinner.  Members bring packages of toilet paper to the event.  The beneficiary of the "Give a Sheet" project is the East County Transition Living Center (ECTLC) in El Cajon.  The faith-based center welcomes homeless individuals and families into the center.  Some are there for a short time and others enroll in a year-long residential recovery program that includes preparing them for jobs when they leave.  In the photo, you will see members holding packages but what you don't see are more packages stacked behind them.   Some of the basics of life can be of the greatest value.

 

Meet Byron, Guatemalan of Mayan descent whose education has been supported by district grants from our District 5340 for the past four years. With these grants he has been able to complete high school, start and complete so far two years of the university majoring in computer engineering, while holding down a full-time job at the Roblox English call center in Guatemala City. And, he supports his Mayan family who live 12 hours away by bus who have no means of surviving. The family was starving during the pandemic. This is a prime example of District money we’ll spent!

 

 

It is estimated that close to 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation, which can all be prevented. Rotary clubs and districts dedicate their efforts to improve access to quality care so that mothers and children can have long-serving opportunities for a healthy future. Projects to support mothers and children include mobile prenatal clinics, cancer screening, immunizations, and training on how to protect themselves and their children from disease.  Click "Read More" for highlights of various projects and how you can become involved.

 

 

Today is National Wildland Fire Fighters Day.  July 2 honors the dedicated personnel who coordinate their efforts to protect the nation's wildlands.  It's also a day to remember the sacrifice made each time a firefighter steps into a wildland fire.  They too are People of Action.  If you know or see a firefighter, thank them for their service.  

 

Sorry, I digress.  This is my first article for Newsbits as District Governor.  I want to first thank Past District Governor Chuck Pretto for leading the district this past year. He did a fabulous job!  Included in my remarks in this edition of Newsbits, I have added the video message from PDG Check Pretto shown during the Governor's Dinner. Please click on the link to review his remarks.  We all are pulling for Chuck as he moves through treatment for his leukemia.

 

Also from the Governor's Dinner, there is a video greeting from our Rotary International President Gordon McInally. The theme for Rotary year 2023-24 is Create Hope in the World.  As I said Monday night at the Governor's Dinner, this is easy for Rotarians and Rotaractors, it's what we do every day.  I charge every Person of Action in District 5340 to Create Hope in the World.

 

As we all take up that challenge, I know we will all having an amazing year! 

 

Click "Read More" for a glimpse of the event via photos.

 

August 12, 2023  8:00 am

via Zoom

 

As we get ready to start the new Rotary year, Rotary International is hosting two membership training sessions.  These sessions will be hosted by the membership coordinators for Zone 26 and 27, John Chase and Jennifer Deroin, and will focus on the following goals:

 

 

Click "Read More" for registration and link information.  

The 19th Annual Switchfoot BroAM was a huge success as more than 45 volunteers assisted in the event as members of Surfers Unite Rotarians Fellowship as well as Rotarians, Rotaract members and friends in the surf community.  The crew also registered dozens of potential members for Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and as volunteers served on set-up, trash, selling raffle tickets, selling merchandise in the booth Rotarians met folks who had participated in RYLA in the past, were involved in Rotaract while in college and even one lady Wendy Lyn gave an impromptu interview stating, "Rotary changed my life when they awarded me an ambassadorial scholarship in New Zealand in 1987." Time to convert some of these wonderful prospects by officially inviting them to join the family of Rotary.  Fortunately we have leaders in our District such as Ranjan Lahiri and Dianne Crawford to follow-up on these valuable leads and work with local clubs to invite folks to join for a visit.

 

Woo Hoo!!!! The results are in! The Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary club has heard back from Ronald McDonald House Charities and learned that their grand total for donations on Red Shoe Day was $2,153! That wonderful contribution put the club among the top ten overall fundraising teams in San Diego County (of 75 teams) and the TOP Rotary club!!! Club members wish to thank community members and those who made online donations or dropped some cash into our red shoes and buckets for help making this a successful fundraising event.

 

On June 20th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $9,466 to the Vista Hill Foundation to help cover the cost of new flooring in their new Stein Education Center serving students with Autism.  Vista Hill is committed to providing individuals and families with the guidance and resources they need to improve and enhance their quality of life. It was formed as a non-profit organization devoted to helping people of all ages, from communities large and small, both within and outside of San Diego, who are confronting the challenges of mental illness, substance use disorder or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

 

 

 

Who's up for pancakes? The Rotary Club of Fallbrook will hold its annual Independence Day Pancake Breakfast on Tuesday, July 4, at the Fallbrook Community Center. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 to 11:00 am and there will also be face painting and a Dog Show. $12 for adults, $5 for kids ages 4 to 12, free for kids 3 and under. Proceeds benefit the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society Camp Pendleton.

The El Cajon Rotary Club recently changed its meeting schedule to have one service project, one social and two regular meetings per month.  This past Tuesday was their first social organized by Rotarian Alison Cummings.  Members flocked to the Grand Ole BBQ in Flynn Springs for some good old fashion fun and food.  Joining them were some members of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club.  The Grand Ole BBQ was recently featured in the San Diego Magazine.  

 

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $7,500 to Girl Scouts San Diego on June 13th.  The funds will be used to replace five outdoor cooking stoves at the sleepover camps of Camp Winacka and Camp Whispering Oaks in the mountains near Julian. 

 

 

 

Though shot in different parts of the world, using distinct palettes, and evoking different emotions, the finalists in this year’s Rotary magazine Photo Awards all have one thing in common: an unseen beauty. There are a dozen photographs that carry us from Egypt to Idaho, from Nigeria to Taiwan. Along the way we see everything from an intimate moment as a medical team prepares for surgery to a sweeping nightscape illuminated by an aurora borealis. View all the finalists in the June issue of the magazine online.

 

 

The Governors Dinner is the annual District awards and installation ceremony. Join us on Monday, June 26th as we celebrate the past Rotary year and induct our new leaders at the Del Mar Hilton located at 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA  92014.

 

 

Meal tickets for open seating is $68. Reserved seating requires a purchase of a table for 10 at $650.  Names and meal choices are required at the time of registration.  Meal tickets for Rotaractors are $43.  Space is filling up quickly!  If you have questions or issues registering, please contact Kay Barron at 714-335-5394 or Patty Fortin at 619-292-1239.

 

Entree options:  Beef, Salmon or Vegan.  There is a full no-host bar.  

Rotary International changed its Rotary's logo a couple of years ago and it has been a slow process to educate clubs on the proper use of the current logo guidelines.  District 5340 is committed to complying with the new guidelines and want to provide you with the resources you need to be in compliance.  You can download the logo guidelines here.  You can also find them in the Rotary Brand Center.  

 

Every member plays a role in strengthening the Rotary brand. Your club can help build brand recognition by using Rotary logos correctly and consistently. Always use your customized club, district, or zone logo when promoting your club or other Rotary entity or its activities. Learn how to create and use Rotary logos effectively and add them to your club or district communications.

 

Clubs need to do an assessment of all their items bearing the Rotary logo.  That includes marketing materials, badges, tablecloths, giveaways, inflatable items, etc.  When ordering products from Russell Hampton, make sure you are ordering items with the right logo.  Russell Hampton is aware of the changes.  

 

Going forward our Newsbits editor will not accept event flyers that have the wrong logo, so to avoid delays in promoting your events, it is essential that clubs submit artwork with the correct logo.  If you have questions, please send an email the editor at sandyp304@gmail.com and she will get back to you with the answer.  

 

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

 

 

Many of you have asked for a health update on our beloved District Governor Chuck Pretto.  As of this writing, Chuck has completed his first round of chemo and has been released from the hospital to go home where he will spend the next two to three weeks rejuvenating his body and getting some much-needed rest. 

 

Following his respite period, he will have to go through another round of chemo.  The ultimate goal for the future, once a match is found, is a bone marrow transplant. 

 

Chuck continues to be immune suppressed so no visitors, but he has given permission to give out his cell phone if anyone wants to call him (619-708-1849).  He will even do a Zoom call.   While he wishes to stay connected, please make sure calls are brief as his energy level is down.  

When asked what Rotarians can do to support him, his response was to consider donating and being tested on the Be the Match website whether it be for him or the general population.  

On June 1, 2023, the San Marcos Rotary Club and the Mission Hills High School Interact Club broke ground on a new Peace Pole.  Rotary President Alan Geraci, Rotary Interact Advisor Robert Chamberlain, and Interact Club President Savannah were joined by San Marcos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen and MHHS Principal Mr. Nathan Baker. The Peace Pole will serve as a symbol of peace on campus where students can gather and reflect on peace on earth! The Peace Pole will be installed Summer 2023.  

 

Congrats to Class of 2023 Hilltop High Interact Club members and our Presidential Volunteer Service Award earners sponsored by the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club. Hilltop students dedicated over 1,300 hours to serving their community this year! Interact President Andrea Necoechea is heading to Yale in the fall! These amazing young people will be our future Rotaractors & Rotarians.

 

 

 

Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship is looking for volunteers for the Switchfoot BroAM on June 17.   Imagine Moonlight State Beach with 17,000 people enjoying a full day of surf contests, surf jousting (knocking people off with sticks) and over five hours of live music. Yup, that is the Switchfoot BroAM in a nutshell. In fact, Rotary District 5340 and Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship have combined forces yet again to be a sponsor creating the opportunity for Rotarians, Rotaract, Interact, family members and friends in the surfing community to volunteer at this event. It's a great way to recruit potential members to your club and together we will raise over $200K for local San Diego charities.  We'd love to see members from Chula Vista to Oceanside, La Mesa to Coronado be a part of this great event.  Click here to volunteer. 

Click "Read More" for information on BroAm and Life Rolls On events.

 

Rotary Fellowships consist of individuals who share a common interest in recreational activities, hobbies, professions, or cultural identity. These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development, and enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world.  Click "Read More" to continue.

 

After imagining the future of Rotary in Melbourne, Australia, members and speakers at the 2023 Rotary International Convention looked ahead to next year’s gathering in Singapore and being able to share hope with the world by focusing on mental health and well-being. 

 

Old Mission Rotary witnessed an inspiring Memorial Day ceremony under gray skies at the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria thanked Rotarian Max Gurney for his service in WW2.

 

 

When Jasime Tran, a Junior at Mt. Carmel High School was selected by the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club as one of their students to attend RYLA, she didn’t really know what she was in for. But after a weekend in Idyllwild meeting fellow students and participating in the activities that prepare high school Juniors for leadership positions, she was inspired…and ready to act!  Click "Read More" for the full story and how you can help her efforts.  

 

Old Mission and the Mission Valley Evening Rotary Clubs celebrated the return of their RYLA students at a joint club luncheon meeting. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) encourages leadership in youth by recognizing and rewarding deserving 11th grade students who are chosen to attend RYLA as an award for their past and present leadership and service activities. Old Mission Rotary sponsored ten students and Mission Valley Evening Rotary sponsored two.

 

 

In keeping with community tradition, Rotarians welcomed outstanding student athletes and their parents to an annual luncheon meeting that has become one of the Club’s favorites. Coronado High School Athletic Director Robin Nixon presented students that were chosen by the Coronado's coaching staff not only for their athletic ability but also for their sportsmanship, coachability, integrity, and scholastic achievement.

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club and its sponsored Interact club at R. Roger Rowe School put together many hygiene kits for individuals and families recovering from domestic and family violence as well as human trafficking. The City of San Diego's Your Safe Place will put them to excellent use. 

 

Each year, teams of volunteers gather at intersections across San Diego and collect donations from morning commuters to support San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House. This is their largest community fundraiser and helps the Ronald McDonald House provide a “home away from home” for families with children in local hospitals.  Joining this effort were the Rotary clubs of Chula Vista Rotary and La Jolla Golden Triangle.  On May 24, these clubs donned in vibrant red set out to hustle motorists for donations to this worthy cause.  Looks like they had a lot of fun doing something good for the community.  

 

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps participated in the Celebration of Champions relay race for kids going through cancer treatments. They were asked to run with three kids over the course of the three-hour event. Members ran with a five-year-old named Yair who is going through brain cancer treatments. Then they ran with Max, a high school senior with leukemia, And, lastly the third, Lupita, who is struggling with cancer.   All three were fast runners.  

 

 

The Solana Beach Eco Club is promoting the 2023 Blue Water Film Festival.  Their newest club member, Greg Reitman, is the executive director of this organization,  

 

The 2023 Blue Water Film Festival (BWFF) presented by the Blue Water Institute. The 4th Annual Blue Water Film Festival is taking place June 8th - 11th, 2023 in celebration of United Nations World Oceans Day. The event will feature a total of 38 films; 12 feature films, 22 shorts, and 4 animated short films. All films are environmental related.  The festival concludes with the Blue Water Awards on June 11th, 4:00pm at UCSD Park & Market Street honoring Patagonia Founder, Yvon Chouinard with the Global Guardian Award.  Check out www.bluewaterfilmfestival.org.  To purchase tickets, click here.
 

Click "Read More" to learn more about the festival and for a request for housing of film personnel. 

 

District Governor-Elect Don Fipps and the District Rotary Foundation Committee have approved a more generous District Designated Funds match of club cash contributions for Global Grants.  For the 2023-2024 Rotary year, club cash contributions will be matched 150% or 1.5 times the cash contribution amount.  For example, if a club contributes $5000 for a global grant, the club would be eligible for $7500 of DDF.  This decision was made to make it easier for clubs to do Global Grants in light of recent changes in The Rotary Foundation World Fund match rules.  The DDF limit for each club remains at $10,000 per club per Rotary year, which can be divided among several projects or used for a single project.  

 

A revised copy of the Grant Policies for the 2023-2024 Rotary year is attached.  The change described above is highlighted in yellow.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Janice Kurth, D5340 Global Grants Chair at janice@janicekurth.com.

 

Old Mission Rotary successfully held the 11th “So You Think You’ve Got Talent San Diego." The show took place on Saturday, May 13th at Francis Parker School and profits will be used to fund the Thousand Smiles Foundation (70%) and the Old Mission Rotary Foundation (30%). There were nine unique acts making the event a true variety show.  Income was generated by ticket and raffle sales, a silent auction and a pledge from the heart appeal. Profits from the event typically pay for 30% of the Thousand Smiles annual operations for their dental and cleft palate surgery clinics in Ensenada.

 

 

 

For its first Rotary at Work Day project, the Rotary Club of Poway Scripps provided support to the Valley Elementary Educational Foundation, in support of their STEAM program. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) provides education to all students, knowing that opportunity and access are the first steps in building student curiosity and knowledge.

 

The Valley Elementary Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, made up of Valley parents. Together, we are the fundraising arm of our children’s school — raising money to bridge the gap between what school districts can provide and what students need to have the best, most well-rounded education possible. The club is currently working to raise funds to convert the old computer lab space into an Innovation Lab where students can explore, create and discover the areas of Science, Technology, Art and Math.

 

 

The second project was at the Abraxas High School Garden in Poway.  They teach students about growing healthy food and giving back to the community by donating the produce to the people in their community that need it the most.  The club helped them clear another large area to be able to plant fruit trees.  They also helped with clean up and weed pulling in some existing garden areas.

 

One of our most favorite events of the year is the awarding of two Rotary Club of Chula Vista Scholarships -  the Joseph Rindone Service Scholarship and the Bill Padelford Academic Scholarship. We received many outstanding applications, but the best of the best were awarded to students from these local area high schools: Hilltop, Chula Vista, Olympian, Otay Ranch, Castle Park and Launch Virtual Academy.  Mr. Padelford was present to hand out scholarships. Congratulations to these amazing students on their achievement and we look forward to them doing great things and becoming future Rotarians!

 

Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club celebrates Youth Services Month and the Rancho Santa Fe Community Interact Club established at the R. Roger Rowe Middle School.  The Rotary Club invited all the Interactors, their Advisor, and parents to a May club meeting focusing on Youth Services and the student's accomplishments.

The club meeting focusing on Youth Services and the student's accomplishments.  Some of their stand-out projects are:  

 

Rancho Santa Fe doesn't have a public high school. To bring the focus back to our community, they moved Interact to the middle school. Two of the Interactors participated in LEAD 2022. Dean Kaffka, who presented at our club meeting, shared the difference it made in his life, the confidence he has speaking and trying new things," said RSF Rotary President Paulette Britton.  "Jake Hauenstein, the current Interact President, also shared that he likes to help others and give back to his community and Interact gave him that opportunity."

 

Each student was awarded a membership certificate and recognized as founding club members at their middle school. Stacey Halboth, an amazingly dedicated advisor, was presented with a plaque and shared that the students would not have had as meaningful of a year had it not been for the Interact Club. The Rancho Santa Fe School District has contacted Stacey to recognize the club's good work.

 

During the meeting, the Interactors and Rotarians engaged in a joint project by assembling toiletry bags delivered to Your Safe Place on behalf of District 5340.  "The club's hope is that these 8th graders will all find their way to an Interact Club as they transition into high school," states Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Youth Chair, Mary Murray.

 

 

The ducks all swam hard to get back to shore as a wonderful cap to the Rotary Club of Del Mar's 2023 Chili & Quackers. Thank you to all our event sponsors, as well as Viewpoint Brewing Co. for donating the beer and preparing Don Fipps' award-winning IPA chili for the chili dogs, the scouts of Troop 713 for all their help, Happy twist balloons by Keiko for the balloon art and of course the Del Mar lifeguards!

 

Members of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary club were on hand at the Santee Post Office for Stomp out Hunger Across America food drive.  Members unloaded 8,211 pounds of food (up from 4,718 last year) from Post Office vehicles and then weighed and loaded donations into a commercial truck where items were brought to the Santee Food Bank.  This is a favorite service project because it demonstrates how the Santee community comes together to help the community.  *It's partly what makes living, working and serving in Santee such a joy.  The Santee - Lakeside Rotary Club has been working with the Santee Post office for well over a decade and Stomp out Hunger Across America food drive is one of the club's signature service projects.  

 

 

 

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the Rotary District 5340 Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force will be having a work morning at a local recovery home in the South Bay. We will be working outside in the garden and yard area, improving the landscaping and providing needed clean-up. These work events are vital to support the facility and also to show the residents that people can be kind.
 
We anticipate working from 8:30AM - 12:00PM  (at the latest). No special skills are needed - just a good spirit and willingness to work outside. 
 
If you are interested, please contact Kimberly Schafer (kschafer108@gmail.com). Due to the need to keep the location confidential and a clear list of volunteers, each volunteer will need to contact Kim to sign up. The location will be shared with volunteers in the week prior to June 10, and must be kept confidential.
 
We hope you will consider joining us. It's a great way to do good, feel good, and enjoy your fellow Rotarians!
 

 

As some of you know, I was diagnosed with Leukemia on Saturday May 6th. I very much appreciate the outpouring of love and support I have received already. The ward I’m on at Scripps Green Hospital does not accept flowers, but cards, notes, letters are appreciated. My mailing address is 3555 Rosecrans St. Suite 114-109. San Diego, CA 92110. Click "Read More" for additional information.
 

On May 10, the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo helped cook and serve a meal at Ronald McDonald House at Rady Children’s Hospital.  Different members go every month and it’s always a hit.  An added bonus this night was a club member comic ventriloquist Joe Gandelman came along to entertain the kids.

 

 

 

The Low Tide and Stride Fundraising event is coming to Coronado June 24.  Please mark your calendar and register today.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Mission Valley Evening Rotary on May 24 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM for a “California, Here I Come!” themed wine tasting and networking social at Total Wine Mission Valley. There will be 30 minutes allocated for a FREE wine tasting and the rest of the time will be left for socializing. We’ll have some appetizers but feel free to bring treats to share.

On April 29th, members of the Imperial Valley Breakfast Rotary Club along with members of the Imperial High School Interact club participated in the 1st annual National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) walk supporting those suffering from mental illness. 

They showed up 7:00AM at the Imperial Valley mall with their walking shoes and their Rotarians at Work shirts. Interacters and Rotarians helped set up the many booths at the event.  At 8:00AM they took a brisk walk around the mall which ended inside the mall area where several organizations had set up booths. Among the organizations were Innercare, Imperial County Behavioral Health, Reps for Vets, Sun Valley Behavioral Health, and other organizations that support those suffering from mental illness. 

Most importantly, the club raised $880.00 and district-wide  over $11,000.00 was raised for NAMI. Great job fellow Rotarians!

 

 

Rotarians at Work Day is always the last Saturday of every April. Started in 2006 as a joint effort between two Rotary Districts (one in the United States and one in Mexico), Rotarians at Work Day continues to grow. Each year, Clubs around the world identify a hands-on project that all members can participate in to help their local community. The traditional project undertaken by the members of the Torrey Pines Rotary Club on this day was to clean the plaques of the honorable veterans at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. 
 
The Torrey Pines Rotary Club is well represented at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, where the plaques of six current and former members are proudly and honorably displayed. They are:

 

 

 

Since 2009, the District LEAD Program - Leadership, Ethics, Aspirations & Determination – 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.   

 

Click "Read More" for additional information including how you can participate and how to sponsor students.  

 

Members of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle and Rotary Club of La Jolla joined forces to serve at Feeding San Diego last Saturday in honor of Rotarians at Work Day.  We asked Brett Morey, Past President of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle and District Rotarians at Work Day (RAWD) Chair about the experience. "It is fantastic to reflect on how pivotal some of the ideas have been from Rotarians in our Rotary District over the years," said Morey.  "Think about it, Rotarians who have since passed away like Bob Watson of the Rotary Club of Coronado started this simple but profound idea of Rotarians at Work Day decades spearheading the idea that our members across District 5340 would do hands-on projects in each of our communities on the last Saturday in April and it has become a global sensation."

 

Working two shifts at Feeding San Diego Rotarians these two La Jolla clubs helped make several tons of food available to serve thousands of local San Diego residents.  District Governor Elect Don Fipps and his Chief Aide Kay Barron stopped by Feeding San Diego event in the morning to say hello and made 5 other stops around the county before the end of the day.  

 

 

 

Every year, over 350,000 young leaders participate in Rotary’s youth programs across Lead, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. Rotary’s Youth Service Month is an opportunity to promote our young leaders’ local and global impacts and the Rotary and Rotaract clubs that make these programs possible.   Learn more.

 

 

The Encinitas Rotary Club is holding a wine and food festival benefiting local charities on Saturday, June 3 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  To learn more and to purchase tickets, use the QR code above or click here.  All attendees and guests must be 21 or older.

The Rotary Club of Del Mar joined forces with NPA alumni on Rotarians at Work Day to sand and stain tables for the Nativity Prep School's AMIGOS patio.  They also painted the choir loft that will soon be the new library while the current library is reworked to provide more STEM resources. NPA makes an 11-year commitment to all their students, who are 5-fold more likely to graduate college than other historically underserved students.

 

Rotary District 5340 Rotarians, you are amazing! Thanks for responding to the call-out for hygiene items for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors who are using the services of San Diego Family Justice Center’s “Your Safe Place”! So many of you have generously participated. 

To date, we’ve delivered more than $2,000 worth of needed products with more coming! Special thanks to Fallbrook Village Rotary Club, San Diego Coastal Rotary Club, San Diego Rotary Club, Coronado Rotary Club, and a ton of other Rotarians. You are an inspiration.

 

We can use all the items we can get so keep them coming! Rotarians are truly People of Action.

 

Thanks to all of the Rotarians and community members who came out for an evening of fun, facts and fundraising at Trivia Night VII, sponsored by the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary on Friday, April 28.  Congratulations to the team “San Marcos Rotary Trivia,” who walked away with the title of “Winner" after an intense competition. While testing everyone’s knowledge, the Club also raised money for their Community Benefit Fund and through a new 50/50 drawing, they raised $1,250 for Polio Plus. The donation will be made in memory of longtime member CVSR Alan Harmata. Alan, who contracted polio at a young age, passed away last fall.

 

 

Old Mission Rotary is sponsoring the 11th annual So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego? variety show on Saturday, May13th.  In the ten previous years, winners have performed all types of music, dancing, comedy, magic and much more. The evening will start at 5:30 PM at the Francis Parker School Auditorium with international food stations, live music and an open beer and wine bar followed by the show. The event is co-sponsored by the Interact Club of Francis Parker and the Old Mission Rotary Club.  
 
Tickets for the event are $100 per person and can be purchased at the event or in advance online.  The event will primarily benefit the Thousand Smiles Foundation and the Old Mission Rotary Foundation.  Thousand Smiles provides free dental services and cleft palate surgeries to children at their quarterly clinic in Ensenada Mexico.

Coronado Rotary Club hosted the Four-Way Speech Contest finals for six wonderful students.  They were all so good; it was a difficult job for the judges!  Chloe Norton took 1st prize and $1,000.  The others were awarded $750 and $500.  Congratulations Carlsbad High School for having 3 students in the competition!  District 5340’s leadership was in attendance: DG Chuck Pretto, DGE Don Fipps with Rosebud, DGN Dianne Crawford, DGD Luis R Carranza, Susan Callahan.  Congratulations to these amazing students.

 

The El Cajon Rotary club held their Rotarians at Work Day on April 22 rather than the 29th due to scheduling conflicts.   Members gathered at the home of club president, Stu Scott.  They assembled and painted eight wooden picnic tables for the East County Transitional Living Center and Home of Guiding, each receiving four tables.   Picnic tables will be delivered next week. The picture below captures the work party and finished tables loaded on the trailer.  Joining the club were five Granite Hills Interactors and their advisor.  A fun project was enjoyed by all. 

 

 

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary will be hitting the streets in Bonita on May 24 for Red Shoe Day supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Please join us on our team as we take over the intersection at Bonita Road and Otay Lakes Road. Or drive by and drop some cash into our red shoes!

 

For more information, contact Halle Aiken at haiken@rmhcsd.org or call at 858 508-2447.

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary had a very successful food packing event last Saturday, April 22 (in conjunction with Rise Against Hunger). With nearly 80 volunteers made up of Rotarians, friends and family, and community members from Allen Elementary School in Bonita, these dedicated volunteers packaged nearly 13,000 meals within one hour!

 

 

The Governors Dinner is the annual District awards and installation ceremony. Join us on Monday, June 26, 2023, as we celebrate the past Rotary year and induct our new club and district leaders at the Del Mar Hilton located at 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA  92014. 

 

Open seating tickets are $68pp.  Sit together and buy a table of 10 for $650.  Names and meal choices are required at the time of registration.

 

 

Click "Read More" for information on menu, parking, accommodations, etc.

 

Coronado Rotary was flying high last month when retired Captain Jim Di Matteo, a 20+ year veteran of the U.S. Navy took the club's logo thousands of feet into the air above Naval Air Station Fallen, Nevada, establishing their club as literal “high-fliers.” A longtime Coronado resident, retired Captain Di Matteo has more than 6,000 flight hours in five different fighter aircraft (the F/A-18, F-16, F-14, F-5, and A-4), the only Naval aviator with this accomplishment. 

Now a trainer of Top Gun pilots, he photographed himself, flying upside down, simulating a Russian Mig for his aviator trainees, while maneuvering thousands of feet in the air soaring over the 40-Mile Desert in Nevada. Asked to speak about his adventures as a career fighter pilot, he instead addressed his familial legacy with the Navy, highlighting his 102-year-old father, also a retired Naval aviator.

Long since retired from the Navy, and currently residing in Walnut Creek, California, his father served in three different wars – WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. What was truly remarkable about Captain Di Matteo’s presentation is that his family had located their father’s personal diary from his many deployments during all three wars. Sharing excerpts from what his father wrote, club members in the audience were moved to tears by the heroics of this present-day centurion, and the extraordinary determination of what has been deemed “the greatest generation ever.” 

We, as Rotarians, heading into Memorial Day, must continue to focus on our motto, “Service Above Self,” while remembering and honoring that generation that went before us, and seeking to instill the same values from “the greatest generation ever” in our children and grandchildren. 

 

 

 

Keynote speakers at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia, 27-31 May, share a vision of a more sustainable, equitable world. Professionally and personally, they are transforming health care, rethinking cities, advancing the cause of peace, and working to protect our environment. Learn more about the speakers and register now. 

 

Health workers in Pakistan go door to door administering the polio vaccine. Volunteers in Zambia perform a dramatic skit showing how malaria spreads. These efforts may seem very different, but they're deeply connected. A global partnership has mobilized millions of workers, reached underserved populations, and gathered unprecedented amounts of health information in the fight to end polio. That work by Rotary and its partners is also proving crucial in the battle against malaria. Learn more for World Malaria Day, 25 April. And read a blog post from Eric Liswaniso, program manager for Malaria Partners Zambia, who lost his parents to malaria when he was young.

On April 8th, the Imperial Valley Breakfast Rotary Club teamed up with the Imperial High School Interact Club and served FREE cotton candy at the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Fair in Imperial, CA. Our Rotarians and Interactors worked non-stop serving over 300 cotton candy treats! I want to thank everyone who came out and participated! Great job Rotarians and Interactors, the community of Imperial Valley enjoyed your delicious and FREE cotton candy!

 

 

The Rotary Foundation’s Cruise to Change Lives fundraiser went above and beyond expectations. Participants were honored to have Larry Lunsford, Rotary International Trustee and his wife Jill, as well as Chuck Pretto, current District Governor and his wife Kim on board. A Rotary Group dinner was attended by 49 people where inspiring words from Larry, Chuck and Ron Kohl were shared. Janice Kurth made an unexpected announcement that the group exceeded fundraising expectations with the support of Rotarians, (and friends and family of Rotarians) of $264,300! The number continued to soar and by the time they reached the end of the cruise, their fundraising efforts reached a grand total of $375,000!! Many thanks to all the cruisers for your extreme generosity. We are so grateful for your extraordinary efforts! Click Read More for the complete story.

 

  

 

Save the date for the Rotary Club of Del Mar’s annual Chili and Quackers, returning to Powerhouse Park on May 13, 2023, from Noon to 4 PM.  Admission is free. Come to Del Mar, enjoy chili dogs, see the ducks race.   Don’t let those big blue eyes and the long eyelashes fool you, these ducks are ready to swim.  There are hundreds of ducks just waiting to be adopted at www.chiliandquackers.org.  

 

Carlsbad Rotary Club understands that literacy is key to student success, and they wanted to make purchasing books affordable. As a result, Friday, April 21 the Carlsbad Rotary Club sponsored Jefferson Elementary School's Book Fair #2. 

 

Students in pre-K to 5th grade could purchase two books apiece for 25 cents each (of course that’s nowhere near what the new books cost the club).  A big thank you goes to Rotarian Maureen Taylor for organizing the event and to Rotarian salespersons for the day Yvonne Finocchiaro, Tom Applegate and Maureen Taylor.  Nothing could happen without volunteers who do the set up so a shout out to Rotarians Vince Ponce, Jani Jackson and Julie Walker for making sure things were ready for a day of reading.

 

Max Gurney of Torrey Pines Rotary was honored on Saturday, April 15th at the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial with a ceremony and presentation of his wall plaque. Max served in the US Army in WWII in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. Max is 101 years old and is going strong! 

 

Approximately 200 students from high schools throughout San Diego County and who were sponsored by various Rotary clubs are at RYLA camp in Idyllwild.  With the theme - The Power of One, students participate in a variety of activities designed to motivate, raise self-awareness and understanding, hone leadership skills, build lasting friendships and inspire a desire to serve.  Check out the videos on the District's Facebook page.  Here is a photo glimpse of activities underway.  Thank you to the District's Governor line who took a field trip to see RYLA in action, yesterday, Saturday, April 15.  RYLA ends today with many stories to share.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Del Mar was honored to host District 5340's Model United Nations at the Del Mar Civic Center. Students at high schools from all across the district came together for a two-day conference to debate two resolutions: (1) Actions to address global food insecurity and its disproportionate impact on women; and (2) Prevention of an arms race in space and continued peaceful and sustainable space exploration.  Thank you is extended to all the teachers, sponsors, Rotarians and students for making this year's Model UN a success.  Below is a video compilation of photos for your enjoyment.

 

 

Rotary members understand that the whole world is their backyard. They see the effects of climate change in communities they care about, and they’re taking action. They’re tackling the problem the way they always do: by collaborating with communities to develop solutions to local challenges, using their connections to change policy, and planning for the future.

For inspiration, browse club-led environmental projects from around the world in Rotary Showcase. Through The Rotary Foundation, you can support environmental projects.

Learn more about these programs and resources and send your questions to rotary.service@rotary.org.

 

Join with Rotary to promote the power of vaccines to protect children and save lives. During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, let’s advocate for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines to the health and well-being of our communities. Download the toolkit for graphics and sample social media posts.

 

 

Pickleball is all the rage.  Now you have an opportunity to show off your skills.  Join the La Mesa Rotary 2023 Pickleball Tournament fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the HUB Pickleball Club located at 9545 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA  91977.  The tournament runs from 2-5:00 PM with dinner at the burger bar following from 5-7:00 PM.  $125 ticket (single player or new player clinic).  $40 ticket to just socialize and spectate.  Click Read More for additional details.

 

 

It’s been few years that we’ve missed this event due to Covid but Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary is back to holding our annual Rise Against Hunger Food Packing event. It will take place on Saturday, April 22 from 8:00 AM to Noon at Allen Elementary School in Bonita. We are in need of more community volunteers so if your Rotary club is looking for an additional project this month, please join us! All volunteers must register in advance either using the QR code above or at: https://rah.secure.force.com/events/homepage?id=7013Z000002zn6QAQ.  For more information, please contact Sofia at 619 977-6467.

 

We appreciate your support.

 

Oceanside Rotary Club recently volunteered at the Ironman Race.  Members checked in athletes from all over the world!  

 

The El Cajon Rotary Club holds one fundraiser a year and with the proceeds they issue grants to non-profits, schools, American Legion, Wounded Warriors, Crisis House, Boys & Girls Clubs, HGH, etc.  (See Gala flyer under News above in Newsbits.)

One of the grants last year went to Steele Canyon High School's Art Department, teacher Mrs. Kenda Francis. Mrs. Francis had all of the Grossmont High School art teachers choose at least one participant to enter their art project to be displayed in a real art gallery in El Cajon. The students were able to participate in the showing along with sharing their artwork to the public.

 

Parents, students, friends and family were thrilled to attend the exhibit and teachers were proud to show off their students' fine work.  A guesstimate of 100 people attended the Friday night event and it looked spectacular! As you can see from the pictures below it was a great success!  The club wants to extend a hardy thank you to Mrs. Francis for sharing their (students) success with El Cajon Rotary Club.

 

 

Prior to the gigantic SDSU vs FAU Final Four win, the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary club held its annual Bocce Tournament. Organizers Jim and Leslie Brubaker were also the tournament champions, and most attendees wore black and red to support SDSU.  

 

 

Ramona Rotary Club's 1st Annual Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance preparations are underway at  Rancho de las Chuparrosas! Please join us on April 22 for tons of fun including dancing, yummy BBQ from Double M Ranch BBQ, karaoke, bidding on silent auction baskets, and an opportunity drawing for a fabulous Outdoor Pizza Oven!    Opportunity drawing tickets are $10 each, 6 for $50, or 14 for $100.

Tickets for the barn dance are limited and can be purchased along with opportunity drawing tickets from any Ramona Rotary member or at the Ramona Chamber of Commerce for $35 each. For more information, please contact Christie Carlson at 760-703-0792.  

 

Get your calendar out and join members of the El Cajon Rotary Club for a Cinco de Mayo gala on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon (time and address above).  This is the club's main fundraiser that benefits local charities and non-profit organizations.  Click here to register and purchase tickets.   

 

April is Maternal and Child Health Month.  By prioritising Maternal and Child Health month, Rotary improves access to medical services for mothers and their children. These efforts are aimed at reducing the number of children under 5 who die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care and poor sanitation - a figure that is currently estimated at 7 million.

More than 80% of maternal deaths can be prevented with access to reproduction health services and trained health care workers. Rotary provides education, immunisation, birthing kits and mobile health clinics to support these causes. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmissions, how to breast feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.

 

Thank you D5340 and its members for your continued support of Rotary International Foundation’s top funding priority of eradicating Polio worldwide.  Since Rotary began its efforts in 1988, we have seen a worldwide reduction in polio cases of 99.9%.  Only two countries remain polio-endemic:  Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Unfortunately, one case of  Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) was confirmed in a three-year old in Pakistan on February 20th of this year. This is the first case worldwide of WPV1 this year, with the last case having occurred in Pakistan on September 15, 2022. A snapshot of the progress we’ve made can be found on the chart below. 

 

 

No words can express the love and joy the family had when they received the keys to their new house.  This was a joint effort between the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake, Chula Vista Rotary, City Heights Rotaract Club and Rotaract City Heights.  On March 24 - 26, all hands were on deck working together for one amazing goal. The days were filled with amazing fellowship, teamwork and amazing people doing good for the community.

Sunday, April 23, 2023
3:30 PM - Sponsor Reception
5:00 PM - Coeur de Cuisine

 

The Rotary Club of Escondido is holding its 19th Coeur de Cuisine, a culinary celebration of service honoring those who have made a difference.  The members of Rotary, both across the world and here in Escondido, provide humanitarian service to international and local communities.

 

The highlight of Coeur de Cuisine™ is honoring members of our community who best exemplify the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.

Molly and Ron Smith have been public servants since first coming to Escondido in 1975. They have a combined 68 years of service with the Escondido Union School District and many other years of various civic endeavors. We are pleased to present them as the choice for our 2022 Honorees.   

 

The event will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, at the Conference Hall at the California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA   General admission tickets are $150 (judge) and Reserved seating is $300 (sponsor).

Register NOW for Coeur de Cuisine 2023 honoring Ron and Molly Smith.

 

 

Grab a team and join the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club for an evening of bowling at Parkway Bowl on Friday, May 5, 2023.  This is a fundraiser for the club.  Each lane includes 2 hours of bowling with balls and shoes, large pizza and two pitchers of beer or soda.  For more information click here or call 858 967-9331.

Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club members held a “Pick it Forward” philanthropic event March 18 at the Lilian Rice estate in Rancho Santa Fe. RSF Rotary members and guests picked oranges at the estate which were then placed in trucks and delivered to St. Andrew’s Food Bank in Encinitas. 800 Families will have fresh oranges available. Participants enjoyed a picnic lunch after their project was complete.  A big thank you to the San Diego Downtown Evening Rotary Club, Melissa and kids from Seeds of Hope and the RRowe Interact Club for joining the club in this effort.   this beautiful morning.

 

Every year, District Leadership holds a training assembly designed to arm incoming club officers with everything they need to know to be successful in their roles.  Specifically designed courses were available to club treasures, secretaries, membership chairs, public relations coordinators and presidents elect.  There were also courses designed for the new member in mind, making it ideal for new Rotarians to meet their red badge requirements set by individual clubs.  Additionally, to aid Rotarians who need to be youth certified, representatives from Live Scan were available to conduct the requisite fingerprinting needed for the certification and with the added benefit of a discounted price courtesy of the district. 

 

Participants walked away energized and ready to fulfill their roles come July 1.  Below is a collage of photos that highlight some of the workshops provided.  Thank you goes out to Bonnie Welch who is the district's training coordinator and to District leadership for all their efforts to make the training assembly a success.  

 

La Mesa Rotary Club steps up to support Little League opening day and the Rolando Street Fair!

 

Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club is at it again, Yep, they recently spent a Saturday building House #23 in Tijuana, Mexico.  Thanks to the coordination of the club's International Service Director Ray Green who organizing another successful day for a grateful family. Rotarians participating included:  Green, Kate Hanham, Stephen Herring, Rick Huenefeld, Paul Kartzke, Viveka Kjellgren, Richard Weston and many family members.  This is another great example of Rotarians being People of ACTION.

 

 

The Rotary Club of La Jolla is raising money for a “Welcome to La Jolla” sign that would be placed at the median at Torrey Pines Road and La Jolla Shores Drive.

Conceptual drawings for the sign were approved by several community groups last year. Since then, architect Trace Wilson has made adjustments to the sign, making it 25 percent smaller and shifting the word “welcome” to provide a dot over the “j” in “Jolla.”

 

Rotarian Cindy Goodman said the club was awarded a $25,000 San Diego County grant this week to cover some of the cost. “That will leave us approximately $20,000 to raise to complete the project, including installation, planting and permitting,” she said.

 

Goodman said the sign, which is expected to be installed in the summer, will increase community goodwill and “income for local businesses and cultural institutions.”

 

 

 

Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club is holding a golf ball drop and silent auction fundraiser benefiting at risk youth.  Colored, numbered golf balls are dropped from a helicopter. The balls closest to the hole win $2000. We hope you will join us at this beautiful venue and enjoy drinks, appetizers, dessert, music and fun! If you can't make it you can still purchase balls and win.

Click here to buy event tickets and to download the ball purchase form.

 

 

 

Districts 5340 and 4100 are holding a Binational Exposition Softball Game on July 29 at the Unidad Deportiva Tijuana (Avenida Ermita Norte, 22104, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The exhibition softball game includes a barbecue/catering on the field. Folks are welcome to stay in the Rosarito area after the game ends.  Warm up for the game starts at 9:00 AM.

 

Organizers are also looking for some additional players.  If you are interested, please contact Derren Lechuga at: derren.a.lechuga@gmail.com or by phone at 951-764-6890.

 

Supporting this event will help build relations between the two districts, as they are planning to hold this event annually. Additionally, this opens up the possibility of Rotarians and Rotaractors from District 5340 to participate in some local recreational softball leagues.

 

Let's Play Ball!

 

 

Returning once again to Escondido is Route 78 Rotary Club’s Annual Mariachi Festival and John Halcón scholarship fundraiser. The 9th Annual Mariachi Festival takes place at the California Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 16. 

 

The event begins with the very popular VIP Tacos & Tequila reception and top-shelf tequila and silent auctions from noon to 2:30pm. The reception is followed by the Mariachi concert from 3:00 - 5:30pm and features the 11-time GRAMMY nominated Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea. The concert also features the Ballet Folklórico dancers of Tierra Caliente Academy, directed by José Jaimes.

 

Proceeds from the Mariachi Festival and the VIP reception will once again go to support North County nonprofits and to establish the inaugural John Halcón Scholarship.  For tickets visit https://www.mariachifest78.org/.

 

For more information, click Read More.

 

 

If you need to or are in the process of becoming youth certified, there will be a live scan operator available at the District Assembly on Saturday, March 25 from 7:30 - 9:00 AM.    The normal cost is $45.00 but the District will pay the first $25.00 for a net cost to Rotarians of $20.00. Please note Life Scan only takes credit cards or check.  A live scan screening background check is a requirement for certification in addition to completing all requisite paperwork.

 

For Live Scan fingerprinting (a digital procedure that transmits electronically all the information to the Department of Justice and FBI), your employer/organization needs to provide a "Request for Live Scan Service" form. This form is mandatory, and you have to bring it with you, along with a government-issued photo ID.  

 

For instructions on how to become certified, click here.  For the District volunteer certification application, click here,  

 

The 2023 Rotary Club of Coronado Peacemaker Award recognizes an international Rotary project that gives hope and purposeful life back to amputees in need. Limbs of Freedom is a joint international project that began more than 20 years ago with the Calafia Rotary Club of Ensenada, Mexico and the Rotary Club of Coronado, USA, and in cooperation with the Mexican Government Family Health Group Rehabilitation Center in Ensenada. The Rotary clubs support volunteer doctors and technicians who evaluate, fit, build, re-fit and adjust prosthetics for those in need. They staff weekend clinics known as Limb Camps.

 

Recently, the medical team has begun using 3-D printed single-piece prosthetic limbs which can be aligned with precision and created overnight. To date, more than 1000 prosthetic limbs have been made. The Peacemaker Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made a significant difference in promoting good will, understanding, and peace initiatives, while exemplifying the Rotary ideal of service above self.

 

 

Rotary's Brand Center is continually updated with new materials to help you promote your club! You’ll find tips on raising awareness of Rotary, ready-made print and digital ads, images, videos, audio clips, templates to download, and more. These resources allow you to create messages that show your community that Rotary members are people of action making a difference.

 

Some exciting recent additions include:

Sharp Coronado Hospital's new CEO, Scott Evans accepts Coronado Rotary’s latest installment of $12,500 toward their $100,000 pledge to Coronado's great community hospital!  Bravo, Rotarians! 

 

The Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside is proud to announce that African Enterprise was one of their District Grant recipients this year. Malcolm Graham, one of the club's newest members, joined this organization in 1974 and worked with them for over 40 years. This program helps vulnerable women become wonderful women. Malawi, located in Central Africa, is the poorest country in Africa with a population of approximately 30 million people (80% of which live a rural existence, living off the land).

The club's grant of $750 will help two women complete the 6-month program and leave with sewing skills, business coaching, a sewing machine (pedaled, since there is no electricity) and fabric to start their own business. You can find out more about their program at https://africanenterprise.org/our-locations/malawi/.

 

At the beginning of this year, San Diego Paradise Valley Rotary club members traveled on an important medical and dental mission. Their destination - the Philippines - where they visited four different rural areas.  One area was Olongapo City which is about 97 miles north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and the other three sites were located in the southern part of the Philippines (Dumanjug, Badian and Calapan, Mindoro island). 

They traversed the land by driving from one location to another to different islands and by ferry boats. It was a daunting task at certain times since they drove for a few days in three vans carrying medical supplies and encountering areas with heavy rain, potholes and flood areas to reach the locations at specific date. Through perseverance, faith and determination they somehow met these challenges and arrived at their destinations and completed their medical and dental mission. 

The locals greeted them with open arms and were humbled to see them.  Their smiles and hospitality gave club members the energy to do the work them came to do.  A total of approximately 4,500 people were helped including providing 85 wheelchairs that were donated to five different regions of the Philippines. 

The club is proud of its passionate San Diego Paradise Valley Rotary members, their phenomenal local volunteers, dedicated members of the Philippine Armed forces, supportive Philippine local government, and the love from the Filipino people at all four sites who patiently waited for them to provide medical and dental services.

 

On March 11, 2023, members of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club volunteered to help Ukrainian refugees at the La Jolla Congregational Church. The club was one of several sponsors at the fundraiser that was hosted by AMNA Sanctuary.  During the weeks leading up to the event, the club collected women’s toiletries and clothing to be donated at the event. It was a great project and a heartwarming experience.

 

The Escondido East Rotary Club had a crew of members out cleaning up the Escondido Creek section they maintain. Their landscape expert Ryan planted some succulent plants to make the area look inviting.

 

On February 25, 2023, members from La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global, and Destiny Hands International convened at Elly Dotseth's home to fill colorful backpacks with multiple personal hygiene items. There were 50 backpacks in total and will be donated to Just in Time for Foster Youth, to be given to young adults aging out of the foster care system. It was a very cold and rainy day, but they all still had a great time!

The following Friday, Jo Ann Berquist, Elly Dotseth and Benjamin Kettor convened at Elly's garage, loaded the backpacks in our cars, and drove to Just in Time for Foster Youth to deliver the backpacks. They were joined there by Tori Rice and Camille Chenoweth-Moyer.  The group was provided a tour of the amazing facilities, followed by delivery of the items to the organization's warehouse.
 
The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation donated $3,000 to towards purchasing the supplies needed for the backpacks and Destiny Hands International purchased the backpacks and helped put them together.  

 

This is a great collaborative effort by multiple organizations.  

 

 

 

At its last meeting, the Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside celebrated the selection of Meals on Wheels as one of their District Grant recipients this year. Tim Wray, Director of the East County Service Center, shared with the club that they provide more than a meal, they also provide a safety check. Volunteer drivers talk to and check in on clients daily. This program, which serves over 320 in East County alone, is available to those 60+ for over 60 years, Meals on Wheels has allowed seniors to stay in their home, where they want to be.

Two members of the club participate in the Meals on Wheels program delivering food weekly to seniors in East County. The Santee-Lakeside Rotary club purchased supplies for and assembled 100 "We Care" bags for seniors and provided a $750 grant that will help Meals on Wheels East County to continue serving those in need. 

 

 

Recently the Rancho Bernardo Rotary club spent a great morning packaging oatmeal for the Food Bank and the Thousand Smiles Nutrition program - all thanks to the generosity of RB Sunrise Rotary club and the Church of Rancho Bernardo!

 

 

 

Travelers Aid San Diego was selected as recruiters for the San Diego County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.  They are looking for ombudsman volunteers and are reaching out to area service organization to recruit people interested in making a difference by volunteering in their communities.

 

Long term care ombudsman visit area long term care facilities and advocate to improve the quality of life for the residents.  Click Read More for additional information.  

 

 

 

 

We’re excited to announce that ClubRunner's Changeover Training Series is back for 2023! To help better prepare you for your new role and responsibilities this upcoming Rotary year, they are hosting a series of free webinars to help you brush up on your ClubRunner skills and knowledge.

Join us for these in-depth webinars starting on April 14th until April 23rd, 2023, where they will be offering both beginner and advanced level training sessions covering various modules, by role on the club and district versions.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Click below to view our schedule and to register for individual sessions or visit www.clubrunner.com/training. Can't attend live? Not to worry, all sessions will be recorded and shared on our community site after the series is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Santee -Lakeside is proud to announce that The San Diego Council on Literacy was one of their District Grant recipients this year. They have been helping our community since 1986, serving 100,000 residents annually. Their CEO, Jose Cruz, shared that 47% of students in grades 3-11 in San Diego County are not meeting grade levels standards, typically because of a resource gap. Early learning is critical. Both language rich environments and being read aloud to can help young children develop a love of reading.

Their grant of $250 will provide 10 children with one book per month for a year through their affiliation with the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Pittsburg Co. You can get more information on this organization at https://www.literacysandiego.org/.

 

 

The Old Mission Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest held on February 28th, showcased high school students from the Reality Changers Program. Reality Changers serves youth who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Their programs support students from backgrounds and inner-city neighborhoods that are typically underrepresented on college campuses, advancing equal education opportunities in our region and beyond. 

 

 

Congratulations to members of the Coronado Rotary Club who recently celebrated their club's 97th birthday!  Judging from the photos, they had a very vintage good time! 

 

 

Join us for the upcoming District Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting scheduled for March 6, from 6-7 PM. We will host Laura Anthony, from Fix It Clinic.

 

 

They say “Out with the Old and in with the New!”. But wait–not so fast!  
 
The Rotary Club of Del Mar donated the nearly 14-foot-tall clock gracing the corner of 15th Street and Camino del Mar to the Village of Del Mar in 2004 in celebration of the centennial anniversary of Rotary International. The clock recently needed a remodel, which included replacing the bronze plaque from the original installation. We gifted the old plaque to our remaining charter member, Monty Woolley.
 
In a surprise presentation at a regular club meeting, all members were asked to stand and remain standing for as long as they had been in Rotary. First to sit were those who had been members for 5 or fewer years, then 10 years, 20 years, 30 years.  At that point only 13 were still standing. Those members were asked those to sit if they had not attained 50 years, then 60 years, then 65 years of membership. Finally, there was only one person still standing - Mr. Monty Woolley.  Monty has been a member of the Rotary Club of Del Mar since the club was chartered on May 4, 1954. That’s over 68 years! 
 
Monte says that he joined the club when he was only 10 years OLD and while that seems a little young, many of our current members are in their 30’s and 40’s.  Monty and all members of the Rotary Club of Del Mar embody the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”. Service keeps us energized.  Stop by some Thursday and visit us.  We meet at Pacifica Del Mar at noon; join us in fun and service!

 

 

The motto of the Travis Manion Foundation is “If Not Me, Then Who…?”  Their mission is to develop programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen, and then inspire them to pass on their values to the next generation and to the community at large. The organization is named after US Marine First Lieutenant Travis L. Manion, 26, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania who died April 29, 2007, while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. 

 

 

Join Rotary International March 8-13 to take part in our virtual, multi-day observance that seeks to raise awareness about the barriers that women around the world face as professional and local leaders and to build a supportive community to take collective action for change.

 

Follow Rotary on Facebook to take part in this event. We will also celebrate the recipient of the 2023 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, which honors an inspiring Rotarian whose contributions actively work to advance women in Rotary.

 

Click here to register and to learn more about all the wonderful programs being offered.

 

Join Rotarians from across District 5340 for Padre baseball and fellowship.  All games are on Tuesday nights and start at 6:40 PM.  There is a limit of   5 tickets per person.  Games are:

 

 

If you have less time to read but still want to stay up to date with Rotary stories, opportunities, and projects, listen to Rotary magazine’s official podcast. The Rotary Voices podcast (in English) has stories from the magazine and the Rotary Voices blog. A recent episode focuses on the first Programs of Scale award recipient, Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia. You’ll find interviews with Rotarians who are working in their communities to combat malaria and information about the science involved in fighting malaria. Find the podcast on your favorite app like Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Spotify.

 

 

 

Many of us have a friend or family member that has been impacted by mental health issues. Our District 5340 DG, Chuck Pretto has made Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health the primary theme of 2022-2023, and we have just learned that Gordon McInally, President Elect for Rotary International will make mental health one of his focus areas next year.

District 5340 will have a walking team at NAMIwalk on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Rotary will also be helping NAMI with volunteers. The event starts at 7:00am, the walk is from 8:00am to 9:00am and then the Wellness Expo is open until 11:00am. All proceeds will be used in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Click "Read More" to see how you can help or participate.

 

 

 

Join Rotarians on February 27, 2023 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for a round of golf, networking and fellowship beginning at 1:30 PM.  Please contact Tee Times Coordinator Bret Geernaert at geernaertb@yahoo.com to reserve a tee time for yourself and golfers from your club.  The cost for the round is $60.00 which includes cart and range balls.  The snack bar & adult beverage bar are open for 19th hole fellowship.  

 

 

 

Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 February that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather.

 

The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. RI President Jennifer Jones activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants and share information about their relief efforts so that Rotary can amplify the calls for support.

 

The Rotary Foundation Trustees decided that all donations made, from now until 31 March, to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund will be used to aid earthquake relief projects. In addition, the Trustees made available more than $125,000 to Rotary districts affected by the earthquake through Disaster Response Grants.

 

Click "Read More" to learn how you can help.

 

 

 

 

 

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary was proud to present the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park with a $10,000 grant to improve its communication technology.  The funds were used to purchase new portable radios to allow security personnel and staff keep guests and the priceless art safe.

 

 

 

 

The District Training Assembly is this coming Saturday.  If you haven't registered, you need to ASAP!  Held only once a year, the District Training Assembly is a great opportunity for officers, committee chairs and club members - new and old - to learn how to manage programs, projects and best practices from other Rotarians. 

 

The District Training Assembly is especially beneficial in educating members about Rotary, programs and resources available in the District.  Online registration is open and classes are filling up so don't delay!  Click on the link above or visit the District website today to register and select your classes.  There is no cost to you.

 

Two members of any Club planning to apply for a District Grant MUST register and attend the District Grants Seminar from 11:20 to 12:00 PM. 

 

The Global Grants Seminar will be held at 12:10 to 2:00 PM and participation is REQUIRED for Clubs planning to apply for a Global Grant; two members must attend.

 

Join us!  The Rotary Club of Coronado is presenting its 27th Annual Coronado Rotary Charity Golf Tournament at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course on Friday, March 31, 2023.  The annual Golf Tournament is the first yearly fund-raising event for the club's Foundation supporting over sixty projects each year with financial grants.  The success of the Tournament hinges on Rotary volunteers, corporate and individual donations and a healthy player participation rate. 

 

Take advantage of the Early Bird Special and register on or before February 28 for $250 per person.  From March 1 on, the cost is $300 per person.

Let’s play!!  To find out more and to register, go to the Rotary Club of Coronado’s website: coronadorotary.org and select the Golf Tournament tab.  See you there!

 

 

The safety and well-being of every participant, whether a minor or an adult, in a Rotary youth program is essential to the success of the program. Each volunteer who will plan or implement a Rotary youth program is required by a new California law to become Youth Certified by meeting the following new requirements:

 

These new requirements to become Youth Certified are effective immediately. Detailed instruction for completing the requirements can be found here.  

 

Click Read More for additional information.

 

 

Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake on February 6 that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes and other structures, and left people across the region without shelter in bitterly cold winter weather. The Rotary world responded to this catastrophe immediately. Rotary leadership has activated our disaster response efforts, communicated with the affected districts, and encouraged governors in those regions to apply for disaster response grants. In addition, our project partner ShelterBox and service partner Habitat for Humanity are working on their responses. Find out how you can have the greatest impact.

 

District Governor Chuck Pretto and Major Gifts Officer Jon Teich joined Coronado Rotary on Wednesday, February 8 to celebrate and honor 20 Paul Harris donors as well as a Major Donor who is a new Rotary member.  DG Chuck indicated that this was by far the largest number of Paul Harris Fellows he has awarded at one time.  Coronado Rotary is proud to provide substantial support for Rotary International’s many worthwhile projects. 

 

 

 

A story demonstrating Rotarians are People of Action and the value of Rotary Connections. 

 

Registration for Trivia Night 2023 is now open. It is time to get your winning team members together!  Teams can register online via credit card when visiting http://cvsrtrivianight.org. If you prefer to register and pay by check or cash, please email chulavistasunriserotary@gmail.com and a registration form will be emailed to you that can be mailed in. 

 

Want two free Trivia answers? Get your team registered and paid in full by March 28. Those two free Trivia answers may be what is needed to have you crowned the WINNER of Trivia Night 2023! Good Luck! 

 

Your support will help the club to raise money to support Polio Plus and local charities!

 

February is Peacebuilding and 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.  We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life.

 

Addressing the incoming district governors at the 2023 International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, RIPE Gordon McInally called upon the members to capture the world’s attention and lead the way toward possibilities far beyond our current expectations and he announced his theme: Create Hope in the World.  

 

He noted that a significant way to bring hope to the world is to put a greater emphasis on peace. He cited the action Rotarians have taken in the past year to support the people of Ukraine after the invasion by Russia. Rotary has made humanitarian relief a priority, attracting more Ukrainian members in the process. But he shared that true relief won’t come without peace — not just in Ukraine, but in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria and dozens of other places around the globe. “Peace is the soil where hope takes root,” he said.

 

Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts. Rotary creates environments of peace.

 

Join Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship for a fun morning beach cleanup in OB.  Dubbed the Cupid's Clean Up which is an event Surfers Unite Founder Brett Morey came up with a couple years ago, it's a great way for Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends in the surfing community to show the beach and the environment some love. 

 

Past events coordinated the second Saturday in February have included multiple events in Hawaii, Carlsbad and Pacific Beach.  This year the Surfers Unite crew is hoping to have volunteers actively cleaning up shorelines in Florida, Hawaii, Australia and right here in OB.  This is a free event and 5 gallon buckets, trash bags and gloves are provided so sign up today at www.surfersunite.org/events or simply text "SURF" to 858-602-2532.  Use this as a recruitment tool to attract new members to your club.

 

Fifteen Rotarians from all over Rotary District 5340 went to GenerateHope’s transition home for human trafficking survivors to make their surroundings just a little bit nicer. Rotarians demonstrated to the residents that they are loved for who they are by people who want nothing in return. The staff and volunteers at the home are incredibly caring people who provide a safe place for survivors to take back their lives. 

 

 

The Scripps-Poway Rotary Club held a baby shower last week for the non-profit organization Gently Hugged. The club was tasked with having a party and bringing onesies for babies that will be distributed to new moms in need. In partnership, Ridgeview Health Center generously hosted this amazing event.  Last year alone, Gently Hugged distributed more than 8,000 onesies!!  

 

San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera (tan jacket) presents a Volunteer of the Year award from City Council District 9 to the City Heights Rotaract Club for their service to the community.  Club President Jesus Herrera is holding the award.  Next to him is PDG Marge Cole, an advisor for the club.  

 

 

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon provides programs to adults who have developmental disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. (L-R) Joe Perruca is the Development Director and Laura Purdom is the Director of Operations at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and past president of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary club. On January 31, Old Mission Rotary's Art Pratt Foundation board bember, Stan Vogelsang, presented their organization with a grant check for $10,000 to upgrade their ancient security camera system. 

 

 

On January 30, Rotarians and volunteers from Camp Pendelton Rotary club loaded and unloaded two U-Haul trucks stacked with donations to support Marines and their families on Camp Pendelton.   

 

Are you looking to support our active-duty marines at Camp Pendleton? So are we! Join the Rotary Club of Carlsbad - we can make a greater impact together. There is a Matching Grant in place to provide a boost! Any contribution towards this project is tax deductible when you give through PCSF. Note " SOI Project" when giving. If you have questions, please email Malena Bennett at emailmalena@gmail.com for more details.

 

 

Join volunteers for Community Climate Action Day – San Diego, a volunteer service event and celebration of Love Your Wetlands Day, organized by the UC San Diego Natural Reserve System and the San Diego Audubon Society, and co-hosted by Mayor Todd Gloria’s Office, HandsOn San Diego, and San Diego community organizations!

 

The Mission Valley Evening Club is attending and invites you to join them in supporting this event.  Click Read More for additional information and signup.

 

Nearly a year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine, igniting a humanitarian crisis, destabilizing security in Europe, and jolting the global economy. In this issue of Rotary magazine, we bring you an exclusive frontline account of the extraordinary response of Rotary and its members. This first installment of a two-part series begins in Poland, where Rotary members are providing long-term, sustainable care to help refugees address their trauma and reclaim a semblance of normality.

Click here to read the Rotary Magazine's February 2023 issue. The link will take you to your digital copy, which you can read using any common web browser.

 

 

 

Coronado Rotary has been helping their neighbors at The Pantry at the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center by supplying food and lightly used clothing donated by its members. Pictured from left are Rotary President LuAnn Miller, Rotarians Jenny Johnson, Carrie Seigenthaler, and Ginger Cox with Pantry Coordinator Debra Benson.  With one in four families in Imperial Beach below the poverty line, the Pantry has stepped in to reduce food insecurity.  Coronado Rotary wants to help The Pantry meet those needs by forming a committee to organize and deliver periodic member donations.  Together we are stronger!

 

 

 

 

WE ARE BAAAAACK!  The Point Loma Rotary Club will host hold its 19th Annual Comedy Night on Friday, March 17 at the United Portugues S.E.S. Hall, located at 2818 Avenida de Portugal, San Diego, CA  92106 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.  The Tickets are $25 per person.  All ticket sales will help the club conduct its many charitable activities for the betterment of their community. Purchase tickets here. 

 

 

The Rotary of Escondido After Five announced plans for their annual fundraising event to be held Saturday, FEB 18th at the Lexus Centre in Escondido.  The Disco Themed Gala will begin at 5pm and include silent and live auction items, dinner, dancing, 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.  Please click "Read More"  to continue.

 

 

We are happy to announce that Vines & Vittles will be back better than ever. And it will be cooler than ever! We've changed the date from the heat of August to May 21 and are excited to welcome you all to our festival. If you've attended in the past, you know it's a fun time. Please tell your family and friends to join us. It's all to support the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Foundation to continue to positively impact our community.  To Purchase tickets, you can either scan the QR code above or go to rbvfest.com.

 

It's time to start thinking about RYLA!  RYLA weekend is April 14-16, 2023.    

 

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or “RYLA,” is a program that originated with Rotary International and has since been specifically designed by Rotary District 5340 for students in San Diego and Imperial counties.

 

These select young people attend an all-expenses-paid full-day experience where they are 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 activities are conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The result is that these students return to their schools and communities motivated to take on additional leadership roles and to find additional ways to serve.

 

Application deadline is February 10, 2023.

 

To learn more about RYLA click here.   To register, please click here .  

 

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake for being a steadfast supporter by continually donating their time and resources to the San Diego Food Bank.  On January 5, the group bagged over 5,000 pounds of fresh produce! Great work! The San Diego Food Bank could not do their critical work without the generosity of community organizations. If you are interested in volunteering with your Rotary Club or community group, visit our website https://sandiegofoodbank.org/volunteer/. 

 

The El Cajon Rotary Club is looking for a paid Executive Secretary to start on July 1, 2023.  Basically, the duties are the same as a club secretary but also includes the member billings for dues and lunches.  Some of the requirements include preparing agendas and taking meeting minutes for both the club and foundation board meetings.  This person will also keep Club Runner up to date with additions and modifications as well as coordinating with the caterer and the Elks Club (meeting location and ordering club supplies.  Membership in the club is not a requirement but attendance at the Tuesday luncheon meeting is.  Please contact club president, Stu Scott at stuscott@cox.net or call 619-954-9421 for more information.

 

 

 

On January 9, 2023, the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club partnered with Club Rotario Tijuana Independencia and the Metro Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association in a effort to bring toys to the kids of the police officers in Tijuana as a thank you for all the hard work and service they provide to our communities.  

Events like this help bring the San Diego and Tijuana communities together, promote peace in both areas, and empower our youth.

 

 

Rotary International President-elect R. Gordon R. McInally revealed the 2023-24 presidential theme, Create Hope in the World, during the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, USA, 9 January. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, West Lothian, Scotland, asked members to restore hope by helping the world heal from destructive conflicts and create lasting change within ourselves. McInally told attendees he plans to make mental health a focus and emphasized continuity in advancing the goals of previous leaders, including empowering girls and eradicating polio. Read more about the presidential theme.

 

The La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club is excited to announce that beginning January 6, 2023, they will meet every Friday at 7:00 AM at the UCSD Faculty Club located at 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0121, La Jolla, CA 92093. All are welcome and they would be delighted for you to join them. Please email infoljgtrotary@gmail.com with any questions relating to upcoming programs or club information. They also offer a Zoom option but encourage in-person attendance. Please email the club for the Zoom link. For more information about the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club, please visit https://lajollagtrotary.org/.

 

 

Congratulations Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors, Rotary won the food drive challenge with the Lions Club.  Here are the numbers:

Altogether, the campaign brought in 16,500 pounds of food, $8,300 in monetary donations, for a grand total of 30,350 meals raised by your groups to benefit the San Diego Food Bank and/or local food banks. 

 

Members of Rotary District 5340 (Club 33, Santee-Lakeside, Vista ) volunteering at Helping Hands Across the Border in Ensenada with Club Rotario Ensenada Centenaria.

 

 

Members of Rotary District 5340 (Club 33, Santee-Lakeside, Vista ) volunteering at Helping Hands Across the Border in Ensenada with Club Rotario Ensenada Centenaria.

 

 

 

 

 

The Poway Scripps Rotary Club is having a baby shower to benefit Gently Hugged, a nonprofit that provides families in need of baby essentials as they leave the hospital with their newborn. The shower is scheduled for January 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 9825 Glen Center Drive, Scripps Ranch.  You can come to the shower or drop off your donation at Marshall Middle School. Gently Hugged is asking for sleepers in sizes 0-12 mos. This is their first ever baby shower and the Club wishes to thank the folks at Gently Hugged and Ridgeview Health Center for their gracious help and support. 

 

Please RSVP to 619 932-5341 by January 23 if you will be participating.

 

 

 

John Hewko, General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer for Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation recently released the Foundation's 2022 Annual Report.  He made note that this has been a year where records were broken, and a series of firsts exceeded expectations and he acknowledged this is the difference your support of the Rotary Foundation is making.  Your belief in the power of our collective action is enabling Rotary to help more people, in more places, in more ways. 

 

 

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee (DES) is hosting its monthly meeting on January 9 from 6:00-7:00 PM and you are invited to attend by Zoom.   This month they will discuss food waste and how to save food!
 
On average, 40% of wasted food comes from households in the US while 1 in 6 children is food insecure. ReFED estimates that 24% of all food in the U.S. – 54 million tons – goes to waste.  When we waste food, we also waste water, agricultural resources and fossil fuels used to produce, transform, and transport food. Reducing Food Waste is a way to both help the environment and reduce food insecurity. This is why Rotarians are taking action to save food. The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) created a food waste task force two years ago to support food waste projects and educate Rotarians. Although California is one of the most advanced states with regulations in place to divert food waste from landfills, there is still much to do to save food.   Click Read More to continue article and get Zoom link.