Stories

Art Pratt Foundation Issues Grant to A Step Beyond

Posted by Matt Risi

On January 21, The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant to the non-profit organization - A Step Beyond. Director of Development for A Step Beyond, Allison Morrissey explained that the $4820 grant will be used to support the 350 students between the ages of eight to 18 with dance lessons and tutoring to create a path out of poverty for disadvantaged kids.

Photo L-R: Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz, Director of Development for A Step Beyond Allison Morrissey, Art Pratt Foundation board of directors members: Judi Copeland, Bob Chalfa, Mark McAnelly and Phil Yates.

Next Charter Member Meeting - Mission Gorge Rotary Club

Mission Gorge Rotary Club Invites New Members to a Charter Member Meeting

January 30, 2020

7:00 p.m.

A new Rotary club is chartering in the Mission Gorge area of San Diego! Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Troy's Greek Restaurant, 10450 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92120. This new Rotary club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay. Please join us! For more information, contact acting president, Abraham Sultan at ibrahimsultan62@hotmail.com.

Our Rotary Family is Growing

Posted by Marta Knight on Jan 27, 2020

New Rotary Club Members:

Kevin Leap, San Diego Rotary Club

Julie Marner, San Diego Rotary Club

Andrea Goicoechea, San Diego Rotary Club

Katherine Chang, San Diego Rotary Club

Isaac Jackson, South East San Diego Rotary Club

Neferti Kinser, Santee- Lakeside Rotary Club

Stephanie Chapel-Yoo, Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club

Taylor Henderson, Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club

Celeste Young, Camp Pendleton Satellite Rotary Club

Mark Burroughs, Escondido Rotary Club

So You Think You've Got Talent

Old Mission Rotary is looking for talent! Have you or someone you know "got talent"? If so, you should consider participating in Old Mission Rotary Club's So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego on Saturday, May 16, 2020. The Club will be awarding three prizes - $1000, $500, and $250 to the winners.

Submit your two to three minute YouTube video to gottalent@oldmissionrotary.org by April 19, 2020 to be considerd for the event.

Old Mission Rotary Social Event

Posted by Matt Risi

Please join Old Mission Rotary on the first Tuesday of every month at the On the Border Restaurant in Mission Valley from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Members can purchase drinks and food at happy hour prices and enjoy each others' company. The Restaurant is located at 1770 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA 92108. See you there!

RYLA Planning Underway

Posted by Paul van Roon

FACILITATORS

Facilitators are needed at the next RYLA conference scheduled for April 17-19, 2020 in Idyllwild. Your two and one-half day commitment (plus a half-day training meeting on Saturday morning on April 4) is a wonderful way to guide students from throughout our district as they develop their potential as service-minded leaders.

RYLA fosters servant leadership by encouraging and rewarding deserving high school juniors who are chosen to attend as an award for their past and present leadership and service activities. Through an intensive program of inspiring speakers, small group discussions and other activities, the students emerge inspired and motivated to pursue additional leadership opportunities.

The 9th Annual Peace Forum is only a few weeks away. We look forward to your participation in the Rotary District 5340/Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies' annual Peace Forum being held on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 8:00 am to noon. The theme is The Intersection of Peace and Commerce and the lineup of presenters is stellar.

The Peace Forum program this year was prepared by Kevin Dobyns, Marketing Coordinator, Kroc School of Peace Studies. Please share it as much as you like. The Forum is free of charge. Register by email at vilis@sandiego.edu. To obtain a printable copy of the agenda and bios on all the presenters, click here. Below is an outline of the agenda for the day.

2021 Presidential Theme Announced

Rotary International President-elect Holger Knaack revealed the 2020-21 presidential theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, to incoming district governors at the International Assembly held in San Diego on January 20. Knaack, a member of the Rotary Club of Herzogturn Lauenburg-Mölin, Germany, is encouraging Rotarians to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities they serve.

To read more or to listen to Knaack's address to the International Assembly, click here.

District Golf League to Tee Off on Feb. 12

DISTRICT 5340 ROTARY GOLF LEAGUE IS READY TO TEE OFF ON FEBRUARY 12, 2020 AT THE

ENCINITAS RANCH GOLF COURSE

SHOTGUN START AT 12:00 NOON

FEE: $79/PP

The deadline to sign up is Monday, February 3. Contact Tournament Director Bret Geernaert at bretg2091pres@gmail.com to register to play. Give Bret an idea of your playing level when you sign up so that you will be paired with others at your level. You can also reach Bret on his cell at 858-354-9002.

Dictionaries and Thesauruses for Poway Students

A dictionary and thesaurus labeling party was held at a Rotarian's home on Saturday, January 11. Some 25 Rotarians from the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club put Rotary's Four Way Test labels on 1100 dictionaries and 1000 thesauruses for the third and fourth grade students in the Poway Unified School District. Following completion of the labeling, a delicious lunch was held, provided by contributions of the attendees and hot dogs catered by Duffs Doggz. Subsequent to the labeling, the Rotarians, at a later date, will break up into teams and deliver the personal copies of the dictionaries and thesauruses to the students in their respective classrooms. Distribution proves to be a rewarding experience for all involved - students, teachers and Rotarians.

Photo L-R: Pat Norfolk, Judy Lutticken and Joyce Hunt.

Dan's Place Receives Donation in Memory of Martin Sheps

Sunday, January 12 was a special night at the Friendship Circle. Members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club had a chance to visit one of its long-time member's favorite projects - Dan's Place.

Dan's Place was created to give young adults with special needs an opportunity to learn and practice vocational skills in the food and hospitality industry. Monthly dinners are created an served with the help of knowledgeable volunteers. Each participant commits to learning a position within the restaurant such as chef, server, host and more. Volunteers assist alongside each participant as they practice from setup to cleanup and everything in between.

"Martin Sheps passed away about a year ago. He left our club a generous gift. Martin had a special place in his heart for this Friendship Circle program," said Bret Geernaert, club president. Our club decided to present this group a donation to honor Martin's memory."

The guests that evening were treated to a delicious meal of Salmon, salad, vegetables and brownies - all made by the members of the Friendship Circle. They were serenaded by live piano and violin music during the dinner as well. It was a great evening of fellowship within the Rancho Bernardo Chabad community and the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians.

RI President, Mark Maloney Speaks on the Future of Rotary

Sixteen clubs were represented at the January 16 meeting of the Fallbrook Rotary Club. Participating Rotarians heard Rotary International President, Mark Maloney speak on the Future of Rotary. Thank you President-Elect, Jim Mendelson for leading the meeting for District 5340. It was a wonderful gathering of support by Rotarians for Maloney and his vision for the future.

A Very Powerful World Peace Conference Concludes

Photo: Rotarians attending Peace Conference

The 2020 Rotary World Peace Conference held January 17 & 18 in Ontario has successfully concluded. Many Rotarians and Rotaractors from District 5340 attended this two-day event. With 13 tracks and over 120 sessions, there were many opportunities to learn about being People of Action in Rotary's focus area of Promoting Peace.

The six general sessions provided attendees with a group of powerful and dynamic speakers from such organizations as the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, Women Across DMZ, the UN and the Peace Corp. Session-goers also heard from people making a difference around the world, including Nobel Laureate Nominee, Dr. Fozia Alvi who discussed the Rohingya genocide, a series of ongoing persecutions by the Myanmar government against the Muslim Rohingya people, and Mark and Kym Hilinski from the Hilinski's Hope Foundation who discussed efforts to raise awareness about mental health in student athletes. Participants had an opportunity to meet survivors of Hiroshima and the Holocaust.

The House of Friendship showcased over 65 organizations which promote peace and awareness throughout the world, and gave participants an opportunity to learn more about what they do, providing inspiration on how they too can make a difference in the world.

You can't come away from a conference such as this without being inspired to making a difference any way you can. If you weren't able to attend this year's conference, then please mark your calendars now so that you can attend next year. Next year's Rotary World Peace Conference will be held in Birmingham, Alabama on May 7-8, 2020. To learn more you can go to www.peaceconference2021bham.org.

Photo: Rotaractors attending conference.

2020 Rotary Convention Update

To help you plan your visit for the convention taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 6-10, 2020, here is the latest information about the program, mobility assistance rentals and more.

Breakout Sessions:

On Saturday, June 6 and Monday through Wednesday, June 8-10, you can choose from more than 70 breakout sessions on a variety of topics. Here is a sample of the sessions being developed:

Strengthen your club - Explore strategies that will keep your members engaged and inspire newcomers to join the Rotary family.
Rotary's Action Plan - Be part of the conversation about Rotary's future and discover how your club can bring our strategic plan to life.
Connect and take action - Meet Rotarians and Rotaractors who are tackling the world's biggest challenges and learn how you can help.

Get up-to-date information about the sessions.

Rotary and the United Nations:

Connect with the family of Rotary at the Presidential Conference bring held on Friday, June 5. This event will recognize the longstanding cooperation between Rotary and the United Nations on humanitarian issues. We'll also celebrate United Nations World Environment Day. The conference is open to everyone. Rotarians, Rotaractors, program alumni and the public.

Learn more and register today.

Wayne and LeAnn Cusick Day

Posted by Marta Knight, DG

District 5340 will be celebrating Past District Governor, Wayne and LeAnn Cusick Day on Friday, January 24, 2020.

The Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle is hosting Rotary International Past President, Ravi Ravindran as a guest to their meeting on the 24th at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Braille Institute, 4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. The cost is $25. For registration contact club president, Kim Schafer.

Wayne's family will be attending and will be presented with a plaque and presentations honoring Wayne and his work with the Paul Harris Society.

Rotarians Respond to Australian Brushfires

Posted by Rotary Week - January 10

More than 100 separate brushfires in Australia have damaged hundreds of homes and forced mass evacuations. Rotary clubs are taking action to provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires. Rotary has a Disaster Response Fund, which following a natural disaster like the fires in Australia, ensures we can deliver supplies, provide health care and support rebuilding efforts. By making a donation today, you can help Rotarians respond swiftly and effectively, bringing hope to those whose lives have been affected by disaster.

District Golf League Golfers Have First Outing

Posted by Marge Cole

On January 8, Rotary District Golf League golfers celebrated their first outing of the Rotary/New Year at the Rancho Bernardo Inn with some adult beverages.

The League's next tee time will be Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. Shotgun start at 12 noon - best ball scramble. Fee is $79/per person.

The deadline to sign up is Monday, February 3. Contact tournament director, Bret Geernaert to register. Give Bret an idea of your playing level when you sign up. This will allow him to pair you with others at your level. Also, let him know how many from your club will attend. Escondido Sunrise won the prize for the most golfers present on January 8.

Rotary, Toastmasters Launch New Collaboration

Posted by Rotary Weekly - January 10

Rotary and Toastmasters have launched a new collaboration to help their members broaden their networks and increase their positive impact in communities. Rotary clubs and districts can get involved in this alliance by learning more about Toastmasters, exploring its resources and public speaking tips, or visiting a local Toastmasters club. Read a blog post about why Toastmasters benefits Rotary clubs and learn more.

Old Mission Rotary Art Pratt Foundation Issues Grants

Posted by Matt Risi

On January 7, 2020, the Art Pratt Foundation of the Old Mission Rotary Club presented a $1000 grant to Second Chance. The non-profit works with men, women and youth who have been entangled in the criminal justice system. Second Chance provides the life-saving resources needed to break the cycle of addiction, poverty and incarceration. The Old Mission Rotary grant will be used to purchase transit passes that will allow program participants to get to and from work, school and support meetings.

Photo (L-R): Old Mission Rotary Executive Secretary, Stan Vogelsang, Second Chance Chief Development Officer, Sylvia DuBeau and program particpant, Isabella.

Additionally, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant in the amount of $5000 to Christian Youth Theater. The funds will be used to purchases new sound equipment. Christian Youth Theater (CYT) has offered youth training in theater arts and production. Youth have an opportunity to audition and perform in Broadway-style musicals.

Photo (L-R): Art Pratt Foundation president, Lee Kaminetz, Foundation members Phil Yates and Eric Benink, Christian Youth Theater president, Janie Cox, Foudation members Mark McAnelly, Stan Vogelsang and Bob Chalfa. Emma Chapman is in costume for her role as Jane Banks in the new CYT musical production of Mary Poppins.

A Successful Rotary Leadership Series

Posted by Marta Knight, DG

A successful Rotary Leadership Institute - Part II - was held on Saturday, January 11 for the 2020-2021 Club Presidents-Elect and Red Badgers. District Governor-Elect, Steve Weitzen prepared Presidents-Elect for PETS training, which is scheduled for February 7-9 at the LAX Marriott Hotel. District Membership Chair, Dianne Crawford shared best practices related to effective club management and strategic planning. PDG and Foundation Chair, Marge Cole reviewed guidelines for District and Global Grants for the upcoming Rotary year. PDG, Scott Carr presented on branding, communications and PR strategy options for clubs. Graduation pins were presented by District Governor, Marta Knight.

Congratulations to all the graduates of this year's Rotary Leadership Institute.

RI President, Mark Maloney to Speak Locally

Rotary International President, Mark Maloney will be speaking at the Fallbrook Rotary Club on January 16. The topic is The Future of Rotary. There is availability for 50 to 60 guests to attend. This would be a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary's future, especially new Rotarians and prospective members.

If you'd like to attend, the Club's meeting is on Thursday, January 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Tradition Estate, 1602 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook CA. Doors open at 12:45 p.m. The cost of lunch is $25. Please bring exact change or a check.

There is a mandatory RSVP date of Thursday, January 9 by the close of business. To RSVP, please contact Budd Sutliff at 760-822-2600 or buddsutliff@aol.com.

San Diego Museum of Art Receives Grant

On December 17, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $5,070 to the San Diego Museum of Art. The museum's Director of Development and Membership, Stacey Loomis, explained that the funds will be used to purchase a new two-way radio system that will help with both security and guest safety.

Photo L-R: Art Pratt Board of Directors members Eric Benink, Mark McAnelly, Phil Yates, Larry Edwards, Judi Copeland and Bob Chalfa. The museum's Director of Development and Membership, Stacy Loomis, stands second from the right.

Rotary Float Earns Trophy

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FLOAT WINS AWARD FROM TOURNAMENT OF ROSES

For those of you who tuned into the 131^st Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, you may have seen the flying penguin float representing Rotary International. The float received the Tournament Volunteer Trophy for Most Outstanding Display of Floral Presentation with the Rose Parade Theme of "The Power of Hope." This is an outstanding achievement as the committee has won the Princess Trophy two of the past three years. This year's Rotary Float Committee Chair was PDG, Wade Normura of Capinteria and Brett Morey, Past President of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle and Founder of Surfers Unite Rotarians Fellowship served as one of the 18 directors for the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee.

Thanks to the leadership of District 5340 Governor, Marta Knight, the District financially supported the efforts to build this award-winning float with a donation. The float promotes Rotary to more than 750,000 folks, lining Colorado Blvd. and with more than 70 million viewers around the world annually. According to Morey, "Our annual budget for the float is $170,000 a year and all financial support comes from the generosity of fellow Rotarians." Additional contributions were received from the Rotary Club of North County San Diego 78 as well as from other clubs. Each individual or club who donates $1,000 or more is listed as a Major Donor.

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF SOUTHWESTERN FOOD, FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!

Old Mission and Mission Valley Sunset Rotary Clubs invite you to join them for Host Hospitality Night on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Their Mexican-themed dinner and entertainment will take place at the Seven Seas Restaurant (Part of the Best Western Hotel) in Mission Valley (San Diego area).

You will enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet dinner with a variety of favorite foods of our area and entertainment by a local Mariachi band. This will be the last opportunity to host District Governor's Elect and their spouses because the Rotary International Assembly is moving to Orlando, Florida beginning in 2021. They have some additional spots for Rotarians to join them for this festive evening.

The cost for the dinner is $20 for Rotarians. They hope you will be able to join them for these International festivities. You must make a reservation by Wednesday, January 15. Cash, checks, and PayPal will be accepted - no credit cards for this event. Dress is casual - wear your Club shirt and bring a trading banner if you wish. Please contact PDG Marge Cole, marge.cole@yahoo.com to make a reservation.

Don't Forget to Watch the Rose Parade

Don't forget to watch the Rose Parade on New Year's Day and look for the Rotary Float! This year, District 5340 is represented by Jennifer McGree Thompson, a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of El Centro. Jennifer won the drawing among Club Heroes selected by District Governor, Marta Knight and will be a walker alongside the Rotary Float.

Happy New Year to All Rotarians

New Years Day is only two days away. Here is wishing the best New Year yet for all Rotarians, Interactors and Rotaractors. May you continue your many good works Connecting the World as we enter into a new decade.

Medical Mission to the Philippines

For many years the Rotary Club of San Diego Paradise Valley has conducted medical missions to the Philippines. They are once again heading for the island in February 2020 and are looking for Rotary clubs or individuals who can make a financial contribution to their efforts. Funds are used to help provide the necessary resources. The Club will be serving three sites in their upcoming mission and services include medical, dental, optical (provide reading glasses), minor surgeries, feeding program, anti-drug awareness program (ADAP) and many more. Donations are tax deductible. Contact information can be found in the flyer above.

Rotary and Peace Corps Working Together

I am a Rotary Cadre who evaluates projects in Central and South America. Having been a former Peace Corps volunteer in Brazil (1966-68) and worked for many years on federal and state-run education grants in the US, makes being a Cadre for Rotary a perfect fit for me.

This past February, 2019, Rotarian water and sanitation expert Mark Balla from Australia and myself evaluated the WINS Rotary grant, visiting 15 of 48 schools involved in sanitation, menstrual health, and hand washing education.

One of the schools we visited was a high school, Instituto Mixto Municipal de Diversificado (IDM) in Santa Lucia, Guatemala. We were impressed by the efforts in expanding the students' preparation for careers (secretarial science and accounting) to include saving the environment in Guatemala and the planet! We watched the students simulating real business solutions: recycling trash to make rugs and a rudimentary attempt making renewable menstrual pads. They also were beginning to produce organic soap. They just needed some infrastructure and support.

When I returned to the US, I applied for and received a Rotary District Grant - Keeping Guatemalan Girls in School, which was made possible by donations from private donors, GoFundMe, and Rotary clubs in San Diego, California and Melbourne, Australia.

The Rotary Club of Kearny Mesa is hosting a fundraiser bowling tournament. The Club is looking to have 10 three-person teams participate. Additionally, they are looking for sponsors for the event. Come join in and help the Club showcase their services and their charitable work in San Diego.

ROTARY CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT

February 22, 2020

Kearny Mesa Bowl

7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

1:00 p.m. start time

Three-Person teams: cost $100 per team for three games

High series team wins cash prize of $200

To register your team and to inquiry about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bert Borsberry at (915) 588-1320. Checks can be made payable to the Rotary Club of Kearny Mesa.

Copley Price YMCA is Beneficiary of Grant

On December 10, the Old Mission Rotary Foundation donated $3650 to the Copley Price YMCA in City Heights. Julian Villegas accepted the grant that will be used to support membership scholarships for deserving City Heights neighbors and to purchase helmets that will be distributed with bicycles and skate boards. Julian is a member of Old Mission Rotary and serves as the Executive Director of the Copley Price YMCA.

Photo: (L-R) Copley Price YMCA Executive Director Julian Villegas and Old Mission Rotary Foundation board members Stan Vogelsang and Bob Self.

Christmas Party Held for Boys & Girls Club

The Rotary Club of Del Mar was delighted to sponsor a Christmas party for members of the La Colonia Branch of the Boys and Girls Club San Dieguito and their families at the La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach. Santa joined the festivities to hear Christmas wishes from the children. This year Santa was introduced by the San Diego Sockers, whose team members stayed to sign autographs and have the kiddos join them in some soccer drills. The party featured six craft station where guests made jewelry, ornaments, succulent plant arrangements, Christmas tree paintings and the most popular station - slime!

La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club Relocates

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club has gotten too big for its current meeting location. Effective January 3, the club will now meet at Hooley's Pub and Grill located at Grossmont Shopping Center - 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942. Their meetings begin at 7:15 am on Friday mornings. Breakfast is $15 for members, visiting members and honorary members. Come join them at their new digs for a morning of wonderful Rotary fellowship.

LEAD Students Visit Old Mission Rotary

LEAD students from Farb Middle School in Tierrasanta visited Old Mission Rotary Club on December 3 to share their experiences at LEAD (Leadership, Ethics and Determination) Conference. The Conference is a leadership and personal development program for 8th grade middle school students. Talented young people attend a two-day camp developed and presented by the Rotarians of Rotary International District 5340.

Old Mission Rotary sponsored four students each from Farb Middle School and the Creative Performing and Media Arts School (CPMA) in Clairemont. Mission Valley sunset Rotarian and Past District Governor, Marge Cole personally sponsored two more students each from both schools.

The middle school students were very grateful and excited to share their leadership weekend expedience at Camp Cuyamaca.

Photo (L-R back row standing): Farb Middle School Principal Courtney Rizzo, Old Mission Rotary Youth Chair Lydia Stewart, students Dani Mejia, Anabella Ngueyn, Tra Alston, Jayden Bamba and Farb Middle School AVID coordinator Donna Rankin (L-R front row): Tristan Stout and Luzaria Curry.

Rotarians Play Santa's Elves

Santee-Lakeside Rotarians gathered for their annual support of the Santee Santas Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization bringing comfort and joy to Santee residents by providing food and gifts to those in need especially during the holiday season. Several toy and food drives occur throughout the city with a special emphasis during the Christmas season. Local businesses, schools and community groups participate on an annual basis. The entire program is volunteer dependent and, over the years, a multitude of community residents show up to help make magic happen. Rotarians are at the top of the list.

On December 7, Rotarians created an assembly-line protocol to maximize efficiency and went to work putting together 1000+ cardboard boxes that the Foundation will use to help sort and pack family boxes of food items which will be delivered on a date closer to Christmas. While Rotarians are busy making boxes, community members are in another room sorting food products by category so that each family has a customized box based on family size and need. The following Saturday, volunteers will customize the boxes and make ready for delivery the following weekend where you can see cars lined up down the street as each picks up food boxes, toys and other essential items and personally makes the trek to deliver items to the selected families. The Foundation also provides poinsettias to senior who are shut-ins to ensure they feel the community's Christmas spirit. It is a wonderful example of community helping community or in Rotary words "Making Good Happen Together, with Love, Compassion and Joy".

Season's Greetings

Posted by Marta Knight

The holiday season is here and this month our Rotary theme is: Disease Prevention and Treatment. This is one of our Areas of Focus and perhaps the theme that Rotary is best known for, at least among non-Rotarians. I encourage you to share this with your community.

We have had an amazing year "Connecting the World" these past five months. I have had the pleasure of visiting all but three clubs. I have learned so much during my visits about your boards, members, projects and your vision for the coming year. I am so proud of all of you as I experienced Rotary in so many different ways, like the pot of Chicken Soup I spoke about with all your unique ingredients that make your clubs so special. I enjoyed and had fun visiting your different club fundraising projects and activities. Thank you for including me as your District Governor.

Rotary District 5340's Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Chuck Pretto from the Rotary Club of San Diego will officially serve as District Governor Designate (DGD), leading District 5340 during the Rotary year 2022-2023. Chuck Pretto was selected by District 5340's Nominating Committee to serve, pending any challenges from clubs across the District. No challenges were received, and the selection has become final.

Chuck, In 1992, was invited to join San Diego Rotary. He found his niche hosting exchange students. He and his wife hosted a half a dozen students throughout the years. In Club 33 he chaired numerous committees including Camp Enterprise, Project Allocations & Grants, and Youth Exchange. He served as President in 2013-14 and then Chair of the Club 33's foundation the following year. He has been active at the District level and served as District Conference Chair, Chief of Staff, Rotaract Chair, Chief Aide and upcoming Chief Assistant Governor.

On behalf of the all of the Nominating Committee members, as well as District Governor Marta Knight, we congratulate Chuck on his achievement.

Perfect Stocking Stuffer

Thank you to Rotary 5340 members who supported the Rotary e-Club of San Diego's Global e-Club District Grant "Keeping Guatemala Girls in School". With this grant support, the Santa Lucia High School entrepreneurs (whose goal is to make sustainable eco-friendly products) have created two new products:

Reusable washable menstrual pads, and
A unique glycerin soap made of activated charcoal, volcanic ash and other native ingredients.

The first is for the young girls so they can remain in school when they have their periods. If you liked to support this effort, you can make a donation of $10.00, which will support one girl who can't afford to buy this product. It's important that you copy this website on your browser and click on it: http://www.gofundme.com/f/sustainable-education-for-Guatemalan-girls. The hyperlink doesn't work for this URL.

The second product is a unique soap called Ecomaya, packaged in wax paper. It comes in a beautiful bag made of Guatemalan fabric. You now have an opportunity to purchase the soap developed by these students. Rotarian, Maureen Duncan is going to Guatemala December 15 - 20 and will be bringing back 200 packaged soaps. She will be selling the soaps: one for $15; two for $25 and three for $30 and is taking orders now. She will hand deliver the soaps to your home December 21 - 24. If you'd like to purchase the soap, please order by email at mventiduncan@gmail.com or by phone at (510) 867-1213. Or, you can send a check to Maureen Duncan, 314 Playa Blanca, Encinitas, CA 92024. Proceeds will go back into the school program, allowing students to continue product development.

Escondido East Rotary Club Making a Difference

The Escondido East Rotary Club has been busy working on two projects. Rotarians delivered turkey meals cooked by the Mikkis Restaurant to around 207 home-bound seniors during this Thanksgiving season. Sea Coast Commerce Bank donated $1000 to help pay for the meals. A big thank you to Rotarians Darol and Linda Caster for getting it all organized. One senior responded with joy when she shared she was so happy to get a dinner from Rotary since her dad was a past president in a Rotary Club back in Iowa.

Rotarians from Escondido East Rotary Club also painted a playhouse that was given to a deserving family at Escondido Community Child Development Center. Rotarian and President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity, Lori Pfeiler secured this project for the club.

Boy Scouts Beneficiary of Rotary Grant

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $6,590 to the Boy Scouts of America Imperial Council on November 26. Director of Development, Trent McClure explained that the funds will be used to install wireless internet at the northern end of the Mataguay Scout Ranch where they have a science center.

McClure emphasized that their local camping areas are open to all youth groups for use:

Mataguay Scout Ranch is nestled in the pines and oaks of our local mountains, just 50 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. Camping, activities and a swimming pool make for a full camping program.
Camp Balboa is located behind Council headquarters in Balboa Park, just a short walk from the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Youth Aquatic Center is located on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay Aquatic Park, where you can have access to every form of water spot, including sailing, snorkeling and board sailing. Youth camping is available there and Sea World is nearby.

Photo (L-R): Art Pratt Foundation Board of Directors Lee Kaminetz (president), Phil Yates, Larry Edwards, Bob Chalfa, and Mark McAnelly and Boy Scouts Imperial Council Director of Development, Trent McClure

Multi-Generational Families Featured in Rotarian Magazine

The December issue of The Rotarian features multi-generational families serving in Rotary. Featured from District 5340 are Natalie Bailey of the Coronado Rotaract Club and District Governor, Marta Knight of the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club.

Deadline for Golf Tournament Fast Approaching

The deadline to sign up is Monday, December 2. Email tournament director, Bret Geernaert to register to play. Give Bret an idea of your playing level when you sign up so that he can pair you with others at your level.

We have been making plans for our Golf League and it will be a lot of fun. Clubs field a team (twosomes or foursomes) and participate in match play against another club team. If you would like to join this fun group, sign up to play in our first tournament on December 4, 1:00 shotgun start; $55/player.

Rotary Seeks Nominations for Peace Award

Nominations are being solicited for the 2020 Rotary District 5340 Pathways to Peace Award. Due December 10, 2019, nominations can be submitted by individual Rotarians or Rotary Clubs. The nominee can be an individual or an organization, Rotarian or non-Rotarian.

District 5340's Pathways to Peace Committee each year present the Pathways to Peace Award to an exemplary person or organization, Rotarian or non-Rotarian. This award is presented at the annual Peace Forum that Rotary sponsors with the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego (USD). The Peace Forum will take place on February 22, 2020 at USD's Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.

Save the Date!

Mystery Social for East County Rotary Clubs

On a rainy Wednesday night this past week, four of six East County Rotary Clubs gathered at a park & ride to caravan over to a undisclosed meeting place to enjoy fellowship and an opportunity to learn what each club was doing during this Rotary Year. The mystery social took place at a cozy wine bar in La Mesa - La Mesa Wine Works. Over 50 Rotarians representing four Rotary clubs participated in this Fall evening of fellowship. Clubs included the El Cajon Noon Rotary Club, Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club, La Mesa Noon Rotary Club and the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club.

Members enjoyed an evening of wine, Italian food and laughter as they all got to know each other. Of particular interest was building supportive avenues for respective clubs to learn and become more involved in each others events and service projects. Everyone enjoyed the evening so much that another function will be planned for either April or May 2020. Thanks goes to Rotarian, Elana Levens-Craig from the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club and Rotarian, Erick Lundy from the El Cajon Noon Club for spearheading this very successful gathering.

The evening was mirrored after the inaugural mystery social held a few years ago, which was orchestrated by Rotarian Erick Lundy, where clubs parked at a trolley station and caravanned to Gillespie field where the mystery social was held in a hanger. No one can say that there isn't any creative minds in East County!

Canine Companions Receives $1200 Grant

Members of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club toured Canine Companions for Independence on Friday last week. The group presented Canine Companions with a check for $1200. This amazing program trains 50 dogs per year on the Oceanside campus alone. They train service teams, skilled companions, facility dogs, PTSD and hearing dogs. Since 1975, Canine Companions has provided assistance dogs free of charge to receipients in need. Each dog costs about $10,000 to train, but they are priceless to their recipients. To learn more about Canine Companions, you can visit their website.

Thank you Rotarians!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to Rotarians around the world. Your accomplishments have made magic happen in lives of countless individuals. Rotarians give selflessly of their time, talent and purse. Your humanitarian hearts have reached out and touched individuals in the dark desperate corners of the world giving hope to billions. Your efforts are changing the world for the better. Because of you dreams happen, lives are saved, children are schooled, the sick are comforted. disease is reduced or eliminated and people are lifted out of poverty.

As you sit around your Thanksgiving table with your family and friends, mention Rotary in your conversations and prayers; give thanks for all that Rotary has accomplished and for our capabilities to be able to uplift the world through the work of Rotary. We are all very blessed. Thank you for all that you do.

El Centro Rotary Club Member to Walk in Rose Parade

Congratulations to Jennifer McGrew-Thomason from the El Centro Rotary Club, District 5340's Rotary Superhero Rose Parade Walker. Jennifer gets the once in-a-life-time opportunity to walk alongside the Rotary Float in the upcoming Rose Parade on New Year's Day! The El Centro Club superhero's name was drawn from basket filled with names of all Rotarians that received Superhero pins from District Governor, Marta Knight during her Governor's visit.

Mama's Kitchen Receives $6826 Grant

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $6826 to Mama' Kitchen. Mama's Kitchen is a community-driven organization that believes that everyone is entitled to the basic necessity of life - nutritious food. Mama's Kitchen's nutrition services improve the lives of women, men, and children vulnerable to hunger due to HIV, cancer or other critical illnesses. Chief Executive Officer Alberto Cortés explained that the funds will be used to expand the freezer capacity at their receiving dock.

(Photo L-R): Mama's Kitchen CEO Alberto Cortés, Art Pratt Foundation board members Judi Copeland, Lee Kaminetz (president), Phil Yates, Bob Chalfa and Mark McAnelly.

Rotary Float Escort Selected

Today, District Governor, Marta Knight pulled a lucky ticket from superhero entries to see which one would be invited to walk alongside the Rotary Float in this year's New Year's Rose Parade, representing District 5340.

Congratulations goes to the Superhero of the El Centro Rotary Club. Understanding that there could be conflicts, four more club names were drawn. Should the superhero from El Centro not be able to attend, the honor falls to the next one on the list.

Start Planning!

Orphanage Gets Solar Paneling for School

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club has had a long-standing partnership with Rancho Santa Marta, an orphanage and school for at-risk children near San Vincente, Mexico. The Club's original goal was to raise approximately $60,000 in order to purchase a 150+ solar panel system that would offset 70 percent of the Ranch's energy expense, allowing more resources to be diverted directly to the children of the orphanage and school. In partnership with Pathways Church and local community members, a fundraising campaign was initiated. The Club also applied for and received a Rotary District Grant to support the project. All of the funding needed to complete the full project came in within a span of two months.

In August 2019, the Ranch signed contracts with a Mexican solar contractor, who began installing the system in September 2019. The Club is ecstatic to know that the project is now complete. The entire 35,000 watt system is installed and the Ranch will now be able to save $10,000 annually. The savings will have a long-lasting impact on the children of the Ranch.

To learn more about Rancho Santa Marta you can visit their website. In addition, the Club was able to visit the Ranch this past weekend and came back with a video of the solar project. To view the video, click here. The video really gives you a sense of the size of the Ranch.

Rotary Theme Calendar

Charity Poker Tournament Set

The Rotary Club of Vista is holding a Charity Poker Tournament on Saturday, November 23, 2019. The Club is raising money to support their scholarship program. A special appearance by the band Chosen Arrows will delight participants and a full no-host bar and food from the resturant is available. If you cannot participate and would like to donate, you may do so on the Club's website.

If you have any questions, please contact helixpoker88@gmail.com.

RB Rotary Community Cleanup Day

Saturday, November 9 was an extremely successful "First Annual Oaks North Clean Up Day", sponsored by the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club. Over 35 members of the Club worked all morning, supplemented by members of the Rancho Bernardo High School Basketball Team, Mis Rancho Bernard - Taylor Cloutier and Miss Rancho Bernardo Teen - Sophia Latifzadeh.

It was estimated that over 200 cars delivered all kinds of items to the collection center; pick-up teams also went to 36 homes in cases where residents were unable to deliver them. A record 145 file boxes of personal files were shredded and hauled away by a doument shredding company and an e-waste truck was filled to capacity. Additionally, several tons of non-recyclable waste was transported to the Miramar landfill. A large truck load of reusable items were also picked up by "Interfaith Community Services" and the "The Assistance League" thrift store in Escondido.

Claudia Gonzales, the Oaks North Community Center Manager was totally enthusiastic in her praise, and said that their office has received many calls expressing appreciation for the event.

San Diego North Fun Run a Success

San Diego North Rotary Club - District 5340's small, but mighty club held its 32nd Annual Rotary Cross Country Fun Run at Mt. Carmel High School Stadium Friday, November 8. Almost all the elementary and middle schools in the Poway Unified School District -- 600 third through eighth grade runners -- participated. Counting parents, grandparents, siblings and friends, well over a thousand onlookers gathered to view the races.

The Fun Run has been a huge success with over 15,000 participants over the years. Fun Fact: Children of the original participants are now taking part in this annual event!

Plaques were awarded for boys and girls by grade level. Painted Rock won the elementary boys and girls sweepstakes. Twin Peaks won the middle school division. Place ribbons were awarded to the first ten finishers in each race and participation awards were given to all runners.

This is an "all hands" event for the San Diego North Rotary Club. Sincere thanks to members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise and Noon Clubs (you know who you are) and Mt. Carmel's Interact Club. They helped to make sure the event ran smoothly.

Charles "Chuck" Pretto selected to serve as District Governor 2022-23

The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Charles Pretto from the Rotary Club of San Diego has been selected to serve as District Governor during the Rotary year 2022-2023.

In accordance with the provisions of Rotary International Bylaws Article 12, Rotary District 5340 created a Nominating Committee to review and interview candidates. This year's Committee included seven past, current, and future District Governors. and was chaired by Immediate Past District Governor Mel Gallegos.

Any challenges to the selection of District Governor (Rotary International Bylaws Article 12.030.7) are to be received by Mel Gallegos, Chair of the Nomination Committee, by close of business on Friday, November 29, 2019. Challenges may be sent to P.O. Box 420786, San Diego, CA 92124 or via email to melgallegos1819 @gmail.com. If no challenges are received, the selection of the Nominating Committee becomes official.

Rotaract/Rotary Mentorship Mixer Held

The Rotary/Rotaract 5340 Mentorship Mixer took place at BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse on the evening of Thursday, November 7. It was a networking event meant to promote the District's mentorship program. The event was open to all Rotaractors and Rotarians in the District and was well attended.

Rosarito School Children Visit SD Zoo

Every year the Rosarito Rotary Club in conjunction with the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club in San Diego, takes students ages 3-11 to the San Diego Zoo. Students come from various schools in Rosarita, Mexico. After a short meeting at 5:30 am on the steps of the State Building, 36 excited children and 7 adults ran to the bus, leaving the area at 7:15 am and arriving at the border close to 8:00 am. The border officers lined riders and took them inside the beautiful federal building. The kids were so excited, holding their certificates in order to cross into the United States.

The bus arrived at the Zoo at approximately 9:00 am. There, Dr. Bennis Bucko and another Rotarian, Melanie Gesschwind, CPA of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club (LJJGTRC) were patiently waiting. LJGTRC paid for the Mexican bus, adult entrance tickets, food, drinks and chocolate bars. Once inside the Zoo, it was disclosed that the petting area was closed due to construction. The group decided to embark on exploring the flamingos, birds, monkeys, etc. Following lunch, the group boarded a zoo bus that took them all around the Zoo. The conductor spoke Spanish and shared information about the animals in the enclosures. The elephants and giraffes were of particular interest.

Following the bus tour, the group had a couple of hours to wander and explore areas of interest, including several stores where they purchased items such as rubber snakes, etc. At 3:00 pm, everyone was loaded back onto the Mexican bus to return home. The group didn't have to disembark at the border and was able proceed directly to Rosarita following a brief border patrol check of the bus, arriving about 5:15 pm. Children met their parents with big broad smiles and many stories to tell.

What's Your Polio I,Q.?

The Rotary Club of North County San Diego - Route 78 celebrated its first-ever World Polio Day on October 12, 2019. The program was also billed as a Purple Pinky Mini Fundraiser.

At the beginning of the program members read a Proclamation from the San Marcos City Mayor and Council Members declaring a World Polio Day in San Marcos and urging people to donate money for polio eradication. Program organizer, Maria Reyes shared facts on Polio with members in the segment: What's Your Polio I.Q.? A short informative film, Thanks, Rotary, featuring Rotary's International's lead in polio eradication and immunization around the world followed.

The featured guest speaker, Ms. Carole Shipley, a polio survivor who resides in San Marcos was the highlight of the program. She infused personal anecdotes in recounting her personal journey with polio, revealing how when her first two iron lungs malfunction, the doctors noticed she could breathe on her own. Her story was both poignant and funny, reflecting her personal triumph over adversity. Ms. Shipley is an accomplished woman. She earned her B.A. in European History with a minor in Library Science from SDSU. Afterwards, she worked with KCST 39TV and finally landed a plum job at the Athenaeum Music & Art Library in La Jolla where she worked for 28 years before retiring.

The program was capped off with opportunity drawings as well as a prize for guessing the amount of money in the Club's "Jamoncito, Jr." - a Mexican piggy bank full of coins for polio. The Club raised approximately $700 for the fight against polio!

RB Rotary Club Participates in Serving Dinner at Ronald McDonald House

On November 5, several Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Noon Club (Club) participated in their quarterly commitment to prepare dinner for families at the Ronald McDonald House in Kearny Mesa. In attendance were Mike Fugua and his wife Patty, Dick Norfolk and his wife Pat, Johanna Mullen, Dave Brooks, Lynn Ross who brought Miss Teen Rancho Bernardo, Sophia Latifzadeh, and Joe Gandelman. Joe is a great ventriloquist who performs with his "friends" around the region and had the kids enthralled.

The Club reserves a date for every quarter at the beginning of the year. They never have trouble filling the spots as everyone loves to do it. The staff are very accommodating and appreciative and they also are very good at providing kitchen neophytes with directions. They've all chopped and diced and mixed and served more than they thought possible. The Club had state-of-the-art equipment that was a joy to work with. Their contribution to the evening was several dozen cookies that area dessert for the families.

The Passing of PDG Wayne Cusick

Posted by Steve Brown

Wayne Cusick (1943 - 2019)

Founder of the Paul Harris Society

Past District 5340 Governor (1996-97)

Wayne Cusick, Past District Governor and Founder of the Paul Harris Society, peacefully took his last breath at 11:25 am on Wednesday, October 30 at his home in La Jolla. I was there with his wife Lee Ann and both daughters and his brother, Rick. Services for Wayne will be held on November 17 at 1:00 pm at St. Pauls Lutheran Church located at 1376 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109. Services will be followed by a reception at the Pacific Beach home of Jennifer and Steve Grebing (daughter and son-in-law). Directions will be provided at the church services.

Congratulations to Jessie Case, District 5340 Rotaract Representative, on being selected as one of 60 Rotaractors from around the globe to participate in the final two days of the 2020 International Assembly. She was selected from over 400 applicants. Jessie will have the opportunity to share, learn, and grow her Rotary experience alongside Governors-Elect from around the world.

SDSU Rotaract Competes in Aztecs Rock Hunger Initiative

SDSU Rotaract is competing in the SDSU campus-wide initiative, Aztecs Rock Hunger for the 5th year a row as reigning champions, raising more than 9,000 pounds of food in 2018! From October 18 to November 10, 2019 they again will be fighting against food insecurity and need your help.

What is Aztecs Rocks Hunger?

Aztecs Rock Hunger is a SDSU university-wide initiative where they raise pounds of food to collect and donate to the San Diego Jacobs & Cushman Food Bank. Additionally, they are able to donate 20% of the monetary donations and support their SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team as well as support their A.S. Mobile Food Pantry through the help of this campaign.

How to Support

To donate online, anyone can visit their website. On the website, you will find a Online Virtual Food Pantry option to make donations. Once a donor has decided how much they want to donate, they need to stipulate who/organization they are donating on behalf of. In the box that says "Virtual Food Drive," donors need to put "SDSU Rotaract" and their chapter will receive credit.

Check out this video for more in-depth information.

Is Being in the Rose Parade a Dream of Yours?

Posted by Elana Levens-Craig

District 5340 Governor, Marta Knight will help one person's dream come true! Next week, DG, Marta Knight will pick thhe name of a Rotary Superhero in a random drawing. This lucky winner will get to be a 2020 Rotary Rose Parade Float Outwalker! Make sure to check next week's Newsbits to find out who the lucky winner is.

It is my honor to personally invite my fellow Rotarians in District 5340 to get directly involved in the 131-year tradition of participating in the Tournament of Roses. This unique event puts Rotary International in front of over 70 million television viewers annually

One of the most fun ways to signup is to volunteer to decorate the Rotary float itself! This is an excellent way to share your experience with other Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, family members, friends and even prospective new Rotary members. Another way is to purchase tickets to the Rotary Rose Parade Holiday Party on December 30th. This is a special opportunity to have a wonderful dinner ($100/pp) with our 2019-20 Rotary International President, Mark Maloney and his wife Gay, along with 150-200 other fellow Rotarians from around the world. A third alternative would be to make an online donation of any amount to help support the cost of the float. Feel free to participate in one, two or even all three events.

You can visit www.rotaryfloat.org to get more information. Making a dream come true, or just helping others make their dreams come true.....the choice is yours!

Hotel Rooms Available Near Rotary Convention Site

The International Travel & Hosting Fellowship of Rotarians (ITHF) has 16 available hotel rooms in their block of rooms for the RI Convention in Honolulu for June 6 - 10, 2020. They are at the Ala Moana Hotel, which is within walking distance of the Ala Moana Convention Center.

These rooms are currently available: one queen bed for $201 per night and rooms with two double beds for $236 per night. There is a surcharge for more than two people in a room. Breakfasts are not included. A deposit of two nights lodging will have to be paid this month.

If you are inerested in securing one of thee rooms, please contact Rotarian Rick Harned at rickharned@gmail.com, ITH Administrator A deposit must be paid by December 1, 2019.

Old Mission Rotary Team Participates in the VIIDAI Program In Baja

Photo: Mark McAnelly (L) and Stan Vogelsang traveled down to San Quentin in Baja along with Jerry Hosenkamp to participate in the VIIDAI public health project.

A team of Old Mission Rotary traveled to San Quentin Baja over the weekend of October 25-27 to participate in the ViIDAI semi-annual public health program. Their team consisted of Stan Vogelsang, Jerry Hosenkamp and Mark MCAnelly. Wildfires along the Mexican coast re-routed their convoy inland and extended their five-hour trip into 10 hours! Old Mission Rotary funded a 15 passenger van that Mark McAnelly used to drive students from the SDSU School of Public Health to the project.

The Viajes Institucional Integración Docente Asistencial Investigación IVIIDAI) program is a collaboration between the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) Medical School, San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Public Health and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Medical School. VIIDAI's mission is to create an opportunity for students and faculty from these three universities to work together to provide medical services and public health education to migrant farm worker communities in Baja, California. The migrant farmers that work in the tomato plantations of San Quentin are Mixtec Indians from Oaxaca who speak their native Indian language.

Passing of PDG Wayne Cusick

The Rotary District 5340 family mourns the loss of Past District Governor Wayne Cusick. Wayne was such a dear friend and mentor who had such an impact on everyone he met. Back in 1999, Wayne created a program in our district that recognized donors who pledged to give $1000 every year to The Rotary Foundation. This initiative started slowly that year, but would quickly gain momentum and become the #PaulHarrisSociety. PDG Wayne's spark of an idea turned into a global program responsible for millions in giving every year to The Rotary Foundation, and his legacy is truly immeasurable.

Learn more about his achievements at www.paulharrissociety.org.

Wayne was such a terrific person, a great husband, a wonderful dad. Humble, generous, and kind. On behalf of District Governor Marta Knight and all of the Rotarians of our community, our thoughts are with Lee Ann, Jennifer, Michael, Kati, and the entire Cusick family.

He never saw an obstacle he could not overcome. Wayne moved mountains, and we are so grateful for his service to Rotary International and humanity, as a whole.

Ronald McDonald House Recipient of Grant

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant to the Ronald McDonald House of Rady Children's Hospital on October 15. Ronald McDonald House provides a "home-away-from-home" for families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions. They provide a place to stay, meals and the necessities of home so families can focus on caring for their critically ill or injured child.

Marci Rodin, the Director of Grants and Publications, accepted the $8,000 grant that will be used in the remodel of their kitchen. Ronald McDonald House serves out some 125,000 free meals each year!

At San Diego' Ronald McDonald House, volunteers, staff and house guests come together to create a nurturing environment that supports families as they help their child heal. Some 1,000 families stay for an average of 20 days every year.

Photo (L-R) Marci Rodin of Ronald McDonald Houses, Art Pratt Board of Directors members Mark McAnelly, Judi Copeland, Larry Edwarads, Lee Kaminetz and Bob Chalfa.

Polio National Immunization Day (NID) - January 2020

Because of the surge in new polio cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Indian Government has announced they will hold one Polio National Immunization Day (NID) in mid-January 2020. This will likely be the last time a Rotarian can participate in an Indian Polio NID.

There is limited amount of space and we expect the NID trip to be filled within the next few weeks. Many Rotarians have enquired over the years on how they too can participate in an NID trip. This is their chance! Please let everyone know in your club about this life-changing opportunity!

Rotarians will travel to Delhi, India, where they will participate in the polio NID activities and attend other related Rotary events. The trip includes travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur to visit the famous Rotary Jaipur Limb Factory.

Date of Departure: Friday, January 10, 2020

Date of Return: Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Per Person Costs based on double occupancy is $2,499 which includes

hotels transfers, Rotary events, participation in the NID activities,

most meals, sightseeing.

The above price does not include international roundtrip airfare or Indian Visa fees

The group size will be limited and confirmation in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are planning to join us should take immediate action. Over the last two years, this program sold out in less than two weeks.

Click here for an informational document, including application. The material is also available on the Howard Tour's website.

Efforts in Support of Economic and Community Development Month

The Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay, in observance of "Economic and Community Development Month" during October, is proud to announce that the Micro Lending Project (Project) started and established between the Club and the Sacred Heart Credit and Development Cooperative (Cooperative) on January 8, 2019 is well underway. The Project was seeded with an initial amount of $6,300 ($2,000 of club funds and $4,300 donations from club members). It has since generated to-date interest earnings of $668.63 by extending micro loans, which so far have helped 30 micro entrepreneurs in the communities of San Rafael and Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines.

The Rotary Club of South Bay's Project extends micro loans in amounts as little as $100 to micro entrepreneurs through the Cooperative. The Cooperative has management of the funds, which includes educating borrowers on how to properly manage their finances and pay back their loans, ultimately making them responsible members of their community. The Agreement established by the Club and the Cooperative stipulates that 25% of the interest income shall be allocated for the community service projects of the Club and its sister clubs: Rotary Club of Meycauayan East and the Rotary Club of San Rafael, both from District 3770 Bulacan, Philippines.

Additionally, the Cooperative and the Club allow the Rotary Clubs of San Rafaael and Meycauayan East to recruit and train from local borrowers possible and future members of the Rotary Community Corps.

The photo below shows President Villanueva with members of the club; Chairman Elenita de Belen, Luisito de Jesus and Erwin Saddi, presidents of the Rotary Clubs of Meycauayan East and San Rafael respectively during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on January 8, 2019.

Greeters for International Assembly 2020!

International Assembly, the final week-long training session for incoming District Governors-Elect from around the world, is scheduled once again here in San Diego!

Please join us on Sunday, January 19 for a fun day as we welcome Rotarians and their partners to San Diego. To sign-up, click here.

There will be three (3) shifts at the San Diego International Airport to meet passengers as they arrive in the baggage areas and three (3) shifts at the Hyatt Hotel to greet the governors-elect at the hotel. The shifts will be from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 10:30 am to 1:30 pm; and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

For more information, contact Susan Rezner by email at susanrezner@sbglobal.net or by phone at (858) 336-6474.

Winners for Rotary Foundation Giving

Congratulations to the Banner winners for the Rotary Foundation Giving for 2018-19 Rotary Year!

The following clubs will be honored at our District Foundation Seminar on November 9 at UCSD for their outstanding achievements in the following areas:

Top Per Capita Giving:

#1 Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club - $666.79

#2 Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club - $578.94

#3 Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club - $464.34

Every Rotarian Every Year:

1. Coronado Binacional Rotary Club

2. Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club

3. Escondido East Rotary Club

4. Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club

5. Fallbrook Rotary Club

6. Fallbrook Village Rotary Club

7. La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club

8. La Mesa Rotary Club

9. Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club

10. San Diego - Paradise Valley Rotary Club

11. San Diego South Rotary Club

12. Tri-City Rotary Club

TRF Giving (average per capita giving of $100)

1. Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club

2. San Diego North Rotary Club

3. San Marcos Rotary Club

Congratulations and thank you for your support!

Red and Purple Social

The Rotary Club of Point Loma cordially invites you to join them in enjoying an evening of art, live music and adult beverages on Thursday, October 24 from 7-9:00 pm at the Sculptures Guild Balboa Park located at 1700 Village Place, #36, San Diego, CA 92101.

Honorary guest, District 5340 PDG, Mel Gallegos will share a fascinating story of how the Polio drops are delivered to children in remote areas. He will also share how close Rotary is to eradicating this awful disease from the face of the earth!

Our musical entertainment will be provided by the Gypsy King Family - Joeef Fargier! In addition, Fernando Garcia and Jordan Ross Mendoza will play some amazing tunes to make the evening magical for all.

Come join us in our End Polio Now awareness efforts. You can register at Eventbrite. Suggested donation is $25.

Flags go up on Holidays

The Coronado Rotary Club, as a service to its community, places flags all around the town for every holiday and special times/events. This past Columbus Day was no exception. It is clearly evident they really like to do this!

SD Coastal Rotary Club is "Throwing" a Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of San Diego Coastal is "throwing" a fundraiser. They want to try something unusual and stress reliving - axe throwing - all for a great cause! The event will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 from 6-8:00 pm at Battle Axe, 6330 Riverdale Street, San Diego, CA 92120 (Mission Gorge - Close to HWY 15 and Friars Road).

Participants will be coached by ax-perts in the fine art of axe throwing. You will get to practice and then compete in the games. Sounds unusual, right? See it in action - watch video. This is a creative fundraiser. The cost is $35 per ticket if purchased before November 6. It will be $40 at the door. This event is open to anyone over 18 years of age and 10-17 years of age with guardian present. Great pizza, pasta, and salad from Filippi's is included. Water and soft drinks are also included (sorry no alcoholic beverages while throwing axes around).

Proceeds will be used to support youth leadership through RYLA, LEAD and MUN programs for kids. To purchase tickets, click here.

Chili & Quackers Challenge a Success

The weather was perfect on Saturday, October 12, 2019 for the 8th Annual Rotary Club of Del Mar's Chili & Quackers Challenge. They had all varieties of chili, including an entry from PDG, Mel Gallegos. A big thank you is extended to the Rotary Club of Del Mar-Solana Beach for the loan of canopies that provided chili cooks with much needed shade. The Del Mar lifeguards loaded more than 1,000 ducks into their surf rescue boat and piloted them to the surf line for launch. The ducks all found their way to shore quickly and everyone on the beach (and even on doodle) helped us ensure that all ducks came back safely.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will help the Rotary Club of Del Mar with many of their community outreach programs, both at the local and international level. The event is well known and has raised the visibility of Rotary within the community.

San Diego Food Bank is Grant Recipient

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club presented a grant in the amount of $5,614 to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank on Tuesday, October 8. The President and CEO, James Floros, visited the club to accept the funds which will be used to purchase an electric pallet jack. He explained that of the San Diego County's 3.2 million residents, 450,000 people face food insecurity every day, including 177,000 children.

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and their North County Food Bank chapter feeds 350,000 people every month in partnership with 500 nonprofit community partners that operate feeding programs. Their nonprofit partners include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, low-income daycare centers, senior centers, faith-based organizations, schools, and day centers for the elderly and disabled.

Photo (L-R): Art Pratt board members, Eric Benink and Larry Edwards; Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank President and CEO, James Floros; and Art Pratt Foundation board members, Judi Copeland, Mark McAnelly and Bob Chalfa.

Pacific Beach Rotaract Pub Crawl

Congratulations to the Pacific Beach Rotaract Club for a fun and successful Pub Crawl fundraiser for End Polio Now. The event started on Saturday afternoon with a total of six local beach area pubs participating. The theme was "golf" and some participants sported colorful golf attire. Pacific Beach Rotaract members welcomed Rotarians from Coronado, Old Mission and San Diego Coastal Rotary clubs. Seasoned Rotarians present were inspired and energized by the fun-loving and enthusiastic Rotaractors!

Photo: The Pub Crawl registration table was set up at the Local, which was the starting point of the six pub event.

Top Photo L-R: District 5340 Rotaract representative, Jesse Case; PB Rotaract publicity director; Erika Rodriguez; PB Rotaract fundraising chair, Maddie Larson; Old Mission Rotary President, Matt Risi and a friend, Alyssa.

Bottom Photo L-R: Mark McAnelly (centr) of Old Mission Rotary narrowly beat Darren Lechuga for the best men's golf costume. Maddie Larson planned and organized the End Polio Now Pub Crawl event.

Save the Date - Polio National Immunization Day

(Photo: Rotary Voices - Rotary International)

The District has just received word from the Government of India that they are planning to hold a polio National Immunization Day (NID) on January 19, 2020. We will be organizing a group program to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to participate in the NID and house-to-house activities. This will be the 32nd such trip we have organized to take North American Rotarians to participate in a polio NID. In addition to participating in the polio immunization activities, we will meet with the World Health Organization and local Rotary clubs in Delhi and Jaipur. A couple of days have been carved out to travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Jaipur to see the Pink City.

The planning group is still putting together the itinerary and more will be coming out about this during the week of October 28, if not earlier. This is informational only for those who may want to block some time off your very busy calendars if you are interested in participating. More to come.

Rotarians Offer Fingerprinting Kits to Parents

On Saturday, October 5, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club participated in the Grossmont Healthcare District's Kids Care Fest in Lemon Grove. The Kids Care Fest focused on low income residents of Lemon Grove and surrounding areas, providing health related education, screenings, food pantry items and fun activities for the whole family. Flu shots were available for children and adults alike. Three Rotarians chose to be good role models in promoting the need for immunizations and volunteered to get their flu shots.

In today's world of missing children, parents need all the tools than can use to help find their missing children. To assist in that effort, Rotarians fingerprinted over 40 children with parent's permission. Parents were provided a card with their children's finger prints and were instructed to add a photo and snip of hair as a DNA sample and to keep the kit near immunization records or where they keep their important papers. Children ranged from toddlers to middle school children. Children were rewarded with a selection of appropriate toys and stickers.

El Cajon Sunset Rotary Club Hosting Wine Tasting Fundraiser

On Saturday, October 26, 2019, the Rotary Club of El Cajon Sunset will be hosting its 5th Annual Wine Tasting at the @Spacebar Café, located at 7454 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 from 3-6:00 pm.

The event will include three different wines with 90+ rating, along with cheese, crackers, non-alcoholic beverages and Kenyan tea. This year's donation of $35 will provide additional support to the Masaku School for the Physically Disabled in Machakos, Kenya, and the club's community outreach work.

Please join us for this fun and worthwhile event. For ticket information and tickets, contact Dominic Gunder at (619) 315-1265 or djgunder@earthlink.net.

Rotary Night at Cygnet Theatre

Cygnet Theatre is hosting a Rotary night for each of their upcoming season plays; the first event is Friday, November 1 at 8:00 pm to see the musical, The Last Five Years. The theatre is setting aside $10 for each ticket purchased to go towards their Student Matinee educational programs. Each year they bring groups of high school students in for free to see live theatre (often for the first time) and provide an on-campus pre and post program.

If interested, please share with your respective clubs and others as this is open to all Rotarians. See above for season offerings . Use coupon code SDROTARY when purchasing tickets. Tickets: (619) 337-1525 or visit the theatre's website.

Golf Tournament to Begin in December

District 5340 Rotary Golf League announces its first fun tournament on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course.

It will be a shotgun start at 1:00 pm and will cost each player $65. There will be a match play between clubs which will continue through the year until our final tournament at the District Conference in April 2020.

For more information, and/or to sign up a team from your club, contact tournament director, Bret Geernaert at geeraertb@yahoo.com or 858 354-9002.

7th Annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Bike Ride

Ride the hidden, unridden, and forbidden Point Loma to support pancreatic cancer research. The Point Loma Rotary Club is hosting its 7th Annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Ride the Point on November 9, 2019. The bike ride starts and ends at Liberty Station and traverses exclusive scenic bike routes around beautiful San Diego. The ride includes 10/25/62 mile distances to accommodate different levels of bicycling experience. This local all-volunteer ride has raised over $135,000 for pancreatic cancer research at UCSD Moores Cancer Center.

The public is invited to the free healthy lifestyle expo at Oggis in Liberty Station from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm with local vendors, music and refreshments. For more information on Ride the Point, visit the event website or follow us on Facebook.

2019 Rancho BEERnardo

This year's Rancho BEERnardo Festival on Saturday, Oct 26, at Webb Park Lake in Rancho Bernardo. The festival will run from 2 pm to 5 pm.

Our theme for the festival is "Taste Beer with Purpose". We want our guests to know the reason we host this festival. Their afternoon of tasting the many craft beers will be support our club's efforts to help change the lives of people in our community and around the world.

This year's festival will feature over 75 commercial craft beers, food for purchase and live music. There will be a People's Choice Award for the Best Craft Brew.

Additions this year are a homebrew tasting, QUAFF homebrew competition and a Peoples Choice Award for Best Homebrew.

Visit the official festival website for the full details.

Rotary Youth Exchange Informational Forum

The Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad and Coronado will be holding information meetings about Rotary's Youth Exchange Programs in preparation for the upcoming exchange year 2020-2021. These meetings are open to qualified high school students in San Diego County who are interested in youth exchange as an avenue to expand their life, enhance their cultural awareness, and be a world ambassador.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 6:00 pm at both Carlsbad and Coronado locations Fliers providing details about the information can be obtained below by clicking on the location you prefer.

(Carlsbad)

(Coronado)

October is Economic and Community Development Month

Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Hosts Blood Drive

Help save lives by giving blood on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. San Diego Blood Bank's bloodmobile will be in Solana Beach's Lomas Santa Fe parking lot between Vons and Starbucks, just east of the I-5. Free beverages, bagels, pizza and discounts will be provided to all donors by Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Pizza Nova and the Del Mar-Salona Beach Rotary Club.

This event is hosted by the Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club. Make an appointment by calling 1-800 4MYSDBB or just show up. You can also reserve time by going to: https://www.mysdbb.org/#/ScheduleAppointmentStep2/drive/48326.

Rotary Mourns the Loss of PDG Dave Breeding

It is with great sadness that District 5340 shares with you the news that Past District Governor, Dave Breeding passed away Saturday, October 5. The District was able to celebrate Dave and Marilee Breeding Day at their Fallbrook Rotary Club on September 12. We are happy that we got to spend some time with him and his family.

Rotary has lost a great friend and outstanding Servant in our work. Information on his services will be posted as they become available.

May he rest in peace.

RI International Assembly Host Hospitality Event

Save the date and register NOW to host District Governors Elect (DGEs) coming to San Diego for the last time. The International Assembly will be moving to Florida after the January 22, 2020 event. Help make this the most memorable Host Hospitality night ever! Host two or 50! We need your help individually or as a club to pick up DGEs from the hotel, provide dinner and fellowship for a few hours and return to the hotel by 10:00 p.m. Click on the link below to register. Contact Michelle Candland for details.

Registration link. Go to the bottom and click on "information for District 5340 Host Rotarians" and sign up,

Rotarian Maestros Needed

Have you ever wanted to make a huge, life-changing impact on the lives of others...in the comfort of your pajamas? You can be a "maestro" and make a meaningful and lasting impact on star students from just across the border! The Rotary Club of La Jolla has a need for teachers to assist for only one hour a week with their scholars lab in Tijuana. You don't have to know Spanish. All classes are taught via Skype to students selected as the "best" in their classes, based on their success in their primary schools. It's a successful, proven program and it needs YOU, and, its FUN!

For more information, including a robust job description, please contact Dr. Davis Shaw at drshaw@sbcglobal.net. Click here for a quick look at the program video. It will take a few minutes to download.

18 Day Tour of New Zealand

The Rotary Club of Pakuranga invites you to join the Ultimate 18 Day Rotary Tour of New Zealand, slated for September 11-28, 2020. The Tour key highlights are:

Tour includes two meals in Rotarians' homes and two Rotary meeting visits.
Tour size is limited to 26 persons (within a 30/33 seater coach).
Accomodations will be 4-5 star facilities and includes all breakfasts.
Two-night stays in all big city stopovers and "not too early" start times.
A professional "Top Tour Guide" will travel with you throughout the tour.
The 18 day tour includes both the North and South Islands of New Zealand

It's time to register for Rotary Day at the United Nations. This year's theme is "Connecting for Good," and the event will focus on community-based solutions to the global refugee crisis. Mark your calendars for November 9th and take part in this wonderful event.

Find full information about Rotary Day at the UN and registration details by clicking here.

Taste of Rancho Santa Fe to beheld in October

The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe will be holding its 7th Annual "Taste of Ranch Santa Fe" on Sunday, October 6, 2019. This amazing event will be held at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. More than 700 guests will enjoy an incredible feast of scrumptious bites from Rancho Santa Fe's and beyond's most celebrated restaurants, Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries, breweries and other beverage vendors! Please go to the event website to learn who the vendors are and to purchase your tickets. Net proceeds will benefit the club's designated charities.

Dave and Marilee Breeding Day

Posted by Marta Knight

On September 12, 2019, Rotary District 5340 officially celebrated the Dave and Marilee Breeding Day in recognition of Past District Governor Dave and Marilee Breeding's many contributions to Rotary's International humanitarian programs both locally and abroad.

During a regular meeting of the Fallbrook Rotary Club. District Governor, Marta Knight arranged to have Breeding family members, past and current Rotary leaders from San Diego, Orange Country and Central California join in honoring Dave and Marilee. Over 15 Past District Governors, including several of Dave's 2010-2011 governor classmates attended, with many speaking of their heart-warming experiences over the years with Dave and Marilee.

Past Governor, Pam Russell noted that "As my aide, Dave was by my side always. He heard what I didn't hear, saw what I didn't see. He made me a better District Governor".

District 5495 invites all District 5340 Rotarians to attend their annual USA/Mexico Friendship and Global Grants Exchange Conference being held November 7-11, 2019 at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Participants will tour the rim at Grand Canyon Village, See Kolb Studios, and have time to hike, bike or just spend time contemplating on of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Saturday night will feature a down home western BBQ at Big E's Steakhouse.

The venue for their conference meetings and lodgings is the Grand Canyon Squire Inn at the entrance of the park in Tusayan. This conference is the perfect opportunity to get involved in Rotary Foundation Global Grants. Bring a project from your own club or a cash commitment and find an international project to sponsor. Your members will have a fantastic time taking action, doing good in the world and making new Rotary friends. Plus, they'll learn so much from the experienced grant teams in both host districts.

To learn more check out their conference webpage.

You are Invited to a Luau Party!

The La Jolla Sunrise Club is holding its 2nd Annual Shores Luau Party at the La Jolla Shores Hotel (located at 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037) on October 6, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. This fundraising event is benefiting the La Jolla Shores Association - Kellogg Park Improvement as well as family health literacy programs. The Luau will feature a Polynesian buffet, live entertainment and Mai-Tai's (no host bar). For more information or to RSVP, email SherryLFusco@gmail.com.

Rotarian Women in Leadership

On Friday, September 20, 2019, women from all over San Diego Country attended San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce's 17th Annual Women in Leadership Award Luncheon held at Sycuan Resort in Jamul. Notable women throughout the region were recognized for their "Will to Succeed". Nominees are San Diego County residents who have demonstrated exemplary character, integrity and outstanding leadership, not only in their field but in their community.

This year, the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club had an unprecedented five nominees - one winning one of the five leadership awards. Nominees were Rotarians Karen Fleck, Debbie Lentz, Elana-Levens Craig, Darcy Fagerwold and Marlene Best. Congratulations to Marlene Best, Santee City Manager who was one of five recipients of this year's Women in Leadership Awards. She joins Santee-Lakeside Rotarian, District 5340 Newsbits Editor and Assistant Governor, Sandy Pugliese who was the recipient of this award in 2006.

Each one of these women not only are respected in their profession, but they also share a deep commitment to Rotary and serve as outstanding community role models, pouring their hearts and souls into making this world a better place and demonstrating that ordinary people can and are doing extraordinary things all the time.

Photo L-R: Rotarians Karen Fleck, Debbie Lenz, Elana Levens-Craig, Darcy Fagerwold and Marlene Best.

RB Rotarians Shows Support for End Polio Now Campaign

On September 19, Twenty-five Rancho Bernardo Rotarians showed their support for the End Polio Now campaign by wearing themed shirts. District Governor, Marta Knight gave a very inspiring speech about how Rotary "Connects the World' through "ordinary people doing extraordinary work in the world". Also present was Cheryl Minshew, Chief of Staff to the District Governor. Attendance was considerably larger than what is pictured above.

Motorized Wheelchairs Donated for Patients in Lebanon

Recently, we shared that the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay (RCSDSB) donated a motorized scooter wheelchair to a patient in Africa and to one in Lebanon. We have learned that actually three motorized scooter wheelchairs were donated to the Rotary Club of Tyre Europa of District 2452 Lebanon on September 7, 2019. Below are photos that reflect the donation on the receiving end.

Photo: Past President, Ibrahim Sultan (with tie) is shown with RC Tyre Europa President, Huda Elkhalil (7th from left), AG George Azar (4th from left) and members of the club with the three recipients of the motorized scooters.

Photo: Past President Ibrahim Sultan and wife Jumana is shown with joyous recipient of a motorized scooter donation from the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay.

Photo: All three recipients happily on board the motorized scooters donated by the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay through the Rotary Club of Tyre Europa Lebanon

Interact Symposium Slated for October 5

Posted on Sep 15, 2019

Come join us for this year's Interact Symposium being held on October 5 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Liberty Stations Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106. The cost is $35 per person, which includes lunch, drinks and snacks. All Interactors, Rotarians and anyone interested in youth services are invited to come. Come listen to District Governor Marta Knight and learn more about Rotary's youth services and our school-based Interact service clubs.

For planning purposes, please make sure participants complete the registration form and parental form (if a youth). We need to know how many attendees are coming so we can prepare enough written materials. It will also provide us with a headcount for lunch. No one has ever been turned away, but it would be extremely helpful to have an accurate count of those attending.

Forms needed are available for download here. You will need to login in to Clubrunner. Please click: Parent Permission Form, and Registration Form. There is also a Symposium Flyer that provides additional details. If you can't access Clubrunner, please contact Richard Arroyo to have the forms sent to you via email. His email is below:

Please email forms ASAP to arroyolaw@att.net or fax to 619 422-9077.

Rotary District 5340 Golf League

Posted by Marge Cole

Rotary Clubs are invited to get a team (2-4 players or more) of golfers together to join our newly formed Rotary Golf League. We will play a number of courses around the county in the afternoon (to take advantage of lower green fees). It will be fun rounds with closest to pin and other contests. We will conclude the league with a tournament as part of the District Conference on April 17. Some of the courses include Mt. Woodson, Admiral Baker, Encinitas Ranch, The Vineyard, Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course, and, of course, Coronado. Golf dates:

December 4

January 15

February 12

March 18

April 17

For more information, or to sign up your Club team, send a message to rotarydistrict5340golfleague@gmail.com.

Rotary Fellowship Exchange

The Rotary Friendship Exchange program, introduced in 1984, allows Rotarians the opportunity to experience another culture or geographic area first hand, in another country or a different part of the USA. The goals of the program are to advance human understanding, goodwill, and peace through person-to-person contact across national and regional boundaries. A Friendship Exchange differs from most tourist experiences in two notable ways: team members stay in the homes of Rotarians, and they are guided during their stay in a given locale by their hosts and other local Rotarians. Rotary Friendship Exchange is funded entirely by the program participants, and exchanges are carried out at no expense to Rotary International.

Exchanges are reciprocal, meaning that we send a team to another Rotary district (outbound) and that district, in return, sends a team to visit us here in District 5340 (inbound). Each visit to the other district lasts about two weeks. Given District 5340's interest in service, we strive to share and involve inbound team members in the delivery of local services. We encourage our outbound teams to seek service opportunities in the districts they are visiting.

Be a part of this unique program, either as a member of an outgoing team or by hosting an inbound team. Trips are forming for 2020. Check out the District 5340 RFE page or send an email to our RFE chair at d5340rfe@gmail.com.

2019 Chili and Quakers Challenge Set for October 12

The Rotary Club of Del Mar is hosting its annual Chili & Quackers Challenge on October 12, 2019 from noon to 4:00 pm at Powerhouse Park located at 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, CA. The Ducky Derby race will start at 2:30 pm when the Del Mar lifeguards take thousands of rubber duckies into the Pacific surf, release them, and corral them back to shore. The first 10 ducks to reach the shore will win thousands of dollars in prizes for the lucky persons who adopted them.

The Chili Cook-off will occur from noon to 3:00 pm. Chili chefs compete for the Chili Cook-off trophy and a $100 prize. Attendees can vote for their favorite by dropping in their voting tickets in that chef's voting box. The chef that gets the most votes wins. Along with the derby and chili cookoff, attendees can visit the beer and wine tent. There will plenty of fun games for kids!

Admission is free, ducky adoption options and food and drink have a charge associated with them. Proceeds support the Rotary club's charitable activities and the local communities and schools, as well as underserved nations around the world. For more information, please go to the club website.

Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival

The Carlsbad Rotary Club and Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club will be hosting San Diego North County's longest running Oktoberfest and Family Fall Festival on October 5 from 12 to 9 pm at the Holiday Park Carlsbad. This joint Rotary Oktoberfest is a Carlsbad tradition and fun for the entire family. Every dime raised goes to support worthy local causes so come and join in on the fun!

Help Rotary continue to support its sponsored charities and build the Carlsbad community! There will be plenty to do for kids and adults alike: new costume contests, music, arts and crafts, games, rides, and of course - good times with family and friends!

The event features authentic German meals, along with a few new choices this year. Plus apple strudel, and food booths galore which will satisfy your palette. Enjoy fine craft and domestic beers courtesy of Budweiser/Markstein to compliment your food choices.

To learn more please go to the event website.

Backpack Donations in Calexico

The Calexico Rotary Club didn't waste anytime to help students before going back to school and organized backpack donations for Calexico High School students that need them the most. The 22 backpacks were fully loaded with school supplies such as binders, pencils, pens, calculators, etc.

Days later the Club supported their fellow Calexico Rotarian member, Chris Martinez and Las Palmas Swap Meet to help prepare 461 backpacks for Mains Elementary School students. The Martinez family has done this for many years and the Calexico Rotary Club was honored to help them bring smiles to the faces of Calexico students.

My Love for the Planet

Photo: Niels performing his song at the Solana Beach Eco-Rotary.

Niels Lund, Past President (2017-18) of the Solana Beach Eco-Rotary and Rotarian since 2000, is an avid advocate for the protection of the environment and our common home that we call our "Planet". As a musician, composer and song writer, Niels felt the urge to write a song about the climate crisis we live in.

With news from all the around the world on global warming, and the shift and unpredictability of the climate, we are in a very serious situation when it comes to the future of our planet. Science has produced indisputable evidence that the earth is now at a crisis point. For many people the predictions are so overwhelming that they will tend to retreat and do nothing. Niel's song is intended to get beyond the data, beyond the scientific evidence and appeal to our hearts. The song has the impact of making us "feel" the climate crisis rather than having to rely on dry data statistics. It is the power of emotions at play, which can be more empowering than hard data. When we "feel" the crisis, it strikes at the heart and we are more likely to take action in our personal lives. It is the power of music, the power of art.

"My Love for the Planet" - click to listen. Lyrics are available here on the the club's website sbeco.org.

Seeking Inclusive Breakout Programs for the Honolulu Convention

ALOHA, ROTARY!

The 2020 Rotary International Convention will be here before you know it, and you won't want to miss it. Join us in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, June 6-10 to connect with people of action from around the world. Together, we'll enjoy fantastic entertainment, hear from inspiring speakers, explore beautiful beaches, take part in motivating sessions, and much more.

Do you have an idea or project that you want to share with the family of Rotary? Help us build an inclusive breakout program that celebrates Rotary's diversity, projects and achievements. Submit your proposal online by midnight, Sunday September 29 (Chicago time).

RB Sunrise Rotarians Pledge Ongoing Support to Help Children in Baja

Posted by Pomerado News

With its $6,000 donation presented earlier this month, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary pledged to sponsor the August clinic at the Thousand Smiles Foundation in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico on an ongoing basis.

The club has been involved with the charity for the past five years, but members recently decided the club needed to become more proactive with its commitment.

Thousand Smiles Foundation provides free medical and dental care for poor children in Baja who would otherwise go without treatment. This includes free facial reconstruction, dental and orthodontic care, audio/speech assistance, as well as care for the nose, ear and throat problems. All the surgeons, dentists, nurses and lay volunteers work for free several times per year. Over 100 volunteers travel to Ensenada to care for youths with cleft lips, cleft palates and other deformities on a regular basis.

The photo above shows Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians Mark Berdan (left), Bret Geernaert (center) and Trudy Armstong (right) with Drs. Benito and Lee, who volunteered their dentistry skills for the Thousand Smiles Foundation Clinic in August.

Old Mission Rotary Field Trip to Canine Companions

On Saturday, August 24, members, spouses and friends of Old Mission Rotary toured the impressive Canine Companions facility in Oceanside. Canine Companions unites people with service dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence. Since 1975, Canine Companions have placed 6,000 dogs across the United States.

The photo above shows a dog working with trainer, Sara, using one of the two wheelchairs donated to the Canine Companions Training Facility by the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club. Dogs are raised by volunteers at home for 18 months and then trained at the facility for six to nine months to determine their aptitude and possible matches with applicants seeking dogs. While the cost of raising and training a dog is $50,000, the animals are awarded to deserving applicants for free!

Pictured below are members, spouses and friends of Old Mission Rotary Club on their outing to Canine Companions.

Sunlight Retreat

Posted by Elly Dotseth

On Saturday, August 24, a group of women from the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club brought and served breakfast to attendees at a retreat center in Escondido set up for the benefit of women who are survivors of rape. The retreat is called Sunlight Retreat and and is the "brain child" of Brittany Catton Kirk.

This is the second year that women of La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club have cooked and brought breakfast to this much needed event. Breakfast consisted of delicious homemade chili relleno casseroles, quiches, fresh fruits, yogurts, nuts, berries and granolas, along with gluten and vegetarian hot cereals.

To learn more about this event, you can go to this website.

BocceFest San Diego

The Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club invites you to come September 29 and have fun and do something wonderful, all at the same time! BocceFest San Diego is about bringing our San Diego community together, competing in a bocce ball tournament, and enjoying San Diego's finest brews. Or, just come and listen to music and have fun watching others have fun.

BocceFest San Diego raises funds for highly effective, life-changing youth and humanitarian programs in San Diego and internationally.

This family friendly event will also have a bounce house, face painting and games for the kids. Click here for time and more information.

San Marcos Rotary Club Benefit Golf Tourney

Posted by Holly Malan

The Rotary Club of San Marcos is holding a charity golf tournament at the beautiful Twins Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos on Tuesday, October 8 with a 1:30 pm shotgun start. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos and Rotary charity projects.

The cost is $150 per player but if you register a foursome before September 17, it is only $125 per player. Included is the use of the driving range, lunch, tee package, golf and a delicious dinner. A silent auction and raffle with great prizes will also take place. Registration is still being accepted, however space is limited. Sign up online for players, sponsorships, cash or item contributions. Signup today. For more information you can call Holly Malan at 760 518-2035 or by email.

How to Access District 5340's Speakers Bureau

Need a speaker/program for your Club's meeting? Look no further. Check out the Speaker's Bureau! The Speakers Bureau lists over 100 speaker recommendations by Rotary Clubs in the District. A variety of topics are offered, both Rotary and non-Rotary related. If you've heard or know of an interesting speaker/program, share it with other Clubs by submitting speaker information to the website.

To access the District's Speakers Bureau, go to the District Website and on the top bar click on "Clubs" and then "Speakers Bureau" and then search listings. If you have speaker information to submit, click the "Submit" button, fill the form out and submit it. Once submitted, the entries are reviewed by the Speakers Bureau Administrator (currently Scott Carr) to make sure they are appropriate. Entries stay there for one year, and a renewal email is sent to the speakers automatically at the end of the year asking if they'd like to have their listing extended for an additional year. This way we know for sure that the listings are current. We hope you will take advantage of this service.

Nomination Period for District Governor 2022-23 Now Open

Posted by Mel Gallegos on Aug 28, 2019

The nomination period has begun for District Governor for the Rotary Year of 2022-2023. All clubs are encouraged to submit their nominations for an individual who will serve as District Governor during the 2022-23 Rotary year.

All suggestions for District Governor Nominee-Designate must be received no later than Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 5:00pm to be considered. No late submissions will be accepted. Submissions may be sent to district@rotary5340.org or via mail to:

Rotary District 5340 Nominating Committee

P.O. Box 420786

San Diego, CA 92124

The suggestion for District Governor 2022-23 must be submitted in the form of

1) a completed Governor-Nominee Form, and

2) a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the club, naming the suggested candidate (click to download sample resolution). The Club President and Secretary shall certify the resolution. A Club may suggest only one of its own members as a candidate for District Governor Nominee.

Join Rotaract District 5340 for our 3rd Annual "End Polio Now" fundraiser social. This social is geared to create public awareness of the need to end polio. Children who receive the oral Polio vaccine have their pinkie dyed purple with a topical solution to help prevent double dosage. Rotary International has been a huge fighting force in helping eradicate Polio.

The event will take place at Common Theory Public House, 4805 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. All money raised will go to the End Polio Now Foundation. This year's goal is $235. We encourage all District 5340 Rotaractors and Rotarians to attend. We will be providing appetizers and small dishes - first come - first served!

Please RSVP by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 23. If you have any questions, please refer them to Sesy Enriquez - 619 518-2437.

Get Ready for World Polio Day!

Start planning your World Polio Day event now!

World Polio Day is October 24. Now's the time to start planning events in your communtity. You'll find resources to help you plan and promote your event, including a sample press release and social media messages and graphics, in the World Polio Day Toolkit. The link takes you to a zip file that can be downloaded.

Last year, Rotarians hosted more than 4,000 World Polio Day events in 90 countries. Let's plan even more events this year to let the world know that the fight to end polio isn't over.

Join us on World Polio Day - don't forget to register your event.

Park Upkeep Volunteers Needed

The Solana Beach Eco-Rotary Club volunteers every first Sunday of the Month from 9-11 am at the San Dieguito County Park in Del Mar. They remove invasive species and/or plant native species as well as provide any other labor the park needs to keep it sustainable as an enjoyable natural space. They are looking for additional volunteers to join their work party to help them in this effort and are asking other Rotarians with similar interest to join them.

The Club meets at the upper parking lot of the park. The entrance fee is free for volunteers. The park address is 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014. Bring your hat, water gloves (recommended) and wear closed-toe shoes. Children are allowed to help if under the supervision of an adult. Feel free to bring a friend. This is a great opportunity for like-minded Rotarians to get to know each other and leave the planet in better shape in the process.

Directions can be found on the park website.

Navajo Nation Having Difficulty Getting Fresh Water

Does your club want to make a huge impact this year? District 5280, along with District 5340's La Mesa Sunrise Club and multiple other US Districts, and Rotary partners in Mexico have joined to together to address a serious problem in the United States. The lack of access to clean water! Lack of access to running water is an issue in many developing countries, but it is also a problem in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of homes in the Navajo Nation lack running water or sanitation, and many are in such remote areas that they will never be able to connect to a water line. This year, through a Global Grant, Rotary clubs will partner with Dig Deep, a non-profit committed to providing clean, running water and solar panels on the Navajo Reservations in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

Their participation in this project will commence Phase 3 of Dig Deep's efforts and provide 305 homes (typically occupied by multiple families in a trailer) with a 1200 gallon clean water take, a sink, pump, heater, solar panel, 3 lights and a carbon monoxide alarm. The cost for the home installation is $4500 each.

A Global Grant #2092465 is now open. The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is one of the participating clubs and has a PBS News Hour video on their website about Dig Deep's work. Click here to watch. This project could use additional help. To support this project, please contact the District 5280 Project Chair: Diane Davis. The project grant writer is Marjorie Heller.

The Passing of PDG, Larry Scott

"District 5340 has lost a great Rotarian. Past District Governor (2002-2003), Larry Scott, a long-time member of the La Mesa Rotary Club has passed away. He was a strong supporter of Rotary, our Rotary Foundation and all of us who were joining the District Governor line. He will be missed by many, not just in our District, but also by Rotarians in our Zone." Marta Knight, DG, District 5340.

Larry Scott

8/13/1929 to 8/17/2019

The passing of Larry Scott takes with him a bit of each of us that knew him well. From my association with Larry that dates back to 1983, it appears that he had a full and admirable life. He had a twenty-four year active duty military career that included serving naval air in Vietnam, being attached to the White House, the Blue Angels and a recruiter for West Texas. After retiring as Lt. Commander, his business management skills served him well, including several automobile associated ventures.

Opportunity for Rotarians to Walk the Camino de Santiago

Posted by Krishna Arora

The La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club is working on an opportunity for Rotarians of District 5340 to walk the Camino de Santiago in the Spring of 2020. Spanish Steps owner, Judy Colaneri, has offered to provide a one-week, van-supported journey along the Camino.

Since the 10th Century, pilgrims have made their way to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, via a network of trails known as the Camino de Santiago. In the Spring of 2017, Rotarians and spouses from District 5340 walked this pilgrimage as a fundraiser for La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club with the help of Spanish Steps, a Spain-based tour company which focuses on Camino de Santiago walking tours. This journey will be repeated this Spring with all profits going to the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club for service projects.

Palomar Health Presents Poway Rotary Parade

Posted by Melanie Potter

Planning a parade takes months of coordinating judges, locating PA systems, obtaining permits, requesting street closures, marketing, and raising thousands of dollars to help underwrite the expenses. Now in its 55th year, the parade will make its way down Poway Road on September 7. Once again the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps will host it and, this year, the name has been changed to Palomar Health Presents Poway Rotary Parade. The name change reflects Palomar Health being the major sponsor to the parade and securing the naming rights to it.

"We are pleased and proud to have the support of Palomar Health as our title sponsor this year. They have been stellar community citizens and we are happy to be aligned and associated with such a solid organization," said Pauline Getz, Rotary Cub Poway-Scripps past president.

In addition to Palomar Health being the major sponsor, at press time gold sponsors include Shultz Gutzmer and Geico. "Geico has been a consistent sponsor of the parade for many years. Their continued support is a great example of their serious community involvement and we are very grateful," said Getz.

Advisors Needed for 2019 LEAD Conference

Posted by Paul Pierce, Jr.

Come join the fun! Rotarians are invited to be Advisors at District 5340's LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Aspirations & Determination) Conference. Best of all - there is no charge to Rotarians or to their clubs for serving as a LEAD Advisor! The conference will be held October 19-20, 2019.

LEAD is a two-day weekend leadership camp for 8th grade students (Delegates) where they discuss issues of ethical responsibility, improve leadership and communication skills, develop a positive outlook on service and life, and have fun with new friends. Delegates from middle schools and K-8's around the District will attend, and we need 12+ Rotarian Advisors to work with these wonderful young people.

Please go to the LEAD website, click on the Advisors Link and follow the instructions to complete the application. You may call Paul Pierce at (760) 942-9911 or email him at pepjr@peplaw.com if you have questions.

Grants Available for Human Trafficking Prevention

Posted by David Oates

The San Diego Rotary Club Foundation announced its intent to offer $50,000 in grants geared toward in-service human trafficking prevention teacher training. The initiative targets 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th grade educators.

The Foundation supports the work of the San Diego Rotary, the fourth largest Rotary Club in the world.

Interested parties should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by October 15. The San Diego Rotary will evaluate each EPO by early November and notify the finalists of next steps soon after. Educators and school administrators may direct questions regarding the EOI to Paul Devermann, San Diego Rotary Executive Director at paul@rotary33.org.

Nomination Period for District Governor 2022-23 Begins in September

Posted by Mel Gallegos

The nomination period for District Governor 2022-23 will be opening in September. At that time, all clubs will be encouraged to submit their nominations from their Rotary Club to lead our District. But what does being District Governor entail and how does one even become a District Governor? To help answer these questions, there will be a reception held to connect potential, future, past and present District Governors with one another.

Sixth Annual Interact Symposium Set for October 5, 2019

Posted by Richard Arroyo, Esq.

The Sixth Annual Interact Symposium is slated for October 5, 2019 at the Liberty Station Conference Center located at 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106. The symposium will run from 8:30 am to 3:pm and costs $35 per person, which includes lunch, drinks and snacks. Interested parties need to complete a registration form, secure parental permission and pay fee by September 15.

Reasons to participate:

Have your students trained by leadership professionals
Start your school year with a strong leadership team
- Students will practice their presentation skills
- They will meet and network with Interact members from other schools
- They will work to develop a service project
- They will learn how to run efficient meetings
Network with other Interact clubs from our district
Share successes and get new ideas
Meet your school's Rotarian sponsor and develop your action plan together
Learn something new and bring those ideas back to your school for a great year
New Interact District officers will be elected.

Contact Richard Arroyo, District Interact Chair for additional information. He can be reached at 619 370-9074 or arroyolaw@att.net.

Rotary Rose Parade Float

Posted by Brett Morey

Rotary needs your help to make this year's Rotary Rose Parade Float a success. This year's theme is Hope Connects the World. PGD, Wade Nomura, Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee Chair announced the registration date of September 15 for signing up to decorate the Rotary Rose Parade Float. Mark your calendars accordingly!

Instructions for registering:

Visit www.rotaryfloat.org to sign up and support the float.
Follow the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee's work on Facebook and share your Tourament of Roses experience with family, friends and neighbors. This is how we can grow the family of Rotary.
District 5340 will be supporting the float but let's help participate as club members and Rotary Clubs. Donations of $1000 or more will be listed as major donors....but, honestly, any amount can help. Checks payable to "Rotary Rose Parade Float" can be sent to P.O. Box 92502, Pasadena, CA 91109. You can also donate online.

39th Annual Orange Crate Derby Slated for August 18

The Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club is pleased to present the 39th Annual Orange Crate Derby on August 17-18. The race is run on Rancho del Ray Parkway and Del Way Blvd. in Chula Vista. Children, ages ranging from 7-14 years, will speed down the race course in their gravity-powered cars. Made totally from wood and a brake made from a tire, many of these cars have been passed down from racer to racer over the years. Registration closed on August 9, but plan on coming out to visit this fun family event. Practice day is Saturday, August 17. Racers will have their cars inspected and be able to make practice runs. The race competition takes place on Sunday, August 18 beginning with an opening ceremony at 8:00 am. There are two adult-sized cars and special tickets are offered for a $10 donation to race down the course.

For more information, please visit the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club's OCD website. Get a sneak preview of what the race looks like by clicking here and watching a short video.

500+ Attend Concert at the Lakes

Beginning under the blazing blue sky and ending under a cool canopy of starlight, the 10th Annual Concert at the Lakes was held on Saturday, July 27 at Santee Lakes. For the last five years, this has been an event partnership between the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club Foundation and the Santee Lakes Foundation. With over 500 people there to enjoy this year's gala event, three live bands were presented for the very first time. The concert began with the original Country Rock stylings of Shannon Rae and 100-Proof. They got the crowd "Rockin' country style" and were followed by Petty & the Heartshakers, a tribute band for the late Tom Petty. As the twilight began to descend over the lakes, Journey tribute band, DSB came on to rock the night away. Local celebrity, two-time Emmy award winner and SiriusXM 60's host "Shotgun" Tom Kelly emceed the show for the fourth year in a row. Guests were treated to a catered dinner, silent auction and wonderful performances from the three talented bands.

This annual event supports youth programs, scholarships and family recreation. The Santee Lakeside Rotary Foundation uses proceeds to support their Scholars Program, which provides one-on-one mentoring to local high school students and upon their graduation, the student is given a scholarship (including tuition, books, fees, etc.) worth up to $4,000. The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club is proud of its track record of having helped over 150 students graduate on time with their class. The Santee Lakes Foundation uses proceeds for special projects with in the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve such as tree planting, shade sails, picnic tables, and Bark Park. Partnerships that have been established over the years with local organizations who help sponsor this event, allow the Santee-Lakeside Rotarians to make an even larger impact on the communities they serve.

Membership Seminar

This past Saturday, District 5340 held its Membership Seminar where District Membership Chair, Dianne Crawford discussed a wide variety of membership issues and challenges facing clubs today. Dianne relayed that it was critical for clubs to keep an up-to-date website and have a presence on social media sites. She stressed lively meetings and excellent speakers as paramount to attracting new members. Additionally, Dianne noted following up with potential members after they have visited a club is a key element of securing new members.

During the seminar, Old Mission Rotary Club was recognized for gaining 17 members last Rotary year. Club president, Bob Chalfa explained to attendees that there is no substitute for a personal invitation to a potential member.

Attendees left the seminar packed with useful information to help clubs attract and retain membership. Tell us what your club is doing? Submit your stories to Sandy Pugliese, NewsBits editor at sandyp304@gmail.com.

Photo: Many clubs were represented including L-R Gordon Shurtieff of Torrey Pines Rotary Club; Alex Robertson of the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo and Bob Chalfa of Old Mission Rotary Club.

Want to Help Organize a District Golf League?

Posted by Marge Cole

Interested in helping to organize a Rotary District Golf League? We have had one in the past and it was a lot of fun - Clubs field a team (twosomes or foresomes) and they participate in Match Play against other club teams. If you would like to help us revive this fun fellowship group, please attend an organizing committee meeting on Monday, August 26 at 10:00 am to noon at the Capital One Cafe (a meeting space) in the University Towne Center Shopping Center (near Nordstrom and Macys).

Please RSVP to Marge Cole by email if you can attend this meeting.

Order your District 5340 Shirt Today

Rotarians, many of you have asked how you can order this year's District Rotary shirt which is modeled for you by Rotarian, Chuck Pretto in the picture to the left. You can download the order form here and when completed, mail the order form and your check to District 5340, P.O. Box 420786, San Diego, CA 92124. We will let you know when it is ready for pickup.

Letter From Zone Director Johrita Solari

Dear Rotarians of District 5340:

One of the great joys in life is working with fellow Rotarians to help make the world a better place for those who are less fortunate. Few Rotary districts do more than you. Your extraordinary humanitarian projects and your incredible generosity set a benchmark for the entire Rotary world. For many years, I have been impressed with the accomplishments of so many good friends in District 5340. District Governor, Marta has said it is well in this year's motto: Making good happen together with love, compassion and joy.

The world needs Rotary as much today as it ever has. And, the world needs Rotarians and the good work of Rotarians as much as ever. It is said that to understand the future, one should first look to history. The history of District 5340 shows that you will respond vigorously and effectively to the urgent needs of people in your local communities and around the world.

Congratulations for all you have done and all you will do!

RI Presidential Message

Posted by Mark Daniel Maloney, President 2019-20

Dear Rotarians of District 5340:

During 2019-2020, I am encouraging Rotarians and Rotaractors to grow Rotary. We must grow our service, we must grow the impact of our projects, but, most importantly, we must grow our membership so that we can achieve more.

Let us try a new approach to membership, one that is more organized and strategic. I am asking every club to form an active membership committee, consisting of people of different backgrounds who will look methodically at the leadership of the community.

District Governor's Message

Posted by Marta Knight

Dear Rotarians:

What an exciting first month this has been as your District Governor. I visited 10 clubs in July. I enjoyed sharing my presentation that includes my "Rotary Moment" and both RI President, Mark Maloney's and my District goals for the 2019-2020 Rotary year.

At each visit, I honor a "Club Super Hero". I am also presenting the Presidents with a "Pennies for Polio" jar as we continue our fight against Polio. I am looking forward to 50 more club visits.

Thank you for your hospitality. It is so exciting for me to learn all about your clubs and the many ways that you serve your communities and each other. I also appreciate the honesty and concerns shared by all of your board members when I open my meeting with "What can the District do to help make this year even better for your club?". As mentioned before, this year I want to focus on you, and your clubs. I welcome the opportunity to be a part of your activities. Remember that we make "Make Good Things Happen with Love, Compassion and Joy"!

San Diego Rotary Foundation Awards Record-Setting $575,000 in Grants

Posted by David Oates

The San Diego Rotary Club Foundation announced that it awarded a record-setting $575,000 in local and international grants in its fiscal year ending June 30.

The Foundation supports the work of the San Diego Rotary Club, the fourth largest Rotary Club in the world. "We pride ourselves in providing our 500+ members unmatched opportunities to drive meaningful change at home and around the world," said Suzy Spafford, Chair of the San Diego Rotary Club Foundation. "We're grateful not just to their financial contributions, but also for the tens of thousands of volunteer hours they devote toward executing these projects. Collectively, San Diego Rotary connects the world!"

Grant recipients included:

$203,000 to support the community work of the Club's service committees.
$165,000 to support a Rotary-inspired hospital in Atiak, Uganda.
$50,000 in grants to local arts education non-profits.
$50,000 for the victims of the Paradise Fire.
$36,000 for the Club's annual Camp Enterprise benefitting San Diego High School juniors.
$35,000 in scholarship awards to underserved populations within San Diego County.

The Club's membership embodies the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self," added David Oates, President of the San Diego Rotary Club. "Our members span four generations and represent a wonderfully diverse set of backgrounds and business sectors. Together we create a rich network of passionate individuals that fuel weekly programs and drive community projects through our 55 committees. Our impact extends practically everywhere!"

Photo: Camp Enterprise

Sold Out for the 12th Straight Year!

The 16th Annual Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food Festival charity event raised $125,000 for 17 participating charities with a local and international focus on children or community.

The Wine Festival was held in the lush green setting of the second hole of the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. Over 1,000 guests enjoyed food and drink from 32 wineries and breweries and 28 local restaurants. A big thank you goes out to all who helped make this event a success and to those who attended helping the club reach a sellout capacity.

Bring on the Grants!

August 1 was the deadline for District Rotary clubs to submit their Rotary Foundation District Grant Application online for this Rotary year. We have a whopping 104 grant applications on the MatchingGrants.org website for a total of $627,092 in project funding. This takes into account the club's cash donation and the district's match in District Designated Funds (DDF) of up to $4,000 per club. District Governor Marta Knight has "upped the ante" on District Grants and announced in March at the District Grants Seminar that she would match any club's cash donation up to $4,000.

Lives Touched Forever

Recently, the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club received a "thank you" for their efforts in supporting Jewish Family Service's homeless outreach program. In the spirit of sharing the many good works our Rotary clubs do and the impact realized as a result of their efforts, we'd like to share their story in the form of a thank you letter from Jewish Family Services.

Dear La Mesa Sunrise Rotary:

Last night you helped feed not only bellies but souls! All of us at Jewish Family Services would like to offer our sincerest graditude to each of you for serving dinner to the Safe Parking Program. Our families and individuals were so happy to have such a delicious, comforting dinner of chili and cornbread - and to see your warm, friendly smiles. It was wonderful to have your club return for another dinner and you all did a fantastic job!

With help from people like you we are working to support families through the challenges of homelessness and move them towards more permanent housing solutions and total well-being. To learn more about just one recent success story, click here to follow the journey of Zockie, Imani, and Tahj from the Safe Parking Program to their new home.

You too can get involved. Help Jewish Family Services keep the dinners coming! Clubs can reserve a date to serve dinner by clicking here.

Rotarians Longevity

As a way of recognizing Rotarians and all they do, we'd like to feature Rotarians who have sustained long-time membership in a single club. This week, we'd like to recognize Mike Rogers who has been a Rotarian in the Old Mission Rotary Club for 58 years! We know there are others.

Photo L-R: District Governor Marta Night and long-standing Rotarian of 58 years, Mike Rogers of Old Mission Rotary.

Club Presidents, please take the time to share who your long-standing members are. Email our Newsbits editor, Sandy Pugliese at sandyp304@gmail.com. with a brief description, years of service and a photo. Let's give these Rotarians the recognition they deserve. Mike, thank you for 58 years of Service Above Self; you are deeply appreciated!

Donate Blood - Save a Life!

The Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club (DMSB) is hosting a blood drive. Help save lives by giving blood on Sunday, August 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The San Diego Blood Bank's Bloodmobile will be in Solana Beach's Lomas Santa Fe Plaza parking lot between Vons and Starbucks, just east of I-5. There will be free beverages, bagels, and discounts provided to all donors by Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels and DMSB Rotary. To make an appointment, click here or call 1 800-4MYSDBB or just show up. Photo ID is required.

Why Donating to the Rotary Foundation is Important

Beth Garrow, a Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club member, joined Rotary in 1989 with an interest in serving the community. As a new Rotarian, she didn't fully understand how the Rotary Foundation funded many great projects locally and abroad. However, during the past few years, she has a much better understanding of the grants process and of the life-changing outcomes of the work funded by these financial gifts. She witnessed this through the eyes of those benefiting from the generosity of thousands of donors she had the privilege of working with.

When asked why she gives monthly through Rotary Direct, she stated "because I know it is an investment that brings great joy". The one project that resonated with Beth as a new Rotarian was her club's Adopt a School Program, where the club adopts a school each year. They established a volunteer reading program and developed a vegetable garden with help from Rotarians, parents and children throughout the community. This activity supported the vision of Rotary International: Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across thee globe and in our communities and in ourselves.

Beth currently serves as a regional Major Gifts Officer (MGO) for Zone 26 and works with 12 districts. Beth and her husband, Tom, have two grown children and a grandchild (and dog). Beth represents District 5340 very well and we can't wait to see the fruits of her good work in the year to come. To learn more about or to sign up for Rotary Direct, click here.

Photo collage: Photos reflect Beth participating in the El Tour de Tucson Ride to raise money for Polio Plus; another shows Beth with her fellow North American Major Gifts Officers at RI Headquarters in Evanston; and lastly a photo from her home club when she received her Major Donor Level 1 pin from District Governor Marta Knight.

Wine & Vine Jubilee - Uncorked

On Saturday, August 3 at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, the Rotary Club of Carlsbad will hold its 3rd Annual Wine & Vine Jubilee-Uncorked. The event opens to the public at 6:00 p.m. with VIP ticket holders entering one hour earlier. Proceeds from this charity event will go to the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation and Flowers Field Foundation. They will provide scholarships to Carlsbad High, Sage Creek High, Village Academy, Carlsbad Academy and the MiraCosta Community College, and envioronmental and sustainability education for younger students. The Jubilee will feature 20 Southern California wineries and two craft breweries pouring their finest, along with an ever-growing silent auction and community celebration. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Don't miss out on hearing the event's featured performer - singer Celeste Barbier. For the past five years, Celeste has graced events, clubs, festivals and galas throughout Southern California. Many may remember her as the featured performer at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon membership and gala events. She's brought down more than one house with songs covering an 80-year range. You can preview her music by going to her website.

For further information, contact Robert Yehling at (917) 826-7880 or carlsbadrotaryclub@gmail.com.

Nativity Prep Beneficiary of Old Mission Rotary Grant

On July 8, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club presented a grant to the Prep School of the Nativity. Nativity Prep Academy is a private-independent, tuition-free, Catholic School for young men and woman who will represent the first generation in their families to graduate from college. The program has supported more than 230 students in San Diego over the course of 11 years. The prep school itself is a middle school located in San Diego's Oak Park neighborhood with grades six through eight. Financial support and coaching continues through high school and college. The philosophy of the school is that the best hope for low-income children is a great education earned through hard work. The school promotes personal care and service to others. The Art Pratt funds will be used to furnish a new common area room where students can relax in peace and quiet.

Photo L-R: Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz, Brian Hickey of the Prep School of the Nativity. Art Pratt Directors Bob Chalfa, Judi Copeland and Larry Edwards.

Old Mission Rotary Hosts Youth Exchange Students

On July 16, Old Mission Rotary was proud to host a Rotary Youth Exchange delegation from New York State, Rotary District 7120.

Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary International student exchange program for students in secondary school. Since 1929, Rotary International has sent young people around the globe to experience new cultures. Currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by Rotary clubs every year. Typically, students are sent to another country for a year-long stay, generally living with multiple host families during the year and being expected to perform daily tasks within the household as well as attend school in the host country.

Photo: 10 youth exchange students represented the nations of Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Upcoming Project Fairs

Rotary is planning for Project Fairs to be held in eight international locations this year. Project Fairs are hosted by Rotarians in developing countries to introduce Rotarians from around the world to the work clubs are doing in their home communities to help people in need.

These Project Fairs will provide life changing opportunities for Rotarians to learn about the host regions, make new friends, and connect with clubs that need international partners for their humanitarian service work.

Project Fairs usually last three days and include visits to service projects and opportunites to experience the local culture. They are open to all Rotarians and their family members.

All Rotary Clubs are reminded that the deadline to submit your proposal for a District Grant for the 2019-20 Rotary Year is Thursday, August 1, 2019. You must submit your proposal on our District Grants website: http://www.matchinggrants.org/district/. If you are unsure how to submit your grant, click on the "Submit Grant' button at the top of the page and it will walk you through the process.

District Governor Marta Knight has decided that each club may receive a match of up to $4,000 for this year. The District Designated Funds (DDF) comes from the generous donations to the Annual Fund of our District Rotarians three years ago. We have donated the funds and now it is time to put them to work. Two members of your club were required to attend the District Grants Management Seminar last March for your club to be eligibile for this award.

If you have questions, please contact our Rotary Foundation District Grants Chair Mike Whitehouse at mike@mccuen.us.

Join in the Celebration - Free Concert

Join us as we celebrate the 15th year of the International Youth Symphony!

Every year since 2004, top young musicians from around the world have traveled to San Diego with assistance and support from San Diego Rotary District 5340's International Youth Exchange (IYS) Program, to participate in three weeks of music, friendship and fun.

The Rotary clubs that help support this MusiCamp are San Diego Downtown Breakfast, Club 33, Old Mission, Rancho Bernardo, Escondido and Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship. Their donations of dollars, host families and volunteer time have made this program successful for the past 15 years. We thank you!

This summer we welcome 24 accomplished international youth musicians, hailing from nine countries to practice, play and perform alongside talented students from the San Diego Youth Symphony Ovation Program, based in Balboa Park.

Come Have Fun in the Sun

Posted by Marta Knight

Old Mission Rotary Supports Thousand Smiles

The Old Mission Rotary Club presented a check for $26,662 to the Thousand Smiles Foundation on July 9. The money was raised at the annual "So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego" talent show. Thousand Smiles veteran, Bob Chalfa explained that the money is about one-third of the Foundation's budget.

The Thousand Smiles Foundation is a non-profit 501 Californian Corporation dedicated to providing free maxillo-facial surgeries and dental work to under-privileged children in Mexico who suffer from facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate. Rotarians administer and help to run the quarterly clinics at their permanent facility in Ensenada. If you'd like to volunteer for the next clinic scheduled for August 2-3, click here. You'd be most welcome.

Photo: Old Mission Rotary Chair, Steve Nunez (R) presents a check for $26,662 to the Thousand Smiles Foundation's Immediate Past President, Stan Vogelsang (L) while one of the founders of Thousand Smiles, Bob Chalfa, looks on.

Hands of Peace Farewell Celebration

Multiple clubs in San Diego have partnered with Hands of Peace to "advance world understanding, goodwill and peace". From July 10-28, 30 teen participants from Israel and Palestine will join with 10 American teens in an intensive dialogue and leadership training program in San Diego. Though they arrive in San Diego as 'enemies', their time here bonds them in remarkable friendship. Participants in the past have continued to connect long after the summer program is over. Many go on to become leaders, diplomats, and form NGOs. Clubs throughout San Diego have assisted Hands of Peace with meals, district grants and have hosted the visiting participants in past years. Gretchen Grad, the founder of Hands of Peace has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

If you love craft beer, this is the place to be! Our club is presenting the 6th Annual Carlsbad Brewfest. There will be tasting by 40 brewers as well as kombucha and wine. Holiday Park in Carlsbad provides a sunny and shady setting for this year's event, which is growing into the top craft beer tasting experience in North County San Diego! Enjoy games and chillin' with your best friends - new and old.

Boys and Girls Club Recipient of Grant

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented the William J. Oakes Branch of the Boys and Girls Club with a grant for $8,500. Michelle Malin, Vice President of Development for the Boys and Girls Club explained that the funds will be used to help finish and provide computers to the new facility in Logan Heights.

Photo (L-R): Boys and Girls Club Vice President of Development, Michelle Malin; Club Kids, Victoria and Jesse; William J. Oakes Site Staff, Ricardo Sandoval; Art Pratt Foundation members Judi Copeland, Bob Chalfa and Mark McAnelly.

District 5340 Membership Workshop

For more information click on link.

July is Rotary's Leadership Month

Posted by Marta Knight & Mark Daniel Maloney

Messages from new RI President, Mark Daniel Maloney and new District 5340 Governor, Marta Knight

I love to travel! I even enjoy the mundane process of getting from here to there. But, last year, my wife, Gay, and I had one of those experiences that would strain the optimism of even the most cheerful traveler. We found ourselves with six hours to wait, at an airport where we were not scheduled to be, on a day we had not planned still to be traveling, having woken up that morning at a hotel unknown to us the night before. It was one of those days.

As we waited at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New Your City, Gay and I took a walk to people watch. We went from one end of the terminal to the other and back, looking at every gate, every destination, every group of people waiting for their flights.

Each gate was its own island of humanity. When we walked down the center of the concourse, we were in New York, moving along with everyone in one river. But, when you veered off into those seats, you left the current and landed on an island. You were already in Delhi or Paris or Tel Aviv.

As we started our walk, I thought: "All these different people, all these different countries, and all in one place. This is like Rotary!" But, as we walked past gate after gate, I realized something. It was not like Rotary at all. Because everyone in that river was heading for an island. And every island stayed an island. The people heading to Taipei might be talking to one another, but they were not talking to the people heading to Cairo or Lagos.

Contrast that with Rotary. Rotary allows us to connect with one another, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences. It connects us with people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us with our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.

Connection is what makes the experience of Rotary so very different from walking along that concourse at JFK Airport. In Rotary, none of us is an island. All of us are in Rotary together, whoever we are, wherever we are from, whatever language we speak or traditions we follow. We are all connected to one another - part of our communities, and members, not only of our clubs, but also of the global community to which we all belong.

This connection is what lies at the heart of the Rotary experience. It is what brings us to Rotary. It is why we stay. Please join your fellow Rotarians on this journey as Rotary Connects the World.

It is an honor to serve District 5340 as your Governor with our new theme - Rotary Connects the World. I hope that this will encourage all of you to connect with your club and your community, sharing what we as Rotarians are all about - People of Action - doing good in the world.

We got off to a great start connecting, by reaffirming the Sister District Agreement, that was originally signed in May 2005, with our neighboring District 4100 at our Governor's Dinner. District Governor Fernando Otañez and I will be working very closely to bring about great working relations between our districts.

We are also starting the Rotary year with a new Vision Statement Strategic Plan, a roadmap to follow that will create an impact around the world: "Together we see a world where People Unite and Take Action to Create lasting Change - Across the Globe, in our Communities and in Ourselves."

We will achieve this new vision with four priorities:

Increasing Our Impact - At our Hamburg Convention, we learned that John Hopkins University did a study on the impact of our service reporting that Rotary collectively donated 45 million volunteer hours that would have cost $850 million. We are People of Action who are effective problem solvers.

Expanding Our Reach - We are People of Action who activate and inspire one another by growing and diversifying our membership and creating new channels for Rotary in our communities. We can increase our openness and appeal. Let's build connections and opportunities that will allow people who share the same drive to do the same.

Enhance Participant Engagement - We are People of Action who strive to understand the needs of others. Let's commit to putting the needs, expectations and growth of our participants at the center of all that we do.

Increases Our Ability to Adapt - We are People of Action who are inventive, entrepreneurial and resilient. Let's stay true to ourselves. We're ready to seek out fresh opportunities, create more paths to leadership, open our conversations to diverse voices, and simplify how we operate - with confidence.

I am looking forward to sharing these priorities and my goals further with you as I begin my rounding on clubs this week.

This will be a year where we will be "Making Good Happen" TOGETHER - with love, compassion and joy!

Keep Guatemala Girls In School

The Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global is hosting a fundraiser event on August 22 geared towards raising money to help keep Guatemala girls in school. In partnership with a small community, its vocational high school, and Days for Girls in Guatemala, the Club plans on doing more than just putting a band-aid on the hardships faced. They will create a model program that will be sustainable, ensuring that girls continue to receive an education. They will also be improving students' future opportunities through entrepreneurships. Bonus benefits include helping the environment and the community itself. The fundraiser will be held on August 22, 2019 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on Jupiter Street (Leucadia). Look for signs. The suggested donation is $15. There will be live music, appetizers, drinks, raffle prizes and a silent auction. For further information you may contact mventiduncan@gmail.com. You may also donate to their GoFundMe effort.

Peace Starts With You

Posted by Janice Kurth

Save the date for this very important conference. Register now and get early bird pricing on registration.

A Successful 2018-19 Rotaract Year

Posted by Matt Risi

On July 2, 2019, the new Pacific Beach Rotaract President, Sesy Enriquez reviewed with the Club their achievements of the previous year, sharing club members volunteered 405.5 hours and raised $5,531 for their charitable projects.

Photo: The new president of Pacific Beach Rotaract, Sesy Enriquez was very inspired by Rotary District 5340 Governor, Marta Knight and even included a quote from Marta on the marquis for their meeting!

The Club also received the prestigious "Best Club Award" from District 5340 at the Governor's Dinner held on Thursday June 27. Both District Governor, Marta Knight and Past District Governor, Marge Cole offered congratulations to the Club on their achievements.

Photo: Treasurer, Maddison Larson and Immediate Past President, Derren Lechuga proudly display the Best Club Award banner preseneted to the very active Pacific Beach Rotaract Club.

Photo: (Second row standing L-R): Jessie Case and new President, Sesy Enriquez of Pacific Beach Rotaract; District Governor, Marta Knight and Past District Governor, Marge Cole. (Front row L-R): Josefina Lopez and Sonya Vargas of the City Heights Rotaract Club.

Rotary Peace Fellowship Program Off to a Good Start

The first week at the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand is going well since beginning June 10. The class is made up of 22 Fellows who come from different conflict zones and fields related to peacebuilding. The classes so far have covered the topics of the local city and university orientation, what the Rotary Peace Center does through their relationship with Rotary International, Thailand's history, politics and conflicts. Additional topics include trauma and self-care, discussing emerging global threats and opportunities for solutions, Southeast Asian cooperation and disagreements, and learning about each other's work and personal backgrounds. There has been high levels of solidary despite having just met. Coming together is a core theme of the program.

Look for more updates as they are provided.

Are You and Your Family Fully Immunized?

The Rotary District 5340's Don't Wait Vaccinate Committee asks, "Are you and your family fully immunized?" Protect yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there have been 940 cases of the measles in the U.S. as of May 24, 2019. Twenty-six states have had measles outbreaks, up from 20 states in April. In 2000, there were 86 cases, and measles were declared eliminated from the U.S. The CDC warns that the U.S. risks its measles elimination status if the outbreak, which began in October 2018 in New York, continues until October 2019. Worldwide the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that preliminary global data shows cases of measles are up 300% from 2018 to 2019.

The Rotary Club of National City's 1st Annual Rotary Runway Summer Fashion Show is occurring on Saturday, July 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Casa Flores en Bonita. The program's emcee is none other than Joe Little from Channel 7. Proceeds from event will support Thousand Smiles, school supplies, homelessness, SUHI JROTC, SUSH Mariachi, Ms. National City/ Maytime Band Review and the Police Department K9 program. For ticket information, you may contact rotaryclubnationalcity@gmail.com.

Vines & Vittles

Vines & Vittles, the western-themed family festival is just weeks away from coming to fruition. You will want to be at Webb Lake Park in Rancho Bernardo on July 14th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. for this inaugural event to sample delicious food, craft beers and wines from leading San Diego merchants. For more information, visit www.rbvvfest.com.

Rotary offers a multitude of opportunities to connect with people in your club, our district, and elsewhere in the world who share your hobbies or interests.

Clubs Join Together to Sponsor Model UN Students

Old Mission Rotary joined Mission Valley Sunset Rotary to welcome Model United Nations students on May 28. These clubs sponsored four teams of two students each from Madison High School in Clairemont. The cost to participate is $750 per team.

District 5340's Pathways to Peace Committee started the Model UN program 13 years ago. Rotary International (RI) has a long and proud association with the United Nations. The United Nations also serves as a partner with RI in its Polio Plus initiative.

The 2019 Model UN Conference was held April 6-7 at the University of San Diego's Peace and Justice Center. Lydia Stewart served as the conference chair for Old Mission Rotary Club and Marianne Bernaldo for the Mission Valley Sunset Club.

Students spoke to the clubs about their experiences. Each team represented one country and took the point of view of that nation when presented with issues such as climate change and Rohingya genocide in Myanmar.

Photo (L-R): Old Mission Rotary Club Model UN Chair Lydia Stewart, Madision High School advisors Nikon Chen and Whitney Chase, Laine Wells, (UK), Luaks Sevendsen (UK), Natalie Marrewa (Brazil), Angelina Aleman (Malaysia), Angelina Aleman (Malaysia), Rara Watanabe (Malaysia), Meg Brown (UK), Sam Juraez (Brazil), and Mission Valley Sunset Rotary Club Model UN Chair Marianne Bernaldo.

18 Students for RYLA Sponsored by Old Mission Rotary

Old Mission Rotary Club has a proud tradition of sponsoring high school juniors for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). This year, Old Mission Rotary Club sponsored 18 students who came from Saint Augustine High, Madison High and Francis Parker. Tom Sandler organized this club's efforts and many members served on interview selection panels.

Photo (L-R): Raul Lopez (Saint Agustine), Alfonso Arballo (Saint Agustine), Daniel Guttierez (Saint Augustine), Jacob Servilla (Saint Agustine) Vincente Huang (Madison), Caitlin Rowlings (Francis Parker), Old Mission Rotary RYLA Chair Tom Sandler, Meg Braun (Madison), Tautinei Jameson (Madison), Gillian Brown (Madison), Geovanni Aceves (Madison) and Cassidy Kirk (Madison).

District Office Changes

The District Governor Line would like to extend a huge Thank You to Jim Hughes for the many years of generosity in providing a space for the District Office free of charge. Due to changes in the location the office has moved out and become a virtual office. You will still be able to reach out to the District Governor for help by calling the District Office phone number, there is an answering service who will take your message and reach out to someone to assist you. There will changes in the use of the District Conference Room and that information will be made available as soon as possible. This will be new for all of us and we ask your patience while we work through the process. If you have any questions please contact Marta Knight, Steve Weitzen or Mel Gallegos by calling the District phone number at 619-2-ROTARY (619-276-8279). You can also keep track of new information on the District website at rotary5340.org.

2019 RI Convention in Hamburg

At the Convention there were More than 26,000 registrants representing 3,605 Rotary clubs in 170 countries. Rotary committed US$102 million this year to end polio. Hamburg gained €24 million in tourism revenue. Holger Knaack was the first German nominated to serve as Rotary International president in 2020-21. There were 35 speeches and 98 breakout sessions and 334 exhibit booths of which 200 featured Rotary humanitarian projects.

A Photo Peek of RI Convention in Hamburg

Here's a glimpse of the Rotary International Convention held in Hamburg Germany this past week.

Take a Peek at the Rotary Convention Underway

More than 24,000 Rotary members from 170 countries are gathered in Hamburg, Germany to attend the 110th annual Rotary International Convention. You too can capture the moment. You can see posts, photos and even stream the general sessions and breakout sessions either as they happen or at a later time. Access videos.

Editor's Note

I will be on vacation from June 8 through June 20, 2019 and unavailable to produce Newsbits. Please continue to send me articles you want published. The next edition of Newsbits will come out on Monday, June 22.

Rotarians Celebrated Memorial Day

Posted by Matt Risi

District 5340 was represented at the Memorial Day service held at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

Photo (L-R): Sitting is Torrey Pines Rotarian, Max Gurney who served in the US Army in WWII in North Africa and Italy. In the red shirt is Tim McCully of Point Loma Rotary who rose to the rank of Captain and Matt Risi of Old Mission Rotary. Both served as a Surface Warfare Officers in the US Navy. Gordon Shurtleff of Torrey Pines Rotary was a "scope dope" in the US Air Force and served along the DEW Line in Greenland,

Rotary Clock Dedication

On Tuesday, May 14, members and guests of the Rotary Club of El Cajon gathered to dedicate the Prescott Promenade Park Clock in the downtown area of the City of El Cajon. The clock project was spearheaded by Rotarian, Cheryl Minshew and was envisioned as a way to mark time - 92 years in fact - that the El Cajon Rotary Club has been doing good in its community and in the world. Speakers included Joe Mackey, President of the El Cajon Rotary Club and club member and El Cajon City Councilman, Bob McClellan. Past District Governor, Scott Carr and Governor-Elect, Marta Knight were on hand to share in the celebration. A reception followed at Testo Pepsesto Italian Restaurant.

Fundraiser Gala for Thousand Smiles a Great Success

The Ninth Annual "So You think You've Got Talent San Diego" Gala was an amazing success again this year. Th talent was better than ever and this year the audience voted for the winner by text using their smartphones. Money raised by the Old Mission Rotary Club, Mission Valley Rotary Club, Pacific Beach Rotaract Club and Francis Parker Interact Club will help fund about 30% of the annual operating budget for the Thousand Smiles Foundation. Thousand Smiles provides free treatment, on a quarterly basis, to less fortunate children in Mexico who suffer from lack of dental care and from facial deformities such as cleft palate at their clinics located in Ensenada in Baja.

The Lehoffe Trio finished in third place playing the lively second movement of Brahms Trio Number One with Leo Liang on Piano, Sunny Fan on cello and Kevin Hu on violin. Comedienne, Ella Engelberg finished in second place with her hilarious "middle child routine;" and Soprano Chelsea Snow finished in first place singing the aria "Tu sei di che sei cinta" from the Puccini Opera, Turabdot. Matt Risi served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Armed Forces Day Celebrated

Posted by Mike Curtin

On Saturday, May 18, a crew of Oceanside Rotarians turned out to grill and serve about 1,000 hamburgers and hotdogs respectively on Armed Forces Day in support of Operation Appreciation. Each year the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce brings the business community and area residents together to provide a day of recognition to all active duty military stationed on Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton and nearby military bases. Thousands of active duty military and family members are treated to a day of free food, entertainment and a fun zone for kids.

Photo: Oceanside Rotarians hard at work grilling up lunch for active duty military personnel and their families.

Photo (R-L): U.S. Representative, Mike Levin (Dem-49) joined with Oceanside Rotary President-Elect, Terri Hall in serving lunch to troops at Operation Appreciation.

DG Mel Gallegos Makes PHF Presentations

Posted by Duane Buckingham

District Governor, Mel Gallegos visited the Chula Vista Noon Club to make Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) presentations to seven club members. Mel explained the impact that a Paul Harris Fellow contribution to Rotary International makes and noted these awards were all for multiple PHFs, meaning each Rotarian was committed to continuing Service Above Self.

A Whole Lotta Rock and a Little Bit a Country

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club announces its 2019 Concert at the Lakes featuring Shannon Rae and 100 Proof, Petty and the Heartshakers and the band DSB who has been highly revered as the "next best thing" to Journey. Shotgun Tom Kelly will once again be the Club's guest Emcee. The beautiful Santee Lakes Park and Recreational Preserve acts as the backdrop to this sell-out event. There's nothing like listening to music while sipping a glass of wine as the moon glistens along the lakeshore. So don't miss out. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 27 and join us for dinner and a concert which runs from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. There are three ticket price points. All tickets are available from Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club members or online. The event is open to anyone age 14 and up. ABC regulations require that no alcohol be brought into the event. There will be wine and beer available for purchase. Proceeds supports Rotary youth programs and scholarships. For ticket information and more about the bands and venue, please go to the concert webpage.

2019 Council on Legislation Report

Posted by Janice Kurth

Provided below is a link to select enactments of importance to Rotary Clubs and Districts. These enactments are a result of the 2019 Council on Legislation. This report was summarized and compiled by Steve Lingenbrink, Kevin Eisenberg, Tim Bewley, Wade Nomura, Steve Lewis, Doug Taylor, Anne Fisher, Bob Deering, Nancy Clancy and Greg Owen and provided for your review by Janice Kurth, District 5340's representative to the Council on Legislation.

Download Document

Rancho Santee Fe Rotary Serenades

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club is hosting its 3rd Annual Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Serenades this Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 7-10:00 pm at the Banning Rancho Santa Fe Estate. Come and enjoy a evening of music, wine and appetizers. The dress is formal and admission is limited to those 21 years or older. To review the music program and obtain ticket information, please go to the event website.

Rotarians Join in for Stamp Out Hunger Event

On Saturday, May 11, Santee-Lakeside Rotarians participated in the National Association of Letter Carriers' 27th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the largest single-day food drive in the nation. Food donations collected by the Santee letter carriers stay in the community of Santee. Rotarians joined in by helping off load the food donations from the postal trucks, weigh and then reload items onto a truck donated by Packaging Solutions for transport to the Santee Food Bank. Residents donated 11,346 pounds of food items. Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club unloaded over 1200 pounds per Rotarian volunteer. The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club has been participating in this event for several years. Waiting at the Santee Food Bank were several community volunteers ready to receive the donated items. Once items arrived, volunteers began sorting out donations for placement on shelves in the food bank. It was a true community event with the residents of Santee being the beneficiaries of this joint effort.

Seven Oaks Retirement Community Receives Spruce Up

It was a Rotarians at Work Day for the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club and what better way to make a difference than to hold a Community Cleanup Day for the Seven Oaks Retirement Community in Rancho Bernardo. Led by Jim Hyldahl and over 30 other Rotarians and five students from Del Norte High School, four hours were spent collecting tons of junk, boxes of outdated documents for shredding and electronic waste consisting of hundreds of old keyboards, televisions, wires and spent batteries. Over 400 cars made their way to the disposal site (Seven Oaks Senior Community Center) which resulted in over 12,000 pounds of disposables. Pickup trucks were sent to those residents who were unable to deliver their items to the disposal site. Collection of reusable items such as funiture and other accessories were donated and picked up by Interfaith Community Services and St. Vincent de Paul. Additionally, two teams carried out an ongoing project and replaced 20 faded and washed-out Neighborhood Watch signs in the neighborhood. This was the second annual cleanup day and appears its's going to become an annual event, given its success and appreciation expressed by the community.

Old Mission rotary Grant to the Friends of Balboa Park

On May 7, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of the Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $5000 to the Friends of Balboa Park. The mission of the non-profit is to preserve Balboa Park's legacy for future generations through park-wide projects. Executive Director, John Bolthouse explained that the grant will be used to help restore the 1910 all-original Herschell-Spillman carousel. The carousel has been delighting generations since its permanent arrival in Balboa Park in 1922. The Friends of Balboa Park acquired this wonderful icon of the park in 2017 and is proud to be its steward for future generations.

Photo (L-R): Friends of Balboa Park Executive Director, John Bolthouse; Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa, Art Pratt Foundation Board Members, Judi Copeland, Eric Benink and Gary Collins; and Art Pratt Foundation President, Lee Kaminetz

Rotary Citation 2018-19

The Rotary International Awards Team is in the process of reviewing all the criteria for the Rotary Citations particularly since changes to membership reported as of June 30th may have affected the final number of Rotary Clubs that are to receive the Citation as well as the Presidential Distinction. The Citation Dashboard is currently closed while the Awards Team process the data for 2018-2019 year. The dashboards/report will refresh and go live again on August 16 with final results for the Rotary Citation.

Mel Gallegos

District Governor 2018-2019

Alvarado Creek Clean Up

Posted by Janet Castanos

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, 38 people gathered to clean the Alvarado Creek and walking path in La Mesa. The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary, Interact and Rotract volunteers worked in conjunction with I Love a Clean San Diego to remove almost 400 pounds of trash and debris from the creek and surrounding areas. It was a beautiful day spent with nice friends who care about keeping our parks, creeks and other waterways free from trash.

Golf Ball Drop Coming Soon

Join the Encinitas Coastal Club for their 5th Annual Golf Ball Drop on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 5-7:00 pm at the Encinitas Golf Course located at 1275 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024. All proceeds will go to various charities that support community needs.

Art Prat Foundation Grant to San Ysidro Health

Posted by Matt Risi

Photo (L-R): Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa; Geraldo Perez of San Ysidro Heath; Art Pratt Foundation Board Members, Gary Collins, Eric Benink, Judi Copeland and Mark McAnelly; Jacqueline Perez is also with San Ysidro Health

On April 30, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $8,830 to San Ysidro Health. The non-profit provides extraordinary care to those that need help regardless of their insurance coverage or their status to pay. They serve some 95,000 patients from all walks of life along the border in Otay Mesa. The grant will be used to purchase equipment for the physical therapy programs in their PACE program for the elderly.

Art Pratt Foundation Provides Grant to the Burn Institute

On April 16, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $5,364 to the Burn Institute. The Executive Director of the non-profit, Susan Day, explained that the funds will be used to improve workstations with additional monitors and stand-up desks. The Burn Institute reaches thousands of children and adults each year through fire and burn prevention education, burn survivor support programs and the funding of burn care research and treatment. Susan Day also explained that homeowners of age 62 and up are eligible for free smoke detector installation.

Photo (L-R): Art Pratt Foundation Board Member, Mark McAnelly; Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa; Art Pratt Foundation Board Member, Gary Collins; Art Pratt Foundation President, Lee Kaminetz; Old Mission Rotary Executive Secretary, Stan Vogelsang and Burn Institute Executive Director, Susan Day

Rise Against Hunger

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club (CVSR) members, other Rotarians from Route 78 Rotary Club, Bonita Vista High School Interact Club, the Girls Scouts, Club Chavista from Castle Park Elementary School and many community members joined forces to support CVSR it their Rise Against Hunger food packaging event on Rotarians at Work Day. Over 100 volunteers packaged 23,544 meals in under two hours! In the six years that CVSR has been supporting Rise Against Hunger, they have packaged a total of 114,696 meals.

Community Gardens

The San Marcos Rotary Club provided a morning of service on Saturday, April 27 to clean up the San Marcos Community Garden. The teens and adults worked together weeding, clipping, shoveling and spreading new mulch throughout the gardens and pathways. The garden is home to over 40 plots that community members can rent as well as the site for the weekly Intergenerational Garden program with the special education students from the adjacent Woodland Park Middle School and seniors from the San Marcos Senior Activity Center.

Boys and Girls Club Cleanup

The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club got a head start on their Rotarians at Work Day. In March, they created a vineyard-style fence in the Center for Healthy Lifestyle Garden at the Encinitas Boys and Girls Club. They also did some outdoor painting, cleanup, etc. Another team was busy creating two new custom tables for the ceramics studio. These tables are now painted and soon will be topped with customized stainless steel tabletops to complete this year's project.

Rotary Friendship Exchange

Posted by Marge Cole

If you are interested in traveling with fellow Rotarians to Districts in the US and around the world, come to our next meeting and help us plan for our District Rotary Friendship Exchange. Our next meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rotary District Office Conference Room.

Mobile Home Park Benefits from Rotarians at Work Day

Residents of the Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park in Santee had a helping hand from Santee-Lakeside Rotarians on Saturday, April 27 - Rotarians at Work Day. A coordinated effort with Santee Mobile Home Owners Action Committee (SMOAC), club members cleared overgrowth and weeds in resident's yards of those who had the greatest need. Residents looked on and some even pitched in. Throughout the project there were many smiles and comments of appreciation, including being called guardian angels.

Refurbished Little Libraries

Rotarians from the El Centro Rotary Club spent Rotarians at Work Day renovating their Little Libraries. They captured the day on film. Take a look: Little Libraries.

Hearts for Arts

A student ensemble from Guitars in the Classroom promises to pluck on heart strings as well as musical instruments. The ensemble reflects both the spirit of public education as well as the importance of Visual and Performing Arts for all students, including those with special needs.

The ensemble is one of several featured performance groups at the Second Annual Hearts for Arts event slated for Saturday, May 4 from 1-3:00 p.m. and hosted by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake. The service club awarded $2,500 grant to the Chula Vista Elementary School District to support arts education. A ceremonial check will be presented at this upcoming event.

Hearts for Arts will also feature elementary school student performance groups and a special performance highlighted by Bruno Bello, a high school student who excels at the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. Bruno began his musical career as a third grader in the Chula Vista Elementary School District.

Hearts for Arts will take place at the Gran Rey Church, located at 871 Harold Place, Suite 301 in Chula Vista. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

Operation Pendleton 2019

For 30 years, the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club has successfully conducted more than 40 hands-on community and international service projects, here in San Diego and in Mexico. This past March, the Club completed their seventh project for the US Marines on the Camp Pendleton base. Here is a link to the 12 minute video about the project that we think you will enjoy watching.

District 5340 Music Competition Concludes

April 8 was the final in the District 5340 Music Competition at the Dove Library in Carlsbad. District Governor Mel Gallegos, District Governor-Elect Marta Knight, Music Competition Founder Bob Hartsfield (Carlsbad Hi-Noon) and Bob Kreisberg (Carlsbad Hi-Noon) heralded the wonderful skills of each of the contestants. Gaby Beltran on the flute was the grand prize winner of $2500 scholarship; each of the other contestants receiving $500. Special appreciation is extended to each club who promoted the competition and to each of the talented students who participated.

Photo (L-R) Brett Morey, bob Hartsfield, Gaby Beltran and Bob Kreisberg

DGE Marta Knight Shares Her Family's Journey to Citizenship

District Governor-Elect, Marta Knight recently was the guest speaker at the Coronado Rotary Club where she shared the inspirational story and photos of her family, her travels, her childhood, her beloved parents and her family's journey towards citizenship in the United States. What a great story! Bravo Marta!

Photo (L-R): Karen Laedlein, Everyone-a-Reade Chair; President, Ivan Dunn; Marta Knight, DGE; and Paul Laedlein, Community Services Director.

Encinitas Rotary Wine and Food Festival

Are you ready to have a fantastic evening at the 16th Annual Encinitas Rotary Wine and Food Festival? This special event will take place on the green at the beautiful Encinitas Ranch Golf Course on Saturday, June 1, from 5-8:00 pm. Guests will enjoy strolling around this beautiful property, sampling fine wines, spirits and beer from around the world. For your enjoyment, you have the opportunity to taste the best dishes and desserts from local restaurants! Funds raised at the Encinitas Rotary Wine and Food Festival will go directly to charities supported by the club.

You can find more information about the charities, activities for the day, and ticket pricing by going to the event website. The event has sold out the past five years, with over 1200 people in attendance, so please purchase tickets early.

Escondido East Rotary Club Deep Pit BBQ

Escondido East Rotary Club would like you to join them for a deep pit BBQ honoring the military, local police and fire responders on Saturday, May 11 at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. The event is from 11-2:00 p.m. Come listen to live music and enjoy the deep pit BBQ sandwiches that are slowly cooked over night in one of the last deep-pit BBQs. There will be three big bounce houses, games and prizes for the kids. All fire personnel, military members and, police all get in free! Come say thank you and enjoy a great afternoon with fellow Rotarians.

6th Annual Quintessential Festival

Posted by Brett Morey

Saturday, April 27 is Rotarians at Work Day, so once you are done with your service project, you're going to want to cool off and enjoy the Quintessential Festival (Q-Fest) which runs from 1-5:00 p.m. What is a Q-Fest? Simply the best party in San Diego with 30 of San Diego's finest craft brewers, a dozen wineries and distilleries, including several wineries from Valle de Guadalupe in Baja. The party has live music, corn hole games and food for purchase - all in a relaxed community dog-friendly park near UTC mall. The best part is this charity event supports 55 local non-profits and local programs through the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle. Come celebrate with hundreds of fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, and friends 21 years or older in the community and use this as an opportunity to invite others you know. Catch the wave at the Surfers Unite tent in the garden, learn about upcoming events and receive a special gift.

Tickets for the Q-Fest can be purchased online at www.lajollagtrotary.org or at the door. See you there! #Q-Fest.

Join Us at the Rotary Foundation Gala

Hubbell Honored with 2019 Peacemaker Award

Posted on Apr 14, 2019

On February 27, 2019, the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club honored famed local artist James T. Hubbell with the 2019 Peacemaker of the Year Award. The award is bestowed on community members (or an organization) who by their actions have made a significant difference in promoting tolerance, understanding, conflict resolution and peace. This reflects Rotary’s mission of helping build goodwill and peace in the world.

James Hubbell, along with his wife Anne of almost 61 years, founded the Ilan-Lael Foundation in 1982. The name, translated from Hebrew, means a tree that unites the physical and the spiritual. It is reflective of James Hubbell’s art, which integrates nature and community in a unique magical setting. The Ilan-Lael Foundation creates space to connect people, art and nature for a more sustainable and harmonious world. “The Foundation was started many years ago to engage conversations and many hands-on projects exploring the power of art to foster friendships and understanding among nations. Art brings diverse people together and transcends barriers,” says Hubbell.

In 1994, James Hubbell helped found the Pacific Rim Park Project, which was organized to build “friendship parks” around the Pacific Rim. He launched this project to create a global conversation between San Diego and the Pacific Rim nations, exploring the transformative power of art and the artistic process. It is a way to bridge cultures, establish new connections and helps identify emerging Pacific Rim communities. It is an example of art diplomacy that helps build pathways to peace. The parks are constructed by students from Pacific Rim nations.

Each park has a pearl element design. The pearl, weighing 400 pounds, contrasts the Pacific’s image of a Ring of Fire and historical conflict to the Pacific draped with a string of pearls that will someday link all nations in the Pacific Rim.

In 1998, a park called “Pearl of the Pacific” was built on Shelter Island in San Diego. Students from China, Mexico, Russia, and the U.S. came together to help build it. There are now seven friendship parks in the world: the U.S, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea and most recently China.

The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club’s Pathways to Peace Committee selected James Hubbell for this award based on his vision of the Pacific Rim Park Project and his continual dedication to promote peace and understanding throughout the world in the construction of these parks. His art and architecture in California and throughout the world demonstrate the way nature and art can truly dance together as one. “Beauty should be visible for all to enjoy and to be inspired. It changes lives,” said Hubbell. He will always be known as a visionary with unique and breathtaking creations, using art as a catalyst to unite people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

For more information about James Hubbell and the Ilan-Lael Foundation, visit www.jameshubbellart.com, www.ilanlaelfoundation.org and www.pacificrimpark.net.

Old Mission Rotary Helps Children

On April 5, members of the Old Mission Rotary traveled 200 miles south of the border to assist the VIDAI public health program in a settlement of tomato farm workers in San Quentin Baja. Twice a year, 150 facility and students from San Diego State, UCSD, the UABC Medical School in Tijuana and members of the Old Mission Rotary Club spend several days in Colonia Lomas de San Ramon to provide medical, dental and public health services to the Mexican-Indians who live at the colonia.

For 15 years, Old Mission Rotary has concentrated on improving the Colonia's school - La Escuela de Salvador Diaz Ramon in Lomas De San Ramon. The strategy has always been to ask the leaders of the community what they need. Old Mission Rotary has funded a kitchen, a library, an 1800 square foot covered patio, a covered walkway, a computer center, and painting of the school.

On Saturday, April 6, a new water purification system became operational at the Salvador Diaz Ramon School. The Aquacycl system was installed in stages over the last few months. The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary provided the initial $6000 in seed money.

The bio-electrochemical water reclamation system represents the first time ever that this school has had unlimited access to safe drinking water and it is the first time students have been able to serve themselves drinking water from the school kitchen. Given the high incidences of diarrhea and dehydration that are experienced in this community of agricultural workers, this improved access and water quality will work to significantly enrich the quality of life and education for the 300 students and staff at the school.

The picture below shows Gerry Hosenkamp and Stan Vogelsang of Old Mission Rotary being recognized by the San Diego water technology company, Aquacycl, for the contributions made towards the bio-electrochemical water treatment system installed at the Salvador Diaz Ramon School in San Quentin Baja.

3 Oceanside Rotary Clubs Honored

Kudos to the 3 Rotary Clubs in Oceanside. The City of Oceanside issued an official city proclamation designating April 27th as Rotary Day in Oceanside, which just happens to be Rotarians At Work Day. The proclamation was presented by the mayor and city council on Wednesday, April 10th at 5 pm at the regular city council meeting and was televised live on the community television station, KOCT=TV. They honored the three Oceanside clubs for more than 170 years of combined service to the community.

2019 Governor's Dinner

Thank you to all who have signed up for the dinner. This event is now sold out and there is no availability for walk-ins.

Reception and registration will be from 5 pm to 6 pm

Dinner will start at 6 pm

Registration has ended and this event is sold out!

The Dude Wants You

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is holding its 18th Annual Bowling Fundraiser on Friday, May 10, 2019 at Parkway Bowl in El Cajon beginning at 6:00 p.m. It will be the battle of the teams. Will yours win? Don't miss out on an opportunity to win a team or costume prize. All profits benefit the Club's Foundation's projects.

You may sign up online at the Club's website.

Rotarians at Work Day - What Did Your Club Do?

Rotarians at Work Day

Note from Newsbits editor:

April 27, 2019 is Rotarians at Work Day. This story page of Newsbits is an outstanding place for clubs throughout District 5340 to share what you accomplished on this special day. Send in your stories and your photos and we will showcase your efforts in lending a hand and making a difference in your community. You can email stories and photos to Sandy Pugliese at sandyp304@gmail.com.

There's a New Rugby Team in Town

There is a new Rugby team in Town. Established in 2017, San Diego Legion is part of the Professional Major League Rugby (MLR) Organization. Join the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club on Saturday, April 20 for an afternoon game of Rugby. Tickets are $25, Five dollars from each ticket will be donated to END POLIO and another five dollars will go to the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club's Free Little Library Project.

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2019

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Torero Stadium, USD Football Field

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, A 92110

To learn more, please go the event Facebook page. To purchase tickets, please go to the event website.

Wine, Brews & Blues Festival

The Rotary Club of Bonsall will be holding their 24th annual fundraiser - Wine, Brews and Blues Festival on June 15, 2019 from 5:30-10:00 pm at the Pala Mesa Resort. This fun event includes live music, dancing, wine and handcrafted beer along with Brats and tasty bites from local restaurants. The music will be provided by Bill Magee Blues Band who was voted Best Blues Band in San Diego by the San Diego Music Association and Reader Magazine. ITS ALL INCLUDED IN THE $75 PRICE OF ADMISSION! All proceeds will benefit local and international charities. Tickets may be purchased here, with reduced prices for those who are designated drivers!

Our Foundation Gala is Tonight!

Hello Fellow Rotarians,

I want to again personally invite you to attend the District 5340 Foundation Gala on Monday, April 29 from 6-9:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. This will be a celebration of The Rotary Foundation and our District's support of the Foundation. Our MC will be Amy Scruggs from the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe. We only have one week until the event so please take the time to register now!

Join us and come together to enjoy fellowship, a great dinner and hear Director-Elect Johrita Solari speak to us about the work of The Rotary Foundation.

Do you want to make it easy on yourself when you attend the Foundation Gala? You can take advantage of a "special event" guest room rate for that night. To book a room at this special rate, go to the La Jolla Regency Hyatt website and select the date of the Gala and then click on "special rates" and enter code 50751 in the corporate/group field and click on "check availability". This will pull up your special discounted rate, per night, based on availability.

I hope you'll join us, and I look forward to seeing you all at the Gala!

Mel

Max Gurney Recognized by DG Mel Gallegos

Torrey Pines Rotary was represented at our recent District Assembly. Max Gurney (L) was recognized by District Governor, Mel Gallegos for his service in the US Army in World War II. Gordon Shurtleff (R) is looking forward to being recognized for 50 years of perfect attendance at the Honolulu RI Convention in 2020!

Old Mission Presents $8,000 Grant

Posted by Matt Risi

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant on March 26, 2019 in the amount of $8,000 to the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association. The non-profit provides sports and recreation programs for children and adults with physical disabilities to ensure opportunities equal to their able-bodied peers. Program Director, Lindsay Holzhammer stated they believe that every athlete should have the opportunity to play the sports they love. The money will be used to fund two adaptive sports wheelchairs.

Photo (L-R): Old Mission President, Bob Chalfa; Art Pratt Foundation President, Lee Kaminetz; Art Pratt board of directors members, Eric Benink, Mark McAnelly and Judi Copeland. Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association Program Director, Lindsay Hotzhammer accepted the grant on behalf of the association.

Join Us for a Meeting of District Rotary Friendship Exchange

Join us for a meeting of District 5340's Friendship Exchange (RFE) an RI authorized program which allows Districts to exchange visiting teams of Rotarians for Friendship, Service, Vocational, and Cultural Exchanges. The group will meet on April 15, 2019 at 9:30 am at the Rotary District Office located at 2247 San Diego Avenue, Suite 236, San Diego, CA 92110. The meeting will be in the conference room. For more information on the RFE programs, click here.

Dual Allegiance

Assistant Area District Governor, Alex Robertson attended the District Training Assembly held this past weekend. His allegiance was split between Rancho Bernardo Rotary and his native Scotland.

Jim Laslavic Day

Coronado Rotary Club celebrated "Jim Laslavic Day" after his recent retirement from a 30-year broadcasting career and 10 years in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, the San Diego Chargers and Greenbay Packers.

Jim has been a long-time Rotarian and a driving force in the annual golf tournament for the past 20 years, raising over a million dollars for the Club Foundation.

Congratulations to one of the nicest guys ever! Happy Retirement Jim.

Photo: Jim Laslavic and his lovely wife, Susan at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club.

The Mariachis Are Back!

Route 78 Rotary Club will hold its 6th Annual Mariachi Festival on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. This signature event begins with an outdoor pre-concert VIP "Tacos & Tequila" reception from 12:30 - 2:30 pm. Special performers include:

The First Ladies of Mariachi - Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles - an international, Grammy-nominated musical ensemble returning by popular demand;
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, the Platinum-selling group that has broken countless barriers in this music genre and energized the world of mariachi for over 30 years; and
Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente de Jose Jaimes also performs for the 6th consecutive year for the delight of our loyal audience.

Proceeds support college scholarships, school materials, literacy programs and leadership opportunities for youth in North County.

This festival always sells out so get your tickets early! For more information, please go the event website or the club website or email questions to info@Route78.org.

Four-Way Speech Contest in Full Swing

District 5340's Four-Way Test Speech Contest is in full swing! A field of nearly 130 student contestants have been hard a work giving outstanding speeches all over the District. After the sub-regional contests conclude on March 20, the field will have been narrowed to the top 12 competitors. Those top 12 speakers will be headed to the regional finals to be held on April 5 at the Chula Vista Noon Club and on April 10 at the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Club. These two contests will again narrow the field, leaving the top six of the best of the best student speakers in the District.

These six students are set to face off at the District Finals to be held on April 25 at Club 33, Liberty Station Conference Center located at 2600 Laning Road. Their meeting is at noon with sign-in starting at 11:45 am. You must make a reservation for this noon meeting as it draws a huge crowd. For more information email Nancy Vaughan at nancyfly@aol.com.

Five Compete in Four-Way Test Speech Competition

Posted by Matt Risi

On Tuesday, March 12, Old Mission Rotary hosted one of the second round competitions of District 5340's Four Way Test Speech Contest. The Four Way Test Speech contestants have between 5-7 minutes to speak and must relate their topic to the Rotary Four Way Test. Competition Chair, Eric Benink, shared the Mark Twain quote: "There are two types of speakers - those who get nervous and those who are liars."

Kun Sreypick Chhea argued that education is a human right. She immigrated to the US from Cambodia and she contrasted her school experiences in her native land to here at City Heights Charter Prep Academy. Her personal experiences made her talk very engaging and credible. Kun was sponsored by the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club. She is a junior and is thinking about attending USD to study environmental science.

Alyssa Chavez delivered a poignant talk about organ transplants and her frustration at the lack of organ donors when the need is so great. Alyssa is a junior at Hoover High School and is a member of the Interact Club. She is interested in journalism and was sponsored by Rotary Club 33.

Cole Mullins is a junior at Coronado High School and started out life struggling with his speech. Speech therapy gave him confidence to tackle the challenge of public speaking. He is a member of the school's Interact Club. Cole is looking forward to an East Coast college experience and hopes to study medicine or dentistry. Cole was sponsored by the Coronado Rotary Club.

Kai da Luz focused his speech on the outrageous cost of higher education. He proposed a plan, inspired by the post-war GI bill where students can work at government jobs to subsidize their tuition. Kai is a sophomore at Saint Augustine High School and looks forward to studying either medicine or law.

Sophia Rogers was on fire! She passionately called upon women to express themselves with anger and rage. She is upset that woman are stereotyped as quiet and docile. She argued that feminism needs to be fueled by fury and transformed into action. Sophia is a senior at Helix Charter High School and will attend Vanderbilt University next year where she will dual major in communications and political science. She was sponsored by the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club.

Cole Mullins and Sophia Rogers were selected to advance to the next round of the competition.

Photo: (L-R): Old Mission Rotary Club Chairman, Eric Benink with contestants Kai da Luz, Alyssa Chavez, Kun Sreypich Chhea, Cole Mullins and Sophia Rogers.

Puerto Rico Relief Trip Being Planned

Susan Rutan, the International Committee Chair for the La Jolla Rotary Club is organizing a group to go to Puerto Rico to help with relief efforts there. Even though Hurricane Marie hit in September 2017, there is still a huge need for volunteers to help rebuild homes and offer relief to low income families in need. We have a profile of the three families that have been approved for assistance and the stories will pull at your heart strings. The Committee is partnering with SBP - an international volunteer organization who will take care of all logistics. No previous experience is necessary. They need volunteers to help with the labor costs to rebuild these families' lives.

The Rotary Smiles International Foundation has released upcoming mission clinic dates. The are:

CaboSmiles Surg-Mission scheduled for April 20-27, 2019
TecateSmiles Surg Mission scheduled for May 16-19
CaboSmiles Surg Mission scheduled for October 26-November 2, 2019
TecateSmiles Surg Mission, November 14-17, 2019
CostaRicaSmiles Surg Mission scheduled for December 5-15, 2019.

If you'd like to volunteer at one of these clinics, please click here and complete the volunteer application.

Conference Goers Hear About Thousand Smiles

Posted by Matt Risi

Thousand Smiles Treasurer and Old Mission Rotary Club President, Bob Chalfa, presented on the Thousand Smiles Foundation at the Rotary District 5340 Conference on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

Thousand Smiles, a 501(c)3 foundation provides free maxillofacial (cleft palate) surgery as well as general dentistry procedures to children from impoverished families in Mexico. Rotarian, Bob Chalfa was one of the founding members of the organization. The clinics are run once a quarter at Thousand Smiles' permanent medical facilities in Ensenada. This project is totally funded by donations including, but not limited to, Rotary International grants, other foundation grants, Rotary club donations and personal donations. The project is completely managed and run by volunteers.

So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego

The Old Mission Rotary club is looking for talent for their "So You Think You've Got Talent San Diego" contest and Rotarians are asked to spread the word among family and friends!

Performers are given an audience of over 200 and the stage at the magnificent Francis Parker Crivello Hall Theater. Come bask in the applause of San Diego's finest business people and professionals. Acts have included comedians, magicians, dance troupes, cirque performers and musicians of all types. All performers are contributing to an exciting and entertaining philanthropic event.

First price winners receive $1000; runner up receives $500 and the second runner up receives $250. Each contestant or group is allocated approximately seven minutes for their performance. The deadline to enter the contest is April 19, 2019. If you are selected to perform, the gala is on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2019.

Email any questions you may have to gottalent@oldmissionrotary.org. To apply click here.

Escondido East Rotary Club Hosts Fundraiser

POLICE CADETS - FIRE EXPLOYER PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

The Escondido East Rotary Club is sponsoring, in cooperation with the Escondido Police Cadets and Escondido Fire Explorers. a fresh, live flower basket sale. Flower baskets are to arrive May 8th for pickup - just in time for Mothers' Day! Proceeds will go to both the Cadets and Explorers, our future 1st responders.

For further details and to place an order now, click here. Please order by March 29, 2019.

Rotarian Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Don Glover, a Rotary District 5340 Assistant Governor for the past three years and former Rancho Bernardo Rotary president (2014-2015) was inducted into the Rancho Bernardo Hall of Fame at its annual dinner gala on March 9, 2019. Don, along with two others, was singled out for his long history of volunteerism in the Rancho Bernardo community of San Diego. As former Rancho Bernardo Rotary president, Mike Fugua (2017-2018) so aptly put it, "Don consistently looked for opportunities to assist the local community and his infectious enthusiasm resulted in record participation by our members in both fundraising and participating in community events." Among other volunteer efforts, he served as the Spirit of the Fourth Celebration coordinator for two years ( 2016-2018) and worked on many other aspects of Rancho Bernardo's Independence Day celebration. It was clear from those in attendance at the gala, that Don is admired and lauded for all his volunteer work in Rancho Bernardo over the years. He's been a sterling example of putting Service Above Self.

Message from the Queen of Clubs

Posted by Judy Gallegos

Thank you to our presenters who were all very professional, prepared and informative. We heard so many compliments about your presentations and I am passing that on to all of you. It was a pleasure to hear about your clubs and programs, all of which we benefited from.

Thank you to the clubs who served as hosts in the Hospitality Suite - Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club, La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club and the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club.

Special thanks to Conference Co-Chairs - Jim Hughes, Mike Steiman and Karen Steiman and to our tech folks - Mike Metts and RYLA. We were able to use RYLA equipment which saved us a lot of money on the conference. Mike Metts worked the entire weekend setting up, operating the equipment and breaking it all down. Larrry Potter, who brought a lot of his own equipment as well, also worked the entire weekend. Philippe Lamoise assisted Mike and Larry. Angie Gallegos prepared several of the PowerPoint presentations.

Thank you to Clara Harris and Larry Potter who presented a very beautiful Celebration of Life ceremony for those Rotarians we have lost during the past Rotary year Stan Prowse rang the Rotary bell for each Rotarian remembered. Joy Prowsee offered the final prayer. I was honored to be the "flower girl".

Rotary International President, Barry Rassin sent us the best Presidential Representative possible in Tusu and Dorcas Tusubira from Kampala, Uganda. There were great additions to the conference. Philippe Lamoise and Dugan Moore served as their aides.

We couldn't have had the fabulous conference we enjoyed without the tireless efforts of those mentioned above, all of whom are dedicated and generous Rotarians in District 5340.

Rotary District 5340 Padres Outing

Posted on Mar 06, 2019

Rotary District 5340 Outing

Future games include the following:

Sunday, July 28 @1:10 p.m. as the Padres take on the Giants

Click here for tickets

Tuesday, September 10th @7:10 p.m. as the Padres take on the Cubs

Click here for tickets

Community Resource Center Beneficiary of Grant

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant in the amount of $4185 to the Community Resource Center (CRC) on February 26, 2019. CRC works to end hunger, homelessness and domestic violence in North County. As a provider of integrative services, CRC's programs include a domestic violence emergency shelter, hotline and prevention/education outreach, a Therapeutic Children's Center, professional counseling, legal advocacy, food and nutrition distribution center, homelessness prevention and rental and housing assistance. All of CRC's programs are designed to assist participants to successfully navigate their paths of safety stability and self-sufficiency.

Photo: (L-R) Old Mission Rotary President Bob Chalfa, Art Pratt Foundation President Lee Kaminetz CRC Executive Director John Van Cleff and Art Pratt Foundation board members Eric Benink, Gary John Collins, Judy Copeland, Sherrie Suanico and Mark McAnelly

Rotary Council on Legislation is Happening Soon!

Every three years, the Council on Legislation meets to consider changes to legislation that governs Rotary International.

April 14-18, 2019 is the next Council in Chicago. Each district has one representative at the Council. Past District Governor, Janice Kurth is District 5340's representative for the 2019 Council. She is inviting all Rotarians to review the proposed legislation and send her comments/opinions regarding the proposed enactments via email at Janice@janicekurth.com.

All of the enactments can be obtained on our Rotary website. Scroll down to "Resources" then "Council on Legislation". Click on "2019 Council on Legislation Proposed Legislation" and a file containing the document will be downloaded to your download folder on your computer.

A Successful Peace Forum Held February 23

On Saturday, February 23, 2019, another successful Peace Forum was hosted by the Joan Kroc School of Peace Studies ad Pathways to Peace - District 5340. The theme of Human Trafficking was very compelling and engaging. Participants learned several things from an excellent platform of speakers. There are multiple avenues in which Rotarians can help as part of Rotary's peace effort, especially at the local level to help communities reduce human trafficking. A big thank you goes out to all the clubs that attended. It is the Committee's hope that participants were inspired to participate with some of our local organizations in helping reduce human trafficking in San Diego. It should be every club's goal to become a peacebuilding club.

The next peace program hosted by District 5340's Pathways to Peace Committee is slated for April 6-7 when our Model UN program will occur. Watch for an email soon to let you know how you can register/participate that weekend. Be prepared to be wowed by high school students from around San Diego as they become empowered with skills that propel them to move towards peace through conflict prevention and resolution in just two days! You do not want to miss this event.

Hoover High School Cardinals Participate in Four-Way Test Speech Contest

San Diego Rotary Club 33 hosted Hoover High School Cardinals Interact Club who participated in the Club's 4-Way Test Speech Contest on February 23. A record 23 students presented their speeches to a packed room of Rotarians, family and Cardinal's Interact staff. The First Place prize of $500 went to Alyssa Chavez who spoke on organ donation. The Second Place prize of $400 went to Leslie Leyva who compared the benefits of education to experience. Emily Sabory, last year's winner and Valedictorian for the Hoover Class of 2019, educated the Club about the alarming rate of sexual assault on college campuses, winning the Third Place prize of $300. The Fourth Place prize went to Cuong Nguyen who presented on balancing the mindset of negativity.

These courageous high school students worked hard to write and develop their own speeches and to fine-tune their delivery skills with the help of 30+ Club 33 Rotarians, who wanted to give back to these disadvantaged students, served as mentors . These students don't have speech and debate coaches, classes or debate teams at Hoover. Mentors worked with these students since October of last year. There were few dry eyes in the house as Rotarians watched these students transform from scared and unknowing to confident and skilled.

Generosity of Rotarian Helps Disabled

A big thank you goes out to Past President of the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay, Mr. Ibrahim Sultan, who recently received a letter from the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH), an organization that works tirelessly for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, thanking him for his donation of two electric power wheelchairs that will be of great assistance to LWAH patients.

23rd Annual Jim Laslavic Charity Golf Tournament Just Around the Corner

The Rotary Club of Coronado proudly presents the 23rd Annual Jim Laslavic Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. The event provides a day of fun and challenging golf as well as an opportunity to sponsor military golfers and support worthy causes. Funds raised from the event will benefit numerous local, regional and international projects including Wounded Warriors, CHS scholarships, Polio Plus, Thousand Smiles and the Big Brothers/Sisters' "Operation Bigs". For more information on the event and to register, please visit www.coronadorotary.org and click the link for Golf Tournament or contact Bob Rutherford at 619 994-6416. Pictured above are Coronado Rotary Golf Tournament Co-Chair Bob Plumb, committee member Ken Kaminski and Co-chairs Jim Laslavic and Jim Palecek.

2019 District Training Assembly

2019 District Training Assembly

March 30, 2019

8:30 to 12:00 p.m.

Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at USD

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Don't forget to register today for the 2019 District Training Assembly! Held only once a year, the District Training Assembly provides a great opportunity for officers, committee chairs and club members - new and old to learn from Rotarians how to manage programs, projects and best practices. The District Training Assembly is especially beneficial in educating members about Rotary, programs and resources available in the District. Bring your red badgers! Online registration is open and classes are filling up, so don't delay! Visit the District website today to register and select your classes.

Applying for a Grant(s)?

Any club planning to apply for both a District Grant or Global Grant MUST have two members attend both grant sessions. For District Grants, the session is free and must be attended by two members of the club. This session is part of the morning training agenda. If you are applying for a global grant, then two members of the club must attend the District Grants Seminar. This no-cost seminar runs from 12:10 to 2:00 p.m.

2019 Model UN Conference and Banquet Gala Dinner

Posted by Kevin Cahill

The 15th Annual Rotary Model United Nations Conference will be held April 6-7, 2019 at the USD Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc Institute). Visit the Kroc Institute that weekend to see high school students from Southern California, Mexico, British Columbia and Costa Rica serve as ambassadors of foreign countries and debate current UN International issues.

The Model UN Banquet Gala Dinner is being held on April 6, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mission Valley Crowne Plaza Hotel. The guest speaker is Charles Chauvel, the Parliamentary Development Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme, and former New Zealand senior Parliament Member. To register, pay and select your preferred entrée please click here.

For additional information you may go to www.modelunrotary5340.com. If you have further questions, please contact Pauline Lim-Endresen at Pauline@paulineandbjorn.com.

Increase Engagement with YOUR Rotary Club Facebook Page!

Engage both members and the public with your Rotary Club Facebook page - telling the story of the fun and impact of your club and Rotarians as People of Action! The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. PST.

You don't need to be a marketing professional to use simple techniques to increase engagement and awareness of your club with Facebook. The webinar will be conducted by Anabella Bonfa from the Rotary Club of Irvine California.

Join the webinar to learn how to:

Market your club to potential members - other people of action!
Write great posts that show off your club's community service, international service, and fundraising events;
Highlight your own club members;
Connect your Rotary service partners and weekly guest visitors to your club;
Simple, easy ideas for continuous club postings which take little time.

You will leave with tools to put to work right away! Register Now!

Board of Supervisors Issues Proclamation Honoring RYLA

Posted by Ron Lieberman

On February 14 2019, Supervisor Kristin Gaspar presented, on behalf of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, a proclamation to Rotary District 5340 honoring Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The presentation was made at the Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club in the presence of RYLA Committee members Jim Ponder, George Beitner, Kelly Mayberry, Ron Liberman and District Governor, Mel Gallegos.

The honor proclaimed by Chairwomen, Diane Jacob and all members of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors stipulated April 13, 2019 as RYLA Day and further commended Rotary members who voluntarily participate in RYLA for their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the youth of San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Thousand Smiles Represented at PETS

Photo L-R: Rotarian, Kim Muslusky of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotarians, Gloria and Bob Chalfa of the Old Mission Rotary Club.

The Thousand Smiles Foundation was well represented at PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar) over the weekend of February 8-10 at the LAX Marriott. Their next promotional roadshow will be at the International Convention in Hamburg, Germany in June 2019.

During the February Thousand Smiles Clinic in Ensenada, the team performed two cleft lip surgeries, three cleft palates, three bone grafts, one complicated extraction, four ear tubes and provided 110 children with general dentistry services.

Four Way Test Speech Contest - Old Mission Hosts Reality Changers

Photo L-R: Participants of the 2019 Four-Way Test Speech Contest at Old Mission Rotary on February 12, 2019. Photo depicts event chair, Eric Benink with Reality Changer students, Ariana Bermudez, Aaron Russam and Angel Vargas.

Old Mission Rotary conducted the club round of District 5340's Four-Way Test Speech Contest held on February 12, 2019. Students have between five and seven minutes to deliver a talk that is judged on content, organization, delivery and application of the Four-Way Test.

Club judges were Rotarians, Cynthia Drake, Pat Esparza, Tara Simpson and Marge Cole. Rotarian, Mark McAnelly served as the official time keeper. This year's chair was Rotarian Eric Benink who once again organized a fun and inspiring event.

It is the Club's tradition to invite students from the Reality Changers program to participate in this event. Reality Changers is a non-profit organization based in San Diego that provides tutoring and mentoring services to high school students aspiring first-generation college students in San Diego County. Reality Changers has a 98% success rate for getting participants into college.

Speaker, Angel Vargas of Hoover High School challenged the notion of standardized testing in secondary education. Speaker, Ariana Bermudez of Patrick Henry High School spoke on the topic of the stigma of mental illness in our society; and Speaker, Aaron Russam of San Diego High School focused his speech on the struggle of minorities in the USA. All three were excellent speeches. The Club ultimately selected Ariana Bermudez as the winner of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest.

16th Annual Coeur de Cuisine Gourmet Gala

Escondido Rotary Club's 16th Annual Coeur de Cuisine Gourmet Gala is returning February 24, 2019. This major fundraiser has become a social highlight throughout the North San Diego County region each February. This sophisticated fête features the finest chefs, vintners and brewers, and you will sample food, beverages and desserts from more than 40 different local businesses. Net proceeds from this event will help fund scholarships, and community-level programs that positively impact people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. The highlight of this event is honoring members of the community who best exemplify the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self by making a difference through philanthropy or charitable work. This year the Club will be honoring Jackie Skay and Jay Grossman,

Tickets and sponsorships for the 16th Annual Coeur de Cuisine are available through the website; www.coeurdecuisine.com.

The District Conference is fast approaching and we are preparing for the annual Celebration of Life event, which closes out the conference each year. The Celebration of Life is a ceremony in which Rotarians who have passed away during this Rotary year are celebrated and honored. Clara Harris who has been chairing this event for many years is asking that club presidents submit names of those in their club who have passed. She will need full names, length of Rotary service, and positions they held during their tenure. Please forward any information you have to Clara Harris at chsplu@cox.net. If you have questions, you may call her at 619 469-5433.

Rockin Rotary

The Rotary Club of El Cajon is proud to announce its 29th annual fundraiser entitled "Rockin' Rotary". This year's event is slated for Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Elks Club Lodge located at 1400 Washington Street in El Cajon. A delicious meal, entertainment and dancing to the music of a rock and roll band along with many exciting silent and live auction items await you. In addition, there will be an opportunity drawing for chances to draw from a selection of fun prizes.

The Rotary Club of El Cajon is celebrating its 93rd year of providing support for its local and international communities. Proceeds from this event will help the club provide grants to a variety of community organizations including, but not limited to, the Boys and Girls Club, Youth Symphony, Salvation Army, and East County reading programs.

To learn about sponsorship opportunities or to obtain tickets, visit the Club's website at www.elcajonrotary.org or call 619 977-6397 or by email at: djbanker5@gmail.com.

District Training Assembly - Be Empowered

DISTRICT TRAINING ASSEMBLY

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

Come learn about Rotary programs, tips on program and project management and best practices from other Rotarians. DTA is also a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Rotarians. Classes fill up quickly, so don't miss out - REGISTER TODAY! Registration ends March 27, 2019.

MANDATORY TRAINING

Two members of any club planning to apply for a District Grant MUST register and attend the District Grants Seminar (Session 4 of DTA), which will be held from 12:10 to 2:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

Multi-Club Social Fun For All

Posted by Devon Richardson

Four clubs gathered for their first multi-club social of 2019. On January 24, 2019 at the Pala Mesa Resort, the Rotary Clubs of Bonsall, Fallbrook, Fallbrook Village and Valley Center gathered for Rotary fellowship. The event was attended by 100 Rotarians, including District Governor-Elect, Marta Knight and District Governor-Nominee, Steve Weitzen.

Pictures below include group photos; a photo of Presidents with DGE Marta Knight and AG Devon Richardson; Presidents Greg Carlson from Valley Center, Karen Utley from Fallbrook Village, Connie Fish from Fallbrook, DGE Marta Knight, Tom Kennedy from Bonsall and AG Devon Richardson.

Philippines Project Completed

Posted by Remigio Saliuan

The Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay just concluded their second District-funded project in the Philippines. On January 7, 2019, the Club donated a mini ambulance to a community in Pasay City who desperately needed the ambulance to transport the sick and badly injured to the nearest clinic or hospital. The mini ambulance was necessary due to narrow streets in the area.

On January 8-10, 2019, the Club also donated school supplies to 300 first and second grade students in three different elementary schools in the Metro-Manila area. School faculties and local town officials were appreciative of the donation.

RYLA Facilitators Needed!

Facilitators are needed for the 2019 RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) Conference. Join 280 enthusiastic high school juniors from throughout the District at this outstanding Rotary youth leadership program scheduled for April 12-14, 2019 in beautiful Idyllwild. Join the fun and be inspired!

As a facilitator, you will have the unique opportunity of helping guide students through a proven program promoting leadership, self-awareness, and community building. Details and an application are located at www.ryla5340.org or contact Paul van Roon at paulvanroon@icloud.com for additional information. There is NO COST to your club to participate and there are only a few positions remaining. PLEASE APPLY SOON!

Kitchens for Good Beneficiary of Rotary Grant

Posted by Matt Risi

On January 29, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club presented a grant of $6200 to Kitchens for Good. The mid-city non-profit breaks the cycles of food waste, poverty and hunger through utilizing surplus and cosmetically imperfect food. The program focuses on training people to thrive in careers in the culinary industry, combating hunger with nutritious meals for families in need, while funding programs, creating jobs and supporting local farmers. The Art Pratt funds will be used to purchase a used van.

Photo: (L_R): Kitchens for Good Co-Founder and Senior Director, Aviva Paley; Art Pratt board members, Judy Copeland, Gary John Collins, Sherri Suanico, Mark McAnelly; Art Pratt Foundation President, Lee Kaminetz and Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa.

Ocean Discovery Institute Beneficiary of Rotary Grant

Ocean Discovery Institute Receives Grant

Photo (L_R): Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa; Ocean Discovery Institute Donor Relationships Coordinator, Deborah Seitz; Art Pratt board members, Mark McAnelly, Judi Copeland, Gary John Collins, Eric Benink; and Art Pratt Foundation President, Lee Kaminetz

On January 22, 2019, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $6500 to the Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI). The ODI uses ocean science to empower young people from the underserved San Diego community of City Heights. They provide continuous science opportunities paired with mentoring to some 6000 students in San Diego.

The Art Pratt grant will be used to purchase much needed replacement snorkeling gear for the program. Many of the kids from City Heights have never seen the Pacific Ocean and are now learning how to swim through the Ocean Discovery Institute.

Rotary Club Leaves for Medical Mission

Posted by Josie Perpetua

Rotary Club of San Diego-Paradise Valley

Medical Mission Team

The Rotary Club of San Diego-Paradise Valley Medical Mission Team is on their way to the Philippines for their annual medical mission. They will be gone from January 27 through February 22, 2019. The team will provide free medical care to the underserved areas of Calapan, Mindoro, San Fabian, Pangasinan, Batangas, and Nabua. Camarines Surgical Services will provide free medical consultation, minor surgeries, dental care, hygiene, corrective eye glasses, reading glasses and feeding program. The Club is aided by Phillippine Rotary clubs, volunteer doctors, dentists, surgeons and nurses from the Philippines and the United States.

Coronado Rotary is Sponsoring New Rotaract Club

The Coronado Rotary Club is sponsoring a new club - the Coronado Rotaract Club. "This is the best thing to happen to Coronado in years and years," boasts Heidi Nevitt, advisor of the newly formed Coronado Rotaract Club and longtime member of Coronado Rotary.

The Coronado Rotary Club has sponsored many other Rotaract clubs in San Diego, including the Pacific Beach and USD Rotaract Clubs, and recognized it was time for Coronado to have their own Rotaract club. The opportunity presented itself with Natalie Bailey, a Coronado High School (CHS) graduate '11, the current youngest member of Coronado Rotary and liaison to CHS's Interact Club. At their kickoff last week, Natalie explained that "this is a great opportunity for the 20s-30s professionals in Coronado to come together and make a difference in a fun and social environment.

The members of the Coronado Rotaract board came together mid-December to make this vision a reality and on January 10 held its kickoff meeting to introduce the group to the community. Already, the group has hit the ground running with members participating in the Rotary monthly beach cleanup and planning a Tijuana trip at the end of January to help Hacienda Orphanage where they will assist local children in painting a mural. Several other activities are in the works to be completed over the next few months.

The first Coronado Rotaract Club business meeting will be held at the True Rest Conference Room in Coronado on Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. with meetings to be held the 2nd Thursday of the month thereafter.

Photo: Coronado Rotary Adviser Heidi Nevitt (third from left) and Coronado Rotaract President Natalie Bailey (right) brought Rotaract District representatives and Pacific Beach Rotaractors to a recent Rotary meeting.

Photo (L to R): Coronado Rotaract Board Alyssa Ballard (Treasurer), Demi Waitley (Service Director), Bridgett Nielson (Secretary), Mandy Rowe (Vice President), Brooke Bernardy (Membership Director), Natalie Bailey (President), Curtis Nixon (member), George Bailey (member). Not pictured: Becka Runyon (International Service Director) and Kyle Runyon (Professional Development Director)

Photo: Coronado Rotaract Board and potential members at the kickoff meeting.

A Big Thank You!

Posted by Marian Pavlovich

On behalf of the Airport Volunteer Committee, we want to say thank you to the 60 District 5340 volunteers and service dog that served as greeters at the San Diego Airport this past weekend. Travel-weary incoming District Governors were happy to be warmly welcomed by friendly local Rotarians. Thanks to our "We Are Everywhere" shirts, we were easy to spot.

Special Offer for Rotary 5340 District Conference March 1-3

Special Message from your Queen:

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

We have heard you! Several would love to attend part of the conference but can't make all three days. We get it and came up with a pricing option to suit everyone's availability.

Full Conference: $250

Friday Only: $125

Saturday and Sunday: $195

Rotaract and Youth Exchange: Still $20 (sorry we cannot provide any meals for that price)

Register for the conference.

Remember there are still great deals to say at the Catamaran Hotel when you sign up. Don't wait much longer! Register NOW here.

Get inspired March 1-3, 2019 at the Catamaran Hotel in San Diego.

Hey Jude Gallegos

Your Queen of Clubs

See you in Hamburg, Germany

June 1-5, 2019

2019-20 RI Theme Announced

RI President-elect Mark Maloney announces the 2019-20 presidential theme,

Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors in San Diego, California, USA.

Stories Needed

Lets keep Newsbits story page alive! Let us know what you are doing in your club. This is the perfect place to share your club's efforts in Making a Difference in the World. Please send your story with photos to sandyp304@gmail.com by Friday of each week to be included in the upcoming edition of Newsbits.

Weekend Activities:

Rotary International Assembly - District Governor-Elect, Marta Knight arrives for a week of exciting learning and fellowship. - January 13, 2019

Rotary Leadership Academy Graduation - University of San Diego: Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies - January 12, 2019.

International Assembly Thank You Rotarians Reception

Thank you for volunteer service supporting Rotary's International Assembly 2019, the final week-long training session for District Governors-Elect an their partners from the entire World. Over 500 local volunteers help make this event happen through hosting, greeting, transporting, touring, answering questions, and giving directions.

RI President-Elect Mark Maloney and his wife Gay would like to meet you and thank you for supporting his International Assembly by hosting an exclusive reception.

Thursday, January 17, 2019
6:00pm-7:00pm SHARP

Manchester Grand Hyatt
Coronado Ballroom Foyer
1 Market Place, 4th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101

In addition, Past Presidents of Rotary International; the Board of Directors of Rotary International and the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation are invited so please prepare yourself to meet Rotary Senior Leaders. Dress is business casual or if you are from a foreign country, you may wear a native costume.

There is no cost to attend; this is a special "thank you" to all who volunteered to make International Assembly 2019 a success. BE SURE TO REGISTER EACH VOLUNTEER WHO WILL BE ATTENDING INDIVIDUALLY, INCLUDING ANY SPOUSES THAT PARTICIPATED IN OUR VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY. One registration per person, please.

Our volunteers are also invited to attend Rotary's International Festival Gathering immediately following the reception from 7:30 pm to 10 pm.

Parking at the Hotel is not included and is expensive. You can save on the cost of parking by any of the following means:
Ride the Trolley and get off at the Kansas City BBQ Stop, directly across the street
At either bar or restaurant on the ground level of Hotel, ask for validation of your self-parking ticket, validation good for 3 hours free parking.
Flat $5.00 parking lot on the Seaport Village side of the Hotel
½ price ticket vouchers will be available (self parking $30, ½ = $15.)

Special Room Rates for Foundation Gala

Posted by Mel Gallegos

Do you want to make it easy on yourself when you go to the Foundation Gala? You can take advantage of a special event guest room rate! To book a room at this special rate simply go to the La Jolla Regency Hyatt website and enter the dates of stay then click on "special rates" and enter code 50751 in the corporate/group field and then click on "check availability". This will pull up your special discounted rate per night, based on availability. This code also provides you with a 50% discount on your nightly destination fee. It's active and, as of now, the discounted rate is $264 versus the regular rate of $279. Please be advised that you should book soon. You can always cancel later should you decide you don't want to use it as there is no penalty if you cancel 72 hours prior to arrival date.

Float Raises Awareness of Rotary Worldwide

With nearly 45.5 million household television viewers in the United States of America and internationally in more than 200 countries, the Rotary float in this year's Tournament of Roses Parade exposed the cause of Rotary in a very dramatic way through a very high-profile float theme of SERVICE ROCKS. The design is a rockin' Crocodile playing a keyboard and surrounded by sea animals and 20 Rotarians all promoting Rotary and how service rocks!

The Float Committee is comprised of 83 members from 27 Rotary Districts in the USA and Canada. For the past 39 nears, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee have led volunteers to raise funds, choose a float design chooses riders and supervise 800 Rotarian volunteers to decorate the float. This year's chairman was Walt Stephens. A big thank you goes out to Walt and his committee and to the many Rotarian volunteers who helped support and decorate this years float.

RYLA Facilitator Applications Now Being Accepted

Posted by Paul van Roon

Applications are now being accepted for facilitators for our upcoming RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) conference being held on April 12-14, 2019 in beautiful Idyllwild). RYLA is a leadership conference for approximately 280 high school juniors from throughout the district. The primary intent is to encourage students to become effective servant leaders; an added result is they emerge confident, enthusiastic and empowered. The program includes exceptional speakers, small group discussions and fellowship activities all within an atmosphere of trust ad respect If you have some experience working with youth, are in good health and are committed to the principles of Rotary youth and the development of young people - you are qualified! RYLA is an extraordinary Rotary youth program you will not want to miss (ask any club members who have participated in the past). In addition, there is no cost to you or your club to participate.

The application process is simple. Go to the RYLA website and click on the "facilitator" tab and then click on the "application" link. Complete the application and click "submit". You'll be on your way to one of the most rewarding experiences as a Rotarian. If you have questions, please review the information on the website or contact Paul van Roon, who is the facilitator coordinator, at paulvanroon@icloud.com or by calling 619-980-2334.

Rotary Joins the Parade

On New Year's Day, look for District 5340's 2019 Rose Parade - Rotary Float with a theme of "Service Rocks". A big thanks goes out to Rotarian, Walt Stephens who is chair of the Rotary Float Committee and to all the committee members and volunteers who are working tirelessly to create a magnificent float worthy of another award. Set your DVRs so that you don't miss your opportunity to beam with pride as the float appears on your TV screen.

A Huge Thank You

A big thank you goes out to District 5340 Rotarians who registered to help as volunteer greeters at the airport and hotel and as hosts for the upcoming District Governors conference. REGISTRATION FOR THESE EVENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Rotary Partnership Helps Children Across the Border

The Santee - Lakeside Rotary Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ensenada, helped provide food, toys and clothing to 500 families this holiday season. The day-long event, held on the campus of a rural school located about 40 minutes outside of Ensenada, included interactive activities such as educational games and outdoor fun for 300 young children. The Rotary team included both Rotaract and Interact club member participation. The partnership between the clubs has blossomed into a collaboration that has led to numerous shared projects having a large impact on children and families in Mexico.

Old Mission and Uptown Rotary Clubs Share Holiday Cheer

Members of the Old Mission and Uptown Rotary clubs met at the Copely-Price YMCA in City Heights on December 4, 2018. Rotarians enjoyed lunch and then proceeded to wrap toys that each member donated for the YMCA holiday party, which was held this past Saturday. The YMCA had nearly 2000 children from the underserved City Heights neighborhoods attending. For many children, these toys will be the only ones received this holiday season.

Continuing the spirit of giving, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded an $8,000 grant to the Copely-Price YMCA. The Executive Director of the Copely-Price YMCA and Old Mission Rotarian, Julian Villegas explained that the funds will be used to expand the preschool facilities at the YMCA, which serves the surrounding City Heights community.

Photo: (L-R): Art Pratt Foundation board member, Gary Collins; Copley-Price YMCA Executive Director and Old Mission Rotarian, Julian Villegas; and Art Pratt Foundation board members, Lee Kaminetz and Sherrie Suanico.

Rotary International Convention - Capture the Moment!

June 1-5, 2019, the annual Rotary International Convention will be held in Hamburg, Germany. March 31 is the last day for the preregistration discount. Sign up now and be sure to book housing as soon as possible. You want to be staying as close to the convention as possible!

District 5340 will have a reception at the convention. The details are not yet set, but we will keep you updated as information becomes available.

For more convention information click here.

Rotarians As Santa's Elves

On Saturday, December 8, Santee-Lakeside Rotarians gathered to help the Santee Santa's Foundation get ready for this year's Christmas outreach. Santee Santa's has been bringing the spirit of the holidays to Santee for over 60 years. Rotarians John Morley and Sam Modica have been providing leadership to this non-profit organization for some time. Initially started and operated by the Santee School District, the Santee Santa's grew so large that a non-profit was formed to operate and coordinate this 100% volunteer organization, each year bringing comfort and joy to Santee residents by providing food and gifts, especially during the holiday season.

The Santee Lakeside Rotary Club has offered both financial and volunteer support to this worthy group of compassionate citizens. For the past several years, the Club has taken on the task of putting together nearly 1000 boxes to be used to bring food and toys to families in need. Many also help sorting food and toys and boxing items for delivery, including distributing poinsettias to senior shut-ins in local mobile home parks.

You're Invited to the 2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships

Posted by Brett Morey

Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, friends of the surfing community and, of course, members of Surfers Unite will gather at La Jolla Shores on December 12-16 for the 2018 Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships. There is still time to signup and volunteer. Don't miss this opportunity to extend the invitation to your Interact Club members, neighbors and friends.

More details on this International Surfing Association event can be found on our site: http://surfersuniterotarianfellowship.wildapricot.org/event-2966435.

The East County Rotary Leadership Team is hosting a meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Past Rotary International President (2000-2001), Frank Devlyn will be the guest speaker. Join us for a very informative meeting.

El Cajon Elks Club

1400 E. Washington Avenue

El Cajon, CA 92019

Lunch: $17.00

This may be one of the last times to hear from a Rotary International representative during International Assembly since the International Assembly is moving to Florida in 2021. All Rotarians and guests are invited. This is a great opportunity to show how strong Rotary is in District 5340! Our goal is to see at least two members from every club in attendance and we encourage attendees to bring their club banners. For more information, contact Bonnie Welch at bawelch@Pacbell.net.

Old Mission Presents Two Grants

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded a grant on November 27, 2018 to the San Diego Rescue Mission. The funds of $8,716 will be used to refurbish a computer and study center for the children of homeless families. Ameatra Smith of the San Diego Rescue Mission accepted the check and was so excited that her very first grant request for the organization was approved!

In addition another grant in the amount of $2,499 was presented to Clairemont High School's Clairemonster Robotics Team on November 20, 2018.

Photo L-R: Old Mission Rotary President, Bob Chalfa; Ameatra Smith from the San Diego Rescue Mission; Art Pratt, board members Erick Benink, Mark McAnelly, Sherrie Suanico, Lee Kaminetz and Gary Collins.

Photo L-R: Erik Benink and Judy Copeland of the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary with robotics engineers, Charlie Jenkins and Keegan Holmes.

Helping Hands Urgently Needed

Posted by Mel Gallegos

Rotarians! Your helping hands are urgently needed.

Minnesota Rotarian, Amanda Ottman reached out to our district this week. Amanda was a Rotary Peace Fellow and now works for the Amerian Refugee Committee. Her work has brought her to San Diego this week to assess needs in relation to the current migration movement.

Amanda has connected with the local Rapid Response Network, an organization serving people who were detained by US Immigration during the past months that are now being released into the US for asylum processing. They are being dropped off at different locations with no assistance, and Rapid Response Network is mobilizing to help with temporary shelters. An average of 75 people have been arriving to the shelters each night, and people stay between 24-48 hours.

Rapid Response Network has to move to a new shelter location by Friday and needs help. Starting at 6:00 am Thursday and continuing throughout the day helping hands are needed to help pack up the old site (Kearny Mesa) and also set up the new site in Chula Vista.

If you can help, please contact Amanda right away at 612-214-3389. Safety and security is a top concern, and location will be given if you volunteer to help. Please note that you will not be allowed to share the location or post anything regarding this volunteer work on social media.

Jack Nicklaus Plans to Thank PolioPlus Donors

Posted by Stephen R. Brown

Twelve generous supporters of Rotary's polio eradication efforts will have the opportunity to play golf with legend Jack Nicklaus, a Rotary ambassador for polio eradication.

Nicklaus plans to thank the next 12 individuals who make a new donation of $250,000 or more to the PolioPlus Fund by inviting them to play golf with him at the Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida, USA, on March 12, 2019. There, donors will be divided into three groups of four, and each group will play 18 holes of golf - six with Nicklaus. Donors who prefer not to play golf may allow one friend or family member to golf in their place.

Space is limited to the first 12 donors. To qualify, donors need to complete a Gift of intent Form and make the full donation by January 22, 2019. Contact Harvey Newcomb III, director of principal gifts at The Rotary Foundation for more information. Please see the gift intent form for details.

If they wish, the donors will also be inducted into the Arch Klumph Society in recognition of their support for Rotary's polio eradication efforts. Please contact Steve Brown for more details.

LAST CHANCE - Imperial Valley District Council Dinner

District Council Dinner

January 26,2019

Registration is now closed and the event is sold out.

There will not be room for walk-ins.

2019 District Conference - It's Almost Here!

Join your best Rotary friends at the 2109 District Conference at the beautiful Catamaran Hotel in Mission Beach. You can learn what is going on in the District, participate in sharing ideas and successes, take a cruise on the historic Bahia Belle and enjoy the beach and the tropical setting of the resort. There is new updated pricing for registering. Registration is open. Click to register here.

Friday morning we will feature an International Project Fair with Rotary clubs from Baja California (District 4100) to connect with our fellow Rotarians south of the border and discuss joint service opportunities. Additionally, we will feature sessions to give your Club an opportunity to showcase your activities. If you want to participate, contact Jim Hughes, District Conference Chair at jim@hughesheritageplaza.com

Click here for the District Conference Agenda

Take advantage of the special reduced hotel rates at the Catamaran Hotel during the conference. We secured a $179 a night rate that includes free parking. You will find the link for the hotel registration when you register for the conference. See you there!

Breaking the Chain

On December 3rd, the East County Rotary Leadership is sponsoring a free Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar to bring awareness to the community about the impact human trafficking is having on our youth. In addition to having speakers, there will be time for break-out sessions with experts in the field. Every Rotarian, friend, family member or neighbor is welcome. Most people do not know how prevalent this problem is - affecting boys and girls in our own communities. Parents need to know the warning signs - and kids need to understand the "grooming" process. Awareness is key to battling this very serious and dangerous business of preying on our youth. Please join us.

Daniel Gensler Becomes District Governor Designate, to Serve as Governor in 2021-22

Rotary District 5340's Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Daniel Gensler from the Rotary Club of Coronado will officially serve as District Governor Designate (DGD), leading District 5340 during the Rotary year 2021-2022. Gensler was selected by District 5340's Nominating Committee to serve, pending any challenges from clubs across the District. No challenges were received, and the selection has become final.

"We had a terrific slate of candidates to choose from, and I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the dedicated Rotary members who interviewed for this important role," said Immediate Past District Governor Scott Carr, who served as Chair of the Nominating Committee. "We are incredibly proud of Dan's accomplishments and for his continued commitment to Rotary. He is an incredibly warm, giving individual who has a tremendous amount of experience at both the club and district level. On behalf of the all of the Nominating Committee members, as well as District Governor Mel Gallegos, we congratulate Dan on his terrific achievement."

Gensler is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ who has owned his own financial planning and investment firm since 1995. He served as President of the Coronado Rotary in 2006-07. Since then, he has served many roles within the District, and currently serves on the Foundation Committee for Rotary District 5340.

5.54 TONS to be precise!

A recent Saturday's work effort saw the culmination of six months planning by Seven Oaks Community Center and the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club. Twenty-five Rotarians and family members spent six hours unloading residents' cars as well as traveling to their homes to pick up furniture, bedding, patio furniture and other older and no longer used items clogging garages and closets.

Three 40-foot roll off dumpsters, provided free of charge by EDCO Waste Disposal, were filled to capacity. Councilman Mark Kersey's office provided free "dump tickets" for use at the Miramar Landfill. As a result, no cost was incurred by Seven Oaks residents. Reusable furniture, accessories, and fixtures were given to local charities.

Seven Oaks Community, comprised of 1,249 single-family homes and 410 condos, is a 55+ community developed in the 1960s during the initial development of Rancho Bernardo.

Given residents' enthusiasm and appreciation, Seven Oaks Clean Up Day is likely to become an annual event.

The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club was founded in 1964 and has a long history of commitment to community service.

Dan Gensler Selected to Serve as District Governor 2021-22

Dan Gensler The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Daniel Gensler from the Rotary Club of Coronado has been selected to serve as District Governor during the Rotary year 2021-2022.

In accordance with the provisions of Rotary International Bylaws Article 13, Rotary District 5340 created a Nominating Committee to review and interview candidates. This year's Committee included several past, current, and future District Governors. and was chaired by Immediate Past District Governor Scott Carr.

Any challenges (per Rotary International Bylaws, Article 14.020.8) to the selection of District Governor are to be received by Scott Carr, Chair of the Nomination Committee, by close of business on Friday, November 16, 2018. Challenges may be sent to 2247 San Diego Avenue, Ste. 236, San Diego, CA 92110 or via email to scarr@rotary5340.org. If no challenges are received, the selection of the Nominating Committee becomes official.

Ride to End Polio

Escondido East Rotary Club Rotarian, Glen Burford will be riding in the Ride to End Polio charity event in Tucson, Arizona on November 20, 2018. Money raised will help continue efforts to eradicate polio. Rotary District 5500's Ride to End Polio is dedicated to Rotarian, Mike Harris who founded the ride in 2009. Their 2017 ride raised $11.7 million, including the generated $47 million for Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio, enough money to buy tens of millions of vaccinations, protecting countless children worldwide from this terrible disease. For more information go to the Ride to End Polio website. District 5340 Governor, Mel Gallegos was present at the Escondido East Rotary Club meeting to hear about Glen's efforts.

Pictured: Escondido East Rotary Club President, Josh Banks with District 5340 Governor, Mel Gallegos and Rotarian, Glen Burford.

Holiday Connections Update

The MCAS Miramar Enlisted Recreation Center has a program that connects single men and women with home hosts for sharing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. These are soldiers who cannot be with their families or loved ones during these traditional holidays. The applications will ask questions to coordinate preferences for both the Marines and the hosts. You will be required to pick them up on base and return them after dinner. You can apply online separately for each of the two holidays. There is a limit of two service members per holiday. Use the application forms for the host family and NOT the service member. To learn more and to obtain application please go to the website. THANKSGIVING IS COMPLETELY FILLED. Opportunities still exist for Christmas.

Pennies for Polio

The Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club has been collecting spare change since July for their new Pennies for Polio jar in honor of World Polio Day this past week. The Club's co-presidents, Chris and Rochelle Carroll, challenged members to "fill the jar." The Club recognized World Polio Day with an inspirational presentation from polio survivor, Tish Caligner who contracted polio at the age of 10. Living with her family in Panama, Tish had broken her arm playing outside and was taken to the hospital. It was in the hospital that she was exposed to the deadly polio virus. Tish shared the stories of living with polio as a child and the challenges she has overcome along her journey. Tish was awarded the Club's Inspiration of the Month Award. After reviewing the historic timeline of Rotary's involvement with polio eradication, club members rose to the challenge of filling the jar. This, small but mighty club's efforts overflowed the top! Next week, the Club will use a coin counter to see how much change they collected and will be donating to End Polio Now, with (of course) a contest to see who can come close to guessing the amount in the jar. What a great way to recognize World Polio Day!

Coronado Rotary Raises Funds for Polio Eradication

Coronado Rotary hosted its annual "End Polio Now" Wine Tasting Fundraising on October 5, 2018. About 150 Rotarians and guests gathered in the welcoming garden at Jim Kaufman's home for a party with a very vital purpose, the worldwide eradication of polio. Generous donations for special events, such as an afternoon sailing on the bay, a panella dinner in the home of the buyer, an evening of music, art champagne and hors d'oeuvres. More generous donations were raised through a silent auction and Raise the Paddle segment.

Proceeds from the event, chaired by Pat Flynn and Sue Maack, raised $70,000. The donations will go to support Rotary International's Global Polio Eradication Initiative and will include funds that will be tripled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

On October 24, 2018, Rotarians will mark World Polio Day. It is a day to celebrate how far we have come - from an estimated 350,000 cases of polio per year down to just a few in 2018. But to achieve eradication, we must reach zero cases, and stay at zero worldwide for three consecutive years.

DID YOU KNOW:

1 in 200 polio infections leads to irreversible paralysis.
17.4 million people who are currently healthy would have been paralyzed by polio without eradication efforts since 1988.
In 2017, Rotary and its partners worked to reach 430 million children in 39 countries during polio immunization campaigns.
Unless we completely eradicate polio, within 10 years we could see as many as 200,000 new cases each year all over the world. The disease is endemic in only three countries, but unless we reach every child with the vaccine, no child anywhere is safe.

If you would also like to make a donation to End Polio Now, please visit coronadorotary.org and click on the End Polio Now link to the right of the website.

Photo by Dan Hutchinson

Hosts Needed

The Rotary International Assembly Host Hospitality Night is scheduled for January 16, 2019. We are seeking clubs/members to volunteer to host incoming District Governors-Elect (DGEs) from around the world. Take two or (you determine the number) for an evening of fellowship and dinner. You can host in your home, your club meeting site or a site of your choosing. You will be reimbursed $20 for each guest you host. We guarantee the experience will be priceless! Register today! If you have any questions, you may direct them to Michelle Candland at michellecandland95@gmail.com.

Foundation Gala Update

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

You spoke and we listened. Due to many other events that have already been scheduled during November, including: the Zone Institute, Thanksgiving and various club plans; we have decided to postpone the Foundation Gala until April 29, 2019. This will also allow for those of you who will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Germany to be able to plan your trip accordingly.

We look forward to seeing you at the dinner on April 29th! Please let us know if you would like a refund or to just transfer the registration to the new date. We are so grateful for the support and dedication to the principles of Rotary by the wonderful Rotarians in our District!

Yours in Rotary Service,

District Governor Mel Gallegos

Stories Needed

Don't let this page be blank. We all have stories to tell. This is how we can share our successes and inspiration with each other. We are pretty good at promoting our fundraisers but how about telling us how it went. It may just increase participation the following year. Do you have phenomenal Rotarians that you'd like to recognize? This is the place to do it! Tell us about them. Many clubs have achieved great things through grant projects. Why not share your story with a narrative and pictures so that we can learn how you touched the world.

Submission of stories is easy. Just write up a draft and send to our editor, Sandy Pugliese at sandyp304@gmail.com. You don't need to be a professional writer, Sandy will help with editing and she is great at making photo collages. All you have to do is send the pictures. If you want captions under your photos, simply tell us what you want said or who is in the picture. Please try to send the draft and photos together so there is no delay in getting your story posted due to waiting for the missing piece. All items sent by the end of the business day on Friday will be in the following Monday's edition of Newsbits.

District 5340 is a very large district. We need multiple communication channels to stay connected. Newsbits can help!

Rotary Model UN 2019

Now is the time for clubs to select their teams of student ambassadors for our 15th Annual Rotary Model United Nations Conference. We train high school students to be effective negotiators, consensus builders and peacemakers by debating current day international issues that are presently being addressed by the real United Nations. Students also learn important skills in conflict resolution, analytical thinking and public speaking. Here is what you need to know:

Register teams by December 31, 2018 by notifying Kevin Cahil at kcahill558@gmail.com and Bink Cook at binkcook@gmail.com
The 2019 Model UN Conference will be held April 6-7, 2019 at USD's Institute for Peace and Justice
The cost to participate is $750 per team (two students and one advisor)
Training for students and advisors will be held on January 26, 2019 at Canyon Crest Academy

More information can be found at www.modelunrotary5340.com or by contacting Keven Cahill, Chair, Rotary Model UN program at kcahill558@gmail.com.

Time is Running Out for Two District Events

1. District Council at SEA180
Our own Brett Morey created a Rotary Fellowship. He will share how he did it and what their mission is. Find a Fellowship that is right for you to enhance your Rotary experience. We will have time for fellowship so you can connect with your fellow Rotarians from around the District. Enjoy a great meal as well!

To Register click here

2. Foundation Gala

Celebrate our Rotary Foundation! We have done so much through the Foundation. Polio Eradication, grants to help us do small and large projects. We want to celebrate with you. So plan for an evening of good food, fellowship, a special message from Rotary International Director-Elect Johrita Solari and dancing!

To Register click here

District Foundation Gala 04.29.19

Rotary International District 5340
2019 Foundation Gala
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
Click here for map and directions
Keynote Speaker - Johrita Solari
Rotary International Director Elect 2019-20 Zones 26/27
April 29, 2019 6pm to 9pm
Cost - $95.00 -- Rotaractors $45.00
Dinner selection of Filet of Beef or Vegetarian
Black tie optional and bring your dancing shoes!

Click here to register

Rancho Beernardo Fundraiser

This year on Saturday, Oct 20 from 2 pm to 5 pm, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club will host their only fundraising event for the year. For the third year, this event will be held at Webb Lake Park in Rancho Bernardo (RB). The funds from this event support such programs and organizations such as:

• Support for Abraxas High School in Poway

• Support for veterans via Team Red White and Blue

• Providing introduction to STEM careers via scholarships for AAUW

Tech Trek summer camp at UCSD

• An AIDS orphanage in South Africa

• Support for a children's hospital in Uganda

• A house build project in Mexico

• Support for the Ed Brown Senior Center in RB

This event has been building on the success of previous year's events and the positive feedback about the event and the venue. The club's marketing has brought many attendees from the Los Angeles area, many who have now attended past BEERnardo events.

This event is a community event because Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club relies on the support of volunteers from other organizations in RB who are recipients of grants from the club as well as volunteers from the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo.

This year's event will be offering beer tastings of the best of local craft beers. There will also be wine and food for purchase at the event. Live entertainment and games will contribute to a great experience for our guests who will have seating in the shade provided by the trees in the park. Plan to attend this fun event in the north San Diego hub of the craft beer scene in San Diego. To volunteer contact the club at:tmg@san.rr.com

For further information and ticket purchase, go to: ranchobeernardofestival.com

2019 Rotary Rose Parade Float

The 2019 Rotary Rose Parade Float is coming along and District 5340 is looking to secure an additional $2500 in support. Please contact Brett Morey directly at bretthmorey@gmail.com since he is the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee District 5340 advisor. Clubs or individuals who contribute $1000 or more can select a date to come up to Irwindale and decorate the float (up to 15 individuals) prior to New Year's Eve. The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee team has the available dates and latest information as the District contributed the annual budgeted funds of $4000.

The operating budget for the float is $100,000 yet this is the only Rotary advertising you will see on TV. The Tournament of Roses is viewed by over 70 million viewers around the globe each year with over 700,000 in attendance. Rotary International does not fund this endeavor as it is the generosity of fellow Rotarians like yourselves that have made this a tradition for well over 35 years. The Rotary Rose Parade Float has also won the Princess Award the last two years in a row and we are going for a repeat! Check out the following site for online donations, photos from last year and current information: Rose Parade.

Don't Miss the Peace Leadership Seminar

For all those involved or interested in Rotary's peace initiatives, you don't want to miss attending the District Peace Leadership Seminar on Saturday, October 20th.

REGISTER NOW

PEACE LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

Saturday, October 20, 2018

9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Ronald McDonald House

This seminar, presented by District 5340's Pathways to Peace Committee, is designed to educate, motivate, and engage our Rotary club Peace Chairs, those with an interest in becoming a peace chair in their club, or those with an interest in what Rotary and our District are doing to influence peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.

Peacebuilding efforts have been developing rapidly throughout our Rotary world and District 5340 is very much engaged. Practically every service project and program Rotary does throughout the world brings increased prospects for less violent resolution of conflict. Pathways to Peace is focused on ways to advance this aspect of Rotary.

Seminar participants will hear how their involvement can advance Rotary peace objectives. We will discuss key responsibilities for Peace Chairs, how clubs develop and connect to programs and ways to involve club members. The seminar is free, but registration is requested for planning purposes. Contact Seminar Chair, Sandra Schrift at Sandra@schrift.com with questions and suggestions.

Ride the Point

Ride the hidden, unridden, and forbidden Point Loma in the 6th Annual Jim Krause Memorial Charity Bicycle Ride to support pancreatic cancer research on November 10, 2018. Jim Krause was a past president of the Point Loma Rotary Club; an avid cyclist and philanthropist who left a legacy of Service Above Self after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. The ride includes 10/25/62 mile exclusive scenic routes to accommodate different levels of bicycling experience. Spend Veteran's Day weekend at the Bay Club Resort on Shelter Island with the special Stay & Play package. The public is invited to the free Health Lifestyle Expo at Oggi's at Liberty Station from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm where they can enjoy local vendors, music and refreshments. For more information, on Ride the Point, visit the website or follow them on Facebook.

Mission 300: Paul Harris Society Looks to Expand to New Heights

At the 2018 Foundation Seminar, attendees were given a glimpse of a new campaign that aims to nearly double the number of local Rotarians that join the Paul Harris Society.

Named after Rotary’s founder, the Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to give individual contributions of $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved Foundation global grants.

Membership in the Paul Harris Society is easy to maintain, so easy that many Rotarians are already eligible through their support of the Rotary Foundation. Donors who join the Society can contribute $1,000 each year to the Rotary Foundation, either automatically via Rotary Direct or through one-time donations.

Yet, many don't realize that this global program actually started right here, in our very own district.

Fast Start to Tracking Laps

Posted by Melanie Potterfast

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps provided Valley Elementary School's running club with a fast start to its fundraising efforts with a $350 donation. This is the first year the children are testing the new lanyard tracking system which replaces the old fashioned method of tracking laps on a note card. Rotarian Jan is holding the real check at the right of the picture below.

Women In Leadership Award Goes to Rotarian

Congratulations is extended to Rotarian, Fary Moini of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club for winning one of six Women in Leadership Awards at The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce's Women in Leadership Award Luncheon held Friday, September 28 at the Town and Country Hotel. Fary was nominated by two Santee-Lakeside Rotarians, Sandy Pugliese and Elana Levens-Craig. Both became inspired by Fary's efforts to construct the Jalalabad Rotary School in Afghanistan when they participated in RYLA as facilitators and heard Fary speak. Opened in May 2004, the school serves 6000 girls and boys. Funds were subsequently raised to build dorms for female teachers and to pay salaries for eight female teachers so that Afghan girls could continue their education. Fary's all-volunteer team also funded computer labs in Jalalabad as well as at the Nargarhar University, and connected these labs with programs at San Diego State University. Fary's leadership achievements include being invited to the White House to be recognized as a Champion of Change. She served as Rotary International's representative to the U.S. National Commission to UNESCO from 2005-2010 with responsibility for:

Advising UNESCO regarding Rotary activities;
Providing information to Rotary regarding UNESCO activities;
Serving on the UNESCO's Education Committee; and
Facilitating opportunities for Rotary Clubs to collaborate with UNESCO

Pugliese and Levens-Craig, both active in the San Diego East County Chamber, believed Fary's story needed to be told, and in doing so, the story of Rotary was put in front of several hundred men and women in attendance.

Convention News - September 2018

We are excited that you'll join us in Hamburg for the Rotary International Convention held June 1-5, 2019. To make sure you have a great convention experience, we'll send you the Convention News every two months through Newsbits. Each edition will be filled with information and tips to help you plan your visit.

Book your hotel now. Rooms are selling out quickly. To make sure you find a room at the best possible price, we encourage you to book your hotel through Experient as soon as possible.

Do you have an idea or project that you want to share with your Rotary family? Breakout sessions can inspire attendees, help them polish their leadership skills, and give them new ideas for projects, fundraising, strengthening membership and more.

Help us build a breakout program that reflects Rotary's diversity. We're seeking breakout sessions in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Submit your proposal by Sunday, September 30, 2018. If you have any questions, contact us.

The Hamburg Convention's Host Organization Committee has planned outstanding cultural events and fun activities for all attendees. Go the HOC site to purchase tickets for dance and music performances, bike tours, host hospitality night, and more. Don't miss your chance to experience Hamburg like a local.

The House of Friendship offers a unique opportunity to showcase your service project, celebrate your Rotary achievements, talk about your Rotarian Action Group, or sell your Rotary merchandise as a licensed RI vendor. Go to the Exhibitor's page of the Convention to learn more and apply.

Invite fellow members to "capture the moment" in Hamburg by using materials in the convention promotion kit and showing the promotional video at special events and club meetings.

Be sure to check Rotary's official convention website regularly for the latest information on the convention. You can find answers to questions about registration, transportation and more in the Frequently Asked Questions.

The Quack is Back

The Quack is Back! The Rotary Club of Del Mar's Chili & Quackers Challenge returns to Del Mar Powerhouse Park on Saturday October 20, 2018 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon at the beach and enjoy chili, hot dogs and beverages as well as face painting for the kids and a steel drum musician before heading down to the shore to watch the Del Mar lifeguards launch a duck flotilla into the waves. The "adopters" of ducks that float ashore first will win valuable prizes.

Quackers: Adopt one or more ducks to be released by the Del Mar lifeguards. If you duck comes home first, you'll win one of several great prizes. Adopt your duck in advance - they may sell out!

Chili Cookoff: Individuals and restaurants will face off to find the best chili in multiple categories as voted by the tasters.

The event is free to all and adopting a duck or chili tasking is completely optional. All proceeds from the duck adoptions and chili tastings benefit the Rotary Club of Del Mar's service projects.

Visit www.delmarrotary.org for complete details and to adopt ducks and purchase chili tastes. Come and have as much fun as those below:

Twin Club Signing and Celebration

Posted by James Kaspar

Nine members of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club as well as four other Rotarians, two each from the Encinitas Rotary Club and the Del Mar Rotary Club made a trip on August 16, 2018 to the Tijuana Kumiai Rotary Club to view current and future projects that the Tijuana Kumiai Rotary Club and its District 4100 identified as needed. In addition to prioritizing projects, Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club and the Tijuana Kumiai Rotary Club decided to become Twin Clubs, establishing a partnership to further international understanding and to foster goodwill through long-standing fellowship and international service.

On Thursday, September 13, 2018, Francisco Javier Carrillo Mejia, President of the Tijuana Kumiai Rotary Club and several members of his club were guests of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club's dinner meeting. Also present was Mel Gallegos, 5340 District Governor. In addition to signing the Twin Club Certificate of Recognition, they presented each other with banners of the respective clubs. It is hoped this will be the beginning of many collaborative projects.

Photo: President's Dawson and Mejia exchanging Rotary club banners.

Photo: Rancho Bernardo President, Doug Dawson, District 5340 Governor, Mel Gallegos and Tijuana Kumiai Rotary President, Francisco Javier Carrillo Mejia following the signing of the Twin Club Certificate of Recognition.

San Diego Coastal Rotary Club Steps Away From Traditional

Thinking out-of-the-box and away from traditional meeting norms of morning or noon Rotary clubs, the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club wanted to be unique in its approach in attracting young, middle-aged professionals to their club. They looked at the best design/time frame for those professionals who have to work standard, full-time hours and who needed flexibility in order to be able to participate in Rotary. They also wanted to attract Rotarians who desired alternative meeting times in finding a make-up club to attend.

The result of this effort yielded a group of fun-loving and hard-working Rotarians on a mission to make the world a better place! They have weekly dinner meetings on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., allowing those with a full-time job to still j