Stories

 

 

 

For the 2020-21 Rotary year, some District Grants may not be possible due to COVID restrictions and cancellations.  We understand that clubs may want to reallocate funds to another project.  

 

 

Every day we see more and more signs that we are starting to return to "normalcy". One sure indicator is Rotarians back out in the community helping people and fulfilling their calling to be "People of Action".   Here is the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club team under the direction of Jim Hyldahl with coordination from Alan Turner (Seven Oaks) and Cathy Glover (Mirador) that mounted 19 new Neighborhood Watch Signs in the Seven Oaks Community and two in the Oaks North Community of Mirador.

 

This is the second time in the last few years that Rotarians from the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club have mounted Neighborhood Watch Signs and they remain available to help any other Rancho Bernardo Community that needs assistance in mounting such signs.

 

 

 

 

It’s Tee Time!  The Rotary Club of Coronado is presenting its 25th Annual Jim Laslavic Charity Golf Tournament at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course on Friday, March 19, 2021.

 

 

"This week's Sunday Morning Musing we have as our guest columnist District Governor-Elect Dan Gensler from the Coronado Rotary club.  Dan will offer his Musing which I am sure is outstanding."

 

 

To better support the growth of global grants, The Rotary Foundation Trustees recently approved policy changes to help balance financial resources with program demands. These changes will take effect 1 July 2021.

The global grants program has been a tremendous success since it launched in 2013-14. That first year, the Foundation awarded 868 global grants worth $47.3 million. By 2019-20, the number of global grants awarded increased to 1,359, worth $95.6 million. While global grant funding increased by more than 100%, contributions to the Annual Fund, which is the primary source for global grant funding, did not keep pace. The demand for global grant funding is far greater than what is available.

 

 

 

 

Since the pandemic started, more connections have been made between the Rotarian clubs of San Diego and Tijuana in order to provide much needed assistance to Tijuana. Fernanda Torres (Peace Chair, San Diego Coastal Rotary Club and D4100 and D5340 liaison) and Carlos Carrillo (D4100 International Service Chair and Pro Peace Committee Chair)  spearheaded  these collaborative efforts. Last April, DDFs sent thousands of pieces of PPE to frontline workers in Tijuana and then, beans and rice were distributed to people unable to obtain food during the lockdown. Last Thursday, another 3370 pounds of food was distributed to at risk communities on Tijuana. The Rotary Club of Tijuana Milenio Minarete helped channel the funds from San Diego clubs to buy food.

 

This project would also not have been possible without the support of Mark McAnelly of Old Mission Club of San Diego, the main sponsor. Mark led the effort to obtain funds from his club and drove his own truck to deliver the food. This new campaign is called Granitas de Esperanza or Grains of Hope. The aim of the campaign is not just to provide food, but to spread the message of hope to the community of Tijuana and build binational collaboration among clubs.
 

 

 

The District Training Assembly offers training for ALL Rotarians including club officers, directors, committee & program chairs to help them be effective club leaders.  

 

 

 

Since 2001, Doors of Change has been transforming the lives of homeless youth, one young person at a time. The work with youth ages 17-25 years old.

 

 

Incoming RI President Shekhar Mehta, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, at this past week's virtual Rotary International Assembly.  He urged district governors-elect to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people's lives, but also our own.  Read more about the 2021-22 presidential theme.

 

 

Come help with the vaccination process for San Diego's senior community.  Gary and Mary West PACE welcomes both medical and non-medical volunteers.

 

They are looking for  volunteers to join them in San Marcos, CA - Monday through Saturday.

 

Join in on a special Zoom meeting

February 24, 2021

6:00 pm Pacific Time

 

Join us to hear immediate Rotary International Past President Mark Maloney speak about Rotary during the past year and what he believes the future holds for Rotary.

 

Rotary Peace Month by San Diego Coastal Rotary Club When: Feb 3, 10, 17 2021 6 pm Pacific Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:

 

https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZcsdu6gqT4uGNV1CpNBO3Aa4rDN3... After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

 

Of the 60 million people displaced by armed conflict or persecution, 90% are civilians. Half of those civilians are children. That’s millions of reasons why Rotary is so engaged in service projects, fellowships and other Rotary-sponsored campaigns in pursuit of peace in our world.  Learn more.

 

 

 

Coronado Rotary Club’s Flags on the Avenue
 
One of the District’s most notable and commendable community projects is the Coronado Rotary club’s Flags on the Avenue.  The Flags on the Avenue is the signature project of the Coronado Rotary club. 
 
Eleven times a year the Coronado club places American Flags on both sides of Orange Avenue - the main street in Coronado.  It is a stirring sight as you can see from the pictures.

 

To schedule an appointment, please click here.  

 

 

Rotary clubs are stepping up to help local efforts to vaccinate individuals  against the Corona Virus.  Below you will see members of the Coronado Rotary Club who have been consistently volunteering at Sharp Coronado's vaccination site.  Next you will see members of the Chula Vista Rotary Club participating as volunteers at the Sharp HealthCare site in Chula Vista. 

 

You can sign up to volunteer at any Sharp vaccination site by going to the following website: https://www.sharp.com/health-classes/category/sharp-lends-a-hand-52.  Rotarians report this has been a fun and purposeful volunteer experience and many are signing up for additional shifts.   

 

SEND IN YOUR VOLUNTEER PHOTOS AND BE FEATURED HERE!

 

 

 

 

 

The 2021 Rotary International Convention, scheduled for June 12-16, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan, will now be a virtual event in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.   For more information and to learn about convention, pre-convention and ticket refunds, etc., please visit: https://on.rotary.org/3r5uYYB.

 

 

Over the year, The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club  harvested over 16,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables and  donated  the produce to local food banks.   The club is looking for additional harvesting  opportunities.  They have  branded themselves with this ongoing COVID-19 service project and wish to continue their efforts.  

 

If you know of any opportunity for harvesting, please have those interested contact  Fern Hall of La Mesa Sunrise Rotary at 619-742-4131. The club will gladly pick and distribute their yield to local food banks and families in need.  

Masks and COVID precautions are followed during harvests and it is important to note that they are insured.  

 

 

Please join this Rotary Human Traffic Summit - Offering Hope for a Better Tomorrow - Wednesday, January 27 at 9:00 EST.  

 

Human trafficking -- whether in the form of modern-day slavery, forced labor in in supply chains, debt bondage, sex trafficking, domestic servitude, or online child sexual exploitation – is a transnational multi-billion dollar criminal activity that the 2018 Global Slavery Index estimates to impact over 40 million men, women and children in over 167 countries on any given day. The U.S. State Department’s 2020 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report recognizes that government must play a role in eradicating human trafficking but “governments cannot succeed alone; actions at the local level play a critical role ...[because] the grinding reality of fighting modern slavery takes place not on world stages, but through the dedicated actions of...individual community members who are often the eyes, ears and hearts of the places they call home.” The TIP Report makes clear that we need to add a 4th element to the traditional 3P Paradigm of Prosecution, Protection, Prevention: Partnership.

 

 

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club is thankful for the amazing work Meals on Wheels San Diego does in the community and were proud to assist them with their mission to support independence and well-being. The club recently gifted a $500 grant to support the organization.  In addition, club member Elana Levens-Craig is a volunteer delivering meals directly to recipients homes.  

 

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary club started the New Year with picking fruit for those in need.  Food banks be warned: "here we come" says members of the club.  Thanks to Fern Platt, Jeff Hall, Ivan Alba, Janet Bertolucci Castaños, Erin, Maddie, and Ivy for doing all the hard work.

 

 

Team Rotary volunteers on the first day of COVID vaccines in Coronado thanks to the tremendous organizational efforts of Sharp Coronado staff!  Participants exclaimed "it feels good to be part of the solution".  

 

Everyone knows from watching TV and other news sources that COVID-19 vaccinations are not occurring as fast as they should.  Sharp HealthCare has decided to open a supersite in the Sears building in Chula Vista to help facilitate the ramp up of the numbers receiving vaccinations.  This past week many Rotarians responded to the call for volunteers to help get the program off the ground.  Many have reported back that it was an excellent experience and provided meaningful work.  Thank you to all who were able to give of your time. 

 

On its first day, Sharp had 1,800 registered folks qualifying for the vaccine shot.  It is estimated that by the end of next week, the clinic site will have the capacity to administer vaccine to 5,000 people daily.     The need for volunteers will continue for some time to come as health care providers ramp up their efforts to get more vaccine into the arms of qualifying participants as soon as possible.  

 

 

Happy New Year. It's fruit picking season! Citrus trees around San Diego County are ripe with fruit. Last year several clubs including La Mesa Sunrise picked and donated fresh citrus fruits to local food banks. La Mesa Sunrise alone harvested and delivered over 16,000 pounds of oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and other fruits and vegetables. We encourage all clubs to get involved! Let's do our part to find a partial remedy to the challenge of hunger and nutrition in San Diego County.

 

 

 

Sandy Pugliese is the publisher and editor of Newsbits - the District newsletter you are reading now.  Sandy also maintains the District web site: rotary5340.org.  For this, and more, I am eternally grateful to Sandy for what she does.  She makes me sound half decent and keeps me in line with unreasonable deadlines.

 

 

Last year, Rotary formed a strategic alliance with Toastmasters International. As part of this collaboration, Toastmasters has developed a structured curriculum of communication and leadership courses for Rotarians and Rotaractors. 

 

This past week, Past RI President Barry Rassin spoke via Zoom to District 5340 leadership on the topic of the 7th Avenue of Service - the Environment.  He also responded to a variety of questions on topics affecting Rotary worldwide.     Shown below is the link to view the Zoom presentation.  

 

When Christine Testa, a speech therapist at Pomerado Elementary School, told her father about the distance learning needs her students were encountering. Alan Turner, Christine’s father and membership chair for the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo began to raise funds specifically for distance learning needs at Title I elementary schools in the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). 
 
In a short time, Alan raised funds from Rotary members.  Mike Fuqua, the president of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary club’s foundation provided an additional matching gift. Together they donated over $6,000 to the PUSD Foundation specifically for students and families in need of hotspots, Internet access, headphones and other equipment to help ensure students are able to learn and work at home. 
 

 

 

 

 

Anyone with a current nurse or physician license can volunteer to vaccinate through Sharp HealthCare.  If you qualify and are interested, please contact Dr. Jenny Parker at jenny@jparkermd.net for more details.  HOT OF THE PRESS: More information will be coming out soon about how Rotarians throughout San Diego County can help in the vaccination effort with Sharp HealthCare.  There will be positions open for non-medical volunteers as well.  Stay tuned.

 

 

 

Yesterday, Part II of the District's Membership Seminar occurred.  Members asked that the Zoom session video be distributed to enable others to take advantage of the rich conversation and ideas shared today.  You can watch the seminar by clicking on this link.  

 

Earlier in the week, over 1,200 passionate Rotarians signed up to listen to John Hewko, RI General Secretary and his suggestions on how clubs can survive for the future.
 
Many requested the video of John's message. Notes and the full video of John's message can be accessed by clicking on this link.

 

 

 

JOB WANTED:   

District 5340 is seeking a District Administrator.  This remote (work-from-home) opportunity is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours per week and will report to the District Governor.  

 

 

 

 

 

The  Rotary E-Club San Diego Global is asking for help supporting the victims of Hurricane Etna in the Honduras. The devastating hurricane hit some of the poorest  communities in Honduras who were already suffering from the effects of Covid 19.

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club held a Christmas gift drive-thru for 65 families served by the ProKids-First Tee on December 18 in Oceanside.  ProKids-First Tee's mission is to challenge underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills and values through education and the game of golf.  

 

Gifts, books and bicycles were distributed to families in a fun drive-thru filled with music and lots of Christmas spirit.  

 

This was the fourth holiday event the RSF Rotary Club held this Christmas season for underserved children in the direct community.

 

 

Please join the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club in their Zoom meetings in February. They have planned some exceptional speakers for Peace and Conflict Resolution Month and want to open up the opportunity for Rotarians throughout District 5340 to participate. Their meetings are Wednesday night from 6-7:30pm and speakers usually start around 6:45pm. The 4th meeting is a social.

 

 

Here are the dates and speaker bios:

The International Service and Pro Peace District Committee for Rotary District 4100, through DG Guillermo Nava, Carlos Carrillo, Chairman of the District Committee and D4100-D5340 Liaison, Fernanda Torres managed a campaign to deliver face masks to the police of the Municipality of Tijuana and the security departments of the State of Baja California.  

 

This efforts was conducted by the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club providing a total of 20,000 face masks.

 

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club recently dropped off over 350 holiday toys and 200 stuffed animals for children at Solutions for Change.  Solutions for Change is a residential program in Vista currently housing 32 mothers, four dads, and 80 children in the program.  The program aims to break the homeless cycle  with skills, knowledge and resources.

 

The Rotarians had generous support from the community.  Rotarians set up an Angel adoption event at the RSF Post Office.  Hundreds of Angels were displayed on a Christmas tree and each Angel gave the age and gender of a child.  Sponsors from the community "adopted"  these Angels at the post office and then turned in their Angels by bringing the appropriate unwrapped gift to a designated location.  Rotarians also held an identical Angel adoption event of their own. 

 

This is the fifth year the RSF Rotary Club has collected toys for Solutions for Change.

 

 

Together, we possess the ability to break the cycle!
 
District 5340's dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking task force proudly launches a series of initiatives that are designed to increase the awareness of San Diego County's human sex trafficking scourge and generate measures to help prevent individuals -- primarily young people -- from becoming victims. 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonsall Rotary club president Jeff Johnson (left) works with friend Dave at the 12/20/2020 benefit effort to provide food and gifts to needy families in Ambergris Caye, Belize.  Jeff and Dave helped prepare over 500 meals that were distributed that day brightening people's Christmas.
 

 

Sharp Healthcare Anesthesiologist and Rotarian, Jenny Parker helped administer first Tier COVID vaccinations to Sharp Healthcare Vice President of Orthopedics, Mary Ellington who is Rotarian in the La Mesa Rotary Club.   

 

Dr. Parker wore her Rotarian at Work shirt helping promote Rotary's efforts to encourage vaccinations. 

The Rotary Club of Fallbrook has been adding new members even while meeting virtually through Zoom.   Their newest members are Anna Beath, a realtor, and Kenneth Wesson who is retired. 

 

Unfortunately, the club also lost two members recently:  Griffin Hamilton had moved here from Carlisle, PA where he had been a long time active member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle.  Griffin passed away unexpectedly shortly after he joined the Rotary Club of Fallbrook.  Mike (Myron) Reed (shown in picture) lost his battle with pancreatic cancer just before Christmas.  Mike had been a member of Rotary for 67 years and had served as the President of the Wilshire Rotary Club before moving to Fallbrook.  Mike’s passion in life was to serve the community which he did through many service organizations and also through his generous financial support.  

 

To our Rotary family: May the spirit of the holidays fill your hearts with joy and contentment.  

Photo: Old Mission Roatarian Gil Klecan won the 1946 World Championship Soap Box Derby Race when he was 15 years old! We never know what amazing talents and stories we have in our Rotary Club!
 

Gil Klecan has been a member of Rotary since 1999 and a member of Old Mission Rotary for 21 years. Gil was born on the open plains of Kansas and moved to San Diego as a young boy when his father took a job at the Ryan Aeronautical Company. 

One morning, a 15-year old Gil was walking to school, an aerospace engineer stopped his car and recruited Gil on the spot as the driver for his new go cart design.

Soon Gil was competing and winning until he won the 1946 World Championship Soap Box Derby Race in Ohio! Gil took his prize money and invested it in property. He has prospered in his career in residential and commercial real estate ever since. 
 

 

On December 15, 2020, The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant of $6,000 to Villa Musica. 

Founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in November 2005, Villa Musica is a vibrant gathering place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to take music lessons, play in an ensemble, or participate in a workshop. Villa Musica’s goal is to create a focal point for community music education in San Diego, where students and teachers can meet to exchange ideas and experience the joy of making music. By creating a supportive and creative environment for the study of music, they aim to inspire many San Diegans to make music making part of their lives.

 

 

The Art Pratt Foundation grant will help fund the new “Music on the Move” program. Villa Musica will purchase a bus and take music to the public. 

 

 

Chula Vista Sunrise President Jeff, Thiel, Past Co-President Rochelle Carroll and President-Elect Nancy Kerwin show off all the gifts brought in by club members that were taken to our Adopt-a-Family last weekend. We were determined to make this their "Best Christmas Ever" while the dad is deployed!

 

 

Some of the members of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club recently met outside at the beautiful home of Sophia Alsadek to assemble hygiene products that were collected for the foster teens of San Pasqual Academy. The safety guidelines of social distancing were followed. The Rotarians were masked and socially distanced and they safely went out of their way to assemble these bags to make the holidays brighter for the foster students and alumni of San Pasqual Academy. Items collected included shampoo, shower gel, toothbrushes, toothpaste, chapstick and socks and were placed in beautiful, decorative tote bags. The foster teens greatly appreciate these useful items, especially during these uncertain, difficult times.

 

 

This is a virtual workshop open to all Club Presidents, President-Elects, AG's, Membership Chairs and committee members.  Please join us and learn important strategies for retaining and attracting new members to your club.

 

The Escondido East Rotary Club delivered 120 Turkey dinners to homebound Seniors on Thanksgiving Day. The Club also delivered 1,200 pounds of turkey to Interfaith to be used for meals of those needing a nice cooked Thanksgiving dinner. A special "thank you" to Rotarian Darol and Linda Caster for getting this organized for the senior's delivery. Rotarians Wayne Brunner and Steve Yerxa for delivering to Interfaith. The many Rotarians and friends who helped deliver meals and a special "thank you" to Rotarian and Branch Manager of First Republic Bank, Dolly Cooper. Her bank donated the funds to pay for all the meals - $1,000. 

 

 

Over the two nights the District Rotaract spent at the San Diego Food Bank, they packed 1,200 boxes (over 28,000 meals!) for the senior food program. Thanks to everyone who came out! Rotaractors are looking forward to the next district service project. 

 

 

This program is being held on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 11:30 am EST (Washington DC time).

 

Please click here to register.

 

Click here to register for this informative Zoom presentation.

On Saturday, December 5, Santee-Lakeside Rotarians assembled 1300 boxes for the Santee Santas Foundation readying them to provide their signature effort -   an annual holiday food and children’s toy distribution.  The club is proud to partner with such a wonderful community organization and has done so for the last six years.

 

This is a tough year for so many people and hopefully the food and gifts these family  receives for the holidays will be a bright spot for them in 2020.   It is expected that over 400  families will benefit this year from this effort.  Santee Santas Foundation has been bringing the holiday spirit to Santee for more than 65 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary E-Club San Diego Global invites you to a recording of their recent guest speaker, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. 

Torrey Pines Rotary Club member, Gordon Shurtleff and his wife, La Jolla Rotary Club member Penny Shurtleff, visited the Vineland Rotary Club in New Jersey on November 24, 2020 via Zoom to help them (club) celebrate their 100th year anniversary.
 

 

In keeping with Coronado Rotary tradition stretching back to 1929, Santa will come to Coronado to spread joy to all.   Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their trusty elves will slowly cruise through Coronado neighborhoods between 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 13.   Santa's route begins in the Village, before entering the Cays and then Strand military housing.  

Old Mission Rotary provided funds for full Thanksgiving meals for two deserving families in City Heights. The food baskets were delivered by STAR/PAL on Saturday, November 21st by a procession of five low-rider cars escorted by San Diego Police Department black and whites! Charlotte Cofield and Lee Kaminetz represented Old Mission Rotary.  Charlotte Cofield is our club’s Community Service chair and she was so impressed by STAR/PAL that she reached out to them in the summer. Our first opportunity to support them was a school backpack give away in the fall.

 

The mission of STAR/PAL is to engage underserved youth with law enforcement and develop trusting and long-term relationships. STAR/PAL offers free programs for undeserved and at-risk youth in San Diego that are led by law enforcement officers. These programs focus on violence prevention, mentoring, leadership, civic engagement, outdoor enrichment, and physical fitness.

 

 

 

Max Gurney of Torrey Pines Rotary is a 99 year old WW2 veteran who served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. On Sunday, November 15th, Max was recognized with other WW2 veterans at a ceremony atop Mount Soledad at the National Veterans Memorial. 

 

All Rotarians of District 5340 thanks you Max for your service.  

 

On Tuesday, November 17th, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant to Sandy Carter (R) who is the president of San Diego Military Outreach Ministries. Their mission is to serve active duty junior enlisted families (E5 and below) with basic needs to help stretch their limited funds.

 

Everything is given free in appreciation for their military service. Families can visit their center or one of the "pop the trunk" pick-up events on military bases to pick up children’s clothing, infant diapers, baby food, toys, small household items and furniture. The Art Pratt funds of $3800 will be used for an office printer, a freezer to store frozen food and a new branded event canopy.

 

Officers of The Rotary Club of Bonsall present a donation to the Fallbrook Food Pantry. Treasurer Denise Wilson and Community Service Director Karen Estes handed off a $250 check to Carolina Miller to support the Adopt-A-Family drive in Fallbrook. The donation will be used to buy food and clothes for needy families to boost their enjoyment of Christmas in these difficult times.

 

The Bonsall Rotary Club continues to serve the community through service and donations even though meeting in person isn't currently possible. 

 

 

Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global has just received a shipment of masks  made with  authentic native fabric by our entrepreneur Guatemalan high school seniors whom have qualified for university studies starting January 2021. (None of their parents have gone beyond the 6th grade) . 

 

 

 

We are pleased to announce awards given during the Zone Institute held this past Saturday.  District 5340, under the leadership of 2019-2020 DG Marta Knight earned the following recognition:

 

 

 

 

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee is pleased to invite all Rotarians to attend this presentation: Discovering & Protecting the California Chaparral, on November 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

 

If you missed the November 7 Foundation Seminar, you are in luck.  Thanks to Rotarian Don Fipp, the seminar was recorded and now available for you to watch.   The seminar was very inspiring, showcasing several District 5340 Matching Grant projects.   You'll want to take the time to watch!

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunrise recently completed their November service project.  They put together Thanksgiving dinner bags for families in need. Ten bags were prepared by club members on Saturday, November 14 to distribute to families through the Chula Vista Community Collaborative. Each bag consists of all the fixings and a gift card for a delicious holiday dinner. 

 

 

 

What a great day to be a Rancho Bernardo Rotarian! A group of eight RB Rotarians and friends and a large group of cheerleaders gathered at Skydive San Diego in Jamul to skydive to raise money and awareness of the need to eradicate Polio. Although World Polio Day this year was October 24, they decided to celebrate it October 31 to also honor their own Don Glover who celebrated his 80th birthday by skydiving for the second time (his first was five years ago when he turned 75!). There were nine (9) skydivers - Six from RB Rotary and three from Poway Scripps Rotary - Kristin Rayder, Evan Rayder and Mike Villarino supported by Past President Karen Herreros and her daughter. It was a team effort definitely showing how Rotary Clubs can work together.

 

 

 

We hope you’ll join us in Taipei to Feel the Energy. Don’t forget to invite your friends — download the promotional kit and share our official video about Taipei on your social networks.

 

 

Old Mission Rotarian Gary Stemple once again organized and lead a team from Old Mission Rotary to a Project Mercy special fall construction event on a three-acre site in Chula Vista. Volunteers worked on the components for five pre-assembled houses which have been transported to Tijuana for final assembly into single family homes. In normal times, houses are built in Tijuana on site and presented to grateful families at the end of the workday.

 

Project Mercy - Baja provides basic but sturdy homes in Tijuana, Mexico for impoverished families that live in desperately poor neighborhoods or Colonias.

Old Mission Rotary Club Foundation has donated $2500. Each of the 20 homes being built this year cost about $5000 each to build.

 

 

 

 

The morning of the 28th of October,  members of the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps were up and at 'em at dark o'clock to participate in a virtual walk for World Polio Day. Rotarians in our district were encouraged to walk together last week in support of ending polio. The BIG club question - who is brave enough to walk at 6:30 a.m. when it is 57 degrees outside? Well, just a handful of us and one early rising dog. President Dave walked at Big Bear Lake and literally phoned in his walk to Past President Karen, Kristin, Don (joined with his granddog, Red), and Melanie who met at Miramar Lake. 

 

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary (RSF) club members volunteered October 16 at Rancho Santa Fe's Helen Woodward Animal Center.

 

The Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) has been helping animals in the community for over 40 years.  HWAC is a no-kill facility that receives no government funding so it relies on the Orphaned Objects Resale Shop among other creative ways to support its mission.  Orphaned Objects Resale Shop supports HWAC through financial contributions estimated $250,000 annually.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sales at this high-end boutique thrift stores go directly back to HWAC.  

 

The District 5340 Rotary Foundation Committee and District Governor-Elect Dan Gensler, have approved the following policies attached below for Rotary Foundation Grants for the 2021-2022, Rotary year.

 

Collage of photos taken from Facebook showcasing Rotarians and Rotaractors promoting Rotary's End Polio Campaign on October 24, 2020.

 

 

The Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club will be holding a Blood Drive on Halloween, Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 11:3am - 5:00pm, in conjunction with the San Diego Blood Bank. 

 

Rotary International and District By-laws require the Immediate Past District Governor to provide each club an independently reviewed annual statement and report of district finances within one year of serving.  The attached statement and report will be discussed and adopted at our 2020 District Conference.

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Del Mar announced today that although 2020 has seen cancellations of many events, the popular CHILI AND QUACKERS and DUCKY DERBY events will bring the community together once again. This year, the format will be a Quadruple Crown, four race event. On Monday, October 26, 2020, at 5:45pm, the 8th annual Ducky Derby will be virtual for the first time ever. Prizes include cash (up to $300) and a Ranch 45 dinner and wine pairing (valued at $500). 

 

The Rotary Club of La Mesa Sunrise held a pottery sale at the home of Club President Elly Dotseth this Saturday, October 17.  Elly is a professional potter and offered up some of her wares for the benefit of Rotary's End Polio Now campaign.  The sale netted $800 towards Polio Plus.

 

The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is known for its harvesting efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Their efforts support organizations that provide food to families experiencing food insecurities during this troubling time.

 

The Club is routinely in route to a location offering harvesting opportunities of local produce.  They bring along with them friends and family and they use these harvesting quests as a means to interest others in joining Rotary. 

 

This time round, the harvesting netted 60 bags of apples.  The perfect fruit for those fall pie bakers.  

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for an exciting Rotary Foundation Seminar.  The seminar will be held via Zoom.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  Invite your friends and family to join in.  They will walk away with a deeper appreciation for all the good work Rotary does locally and world-wide.  

 

 

 

Plan a fun event for your Club to celebrate the AMAZING success of Rotary International’s very successful program to eliminate polio from the face of the earth.

 

In September, all of Africa was declared Polio-free after four years without a case.  We are down to just two countries—Pakistan and Afghanistan—and World Health teams are going into those areas again to give the precious drops to children to save them from the scourge of Polio.  

 

If your club is participating in World Polio Day events, either club-sponsored or in the District's Virtual Polio Walk (see flier in this edition of NEWSBITS), you can pick up End Polio Now pins and wristbands to distribute to those who are participating in celebrating World Polio Day (Week)—October 24—31.

 

 

We invite you to learn more about this $800 million illicit business in our region and what you can do about it.

 

Being an essential worker during this pandemic means potentially exposing themselves and their families to COVID-19 while performing their job duties.  Essential workers are having to deal with new stresses of adding physical distancing measures to their jobs, shifting work hours, changing childcare needs with school closures among many other challenges, all while serving our community.  They are making sure there is food, water, electricity, trash, sanitation services, and health care services. 

 

 

Through The Rotary Foundation, we invest in emerging leaders who are using their skills to make the world a better place. We have the amazing opportunity in Rotary to participate in this work by offering scholarships that enable these young leaders to expand their skills and make connections with other professionals in their fields.

During Reconnect Week 5-11 October, we celebrate these alumni and hold activities designed to keep them connected. These alumni serve as ambassadors for Rotary, joining a growing network of peacebuilders and service-minded professionals who are partnering with us to do good in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee is pleased to invite all Rotarians to attend this presentation: Sustainable Investing – A Force for Positive Change, on October 20, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

 

 

It began when Dale Long, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club's president-elect, suggested that the Club volunteer to gather fruit in local orchards to donate to the Community Food Connection. In short order, the Club could see  there was still a greater need for more support, prompting Kim Varey, the Club's community chairperson to ask members to step up and do more.

 

 

Men of good heart and soul.  We send condolences to their families and friends and to  members of their respective Rotary clubs.  We share in your sadness.  

 

Obituary links:

 

John Brown: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/john-brown-obituary?pid=196859481

David Ringrose: https://history.ucsd.edu/news-events/oneoff/ringroseObit.html

"The Walk 4 The Trail" fundraiser is an exceptional way for your Rotarian Club members to get together in small groups, enjoy the amazing views from the iconic La Jolla Coast Walk Trail and in a COVID responsible, outdoor setting.  There is a sunrise (7-9:00 am) and sunset hike (4:30-6:30 pm) to chose from.

 

Looking for great ideas on how to switch up meetings?  Here is an example of the creativity Rotary clubs are known for:  The Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club is trying a new creative approach to Rotary meetings by having its members gather in their cars for drive-in  meetings.  Planning requires the following to be considered:  

 

The Drive-In Rotary requires the program/speakers  to understand A/V is not necessarily available.  The club uses a cell phone number for their members to TEXT questions to the speaker.  The club conducted its  2019-2020 Annual Awards Ceremony via Drive-In Rotary so they could take good pictures and at least have their honorees FEEL the support they enjoy from the membership.

 

 

To register go to: www.pacificbeachrotaract.org

 

 

 

 

A District Anti-Human Trafficking ZOOM Workshop will be held on October 13, 2020 at 6:30 pm.  This will be the first of two sessions.  We invite you to learn more about this $800 million illicit business in our region and what you can do about it.

 

 

World Polio Day

 

October 24th marks World Polio Day. World Polio day is always observed on the 24th. That date is so random. Even though the 24th falls on a Saturday this year, why not the 1st, 10th 15th or 20th?

 

Making a difference in the lives of young teenage boys growing up without a positive role model is nothing new to members of Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship.  In fact, Brett Morey, Past President of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle and Founder of Surfers Unite has been involved with the 100 Wave Challenge for Boys to Men Mentoring for the past four years.  Brett leads the charge on the Degree 33 Surfboards team and has involved a half dozen Rotaractors and Rotarians in District 5340 as a result.  Rodger Dougherty of Club 33 (RC of San Diego) has been participating in the 100 Wave Challenge since the inaugural year in 2010.  A Lifetime Member of Surfers Unite and Senior Director of Public Affairs for Kaiser Permanente, Rodger has also been a huge financial supporter of the annual fundraiser for Boys to Men Mentoring.  Talk about dedication, Rodger even completed the 100 Wave Challenge solo while on the East coast on business a couple years ago.  

 

 

Greetings from District 4400, Ecuador!   
 
It is our pleasure to invite you and your Club to attend our XV Rotary Project Fair to be held online on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of November 2020. 
 

 

Congratulations to the District Foundation Grant Sub-Committee for the successful submission and approval by Rotary International of the 2019–2020 District Grant Report.

 

The 2020-2021 District Grants block grant application for $152,233, was submitted and approved by Rotary International. This year we have 46 clubs with 96 grants totaling $150,525, of matching funds. Funds will be wired to our District Grant account. Clubs with approved grants need to make sure that their banking information is correctly uploaded in the matching grants.org website so funds can be forwarded.

 

On Wednesday, September 9, the Rancho Santa Fe (RSF) Rotary Club picked up 300 meals from Culinary Wizard Catering in Rancho Santa Fe and headed down to the the USO San Diego Liberty Station.

 

 

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee (DES) is pleased to inform all Rotarians that the San Diego Green Building Council is hosting its 3^rd Annual Sustainability Award and the application deadline is October 16^th.  Rotary Clubs have created a wide community of businesses and nonprofit organizations and this event is a great opportunity to showcase their green business practices. The DES encourages Rotarians, who may find an interest to this event, to apply and share with organizations or businesses that are looking to celebrate their best practices.

 

This past Saturday, the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club along with 50 other volunteers from 10 other San Diego clubs and a group from PB Rotaract Club worked with the Outreach Program to package over 10,000 nutritious meals.

 

The La Mesa Sunrise Club has been busy this past month providing scholarships and food deliveries to recipients of the Learn4Life schools.  Learn4Life schools help students with needs that cannot be met by traditional public schools.

 

After 23 years, Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary’s BocceFest - our fun fundraiser, bocce tournament, craft beer tasting, and auction has been cancelled due to the pandemic.  However, because the need of our services and support for many non-profits is even greater these days, Rotarians called on past Bocce sponsors and donors, who have generously pledged over $36,000 as of September 9.  To celebrate this milestone, the Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary will be hosting a BocceFest Celebration of Giving via a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday evening, September 15, from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

During Rotary Alumni Reconnect Week, October 5-11, Rotary members and alumni will gather to share their experiences, network, and exchange ideas for staying involved in Rotary. Join the action! Create a post on social media and tag it #RotaryReconnect. Hold a virtual meeting with alumni to share ideas. Invite an alum to speak at your online club meeting.

 

 

 

 

The District Environmental Sustainability Committee is inviting you to participate in a regional coastal cleanup day organized by I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD), with the support of the California Coastal Commission. The 36th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day encourages you to Protect Your Happy Place! 

 

 

Coronado Rotarians put “Supporting the Environment” into action on a steamy Saturday morning along the Silver Strand bike trail.  Ivan Dunn, Rick Wilcoxon and Frank Spitzer donned Rotary vests and took trash cans, “grabbers” and gloves along with their masks to clear trash from the bike trail.  In just a few hours, they picked up enough trash to fill an oversize trash bag along with several smaller trash bags.  Their reward, aside from the satisfaction of leaving a clean trail, came from supportive shouts from passing runners, bike riders and walkers, along with finding $30!

 

The District Environmental Sustainability (DES) Committee,  created a few months ago with a mission to educate and support projects that protect our environment, meets regularly and all clubs are invited to be part of the discussion. If you feel like representing your club and/or would like to start a club committee dedicated to the Rotary Seventh Area of Focus, please join us on Monday September 14th at 6:30 p.m. for our next meeting.

 

Want to support frontline pandemic heroes?   Here is a way to do it.  Join the Rotary Club of Coronado Binacional and participate in their virtual 5-K run being held on September 26 and 27.  Click here to register.  There is a requested $14 donation.  

 

 

This year, for the first time in its twelve-year history of raising funds for Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW campaign, the Rotary Club of Coronado will move its annual Silent Auction to an online platform. And, more good news, it’s free and open to the public.

 

 

Immediate Past District Governor Marta Knight was notified that  District 5340 was chosen for having the  2019-2020 BEST DISTRICT WEBSITE  in Zone 26 under the category of Public Image/Brand Awards.  

 

 

Volunteers are desperately needed for this fun and important meal packaging event on September 12. This event is now open to friends and family over 18 years. Please sign up now on Givsum by purchasing a ticket online at: https://www.givsum.com/opportunities/sd-coastal-rotary-10-000-meal-packaging-event-532d9292c.

 

If you are unable to volunteer but would like to donate, you can also do this on Givsum. Any amount raised over the $3000 needed to purchase the food will be donated directly to the Outreach Program for future events. 

 

Zoom keeps adding additional features, some very useful for our Rotary meetings.  Updates come out about twice a month (latest Sept 1, 2020).  Zoom will notify you about critical updates or bug fixes.  Otherwise, you must manually check for updates (smartphones should update automatically).

 

 

Even when permissible, it may be some time until all Rotarians are comfortable with attending "in-person" Rotary meetings. And some clubs are actually experiencing increased member engagement with Zoom.  Now is the time to investigate options for "hybrid" meetings where some members meet in person and others join virtually via Zoom. Rotary Zones 33-34 has produced an excellent "how to" nuts and bolts guide for the technology side of hybrid meetings, from simple to more complex approaches at the "hobbyist" level.

 

The San Diego Coastal Rotary club would like to invite all Rotarians in the 5340 district to participate in a fun and important service project.  We currently need more volunteers!  Here are the details:

Special thanks to Old Mission Rotary's Community Service Chair, Charlotte Cofield, for partnering with STAR/PAL on a service project to distribute back packs filled with school supplies to inner city youth on Friday, August 28th.  The Old Mission Rotary Foundation donated $1000 to the project.

STAR/PAL was founded in 1988 and is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization with a unique nationally recognized model of police and community collaboration. Sworn officers from the San Diego Police and County Probation Departments work side-by-side with civilian personnel and trained law enforcement volunteers to provide the leadership and mentoring critical in promoting youth safety, positive life choices, and academic success. All STAR/PAL programs are led by law enforcement officers who educate youth about the dangers of juvenile crime and violence.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Del Mar supported the Fuel the Frontline San Diego effort on Friday, August 28th. The Club purchased a total of 55 meals from Del Mar restaurants Pacifica and Board & Brew and delivered them to healthcare providers at Scripps Emergency Room, Encinitas. Club members pictured are Brett Mattei, President Dugan Lamoise, Nina Wright, Don Fipps, Donna Fipps and Marty Peters. Photos courtesy of Philippe Lamoise. Board & Brew Pacifica Del Mar https://www.fuelthefrontlinesandiego.com/.

 

 

On August 26th, the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation presented a $600 check to Cathe Robling of the Navy Marine Corps Proud Foundation which supports the six San Diego Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offices. The NMC Proud Foundation assists their military clients in financial need by providing them food and gas gift cards for the commissary and the exchange and delivers them to the six offices quarterly. They are here for the military in San Diego. 

 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) on 25 August announced that transmission of the wild poliovirus has officially been stopped in all 47 countries of its African region. This is a historic and vital step toward global eradication of polio, which is Rotary’s top priority.

 

The Rotary Club of Escondido After 5, obtained a matching grant to help with the purchase of 450 PPE shields for medical staff at the Neighborhood Healthcare Clinic in Escondido.  Neighborhood Healthcare provides medical services for underserved community members and, with the surge of the pandemic, the clinic was having problems obtaining sufficient PPE for their staff. After 5 is one of the Escondido Rotary Clubs that stepped in to help keep these front-line medical workers safe. Snacks and Thank You cards were also delivered to our frontline heroes working at the health clinic.

 

Working together, Escondido Rotary Clubs have been able to leverage their joint strength to make a larger impact in the community, while modeling the spirit and power of joint cooperation for Service Above Self.

 

 

Thanks to all who participated in the first Rotary Virtual Convention. Recordings of the breakout sessions and other resources are available in the Learning Center through May 2021. Look for them in the 2020 Virtual Convention Breakout Presentations learning topic. 

 

It's not often one gets recognized in a international magazine.  But that is the case for Oceanside Rotary Club Rotarian, Reneé Richardson-Wendee.  Reneé, who is an assisted living facility administrator, was one of 10 COVID-19 essential workers that were featured in the August edition of the Rotarian.  The article, "The World Stopped.  They didn't," highlighted those who put service above self when it counted most.

 

 

The Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo's annual Poinsettia Fundraiser is here!

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club held a community-wide blood drive on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club parking lot.  

 

The sponsors included the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary club, Carter Financial, RSF Golf Club, and others.

 

The San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) provided a Blood Mobile and the demand was unprecedented.

 

The blood drive was the largest turnout of the day for the blood bank and 39 people were registered and 34 units of blood were collected.  The San Diego Blood Bank offered free Covid-19 antibody testing and other wellness profile tests to donors.

 

These life saving gifts will help save the lives of 102 people in just one afternoon!

 

Another blood drive will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 (more information to come) to meet the unmet demand for donation appointments.  Please mark your calendars today!

 

Join Rotarians across District 5340 in this worthwhile and life-saving volunteer event.

 

 

To avoid being caught up in your Monday morning routine at work, we have decided to deliver Newsbits to your e-mail box on Sunday.  We hope this gives you a better opportunity to review its content.  Enjoy!

Meet Nasema Zeerak, Rotary International Peace Scholar, currently studying at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.  In a Zoom presentation on Wednesday, August 19, Nasema, a native of Afghanistan,  described her background, current studies, and future aspirations. 

 

If you'd like to hear the presentation and learn about The Rotary Foundation funding process that facilitates scholarships like this one, click here.  To learn more about Peace Fellowships, click here.

 

 

On August 20, 2020, NBC San Diego debuts “STOLEN,” an expansive documentary series about the sex trafficking and exploitation of children in San Diego County.

 

 

For those of you who were unable to attend District 5340's first virtual Membership Workshop held this past Saturday, we have good news for you! 

 

 

My ‘Aha’ Rotary Moment

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club donated  $1,750 worth of backpacks and schools supplies as part of a community driven back-to-school backpack effort. 

 

Loneliness

 

What’s in it for me? Have we ever asked that question of ourselves as it relates to being in Rotary and a member of our Rotary club?

 

 

Having trouble showing video clips via Zoom at Club meetings?  The video looks good to you, but your members see very jerky video that is drastically out of sync with the audio?  

 

A virtual event addressing today's most urgent issues. 

 

 

Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.  Jones will officially become president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenge her.

Mark your calendars and register for this year's Membership Seminar being held virtually on Saturday, August 15 via Zoom.  We need participation from all clubs!

 

The time has come for your club to make an impact on the entire Rotary world!

On Friday July 31,  Rancho Bernardo Rotary Foundation Past President Don Glover presented a $500 check to Inan Linton, President of A.B. Linton Foundation to support and improve the area's tribal community by providing resources for higher education and Native American Scholarships. 

 

Last year, for the first time, The Rotary Foundation offered a Rotaract Giving Certificate to recognize Rotaract clubs that contribute substantially to the Foundation. In order for a club to achieve this distinction, at least five of its members needed to donate a total of $50. 

 

Have you ever thought about serving as our District Governor?  Your might wonder:  
How do I become one? What is involved?  How do I begin to prepare? What is the time involved? How am I trained? And, much more.

 

Congratulations to Pam Russell, District Governor 2008-2009, from La Jolla Golden Triangle Club on her selection by club ballots,  as District 5340's Council on Legislation Representative for the 2020-2023 period.  Philippe Lamoise, District Governor 2006-2007, from the Del Mar Club will serve as Alternate. 

 

"It is my sad duty to inform you that Past District Governor Robert Piva passed away. Bob served as District Governor from 1988-89.

 

Do you have left over fruits and veggies from your garden?  Did you purchase too much at the farmers market?

The Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club would like to thank Rotarians and community members who stopped by with donations for their food and clothing drive benefiting Community Through Hope.

 

About five years ago I attended the PETS (Presidents Elect Training Seminar) in Los Angeles. At one of the dinners I had the good fortune to sit next to a young woman from a country in Africa.

Our 2020-2021 District Foundation Committee met this past week. The Committee is closing the District Grants for 2019-2020 year.  They also getting ready  to approve and award the DDF, District Designated Funds, for the new Rotary year.

 

 

On August 4th, Matthew Clark from conservation nonprofit Nature and Culture International will lead a virtual journey through Ecuador's tropical dry forests.

 

Are you meeting via Zoom?  Do you miss socializing with just a few people at a time? Try using Zoom's Breakout Room feature.

 

Our Rotary District must select our next Council on Legislation representative within the next couple of weeks.

 

 

Multiple times a year, from every National holiday to every time one of the three U.S. Naval Aircraft Carriers stationed in Coronado arrives, there is a practice and display that is different from many other towns and cities.

 

A word from our esteemed District Governor, Steve Weizen.

At the June Governor's Dinner, DG Marta Knight announce winners of the Rotary Citation Awards.  Clubs earning this distinction achieved their goals that unite people and take action.

 

Clubs earning presidential distinction went beyond the minimum goals required for the Rotary Citation.

 

Awardees:  

 

 

 

Join Mission Gorge Rotary Club for an evening with Michael Angelo Caruso on July 23, 2020 at 7:00 PM on ZOOM.  Mission Gorge, our District’s newest Club, is pleased to invite you to hear world renowned motivational speaker, Michael Angelo Caruso.

 

The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe (RSF) held a successful food drive on Saturday, June 13 at the RSF Association parking lot.

The Rotary Club of El Cajon Sunset held its first meeting of the 2020-2021 year at La Mesita Park in La Mesa CA, with all the State and local health directives observed.  It was a joyful break from the current Zoom meeting format and it was a great way to socialize in open air all the while practicing distancing.

 

Below is a picture from Sunrise Living thanking Rancho Bernardo Rotary for the cake and gift cards they were given. This was part of a program where Rancho Bernardo Rotary provided 258 gift cards and five "Thank You" cakes to care workers in five facilities in Rancho Bernardo, Poway & Escondido. Everyone was very appreciative as Rotarian, Sandie Dewane did a fantastic job organizing everything.

 

Please welcome new members to our Rotary District 5340.

 

Over 300 Rotarians and Rotaractors participated in a year-end celebration (Virtual Governors' Celebration) - held, on Monday, June 29, 2020.  Rotary International President, Mark Maloney greeted participants with words of praise and encouragement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Rotary Year!  Welcome to what I hope will be a weekly column called "Monday Musings" about things going on in our clubs, District and the Rotary world.

 

 

July is New Leadership Month, the start of our new Rotary officers' year of service. 

 

 

 

To make skimming articles in our weekly Newsbits easier, you will now see a graphic and one or two sentences from the article or announcement on the front page.  To read the full text, please click "read more".   

 

It was an honor serving District 5340 as your Governor, living our theme, "Rotary Connects the World".  I was so proud as all of you connected with your club, your community, and with each other sharing what we as Rotarians are all about - People of Action, doing Good in the World.

 

We started our Rotary year with a new Vision Statement Strategic Plan, a roadmap to follow, that did create impact in your communities and around the world.  The vision - "Together we see a world where People Unite and Take Action to Create lasting Change - across the Globe, in our Communities and in Ourselves".    You all achieved this new vision, completing four priorities:

 

COVID-19 along came and changed our world.  But, being People of Action who are inventive, entrepreneurial and resilient, you were ready to seek out fresh opportunities to serve, and reinvent how you operated with confidence.  

 

Thank you for this UNBELIEVEABLE opportunity to serve.  I have so many memories and experiences in my heart.  Thank you for sharing and making your Rotary world a part of mine.

 

I am proud as you Make Good Happen Together, with Love, Compassion and Joy". 

If you were unable to participate in the Virtual RI Convention live, you are now able to stream the general sessions and breakout sessions on the RI website. 

The Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global (E-Club) was awarded a three-year VTT Global Grant (#1747029 FY17-19).  This is a BEL (Basic Education Literacy) grant whose goal was to improve teacher training in Honduras, resulting in keeping students in school.  Due to the Covid-19 virus and immigration problems, this grant ended early, leaving about $8,000 leftover from the funds to cover the volunteer teachers travel from the US that were not used.

 

The E-Club contacted past District 4250 (Honduras, Guatemala and Belize) Governors, Julio Gracioso and Dr. José Antonio Interiana Torre who directed the E-Club to Sergio Pineda, Usula Rotary Club, San Pedro Sula, Honduras.  Maxie Glackman from the E-Club, the lead Rotarian on this project,  worked with Regionaldo Muñoz from Students Helping Honduras for many years and between the three parties discussed how the unspent funding could be used to support Covid-19 needs. With amazing coordination between the E-Club, the Usula Rotary Club, San Pedro Sula and Students Helping Honduras, food packages were put together and have been sent to the students and their families who were the beneficiaries of this grant.  

 

The Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary awarded $6,000 grant to Canine Companions for Independence.  The money will be used to repair the roof of their Oceanside dog training facility.  Since 1975, Canine Companions for Independence has provided assistance dogs, free of charge, to recipients.  

 

Old Mission Rotarian Tom Sandler (holding dog below) and his wife, Sondra are now raising their 11th puppy for the organization.  Volunteers get puppies at eight weeks old and socialize and train them for a year and a half.  The dogs are then returned to Canine companions for advanced training.  

 

 

The Covid-19 pandemic appears to follow a pattern of infection and illness that has been closely observed, and the Thousand Smiles Foundation (Foundation) has learned a great deal over the last six months.  Fortunately, Southern California and Northern Baja have posted their public health data, and we have not seen the kind of severe disease as in places like New York and Italy.  As expected the Foundation is experiencing problems in more densely populated areas that have inadequate social distancing and limited medical resources.  In Northern Baja, notably in the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, there continues to be a large number of residents who carry the infection, and some percentage of them becoming very ill or dying.

 

 

To help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Rotary Club of San Diego Paradise Valley donated a handwashing station to Eliseo-Belen Elementary School, Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines.  

 

The Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors have added a new area of focus: supporting the environment.

 

 

Rotarians, your End Polio Now work is making a difference.  The World Health Organization (WHO) announced  today that Polio is no longer endemic in  the country of Nigeria, leaving the devastating disease endemic in only two remaining countries and bringing the world one major step closer to achieving the goal of ending polio for good.  Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since July 24, 2014, and all laboratory data has confirmed that a full 12 months have passed without any new cases!

 

Volunteers needed! The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services and San Diego Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) have contracted with Jewish Family Services (JFS) San Diego to provide meals and groceries to over 90% of food insecure seniors in the County through their 211 system.  

 

 

 

Experience the energy of Rotary like never before in a city filled with tradition and infused with ingenuity.  Join us at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan on June 12-16, 2021.

 

It's not too late to participate in the Governor's Celebration, this Monday, June 29.  The Zoom celebration can be accessed with this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88387471400?pwd=bmJUbzdoNVhZa09saG0wTjZZZUpEdz09  Password: 932005.  It would be helpful if you register to give us a headcount of all who participated.  You can register online.  This is  a free event.  

 

The Governor's Celebration is going to be an exciting evening of fun, recognitions and celebrations.  

 

The event will open at 5:45 pm with the program beginning at 6:10 pm with our Celebration of Life, honoring 36 Rotarians that have passed this Rotary Year.  

 

The Governor Celebration will start at 6:30 pm.  We have worked very hard to make this an enjoyable evening for all of you.

 

We have many special Rotarians joining us to congratulate our District for all that we have done together this year as "Rotary Connects the World".

 

We will recognize club activities, Rotary Foundation awards, Rotary Citation winners, Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of the Year, and Rotarian and Rotaractor of the Year. 

 

2020-2021 District Governor Steve Weitzen will be inducted as well as incoming Club Presidents and Assistant Governors.

 

Want to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience?  Join a Rotary Fellowship!   Rotary Fellowships are international groups of Rotary Members, their family members, program participants, alumni, and even non-members who share a common passion.

 

From Bowlers to jazz fans, scuba divers to history enthusiasts, photographers to lawyers, there's a Rotary Fellowship for everyone.  Currently, about 91 fellowships unite members in fun and friendship.

 

 

Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club continues to provide assistance in support of Covid-19 needs.  Recently, the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation contributed $5,250 to the Interfaith Emergency Covid-19 program.  This was part of their overall $14,500 contributions towards several other worthwhile areas of need as previously reported.  

 

Pictured in front from Interfaith is Sanos Peneflor, Security and Bahad "B" Hernandez, Development and Special Events Associate.  In the back is Alan Turner, Grant Coordinator and Membership Chairman of the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club.

 

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extreme challenges to the local families who require childcare.  Specifically, the closing of schools has left families scrambling for childcare as parents return to the workforce.

 

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego: 4S Ranch support these local families through programs providing the opportunity to use computers, complete arts and crafts, engage in educational activities, and remain active while social distancing.  Due to the additional restrictions imposed by CDC guidelines, the resulting impact increased the costs for these programs four-fold.  Recently, the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club (RB) met Danny Sherlock, President and CEO and Roy Cornett, RB Rotarian and Director of the 4S Ranch Boys and Girls Club to present a $4,000 grant to support these summer programs.  This grant coupled with an earlier grant approval of  $1,500 will provide individual scholarships for over 80 children in the 4S Ranch area.

 

 

 

Rotary's First Virtual Convention is underway! Both General Sessions have concluded but are available to stream online.  Simply go to go to the home page of riconvention.org.  Click on the button under the General Sessions block, which will say JOIN. 

 

Breakout Sessions are underway.  If you cannot participate live, sessions will be available in 48-72 hours from time of session.  

 

The District's focus this coming Rotary year 2020-2021 is Anti Human Trafficking. 

The Mulegé Rotary Clinic was founded 40 years ago to help the poor and disenfranchised people of the town of Mulegé in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  It offers low and no-cost dental and eye care to people who otherwise cannot afford it.  The Clinic has recently undergone a $35,000 renovation with a new roof, wiring, plumbing, lighting, flooring, air conditioning; the works! 

 

Thanks to Jim and Carmen Hughes, Dugan and Philippe Lamoise, San Diego Rotary Club 33 and the Del Mar Rotary Club for a major contribution of $10,000 to this project.  These huge improvements allowed the clinic to expand its dental practice by two additional operatories and the ability to bring in more volunteer dentists and doctors to the clinic to offer health services to the people of Mulegé and the surrounding area.  

 

COVID-19 has inspired a variety of emotions and reactions in people worldwide, but did you know that in Coronado it inspired a resident to write a song?  Doug Weisbarth, an 82 year-old retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and Coronado Rotarian, has written "The World Stopped Turning" in May to relate his view of how the virus has impacted our world.  His 100 year-old Aunt Betty gave him the idea.  Some of the lyrics include:

 

 

Weisbarth came to Coronado with the Navy in 1957.  He had planned to be a Marine, but his father asked him two questions to help him choose the service to join:  "Why walk when you can ride?" and "Would you rather operate the weapon system or be the weapon system?"  Weisbarth's Navy career spanned 22 years and like so many, he returned to Coronado when he retired.  He then embarked on a 30-year, second career in the home maintenance repair business - Doug Weisbarth Service.

 

 

We need your help to meet the Gates Match Challenge for $100 million to Take Out Polio.  Donate your lunch money ($10 or more) at endpolio.org/donate or use the QR code above by June 30.

 

Matching recognition points are offered for donations of $100 or more to polio.  Contact End Polio Coordinator Bob Rogers at crobertrogers@comcast.net.

 

 

Join us during the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention on June 20-26 for activities beyond the general sessions that will get you moving, help you get involved, and connect you with members from around the world.

 

You can:

Signup for our free convention today and encourage friends in your network, club and community to join you.  Don't miss out!

 

Join the Walking Challenge at the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention!  Participate in some friendly competition with Rotarians, Rotaractors and members of the family of Rotary as you work your way up the leaderboard for a chance to win prizes.  Sign up here.  #Rotary20

 

 

I'm getting ready for the Rotary Virtual Convention by showing my Rotary pride!  How are you getting ready?  Do you have a favorite Rotary or Rotaract shirt, a great pin, or your country flag?  Remember to sign up; the event is free!  You can select which general sessions you will participate it in as well as breakout sessions.  Remember for those of us in Southern California, there is a two hour difference.  General sessions begin at 6:00 a.m.!  Don't let that deter you though.  It's very likely you'd be up at that time if you were in Hawaii!  To register, please go to this website.  

 

On Friday, June 5, 79 Rotarians from all over District 5340 participated in the Virtual COVID Grant Celebration, showcasing the many good projects that were conducted by clubs utilizing a one-time matching grant opportunity provided by the District in response to community needs relative to the COVID-19 outbreak.  PDG Janice Kurth reported that the majority of the grant requests centered around four common themes - food and basic needs, personal protective equipment (PPE), education and small business assistance.  The top two themes - food and basic needs and PPE raised $44,941 and $11,050 respectively.  The total amount of funding for all grant projects was $58,891.

 

In addition, PDG Kurth relayed that there were several projects undertaken that were independent of the COVID grant program and combining their efforts with the grant projects, it is estimated that $100,000 was used to support COVID relief.

 

Representatives from participating clubs were provided an opportunity to talk about their projects; all were very impressive.

 

Clubs are reminded that reports and receipts need to be upload in order for projects to be closed.  

 

 

 

 

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club's 5th fruit gathering adventure was held on May 21 at a grove in Valle Verde.  The Rotarians have been gathering fruit from local orchards whose owners have offered to donate for the good of the community.  "In this time of tremendous need, where people have lost their jobs, it's something we can do to put food on their tables," said Jim Stewart, project lead.  This latest collection provided a couple hundred pounds of ripe oranges and grapefruit that the Rotarians delivered to Poway's Community Food Connection.

 

This was one of several projects that the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians have been busy with since the beginning of the pandemic.  They have also distributed face masks to hospitals and retirement homes.  Another group put together gift baskets for health care workers at retirement homes to thank them for their extra efforts during difficult times.  This club also provides ongoing home help services to senior shut-ins.  

 

 

 

On the occasion of his 90th birthday, Jerry Winters recognized a need among our local Coronado businesses and contributed $5,000 to the Club's Rotary Foundation to help them with losses suffered during the pandemic lockdown.

 

If we are fortunate, we have a friend or family member to whom we turn when times are toughest.  They lift our spirts and support us in many ways - large and small.  Jerry, a 28-year member of the Coronado Rotary Club, is one of those individuals to whom we turn.  He is a past Rotarian of the Year (2010) and recipient of the Peacemaker Award (2018).  The Peacemaker Award recognizes individuals who are making a difference in promoting understanding, tolerance, and conflict resolution, and helping build good will and peace.

 

Jerry Winter offered the following encouragement to Coronado business: "All I can say is hang in there.  This is especially tough on those types of businesses that have to come in close contact with their customers.  Coronadans are thoughtful people and will support them as soon as the government loosens some restrictions."

 

The Coronado Rotary Club's Board of Directors identified 20 local restaurants and businesses that have donated in the past to Rotary charitable events such Low Tide Ride & Stride, End Polio Now Wine Tasting, and the Jim Laslavic Charity Golf Tournament.  Sue Ryan, Coronado Rotary Community Services Director, contacted each business and restaurant, purchased gift cards with Jerry's contribution and conveyed Rotary's thanks to the owners for their past support.  The gift cards will serve as a silent auction item for future Rotary fundraising events.  

 

 

Mary Ann Berta, a 28-year Rotarian and owner of Tartine and la mer, has been a staunch supporter of many Rotarian events.  She was very appreciative of the gift card purchase and offered these words of advice to her fellow business owners: "We need to stay positive together!  We don't want to risk losing our small-town atmosphere."  Mary Ann also expressed thanks to the City of Coronado for providing the Lifeline Business Loan when businesses needed it most.

 

Rotary has always supported and demonstrated a commitment to local businesses in various ways.  Jerry Winter's gift validates that commitment in the most tangible way possible. 

 

The Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club organized a virtual Eco-Talk with students of the BCK Program, which is focused on providing environmental education to students.

 

The Club hosted 36 people, including students, teachers, school principals, parents, a City of Encinitas representative, and Eco-Rotarians.  Bill Dean, co-founder of the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club, started the SWPPP Internship Program in 2013 and then the BCK Program in 2016.

 

During this event, we heard from the next generation of environmental stewards on what they have accomplished at their schools and the passion they bring to making a difference in our world.  Supported by an amazing team of teachers and educators, they addressed storm water and waste challenges observed in their schools.

 

Drew, Bill's granddaughter, and Judah are both students from Ocean Knoll Elementary School.  Through the SWPPP Internship Program, they studied water usage, conservation, and pollution and became experts in recycling.  With other students at their school, they raised awareness through art and advocacy to the Encinitas City Council.  Additionally, they developed a project to address a storm water problem identified in the back parking lot of their school and worked with school district facilities staff to resolve it.  

 

Two 4th grade students from Flora Vista Elementary School (Maddie and Zoë) talked about the Trash Amendment Action Plan they participated in, the actions they took and the outcomes it produced.  It resulted in a full week of actions for the entire school and a campaign to educate students and parents.

 

Students enjoyed presenting to the Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club.  They are now ready to give presentations to other groups and schools.  The next generation is comprised of passionate kids ready to advocate and implement solutions to protect our environment!

 

The BCL Program is focused on providing environmental education to students.  All they programs are designed to have students participate in activities and provide meaningful solutions along with data valuable to schools, cities, and hopefully the state.  But, even more important, these programs help change people's behavior to make responsible decisions and motivate them to take actions toward improving our environment.

 

 

June is Rotary Fellowship Month.  What better time to find like minded people and connect?

 

Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion.  Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.

 

 

On May 29, our District leadership received a letter from Rotary Foundation announcing a change in policy on funding Global Grants.  Previously, the Rotary Foundation matched District Designated Funds (DDF) with a 1:1 match and club and individual cash donation with a O.5:1 match.  The Trustees have eliminated the match with the club and individual cash donations - they will ONLY match District Designated Funds as of July 1, 2020.  Clubs that are submitting Global Grants will see their funding adjusted on MatchingGrants.org when submitting a Global Grant for the 2020/2021 Rotary Year.  Our Matching Grants webmaster, PDG Philippe Lamoise is working on the application to revise the formula to match the new Rotary Foundation policies.  

 

Clubs are reminded they must complete the online training for grants (both Global and District) if they plan to qualify for submitting a grant in the 2020-21 Rotary Year.  Grant training is no online on the District 5340 webpage.  Two members of each Club submitting a grant must complete the online training and the quiz that goes with it to qualify their Club to submit a grant.  

 

The Funding for District Grants remains the same.  The District will match up to $3500 of Club donation for a District Grant in 2020-2021.  District Grants are due on the Matching Grants website on August 1, 2020.  Two members of a Club applying for a District Grant must complete the online training and quiz for District Grants to make their Club eligible.  District Grants for the current 2019-2020 year must be completed and closed to be eligible to apply for a grant in 2020-2021.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the following:

 

Marge Cole, District Rotary Foundation Chair 

Janice Kurth, Global Grants Chair

Elana Levens-Craig,  District Grants Chair

 

The 16th Annual Rotary Club of Del Mar Sunset Soiree is going virtual.  Our online auction will be accepting bids beginning June 3 through June 7.  Join our live event on Sunday, June 7 from 5-6:00 p.m. to enjoy live entertainment and learn about our club's many projects, both at home and around the world.  The online and live auctions feature dozens of special items and we will raffle off a gift card tree sprouting  dozens of valuable gift cards.

 

Please visit the Sunset Soiree website to learn more, register to bid and purchase raffle tickets.  Please also consider donating to support our projects and our partner beneficiary, the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito.  

 

"I'm Maureen Duncan and I am a member of the Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global.  One of my high school vocational students in Guatemala created a poem regarding the pandemic in Guatemala (with some of my editing and input from other students and the local project manager of my District Grant in Guatemala).  It's quite uplifting and I thought informative for all our District members to learn about how others are affected by the pandemic  and how they cope.  The original was written in Spanish.  This has been translated into English. I hope you enjoy it."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event is Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.  For Zoom meeting information, please contact David Diaz at david@ipeace.org.

 

 

Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary Club (CVSRC) is aware that due to COVID-19, most Rotary clubs are starting to move to online meetings.  This switch can be challenging, but also come with exciting new opportunities to connect with people from all over the world.

 

If your club is looking for virtual speakers during this transition, CVSRC would like to recommend Maxie Gluckman who runs a wonderful project their club is sponsoring for the 2020-21 Rotary Year in Honduras.  "Train for Change" empowers Honduran teacher leaders through professional development to improve the quality of education for one million children in the most impoverished areas of the country.

 

Over the last year, a lot has happened in Honduras and the Honduran experience has been central to many recent news articles.  As Maxie has been working on the ground for seven years now and two years through an incredible Rotary Global Grant led by the Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global, she believes that there are many stories that have gone untold.  Maxie would love to share with your club these stories and the power of Rotarian generosity, including:

Please consider having Maxie speak to your club about the "Train for Change" and if you are inspired like our club, use your DDF funds to support this important grant.  Please contact Maxie at maxie.gluckman@instructual.com.

 

Our District 5340 clubs are doing a lot of work with the Boys and Girls Clubs in our local communities, especially during this difficult time.

 

District Governor, Marta Knight and Blake Johnson of Boys and Girls Clubs of America will discuss the importance and impact of this partnership.

 

 

 

The Old Mission Rotary Foundation (not to be confused with the Art Pratt Foundation) will disburse $44,923 to 28 different organizations this Rotary year.  This money has been used to fund projects in the areas of Community, International, and Youth Services and for all six Rotary areas of focus: Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation and Maternal and Child Health.

 

Our Pennies for Polio jar presented to us by District Marta Knight last summer has raised $499 and the Old Mission Rotary Foundation is adding $501 to make our total Polio Plus contribution of $1000.

 

Thanks to the generosity of Mark Bitterlan who manages a grove of oranges in Rancho Santa Fe, several Rotary clubs county-wide were able to harvest oranges for distribution to non-profits of their choice.  Sparked by a UT article featuring the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club and their efforts in picking local fruits, Mr. Bitterlan offered his grove of 100 trees for the picking.  Too large a venture for just one club, the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club connected with the Rancho Santa Fe Club for help.  As a result, a schedule was developed and Rotary clubs throughout District 5340 were invited to participate.

 

This past weekend, the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club picked nearly 3,300 pounds of oranges at the grove on Sunday, May 24.  They are donating part of their harvest to Producegood, a 501 c(3).  Members of the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club joined them and oranges they pick are being donated to the Santee Food Bank.  

 

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club and the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club picked oranges on Saturday, May 23.  Their harvest was taken to local food pantries.  Point Loma Rotary Club also picked close to 2,000 oranges for donation to four different non-profits on the Peninsula.  

 

The Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay set aside $250 and secured a $250 COVID-19 Matching Grant from District 5340 to provide rice and necessary supplies to indigents of Meycauayan City affected by the total lockdown due to enhanced community quarantine in place in the area.  

 

In partnership with their sister club, the Rotary Club of Meycauayan East of District 3770 in the Philippines, the goods were distributed last April 16 and 17 to some 120 families.  They were each given packages of 10 kgs. rice and foodstuff.  Deputy District Governor and Past President, James Javier and Club President, Ramon Santos are shown with club members during the distribution.

 

The Rotary Club of El Cajon is proud to announce our 30th annual fundraiser!  Originally, we had planned a Havana Nights extravaganza but this year due to the COVID pandemic, we are adapting and will be doing things differently be seeking pledges!  Our club is proud to celebrate its 94th year of providing support for our local and world communities.  While we are saddened that we are unable to gather during this time, we still have a deep desire to support and serve our East County community and beyond, especially during these unprecedented times and WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Our club is asking our members, local businesses and community partners to consider making a financial contribution, in lieu of sponsoring and or supporting our event so that we can continue to do the great work that we have done for 94 years in our community.   

 

The Club's Foundation has graciously agreed to match the pledges up to $20,000!  Suggested pledge levels are: $100, $250, $500, $1000 and $2500 or any amount your heart desires.  Remember, all pledges will be matched by our Foundation up to $20,000.  For your pledge to our fundraiser, you will be fully highlighted and acknowledged as a community contributor through our Rotary website, our social media outlets and local newspaper.  

 

To make a financial contribution online,  please make your pledge here. 

 

All donations are tax deductible if made to the El Cajon Rotary Foundation under IRC section 501 c(3) Federal Tax ID #95-6141259 and mailed to:  El Cajon Rotary, P.O. Box 643, El Cajon, CA  92022.

 

 

 

 

As COVID-19 infections begin to level and government shelter-in-place and similar orders expire, Rotary districts and clubs are confronted with the complexities of determining how and when to resume in-person gatherings.  

 

We must base our decisions on the health and safety of our members, while maintaining compliance with government and health regulations.  COVID-19 will be part of our Rotary planning until a proper prevention or vaccine is readily available.  

 

Johrita Solari, our Zone 26 Director asked for a committee to come up with the following document to help clubs make decisions about in-person meetings.  Our Rotary organization is a compilation of autonomous clubs with cultural, social, and community-based values that preclude a one-size-fits-all approach for club decisions about resuming in-person meetings. 

 

This document is developed to help our Rotary clubs and leadership with consideration and resources for the discussions and decisions they undertake at this difficult time.  The primary goal of this document is to help Rotarians consider the safety and health of our members.

 

You may download the PDF version here.  

 

You're invited to join the Pacific Beach Rotaract Club for a nice bike ride around the bay on Saturday, May 23.  The club will be practicing social distancing, ensuring everyone is riding six feet apart and wearing masks.  Bikers will check in and review the route at 9:00 am.  Check in is at De Anza Cove, 2727 De Anza Road, San Diego, CA  92109.  There is plenty of street parking.  Look for the Rotaractors' bright blue shirts and their Pacific Beach Rotaract club flag.  The ride will conclude a noon.  You may make your ride as short or long as you like.  Family and friends are welcome to attend.  If you have any questions, please contact club president, Sesy Enriquez at 619 518-2437 or email her at sesyenriquez@gmail.com. 

 

This year's Governor's Dinner has transformed into a Governors' Celebration conducted virtually.  This event is scheduled for Monday, June 29 opening at 6:00 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.  A number of surprises are planned for all!   Registration is now open.  This virtual event will include District club award presentations, installation of club presidents and District Governor Steve Weitzen.  Please  join us for a festive celebration.  Registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link by email.  

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc with Old Mission Rotary's schedules but the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary continues to award grants to help their community!

 

Here is a look at who they are supporting:

 

 

Join our next #RotaryResponds Facebook Live event on May 20 to make connections and take part in engaging conversation.  The series features Rotary leaders, members, and leaders from partner organizations sharing how they're taking action in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Santee Lakeside Rotary Club (SLRC) is celebrating its 60th birthday this month.  Chartered as a Rotary club on May 23, 1960, the club  introduced 23 charter members to the world of Rotary.  At the time of charter, SLRC represented the twin communities of Santee and Lakeside,  both were unincorporated rural areas.  Santee has since incorporated as a city.  Rotarian, Walter Chandler served as its first president, followed by Rotarian Ray Stoyer.  The club was sponsored by the El Cajon and La Mesa Rotary clubs. 

 

Charter members were:  Walter Chandler, Dr. John De Kock, Charles Bliss, Ross Mallette, John Bacon, Ray Stoyer, Charles Skidmore, Dwight Williams, Fred Breise, Barney Barrett, Rev. Charles Clark, John Gill, Bert Partain, Robert Schipper, Bruce Swinson, Gordon M. Bell, Wayne Chubb, Al Flaven, Chet Harritt, Duane Pillsbury, John Smiley, W.H. Stevens Jr., Edward L. Brewer, Dr. Everett Carmody, Frank Fox, Sam Millison, Gale Ruffin, Harold Secor, William Thomas and Thomas Smiley.

 

SLRC membership was drawn from a broad cross-section of professions, business, industry, education and government, which is still true today.  Currently SLRC has 32 members and growing.  Current members who have led the club as president include Bill Pommering, Allen Carlisle, Elana Levens-Craig, Augie Caires, Sandy Pugliese, Tom Miles, Doug Wilson, Vic Bermudes, Jim Peasley, and Paul Ague.

 

As People of Action, a long-standing community service program stands the test of time and is still going strong.  Initiated a few decades back by a growing concern over high school drop out rates, the SLRC established a scholarship program that aimed to assist students from three local high schools - West Hills, Santana and El Capitan - with staying in high school and graduating with their class.  Identified students were mentored and were given a set of criteria that, if met, would provide them the equivalent of a two-year community college tuition, including books and fees.  To date, over 200 students have been helped through this program.  

 

With the motto Service Above Self at the helm of all the club activities,  other local community projects undertaken by SLRC include participating with the annual USPS in the Stamp Out Hunger Food drive to make sure the food that is collected in Santee is donated to the Santee Food Bank.  SLRC also provided assistance through either hands-on projects, grants or a combination of both and include Santee Santas Foundation, Santee Food Bank, East County Transitional Living Center, Canine Companions for Independence and Rotary at Work projects. Other activities include holiday card card writing to distribute to isolated seniors in mobile home parks, collecting items for a Veteran's home, Soles 4 Souls shoe collection, planting trees, participating in Rotaractor WAPI project. and providing fingerprinting services for children at local health fairs.  

 

Internationally, SLRC has sponsored water projects in Kenya and Ecuador, as well as providing direct assistance to Rancho Marta, a school and orphanage in Mexico, where the club  has funded a kitchen, computer lab and a ranch solar project.  In earlier days of the club, SLRC was involved in assisting a school in Tijuana.  In addition, the SLRC joins its sister club, the Rotary Club de Ensenada in activities of mutual interest.  

 

SLRC typically meets at noon on Thursdays at San Diego Christian College but is currently meeting virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.  The club would love to have you join them for a meeting.  You can find the club online or on Facebook.  You can also email the club or call (619) 993-7805.

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of San Marcos used the COVID-19 Relief Grant to support the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos' Free Meals Program.  The program utilizes Feeding America  which provides free hot meals to youth in North County.  Their need increased dramatically from 150 to 400+ meals a day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The Club provided a $2,500 grant to assist the program.  This much needed funding provided 12,000 meals to kids suffering from food insecurity in North County.  Check out the video thank you they received from the Boys and Girls Club.  

 

 

 

This year, we are offering our Grants training online for those clubs that wish to do Global and/or District Grants.  Clubs must complete the training(s) and the quizzes which go with them to be eligible to apply for grants in the 2020/2021 Rotary year.  Dates for these grants and other information are included in the trainings listed below.  

 

 

The Global Grants Training will be taught by District 5340's District Global Grants Chair and Past District Governor, Janice Kurth.  Clubs will need to follow the directions in the PowerPoint training,  If you have questions, Janice is available for more information.  Her email contact information is provided in the PowerPoint.  Clubs will also need to complete a Memorandum of Understanding and have their Annual Fund Giving Goals on the My Rotary website.

 

 

District Grants training will be offered under the tutelage of District Grants Chair, Elana Levens-Craig with help from Major Gifts Chair, Mike Whitehurst.  There is a quiz when the training is finished, which will need to be completed to be qualified to complete a District Grant.  Clubs will need to have their Annual Giving Goals for the Rotary Foundation identified on the My Rotary website.  District Grants are due on August 1, 2020.

 

Link for Grants Training  To review the material for Global Grants, click on Global Grants Seminar and scroll to the bottom where you will find a video to watch.  For District Grants, Go District Grants and click on District Grants Training and scroll to the bottom to find the training video.  To be eligible to participate in grants, two members of your club must attend the training.

 

Recently, the Rotary Club of La Mesa Sunrise was featured in the Union Tribune for  their harvesting efforts of local produce and subsequent donations to local food banks and non-profits.  This venture has been enormously successful and a variety of individuals have contacted the club offering their produce for picking as well.  So far they have collectively harvested over 1500 pounds of citrus fruit. 

 

One of the more resent calls  comes in from a property owner in Rancho Santa Fe who has a grove of 100 orange trees.  He has offered his crop  up for harvesting with all oranges going to Rotary for redistribution to organizations in need.  This project is larger than the Rotary Club of La Mesa Sunrise can manage and they have contacted the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe for help.  Both clubs agreed to open this opportunity up to any and all Rotary and Rotaract clubs who might like to participate.  Clubs pick the citrus fruit and they take with them what they pick for distribution in their respective geographical area.  The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe has agreed to be the coordinating club for this effort.  If you are interested in scheduling a date/time for your club to pick oranges, please contact Elie Feghali at (661) 331-4705.

The El Cajon Rotary Club just turned 94.  Established in April of 1926, the El Cajon Rotary Club is a group of local businessmen and professionals who form part of Rotary International, a community service organization founded in Chicago in 1905.  El Cajon Rotarians have lived by the motto of "Service Above Self" for the past 94 years.  The El Cajon Rotary Club champions many causes such as literacy, clean water, peace and health.  Club Rotarians are dedicated to eradicating the polio virus and have contributed to many East San Diego County programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Youth Symphony, Youth leadership training, East County reading and literacy programs, the Salvation Army, high school vocational programs, youth theatre programs and Thousand Smiles.  

 

The Club normally meets each Tuesday at noon at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon.  If you'd like to connect with them, please use their website or see them on Facebook.  For questions about El Cajon Rotary, contact club president, David Johnson at 619 977-6497 or djbanker@gmail.com.

 

Photo:  Robert Semmer and Gillian Semmer are co-chairs of San Diego Breakfast Rotary's coronavirus response committee.

 

When the coronavirus crisis and economic shutdown hit our nation and our community, San Diego Downtown Breakfast Club's board could see that our region was heading for a tsunami of humanitarian needs.  We quickly formed a coronavirus response committee and asked two long-standing members, father and daughter Robert Semmer and Gillian Semmer, to co-chair it.  The new committee's mission was to explore how our club could best aid our community in this time of crisis.  

 

Our club is best known for our outgoing hands-on-projects to help our community.  However, because of the stay-at-home and social distancing requirements, we determined our efforts in this crisis would need to be focused on providing financial aid.

 

Over the following weeks, Bob And Gillian and their committee went to work raising new money, as well as researching the local charities that would give us the biggest bang for our buck in helping those being hurt most - homeless, seniors, youth, newly unemployed, and food-deprived individuals and families.  

 

Through individual member donations, our club's foundation, and two available matching grants, we have directed over $85,000 to the following seven local charities.  The committee selected these organizations because they have a long and respected history of serving those in special need.  Likewise, our club has partnered with most of these organizations in the past and knows first hand the good work they do.

 

East County Transitional Living Center houses and feeds over 450 previously homeless people and families and helps them back to full employment.  With our $12,500 donation, the center will be able to invite at least 10 additional families into their programs.

 

Serving Seniors was given $12,500 to provide meals for disadvantaged senior citizens in downtown San Diego.

 

Episcopal Community Services' Uptown Safe Haven was given $12,500  for their residential facility that provides transitional housing and supportive services to chronically homeless young adults with moderate to severe mental health issues.

 

Feeding America was given $10,800 (plus a partial match bringing the total to $19,100) for their program to provide 40,000 meals for communities affected by the coronavirus.  

 

Father Joe's Villages was given $8,300 (plus a matching grant doubling the total to $16,600) for their emergency relief fund to feed and house thousands of homeless persons.

 

Salvation Army Downtown San Diego was given $8,300 for their work with economically vulnerable, low-wage men, women and children who are at risk of falling into homelessness.  

 

La Mision Children's Fund Food Bank in Baja California received $4,000.  La Mision previously  served 55 families per month, but because of the coronavirus crisis, is now serving over 350 families per month.  

 

The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club was founding in 1990 and has since donated $2 million to charities ranging from wounded veterans, USO, feeding and housing the homeless, assisting senior citizens in need, the USS Midway, Honor Flight, Junior Achievement, as well as humanitarian projects in Baja California, Latin America, Africa and India.  Our annual Holes for Heroes golf tournament is our featured fundraiser.  

 

The author of this article, George Mullen is the president of the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of San Diego Paradise Valley (RCSDPV) held its Annual Mission in the Philippines from February 15 to March 1, 2020.  The Club participated at  three sites serving the less fortunate people from San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Madapdap Resettlement, Mabalacat Pampanga and Bauang La Union.  Services provided were free medical consultation, dental cleaning and dental extraction, minor surgeries such as cyst removal, donated reading glasses, feeding program, free medication such as antibiotics, vitamins, analgesics and many more. They served more than 7,000 people in the chosen state.  

 

Other activities included:

Through this effort RCSDPV was able to accomplish five of Rotary's Six Areas of Focus (Maternal and Child Health, Peace Conflict Prevention, Basic Education and Literacy and Water Sanitation) during the trip.  

 

 

 

District Governor (DG), Marta Knight has developed a virtual red badger chat opportunity for new members whose Red Badge requirements call for attendance at a District event.  Given the COVID-19 restrictions for gatherings, this virtual chat satisfies the required attendance at a District event.

 

The chat is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 from noon to 1:00 p.m.  Registration will be open on the District website by Friday.  This is open to all members, not just Red Badgers.  Topics will include District information, including location, size, website, positions, Rotary.org., Learning Center, and Roteract and Interact clubs.  The District Governor line will be speaking as well as a Rotaractor and Interactor.  A Zoom meeting link will be sent out to participating members via email.

 

 

Coronado Rotary Club has turned to Zoom video conferencing for its weekly meetings.  With 135 Rotarians in virtual attendance, donations for Coronado High School (CHS) Interact Club's service project at the Hacienda Orphanage came pouring in using the chat meeting option.  CHS Interact Co-President Brianna Heinken (first row, third from the right) spoke to the Rotarians about the technology and necessity needs (related to COVID-19) at the orphanage during this pandemic.  Rotarians learned about the orphanage's struggle in transitioning to virtual learning because they lack the technology needed.

 

With caring and generosity, 76 Rotarians responded giving $7,465 and an in-kind donation of five laptops for the students at the orphanage.  

 

The Coronado Interact Club, sponsored by the Coronado Rotary Club, is made up of 30 active CHS students.  Along with various service projects in the community, the Interact Club travels to the Hacienda Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico three-to-four times each year to complete projects, bring donations, and spend time with the children there.  Cole Mullins, Interact Vice President, said, "After going to the orphanage for the last four years, I have loved meeting all the children and creating bonds with them.  It is very special and amazing experience that I have been able to have.  This gift will impact them greatly as it will help improve their living conditions and open new doors for them.  They are bright kids and thanks to gifts like this they have bright futures!"

 

Declan Dineen, Interact Co-President-Elect also commented, "Its been such a remarkable experience to give back to the orphanage in addition to making a positive impact on the children's lives.  I'm beyond thankful for having such giving and involved role models such as the Rotarians.  I'm excited to see what the children will be able to achieve and accomplish with your generous donation."

 

The Coronado Rotary Club also provides financial assistance to the orphanage throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark your calendars for June 20-26 for an opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first online convention.

 

Now more than ever, Rotary Connects the World: the 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during a time of unprecedented challenges.

 

Together we'll still experience the spirit of Rotary, be inspired by innovation, celebrate our resilience, and explore how clubs are addressing COVID-19.  Experience Rotary in action during our Flag Ceremony, witness the power of connection during our general sessions, learn new ways to engage with Rotary during our breakout sessions, find inspiration from our global speakers, and much more.

 

We have never needed Rotary - and we have never needed each other - more than we do now.  We hope to see you online, because Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World.

 

 

Be on notice that during these trying times, fraud is on the rise.  Take every precaution to protect your online activity and view every email with a critical eye.

 

This week, District 5340's RYLA bank account was compromised.  A very honest woman from Ohio received in the mail a typed-written check payable to her in the amount of $2,100 from the District's RYLA account.  The check was signed by an approved District RYLA bank account signor.  It was mailed in a very suspicious looking envelope from a signage company in Michigan.  As soon as she got the check in the mail, she received a phone call from someone with a very heavy foreign accent, asking her to cash the check immediately.  She got very suspicious.  Had she not, she would have cashed it and she would have received another call telling her it was a mistake and that she would need to return the money,  Fortunately for her, she made the call to our District Answer Connect Services.

 

District Governor (DG) Marta Knight called her back and got the story.  She asked the woman if she would send her a copy of the check and the mailing envelope, which she did.  She verified the District bank account and the check number did not coincide with the sequence of checks being used by RYLA.  They also do not type out their checks.  The check was an exact image of the RYLA checks, including the signature.  

 

The District notified US Bank where the accounts are managed.  The authorities were also notified in both locations.  It appears this is a new type of fraud - get a check, copy it, change the check number and add a new payee to it, mail it out, have someone cash it and then call to ask them to return the funds.

 

The RYLA account has since been closed and a new one opened.  If you have any outstanding checks, they will send a replacement from the new bank account.

 

The reason for this is to WARN you that there is a lot of fraud going on.  Be careful with your club accounts.  Balance them monthly and keep close tabs on your checkbooks.

 

Additionally, this week, DG Knight's email was also hacked.  Many of you received emails from her asking you to collect on a deposit she made to you using OneDrive.  If you received it, please delete it; the notice was fraudulent.  Her email has been restored with a very secure password with the assistance from representatives of Yahoo.  It is no longer compromised.

 

The Rotary Club of Fallbrook is engaged in a fundraiser (using COVID-19 District Relief Grant Matching Funds) to help three key Fallbrook non-profits who, in response to the pandemic, have stepped up to provide food to Fallbrook citizens in need - grocery delivery services to seniors and feeding Fallbrook's youth who are forced out of school and after school activities.  

 

If you'd like to help, please send your donation of $20 or more to the Rotary Club of Fallbrook Foundation, P.O. Box 1227, Fallbrook, CA  92088 attention: COVID-19 Non-Event.  You donation is tax deductible.  

 

 

Zone Director, Johrita Solari shared with District 5340 leadership the decisions that were made at the April 22-26, 2020 Rotary International Board of Directors meeting.  The highlights are below:

The Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo (Club) has operated their Foundation since 1978 with the expressed purpose to support charitable, cultural, scientific, civic, health and/or education purposes, primarily for local communities in North San Diego County.  The Rancho Bernardo Rotary Foundation (Foundation) annually provides an average of $40,000 in grants to support local projects.  As a result of their successful western-themed family festival, Vines & Vittles last summer, they were able to provide $70,000 in grants this year.

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded with its dramatic impact in our country and community, the Foundation determined that it was time to act.  Under the leadership of the Foundation president, Dan Glover, the trustees assessed the immediate need and decided to provide additional grants to worthy organizations and create a program to provide restaurant gift cards to first responders and homeless youth in the Poway Unified School District (PUSD).

 

The additional grants were provided to:

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club's major fundraiser for this summer, Vines & Vittles family festival has been canceled and they have lost a major source of funding for future grants.  But, the Club recognized that many of the their local restaurant vendors are struggling with the stay at home orders and decided to create a program that would send them some business.  The Club purchased 245 gift cards from Mike's BBQ, Cork and Craft, Jessies Bake Shop, Duff's Doggz, Denny's, Roundtable Pizza, Cowboy Chicken, Elements Café, Submarina and Chicken Charlies.  Each of the these great community assets also contributed to the cause allowing the Club to procure cards valued at $5,875 for $4,650.  These cards will be donated in various quantities to the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation (first responders), Palomar Health Foundation (Pomerado and Palomar Hospital nurses and emergency medical staff), PUSD Families in Need Foundation, and Abraxas Foundation (students in need).

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are pleased to invite you to participate in a COVID-19 #Rotary Responds one-hour Telethon to raise critical funds for disaster response.  This Facebook Live event will be simulcast on the Rotary International Facebook page. The goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars (the link is now live).

 

Rotary's 1.2 million members across the globe have taken swift action to respond to the COVID 19 pandemic.  More than $3.4 million in Rotary Disaster Response Grants have already been put into action on the front lines to battle COVID 19.  Additionally, millions more have been raised by our #PeopleofAction -- they have responded quickly and are truly saving lives.  Now, we need to do more and the need for additional funding is a priority.

 

Join this live event to hear stories of hope, inspiration and graditude from Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary from across the globe as they share what they are doing to help their communities.  The Telethon will also showcase how our polio eradication infrastructure is helping to combat COVID 19.    The live stream will be simulcast in eight languages.  Share this event and spread the word through your social media channels.   Invite your friends and family and members of your community to watch and see first-hand what Rotary's People of Action are doing to combat COVID 19.    When posting, use hashtag "RotaryResponds.  Lastly, encourage everyone to donate!

 

While we are staying home, what better time is there for learning more about Rotary.  Check out the Rotary Learning Center.  It's a great way to build up your Rotary knowledge.  There are single e-learning courses, as well as learning plans with multiple courses on each subject matter.  Want to learn Rotary basics?  Fellowships? Best practices for engaging members? How to build a diverse club?  Club president basics?  Club secretary basics?  Grant management?  Membership? Mentoring?  This list could go on; there is something for everyone.  This is a great way for new members to get up to speed on everything Rotary.  Clubs may even want to make e-learning part of their red badge requirements.  Let's get started!

 

 

The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club (Club) showed some love to residents living in the  Veterans Home of California located in Chula Vista.  Veterans received a variety of activity gifts to keep them occupied during the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders.  

 

In just one week, the Club collected 76 books, seven crossword, 16 Word Find, 11 Sudoku, 44 pencils, 22 decks of cards, dice and checkers, three coloring books,  markers and colored pencils and a couple of art projects.  

 

The best part of this project was the 102 handwritten cards and 26 beautiful drawings and cards made by local children.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we look for ways to grow as Rotarians, we came across  the artistry of Rotarian, Terry Decker from the Rotary Club of Fallbrook who cleverly put together a six-minute YouTube video on the history of Rotary's Four-Way Test.  It's a short video so please take the time to watch.  You can view it here.

 

As scientists work to find a vaccine for the new coronavirus, we can do our part to keep our communities healthy by helping Rotary spread the word about the importance of vaccinations during World Immunization Week, April 24-30.

 

Immunizations save millions of lives every year and are widely recognized as one of our most successful and cost-effective health interventions.  Yet outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases continue to put children's health at risk around the world.

 

Rotary knows firsthand that #VaccinesWork.  Since 1985, we've contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly three billion children from polio.  When children receive the polio vaccine, their pinkie fingers are marked with purple ink so health workers will know which children received the vaccine.  Today, only two countries continue to report cases of polio caused by the wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 

 

On April 19, 1868, Rotary founder Paul Harris was born in Racine, Wisconsin, USA.  To honor him, you may wish to read notes to Harris from his Rotarian friends.

 

Consider finding ways to celebrate the 152nd anniversary of Paul Harris' birth.  Tell RI by writing to annualfund@rotary.org.  You could be featured in the next Paul Harris Society Resource.  Subscribe to this quarterly newsletter if you aren't already receiving it, and you'll get updates on membership, read about what motivates our contributors, and more.

Rotary International has a blog on its Rotary Voices page that share stories of service from around the world.  From hosting virtual meetings to using tutorial videos, Rotary members are embracing change to stay connected during COVID 19.  #Rotary Responds.  Check out some of the stories:  https://bit.ly/3dkWMCi.

 

Members of the Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside Rotary raised $1,250 in just under two weeks and donated the money to the Santee Food Bank to help the nonprofit feed residents having a tough time during the COVID 19 pandemic.   

 

The Club appealed to its members to donated $19 (after COVID 19) or whatever they could to help the Santee Food Bank.  Members raised $1,250 in short order, which combined with the promised $250 from the District for a total of $1,500 delivered to the president of the Santee Food Bank, Pastor Dennis Martins, and several of the group's volunteers.  

 

According to Pastor Martins "their (food bank) resources have been strained these past several weeks with the COVID 19 virus.  While we typically feed 450 families, this month we have served almost 900.  This pandemic has really had an impact on those that we serve."

 

In past years, District 5340 Matching Grants have also allowed the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club to support the Santee Food Bank by purchasing needed refrigerator and freezer units. The Club also partners with the Santee Post Office during their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive providing assistance in off loading donated items from postal vehicles, weighing donations and then loading bins onto a donated large truck to deliver directly to the Santee Food Bank.  Club participation allows the food items donated in Santee to stay in Santee.

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of La Mesa Sunrise (as part of a early Rotarians At Work Day effort) got together a harvesting party at a member's home where they picked over 500 pounds of fruit that was donated to the Santee Food Bank, La Mesa First Methodist Church's Fresh Start program, Noah Homes, Homeless Encampment, the East County Transitional Living Center, Bradley Convalescent Home and La Mesa senior citizens.  If you look at the picture below you can see they did this all while practicing social distancing.  A big shout out goes to Rotarian Peggy Smith Davis for growing this amazing bounty and donating it all!

 

Rotarian Fernanda Torres, peace chair for the San Diego Coastal Rotary Club is quarantined in Tijuana.  While there, she identified major needs in her community and texted her Club president, Jenny Parker about the issues.  Members of the club went into immediate action and obtained a COVID grant from the District and Torres were able to obtain thousands of pieces of much need personal protective equipment (PPE) at a great price and get them distributed to clinics and hospitals in Tijuana.

 

The San Diego Coastal Rotary Club also put together a COVID grant to aid kids and families in need.  As a result, more than 1,000 pounds of beans and rice were distributed to orphanages and families in Mexico. As much as San Diegans are suffering physically and economically during this pandemic, our sister city across the border is doing even worse with no or limited safety nets to assist.  If any other clubs would like to contribute to people in need in Tijuana, Torres and Parker will be able to help make sure the funds and resources get to where they need to go.  For more information, contact Jenny Parker at jennyy@jparkermd.net.

 

 

 

A program begun by Rotary is employing thousands of health workers to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  The program is the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GAEI) which includes Rotary's PolioPlus program.  From the earliest days of polio eradication in the Philippines, the generosity and advocacy of Rotarians and our partners has nearly stopped polio, stopped Ebola from becoming an epidemic in Nigeria and now responds to COVID-19.

 

Over the next four to six months, the polio program is offering tools, workforce and extensive surveillance network to support countries as they respond.  Globally, the polio surveillance network is being trained on COVID case detection, contact tracing, laboratory testing and data management.  GPEI is deploying its coordination mechanisms such as emergency operations centers and sharing physical assets like vehicles, computers, and mobile phones to combat the pandemic.

 

The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Club has a project to help micro entrepreneurs referred by the International Rescue Committee in San Diego (IRC) and the Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD).  The Club has been taking donations to pay local small business, tailors who have lost jobs and livelihoods in this crisis, to sew 100% cotton face masks to be donated to FHCSD.  Over 2,000 face masks have been donated so far and a good portion of them have gone to supply the homeless population who have been moved into the San Diego Convention Center.

 

You can help by supporting this project with a donation.  You can also order masks for yourselves or for one of your club's own charities of choice, workers in assisted living facilities or other areas of need.  By doing this your club is  helping save precious N95 and other hospital grade protection gear for our brave healthcare professionals on the front lines.  

 

The tailor use two patterns recommended by US hospitals:

If you are interested in supporting this cause or wanting to purchase masks, please contact Pauline Lim-Endresen at:  pauline@paulineandbjorn.com

 

 

As we acclimate during this unique time, we are truly inspired by the many ways Rotarians continue to connect with one another.  Club presidents have the ability to decide what they want their club meetings to look like.  For example, you might want to take advantage of the many online meeting platforms. 

 

Keep in mind that the Standard Rotary Club Constitution Article 7, Section 1-D details that a club can cancel their meetings due to an outbreak such as this.  

 

Club and District Support Fourth Quarter Highlights:

Helpful Links to a Few of the Online Meeting Platforms:

 

 

The Escondido East Rotary Club donated $500 worth of hand sanitizer spray made by their own Club Rotarian's company Sculpt Nouveau.  The hand sanitizer was delivered to Interfaith Community Services, a non-profit that empowers people in need of stabilization to improve their lives through comprehensive programs in partnership with diverse faith communities and people of passion.

 

 

Old Mission Rotary collaborated with Club Rotarian, Gary John Collins, who is the owner of the Air Conditioned Lounge located in North Park to produce a live stream of jazz music.  Collin's nightclub is closed but that didn't stop Gary from organizing a live stream concert with Ghost Jazz Trio that aired April 1.  The purpose was to entertain and Connect the Community as well as raise money for the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

 

The food bank reported that the concert raised enough money to provide 6,345 meals to those in need!  Old Mission Rotary contributed $800.  

 

Special thanks to Gary John Collins of Old Mission Rotary for organizing and donating his venue for the event!

 

Additional thanks goes to the Ghost Jazz Trio who donated their time and talents!  The Ghost Jazz Trio is made up of Fusionfingers Morgan on guitar, Casper Paludan on drums and Aaron Seener on bass.  David Blood served as the event's techie, also volunteering his talents to live stream the event from three cameras.  

 

Rotary has launched a bold new initiative called VOLUNTEER SURGE.  Under this program, Rotarians and their friends have an opportunity to take an online class of eight hours and get qualified to assist in much-needed screening activities which will reduce suffering and save lives, all in the comfort and safety of your home.  Their is also another longer course for those who are healthcare workers who would like to be in the field as community health care workers.  The potential impact is huge.  

 

Please take the opportunity to access this WEBSITE to learn about this incredible opportunity to serve.   Let's jump on this opportunity for TAKING ACTION, right now!   

 

 

During this time of uncertainty, The Rotaract Club of Pacific Beach has been actively finding new ways to connect with members by creating weekly virtual events.

 

The Club's first Virtual Social Hour was scheduled, right after California's stay-at-home order, to check in on its members.  In addition to sharing how members were feeling, their Board of Directors shared virtual volunteer opportunities, discussed how to support small businesses, and other virtual events they were looking forward to.  Members also agreed that weekly virtual social hours were helpful during this difficult time to stay connected.  

 

The Club's Board of Directors took this feedback and looked for virtual opportunities to engage members.  One idea was to see if any Rotaract members would like to share something they are passionate and knowledgeable about with the club.  As a result, the second virtual social hour included their twin club, Rotaract Tijua Oeste, for an art and wine night.  Ivn Santos from Rotaract Tijuana Oeste shared a wine presentation that gave an overview of the types of wine and their origin, the different types of wine glasses, and how to taste wine with your palette.  Following Ivan, Jessie Case from Pacific Beach Rotaract presented on four famous artists and their most well-know work.

 

Pacific Beach Rotaract also invited their twin club, Vancouver Young Professionals Rotaract Club, to a virtual social hour.  The clubs created a Virtual Book Club for their members and plan to meet once a month.

 

In addition to virtual events, Pacific Beach Rotaract launched an Instagram Rotaract Takeover where members share how they are social distancing during this time.   An Instagram takeover is the process of taking over someone else's Instagram account temporarily (typically one day) and sharing content with their audience.  President Sesy Enriquez kicked off the first Rotaract Instagram Takeover by sharing where she worked as her job is an essential service and gave members an in-depth look at how glasses are made at LensCrafters.  Sesy also shared how to clean your glasses and stressed the importance of an annual eye exam.  

 

Looking forward, Pacific Beach Rotaract has a full calendar in April with virtual events.  In celebration of their fourth anniversary as a club, their April Business Meeting will be beach- themed.  Rotarians and guests are welcome to join and encouraged to dress in their favorite Hawaiian shirt.  The April Business Meeting is Tuesday, April 7 starting at 6:00 pm.  the Google meet link and other virtual events can be found on the Club's Facebook page.  On Saturday, April 11, one of their members will be leading them through a virtual painting tutorial of their local landmark in Pacific Beach - Crystal Pier.  Pacific Beach Rotaract also has a virtual Information Meeting to see if they can recruit members during this time.  Lastly, make sure to tune in to their Rotaract Instagram Takeover where members will be sharing every Tuesday and Thursday in April.

 

The Ghost Jazz Trio live concert and FOOD DRIVE is happening on Wednesday, April 1 from noon until 2:00 pm!  The event is co-sponsored by Old Mission Rotary and the Air Conditioned Lounge and is designed to entertain and connect us while we raise money for the San Diego Food Bank.  

 

As you are aware, all bars are closed but the musicians will be performing alone at the Air Conditioned Lounge in North Park with the aid of one audio-visual technician.  Safe social distancing will be observed by the band and no one else will be allowed onsite.    

 

Our goal is to raise $5000 in monetary donations through a special virtual shopping experience website established by the San Diego Food Bank.  You can login and donate anytime during the concert.

 

 

Thank you in advance to all those donating their time to make this happen:  James "fusion fingers" Morgan on guitar, Casper Paludan on drums, Aaron Seener on bass, Gary Collins, owner of Air Conditioned Lounge for the use of his venue, and David Blood who will do all the video live-streaming with three cameras.   

 

For more than a century, Rotary has connected the world through fellowship and service.  The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our daily routines and forced the cancellation of many in-person Rotary and Rotaract club meetings and events.  But even when we can't hold our usual events, members have lots of ways to stay engaged, connected with one another, and serve their community.

 

Clubs can meet online using services such as Zoom, Skype, or GoToMeeting.  All three platforms offer robust support from their directions for setting up an account to helping with technical issues.  Rotary and Rotaract members get a discount on Zoom through Rotary Global Awards.  Members can also connect with each other on social media and with services such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or WhatsApp groups,

 

Learn how Rotarians and Rotaractors are staying in contact and keeping members engaged during these difficult times.

How is your club keeping your members engaged during the COVID-19 response?  Share your ideas and resources in District 5340's Newsbits.  Send information and photos if you have them to Newsbits editor, Sandy Pugliese at sandyp304@gmail.com. 

 

District Governor, Marta Knight has released $15,000 from her annual district budget that was to be used for canceled district events.

 

These funds will be available as matching funds for clubs to do projects related to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.  Each club will be entitled to up to $250 in matching funds for an approved project related to relief efforts for the current COVID-19 crisis.  These projects may address such items as food insecurity, access to personal protection equipment, shelter insecurity, education/outreach, etc.

 

Deadline for submission of these grants is April 30, 2020.  Grants will be reviewed, approved and paid out upon receipt to allow rapid deployment in our communities.  

 

Process to apply is as follows:

If you have any questions please email Janice Kurth at janice@janicekurth.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we begin Week Three of being at home, I want to share some thoughts with you as District Governor, club member and, most of all, as your friend.

 

I am so proud of everything you are all doing with your Rotary family and with each other.  You are  truly living out our theme this year .... "Rotary Connects the World", and you are also "Making Good Things Happen Together with Love, Compassion and Joy".

 

We are in this together day-by-day - figuring it out as we go and in our own very individual way.  Club members need each other more than ever right now.  We can be there for them the best way we can.  Now is the time to share your own special "gift" with each other.  Be creative, kind, generous and reach out to each other.  Stay in touch by setting up a phone tree. Each member taking three names and checking in on each other just to say "hi, am thinking of you".

 

Start sharing what you are doing with each other.  You are all doing incredible acts of kindness.  Every club activity that I see shared on Facebook, I forward to our Rotary Members and District 5340 member groups.  That keeps us connected.

 

I am also excited that we have set up our District COVID-19 Relief Grants.  We are going to redirect $15,000 of District funds from events that were canceled to club matching grants of $250.  You can then be "ordinary people who get to do the extraordinary and change lives" within your community.

 

I am here for you.  I am trying to find a balance with staying informed with the news and not becoming too anxious.  What makes me happy is being connected with all of you and being there to support you for whatever comes ahead.  I know that when it does, we will be ready for it because we are Rotarians and People of Action.

 

Stay healthy and when FEAR comes into your mind, turn it around to F-family, flexibility, E-exercise, education, A attitude, activity, R- reassurance, reading and Rotary!

 

Saludos,

 

Marta Knight

District 5340 Governor

 

 

As we navigate the needs of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic and we learn of volunteer opportunities, we will share them with you.  Here are a few:

 

 

South Bay Helps is beginning a non-contact delivery system beginning today and they are looking for a few individuals to receive calls and a few more individuals to pick up and deliver meals.  This activity is considered essential activity and volunteers and are not restricted under the California stay-at-home order.  Volunteer drivers will not enter the Food Bank nor the homes of the individuals.  Deliveries will involve drive through pick up and doorstep delivery only.  For more information email Gina Woodward at southbayhelps@gmail.com.

 

 

While Feeding San Diego isn't accepting volunteers at this time, they will match you with local needs.  Please fill out this form to help them guide you to a place where you may volunteer.  

 

 

To volunteer with Meals on Wheels, you need to complete this form and then there is a process to follow, including a background check.  

 

 

 

For those clubs using ClubRunner, we have received information on how they can help you stay connected.

 

Free trials and renewals extended by two months.

 

ClubRunner understands that you may need more time to evaluate your ClubRunner trial or make your annual renewal payments.  This is why they are extending their trial period by two months, and annual renewal deadlines will be automatically be extended.

 

 

To help your club mobilize its efforts within your community, they are offering free access and expanded usage of the Enhanced Volunteer Module for the next two months.  This has already been added to your account and no action needs to be taken.  You can learn more on how to use the module here.  

 

If your club is using the Admin Only version of ClubRunner, please contact ClubRunner for a free 60-day upgrade to the Standard version, which will allow you to use this module.

 

In 2015, Bill Gates did a TED talk concerning the potential of a pandemic.  He cites his study of Polio and the economic impact of such a pandemic.  This is well worth your eight-minutes of viewing.  Link provided by DGE Stve Weitzen.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Escondido East Rotary Club's Flower Fundraiser to support Escondido's Police Cadets, Fire Explorers and ROTC is now underway.  You simply order online.

 

Order a beautiful flower basket for Mother's day, for yourself or as a gift.  The Club started this fundraiser a year ago and the fundraiser was a rousing success.  They anticipate the same this year.  You can order online or download the form and  send the check to Sculpt Nouveau, 1155 Industrial Avenue, Escondido, 92029.  Please order by April 26!

 

For any questions, please call or text Don at 760-807-5131.  Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 virus, we are postponing the Mission Gorge Rotary Club's Charter Dinner to a future date when the "stay-at-home" order is lifted and we are safely through this current crisis.  We will announce the new date/time when it is available.  Stay safe and healthy!

As we look for ways to be of service during this COVID-19 pandemic, there is one essential community service that can always use your help - The San Diego Blood Bank.  

 

The Blood bank needs people to sustain the blood supply over the coming weeks.  Please consider making an appointment for a date in the near future.  If you make an appointment, please note that you should allow extra time as the Blood Bank has implemented new screening and cleaning processes.  This is to ensure your safety.

 

For more information, please go to sandiegobloodbank.org.  There you can find important links to further assist you.  To make an appointment, you can go to www.sandiegobloodbank.org/GiveLife.

 

 

 

 

Dear Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends,

 

Let me get right to the unfortunate news - the RI Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 2020 Rotary International Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.  We are all part of the Rotary family, and your safety remains our highest priority.  Like the more than 20,000 registrants who planned to attend this year's convention, I am very disappointed.  However, this is the right and  necessary decision to protect the health and safety of convention attendees, as well as those who call Honolulu home.

 

At this point, we are unsure that Rotary could adequately protect convention-goers from the risk of CPVID-19 infection en route to, during and after the convention.  We are also unsure if restrictions on travel to the United States will be lifted by June.  We have heard from a number of you who voiced concerns about gathering at the convention this year.  I also heard from many who were hopeful that we could continue with the convention as planned.  The Board was very diligent and considered all the facts before taking the decision.

 

 

Learning Topics, a new feature to share ideas and resources with other members, is now available in the Learning Center.  Some topics are available for all members to view, while others can be viewed by those in specific roles.

 

Learning Topics is similar to My Rotary Discussion Groups in that each topic has a moderator (either staff or a Rotary member), ensuring that the content is relevant to the topic, and members can comment on a resource or start a discussion related to it.  The difference is that Learning Topics is more than just discussion - you can also share content like web pages, presentations templates, and other tools to run and train your clubs and districts.

Please click read more.

 

Old Mission Rotary is committed to serving a home cooked meal one Sunday per month to youth participating in the Doors of Change program.  Doors of Change works with "transitional-age-youth" between the age of 16-25 who are living on the streets of Ocean Beach.

 

On Sunday March 8, Gary John Collins and his wife, Kimberly provided salad and freshly baked corn bread and Don and Susan Krup delivered chili con carne and vegetarian chili. Donna Mayturn organized the service and kept the meal hot in her crock pots!  Thanks to Vicky Yates of the Oregon City Rotary Club for organizing Old Mission Rotary's participation in this wonderful community service project.

 

The Club's next dinner services are slated for April 12, May 10 and June 14.

 

 

The LEAD (Leadership, Ethics, Aspirations and Determination) Conference is a leadership and personal development program for 8th grade students.  Old Mission Rotary sponsored teams from Farb Middle School in Tierrasanta and CPMA (Creative Performing and Media) in Clairemont.  On March 10, the CPMA team attended Old Mission Rotary's club meeting to share their experience.  

 

 

These past few weeks have been "unbelievable" for all of us.  Our top priority has been your health and safety.  District Conference, District Training Assembly, RYLA, Model UN, Camp Enterprise and 4-Way Speech Contest have all been canceled or postponed for a later date that will be determined as we move forward.  As of today, the Rotary International Convention in Honolulu is still on.  But, as our Zone Director Johrita Solari shared, this is a very fluid situation that can change at anytime.

 

Many clubs are staying dark and not meeting at this time.  Many of your fundraisers and events have also been canceled or postponed including San Diego Downtown Evening Charter Dinner.  I have been sharing all of this information as it comes in to me on our Rotary Member Facebook page and with our District Leadership and Assistant Governors.

 

This morning, I spoke to our neighbor D-4100 Governor Fernando Otañez.  We shared what our Districts are doing and we are both ready to support our members as needed.  

 

 

I am sure there are many questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and how it relates to convention.  Here is what we know:

 

Rotary International has an interdepartmental staff response team that meets daily to monitor the situation and discuss Rotary's potential responses.  At this time, Rotary is following the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of State, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Currently, WHO has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions, based on current information.   RI will continue to watch for developments and will follow any recommendations from CDC, WHO and the US State Department.  RI is  preparing to make any necessary adjustments to event plans as needed to protect convention attendees   Your health and safety is their top priorities.  RI will keep everyone informed through http://www.riconvention.org  and through updates through the Convention Newsletter, and by mail.

 

As of this date, the Rotary International Convention is still scheduled for June 6-10 in Honolulu, Hawaii.  

 

 

 

 

Calling all heroes and villain's!  San Diego Coastal Rotary Club is having a SUPER fundraiser!  Grab your friends, capes and masks and join forces for an afternoon of drinks, games, trivia contests and opportunity drawings.  Dress your best as there will be a prize for the best costume.  Participants will be divided up into teams of four for the games.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door.  All proceeds will benefit RYLA and LEAD.  Be a superhero for our future leaders!  Superheroes will gather at the Sidecar Bar (1310 Sports Arena Blvd.) on Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 p.m.  

 

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.  To learn more, you can also visit the Club's Facebook page.

 

 

 

Last call friends!  We are rounding up the last of our volunteers from across the District.  Who wants to join us?  Who wouldn't?  Come down to La Jolla Shores March 11-15 where 120 adaptive athletes from 20 countries are competing.  Be a part of something so inspiring by helping with wheelchair transfers, opening or closing ceremonies, acting as a spotter in the judges tent, interacting with hundreds of friends from Australia to South Africa, Japan to France, Brazil to Wales - It's EPIC!  Got a country flag?  Bring it!  Want to get your Interact and Rotaract fired up?  Let's do it!

 

This event is supported by Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship, a fellowship founded in 2017 by District 5340 Rotarian Brett Morey, Past President of the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle.  If you are not already following on social media add @surfsurfersunite to see how they are bringing the family of Rotary together across the globe.  Stop by the Surfers Unite tent at the event.  Those who want to volunteer can register here. 

 

If you are interesting in learning more about Surfers Unite Rotarian Fellowship or any of the other 70+ official Rotary Fellowships, visit www.rotary.org/fellowships.

The Old Mission Rotary Foundation awarded a grant of $3500 to International Relief Teams.  The funds will be used for their food backpack program.  Backpacks with food and snacks are distributed to school children in San Diego's underprivileged neighborhoods on Friday for the weekend.  Many young children eat breakfast and lunch at school but their families have very little money for groceries.

 

It is a sad commentary that International Relief Teams feels the need to distribute food to children in the richest country in the world.  Their core mission is to send medical teams and medicines to the most remote corners of the planet.

 

 

District Grant final reports are due April 1, 2020 (No fooling!).  Club presidents and/or project contacts need to log into matchinggrants.org and upload receipts to their project page.  Then, the final report needs to be filled in and submitted. Final reports must be submitted for clubs to receive a district grant next year.  If you have questions or need assistance, contact District Grants Chair Elana Levens-Craig at levenscraig@hotmail.com  or call at (619) 993-7805.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On February 23, UCSD Rotaractors held a its annual WAPI construction project on campus.  WAPIs (water pasteurization indicator) are a small reusable devices that shows when water has reached pasteurization temperature (150°F/65°C) and is safe to drink.  They resemble thermometers in size.  The class vile has wax inside and when  completely melted (pasteurization temperature), it indicates that the water is safe to drink. 

 

WAPIs cost a fraction of what a thermometer would cost, around $1 per WAPI.  By close of the project nearly 1100 WAPIs had been constructed by Rotaractors and Rotarians from all over the District.  WAPIs will be sent to Mexico and regions in Africa. 

 

 

Dear fellow Rotarians,

 

The health and safety of our members are our top priorities.  We are closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus)  and continuously assessing its potential impact on our operations, meetings, trainings, and other events.

 

Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, I encourage you to use your discretion when it comes to club and district meetings and events, and Rotary programs and activities.  Canceling or postponing meetings or Rotary related travel might be appropriate.  Even if events are held as scheduled, some people may choose not to take part  And, of course, if the World Health Organization and your national, regional or local health authorities discourage or prohibit gathering or traveling because of the risk of spreading COVID-19, follow their recommendations.

 

Check My Rotary for our latest information on COVID-19 and any updates to our travel guidance.  

 

I encourage you, as leaders in your community, to provide whatever assistance your community needs at this time.  Contact your local health authorities to learn what your Rotary club can do to help prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Please accept my best wishes for the health and safety of your family and of all the members of the Rotary family in your area.

 

Kindest regards,

 

 

2019-2020 President, Rotary International

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 5340's 16th Annual Model UN Conference is scheduled for March 28-29.  We will have 48 teams from 30 different schools participating.

 

As is our custom, Rotarians and special guests are welcome to join us for the MUN Dinner at Crown Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley,  There will also be five VIP speakers joining us for dinner and participating in a Q&A session with our students.  The topic will be Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution.

 

Please use this link to view details and register for the event:  Everbrite link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Mission Gorge invites you to join them at their Chartering Dinner on Saturday, May 9, 2020 from 6-10 p.m. at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse - Presidio Room.  The cost will be $50 per person.  Join us for dining and dancing as we celebrate our District's newest club.  More details will be coming soon on how to make your reservations, but make sure you mark your calendars now for this very special evening.  For more information or to make early reservations, please use this email:  rcmissiongorge@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 5340 welcomes a Rotary Friendship Exchange Team from Croatia (D1913) in May as part of the Rotary International's Rotary Friendship Exchange program.  Our District will host 10 Rotarian visitors from Croatia from May 28 to June 6, 2020.  We will hold a welcome reception for them on Friday, May 29 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at a private home in the Balboa Park area.  If you would like to meet our visitors at this reception, please contact our hosts Phil and Vicki Yates (Old Mission Rotary Club) at pyates99@gmail.com or vickihyates@gmail.com.  You can also reach Phil at (503) 570-8000.

 

If you are interested in visiting Croatia in September 2020, please come to an RFE meeting on April 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Capital One Café in University Towne Center.  We are putting our team together and want to invite participation from the District.  If you are interesting in participating in the trip to Croatia, please contact Phil Yates at the email and phone number listed above.