Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo

The National Weather Service station for the San Diego region is in Rancho Bernardo. Miguel Miller, meteorologist at the RB station, will explain all that goes into making forecasts and warnings. This talk will be presented rain or shine.

President Suzie called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM.  The volunteers for the meeting performed their duties with enthusiasm as the pledge, invocation, and welcome song went off without a hitch. John Hawkins provided great lunch music, Jack Mitchell lead us all in a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda with translation provided by Lew Tyler. Then Jack lead all members in our welcome song to our visitors

Diane Law provided us with a “Who Am I” talk on her career in marketing for high tech companies and involvement in the community. Diane discussed her Pittsburgh roots and career moves to Ohio, Detriot, San Jose, and San Diego. It was quite the journey and thank you Diane for sharing your story with us.

Jason Salazar reported on the club’s efforts to raise money for Japan Relief. Jason reported the successful raising of $6300 which will then be a part of a larger District wide donation to the Rotary District in Japan that has been hardest hit by the Tsunami. This is a prime example of Rotarians helping Rotarians in their time of need. Jason then presented Dana Vandersip of San Diego Hospice with a grant from our club foundation and Dana provided us with an update on her organization’s efforts to improve the quality of life for those that they assist.

Mark Kersey provided a summary of the Hats Off to Volunteers event that was held in Webb Park on Saturday. Mark was grateful to all of the Rotarians who were there to man the booth and provide information to the community on our club.  Thank you to all for your efforts.

Karen Stelman presented the Rotarians-at-Work projects that our club will be participating in this year and sent the list out electronically to those who signed up. Thank you for your participation and see you on April 30.

Mira Bozanich reported on her experience as a facilitator at RYLA.  It was an uplifting experience being part of the Princeton Tiger family and helping all of the young students  during the weekend.

Troy Daum did a quick round of fines and generated 100% participation out of the club for our golf fundraiser in the process.  Well done Troy! President Suzie and first spouse Don donated $26.50 each for a total of $53 in celebration of their 53rd Anniversary! Happy Anniversary Suzie and Don!

Vern Cook introduced our speaker Sharon Leon, Executive Director of the National Foundation for Autism Research. She discussed the treatments and services that improve the quality of life for autistic children and young adults. Some of her key points centered around the importance of early detection and identification of autism in the young children so treatment can begin.  45% of the new autism cases are coming from the Latino community in San Diego and many of those children are being diagnosed late or not at all in some instances. The annual SD Race for Autism helps raise money for the teacher grants to help the students in our schools. PUSD is known for its autism program and many of those funds reach our local schools. Thank you Sharon for all of your efforts and turning your family’s challenge with your son’s autism into an organization that has a positive and lasting impact on our community. Upon conclusion of his talk Gary Saks, our speaker chair presented her with a book that will be donated in her honor on behalf of RB Rotary to Bernardo Heights Middle School.

President Suzie adjourned the meeting at 1:30 PM.