District News
Dictionaries and Thesauruses for Poway Students
A dictionary and thesaurus labeling party was held at a Rotarian's home on Saturday, January 11.  Some 25 Rotarians from the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club put Rotary's Four Way Test labels on 1100 dictionaries and 1000 thesauruses for the third and fourth grade students in the Poway Unified School District.  Following completion of the labeling, a delicious lunch was held, provided by contributions of the attendees and hot dogs catered by Duffs Doggz.  Subsequent to the labeling, the Rotarians, at a later date, will break up into teams and deliver the personal copies of the dictionaries and thesauruses to the students in their respective classrooms.  Distribution proves to be a rewarding experience for all involved - students, teachers and Rotarians.
 
Photo L-R:  Pat Norfolk, Judy Lutticken and Joyce Hunt.
 
 
 
 
Dan's Place Receives Donation in Memory of Martin Sheps
Sunday, January 12 was a special night at the Friendship Circle.  Members of the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club had a chance to visit one of its long-time member's favorite projects - Dan's Place.
 
Dan's Place was created to give young adults with special needs an opportunity to learn and practice vocational skills in the food and hospitality industry.  Monthly dinners are created an served with the help of knowledgeable volunteers.  Each participant commits to learning a position within the restaurant such as chef, server, host and more.  Volunteers assist alongside each participant as they practice from setup to cleanup and everything in between.
 
 "Martin Sheps passed away about a year ago.  He left our club a generous gift.  Martin had a special place in his heart for this Friendship Circle program," said Bret Geernaert, club president.  Our club decided to present this group a donation to honor Martin's memory."
 
The guests that evening were treated to a delicious meal of Salmon, salad, vegetables and brownies - all made by the members of the Friendship Circle.  They were serenaded by live piano and violin music during the dinner as well.  It was a great evening of fellowship within the Rancho Bernardo Chabad community and the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotarians.  
 
RI President, Mark Maloney Speaks on the Future of Rotary
 
Sixteen clubs were represented at the January 16 meeting of the Fallbrook Rotary Club.  Participating Rotarians  heard Rotary International President, Mark Maloney speak on the Future of Rotary.  Thank you President-Elect, Jim Mendelson for leading  the meeting for District 5340.   It was a wonderful gathering of support by Rotarians for Maloney and his vision for the future.
 
A Very Powerful World Peace Conference Concludes
Photo: Rotarians attending Peace Conference
 
The 2020 Rotary World Peace Conference held  January 17 & 18 in Ontario has successfully concluded.  Many Rotarians and Rotaractors from District 5340 attended this two-day event.  With 13 tracks and over 120 sessions, there were many opportunities to learn about being People of Action in Rotary's focus area of Promoting Peace.
 
The six general sessions provided attendees with a group of powerful and dynamic speakers from such organizations as the Tariq Khamisa Foundation, Women Across DMZ, the UN and the Peace Corp.  Session-goers also heard from people making a difference around the world, including Nobel Laureate Nominee, Dr. Fozia Alvi who discussed the Rohingya genocide, a series of ongoing persecutions by the Myanmar government against the Muslim Rohingya people, and Mark and Kym Hilinski from the Hilinski's Hope Foundation who discussed efforts to raise awareness about mental health in student athletes.  Participants had an opportunity to meet survivors of Hiroshima and the Holocaust.
 
The House of Friendship showcased over 65 organizations which  promote peace and awareness throughout the world, and gave participants an opportunity to learn more about what they do, providing  inspiration on how they too can make a difference in the world.
 
You can't come away from a conference such as this without being inspired to making a difference any way you can.  If you weren't able to attend this year's conference, then please mark your calendars now so that you can attend next year.  Next year's Rotary World Peace Conference will be held in Birmingham, Alabama on May 7-8, 2020.  To learn more you can go to www.peaceconference2021bham.org.
 
Photo:  Rotaractors attending conference.
 
2020 Rotary Convention Update
 
To  help you plan your visit for the convention taking place in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 6-10, 2020, here is the latest information about the program, mobility assistance rentals and more.
 
Breakout Sessions:
 
On Saturday, June 6 and Monday through Wednesday, June 8-10, you can choose from more than 70 breakout sessions on a variety of topics.  Here is a sample of the sessions being developed:
 
  •   Strengthen your club - Explore strategies that will keep your members engaged and inspire newcomers to join the Rotary family.
  •   Rotary's Action Plan - Be part of the conversation about Rotary's future and discover how your club can bring our strategic plan to   life.
  •   Connect and take action - Meet Rotarians and Rotaractors who are tackling the world's biggest challenges and learn how you can     help.    
Get up-to-date information about the sessions.
 
Rotary and the United Nations:
 
Connect with the family of Rotary at the Presidential Conference bring held on Friday, June 5.  This event will recognize the longstanding cooperation between Rotary and the United Nations on humanitarian issues.  We'll also celebrate United Nations World Environment Day.  The conference is open to everyone.  Rotarians, Rotaractors, program alumni and the public.
 
 
Wayne and LeAnn Cusick Day
Posted by Marta Knight, DG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
District 5340 will be celebrating Past District Governor, Wayne and LeAnn Cusick Day on Friday, January 24, 2020.
 
The Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle is hosting Rotary International Past President, Ravi Ravindran as a guest to their meeting on the 24th at 7:30 a.m.  The meeting will be held at the Braille Institute, 4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA  92121.  The cost is $25.  For registration contact club president, Kim Schafer.
 
Wayne's family will be attending and will be presented with a plaque and presentations honoring Wayne and his work with the Paul Harris Society.
A Successful Rotary Leadership Series
Posted by Marta Knight, DG
 
 
 
 
A successful Rotary Leadership Institute - Part II - was held on Saturday, January 11 for the 2020-2021 Club Presidents-Elect and Red Badgers.  District Governor-Elect, Steve Weitzen prepared Presidents-Elect for PETS training, which is scheduled for February 7-9 at the LAX Marriott Hotel.  District Membership Chair, Dianne Crawford shared best practices related to effective club management and strategic planning.  PDG and Foundation Chair, Marge Cole reviewed guidelines for District and Global Grants for the upcoming Rotary year.  PDG, Scott Carr presented on branding, communications and PR strategy options for clubs.  Graduation pins were presented by District Governor, Marta Knight.
 
Congratulations to all the graduates of this year's Rotary Leadership Institute.
Charter Member Meeting
Mission Gorge Rotary Club Invites New Members to a Charter Member Meeting
January 17, 2020
7:00 p.m.
 
A new Rotary club is chartering in the Mission Gorge area of San Diego!  Their first meeting will be held on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Troy's Greek Restaurant, 10450 Friars Road, San Diego, CA  92120.  This new Rotary club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Diego South Bay.  For more information, contact acting president, Abraham Sultan at ibrahimsultan62@hotmail.com.  
Rotarians Respond to Australian Brushfires
Posted by Rotary Week - January 10
 
More than 100 separate brushfires in Australia have damaged hundreds of homes and forced mass evacuations.  Rotary clubs are taking action to provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires.  Rotary has a Disaster Response Fund, which following a natural disaster like the fires in Australia, ensures we can deliver supplies, provide health care and support rebuilding efforts.  By making a donation today, you can help Rotarians respond swiftly and effectively, bringing hope to those whose lives have been affected by disaster.  
 
Read more...
Rotary, Toastmasters Launch New Collaboration
Posted by Rotary Weekly - January 10
 
Rotary and Toastmasters have launched a new collaboration to help their members broaden their networks and increase their positive impact in communities.  Rotary clubs and districts can get involved in this alliance by learning more about Toastmasters, exploring its resources and public speaking tips, or visiting a local Toastmasters club.  Read a blog post about why Toastmasters benefits Rotary clubs and learn more.
District Golf League Golfers Have First Outing
Posted by Marge Cole
 
 
On January 8, Rotary District Golf League golfers celebrated their first outing of the Rotary/New Year at the Rancho Bernardo Inn with some adult beverages.
 
The League's next tee time will be Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course.  Shotgun start at 12 noon - best ball scramble.  Fee is $79/per person.
 
The deadline to sign up is Monday, February 3.  Contact tournament director, Bret Geernaert to register.  Give Bret an idea of your playing level when you sign up.  This will allow him to pair you with others at your level.  Also, let him know how many from your club will attend.  Escondido Sunrise won the prize for the most golfers present on January 8.  
Old Mission Rotary Art Pratt Foundation Issues Grants
Posted by Matt Risi
On January 7, 2020, the Art Pratt Foundation of the Old Mission Rotary Club presented a $1000 grant to Second Chance.  The non-profit works with men, women and youth who have been entangled in the criminal justice system.  Second Chance provides the life-saving resources needed to break the cycle of addiction, poverty and incarceration.  The Old Mission Rotary grant will be used to purchase transit passes that will allow program participants to get to and from work, school and support meetings.
 
Photo (L-R): Old Mission Rotary Executive Secretary, Stan Vogelsang, Second Chance Chief Development Officer, Sylvia DuBeau and program particpant, Isabella.
 
Additionally, the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary presented a grant in the amount of $5000 to Christian Youth Theater. The funds will be used to purchases new sound equipment.  Christian Youth Theater (CYT) has offered youth training in theater arts and production.  Youth have an opportunity to audition and perform in Broadway-style musicals.
 
Photo (L-R): Art Pratt Foundation president, Lee Kaminetz, Foundation members Phil Yates and Eric Benink, Christian Youth Theater president, Janie Cox, Foudation members Mark McAnelly, Stan Vogelsang and Bob Chalfa.  Emma Chapman is in costume for her role as Jane Banks in the new CYT musical production of Mary Poppins.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Governor

District Governor Scott Carr
 
Marta Knight
District Governor 2019-20
Rotary District 5340
 
Rotary District 5340
P.O. Box 420786
San Diego, CA 92124
619-2-ROTARY  (619-276-8279) Phone
619-299-3826 Fax
 
District@Rotary5340.org
 
 
 
 

 

 

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