Sunrise Rotary June 29, July 6 and 13 Rotary Programs: Wheelchair Needs in the Dominican Republic; Soccer (Football) Leads to Education in Ghana; and Our Local Schools, Building for the Future
On July 13; President Dave called the meeting to order; Past President Kevin Svetich led the Pledge to our Flag, and Past President Jack Anderson offered an invocation.
Guests and Visitors:
June 29: Pam Morasco, Mike’s wife, was visiting and was part of our program
July 6: Elana Karoly’s niece Angel, a 7th grader visited our meeting
Doug Shultz’s daughter Tasha was a visitor with her daddy
Bonnie Maloney was introduced as Linda Bailey’s guest
Past President Barry Baker introduced Gabriel Asiedu; his father Johnson was our speaker
July 13: Rita Brandon of the Newland Companies was Linda Bailey’s guest
Mona Durney of Rancho Computers was a visitor
Birthdays:
June 21 Kathy O’Malley
24 Judi Anderson
30 Dana Ommen
July: 4 Past President John Boyce
6 Andy Ommen
9 Nick Barnett
15 Past President Kevin Svetich
Kathy Johnson
Anniversaries:
June 23 Silas and Shaina Harrington
29 Doug Shulz
July 4 Past President Mike & Nancy Dunlap
8 Past President Kevin and Debbie Svetich
16 Linda and Randy Bailey; 40 Years! Congratulations!
Rotary Anniversaries:
July 7, Elana Karoly, 2 years
Thanks for your outstanding Rotary Service!!
Rotary Foundation:
Past President Kevin Svetich, Foundation Chair reported our Rotary Foundation support for the prior year. Escondido Sunrise, of the 66 clubs in District 5340, accomplished the following:
100 %; Every Rotarian Every Year
100 % Paul Harris Sustaining Members
18 Paul Harris Society Members
#3 Per Capita Giving in the District
Great job everyone!!
Dates to Remember:
July: 30 Rotary game at the Padres vs. the Pirates
August: 31 District Governor Scott Carr will visit our Club
October: 7 Escondido Sunrise Grape Day 5K Event; 86 days away
Hi-Fives and Announcements:
Past President Bob Burson traveled north and visited the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa bringing a trinket for President Dave
Gloria Leffler announced that she is seeking a new residential setting; any suggestions are welcomed
Rorie Johnston announced the Chamber Golf Tournament on September 15 at the Vineyard Golf Course
Past President Rich Aeling announced a work project on Saturday July 15 at Caballo Park in East Escondido
Tina Pope commented on her designer footwear that she has recently been wearing due to multiple fractures of her foot… Her advice, “When you fall and it hurts, see the doc.”
Past President George Beitner reminded members that donated hygiene items from hotels are always welcome for our gifts to the Fisher House at Camp Pendleton…
Program:
June 29: Wheel Chair Initiative
Mike and Pam Morasco presented a program on the uses of and need for wheelchairs in the Dominican Republic. As part of their church’s efforts to support needs in underdeveloped countries, they have taken on leadership of this project. Mike prefaced the comments about the need for wheelchairs by noting that motor scooters are a primary source of transportation in the Dominican, thus there are many accidents involving scooter riders… Thus the great need for wheelchairs…
They went on to describe the varying types of chairs needed based on the living conditions in the region; some urban areas with sidewalks, etc.; however many are needed for varied terrain in the outlying areas. Such wheelchairs need special wheels along with uniques aspects of construction for durability.
Their efforts involve both providing the wheelchair products, as well as teaching locals to assemble the chairs and maintain them.
In addition to the efforts of their church; there are possible partnerships with Rotary groups in Santo Domingo, the capitol city.
Mike Morasco with President Dave Casey
Mike discussing Rotary Foundation Project funding with Past President Mike Dunlap after his presentation
July 6: Past President Barry Baker introduced our program, Johnson Asiedu of the San Diego Football Academy
Johnson grew up in Ghana West Africa in extreme poverty; his football skills (soccer ability) ultimately led him to a professional football career in Europe. In addition to playing in worldwide competition, he completed his education and discovered that football can lead one on to greater things in life.
His soccer playing ultimately led to experience in coaching; thus his goal to provide hope, opportunity for education, and athletic leadership training for young men and women in San Diego county. His efforts also relate to helping young Ghanan students to come to America.
His current program goals are to bring 5 qualified Ghanan students to the US for soccer and education. Additionally, his plan is to improve educational opportunities as well as athletic programs in his native Ghana.
Johnson Asiedu and his son Gabriel pictured with President Dave and Past President Barry Baker
Program: July 13, 2017; Elementary School District Bond Construction Projects
Linda Bailey introduced our presenters; Michael Taylor, Asst. Supt. of Business Services for the District, and Russ Decker, Director of Facility Development, Planning and Construction. Linda is a member of the District Citizen Oversight Committee that oversees uses of bond funds approved by the voters.
Mr. Taylor proceeded to explain the focus of the November 2014 Bond approval that includes facility improvements, Information technology infrastructure and school site safety. Total bond proceeds from the measure will be $182 m, planned to be used over 6 sequences of bond sales; current efforts are in Series A and B; providing significant facility improvements at two of the district’s oldest campuses, Central School and Mission Middle School. All campuses will receive some levels of improvement in Information technology infrastructure and school site safety.
Specifically under construction at Central currently is a Kindergarten building complex at the corner of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Also under construction is a science building at Mission Middle School that is two levels, constructed through a modular design with sections built offsite and assembled in a single day’s work. Mr. Decker showed visuals of both projects.
President Dave pictured with Michael Taylor and Russ Decker
Next Week’s Program:
Bill Dopp; The Future of the Christian Faith
Opportunity Drawing:
No drawing this week