Escondido Sunrise Rotary; Meeting to Serve our Community in Person and via Zoom; and “Jesse Fanning, Owner of Whiskey World”
February 16, 2023
As we all try to conduct our professional pursuits in new ways, it’s appropriate to remind ourselves of who we are as a Serving Organization… Our accomplishments, our fellowship and the reminder of our many successes is valuable as we seek new opportunities to serve…
We met again in person at the Chamber of Commerce… Great to enjoy the fellowship again and see all your smiling faces…
As a Club, we honored our nation with a salute to our Flag and an invocation was offered...….
Guests and Visiting Rotarians:
Al Owens, PAL – Al thanked the ESR for our continued financial support of the PAL program and for sponsoring a table at the annual Jumpstart fundraiser. There are
still seats available for any ESR member that wishes to attend. Twenty free drink tickets
were given for members and their guests who will be attending the March 11, 2023 event.
A “Guns & Hoses” shooting gift certificate was also presented to President Tina Pope.
Special Recognition:
Rich Aeling will be recognized by the After 5 Rotary Club for his commitment and
service to the Escondido community, and for his philanthropic generosity investing in
local schools and public service organizations. He will be receiving the 2023 Spirit of the Community Award at a 70’s-themed event being held at Vintana Wine & Dine.
Congratulations, Rich! A much deserved recognition for your passion to make us
a better community and for selflessly enriching the lives of many.
High 5’s & Announcements:
Special Thanks:
The Boys and Girls Club sent numerous letters to the SRC for going above and
beyond in financially supporting the organization, allowing them to maintain a high level
of service to the youth in our community
The Escondido Police Department Care Foundation also expressed gratitude for
the $1,000 donation that will be used to serve At Risk Youth in our schools and
community.
Upcoming Projects:
Past President George Beitner is taking donation items for Fisher House at Camp Pendleton. A list of donation items needed can be provided by emailing George. Cash donations in
lieu of items are also welcome. Contact George if you would like to participate in the
drop off of the donations and to receive a tour of the facility to see first hand all the good this organization is doing for our military families in need.
Dates to Remember:
March 10: Whisky Tasting fellowship event
March 11: PAL Fundraising event
March 23-26: Mexicali Build Project
April 14-16: RYLA
Rotarians Having Fun and Serving…
All kinds of fun and service and fun…
Pictures are worth a thousand words…
President Tina Pope remarked on how well attended and fun the SRC anniversary
dinner was at Stone Brewing. Many memories, testimonies, and laughs were shared.
The evening was a testament of the value of every individual member, present and past,
that has truly impacted and shaped our club. SRC members don’t just show up to check
the box. We are deeply invested in our relationships, brotherhood and sisterhood, and are
proactive in participating to make good things happen locally and globally.
Tina also shared pictures of an outing to Palm Springs as well as pictures withRorie Johnston who came to town for a brief visit.
Mike Muehl shared some photos with some pretty large “sleeping” buffalo. He
reassured Tina it was merely a “catch and release” Buffalo tipping outing…but the bison
meat was delicious!
John Schwab shared a picture of a perfect bell replacement for President Tina
Pope, should it go missing once again. John and Marie attended the Arizona Bell Show
in Tuscon, AZ.. They purchased an impressive Tibetan bell that he would consider sharing, however, Marie has some reservations as it cost $700.
Program:
The ESR Ambassadors of fun, Kim Henson and past president Mark Hoekstra, have organized some pretty fun outings and gatherings for the club. By all appearances, the next one seems to be the most popular by far for most members. Our next outing on March 10, 2023, will be a thiskey tasting at Henebery's in Vista, CA. Kim and Mark invited Jesse Fanning, the owner of the establishment, to come share why this isn’t just another whiskey making establishment, but a part of history.
Jesse shared that after having a range of successful careers in the customer service
industry, he made a heart felt decision to resurrect the family whiskey business. His
great-grandfather originally founded the Henebery Whiskey family business in 1851, on the Riverfront District in Peoria Illinios, and was a very influential person in the
community and whiskey making world. The business was extremely successful not only
in the states, but was also being exported.
The Civil War followed shortly thereafter, and President Lincoln gave a speech on the Riverfront where he imposed a tax to all alcohol being made and coming through
the Riverfront District to financially support the Union war efforts and to fund the north.
It is believed that this taxation was pivotal in the success of the Union winning the war as
the tax on distilled spirits accounted for 95% of the amount funding the efforts. Although
it was intended to last only in wartime, the alcohol tax was never lifted after the war
ceased. In 1903 and pre-prohibition, Jesse’s grandfather passed away and sold the
business to Hiram Walker.
After learning the history, Jesse became passionate about resurrecting the family
business. He took his customer service experience and wrote a 100 page business plan. The primary heart of the plan is community service oriented. Jesse extended an invitation to the ESR to contact him with any upcoming community outreach events that he could participate in through his business.
Jesse then gave an education on how the making of Bourbon Whiskey is unique to
the United States due to what is grown and produced in the region. The corn industry is
what made it possible along with a few other variables. He also gave a very detailed
account of the process behind making whiskey.
Jesse is, without a doubt, the only guest speaker that received more than 20
questions at the end of the presentation. It is sage to say he was very popular! Jesse has
extended a VIP membership to the ESR members that would allow for continued tasting and tours of the facility, and the opportunity to bring a guest.
What a great presentation! We look forward to visiting Henebery's to see
and experience first hand the resurrection of the family whiskey legacy!
Thanks for Attending Today’s Meeting….
Support for our Escondido Community …
Our great community and the success of its businesses is all of our responsibilities… Support the businesses that are doing all they can to survive during this challenging time… Take out some chow… Be ready to support them when the economy begins working again…
The ‘Giving Arch’ on Grand Avenue and Centre City Parkway reminds us that Escondido is a caring, giving community…
To all; be safe and be well…. God Bless those men and women that carry the load at our medical facilities, and God Bless our first responders… May our governmental leaders be wise, thoughtful and smart as this pandemic is overtaken by our hard work and collective support…
Online Meetings:
Technical Support for Online Meetings:
Our meetings will begin as a hybrid setting with in-person and on-line opportunities…The meetings will be technically managed by Past President Richard Agnew… Thanks for that Richard… And, Richard is prepared to support all of our attempts at joining the on-line meetings… Look for his email with details and links to log on to the upcoming Zoom meetings…
Watch for emails defining the next meeting. The system works fine, dependent upon your technical support available through your PC or laptop…
SEE YOU SOON…… In Person or ONLINE… Next meeting; February 23rd, 7:30 AM at the Chamber of Commerce
Check President Tina’s email for the reminder…
