SanMarcotarian
  November 4, 2004     Vol. 3 No. 19 
Welcome to the San Marcos Rotary Club, where under the Flag of Rotary we UNITE together as One – Having RESPECT for each other as WE work together as ONE – to make this World a better place.  President Joan started the meeting with Chuck saying the invocation and Joe leading us in the pledge.  The greeter was Gary and Matilda sold wine raffle tickets.  We had two visiting Rotarians with us today, Nancy Campbell, back with us form Colorado for the winter and Assistant DG George Beitner Click to view photo from Escondido Sunrise.  Special guests were Jim Hitson’s beautiful wife Marvel Click to view photo, and Darrell’s equally lovely mother-in-law Gladys Haley.  Also joining us was Rod’s guest Jose Lopez Click to view photo  who is working for a new newspaper soon to be published in San Marcos, and Marine Sgt. Nick Tunell Click to view photo from Maryville, Missouri.

Nick shared with us that he is an activated reservist who has actually come back twice. Click to view photo  His first time back was two years in Germany but this last time he told them., “I’m Infantry and if you want to put me behind a desk no thanks”.  Unfortunately he went to Iraq in August only to be injured by a Rocket Propelled Grenade in September.  He was radioing to his Commander that the convoy he was traveling in should be going about 60 miles per hour instead of 30 when the grenade exploded on the passenger side window.  Thank goodness for the new armor plating but he still received a sever concussion when the 50 lb. Lexan window broke through the frame and hit him.  He told us his fellow servicemen and women have a deep sense of belief in what their mission is and that they believe that this war will determine the amount of freedom we will have in our own country.  If terrorism is not rooted out and defeated we all will never be truly free again as a nation or a people.  When he went to Iraq he was a senior in college studying Political Science and had been accepted as a Congressional Aide.  He said they have told him the opportunity will be there again when he gets back.  He is also the proud father of a brand new baby girl, Carson.

Joan announced the wonderful job Bill Schramm did last week with the Vocational Expo and that she has updated the Story Board.  November is Foundation Month and in 1947 the 1st of 18 RI Foundation scholarships were granted.  Next week is Veterans Day were we will be honoring not only the nation’s hero’s but also our own here in our club.  November 29th is the Board meeting to which all members are invited.  District council is December 14th and the District Conference will be held in the Gas Lamp District downtown for Mardi Gras February 4-5.

Being Foundation Month and since I let the cat out of the bag last week with the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” speech, Chuck Linn, our Foundation chairman, announced our own club’s campaign to make sure everyone gives at least $100 every year to the permanent fund.  With over half the World living on less than $2 a day it’s the least we can do.  Please click on the Link for more information.

Recognition chairman Bill Schramm was told to be short so he only hit Joe and Sandra Madrigal who will be celebrating their 35th anniversary soon.  Rod had a happy dollar because his guest Jose is a newspaper reporter, a good friend to have since Rod is our club’s PR chairman.  John Forst had two happy dollars because Darrell won re-election and Jim Kelley asked everyone to look at the flyer for items he and his Bank need to send to the troops in Iraq.

Reminders of Rotarian Opportunities

    November 18 - DG Sandi Rimer visits San Marcos
    December 14 – District Council meeting at the La Jolla Marriott
    June 18-22, 2005 - The Centennial Convention in Chicago
Meal on Wheels for November.
    November 8
    November 15
    November 22
    November 29
        Driver: George Burrola
        Driver: Darrell McMullen
        Driver: John Forst
        Driver: Luene Corwin
        Rider: Rod Jones
        Rider: Paul Dinkel
        Rider: Jim Hitson
        Rider: Bill Wood
The speaker today was yours truly doing double duty as the District Youth Exchange Officer.  My encouragement today was to get our Club involved in hosting an Inbound Exchange student next year.  There is a financial commitment but more importantly we need a volunteer as Club Counselor.  Someone who could be a liaison and advocate for the student working with Rotary and the School he or she attends.  The final pieces of the puzzle are host families.  Usually no more than 3, the student would have an opportunity to really learn from the many experiences we all have had.  The host families don’t however need to be Rotarians.  They could be friends, relatives, or neighbors.  I hope all of you look and see if it’s possible you can help.  As I said, Youth Exchange is a life changing experience.

Doc Burton won the wine drawing this week.

Stephanie gave us the thought for the week.  Three simple words that have had so much meaning for her, “Attitude determines results.” 

Next week our Speaker for Veterans Day is Marine Corp General David Brahms, Retired.  Next week the Greeter will be Sam Mahr, Darrell will sell wine raffle tickets, Larry on the Invocation, Bill Schramm with the Pledge, and Glenn will do the “Thought for the week”.

As Joan says “Go out and make this world a better place... Have a great Rotary Week... Rob.

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