President George Burrola opened the meeting with his customary and heartfelt Aloha!  The invocation was given by Ken Davidson and Robin Turner led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  President George next welcomed visiting Rotarians Nancy Campbell (club?), and Bill Effinger (Desert Hot Springs).  Our guests for this week included the soon-to-be-inducted Amada De La Garza (guest of Bill Schramm), Nancy Wood’s guest, Juli Sperla, Jim Kelley’s guest and newest employee, Marisol Felix-Marquez, and today’s speakers, Mary L. Smith and George Stoneback.

Our next Board meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 6th at 5:30 pm at Tim Colling’s business, A SERVANT'S HEART SENIOR CARE located at: 1165 Linda Vista Drive, Suite 110, in San Marcos.  Due to the District Council Dinner (see below), this may be rescheduled.  Stay tuned.

The next District Council Dinner will be February 13.  All are welcome to attend.

John Forst gave an update on the Rotary Foundation and pronounced it strong, and always open for more pledges.

Bill Wood gave us a pitch on the upcoming Harlem Ambassadors show that is our major club fundraiser for the year.  We need sponsors, sponsors, and more sponsors.

Today’s Recognition Master was Darrell McMullen.  As was noted in today’s meeting, our members have been unusually happy this year, resulting in a bumper crop of “Happy Dollars”.

Darrell introduced our first speaker, George Stoneback, who told us a little bit about the Sheriff’s Volunteer Senior Patrol (of which he is a member) including the age requirement that a depressingly large number of our membership (including yours truly) meets or exceeds.  He then introduced Mary Smith as his partner. Mary gave us the background of the program, including the fact that through their volunteer efforts the Sheriff’s Department has saved tens of millions of dollars that could be applied elsewhere, a very efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Fulfilling one of her Red Badge requirements before even becoming “official”, Amada gave us the Thought of the Week, quoting Ben Franklin: “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain…and most fools do.”

President George than closed the meeting with a thanks to our speakers and all our visiting Rotarians and guests, as well as Greeter Ruth, Wine Ticket Seller Charles, Invocator Ken, Pledge Leader Robin, and Decorator Extraordinaire Nancy.

Wine donated by Darrell was won by….?

Mahalo!  Enjoy your weekend!

-Your Newsletter Editor