Rotary Bulletin #47 for the Week of May 7, 2009
Pledge, Prayer, and Song
The May 7th meeting was kicked off by the spectacular President Aaron leading the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a special prayer by Ed Snively who asked us to keep the Ryerson family and our brave men & women that serve in harm’s way in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy Thornburg and Jennifer Thomason , turning heads and looking more radiant than ever, led everyone in singing “God Bless America.”
Visiting Rotarians and Rotarians with Guests
Visiting Rotarian Cherisse Alford, from the Imperial Valley Breakfast Club, graced us with her company.
Bob Mapes introduced Mike Rood to the Club on behalf of Randy Miles who was unable to attend. And, Bobby Brock introduced his two guests: Ashley Bertussi (Pioneer Affordable Homes) and Rory Fanning (walkforpat.org).
Announcements
Thank you to the McGrew family and to the rest of the Campout Committee for putting together a great weekend at Melowest Ranch. Jose Guillen reminded Rotarians about the Strategic Planning session this weekend (Saturday, May 9th) from 9:30am-2:00pm at the United Way building in the Imperial Business Park. The Rotary District 5340 Conference is taking place next week May 14-17 at the Temecula Creek Inn. President Elect Emma Jones proudly announced that the 2010 District Conference is going to be held at the Barbara Worth Golf Resort May 13-16, 2010. Mark your calendars and be sure to attend. Our Club is hosting the Saturday night bbq for the 2010 conference. Signup sheets were distributed. Frank Miranda promoted the upcoming Highway Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, May 30th. A signup sheet for the cleanup will be passed around next week. David Cason made a special comment about the railroad train’s route to Tecate to visit the breweries in Mexico. For more details on the cerveza-cruise, please see David Cason.
Special Announcement/Message
We were treated to an inspirational visitor and message given by Mr. Rory Fanning. Rory is a former Army Ranger who is walking in memory of his friend and fallen soldier, Pat Tillman, on behalf of and to raise awareness and donations for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Rory has walked over 3,000 miles across the country starting in Virginia Beach, VA telling the story of his friend and recognized leader – Pat Tillman, sharing a positive message to young and old along his trail, about compassion, duty and leadership. Our best wishes are with Mr. Fanning as he completes his trek in San Diego this next week before heading home to Chicago. To learn more about Rory Fanning and the late Pat Tillman visit www.walkforpat.org and www.pattillmanfoundation.org. Over $500 was raised at the end of the meeting to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. Thank you for your support.
Fines & Recognitions
Pres. Aaron introduced Mike Rood as the newest member of the El Centro Rotary Club. Mike was formerly a member of the Calexico Rotary Club and served twice as their President. Welcome, Mike! Ed Gould recently returned from a vacation in London with his wife. Although he wasn’t able to get anything through Customs for the Prez, Ed made generous contributions of $200 toward his Paul Harris, and $200 to the Club. Thanks and welcome home. Dan Williams and his wife took a roadtrip to Newport Beach and meandered around the Southern California coast. They stayed at a few various RV parks, visited Hearst Castle, the Ronald Reagan Library, and their son. At $15 per day, for five days, Pres. Aaron hit Dan up for $75. Thanks Dan.
Program
George McFaddin introduced Asst. Superintendent of the El Centro Elementary School District (ECESD), Arnold Preciado, as the day’s program. Arnold spoke of the State budget and its impact on the ECESD. It was shared that the last deficit was in 1994-1995, and it took six years to recover. And, despite the budget cuts, neither the Federal or State governments have relaxed their standards and expectations on academic achievement – the same results are expected with less resources. Thanks to Arnold for a terrific program.
Drawing
It goes without saying that Bill Thomas and his poker-table won the drawing.
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