Rotary Bulletin #14 for the Week of September 24, 2009
Pledge, Prayer and Song
Prez Emma rang us to obedient attention, turning over the pledge duties to visitor Todd Evangelist. Bob Mapes, in invocation, asked us to remember Coach Russell “Dutch” Bischke, who died this weekend following a traffic accident. Coach Bischke nurtured the athletic aspirations of many of us in our youth, and was as well, a very good person. We will miss him.
Rosa Caro gamely led us in song. Through no fault of Rosa’s, we sounded like a pack of inebriated alley cats at midnight. On a bad night! Better luck next week.
Visiting Rotarians and Rotarians with Guests
There were no visiting Rotarians. Ed Snively brought Imperial County Assessor Roy Lucker. Ed Gould brought new IVC Foundation Executive Director Todd Evangelist. Bill Thomas brought a nifty new leg cast for his left leg. (Guess Bill isn’t always lucky)
Announcements, Honors and Acknowledgements
Rosa Caro needs another Rotarian for the STAR program. Rotary’s dark in El Centro on October 1, the meeting instead will be on October 3rd (Saturday) at 10:45 a.m.
This weekend (the 25th) is your last chance to see our own Cathy Kennerson model at the Food Bank Fundraiser Fashion Show, (last stop before Cathy moves on to the Victoria’s Secret circuit).
The Rotary Paul Harris Gala remains set for November 7th at the Escondido Center for the Arts.
Veronica Henderson has been tabbed to fill the shoes of departing Board Member Jose Guillen. Welcome to the Rotary Board, Veronica!
Ed Snively gave a moving presentation about the fine work around the world attributed to the Rotary Foundation, as he installed our two new Paul Harris Fellows: President Emma Jones and Ryan Childers. The Foundation personifies the motto “Service above Self” and so do these Rotarians. Congratulations Ryan and Emma.
Whining and Fining
George McFaddin went to Baja for three days of fishin’; came back with a boatload of Durato, yellowtail and bass and ate a lot of fish tacos.
Jeff Sturdevent has agreed to serve a two-year term as a director on the Chamber Board.
Diane Cason went to Scotland. It was a great change of pace; lots of rain, green everywhere, and lots of fine scotch to drink. She retuned with a cup labeled “SKIVER” (avoids tasks) and some cookies to eat.
Harry Orfanos explained his recent absence from Rotary and explained why he will be gone again! Harry has a trip planned to Rome, Venice and varied other exotic locales. He was given a Rotary pin for future globe hoping.
David Green didn’t have as colorful an excuse for recent absences (work), but has cleared his calendar and is ready to jump back into Rotary. Prez Emma gave him a Rotary Pin for the jump.
Continuing Education
Prez Emma told a story about a boy who taught his dog Spot to whistle. When asked for a demonstration the lad pointed out he had taught the dog, but he didn’t say the dog had learned. The same can be said of the El Centro Rotarians. With a texting symbol quiz one week ago fresh in our minds (not to mention a copy of the Bulletin on our lunch tables with the answers) no one maxed Emma’s re-quiz on text symbols. Undeterred, I practiced diligently on the drive back from the meeting.
Program
Paul McManus introduced Ed Gould, President of Imperial Valley College and fellow El Centro Rotarian, to update us on his college. Todd Evangelist, the new executive director of the college’s foundation, joined Ed at this meeting
Some facts: 1) I.V.C. is 50 years old this year. 2) The average age of its student body Is 26. 3) The economic impact of I.V.C. on the Valley economy is projected to be $4.7 billion dollars over the next 20 years. 4) One of eight jobs in the Valley is traceable to I.V.C.
The current economic downturn has effected I.V.C. in several ways: Their budget has been cut almost 20%, yet their enrollment has increased; they are currently at 102% capacity, while still having to turn away 1000 students. Yet all is not bleak. Over the past four years they’ve increased their retention rate (in other words, reduced their dropout rate) and increased their completion rate in basic skills courses.
This year the campus is a beehive of activity. Two new parking lots are under construction, a state of-the-art science building is nearing completion (build with Measure L funds), and groundbreaking will soon take place for a new campus art gallery. In the longer term, a new theatre and technology center are contemplated.
Confirming that some of our best programs come from within the club, Ed really brought us up to date on our fine community future for I.V.C.
Drawing
Ryan Childers won the pot, and then using unusually sensitive tactile abilities, (the blue paint is slightly heavier than white) fingered inside the bag until he came out with the blue chip. Ryan, would you be available to help me open a bulky safe?
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