september 2011
Monarch Beach
sunrise rotary on the california riviera
New Generations by John Coffman
September is New Generations month for Rotary and MBSR is off to a great start. New Generations covers four main programs, Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, and Youth Exchange. MBSR currently supports Interact and RYLA. AJ Jackson (pictured top right) is the daughter of our own Mitch and Lisa and is the President of the Interact Club we sponsor at Dana Hills High School. We are expecting an exciting year for Interact with AJ in the lead. School has now started, but the Interact Club will wait until after Club Rush before having the first meeting. Club Rush is an event where all clubs at DHHS set up a booth in the gym and try to recruit new members. Our Interact Club intends to aggressively recruit freshman this year to set up a solid membership base that will carry over from year to year. Most important, AJ is also the Interact District Governor for District 5320. She conducted her first District Interact meeting at the Doubletree on September 13 and it was a great success. Her presentation is posted at our website. One of AJ’s most important initiatives is the selection of Water for Sudan as the International Project for all of the District Interact Clubs. MBSR has set aside funds to help with the initial marketing of this major project. AJ is also leading an initiative to improve the communications within and among our District Interact Clubs. Basically, the intent is to use Facebook and designated email lists as the vehicle for sharing information. We are in the very early stages of this initiative, so you can expect to hear more about this effort over the next few months. The second program sponsored by MBSR is Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). RYLA is an intense weekend of training with an emphasis on leadership and building relationships. This year, we will sponsor 5 students who may or may not be Interact students. RYLA is a life-changing weekend for students and is one of the most important ways we spend our funds. Pictured, right: Rotary’s newest members - see article page 3 M B S R m e e t s o n W e d n e s d a y m o r n i n g s a t 7 a m a t t h e R i t z - C a r l t o n L a g u n a N i g u e l • www . m o n a rc h b e a c h r o t a r y.c o m
President’s Message
by Al Soley First and foremost I would like to welcome our new Rotarians Susan Jeffries and Marina Padovani to Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary and thank their sponsors Mary Jeffries and Russell Kerr, I encourage our new members to feel at home and get involved in our committees and projects. Last month was Rotary Membership month and this month is the New Generation month. I have always wondered what generation Y is, and WHY we feel there is a gap to be bridged between the Ys and maybe the Xs or the Zs? So I looked it up and Generation Y is defined as people between the ages of 12 and 30. At MBSR, with our Interact club at Dana Hills and our continuous search for new members, we are making great progress connecting the generations. John Coffman is doing a fantastic job with the New Generation Committee and all of you along with Marsha Prentice are building our membership. With all this, we must create projects to engage the younger generation and the young at heart with short term projects. We must let all potential members know why we are Rotarians and enlighten them about all the great projects we take on in our communities and around the world. Thanks to James Littlejohn and the rest of you, continued on p.3
Aug - Sept, 2011
Ramblings by Neil Burns
As the new Rotary Year started, happenings and events abounded. Here are a few MBSR notable events: New President Al Soley is putting his unique stamp on weekly meetings by using introductions and adjournments to philosophize and express his wishes for a happier and more peaceful world directed by Rotary’s four-way test. Simultaneously we are all learning he has a robust sense of humor! Who knew? Congratulations to Ricardo Beas, named as San Juan Capistrano Business Man of the Year at last month’s city council meeting. TMI from Dr. Cherie who stated that her boyfriend had taken her to “Paradise.” Thankfully she clarified that it was Paradise, Calif., and that they had also gone to Tahoe and Hawaii. Keep having fun, Doc, life’s meant to be enjoyed! Mitch played the “kids ate my invocation” card, blaming AJ & Garrett for his invocation memory lapse. Fortunately his Plan B was probably better than the one he’d prepared! Sympathy and concern for the two John & Nancys: Nancy Baumann’s hip replacement experienced complications and she’s recovering slowly but surely. Nancy is hanging in there with the support of husband John and her Rotary friends led by Penny DiCaro providing meals for them. Russ Kerr organized a Sunday afternoon barbecue in a true display of Rotary fellowship and caring. Thanks immensely to Penny and Russ and all who helped out. Nancy Hayden is also recovering from surgery and mending very nicely with husband’s John close support and concern. Prior to taking a few weeks leave from Rotary, John led us in singing the Love Train and thanked the club for all their good thoughts and prayers! Kathy Flores and Neil both attended a rousing John Cougar Mellencamp concert in Chicago. Congratulations to Joe Fitzgerald celebrating his 23rd anniversary, and to Bill Peverill who celebrated his hmmhmmf birthday at the Long Beach Aquarium. Cyndi got to spend a week with grandson Jackson who wondered if Orange County speaks the same language as they do in Livermore. No, Jackson, Orange County and Livermore are not even on the same planet. Big congratulations to Nan for being recognized as MBSR’s Business Rotarian of the Year nominee (see picture above). You’ve earned it, and we’re all very happy for you! See you all next month.
Birthdays & Anniversaries Sept 16 Sept 20 Sept 20 Sept 22 Sept 23 Sept 24 Sept 29
Cyndi Elders Neil Burns Martha Hoffmann Terry Rifkin Don Gonneville Marsha Prentice John Rose
Anniversary (Bob, 1995) Anniversary (Martha, 1986) Anniversary (Neil, 1986) Anniversary (Chris, 1990) Birthday Birthday Anniversary (Maryanne, 1979)
Sept 30 Oct 1 Oct 1 Oct 6 Oct 10 Oct 14 Oct 16
John Hayden Mitch Jackson Lisa Wilson Sharon Baltzell Alan Wickstrom LaVal Brewer Linda Hess
Anniversary (Nancy, 2007) Anniversary (Lisa, 1988) Anniversary (Mitch, 1988) Birthday Anniversary (Liz, 1987) Anniversary (Kelly, 1995) Birthday
End Polio Now Angels Baseball Game Monarch Beach Rotary had fun taking kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley to End Polio Now, Angels baseball game. Who would have expected for Rotarian and past President James Littlejohn to stay 12 innings with 20 kids from the Boys & Girls Club to watch the Angels vs the Orioles? He did, and they enjoyed every moment of the game — especially when the Angels won in the bottom of the 12th! Thanks Monarch Beach for taking the kids out to the ball game and Rotarian Paul Lehrich for the donation of Angels baseball caps they enjoyed it so much!
Terry Rifkin Receives Heart & Soul Award MBSR Past President Terry Rifkin was named the August 2011 recipient of the O’Connor Mortuary Heart & Soul Award in recognition of her service above self, particularly in her work as a founding member of the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group which provides invaluable and inspirational support to Marines serving overseas and their families who remain behind at Camp Pendleton. The Heart & Soul Awards program is designed to recognize Orange County citizens for their passion for life and their dedication to making a difference, whether they possess a lifetime of endeavors or for a onetime inspirational achievement. One Orange County citizen is presented the award each month. continued on p.4
President’s Message, continued from page 2 last month we took couple dozen young children fishing and about 20 other students to the “End Polio” Angel’s baseball game and tailgate party. We are making the younger generation aware of Rotary and the good that we do around the world; we are giving them a chance to experience events they might not otherwise have participated in. This year we are sending seven recent high school graduates to college; we fund their tuition, books and parking expense. Thanks go to Bonnie Myers for overseeing this project and seven other members for mentoring the scholarship students. So when it comes to Generation Y, I believe you are doing fantastic work and I am proud to thank you all!
New Member Highlights So far this year new member activity is hyper-active thanks to the efforts of Membership Chair Marsha Prentice and all the Rotarian sponsors who are excited to share MBSR. Recent new members include Susan Jeffries (Mary’s daughter!) and Marina Padovani. Susan lives in Dana Point and her passion and occupation is Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage and nutrition. She is a sister to six brothers and Auntie to ten nieces and a nephew and has an amazing poodle! She loves hiking, SCUBA and anything outdoors and admits being an Iyengar yoga freak. Susan joined Rotary to connect with people who really care, listen and get engaged in life; but the hugs are the real reason! Originally from Brazil (which explains that delightful accent!) Marina Padovani is single and lives in Dana Point. Her career is as a Coastal Realtor, and she loves to learn about new cultures, languages, places and people. She also loves to travel and enjoys going to movies. She joined Rotary because she feels grateful for many things in her life and decided it’s time to give back! She looks forward to getting to know all the members and to make a contribution to a better world! We hope you’ll both enjoy MBSR as much as we do, and we all look forward to getting to know you well!
Save these dates! Weds, Nov 16
Vocational Day
May 6 - 9, 2012
RI Convention, Bangkok, Thailand
Sat, Nov 19
Foundation Dinner
Jun 1 - 3, 2012
District 5320 Conference
Apr 27 - 29, 2012 RYLA Camp
Sat June 30, 2012 3rd Annual LobsterFest
The 4-way test of things we think, say or do… Is it the truth? • Is it fair to all concerned? • Will it build goodwill and friendships? • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
i s n e w g e n e r at i o n M o n t h september
Terry Rifkin Heart & Soul Award, continued from page 3 In announcing the award, O’Connor CEO Neil O’Connor said “When the brave men and women of our armed forces are deployed overseas, their families become saddled with numerous responsibilities in their absence. Terry has the foresight and compassion to support these individuals in both a practical and inspirational way.” Terry currently serves as director of support and outreach for the Support Group and brought the cause to MBSR. As a recipient of the Heart & Soul Award, O’Connor Mortuary presented Terry with an official plaque and a donation was made in her name to MBSR, earmarked for the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group. MBSR members know full well the dedication and intense effort Terry brings to her community involvement, and enthusiastically applaud her latest recognition. As always, Terry, thanks for all you do, and all your service above self!
Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary
Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary
President...................................... Al Soley
Tuesday
Vice President............... Alan Wickstrom
7:10am, Mission Viejo
Secretary............................ John Coffman
Casta del Sol Golf Club House
Treasurer....................................Rod Eide
7:15am, San Clemente Sunrise
President Elect ................ Ellen Turnbull
Talega Country Club Heritage Grill
Imm. Past President........James Littlejohn
7:30am, Newport Sunrise
Club Service Committee Leaders:
Five Crowns, PCH
Scholarship Program...........Bonnie Myers
12 noon, Laguna Niguel
Golf Tournament......................Rod Eide & Neil Burns
Savannah Chop House
International Service.....Margarita Martin
Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club
Officers & Directors 11/12
Make-Up Locations
7:00pm, Coto De Caza/RSM
Vocational Service................... Linda Hess
Wednesday
Community Service.......Nancy Baumann & Nan Eide
7:00am, Coto De Caza/RSM Del Sol
Club Service..................... Ellen Turnbull
RSM Bell Tower
Youth Service.....................John Coffman
6:15pm, Newport-Balboa
Membership....................Marsha Prentice
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club
Foundation Support..................Rod Eide
6:15pm, San Juan Capistrano
Website ........................ Alan Wickstrom
Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot
Club Bulletin.......................... Neil Burns Programs ............................. Kathy Flores
Thursday
Song Leader ...................... John Hayden
12 noon, Newport-Irvine
Fine Master ......................... Mary Jeffries
University Club @ UCI
Attendance............................... John Rose Public Relations............ Alan Wickstrom Photography..........................Terry Rifkin Info & Orientation....................Rod Eide Social................................ Sharon Baltzell Fellowship......................... Penny DiCaro Sergeant at Arms ................. Paul Lehrich RI President............... Kalyan Banerjee District Governor................. Greg Owen
12 noon, San Clemente Iron in the Fire Restaurant
Friday 12 noon, Laguna Beach Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course
Visit us at www.monarchbeachrotary.com for more details.
M B S R me e ts o n We d n e s d ay m o r n in g s at 7am at the R itz - Ca rl ton La gu na Nigu el • www.mona rc hbeachrot ary.com