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We’re a leadership organization of local business, professional and civic leaders.

We meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships, and through that, we’re able to get things done in this community.

Field Trip: August 23 Meeting Will Be Held at Del Mar Civic Center

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 19, 2018

Del Mar Civic Center (photo credit George J. Janczyn)

For our meeting on August 23, we’ll venture from our usual meeting site down the road to the newly opened Del Mar Civic Center to hear City Manager Scott Huth present on the state of city of Del Mar affairs. We’ll also be able to tour the new facilities. The Civic Center is located on the Coast Highway (1050 Camino Del Mar) and there is plenty of parking at the Civic Center- 100 spaces under the building and 40 spaces above. Entrances to below-ground parking are on 10^th and 11^th streets.

Annual Day at the Races at the Del Mar Racetrack

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 19, 2018

Brett Mattei and Vickie Barks and the rest of our crew in attendance

Suzy and Karl Wagner with Monty Woolley

Larry Cook (big winner for the day) and Scott MacDonald

Don Fipps, Marty Peters, Bob Fuchs and Brett Mattei

Garrie Rhodes and Ed Siegel

Val Myers and Sharyn Daly with Kevin Fitzpatrick

Eric Nelte, Tom Ryan and Jim Brunner

Chad Brown with Bill and Pat Dougherty

Don and Donna Fipps (far left) in the Winner's Circle with the Del Mar Rotary race winner Fawree

Another beautiful day at the Del Mar Race Track for our annual Day at the Races. We gathered at Il Palio restaurant on the 6^th floor of the grandstand to enjoy a lunch buffet and the window-side tables that have panoramic views of the track. Instead of the usual Sick Picks, we had only five races this year, but the picks didn’t fare all that much better with the smaller card. Larry Cook collected winnings as usual, but regardless of the take everyone had a wonderful time. Don and Donna Fipps were in the winner’s circle to greet the winner of Race 2, the Del Mar Rotary Race. Fawree, ridden by jockey Flavien Prat ran the one mile in only 1:38 to win easily over Tidal Effect and Impression and pay out $19 for a $2 bet. Click here to watch the complete race and the winner’s circle presentation. Thank you to honorary member and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO Joe Harper for graciously hosting this event.

District Governor Mel Gallegos Encourages Rotarians to Open Doors for Potential Members

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 13, 2018

District Governor Mel Gallegos (second from left) with his wife Judy (aka Hey Jude, far left) and (left to right) Don Fipps, Assistant District Governor Susie Callahan, Past District Governor Marty Peters and and newly named District Governor for 2020-2021, Steve Weitzen

District Governor Mel Gallegos visited our club on August 9, 2018 to give a presentation focused on how members can open the door to Rotary for others. In 1990, Mel’s wife Judy (aka “Hey Jude”) became a Rotarian. When they were both attending a District Conference in Lake Arrowhead, Mel was asked why he wasn’t a Rotarian, too. Judy said: “He’s not qualified”, based on the thinking that Rotarians had to own their own business. At the time, Mel was working at Sharp Memorial Hospital- a business he of course didn’t own. But it was Lou Coviello who opened the door for Mel and let him see that he most definitely did qualify to be a Rotarian. The door opened further at the 1996 Rotary International annual convention in Calgary, Canada, when Mel realized the international reach of Rotary. There he met Rotarians from all over the world, and even though they spoke different languages, he found that they shared similar goals and ideas.

Rotary opened the door for Mel to travel to Africa. In response to a challenge by the late Jack Campbell, a Rotary Club of Escondido member and polio survivor, District 5340 raised funds to sponsor a National Immunization Day in Eritrea in Africa. Mel was a member of the team that traveled to Eritrea to deliver the polio vaccine. This trip was the first of many Rotary-associated trips Mel and Judy have made to Africa.

Mel asked us to think about who introduced us to Rotary and how we remembered them. He then encouraged us to think of people in our lives who we might be able to introduce to Rotary. Across the world, around 1.2 million people call themselves Rotarians. Yet that number has remained stationary for over a decade, indicating that we lose as many members as we gain. Moreover, most of the current growth of Rotary is in Asia. Therefore, Rotarians in the United States need to find new strategies to maintain and grow membership by inviting service-minded people to join us. To help cultivate new members in our district, the District 5340 website lists a number of resources and the August 2018 issue of The Rotarian features innovative ways to help prospective members see the value of being a Rotarian. Above all, Mel called upon all of us to keep opening doors for others and in turn help Rotary grow and flourish.

August Social at the Del Mar Foundation Twilight Concert Series

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 13, 2018

Warm up band performs as the crowd settles in

Mary and Bill Rawlings

Suzy and Karl Wagner with their grandson Ashton (far left) and Suzy's daughter Pam and her husband Mike

Don and Donna Fipps

Lanh Tran and Bill Nguyen with their daughter Skylar

Suzy says "hi" to Skylar

Steely Damned plays on as the sun sets

As a twist for our monthly socials, Karl and Suzy Wagner were up bright and early (i.e., 5 AM) on August 7, 2018 to claim a spot on the Powerhouse Park lawn in advance of the latest in the Del Mar Foundation Twilight Concert Series. Their early morning efforts provided us a close up view of Steely Damned and a place to enjoy early evening picnics. Karl and Suzy’s grandson Ashton was visiting from Boulder, Colorado, where he’s attending University of Colorado Boulder, and Suzy’s daughter Pam and her husband Mike also joined us. Two other special guests were with Lanh Tran- her husband Bill and their daughter Skylar, who’s just a few weeks shy of her first birthday.

Celebration of Life for Former Member Doug Hall

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 13, 2018

Eric Nelte reported that Doug Hall, former member of Rotary Club of Del Mar and Rotary Club of Encinitas, passed away on August 4, 2018 at the age of 86. After serving as Executive Director of the Carlsbad Boys Club from 1964-1966, Doug spearheaded the creation of a new Boys Club in the San Dieguito community and built three clubs in Encinitas, Solana Beach and Carmel Valley. Notably, the San Dieguito Boys Club was the first in the United States to admit girls. Doug served as Executive Director for BGC San Dieguito and retired as their CEO, whereupon he became President of the BGC San Dieguito Foundation for which he oversaw planned giving and contributions in excess of $20 million.

Doug left a lasting legacy at Rotary Club of Del Mar- Bob Fuchs said that when he was club president in 2004 Doug suggested that the club host a wine tasting festival, which endures today as the Sunset Soiree.

In lieu of flowers, the Hall family requests that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of San Dieguito Foundation Doug Hall Scholarship fund (P.O. Box 871, Solana Beach, CA 92075) or the Grace Anglican Church (4055 Oceanside Blvd., Ste P, Oceanside, CA 92056.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held Friday, August 24, 2018 at 10 AM at the old St. Anne’s church building on 701 West Street in Oceanside. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Please wear “happy colors” to honor Doug’s preference for bright colors. Contact Eric Nelte if you have any questions.

Heaps of Happy Dollars

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 13, 2018

In addition to welcoming club visitors Richard Fogg (Rotary Club of North County Inland), Carolyn Sparks (Rotary Club of Las Vegas), Steve Balch (Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle), honorary member Jim Brunner, and Dani Knapp as a new Associate Member, our members gave plenty of Happy Dollars to express happiness about recent events or people in town for a visit. Donna Fipps was happy to that her Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) puppy in training, Ressa, is the first water-loving CCI dog she’s had; Karin Davies was grateful that her University of Gondar colleagues were awarded all the necessary equipment to outfit a Level 3 NICU at University of Gondar hospital- site of training for her Saving Babies Lives in Ethiopia Global Grant; Ed Siegel was happy to be have an upcoming interview with local raconteur Ken Kramer about his version of the Star Spangled Banner in the key of G; Charles Dorfan expressed happiness at the prospect of studying for both a law degree and MBA at Columbia starting in the fall; Karl Wagner was happy that the August 9 San Diego Blood Bank Drive at the new Del Mar Civic Center had already collected 13 donations; Scott MacDonald was thankful to have his son and daughter-in-law in from Morocco; Marty Peters donated Happy Dollars in recognition of a Paul Harris Fellowship he awarded to Fr. James Rude, S.J.; visiting Assistant District Governor Susie Callahan was happy that she yet again at a meeting with Richard Fogg; and Sharon Schendel was pleased to see publication of a collaborative study on improved treatments for Ebola virus infections that appeared in Cell. The proceeds from all this happiness will go to support our many club projects.

Rady Children’s Hospital Keeps San Diego at the Forefront of Pediatric Medicine

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 04, 2018

Laura Lavoie, Director of Philanthropy at Rady Children's Hospital, with Program Chair Scott MacDonald

Examples of 3D models created at Rady Children's 3DVIP lab

Laura Lavoie, Director of Philanthropy for Rady Children’s Hospital, was our speaker at the August 2, 2018 meeting. Laura has a personal connection with the hospital- her son Luke, who’s now 6, spent the first 37 days of his life in a Rady-administered NICU at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. She now has the opportunity to help give back to the hospital system that gave her and her son so much.

Rady Children’s began in 1954 as Children’s Hospital of San Diego, a 12 bed community polio hospital. In the nearly 65 years since, the hospital grew to a 550 bed facility that is one of the biggest children’s hospitals by volume. Last year they treated over 20,000 inpatients and almost 300,000 outpatients. Through its partnerships with pediatric medical groups and referrals, medical services for over 90% of children treated in San Diego county were in some way connected to Rady Children’s.

The hospital is ranked in the top 10 for multiple specialties and has faculty who are affiliated with top research institutions in the area, including UCSD. In her presentation Laura focused on four programs that are supported in part by community donations.

The 3D Visualization, Innovation and Prototyping (3DVIP) lab uses 3D printing to create models and prints based on medical imaging that allows surgeons and other clinicians to hold in their hands a model of the organ they’ll be treating. Through these tactile models, clinicians can plan treatment strategies and also help patients and their parents visualize how they’ll be treated.

Faces for the Future (FACES), a four year academic and career development program, exposes students from Hoover and Crawford High Schools to career opportunities in healthcare. Through clinical rotations and shadowing staff at local agencies involved in healthcare delivery, FACES provides these students with mentors and with firsthand experience that will be critical to their future success. FACES is also helping to diversify the healthcare workforce by giving underserved students the skills and tools they need to enter training programs after they graduate high school.

Rady Children’s Philanthropy was also instrumental in obtaining funds needed to install NICVIEW cameras in their neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). These cameras are positioned above the isolettes and allow parents to see their newborns in real time by logging in to a secure online video feed. Parents value the ability to see their infants whenever they’re not able to be in the NICU itself- one family logged in more than 650 times in the first week of their child’s life.

Since its launch in 2016, the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Rady Children’s has sequenced the genomes of more than 1,000 patients. Sequencing of an entire genome once took weeks and cost millions. Rady patients now can receive results in just days at minimal cost. Of those patients whose genomes were sequenced at Rady, 35% received a diagnosis based on sequencing results (note that not all disease has a genetic foundation that can be detected by sequencing) and of those, the treatment plan for 70% changed course based on the sequencing findings.

Through these innovative programs, Rady Children’s stands as an invaluable resource not only for San Diego’s youngest residents, but also for children around the world who are referred to Rady Children’s for treatment. To learn more about how you can support Rady Children's programs, email Laura.

Save a Life- Give Blood August 9 at the Del Mar Civic Center

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 04, 2018

The San Diego Blood Bank Bloodmobile will be parked at the new Civic Center (1050 Camino Del Mar) from 9 AM-2:30 PM. There is plenty of parking at the Civic Center- 100 spaces under the building and 40 spaces above. Entrances to below-ground parking are on 10^th and 11^th streets. If that time doesn’t work for you, visit the Blood Bank’s website to schedule a donation appointment.

Welcoming Guests at Weekly Meetings

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Aug 04, 2018

Carolyn Sparks of Rotary Club of Las Vegas and President Don Fipps exchange club banners

We always look forward to the introduction of guests at our weekly meetings. At the August 2, 2018 meeting, Janice Kurth’s sister, Jeanette McKnight, a speech pathologist from Fort Worth, Texas joined us, and Dani Knapp, member of the Rotary Club of Kona of Hawaii, returned for another meeting. Carolyn Sparks, member of Rotary Club of Las Vegas, brought us a banner to add to our collection, and Don Fipps gave her one of our banners. When you’re out traveling, use the Club Finder tool to find a meeting to attend. You’ll be given a warm welcome.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO Joe Harper: Breeder's Cup and Beyond

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 24, 2018

Bill Dougherty (right) introduces Del Mar Thoroughbred Club CEO Joe Harper (left)

Fresh off another successful Opening Day, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) CEO Joe Harper was our speaker at the July 19, 2018 meeting. Joe was a little late to the meeting as he was meeting with state legislators who were visiting the track that morning. When he visited us last year, Del Mar was gearing up to host its first ever Breeder’s Cup in November 2017. At Del Mar the Breeder’s Cup saw its highest ever on-track handle, which was up by 21% relative to the 2016 handle despite having only half as many attendees. Joe explained that the Del Mar facility offered more high-end tickets and the smaller attendance can actually increase the number of bets placed as fans have easier and faster access to betting windows.

An economic impact report indicated that the Breeder’s Cup brought more than 100 million dollars to the area from hotel bookings and spending at restaurants and other local businesses. Apparently the only complaint nearby restaurants had was that they didn’t have enough high-end wine on hand. Joe is hopeful that this impressive debut performance will set the stage for many return visits to Del Mar by the Breeder’s Cup.

Joe expects the 2018 summer meet, which runs through September 3, to be another success. They have another great concert series planned, and this year they’ll have Brigantine Wednesdays with free admission (for Diamond Club members- it’s free to join) and famous fish tacos from The Brigantine. There are plenty of other events planned for this year, including a return of the Food Truck Festival, Craft Beer Festival and Burgers and Brews, among others. The DMTC will again generously host members of the Rotary Club of Del Mar on August 16- but consider visiting the track in advance to brush up your betting prowess so that our “Sick Picks” will be more successful this year.

Who Am I from Our New President Don Fipps

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 24, 2018

Our new president Don Fipps gave a brief Who Am I at the July 19, 2018 meeting. Don grew up in Bakersfield and attended Delano High School, where he made his first contact with Rotary through a scholarship that together with a ROTC scholarship helped him attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and major in biochemistry. After graduating, he undertook active duty in the US Army and was a Medical Platoon leader in the Fulda Gap in Germany. During his time there he also administered local outpatient health clinics- a challenge for a 22 year-old newlywed in a foreign country.

Don put on his “Dream Sheet” his desire to be stationed at the Walter Reed Medical Center where, in addition to being involved in medical testing activities, he performed HIV research and eventually earned a master’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University. In the mid-90s he was in charge of the Army’s medical humanitarian assistance for Africa before retiring from the service in 1997 after having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then worked for the American Red Cross in Charlotte, North Carolina. There he was promoted to Vice President of Quality, a position based in Washington DC. Rather than uproot his family, Don commuted from Charlotte to DC every week. He left that position to become CEO of Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services region for the American Red Cross. While there, he first joined Rotary. From Pennsylvania he went to Sacramento where he was Vice President of Research at blood center there, but in 2012 the center downsized their research operations, leaving Don out of a job and having to forgo being president of the Rotary Club of West Sacramento (club motto: “Mighty is as mighty does”) when he and Donna moved to San Diego to work for UC San Diego.

Before Don and Donna moved to San Diego in 2012, he began looking for Rotary Clubs to join. He thought Rotary Club of Del Mar was appealing because its meetings were in an Episcopalian church. Don is newly retired from his position as Administrative Director of Clinical Laboratories for the UCSD Health System and is looking forward to devoting himself fully as club president for 2018-19.

Goals for Giving to The Rotary Foundation in 2018-2019

The Rotary Foundation Chair Matt Kurth outlines our annual goal for giving to The Rotary Foundation

Matt Kurth, who assumed the role of Rotary Foundation chair from John Baranowski, outlined our goals for Rotary Foundation giving for Rotary Year 2018-2019. We hope to have minimum of $25 donation per member with average per capita giving of $100. Many of our members already donate to this level, so we expect to achieve these goals. We also seek to have 100% Paul Harris Fellows, which are awarded to members who give $1,000 within one year. Monetary donations less than $1,000 per annum can be supplemented with recognition points to help members become Paul Harris Fellows. Matt also encouraged members to consider becoming sustaining members to give at least $100/year to the Annual Fund. The Rotary Foundation supports many of our projects, so your gift will directly benefit our club.

Rookie of the Year Barrett Smith

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 24, 2018

Barrett Smith (right) with his traditional rabbit ears over new past president Klaus Gubernator

We congratulate Barrett Smith for being named Rookie of the Year. Barrett is an extremely active club member. In addition to participating in the majority of club events, in the past year he took over as Chair of the Community Services committee from Bob Sonnhalter and overseen several new activities by the Committee.

Welcome Back to Larry Black

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 23, 2018

John Baranowski (left) with former club member Larry Black (right)

We were delighted to see former member Larry Black return to our July 19, 2018 meeting. Larry was a member of Rotary Club of Del Mar and now lives in Hilo Hawaii.

Happy Dollars

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 23, 2018

Kit Leeger (top) and John Baranowski (bottom) both contributed Happy Dollars at the July 19, 2018 meeting

John Baranowski contributed Double Happy Dollars in thanks for a recent successful fishing trip in which his group brought in more than 1,200 pounds of bluefin tuna. Kit Leeger also gave some Happy Dollars to recognize an article about her father, Jim Watkins, that appeared in Ranch & Coast and summarizes Jim’s vision for the future of Del Mar.

Social at Twilight Concert Series in Del Mar on August 7

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 23, 2018

For the August social on August 7, 2018 we’ll try something new and meet in Seagrove Park to hear Steely Damned 2 who will be performing as part of the Summer Twilight Concert Series sponsored by the Del Mar Foundation. Suzy and Karl Wagner will stake out some space at the park early so that we can have a good view when the concert starts at 6 pm. Feel free to bring chairs. Also consider ordering a beach box dinner from either Il Fornaio or Pacifica Del Mar. The price of the dinner includes free parking at nearby Del Mar Plaza. (Photo credit: The Del Mar Foundation)

July Social at Shimbashi Izakaya

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 24, 2018

Lots of members (including honorary member Canine Companion-in-training Ressa) and guests enjoyed sushi and sunset at Shimbashi in Del Mar Plaza

In thanks for their support of our Sunset Soiree in May, Shimbashi Izakaya in Del Mar Plaza was the site for our July social. Founded in 2009, Shimbashi Izakaya derives its name from “Shim” and “bashi”- the Japanese words for “New” and “Bridge”. Izakaya is Japanese for “pub”, and is a place to unwind with after-work drinks. Our members were on hand to enjoy the happy hour sushi specials and the variety of appetizers and drinks on offer. With our new banner, our socials are no secret, and we welcome anyone interested in learning more about Rotary and meeting our members to join in. Thanks again to Susie Wagner for organizing the event.

Changing Lives Through The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 15, 2018

Steven Solomon spoke about the ways that The Rotary Foundation affected his life

Steven Solomon spoke at the July 12, 2018 meeting about the ways The Rotary Foundation supported him: beginning as an Interactor and Boy Scout in Illinois, as a Rotary Scholar and a Vocational Scholar, all the way through to his current position as Senior Annual Giving Officer for The Rotary Foundation.

During his time as a Rotary Scholar, Steven worked in Durban, South Africa. When he returned to University of Wisconsin to finish his undergraduate work, he learned that Jane Goodall was scheduled to speak in Milwaukee. He managed to get a ticket to the event and waited afterward to have Dr. Goodall sign a book for him. Through that brief meeting, Steven became involved with Dr. Goodall’s organization, Roots and Shoots, which seeks to empower youth to become leaders who can make positive changes in their communities, and he was able to bring a Roots and Shoots program to Durban. Steven’s contacts with Dr. Goodall were instrumental in arranging for her participation at the 100^th International Convention.

Later, a chance encounter with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and demonstration of his Zulu speaking skills led to Steven being a primary contact for Archbishop Tutu at a Rotary World Peace Symposium in England.

Steven embodies what contributions to The Rotary Foundation can do. Whether giving to support for projects today through the Annual Fund, working to eradicate polio through the PolioPlus Fund, or planning to support future projects of The Rotary Foundation by giving to The Rotary Foundation Endowment, donations to The Rotary Foundation are put to work in ways that will touch many people around the world.

Steven ended his presentation by recognizing Dan Smargon, who, just before his one year anniversary of induction into the club, became a Paul Harris Fellow plus four. Dan noted that, at a time when there is such wealth disparity in the world, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are needed more than ever to help those people who are at risk of being left behind. We thank Dan and all our Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation that help make the many projects the foundation supports a success.

Four Past District Governors in Attendance

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 15, 2018

Past District Governors Larry Scott (left), Marge Cole (center) and Marty Peters (right)

We were honored to have four Past District Governors attend the July 12, 2018 meeting. In addition to our members Marty Peters (DG 1997-1998) and Philippe Lamoise (DG 2005-2006), Larry Scott (DG 2001-2002), current District Paul Harris Society Coordinator, and Marge Cole (DG 2008-2009), who is the now the Zone 26 Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, joined us for lunch.

Paralympian Mike Spivey Visits Club

Don Fipps presents Mike Spivey with a Rotary Club of Del Mar challenge coin

In 2017-18 we provided funds to support Mike Spivey, as he trained in snowboarding for the Paralympics held in South Korea in February. Mike joined us for lunch on July 12, 2018 and expressed his thanks for our donations and to let us know that he’s set his sights on being a member of the USA Paralympics team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. He was joined by Bob Bishop, Surf Minister at The Torrey Pines Church Surf Ministry where Mike works with wounded warriors who are part of the Ministry community.

First Meeting for President Don Fipps

Don Fipps with the new welcome banner that can also be used at club events

Don Fipps presided over his first meeting as President on July 12, 2018. He’s already introduced several new items, including a printed Calendar of Events at each table, a portable banner for display at meetings, socials and other events, and challenge coins as speaker thank you gifts and to recognize other achievements.

Congratulations to President Klaus Gubernator on a Successful Year

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 15, 2018

Jim and Janie King provided transportation for Klaus in their Model A Ford

Klaus came prepared with his own beer stein.

Awaiting Klaus's arrival Matt Kurth (center) enjoys a laugh with Brett Mattei (left) and his wife Caroline Morin (right)

No shortage of Greek food to enjoy

A congratulatory cake reads "Thank you very much Klaus"

Flavor Chef always provides wonderful food for our events

Larry and Katie Cook (left and right) with Barrett Smith (center)

Monty and Ann Woolley with Tom Ryan

Jim and Karin Davies with Kit Leeger

Al (left) and Steve (center) Tarkington chat with Marty Peters (right)

Klaus has new experiments to perform with his chemistry set

A balaclava to keep warm while walking dogs

The donning of the traditional President's helmet

The joker made an appearance at last

A memento for a term well served

Thank you Klaus and Dagmar!

On June 16, 2018 we celebrated the demotion of President Klaus Gubernator after a fantastic year of service. The Club met the goals he put forth at the beginning of his Rotary year, most notably by growing the club roster through the addition of quality members, many of whom Klaus personally recruited. We thank Derek Carlson and his Flavor Chef staff for providing plenty of delicious Greek food, as requested by Klaus, Brett Mattei and his wife Carolyn for securing the venue in Solana Beach, and Jim King for providing limousine service in his Model A Ford.

The farewell gifts reflected Klaus’s expertise, club accomplishments and hobbies. First, we presented him with a chemistry set, which Klaus said reminded him of a similar set that sparked his interest in science when he as a child. A small tree represented Klaus’s efforts to ensure that the club satisfied the 2017-2018 Rotary Year mandate that every Rotarian plant a tree. Last, in honor of his dog Mira, Klaus received a German Shepherd-patterned balaclava- perfect to wear for dog walks on cold mornings (several members Klaus sponsored frequently join Klaus and Mira on walks with their dogs). Klaus then donned the traditional Rotary Club of Del Mar helmet, which Bill Rawlings promised is guaranteed to enhance any club achievement. Watch a video to see the helmet in action!

Annual Paella Feast at Crepes & Corks

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jul 15, 2018

A beautiful evening to enjoy great food and fellowship. Clockwise from left: Monty Woolley, Tom Ryan, Linda Strangman, Suzy Wagner, Carl Wagner, Walt Strangman, Sherry Ryan

Clockwise from left: Don Fipps, Dagmar Gubernator, Patty Kurtz, Klaus Gubernator

Left to right: Karl Wagner, Walt Strangman, Jim Kohn, Sharon Schendel, Sherry Ryan, Monty Woolley, Tom Ryan, Linda Strangman

Bill Rawlings (center left) sold tickets for the opportunity drawing in advance of the demotion party (with Brett Mattei, left, Mary Rawlings, center, and Dugan Moore and Philippe Lamoise)

Crepes & Corks owner Nico Berucci makes his seafood paella with nearly as much seafood as rice

For the third year running, we returned to Crepes & Corks in the village of Del Mar on June 12 for a paella dinner. Nico Berucci and his staff provided excellent service and a paella that had no shortage of seafood. The wines were a bargain and their crepe menu provided the perfect cap to another great social. Thank you to Suzy and Karl Wagner for arranging the event.

Preventing Identity Theft

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jun 11, 2018

Detective Mike Sherbondy of the San Diego Police Department Economic Crimes division, visited our club on June 7, 2018 to talk about ways to avoid being the victim of identity theft. He covered what constitutes identify theft, how personal information is stolen and used and what to do if identity theft strikes you. In 2016 over 15 million people in the United States were victims of fraud in the 2016, at a cost of over 16 billion dollars.

Identity thieves typically steal personal information in the form of names, social security numbers, birth days, driver’s licenses, PINs and credit/banking account statements. They use a variety of tactics, from the more complex, such as skimming credit cards, to the simple- stealing mail or wallets/purses. They can then use this information to set up fraudulent accounts, take out loans, or even obtain medical treatment.

Detective Sherbondy outlined several ways to guard against identity theft, including liming the number of credit cards you carry, regularly reviewing credit/bank statements, practicing good password management, and signing up for account alerts. He also recommended shredding pre-approved cred applications, receipts and bills, as well as mailing items from secure mailboxes and avoiding having mail sit in your mailbox.

He ended his presentation with actions to take if you do become a victim of identity theft. First, file a police report and close the affected accounts. Notify credit agencies such as Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Then, contact all creditors by phone and in writing and keep a log of all your contacts as you deal with the theft and make copies of documents.

Straight from the Pen: Writing in Prison

Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jun 11, 2018

Paul and Lori Sutton with a poster for their documentary: "Straight from the Pen" that tells the story of the writing program that Dr. Sutton started for prisoners in California correctional facilities

Paul Sutton, Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice at San Diego State University, began his presentation on May 31, 2018 with some grim statistics: in the United States nearly 1% of the population is incarcerated. Despite the billions of dollar spent, recidivism rates are more than 50%. Very little money is spent on rehabilitation programs, even though most prisoners will eventually be released.

Dr. Sutton noted that most prisoners fail to see the value of communication and the benefits it can bring. He wanted to change that mindset. He approached the warden of Richard J. Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility Daniel Paramo to discuss the possibility of launching a writing program at the prison- Warden Paramo liked the idea. Dr. Sutton’s program began with 24 lifers and 12 SDSU Corrections Majors who met for four hours, once a week for 16 weeks. In contrast to much of prison life, in which most activities are mandatory, the writing program was voluntary, and participants had to apply for a spot.

The program asked the participants to honor three rules: Be honest, Be truthful, Respect each other and the audience. For the latter, the program insisted that the new writers learn grammar, elements of style, word choice, and, most importantly, the value of simplicity. There was a weekly assignment and each participant had to read his essay aloud, which was a source of apprehension for some, since prisoners are reluctant to show weakness or fear. Indeed, their first essay assignment was about insecurity- and it had to be their own insecurity, not someone else’s. Yet through these writing assignments the behavior of the participants changed- the men began to help each other with their writing and to support them as they expressed deep-seated fears.

Dr. Sutton and his wife, Lori, made a documentary about the project, Straight from the Pen, which has won several awards. They also compiled an anthology of the essays the prisoners wrote in the program. Among prisoners who attended the writing classes, and have since been paroled, none have returned to prison. One prisoner featured on the documentary, Melvin, summed up the benefits he gained from the writing class: “When I write, I’m free.”

The Rotary Club of Del Mar is a registered 501c4 non-profit organization.