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Grape Expectations,
July 28, 2007
(Click photo to see album)
Demotion Party,
June 1, 2006
(Click photo to see album)Rota-Vista, Aug. 15, 2007
THIS WEEK
Humility is a priceless treasure, and most of us have earned it. Why then, in Heaven’s name, don’t we use it more often? – TaylorThere were no guests today, and both of the visiting Rotarians were involved in the program – the annual visit of the District Governor. These were DG Jim O’Meara, from the Carlsbad Evening Club, and Assistant DG John Forst, from the San Marcos Club.
One of our board members missed the monthly meeting on 3 August. It seems Mac and Lola Ghaderpanah were in Laughlin Nevada, celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. Runa Gunnars had a birthday this month. Did she celebrate? Yes, her son took her out to dinner. She didn’t tell us how old she is, and we didn’t ask.
Our newest member, Matt Koumaras, came up front to tell us a bit about himself – we call it a “Who Am I?” He was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. His father was a Psychologist and Mom was a registered nurse. When he was seven years of age they moved to California. Where to live was Mom’s decision, and she chose Fresno over San Diego. After highschool he went to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he majored in English and journalism. His first job after graduation was with the local newspaper, and then with an International Miners’ magazine. Later he became a highschool English teacher, where his favorite class was bi-lingual English. Quite a challenge considering Matt was not bi-lingual. While he was in college his folks moved to San Diego. He married a lady who was a funeral director and an embalmer. Then he became Executive Director of Santa Cruz Boys nd Girls Club, and a Rotarian. Now he has those distinctions in Vista, and we hope and expect that his biography will become static for a good long while. By the way, he loves Rotary.
Jack Dausman reminded us of the recent demise in Iraq of Lance Corporal Christian Vasquez of the 1st LAR Bn. This is the first such loss in that group during their current deployment. We are so sorry, and our heart-felt condolences go out to the family and friends of that young man.
President Jim Baumann, as CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, is a guy who is always aware of what’s going on. That’s what they pay him for. So this time he unearthed two news articles about Bill Taylor, one in the Quarterly newsletter of The new Camp Pendleton Historical Society, and one in the Local News, a freebee published by the Union Tribune. Both of these articles contained anecdotes of some of Bill’s adventures and challenges during his 27-year tenure at CamPen. Bill can’t explain this entry into the limelight, but he can divulge a secret. Another article is scheduled for the September issue of the Marine Corps League’s SEMPER FI Magazine, in which the name Taylor will appear. It’s author is Dick Rothwell, Col, USMC(ret) who is president of the CamPen Historical Society. By the way, a member of that group’s Council of Advisors is Maj. Gen. Wilbur F. Simlik, USMC (ret).
Pres Jim had a few more messages on coming events: Foundation Seminar at Salk Institute – Saturday, 8 September.
La Jolla New Generations Rotary Club – Initial Meeting at Mira Mar Officers Club, Tuesday, 21 August, 5:30 PM. Fundraiser for 1000 Smiles Foundation at Sycuan Casino, Friday, 31 August, 8 PM.
Our board meeting will be Friday, 8/31 at the Chamber Office, 7:30 AM.
Jim also read a note from the 1st LAR Bn, thanking us for the things we sent them.
COMING UP
Aug 22 Read and Kari Miller – Filmed Trevelogue in TurkeyAug 29 TBA
Sep 5 City Staff Member Vicki Parker on Vista’s New General Plan
THE PROGRAM
Assistant DG John Forst introduced his boss District Governor Jim O’Meara, who was here to pay the annual DG visit. Jim’s Rotary background is most impressive. He is a past president of his club. He was a fundraiser for the Malawi wheelchair project, and went there to distribute them. He earned a number of citations – District Rotarian of the year, 2001-2. Outstanding Leadership, ’03-’04: Four Avenues of Service Citation from RI. Has attended the last ten RI Conventions, taking a grandchild each time. Last year, at Salt Lake City, he took four grown daughters. Jim outlined the District’s goals, Water Management, Hunger Alleviation, Health and Literacy, and he says we’ve made progress in these aims for the past four years. The greatest need is in Africa, where some of the nations have no infrastructure whatever. He gave us a few highlights of the life of Arch Klumpf, who started The Rotary Foundation back in 1917. Also Jim Davidson, who spent two years starting Rotary Clubs in Europe and Asia. But he says there are many ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Carolyn Jones, first woman on the Foundation Board will be keynote speaker at the Foundation GALA, 17 November at the Bayside Hilton. Mia Farrow will be keynote speaker at District Conference, Bahia Resort , Mission Bay, 4/17-19/08.
- Bill Taylor
News Archives:
Grape Expectations is club's major fundraiser, held each summer (NC Times story)
Long-time Vista Rotarian Emily Sexsmith remembered for dedication to community
Little League Manager Marty Miller speaks to Vista Rotary, imparts life lessons learned
