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President Stan Hartman called the meeting to order. Andy Hewitt moved from Shakespeare to our troops in harm’s way with his inspirational moment. An enthusiastic Greg Zinser said, “Let’s hit it!” and led us in “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” accompanied by Bill Davis. Bert Wahlen emphasized the positive in presenting the news. Brian Lange crisply introduced the counselor and students from Madison High along with their Club 33 hosts. Club 33’s stature in the educational world rose significantly with new member introduction of Dean Paula Cordeiro of the University of San Diego by Frank Arrington and the introduction of Dr. Terry Grier, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District by Tyler Cramer.
Kobe Bogaert and Reid Carr, representing the Technology Committee, familiarized us with the Club 33 website, showing how we can learn about current events and register online. They also gave a tour through the online Roster with all the pictures of how we used to look. Jim Groen alerted us to a Grotarian Wine and Food event scheduled for April 7. Dick Troncone highlighted special upcoming meetings -- on April 9 with T. Boone Pickens and April 30 with Marvin Hamlisch. Advance reservations for all of the above are requested – online or by a call to the Office. Chuck Pretto thanked those who have purchased tee shirts in support of Camp Enterprise and encouraged others to consider the support of a student. Jim Hughes reminded us that Saturday, April 25 will be Rotarians at Work Day. Ten to twelve projects will be described and available for signup on the website within two weeks. Additional projects are being sought. President Stan added that he wanted this year to set a record for member participation.
Judy Forrester was subjected to a Presidential fine for table material that introduced an innovative new Lead San Diego program providing senior executives, new to the region, with a way to quickly gain a greater understanding of the community. President Stan noted that Ray McKewon will be the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and his band, The Pop Rox, will be featured at the celebration. His fine led to a Club 33 Fellowship and a Paul Harris Fellow that he dedicated to his wife Kim.
Manpower’s Exec Mel Katz, a 32 year Club member, was introduced as Chair of the Day. Mel presented our speaker of the day, fellow member Craig Blower, the COO of the Reuben H. (Hollis) Fleet Science Center. After noting that the goal of the Center was to give kids and adults a fun, interactive experience, he proceeded to do the same for us. Using an array of techniques he walked us through the past and the present of this dynamic institution now celebrating its 36th anniversary.
Rueben H. Fleet, the first U.S. airmail pilot, brought his Consolidated Aircraft Company to San Diego and caused the world’s first domed planetarium to be built. In a 30-second sequenced photography set, Craig showed the recent three month rebuilding of the dome for a state of the art, two camera, full dome, full color projection of IMAX films. Educational programs bring over 100,000 kids to the facility each year as well as serving many more through outreach programs. Craig presented his lively, creative program in the face of a major challenge as the hotel’s sound system experienced a major meltdown. As President Stan noted at the conclusion of the presentation, “It is true: some of our very best programs come from our fellow members.”
The day ended with President Stan sorrowfully acknowledging the passing of members George “Tony” Chandler and Bob Smith.
Editor: Bob Kyle
Photographer: Paul Nestor
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