Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps

Is there no rest for a Rotarian? Nope, there isn't. With 2021 underway, we have been busy finalizing plans for our next big project. It was decided that due to the success we had holding a blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank that we would do another one. Mark your calendar for Feb. 24 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and please plan to donate blood during that time. The location is the parking lot in the Vons shopping center at 10675 Scripps Poway Parkway (the new Vons). Donors MUST have an appointment so go to sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or call 619-400-8251. When you come at your appointed time, you must show a photo id. The pint of blood you donate can save up to three lives. What a way to start the new year, right??

Had a wonderful time being a temp-elf for Santa yesterday!!!

Well Christmas looks different this year doesn't it? But, some things are still the same because there are so many people struggling during uncertain times. It was our great holiday pleasure to adopt a family this season. Yes, we wear masks now and we don't hug instead opting for putting physical distance between us. What will never change is making magic happen for children and their families and that is just what we did. Santa still delivered gifts and friends brought cheer. We wish you a joyous Christmas with a dose of strength, hope and a quick vaccine!

Patriotism is a year-round celebration and we are continuing to sell American flags. We have acquired a new vendor for flags, a local company offering American-made flags and they are a bit pricier. Flags are $25 and may be purchased by contacting Dan at (858) 240-6853. You can pay with Venmo, Credit Card, Cash or write a check to Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps. Once ordered, your flag can be delivered to you by a Rotarian or you may pick up at our distribution center. Please note that earlier in the year, flags were $15 but are now $25 due to a change of vendor. Proceeds will be used to support community service projects. Are you wondering what those projects are? Well, here's a peek! We will be adopting a family in need for the holiday season and we are working on another blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank.

Welcome to the 55th Annual Poway Rotary Parade! Stay tuned for all the festivities live from the Grand Stand with Megan Parry of ABC 10 News.

This morning we were up and at 'em at dark o'clock to participate in a virtual walk for World Polio Day. Rotarians in our district are encouraged to walk together this week in support of ending polio. Who is brave enough to walk at 6:30 a.m. when it is 57 degrees outside? Well just a handful of us and one early rising dog. President Dave walked at Big Bear Lake and literally phoned in his walk to Past President Karen, Kristin, Don (joined with his granddog, Red), and Melanie who met at Miramar Lake. #worldpolioday2020

It seems like it has been forever since we've had a regular schedule of community service projects so it is a big deal for us that we had two in one month. Remember, we gave a big check to the San Diego Fire Rescue a couple of weeks agao? Well on Wednesday, what seemed like the hottest day of the week, we gathered for a blood drive that we held for the San Diego Blood Bank. It was a success because we booked nearly all the appointment times and nobody fainted! We thank our Rotarians for giving blood that day as well as so many new faces we saw who came out to support this effort. Just think, the blood you gave on Wednesday could already have saved a life!

Some of our members have all the luck. Earlier this month, they made a trip to the fire department and gave a $1,000 donation to the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation. Pictured are Capt. Rob Hackett, Jason Hascall, Wendy Robinson, Executive Director SD Fire Rescue Foundation, Immediate past president Karen (how big do you think her smile is behind that mask?), Erik Olson, and Kevin Terrones. The donation will be used for PPE as required for first responders on the front lines, and will purchase items like cots, sleeping pads, meals and masks.

Our club presented a check for $1000 to the San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation this week. With our wildfires, this money will help firefighters deployed in many areas and living at the site for days at a time purchase what they need while they're there. Pictured is Scripps Ranch STA 37 Captain Hackett with 3 of his crew along with Executive Director for the Rescue Foundation Wendy Robinson and club Past-President Karen Herreros presenting the check.

We hope to see you at our very first ever blood drive that we are holding with the San Diego Blood Bank. We will be in Scripps Ranch (in the new Von's shopping center) from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 30. See the flyer for details, you can only donate with an appointment. Give us your blood and let's save some lives!!

Last year, our club organized a cleaning supply drive to assist Corazon de Vida which distributed the goods to several orphanages in Baja, Mexico. They also received packs of seeds and we are tickled to see what became of them. The orphanage, Rancho de los Ninos, located in the Valle de Guadalupe has about 11 special needs young adults who planted a garden and harvested vegetables. Seeds were also shared with two orphanages in Tijuana and it was reported that the children successfully grew and harvested vegetables. The exercise in growing plants was not only educational, but the extra food came in handy during the Coronavirus lockdown.

The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps is continuing our great works! Covid can't keep us hiding! Yesterday we donated some of our hard earned money to Interfaith Community Services so they can continue feeding and helping our under served population.

Did you hear that our cub is selling flags? Not those with our name on it (that's actually a banner) but American flags. They are 3' x 5' and what a way to show your patriotism during these mind bending times. Flags are $15 and may be purchased by contacting Dan at (858) 240-6853. You can pay with Venmo, Credit Card, Cash or write a check to Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps. Once ordered, your flag can be delivered to you by a Rotarian or you may pick up at our distribution center.

"We're all in this together". That seems to be the mantra of the times. It sure has taken our minds off the 2020 presidential election but it is also a time to show our patriotism. The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps is selling house flags so everyone can get in the red, white and blue spirit. The flags measure 3' x 5' and cost $15. Proceeds from the flags will be used toward service projects that support our first responders. Flags are available for pick up in Scripps Ranch or a Rotarian will deliver to you. To purchase contact Dan at 858-240-6853. You can pay with Venmo, credit card, cash or write a check to Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps.

Today we delivered 100 lunches from Chili Pepper Mexican to Pomerado Hospital for the ER and ICU staff! They deserve the HERO status for their dedication and hard work!

It's not much that can keep a bunch of industrious Rotarians down, but the coronavirus is doing its best. Unfortunately, our meetings are dark until further notice but that didn't stop President Karen from sharing her thoughts of the day. Here's what she wants you to remember: Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress. Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. Be more concerned with your character than with your ...reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. A smart person knows what to say, a wise person knows whether or not to say it.