Spoke Newsletter – Aug 11, 2022

TODAY

The beloved VICTORIA MARSHALL, Past President of this here Club, will talk about one of her favorite charitable organizations, the Beloved Foundation. The Beloved Foundation fills an important need of those on the road to cancer treatment and cure. In addition to explaining the Foundation’s mission, she no doubt will also mention their upcoming annual fundraiser, the PINK Party, scheduled for September 17th.

LAST WEEK

Executive Director of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and radiant Rotarian EVAN SANFORD talked at length about how the Chamber and he are working to prepare the City, the business community, and the citizenry for future development along the transit corridor. Using the mantra “Preserve the Past, Embrace the Future,” EVAN and the Chamber are working to highlight and promote a “Redlands focus” to the companies and governmental agencies who otherwise may not know about or adequately consider some of the unique aspects of THIS corridor vis-a-vis traffic, parking, and other infrastructure needs and deficits that will be encountered as construction moves forward, especially parking. Redlands Bowl activities, like musical presentations and graduations, holiday parades, the Bicycle Classic, “Art in the Park” and other important traditions and cultural events will have to seek new and different ways to get their patrons and participants to, from, and around to partake in their activities.EVAN is committed to searching for and presenting options, solutions, and alternative ideas to City officials and developers as the things ramp up. If you’d like to stay abreast of our dynamic future, join the Chamber and get involved! www.redlandschamber.org/product/membership

NEXT WEEK

PAM MARTINEZ of the Smiley Library Youth Services will speak to the Club about how A.K. Smiley Public Library remains not only relevant but important to the lives, educations, and enrichment of the youth of Redlands and surrounding areas.

POLIO PLUS

With the recent discovery of poliomyelitis in the wastewater stream of New York City, it’s a good time to remind each other of the Rotary International “Polio Plus” fund. Established to fight and conquer polio as a worldwide epidemic. Polio Plus contributions are counted toward Paul Harris Fellow funds. Additionally, the Gates Foundation continues to offer a “2- for-1” match for your donation to Polio Plus. Imagine your $100.00 turning into $300.00! It’s the “anti-inflation”!

SHOW YOUR COLORS

We now have an online store where you can buy merchandise branded with the RCOR logo AND donate to the Redlands Rotary Foundation if you choose. Get shirts, bags, outerwear, and other useful items at redlandsrotary.itemorder.com. But hurry! The store will only be taking orders until September 9!

CALENDAR

October 8 – The black-tie optional District 5330 Foundation Gala will take place in Rancho Mirage from 5:30 to 9:00PM. This is a truly remarkable opportunity to see and hear the keynote speaker, Rotary International ‘s first woman President, JENNIFER JONES. Sign up at www.district5330.org/calendar-and-events

October 21 – Human Trafficking Awareness seminar in Palm Desert from 2:00 to 5:00PM followed by a hosted mixer. Sign up at www.district5330.org/calendar-and-events for this, too.

TODAY IN AWFUL HISTORY

In 1988, Al-Qaeda was formed at a meeting between Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and Sayyid Imam al-Sharif (“Dr. Fadl”) in Peshawar, Pakistan. As of last week, only Dr. Fadl survives.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Thought for the week: The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come.

This is so pertinent to our club this year, now more than ever. Let’s gain traction and momentum by establishing and working toward goals. Our Board is setting those goals now. I hope to have a positive update for us at the beginning of next quarter so that we can celebrate our achievements.

Looking to contribute in a meaningful way? We need members to assist with Youth Services, especially Rotaract and RYLA/ PRYDE. Please contact DIANNA LAWSON for more information.

Some of you have a few years of experience with this club and we will value your input. Your wisdom and elbow grease are welcomed by our Fundraising Committee. VICTORIA MARSHALL has the scoop – give her your name and number so that she can invite you to her next meeting. We need your help – come join us!

School is starting up again and we are heading into “fall.” Summer vacations will be coming to an end, and I hope we are back in the swing of things. It is starting to feel like we are back to normal – I’m even running into some of you while you’re out and about, which is a nice change from the past two years. Get out there and have some fun!

Editor – Jim Nolin – Edition No. 6, August 11, 2022