The San Diego Kiwanis Club welcomed August with a packed house for the first Tuesday meeting. President Judy Leitner rang the bell and welcomed long time club member Shaun McCardle gave a touching invocation that left the group grounded and ready for a great meeting. Jay Jeffcoat was back to lead the opening song after a regrettable absence at the previous meeting and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” never sounded so good!
Guests in attendance included Natalia Armenta from High Tech High School’s Media Arts Environmental Club who joined the meeting to check out the Club before their group joined us for a joint beach clean-up project on Saturday, August 22nd. Anne Usher from The Pew Charitable Trusts was also a first-time visitor who is new to San Diego and passionate about the luncheon’s subject matter.
Secretary Karina Sousa started the Meet & Greet portion of the day with the question “What habits have you picked up in Quarantine, and the answers were interesting. Gardening seemed to rule the room with many Club members admitting they spend a lot of time at Home Depot while some felt their personal routines had changed dramatically. Karina herself is an early riser that now finds it hard to get out of bed and Sally Hazzard has organized her house and belongs…. several times! Everyone is keeping busy, but we are looking forward to meeting again in person!
Fines and Happy Dollars went quickly with donations flying in. Despite the fees raised at luncheons the Club is still financially strong due to donations received throughout the year – most of them during COVID. Kiwanis Cares!
The speaker for the day, was introduced and Club member Carl Nettleton took control of the screen to share about OpenOceans Global and what they are doing to solve the Ocean’s plastic crisis. The information was fascinating and gave a global overview of just what is happening to our oceans, rivers, and water ways due to our reliance on plastics. Everyone enjoyed the presentation, and many stayed after to quiz Carl with questions.
The Club had a few minutes to talk about upcoming events with the Tuesday Trivia Nights figuring largely into the mix. Everyone is invited to attend and there is the ultimate Club Prize for winning – bragging rights.
The meeting adjourned at 12:31.
Join us on September 1st when we welcome Mayor Kevin Faluconer!
