Tidings

The Club eased into its second meeting in August with a robust lineup and some great events on the horizon. President Mike Boland rang the bell and welcomed everyone to the meeting before making sure the newly acquired “Talking Stick” was in a prominent position.

Club member Justin Frisco delivered the invocation and instead of the Kiwanis Club singing a song to kickstart the meeting – they listened to a great “rap” from Kiwanis International. It’s not often you see a 100-year-old Club really enjoy a stylized rap performance.

https://youtu.be/8lCtK2Pc7IM

President Boland introduced the speaker for the day – Greg Geisen who is leading the Facilities Plans & Revitalization for the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command.

Greg gave a great presentation with slide show that discussed the plans for the Old Town Campus. The Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus is home to Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), which needs new mission-capable and modern facilities to support its cyber security mission. The Navy is considering plans to maximize the value of approximately 70.5 acres of Navy-owned underutilized property at the Old Town Campus to support NAVWAR needs. NAVWAR provides $3.2 billion annually to the San Diego regional economy. The potential redevelopment would bring additional economic benefits to the region through the construction and operation of new commercial, residential, and transportation facilities.

After a robust question and answer period Mike thanked Mr. Geisen for his time and invited him to come back and give updates anytime in the future.

The Bill’s Bucks portion of the meeting was up next, and members were very cheerful givers! Joe Sigurdson had lots of great news about Boys2Men, and Ryan Callan shared his recent travel news and was fined for failing to bring back an item for the auction!

The Club was reminded they have some great events coming up and are encouraged to attend as many as possible:

• August 19-21 - District Convention @ Sheraton SD Hotel & Marina
• August 26 - Interclub with Bonita Kiwanis - Bob Chicca
• September 2 - ECOLIFE Social at Monarch Del Mar
• September 7 - no meeting
• September 21 - Luncheon: 3rd Annual Awards Show

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On August 3^rd the SDKC returned to the Admiral Baker Clubhouse & Golf Course for the first regular in person meeting of 2021. President Boland rang the bell to start the luncheon and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club member Karina Sousa shared the Invocation and helped Doug Frost lead the attendees in “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

The Bill’s Bucks portion of the meeting was again robust as people donated happy and sad dollars in honor of longtime Club member Bill Gibbs who attended meetings until shortly before his death at 106 years of age. During the donation segment at meetings, he would give a dollar (or more!) and say, “I’m still here!”

President Boland appointed Club member Carl Nettleton as the Chairperson of the Day. Carl extended the speaking invitation to Nancy Gudiño from Cross Border Xpress CBX. Unfortunately, Nancy was not able to join the luncheon and Carl filled in for her after she graciously shared her slide show and notes with him. Carl was familiar with the project and shared insights he had learned as well.

We hope to see you soon Nancy!

Club member Chuck Day was at the luncheon and represents Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. They were a recipient of a SD Kiwanis Club Community Impact Grant in 2020-2021 and Chuck wanted to update the members on how the money was being used to assist families who have sick children and are living at the House. We appreciate all RMHC is doing for children and families in need and is a big reason the SDKC turns out for Red Shoe Day every year! 

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Annual Awards and Installation Luncheon on September 23^rd which will feature Brian Krause (Brian Burgundy) and Karina Sousa (Karina Corningstone) as the hosts of the “Anchor Man” themed presentation. You won’t want to miss it!

It was a great day on Wednesday, July 20^th as the San Diego Kiwanis Club met for their first IN-PERSON luncheon meeting in over 18 months! Spirits were high as members started arriving early for the Annual Meeting of the Club. Warm greetings and hugs were exchanged, and everyone picked out festive leis for the occasion while they caught up with dear friends.

President Mike Boland rang the official Kiwanis Bell and after establishing a quorum was present he went straight into the meeting agenda for the day where the Annual Meeting minutes of the July 21, 2020, meeting were approved.  Mr. Boland read the slate of the Club Officers and Directors and called for a vote. And there was no suspense as the Club gratefully accepted and voted their affirmation of the presented slate!

Election of 2021/2022 Club Officers and the Class of 2024 Club Board of Directors

Mike Boland, President

Judy Leitner, Immediate Past President

Susan Day, Vice President

Karina Sousa, Club Secretary

Ryan Callan, Club Treasurer

2022 - Gordon Boerner, Gary Knight

2023 - Glen Honig, Brian Krause

2024 - Monica Ball, Justin Frisco

Welcome to our new and returning members of the Club Board – we appreciate your service!

With the business portion of the day taken care of it was time to celebrate with more lighthearted subjects. Having just returned from vacation and in the tradition of the Club when you do, President Boland presented a Native American talking stick for the Club Raffle and the bidding was intense from the start!

While several people bid, it came down to a heated battle between David Jay and Jay Jeffcoat who both wanted the item. In a classy Kiwanis manner, they decided to purchase it for the Club to keep and have at its meetings.  

Thank you gentlemen!

And since it was called a “talking stick” and it was time for the Bill’s Bucks portion of the meeting, everyone wanted a chance to hold it while they put in their happy or sad dollars.  

  

And since it was called a “talking stick” and it was time for the Bill’s Bucks portion of the meeting, everyone wanted a chance to hold it while they put in their happy or sad dollars.  

With time for just a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Chuck Day we moved into the final portion of the meeting. 

Long time member and SUPER Club supporter Dick Shaw was in attendance and was awarded a life-time Honorary Membership in the Club and will not pay dues for the rest of his life! His membership, legal advice, and general support to both the Club and Foundation has been invaluable over many years and the San Diego Kiwanis Club can literally say it wouldn’t be same or even AROUND if not for the efforts of this amazing gentleman. Thank you for your service Dick Shaw!

The San Diego Kiwanis Club did not have its usual first Tuesday meeting in June due to Memorial Day, so it really made the SECOND Tuesday lunch count with a great speaker, guests, and activities! President Mike Boland opened the meeting shortly after 12:00 pm with the ringing of the official Kiwanis bell. Club member Gordon Boerner presented the invocation which set the tone for the rest of the meeting.

Guests Mary Darling from SDSU was welcomed and she thanked the Club for their continued “Aztec Zeal” as the stadium site continues its construction project. Gordon stepped back in to introduce his guest Sanam Charlton, who is the Youth Services Managing Coordinator with Just in Time for Foster Youth.

President Boland handed the gavel to Chairperson of the day – Judy Leitner who was thrilled to introduce her guests and the speaker for the day from Mana De San Diego. Samantha Jimenez, who is the Executive Administrative Assistant for the organization was in place to assist with the technical aspects of the presentation for Executive Director, Dr. Inez González Perezchica. 

Dr. Perezchica told the Club more about Mana De San Diego which began in 1986, when five insightful local Latinas recognized the significant need for a unifying force – a strong Latina voice advocating for a greater Latina presence and a deeper Latina involvement in the educational, economic, political, and social arenas.

Those pioneering and resourceful women created that unifying force and voice by establishing the San Diego Chapter of MANA, a national Latina organization whose mission is to empower Latinas through education, leadership development, advocacy, and community service.

MANA short for “Hermana”, the Spanish word for sister, is a dynamic sisterhood of Latinas bound together by common history, culture, language, and goals.

Eri Nall joined the meeting to talk about what is being done and continues to be done with the funds from the San Diego Kiwanis Club grant award. Eri has been a Counselor with the San Diego Unified School District for over 15 years and had a lot to say. She zoomed in from a classroom and walked the members through the different programs, resources and materials that have been provided in the last 12-months by the Club as well as pointing out other curriculum items that have been gifted in the past. The Club could not be happier with what she is doing to help the children of San Diego.

If Club members missed recent events they are probably sad. Mike Boland was happy to share that the in-person Summer Social at Karina Sousa’s place in Crown Point was a wild success with 20 current and prospective Club members rotating in and out of the meet-up. Thank you to Karina for her gracious hosting!

The fines, and happy/sad dollars were next with a few members being called out. Jay Jeffcoat seems to be quite the man about town with a video clip from a local news station being shown of Jay discussing the Padres. There was no mention of the Club, so he was asked to pony up some cash. Which he did willingly!

The Club also saw photo of its NEWEST member (we hope) baby Scotty West LeBeau who was welcomed by parents Claire and Grant on May 30th and while we will not show it here for privacy reasons – she is an amazingly cute baby! Congrats to the LeBeau’s!

We will take July 6th off due to the Independence Day Holiday and see everyone back IN PERSON at the Club’s Annual Meeting on July 20th at the Bali Hai Restaurant.

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Club President Mr. Mike Boland opened the meeting and after the pledge and invocation the tone was set nicely by a great video from Kiwanis International. Follow THIS LINK for the reason WHY we ALL work so hard for children!

President Boland recognized the Bonita Kiwanis Club who had members at the meeting for an Interclub and Bonita President Peter Matz introduced his crew and highlighted some of their activities. Mr. Boland then handed the reins over to the Chairperson for the day, Judy Leitner. Judy was thrilled to introduce Gaidi Finnie, the Executive Director of the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art.

Mr. Finnie shared the purpose of the museum and how the contributions of African Americans to the art world is well documented. He is excited about new opportunities to experience some of the best art the country has produced. The SDAAMFA features art that is original, thought-provoking, interesting, and most of all a little something for everyone.

The newest offering is the "Say Their Names" Memorial Exhibit which is a memorial honoring persons who have died at the hands of those perpetuating injustice and systemic racism. This grassroots exhibit had its start in Portland Oregon and is an outgrowth of the protest that took place nationwide in 2020. The informal outcry is now an organization called the "Say Their Names Memorial" In San Diego, the exhibit will also recognize local Civil Rights advocates who have worked to level the playing field. While the "Say Their Names" exhibit has been shown in over 25 cities. This is the first exhibition south of Los Angeles County.

During the BILL$ Buck$ portion of the meeting the Club took in some hefty happy and sad dollars with Gordon Boerner paying handsomely for missing the previous SDSU luncheon presentation. And he calls himself an Aztec?

In case anyone had forgotten it was Membership Month we shared highlights and upcoming opportunities for the Club.

Everyone was excited to be reminded about the IN-PERSON SOCIAL coming up on Friday, 21st and attendance registrations have surged. We cannot wait to be in person for some laughs and stories by the beach. Thanks to Karina Sousa for hosting us!

Just a reminder to everyone that we have two “NO MEETING” Tuesdays coming up so make a note.

The Zoom Room was abuzz on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as the Club got ready to welcome Gina Jacobs, the Associate Vice President for the SDSU Mission Valley Development. President Mike Boland rang the bell and members took part in the pledge of allegiance.

After Mike reminded everyone that May is MEMBERSHIP month for us, Club member Lauren Cook read the invocation:

With are friends beside us and no person beneath us, with the bonds of Kiwanis between us and our worries behind us, with our goals before us, and no task beyond us, with a thirst for knowledge, and a dream of a disease-free world, we are thankful for our Kiwanis friends and the meeting we are about to have. Let us offer thanks for our circumstances and blessings for one another and for absent friends.

Jay Jeffcoat was appointed the chairperson of the day and there was no one more suitable to introduce Ms. Jacobs. While Mr. Jeffcoat thanked her for her efforts on the behalf of the University he took the moment to sneak in some SDSU sports references as well. Gina’s full bio can be found in full HERE.

Ms. Jacobs thanked everyone for their well wishes upon her return to speak to the club. She noted that SDSU is in the process of tearing down the old MV stadium will working simultaneously on a smaller (35,000 person) venue. The University is hopeful that it will be completed in time for the 2022 football season in the fall of next year. Gina noted that the site is more than a stadium and will also include residential units, office and research space, shops space, parks and recreational areas and an Innovation Center.

The club was excited to find they were seeing the new slide show before most others and had a lot of questions about how things would ultimately look. One thing is clear, everyone is eagerly awaiting the grand opening.

After noting the May Birthdays, members took a moment to give happy or sad dollars (Bill$ Buck$) in honor of feted Club member Bill Gibbs who attended meetings until shortly before his death at 106 and always gave money to the Club because he was still ALIVE!

Club Engagement Director Karina Sousa contributed $100 considering her upcoming birthday and time spent in the Club while other where thankful for trips, acts of service, and even their own organizations. After collecting funds, we welcomed Connor Leone from ECOLIFE who thanked the Club for its recent gift that allows them to continue their work with aquaponic indoor fish tanks that provide food for children. More info HERE

After member news and a review of upcoming events Mr. Boland rang the bell to end the meeting. Everyone is encouraged to register for the Tuesday, May 18th event which will feature the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art and their traveling exhibit, Say Their Names which will be coming to the Martin Luther King Promenade in July 2021.

Tuesday, April 20th was a big day for the San Diego Kiwanis Club as it took some “me” time and concentrated on Club opportunities and elements which might have been forgotten while we dealt with a global pandemic.

Club President Mike Boland opened the meeting and thanked everyone for being there on day set aside to refresh. We were honored to have Jeremy Alexander from the Salvation Army with us, and he gave a lovely invocation. We hope to see more of Jeremy in the future…perhaps as a member? Afterwards Mr. Boland invited Club member Justin Frisco to take over duties as the Chairman of the Day.

Justin was happy to introduce Bernard Mauricia from Oncology and Kids, which is an organization that provides safe spaces for children affected by cancer and their families to create lasting memories, forge lifelong friendships, and build the resiliency they need to heal. They are a recipient of a Kiwanis Club of San Diego Community Impact Grant and Justin was a supporter of their application. Bernard thanked the club for their support and told us how the money would be used to support children.

Club Program Director Karina Sousa took the reins and highlighted upcoming birthdays in addition to events and the upcoming Governor’s visit. The Club’s member survey is still being circulated and if you have not submitted yours – you have another chance. SURVEY HERE

The Club then took time to discuss and highlight volunteer opportunities, committee assignments and most of all Club membership as we move into the possibility of more, in person events.

We hope to see everyone on Tuesday, April 4th for our session: SDSU Mission Valley: Built for San Diego with Gina Jacobs!

See you soon! 

The San Diego Kiwanis Club was ready for April when President Boland rang in the meeting on April 6, 2021. With a packed house, he lost no time in inviting everyone to settle themselves and led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a timely invocation.

Mr. Boland welcomed guests including Michelle Castillo with San Diego State University and recognized Club member Sally Hazzard who recently moved to Palm Springs and is still joining the group via ZOOM. Mike called on Club Board Director Gordon Boerner to introduce the day’s special speakers. Gordon was thrilled for the Club to meet Jennifer Telitz and Caitlin Radigan from Just in time for Foster Youth, whose mission is to engage a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.

As the Investor Relations Manager, Ms. Telitz was able to highlight the programs and funding that JIT is involved with and its impact on the community. Ms. Radigan wrapped it up by sharing her experience both as a foster youth as well as the current Investor Outreach Specialist. The presentation was excellent and reminded members that the Kiwanis mission is to serve the children of the world.

President Boland thanked our guest speakers and invited them to stay for the remainder of the meeting if they had the time or inclination – which they did!

Karina Sousa, the Club’s Program Director posted the tally for March events and there was a three-way tie for perfect attendance! And let’s be clear – the tally includes member meetings, service events and socials. For the month of March, we can congratulate Gordon Boerner, Doug Frost, and jay Jeffcoat for their dedication to the Club and its events. Thank you Gentlemen!

While Mr. Boerner was feeling rather good about his efforts for the Club, Ms. Sousa moved the meeting along to the “FINES” portion of the day. Club members that receive community recognition and don’t mention the San Diego Kiwanis Club are always found and fined. This month one only had to flip through the pages of Giving Back Magazine to find a few familiar faces!

Club members Jim Floros and Gordon Boerner received some nice coverage but there was not a mention of Kiwanis to be found!

Ms. Sousa reminded everyone that the Club’s socials are fun and shouldn’t be missed. A fact proven by photos from the in-person Social at the Kaiserhof in Ocean Beach at the end of March.

After happy and sad dollars and a preview of upcoming meetings and activities the Club called their meeting to an end. Everyone is encouraged to follow the Club’s Facebook page and interact with posts!

Club members showed up early on Tuesday, March 16 and by the time President Mike Boland rang the bell it was just two minutes past noon and everyone was ready to go! After the Pledge and Invocation, Mr. Boland welcomed guests which included Lieutenant Jeremy Alexander from the Salvation Army as well as Holt Mebane from the Scripps Ranch Kiwanis Club. Congrats to Holt as well as our own Club member Gordon Boerner for recently forming the Scripps Ranch Club. We think this count as your first Interclub!

San Diego residents are hugely interested in the Port of San Diego and any waterfront plans so everyone was eager to hear from guest speaker Michael Brown. Some facts on him:

Michael Brown joined the Port of San Diego as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications in July 2019 and oversees the Marketing & Communications and Parks & Recreation Departments. Brown’s career is divided between the private and public sectors. His private sector experience includes FleishmanHillard with Starbucks, Nike, Savannah College of Art & Design, Georgia Natural Gas, and Oregon State University’s College of Engineering as clients. In the public sector, Brown served as a political appointee in the Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush administrations. Most recently, he was the chief marketing officer for the City of Norfolk, Virginia.

The Port of San Diego manages San Diego Bay and 34 miles of its natural waterfront for the people of California. The Port was established in 1962 under the Port Act and is charged with implementing the Tidelands Trust Doctrine. For over fifty years, the Port's five member cities - Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego - have worked together to develop and promote commerce, navigation, recreation and fisheries on and around San Diego Bay. Self-funded, the Port contributes billions annually to San Diego’s economy, benefiting the community, local businesses and employees.

Michael’s 33 slide power point presentation highlighted the local assets as well as current plans to expand and preserve key areas of the waterfront. Many listening to the presentation were surprised to find that the roughly one out of every 10 imported vehicles in the US comes in through our National City terminal. And, that the largest portion of the port’s commerce is bananas!

We appreciated the information as well as Michael sticking around to take questions from the members on an updated waterfront master plan, the new pier leases, when big ship cruising would resume and what is happening to our dear Maritime Museum.

Check the website for our upcoming events but don’t miss our IN PERSON SOCIAL on Wednesday, March 31st at Kaiserhof in Ocean Beach.

Be sure to subscribe to our Kiwanis YouTube Channel as well as following us on Facebook. See you next on Tuesday April 6, 2021 with our special guest Just in Time for Foster Youth.

President Mike Boland started March with a bang by starting the meeting RIGHT at noon on March 2nd 2021! After the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Boland shared and Irish Blessing in honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

After a few housekeeping items Mike kicked it over to Chairperson of the day – Steve Morris to introduce the Kiwanis Scholarship awardees who were on hand to receive recognition. It has become a tradition to talk with the scholars about their journey through higher education and the experiences they’ve had and despite being virtual, the students all shared their personal stories. While many acknowledged that school hasn’t been easy during the COVID pandemic, they all found bright areas of learning and educational experiences to highlight and share with the Club.

This one time a write up just isn’t enough to do their words justice so we encourage to watch their video from the meeting which is on our YouTube channel.

March 2, 2021 Scholars Luncheon

While the scholars took a break we had a moment to recognize the ONLY Club Birthday in March which is non other than JOE SIGURDSON! 

Be sure to subscribe to our Kiwanis YouTube Channel as well as following us on Facebook. See you next on Tuesday March 16, 2021 with Michael Brown from the Port of San Diego!