Vintage History
INDEX:
I. Digital Pictures (2000-present)
II. Prior History (terse PDF summaries, 1950-2008)
III. Jackson Gems (compiled by club president James Jackson, 1960-1990)
IV. Print Club History (writer unknown, 1997-2007); and
V. Rota Point(s) (compiled by Dave Brummerstead, 2005-2014).
Parts II-V include snippets of interest selected by Club Historian Bill Slomanson (2022-present). You can access the original, complete documents online--assuming you know how to access the portion that is available in the Documents link. The original Part III print binder is held by Leon Scales. The original Part IV pamphlet is held by Club Historian Bill Slomanson in a 16x22 plastic bin. The term below "[omitted]" indicates a period not likely to be of significant interest to club members.
II. Prior History
I. Digital Pictures (2000-present)
II. Prior History (terse PDF summaries, 1950-2008)
III. Jackson Gems (compiled by club president James Jackson, 1960-1990)
IV. Print Club History (writer unknown, 1997-2007); and
V. Rota Point(s) (compiled by Dave Brummerstead, 2005-2014).
Parts II-V include snippets of interest selected by Club Historian Bill Slomanson (2022-present). You can access the original, complete documents online--assuming you know how to access the portion that is available in the Documents link. The original Part III print binder is held by Leon Scales. The original Part IV pamphlet is held by Club Historian Bill Slomanson in a 16x22 plastic bin. The term below "[omitted]" indicates a period not likely to be of significant interest to club members.
II. Prior History
For a brief, one-page history of the PLRC, from 1953-2008, click here. For other years, click on the following links--author(s) unknown:
• 1950-1951
• 1950-1951
• 1951-1955
• 1956-1960
• 1960-1965
• 1965-1970
• No record
• 2006-2007
• 2007-2008
III. Jackson Gems
James Jackson (1981 PLRC President), Past President Ron Warren, and Rotarian Tom Kettenburg compiled their respective portions of an extensive club history binder---entitled "This is [the] Rotary Point Loma Club, 1950-1990" It has been summarized by the current Club Historian (during Dec. 2025) as follows:
Foreword:
• We do not merely mark the dates on a rapidly passing calendar, but we recall a kaleidoscope of persons and happenings that make the object of Rotary come alive.
• 1956-1960
• 1960-1965
• 1965-1970
• No record
• 2006-2007
• 2007-2008
III. Jackson Gems
James Jackson (1981 PLRC President), Past President Ron Warren, and Rotarian Tom Kettenburg compiled their respective portions of an extensive club history binder---entitled "This is [the] Rotary Point Loma Club, 1950-1990" It has been summarized by the current Club Historian (during Dec. 2025) as follows:
Foreword:
• We do not merely mark the dates on a rapidly passing calendar, but we recall a kaleidoscope of persons and happenings that make the object of Rotary come alive.
• These members have shared with their colleagues and families the worthiness and dignity of all occupations and have attempted to evidence high ethical standards in their businesses and professions.
• "Service above self" is the ideal of every Rotarian in personal, professional and community life.
• Another Rotarian will no doubt rely on this volume to write the Golden Anniversary history of the club in year 2000. [Then] [o]n to Century 21."
A Decade of Charter Enthusiasm:
1950-1951:
• [T]he San Diego Club ... began to meet in the Spring of 1950 to consider the formation of a Rotary Club in the Pont Loma Community. ... The new club was chartered as Rotary Club #7499 on April 17, 1950.
• The Club met at the Marlin Inn in Point Loma ... [and the] Harborside Motel Shell Room. ... A highlight of the Club Service social calendar was a Ladies Night at the Hotel Del Coronado on June 8, 1951. [Women would not become club members until a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision: Board of Directors of Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, California, 481 U.S. 537 (state's Unruh Civil Rights Act did not violate the First Amendment freedom of expression by requiring California Rotary Clubs to admit women).
1951-1952:
• [T]he name of the club was changed to the Point Loma-Mission Bay Rotary Club.
• All fines were designated to go to Community Service projects. The first Christmas party asked that gifts be brought for needy children.
• One of the first International Service projects was to send aid to victims of the Tijuana Fire.
• The new club held its first joint meeting with ... the Coronado Club in their city. The members travelled by bus ... and were welcomed by a police escort.
1952-1953:
• A highlight of the year was the publication ... of the first edition of the club bulletin which was named the Rotapoint.
1954-1955:
• The old Rotary District 162 ... was divided and [the] Point loma Club became a part of the new District 163.
1955-1956:
• International Service continued to ... promote visiting foreign student friendship through the VIA program.
1956-1957:
• Because of the establishment of the Pacific Beach Club, the name of the Point Loma Club dropped the "Mission Bay" phrase and became simply: Rotary Club of Point Loma. The District was given a new number--it became District 534.
• The first history of the Point Loma [C]lub (1950-1955) was published. (See above entries).
• Members were asked to give a speech on the vocation of another member. This was an alternative for "Who Am I" talks.
• The major Community Service project of the year was the refurbishing of the Northwest YMCA "Cottage" on the Cal Western campus.
• "Service above self" is the ideal of every Rotarian in personal, professional and community life.
• Another Rotarian will no doubt rely on this volume to write the Golden Anniversary history of the club in year 2000. [Then] [o]n to Century 21."
A Decade of Charter Enthusiasm:
1950-1951:
• [T]he San Diego Club ... began to meet in the Spring of 1950 to consider the formation of a Rotary Club in the Pont Loma Community. ... The new club was chartered as Rotary Club #7499 on April 17, 1950.
• The Club met at the Marlin Inn in Point Loma ... [and the] Harborside Motel Shell Room. ... A highlight of the Club Service social calendar was a Ladies Night at the Hotel Del Coronado on June 8, 1951. [Women would not become club members until a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision: Board of Directors of Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, California, 481 U.S. 537 (state's Unruh Civil Rights Act did not violate the First Amendment freedom of expression by requiring California Rotary Clubs to admit women).
1951-1952:
• [T]he name of the club was changed to the Point Loma-Mission Bay Rotary Club.
• All fines were designated to go to Community Service projects. The first Christmas party asked that gifts be brought for needy children.
• One of the first International Service projects was to send aid to victims of the Tijuana Fire.
• The new club held its first joint meeting with ... the Coronado Club in their city. The members travelled by bus ... and were welcomed by a police escort.
1952-1953:
• A highlight of the year was the publication ... of the first edition of the club bulletin which was named the Rotapoint.
1954-1955:
• The old Rotary District 162 ... was divided and [the] Point loma Club became a part of the new District 163.
1955-1956:
• International Service continued to ... promote visiting foreign student friendship through the VIA program.
1956-1957:
• Because of the establishment of the Pacific Beach Club, the name of the Point Loma Club dropped the "Mission Bay" phrase and became simply: Rotary Club of Point Loma. The District was given a new number--it became District 534.
• The first history of the Point Loma [C]lub (1950-1955) was published. (See above entries).
• Members were asked to give a speech on the vocation of another member. This was an alternative for "Who Am I" talks.
• The major Community Service project of the year was the refurbishing of the Northwest YMCA "Cottage" on the Cal Western campus.
• A new program to help members evaluate the club activities ... was called Fireside Meetings. They were held in member's homes....
• The Board of Directors voted to raise the annual dues to $40.
1958-1959:
• The club boundary with the San Diego Club was finally settled as "southwetserly on the line of Witherby Street."
1959-1960:
• October was designated "Science Month."
• On [PLRC's] Youth Marine Day ... several members (using four boats) took forty boys and girls ... on a tour of San Diego Bay.
The Decade of Establishment
1960-1961:
• International Service was highlighted when a member of the club was sent to the Rotary International Convention in Tokyo. [Note: I must be sent on an around the world tour of foreign Rotary clubs, to learn how other club historians operate :-)
1961-1962:
• [A] program that encourages members to visit the place of business of other members was initiated.
1962-1963:
This year the Point Loma Rotary Club is partnering with the San Diego Yacht Club to assist the latter with its annual Operation: Holiday Helping Hand. OHHH is a fundraiser aimed at assisting a group of needy military families whose holiday celebrations are threatened by both physical and financial concerns.
Jan. 2008 [No entries]
Mar. 2008:
• PLRC BiJuneds Farewell to Southwestern Yacht Club: [T]he last time before the change of meeting locations to the San Diego Yacht Club beginning March 7th.
June 2008:
• [T]he Point Loma Rotary Club held its sixth Comedy Cavalcade as its primary fundraiser for Rotary Year 2007-08. ... PLRCer Tony Calabrese, a Point Loma banker and standup comedian in his own right, organized hosted, and emceed the event.
July 2008 [No entries]
Aug. 2008:
• Historic Moments Rotary’s official mottoes, “Service Above Self” and “They Profit Most Who Serve Best,” trace back to the early days of the organization. In 1911, at the second convention of the National Association of Rotary Clubs in America in Portland, Oregon, ... The 1989 Council on Legislation established “Service Above Self” as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service. “He Profits Most Who Serves Best” was modified by the 2004 Council to its current wording of “They Profit Most Who Serve Best.”
Sept. 2008:
• 2008 Operation Helping Hand Aided by PLRC The 2008 holiday season is approaching.... Last year we presented 41 special military families in our area with $1,000 each and a letter of appreciation from the club’s Commodore.
Oct. 2008:
• Promoting Membership in Rotary: Clubs usually maintain a list of types of businesses and professions in their communities and seek candidates to fill classifications not already held by active members of the clubs. Classifications are many and varied. Examples include schools, universities, surgeons, tire distributors and retailers, dramatic arts, and the law.
• The Board of Directors voted to raise the annual dues to $40.
1958-1959:
• The club boundary with the San Diego Club was finally settled as "southwetserly on the line of Witherby Street."
1959-1960:
• October was designated "Science Month."
• On [PLRC's] Youth Marine Day ... several members (using four boats) took forty boys and girls ... on a tour of San Diego Bay.
The Decade of Establishment
1960-1961:
• International Service was highlighted when a member of the club was sent to the Rotary International Convention in Tokyo. [Note: I must be sent on an around the world tour of foreign Rotary clubs, to learn how other club historians operate :-)
1961-1962:
• [A] program that encourages members to visit the place of business of other members was initiated.
1962-1963:
• (Sign of the times) A new Community Service Project was initiated [when] $600 was donated to the Retarded Children’s Home … [whereafter] the club was host to a group from the Retarded Children’s Home at the annual Christmas Party.
1963-1964:
• Meetings were changed back to the Voyager Room at the Kona Kai Club on Shelter Island. [See 1950-1951 for prior meeting sites.]
• Members … [were] Sunday hosts and guiders at the “Friendship Bell on Shelter Island. … Members supervised the loading dock operations at Goodwill Headquarters.
• International service continued … with the Tijuana club by hosting as joint meeting … in observance of United Nations Day. … An exchange of correspondence was begun with a “paired club” in Neispruit, Transvaal, South Africa.
1964-1965:
• [A member] made and donated … a cabinet to display Rotary Club banners from around the world [see current display on this website’s Introduction link].
1965-1966 [omitted]
1966-1967:
• The District assigned Matched Clubs which were to try to have a couple of joint meetings.
• The club donated $100 to assist with the dedication of the Ocen Beach Pier.
1966-1967:
• The meeting place was changed to the Atlantis Restaurant at Sea World.
• A new geographical boundary was established by the District which gave some Point Loma Club territory to Pacific Beach.
• [T]he club sponsored a Youth Exchange student … at summer school in Nicaragua. … Support was also given to help a high school student in the Philippines.
1967-1968 [omitted]
1968-1969:
• University professor Russell (Russ) Beam became the nineteenth president of the Point Loma Rotary club. [No direct reference to the switch from Rotary Club of Point Loma to Point Loma Rotary Club.] He was [then] the only District Governor (1972-1973) selected from the membership of the Point Loma club. [Edit: Ref Dick if find no others].
• Club Service urged attendance at the Fireside Meetings where members could “let down their hair.”
• The club was awarded the District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Community Service. [Edit: Add to awards in Intro link] Projects highlighted were: … procured explanatory signs (plaques) which were installed at Cabrillo National Monument.
1969-1970:
• The club received the District 534 Award for Membership Increase: Nineteen new members were added during the year.
• Again, the club received a District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Community Service.
The Decade of Maturity
1970-1971:
• the club received a District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Vocational Service.
1971-1972:
• Rotary International presented the club with a Significant Achievement Award for a Vocational Service project … a program which introduced high school youth to employers….
1972-1973:
• The Point Loma Club candidate for Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellowship … was selected and studied at the University of Stockholm…. He was the first candidate from ther Point Loma Club to become a Rotary Foundation Scholar.
1973-1974 [omitted]
1974-1975:
• Slide pictures were taken of individual members at their place of business showing … activities typical of his profession or occupation. The presentation was entitled “This your thing!”
1975-1976:
• [C]lub members agreed to raise annual dues from $50 to $60.
• The first Christmas Carol Sing was held at the Convalescent Center at Doctors Hospital (now Sharp Cabrillo).
• [A member] organized a sailing and fishing excursion for members of the local Boys Club of San Diego.
1976-1977:
• A decision was made to change the meeting day from Friday to Tuesday and to change the place of meeting from the Atlantis to the Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island (now Humphreys).
• A joint meeting was held with the North San Diego Club and the Kearney Mesa Club at the Hanalei Hotel….
• Vocational Service inaugurated a “four Way Test” speech context with students at Point Loma High School.
1977-1978 [omitted]
1978-1979:
• [T]he club was presented a District Significant Achievement Award for Community Service. The key project … was the construction of a Rotary Pavilion on Shelter Island. … It was officially donated to the Port District….
1979-1980 [omitted]
The Decade of Challenge
1980-1981:
• Club Service was assisted by the establishment of the Grotarians‒new members organized to meet for fellowship and Rotary Information during the[ir] first year of membership in the club.
• Luncheon meetings were held regularly at the Shelter Island Inn.
• A Rotoract Club was organized at Point Loma College…. High school leaders were sent to the RYLA camp.
• A plan was inaugurated through Peninsula Bank for members to pay monthly into as Paul Harris Sustaining Fellow fund.
1981-1982:
• The constitution, By-Laws, and Club Policies were brought up to date….
1982-1983:
• The club changed its meeting place … to the Southwestern Yacht Club. Annual dues were raised from $70 to $100.
• International Service continued to develop an active exchange with the Sasebo, Japan club [first mention].
• In July 1983, the club reported sixty-six members.
1983-1984:
• A Presidential Citation was given to [the PLRC] President by [the] Rotary International President for accomplishing a net increase in club membership of seven.
• For the second time a member of the club was elected President of the San Diego County Council of Rotary Clubs….
• [The] Community Service Committee members organized the first STAR (Scholarships and Teaching Awards through Rotary) Auction. … Three $1000 Teacher Excellence Awards were presented to Point Loma High School teachers.
1984-1985:
• The Point Loma Rotary Club Endowment Fund, Inc. was established.
• [S]ocial activities sponsored by the club: The “First Annual Joke-off.”
• Jim Krause participated in a 10k run in Mexico.
1985-1986 [omitted]
1986-1987:
• Club Service cooperated with other service clubs to erect a Point Loma “Welcome” sign.
• The club went to St. Paul’s Manor … for a Christmas Carol Singing meeting.
1987-1988:
• This was the year that Rotary International began to admit women into the membership of a local Rotary Club. The first woman to be received into the Point Loma Rotary Club was Leslie Anne (Leslie) Carver … on August 28, 1987.
1988-1989:
• The annual dues were raised from $120 to $125.
1989-1990:
• President Richard (Dick) D. Thorn … was the fortieth president….
• A number of members were discontinued for lack of attendance. The club went from a low of 53% attendance to a high of 80% attendance.
• In celebration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the chartering … the history [from which this summary if drawn] was revised and brought-up-to-date by [President Jim Jackson].
• [A member] became the Political Pundit of the club.
1990-1996 period
No historical accounts for these years located.
IV. Point Loma Rotary Club History 1997-2007 (bound print binder)
Author unknown--summarized as follows:
Rotary Year 1997-1998:
• STAR Auction: [G]rossed $27,291. The final tally of proceeds amounted to $11,039.
• [T]he Directors voted to increase the quarterly membership dues from $150 to $165.
• The club's principal community service activity was the construction of a fence at Westminster Park.
• [Concern for the well-being of young people is a dominant theme of PLRC projects.
• Club membership dipped to less than 50 during the year.
Rotary Year 1998-1999:
• STAR Auction: [N]etted more than $13,500.
• Suzanne's [Babbitz] repeated appeal for ides about a "hands-on" project ... finally bore fruit. In April, a number of PLRCers helped the Port District with its refurbishment of the Shelter Island Gazebo, or Rotary Club Pavilion.
Rotary Year 1999-2000:
• In April 2000 the club marked the 50th anniversary of its founding with a gala celebration [venue not stated].
• Two visits by club members to the Point Loma Convalescent Hospital ... [when they] took hospital patients on an outing to a local food court for lunch.
Rotary Year 2000-2001:
• [A] year-end increase in cost of meals dictated a $20 increase in quarterly dues, i.e., $185, for 2001-2002.
• District 5340's Operation Malawi. The club donated $1,000 ... used to purchase orthopedic equipment.... [PLRC] pledge[d] $2,500 for a matching grant project to help fill other social needs in Malawi. The ... [PLRC also provided] a $1000 contribution for Food for Life.
Rotary Year 2001-2002:
• [T]he club enjoyed its second annual "Galapalooza Club Joke-a-thon, in which every club member was tasked to tell a joke.
Rotary Year 2002-2003:
• Comedy Cavalcade: The year's principal fundraiser was held at ... the Portuguese Hall in Point Loma. ... The club will continue to use this [now second annual] event to support its annual fundraising efforts.
Rotary Year 2003-2004:
• The club continued its effort ... of replacing the condemned Rotary gazebo on Shelter Island.
Rotary Year 2004-2005:
• [C]lub members enjoyed a field trip ... where the club made a $4,000 donation ... [for] the upkeep of the Star of India.
• Judy [Byram] remained in her longstanding role as club photographer, an important one in the production of the club's newsletter, The RotaPoint.
• Dave Leedom made a significant contribution to the newsletter by setting up and managing the electronic distribution of each issue to those members who have online capability.
• [T]he club participated in a Matching Grant program that generated about $6,000 for a clean water program in Africa.
Rotary Year 2005-2006:
• The club began the year with 44 members. [Two more joined; one passed away; and three others left, resulting in an end-of-the-year total of 42.]
Rotary Year 2006-2007:
• [T]he club [had] to carefully husband resources earned by previous fundraisers to prevne tapping the corpus of its endowment fund for augmentations.
1963-1964:
• Meetings were changed back to the Voyager Room at the Kona Kai Club on Shelter Island. [See 1950-1951 for prior meeting sites.]
• Members … [were] Sunday hosts and guiders at the “Friendship Bell on Shelter Island. … Members supervised the loading dock operations at Goodwill Headquarters.
• International service continued … with the Tijuana club by hosting as joint meeting … in observance of United Nations Day. … An exchange of correspondence was begun with a “paired club” in Neispruit, Transvaal, South Africa.
1964-1965:
• [A member] made and donated … a cabinet to display Rotary Club banners from around the world [see current display on this website’s Introduction link].
1965-1966 [omitted]
1966-1967:
• The District assigned Matched Clubs which were to try to have a couple of joint meetings.
• The club donated $100 to assist with the dedication of the Ocen Beach Pier.
1966-1967:
• The meeting place was changed to the Atlantis Restaurant at Sea World.
• A new geographical boundary was established by the District which gave some Point Loma Club territory to Pacific Beach.
• [T]he club sponsored a Youth Exchange student … at summer school in Nicaragua. … Support was also given to help a high school student in the Philippines.
1967-1968 [omitted]
1968-1969:
• University professor Russell (Russ) Beam became the nineteenth president of the Point Loma Rotary club. [No direct reference to the switch from Rotary Club of Point Loma to Point Loma Rotary Club.] He was [then] the only District Governor (1972-1973) selected from the membership of the Point Loma club. [Edit: Ref Dick if find no others].
• Club Service urged attendance at the Fireside Meetings where members could “let down their hair.”
• The club was awarded the District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Community Service. [Edit: Add to awards in Intro link] Projects highlighted were: … procured explanatory signs (plaques) which were installed at Cabrillo National Monument.
1969-1970:
• The club received the District 534 Award for Membership Increase: Nineteen new members were added during the year.
• Again, the club received a District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Community Service.
The Decade of Maturity
1970-1971:
• the club received a District 534 Significant Achievement Award for Vocational Service.
1971-1972:
• Rotary International presented the club with a Significant Achievement Award for a Vocational Service project … a program which introduced high school youth to employers….
1972-1973:
• The Point Loma Club candidate for Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellowship … was selected and studied at the University of Stockholm…. He was the first candidate from ther Point Loma Club to become a Rotary Foundation Scholar.
1973-1974 [omitted]
1974-1975:
• Slide pictures were taken of individual members at their place of business showing … activities typical of his profession or occupation. The presentation was entitled “This your thing!”
1975-1976:
• [C]lub members agreed to raise annual dues from $50 to $60.
• The first Christmas Carol Sing was held at the Convalescent Center at Doctors Hospital (now Sharp Cabrillo).
• [A member] organized a sailing and fishing excursion for members of the local Boys Club of San Diego.
1976-1977:
• A decision was made to change the meeting day from Friday to Tuesday and to change the place of meeting from the Atlantis to the Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island (now Humphreys).
• A joint meeting was held with the North San Diego Club and the Kearney Mesa Club at the Hanalei Hotel….
• Vocational Service inaugurated a “four Way Test” speech context with students at Point Loma High School.
1977-1978 [omitted]
1978-1979:
• [T]he club was presented a District Significant Achievement Award for Community Service. The key project … was the construction of a Rotary Pavilion on Shelter Island. … It was officially donated to the Port District….
1979-1980 [omitted]
The Decade of Challenge
1980-1981:
• Club Service was assisted by the establishment of the Grotarians‒new members organized to meet for fellowship and Rotary Information during the[ir] first year of membership in the club.
• Luncheon meetings were held regularly at the Shelter Island Inn.
• A Rotoract Club was organized at Point Loma College…. High school leaders were sent to the RYLA camp.
• A plan was inaugurated through Peninsula Bank for members to pay monthly into as Paul Harris Sustaining Fellow fund.
1981-1982:
• The constitution, By-Laws, and Club Policies were brought up to date….
1982-1983:
• The club changed its meeting place … to the Southwestern Yacht Club. Annual dues were raised from $70 to $100.
• International Service continued to develop an active exchange with the Sasebo, Japan club [first mention].
• In July 1983, the club reported sixty-six members.
1983-1984:
• A Presidential Citation was given to [the PLRC] President by [the] Rotary International President for accomplishing a net increase in club membership of seven.
• For the second time a member of the club was elected President of the San Diego County Council of Rotary Clubs….
• [The] Community Service Committee members organized the first STAR (Scholarships and Teaching Awards through Rotary) Auction. … Three $1000 Teacher Excellence Awards were presented to Point Loma High School teachers.
1984-1985:
• The Point Loma Rotary Club Endowment Fund, Inc. was established.
• [S]ocial activities sponsored by the club: The “First Annual Joke-off.”
• Jim Krause participated in a 10k run in Mexico.
1985-1986 [omitted]
1986-1987:
• Club Service cooperated with other service clubs to erect a Point Loma “Welcome” sign.
• The club went to St. Paul’s Manor … for a Christmas Carol Singing meeting.
1987-1988:
• This was the year that Rotary International began to admit women into the membership of a local Rotary Club. The first woman to be received into the Point Loma Rotary Club was Leslie Anne (Leslie) Carver … on August 28, 1987.
1988-1989:
• The annual dues were raised from $120 to $125.
1989-1990:
• President Richard (Dick) D. Thorn … was the fortieth president….
• A number of members were discontinued for lack of attendance. The club went from a low of 53% attendance to a high of 80% attendance.
• In celebration of the Fortieth Anniversary of the chartering … the history [from which this summary if drawn] was revised and brought-up-to-date by [President Jim Jackson].
• [A member] became the Political Pundit of the club.
1990-1996 period
No historical accounts for these years located.
IV. Point Loma Rotary Club History 1997-2007 (bound print binder)
Author unknown--summarized as follows:
Rotary Year 1997-1998:
• STAR Auction: [G]rossed $27,291. The final tally of proceeds amounted to $11,039.
• [T]he Directors voted to increase the quarterly membership dues from $150 to $165.
• The club's principal community service activity was the construction of a fence at Westminster Park.
• [Concern for the well-being of young people is a dominant theme of PLRC projects.
• Club membership dipped to less than 50 during the year.
Rotary Year 1998-1999:
• STAR Auction: [N]etted more than $13,500.
• Suzanne's [Babbitz] repeated appeal for ides about a "hands-on" project ... finally bore fruit. In April, a number of PLRCers helped the Port District with its refurbishment of the Shelter Island Gazebo, or Rotary Club Pavilion.
Rotary Year 1999-2000:
• In April 2000 the club marked the 50th anniversary of its founding with a gala celebration [venue not stated].
• Two visits by club members to the Point Loma Convalescent Hospital ... [when they] took hospital patients on an outing to a local food court for lunch.
Rotary Year 2000-2001:
• [A] year-end increase in cost of meals dictated a $20 increase in quarterly dues, i.e., $185, for 2001-2002.
• District 5340's Operation Malawi. The club donated $1,000 ... used to purchase orthopedic equipment.... [PLRC] pledge[d] $2,500 for a matching grant project to help fill other social needs in Malawi. The ... [PLRC also provided] a $1000 contribution for Food for Life.
Rotary Year 2001-2002:
• [T]he club enjoyed its second annual "Galapalooza Club Joke-a-thon, in which every club member was tasked to tell a joke.
Rotary Year 2002-2003:
• Comedy Cavalcade: The year's principal fundraiser was held at ... the Portuguese Hall in Point Loma. ... The club will continue to use this [now second annual] event to support its annual fundraising efforts.
Rotary Year 2003-2004:
• The club continued its effort ... of replacing the condemned Rotary gazebo on Shelter Island.
Rotary Year 2004-2005:
• [C]lub members enjoyed a field trip ... where the club made a $4,000 donation ... [for] the upkeep of the Star of India.
• Judy [Byram] remained in her longstanding role as club photographer, an important one in the production of the club's newsletter, The RotaPoint.
• Dave Leedom made a significant contribution to the newsletter by setting up and managing the electronic distribution of each issue to those members who have online capability.
• [T]he club participated in a Matching Grant program that generated about $6,000 for a clean water program in Africa.
Rotary Year 2005-2006:
• The club began the year with 44 members. [Two more joined; one passed away; and three others left, resulting in an end-of-the-year total of 42.]
Rotary Year 2006-2007:
• [T]he club [had] to carefully husband resources earned by previous fundraisers to prevne tapping the corpus of its endowment fund for augmentations.
Rotary Year 2007-2008:
• [Q]uarterly dues remained at $210 per quarter.
[Club Historian note: Judy Byram's "Point Loma Rotary Club Photo History 2000-2009" appears in two locations: In this "Point Loma Rotary Club History 1997-2007" (bound print binder in the history bin held by the Club Historian; and in the "Documents" section of the club's main webpage, accessible via )
V. RotaPoint March 2005-Sept. 2014 (plus one issue in 2015)
The source for this segment of the About Us online history (first created in 2022) is the PLRC’s Rotapoint files in the "Documents" ClubRunner cache. Go to www.pointlomarotary.org; hover over the Member Area tab; click Documents; scroll down to “Rota Point Archive” folder for individual issues. These documents were created by Dave Brummersted.
Some but not all RotaPoint years/months are therein available. No RotaPoint pictures from the monthly overall pdf files are available for downloading. They can be viewed, however, in the above ClubRunner Rota Point Archive archive. The term below "[See Documents]" indicates Bill Slomanson's subjective determination that all Rota Point doc's are interesting, but some are more interesting than others. You can access the complete RotaPoints via the main club webpage's Member Area, then click Documents, then scroll to "Rota Point," to view both omitted months and those months with the abbreviated summaries below.
The following narrative continues to populate the newly created 2025 Vintage History link. It thus summarizes the highlights of all available sources for this comprehensive online account of the PLRC’s now 75-year history:
March 2005:
• [T]he PLRC held its annual Comedy Cavalcade fundraiser [Feb.] at the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Point Loma. All the proceeds go the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which helps injured Marines, sailors, and their families meet their financial needs during difficult times. … Before the event, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a catered dinner in the Portuguese Hall.
• Regarding the $4,000 contribution to the Maritime Museum … [it] proposes to restore the Star of India’s wheel, binnacle, and steering gear box and attach an appropriate plaque…. The plaque also will recognize Point Loma Rotary. The $4,000 will cover the cost of restoration and future maintenance for several years.
April 2005:
• [A]n update on planning and progress regarding the new Rotary pavilion to be constructed on Shelter Island. … As co-sponsors of the project, both the Port District and the PLRC agree that the aim is to create a comfortable, usable park for the community that also can become a visual symbol for the future. … The park will contain a sculptural pavilion resembling a cloud in the wind [or as club member Leon Scales sees it‒the “Hat”], constructed of steel and concrete. A bench and plantings will welcome visitors and provide some separation from the bayside parking lot.
• A new Rotary award titled “Circle of Life”—which features a special pin—has been developed to acknowledge the contributions of Rotarians in our club. In order to wear one of these pins, one must be a Paul Harris Fellow who has sponsored for membership in our club a Rotarian who is still a member in good standing in our club.
• A question arises—do we really know our club colleagues? The staff suggested taking the “diversity quiz” as a test of our knowledge about our fellow members. Match the PLRC officers with their respective occupations by filling in the correct numbers identifying occupations beside their names. [Note: For all meetings, RI encourages all Rotarians to sit beside someone they do now know, or know well. Are we all doing that?]
June 2005:
• On March 18, the Point Loma Rotary Club presented a $10,000 check to the Port of San Diego for Pacific Crest Park, a small park and gazebo replacing the old Rotary gazebo on Shelter Island.
• Thanks to Gary Stephany’s efforts, our club participated in a Matching Grant that generated about $6,000 for a clean water project in Africa.
• In Memoriam Harley Babbitz, Spouse of Point Loma Rotary Club Member Suzanne Babbitz. Club members extend their deepest sympathies to Suzanne and the Babbitz family in this time of sorrow.
July 2005:
• During the R.I. Convention in Chicago in June, then PLRC President David Pettigrew delivered the following message for placement in a time capsule to be opened on the occasion of Rotary’s second centennial in 2105. To the Rotarians of the World on 23 February 2105: The Rotary Club of Point Loma (San Diego, CA, USA) extends its sincere congratulations on the celebration of the completion of Rotary International’s second century of service. … During the first century, our club is most proud of the following service projects and those of Rotary International. The eradication of polio worldwide. … The removal of gender bias for admission to Rotary. …pledges to continue to provide service to local and world communities in keeping with the valued Rotary traditions of high ethical and moral standards; and in doing so, ensures the growth of Rotary service worldwide.
• Quarterly dues remained at $185.
• Judy [Byram] also remained in her role as club photographer, an important one in the production of the club’s newsletter, The Rota Point. Her photos always add significantly to the content of each issue.
Aug. 2005: [See Documents]
Sept. 2005: [See Documents]
Oct. 2005: [See Documents]
Nov. 2005:
• A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Montague Bear, a Chicago Rotarian, who drew a simple wagon wheel with a few lines to show dust and motion. Although there is no official significance to the wheel, most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. In 1922 it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem. The present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes, was adopted by Rotary International. A group of engineers pointed out that the gear wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a keyway in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added, and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.
Dec. 2005:
• Ken and Shannon Osborne were aboard the San Diego Maritime Museum’s Star of India.
Jan. 2006:
• Rotarians Targeted by Scam Emails: As the Internet continues to grow, unfortunately so do email scams and other forms of Internet fraud either targeting Rotarians or abusing Rotary information. … By sharing email addresses in messages that are posted on Rotary club or district websites that are not secure, Rotarians may unknowingly make themselves and their clubs vulnerable to scams.
Mar. 2006:
• Last month nearly 530 incoming Rotarian district governors attended a weeklong training conference in San Diego during which they learned to promote Rotary, revitalize clubs, recruit members, and encourage donations to The Rotary Foundation. ... In the evenings, governors-elect gathered in the foyers and rehearsed their songs and dances for the International Festival night.
• [Q]uarterly dues remained at $210 per quarter.
[Club Historian note: Judy Byram's "Point Loma Rotary Club Photo History 2000-2009" appears in two locations: In this "Point Loma Rotary Club History 1997-2007" (bound print binder in the history bin held by the Club Historian; and in the "Documents" section of the club's main webpage, accessible via )
V. RotaPoint March 2005-Sept. 2014 (plus one issue in 2015)
The source for this segment of the About Us online history (first created in 2022) is the PLRC’s Rotapoint files in the "Documents" ClubRunner cache. Go to www.pointlomarotary.org; hover over the Member Area tab; click Documents; scroll down to “Rota Point Archive” folder for individual issues. These documents were created by Dave Brummersted.
Some but not all RotaPoint years/months are therein available. No RotaPoint pictures from the monthly overall pdf files are available for downloading. They can be viewed, however, in the above ClubRunner Rota Point Archive archive. The term below "[See Documents]" indicates Bill Slomanson's subjective determination that all Rota Point doc's are interesting, but some are more interesting than others. You can access the complete RotaPoints via the main club webpage's Member Area, then click Documents, then scroll to "Rota Point," to view both omitted months and those months with the abbreviated summaries below.
The following narrative continues to populate the newly created 2025 Vintage History link. It thus summarizes the highlights of all available sources for this comprehensive online account of the PLRC’s now 75-year history:
March 2005:
• [T]he PLRC held its annual Comedy Cavalcade fundraiser [Feb.] at the S.E.S. Portuguese Hall in Point Loma. All the proceeds go the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which helps injured Marines, sailors, and their families meet their financial needs during difficult times. … Before the event, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a catered dinner in the Portuguese Hall.
• Regarding the $4,000 contribution to the Maritime Museum … [it] proposes to restore the Star of India’s wheel, binnacle, and steering gear box and attach an appropriate plaque…. The plaque also will recognize Point Loma Rotary. The $4,000 will cover the cost of restoration and future maintenance for several years.
April 2005:
• [A]n update on planning and progress regarding the new Rotary pavilion to be constructed on Shelter Island. … As co-sponsors of the project, both the Port District and the PLRC agree that the aim is to create a comfortable, usable park for the community that also can become a visual symbol for the future. … The park will contain a sculptural pavilion resembling a cloud in the wind [or as club member Leon Scales sees it‒the “Hat”], constructed of steel and concrete. A bench and plantings will welcome visitors and provide some separation from the bayside parking lot.
• A new Rotary award titled “Circle of Life”—which features a special pin—has been developed to acknowledge the contributions of Rotarians in our club. In order to wear one of these pins, one must be a Paul Harris Fellow who has sponsored for membership in our club a Rotarian who is still a member in good standing in our club.
• A question arises—do we really know our club colleagues? The staff suggested taking the “diversity quiz” as a test of our knowledge about our fellow members. Match the PLRC officers with their respective occupations by filling in the correct numbers identifying occupations beside their names. [Note: For all meetings, RI encourages all Rotarians to sit beside someone they do now know, or know well. Are we all doing that?]
June 2005:
• On March 18, the Point Loma Rotary Club presented a $10,000 check to the Port of San Diego for Pacific Crest Park, a small park and gazebo replacing the old Rotary gazebo on Shelter Island.
• Thanks to Gary Stephany’s efforts, our club participated in a Matching Grant that generated about $6,000 for a clean water project in Africa.
• In Memoriam Harley Babbitz, Spouse of Point Loma Rotary Club Member Suzanne Babbitz. Club members extend their deepest sympathies to Suzanne and the Babbitz family in this time of sorrow.
July 2005:
• During the R.I. Convention in Chicago in June, then PLRC President David Pettigrew delivered the following message for placement in a time capsule to be opened on the occasion of Rotary’s second centennial in 2105. To the Rotarians of the World on 23 February 2105: The Rotary Club of Point Loma (San Diego, CA, USA) extends its sincere congratulations on the celebration of the completion of Rotary International’s second century of service. … During the first century, our club is most proud of the following service projects and those of Rotary International. The eradication of polio worldwide. … The removal of gender bias for admission to Rotary. …pledges to continue to provide service to local and world communities in keeping with the valued Rotary traditions of high ethical and moral standards; and in doing so, ensures the growth of Rotary service worldwide.
• Quarterly dues remained at $185.
• Judy [Byram] also remained in her role as club photographer, an important one in the production of the club’s newsletter, The Rota Point. Her photos always add significantly to the content of each issue.
Aug. 2005: [See Documents]
Sept. 2005: [See Documents]
Oct. 2005: [See Documents]
Nov. 2005:
• A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Montague Bear, a Chicago Rotarian, who drew a simple wagon wheel with a few lines to show dust and motion. Although there is no official significance to the wheel, most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. In 1922 it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem. The present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes, was adopted by Rotary International. A group of engineers pointed out that the gear wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a keyway in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added, and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.
Dec. 2005:
• Ken and Shannon Osborne were aboard the San Diego Maritime Museum’s Star of India.
Jan. 2006:
• Rotarians Targeted by Scam Emails: As the Internet continues to grow, unfortunately so do email scams and other forms of Internet fraud either targeting Rotarians or abusing Rotary information. … By sharing email addresses in messages that are posted on Rotary club or district websites that are not secure, Rotarians may unknowingly make themselves and their clubs vulnerable to scams.
Mar. 2006:
• Last month nearly 530 incoming Rotarian district governors attended a weeklong training conference in San Diego during which they learned to promote Rotary, revitalize clubs, recruit members, and encourage donations to The Rotary Foundation. ... In the evenings, governors-elect gathered in the foyers and rehearsed their songs and dances for the International Festival night.
• Membership Notes: Rotary established the Endowment Fund in 1917, which became the forerunner to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary first adopted the name “Rotary International” in 1922, when the name was changed from the International Association of Rotary Clubs. Rotary first established Paul Harris Recognition in 1957 for contributors of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary emblem was printed on a commemorative stamp for the first time in 1931 at the time of the Vienna convention.
• On March 9th the Point Loma Rotary Club Gazebo was dedicated at Shelter Island.
Apr. 2006:
Apr. 2006:
• Let George Do It: Every Rotary club probably has its George. He pinch hits when presiding officers are unavailable for club meetings. He makes the stubborn video work when others throw up their hands in defeat. He welcomes guests on his own with a firm handshake and a warm smile. He helps the club with its recruiting efforts, and he writes a membership article in the newsletter.
May 2006:
• One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags, or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at makeup meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events. Participating clubs are encouraged to ensure that the designs of their banners are distinctive and expressive of their clubs’ communities.
• Quiz: Is the Four-Way Test Used or Filed Away? On the personal level, let us consider for a moment as we read this column and ask ourselves a few questions: Do we use the test in our homes? Do we use it in workplaces? Do we use it with our church friends? In our recreation? Do we think of the test as we are tested in our daily lives? ... [T]he test is only good if it is used each and every day. If that actually occurs, then we all are better people.
June 2006:
• The southernmost Rotary meeting is that of the Rotary Club of Base Marambio-Antarida in Antarctica. To visited the northernmost club, you must travel to the Svalbard Islands north of the Norwegian mainland.
• One of the colorful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags, or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at makeup meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events. Participating clubs are encouraged to ensure that the designs of their banners are distinctive and expressive of their clubs’ communities.
• Quiz: Is the Four-Way Test Used or Filed Away? On the personal level, let us consider for a moment as we read this column and ask ourselves a few questions: Do we use the test in our homes? Do we use it in workplaces? Do we use it with our church friends? In our recreation? Do we think of the test as we are tested in our daily lives? ... [T]he test is only good if it is used each and every day. If that actually occurs, then we all are better people.
June 2006:
• The southernmost Rotary meeting is that of the Rotary Club of Base Marambio-Antarida in Antarctica. To visited the northernmost club, you must travel to the Svalbard Islands north of the Norwegian mainland.
• Self-Reflecting: Did we do anything of value? Did we accomplish anything at all? ... Did we in each and every business situation and in each and every daily routine act honorably and deal honestly? Did we give full value? Did we make sure we gave full and complete details? Did we in each and every home situation act honorably? Did we show respect when it was needed? Did we offer help when we witnessed that help was needed? Did we offer help even before it was requested? When we realized we had made a mistake of some sort, did we promptly apologize?
July 2006: [See Documents]
Aug. 2006: [See Documents]
Sept. 2006:
• As for this newsletter, after eight years and 177 issues, I am slowing the pace by publishing one issue each month, with a provision for additional issues from time to time as circumstances warrant them. Dave Brummersted
• Ambassadorial Scholars: This photo [see Memories link, scroll to 2006] features members of the Belgian family who will host Rotary Youth Exchange student Quinn Heron for a year. The PLRC is sponsoring his extended stay in Belgium. Quinn spoke to the club on August 4th shortly before he was scheduled to fly to Europe. He attends High Tech International High in San Diego. (See the photo on the lower left,)
Oct. 2006:
• [A]ll of these opportunities add up to one conclusion: Rotary helps you become a better person and makes the quality of your own life just a little richer and more meaningful. What a wonderful experience it is to have all of these opportunities knocking at your door— just because you are a Rotarian. Cliff Dochterman, member Rotary Club of Moraga, California, and [former] R.I. President.
Nov. 2006:
• Rotary can be explained from different cultural and philosophical backgrounds, and you will always come to the conclusion that, thanks to Rotary, this is a better world and Rotarians are better off for being in our ranks. Yes, as I look back, joining Rotary was the turning point of my life . . . . For a better life. Frank Devlyn President, Rotary International 2000-2001.
• The PLRC is hosting William Simoes, an exchange student from Brazil, for the current academic year. Accordingly, the club contributes $100 per month to him for spending money.
Dec. 2006:
• Rich Stakelum led the Katrina effort with trips to the New Orleans area and contributions to the Plaquesmines Rotary Club.
July 2006: [See Documents]
Aug. 2006: [See Documents]
Sept. 2006:
• As for this newsletter, after eight years and 177 issues, I am slowing the pace by publishing one issue each month, with a provision for additional issues from time to time as circumstances warrant them. Dave Brummersted
• Ambassadorial Scholars: This photo [see Memories link, scroll to 2006] features members of the Belgian family who will host Rotary Youth Exchange student Quinn Heron for a year. The PLRC is sponsoring his extended stay in Belgium. Quinn spoke to the club on August 4th shortly before he was scheduled to fly to Europe. He attends High Tech International High in San Diego. (See the photo on the lower left,)
Oct. 2006:
• [A]ll of these opportunities add up to one conclusion: Rotary helps you become a better person and makes the quality of your own life just a little richer and more meaningful. What a wonderful experience it is to have all of these opportunities knocking at your door— just because you are a Rotarian. Cliff Dochterman, member Rotary Club of Moraga, California, and [former] R.I. President.
Nov. 2006:
• Rotary can be explained from different cultural and philosophical backgrounds, and you will always come to the conclusion that, thanks to Rotary, this is a better world and Rotarians are better off for being in our ranks. Yes, as I look back, joining Rotary was the turning point of my life . . . . For a better life. Frank Devlyn President, Rotary International 2000-2001.
• The PLRC is hosting William Simoes, an exchange student from Brazil, for the current academic year. Accordingly, the club contributes $100 per month to him for spending money.
Dec. 2006:
• Rich Stakelum led the Katrina effort with trips to the New Orleans area and contributions to the Plaquesmines Rotary Club.
Jan. 2007: [See Documents]
Feb. 2007:
• During his farewell address in December 2006, outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan cited Rotary International as an example of a private organization or nonstate actor whose partnership with public agencies helps achieve major social goals. He said, “The wonderful partnership between the UN family, the US Centers for Disease Control, and, crucially, Rotary International is close to eradicating polio worlwide.”
Mar. 2007 [No entries]
Apr. 2007:
• Rotary District 5340 has a Youth Protection Policy aimed at preventing any abuse or harassment of youngsters involved in Rotary activities. ... [E]very District 5340 Rotary club engaged in Rotary youth activities is required to appoint a Youth Protection Officer who will receive training from the district. ... All Rotary clubs that wish to apply for certification to participate in Rotary youth activities must submit a District 5340 Affidavit of Club Compliance to the district for review and certification.
May 2007: [See Documents]
June 2007:
• [RI] Enactment 07-329, which passed with overwhelming support, adds a phrase to the R.I. constitution that says community leaders can join business and professional leaders in Rotary.
• Tim McCully has assumed the job of club photographer for the coming year. ... [W]e should be able to continue to include a number of photos of the quality Judy produced in each forthcoming issue. [She & Tim McCully produced the Point Loma Rotary Club Photo History, 2000-2009. A number of these photos appear in the above Memories I. Digital Pictures (2000-present) portion of these parts I.-V. segments of the 20th century portion of the PLRC's online Club History.]
July 2007 [No entries]
Feb. 2007:
• During his farewell address in December 2006, outgoing United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan cited Rotary International as an example of a private organization or nonstate actor whose partnership with public agencies helps achieve major social goals. He said, “The wonderful partnership between the UN family, the US Centers for Disease Control, and, crucially, Rotary International is close to eradicating polio worlwide.”
Mar. 2007 [No entries]
Apr. 2007:
• Rotary District 5340 has a Youth Protection Policy aimed at preventing any abuse or harassment of youngsters involved in Rotary activities. ... [E]very District 5340 Rotary club engaged in Rotary youth activities is required to appoint a Youth Protection Officer who will receive training from the district. ... All Rotary clubs that wish to apply for certification to participate in Rotary youth activities must submit a District 5340 Affidavit of Club Compliance to the district for review and certification.
May 2007: [See Documents]
June 2007:
• [RI] Enactment 07-329, which passed with overwhelming support, adds a phrase to the R.I. constitution that says community leaders can join business and professional leaders in Rotary.
• Tim McCully has assumed the job of club photographer for the coming year. ... [W]e should be able to continue to include a number of photos of the quality Judy produced in each forthcoming issue. [She & Tim McCully produced the Point Loma Rotary Club Photo History, 2000-2009. A number of these photos appear in the above Memories I. Digital Pictures (2000-present) portion of these parts I.-V. segments of the 20th century portion of the PLRC's online Club History.]
July 2007 [No entries]
Aug. 2007:
• [RI President] Wilkinson cited R.I. research showing that only 18 percent of Rotarians in a given club ever bring in a new member. But inviting qualified, active members is the single most important thing that you can do for your club and community, he said. To survive and continue to meet communities increasing needs, Wilkinson stressed, Rotary need to grow.
Sept. 2007: [See Documents]
• [RI President] Wilkinson cited R.I. research showing that only 18 percent of Rotarians in a given club ever bring in a new member. But inviting qualified, active members is the single most important thing that you can do for your club and community, he said. To survive and continue to meet communities increasing needs, Wilkinson stressed, Rotary need to grow.
Sept. 2007: [See Documents]
Oct. 2007 [No entries]
Nov.-Dec. 2007 [No entries]This year the Point Loma Rotary Club is partnering with the San Diego Yacht Club to assist the latter with its annual Operation: Holiday Helping Hand. OHHH is a fundraiser aimed at assisting a group of needy military families whose holiday celebrations are threatened by both physical and financial concerns.
Jan. 2008 [No entries]
Mar. 2008:
• PLRC BiJuneds Farewell to Southwestern Yacht Club: [T]he last time before the change of meeting locations to the San Diego Yacht Club beginning March 7th.
June 2008:
• [T]he Point Loma Rotary Club held its sixth Comedy Cavalcade as its primary fundraiser for Rotary Year 2007-08. ... PLRCer Tony Calabrese, a Point Loma banker and standup comedian in his own right, organized hosted, and emceed the event.
July 2008 [No entries]
Aug. 2008:
• Historic Moments Rotary’s official mottoes, “Service Above Self” and “They Profit Most Who Serve Best,” trace back to the early days of the organization. In 1911, at the second convention of the National Association of Rotary Clubs in America in Portland, Oregon, ... The 1989 Council on Legislation established “Service Above Self” as the principal motto of Rotary because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service. “He Profits Most Who Serves Best” was modified by the 2004 Council to its current wording of “They Profit Most Who Serve Best.”
Sept. 2008:
• 2008 Operation Helping Hand Aided by PLRC The 2008 holiday season is approaching.... Last year we presented 41 special military families in our area with $1,000 each and a letter of appreciation from the club’s Commodore.
Oct. 2008:
• Promoting Membership in Rotary: Clubs usually maintain a list of types of businesses and professions in their communities and seek candidates to fill classifications not already held by active members of the clubs. Classifications are many and varied. Examples include schools, universities, surgeons, tire distributors and retailers, dramatic arts, and the law.
Nov. & Dec. 2008 [No entries]
Jan. 2009:
● Rotary clubs in Germany have teamed with science book publisher Wissen Media to release a 192-page book highlighting Rotary projects that are saving lives and improving the living conditions of people world wide. Blue Planet: Together for a Better World was unveiled at the R.I. presidential membership conference in Vienna in December. … [D]ozens of clubs submitted project descriptions.
● The Point Loma Rotary Club Shel terBox (funded by donations collected on November 7, 2008) has already been delivered to a family affected by the recent earthquake in Pakistan.
Feb. 2009 [See Documents]
May 2009:
● Failed States‒Implications for Rotary’s International Programs, by the PLRC’s Dave Brummersted: It doesn’t require much imagination to see the adverse effects of health and educational failures on children living in failed or even borderline states. … Nonetheless, there is a ray of hope in that Rotary has gained at least a tenuous presence in some failed or borderline states, such as Afghanistan, Sudan, or Liberia. Given the estab lishment of organizational links in these countries and their counterparts elsewhere, at least a few avenues exist to provide some aid and comfort to those in need.
June 2009: [See Documents]
July-Aug. 2009 [See Documents]
Sept. 2009:
● PLRCers Receive … Outstanding Rotarian Awards: [The] District 5340 Governor … presented Outstanding Rotarian Awards to George Klein and Tony Calabrese for their Rotary service. … PLRC President Dan Johnston presented an Outstanding Rotarian Award to Gary Stephany for his Rotary service.
Oct. 2009:
● Timeline of Women in Rotary: [Presents key dates 1950-2009].
● [Oct.-Dec. repeat above Part II. Summaries of club 5-year historical summaries.]
Jan. 2010:
● PLRC President’s New Year Message [Dan Johnson].
Feb. 2010 [See Documents]
Mar. 2010:
● Point Loma Rotarians Visit Ronald McDonald House
Apr. 2010:
● PLRC Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Club’s Establishment [brief blurb, plus another 5-year summary].
May. 2010 [See Documents]
June 2010 [See Documents]
July 2010:
● PLRCers Observe 60th Anniversary of the Club’s Chartering
Aug. 2010 [See Documents]
Sept. 2010:
● PLRC Sponsors and Installs Rotary Clock at Liberty Station
Oct. 2010:
● PLRC Dedicates New Liberty Station Clock to the Memory of Former Member Jim Davis: The clock was purchased from the Fancy Street Clock and Light Company of Rock Island, Illinois, and shipped to Point Loma thanks to more than $20,000 of donations from the Davis family, the Point Loma Rotary Club, individual Rotarians, and the Hervey Fund at the San Diego Foundation. It is installed on the shoreline promenade at Liberty Station, near the childrens’ playground at NTC park.
Dec. 2010:
● PLRC Receives $25,000 Grant: The Dan and Vi McKinney Advised Fund at the San Diego Foundation presented the Point Loma Rotary Club with a surprise grant of $25,000 on October 25, 2010. The club is honored and humbled to receive this substantial grant, but should not have been surprised considering the source. Dan and Vi have been so generous in sharing their bounty over the years. This is a wonderful addition to their long list of good works. The grant will bolster the club’s Endowment Fund and be used for service projects.
Jan. 2011 [See Documents]
Feb. 2011[See Documents]
Mar. 2011 [See Documents]
July 2011 [See Documents]
Aug. 2011 [See Documents]
Sept. 2011 [See Documents]
Oct. 2011:
● Rotary [Int’l] Partners With Mercy Ships: Rotarians will help to improve the delivery of vital health care services to West Africa through a new strate gic partnership between The Rotary Foundation and the global charity Mercy Ships. Through the partnership, the Foundation will offer pack aged global grants for Rotary clubs and districts to assemble vocational training teams of medical profession als. These teams will perform or as sist in life-changing surgeries. The Rotarian volunteers will also work to enhance the skills of local health care professionals. [PLRC member Tim McCully was the two-vessel Mercy Commodore, during his Navy career].
Nov. 2011:
● Veterans Day 2011‒Remembering Their Service: Pictured as a symbol of Veterans Day remembrances is a photo of USS CAIMAN (SS-323) taken many years ago off the coast of Point Loma. For years this diesel-electric powered submarine was homeported at Ballast Point in San Diego. [Ed. Note: I (Dave Brummerstead) served aboard CAIMAN in the mid-1960s.]
Dec. 2011 [See Documents]
Jan. 2012:
● Try making up at another club, just for the fun of it. How do I find out where and when other clubs meet so that I can do a makeup? Go to the Distract 5340 website www.rotary5340.org. Click on club information. All district clubs are listed by the day of the week on which they meet. Next click on the club that you desire to visit for details of time and location of their meeting.
Feb. 2012:
● Rotary [Int’l] Celebrates India’s First Polio-Free Year
● Foundation Firsts: In 1929 The Rotary Foundation (TRF) gave its first gift, $500, to the International Society for Crippled Children (later Easter Seals), which was founded in 1921 by Rotarian Ed gar Allen of the Rotary Club of Elyria, Ohio. Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions, and to encourage substantial ones, to what was then the Foundation’s only program—TRF Fel lowships for Advanced Study, the pre cursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. Today the recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their names, $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
● Convention Facts Edinburgh, Scotland, hosted the first convention held outside North America in June 1921. Rotary’s first convention in Asia was held in Tokyo in 1961.
● How can I find out where foreign clubs meet? The Rotary International website lists the meeting places and times of all the Rotary clubs in the world. Go to www.rotary.org. Click on Club Locator, the click on Drill Down, se lect the country and city of interest to view the locations, times, and contact phone numbers for all the clubs in that city.
● The first four Rotarians [pictured].
Mar. 2012:
● The Importance of Civility: At the February 21st meeting of the PLRC Board of Directors, board members discussed the importance of civility and respect. The discussion was prompted by a recent incident that occurred during a club meeting. The Board agreed that all guests should be treated with respect regard less of politics or ideology. After the discussion, board mem bers approved a motion—put forward by Frank White and seconded by Tim McCully—that all Rotary club guests are to be treated with civility and respect and are never to be be rated by club members. … [P]eople need to recognize and respect the fact that thoughtful and caring individuals have different views on how to best address complex problems. Yet people need to be able to raise tough questions and present their cases where their interests are in volved. Civil discourse calls for an understanding of these differing inter ests and respect for the reasoning behind them.
● Membership Note Was Paul Harris the first president of a Rotary club? NO. Was Paul Harris the first president of Rotary International? YES.
● Night View [picture]: Point Loma Rotary Clock, Liberty Station.
Apr. 2012:
● The 4-Way Test: One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Four-Way Test. Created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932…. [H]e drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees [in his nearly bankrupt company] to follow in their business and professional lives. The survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy. In 1943 Rotary adopted the 4-Way Test, which has been translated into 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.
● R.I. Signs Project Partner Agreement with ShelterBox. Each ShelterBox typically provides a tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, stove, water puri fication kit, blankets, tools, and other necessities to help a family survive for six months or more after a disaster.
May 2012:
● How Do You Describe Rotary? In 1976, the R.I. Board of Directors …creat[ed] a concise definition of the fundamental aspects of Rotary: “Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.” These 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks, “What is a Rotary Club?”
June 2012 [See Documents]
July 2012 [See Documents]
Sept. 2012 [See Documents]
Oct. 2012:
● PLRC Honors Memory of Member and Friend: [T]he PLRC’s regular weekly meeting, club members gathered at the San Diego Yacht Club to honor the memory of Jim Krause, a long-time Point Loma Rotarian and resident. He passed away in August after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim served as club president during Rotary Year 1999-2000 and later as co-chair of the Paul Harris Society of 5340. [Jim, in whose memory Ride The Point exists, is pictured here & in the online club history’s Memories link.]
Nov. 2012 [See Documents]
Dec. 2012:
● Rich Stakelum outlined his [Ride the Point] proposal for a second club fundraiser to be accomplished during the balance of the current Rotary year.
Jan. 2013 [See Documents]
Feb. 2013:
● Holocaust Survivor Speaks at PLRC: Frances Gelbart … spoke to the Point Loma Rotary Club on February 8th. She described her experiences as a 10-year-old child from Krakow, Poland, who survived the brutality of five Nazi concentration camps—including Auschwitz—before her liberation … in May 1945, the month World War II ended in Europe. … [S]he still doesn’t like to talk about what happened to her, but added that she feels an obligation to the women in the camps who mothered her, gave her extra bread, helped her in assemblies and marches to remain inconspicuous, and urged her to “live” and “to tell the world what happened.”
● Pasadena Rose Parade 2013: Rotary International Float [picture].
Mar. 2013:
● San Diego Mayor Bob Filner spoke before [Comedy] show began and offered his comments about the value of community service. He praised the PLRC’s accomplishments in serving the community [pictured].
Apr. 2013 [See Documents]
May 2013 [See Documents]
June 2013:
● PLRCer and former District 5340 Governor Dick Thorn displayed his Rotary Visionary award during the June 7th meeting [pictured].
July 2013 [See Documents]
Aug. 2013 [See Documents]
Sept. 2013:
● Rotary International’s New Website: Rotary’s new website is actually two sites: one for the family of Rotary, and another for people interested in finding out more about Rotary. When you create an account and log on as a member, you’ll gain access to a host of new Rotary tools. … You also can create or join a Rotary group, an interactive discussion forum that allows you to find and talk to Rotarians with similar interests. You can exchange ideas and experiences, and benefit from the experiences of others from all over the world, at any time day or night.
Oct. 2013 [See Documents]
Nov. 2013:
● PLRC: Jim Krause Memorial Bicycle Ride: [F]unds raised by the event will benefit the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, an organization dedicated to translating promising scientific discoveries into new options for the care of cancer patients. The ride, which began and ended at Moment Cycle Sports at Liberty Station, consisted of three different routes…. [Full narrative and pictorial coverage is provided in the Donative Programs link on this club history website.]
Dec. 2013 [See Documents]
Jan. 2014 [See Documents]
Feb. 2014 [See Documents]
Mar. 2014, Part I:
● On February 14th, PLRC members made a field trip to the UCSD Moores Cancer Center (MCC) in La Jolla. … A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a $12,000 donation to the Center raised during the November 9, 2013, Ride the Point and Jim Krause memorial bike event.
Part II: [See Documents for repeat]
Apr. 2014: [See Documents]
May 2014 [See Documents]
June 2014
● On May 30th, PLRC Presi dent George Klein presented Frank White with an award from District 5340 in recognition of his work for bringing new members into the club.
July 2014 [See Documents]
Aug. 2014
Jan. 2009:
● Rotary clubs in Germany have teamed with science book publisher Wissen Media to release a 192-page book highlighting Rotary projects that are saving lives and improving the living conditions of people world wide. Blue Planet: Together for a Better World was unveiled at the R.I. presidential membership conference in Vienna in December. … [D]ozens of clubs submitted project descriptions.
● The Point Loma Rotary Club Shel terBox (funded by donations collected on November 7, 2008) has already been delivered to a family affected by the recent earthquake in Pakistan.
Feb. 2009 [See Documents]
May 2009:
● Failed States‒Implications for Rotary’s International Programs, by the PLRC’s Dave Brummersted: It doesn’t require much imagination to see the adverse effects of health and educational failures on children living in failed or even borderline states. … Nonetheless, there is a ray of hope in that Rotary has gained at least a tenuous presence in some failed or borderline states, such as Afghanistan, Sudan, or Liberia. Given the estab lishment of organizational links in these countries and their counterparts elsewhere, at least a few avenues exist to provide some aid and comfort to those in need.
June 2009: [See Documents]
July-Aug. 2009 [See Documents]
Sept. 2009:
● PLRCers Receive … Outstanding Rotarian Awards: [The] District 5340 Governor … presented Outstanding Rotarian Awards to George Klein and Tony Calabrese for their Rotary service. … PLRC President Dan Johnston presented an Outstanding Rotarian Award to Gary Stephany for his Rotary service.
Oct. 2009:
● Timeline of Women in Rotary: [Presents key dates 1950-2009].
● [Oct.-Dec. repeat above Part II. Summaries of club 5-year historical summaries.]
Jan. 2010:
● PLRC President’s New Year Message [Dan Johnson].
Feb. 2010 [See Documents]
Mar. 2010:
● Point Loma Rotarians Visit Ronald McDonald House
Apr. 2010:
● PLRC Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Club’s Establishment [brief blurb, plus another 5-year summary].
May. 2010 [See Documents]
June 2010 [See Documents]
July 2010:
● PLRCers Observe 60th Anniversary of the Club’s Chartering
Aug. 2010 [See Documents]
Sept. 2010:
● PLRC Sponsors and Installs Rotary Clock at Liberty Station
Oct. 2010:
● PLRC Dedicates New Liberty Station Clock to the Memory of Former Member Jim Davis: The clock was purchased from the Fancy Street Clock and Light Company of Rock Island, Illinois, and shipped to Point Loma thanks to more than $20,000 of donations from the Davis family, the Point Loma Rotary Club, individual Rotarians, and the Hervey Fund at the San Diego Foundation. It is installed on the shoreline promenade at Liberty Station, near the childrens’ playground at NTC park.
Dec. 2010:
● PLRC Receives $25,000 Grant: The Dan and Vi McKinney Advised Fund at the San Diego Foundation presented the Point Loma Rotary Club with a surprise grant of $25,000 on October 25, 2010. The club is honored and humbled to receive this substantial grant, but should not have been surprised considering the source. Dan and Vi have been so generous in sharing their bounty over the years. This is a wonderful addition to their long list of good works. The grant will bolster the club’s Endowment Fund and be used for service projects.
Jan. 2011 [See Documents]
Feb. 2011[See Documents]
Mar. 2011 [See Documents]
July 2011 [See Documents]
Aug. 2011 [See Documents]
Sept. 2011 [See Documents]
Oct. 2011:
● Rotary [Int’l] Partners With Mercy Ships: Rotarians will help to improve the delivery of vital health care services to West Africa through a new strate gic partnership between The Rotary Foundation and the global charity Mercy Ships. Through the partnership, the Foundation will offer pack aged global grants for Rotary clubs and districts to assemble vocational training teams of medical profession als. These teams will perform or as sist in life-changing surgeries. The Rotarian volunteers will also work to enhance the skills of local health care professionals. [PLRC member Tim McCully was the two-vessel Mercy Commodore, during his Navy career].
Nov. 2011:
● Veterans Day 2011‒Remembering Their Service: Pictured as a symbol of Veterans Day remembrances is a photo of USS CAIMAN (SS-323) taken many years ago off the coast of Point Loma. For years this diesel-electric powered submarine was homeported at Ballast Point in San Diego. [Ed. Note: I (Dave Brummerstead) served aboard CAIMAN in the mid-1960s.]
Dec. 2011 [See Documents]
Jan. 2012:
● Try making up at another club, just for the fun of it. How do I find out where and when other clubs meet so that I can do a makeup? Go to the Distract 5340 website www.rotary5340.org. Click on club information. All district clubs are listed by the day of the week on which they meet. Next click on the club that you desire to visit for details of time and location of their meeting.
Feb. 2012:
● Rotary [Int’l] Celebrates India’s First Polio-Free Year
● Foundation Firsts: In 1929 The Rotary Foundation (TRF) gave its first gift, $500, to the International Society for Crippled Children (later Easter Seals), which was founded in 1921 by Rotarian Ed gar Allen of the Rotary Club of Elyria, Ohio. Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions, and to encourage substantial ones, to what was then the Foundation’s only program—TRF Fel lowships for Advanced Study, the pre cursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. Today the recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or have contributions made in their names, $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
● Convention Facts Edinburgh, Scotland, hosted the first convention held outside North America in June 1921. Rotary’s first convention in Asia was held in Tokyo in 1961.
● How can I find out where foreign clubs meet? The Rotary International website lists the meeting places and times of all the Rotary clubs in the world. Go to www.rotary.org. Click on Club Locator, the click on Drill Down, se lect the country and city of interest to view the locations, times, and contact phone numbers for all the clubs in that city.
● The first four Rotarians [pictured].
Mar. 2012:
● The Importance of Civility: At the February 21st meeting of the PLRC Board of Directors, board members discussed the importance of civility and respect. The discussion was prompted by a recent incident that occurred during a club meeting. The Board agreed that all guests should be treated with respect regard less of politics or ideology. After the discussion, board mem bers approved a motion—put forward by Frank White and seconded by Tim McCully—that all Rotary club guests are to be treated with civility and respect and are never to be be rated by club members. … [P]eople need to recognize and respect the fact that thoughtful and caring individuals have different views on how to best address complex problems. Yet people need to be able to raise tough questions and present their cases where their interests are in volved. Civil discourse calls for an understanding of these differing inter ests and respect for the reasoning behind them.
● Membership Note Was Paul Harris the first president of a Rotary club? NO. Was Paul Harris the first president of Rotary International? YES.
● Night View [picture]: Point Loma Rotary Clock, Liberty Station.
Apr. 2012:
● The 4-Way Test: One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Four-Way Test. Created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932…. [H]e drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees [in his nearly bankrupt company] to follow in their business and professional lives. The survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy. In 1943 Rotary adopted the 4-Way Test, which has been translated into 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.
● R.I. Signs Project Partner Agreement with ShelterBox. Each ShelterBox typically provides a tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, stove, water puri fication kit, blankets, tools, and other necessities to help a family survive for six months or more after a disaster.
May 2012:
● How Do You Describe Rotary? In 1976, the R.I. Board of Directors …creat[ed] a concise definition of the fundamental aspects of Rotary: “Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.” These 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks, “What is a Rotary Club?”
June 2012 [See Documents]
July 2012 [See Documents]
Sept. 2012 [See Documents]
Oct. 2012:
● PLRC Honors Memory of Member and Friend: [T]he PLRC’s regular weekly meeting, club members gathered at the San Diego Yacht Club to honor the memory of Jim Krause, a long-time Point Loma Rotarian and resident. He passed away in August after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim served as club president during Rotary Year 1999-2000 and later as co-chair of the Paul Harris Society of 5340. [Jim, in whose memory Ride The Point exists, is pictured here & in the online club history’s Memories link.]
Nov. 2012 [See Documents]
Dec. 2012:
● Rich Stakelum outlined his [Ride the Point] proposal for a second club fundraiser to be accomplished during the balance of the current Rotary year.
Jan. 2013 [See Documents]
Feb. 2013:
● Holocaust Survivor Speaks at PLRC: Frances Gelbart … spoke to the Point Loma Rotary Club on February 8th. She described her experiences as a 10-year-old child from Krakow, Poland, who survived the brutality of five Nazi concentration camps—including Auschwitz—before her liberation … in May 1945, the month World War II ended in Europe. … [S]he still doesn’t like to talk about what happened to her, but added that she feels an obligation to the women in the camps who mothered her, gave her extra bread, helped her in assemblies and marches to remain inconspicuous, and urged her to “live” and “to tell the world what happened.”
● Pasadena Rose Parade 2013: Rotary International Float [picture].
Mar. 2013:
● San Diego Mayor Bob Filner spoke before [Comedy] show began and offered his comments about the value of community service. He praised the PLRC’s accomplishments in serving the community [pictured].
Apr. 2013 [See Documents]
May 2013 [See Documents]
June 2013:
● PLRCer and former District 5340 Governor Dick Thorn displayed his Rotary Visionary award during the June 7th meeting [pictured].
July 2013 [See Documents]
Aug. 2013 [See Documents]
Sept. 2013:
● Rotary International’s New Website: Rotary’s new website is actually two sites: one for the family of Rotary, and another for people interested in finding out more about Rotary. When you create an account and log on as a member, you’ll gain access to a host of new Rotary tools. … You also can create or join a Rotary group, an interactive discussion forum that allows you to find and talk to Rotarians with similar interests. You can exchange ideas and experiences, and benefit from the experiences of others from all over the world, at any time day or night.
Oct. 2013 [See Documents]
Nov. 2013:
● PLRC: Jim Krause Memorial Bicycle Ride: [F]unds raised by the event will benefit the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, an organization dedicated to translating promising scientific discoveries into new options for the care of cancer patients. The ride, which began and ended at Moment Cycle Sports at Liberty Station, consisted of three different routes…. [Full narrative and pictorial coverage is provided in the Donative Programs link on this club history website.]
Dec. 2013 [See Documents]
Jan. 2014 [See Documents]
Feb. 2014 [See Documents]
Mar. 2014, Part I:
● On February 14th, PLRC members made a field trip to the UCSD Moores Cancer Center (MCC) in La Jolla. … A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a $12,000 donation to the Center raised during the November 9, 2013, Ride the Point and Jim Krause memorial bike event.
Part II: [See Documents for repeat]
Apr. 2014: [See Documents]
May 2014 [See Documents]
June 2014
● On May 30th, PLRC Presi dent George Klein presented Frank White with an award from District 5340 in recognition of his work for bringing new members into the club.
July 2014 [See Documents]
Aug. 2014
[T]he club is in the process of changing the current website to the Club Runner site, which had been originally agreed to last year. Although Club Runner offers several advantages regarding its use, it may cost somewhat more than the current site. That increase may possibly be offset by advertising.
● [A]n alternative proposal to increase quarterly dues from the current $210 to $225, beginning October 1st. A majority of the members accepted that proposal.
Oct. 2014 [See Documents]
Nov. 2014 [See Documents]
Dec. 2014 [See Documents]
Dec. 2015 [Final Rotapoint]
● Rotary International Rose Parade Float 2015 [picture].
● [A]n alternative proposal to increase quarterly dues from the current $210 to $225, beginning October 1st. A majority of the members accepted that proposal.
Oct. 2014 [See Documents]
Nov. 2014 [See Documents]
Dec. 2014 [See Documents]
Dec. 2015 [Final Rotapoint]
● Rotary International Rose Parade Float 2015 [picture].