COMEDY NIGHT
On March 11, 2022, the PLRC conducted its 19th annual Comedy Night. It benefits vital local charities. They assist future leaders from Point Loma schools, seniors, and critical international programs−including Shelter Boxes for survivors of disasters across the globe. (See PLRC's above Shelter Box program.)
This event featured several professional comedians. Comedy Night is an ideal opportunity for club members to gather for an evening filled with great humor. It will once again be emceed by the PLRC's lone Honorary Member, Tony Calabrese (pictured left). He is back again, as our inspiration, event creator, talent scout, and master of cere- monies. Tony is an immensely popular and award-winning comedian.
Point Loma Rotary Club contributes all the proceeds of every Comedy Night to member supported club programs. In addition to public sales, each PLRC member is asked to sell $200 worth of tickets. The various donation levels include GOLD: $50 ▪ Name and a full-page ad in the event program ▪ Company Banner to be display-ed displayed on the stage as guests are seated ▪ The opportunity to distribute promotional items to audience members ▪ Prominent name recognition on all event publicity, and ▪ Five tickets with VIP reserved seating ($125 value). SILVER: $250 ▪ Prominent name and lo
go recogni-
tion ▪ A on flyers distributed throughout ▪ Name and a full-page ad in the event program
▪ Company Banner to be displayed on the stage Half Page ad in the event program ▪ Four tickets ($100 value). BRONZE: $100 ▪ A Quarter Page ad in the program ▪ Two tickets ($50 value). SUPPORTER: $5. Donations are tax-deductible.
Tony is currently the PLRC's only Honorary Member. He has hosted the club's Comedy Night for two decades. As a thank you, Gus Goldau and Dick Thorn presented Tony with this plaque on behalf of a grateful PLRC in March 2022. The event venue is the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, Point Loma, San Diego, CA 92106 (pictured left). The outer parking area gates open at 7:00 PM. The program begins at 8:00 PM.
POINT LOMA SUMMER CONCERTS (PLSC)
Kerri and Dave De Rosier have been involved with the PLSC since its 2001 debut. Kerri has worn many hats, program producer, volunteer coordinator, marketing director and then in 2018 took over as chair. Dave has been field set up director as well as emcee since 2007. Kerri and Dave have handed the concerts off to a wonderful team for 2024. Dave has been the emcee since 2007. A tranche of PLSC-associated memories are collated in the 2011 picture section of this website’s Memories link.
PLSC means five fun-filled evenings of music and community spirit at the Point Loma Summer Concerts venue on Optimists Field/Point Loma Park, located at Catalina and Verona. PLSC has been scouting and securing prominent bands to entertain the Point Loma communit
y since 2001.
Concerts over the last several decades have been increasingly successful. All of them have been possible, because of the generosity of sponsors---including the PLRC. This annual concert series It has grown into one of the biggest volunteer-run community concert series in San Diego. It boasts an average concert attendance of more than 3,500 fans. Pictured right is Karla Lapic. She accepted the PLRC’s 2024 sponsoring check at an April 2024 PLRC luncheon meeting.
The rare, former, and coveted PLRC member's badge. This
one is held by Dave De Rosier, who earned it circa 1995,
just after his high school graduation (as assumed by the Club
Historian).
On the right, Dave's successor chairman of the Pt. Loma
Summer Concert series addresses the PLRC on the occasion of the series' 25th Anniversary. He honored Dave and his wife for their establishing this extraordinary series in 2001.
OCTOBERFEST
2025
Debra [event quarterback, surrounded by her "O Line"]: "Every attendee contributed by bringing food including precious homemade dishes, drinks, decorating, cooking, setting up, tearing down, cleaning and generally pitch- ing in with smiles on their faces. The laughter and teamwork created an atmosphere of heartwarming comradery that made Oktoberfest especially special."
Debra also provided the following thank you message: “Dick Thorn and Lily Hig- man did the shopping. Leon Scales brought the tables and chairs. Christie Ro-
mano and her husband set up and decorated. Pavel Thorn and Sean Indelicato cooked. Jon Losee tended bar. Many others brought desserts and drinks and everyone cleaned up and stacked tables and chairs. Everyone had a part in this joyous celebration.” [Editor’s note: Special thanks to Debra for hosting this event at her home!”]
D
ick: “Fortunately, this has been a long ongoing tradition for the Point Loma Rot- ary Club. The Oktoberfest had taken place annually for perhaps the past 15 years. It was originally hosted at the Osborne‘s. Our original grill master was Bill Cole. The turnout this year of about 45 people was very special. The weather Saturday night was perfect. We had a great turnout and multiple participants for the annual world-renowned PLRC Chicken Dance. Over the years we’ve had music groups, chicken dancers, to accompany the usual beer and brats. This is a tradi- tion which I hope we will continue.” [Editor’s note: The PLRC Chicken Dance has not yet been federally recognized. Our patent, trademark, and copyright applications are all under consideration :-)]
Lloyd: “Great party! Good food...amply drinks and, as usual, wonderful
comradery within the Rotary family.” [Editor's Note: Lloyd did not empty all of these bottles.]
Gary & Marcie: “Loved those chicken dancers:”
Christie: “Oktoberfest brought out the best of Rotary, great energy, Rotary spirit, and lots of
laughter!” [Editor's Note: Far right--Jon's comedic peace sign, or robust reaction to the scenery?]
Angie: "Nothing brings people together like bratwurst and the chicken dance.
Oktoberfest is where Rotary tradition meets some questionable dance moves. And we wouldn’t have it any other way." The baby's name is 'Theo;' middle name will be 'Ata' or 'Maverick' depending on the day he is born.' "
Bill: “Last night's Oktoberfest was, as usual, a highlight of the Rotary year! Thanks to all of you who provided your personal affirmations. These quotes add a memor- able dimension to the Social/ Celebration link in our club's online history. For those of you who could not attend, this collage of pictures and quotes effectively includes you in this very special way.” Dave D. & Karri: "We enjoyed sitting with Bill and Anna. Bill's a funny guy." Bill's response: "Looks aren't everything!" Photos by Bill
2023
The world’s largest beer festival, Munich Germany's
"Oktoberfest 2020," was canceled. San Diego’s alternative, the Point Loma Rotary Club's Octoberfest, is second to none. Most of PLRC's 2023 cohort is pictured left. As Lloyd Weaver remarked: “It was a wonderful party! Thank you, Shannon, for hosting. We needed more costumes!” Two of the 2022 Costume Czars → Gus Goldau, in his Washing- ton Commanders regalia−and Lloyd Weaver, the Harry Potter grandfather who lived.
T
he third contender for Best Costume, in both 2022 and 2023, was Dick Thorn, doing the Bavarian Chicken Dance with former PLRC President Karin Haggard (left), assist- ed by James Morrison (right). As Dick put it: "This was truly a fun evening. Good friends, great food, and live entertainment. Who knew we had singers? Thank you, Shannon." His 2023 version may have pushed his Best Costume candidacy over the top.
Judy Byram no doubt won Best Quote: “Shannon Osborne's Hofbräuhaus ist wunderbar für Oktober- fest! Many thanks to Shannon (and her late husband Ken) for so many fun years−and to Dick Thorn for inspiring the Chicken Dance in lederhosen!” Gus Goldau's reaction was that "the PLRC Oktober- fest is always a fun event. Good costumes, good food, and libations. The original music is a novelty that was introduced last year. It will hopefully continue."
CHRISTMAS PARTY (2024)
This year's festivities are best summed 
up via the following member quotes, presented in order of their submission:
* Gus: "Thank you Ray for another wonderful Christmas party. I so much enjoyed the food and conversation. They competed against the house for the most memorable ingredient of this most memorable celebration."
* Lloyd: "The holiday party was a grand
success. The food, drink, and merriment were enjoyed by all. Thank you to all the committee members and volunteers who helped make the event such a success."
James: "What a great way to start the holiday sea- son via outstanding food and great fellowship."
* Angie: "It was a night filled with warmth, cheer, and incredible spirit of 
the Point Loma Rotary Club mem-bers."
* Ray: "Rotarians do their best work when at play-and play we did at this year's Holi- day Party. It was an honor to have hosted this annual event."
* Dave: "The party was every bit the great event Cheryl and I have come to expect af- ter 28 years with PLRC. It was great to talk to other members, without the Photos by Bill S
press of meeting business."
* Karen: "The fire was warm and the friendly conversations were even warmer!"
DISTRICT 5340 SOCIALS
The District Governor hosts periodic district-wide mixers. Their objective is to introduce Rotary to potential members. The first 2022 event was held in North County. The second was located at the Legacy Hotel-Convention Center in Mission Valley.
District (and PLRC) mixers and social events often forge life-long friendships. They facili- tate a collective view that we all should serve and give back to others. Together, we enjoy drinking and dining, with a diverse group of like-minded good Samaritans−whose underlying raison d'être is raising funds for multiple philan- thropic causes. Members also graciously open their homes to provide an enjoyable evening of food, drink, and lively conversation with club members and families.
75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The Point Loma Rotary Club was founded on April 17, 1950
(see above Introduction link, then click on the 1950 account about Charter Year 1950-51). The club celebra- ted 75 years of service on April 27, 2025, at the Point Loma Assembly Hall on Talbot Street. It featured a special gathering of current and former members, plus honored guests. This milestone event honored the club’s long-standing commitment to service.
The Club currently has over 50 active members. Over the years, they have raised money to support many local organizations. The club has also funded some area landmarks. The next time you visit Shelter Island, for example, visit the Polynesian style pavilion designed by James Hub-bell. It was completed in 2006 by the Point Loma Rotary Club—in conjunction with the San Diego Port District. At Liberty Station, look for the distinc- tive and ornate Rotary clock as you stroll the walking paths. See also the above PLRC Sightings link for the many other venues featuring PLRC contributions and recognitions.
Our 75th Anniversary celebration focused on reflections and stories shared by some of the club’s longest-serving members—including Flip Heintz, Suzanne Babbitz, Frank White, Paul Robison, and Dick Thorn—complimented by fresh perspectives from one of the club’s newest members, Nalika Newsome. The evening concluded with a champagne toast to the future, led by President-Elect-Elect Christy Romano, celebrating the legacy and continued impact of the club. Click on the following links to watch the available videos by Flip; Frank; Leon; and Dick.
For those who missed the festivities, the program featured Karen & Nalika as the greeters; Lloyd welcoming and recogniz- ing VIP District Governor Dianne Crawford; the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and 4-Way Test restatement by Tim; Dick's recounting of what the PLRC has meant to him, while relaying some memories, then naming past and deceased members; and Bill's slideshow. District Governor Crawford (left) commented that "PLRC members should feel proud of the many meals they’ve provided to those in need, the many scholarships the club’s provided, and opening doors for young students to make their mark on the world."
💙 Why I Belong to Point Loma Rotary
Family—More Than Family. Friends—More Than Friends
(Dick Thorn’s 75th Anniversary Message)
I belong to Point Loma Rotary because it’s not just a club—it’s a calling.
It’s where compassion meets action, and where ordinary people quietly do extraordinary things.
It’s family—more than family. Bound not by blood, but by heart.
It’s friends—more than friends. Joined by purpose, not proximity.
We are a force for good, rooted right here—and reaching far beyond what most imagine.
We help bring clean, disease-free water to people we’ve never met in Fiji and Zambia.
Because every child deserves a drink that won’t make them sick.
We’ve given nearly $500,000 to the Moores Cancer Center, fighting back against the terrible
pancreatic cancer that took our beloved friend Jim Krause. We carry his spirit in every life we try
to save.
We train tomorrow’s leaders before they’re even high school seniors, because we see their promise now, and we help them rise.
We feed the hungry, clothe the cold, and serve those our world too often overlooks.
We remember what our Veterans have done for us—and give them the gift of a day of fishing that recharges their soul.
And still—there’s more. There’s always more. Because at Point Loma Rotary, we don’t ask, “What’s in it for me?” We ask, “What can we do next?”
This is who we are. This is what we do. This is Point Loma Rotary.
Family—More Than Family; Friends—More Than Friends; Service—More Than Words.
Dick next asked club members to stand, based on the decade when they joined PLRC—starting with newest members & going backward to the long- est-serving members. Dick then summoned Past Presidents to stand & be recognized, followed by Rotarians of the Year, then those members who headed major club projects. The latter cohort includes Debra Gookin (inter- national water projects in Fiji & Zambia); Dave Brummersted (Rotopoint publisher); Rich Stakelu
m (Ride the Point); and Leon Scales (Comedy Night). Dick then welcomed the newest
PLRC members, who thereby officially graduated from the club's new member training program.
Christie proposed a toast to PLRC’s 75-year history—and to the next 75 years.
Kay and Gus supported the purchase of the wine and champagne for our toast. Mandy provided the "delicious" food. Lloyd ultimately rang the bell, and invited people to mingle & dance to DJ music. Speaking of comedy, pictured right are attendees Beauty and the Beast.
The event was a smashing success, as evinced by 
the following reactions:
Maragaret: "As a 5th year Rotarian, Point Loma Rotary club's 75th anniversary celebration was extremely special to me. I witnessed the diversity within the club, seeing the club survive Covid, and am now able to celebrate and share stories from 75 years ago. I enjoyed celebrating how much the club has grown, and is still striving to continue to facilitate many more years of local and interna- tional projects in our community." Dave L: "Great photo essay." Christie: "Beautiful event." Nalika: "Happy to be a part of the 75th." Frank: "A real joy celebrating 75 years. The Committee did a great job! Loved it." Flip: "I really enjoyed the celebration." Speaking of Happy Days, surprise appear- ances were tendered by Fonzie and his girl (Robisons) and two bespeckled copycats (Thorns).
The San Diego Union Tribune's Monthly Magazine (June, 2025) included Margaret's submission entit- led The Point Loma Rotary Club is commemorating 75 years of community service and engagement around San Diego County and beyond. As the PLRC's President-Elect (Angie) therein commented:
For 75 years we’ve been a family that celebrates, supports and uplifts, whether it’s local projects, scholarships or global initiatives, our members bring passion and creativity to everything we do. My focus this year is to continue creating meaningful impact in our community while keeping things fun and engaging for our members and neighbors. Our theme this year is Let’s have fun and get it done, because service doesn’t just make a difference, it brings people joy when we do it together. I look forward to building on our history and ensuring the Point Loma Rotary Club remains a vibrant, welcoming cornerstone for the next 75 years and beyond.”
As former President Dick Thorn added: "Our anniversary celebration focused on reflections and stories shared by some of the club’s longest-serving members, complemented by fresh perspectives, celebrating the legacy and continued impact of the club. “It’s a powerful mix of fellowship and service and a great way to make a difference!"