A Message from the Club President

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Wed., Feb. 10, 2010                                                                   

Dear Fellow Sunrisers:

As I write this first President's Message for 2010, some random thoughts enter my mind.  Like today's date sounds like a local freeway (the 210)...that too much chips and dip at Doug Thompson's SuperBowl party will make your wedding ring on your finger very tight for at least a couple of days...and that when people ask me, as they did at a friend's party over the weekend, if Rotarians wear special hats or sing special songs, I'm very glad that we do neither.

Which brings me to another SuperBowl reference...if Rotary was to put one of those $10 billion 30 second commercials on during the game, its message would be simple..."We Deliver!"  Now that may have been used before by a certain large brown truck company, but really, that's what we do!  When people around the world find themselves in need of shelter and donations due to a disastrous earthquake, Rotary DELIVERS with tents and monetary assistance.  When kids in the community need help to pay for sport programs or cheerleading, Rotary DELIVERS with donations thanks to our Turkey Trot.  When those without a home in Mexico or those without drinking water in Africa need help, once again, Rotary DELIVERS with Corazon homes and water filtration systems.

It is this which makes us unique as a service organization, because we don't just talk, we act, and WE DELIVER!  This should be something we tell others, whether it be potential new members or anyone interested in what we do.  Tell them about our projects, tell them about how polio is nearly a thing of the past, tell them about the great programs at our breakfast meetings, tell them about Turkey Trot and Hangout at the Hangar.

Show your pride in Rotary at every opportunity...because at Rotary..."WE DELIVER!!!!"

Very truly yours,
 
Mike F. O'Brien

A Message from the President...

Thanksgiving is a most unusual holiday.  Think about it...it's mid week on a Thursday, not a Monday or Friday like most NORMAL holidays are...the absolute WORST football teams are always on television (can you say DETROIT?)...and we give "thanks" by eating way more than our bellies can hold.

Then again, it's the BEST of all holidays.  We get to see and hang out with our loved ones, without having to buy them a gift...almost everyone takes Friday off, which kicks off the Christmas season, making it the perfect day for insane people to go shopping...and we get to eat way more than our bellies can hold!

But the absolute coolest thing about Thanksgiving is that the BEST way to give thanks...is to GIVE!  As Claremont Sunrise Rotarians, we've got this all figured out...put together a fun family event, combine it with great sport (running), serve food and drink, and to top it all off, raise a ton of money for GIVING.  We like to call it...THE SECOND ANNUAL TURKEY TROT!

As we Rotarians prepare for this spectacular day, let's commit to give it our BEST...work HARD to make the TURKEY TROT the best community service event it can be...spend LOTS of time with our families and loved ones...and of course, EAT till your buckle busts!  And may the worst football team win (it always does)!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!

Mike F.O'Brien

2009-10

President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

Oct. 14, 2009

Fellow Sunrisers!
 
I don't know about you, but October has always been my favorite month of the year.  Leaves changing, cool breezy afternoons with massive white clouds giving way to cold nights with a skyfull of stars.  When you add to that the baseball playoffs and college football, October is a pretty tough act to follow...or precede!
 
And it just keeps getting better!  Last weekend's barbecue was well attended by our club, Claremont Noon and even the Kiwanis!  Though yours truly was forced to sit on a block of ice for 30 minutes, I'm happy to report there was no permanent damage, as apparently tequila acts as human antifreeze.  Money was raised for our respective clubs, ideas were exchanged for future club interaction, and a great time was had by all.  Thanks to Nick Hammit for leaving some tri-tip for the rest of us!
 
So lets take the energy and inspiration that October brings and use it to better our Club and Community.  Get out there and talk with buisnesses about sponsoring our Turkey Trot, talk to that friend of yours that you've been meaning to bring to a meeting, let's get him or her on board!  And if cash flow permits, dig deep for a first or another Paul Harris Fellow, or drop a few bucks in the Polio Pig...let's help our international community in getting rid of polio once and for all!
 
What more can I say....here's to October!!!

Mike F. O'Brien
2009-2010
CSR President

August 19 09

Good Morning Fellow Sunrisers!

What an EXCELLENT program that was last week, thanks to Alina Shaw for her presentation on her Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar year in Medellin, Columbia. Even though she busted me trying to leave with a couple extra hats, we at Sunrise are extremely proud of our young scholar.

So Tiger Woods loses on day 4 to Y.E. Yang...Michael Vick lands a job...just a few reminders to all of us Rotarians that anything is possible! So go out and ASK for those TurkeyTrot sponsorships...SELL Claremont Sunrise Rotary Memberships to a friend or colleague...and KEEP our highest in the region attendance climbing at our weekly meetings! Who knows...Clippers as NBA Champs? Ok back to earth...

Our Speaker Donations program appears to be a big hit, give me any feedback any of you might have on how to make it better, etc. oblaw@verizon.net .

Looking for some excitement at 7 am Friday morning the 21st of August? Tired of the same ol' cup o' coffee and newspaper? Well get your bum on over to my office for our monthly Board of Directors Meeting. Its pain free, counts as a makeup, the coffee is Starbuckean. Plus, you just might learn something about Rotary that you never knew, or cared to know. 212 Yale Avenue, be there!

Mike F. O'Brien
2009-2010
Claremont Sunrise Rotary President

July 15 09

Good Morning Sunrisers!

Nothing like the hot summer triple digit month of July in Claremont! On the bright side, at least we meet in the morning when it's cool...by the end of the day, all our crisp shirts and blouses will be adorned with armpit sweatrings...so enjoy the morning!

Memo to sergeants...look around the room this morning...anyone who is not here? We can assume they are on vacation. Which means they have money to burn, which means they need to be relieved of a bit more of that discretionary income next week.

Speaking of next week...actually two weeks from now but who's counting...our 5th Wednesday Event has been gamely put together by Cindy..thanks Cindy! 7:05 pm July 29th at Quakes Stadium, $12 per ticket with an optional $6 dinner box. Bring your family, friends, potential members, and Aunt Hazel. Talk to Cindy for more info.

Talk to someone about joining our club this week!


Mike F. O'Brien
2009-10 CSR Pres

07/08/09

Greetings Sunrisers,

A great way to kick off our new Rotary Year...our Club Assembly last week started us off with the introduction of our new Board of Directors, monthly chairs for riveting programs to keep us glued to our seats at our upcoming meetings, and Dan Kentner being fined mercilessly by Chuck Leeb.

To top things off, our Duck Race Booth was the highlight of Claremont's Fourth of July celebration!  That might be a bit overstated, but I'm the president and I'll say things like that if I want to.  Our booth was adorned with our new Rotary tent emblazoned with the wheel logo, a good chunk of change was pulled in (exact count still tbd), and most importantly the kids had a blast with their H2O assaults on the yellow rubber duckies.

Huge thanks go out to Al Jack for working the booth and bringing chairs to relax in (ala George in Seinfeld), to John Goss for supplying buckets of water, and to Debbie Lantz, Tim Tipping, Chuck Doskow, Mark Goor, Rich Phillips, Kari Anderson, Chuck Cable, Mike Wilcock, and Ken Rowland for manning and "womaning" the booth.

Kudos also to all of us at the Duck Race Booth for being the shameless and tireless salespeople that we are in talking about Rotary and handing out Rotary cards with breakfast invitations to parents of the kiddies inviting them to join Claremont Sunrise.  We unloaded about 50 cards, and we will all continue to push increasing and retaining our membership as a top goal over the next year.

By the way, I was just kidding last week about having Bloody Marys at one meeting a month...that is, unless...nah, forget it!  Here's to a great week ahead!

Mike F. O'Brien

2009-10 CSR Pres.

6/17/09

Greetings Rotarians,

It has been an honor serving as your president. This is my final message in that capacity. At the beginning of the year, I told you that my goal for the year was to have fun. I hope that you were not disappointed. The meetings were lively. The social events were a blast. My feelings that an engaged club with a high esprit de corps would result in successful fundraising and charitable giving played out as hoped. The Turkey Trot was our biggest shining success. A theme of lifting the lives of disadvantaged youth through sports sponsorships was well received. But it didn't stop there. We were able to fund our most-cherished international, community and vocational projects in keeping with the objectives of Rotary International. Hang Out at the Hangar added nicely to our budgeted commitments.

Your dedication as club members made it all happen. Everything that you did, big or small, contributed to our success. I want to thank you all for that. I want to especially thank my Board of Directors for helping me keep our business points in order.

There will be a final Board Meeting 7:15 am this Friday, June 19^th at my house. Next week we will be dark Wednesday morning. My debunking will be that night. Be gentle.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

6/10/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club was represented at the Claremont High School Speech and Debate
Team awards dinner Friday. Alan and Bev Jack accompanied Tressa and me to the event. We gave special recognition to Madeline Zhu for her outstanding performance in the 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Our commitment to lifting the lives of our youth is evident in our actions. My year as your president is coming to an end, but our support of youth programs must continue on. We are a small club and have not been able to participate in every District program designated for youth development. It is my vision that in addition to sponsorship of youth sports, TLC, RYLA, and the 4-Way Test Speech contest, that we include the George Hensel Ethics Essay Contest and the Dan Stover Music Contest to our list. Our future is in the hands of our youth and we must do everything we can to help them. From what I've seen so far, there are some very capable young hands in our schools. The pride and hope that they inspire should motivate us into action. Let's all get involved.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

6/3/09

Greetings Rotarians,

The District Conference in Palm Desert was a huge success. Madeline Zhu gave her 4-Way Test speech on Friday. Although she did not win first place, she gave a first class performance. The golf tournament was fun and the course was beautiful. Next year, the conference will be held in Las Vegas. You can register early on the district website. I'm sure that Mike O'Brien would love the company and show of support from the membership.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

5/27/09

Greetings Rotarians,

I represented Claremont Sunrise Rotary, in presenting a lavatera (tree mallow) plant for the Veteran's Memorial Ceremony in Oak Park Cemetery on Memorial Day. The event was organized by American Legion Post #78.  The event included the Navy Junior ROTC Color Guard from Lutheran High in La Verne, a bagpiper, remarks from our mayor and other distinguished veterans. It was truly a slice of Americana that the whole family could enjoy. What better way is there to honor those who lost their lives defending our country?

The District Conference in Palm Desert is this weekend. Madeline Zhu will be giving her 4-Way Test Speech on Friday, May 29^th. There will be many other events over the weekend. If you are interested in participating, please visit the District 5300 website (http://district5300.org/) for more information.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

5/20/09

Greetings Rotarians,

The Corazon Super Build transpired as hoped. Other than a few bruised thumbs and some sore muscles, no one suffered any injuries and there were no incidents. Swine flu and cartel violence were non-influential elements for the area where we were building. We built a school house and a room addition. We hauled down a large load of food and supplies for the Corazon warehouse, and we financed a house for another family. It was a ceremonious event with lots of smiles and warmed hearts. I encourage those who love to work the Corazon Build, but did not due to the flu and violence threats, to consider volunteering next year. You will be rewarded with fond memories and you will lift up the lives of others. Everyone wins.

The District Conference in Palm Desert is next weekend. Madeline Zhu will be giving her 4-Way Test speech on Friday, May 29^th. There will be many other events over the weekend. If you are interested in participating, please visit the District 5300 website (http://district5300.org/) for more information.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

5/13/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Congratulations to Madeline Zhu for winning the semi-finalist competition in the 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Her performance at the event, held at the Claremont Rotary "Noon Club" on Friday, was a shining example of the good in our youth and what significance that holds towards our future. Madeline is sponsored by our club, giving us one more success story. She will now move to the final competition held 7:00 pm Friday, May 29^th at the District Conference in Palm Desert.

This weekend is Corazon Super Build. Wish us luck. Our biggest challenges will be to finish the houses in one day and beat the heat. We have been told that the threat of cartel violence and swine flu infection will be minimal for the area where we will be traveling. Those of us that are going will be required to exercise an elevated level of vigilance and will need the support of those staying behind. When all goes right, we deeply touch the lives of those we help. The lives of those who help will also be deeply touched. Please pray for another Claremont Sunrise Rotary success.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

5/6/09

Greetings Rotarians,

As anticipated, Hang Out at the Hangar was another success. It was fun and it made money for our many causes. Thank you to all who volunteered their time and energy to make it another fantastic Claremont Sunrise and Upland Rotary event.

We have a busy month ahead. Today we will hear a shop talk from our newest member, City Councilman Larry Schroeder. Next up we will hear from one of our local Ambassadorial Scholars. This month's Board of Directors meeting is May 15^th at 7:15 am at my house. May 16^th is the Corazon Super-Build. May 20^th is shop talk time for Kari Anderson. Chuck Cable will give his shop talk on May 27^th. Finally the District Conference will be from May 28^th through the 31^st.

I look forward to these upcoming events and I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

4/22/09 

Greetings Rotarians,

Our sponsor club held its 10^th annual "Taste of Claremont" on Saturday. There were a number of Claremont Sunrise Rotarians present. We dined on samples from most of Claremont's best restaurants, tasted some good wines and were entertained by two live jazz bands. I haven't heard any of the preliminary numbers, but it appears that the event was a successful fundraiser for them.

Don't forget, our next meeting is "Hang-out at the Hangar" Friday May 1^st at 5:00 pm. We will be dark Wednesday April 29, 2009. Make sure to pay for your tickets and invite guests (potential members!). This event is an important fundraiser that we put on to support our charitable projects. It's also our next stated meeting and a lot of fun.

This month's Board of Directors meeting has been moved to April 24^th due to calendar conflicts. Current Board Members and incoming Board members for Mike's year are required to attend.  Next year's budget will be discussed. 

New general members should attend at least one board meeting to see how our club conducts business. Board meeting attendance also qualifies as a make-up. Respondez sil vous plait (RSVP).

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

4/15/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Hopefully, all of you have finished your taxes by now. Today is the day. Some of us will celebrate with a tee time, some with a tea party, and others will go to their jobs in order to pay the taxes. The best way to start your day is with Claremont Sunrise Rotary. Paying your tax bill may not be fun, but we are.

Don't forget to invite guests to "Hang -out at the Hangar" Friday May 1^st at 5:00 pm. As in the past, individual members are responsible for 5 tickets that they can either sell or use to sponsor guests. This event is an important fundraiser that we put on to support our charitable projects. It's also a lot of fun.

This month's Board of Directors meeting has been moved to April 24^th due to calendar conflicts. New members should attend at least one board meeting to see how our club conducts business. Board meeting attendance also qualifies as a make-up.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

4/8/09

Greetings Rotarians,

District Assembly was a huge success, which bodes well for Claremont Sunrise Rotary's outlook for the next fiscal year. We had a strong showing of ten members present. District 5300 did a fine job of organizing training classes and putting on an assembly that included food and entertainment. Mike O'Brien is effectively showing all of us that we are in capable hands under his leadership.

This month's Board of Directors meeting has been moved to April 24^th due to calendar conflicts. New members should attend at least one board meeting to see how our club conducts business. Board meeting attendance also qualifies as a make-up.

We are still in our membership drive. Please invite a guest. We need to grow our club back to its average membership of 45 Rotarians.

Program Chairs, please, do not invite program speakers that would be deemed offensive or partisan. Programs should be entertaining and informative. They should not be political grandstanding or a self-serving infomercial. If you aren't sure if the content of your program is appropriate, please discuss it with me or other club officers prior to scheduling it. We do not want to offend our guests and we certainly do not want to lose valued members.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

4/1/09

Greetings Rotarians,

This is not an April fool's joke. We won the annual Claremont spelling bee again. Dave Seccombe, Patricia Dillon and Chuck Doskow took first place representing us, "The Phun Club". With the El Roble cheer leaders rooting us on, we did it again, thanks to our club's brainiest.  Congratulations!

Start thinking about who to invite to our "Hangout at the Hangar" event Friday May 1^st. This is not just a fund raiser for Claremont Sunrise and Upland Rotary clubs, it's a fun party with good food and entertainment. It is also an opportunity to introduce people to Rotary. Details on the event are coming soon.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

3/25/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Although the Ontario Reign lost to the Stockton Thunder, club members that attended last Wednesday night's game were treated to some skillful and exciting hockey. Rotary International was well represented while its Polio Plus program benefited handsomely. Congratulations to Evan Flagg and the New Generations Rotary Club for their successful efforts.

Last week's Board of Directors meeting was held as planned. The Board decided that instead of a Fireside Chat style club party on the fifth Wednesday in April, our party planning efforts will be concentrated on a May 1^st "Hang out at the Hangar" event just two days later. We still plan to be dark April 29^th. Mark your calendars. Also discussed and voted upon were several charities asking for our support, and issues regarding our badges. In addition, we talked about reviving our club's version of a red badge program for new members. Several agenda items were postponed to the next Board meeting on April 17^th.

On a very positive note, letters of thanks and appreciation are pouring in from children and teachers benefiting from our generous grant to the Best Bet program. Our club is touching the lives and lifting the spirits of many within our community and around the world. We can all be proud of ourselves.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

3/18/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Tonight at 7:00 pm is Ontario Reign vs. Stockton Thunder hockey teams at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. This is a special multi-club Rotary event that will benefit Polio Plus. I have the 16 tickets for the people who raised their hands at our mid February meeting. Evan Flagg said that there will be additional tickets available at the door for those who want to attend but did not indicate so earlier. He also said that if anyone who could not buy a ticket but would like to volunteer for the 50/50 drawing during half time, he could use the help and would comp the volunteers their tickets. They would need to show up at 5:30 pm and let admissions know that they were there as volunteers for Evan Flagg. I will need to know before noon today for a head count of volunteers from our club.

There will be a Board of Directors meeting this Friday March 20^th at my house. Attendance by non-board members is encouraged for those who wish to see how we conduct business and are possibly interested in seeking a board or chairmanship position. Attendance is also considered a makeup.  

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

3/4/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Thank you, Mike O'Brien, for standing in for me this week. Mike just returned from the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) and will share his vision of Claremont Sunrise Rotary for the upcoming fiscal year. Mike is getting organized in good fashion and will be a good president for the club.

The Claremont Sunrise Rotary Board of Directors had a productive meeting last Friday at my house. Many issues were discussed and resolved, such as Club financial status, Foundation status, Polio on Ice tickets, club venue, membership, Fireside Chats, Turkey Trot/Youth Scholarships, Reading by 9, and next year's officers. I encourage all members to attend a board meeting at least once to see how Club business is conducted and what we do as a part of Rotary International.

Lisa Hahn Smith has agreed to take over the Rotary Foundation chairmanship position, which will be great news for those who have generously contributed to the foundation but have not received recognition or know exactly where they stand toward their Paul Harris Fellowship. Lisa's energy and dedication to Rotary is a huge inspiration. Thank you.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

2/25/09

Greetings Rotarians,

One of the most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics in the world is the Rotary "4-Way Test." It was created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 when he was asked to take charge of the Chicago based Club Aluminum Company, which was facing bankruptcy. Taylor looked for a way to save the struggling company mired in depression-caused financial difficulties.  He drew up a 24-word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives.  The 4-Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company was credited to this simple philosophy.

Herb Taylor became president of Rotary International during 1954-55. The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.  The message should be known and followed by all Rotarians.

 "Of the things we think, say or do:

1.                   Is it the TRUTH?

2.                   Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3.                   Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4.                   Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

The 4-Way Test Speech Contest is held annually at the club, group and regional levels, with finalists competing at the District Conference in May. The oratory skills displayed by these extraordinary youths are both amazing and inspirational. We are honored to have two contestants here today.

There will be a Board of Directors meeting this Friday February 27^th at my house. Attendance by non-board members is encouraged for those who wish to see how we conduct business and are possibly interested in seeking a board or chairmanship position. Attendance is also considered a makeup.  

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

2/18/09

Greetings Rotarians,

WANTED...NEW MEMBERS!

That said, we welcome into our club Chuck Cable. He is transferring his membership to us from the La Verne Rotary. Chuck is a Claremont resident is well known in our community. It's nice to have a good Rotarian join us. We all look forward to the good nature, professionalism and leadership he will bring to the club.

This is a busy week for Rotary. Mike O'Brien will be attending the President Elect Training Seminar in Los Angeles Thursday through Sunday. Kari Anderson will be attending RYLA as a Facilitator and Dave Seccombe as a Lab Director at the Astro Camp in Idyllwild Friday through Sunday. Wish them all luck and success in their efforts this weekend. May their experience be meaningful and serve them well.

There will be a Board of Directors meeting this Friday February 20^th at my house. Attendance by non-board members is encouraged for those who wish to see how we conduct business and are possibly interested in seeking a board or chairmanship position. Attendance is also considered a makeup.  

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

2/11/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Although our annual membership drive has yet to kick into gear, that shouldn't stop us from inviting a guest for fun and fellowship at Claremont Sunrise Rotary. Take a close look at friends, neighbors, business associates or new acquaintances. The world is full of potential good Rotarians. Talk to people about the club. Ask them if they would like a nice breakfast with good company and an interesting program. Let people know what good things we do for the community and the world. Challenge yourselves and make it your goal to sponsor a new Rotarian soon.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

2/4/09

Greetings Rotarians,

As we usher in February and look ahead, it appears we have a busy calendar ahead. This Saturday, the District is holding a Board of Directors Training Seminar at Etiwanda Gardens from 9am to noon. Next, RYLA and PETS will be held from the 19^th to the 22^nd this month. February is also Rotary International World Understanding and Peace Month. District 5300 is hosting our 14th Annual Rotary International Peace Conference on Saturday, March 21, 2009, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Richard Nixon Birthplace in Yorba Linda. The Annual District Conference will be held May 28 - 31, 2009 in Palm Desert. The deadline for early registration discounts for the District Conference is March 1, 2009.

We also have some Club events coming up.  Don't forget to mark your calendars to attend the Ontario Reign game on March 18^th at 7pm. There is a fifth Wednesday in April, so think party. At some point in the next few months we plan to have our Hangout at the Hangar event where we plan to kick off our drive for the 2^nd Annual Turkey Trot.

For those of you who would like more involvement in Rotary, the opportunities abound before you. Now is also the best time to introduce someone new to Rotary. After seeing what a great organization we belong to and how much it has to offer we may sign up another good Rotarian, just like you.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

1/28/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Once again, I want you all to know that Claremont Sunrise Rotary is a great club. The quality of our members makes us great. We are known as the fun club for a reason. We can all be proud of what we have and what we do.

There is no better way to show our pride and show off our club than to ask someone to join us for breakfast. After a few visits, your guests may decide that our club is what they are looking for. Our club provides many opportunities to express our altruism. We do this through compassion, generosity and hard work. As a benefit, we enjoy social networking and have a lot of fun.

We need new members to keep our club healthy. Friends and business acquaintances are often overlooked as good potential members. They too can be part of this great club.

Yours in Rotary,

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message 

1/21/09

Greetings Rotarians,

This message is being written during a historic moment. The inauguration of our 44^th President of the United States is blaring in the background. My daughter is on the National Mall giving me updates as things transpire. Being part of this history is meaningful in so many ways. My pride in our nation has never been higher.

I just returned from the Rotary International District 5300 President's Advance held at the Desert Springs Marriott Resort, and I am motivated. We are part of a district that can only be described as incredible. Our club is one of some very outstanding clubs in our district. Your participation, efforts and enthusiasm has pushed our club toward the top ranks of clubs in Rotary. Your combined efforts help many people in so many ways. Your selfless willingness to open your hearts, open your wallets and then dig in, work hard and get dirty just to make our world a better place overwhelms me. It is people like you that inspire me.

Thank you.

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary

President's Message

1/7/09

Greetings Rotarians,

Welcome back! I hope your holidays went well for you and your families. Our club experienced a fantastic first half of its fiscal year. We have had some great meetings, a hugely successful fundraiser, some wonderful social events topped off with one of our best attended Christmas parties ever. Since we are on a roll, we must now look at our other goals for the remaining Rotary year. Let's start with a membership drive.

The bylaws of Rotary clearly outline the procedure for a prospective member to be proposed for Rotary club membership.  The "proposer" is the key person in the growth and advancement of Rotary Without a sponsor, an individual will never have the opportunity to become a Rotarian.

The task of the proposer should not end merely by submitting a name to the club secretary or membership committee.  Rotary has not established formal responsibilities for proposers or sponsors, however, by custom and tradition these procedures are recommended in many clubs.  The sponsor should:

1.                   Invite a prospective member to several meetings prior to proposing the individual for membership.

2.                   Accompany the prospective new member to one or more orientation/informational meetings.

3.                   Introduce the new member to other club members each week for the first month.

4.                   Invite the new member to accompany the sponsor to neighboring clubs for the first make-up meeting to learn the process and observe the spirit of fellowship.

5.                   Ask the new member and spouse to accompany the sponsor to the club's social activities, dinners or other special occasions.

6.                   Urge the new member and spouse to attend the district conference with the sponsor.

7.                   Serve as a special friend to assure that the new member becomes an active Rotarian.

When the proposer follows these guidelines, Rotary becomes stronger with each new member.

I am seeking ideas for a membership drive that is fun and true to Claremont Sunrise Rotary's tradition. Feel free to make suggestions and volunteer your skills at bringing in guests that are good potential Rotarians.

Happy New Year!

Daniel Kentner, President

Claremont Sunrise Rotary