Week of Dec. 7 - 13, 2008

By Dr. Larry Hashimoto
President 2008-09
Redondo Beach Rotary Club

(REDONDO BEACH) -- As the holiday season approaches and this year comes to a close, we, as Rotarians, have so much to be thankful for. One of the things we all should be thankful for is our ability to be givers.

I know I'm thankful to have the ability to give back to our community and to others. Just this past Thursday, I was able to bring joy and happiness to the physically and mentally challenged children of Washington School in Redondo Beach by being Santa.

It's been a tradition of our club that the President has to dress up as Santa Claus for the holiday party at Washington School. The smile, excitment and laughter on the kids' faces make the experience all the more worthwhile.

On Friday, I also was able to be a volunteer at the Braille Institute Holiday Party. For most of the students of the Braille Institute, this IS their Christmas. So to volunteer my time to make this day special for the students is another worthwhile experience. I was in charge of Table #7 and was their personal host for the luncheon. I helped them to the table, served them lunch, had lunch with them myself, brought coffee and drinks when called upon, and even escorted them to and from the restroom. As the Mariachi band was playing, they were also sending me up to the podium to put in their request on which songs they would like to hear. It was the best experience I've had so far at the Braille Institute. We at Table #7 were all laughing and having a good time, and by the end of the luncheon, with everyone being on a first name basis, I made some new friends. One women named Marjorie, even remembered me from the prior year because I was also her host then.

Rotarians give not only monetarily, but also just as important, and maybe even more important, they give of their time. Yes, donations are very important. But, the real heartwarming experiences, "Rotary Moments" as they are called in the Rotary world, come from getting out there and getting involved. Just giving money will not create any cherished memories or experiences. "Rotary Moments" will. So, I challenge each and every member of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach to go out and experience what a difference you, as a Rotarian, can bring to others. Get involved and start creating your own "Rotary Moments". Larry