Tribute to Jeff Weigel  Forever in our Hearts, A tribute to Jeff Weigel Our dear friend and extraordinary Rotarian Jeff Weigel passed away on March 27th surrounded by his beautiful family. Our hearts go out to Karen, his children, his grandchildren, and all who loved him. Jeff was able to hear loving messages in the days before his passing. Here is one that moved us all.
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Vision-to-Learn The Redondo Beach Rotary Club recently tested 111 students to determine if they need glasses. We identified 55 that will receive free glasses this month. This is just one of many community projects that the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach takes on each year! |
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Women in Rotary Leadership Featured The current issue of South Bay Magazine honored women in leadership positions. Six of the seven women honored were 2023–2024 South Bay Rotary Club presidents.The article presented a brief history of Rotary, noting Rotary started in 1905. It said the six women featured are accomplished CEOs, entrepreneurs and executives who have a combined 93+ years of Rotary service, exemplifying the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” |
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2023-2024 Board of Directors Redondo Beach Rotary Club 2023-2024 Board of Directors (front row, from left) Maria Lewis, Anita Stoddard, Amy Zimmerman, Jean Hirano, Larry Hashimoto (top row, from left) LeeAnn Robinson, president, Michele Abel, Scott Young, Jean Scully, Thais Eliasen, John Barnett, Vicki Radel, Peter Lattey and Buzz Dempsey. |
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District PicnicThe District 5280 annual picnic was held on September 3rd at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. An estimated 250 Rotarians showed up for the afternoon's activities. Our club entered a cardboard boat into the race, manned by Peter Lattey and Amy Zimmerman. Unfortunately, Redondo Beach Rotary did not win the race, although we finished. Member Chuck Anderson was the commodore for the race. Click on the link below for several photographs of the race activities.
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Sathie From BangladeshIt is a great pleasure to tell you about our life, my teaching children and our community work. By this time, I've realized that if a person becomes educated, he or she will find the lights of life that she wants. Our mother school education helps me a lot to be part of the many good initiatives. Present situation is better now
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New Rotary YearJuly brings a new Rotary year and with it, the installation of our new president, Nancy Weisel.
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Patel Discusses Freedom Foundation October 28,2020: Nina Patel, managing Director of the Friendship Foundation, was our speaker this week. The Freedom Foundation has chapters in 35 schools in the Los Angeles area. It is dedicated to providing friendship to families with children with special needs.Patel described the several programs the Friendship Foundation offers. Among them are online programs, school programs, programs for children 5-12 , teens 13-17 , and adult programs. Patel said the programs are socially integrated and inclusive, offer a diverse selection of enrichment and social programs, are affordable, and are not therapy based. Moreover, the programs are natural and offer an organic environment that is accepting, friendly, and safe where all children learn, grow, develop and thrive. |
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A Land Boom is ComingOctober 14, 2020: California is about to see the greatest shift of wealth in its history, said Yuko Saito-Rodriguez. “And transportation is the heat of it.” She was  our luncheon speaker today.Yuko is a regional manager for Velur Enterprises, a leading Southern California land management firm. She cited numerous metrics showing the growth of investment in Southern California, many of them having to do with electrification. “We see 10 billion tons of freight moving in Los Angeles alone. We are seeing the greatest shift from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. A Saudi oil minister recently commented the oil age will end.” “Battery storage companies are popping up almost daily.” she said. “Governor Newsome has signed an order banning fossil fueled cars by 2035. He wants every household in the state to have access to solar power by 2025. And there are 42 major vehicle manufactures in California. They create jobs,” A Google search turn up numerous solar farms in California. “In 2019, solar PV and solar thermal power plants produced 28,463 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy or 14.2 percent of California's in-state generation portfolio. A total of 748 operating Solar power plants," Google notes, “The largest currently operating solar farm in the U.S. is the 579-MW Solar Star installation which came online in 2015.”with an installed capacity about 12,338 megawatts, are in California.” “Amazon recently announced that the company will have 100,000 electric delivery vehicles,” she said Apple became the most valuable company in the world. And NextEra took over Exon Mobile in worth, she noted. We will see the biggest land rush in California in the near future, she commented. |
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DG Bette Hall Visits With Redondo Beach Rotarians Rotary District 5280 Governor Bette Hall visited with Redondo Beach “Rotarians at this week’s Zoom luncheon meeting. Governor Hall discussed a range of topics with South Bay Rotarians.Foremost, was her personal commitment to community service. “We live in strange and challenging times,” she said. She commented the Rotary clubs in the district are continuing their humanitarians and charitable work despite the Covid-19 pandemic. “We give back.” Currently the district has a drive to get volunteer items for young Marine families stationed at the El Toro Marine base in Southern California. “It is the perfect opportunity to give back” as many young families live on base while their Marine is elsewhere on the planet serving a tour of duty. “There is a great need for baby supplies such as diapers,” she said. She shared the story of a young wife who returned to the base from Japan and commented, “My children have a bed to sleep in” due to the generosity of Rotarians. She told the story of another young family the “received a brand new house. Maybe not as fancy as we live in, but a new home to them none-the-less. They are so grateful for anything they receive. We are unique in the world,” she said. After Governor Hall’s comments, President Nancy Langdon gave out several awards. Among them: a Paul Harris Fellows to Walter Campbell, a Fresh Face in Rotary Award to Lauren Campbell (no relation), and Dogoodry Awards to LeeAnn Robinson, George Schane, Jeff Weigel, Conrad Siegel and Eli Gauna. President Nancy announced a $200.00 donation to Polio Plus from the club in honor of Governor Hall’s presence. Nancy also reminded us that October 26th is World Polio Day. |
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Jennifer Jones Named President of Rotary InternationalJennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s Jones will officially become president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenge her. Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact. “As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate, and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.” As the first woman to be nominated to be president, Jones understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.” Jones is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.). A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts. Jones recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society. |
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Weigel Reports on Community Foundation StatusAugust 19, 2020: This Wednesday meeting of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach was the annual meeting of the club’s Community Foundation. Jeff Weigel,  president of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation, gave this report:Up until February the things were progressing on an even keel, said Weigel. We worked on our structure and disciplines, we moved online accounting and we started an Endowment Fund. Walter will talk more about Endowment later. Then in February COVID hit hard. It brought the cancellation of our annual fund raiser – our source of charitable funds for the year. Thanks to the efforts of Jim Stickler, Laurel Cameron, Amy Zimmerman, Karen and a whole group of club member – our sponsors and donors stood behind us as we moved to an on-line auction. Through these efforts we were able to generate over $50K – equal to what we’ve raised in previous years. Faisal and the previous board responded quickly to new COVID challenges redirecting funds - as a new board followed a new procedural to develop and submit a budget – that the Foundation quickly approved. Challenges still loom in front of us. Nancy Langdon and her Club her service chairs face the challenges of executing on projects in new disruptive environments and on being both disciplined and nimble as new needs arise. Being disciplined and nimble is best served by solid governance. I want to thank Club Governance committee members: Michael Carmical. Jean Scully, Nancy Weisel, Eli Gauna, James Jackman, Jim Sheehy, Gayle Bailey and Karen Weigel. From the Foundation side: Jim Stickler, Vicki Raidel, Bob Hockberger and Walter Campbell. Well over a hundred hours have gone into this effort. The foundation team reviewed, modified or generated seven policies and procedures and made our recommendations to the Club Governance Committee. Our board approved these documents and our recommendation. The documents, along with our financials posted in a public documents area. The club governance committee has made their recommendations to their board which is up for consideration tonight. These policies and procedures not only document how we do things for new board members -they also provide the information Michael DeSantis needs as he works on how our foundation is viewed by independent rating services. A little later Bob Hockberger will go through the documents and how to find our Public Documents page. Michael DeSantis will talk about the rating services. Right after this meeting Laurel started to generate an Annual Report targeted at potential donors and sponsors. In it, we will lay out in writing the case for “Why Rotary.” This is what the Foundation is doing so far in support of Nancy Weisel, next year’s club president, in her search for ways of raising money in this upcoming challenging year. Jim Stickler reported the extra funds we’ve held in reserve in case of fundraising downfalls. Vicki Radel talked about the Membership Annual Report distributed to each of you before this meeting. It is a challenging year and all working together we will rise to the challenge. click below to read the annual report: |
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Fire Chief
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Mama Hill Remembers John LewisAt a recent club Zoom meeting, President Nancy asked PDG Vicki Radel to share her experience with Mama Hill, a past speaker at our club.  Vicki said, “Mama Hill was forced to quit teaching due to crippling arthritis and opened her home to at risk youth for after school tutoring, ethics classes and support. Since then thousands of students have passed through her doors and into her heart for guidance and help. She is my mentor.” Vicki noted that Mama Hill’s ex was a roommate of John Lewis, who died last week, when they attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. years ago.Vicki recounted that her maternal grandfather was from Nashville. So, on a recent trip there she recounted, “I intentionally marched the same route they had taken from Fisk University to the police station. I walked alone. Tears were rolling down my face due to the impact of what it must have been like for them, having bottles and axe handles thrown at them, when all they wanted was to have the right to vote.” Mama Hill sent Vicki a personal tribute about John Lewis for her to read to the club titled, “In Loving Memory of John Lewis.”. Mama Hill described John Lewis as a brilliant gentleman and scholar, proud of his people. loyal, a man of great integrity, very quiet, a great leader, and “his strength rose in his voice whenever he spoke of injustice or oppression…We always felt that he was a close servant to God.” She also wrote, “His voice resonates throughout United States. Even now his truth will march on to awaken others to change. He is here even more so now than before. John Lewis you are a mighty, mighty man. Your soul looks at us with a steadfast Hold. You will see God, but you will also still be heard by people forever. AMEN! Mama Hill had a message for our club as well. “I want the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach to know how invaluable your ongoing support is to the families we service at MHH and how much we appreciate you caring about the community. . . Without your help the children would go hungry. You Redondo Beach Rotarians have literally saved many lives over the years by your undying support.”  |
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Common's of Paul's Photo Addresses ClubThis week’s luncheon speaker, Mark Common of Paul’s Photo, has led 10 safari trips to Africa, and is planning number 11 next July. Hopefully.  That was among the tib bits he shared with us today. His main topic though was “The Changes in Retail Business Today.” He is vice president of Paul’s Photo, a small camera business in the Torrance.He outlined several challenges to the retail industry today. Among them online shopping, increased costs, and unfair competition. “Many competitors are free of the regulations that we have to follow,” he said. “As a result, we’re seeing a destruction of the tax base; we pay sales tax to government to fund city services such as police and trash collection. We’re seeing many small businesses leaving, resulting in empty streets. All that results in lower employment opportunities,” he said. “I started to work with my Dad, who started our business in 1961,” he said. “Most of you (speaking to Rotarians) got your first job in a small business. With the erosion of small businesses today, where will our youth get their first jobs? Without small business opportunities the opportunities for the first-work experience evaporate.” “We make 4% profit from the sale of a $1,000 camera after paying discounts, the wholesale margin, sales tax, etc.” he said, adding, “Moreover, the camera business has gone from single lens reflex to cell phones to mirrorless cameras.” Commons demonstrated the difference by broadcasting to the Rotary Club via a camera lens--extraordinarily clear quality--rather than the television cameras--cell phone quality--Rotarians typically use for Zoom meetings. Common’s secret to success includes being nimble, diversifying, and experiential marketing. “When you come into our store you get to talk to a real person,” he said, explaining when experiential marketing is. His business, he added, is divided between the camera store, developing film in the laboratory, and the Academy where he teaches photography. Several Rotarians say they have worked with Mark Common for up to 40 years. Among them are Steve Aspel and Nancy Langdon. Mark’s email address is: mark@paulsphoto.com and the company’s website is paulsphoto.com. |
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RBPD Teaches Rotarians Gun Safety About 35 members of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach participated in a gun safety class at the shooting range of the Redondo Beach Police Department. The event. The event was held on Saturday, February 11th. "Civilians don't normally have access to the range," said Rotarian and commander of the Reserve unit of the Redondo Beach Police Department. "Our objective was to teach gun safety," he said, and we taught Rotarians to shoot a 9mm pistol, a .45mm pistol and a long rife." The Rotary Club has long raised funds for the Reserves' activities. It recently donated $5,000 to the reserves from the Rotary Club's Community Foundation. |
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Beer Pour at Redondo Beach SuperBowl Sunday 5K/10K Run Rotarians once again did the honors after the city’s Superbowl Sunday 10K & 5K Run. We poured beer – free, two cans each! The club has been pouring beer for decades. The first batch of runners – hundreds if not thousands -- came about 45 minutes after the start of the 5K. Then, an hour later, the main group of runners showed up after completing the 10K run. Their reward, because there can be only one winner per race, two cans Michelob Lite. Shown above are Rotarians who worked the booth. |
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Founding Members of Community Foundation All Redondo Beach Rotarians in this picture have contributed or pledged $5,000 toward the Redondo Beach Rotary Club Community Foundation’s endowment fund. That fund will enable the club to continue to do good work in the community and farther afield. From left to right: Faisal Hashmi, Jeff Weigel (current chairman of the Foundation), George Schane, Sue Johnson Colette Paul, Bill Paul, Karen Weigel, Walter Campbell, Vicki Radel, Anne Shea, Jean Scully, and Jim Stickler. (There are other founding contributors who were not in attendance today and will be featured in the coming weeks.) |
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Sue Johnson Craft Talk Sue Johnson was our featured today. She recounted anecdotes from her 25-year career scoring PGA golf tournaments. Starting with the first tournament she scored, the Gatlin Brothers Open in Texas, she gave an insider’s view of nationally televised golf events. She has scored events such as the 2019 U.S. Open Championship, the 2019 Women’s Open, the 2019 Senior Open, etc. Johnson most recently scored events from Scoring Central where she keeps track of 18 screens simultaneously – one for each hole. Among the calls she has received: hot dogs to hole 7, players need water, the standing of players, weather warnings, and a message that a golf cart is running away; turns out someone forgot to set the brakes. |
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City Councilman Updates Rotary Club Redondo Beach City Councilman Nils Nehrenhein gave a presentation today about developments in the city, and also legislative initiatives by the council to address community issues.He said there are "three major issues in the city: waterfront and power plant developments, the Rivera Village, and general city business." Referring to the power plan he said, "It is being sold. But it is up for a vote by the people who will be affected." He envisions the land to be used as a park. He added the "major expense in the city budget is pension costs"
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Donation From Morgan Stanley Foundation The Redondo Beach Rotary Club Community Foundation received a contribution from the Morgan Stanley Foundation today in the amount of $1,500. Presenting the check to Jim Stickler, treasurer of the club's Community Foundation, was Steven Scerra (r), an employee of Morgan Stanley in Torrance, California. Scerra is also a past president of the club.The Morgan Stanley Foundation is proud to support organizations who offer services to Children's health, community, education, human services, and environmental protection. The contribution is only made via company employees who volunteer 50 hours or more annually to non-profit organizations.
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Heal-the-BayAt today’s weekly luncheon, members of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club heard about efforts by Heal-the-Bay to clean up Santa Monica Bay. The group has been in the forefront of successful efforts to protect the local environment since its founding in 1985 when residents banded together to bring an end to the dumping of raw sewage into Santa Monica Bay. Today’s speaker, Jim La Vally, a volunteer spokesman with Heal-the-Bay, said the major problem in the Bay is “urban runoff and trash. Pollution has  a big impact in our Bay.” He said that plastic is the biggest problem, noting further that 60% to 80% of the marine debris worldwide is plastic, and that 90% of the debris floating in the ocean is plastic.” He added, “70% of the oxygen we breath every day is produced by seaweed and phytoplankton.”Due to advocacy efforts by the organization, and other environmentalists in the region, “We no longer find plastic in the Bay beaches.” Heal-the-Bay is supporting a single-use plastics reduction ordinance that the City of Redondo Beach is currently considering. The City has also banned various balloons because when they burst and fall into the ocean they look like foods that fish would eat. The organization sponsors what it calls Nothing But Sand beach cleanups along the Bay. The next one for Redondo Beach is scheduled for February 15th at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Torrance Beach. “People in the L.A. region are very aware of this problem,” he said. Contact Heal the Bay at healthebay.org. |
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Club's Rotary Exchange Student ReportsToday we heard from Cicella Rubin, the Rotary Exchange student our club sponsored in 2019. She was a guest at today’s
 luncheon of James Jackman, the District 5280 Youth Exchange Officer, and gave her report to the club about her year abroad. Cicella spent her Junior year in high school in Slovakia, a landlocked country in Central Europe. There she spent a little over 10 months and lived with several Rotary families. While there she learned a cursory level of the language. The district initially made contact with her at a local organization called A Place Called Home and gave her a scholarship to help defray costs. She was one of about 8,000 students worldwide who participate in the Rotary Exchange program. |
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Christmas Party at HT GrillThe Rotary Club of Redondo Beach held its annual Christmas party at the HT Grill. Here is a snapshot view of Rotarians at play. 
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Artiano Discusses AB5 With RotariansThe title of her presentation was HR Best Practices and Legal Requirements for California Employers. Attorney Linda Artiano got everyone’s attention.  “You’re not too small a business for the government to care about you,” she opened her presentation. Then sequed into AB5 which takes effect January 1, 2020. The substance of AB5 is that “every worker for every  company has to be an employee, not a contractor.” Unions pushed AB5 through the California legislature because they wanted part-time workers for Uber and Lyft to be full-time employees not contractors.“And don’t think employees can skip their lunch break because the employee wants to,” she added. “Employees must begin their meal break of at least 30 minutes starting before they complete 5 hours of work,” she said. “And don’t think that because your worker wants to be paid in cash, and there aren’t any records like time sheets, that you can’t get caught.” There were more questions for the floor than any we’ve ever had. No wonder, Artiano cited an example of a company with two employees that had to pay backpay because the employer could not document 30-minute launch breaker for the employees. |
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Laurel Cameron Joins RotaryOur newest member is Laurel Cameron. Born in Wisconsin but raised in Torrance, Laurel graduated from Torrance High school. Following a 33-year career as a sales executive in the food industry, Laurel redirected her energy and business skills to the non-  profit sector. She served on the board of the Princeton YWCA and local volunteer fire company for the past 10 years. She’s advocated on Capitol Hill as a representative at an annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations; created a NEXT GEN Board of young women leaders learning non-profit management, managed an annual Craft Fair fundraiser, and also served as a consultant to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation. Her classification is non-profit leadership. She and her husband have been married for 11 years and have a blended family of four. Her hobbies include gardening, sewing cooking, baking, and watching old Looney tunes cartoons. |
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Redondo Beach Rotary Raises $2K for Salvation ArmyOn Saturday, December 7th, at least 18 Rotarian volunteers rang the red Kettle Bell to raise funds   for the Salvation Army. Project coordinator John Barnett estimated the club raised "almost $2K in the Kettle over the past couple of days. Faisal Hashmi "gets the award for the best dressed bell ringer,"said member Jean Scully. Special thanks to Kimber Logan for jumping in at the last moment to substitute for Nancy Weisel. |
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James Webb Telescope Launch Date Set The James Webb Space Telescope is set to launch sometime March 2021. It will launch from the European space port in French Guiana. That according to Wayne Ung, a Mission Assurance Engineer. He is with Northrup Grumman which is building the telescope portion of the international project. It will soar aboard a Ariana 5 rocket, Europe's contribution to the project. "Telescopes have been around for about 400 years," said Ung, "and the first telescope to be put into space occurred in the late 1940's'. He briefly described the evolution of telescopes, culminating in the Hubble Telescope. That is until the James Webb Telescope came along. Costing an estimated $10 billion, the telescope will allow astronomers to peer back to the very beginnings of the universe, estimated to be  13.8 billion years, in fact the first light of the Universe. Unlike the Hubble, which orbits the earth at about 350 miles, the Webb, which has six times the light gathering power of the Hubble, will be in a stationary orbit at about one million miles from earth. It is so far away that astronauts ill not be able to visit the Webb in the event repairs are needed. Well, at least currently! In terms of size, the Webb is 72 feet long (compared to the Hubble at 44 feet long) and when fully deployed will be the size of a tennis court. It must fit inside the 16 foot diameter of the Ariane, and is designed to last 5 1/2 to 10 years; though the Hubble is still in operation 25 years after launch.The Webb presents unique engineering challenges. Among them, the 500 degree difference between the bottom of the sun shield which protects the Webb from the heat of the Sun, and the top of the sun shield where the telescope will sit, according to Ung. |
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Upcoming Events· The Arts Group at the Homelight Dec 14: 9AM to 11AM · Rotary Club Holiday Party Dec 15: 12PM to 4PM at HT Grill · Club assembly Dec 18: Club Assembly Christmas meeting · December 25: No meeting Merry Christmas · Jan 1, 2020: No meeting |
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Volunteers Against Hunger Rotarians volunteers at the Rise Against Hunger event in Torrance last Saturday and helped to fill over 40,000 packages of food to sent overseas to feed those that do not have enough food or nutrition. Rotarians were responsible to weigh the packages to meet specific guidelines. |
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New Paul Harris Fellows PDG Eli Gauna handed out several Paul Harris Fellows. The award is given to Rotarians for a donation of $1,000 to the Paul Harris Foundation. They are (from left) Jim Sheehy - PHF+6+Rubies, Alexis Sheehy PHF+6+ Rubies, Michael Carmichael PHF+6, presenter Eli Gauna PDG, Nancy Weisal PHF+1, and club President Feisal Hashmi.
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Knoll Joins Rotary How many Rotary clubs in District 5280 can claim a member who has been a ski instructor in Austria? Probably not many, except the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. Our newest member, Dominik Knoll, has that accomplishment on his resume. Originally from northern Italy (Knoll grew up in the Dolomites) he holds a MS in Management plus an MBA. Dominik speaks three languages, Italian, German and of course English He has published a management book in German and is currently President of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. He was sponsored into Rotary by our current club president, Faisal Hashmi. |
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Sathie Letter From BangladeshDear members of Redondo Beach Rotary Club, This is always my happiness to tell you about myself. I am happy for teaching neighbor children. I hope you enjoyed my last letter. We are fine and hope you all are well and doing your daily work. Last week I went to a doctor with my daughter Jannati and met a man there who was also waiting for the doctor.  I introduced myself and the man happily welcomed me. He is a very good person a Rotarian and shared with me about their Rotary Club and activities. I shared with him about our school and your club supports to our school. He said to me that he visited Canada to attend in a Rotary Conference. He became so happy to know that I teach little children and praised our works in community. At the end he asked me about the location of my school and committed to visit my school in someday. |
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Rotarians Learn About LA Port Improvements At this week’s luncheon, we heard about developments at the Los Angeles Port. In a word, they are massive. Known as the L.A. Waterfront at San Pedro, the 7,500 acre waterfront was one of the last undeveloped port  properties in California. That is until the San Pedro business community, in cooperation with the City of Los Angeles and community residents, decided to tackle the task of finally developing the area. With 800 parcels of land in the Waterfront park, development has taken on a variety of projects. “It took us 10 years to get the environmental impact statements approved,” said Augie Bezmolinovich, community affairs advocate, The EIR’s were finally received in 2009 and work began. Bezmolinovich described the  variety of projects currently underway, and planned for the future, as he gave Rotarians an update of developments at the LA Port Waterfront. The heart of development is the LA Port, which started as a fishing village more than 100 years ago. Now, handling more than 9.5 million containers (known as TCU’s or 20-foot equivalent containers), the Port generated nearly $300 billion cargo value in 2018. The Port is the economic driver at the local and regional levels and a key generator of jobs. Bezmolinovich said the San Pedro Public Market, which adds a new marina, is one of the two major projects at the Port, the second being the outer terminal to handle larger cruise ships. In addition, he described new plazas, recreational harbors, museums, parks and continuous promenades. the Battleship USS Iowa, a new Craft Marketplace and Brewery. |
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I Can See Clearly NowOn August 6, Redondo Beach Rotary Club partnered with Vision to Learn, Redondo Beach Unified School District and Beach Cities Health District, to provide free eye exams, and glasses to children in Redondo Beach.  |
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New Salvation Army Captain Joins RotaryCaptain Juliano Santos and his wife Kelsey, share beautiful accents because they are from Brazil. They also have a daughter Julia |
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Politics, the Old Fashion Way(REDONDO BEACH) Politics. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. At today’s weekly Rotary club meeting Jonathan Harris, founder and CEO of consultancy Political Navigation, gave a presentation about politics and surprisingly no one was offended.  Harris, a Rotarian, gave a non-partisan talk about the effects of the recent 2018 mid-term election. He hewed the line perfectly, neither favoring nor disparaging either major political party. Instead he talked about the consequences to America’s national political discourse of the shift in power by the Democrat party winning the House of Representatives. A difficult task indeed. But a sampling of his comments illustrates his even-handedness.“Democrats out-raised Republicans 3 to 1, and Congressional Democrats out-raised Congressional Republicans 5 to 1. . . In the general  election the Democrat voters responded to completely different issues than the Republican voters.”He asked, “How many voters in a congressional district?” Audience guesses ranged between 500,000 and 600,000. “Not far off,” he said, “the actual number is 720,000. And of those 720,000 residents how many do you think have a face-to-face meeting with their congressional representative?” Again, the guesses ranged but Harris said, “only about 3% have actual contact with their representative. That’s about 2,800 people or 0.04%. So if you want to influence your congress person make yourself one of the 0.04%, that’s how you influence your representative.” During a Q&A, at which Rotarians sat in rapt attention, Harris noted, in answer to a question in the news currently, “(Rep.) Pelosi doesn’t want her next two year term to be all about impeachment.”  His comments were well received in part because he has an extensive background in reporting and writing about foreign affairs. He began his career in Middle East foreign policy, with a focus on Salafi-jihadist groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. He worked as a researcher and reporter for TIME magazine in Jerusalem and New York and as a managing editor at the Middle East Forum in Philadelphia.Jonathan has lived in and traveled extensively throughout the Middle East, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and the Palestinian territories. His articles have appeared in TIME magazine, National Review Online, The Washington Times, The New York Post, the Middle East Quarterly and various online sources. More recently, he has focused on facilitating American political advocacy, specifically education and training for students, non-profits, activists, and business owners on how to promote and defend their own interests with their elected officials. |
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Cancer Resource in Redondo BeachTheresa Plakos talked to our club last week about the mission of Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach. The purpose of the 31-year-old organization is to offer free programs for cancer patients, their families and loved-ones. ”There are physical and emotional effects of cancer,” she said. “In 2016 alone, CSCRB served a record number of 2,000 people.”CSCRB offers more than 200 programs monthly It has  been named “Nonprofit of the Year” in 2016 by the South Bay Chambers of Commerce, a coalition serving 17 Chambers of Commerce and over 60,000 businesses in Southern California.The organization’s website states, ”Our program participants are able to receive our services immediately, without insurance delays or additional expense since all programs are offered at no charge, thanks to the generous philanthropic support we receive.” It’s mission statement declares: “To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustain by community.: Click here to learn more about this resource.
Theresa Plakos talked to our club last week about the mission of Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach. The purpose of the 31-year-old organization is to offer free programs for cancer patients, their families and loved-ones. ”There are physical and emotional effects of cancer,” she said. “In 2016 alone, CSCRB served a record number of 2,000 people.” CSCRB offers more than 200 programs monthly It has been named “Nonprofit of the Year” in 2016 by the South Bay Chambers of Commerce, a coalition serving 17 Chambers of Commerce and over 60,000 businesses in Southern California. The organization’s website states, ”Our program participants are able to receive our services immediately, without insurance delays or additional expense since all programs are offered at no charge, thanks to the generous philanthropic support we receive.” It’s mission statement declares: “To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustain by community. Click HERE to learn more. |
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Mike Stark Joins Rotary ClubThe newest member of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club is Mike Stark. Although a new member Mike has been an honorary member for several years; he served as Reserve Commander with the Redondo Beach Police Department.
Mike has a BS from California State University, Long Beach, and executive certifications in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee and MIT. Mike is also a Reserve Commander and hostage negotiator with the Redondo Beach Police Department and has been recognized as the Reserve Police Officer of the Year for the State of California. He has co-authored two books; one on the history of the Redondo Beach Police Department and the other on the history of Vons Grocery Company. He and his wife, Tracy are the parents of four adult children and three grandchildren. |
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Nancy Weisel Joins, Fulfills Bucket ListAfter a long and successful career in sales and marketing of financial products, Nancy Weisel decided it was time to address her bucket list. It was  give-back time. She joined the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach.A native New Yorker, she worked her way across the country and settled with her husband, Jim Benton (a cowboy from Oklahoma, in Redondo Beach 22 years ago. After spending so much time worrying about herself and her husband, and preparing for retirement, she realized it was now time to help others. Hence her interest in Rotary and all the things Rotarians do to help both domestically and internationally, “I’ve never looked back,” she said. “I look forward to tomorrow and what the future brings, and am excited to include Rotary in it.” |
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Jason Owens Adds Rotary to His Give-Back List Jason Owens is an 8th generation native of Southern California, where his great grandparents arrived to the Los Angeles area in the early 1800s.He works in the dental industry serving dentists in the success of their practices. Jason also serves as a board member of the Children’s Dental Center of Greater LA, and the Friends of Banning House Museum. He prides himself in practicing service leadership in all he does. In his spare time, Jason enjoys sailing offshore races (he's completed two Trans Pacific competition -- that's from Hawaii to California), studying California history and spending time with his wife Joni, and two daughters Reilly and Ruby. |
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Jason Owens Joins Redondo Beach RotaryJason Owens is an 8th generation native of Southern California, where his great grandparents arrived to the Los Angeles area in the early 1800s. |
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John Barnett Joins Rotary Club of Redondo BeachJohn Barnett grew up in the South Bay, spending most of his time in Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach hanging out at the beach and  King Harbor Yacht Club where he enjoyed sailing and scuba diving around Catalina Island. He lived briefly in Northridge while attending Cal State Northridge and earning a degree in accounting. After a few years working for a Big 10 accounting firm he changed careers to Sales with IBM and moved back to the South Bay where he met his wife Sharon. After almost 35 years and way too much cross-country travel as an IT enterprise software sales professional, he choose an early retirement package. His hobbies are golf and reading books by Lee Child and Dan Silva. He has lived in North Redondo for 25 years and looks forward now to recreational travel and giving back to the community via the Rotary Club. |
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Chris Engler Joins Redondo Beach RotaryRaised in Huntington Beach, Chris Engler is currently a resident of North West Torrance along with his husband Carlos Assemany. The newest member of the club's Young Professionals, Chris has a special affinity to the Southern California Beach communities and could never imagine living very far away from the ocean.  As an Eagle Scout, Chris spent a lot of his youth in service to the community; he sees the Rotary club as the perfect opportunity to continue to contribute not only in a professional capacity as a Productive Real Estate agent here in the South Bay with Keller Williams, but to participate in local community development and improvement also on a volunteer basis.Chris is a graduate of California State University Long Beach with Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and looks forward to being a productive member of the Young Professionals Arm of the Redondo Beach Chapter. |
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Chat Campbell Remembered
Our long-time friend in Rotary, Chat Campbell, passed away peacefully on October 31st of this year at the age of 92. He died after a lengthy, courageous battle from throat cancer and pneumonia. Chat was a humble, outgoing and humorous Rotarian that always seemed to have a smile on his face and words of encouragement. A former marketing executive he was always willing to generously give of his time especially if it involved the youth in our community. One of the original “Reading By Nine” Rotarians in the Club he spent some of his spare time counseling troubled youth. He designed bookmarks for the school and advertised our events in the local press. Chat grew up on a farm and served in the military both during World War II and Korea. A short celebration of his life will be held on Thursday afternoon November 29, 2:00pm at the Blue Water Grill. Nancy Campbell, his wife and former President of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club will host. Bring your fun stories and anecdotes of Chat’s life. We are blessed to have known Chat, he will be missed. He was a good man and Rotarian. |
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Peary Middle School , USC Baseball and Rotary at the School GardenRotarians George Schane, Jim Stickler, Nancy Langdon, Jim Chen, Sandy Bagley and Bastien Morales along with Peary Middle School students and the USC Baseball team and the USC Dance team worked to clean up the School Garden. Watch the Video by Nancy Langdon |
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Vera Jimenez Talks About Rotary & Her Career
 Rotarian and KTLA 5 News meteorologist Vera Jimenez stops by the News Director’s Office to share stories from her career. Vera is the recent recipient of the Impact Award from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and shares why she dedicated the award to her mother. She shares amusing anecdotes about getting her start as a traffic reporter, and discusses her work with Redondo Beach Rotary.Follow this link to listen to a funny, poignant, and fascinating story: The News Director's Office
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Remembering Ted Wendorff
Theodore Kenneth Wendorff, lived nearly 92 adventurous years. He is survived by his 4 children, 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and Kim Wendorff, his loving wife of 25 years. Ted grew up in Gardena during the depression and learned from a young age how to work hard. His parents would pack their lives and drive to the family farm in Nebraska every summer just to save money on rent. He got his first job at 9 years old selling day-old bread door-to-door for three cents a loaf. And he made money as a high schooler by driving a hearse even before having his license. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school, went to Northwestern and USC dental school on the GI bill. After college he went into orthodontics where he had a practice in Redondo Rivera for over 38 years, always with some real estate investment on the side. And he loved his time with Rotary, dedicating 60 years of his life and traveling the world with Kim for the service of others. He lived large and loved well. He was an adventure seeker at his core, and even in his later years attempted to keep up with current technology and computers. He never stopped exploring new terrain or working hard to perfect a skill in one of his favorite activities like tennis, surfing, water skiing, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, or hunting. Ted would always say, “if you’re not falling, you’re not getting better.” He safari’d in Kenya, went scuba diving in British Honduras, windsurfed in Hawaii, built dental clinics in Mexico, and played the banjo, organ and trumpet. He was a man of many talents, but he never stopped wanting to learn more.As a dad he always took time to be with us kids. We’d often sit with him on the organ bench, play backgammon or listen to him explain financial performs and share his philosophy on life. While he stayed busy, we always knew he was proud of us and would make time to sit and talk to us when we needed him. About 10 years ago he decided to surrender his life to Christ and pursued his faith with a new passion. One of his greatest joys later in life was listening to Todd preach at the River Church. He always wanted to make a difference in this world, and we know he did. It would bless our family if you wanted to donate to the two causes that were near and dear to Ted’s heart: River Church and Rotary International. |
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Remembering Ted Wendorff |
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Sathie From Bangladesh The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach sponsors the education of Sathie Khatun from the village of Khulna, Bangladesh, through the Amarok Society with a $1,000 donation annually. The Amarok Society is a Canadian-based charity working to "defeat ignorance with the most powerful force know to man: Woman." It is active in Bangladesh, Nigeria and elsewhere in Third World countries. From its website it explains, "Amarok Society teaches uneducated mothers how to read and write, and then teaches the mothers to be neighbourhood teachers - educating their own and and their neighbours' children every day in their homes with astonishing results." The photo above is of children in Sathie's village that benefit from her education. Below is is the latest letter from Sathie to our club, dated July 2018: Dear members of Redondo Beach Rotary Club,  I hope you are well by the grace of God. You know that Bangladesh is an agricultural country and our livelihood depends on agriculture production and agriculture depends on mainly rainwater. This is monsoon in our country rain is good for the farmers. But people who live in slums in city area, monsoon is not good for them because of uncertain daily basis work opportunity. In slum people live in tin-shed shelter  during heavy rainfall rainwater enters into the slum house from the roof, sometimes rain starts in the morning and continues the whole day, so daily labors do not find work for the day. In this season constriction work and other works become slow down. In our school our teacher facilitated a session on – “Savings for crisis days”. After that he started to save little money for our daily income. If we don’t find work we could use that money to buy foods. Sometimes mothers take short-term loan from each other to survive, as we are friends. However there are still problems for the families who have more children to feed but income is less. They could not do savings and are forced to go to the moneylenders or money-lending agency for loan by paying interest of their money. |
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Remembering Dieter Thomas
Rotarian Dieter Thomas passed away suddenly from a heart attack, on June 23, 2018. He was 76 years old. An immigrant from Germany, Dieter was an architect and well-known in his adopted country for having designed several award-winning homes. He joined the Redondo Beach Rotary Club in 2008 and volunteered in several capacities. Among his service to the club, he served as a volunteer architect on the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force. The group spearheaded a project to build a memorial to area servicemen in Veterans Park in Redondo Beach. In 2013, Dieter filled the role of Santa Claus on the annual Redondo Beach Christmas Police Department sleigh. When he rode the sleigh  through the streets, and the sleigh stopped every couple of blocks for the children to sit on  his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, one little boy said, "Isn't that Dieter?" The child asked his Mom why Dieter was playing Santa. She came up with the best story. "Well, Santa was stuck back east and wasn't going to get here on time, so he called Dieter because he knew they looked a lot alike and asked if Dieter would be his substitute."Well, thank goodness the Mom shared the story with us, because the next time we saw the little boy he came right out and asked Dieter, "Did Santa really call you?" And of course, Dieter said "Absolutely. The real Santa did not want to disappoint all the children, so I listened to all the wishes and reported them back to the real Santa." Dieter is survived by three children, two sons-in-law, three granddaughters, and his beloved partner, Dottie Hashizumi. “He was such a wonderful, caring, kind and gentle man. He will be sorely missed. I’m so happy he was in my life for nine year.” She added, “On August 11th, his 2 daughters, 2 of his 3 granddaughters and 1 son-in-law and I will take his ashes out to sea.” |
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Young Professionals Work Day At AltaSeaFor their initial project, our new Young Professionals (YP) group organized club volunteers to participate in Sharefest’s 16th Annual Workday, a community-building service day to beautify and provide tangible needs at schools, churches and non-profit organizations throughout the South Bay and L.A. Harbor area. On Sat., April 28th, 12 of our members volunteered their time to support a waterfront beautification effort for San Pedro’s AltaSea, a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating collaboration in oceanic and aquaculture sciences, as well as incubating new ocean-related education programs to inspire the next generation for a more sustainable ocean. Our club members worked beside other local volunteers to help build and paint picnic tables, flower planters, and park benches that will provide school groups with a place to sit and enjoy the wharf while learning about AltaSea’s mission. In addition, our club donated $1000 to Sharefest to help cover project expenses. Click to see pictures of the event |
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Young Professionals Join Redondo Beach ClubOn April 7, 2018 the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach inducted nine young professionals into our club. One of the principle criteria of membership is these your professionals are unable to make the club’s regular Wednesday noon meeting. The induction ceremony was held at the home of Karen and Jeff Weigel with about 30 club members in attendance. This is the largest group induction in club history.
 Andrew Borgic, P.E. moved to Redondo Beach from Redding, California in 2014 to open an office for Water Works Engineers –a private consulting engineering firm specializing in the design of water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure. Though work brought Andrew and his family of five to the South Bay, the local surf and welcoming community has kept him here. Andrew is honored to be a Rotarian; providing help to the less fortunate and clean water and sanitation to those who need it the most.  Nikki Parsons grew up in Redondo Beach and has been involved with Rotary from a young age. She was a member of the RUHS Interact Club, went to Japan with the District 5280 Youth Exchange Program, and is thrilled to finally be an official member of the Redondo Rotary Club. She graduated from UCLA and LMU, and now currently teaches at South High in Torrance.Charamon Lewis is the Founder of Motorlipps, a clothing line dedicated to the woman motorcyclists and  enthusiast. Prior, she was an Insurance Agent for AFLAC. In that role, she penetrated the untapped market of motorcyclists. There she increased annual sales by 25%. Charamon holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University Long Beach and has attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She is a mother of two children. In her spare time, she enjoys event planning, interior decorating, cooking and many creative projects.  Hunter Bradshaw was born and raised in Redondo Beach where he attended Redondo Union High School. After high school, he moved to Colorado and studied Economics at The University of Colorado at Boulder. Hunter is currently working as a Financial Adviser in Torrance, CA. In his free time, he enjoys spending time at the beach, playing Rugby, and watching the Dodgers and Lakers.Marynda Hill is a Corporate Tax Manager for BJ’s Restaurants Inc. and has her own business completing individual taxes. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in English and became an 8th grade teacher in the LA Unified School District. After deciding on a career change, Marynda enrolled at the University  of Phoenix where she received an MBA in Accounting and Taxation and continued working for companies such as DirecTV, Hyundai, Herbalife, Live Nation, and Sony Pictures in the Finance and Tax arenas.In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and plays, the beach and the gym along with activities such as archery, bowling, having a good time with her family and friends and being creative. Marynda has been a part of Rotary in the past, but is looking forward to working with the Redondo Beach Rotary with projects such as domestic violence, helping children and teens, and countless other activities. Erin Sujan grew up in the South Bay, spending most of her childhood in San Pedro and Palos Verdes. She moved to Hawaii for college and stayed for five years and followed this up with 5 years in Washington D.C. before moving back to the South Bay.  Erin founded her current company, Sujan Creative, a year ago. Sujan Creative is a branding and content marketing agency. Erin has been in content creation, marketing and sales for over 15 years. The companies she has worked with include Amtrak, Fannie Mae, the Navy and the Marines, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Zoological Wildlife Foundation, 24 Hour Fitness and small and mid-sized local companies all over the country. Erin gravitates toward large bodies of water, loves cooking, and couldn't get along without her best friend, a big yellow lab named Charlie. She's looking forward to giving back through The Rotary Young Professionals Chapter, and to getting to know her community on a deeper level. Michael DeSantis was born and raised in Agoura Hills, California, and currently resides in Hermosa Beach.  During the week, he helps facilitate comprehensive financial plans as a representative of Harris Financial Advisors, Inc. in Torrance, CA, and over the weekends, he enjoys hiking, going to the beach, golfing, and hitting home runs in his adult league softball games.Michael joined the Young Professionals of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club seeking a pathway for providing his time and resources for those in need. His passions include feeding the hungry, promoting mental health amongst teens, and educating children on personal finance and the mindset of success. Tomi Stewart is currently a Finance Manager for Moose Toys. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in  Business Administration and Finance from Cal State University Northridge. She worked for companies such as Universal Music Group, Deluxe Media Management, and Live Nation where she lent her expertise in the Accounting and Finance areas. Tomi is also proficient in Spanish and a proud mother of five. She is looking to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tomi believes that we must stay connected to all facets of our community in order to ensure the greater good for all. Through a reflection of love, compassion, and understanding we can change the path of the future. Chris Schane is currently a resident of Redondo Beach, CA, where he has lived since Nov of 2016. Prior to CA, he lived in Boston, MA for 10 years. He attended the University of Utah, where he majored in Finance with  an occupational background in Aerospace and Defense. Chris has worked for the same advisory services contractors for over 10 years in the aerospace and defense industry, performing cost and data analytics on a broad range of military systems to provide government officials and US Air Force senior leaders with necessary cost estimates and economic analyses to make informed programmatic decisions and affordability trades. Chris is joining Rotary to take a more active interest in the local community. As the Redondo Beach Rotary Club is well-established and engaged in many areas of community outreach, and currently standing up a Young Professional group, it seemed a good way for him to get involved.Jumping right in, the group announced their first project will be to assist Sharefest with the AltaSea project in the Port of Los Angeles. Kudos to Karen Weigel who organized and recruited members to launch a Young Professional group within the Redondo Beach Rotary Club. |
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Sathie's Progress in BangladeshThe Redondo Beach Rotary Club sponsors Sathie, a young women in Khulna, Bangladesh, through an annual donation to the Amorak Society. We recently received this update from Sathie about her progress. Dear members of Redondo Beach Rotary Club,  I told you about my child “Jannati” and now she is over 5 years old. Now she talks with me and asks me many questions. I can understand what she says even I could guess what she wants to say. My Child Development Lessons helped me a lot developing my daughter in a proper way. I am very caring for my daughter’s brain development through responding to her needs and questions. But before this child development lesson none of us has any idea about it. I share my learning with my family members and with other women in our community. Now my husband is also very careful to her. I know if I was admitted in Amarok Mother School it would not possible happen to our family. By this time I come to know why first 3 years are important for a child for brain development. .JPG) My own learning and teaching to children are going well. I am trying my best to learn more from my school that I can teach better. You will be happy to know that we have good news for our school. All mothers are very busy and enjoying education much better. We are very thankful to you and Amarok team. After a break I have hundred percent attendances in school in last 3 months. I don’t want to miss a single lesson. You know in our school we have got tablets for lessons. Now all mothers of our school can operate them well. Tablets are very helpful for our learning and teaching to children. We call this our knowledge book. We have learnt many things from the consultants worked with us in last year e.g.- Making quick test card for assessment - Use of tablet for learning purpose - Drama team developed - Learning session on social issue like women rights and household conflict regulation - Progress evaluation of children - Taking photo and videos & edit photos And some others Among them I liked about “Learning Monitoring of young children”. Amarok team works with us. We identified different issues in our community and developed drama with our own issues. Now we are thinking to develop a new drama for protecting child from labor and promoting child rights. I believe a woman can do lot of things if she gets education. It is important to set a goal and then work hard to achieve the goal. .JPG) You know about our school library, it is running well and every Sunday we exchange books. We have created opportunity for all women and children to take books from our library and to develop our library as our “community library”. This is a good opportunity for all and we all have to take it. We visit houses and tell to mothers about new books of our library, share our learning and encourage them to come and participate in our study circle. Now we are making new plans for our library activity. Developing reading skill for children is one of them. In my next letter I will tell you more about our new initiative Thank you so much for your support to the education of our children and mothers Love to you, Sathie |
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Presidential Conference On Peace In VancouverMembers of Rotary District 5280 Peace Committee were among the 800+ passionate Rotarians and friends, who gathered in Vancouver 2/9-11 to learn about the challenges and seize the opportunities to create a more peaceful world through environmentally sustainable efforts.  Sculptor - Peter Lattey with "Peace". The sculpture was auctioned to support Rotary Peace Centers |
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Music Mends Mindshttps://youtu.be/wWtQwLN6zw8 Redondo Beach Rotary has started a program to bring music to seniors with memory issues. Music Mends Minds has turned into a popular program at the Anderson Park Senior Center. |
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Beach Cities Health District CPR Certification) |
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Meeting November 1, 2017What is culture? Culture unites us and culture divides us. It defines who we are and who we are not. And since each of us, with every purchase, meal, celebration, item of clothing, word and deed is actively shaping our own individual cultures, “there are as many cultures as there are human beings,” says Professor Emeritus and Redondo Beach Rotarian Alfredo Rolando Andrade. “It is how we learn. It is how we teach.”
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World Health Organization Polio ReportThe following are the most current statistics on the Polio Eradication efforts by Rotary, CDC, WHO, UNICEF and the Bill/Melinda Gates Foundation:  |
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International Peace Day CelebrationThe UN declared September 21st as International Peace Day in 1981 and the District 5280 Peace Committee hosted perhaps the only  Peace Day event in LA County when the Rotary Clubs of the South Bay: Del Amo Torrance, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lomita Torrance Airport, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Santa Monica, and South Bay Sunrise sponsored the symphonic multi-media presentation, “Winds of Freedom” at the beautifully restored Art Deco, Hermosa Beach Community Theatre.In partnership with Peace One Day and Winds of Freedom Foundation our South Bay Rotary Clubs joined forces to show the creation of Alex Azin that celebrates life, teaches history, inspires peace and hopes for a better future.
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Rotarians Deliver Glasses to Middle School Children Rotarians, Vision To Learn, RB Unified School District and Beach Cities Health District delivered eye glasses to Middle School and High School Students today. Together almost 100 students will be able to start their school year with better vision. Better vision has been shown to be a critical factor towards success in school.  |
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Rotary Meeting August 30, 2017Sylvia Hill Sylvia H
Erick Golub Speaker Eric Golub has made a career attempting to diffuse tense situations with humor. Self-styled as “the country’s preeminent politically conservative comedian”, Golub tours the country with his brand conservatively-leaning of humor. “I try to make the most controversial topics uncontroversial,” the Brooklyn native and author of four books explained. “It shouldn’t take a hurricane to let us know we love each other,” Golub said in reference to Hurricane Harvey, which has been pummeling the Texas and Louisa coast this past week. Golub likes to place himself right at the center of conflict and find whatever common ground may be there. Golub attends political protests and rallies to hopefully spread love through laughter. He often likes to bring dance music wherever he goes, because who can really remain that angry when great music is making you dance? Golub has the following advice to end hate in this country: “Spread love and laughter. Don’t make mistakes that will take a long time to heal. And be good to children.” Whatever one’s political leanings, these are bits of wisdom on which we can all agree. |
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Rotary Blood Drive.png) |
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Ron Day December 6, 1936 - September 3, 2017
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Redondo Beach Rotary Meeting August 23, 2017Karen Weigel reported on the club’s recent Vision-to-Learn project. “We had 19 Rotarians to assist, screened 250 students and sent 94 for further screening by professional eyecare specialists. We received lots of thanks from our partners the RBUSD and the Beach Cities Health District who told us they want us to do this program again next year.” Visitors included special guest Sylvia Hill; Moe Isono, our exchange student from Japan; and Ed Burzminski, Chamber Marketing Partners, Inc. of Redondo Beach. Our guest speaker this week was Mike Lansing, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Los Angeles Harbor. His topic: “Building Successful Futures in the Harbor.” In 1995, Mike became executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Pedro and eventually the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor when the struggling Wilmington Boys & Girls Club was merged in with the San Pedro organization. Noting that one in five youth are in poverty, he explained the Boys & Girls Club of LA serves now 2,200 kids daily. “We have 13 sites in our area of Wilmington, San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles. Our objective, he said, is a “place where young people have a better opportunity then they were born into… We are an after-school program for kids in K9–K12.” Under Mike’s leadership, the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles was instrumental in the development of comprehensive youth development programs including an “Arts Academy” and a “College Bound” program. We focus on academics, arts and athletics, he said. In academics, we provide education in STEM studies. In arts, we focus on fine arts and on digital arts. In dance and music, we offer from hip-hop to ballet and instrumental to voice training. Our athletic program offers leagues in basketball, soccer, flag football and golf. More than 15,000 students have graduated from the program since 2002, he said “and this year 600 kids graduated from our program. That compares to 30 kids graduating in the first year of our existence.” Following today’s lunch several Rotarians stuffed 250 backpacks with school supplies for students; these backpacks will be distributed Friday at the Salvation Army and at the RBPD Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Dave Whitehead won today’s raffle but alas, did not pick the winning marble and only received ten bucks. Better luck next time, Dave. |
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Backpack Stuffing Immediately Following 8/23/17 MeetingWe will meet at Salvation Army immediately following the Wednesday 8/23 luncheon to stuff about 250 backpacks with school supplies. We need a minimum of 10 volunteers, there will be a sign up sheet or contact George Schane.
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Vision Screening Event for Redondo School ChildrenOne out of every four children has a vision problem. Now, couple that statistic with this one: 80% of learning happens within the first 12 years of life. Finally, look around any school: Are a quarter of the children wearing eyeglasses? Very often the expense an eye exam and the cost of prescription eyeglasses is standing between a child and his opportunity to get as much as he can out of his education. Vision to Learn is an organization, which provides free eye exams to all to school children throughout Southern California. If Vision to Learn discovers that a child needs corrective eyewear, families are notified. For families in need, Vision to Learn provides the eyeglasses free of charge. The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach has partnered with Vision to Learn, Beach Cities Health District and Redondo Unified School District to give eye exams to Redondo Beach children at our area schools. This past Wednesday, Vision to Learn rolled in three mobile vision screening units–vans decked out in state-of-the-art eye examining equipment–to the South Bay Adult Learning Center. Families who qualify under the free lunch program were notified of their eligibility to receive a free eye exam, and if needed, a free pair of eyeglasses. Redondo Beach Rotarians aided the effort my giving initial exams and assisting with coordination. Over 255 Redondo Beach schoolchildren took part. The goal of 75 pairs of eyeglasses was quickly exceeded and on this day alone, over 95 Redondo Beach schoolchildren will be heading back to school with new eyeglasses and a much better chance at success.
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Meeting August 9, 2017Redondo Beach Rotarian of the Year - Jeff Weigel Rotarian Jeff Weigel represents everything a Rotarian aspires to be. If ever the members of this club need a large table to meet around, Jeff welcomes the meeting to his dining room. Whenever Jeff recognizes something that might interest another Rotarian, Jeff  makes the call. Whenever Jeff recognizes an opportunity for another Rotarian, Jeff makes the invite. But perhaps most impressive is the Jeff’s selflessness in Rotary’s mission to improve the lives of others. For some years now, Jeff, together with his wife, Rotarian Karen Weigel, have spearheaded WASSUP, a program to bring clean water to rural areas of Fiji. A water-borne disease, such as typhoid, can mean economic catastrophe to this island paradise heavily dependent on tourism. Dysentery can mean lost wages, lost school days and even death to the very young and old. Jeff, in cooperation with a water engineering firm, has taught the local populations how to construct and maintain water filtration systems. Moreover, the WASSUP program is self-sustaining and is being replicated by the Fijians themselves and includes vocational training in the schools. For this and for so much more, Jeff Weigel has been awarded the 2017 Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Rotarian of the Year.Jeanne O'Donnell, Senior Program Manager for the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management While one might consider a disaster, whether natural, manmade or a combination thereof, to be a singularity, for Jeanne O'Donnell, Senior Program Manager for the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, “disasters never go away.” Disasters always fall into one of these places within the “long arm of recovery” cycle: mitigation, preparedness, field response, and recovery. And within each of these places in the disaster cycle, there are a myriad of physical, government, social and economic factors which must align in a highly stressful, uncertain and changing environment.  Furthermore, disasters create battles for the future. There are competing interests as to how to bring “it” back and often, whether “it” should be brought back. “Disasters reveal what others think of you. Recovery overlays ideas of what we should and shouldn’t be like,” Jeanne explains, “Who should say, for example, what life ‘should’ be like in New Orlean’s Ninth Ward?”In a strange new landscape, where familiar landmarks have been erased and, where one does not know which systems have and will fail, fear and stress take hold. “A strangeness comes over. Disasters change the way we think, feel and act,” Jeanne explains. Those affected become strangers in their own neighborhoods. It is often the social institutions, like community choirs or Little League games or Rotary Club meetings, which breakdown, as such activities are sacrificed to address more pressing needs. However, it is these very community institutions which play a very important role in maintaining community identity, which in turn is vital to recovery. In a disaster situation, because 90% of rescues are performed not by first responders, but by neighbors, it is community institutions which can actually save lives. When the assistant soccer coach doesn’t show up to practice, that could very likely mean it is because he is in dire straits. While government organizations and well-meaning volunteer groups mobilize, often priorities and agendas compete and field response can become a “hot mess” of competing centers. Preparedness can help to alleviate stress. The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management has a great deal of helpful information available and it is recommended that everyone take the time to prepare. New Members The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is beyond thrilled to invites two new members into the fold: Thais Viana and James Mellert. Welcome!  |
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Meeting August 2, 2017
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Jim Sheehy Completes the MarathonJim Sheehy, the Marathon Man completed the Beachmania Marathon held in Long Beach, CA on July 29th, 2017. 26.2 grueling miles. Congrtulations Jim  |
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Luke Tells Us About Italian ExchangeLuke Pilapil was our Rotary Exchange Student in Italy this last school year. He told us stories about his adventures, the wonderful families who hosted him and the places he visited.  He even demonstrated his mastery of Italian, doing part of the presentation in his new language. Luke was a great ambassador for our Club and the Rotary Exchange program.  |
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Luncheon Meeting 2017-07-19Scott Elliott and his spouse Louise along with Larry one of their employees joined us to talk about ICAN. ICAN is a not for profit organization that trains, employs and helps find employment for developmentally disabled clients. They are located in the South Bay in Hermosa Beach. ICAN's mission is to provide a place where their clients can learn to perform jobs, have a social space to interact and get support when they are working. They have a remarkable success rate, being able to place their clients after only 3 to 6 weeks of training.  |
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Changes To The Redondo Beach Rotary Community FoundationTerry Bichlmeier has made the following announcement: "Steve Scerra has resigned as our Club Foundation Treasurer as a result of advice from our Rotary District Governor Cozette (an attorney) to prevent any possible conflict of interest because he now serves as voting member on the Club Board as Vice President." IRS rules do not permit an individual to be a voting member of both the Foundation Board and the Club Board.
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Changes To Club PersonnelYou need a scorecard to tell the players! We've had some changes to the Board and other positions in the club:
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Fine Day For A Peace ParadeSaturday July 15th was a fine day for a parade in So. LA honoring PCI (People for Community Improvement). The event represented the 8th consecutive year that 5280 Rotary clubs have participated in the "Peace Walk for Life" to support Peace Advocate PCI's efforts to respect life and reduce violence via gang intervention/suppression, job re-entry, youth programs, anti-Human Trafficking and food distribution to the hungry. Rotary came out in full force, with approximately 50 walking for Greater Peace in District 5280!    |
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Transition and Awards(REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA - June 27, 2017) Today's luncheon was one of awards and recognition. It was also the last meeting our current president, Alexis Sheehy, presided over. And it was the first meeting for our incoming president, Walter Campbell. First, the new:
 Terry Bichlmeier announced the approval of Global Grant-GG1634076 “Clean Water for Baja California Sur” by The Rotary Foundation, in conjunction with out club. The project will be funded with $4,500 from the Redondo Beach Rotary Club and, in the aggregate, to the tune of $99,500. Shown with Bichlmeier are Nasrin Moghadasian and Amy Zimmerman. Not shown, but also contributing to creating the grant are Nora Giralt and Vera Jimenez. |
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Rotary Meeting June 14, 2017Rotary 14 June 2017
Non-Rotarian of the Year – Heidi Butzine
Heidi Butzine has been chosen by our club to be our 2017 Non-Rotarian of the Year. Heidi is the chief marketing strategist at Localista and the founder of shoplocal.us.
Heidi is focused on helping small businesses succeed in a digital world. Heidi is also well-represented in our community, serving the Chamber of Commerce, South Bay Women’s Business Association and president of the North Redondo Beach Business Association.
Congratulations, Heidi!
Barry Brennon - Flying Lion Inc.
Drone photography has opened a bird’s eye view of the world to professional and hobby photographers alike. In addition to creating some spectacular Instagram posts, drone photography and videography have some very practical applications. Drone photography is used in all kinds of industries, including public safety, entertainment, construction, agriculture, and real estate. Airborne drone logistics may be just over the horizon. Law enforcement is one early adopter to employ this flexible, cheap alternative to helicopters.
Flying Lion, Inc. is a South Bay firm specializing in training peace officers in drone piloting, as well as providing drone photography and videography on-demand. Currently, only about a third of the photography drones in use today are used for commercial purposes. Barry Brennan, President and Founder of Flying Lions, Inc. believes that will change in the near future.
“We predict the need for 650,000 licensed drone pilots by the year 2020,” Barry says.
A license is required for a drone for any kind of commercial activity or, more specifically, when any kind of a transaction occurs. So, technically, the hobbyist my use his drone to photograph for his own purposes, however, if he offers to use his equipment to help out a friend, that could be considered a transaction. Licensing requires a certificate of authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration and familiarity with 600 pages of FAA regulations. In a nutshell, the Remote Pilot Certification regulations cover these basic rules: No flying at night, no flying above 400 feet without special authorization, no flying in inclement weather and obey the three-dimensional airspace rules. In addition, licensed drone pilots need to pass an FAA test, go through a criminal background check and must be in both good physical and mental condition (to compare, in California, it only takes a waiting period of ten days to purchase a handgun).
Thank you, Barry, for telling us about this fascinating new technology and its many uses. |
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June 7 Evening Meeting to Honor RB Community Foundation Scholarship WinnersThis week's meeting will be a evening meeting to honor our 2017 Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation Scholarship recipients. The meeting will be held: June 7th Approx. 6 pm - 8 pm Samba Brazilian Steakhouse 207 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Hor d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. A cash bar will be open. It's a big room and right now, we only have about a dozen Rotarians signed up to attend. Our guests may outnumber the members in attendance at this point. Please consider joining us celebrate this commencement time of the year, as we do our small part to help some of the best and brightest sons and daughters of Redondo Beach on their way! Please send me a quick email if you plan on attending: nancy.langdon@gmail.com C'mon! Break up the week's routine a little and enjoy an evening of fellowship at the Harbor! Yours in Rotary, Nancy Langdon |
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Rotary Meeting May 31, 2017Redondo Beach Rotary Meeting May 31, 2017 Rotary Foundation - Jim Chen  At the beginning of this Rotary year, a goal of contributions from our members to the Rotary Foundation of $10,000 was set. Already, the club has met that goal threefold. One particular Rotarian, who embodies giving back and paying forward in so many ways, is Jim Chen. Jim’s first Rotary moment came already as a child. Growing up in public housing in Lawndale in the 1960s, money was tight for Jim’s family. So when Jim’s one great joy, his bicycle, was stolen, it came as quite a blow to the boy. When the story of that stolen bike reached the ears of a local Rotarian, that Rotarian bought young Jim a new one. Jim used his new bike to ride all the way to Palos Verdes to work as a golf caddy, where he picked up enough money to support his bike riding passion in a bigger way. Jim stepped up from bicycles to motorcycles and raced competitively throughout the 1970s. His best was qualifying on the pole position at Daytona, where he finished third. Along with his caddying tips, Jim also picked up some valuable tips on running a business. Jim has invested wisely and successfully: More than that he has never forgotten the impact that one Rotarian long ago made on his life. Jim has continuously stepped up for Rotary and our community. Thank you, Jim. Art Awards  The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, through our Vocational Services, is very proud to sponsor an art contest for area high schoolers. Again, the judging panel was awestruck by the skill displayed and the thoughtfulness to incorporate this year’s District theme, “Imagine”, imagine their submissions. The South Bay does not lack for academic and sports scholarships: The arts, on the other hand, tend to fall short. The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is very happy to do our small part to correct this by offering a $500 top prize. Sue Johnson  Convincing a tired Lee Travino after he finishes up on the 18th, that he needs to stick around because a golf ball may (or may not) have landed in his bag, and getting a call at the Masters that the walking scorer not only does not seem to know how to score, but also apparently can’t tell Tiger Woods, Lee Westford and John Daley apart, are all par for the course for national golf scoring chairperson Sue Johnson. Sue Johnson has been a scoring professional golf since the 1970s. A math teacher at the time, while her father was a Pro Am golf pro and scoring chair for Canterbury Woods Country Club in New Hampshire, Sue was often tasked with double checking the scores and helping prepare the statistical analyses for the pairings. A pivotal moment came for Sue in 1989 while checking the scores of the first day of the Pro Am. Sue ran the numbers and found that pairings were incorrect. “She’s right. Oh my God, she’s right,” she heard from the skeptical PGA rep. On the second day of play, the same mistakes were made. Sue spotted them and corrected them. “So,” asked the PGA rep, “Do you like to travel? Really travel?” Sue, single at the time and with her weekends free, said, “Sure, I like to travel!” And travel she did: Sue worked as a teacher during the week and headed to the airport almost every Friday to score dozens of PGA tournaments around the country. The scoring chair plays a vital role and can have a huge impact. During a particular tournament in Abilene, Texas, which was plagued by wind and rain, George Archer finished his round and was packing up, ready to call it a day. On his way out the door, Sue stopped him. “You might want to stick around. You’re tied for the lead, you know,” Sue told him. George Archer ended up winning a five-way play-off. On the flight out of Texas, Sue happened to be seated across from George. “Give her whatever she wants, I’m buying” George told the flight attendant. In addition to occasional good news, the scoring chair calls the shots on the green. For example, that one time in Cincinnati: The golf ball in fact did land in a very done-for-the-day Lee Trevino’s golf bag, which was on a golf cart parked behind the 18th green. No go, Lee, golf comes first: The ball was retrieved from Trevino’s bag and play resumed. However, the golf bag was not secured properly to the golf cart. And when Lee, finally permitted to leave, stepped on the pedal, it sent his bag and all his clubs flying all over the course. The Merry Mex was left less than merry that day. The scoring chair must also manage the walking scorers, who are present at the greens. In addition to knowing the rules, it is really helpful, when the walking scorers recognize the players. At Pinehurst, no less, one walking scorer not only didn’t know the rules of golf, but could not recognize three of the biggest names to ever step on a green: Tiger Woods, Lee Westford and John Daley. When the television producers put that call into Sue, you better believe it was all supervisors on deck. Sue has had the honor of scoring 62 U.S. Opens and has left an important legacy of accuracy to the sport of professional golf. Not only in golf, but Sue has brought her scoring expertise to the sport of Olympic synchronized swimming. Thank you, Sue, for sharing your experiences and expertise with the club. |
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Rotary Meeting May 3, 2017Dental screenings and mental health counseling .jpg){kind=spacer} The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is proud to do our part in improving the health and wellbeing of our community. This year, the Club presented a check for $4,500 to go toward dental screening and mental health counseling. Redondo Beach Rotarian Dr. Larry Hashimoto is one of the most active supporters of this program, donating his time and professional talents to giving free dental screenings.Sue Johnson – Redondo Beach Police Department “Ride Along”  Each year, the Redondo Beach Police Department donates a “Ride Along” in a squad car with an officer to our annual silent auction Casino Night fundraiser. This year, Redondo Beach Rotarian Sue Johnson placed the winning bid.“It was fascinating,” Sue told the Club, “I’d really recommend doing this if you ever have the opportunity!” Sue donned a balistic vest and rode along for a full six hours with officer Kyle and German shepherd canine officer Ammo. A typical day for a Redondo Beach police officer is never typical. On this particular day, Sue saw first hand how Kyle and Ammo addressed a number of different incidents, including indecent exposure, DUI and assault. On one call, a man who was suspected of assault on a women became especially belligerent and four officers were required to take the man into custody. Sue saw first hand to what degree Amo is a highly skilled and trusted partner. Every second that Kyle was away from the squad car, Amo was trained on him, ready to spring instantly into action. Thank you, Sue, for sharing your day’s adventures with us and thank you, Redondo Beach Police Department for the work you do keeping our community safe. Raunda Frank and Heather Longride – NCADD  The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) provides “education, information, help and hope to the public.” It is considered the world’s leading advocacy group to address alcoholism and drug dependence, with particular emphasis on prevention. Begun in 1944, NCADD has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about drug use and abuse in the United States and increasingly abroad.The NCADD maintains a chapter in the South Bay and serves of the communities of Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Raunda Frank and Heather Longride spoke to the Club about some of the work they do. Much of the work of NCADD focuses on prevention among children and teens. Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse is often a function of ease of access. 75% of teens surveyed in the South Bay admit that getting access to alcohol is very easy. 41% admit to consuming alcohol regularly. About 40% of teens admit that their access alcohol through their parents. A quarter of South Bay teens admit to drinking alcohol at parties. These numbers are concerning, especially when paired with the statistic that close to half of teens, who drink before age 14 will develop an alcohol dependency. Recently, students snuck vodka in a water bottle into a Palos Verdes middle school; several children were rushed that day to the hospital and treated for alcohol poisoning. These children were just 13 years old. Beginning this year, The State of California has decriminalized marijuana. It is currently legal for Californians to maintain up to six plants in their homes for personal use. In addition, medical marijuana is much more widely available and medical marijuana cards are relatively easy to obtain. Many benefits of marijuana use have been thoroughly researched and thus proven, however, more widespread access has lead to more underage use and abuse. Today’s weed is not your daddy’s weed: In 1982, THC in marijuana, the chemical which produces the high, averaged about 4%. Today, your typical joint will have three times that amount. Medical-grade marijuana will have 20-30% THC. The lasting neurocognitive effects of these higher concentrations of the drug on developing teen minds is not completely understood. Further working at cross purposes of preventing teen and childhood marijuana use are the many marijuana products now commercially available, including pot cookies, candies and soda pops. To a child, tequila would be an acquired taste. But gummy bears and chocolate bars? Marijuana sweets are presenting an especially difficult challenge to parents and prevention educators. In the South Bay, NCADD sponsors the Prevention Community Council (PCC), which organizes many outreach and education events throughout the year. PCC trains area restaurant and bar wait staff on how check ID’s, the laws surrounding an establishment’s liability when serving patrons alcohol and how and when to refuse to serve alcohol to a customer. PCC also sponsors educational workshops for parents to inform parents of current laws and their liabilities when teens are drinking in their homes. PCC also organizes so-called “reality parties”, wherein teenage volunteers act out a typical teen party where alcohol would be served, drinking games played and binge drinking encouraged. Good drug and alcohol abuse prevention among our young people involves parents, schools, law enforcement, the kids themselves, as well as highly committed organizations such as NCADD. We want to thank NCADD for their part in keeping our young people healthy and safe. |
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Volunteers Needed for Payless Shoes EventVolunteers needed! Saturday May 13 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM our club will help distribute shoes to needy kids at Payless Shoe Source at the Galleria at 1815 Hawthorne Bl. Athena Marano of the Salvation Army is coordinating the families of about 40 to 45 kids to be served. We need 6-8 volunteers to help with their shoe selection. Karen, Anne and Sue have already signed up, so we still need a few more. Please text or phone me if you have any questions. Thanks, George Schane 310-994-6883 |
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Chuck's Travels; April 26, 2017Vision to Learn  One out of every four children has a vision problem. Couple that statistic with this one: 80% of learning happens within the first 12 years of life. Now, look around any school: Are a quarter of the children wearing eyeglasses? Sometimes the expense of prescription eyeglasses is standing between a child and his opportunity to get as much as he can out of his education. Vision to Learn is an organization, which provides free eye exams and free eyeglasses to school children throughout Southern California. The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach has partnered with Vision to Learn for several years and joins the organization in giving eye exams to Redondo Beach children at our area schools. The highlight of this experience is when the Vision to Learn truck rolls up and fits the children with their new eyeglasses: Eye-opening in so many ways. The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach gave a check for $2000 to this worthy organization to continue their vital work in our community. Peripheral Artery Exams to Benefit Rotary Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries. It can be found in the stomach, arms and head, but most commonly in the legs. Most people mistake the symptoms of PAD for something else. The symptoms include pain, cramping or tiredness while walking or climbing stairs. Left untreated, PAD leaves an individual at greater risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Left untreated, PAD can lead to gangrene and even amputation. Smokers, diabetics, people with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at greater risk of developing PAD. Also, the risk of PAD increases with age. Redondo Beach Rotarian Dr. Peters has offered to perform PAD exams to our members. Half of the $200 cost will be donated to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. Please contact Dr. Peters’ office and make your appointment today! Chuck Anderson, Merida, Mexico
Redondo Beach Rotarian and 2008 Rotary District 5280 Governor Chuck Anderson is one of our most active and globetrotting members. Chuck shared with us a recent trip to the city of Merida, Mexico. Merida, located on the end of the Yucatan peninsula, has a rich culture and history reaching back thousands of years. The people of Merida maintain a close connection to their Mayan history. The local Yucatec Maya dialect will be very unfamiliar to Spanish speakers: It is a living connection to the time before Columbus arrived. Called the “White City”, Merida is home to many beautiful buildings from the colonial era. While the sightseeing is well worth it (including the must-see Mayan ruins and a swim in an underground (!) spring), Chuck and his fellow Rotarians took the opportunity of this trip to come to the aid of the community. The Emmanuel preschool was in need of a safe and enriching play area, as well as a few other upgrades. Rotarians contributed to revamping the play area and painting the bathrooms. The ground is very hard in Merida, but planting trees in a local park was also on the list. The Coby Bachelor Degree School was provided sewing machines, fabric and rent to assist in fostering vocational education. In addition, Rotary is assisting in medical outreach to the community. Chuck, as he has done in many other countries, at many other Rotary projects, and to hundreds of children around the world, distributed his “signature” Chuckles candy and plush toys. Thank you, Chuck, for sharing your travels and also for your indefatigable service to Rotary. |
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Rotary Day of Service Is All About Seniors13 Redondo Beach Rotarians and 3 guests washed windows, pulled weeds and trimmed bushes for seniors in the local communities. We partnered with Beach Cities Health District and spent the Saturday morning improving the lives and property of community members who needed assistance. After getting dirty and sweaty on a beautiful morning, we retired to our favorite Fish Shop for some good food and fellowship. Working hard:   |
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Volunteers Needed for Meals on WheelsMeals-on-Wheels is looking for some volunteers for the weekly deliveries. Find a buddy, to help it 's a great way to get to know your fellow club members. Please see or e-mail George Schane (gschane@theaccessco.com)
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Rotary Meeting April 12, 2017Rotary Scholar Lindsey Fyfe Music has a way of bringing people together. And so does Rotary. Once upon a time in 2008, a lovely Redondo Beach Rotarian Vicki Radel went on a first date with charming Downtown Rotarian Peter Lattey. They went to hear a young folk singer at a club in Silver Lake. That young folk singer Fast forward a few years and that same young folk singer, Lindsey Fyfe, through Vicki’s help, was awarded a Rotary Scholarship to study in Edinburgh, Scotland. "Rotary changed my life," Lindsey explained, “I connected with so many people. Artists, folk singers. My Rotary year was a wonderful time, that set the course for what I am doing.” Lindsey is currently a director for education at an art center in her home state of Connecticut. She is also the proud recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow certificate, also thanks to Vicki's efforts.
Alexis Sheehy, Total Solar Eclipses Every few years, Redondo Beach Rotarians Alexis and Jim Sheehy will travel thousands of miles, spend thousands of dollars, and even board on a ship and sail into the middle of the ocean, just to stand for a couple of minutes in the shade. Except this isn’t just any shade: This is moon shade. . . . (Click "Read more" below to the right for additional information about an eclipse.)
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Clothing or Toiletries Needed for Homeless Misson to Downtown LAThe first Saturday of every month a group of dedicated Redondo Beach Rotarians goes to downtown LA to help feed and cloth the homeless population. We need clothing, particularly mens clothes, pants, underwear, socks and shirts are the most desirable. Please see George Schane to make arrangements.
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Redondo Beach Rotary Sponsors Sathie (REDONDO BEACH, California) The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is now sponsoring a “mother” in the Amarok Society’s “Adopt a Mother” program. It is an education program for poor women who reside in the slums in Bangledesh. We currently sponsor Sathie Kartun, a 20-year-0ld woman from the slums of Dacca. Click HERE to learn more about Sathie. And click HERE to hear former Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson and Gem Munro of the Amarok Society speak to Rotarians about the work of the society and creating peace through service. The Amarok Society is a Canadian non-profit based in Toronto. |
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Gardening At Peary Middle SchoolRedondo Beach and other Rotary Clubs along with about 40 school kids joined together on Saturday to continue cleaning and restoring the garden at Peary Middle School.
The crew worked hard, cleaning up brush, pulling stumps, installing a new drip irrigation system and even demolishing some rotting storage bins.
Thanks to Eli Gauna, George Schane, Peter Lattey, Vicki Radel, Bob Hockberger, Patty Pickles, Jim Sheehy, President Alexis and Jim Stickler for their effort.
Also recognition to Henry Washington and Odette Board of Peary Middle School.
A special thankyou to Republic Services who donated a dumpster for all the garden waste. It was filled to the brim!
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Community Service & RB Rotary Foundation Present Check at City CouncilThe Club and the Foundation presented a VERY LARGE check to Mike Stark to recognize the work of the Redondo Beach Police Reserves and to present the proceeds of the Police Reserves Recognition Dinner.
The presentation was made at the City Council meeting on February 21. Terry Bichlmeier, George Schane, President Alexis and Mayor Steve Aspel attended.
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Weekly Luncheon - January 18, 2017(REDONDO BEACH, California) January 18, 2017 -- The highlight of today's luncheon was the our meals were delayed, almost permanently due to a breakdown of the Bluewater Grill's elevator. To their everlasting credit though, the chefs of Bluewater barely missed a beat and rustled up another meal of halibut and rice and a great salad. Thanks folks.
Announcements, well we had several. Incoming president Walter Campbell urged members to buy their Casino Night tickets. He noted this year purchasing can be done online, but added, "January 31st is the deadline. Tickets go up in price and there won't be any turning back. No exceptions this year."
Colette Paul followed up by circulating a flyer giving members a chance to sign up for either a cash sponsorship or table sponsorship. At least $2,900 was pledged, with a total for these two activities of just over $13,000.
President Sheehy acknowledged the anniversary of Rotarian Allen Peters. "Jeanne and I spent a wonderful weekend near Ojai celebrating our 35th anniversary," he said.
Alexis also announced a change of venue for next week. She said the club will meet downstairs at the Bluewater Grill next week because of the malfunctioning elevator.
She also noted that Pearl Davis is resting at the Acute Care facility on Lomita Blvd. and encourage members to visit Pearl. Guests included Rotarians Jim Beardsley and Richard Henseler of South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, Connie Siegel of Harrisburg Rotary Club and former Redondo Beach Rotarian Suzanne Lucas. Also, Athena Marano of the Salvation Army accompanied Capt. Marcello Goncalves.
Our scheduled luncheon speaker missed his appointment. In his stead new member D.P. Agrawal--on few minutes' notice--stepped up to the plate and gave his craft talk. Of course it helps that he is a former two-time president of the Rotary Club of North Attleboro in Massachusetts.
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Learning about Waterfront Education While Dining on Seafood at the Waterfront —January 4, 2017 Luncheon(REDONDO BEACH, California January 4, 2017)
Announcements:
Vicki Radel led the meeting in Alexis Sheehy’s absence.
Vicki began the meeting by reading a letter from the Salvation Army, thanking our Rotary Club for its generosity during the holiday season.
Jim Stickler led the club in singing Happy Birthday to Vicki.
George Schane announced that more volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels, and circulated a sign-up sheet.
This Saturday we will be going downtown to help the homeless. George Schane will be driving and he has room for passengers—please contact him if you need a ride. Donations of clothing and small toiletry items are appreciated.
Jim Stickler announced that on Saturday January 28th, there will be a garden clean-up at Perry Middle School in Gardena. Gardeners and their implements are needed!
Jim Chen told us that Ernie O’Dell received a new heart and is doing well. He has been returning calls to his cell phone, so good wishes are welcome.
Pearl Davis is still at Little Company of Mary and would like to have visitors. Although her memory is weak at times, she loves to reminisce.
Speaker:
Jim Stickler announced our guest speaker, Julie Coll, founder and CEO/Executive Director of Waterfront Education (previously King Harbor Boating Foundation).
Julie’s vision of gender equality regardless of socioeconomic background is the cornerstone for Waterfront Education’s community mission. By utilizing nature’s local waters to create hands-on STEM and STEAM learning experiences, Julie hopes to share her passion for the ocean and instill an understanding of the urgent need for its stewardship and conservation.
Julie Coll and Mark Hanson founded Waterfront Education in 2012 with a passion for educating on the water. Julie noted that people, particularly children, get out on the water and start to develop confidence while they come to appreciate and embrace nature.
Our harbor is unique. Being small and not commercial, it is great for beginners on the water. The ocean access is very near, and cool things happen in our harbor. For example, we have a thriving sand dollar colony!
Julie shared a slideshow of students enjoying waterfront education. She told us that her organization seeks to design programs that enthuse and inspire with STEM (Science, Technology, Education, Math) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, Math) programs based on hands-on learning.
Waterfront Education has a hub at SEA Lab, from which they run programs with the help of businesses in the community who want to help get people into the water while learning as well as having fun. STEM Sailing with South Bay Sailing is one of their business community collaborations.
Waterfront Education is committed to recreation and education; for example, sailing while learning. STEM classes that they teach are relevant to their local students. For examples, plate tectonics provide a topic of interest for Southern California residents.
The core values of Waterfront Education include safety, respect, stewardship, equality, fun, innovation, collaboration, community, leadership, and discovery.
Julie shared details of a few classes that they teach, including Lobster Hunt, Tinker Time, Explore & Discover, and WE can SEA Filmmaking. They also teach a large class with SEA Lab called Discovery at Sea.
Students are currently mostly home schooled from kindergarten to the eighth grade. Seventy-five percent are male and 25% are female. Most are local, but some travel over an hour to get to classes!
Waterfront Education is funded by fees for services, corporate sponsors, grants, family foundations, and individual donors.
Future plans include developing a scholarship program to extend beyond a one-mile reach, launch an adult program, create a STEM event/competition, and equip the marine innovation lab.
Final Notes:
Karen Weigel won the raffle, but not the red marble.
The Flag Salute was led by George Schane. Our greeter was Rolando Andrade. Vicki Radel’s inspiration was inspired by the concept of Gratitude. Bob Hockberger and Jim Stickler delivered Meals on Wheels. Guests were Athena Marano, Ivy Wheeler, and Connie Siegel.
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Shrimp Kebabs with Redondo Beach Chief of Police Keith Kauffman—September 28, 2016 Luncheon (REDONDO BEACH, California) September 28, 2016—At today’s luncheon, we heard from Redondo Beach Chief of Police Keith Kauffman.
Announcements:
Vicki Radel announced that the Redondo Beach Rotary Club has received a certificate of recognition from the Mayor of Los Angeles for our outreach to the downtown homeless, PCI, and Mama Hill’s Help.
 Vicki invited all members who have participated in the program to come to the podium for a group photo.
Terry Bichlmeier told us that the Amazon Smile Foundation would support our community service efforts if individuals would please register under the “Redondo Beach Rotary Club Community Foundation” when shopping at amazon.com.
Amy Zimmerman asked if anyone was able to host our exchange student, Shogo Oseogawa, October 10-11 and/or February 25 to the end of May.
Scott Young asked if anyone was able to store the boat currently in his garage. Amy Zimmerman and Nora Giralt volunteered. Camp Pendleton donations, cash or gift cards, can be brought to the October 11th District Breakfast, or Alexis can take them for you if you give them to her.
Eli Gauna reminded us that the Rotary Foundation requested that the club donate $2650 in honor of the centennial. We have greatly exceeded that amount. In fact, Jim Chen donated $2650 himself! Also, be sure to turn in the raffle tickets that you sold in support of the October 22 Foundation Celebration aboard the Battleship USS Iowa.
Amy Zimmerman and George Schane will take donations of clothes and toiletries to the downtown homeless. See them to donate or to learn about carpooling to the next event.
Guests were Athena Marano, and Tom Tryon.
The Flag Salute was led by Rick Wendorff. The Inspiration inspired by Autumn was given by Vera Jimenez. Our greeters for the day were Faisal Hashmi and Robert Baker. Meals on Wheels were delivered by George Schane and Jim Stickler.
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 Amy Zimmerman dishes it out.......
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 A moment of reflection before the work begins
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Thank you to our 2016 Casino Night Sponsors!
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| Scuba instructor Rick Mendoza "in the day." | |
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Our newest member is Robert Hockberger. Bob is an M.D. who has practiced medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for 30 years where he was department chair for Emergency Medicine. Bob retired two years ago but continues to teach interns in the ER. His classification is medical education. He attributes his interest in medicine, teaching and service to his experience during childhood babysitting his five brothers -- and the fact that his dad was a Republican businessman and his mom a liberal activist, were both very active in the community. Jim Stickler sponsored him into the club."
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| Photos courtesy of Gil Garcetti |
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| The club held an evening meeting on May 18th at Crowne Plaza in Redondo Beach to award scholarships to deserving students and mini-grants to outstanding teachers in the Redondo Union School District. A total of 64 people attended the meeting including Rotarians, teacher, principals, and students and their families. | |
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| (from left) Diego Reyes who plans to attend UC Santa Cruz; D'Mitri Williams is headed to El Camino; Anna Reyes; Massa Kassab plans a career in medicine; Anna Sieger received a full music scholarship to a school in Pennsylvania; and Rotarian Terry Bichlmier. | The club awarded teacher mini-grants to three teachers in the Redondo Beach Union School District. Receiving awards were Jennifer Bell of the Tulita Elementary School, Thea Turnbull of the Patrras Middle School and Gillian Moberg of the Redondo Union High School. |
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"I love it when a child puts on their glasses for the first time and says 'WOW!' and this child pictured below (left) is the youngster who said, "Wow.", said Nora Maclellan, coordinator of the project. Another child was overheard to say, "I can read the sign on that far wall, wow!"
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There are 11 more students who were examined last week and will be getting their glasses very soon! That is 56 kids whose lives will be forever changed. That's a total of 62 children who got free eye exams," she said. As part of this project every student at Adams Middle School had their vision screened by the school nurse or by your fellow Rotarians - that was a total of 982 students! Therefore, every child at Adams Middle School benefited from this project."
"Thank you for making the Rotary Community Service project involving Vision To Learn such a great success at Adams Middle School," she said.
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| Andrea Mosmann | Vera Jimenez |
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| President elect of Rotary International, John Germ, announced, this morning, his Rotary Theme for 2016-2017 as “Rotary Serving Humanity”. |  |
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 Sponsors for the 2016 Casino Night of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach
March 19, 2016 |
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| (l to r) Sgt. Alan Beck, Reserve Coordinator; Reserve Officers Mike Stark; Jack Dickert; Patricia Boris; Norm Creveling; John McIntosh; Larry Brehm; Royce Branch; and Paul Decker. Absent are: Don Baird; Don Neureither; Rick Petersen, John Skipper; Barry Brennan; Ellen Gill and Jim Banach. |
Micheal Stark, an Honorary Rotary Club of Redondo Beach members, spoke before our Club today. “I always wanted to be a police officer. I always will be a police officer,” Micheal stressed, “I will be until they won’t let me into a black-and-white anymore!” Miichael’s dedication to law enforcement is most evident in his duties as Commander of the Redondo Beach Police Reserves.
On first glance, a reserve officer is difficult to distinguish from a full-time sworn peace keeping officer. And on second and third glance, as well: Reserve officers wear the uniform, are trained in law enforcement, are issued a badge and gun, respond to radio calls, investigate crimes and ride in black-and-whites. Very often, it is a reserve officer, who is most visible to the public at large. Redondo Beach police reserve officers are the ones who patrol special events such as the Super Bowl Sunday 10K Run or cover the beaches on busy summer days, thereby freeing up full-time officers to maintain their regular beats.
The difference is--and this difference is very important--is that a reserve police officer in Redondo Beach is an unpaid volunteer. It takes a special kind of individual to want to give back to their community in this way: Often, they risk putting themselves in harm’s way and are required to interact and deal with unpleasant and often heartbreaking realities. They do the things most of us would rather not even think about, and they do it only for the love of the community. The police reserves do not supplant the duties and obligations of the full-time sworn officer staff. In an era of budget cuts, mounting pension obligations and the unpredictability of when, how and how much criminal activity is occurring, however, the police force can count on these volunteers to back up regular officers if need be. As priorities pile on for the full-time staff, retired police officers now in the reserves--individuals with decades of law enforcement experience under the belt--will take on, for example, on the arduous and often thankless task of cold case investigation.
Not only are the reserve officers unpaid, but many of their expenses, including their training, is not covered by the police department. Were it not for the Reserve Corps Fund these unpaid police reserve candidates would be on the hook for their police academy training, as well as any additional training, such as keeping up to date in the ever-evolving field of crime scene investigation. And this is where the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach plays our part.
As a long-standing partner of the police reserves, for the past 23 years--and counting!--The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach has hosted an annual fundraising dinner to benefit the Reserve Corps Fund. Our next Police Reserve Banquet will be held at thePortofino Hotel on October 9, 2015 from 6 - 9 pm. All are invited to attend this special event honoring our reserve officers, their families and our friend, Micheal Stark. Tickets are $50 each. You may sign up on the Club website, under Events.
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Originally from Poland, the couple recently opened a Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Redondo Beach. Formerly U.S. Dance Champions, they couple now coach and teach dance to all ages, "from 4 to 97," said Izabela. "It is a fun form of
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exercise and exercises all parts of the body at the same time. It is healthy and helps people lose weight. It's even helped spouses reconnect just by dancing together."
Not content with merely talking excitedly about her passion, Izabela and Tomasz then led Rotarians in group dance lesson. Cha-cha-cha! You can visit Izabela and Tomasz on their Facebook page. Or at their Fred Astaire Dance Studio here in Redondo Beach.
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President Nasrin, Dr. Vicki Radel, Jeff Weigel, Rick Mendoza and Jim Stickler represented the Redondo Beach Rotary Club on "The South Bay Show" 
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New Rotarian Sam Xavier Redondo Beach resident, is a realtor, probate and trust specialist with Re/max Estate Properties. Sam is the founder of Redondo Beach Professional Networking Group, and a sponsor of the Redondo Beach Education Foundation. He and his wife Bindu have two children, ages 10 and 12. Sam can be reached by email at SamXavier@sbcglobal.net. Sam was sponsored by Suzanne Lucas.
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Nora Giralt is a business owner in Redondo Beach. She is passionate about providing career counseling to young adults. She can be reached by email at ng0916@aol.com. |
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(REDONDO BEACH) October 8, 2014 -- In other business, Terry Bichlmeier gave an update on the weekend trip to LaPaz. Eleven Rotarians are planning to make the trip. Terry made last minute preparations gathering school supplies for the 120 students attending Diana Laura Riojas Reyes Primary School Dining Hall.
Club President Rolando Andrade promoted the upcoming Domestic Violence vigil at the Redondo Beach City Hall this weekend. We were also reminded of the upcoming USC-UCLA luncheon on November 18th at the Doubletree Hotel in Torrance. Our club co-sponsors the event and it takes the place of one of our regular weekly meetings.
A short board meeting was called immediately after today's luncheon. Jeff Melodia presented the idea for the Mayors Cup Golf Tournament to be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. "We will try for the Rolling Hills Country Club on November 24th for the first tournament," Jeff said. He estimates the cost bill be $190 per player, and hopes to attract 40 players. The board approved the idea unanimously. More details to follow.
Rotarian visitors included Congresswoman Janice Hahn, District Governor Nominee Greg O'Brien, Past District Governors Dennis Benko and Lew Bertram, San Pedro Rotary Club President Arlene Dickey, and former member of our club James Sharvin. Jim recently moved to Ohio, and stopped by for a visit enroute from Honolulu to Chicago. Guests included aides to Rep. Hahn, Ivan Sulic and Elizabeth Odendahl.
Diana Laura Riojas Reyes Primary School Dining Hall
After three long years our La Paz Dining Hall project is almost complete! Eleven members of our club will be in LaPaz this weekend to celebrate and inaugurate the new Diana Laura Riojas Reyes Primary School Dining Hall.
REDONDO BEACH, California) October 1, 2014 -- Today's luncheon was a day to remember. Bill Paul announced receipt of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service approving the club's petition for tax exempt status of its Community Foundation. The foundation lost its tax exempt status a couple of years ago due to an accounting oversight. The IRS determination letter reinstates the status of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organizaition.
Three of our members gave Craft Talks today.
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| Wayne Bradshaw | Amy Zimmerman | Nancy Langdon |
In his Craft Talk, Wayne Bradshaw said, "Joining Rotary is the best thing I've ever done." He's been a Rotarian for 25 years. Wayne recounted the 40 years he's spent in the
insurance business, much of it here in the South Bay. He acknowledged his wife Kelly, three kids (only one of whom still lives at home), at that he is caring for "my parents in Virginia who are at 91 and 95....That's what has kept me away from the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach."
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(REDONDO BEACH) September 24, 2014 -- Mike Stark, a member of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club, was honored last night for his nearly 42 years volunteerism with the Redondo Beach Police Department's Police Reserve Program. Stark is the department's commander of the unit. He is shown here with Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel, also a Rotarian. More than 100 community-minded individuals, including 10 members of our club, turned out for the 29th annual banquet honoring police reserve volunteer. Started in 1972, volunteers have provided an estimated 524,000 hours of police service to Redondo Beach in the intervening years, according to Stark. The annual banquet is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. |
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(REDONDO BEACH, CA) September 24, 2014 "Being in Rotary is bigger than anything I could ever do." That according to luncheon speaker Lt Christopher Golden of the Salvation Army. "The Salvation Army came into my life when I was two years old and my mom was sleeping under a freeway overpass. We were homeless and the Salvation Army rescued us.," he said
In addition to being an officer in the Salvation Army, Golden is also a member of the Inglewood Rotary Club. "Being a Rotarian adds zest and zeal to my life and ministry," he said.
He recounted his experience as a member of the District 5280 Peace & Resolution Conflict team of five that traveled to Istanbul, Turkey a year ago to participate in the Mediators Beyond Borders program. He asked member to consider this: "We saw what conflict was like the the children's eye's. "We saw many kids in Istanbul looking for food while the men at the train stations were looking for work." He then posed this question to Rotarians: "When was the last time you had to deal with conflict, and I'm not talking about personal conflict. I'm talking about dodging bullets and trying to find food."
Announcements
The Mama Hill celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. Click HERE to learn more about "Celebrate the Children." The event will run from 12 noon to 5PM. The Redondo Beach Rotary Club will host a booth and ice cream sale to help raise funds for Mama Hill Help.
Terry Bichlmeier reported the trip to LaPaz, Mexico is still on, despite Hurricane Odile that devastated parts of the Baja Penninsula a week ago. He urged Rotarians planning to attend to meet after next week's luncheon to make final arrangements.
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New member San Kartounian was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Kartounian joined our club about six months ago. Meanwhile PDG Eli Gauna received a belated award from Gov. Elsa Gillham.
Guests at today's luncheon included Louis Breams, a special guest of Nicholas Sandoval, Rotary Scholar Chie Mitsui from Japan, luncheon speaker Christopher Golden from the Salvation Army, Odila Gonclaves wife of Rotarian Marcello Goncalves, and a former member of our club who comes back occasionally, John Mirrasou.
President Rolando Where Are You? VP Dave Whitehead chaired the meeting today because our President, Professor Rolando is in Rhode Island attending son Kevn's wedding. President Rolando promises to return to the podium next week.
Live From Fiji
Rotarian PP Karen and Jeff Weigel at Work in Fiji
Past President Karen Weigel and Jeff Weigel joined the meeting live from Fiji (via Skype) to report in on the RBRC projects there. Jeff gave a detailed report of the water projects and Karen held the camera up to show us the view from their patio – palm trees and the Pacific Ocean: a very nice place to enjoy a glass of wine and a sunset. Karen and Jeff return in September and promise to update the club on all of the projects there. Thank you Karen and Jeff!
This week at the RBRC our speaker will be....
Matt Runyon
TEAM RUBICON
Matt Runyon is Director of Program Operations for Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is a Veteran Service Organization that provides military veterans with Purpose, Community and Self-Worth through volunteer service using their unique skills for disaster response, humanitarian crisis intervention, and community service. Mr. Runyon was the keynote luncheon speaker on Friday at the Rotary 5280 District Conference last May. Don't miss this program Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
| (REDONDO BEACH, Calif.) July 23, 2014 "Hello Rotarians!" That was the greeting from our new prez, Rolando Andrade, a retired professor (Emeritus, at that) who obviously didn't forget the lessons of the classroom. Although new to the job, Rolando is clearly in charge! We'll get to the penalties and introductions of guests in a bit, but first Rolando asked board and committee chairs to give a brief synopsis of their plans for the year ahead. Each speaker also introduced the members of their committee. Though there isn't space here to list everyone Rolando wanted to involve all 65 club members in a least one committee this year. The Committee Assignment org chart shows he succeeded! Click HERE or on "read more" above to see plans for the coming year. |
(REDONDO BEACH) July 9, 2014 -- Greeter – Newly ordained club secretary Scott Fellows would have gladly greeted club members but he was busy learning the art by outgoing secretary (who’s really good!), Monique Waite.
Invocation – PDG Pat Cashin read some sage words.
Flag Salute – Chuck Anderson did it and was inspirational at the same time.
Meals on Wheels – With our club being dark, and the task slipping under the proverbial rug, Redondo Rotary forgot to deliver these important meals to the needy in our city.
** Next week retired Redondo Police Chief, Mel Nichols and long-time contractor Dal Covington will do the honors. It is thought they will do the usual excellent job and be at lunch before most members.
Visiting Rotarians – VP David Whitehead introduced Steve Holmston from San Carlos Rotary.
Other Guests – Gayle Bailey intro’d her nephew Leif Driezler; Capt Marcelo Goncalves brought his executive assistant Athena Marano. David Whitehead introduced his wife, Karen who also was our greeter for the day.
President Karen Featured on Retirement Magazine Cover
Thank You Karen for a Great Year!
REMINDER: RBRC IS DARK NEXT WEEK (July 2nd)
Greeter – Gayle Bailey
Invocation – Alexis Sheehy quoted some sage observations given by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s wife Eleanor.
Flag Salute – Jim Sheehy
Guests – Joyce Bichlmeier, mother of ex-prez Terry, Jo Hood, Mike Thomas from Texas, Cindy Carvel, Misty Fraiser, PDG Madhar Borate from India, Wayne Bradshaw’s wife Kelly and young daughter Katie.
Meals on Wheels – Galina Gilman & Nancy Langdon
Saturday, June 21st – Softball Tournament with the 4 Torrance Rotary clubs at Wilson Park. Unfortunately Redondo Rotary finished in last place, but President Karen gave it her all. And she has a nifty looking black eye to prove it! Also in attendance were Amy Zimmerman, Dave Whitehead, Steve Scerra, Terry Bichlmeier, Eli Gauna, Jim Chen and Bruce Logan (who patched Karen’s cut with Super Glue)? Also playing were Lizzie, Annie & Amanda from Redondo Interact. On the sidelines cheering were Rolando Andrade, Kristen Bichlmeier, and Karen Whitehead.
This week at Redondo Beach Rotary....
Karen Weigel
President Redondo Beach Rotary Club 2013-14
Don't miss President Karen's last meeting as our President. Karen will be reviewing the year and showing how we spent our time, talents and treasure serving our community and the world through Rotary projects. Be there to thank Karen for a great year, this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Greeter – Walter Campbell.
Invocation – Jeff Melodia – Speaking from the heart, and not a reference page, Jeff noted the life long journey Rotary represents to members and our world community. He also recalled his youngest son’s graduation from college and how he will face the life adventure, or journey, he will start. First, their summer vacation, then off to the world of work, and soon a career.
Flag Salute – Chat Campbell
Guests – Mary Ann & Nikki Parsons, the wife & daughter of the late John Parsons, who represented the best ideals of community service and Rotary. Sarah Rednour, her parents Esther and Edward, Anjanea Blackburn and Scott Young’s son, Bryce.
Meals on Wheels – Chantel King, Scott Young & son, Bryce.
Steve Scerra – Handed out the new Rotary Sponsor pins to Prez Karen & First Dude, Jeff and himself for sponsoring a new members this past Rotary year.
Mary Ann & Nikki Parsons with Scholarship Recipients
The John Parson Memorial Scholarships – Mary Ann & Nikki Parsons introduced by ex Prez Gayle Bailey, announced their success in raising $11,000 towards area students, both in college and our local high school. The awards were given to these fine young people for their devotion to community service and to support their goals of working in community related careers upon graduation from College. Both Sarah and Anjanea just finished their first two years of college at El Camino and are headed for UCLA in the fall. The two scholarships of $3,500 will help get the academic ball rolling. Four $500 scholarships were given to Redondo High School graduates Jennifer Duong, Cailin McMartin, Grant MacDonald & Christopher Chu. The El Camino College Foundation matched the $500 for each student. A $2,000 award was given to RUHS graduate Christopher Millet. Good work, you great college kids!
This week our speaker will be....
Tony Capozzola
This distinguished South Bay attorney has a long track record of being a legal innovator and has won his last 17 cases that went to a trial. A Colorado native who served in the Marines before he started his legal career, he moved to LA and began as a juvenile gang probation officer working the mean streets of Watts while attending law school. One of his great passions is sports, and he has represented many big names -- everyone from football hall of fame coach George Allen, hall of fame baseball manager Tommy Lasorda, Lance Rentzel and Mervin Fernandez to Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, and Patrick Lynch, former general manager of the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Written by Scott Fellows
Greeter – Terry Bichlmeier; Who was busy handing out his Insurance company’s writing pens. Heck, I can always use an extra pen, especially a good one. Thanks Mr. B.
Invocation – Jeff Weigel; Who read inspired, if just a little too long, words. Words with real meaning. If you know what I mean.
Flag Salute – Walter Campbell
Guests – Amy Feller, Speaker Marthe Cohn and husband Major; Joan Rodda, Andrew McReynolds, Craig Hibbard, Harry Comsky, Matt Marshall.
Meals on Wheels – Steve Diels and Scott Fellows
Written by Scott Fellows
Greeter
Michael Jackson – Who as President of the Chamber board of directors is also busy planning the annual installation dinner, this year set for Thursday, June 26th at the Portofino Inn’s banquet room. This year’s theme is an homage to the great Italian Western, “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.” Senor Jackson has requested my attendance and I told him that I would gladly come as the Clint Eastwood character, The Man with No Name or “The Good.” I’ve got an old poncho that I wore at a fraternity party some 45 years ago when we threw an outrageous costume ball after the showing of that iconic movie at the UCLA campus theater. I can’t believe I still have it, after all these years. Some things are too cool to ever part with.
However, Senor Jackson doesn’t like that idea as he feels that I should be “The Ugly” the role made famous by Eli Wallach. After weathering that insult, I suggested that HE should be the Ugly, or The Bad, as I am much better looking than he. While he didn’t disagree, he offered that we both come as “The Good.” And that was an offer that I couldn’t refuse.
The only problem that I can see is that Senor Jackson doesn’t own a poncho, and there is no way I’m letting him borrow mine, not even for a second. If he buys me a coupla shots of excellent tequila, I may relent, but I’m making no promises. Sorry, Mikey.
This week our speaker will be...
Marthe Cohn
Marthe Cohn just turned 94 and was a spy in the French Resistance during World War II and was instrumental in ending the war by telling the French the Germans had abandoned the Ziegfried Line. She never told her story until in her 80's and wrote a book entitled Behind Enemy Lines: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany. She is jewish and born in Metz, France and spoke both German and French fluently which made her a great spy. She was able to smuggle out her entire family in to hiding, except her sister, Stephanie, who died in Auschwitz. Marthe has been married to Major for 56 years, has 2 sons and one granddaughter and lives in Palos Verdes, California. She is tiny but demonstrative and an absolute jewel.
This week our speaker will be...
Kurt Lieber
Founder, Ocean Defenders Alliance
Kurt Lieber is the founder and president of Ocean Defenders Alliance, a non-profit organization, whose goals are to work for a debris free sea.Kurt has been scuba diving our waters ever since he moved here in 1979. While enjoying the wonderful diversity of ocean wildlife, he also saw the downside of the loss of bio-diversity happening right in front of his eyes. He decided to start organizing people to remove man-made debris from our waters in order to prevent this gear from killing animals needlessly. Don't miss this program, Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
This week our speaker will be...
CJ Coolidge
CJ Coolidge is the author of The People-Driven Business: Accessing Human Assets for Bottom-Line Results and a 25 year Business Performance Advisor with Insperity.CJ's Success stems from his core belief that any and all busienss problems are, at their core, people problems. Don't miss this program next Wendesday at the Bluewater Grill.
Rotarians from all over District 5280 enjoyed the Friday night RBRC Hospitality Night Table where Collette Paul, Nancy Campbell, President Karen & Jeff Weigel, David & Karen Whitehead, Rick & Helen Mendoza, Pat & Betty Cashin, Eli & Alice Gauna, Rolando Andrade, Laura Fields and Bart Thiltgen served wine, cheese, grilled veggies and fruit.
Written By Karen Weigel
Pope suspended for late payment of Rotary dues.
This past weekend at the District Conference in Indian Wells, Michael McGovern from RI told the story of being in a conference with an Argentine Rotarian when the selection of Pope Francis was announced. Pope Francis to us, Fago to the Argentine Rotarian who noted that Fago was an honorary Rotarian in his club. Checking RI computer records Fago was listed as suspended for non-payment of dues. Oblivious to the honorary Rotarian rule in place at the time the local Argentine club had neglected to continue to pay his dues. This rule has now changed. No more dues for Honorary Rotarians.
Michael also talked about Rotary’s need to move away from the strict structures of the past and adjust to the needs of today. “In the attraction of new members Rotary seemed to have missed a generation” Michael said. “The good news all indications are that this is over and Rotary is seeing a resurgence in attracting active, vibrant, passionate new generation Rotarians.”
This week our speaker will be...
Daniel Drennon
Daniel Drennon (pictured above with wife Megan) is the head writer of Beer Paper LA, a monthly newspaper that provides news and commentary about craft beer, breweries, and bars in LA, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. His features include a monthly editorial as well as a column about “the adventures of the most infamous craft beer drinker in Los Angeles.” Don't miss this program next Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
This week our speaker will be...
Dr. Sy Yuter
Dr. Yuter is a member and past president of the Briarcliff Manor Rotary Club (NY) since 1989 with perfect attendance for the last 25 years. Dr. Yuter will be speaking on his proposed prototype free trade area in Gaza: this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography by Nancy Langdon
(REDONDO BEACH) May 7, 2014 -- A past president told us about his proudest moments as a Rotarian, we inducted a new member, and heard about the Rotarian Foundation. It was a busy day at our luncheon meeting today .
Guests today included Deborah Sheppard, Bob Parra, special guest Suzanne Lucas, and Ricardo Marcello.
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PDG Eli Gauna inducted our newest member, Sam Kartounian. Sam is in the jewelry business and specializes in watches. Following the induction Sam took a moment to "thank my fellow Rotarians for making us feel a part of the group, and for accepting me and my wife as part of your family." Welcome Sam. |
Announcements:
President Karen Weigel reported that 82 people attended the club mixer at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on April 30th. – It was our last evening meeting of the current Rotary Year. Among the 82 people in attendance were 35 members and 54 guests of which 19 were scholarship recipients, parents, teachers, and interacters. Karen thanked Rotarians for sharing their Rotary experiences with guests.
Karen also displayed the large photo-plaque presented to the club from Washington Elementary for the Vision to Learn program our club sponsored at the school several weeks ago.
Remember one and all, the District Conference is scheduled for May 15 to 18, at the Grand Regency in Indian Wells
Karen then said, "If you think things are going to slow down in the remaining weeks of my presidency, guess again." With that she announced two new projects.
The Redondo Beach Library requested LEGO building blocks to support its STEM activities. Karen said the club would buy LEGOs if necessary, "but if you happen to have some in your closet gathering dust bring them in," she said.
President Karen also announced a Senior Project with the Beach Cities Health District. "It will be a team building exercise," she said, and we'll do some – light gardening, window washing, and minor repairs at six to 10 homes on June 7th, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. See Galina Gilman who has a sign-up sheet."
This week our speaker will be...
Rick Mendoza, PDG
Our own Rick Mendoza will be speaking on the Rotary Foundation. His talk titled, "What has taken me 25 years to learn about the Rotary Foundation – I will present in 25 minutes!” promises to be informative and fun. Be there this Wednesday Noon at the Bluewater Grill.
Written by Scott Fellows and Bill Paul
Photography by Nancy Langdon
(REDONDO BEACH, CA) April 23, 2014 President Karen called the meeting to order and acknowledged today's greeter – Wayne Bradshaw, who by the way is celebrating his 40 years in the estate planning/Insurance biz with an Open House at his office on Monday, May 5th – Cinco de Mayo. Ole!!!
Invocation/Inspiration – Birthday girl, Pearl Davis (who’s a spry 88 years manana) gave us our daily dose of thankfulness. Happy Birthday, Pearl baby!!
Flag Salute – Nancy Campbell, who forgot to tell us to place our right hand over our left heart, and “repeat along with me……..”
Guests – Permanent guest Connie Siegel from somewhere back east; Scott Young’s son, Bryce, Suzanne Lucas, Chuck Anderson’s daughter Kelly, and speaker David Schaub and his bride Lisa.
Meals on Wheels – Delivered by First Timer, Nancy Langdon & Old Time--the UCLA guy--Scott Fellows.
Go Kart Grand Prix – This Rotary race is set to begin at 6pm at Go Kart World in the city of Carson. The team consists of Capt. Scott Fellows, Ex-prez’s, Terry Bichlmeier, Jim Chen and Bruce Logan and his “faster than a shadow wife, Lori. (Editor's note: Scott reported after the race the club started in 7th place and ended n 3rd place. Hey, it ain't 1st place but moving up 4 places in short-track go-kart racing is nothing to be sneezed at!)
April 30th – Last Evening Meeting of this Rotary year. It’s to be held at the Crowne Plaza next Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30pm, give or take a cocktail. Meet in the Promenade Room. A small fee of $10 is asked for every member and their guests. Happy Hour Drink Prices and some tasty munchies to be offered. Park for $10, and make sure to get it validated, or it will cost allot more.
May 10th The District Assembly will be held at the Carson Community Center, from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon. All members are invited especially you newbie's.
This week our speaker will be....
David Schaub
David Schaub, an Academy Award nominated animation supervisor at Sony Pictures Imageworks, has worked in the animation and visual effects industry for more than 20 years, and is currently working on THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
REDONDO BEACH, CA) April 16, 2014 -- President Karen welcomed members to today's luncheon. Among her announcement was that we would have two craft talks from new members Seth Stodder and Nicholas Sandoval at today's luncheon. So let's start today's club newsletter there.
The first craft talk was by Seth Stodder who grew up in the South Bay and now has three children. He is an attorney who worked in the Bush Administration and later the Obama Administration. His introduction to 
federal employment was jolting, to say the least. "I arrived at 8:25 a.m. for my first day on the job, a trip to New York City. There I was one of the last people to see the Twin Towers standing. I watched as they collapsed to the ground."
In both administrations Stodder worked on border security, immigration issues and trade issues. Now back in Southern California he is a partner in a law firm and an adjunct professor at USC teaching constitutional law, criminal defense and immigration law.
"Now, he said, "I'm running for the California State Senate in District 26. I'm running as an Independent against seven Democrat candidates. No republicans have announced for this seat. This race will be a test of the open primary system. I want to forge cross party alliances."
Our second craft talk was by Nicholas Sandoval, a business consultant. "I've helped Whole Foods Markets save $3.5 million in electric rates," he said. A snowboarder who has traveled the world in pursuit of his love of sports, Nick said that in the last five years he has spent 75% of his time doing volunteer work.
"Two years ago I joined the Corazon de Vida Foundation in Mexico that supports 800 children in orphanages throughout Baja, Mexico, including 36 university students. We tell our story in social media. I hope to see 
an end to child homelessness in Baja in my life," he said. Corazon de Vida sponsors busloads of volunteers on day-long Orphanage Trips to Tijuana in support of the foundation, once or twice per month. Nicholas invited the Redondo Beach Rotary Club to go along on one of the trips. He noted the Mexican government provides no social support services to homeless children.
"We don't want things that people through away," he said. "We prefer new items. We want the kids to open new stuff. We need toilet paper, Pine sol, diapers and other items in support of orphanages."
Following Nick's passionate presentation the club took him up on his offer. We are now planning a bus trip to Tijuana on May 24th. Click below for other club business.
This week our speakers will be...
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| Scott Young | Nicholas Sandoval | Seth Stodder |
This week three of our new members will be giving their craft talks. Don't miss this program Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
eBulletin written by Scott Fellows
(REDONDO BEACH, CA) Greeter – New Rotarian Nancy Langdon & With Her Camera, close beside her.
Invocation/Inspiration – First Dude, Jeff Weigel read a very inspirational and well-written note to personal responsibility. It was originally delivered at the Youth District (5280) Breakfast by an Interact member.
Flag Salute – Well done by Wayne Bradshaw, who appropriately mentioned that American is the greatest country on this planet, and we should be thankful we live here.
Guests – Mayor Gilberto Hirata and his support team, Peter Lattey of Downtown Rotary who mentioned the opportunities all Rotarians have to support each other’s charities and fundraising efforts. Roger Schamp from Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary announced summer concerts up on the Hill. They’re free, but donations gratefully accepted.
Meals on Wheels – Delivered by First Dude, Jeff and new Rotarian Walter Campbell.
District Youth Breakfast – 16 Redondo Rotarians along with 6 high school Interact members attended this quarterly District gathering. The speaker was most interesting and accomplished and was an outstanding motivational presenter. There are a couple of wrinkles in his story: Prophet Walker (his actual name) spent 6 years in prison. While there he obtained his GED, pushed for a college degree program and was the first graduate receiving an AA degree while still incarcerated. He talked his way into Loyola Marymount and into the Engineering Department the day after being released from prison. Now a successful businessman, he is running for the 64th California District Assembly, and still in his 30’s, proves anything that you want for yourself is possible. (Click HERE for more details about his inspirational story.)
This week our speaker will be....
Gilberto Hirata
Mayor of Ensenada, Mexico
Mayor Chico, a member of the Ensenada Rotary Club, is touring Redondo Beach with our own Mayor Aspel and will be addressing the Redondo Beach Rotary Club this Wednesday.
Written and posted by Bill Paul
Photography by Ernie O'Dell
(REDONDO BEACH) March 26, 2014 -President Karen Weigel rang the bell to open today's luncheon and quickly introduced Rotarian Walter Campbell. A trained Shakespearean actor, Walter (shown at right) set the stage by
describing a scene from one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, King Lear. He recited Lear's lament In Act III scene IV. In it Lear said he hadn't done enough for the poor when he had money. Now, in this self chastisement, the poverty-stricken Lear said he knew what it felt like to be poor. Walter concluded the quote by tying Lear's message to Rotary's charitable and humanitarian foundations.
President-elect Rolando Andrade led us in the Flag Salute.
Guests included Manny Pacheco, Deborah Smith, Justin Steele, Lucas Larsen, Alex Ioda, Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club, Leslie Scollo a special guest of Jeff Melodia, and Conrad Barrington a special guest of Wayne Bradshaw.–
Meals on Wheels were delivered today by Jeff Weigel BY HIMSELF! Good show, Jeff.
President Karen announced the bookmark (shown at left) of the winning posters in the club's annual art contest, is now available. Contact Chat Campbell for additional copies, and see the article preceding this one above for details about contest results.
Karen also reminded members of the April 12th District wide Community Service Day. Galina Gilman is heading up this hands-on community project. Rotarians will engage in greenbelt planting on 190th & Rindge Lane. We'll work under the direction of Joe Lodinsky, Redondo Beach Public Works Manager of Parks & Urban Forestry.
The blood drive that had been scheduled as part of the Community Service Day has been cancelled.
The Redondo Union High School Interact Club is organizing a District 5280 Social Event scheduled for the evening of April 12th.
Rolando Andrade announced the long-awaited thank-you party for the winners of the Casino Night fund-raising drive will be feted at a party at the home of Rotarian Scott Fellows, April 26th. More details to follow.
Karen announced the fourth club evening meeting will be held April 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in the Promenade Room. This is the same location where the club held its past-president's party last May. Cost: $10 appetizers, $5 beer and wine, $7 well drinks, and $10 validated self parking, Scholarships worth $1,000 each will be presented to five graduating RUHS students.
This week our speaker will be...
Don Nose, President
Go For Broke National Education Center
The mission of the Go For Broke National Education Center is to educate the public about the responsibilities, challenges, and rights of American citizenship by using the life stories of the Japanese American soldiers of World War II. Our luncheon speaker for the April 2nd meeting will be, Donald R. Nose, president of the association. For 25 years, this organization has been working to collect, preserve and teach the stories of the Nisei Veterans who served in segregated infantry and intelligence units during World War II. Their story resonates across multiple generations of Americans of many ethnicities.
This week our speaker will be...
Manny Pacheco
Author Manny Pacheco has enjoyed a growing acclaim through his Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, now included in the library collections of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, American Film Institute, among others. He is currently in production to turn his literary work into a documentary. A Southern California television and radio personality for over three decades, Manny was on NBC's Santa Barbara, co-hosted the Daytime Emmy-nominated In Studio, and currently hosts Forgotten Hollywood, a weekly program on the Financial News and Talk Network.
(REDONDO BEACH, California) March 19, 2014 President Karen Weigel opened the meeting calling on members to offer the invocation and flag salute.
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| Laura Fields was named Rotarian-of-the-Month for her work coordinating and executing the auction at the club's recent Casino Night. She is shown with President Karen Weigel. |
Guests – Karen Whitehead, Roy Bolling, luncheon speaker Lou Serrano and his assistant DeeDee Clark, Sam Kartunian a special guest of Jeff Weigel, Steve Kassel of the Long Beach Rotary Club, Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club, and former member Jim Sharvin who came by to say hello though he has moved to Ohio.
Meals on Wheels were delivered by Chat Campbell and Jeff Weigel
Family of Rotary: Pearl Davis thanked members for their "thank you cards and phone calls" during her recent illness. Referring to the club she said, "This is my family."
Written by Bill Paul
Photography by Dave Whitehead
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(REDONDO BEACH) March 12, 2014 -- We were privileged today to hear from an educator who is truly changing the world. Luncheon speaker Gem Munro gave a presentation about the Amarok Society and the life-changing impact it is making in the far-away slums of Bangladesh. Following his presentation, one member of our club commented, "Our speakers at today's Rotary luncheon were a wonderful, articulate, engaging couple from Canada who are trying to teach English and math to Muslim woman in Bangladesh. They are making some progress despite oppositions from slum landholders and husbands." Click HERE to learn more.... |
Upon arrival today club members were greeted by Rotarian Scott Fellows, an inspirational message was given by Rotarian Seth Stodder, and new member Rotarian Amy Zimmerman led us in the flag salute.
Dr. Alexis Sheehy, presented Student of the Month awards to two students. Recipients are selected by school officials for outstanding service and academic performance at the school. They are awarded a $25 gift card and Certificate of Achievement from the Redondo Beach Rotary Club.
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Shayna Stock a 5th grader at |
Celeste Bailey, a recent graduate of Redondo Shores High School, was Student of the Month for March. (Shown l. to r): Dr. Alexis Sheehy, proud mom Jamie Bailey, Celeste Bailey and Dr. Erin Simon, principal of Redondo Shores High School. |
Photos by Ernie O'Dell and Nancy Langdon
If the slideshow above does not show, click here to view the photos
This week our speaker will be...
Nancy Cole Silverman
Nancy Cole Silverman enjoyed a long and very successful career in radio before turning to print journalism and later, to fiction. Today Nancy is a fulltime author. Her newest book, When in Doubt, Don’t! has just been released as both an ebook and in paperback and is available on Amazon.com. Her first novel, The Centaur’s Promise, was published 2010 by Eloquent Books, and three of her short novels, A Much Married Woman, The Salvationist and The Blood Drive, have been released as audio books by Mind Wings Audio. Nancy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Bruce Silverman.
Guests
Three young doctors from the South Bay Health District visited us today: They are Dr. Evelyn Curls, Dr. Jennifer Logan, Dr. Sandra Vizireanu, all three Special Guests of Karen Weigel. Guests of PDG Vicki Radel presented the luncheon program today: Millicent "Mama" Hill, Abdur Rahman, Calvin Byers, Yerimar Riodriguez and Marschell Warren. Also visiting was Rotarian Peter Lattey from the Downtown LA Rotary Club.
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PDG Vicki Radel inducted our new member Amy |
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“Vacations - sports events – getaways – meals – wine |
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A week just outside of Vancouver in a private home
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A two-night getaway for two in
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Seven or nine Day fishing adventures on the 65 foot
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A week experiencing nature
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Two box seat tickets for the Hollywood Bowl
Two more box seat tickets for the Hollywood Bowl
Date Depth kit - Two Distinguished Speaker tickets +
Smiles - Comedy and Magic tickets + dinner at the Bull Pen
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Vanessa Andrade’s “Yachting” oil on canvas
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Sports and Adventures
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A sunset cruse for 20 people on the |
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A biplane ride over the South Bay
Four behind home plate MVP Dodger
Two lower level Lakers versus
Date Adventure package -
Two days all about Zen Wellness,
Sumptuous Escapades
A $300 dinner certificate at Kincaids
Gourmet dinner for six
Dinner and wine for 8 at H.T. Grill
Dinner for 8 at the fire station. Catered
A very rare bottle of Suntory Royal Whiskey
Whiskey Sampler including Chivas
Wall of Wines - Twenty-eight favorite wines,
Keeping Warm - Mexican Riveria gift card
Pampering
Two Photo-facial treatments |
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eBulletin by Bill Paul
Photography by Ernie O'Dell
(REDONDO BEACH) February 17, 2014 -- President Karen rang the bell starting our club luncheon about on time. She acknowledged our greeter today Michael Jackson, asked Rolando Andrade to provide the invocation, and Galina Gilman, a Rotarian from Russia, led is in the salute to the U.S. Flag.
Guests – Assistant Governor Bill Bloomfield of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club, Connie Siegel from the Harrisburg, PA Rotary Club, and Odilah Concalves wife of Rotarian Major Marcelo Goncalves.
Meals on Wheels with the Salvation Army today were by Scott Fellows and Michael Jackson.
Pearl Davis was on tap to report Family of Rotary. Fortunately she had no announcements meaning members of the club are okay.
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| Pearl Davis gave a beautiful recollection of her year as club president during the 1995-96 Rotary Year. "I was, unexpectedly, the first woman president of the club," she recalled, describing both the resistence and support she received from club members. Her presentation was inspirational. |
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography by Ernie O'Dell
(REDONDO BEACH) February 12, 2014 -- Far-away Fiji came to our club luncheon today with speaker Norman Hantzsche. A water resource and environmental engineer he gave a professional insight into the club's signature international project.
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(from left) James Jackman, PDG Eli |
Our greeter today was Jeff Melodia, the invocation & inspiration was provided by Pearl Davis and Bill Gard led us in the Flag Salute.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians: –Tom Bakaly of the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, Michael Gilman is the husband of Rotarian Galina Gilman, Alice Gauna is the wife of PDG Eli Gauna and a member of the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club, Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club, and speaker Norman Hantzsche.
Meals on Wheels to Redondo Beach shut-ins were provided by Scott Fellows today. Next week volunteers Scott Fellows and Michael Jackson will handle the duties.
Family of Rotary – Pearl Davis announced that Cheryl Covington, wife of Rotarian Dallas Covington, is undergoing chemotherapy again. She circulated a "get well" card for members to sign.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography by Ernie O'Dell and Alana Garrigues
(REDONDO BEACH) Feb. 5, 2014 -- (REDONDO BEACH) Feb. 5, 2014 -- Today's luncheon opened against the backdrop of our major fundraiser, Casino Night, only three-and-a-half weeks off. We heard progress reports from The Slugs, Conquistadores, Corporate Raiders and other fundraising teams, were reminded about deadlines (February 20 for all graphic elements) and more. Club members have raised $24,000 so far toward our goal of $35-40,000.
Chantel King was our greeter, PDG Chuck Anderson provided the invocation, and Nancy Campbell led us in the flag salute.
We inducted two new members today -- Walter J. Campbell and Nancy J.S. Langdon. Turns out both of them were Rotary Exchange students in their youth. PDG Chuck Anderson handled the induction duties.
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| (from left) Walter Campbell, President Karen Weigel, Jeff Weigel, Nancy Langdon and Steve Scerra. |
President Karen also circulated what she called "a card of encouragement" for Connie Baker, the wife of Governor Doug Baker. Connie is battling cancer.
Photos be Jeff Weigel and Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) Feb. 2, 2014 -- Well, we did it again. Rotarians turned out to pour beer for thirsty runners after todays Super Bowl 5K and 10K races through the streets of Redondo Beach. The activity has become a traditional part of Super Bowl Sunday here in the Beach Cities, and a community event our club has participated in for more than a decade. Nobody counted the number of runners who came for their two beers after the race but the photo showing empty beer cases below clearly demonstrates there were a lot!
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EVENING MEETING THIS WEEK
5:30PM - 7:30PM
This week the Redondo Beach Rotary Club will be meeting at 5:30PM at the Bluewater Grill. The evening will be a Community Social Event that highlights Rotary’s contributions to the community and beyond. Invite your friends to attend to see what Redondo Beach Rotary is all about.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) January 22, 2014 -- Our scheduled speaker had to cancel on us with less than 24 hours notice. Fortunately, Connie Siegel was available with a back-up presentation. "I only learned about this last night," he said. None-the-less, his presentation was very informative. More on it later.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography by Ernie O'Dell
(REDONDO BEACH) January 15, 2014 -- Healthcare, announcements, awards and more were on tap at this week's luncheon.
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PDG Chuck Anderson hands club president |
Invocation by Scott Fellows and flag salute by Michael Jackson.
Visiting Rotarians: Patricia Haynes, Connie Siegel
Guests : Walter Campbell visited today as a special guest of Jeff Weigel. Walter was a 1967 Ambassadorial Scholar in England, sponsored by Odessa, Texas Rotary; Amy Zimmerman visited today as a special guest of Terry Bichlmeier; Vince Kelly and Jeremiah Lowenthal were our luncheon speakers today.
Meals on Wheels were delivered by Michael Jackson and Scott Fellows; next week Jeff Weigel has signed up and we need one volunteer.
Family of Rotary – Karen announced the long-time Rotarian Howard Bumpass, Sr. recently passed away. Howard was a member of the club when it was known as the Redondo Riviera Rotary Club. He was a former owner of Howard's market in the Hollywood Riviera where Trader Joe’s is located presently.
This week our speaker will be...
Vince Kelly
Baby Boomer Insurance Agent
Vince Kelly has been a Redondo Beach resident since 1980, and has worked in the Health Insurance business starting in 1986. He worked in management for many of the large companies such as FHP HealthCare and Blue Shield of California. In 2007 he became an Independent Agent and contracted with all the health insurance companies to help individuals choose the right plan for their healthcare needs. A large part of his business has been with Medicare plans and he has a local office in Torrance, Ca.
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eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography be Ernie O'Dell & Dave Whitehead
(REDONDO BEACH) January 8, 2014 -- With our club president and her husband off to Steamboat Springs, Colo. for a week of skiing, past-president Steve Scerra filled in at the podium today before an overflow crowd. Whenever we have to add a table for seating it is a guaranteed full house, and today nearly 50 people showed up for lunch.
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| PDG Eli Gauna (l) awarded Paul Harris Fellow to Scott Young (c) with past president and Redondo Beach Mayor Steve Aspel. |
Michael Jackson served as our greeter today, Herb Masi provided the invocation, and Laura Fields led us in the flag salute and pledge of allegiance.
Steve opened the meeting by introducing visiting Rotarians and guests: Arlene Kruger of the Albuquerque Rotary Club (she and her husband own a home in Hermosa Beach and she visits our club whenever in town), Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg Rotary Club (Connie and his wife are snowbirds and live in Redondo Beach during winter months), Lindsey Dreizler, guest of Gayle Bailey, David, Laura, and Erica Mallen, Kara Heinrich, Shawn and Mathew Dalquest, Lisa Veal.
Meals on Wheels – Seth Stodder and Scott Fellows; next week: Michael Jackson and Scott Fellows. (How about we name Scott chair of MOW!)
This week our speaker will be...
Marcia Harber
Instructor, Principles of Law and Business
Ms. Harber is teaches law and business at Southern California Regional Occupational Center and will be discussing the robust ecology of the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC) with employers, students, community and school districts working together.
(REDONDO BEACH) One night in December, Dieter Thomas filled the role of Santa Claus on the annual Redondo Beach Christmas Police Department sleigh. Santa Dieter greeted children, parents, and the occasional dog, with a hearty "ho ho ho, and Merry Christmas." Club members have volunteered for an evening on the city's sleigh for several years.
Dieter was particularly qualified this year as his beard was real!
He also played the Santa role at this year's Cheer for Children.
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Rotarians gathered at Washington Elementary to |
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eBulletin written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) December 11, 2013 -- Club assemblies are pretty important in the world of Rotary, and today was one of those days for us. We elected a new board of directors for both the club and our Community Foundation.
Under the leadership of Past-president Larry Hashimoto, we elected Nasrin Moghadasian to become president-elect for the 2014-15 Rotary Year. A chiropractor, Dr. Nasrin previously served as our club treasurer. Serving on the board with her will be: Rolando Andrade, president; David Whitehead, v.p.; Jean Scully, treasurer, Scott Fellows, secretary; Michael Jackson, vocational service; Pat Cashin, PDG, international service; Karina Garcia, youth service; Laura Fields and Galina Gilman, Community service; and Bill Gard, club service.
We also elected (actually re-elected) two directors to the club's Community Foundation. Re-elected were PDG Pat Cashin and Terry Bichlmeier. They join Allen Peters, Steve Scerra and Karen Weigel on the Community Foundation board.
(REDONDO BEACH) Dec. 4, 2013 -- At today's luncheon, president-elect Rolando Andrade led a discussion about the upcoming club Casino Night, March 1, 2014. "The theme for the club's major fund-raiser of the year is Casablanca. We need everyone to support and participate in the project," he said. As president-elect, Rolando is responsible for overall management of the event.
Members were asked to sit at tables numbered 1 through 6 representing the several areas of responsibility Rolando established to organize the event. Members were tasked with selecting one individual at the table to serve as the Competition Team Leader for that group of Rotarians, and select a team name. The team names and Competition Team Leaders are:
| Team Name | Competition Team Leader | |
| Corporate Raiders | (position open) | |
| Banana Slugs | James Jackman | |
| Tiger Fish | Jim Chen | |
| Conquistadors | Nicholas Sandoval | |
| Camels | (position open) | |
| Bar & Grill | Scott Fellows | |
The target for each team are to bring at least 40 people to the event, bring in at least $7,000 worth of total revenue in tickets, corporate sponsorships, and auction items, and to create Rotary fellowship and have fun, said Rolando. The Competition Team Leader's job is to motivate team members to sell tickets and sponsorships, and rustle up auction items. The team that generates the most revenue will be recognized at an evening of fun, fellowship, with drink and food provided. Other team members will appetizers, deserts or a bottle of wine to toast the winning team.
He then asked each of the seven Casino Night division chairs to briefly describe their area of responsibility: Steve Scerra is responsible for coordinating the fund-raising activities of the six club teams; Chuck Anderson said he is handling all sponsorships for the Casino Night; Colette Paul is promotion chair; Larry Hashimoto is in charge of tickets; Laura Fields will once again handle the silent auction; Scott Fellows is in charge of food ("Yes, it will be Moroccan," he said. After all, Scott is a professional caterer.); and Chantel King is in charge of decor. "The colors will be white, black, blue and gold," she said, "and I want to show the movie Casablanca repeatedly during Casino Night."
Click HERE to access and print the 2013-2014 Casino Night donation form.
eBullitin by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) December 4, 2013 -- President Karen banged the gavel bringing the weekly luncheon meeting of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club to order.
Today's Greeter, and Invocation was presented by Nicholas Sandoval, followed by Wayne Bradshaw who led us in the flag salute.
Karen introduced guests and visiting Rotarians including Nora MacLellan of the Westchester Rotary Club, Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club and Amy Harahan of St. Cross Giving Tree.
Meals on Wheels were provided today by Scott Fellows and Wayne Bradshaw. And last week, on Wednesday when the club was dark, Scott Young and Chantel King handled MOW duties.
A sad note about the Family of Rotary. Rotarian Gordon McRae was found dead in his home earlier this week. Gordon was inactive in the club at the time of his passing, but he is well remembered. For many years Gordon was active in the Redondo Beach business community and held the master lease at the Redondo Pier.
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(REDONDO BEACH) Nora MacLellan (2nd from left) of the Westchester Rotary Club was on hand to receive a check in the amount of $2,500 from our club for the Vision-to-Learn project. This contribution was made possible by a Beach Cities Health District Community Grant. For the two days earlier this week, the Vision-to-Learn van has been at Washington Elementary School giving professional vision exams to approximately 70 students.
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Photos courtesy Beach Cities Health District |
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President Karen said the children will be presented with their new eyeglasses "hopefully by the end of the year or early in January."
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(REDONDO BEACH) November 28, 2013 More than 20 members |
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eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photography by Rolando Andrade
(REDONDO BEACH) November 29, 2013 — New member Seth Stodder moved one step closer to receiving his permanent blue badge today, serving as our greeter. The invocation/inspirational message was provided Jim Sharvin, and Chantel King led us in the flag salute. PDG Chuck Anderson handled the Meals-on-Wheels duty by himself today.
Talking about the permanent blue badge, Jeff Weigel (yes, he is the hubby of President Karen Weigel) received his blue badge today, with the gift of a $25 fine. Congrats Jeff, the presidency is only a few years off.
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| New member Jeff (left) | Speaker Robin Dreizler | Better luck next time, Jim |
President Karen announced the club donated $1,000 to ShelterBox to assist in the relief effort of Hurricane Haiyan in the Philippines. Separately, several members donated $1610 to ShelterBox. That effort was coordinated by Colette and Bill Paul, and is continuing. Contact Bill or Colette if you wish to give more.
eBulletin written by Bill Paul and Scott Fellows
Photography by PDG Rick Mendoza
Webmaster Dave Whitehead
(REDONDO BEACH) November 13, 2013 -- President Karen Weigel is back from her month-long sojourn to Fiji working on several water projects, and not surprisingly today's meeting was jam-packed with announcements and activities. She is shown here with out luncheon speaker, Major Kyle Smith, and the children's book the club will donate to the Redondo Beach library in the Major Smith's name. More on the Major's presentation later.
The Invocation/ Inspiration was offered by PDG Vicki Radel
PDG Pat Cashin led us in the Flag Salute.
President Karen introduced visiting Rotarian Arlene Kruger from the Downtown Albuquerque Rotary Club, Connie Siegel from Hershey Rotary Club in Pennsylvania, and Mike Stark who is an honorary member of our club.
Meals on Wheels: Our weekly task of distributing meals prepared by The Salvation Army to shut-ins was handled by Jeff Melodia today.
This week our speaker will be...
This Wednesday 12:15PM at the Bluewater Grill.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWLOAD A PDF VERSION
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Karnia Garcia
Invocation: Bruce Logan
Flag Salute: Former Mayor Mike Gin
Our second evening meeting included 27 members and 12 guests. This even included RUHS Interact Club member Lizzy Seigler.
Meals On Wheels: Mel Nichols & Dal Covington
Family of Rotary: Nancy Campbell ran into Pat Haynes while on the way to Big Bear where they stopped in Riverside for Lunch. Pat Haynes is doing well and currently resides in Carlsbad.
November Foundation Month: Our Foundation Chair, Rick Mendoza, recognized Chuck Anderson as a major donor. He is the 10th major donor of our rotary club. His exemplary service and achievements are too long to list. He joined Rotary in 1993 & has been instrumental to our club in many various aspects.
World Polio Day October 24, RB Proclamation. On behalf of our rotary club, Nancy Campbell accepted the official RB World Polio Day proclamation at the City Council meeting on October 24. Recognized by our good mayor Steve Aspel, Rotary has played a major role internationally and donated more than a billion dollars towards this worthy cause.
This week is an EVENING MEETING and our speaker will be....
This week we will be meeting in the evening at the Bluewater Grill. Mike Grady (who many of us know as the General Manager of Jim Chen's Independent Repair) will be talking about starting and playing in his country band.
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Scott Fellows
Welcome.
Greeter: Eleanor Manzano. Invocation: Monique Waite, speaking oh-so-softly!; Flag Salute: Agent Jean Scully
Hugs and Hand Shakes – Redondo Beach Rotarians welcome visitors.
Introduction of guests, visiting Rotarians and Speaker: Eli Guana
Meals on Wheels – Scott Fellows (subbing for out-of-town Michael Jackson) and Terry Bichlmeier
Announcements: Colette Paul noted that the YMCA is selling Christmas wreaths. PDG Chuck Anderson led the club in reciting the Rotary 4 Way Test.
Next week – Mike Grady will present on country music and the struggles to launch a band here in the South Bay. How many of you have attended and heard one of Mike’s performances. For those who haven’t, you are in for a treat!
John Parsons Scholarship Fund. Gayle Bailey, will you give us a status report? Ms. Bailey did, and so far we’ve raised $7,800!!
Washington Elementary – Vision to Learn Report Laura Fields will you give us an update. Mrs. Fields was not present today.
This week our speaker will be...
Eli Gauna
Craft Talk
Craft talks are among our best programs. Don't miss this one Wednesday at the Blue Water Grill!
President Karen and Jeff Weigel are in Fiji working on new water filtration and spring box installations. Here is the first report by President Karen:
First set of Bio-sand filters being installed at Bouma Primary School:The Health Inspector (far left) and Engineer Norm (in aqua shirt) watch as President Karen turns the tap.
Inside bio-sand filter:Toilet float closes water value when tank is full. Could not find 4 inch caps for water diffusing plate so we cut off 1.5 liter coke bottles.
Second completed set of bio sand filters Bouma Primary school This was as close as we found get to Rotary colors. Blue is the clean filtered water and yellow is the filter part using Taveuni Fiji fine sand, course sand, and pea gravel. 4 more sets to go and 5 spring box repairs.
Photos By Rick Mendoza
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Past-president Nancy Campbell (left) presents luncheon speaker Kate Rosloff
with the book that will be donated in her name to the Redondo Beach Library.
More Meeting Photos Here
(REDONDO BEACH) Oct. 23, 2013 – President Karen Weigel is still in Fiji, so past-president Nancy Campbell stepped in to conduct the meeting. Karen returns next week from her month-long stay in Fiji working on several water-related projects. Today we learned about the Rotary Rose Parade Float and a generous donation to the Vision-to-Learn project by United Airlines.
Written by Bill Paul and Scott Fellows
Photography by Rick Mendoza
(REDONDO BEACH) October 16, 2013 With President Karen Weigel off to Fiji for a month, past president Steve Scerra filled in conducting today’s luncheon.
Our Speaker Brian Morrissey President for the Day Steve Scerra
CLICK HERE FOR MORE MEETING PHOTOS
Eleanor Manzano served as out greeter this week, Pearl Davis provided the invocation and Michael Payton led us in the flag salute.
Meals on Wheels this week by Scott Fellows. Next week Chat Campbell and Scott Young are signed up to deliver.
Announcements:
Steve acknowledged several members for their years in the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach: Laura Fields, one year; Allen Peters, seven years; and Monique Waite, seven years. He also acknowledged Nancy and Chat Campbell for their 25th wedding anniversary, and Terri and Chuck Anderson for their 32nd Congratulations to Chat, Nancy, Terri, Chuck, Laura, Allen and Monique.
October is Vocational Service Month. A table is available for members to display their company brochures and other promotional literature. All members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the occupations of other members.
Vision to Learn – Community Service Director Laura Fields reported on success of vision screening project a week ago at Washington Elementary School. “About 25 Rotarians showed up to assist,” she said. “The next stage of the project will occur in about two weeks, when the Vision-to-Learn van, staffed by optometrists and other medical personnel, will provide additional vision testing and eyeglasses to children grades 1 through 5 who demonstrate vision difficulties.”
This week our speaker will be...
Kate Rosloff
Ms. Rosloff is a member of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee and will be discussing this years float. This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
This week our speaker will be...
Brian Morrissey
Mr. Morrissey will be speaking about his work at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
(REDONDO BEACH) October 10, 2013 -- Rotarians from the Redondo Beach Rotary Club, Westchester Rotary Club and Playa Sunrise Rotary Club screened the vision of 300 elementary students at Washington Elementary School, a Title 1 school, last week. Laura Fields, organizer of the project, estimates 25 Rotarians rotated through the screening sessions.
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California mandates vision screening for grades 2 and 5, meanwhile the Vision-to-Learn program screens children in grades 1, 3 and 4. Children with demonstrated eye problems were recommended for additional screening by professional medical staff. The next stage in the program will occur in about two weeks. The Vision-to-Learn van, staffed by optomitrists and other medical personel, will provides additional vision testing and and eyeglasses to children grades 1 through 5 who demonstrate vision difficulties.
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"We received great support from school administrators," said Laura. "The kids were a little rambunctious while they awaited their turn, but they were well behaved during the actual screening. It was a lot of fun."
eBulletin by Bill Paul
Photography by Rolando Andrade
(REDONDO BEACH) Oct. 9, 2013 — President Karen welcomed members and guests to her last meeting in a month. She left for Fiji late Wednesday evening to join husband Jeff where the couple are spearheading a month-long water project. The club received a $17,000 Rotary grant for the Fiji Project. It consists of five spring box repairs, six bio-sand filters at schools, and the installation of two 5,200-liter storage tanks. Karen will be in Fiji until November. 5th , Galina Gilman and her husband Michael will fly to Fiji to join in the project.
Larry Hashimoto delivered the opening invocation while Dave Whitehead led us in the flag salute.
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| 66th District California Assembleman Al Muratsuchi addressed club; seen with Terry Bichlmeier and President Karen Weigel. |
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Visiting Rotarians: Jim Beardsley and Todd Cruser, President of the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, Karen Greenberg of the Lomita-Torrance Airport Rotary Club, and Colin Wolfson from the Rotary Club of Capetown, South Africa.
Guests included Al Muratsuchi, Assemblymember from the Sixty-Sixth District, Melissa Uribe Field, Craig and Chris MacDonald, and former club member Lauren Cotner.
Like any politician anywhere, Assemblyman Muratsuchi could not pass up a platform when President Karen invited him to address the club. Muratsuchi chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee in the California State Assembly. “We are seeking to improve funding for veterans,” he said. “We passed a balanced budget with a one billion dollar reserve, we funded California schools, and we are working to keep the aerospace industry in southern California.” He emphasized the Sixty-Sixth District “is the most beautiful in California. And it is evenly divided between Democrats, Republications and Independents.”
Meals-on-Wheels were delivered by Scott Young and Chantel King.
eBulletin by Bill Paul
Photos By Rick Mendoza
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rolando Andrade
Welcome New Member Seth Stodder
with President Karen and Sponsor Steve Scerra
MORE MEETING PHOTOS HERE
(REDONDO BEACH) Sept. 25, 2013 Consistent with RI guidelines, our luncheon invocation was more of an inspirational message then a theological one. Thanks to Alexis Sheehy for a thoughtful comment. Today was the Sheehy duo with hubby Jim leading us in the flag salute.
Meals on Wheels this week were provided by Michael Jackson and Jeff Melodia.
Visiting Rotarians: Susan Tyre from PV Sunset joined us today. In addition, from far-away Capetown, South Africa, Rotarian Colin Wolfson attended. Colin has been here before. Welcome old friend.Visitors this week were the Student of the Month contingent: Trinity Robat, Beryl Heights Elementary, her mother Tamara and Principal Karen Mohr. Rotarian Dr. Alexis Sheehy presented the Student of the Month certificate to pint-size Trinity. She may be tiny in stature but wow, what an outstanding 5th grader. Here is what Principal Mohr had to say about Trinity. “She is on the honor roll, is involved in Character Counts as a roll model to other students, does regular recycling at school, is an avid singer in our talent contests, plays the alto sax in band, and engages in outside sports.”
When it was her turn to speak, Trinity, with a boatload of self confidence, was modest. “It is such an honor to be student of the month,” she said. Pint-size yes, but a giant in the making.
Family of Rotary- We learned today that Ray Haynes, husband of former Redondo Beach Rotarian, Pat Haynes, suffered a massive, fatal heart attack on Sunday, Sept. 22. Pearl passed around a card for all to sign. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat.
We inducted a new member today. He is Seth Stodder, an attorney and professor of law. Among other subjects, he is an expert in security and terrorism.
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| Seth Stodder | Ali Adham | Terry Tamble | Matt Kilroy | Mike Gin |
By Karen Weigel
President
October is Vocational Service Month in Rotary. The concept of vocational service calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster”:
• The importance of High ethical standards
• The value of all occupations
• Your contribution of vocational talents in service
Rotary’s Four-Way Test provides a litmus test for the practical application of business ethics and business integrity. 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? Action
Here are some thoughts on how you as a Rotarian can put these ideals in action.
• Talk about your vocation in your club, and take time to learn about fellow members’
vocations.
• Use your professional skills to serve a community.
• Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through
your own words and actions.
• Help a young person achieve his or her career aspirations.
• Guide and encourage others in their professional development.
If you do any of these things, you are performing vocational service. If vocational service
motivates and energizes you, then you’re in the right place, because vocational service is
the very essence of Rotary. It is what sets Rotary apart from other service organizations.
Written by Bill Paul
Photographs by Rick Mendoza
(REDONDO BEACH) September 18, 2013 Working on his blue badge, new member Jeff Weigel served as our Greeter today. Thanks Jeff, you are almost there. Then, President Karen announced, the “Paul duo” of Bill and Colette led us in the invocation and flag salute.
Nora MacClellan receives check from
President Karen Weigel for the
Vision-To-Learn project
MORE MEETING PHOTOS HERE
Guests: DeAnn Flores Chase of South Bay Business Lawyers and Marci her videographer.
Visiting Rotarian: Nora MacLellan, of the Westchester Rotary Club. She is also a Vision To Learn volunteer Outreach Coordinator
Meals on Wheels: Jeff Weigel and Scott Fellows. You’re almost there Jeff. Scott, what can we say? You always come through in a pinch. Thank you!
Announcements:September is New Generations Month. Our club is already active in this arena. We have stuffed backpacks for 40 families, our Teacher Mini-Grant program is underway, and we’ve launched the Reading Buddies pilot program. But that’s not all.
The Redondo Beach Rotary Club is collaborating with two other Rotary clubs, the Playa Venice Sunrise and the Westchester, to bring the Vision to Learn program to three schools. In addition, the Beach Cities Health District has popped for a $2,500 Micro-Enrichment Grant and our club is donating an additional $3,500 toward the project.
On October 10th we will launch the program at Washington Elementary, a Title 1 school with 600 students. Students that do not pass the eye chart test will be referred to Vision to Learn for a full eye exam. The screening will be scheduled when all parent consent forms have been returned. We will need 12 to 14 volunteers from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Again, that’s not all.
This week our speaker will be...
Written by Scott Fellows
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Our Speaker and Newest Honorary Member Mike Stark with President Karen
CLICK HERE FOR MORE MEETING PHOTOS
Greeter – Terry Bichlmeier
And he greeted all Rotarians graciously, including yours truly. What a warm and friendly guy.
Ring the Bell
Invocation: Jeff Melodia – A spontaneous and thoughtful prayer. I glanced over to see if he was reading from some note card, but was pleasantly surprised to see that he was speaking from the heart. Good work, buddy!
Pledge of Allegiance: Michael Jackson -- Started the salute to our great country by instantly reciting the pledge. We all followed, of course, as every one of us has been reciting this oath since we were in grade school. What?! No introduction? How about "place your right hand over your left heart and repeat along with me......" At my age I need a little prep, lest I forget just what we're supposed to be doing.
Visiting Rotarians & Guests: Michael Stark, Redondo Beach Police Reserve Commander, and today's special guest speaker. Retired Police Chief, Mel Nichols, introduced one of his two sons, Mike Nichols who is a Rotarian from Valley Center, which is located somewhere in the Escondido area.
Written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) September 4, 2013 -- Invocation by Scott Young and flag salute by Jim Sharvin.
Visiting Rotarians: Marianne & Bob Kelchner from the Lomita Torrance Airport Rotary.
Guests: Cher Hadden, guest of Marna Smeltzer
Meals on Wheels: Prior week delivered by Mel Nichols & Bill Gard. This week: Scott Fellow & Jim Sharvin
Family of Rotary: President Karen told us that DG Doug Baker's wife Connie diagnosed with lung cancer. A get well card circulated for everyone's signature.
Weekly eBulletin August 28, 2013
Written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH – August 28, 2013) –Today’s invocation was by Steve Aspel while Jeff Weigel led us in the flag salute.
During the invocation, Steve paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague John Parsons. Steve said he and John first became friends and playmates in kindergarten.
He was followed by Jeff who was doing one of his blue badge duties. A new member, Jeff preceded the flag salute with a bit of trivia, a history lesson as it were, about the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, and Christian socialist. When originally penned it said nothing about the United States of America, referencing only “the republic for which it stands.” Weigel said, “The Pledge has been amended four times since then.” Then the kicker! Weigel said that for half a century after Bellamy penned it, “Americans saluted the flag and said the pledge of allegiance with their right arm raised.” At the time it was known as the Bellamy salute.
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| Students pledging the with Bellamy salute, circa 1941 |
Students swearing the Pledge on Flag Day, 1899. |
Students pledging with hand-over-heart. |
| Photos courtesy Wikipedia. Click HERE to get the full Pledge of Allegiance story. | ||
Early in the 1940s after the U.S. got into a shooting war with a nasty little guy in Germany, the Bellamy salute didn’t go over to well with many patriotic Americans. Recognizing the salute was too similar to the Nazi salute, in 1942, during the height of WWII, the United States Congress discontinued it. In its place Congress instituted the practice of the right hand over the heart to accompany the Pledge of Allegiance.
This week two of our new members will be giving their Craft Talks.
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| Jeff Weigel |
Scott Young |
Craft Talks are some of our best programs; be there this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
This week our speaker will be...
Steve Goldsmith is a Past President of the Hawthorne Rotary Club and will be discussing the VICTIM OFFENDER RESTITUTION SERVICE (VORS): A program that gives young people the opportunities to 'make right' their wrong and become accountable for their actions.
Wednesday August 28th at the Bluewater Grill
This week the Redondo Beach Rotary Club will participate in:
PROJECT BACKPACK STUFFING!
The Salvation Army has donated 40 backpacks and has supplied the first names and ages of Redondo Beach students receiving help from the Army. The Redondo Beach Rotary Club has purchased school supplies, the Molina Foundation has donated books, and the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce has donated tee shirts. At our Wednesday meeting we will be stuffing the backpacks and writing a personal note for each student. This club project will be in place of a formal speaker this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
CLICK HERE for more photo images of the meeting. Can you find yourself in one of these?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013 - DG Doug Baker made his official club visit to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. In addition Gov. Doug inducted a new member into the RBRC, Jeff Weigel.
(REDONDO BEACH – August 14, 2013) – Today’s club luncheon saw a constellation of stars, at it were. At least eight past district governors were in attendance: PDG Eliseo Gauna 1991-92; PDG Vicki Radel, 2000-01; PDG Rick Mendoza, 2002-03; PDG Pat Cashin 2004-05; PDG David Moyers, 2007-08; PDG Chuck Anderson, 2009-10; PDG Doug Baker, 2010-11 (and of course DG for 2013-14); and PDG Lew Bertrand, 2012-13. Of these eight PDGs one even inducted a new member today.
Today’s greeter was Past-President Colette Paul, invocation by President-elect Rolando Andrade, and PDG Rick Mendoza led us in the flag salute.
Visiting Rotarians (NOTE-if this list seems a bit redundant give it a break as Rotary protocol must be obeyed) DG and PDG Doug Baker; District Governor-Elect Elsa Glham; District-Governor Elect Nominee D.J. Sun; PDG Lew Bertrand, PDG David Moyers, Executive Aide Jaimee Sul; AG Bill Bloomfield and Jack Hausman a visiting Rotarian from Alpharetta, GA.
Boy, does Hausman have a story to tell when he gets home, to say nothing of banking several make-ups for his meeting today with eight past district governors in attendance. For you newbies or visitors we have five PDGs in our club, but rather than be redundantly redundant re-read the first paragraph!
Guests: Jeff Weigel, husband and special guest of President Karen Weigel; Craig Kovar, special guest of Jim Sharvin; Seth Stodder, special guest of Steve Scerra; Bryce Young, 9, son of Scott Young.
Meals-on-Wheels by Mark Smith and PDG Vicki Radel
eBulletin written by Scott Fellows and photos by Rick Mendoza, PDG
Click here to see more photo images
Greeter – Jim Sharvin
Invocation: Terry Bichlmeier – Who read it with passion and clarity. This must be due to his participation and training by the Molina Foundation where he reads to the local YMCA kids at summer camps in the South Bay. Good work, buddy!
Pledge of Allegiance: Former prez Steve Scerra – Who was “assisted” by another very enthusiastic former prez, Terry B.
Visiting Rotarians & Guests: No visiting Rotarians, but a new and upcoming member Nicolas Sandoval, who is being sponsored by Michael Jackson. He sat at the "Bad Boyz" table, his new home away-from-home.
Meals on Wheels: Chantel King did the job solo. Next week, August 14th, it’s Vickie Radel and Mark Smith.
Family of Rotary – Pearl Davis read a wonderful ‘thank you’ letter from Cheryl Covington written in response to a card the club enthusiastically signed a coupla weeks back. Cheryl, the wife of Rotarian Dal Covington, is going through some difficult times as she is taking cancer treatments with chemo therapy several times a month and is weak and tired. Hey Cheryl, you must tough this one out and get back to great health once again. Okay?
eBulletin writtin by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
The Bluewater Grill was the location of the evening meeting of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 -
(REDONDO BEACH) July 31, 2013 This week’s meeting was the first evening meeting of the new Rotary year. President Karen Weigel has scheduled three evening meetings altogether. (To see who was there to enjoy the evening, CLICK HERE)
What will you do with the gift of longevity? That was a question posed by our guest speaker this evening, Jaki Scarcello, a South Bay resident who has researched and written about women and aging. Not a bad subject for a Rotary Club, eh? More on her presentation later.
Mark your calendars! The Redondo Beach Rotary Club's first evening meeting will be this coming Wednesday (July 31, 2013). The meeting starts at 6:00PM and our speaker will be:
Jaki Scarcello
Jaki Scarcello has spent 30 years listening to and supporting individuals and organizations as a leadership consultant, facilitator, and coach working with Fortune 500 companies in Canada and the United States. She believes that each stage of life has that success in each stage comes from capturing source. Her mission today is to defy gravity and to lift your sagging attitudes about growing older. Jaki is the author of Fifty & Fabulous! The Best Years of a Womans Life. (www.fiftyfab.com). Jaki lives a nomadic life with two fixed bases - Toronto, Canada and Hermosa Beach, California. Between spells in either home she travels with her husband – a writer and lecturer.
This week our speaker will be...
Arturo Velasquez is a Woodland Hills Rotarian and will be discussing the District Humanitarian Trip to Colombia scheduled for next March. Don't miss this program Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
AND
A FEW MORE PHOTOS OF THE RELAY FOR LIFE - SATURDAY
Images from the start of the event on Saturday morning. CLICK HERE to see more pictures
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
(REDONDO BEACH, July 17, 2013) What a crowd! Attendance was way up. Probably due to the Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year Award the club presented today. The recipient was Curt Mahoney, a veteran of eleven years with the Redondo Beach Fire Department. About half a dozen of his fellow firefighters were on hand to support him. That's Rotarian Paul Hyashi presenting the award. (Click HERE for more photos from today's luncheon.)
Mahoney is the department's Paramedic Coordinator and also a lead instructor for the Firefighter Safety and Survival Course. He is a primary instructor for the Redondo Beach CERT program, and lead's the department's Community Relief Committee. "Much of what Curt does is outside the workplace and he embodies the spirit of community service," said Hyashi. "Curt sets a very high standard for protecting and serving our community and I am proud to introduce you to our Firefighter of the Year, Curt Mahoney."
Click above for more Demotion Party photos courtesy of Rick Mendoza
This week our speaker will be....
Our speaker John Meadors is a Manhattan Beach Rotarian and will be sharing with us the ongoing project he has been working on with an orphanage in Baja, Mexico. This muliti-club project has been ongoing for three years and there is a documentary movie in production now. Don't miss this program, Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
(REDONDO BEACH, July 10, 2013) Today’s luncheon was the first meeting for our new, 2013-14 president, Karen Weigel. For a newbie, she did well.
As members came in, they received their new gold nametags. These are a real step up for our club.
Visiting Rotarians: Arlyne Krugger from the Albuquerque (New Mexico) Rotary Club joined us today. Arlyne has family out here and visits occasionally, and Peggy Beauregard from the Sierra Madre Rotary Club
This week our speaker will be:
Sara Clickenger has worked for the American Cancer Society for almost two years. She currently manages four Relay For Life events, including: Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State Long Beach, Loyola Marymount University, and the Beach Cities Relay For Life (Redondo/Hermosa Beach). The Beach Cities Relay For Life has been around for over 12 years, as a large community driven event raising funds and awareness for cancer research and programs.
This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill
This week our speaker will be....
Seth Stodder is a lawyer, a lecturer at USC and president and CEO of Palindrome Strategies, LLC. This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
Photos by Rick Mendoza
| Welcome to New Redondo Beach Rotarians! | |
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Michael Payton
Sponsorerd by Rick Mendoza. Hotel General Manager at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Redondo Beach. Michael is a former Rotarian in the Torrance Sunrise Rotary Club and the Westchester Rotary Club. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, multiple times and strong support of Rotary. |
Jeffrey Melodia
Sponsored by Michael Jackson. Jeff is a Construction Developer, who owns his own company, he has been involved in Redondo Beach and in the Riviera District both in political, athletic, and social activities. |
RBRC successfully distributed 272 dictionaries to Washington, Birney and Madison school second graders last week! This effort by 13 of our members completed the District Grant Award project we applied for last summer. Molina Foundation provided the books and delivered them to each school. Karina Garcia led the project and coordinated the efforts of the club, RBUSD, and the Molina Foundation. Thank You, Karina!
The children were given bookmarks, Rotary stickers and a tutorial to teach the use of a dictionary. Alexis Sheehy taught use of guide words, locating a word, reading the description, using the word in a sentence, interpreting a diagram, and finally instructed the students to leave the dictionary open in a prominent place in their home so all family members could use it.
In this way, we feel we reached approximately 1000 Redondo Beach residents and certainly helped further our clubs Literacy goals.
Many thanks to all!
Happy New Year,
A Great Service Season in Mexico!
Two core objectives underpin and drive everything Project Amigo does: facilitating the education of disadvantaged students in our region of Mexico, and facilitating friendships and relationships between North Americans and our Mexican students and associates in humanitarian service.
We achieve those objectives due to a similar pair of efforts: the amazing dedication and labor of a small, very capable staff; and the contributions of big-hearted and equally dedicated humanitarians.
Like you.
CHARTER PARTY of The ROTARY E-CLUB of THE GREATER SAN FERNANDO VALLEY!
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2013
2:00 pm to 4:00 PM (Open House)
LOCATION:
The Fireplace Room at Denny’s Restaurant
5525 Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks
SW Corner of Sepulveda and Burbank Blvds., next to the 405
(This is where we meet every month on the 4th Sunday.)
We will have snacks, and enjoy meeting and socializing with you, and sharing information, displays, and videos about our best service projects, including:
DANCE FOR THE CHILDREN (for PolioPlus )
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY (with local 4th-6th graders)
“ONE MORE ITEM” FOOD DRIVES
AWESOME ONLINE PROGRAMS
No RSVP necessary, just come visit. HOWEVER, we will appreciate if attendees, during the week before, add just one extra item of non-perishable food to your shopping cart, wherever you shop, and bring it to our Charter Party for donation to Valley Food Bank…just as we ask for our quarterly public One More Item food drives! (You can steal that project, for your local food bank.)
We’ve been asked by a couple of friends in other Clubs if we have a “wish list” of Rotary items a new Club needs. We are grateful to have been asked. We acquired a couple of items from the former District 5260, so as it happens we have bell, gavel, podium, and badge box. However, we are in the market for a Club Banner, must order our name badges for the charter members, and we’ll need trading banners.
…so all we can say, humbly, after deciding not to register at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, is that any contribution to the Rotary E-Club of The Greater SFV from you long-established Clubs, to go towards our purchase of these Club supplies, would be most gratefully appreciated. (Rotary E-Club Greater SFV c/o Yoko Matsui (Treasurer), 4915 Tyrone Ave #223, Sherman Oaks CA 91423.)
Most importantly we look forward to hanging out with our fellow Rotarians on June 23 at our open-house Charter Party! Thank you.
Mel Powell
President
Rotary E-Club of The Greater San Fernando Valley
Official Charter Date: 29 March 2013
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This week our speaker will be....
This week our speaker will be Blake Hayden. His topic will be the upcoming trip his group is organizing to Cuba. Don't miss this program!
Photos By Rick Mendoza
(REDONDO BEACH) The subjects this weeks our luncheon speaker discussed with us were certainly timely. Indeed, it is as if they were taken from today's headlines.
Seth M.M. Stodder is an expert on counterterrorism, national & Homeland security, supply chain and international trade issues, immigration/customs/border security, and human rights law and policy issues. He teaches these subjects at USC.
Stodder said the number one security issue currently is cyber warefare. He spoke at length about the NSA program which is responsible for electronic intelligence gathering. He also discussed the Pentagon's Cyber Command which is designed to protect America's infrastrucre from cyberattacks, and to develop counterstrike capabilities.
Also on the agenda was Maxine Mechain, a Rotary Youth Exchange Student from the southwest region of France. She talked about her year at Redondo Union High School living with Katie from South Bay Sunrise Rotary and the Terry Bichlmeier family from our own club. Maxine said she experienced many American traditions that don't exist in France such as the high school prom, homecoming and graduation day. Upon her return to France she plans to continue her studies, master the English language and one day become a judge.
Redondo Beach Rotary's newest Honorary member, Bob Meistrell, the co-founder of wetsuit manufacturer Body Glove, died early Sunday morning. Bob died of a heart attack while aboard the Disappearance, which was traveling back from Catalina Island as part of the Rock 2 Rock paddleboard competition. Services are pending and a celebration of life is planned for July.
Written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Vicki Radel, Gayle Albin-Bailey, Honoree Pat Dreizler, & President Nancy
(REDONDO BEACH) May 5, 2013 – At today’s luncheon our club granted a community service award and two honorary memberships to long-time community leaders. PDG Vicki Radel mcee'd the awards.
Pat Dreizler was honored for her long service to the city of Redondo Beach. She is the mother of Gayle Albin-Bailey, a past-president of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club.
Bob Meistrell, co-founder of Body Glove, a local business. was recognized with an honorary Rotary membership. Meistrell, previously recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, has served the community of Redondo Beach for six decades. He is an educator, innovator and leader in the community and is known locally as “Mr. Redondo Beach.”
The second honorary membership was awarded to long-time Rotarian Chat Campbell for his 40 years of service to Rotary. Chat started in Rotary more than five decades ago when he helped found the South Modesto Rotary Club in 1959. Years later when he moved to southern California, he joined the Lakewood Rotary Club and then the Wilshire Rotary Club. In 1999, he joined the Redondo Beach Rotary Club when the two Redondo Beach clubs combined. Chat provides public relations and advertising services to the club.
Photos by Rick Mendoza
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) May 22, 2013 – The Rotary Foundation, children with disabilities, a possible dues increase – it was a busy luncheon meeting.
Memorial Day: PDG Chuck Anderson opened the luncheon with a moving innvocation honoring America's veterans. “This coming Monday we will celebrate Memorial Day to honor those individuals and families who served in the Military to provide us with our freedoms,” he began.
Congratulations are in order to Rotarian Steve Aspel whPDG Chuck Anderson gave a moving innvocation to honor America's veterans on the coming Memorial day:o was victories in the recent citywide elections. Steve is the new mayor of Redondo Beach. Never one to miss an opportunity to bring levity to life, to honor his victory Steve, who also serves as the club finemaster, fined his sponsor Chuck Anderson for having brought him into Rotary many years ago. “Without my joining the club I wouldn’t have gotten to know as many people in town as I have, and probably would not have won the mayor ship. Thanks Chuck, that will be $5.00!”
This week our speaker will be....
Captain Leon Nixon of the Los Angeles Port Police. Don't miss this program where Captain Nixon will discuss the Waterborne and Field Services Division of the Los Angeles Port Police. This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
Photos by Rick Mendoza
eBulletin written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) May 15, 2013 --President Nancy gave another recap of the recent District 5280 conference in Santa Barbara. She thanked Scott Fellows for doing a “yeoman’s job” assembling the club’s contribution to this year’s Memoriam.” This year District 5280 lost 19 Rotarians including Barry Hamilton from our club. PDG Vicki Radel was selected to place a long stem rose in a vase in honor of Barry’s life and contribution to our club. Our club also received this year’s Golden Spatula Award for the best presentation at Friday evening district party. Thanks go to Karen and Jeffrey Weigel for preparing a sumptuous spread. Which is why our club won the award. Got it?
Paul Hyashi provided the invocation and Ann Gartner led us in the flag salute.
Guests: Al Wise of Manhattan Beach Toyota.
Meals-on-Wheels: Bill Gard and Chantel King; next week: Scott Fellows and ???? (We need a volunteer!)
Fines: Michael Jackson, $40.00 for having to wait 18 months to get his blue, permanent badge as a member of our club; and Laura Fields, fine amount unknown, she waited six months to get her blue badge.
This week our speaker will be...
Judith Diamond
Judith Diamond is the Corporate and Community Relations Manager at Pediatric Therapy Network. The Pediatric Therapy Network started 17 years ago, for special-needs children under age 5; PTN has 140 employees, including teachers and therapists for Speech and Language development, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill.
This week our speaker will be...
(REDONDO BEACH) May 7, 2013 -- We heard about Project Amigo today. What a story! Here’s a hint: Dedicated to helping educate the children of poor families in Mexico. Click HERE to learn more about Ted and Susan’s visit to our club and their story about Project Amigo. Meeting Photos Here
Meanwhile, Bill Paul was our greeter today, Terry Bichlmeier offered the invocation, and Dave Whitehead arrived in the nick of time to lead us in the flag salute.
Meals-on-Wheels: Michael Jackson and Elizebeth Diels delivered today. Next week we need some volunteers.
President Nancy Campbell gave a brief summary of last weekend’s District 5280 annual conference in Santa Barbara. Our club was well represented there with 16 members in attendance. Nancy gave an entertaining account of how she was roped into serving as emcee during Saturday’s luncheon. While serving as emcee she introduced Tom Riley who spoke about our club’s partnership with the Molina Foundation distributing books to area school children. The club’s Businessperson of the Year, Deborah Sheppard, was nominated and named the District’s Businessperson of the Year.
Our club received the President’s Citation for Achievement in Vocational Service. Governor Lew Bertrand awarded club members Colette and Bill Paul each the Governor’s Award for Excellence; Colette for her work developing graphics for the district and brochures, and Bill for his work on the district website. Finally PDG Rick Mendoza was nominated and elected to serve on the nominating committee for the next RI Representative for Zone 26.
Upcoming Events:
May 18: District Assembly at the Carson Center in Carson. All board members for the 2013-14 year are encouraged to attend.
May 19th: There will be a wine and appetizer fundraising event at the Campbell’s home for the club’s Community Foundation. Wine tasting, potluck, bingo and more! It is scheduled from 4-6 pm. Nancy encouraged everyone to bring a check in the amount of $25.00 or more made out to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation.
July 13th; The club will hold a combined Demotion and Installation evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This will be an “out with the old, in with the new” type event as we say goodbye to President Nancy Campbell and hello to incoming President Karen Weigel.
See you all Wednesday at noon.
(REDONDO BEACH) May 8, 2013 -- Project Amigo began in the late 1980s when founder Ted Rose came to visit the area’s volcano, and instead found a poverty-stricken rural village a great need to support the literacy campaign. A few years later he and his wife, Susan Hill, moved to Mexico and set up shop to help the children of poor villagers. There they joined the Colima Rotary Club.
Colima, Mexico is an agricultural town which attracts many other residents from different regions of Mexico. Currently the population in Colima is approximately 2,000 people. Project Amigo is enabling the poor children of Colima to achieve their highest potential by providing educational opportunities, material support, enrichment activities, medical and dental services.
How successful are they? Well, they currently have 34 university graduates (including two lawyers and one doctor), 100 youth enrolled in higher education and 200 in elementary school that have benefited from Project Amigo. Noe and Mireya (pictured below) are two great examples of the success of the University of Colima. They both graduated from there and both returned to Colima to continue to improve the conditions of this town and also to ensure the literacy campaign continues to strengthen. There are several humanitarian service projects that are ongoing through Project Amigo.
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Ted and Susan are also here to reach out to other clubs in hopes of gaining support for scholarship programs for young students in Colima. For more information visit www.projectamigo.org
Thanks to Rick Mendoza, PDG, for bringing these Rotarians and their story to us. President Nancy donated $250 club funds to Project Amigo.
(REDONDO BEACH) At yesterday's luncheon, PDG Pat Cashin announced that only seven reservations remain available for the upcoming club demotion and installation. "We only have 60 openings and they are going fast," said Cashin, chair of the event.
The activity will be a Rotary traditional evening, but with a feature that hasn’t been seen in the South Bay for decades. What’s new is that it will be a combined Demotion & Installation party for our outgoing President Nancy Campbell and president-elect Karen Weigel and her board. Also new (at least in recent years) is that it will be a black tie (optional) event with dancing to follow an evening of dinner and fellowship.
The evening event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Outgoing District Governor Lew Bertrand will demote outgoing President Nancy Campbell and incoming District Governor Doug Baker will install president-elect Karen Weigel and her board. The evening will start at 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm for cocktails with dinner and dancing to follow from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. The cost will be $50.00 per person.
Click HERE to register online for the Demotion & Installation party. Remember, only seven reservations remain!
(REDONDO BEACH) Another busy weekly meeting.
Guests: Jeff Mclodia, Odila Goncalves, Steve Diels and Elizabeth Diels
Visiting Rotarians: Hisako & Atshushi Nakaaki are visiting from Hamamatsu, Japan. They are here in California taking part in the Rotary Global Exchange 2013, Jim & Alexis Sheehy are hosting them.
Announcements:
Meals-on-Wheels: Jim Sharvin and Chuck Anderson; next week: Michael Jackson and (we need one more volunteer.)
Family of Rotary: Dal Covington’s wife, Cheryl, is undergoing cancer treatment. The club circulated a “get well” card that members signed.
Coming Events:
May 9: The Club will join with the Molina Foundation to deliver books to Fry Elementary in Wilmington. See Terry Bichlmeier.
May 18: District Assembly at the Carson Center in Carson. All board members for the 2013-14 year are encouraged to attend.
May 19th: There will be a wine and appetizer fundraising event at the Campbell’s home for the club’s Community Foundation. Wine tasting, potluck, bingo and more! It is scheduled from 4-6 pm. Nancy encouraged everyone to bring a check in the amount of $25.00 or more made out to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation directs 90% of its spending to programs, far exceeding the benchmark of 65% that independent charity-rating services view as a measure of high efficiency. This is just one of several important facts reported in the April 2013 edition of the TRF Zone 26 Connections newsletter. It also reports that US$4 billion has been pledged toward the final eradication of polio. Click HERE to open the newsletter.
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul
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| (from left) Dr. Alexis Sheehy chaired this year's club scholarship awards; club President Nancy Campbell, scholarship recpients Courtney Meyers, Sarah Volpe, Sarah Logan, Arthur Fontana and Ansari Moiz; and Redondo Union High School Principal Nicole Wesley. Click here for more meeting photos. |
Our luncheon program today focused on scholarships. We awarded five $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating Redondo Union High School seniors. The scholarships were funded by the club’s Community Foundation.
Redondo Union High School Principal Nikki Wesley provided an insight into how she attempts to prepare her students for post-high school life. “There are three key things I want them to learn,” she said. “First, to stand up for themselves, second to develop the ability to cope with life challenges, and third to be significant as a person in life.”
When the scholarships were awarded, each student was asked to describe one activity that they were involved in during their high school years that they believe influenced their future choices.
Ansari Moiz volunteered at Little Company of Mary Hospital and plan to attend University of California San Diego with a major in biology;
Arthur Fontana told us he volunteered at the Marine Museum, earned by Eagle Scout badge, and plans to attend Cal State University Channel Islands with a major in business.
Sarah Logan is the daughter of Rotarian Dr. Bruce Logan. She worked in the athletic trainers office every 6th period and is co-president of the Rotary Interact Club at RUHS. Sarah will be attending the University of Hawaii on a water polo scholarship and plans to major in physical therapy with a minor in mathematics.
Courtney Meyers volunteered at various city schools. She plans to attend the University of Oregon and major in business administration and marketing.
Sarah Volpe volunteered at the YMCA and worked with special needs children at YMCA Summer Camp. She was also active in the Community Support Program. She plans to attend the Cal State University Channel Island where she will study to become a special education teacher and work with special needs children.
In other club business ...
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul
Photos By Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul
PE Karen & Jeff Weigel
Click the image above for more meeting photos
(REDONDO BEACH) April 10, 2013 – This week’s club meeting was an evening meeting rather than our traditional noon luncheon. We had a great turnout with numerous visitors.
Visiting Rotarians: Larry King from the Del Mar Rotary Club, Alice Gavivz from the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club, and from far-away England, Robin Croslesm, from the Bideford Rotary Club in District 1170.
Our guests today included Roy Bolling, Donna Dawick, Liz Scerra, Kevin Andrade, Kimberly Allison, Stacy Hashimoto, Jeff Weigel, Pam Aspel and Odella Goncalves.
This week our speaker will be...
Jean Scully
An update on the Redondo Beach Library. Next Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
This week our meeting is an EVENING MEETING starting at 5:30PM at the Bluewater Grill. Our Speaker will be...
She will be discussing Nourishing Wellness from Your Garden ~ Affordable Healthcare!
Don't miss the EVENING MEETING at the Bluewater Grill!
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Click above for photos of this weeks meeting.....
(REDONDO BEACH) April 3, 2013 – Among the visitors at today’s luncheon were three Rotary Group Exchange volunteers. Jewel Price of the Glendale Rotary Club and her two team members discussed the GSE program. More on that later in this eBulletin.
written by Terry Bichlmeier
As part of the Rotary Day of Service, The Molina Foundation, The Redondo Beach Rotary Club, and The UCLA Roteract Club, created a new reading area at the South Park Community Center. Rotary Club President Nancy Campbell, was joined buy by Club members Eli & Terry B.; Roteract members Jennifer, Tiffany, Stephanie, and other Rotarians. They emptied, cleaned and repositioned existing shelves. They then shelved new Molina Library and reading sets of books. Finally they sorted through existing books to cull out the best and shelved them. It was a lot of work but satisfying to see a hands on projected completed in such a short time span.
(REDONDO BEACH) March 20, 2013 — “It appears that this will be our most successful Casino Night ever,” said Karen Weigel, chair of the event. “The final numbers will be in in a few weeks, but our preliminary numbers are as follows: We’ve raised over $35,000 for our projects next year; 54 of our 60 members participated in some way; 280 tickets were sold plus 24 complimentary tickets were given to our sponsors. Altogether we had 231 people in attendance.”
President-elect Karen then gave special thinks to the following members:
Laura Fields — raising $22,000 for the silent auction
Steve Aspel — bidding up live items (after all, he was the auctioneer!)
Larry and Paul Hyashi — ticket sales
Ali Adham — Ali kept track of the money; pretty important in this kind of activity
Bill Gard — bar set-up and bar sales
Scott Fellows — catering and food station set up (delicious)
David Whitehead — video setup
Colette Paul and Chat Campbell — publicity
PDG Chuck Anderson — sponsors
“Plus, I want to thank everyone for their donations, ticket sales, volunteering at the event, set-up, and clean up.”
Club President Nancy Campbell then gave more whimsical Recognition Awards:
Ted Wendorff -- Best Dancer
Kelly Weigel -- Raffle Announcer and Bustier wearer
Chris Hutson -- Best-Dancer-provider for bringing a couple who performed the Lindy Hop
Jan Masi -- Best Auction tallyet (Nancy’s award, Nancy’s word!)
Ron Day -- Best Guest Inviter (so cited as his guest bid up the Fiji trip to record heights)
Steve Aspel -- Best Auctioneer
There will be a post-Casino Night party at the Weigels on Saturday, April 6th. The winning team, the Blue Chips, garnered the most sales so they will be toasted. Come one come all. See the club Web site for more details.
REDONDO BEACH - March 27, 2013 —Today’s speaker was Rolando Andrade, one of our own and the president-elect of our club for the 2014-15 Rotary Year. A retired professor from Bowling Green University in Ohio, Andrade led a lively discussion focusing on discrimination, stereotypes and prejudice. More on that later.
PDG Chuck Anderson served as our greeter today, Nancy Campbell provided the invocation, and Bill Paul led us in the flag salute.
Special guests today were Pillar and Antonio Belon from Spain; they are the parents of our Rotary Club’s Exchange Student, Andrea Belon. Pillar, Andrea’s mom, is a lawyer in Spain. She expressed heartfelt thanks to the club and host families for hosting their 16-year-old daughter during the current school year. Andrea is a sophomore at Redondo Union High School where she recently performed in the school's spring play, Grease. Her host families are James and Lori Jackman, Bill and Colette Paul, and Bruce and Lori Logan. Andrea will return to Spain at the conclusion of the currently school year.
Another guest was Stephanie Scerra, daughter of Rotarian Steve Scerra. She announced she would son leave to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in the Czech Republic.
President Nancy Campbell announced that Mark Smith proided Meals-on-Wheels today, and next week Bill Gard and Scott Fellows will do the duties.
A sad note, Pearl Davis, family of Rotary, announced that Cheryl Covington, Dal Covington’s wife, has contracted “the Big C.” Further details when they become available.
Nancy also reminded us that on April 6th the district will sponsor a Rotary Day of Service. In addition, that evening a “winners” thank you party will be held at the Weigel’s home. The Blue Chip Team won top honors.
April 10th luncheon will be dark with an evening social get-together meeting instead. Starting at 6 p.m., the guest speaker will be Jeanne Peters, R.D. who will discuss her passion for backyard gardening. Members and spouses are encouraged to attend.
The District 5280 Annual Conference is coming up, scheduled for May 2-5 at the Fess Parker Ranch in Santa Barbara. Signup now and get a nightly room rate of $179.00 that will go up to $459.00 for stays May 6th onward.
The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach and the Molina Foundation will deliver books to Fry Elementary in Wilmington on May 9th. Contact Terry Bichlmeier if you are interested.
Lastly, Nancy announced the District Assembly is scheduled for May 18th at the Community Center in Carson. All members are invited.
This week our speaker will be....
Captain James Jenkins
United States Coast Guard
Captain Jenkins is the commanding officer of the US Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles - Long Beach and is responsible for the conduct of all Coast Guard missions of land masses and waters of California south of Monterey, Kings, Tulare, and Inyo Counties except San Diego and Imperial Counties. Don't miss this program, Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Were you there? Enjoy the fun again with this slide show by Rick Mendoza!
This week our speaker will be...
As a member of the Management Team of Vision To Learn Nora Acts as the Outreach Coordinator. As Outreach Coordinator she works to get the message out about what Vision To Learn is doing by giving presentations to organizations such as Rotary, giving tours of the Mobile Vision Clinic and helping organize events. She feels that Vision To Learn is the easiest job that she could ever have because it is all about free eyeglasses for kids. Nora is also a Rotarian from the Westchester Rotary Club.
This week our speaker will be....
Our own perennial visiting Rotarian, Connie Siegel, will discuss the Bernie Madoff debacle. Don't miss this program!
Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill
written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) Club President Nancy Campbell announced our club has an annual budget of $68,000 but that we have outstanding invoices of $11,000.
Birthdays: John Parsons, Nasrin Moghadasian, Ernie O’Dell and Ted Wendorff.
Announcements: March 9, 2013 will be a busy day for Rotarians. Three events are scheduled for that day. First, LMU will host the District 5280 Art, speech, and music and dance competitions. Our club is hosting a dance company and we need volunteers to attend. See Bill Gard if you are interested. The Rotary Community Alliance is offering a tour of Camp Pendleton. Rotarians will travel by motorcoach. See PDG Chuck Anderson. He urged that we donate “gently used baby items” but not diapers, as they are too bulky. Meanwhile, also on March 9th (a busy Rotary Day!) the Ethics Leadership Enterprise Seminar will be held at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in San Jose. See Nancy Campbell if you are interested. Cost is $95.00 per person.
written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) The new board of directors of the club’s Community Foundation was announced today. They are: Pat Cashin (president), Steve Scerra (treasurer) Karen Weigel (secretary), Dr. Allen Peters and club president Nancy Campbell.
Nancy asked for volunteers to participate in the Rotary Day of Work scheduled for April 6th. “We need two to three volunteers,” she said. “The activity will be held in conjunction with the Koreatown Rotary Club.”
Fines: Paul Hyashi, $25 because his photo appeared in the Daily Breeze without his Rotary pin on. Steve Aspel, $60 for something.
Casino Night: Chair Karen Weigel asked each member to volunteer at least one hour of work at Casino Night. She said we still need some bottles of wine donated for the Wall of Wine that will be auctioned off. As always she urged ticket sales, sponsorships and donations for the Silent Auction.
Feb. 22nd to 24th -
Our own PE, Karen Weigel is attending PETS at the LAX Marriott this weekend.
Joining Karen is Guity Javid, PE from the Rancho Park Rotary Club.
Written By Karina Garcia
Photos By Rick Mendoza
Welcome to RBRC, Eli & Alice Gauna
Eli Gauna, PDG Induction (More Photos Here)
This week our speaker will be....
Lynn Brennan is health and fitness advocate, speaking on “Healthy Aging—Dispelling the Myths.” She is writer, speaker, TV host and producer, and founder of The Roaring 90’s Club of the So Bay, a social club for people aged 90 and over. She is recipient of the USA Freedom Corps Presidential commendation from Pres. George W. Bush for her volunteer work with seniors. She will give us hands-on tips on staying healthy as we age gracefully--without growing old.
This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
This week our speaker will be....
Bob Meistrell, Founder of Body Glove
Don't miss this meeting at the Bluewater Grill this Wednesday at Noon!
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul
Welcome New Member Jim Sharvin
with PDG Chuck and Membership Chair Rolando
More Meeting Photos Here
(REDONDO BEACH) January 30, 2013 --- Lots of announcements this at this week’s luncheon, But first to a new member. Jim Sharvin, a former Rotary club president, was inducted by PDG Chuck Anderson. Welcome to our club, Jim.
Visitors: Jerome Salonga, Raymond Wong, Jill Brunkhardt and Jeff Wilson of Chevron Products Co., and Rotarian Connie Siegel from the Hershey (PA) Rotary Club.
This week our speaker will be....
Mir. Wilson will be speaking on the Chevron Coke Drum Project. Don't miss this program Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
This week our speaker will be Dr. Reiko Sakata. She will be speaking on...
Myanmar Orphanages Water Project
The Galilee orphanage (above) is in Hmawbi Township, about 60 kilometers north of Yangon. It supports itself with its own modest crop-growing area, but augmented by food-producing animals, including a large chicken coop and pigs. Having been in existence for more than several years, several of their children have grown up and continued on to college. The Rotary water system gave this orphanage its first direct, internal access to ample water on demand for all its water needs.
Don't miss this program: Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
(REDONDO BEACH) January 16, 2013 --- Lots of announcements this at this week’s luncheon. But first to our visitors: Eric Conrad, Andrea Conrad and Mike Welch from the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, and Connie Siegel from the Hershey (PA) Rotary Club.
Now for the announcements:
On February 9, 2013, the PV Sunset Rotary Club will host a Chinese New Year gala at the Empress Pavilion. To be followed on February 16 for the 114th Golden Dragon parade. Contact Angi Ma Wong at 310-541-8818 if you wish to participate!
On February 11, 2013, the Manhattan Beach and Lennox/Hawthorne/LAX Rotary clubs have scheduled a 7:15 am breakfast with RI Director Ken Boyd as the speaker. The meeting will be at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel. Our club has reserved 10 seats for the event. Cost is $25.00.
This week our speaker will be....
Ernie O'Dell
Don't miss this program by our own Ernie O'Dell when he shares with us his artwork and the joys of being newly retired! See you this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Written by Karina Garcia
Our speaker today was Mike Garcia from Enviroscape
MORE MEETING PHOTOS HERE
Enviroscape LA founder, Mike Garcia offers complete & sustainable native garden landscaping design, installation and maintenance for residential and commercial property in and around Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach in California. Did you know 1.5 billion gallons of water comes in to Los Angeles every day & 65% of the water is used towards landscape. Mike’s company offers landscape sustainability and most of the common landscaping designs include native plant, native grass and drop irrigation. The Redondo Beach Riviera will hold it’s garden club tour at Mikes home next week. Please visit www.enviroscapela.com for more information.
Written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) December 12, 2012 -- We conducted our annual Club Assembly today, which included electing a new slate of officers and directors for the coming 2013-14 Rotary Year. It was a fast action. After the announcement of the slate, Rotarian Dal Covington moved the slate be unanimously elected. A quick vote was held and the new officers and directors were elected. They are President- Karen Weigel, President-Elect- Rolando Andrade, Vice President- Gayle Bailey, Treasurer-Jean Scully, and Secretary- Monique Waite. Elected to serve as directors are William Gard, Club Service, Galina Gilman, Community Service, Pat Cashin, International Service, Karina Garcia, New Generations, Paul Hayashi, and Vocational Service. The new slate will take office July 1, 2013.
This week our speaker will be...
Emily Dorn
RI Ambassadorial Scholar
Emily spent her year as an Ambassadorial Scholar in Bogotá, Colombia researching peace education programs. Don't miss this this weeks meeting at the Blue Water Grill!
This week our program will be....
No guests or visitors at this meeting as we will be discussing and voting on club business. See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill
written by Bill Paul
(REDONDO BEACH) December 5, 2012 “The Redondo Beach Rotary Club is in the upper five of all clubs in Zone 26 in annual giving,” said Rick Mendoza, chair of the District 5280 Foundation team. Rick, a member of our club, was our luncheon speaker today. He noted that “98% of donations (to the RI Foundation) come back to the (local) community due to volunteer work and use of the money. Here in District 5280, fully 58% of Rotarians contribute to the Foundation whereas worldwide only 26-28% of Rotarians give.” He urged any non-givers in our club “to give at least $10 per year” to the Foundation.
photos by Rick Mendoza
To: Nancy Campbell, representing Rotary Club of Redondo Beach
Dear Nancy,
Please accept my humble thank you to you, Bill Gard and the entire club for honoring me as Rotary Cub of Redondo Beach's Business Person of the Year. I truly appreciate this recognition and, as you may have noticed when the award was formally named, am overwhelmed!
As I mentioned to Bill, it was a pleasure to meet you and so many of your members. The organization is widely recognized and influences so many in need, leaving me in awe of your depth and caring.
The fact that my nomination was entered (by Marna Smeltzer, I presume) is honor enough; the incredible result of being selected as the awardee, is a highlight of this year!
Our hotel General Manager, Michael Payton, looks forward to being active again once our renovation is complete. He has been a Rotarian for many years and in many locations, including doing work overseas. At this time, he has Wednesday Noon time conference calls and cannot miss these as they are related to the renovation progress.
Thank you so much, again. I will be encouraged and inspired each time I look at the award!
With kind regards and best wishes for the Holiday Season,
Deborah
Deborah Shepard, CMP CHSP
Director of Sales and Marketing
Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach and Marina Hotel
Written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Congratulations to Deborah Shepard, RBRC Business Person of the Year
For more meeting photos, click the above photo
Upcoming Events: Cheer for Children, Tuesday, December 11th; St. Cross Giving Tree, December 19th after club meeting; Redondo Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 4th at the Redondo Beach main library on PCH, 5:00 to 8:30 pm
Announcements: PDG Rick Mendoza described the relief efforts underway to assist Rotarians affected by Hurricane Sandy. He said 4,300 people in the hurricane’s path are being aided by five Rotary districts in the region. Anyone wishing to contribute to the relief effort should contact Rick at 310-544-4044 or visit the Rotary relief website at http://nynjrotary.org/disaster-relief.
Rotarian Bill Gard announced that Deborah Shepard has been named the club’s Businessperson of the Year. She is the Chair of the Visitors Bureau of the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce. Deborah is also the director of sales and marketing for the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is involved in numerous charitable and volunteer activities throughout the community. Congratulations Deborah.
Written by Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
No wonder Karina Garcia grew up a tomboy. She is the oldest of five siblings, three of whom are boys. We learned this about Karina during her craft talk at today’s luncheon. Turns out her family are from Bolivia but she grew up in nearby Hawthorne, attended Hawthorne High School and graduated from Cal State Long Beach. Karina spent 16 years in the hotel business; a couple of years marketing for a helicopter tour business in Los Angeles, and now is in the real estate business. Divorced with two children, a boy and a girl, she loves to read, does yoga and is an avid old movie fan. Since joining the club, she has taken on the New Generation chair and is involved with the Interact Club at Redondo Beach High School.
Redondo Beach, CA - Two very fun events! USC/UCLA Tail Gate event at the Torrance Double Tree Hotel and the regular RBRC Luncheon.
This week our speakers will be giving their craft talks:
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Written by Karina Garcia & Bill Paul
Photos by Rick Mendoza
Click here to open photo images
Today’s luncheon was busy, busy, busy! Lots of announcements and lots of club business.
Bill Gard served as our greeter, Herb Masi delivered the invocation, and Karina Garcia led us in the flag salute.
Visiting Rotarian's: Connie Siegel and Mara Santos and guests Jan McClory and Paige Lapen from the Blue Zone Project.
Luncheon speakers were Tina Harris and Dr. Megha Sata from the South Bay Children’s Health Center.
Meals on Wheels by Paul Hashimoto and Karina Garcia. Next week Scott Fellows has signed up. We still need one more volunteer.
This week our speakers will be from the South Bay Childrens Health Center.
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| Tina Harris | Dr. Megha Sata |
Tina Harris, Executive Director of the South Bay Children’s Health Center (SBCHC) a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation that was established in 1947. Ms. Harris has been affiliated with SBCHC since August 2000, first as the agency’s Office Administrator and Community Resource Officer and then on July 1, 2006 elevated to the position of Executive Director.
Megha Sata is currently Dental Director at the South Bay Children’s Health Center. Megha started with the agency in 2006 as a volunteer conducting dental screenings. Megha received both her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has practiced all phases of dentistry since 2002. Her career started as a partner in a private practice, but her passion for public health and experience in the field lead her to her current position with the agency.
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Jackie Bacharach addresses the RBRC
“We plan to work on tourism, international trade and filming” for the South Bay said Jackie Bacharach, our luncheon speaker at our October 31st meeting. Bacharach is executive Director of the South Bay Council of Governments (SBCOG). In her presentation, she also commented on the newly renamed Harbor Gateway Transit Center. The center was formerly named the Artesia Transit Center and is located adjacent to the 110 freeway. The council was launched in the 1970s to “discuss transportation issues. Plus we were instrumental in saving the LA Air Force Base, saving the 310 area code, and we have a permanent seat on the LA County Air Quality Management District,” she continued. “We also want to extend the Green line to LAX.” The SBCOG encompasses 15 South Bay communities including Redondo Beach, Torrance, El Segundo, Inglewood, Long Beach and Carson.
This week our speaker will be:
Marilyn is the Program Manager of the South Bay Environmental Services Center, which provides information, education and facilitation of implementation projects regarding water and energy savings for all 15 South Bay cities.
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill
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| Teachers catching butterflies from donated nets. |
Teachers using donated magnifying glasses to observe shells and crabs. |
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| Classroom at Wariki Primary School. | Graduation! Teacher's received 20 hours of credit for the course. |
| The Rotary Cub of Redondo Beach donated $500 for materials and school supplies to teachers attending the 4-Day Kindergarten Teacher's Workshop led by Lori Hall of the Calabasas Rotary Club. 23 teachers attended the workshop. Unlike the U.S., kindergarten is a new concept in Fiji and continuing education for these new teachers is very important. (Report and photos received by e-mail.) Click HERE for more information about the club's Water Apprenticeship Project in Taveuni. |
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September is New Generations Month
Get my drift?..Ian Miesen is our New Generations chair! Give him a big hand!! Contact Ian Here. Thanks, Ian!
This week our program will be....
Karina Garcia & Michael Jackson
Craft Talks
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
By Bill Paul
eBulletin Editor
(REDONDO BEACH) August 1, 2012 – President Nancy opened today’s luncheon recounting some of the announcements at this week’s first district breakfast. Among the announcements: Tickets are available for Dodger night September 15th. Tickets and reservations are also available for the upcoming Paul Harris Celebration October 27th, 2012 at the Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. She also announced an upcoming club social event titled “Ride the Rails” scheduled for September 18th. Club members are invited to take Amtrak for a day at the races at the Del Mar Racetrack.
Marc Chomel was introduced as a special guest today.
PDG Vicki Radel followed the introduction. She’d been originally asked to swear in President Nancy Campbell and few weeks ago but was unable to do so due to illness. Today she repeated the ceremony with Nancy. Radel then asked all female past-presidents of our club to come to the podium. Five of the six women past-presidents came forward. Vicki asked them to recollect the highlight of their presidential year.
August is Membership Month!
By Nancy Campbell
2012-13 President
Rotary Club of Redondo Beach
Our long term members are the backbone of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach! They carry the traditions and experience of the past and help us make the future bright. Each one contributes to our club's character and helps shape our club's present and future. Old friendships are nourished at each week’s meeting. Hopefully each person has a favorite area of service, and takes the time to share their love of Rotary with new members as they join! As we enjoy each weeks fellowship let's remember to:
" Make New Friends and Keep the Old, One is Silver, the Other's Gold!”
(REDONDO BEACH – July 18, 2012) Following our traditional opening ceremonies, President Nancy Campbell introduced guests and visiting Rotarians. Among the Rotarians were Jack Spencer, PDG, a past-president of our club during the 1962-63 Rotary Year and former district governor of District 5280, Eli Gauna, PDG from District 5260, Kevin Paul, past president of the Lawndale Rotary Club, and Chantel King, not yet a member but a former Rotary Scholar. Guests included Ken, Deborah and Chris Barela, and Gunner Willoughby.
Nancy called for volunteers for this weekend’s Relay for Life where our club will prepare pancakes for participants, Sunday morning. The Relay will be held at the Alta Vista School and volunteers are needed starting at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. “You’ll find us at the Rotary canopy,” she said.
Mr. Kouri is the President and Founder of NextStep (www.nextstepfitness.org), a nationally recognized non-profit organization. NextStep believes that all persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities deserve the hope and opportunity to live long and healthy lives. Yet today most of these individuals are deprived of the resources they desperately need for survival because there are no options available to them or they cannot afford them. NextStep provides the opportunity for health and recovery through affordable and progressive community fitness, health, and wellness facilities.
Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill
By Bill Paul
eBulletin Editor
(REDONDO BEACH) March 21, 2012 --It isn’t often we get a world class athlete to address our club, so when Gerry Morton showed up it was a real treat. So who is Gerry Morton and why is he a world-class athlete? For openers he has completed four Ironman Triathalon competitions and run several 26 mile marathons including the big daddy marathon in New York City. All that was prelude to his presentation today. Gerry told us about his recent traverse of the 224 mile John Muir Trail in the High Sierras. Big deal you say, anybody in reasonable condition can do that. True enough, but it typically takes three to four weeks to complete this hike. Gerry did it in seven days, all on foot!
To meet this challenge he had to cover 34 miles every day for seven days. Altogether he estimates he took 500,000 steps and charged through 84,000 vertical foot changes. That included trekking to the top of Mt. Whitney, at 14,505 feet the highest peak in California. That challenged occurred on the 7th day. Oh, and backpack he carried weighed eight pounds and was replenished only once during the seven-day trek. Go figure.
Aside from this huge accomplishment, Gerry is president and CEO of his own supplement company and is a Rotarian with the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club.
Talking about accomplishments, it is always heartening to learn of the accomplishments of the young people selected for the club’s Student of the Month program. Today we honored Jonathan Song, a fifth grader at Alta Vista School. Here are some of Jonathan’s accomplishments. One wonders how anyone so young can cram some much into their life. Remember, this kid is only in the fifth grade.
Jonathan helps cook and serve the homeless once a month with Meals with Hope; he helps with activities for the elderly at Keiro Nursing Home in the Adopt Grandparents program; he picks up trash at the beach and schools through the F.O.R. community service; he helps run a booth and the JCI Carnival to raise funds for the community center. But that’s not all. He is on the BCBA Academy travel baseball team, the F.O.R. Jaguars club basketball team, TABB spring baseball league in Torrance, is a brown belt in Taekwondo, and enjoys soccer and golf. In addition, he started playing the piano at age six and continues to this day. He is involved in student leadership at Alta Vista and is Safe School Ambassador. As I said, this young fellow has crammed a lot into his life. A lot of the credit for his accomplishments, of course, go to supporting parents. Not surprisingly mom Kathy Song was present to support her son as was Alta Vista Principal Kathy Wildes.
Next week we’ll hear from club member Herb Masi who will discuss his gun collection. We will also hear a more detailed report of the results of the club's recent Casino Night.
Jim Chen won a chance at the raffle for $257 but didn’t draw the green and white marble so received $10 as the consolation prize.
President Steve concluded the meeting with this quote from Ann Landers: “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”
This week at RBRC our Speaker will be....
Tony Arminio
"Life Between the Dashes"
By Bill Paul
eBulletin Editor
(REDONDO BEACH) Luncheon speaker, Stephen Ruda, Battalion Chief at the Los Angeles Fire Department gave club members an insider’s view of the workings of a large urban fire department. “We are always on duty,” he said. Ruda was recently appointed a battalion chief in San Fernando Valley giving him overall responsibility for 11 fire stations. For many years he was the public voice of the LAFD in his role as head of public relations. “When any major catastrophe occurred I was called in to explain the department’s role in the situation. For example, when Michael Jackson died I was interviewed about 500 times by media outlets all over the world,” he said. Ruda is a close friend and former college roommate of Rotarian Mark Smith.
Visiting Rotarians: Arlyne Kruger of the Albuquerque (NM) Rotary Club and Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club.
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This Wednesday EVENING at RBRC our speaker will be....
Sean Dennison
Personal Stylist Manager
Nordstrom, the Galleria at
Mr. Dennison has been with Nordstrom since 1999 and in his role as Personal Stylist Manager he coaches the Nordstrom sales consultants on delivering excellent service and fashion expertise. Our evening starts at 5:30PM for cocktails followed by dinner at 6PM.
See you Wednesday EVENING
at the Bluewater Grill!
(REDONDO BEACH) January 18, 2012 -- Scott, where are you? Scott Fellows was supposed to be today’s Greeter. When he didn’t show Nancy Campbell stepped in to greet us. Vicki handled the flag salute and Tina offered the invocation. But as Prez Steve noted as Tina came to the podium to deliver the invocation, “She appears to be preparing for the ministry” since this is at least her third time offering the invocation in the past few months.
Pres Angela Cuenca & Pres Elect Rsecruz Falla from the Columbo-American RC with PDG Mendoza
MORE MEETING PICTURES HERE
Visiting Rotarians: Peter Lattey of the Downtown LA Rotary Club, Rosecruz Falla and Angela Cuenca of Columbo-American Rotary Club, and Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg (PA) Rotary Club.
PDG Rick Mendoza opened the business meeting with the announcement that Rotary International met and exceeded the $200 million Gates Challenge Grant. Click HERE to read details of that announcement.
Ian Meissen reported on Interactors participating in decorating the Rotary International Rose Parade entry a couple of days after Christmas. Ian, a police officer in his real life, chaperoned the kids.
RI President Kaylan Banerjee's address to the RGHF annual meeting 2011....
Greetings!
This week will be a CLUB ASSEMBLY. Members only at this meeting.
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Click above or HERE to view a short slide show of the trip to La Paz!
This week our speaker will be Adriana Estrella-Romero, Project NEEDS Coordinator at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in North Redondo.
See You This Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
No meeting this week.....
This week our speaker will be Pat Davis. Pat is a Rotarian from the Westchester Rotary Club. Semi-retired from the insurance industry, Pat has been volunteering and helping the homeless and mentally ill for some time. He is also on the Board of the Homes For Life Foundation. Besides his activities with Rotary and his community activity, he plays Santa Claus each year for the city of Westchester.
Don't miss the meeting this Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
This week our Speaker will be our own Dr. Bruce Logan with an update on the Rotary Foundation.
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
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Come this Wednesday & learn about...
The Members Only Section of the RBRC Website
Online Payments for Rotary and Foundation Payments
And a special "Infection Protection" talk by Pres. Steve
WEDNESDAY AT THE BLUEWATER GRILL!
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See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
A fun day was enjoyed by hundreds of Rotarians and their families along with may Rotaract and Interact students at the District Picnic held last Sunday at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. RBRC hosted ice cream sundaes and our own PDG Chuck Anderson was the Admiral in charge of the Cardboard Boat Races. Alas, RBRC did not have an entry in the race... NEXT YEAR! To view pictures of the activity click on the video link below or CLICK HERE.
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R to L: Pres Steve, Mama Hill PDG Vicky & Mama Hill's assistant, Rahman |
Dr. Allen Peters with Special Guest Nick Herold |
This week our speaker will be
Millicent Hill
affectionately known as "Mama Hill"
Mama Hill, a retired teacher with LAUSD, has, over her 45-year career as an award-winning educator, poet, and activist, changed the lives of thousands of youngsters through her innovative teaching style. Today she and her small staff cover an array of issues within the core curricula-from anger management to teen pregnancy-as most of her youngsters are living under the cloud of violence, grief, abandonment or abuse, which all too often impedes their ability to learn. Learn more about Mama Hill and her organization at her website: http://www.mamahillshelp.org/
See you Wednesday at the Blue Water Grill!
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Brian Hinman & PDG Vicki Radel | Special Guest Brynn Dietz & PE Nancy Campbell |
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Talk'n about Hawaii & Eat'n Pizza | Special Guest Elizabeth Downs & PP Wayne Bradshaw |
This week District Governor Brad Robinson
will speak to the Redondo Beach Rotary Club.
District Governor Brad Robinson is a member of the Beverly Hills Rotary Club and was the District 5280's Rotarian of the Year during the 2007-08 Rotary Year. His District responsibilities have included chairing several Service Avenues and events including the District Conference and annual International District trip. He was the executive aide to Past District Governor Susanne Sundberg, and is a major Donor, multiple Paul Harris fellow, a Bequest Society member, and a Paul Harris Society member. Be sure to be there to hear the latest news from our District Chief Executive.
From the Captains Cabin, downstairs at the Blue Water Grill, President Steve, who has been keeping a count of our meetings (this is#6) called our meeting to order.
Visitors Rotarians: Larry King, Past President of our club in 1989. Other guests: Ambassadorial Scholar Cynthia Salim, special guests Albert Roman and Brynn Dietz of Morgan Stanley, and Julia Cullinan, 16, an 11th grade softball player who is the niece of PDG Vicki Radel.
Meals-on-Wheels: Delivered today by Dal Covington and Ron Day. Dal and Mel Nichols are signed up to deliver next week.
August is Membership Month!
Watch your eBulletin for
a message from Membership Chair, Gayle Albin-Bailey
and enjoy the video below!
Click Here to view a Rotary Minute Video - How can Rotary attract new members?
(Redondo Beach) July 20, 2011 – Today’s weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach opened with PDG Vicki Radel giving the opening prayer and Nancy Campbell leading us in the flag salute.
Visitors: James and Pat Gardner of the Atlanta Mid-Town Rotary Club; Lindsey Fife, an Ambassadorial Scholar and guest of Vicki Radel; John Genck, a special guest of Wayne Bradshaw, Galina Gilman, prospective new member; and luncheon speaker Theo Clarke, who, as it happens, is a past president of the Altadena Rotary Club.
Meals on Wheels: Gayle Albin Bailey (by herself)
President Steve reminded members of the first quarterly district breakfast scheduled for July 26th. He said 10 members have signed up and the club will cover their cost; anyone else wishing to attend: $39.00.
by Bill Paul
eBulletin Editor
(Redondo Beach) July 20, 2011 – Today’s weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach opened with PDG Vicki Radel giving the opening prayer and Nancy Campbell leading us in the flag salute.
Visitors: James and Pat Gardner of the Atlanta Mid-Town Rotary Club; Lindsey Fife, an Ambassadorial Scholar and guest of Vicki Radel; John Genck, a special guest of Wayne Bradshaw, Galena Gilman, prospective new member; and luncheon speaker Theo Clarke, who, as it happens, is a past president of the Altadena Rotary Club.
Meals on Wheels: Gayle Albin Bailey (by herself)
President Steve reminded members of the first quarterly district breakfast scheduled for July 26th. He said 10 members have signed up and the club will cover their cost; anyone else wishing to attend: $39.00.
The Toyota Automotive Museum was a terrific venue to honor PP Bill Paul. Great food and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Bill was given several certificates of appreciation the city and state. Thanks to Bill Gard for arranging another great party! For a beautiful slide show of the event by Rick Mendoza CLICK HERE.
If you haven't done so already, click here to visit the District 5280 Web site. There you will find the District's newly revised monthly newsletter. "It’s actually more like a little magazine—on line," wrote John Elman in the Malibu Rotary Club bulletin. To view the 14-page bulletin requires the latest version of the free Adobe Flash software installed on your computer. "The on line publication does amazing things, much more than online documents in PDF format," said Elman. "You can turn pages, zoom in on text and pictures, and feel like you are holding the document in your hands. The news in it is succinct and useful, telling about District events, views of District Governor Brad Robinson and each of his assistant governors."
The newsletter is the work of Marc Leeka, a computer wizard, Senior Assistant Governor of Communications, and past-resident of LA5, and Carmela Wrack of the Culver City Rotary Club. Wrack gathered pertinent district news and photographs and prepared the basic layout of the publication. Leeka helped edit the final product and converted Wrack's work into the online format.
Rotarian of the Year Nancy Campbell (Pres-Elect 2011-12) chaired the last meeting of the year. The meeting was billed as a Summer Social with a chance to enjoy our great meeting location with food & fellowship. Nancy took the helm and proceeded to fine herself $25 for receiving the Rotarian of the Year award last week. We heard a great travelogue with pictures from PDG Chuck Anderson about his trip to the RI Convention in New Orleans. Highlights of the trip included trolleycar rides, food, a great hotel and the WWII Museum. More pictures of the meeting and guests HERE.
Don't forget we are DARK next week. We start back up on July 13th with incoming President Steve Scerra: will he fine himself at his first meeting? Be there to see and cheer him on for his first meeting as President!
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Luncheon speaker at the Rotary Club luncheon, Myles McGray, introduced us to the idea of deconstructing homes and commercial buildings. We've all heard of construction, but deconstruction? McGray represented the Deconstruction & Building Material ReUse Network, an association that coordinates carefully taking down buildings with the objective of reusing much of the building materials remaining in the structure. He said homeowners often receive substantial tax benefits for their used building materials to offset the costs associated with deconstructing a structure.
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Our Speaker Myles McGray AND Galena & Gayle (More meeting pictures here)
Visitors and guests at this weeks meeting included Hanna Albin, member Gayle Albin-Bailey’s charming 5-year-old grand daughter, Galena Gilman and Wilson Benitez of the Torrance-Del Amo Rotary Club, Hunter Cook of the Newport-Balboa Rotary Club, James and Pat Gardner of the Atlanta Mid-Town Rotary Club, and Myles McGray and Stu Arkin of the Deconstruction Network.
(HARBOR CITY) June 14, 2011 -- Ten Rotarians from the Rotary clubs of Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo were on hand today for a dictionary delivery project at the President Ave. School in Harbor City. The Scholastic Children's Dictionary was given to 250 third grade students.
Charlie Steinmetz of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club led a spirited discvussion with the children about archeology. He passed out for demonstration purposes fossilized archeological samples dating to hundreds and thousands years ago.
Meanwhile, members of the delivery team taught childen how to look up words, and discussed the importance of dictionries in their own success in the business world. The first word to look up? Archeology, of course.
With this project the three clubs have fulfilled their obligation under the District Simplified Grant requirements of District 5280. The three clubs partnered to distribute dictionaries as a Literacy Project to schools in the South Bay and nearby low income communities.
(REDONDO BEACH) As many of you know last week our club participated in a ShelterBox promotion at Redondo Union High School. Shown above, from left to right, Mary Little, Bill Paul and Alexis Sheehy were on hand. The promotion was intended to generate interest among students to donate to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. Boy, did the kids come through. "The latest total is $4,697.88. I am thrilled," said Mary Little, principal of the school in an email last Friday. That's right, $4697.88, almost enough for five ShelterBoxes! And according to Principal Little donations are still coming in.
"We will honor the students, ASB advisors, and Principal Mary Little during our April 13th luncheon," said Alexis Sheehy, the club's Interact chair. Click HERE for more photos, courtesey of Jim Dyer, District 5280 Disaster Relief Director.
At our last Board of Directors meeting your board approved at least $1,000 to purchase at least one ShelterBox for Japan relief. Looks to me as if we might kick that up a bit as 2,500 kids are Redondo Union High School have shown us the way! And bear in mind, two years ago for Haiti relief students at Redondo Union High School raised $6,500 to send ShelterBoxes to that devastated Carribbean island nation.
We do have a busy week ahead of us. At this week's luncheon I'll ask for volunteers for specific Dictionary Distribution assignments. Remember, that's our DSG project. Seven members have already said they'd help out. Also, we will discuss Springfest and the level of our club's participation in the event scheduled for Apirl 14-17. We are planning a special Service Above Self Award for a special young student at South High School. Wait until you hear what she is up to. It will inspire you, I promise. AG Jamie Sul will visit to hlep promote the upcoming District Conference, plus we'll choose a Rotary Selector to represent us at the 2012-2013 RI Council on Legislation. Our luncheon speaker is Bob De Lorenzo, President and Chairman of the Board of the Regal Institute for Science Education (RISE), who will discuss the Challenger Learning Institute.
See you Wednesday
Since we were DARK DARK DARK this week, were you looking for a makeup club location? Did you know there is an iPhone app that will locate a club near your present location? You can now search for a Rotary club with RI's free iPhone app. In the Apple app store it's called the Rotary Club Locator from Rotary International. The free app also will soon be offered for Android phones. Here are a couple of screen shots from my iPhone:
If you are traveling this is a great way to find a local club for a make-up.
Since we were DARK DARK DARK this week, I was looking for a makeup club location. Did you know there is an iPhone app that will locate a club near your present location? . You can now search for a Rotary club with RI's free iPhone app. In the Apple app store it's called the Rotary Club Locator from Rotary International. The app also will soon be offered for Android phones. Here are a couple of screen shots from my iPhone:
If you are traveling this is a great way to find a local club for a make-up.
(REDONDO BEACH) So we got a double hit by having Adell Shay as our luncheon speaker this week. Adell delivered a talk on literacy and the difficulities of remaining literate in the modern world of digital communications. Then she referenced her visit to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach and her talk about literacy in her weekly column in the Daily Breeze. Click HERE to read her column in case you missed the March 19th edition of the Daily Breeze. One of our guests at this week's luncheon was Mark Conti, a long-time member from several years ago. Glad you could visit Mark. Come back and join us!
Redondo Beach Rotarian Alexis Sheehy will be our guest speaker this week. Her topic is the life of Beatrix Potter, author/artist of the Peter Rabbit stories, sheep farmer, and early environmentalist. A teacher and school administrator during her working career, Alexis' subject should bring back childhood memories for many of us who grew up with the charming stories about the adventures of Peter Rabbit.
We've also got several possible dates and school sites for our dictionary delivery project. Our club received a District Simplified Grant in the amount of $2500.00 toward the project. Following the lead of the El Segundo and Manhattan Beach Rotary Clubs we decided to kick in an additional $1,000.00 to purchase additional dictionaries. In addition to those two clubs we are partnering with the Chivas Professional Soccer League and Wonder of Reading, a non-profit in Los Angeles dedicated to aid 130,000 elementary-age children read at grade level.
Our monthly board meeting is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, March 23rd at the STN offices at 5334 Torrance Blvd. With Casino Night now complete and some cash in the bank the Board of Directors will finalize distribution for some of the causes we've committed to support. All club members are invited to attend. New members in particular are encouraged to attend. Not only is attendance at at least one board meeting a Red Badge requirement, you'll see your board in action and not simply engaging in endless talk and planning.
(FIJI) Redondo Beach Rotarian Karen Weigel, and her husband Jeff, are in Fiji for two weeks attending a Nurses Dermatology Workshop, "Common Skin Diseases in Fiji", funded by a matching grant from the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, and Rotary clubs in North Sydney, Austrailia and Suva, Fiji . Karen sent an email describing the event.
"On Monday, March 14 Dr. Joseta Koroivueta, Deputy Director for Public Health in the Fiji Ministry of Health joined the head of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health - Health Promotion Office on Fiji One TV to kick off the Common Skin Disease Nurses Dermatology Workshop. Kalpesh Solanki, Malini Raghwan from the Suva club represented Rotary. The Fiji Times was also present. It was a big deal.
"Dr. Joseta Koroivueta opened the session along with Dr. Margot Whitfeld, head of Dermatology at Saint Vincents Hospital in Sydney. Dr. Apisolome Nakolinivaw and Dr. Meciusela Tuicakau, and Dr Lisi Tikoduadua all participated in training of the first group of senior nurses to be trained as field trainers.
"The Fiji Sun was here to cover today, the second day of training. Over the next three weeks 28 senior nurses, in two groups will be certified as field trainers."
Click HERE for more photos.
March 09, 2011- The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul.
Invocation by Connie Segal, flag salute led by Karen Weigel.
MOW by Scott Fellow. Next week it will be Steve Sammarco and ???
Student of the month from Pares Middle School, Matty Bright received a certificate and a 25 dollar gift certificate, I bet her parents would prefer a bumper sticker.
Call Gayle Bailey if you want to help her with the re-painting of the Wylan Wall across the street from the Blue Water Grill.
Bring in you plastic bottles, beer and soda cans or bottles and anything that has a CRV, and that will go to getting rid of polio now.
Lotsa talk by Big Bill about getting ready for Casino Night. Nuff talk Bill, let's party!
Someone changed the time honored craft talk to a spotlight, and now I suppose a door can be a jar. Anyway, Rolando lived an interesting life and the rest will be history.
Raffle: $94.00 But only 10 bucks won by "Lexus" Sheehy.
Mansour the pizza man, is still in business, call him at 310-370- 3900 for you own pizza, but call him and order pizza for Wednesday. Better yet buy a big piece of real estate.
Paul Salmo the Rotarian of the Year for 2009/10 brings wine every week and he would be happy to furnish the drinks to go with your pizza.
More than 40 Redondo Beach Rotarians attended
the luncheon. We were joined by Rotarians from El Segundo,
Please be prepared to review and make any pertinent observations about the plans for the event. Also, if you haven’t done so yet review your ticket sales. Turn in any late ticket information to Larry Hashimoto.
Work is also underway on the club’s Awards Booklet submission. It is due to the District 5280 office
end-of-day- March 14th.
Thanks to Karen Weigel, Cathy Steffen, Jim Sheehy, Pat Haynes, Terry
Bichlmeier and Ron Cody for their work in helping prepare the booklet. A draft copy will be available for review and
inspection by club members at Wednesday’s luncheon.
The big Yellow Limo
(REDONDO BEACH) February 23, 2011- The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul.
Remember next week we go to the Los Angeles Air Force Base, car pool from the Performing Arts Center at the corner of Aviation and Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Invocation by a D Covington, flag salute led Mel Nichols.
MOW by Chat Campbell and the driver Bill Gard. Next week it will be Ernie O’Dell and your writer, and then it is off to the Air Force.
Again Casino night is March12, 2011 in Torrance, still open for auction items, clean out your garage and bring a bottle of wine for the special wall of wine.
Fine Master Ali could find nothing to do but fine people who didn’t wear a pin, which I find to be a good excuse for not doing your homework. (pun intended) The fine was one buck in thecash jar for our Community Foundation.
You can still bring in you plastic bottles, beer and soda cans or bottles and anything that has a CRV, and that will go to getting rid of polio now
Raffle: $67.00, but only 10 bucks won by Dal Covington
Mansour the pizza man, is still in business, call him at 310-370- 3900 for you own pizza, but call him and order pizza for Wednesday. Better yet buy a big piece of real estate.
Paul Salmo the Rotarian of the Year for 2009/10 brings wine every week and he would be happy to furnish the drinks to go with your pizza.
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Student of the Month Mitchell Mahowald and family
Student of the Month: New Generations chair Jim Sheehy announced that Mitchell Mahowald, and 8th grader from St. Lawrence Martyr elementary school, was named the club’s Student of the Month. “We selected Mitchell on the basis of his academic performance, participation in school activities, and community leadership,” said Sheehy.
(Redondo Beach) February 16, 2011- The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul, only 4 minutes late, he should remember open late close early, which he did.
Invocation by new member Don Prosser, flag salute led by Bob Peterson from Hermosa Beach Rotary.
MOW by Scott Fellows & Cris Bennett -- next week it will be ??.
Casino Night is March 12, 2011 in Torrance, still open for auction items, clean out your garage and bring a bottle of wine for the special wall of wine.
Jim Sheehy standing in for the shopping Lexus gave the student of the month a certificate but not bumper sticker or gift certificate, that is why his wife could go shopping.
Fine master Loan Shark Ali, Jim Sheehy for going on vacation, guess that is why he couldn’t afford a gift card. He was in England and trying to drive to Conn. You figure. Bill Paul 17 for new granddaughter, Jim Chen 150 lb tuna 1 per pound, retails for 19 per pound he got off cheap, and all members who were inducted in February 1 per year, except your writer he got hit for only 50 cents per year, guess Ali ran out of finger and toes.
Bring in you plastic bottles, beer and soda cans or bottles and anything that has a CRV, and that will go to getting rid of polio now
Raffle: $79.00 But only 10 bucks won by Jean Hirano
Mansour the pizza man, is still in business, call him at 310-370- 3900 for you own pizza, but call him and order pizza for Wednesday. Better yet buy a big piece of real estate.
Paul Salmo the Rotarian of the Year for 2009/10 brings wine every week and he would be happy to furnish the drinks to go with your pizza.
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The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach has scheduled a luncheon meeting at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo. The hour-and-a-half luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd. The base is responsible for contracts to local firms of about $10 billion+ annually. Base Commander Lt. General John T. Sheridan will lead the discussion about the economic and employment impact of the base to the Southern California economy. Seating is limited to the first 200 registrants. Lunch will cost $20.00. Payment in advance preferred, or at door accepted.
Click HERE to download the registration flyer and then click HERE for maps and direction to the base. Reservations must be received end-of-day February 23rd to allow Air Force personnel to conduct security checks of registrants. Optional tours of the Space & Missile Command and "STARS" complex will be available after the formal presentation.
The big Yellow Limo
(REDONDO BEACH) February 09, 2011 - The weekly lunch meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul -- on time!
We heard about Casino Night planning, our recent Community service Beer Pour, an additional PHF in our club, and a speaker who discussed an international topic!
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The club received a letter from The Rotary Foundation recently,
notifying us that 41 members of the Rotary Club of Redondo
Beach had contributed within the past six months. Shown here
are 39 of them. Altogether 54 individuals in the club have
contributed $1,000.00 or more and are now Paul Harris Fellows.
Altogether club members have received 155 PHF awards.
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Our club recently received notification from The Rotary Foundation
that 41 of our members contributed to the Foundation in 2010.
Shown in this photo are 39 of them. Altogether 54 Redondo
Beach Rotarians are Paul Harris Fellows and they have
accumulated a total of 156 PHF awards.
By Bill Paul
President
Rotary Club of Redondo Beach
(REDONDO BEACH) The January 19, 2011 meeting of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club opened with an invocation by new member Rolando Andrade and the flag salute by Mel Nichols
In her Family of Rotary message, Pearl Davis noted that Pat Haynes son, Brian, was rushed to the hospital in Encinitas with a case of spinal meningitides. At last word from Pat, Brian has been released from the hospital and is resting at home.
The big Yellow Limo
by Dal Covington
Bulletin Editor
(REDONDO BEACH) January 19, 2011 - The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul 7 minutes late. He should remember open late close early.
Invocation by a new member Rolando Andrade, flag salute led by Mel the traveler Nichols.
MOW by Scott Fellows next week it will be ??.
Remember, Casino Night is March12, 2011 in Torrance, don’t forget your passport, the theme is an old west theme - Aces & Eights. See Scott Fast Draw Fellow b4 he sees you. Cathy Steffens is going on a cruise and wants you to give her stuff for the silent and not tax audits or face treatment; she wants expensive stuff, like unused unwanted Christmas presents. Painless Larry says sell your tickets of loose your teeth.
PE Nancy cleaned the closet and if you mess it she will clean your clock. Chat says she tough=ugh enough to do it.
Rick McDozer presented Lexus with a PHF award, and addition pins to Nancy the cleaner and Kathy the beggar, I and 2 stones.
Fine master Loan Shark Ali, 5 buck each, Rick for sound machine, Cathy for long talk, Digger O’Day for cell call, Chuck the Fiction Writer for telling a long story on himself, and Eleanor for adopting kids.
Bring in you plastic bottles, beer and soda cans or bottles and anything that has a CRV, and that will go to getting rid of polio now
Raffle: $150.00 won by Paul the bootlegger Salmo
Mansour the pizza man, is still in business, call him at 310-370- 3900 for you own pizza, but call him and order pizza for Wednesday. Better yet buy a big piece of real estate.
Paul Salmo the Rotarian of the Year for 2009/10 brings wine every week and he would be happy to furnish the drinks to go with your pizza.
By Bill Paul
President
Redondo Beach Rotary Club
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Attending from our club: Rick Mendoza, Chuck Anderson, Pat Cashin, Ted & Kim Wendorff, Bill &
CASINO NIGHT: In other news of interest to the club, planning for Casino Night is moving ahead. Scott Fellows is finalizing venue details with the City of
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District 5280 Governor Doug Baker presents Paul Harris Fellow recognition to LA County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Our attendance of 69 was a record; well, at least since RI President DK Lee visited our club three years ago. This week’s attendance was aided by a several visitors, among them: Gov. Doug Baker of Rotary District 5280, A.G. Jim Beardsley of the Sunrise Rotary Club, luncheon speaker Don Knabe, Steve Napolitano, Lori Jackman, Jeff Weigel, Ron Cerros, Kenny Dewan, Mary Crenshaw, Amy Sachdeo, Ernest Spallworth, Tina Hansen, Jeff Winkler, Connie Siegel, Lt. Mike Stark of the Redondo Beach PD, former Riviera Rotary Club President Larry King, Student of the Month Mya Roberts and her parents Janet & Scott Roberts, and Peter Tucker, mayor of Hermosa Beach, and Angela and Bob Peterson of the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club.
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| 2011 Rotary Float: BUILDING COMMUNITIES BRIDGING CONTINENTS More Float INFO HERE PHOTOS HERE |
Our club was busy though over the Holidays. Jim and Alexis Sheehy took a group of 19 teen-age Interactors from the
(REDONDO BEACH) Veterans Day had special meaning for the community of Redondo Beach. Under balmy southern California blue skies, the city dedicated the new Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial as a crownd estimated at 500 residents, veterans and others watched on. Shown above, Rotarian Mayor Mike Gin is cutting the ribbon. Standing to the mayor's left are Rotarians Ernie O'Dell and Herb Masi. Wearing a red tie in the third row is City Councilman and Rotarian Steve Aspel. Located at the intersection of Catalina and Torrance Blvd., the Memorial site dedication culminated three years of planning and construction.
The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is a Bronze level sponsor of the Memorial with two bronze plaques placed in the club's name on the site. One plaque is located in the entryway to the Memorial, the second is atop one of the benches surrounding the flagpole. Click HERE for more photos of this patriotic event.
 Paul Harris Celebration. More pictures HERE. |
This week’s meeting, November 3rd, saw several visitors attend our club luncheon: Arlyne Kruger, a Rotarian from Albuquerque who has a home in Hermosa Beach; AJ Jackson, a Rotarian from Salt Lake City who is a member of the Southwest eClub; Joe Loprena; Rolando Andrade (who is being proposed for membership); and our Student of the Month Jacob Alther and his parents and school principal, Joe Ladue.
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Sign-up sheets were sent around for the Paul Harris Foundation celebration on November 7th at the House of Blues in
Gayle explained details of the meal plan for next weekend’s Social Event at her home. The event will be held on November
14 at Gayle's home (
(SOUTH BAY) The "Torrance 4" Rotary Clubs of Del Amo, Torrance, South Bay Sunrise and Lomita-Torrance Airport are sponsoring the 2nd Annual UCLA-USC Tailgate Luncheon on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. The event will feature speakers UCLA football alumnus James Washington who played on Sunday for the St. Louis Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins and is now a commentator on Fox Sports Radio and Prime Ticket. Also on the program is USC alum Darrell Rideaux who played for the Indianapolis Colts, Berlin Thunder, and is currently a sideline analyst and now an ESPN Reporter.
The Tailgate Luncheon will be held at the Doubletree Hotel (on Hawthorne Blvd., just south of Torrance Blvd.) in Torrance, starting at 11:45 a.m. Cost for the event is $25.00 per ticket if received by November 24th or $35.00 at the door. The game is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th at the Rose Bowl with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m For more information about the Tailgate Luncheon contact Karen Greenberg at (310) 266-7567 or by email to kgreenberg@socal.rr.com.
Click HERE for additional information about the event.
(REDONDO BEACH) October 19, 2010 -- Rotary Club President Bill Paul (left) receives proclamation from Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin. The Mayor and City Council issued the proclmation declaring October 24, 2010 as World Polio Day to recognize and honor the decades-long effort of Rotary International to eradicate polio from the face of the planet. Click HERE to view the proclamation.
(REDONDO BEACH) October 20, 2010- The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul, almost on time, BUT he closed 2 minutes early.
Invocation by Scott Fellows, flag salute led by pp James Jackman.
MOW by Herb Masi and DEC; Next week it will be I have no Idea.
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(REDONDO BEACH) Tickets for the October 16th Pancake Breakfast our club is co-sponsoring with the Salvation Army are now available. These signs appear on Beryl Street, promoting the upcoming event. For tickets contact Jean Hirano, Community Service Chair at 310-210-1858, or Athena at The Salvation Army at 310-318-2827. Cost: $5.00 per person. Click HERE for more information. |
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Club members (from left) Eleanor Manzano, Larry Hashimoto, Mark Smith, Terry Bichlemier, Bruce Logan, Ian Miesen, and child safety seat expert John Stubbs of the Sierra Madre Rotary Club. | |
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INDIAN WELLS, CALIF.) Colette and I just returned from
Photos courtsey of Rick Mendoza.
Barry Hamilton (right) aimed for $50 in our raffle but walked away with only $10.
(REDONDO BEACH) The meeting was opened by President
Visiting Rotarians and guests included Angela Peterson and Sandy Bagley of the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, and Detective John Skipper and Rick Petersen of the Redondo Beach Police Department.
The Big Yellow Limo
(REDONDO BEACH) September 8, 2010 - The meeting was opened by Big
The big Yellow Limo
(REDONDO BEACH) September 01, 2010 - The meeting was opened by Big Bill Paul, on time (under sans canopy
& throne), FNO know as King Bill.
(from left to right) Jamie Sul, Jim Sheehy,
Alexis Sheehy, Tori Hettinger and Bill Paul
More Pictures Here
The September 1, 2010 meeting of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach started on time with the ring of the gavel at 12:15 p.m. by President
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By Dal Covington
Bulletin Editor
(REDONDO BEACH) July 21, 2010- The meeting was opened by Big
(REDONDO BEACH) July 14, 2010 - Paul Salmo (left, above), owner of Paul's Liquor in
Redondo Beach, was named Rotarian of the Year for the 2009-2010 Rotary Year. Past
President James Jackman (right, above) said," Paul was always behind the scenes, and
he was always there for us. He donated food, he donated liquor, he set up and cleaned
up. And he never insisted on recognition. Paul Salmo personifies the best in Rotary."
MISSION: The Redondo Beach Rotary Club Community Foundation was launched on December 7, 2007 under the leadership of then-President Colette Paul. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of community life in Redondo Beach and its neighboring communities. Our mission is to provide support to local organizations and programs that enhance the well-being of community citizens, strengthen relationships and goodwill within the community, promote high ethical values and champion the Rotary ideal of service above self.
The board voted to not disburse any funds from the new Foundation until at least $50,000 is raised, with the exception of a small percent that must be disbursed annually as required by federal law.
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(REDONDO BEACH) October 9, 2013 -- At a club assembly, Gayle Albin-Bailey presidend as club members voted on several modifications to Article 6, 8 and 17 of the club bylaws and club rules. The modifications are shown below:
Article 6 Fees and Dues
Section 1 – The admission fee shall be $75 to be paid before the applicant can qualify as a member, except as provided for in the standard Rotary club constitution, article 11. In addition, the Paul Harris Sustaining Member fee shall be $50 and a matching donation will be given by the club on behalf of the applicant.
Section 4 – A facilities fee of $8.00 per weekly club meeting shall be charged, regardless of attendance. Luncheon costs are $13.00 per meal for members and $25.00 per meal for visiting Rotarians and guests. On the day of a new member’s induction, the new member and his or her sponsor shall not be charged for their meals.
Article 8 Avenues of Service
The Avenues of Service are the philosophical and practical framework for the work of this Rotary club. They are Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, and Youth Service. This club will be active in each of the Avenues of Service.
Article 17 Standing Rules and Other Club Policies
Section 6 – As soon after the close of the Rotary year books (June 30) as possible, the immediate Past President, President and immediate past Treasurer shall review the Club financial reports on an accrual basis (excluding net income from “major fundraising event”). Taking into account the uncollected dues, meals and other charges at June 30 as income and unpaid invoices and obligations as expenses, any net funds in excess of $5,000 may be split as follows: 50% contributed to the Charitable Foundation of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach (if active) and the remaining 50% to stay in the bank account of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach to be used as seed money for the current (July 1 to June 30) Rotary year expenses. Example: If the net funds are $7,000, the $2,000 in excess of the $5,000 base may be split with $1,000 going to the Foundation and $1,000 staying in the Club.
Approved on and adopted on .
Karen Weigel
President
2013 - 2014
This week our speaker will be...
Mike Stark
Mike is president & CEO of Pacer Distribution Services, a division of Pacer International, a publically traded (NASDAQ) global logistics company. Prior, Mike was managing partner of Consolidation Partners LLC, a firm that works with owners of privately held companies to facilitate a Partnership Roll- Up™ strategy and was president and CEO of Worldwide Panel, LLC, a marketing services company serving the marketing research industry. Mike has also served as an executive in the supply chain management industry, serving as president and CEO of three supply chain management companies; Weber Distribution, VSR Logistics and RoadLink Warehouse Solutions.
Hello All Redondo Beach Rotarians!
It's been awhile since I've submitted comments to the newsletter. Have you missed me?
The photo is of Chat and I at the District's Paul Harris Foundation Gala in October. Some were in tuxes, we were in Highland attire.
I mention this function because it was a fine hour for District 5280, I hope to always attend.
Sadly, our District has suffered a huge loss this weekend. District Governor Elect, Jim Dyer, passed away Friday night. He had been preparing for his role as District Governor for years and his vision and leadership has been lost to all of us, his Rotary family. Please join me in honoring his memory and in offering support to his wife, Sharen, and all his family and friends.
What can we do? How can we help? There will be opportunities. The District will share them with us as they enfold. I will keep you posted as I can.
In the meantime we can honor our Club's commitment to the District. In all we say or do, please join with me to share our strength and commitment.
Yours in Rotary,
Nancy Campbell
Sr. Vice President
AccuFood Foodservice, Inc.
424-634-2253
Rotary Club of Redondo Beach
President 2012-2013
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Click HERE or below to see slide show
The Redondo Beach Rotary Club will be DARK for the next two weeks.
Enjoy a safe and Happy New Year!
RBRC will be back to the Bluewater Grille on January 11th!
This week at the Redondo Beach Rotary Club our speaker will be...
Our speaker this week will be...
Jay Johnson speaking on: "Long Term Care Basics"
Mr. Johnson is the Director of Long Term Care Sales at Liesure, Werden and Terry Associates.
See you Wednesday in the Captain's Cabin downstairs at the Bluewater Grill !
OUR SECOND EVENING MEETING THIS WEEK!
Our Second Evening Meeting features, Dr. Shizhong Chen, from the Oriental Culture and Media Center who will be speaking on The Renaissance of Chinese Culture. RSVP via the eVite to President Steve. The evening starts at 5:30PM with no-host cocktails and dinner following at 6PM.
See you Wednesday Evening at the Bluewater Grill!
Robin Dreizler is the Director of Outreach and School Relations at El Camino College (and also the brother of our own Gayle Bailey!). He will be speaking to the Redondo Beach Rotary Club about "The State of Higher Education"
See you Wednesday at the Bluewater Grill!
Craft Talks this Week!
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Tina Phillips
Sponsored by Karen Weigel
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Galina Gilman
Sponsored by Rick Mendoza |
This week our program will be Craft Talks by Tina Phillips & Galina Gilman. Craft talks are always one of our best programs when we get to learn more about new RBRC members.
See you on Wednesday at the Blue Water Grill!
Click above or here to watch Rotary Minute: What have you learned from being a Rotarian?
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DG Brad Robinson |
Girl Scout Sarah with her Uncle Paul Salmo |
This week our speaker will be Michael Stark, Reserve Commander in the Redondo Beach Police Reserve Corps and co-author of Redondo Beach Police Department: an Images of America Series . Our meeting goes back to our regular Wednesday meeting time.
Visitors: Our Speaker, a visiting Rotarian from the Santa Fe Springs Rotary Club, Commodore Harry Jacobs was introduced along with special guest of Gayle Albin-Bailey, David Trozak. David works with shopping centers providing management consulting services.
Meals On Wheels: Scott Fellows and PP Wayne Bradshaw. Next week Bill Gard and Chat Campbell have volunteered.
President Steve reminded us that next week's meeting will be our first evening meeting. Spouses and guests are encouraged to attend. The meeting location doesn't change but we are starting at 5:30PM with a no-host bar followed at 6PM with the start of the meeting. Our speaker will be the President and CEO of Neutrogena, Ms. Susan Sweet. (Read more about Ms. Sweet here). She will be speaking on "The Effects of The Sun on Skin." This should be a great meeting. You should have already received an eVite for the event. Please be sure to RSVP. In the off chance that you did not receive the eVite please contact President Steve at his office (310-543-0262) and let him know your intentions.
Our Speaker Como. Harry Jacobs, District Commodore 11th Coast Guard District, will discuss "America's Waterway Watch"
Taking the Oath of Office for 2011-12
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President Steve Scerra was sworn in by PDG Vicki Radel | New Board Members sworn in by PDG Rick Mendoza. |
A new leadership team took the helm of the Redondo Beach Rotary Club. How will you support them? Check the RBRC Website home page to see the Team's individual positions, then step up to the plate and offer your help to make Steve Scerra's year as our President a Home Run!
SUMMER SOCIAL AT RBRC MEETING THIS WEEK
Our meeting this Wednesday (June 29th) will be a Summer Social: a chance to enjoy food and fellowship with your fellow Rotarians and Guests. Nancy Campbell (Pres-Elect 2011-2012) will be standing in for President Bill who is still in Fiji.
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| Nancy Campbell receives the Rotarian of the Year Award | Passing the Gavel |
A multi-club project providing new dictionaries to the third grade classes of Lincoln and Birny elementary school. Dr. Alexis Sheehy did a wonderful job of coordinating the project and leading the distribution. View photos below or click here.
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Three Redondo Beach Rotarians met with LaPaz Rotarians and fire officials the weekend of October 16-18, 2010. They were inspecting the fire truck our club helped fund for LaPaz a few years ago, and scouting possible international service projects for the 2011-2012 Rotary Year. (from left) Teri and Dr. Alfonso Pena Madero, current president of the LaPaz Rotary Club, Terry Bichlmeier, Vicki Radel, Joel Garcia Mascareno, LaPaz Rotary President-elect and his wife Maria, and Peter Latey of the LA5 Rotary Club. Missing from the photo is Karen Weigel. |
Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced: Ray Haynes, spouse of member Pat Haynes; Andrea Seastrand, our luncheon speaker; Rolando Andrade, a visiting Rotarian from Bowling Green Ohio; Colon Wolson, a visiting Rotarian from Capetown, South Africa; and Connie Siegel, a frequent visitor and Rotarian from Harrisburg, Penn.
Following Hugs and Handshakes, President Bill Paul opened the business meeting by citing the World Polio Day proclamation issued the night before by the Redondo Beach City Council. Rotary International has designated October 24 as World Polio Day.
Community Service Chair Jean Hirano reported on the Pancake Breakfast our club
jointly sponsored with The Salvation Army last Saturday, October 16th. To date, the fund-raising event raised $1720. After expenses of (an estimated) $125, the
club will split the remainder with The Salvation Army. For her outstanding service on this project,
President Paul named Jean Hirano as Rotarian of the Month for October, 2010. More meeting picture here.
HISTORY OF THE RESERVE CORPS DINNER
In 1984, Les and Maryann Guthrie, along with Jim Parker, agreed that the Redondo Beach Police
Reserve Officers should be recognized for all the volunteer hours they donate to the community.
Working through the Chamber of Commerce, they organized the first annual awards banquet--
held January 30, 1985.
Over the years, this event was sustained by the Chamber of Commerce who made it part of their
program of work. The intent of this banquet is to honor Reserve Officers and to raise enough
money to make a donation to the Reserve Program, no strings attached.
The essence of the banquet is this: To raise the funding, solicitation letters are sent to companies in the City and surrounding area; donors are recognized and listed on the program.
Funds raised for the banquet are needed to pay for:
• Printing and mailing invitations.
• Printing commemorative program.
• Pay the cost of the dinner for the Reserve Officers and their guest.
Tickets to this event are priced at $60 each, so attending council members and civic groups who
want to purchase tickets or a table can support the event. (Actual cost averages $30 per person,
so any tickets purchased covers the cost of the attendee and also helps pay for one Reserve
Officer.)
Other attendees to this event include:
• Mayor and City Council members
• Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board
• Redondo Rotary Club President
The Reserve officer staff, with a little input from the banquet coordinator, organizes the evening.
The Reserve staff prepares the program, provides the “Master of Ceremonies”, and purchases
the awards.
In 1995 the Redondo Rotary Club took over organizing this event and covered the cost of the
dinner and still had $1,000 to donate to the Reserve Officers for training purposes or equipment
each year. This was all made possible through donations from the various sponsors listed on the
program.
This year, 2009, we were able to cover the cost of the dinner and donate $3,500 to the Reserves.
The project was completed within the budget and on time.
Any other Rotary Club wishing to support their city’s Police Reserve Corps can duplicate this
project.
(REDONDO BEACH) June 16, 2010- The meeting was opened by Jungle Jim, on time. Invocation by Dave the short Whitehead and flag salute by Terry the bookie Bichlmeier. MOW (that's Meals on Wheels) by the Mel no knock Nichols and No Bill avocado Gard. Next week it will be Scott Fellow & The Short Dave. Fine Master Ali loan shark Adham e-mails him with juicy item at alialoan@hotmail.com.
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(REDONDO BEACH) - I would like to take this space to thank you, the members of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, for such a demotion party and a great year! If you were not at the party you missed a great one! I am so thankful to you all for the great send off! Thank You !! Click on this link to see a slideshow of the President's (I guess that's me) Demotion Party!
(REDONDO BEACH) We have one more week in May and just six weeks left of this Rotary Year! With just six weeks left in this Rotary year what are you going to do as a Rotarian? What difference can you make in our club, our community, our world?
Do know 5 people who would donate $50.00 to END POLIO NOW? If every club member got just 5 people to donate $50.00 to the effort we would make the $33,000.00 goal! That is less than one person per Rotarian per week! Who will you ask?
And yes if we make our goal on or by June 30th I will shave my head!
What happened this month? Read on...
The Redondo Beach Rotary Club collected 322,330 steps in the 2010 Steppin Out challenge which put the RB Rotary in first place among the civic groups that participated. To honor RB Rotary participation, we would like to invite a participant from the RB Rotary to attend the Beach Cities Health District Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. Steppin Out Recognition is first part of the agenda and the goal is to have the recognition completed by 7 p.m. Please let me know if you can attend the board meeting and which representative will be attending the event.
Brandy Harkins
Beach Cities Health District
(GARDENA, CALIFORNIA) The Redondo Beach Rotary Club team placed second
in the 7th Annual Rotary Grand Prix. "It was a team effort," said Scott
Fellows, team captain. "We made numerous adjustments regarding when to
pit and how to signal the driver, and from where to do it." Driving for Redondo
were Bruce Logan, Lori Logan, Steve Aspel, Jim Chen and Scott Fellows. "Jim
and Bruce were clearly the fastest of the group. We lost by just a lap, due to
a couple of costly spin outs by Dr. Painless. We probably would have still come
in second, but a lot closer. We simply lost to a faster team." The event was
sponsored by the Gardena-Carson-Dominguez Rotary Club. Click HERE for more
race photos. Photos courtsey of David Whitehead.
(Redondo Beach, CA) - April 2, 2010
It has been almost two weeks since our Casino Night Night Fund Raiser. It appears that we netted around $28,000.00 this year! Everyone I have spokent with has had only great stories to tell of the fabulous time the had at our event! If you missed it I can assure you that we missed you!
(Redondo Beach, CA) - February 24, 2010
I am back. A refreshing break from the daily activities of life, work and Rotary. So what did I get for myself while on vacation besides the fabulous experiences and rest?
Well, I now know that my business is more of a self sustaining entity than I would have thought prior to the trip. Not that we did not have our blips but I actually felt - and was proven right - that the people in place are solid performers who carryout their duties even without me around to hold them accountible. This may be a basic expection for some because you have a seasoned work force and a seasoned business - Acme Clean Air, Inc. will celebrate its fifth year of existance in June of this year.
This is the same feeling I have about our Club. The president, can go away on vacation and the club continues to operate extremely well. We have a seasoned membership! Our board has depth of experience as well as breadth of knowlege drive and enthusiasm. The board and club members have their accountibilities and they execute them regardless of who is around to see or prompt them.
Karen Weigel demonstrates this expectation taking vacation just before the Casino Night - the Chairs for the Committees have their assignments, they know what to do and they are off doing just that. The event is coming together nicely. It looks to be ANOTHER GREAT EVENT by the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach!
So - What are you doing for CASINO NIGHT? Have you sold or at least paid for your tickets yet? To get the Early Biord Discount of $10.00 per ticket you must turn in your money or have the letter postmarked by March 1, 2010! Who are you bringing? I will have lots of friends at the event. They are even paying there own way to celebrate with us!
Have you bought or at least considered your costume for the evening - Roaring 20's - Tuxedo Time for the Guys and Flapper Dresses for the women. And hats, Hats, HATS for all. (I love hats - not ball caps but real hats, fedoras, fezes, cowboy, and straw sun hats!)
Have you turned in your Silent Auction Items yet? Get those to Cathy so she is not swamped in the last week.
Have you submitted your sponsorships? Have you asked other business owners to sponsor a table or even the event?
This is our big opportunity to shine in our community!
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
(Redondo Beach, CA) - February 1, 2010 - WOW February 2010 already?!
The good news about time passage is that our lives change and with proper care and attention improve. And in that light it is with great pleasure that I get to announce that Pearl Davis and Nelson Zager will be joining us on Wednesday after lengthy abscences - WELCOME BACK PEARL AND NELSON!
Also last week we heard that Chat Campbel is back at home! Way to go Chat! Can't wait to see you at the Wednesday meetings!
February brings us to the Super Bowl 10K and 5K Run/Walks in Redondo Beach. THis coming Sunday, February 7, 2010, WE the Rotary Club of Redodno Beach are staging a 5K Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for the END POLIO NOW - Bill and Melinda Gates Matching Grant. Our goal is to raise $500.00 per Rotarian for the walk. That is only $100.00 per kilometer or better yet 10 donors donating $50.00 each. IT IS TIME TO GET OUT AND GET DONORS! In truth how many times a year do you actual ask your friends and neighbors to support your Rotarian efforts? If you are like most people maybe once. And how often are you the first person everyone thinks to ask for your support of their efforts? If you are like most Rotarians ALL the time! So this is your chance to just ask your friends and Neighbors to support a Rotary Project.
Over 20 years ago Rotary started the project to Eradicate Polio from the face of the earth. Through all kinds of adversity Rotary is still working towards the worthy goal. THis is the final push to eradicate polio in the last 4 areas of the world where it still is an academic. Bill Gates gave $155 million and pledged another $200 Million if Rotary would match the $200 million. This is our part of that $200 million match.
PICK UP YOUR PLEDGE FORM WEDNESDAY - GET YOUR PLEDGES AND WALK WITH US ON SUNDAY.
(REDONDO BEACH, CA) - January 25, 2010 - So as you have probably surmised I have been very busy in this New Year. I will bet that we all have!
(Redondo Beach) - December 21, 2009 - The Holidays! Hanukkah - The Festival of Lights - ended on December 19, 2009 after eight days of festivities. Christmas is next. For many this is the season of Joy and Peace. We Rotarians know that it is also a time of great need in our community and around the world. And as Rotarians we have responded to maks a difference with donations of money and service. So I would like to say THANK YOU! to each and every one of our club members for your service, your time, and your money. Thank you for being ROTARIANS. We will meet again January 6, 2010!
Happy Hanukkah! MerryChristmas! Happy New Year!
(Redondo Beach, CA) - December 14, 2009 - The Holidays are here! We celebrated on Sunday at Karen Weigel's home with a fabulous and abundant pot luck dinner! Thank you to all who participated. Steve Scerra was taking attendance and you all receive a make up for the event!
Next Tuesday, December 22, 2009 marks the 85th Anniversary of our Club's Charter! This is a momentous occasion. (One that without the diligence of PDG Rick Mendoza we all may have missed.) Come to the meeting Wednesday, December 16, 2009 to mark this occasion with a toast and a club roast! This is your chance to get in front of the room and share a few of your Rotarian memories of our club, events, projects and the fame and foibles all to be remembered from both the Hollywood Riviera Club and the North Redondo Beach Club. Tell stories of the past and tell us all why you are a Rotarian! We are the program.
This will be our last meeting of calendar year 2009! (We are dark Wednesday December 23, 2009 and Wednesday , December 30, 2009!)
See you tomorrow! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
(REDONDO BEACH) - December 7, 2009
"The Holidays" - What a great time to reflect on our lives, where we have been and where we are going.
Where we have been this year as Rotarians: We have had our visit by the District Governor Suzanne. We have completed one major international project - Fiji Water tanks, and are in the process of completing the Fire Truck for La Paz project. We have given several thousands of dollars to our favorite charities and have celebrated the service of fellow Rotarians. We have given of our time serving Meals on Wheels, Breakfast to the Employees of Redondo Beach, hosted the District Family Picnc and the First President's Dinner of this Rotary Year.
AND the best is yet to come!
What we have lined up for the future is the Cheer for Children Holiday Party at Washington OH School on December 9, 2009, Our Club Assembly where we elect our 2010-2011 Club Officers AND our 2010-2011 Club Foundation Officers on Wednesday December 9, 2009 our Holiday Party Pot Luck Dinner at Karen Weigel's House on Sunday December 13, 2009. Our END POLIO NOW Walk-A-Thon fund raiser on February 7, 2010, Our Beer pouring service on the same day at the SuperBowl Sunday - 10K, Our Casino Night at The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Theatre on March 20, 2010.
For me that greatest part of all of these things we are doing is that WE are doing them together, as Rotarians!
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So what is next for The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach? We have our annual Cheer for Children volunteer event. I will dress up to look like a very skinny Santa Claus to help my fellow Rotarian Elves pass out gifts to the good little boys and girls of the South Bay. This will take place Wednesday, November 9th at Washington School. Will you be an Elf?
Also on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 we have our second Club Assembly and Election of the 2010-2001 board which includes the selection of the President-elect who will be our president for 2011-2012! Come make your selections! This is your club!
Our Holiday Party will be Sunday Dec. 13 starting at 5:00pm at Karen Weigel's home at 1019 9th St., Manhattan Beach. This year our party is a modified pot luck affair. Bill Gard (Yeah Bill!) has sent out a request for signing up to prepare a portion of the meal. What are you bringing? Karen thank you for the gift of the use of your home!
We will be dark on December 23 and December 30!
Happy Holidays to my favorite Rotarians!
TAVEUNI, FIJI -- During the months of
October and November, members of the
Taveuni Rotary Club contributed labor to
install seven water catechment towers
at school sites on the island. They did so
with the assistance of $5600 donated by
the Redondo Beach Rotary Club, explained
Rotarian Karen Weigel who coordinated
raising funding for the project. She said
the catchment towers were needed to
improve sanitation at the schools following
60 cases of typhoid among school children
last year. Half the funds were raised by
auctioning a week's vacation in Fiji at our
club's Casino Night last spring. Air Pacific
Airlines contributed the value of the flight
and Paradise Resort contributed seven nights
lodging. Our club donated the remaining half
-- $2800 -- towards the project.
Redondo Beach – (November 9, 2009) – This week were are embarking on the development and production of our BIGGEST fundraising event of the year and dare I say - the history of the club. We have set a goal of $55,000.00 revenue and $40,000.00 net income for the event! As Karen Weigel demonstrated to us last year, a big goal can be met with good planning! So, on Wednesday November 11, 2009 we will hold a club assembly and begin setting the stage for a fabulous event!
To prepare for the meeting, first of all put it on your calendar to be there! Then think about all of your talents and skills, how can you use them to make a difference for the club and the event? Be prepared to sign up for one of the committees that stretches you and excites you. That is all there is to it!
Wednesday is Veteran's Day, come honor all of our members and their colleagues for the service that they provided in keeping our great country great, safe and free!
I will see you on Wednesday!
Wow another month has gone by in the 2009-2010 Rotary Year! We complete the first quarter today, not necessarily a big milestone in Rotary, a milestone none-the-less. So what do we have left to do this year? Just about everything!
This Saturday, October 3, 2009 is the Paul Harris Celebration Casino Night at the Carson Community Center. (Colette Paul is the District Chairperson for the event.) Have you turned in your raffle tickets and money yet? The funds, you know, count toward your next Paul Harris Fellow and fulfill your contribution obligation to remain a "sustaining member."
Later in the month, October 21, 2009, we will be a little field trip with Lunch at the Salvation Army (No not "Meals on Wheels" fare.) for a joint meeting with other South Bay clubs. (Jean Hirano is our lead on the event!)
November will bring another joint meeting on the 18th when we will be hosting the Rotary Club of Lawndale at the Blue Water Grill. A chance for Lawndale to meet by the sea! The following Day we will be hosting the Presidents' dinner on November 19, 2009 for the District at MotoArt in Torrance. (Ron Cody is leading the Event for us!) And then one of my favorite events - Meals on Wheels set up for Thanksgiving! We get to work with the Interact Club at Redondo Union High School to prepare the Thanksgiving Day Dinners. Always a great time! If you have not done this yet be sure to put it on your calendar!
In December we have the Club Holiday Party; talk to Bill Gard to see how you can get involved in the planning! We also have the Tournament of Roses Parade float decorating. We are in Pasadena this year, actually decorating the float!! See Alexis Sheehy for the details – when she returns from her next big adventure! So you see we have a very active second Quarter!
What is your favorite event? I am sure I missed an item or two so come to the meetings and share your favorite Rotary Events with us!
(REDONDO BEACH) - September 14, 2009 - As September progresses we are coming into a busy Rotary time. This coming Sunday September 20, 2009 the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach is hosting the District Family Picnic at the Seaside Lagoon from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
(REDONDO BEACH) - September 7, 2009, So another holiday has come and gone. Labor Day has come to mark the end of summer. It is our last hurrah for the sun and the fun before our children head off to school and we prepare for the tough winter weather ... oh yeah, we live in Redondo Beach and tough winter weather amounts to a few cloudy days! Whew, I'm glad I got that out of my system.
Oh Yeah - I just remembered that the best of the summer fun is yet to come ... The Rotary District Family Picnic on Sunday September 20th! And we, The Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, are hosting it at the Seaside Lagoon! Have you registered to attend yet? Have you told your children that there will be cardboard boat races, and swimming and hot dogs and hamburgers and salads galore (Ok, don't tell them about the salads.) and desserts? Have you scheduled with your spouse so that they too will be at the picnic? Or even better yet - have you signed up to volunteer to cook, make a salad or beans or a dessert, all for 30 people, or maybe to clean up?
We are an important club in the district and this is our opportunity to serve the other clubs. We get to be an inspiration to the Rotary Family in Western LA. We get the opportunity to share our home and families with the other clubs and families in the district - and the District Governor will be there so it will count as a make up (I always look to point out all of the benefits of attending). So get it on your family calendar!
What could you do to make this Picnic the most memorable District Picnic yet? Email Ron Cody, Bill Gard or myself and let us know! See you on the 20th at the Lagoon!
(REDONDO BEACH) August 31, 2009 -- I don't know about you but I keep running across the raffle tickets for the Paul Harris celebration. Each time I see them I think to myself- "I should just pay for them and get them out of the way.' Then I look at what it takes to fill them out … I then realize that I am just procrastinating doing the inevitable. I know I am going to buy them. I am going to fill them out. So why not just do it now?
Did you know that only 20% of our club has taken this important step? What better way to satisfy our $100.00 annual obligation to The Rotary Foundation than to have an opportunity to win a trip to Cabo San Lucas or $1,000.00 cash or $500.00 gift certificate to Geary's in Beverly Hills?
What would it take for you to turn in your tickets today? The celebration is only a month away – why wait? Make it happen!
See you Wednesday at the meeting, bring a guest – perhaps you will get to be our secret greeter?
James
(REDONDO BEACH) I recently chaired the Club board meeting where we built our club budget for the 2009-2010 Rotary year. I was positively amazed and proud to be a member serving our great club. Yes we are experiencing a difficult economy and yes we are down in our membership because of it and even more importantly we are down in our attendance at club meeting. AND still we have assembled a budget which is generous in our charitable donations. The enthusiasm that was expressed at the meeting, even during the arduous process of developing the budget was fabulous. I wish you all could have been a part of it! And of course you will be a part of making it become a reality. The future of Rotary is in your hands! What a great club we are! See you Wednesday! Don't forget to BRING A ROTARIAN TO LUNCH with you this week!
James
Helloooo Redondo Beach Rotarians!!
The other day I was getting dressed for work. I grabbed my Rotary pin out of habit. I looked at the pin and was confused The banner on the pin was supposed to say "President" but what I was seeing was not the word president so I had to examine it more closely. What I saw was that I had been wearing the pin upside down all this time. I had become accustomed to all the other pins I had received in my service to Rotary that I never really read my President's pin.
Who have you shared your Rotary experiences with this week? Who have you inspired with the heroic steps you have taken in this life as a Rotarian?
Who have you invited to join Rotary? Who do you plan to ask to lunch this next week?
Hello Redondo Beach Rotarians,
So this is membership month! This is the month we celebrate our membership in the world's oldest, and in my opinion the world best, service organization. What, you never thought of membership month as a Celebration? I am not surprised.
Greeting fellow Rotarians:
Some Rotarians take their attendance at the weekly club meetings for granted. They schedule them in their calendar, block out the time to travel to and from the Blue Water Grill and arrive on time to experience the fellowship of the club. To these Rotarians the weekly meeting is a part of the flow of their week. Some are retired which makes this feat all the more admirable since most of the retired people I know are far busier than the working folks and they have fewer routines to keep them on schedule. Last week we only had twenty nine (29) members attend the meeting. The club ended up paying for six (6) meals - $120.00! This hurts every one of us and the charities were serve since there is less money to donate at the end of the year. On top of that our club is down to less than sixty-five (65) members. Granted this is mostly due to the economic down turn, and most of the departing members have stated that as soon as they can they plan to return to the club.
My Fellow Rotarians of Redondo Beach,
Welcome to the 2009-2010 Rotary Year! This year we will be taking on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Challenge for the END POLIO NOW Campaign! We will be supporting our favorite charities in the South Bay that we have for years, i.e. YMCA, RYLA, Interact, Cheer for Children, SB Children's dental program to name a few! We will be applying for a matching grant for the "A BETTER LA" and some Fiji Projects. More Wednesday – Bring a fellow Redondo Beach Rotarian to Lunch when you come!
Just a reminder: The first half dues of $150.00 are due as of today. All of the billing for last year fines et. al. are now past due.
James Jackman
President-ELECT (for a few more hours!)
Facility Fee to Cover Meeting
Room Rent At Bluewater Grill
(REDONDO BEACH) April 19, 2009) -- At our January 2009 Board meeting, the Board of Directors decided to implement a facility fee charge to all the members of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach. It states that all members are required to pay for at least 6 meals semi-annually (facility fee) in order to cover our commitment to our meeting room location at the Bluewater Grill in Redondo Beach. That averages out to be only one meeting per month per member.
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(REDONDO BEACH) The 2009 Redondo Beach Rotary Club
Casino Night, "Viva Las Vegas" was a rousing success
with slightly more than 300 people in attendance. Take
a few minutes to view images from the event, set to
well-known musical scores. [Editor's note: To view this
presentation users must have ActiveX on their computers.
If you do not currently have ActiveX on your computer
the link below will give you the opportunity to install it.
ActiveX allows plug-ins to be presented on any computer.
If you use Norton Anti-Virus you may have to disable
your virus protection to run ActiveX.) Click here to launch
Viva Las Vegas. Depending on the speed of your connection
to the Internet, you may have to wait a few minutes
while the presentation loads.
(REDONDO BEACH) March 23, 2009 -- WOW! What a night! Last Saturday evening, our club had it's one and only major fundraiser for the year, our 5th Annual Casino Night, "Viva Las Vegas", and it was huge success.
Elections were held at this week's luncheon for the Redondo Beach Rotary
Club Community Foundation board of directors. Named to the board are, from
left, James Jackman, Pat Cashin, Ted Wendorff, Colette Paul and Terry
Bichlemier.
Redondo Beach Rotarians Ron Cody
and Jim Chen were instrumental in
donating this ambulance to the La Paz,
Mexico Fire Department. Click here to
read the original request from the La Paz
Fire Department.
Redondo Beach, Seaside Lagoon - Sunday September 21, 2008
Redondo Beach Rotary Club is the Winner of the Inaugral "Cardboard Boat" race at the District's Family Picnic Day event held at Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach. Out of 8 entrants from various Rotary clubs of District 5280, six finished this exciting and closely matched event. The large and loud cheering section were not disapointed with the action in and on the water. Clearly the RBRC was the best engineered, constructed, skippered and manned vessel in the race. The post-race activities included plenty of multi-national food and great fellowship. For more images click (here)
REDONDO BEACH (July 19, 2008) Redondo Beach Rotarians participated in this year's Relay for Life at the Redondo Union High School. Click here for more details.
REDONDO BEACH, CA. - Rotarian Mary Alvarez was declared the Rotarian of The Year by Club President, Colette Paul. Mary's dedication and diligence resulted in a most successful fund raising event for the Redondo Beach Rotary Club, thus the recognition. Click HERE for more Fact and Fiction from the Rotary Almanac
about this week's luncheon.
REDONDO BEACH (January 16, 2008) -- More than 100 Rotarians turned out for the luncheon honoring RI President-elect D.K. Lee. (from left) Rotary International Director Paul Netzel, District 5280 DGE Chuck Anderson, Past RI Trustee Mike Abdalla, President-elect D.K. Lee and spouse Young Lee, Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin, Redondo Beach Rotary Club President Colette Paul, Past RI Director and Executive Aide Mike Pinson, and Past RI Director Sam Greene. Click Click here for more photo coverage.
ANAHEIM (Oct. 22, 2007) -- Today's fundraiser at Disneyland
saw 84 individuals attend. Only 10 of them were members of
the Redondo Beach Rotary Club. The remainder were friends
and acquaintences of club members. "The day-long activity
at the world-famous park netted about $5,000 for the club's
charitable activities," said President Colette Paul. The event
culminated with an evening reception for our 84 guests at
Club 33, the exclusive private hide-away of founder Walt
Disney. Click here for photos of the event.
FIJI (Aug. 4, 2007) - It's been a year since you helped us with the Get the Bug project. We thought that you might be interested in what's happened since then.
At the club's Demotion party this past
weekend, outgoing President Jim Chen
(right) named past president Ron Cody
as Rotarian of the Year. Congratulations
to an outstanding Rotarian! Click HERE
for photos of the evening's events.
                     
(January 25, 2007) -- At today's weekly luncheon, Rotarian Karen Weigel gave a presentation about the Get the Bug scabies control project in Fiji, and the role of our club played in the project. Shown here are Fijian school children giving thanks to our club for helping rid them of an irritating tropical skin disease. Click here to learn more about this remarkble project, and other activities at today's luncheon meeting.
president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
He has professional experience in fire administration, water rescue, paramedic programs and heavy rescue, according to the city.
Taveuni Rotarians Terri Gorton, Helene Brown, secretary and Paul Purvis, president, gave us a tour of some of the projects their club, which is comprised of only about 10 members, sponsors. Several of their projects were with cooperation of the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach..jpeg)
age 12. Juliano has been involved in the Salvation Army since he was 11 years old. He has a post graduate degree in leadership., and spent seven years in the military with specialty of logistics and organization in catastrophes, what we call Disaster Relief. Juliano has worked for the Salvation Army for 17 years. In addition, he’s quite a musician, who not only plays the guitar, but the keyboards and trumpet as well. So in Juliano, we have a one-man band.
Mike, shown left receiving Rotary pin from former president Walter Campbell, recently retired as the COO of American Financial Network Advisory Services, LLC, a full-service wealth management firm, and decided it was time to join the club as a full member. Prior to joining AFN, Mike was a senior executive in the supply chain/logistics industry for over 30 years. Most recently, he was President of HomeDeliveryLink, a nationwide home delivery company servicing the appliance and furniture industry. Previously, he was president and CEO of three supply chain management companies; 
Weber Logistics, VSR Logistics and RoadLink Warehouse Solutions, Von’s, and international several companies with global reach.
ill was inducted as a new member. Welcome!
ward to his many accomplishments. Yet, in the field of law enforcement this 24-year veteran of police work ranks changing police culture as one of the most daunting tasks he has faced.".JPG)
must have woven some magic, because that first date turned into another and Vicki and Peter, in addition to being very active Rotarians and humanitarians, are today a very happy couple. 
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