eBulletin June 18, 2014
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!
Announcements
- Saturday, June 21st – Softball Tournament with the 4 Torrance Rotary clubs at Wilson Park. Meet there by 9:00 am and bring whatever equipment you have. Okay to borrow your kid’s stuff, especially if they are still sleeping. Also okay to bring snacks and “adult” beverages. Just keep “them” hidden in your gym bag.
- Chamber of Commerce Installation – Thursday, June 26th At the Portofino Hotel. 6:00pm. Wear your Western clothes; Cowboy hat, poncho, Levi’s, Cowboy boots, Western belt with a loaded 6 shooter. Flash that to the bartender and see if he charges you for the cocktail you just ordered.
- Demotion/Installation – Saturday, June 28th at the King Harbor Yacht Club. 5:30pm until they either run out of food or booze.
- Fine Master – David Whitehead couldn’t find and fine Nicholas Sandoval as he is down Mexico way doing his helping out thing.
Our Speaker Tony Capozzola with President Karen
Speaker – Introduced by Wayne Bradshaw
Wayne noted that Mr. Capozzola has served the South Bay community for a number of years and mentioned the culinary fact that an omelet bears his name and can be found at “Eat at Joe’s” a well-known Redondo eatery for the past 100 years, or so.
Mr. Capozzola is part of the Renato Romano European Business Council and has a long track record of being a legal innovator. He has won his last 17 cases that went to trial. He is a Colorado native who served in the Marines before he started his legal career. Early on, he moved to Los Angeles 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: football coach George Allen, Hall of Fame baseball icon, Tommy Lasorda, Lance Rentzel and Mervin Fernandez to Lakers’ trainer Garry Vitti. He also defended my neighbor, Patrick Lynch, the former general manager of the Los Angeles Coliseum.
His passion today concerns the hunger and starvation in Africa and the widespread sectarian devastation brought on by roving gangs, basic criminals and very corrupt politicians. Mr. Capozzola is reaching out to the world and is raising money to feed these starving masses, numbering in the millions. It is reported that one person dies of either starvation or murder every 6 minutes in Africa. The world needs to help, but the road to recovery is a very long one, but one that must be taken.
Raffle Ticket – Wayne Bradshaw only got a measly $10, but graciously gave it back.