Weekly Bulletin February 26, 2014
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 |
Announcements:
Casino Night is scheduled for March 1st at the Toyota Automotive Museum in Torrance. Casino Chair Rolando Andrade gave his final pep talk, urging "ticket sales," even if it rains." He also announced a Texas Hold'em Tournament at Casino Night. Cost to enter: $20.
Meanwhile, PDG Chuck Anderson announced the winner of our team fundraising efforts. The so-called Banana Slugs pulled in $19,493 worth of tickets and silent and live auction items.
Club members were split up into six teams. Following the Banana Slugs haul the Tiger Fish came in second bringing in $14,710, the Lions at $13,697, the Conquistadores at $9,040, the Camels at $8,214, and in last place the Bar and Grill with $5,680. " Altogether club members brought in more than $66,000 for Casino Night," said Anderson. "Of course that amount depends on what these items actually bring at auction as these valuations are partially based on estimated values."
Karen reminded members that on April 12th club members will participated in a District 5280-wide Community Service Day. Galina Gilman is heading up this hands-on community effort. It will include a Tri-Rotary Blood Drive in which our club will join with the Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach Rotary clubs to give blood, the elixier of life. Also a greenbelt planting is planned at 190th & Rindge Lane.
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Past-President Dr. Bruce Logan gave a year-in-review talk about his term in office (2002-03) leading the Redondo Beach Rotary Club. Pulled off the podium by President Karen for taking up to much time, Bruce was brought back by popular demand to finish his presentation. |
Our luncheon program was led by Millicent Hill, a.k.a. Mama Hill of Mama Hill Help. A retired teacher with the LAUSD, she 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.
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| (l to r) Calvin Byers, Marschell Wurren, Yerimar Rodriguez and Mama Hill. "She encouraged us to become more," the students said. "Come visit us at Mama Hill Help." |
Mama Hill told stories from her experience working with at-need students. She talked about breaking the cycle of poverty, discouragement, anger and hopelessness. Accompanies by three of her students, she said, "The children here today are my heroes. They've been through hell." She concluded her talk with a focus on the life changing impact of love.
The three students with her each spoke about the benefits they received from Mama Hill Help. "She encouraged each of to become more then we thought possible," they said.
"We need more people like her," said PDG Chuck Anderson. "She is an eternal optimist." President Karen donated $1,000 from club coffers for the Mama Hill Help project, adding, "You are the most positive person I've ever met." Her sentiment was echoed by Terry Bichlmeier who said," We are honored to support you."
Abdur Rahman invited Rotarians to "come visit us and see what we do. We are open for visits on Tuesday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. We are located at 755 S. 92nd St."