Weekly eBulletin August 7, 2013
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?
District Governor – Doug Baker is visiting us next Wednesday. And a quick note to fellow Bruins: Please wear your colors to lunch as our esteemed Governator loves to poke his finger (his index finger, I hope) at Bruins and try to shame us. Too bad he graduated from that “other college” and feels the need to harass those he feels intimidated by. Hey, it’s not our fault he went to the wrong college, and a slightly inferior one at that.
Foundation Celebration – Held at the California Science Center in the Endeavor Pavilion on November 9th. It’ll cost you $85. Check the website for details.
Salvation Army Backpack Stuffing Lunch – August 21 - Instead of a speaker, Rotarians get to help put backpacks together for area kids who need a little extra help with upcoming school supplies. City Manager and fellow Rotarian Bill Workman donated his Hollywood Bowl tickets and raised $250 for the effort. Thanks for Monique Waite for buying the tickets. The Army, Rotarians and especially the kids thank you! Members are invited to the Salvation Army on August 22, 10:00 to 12:00 distribute backpacks to students.
Redondo Beach Reserve Police Officers Awards Banquet – An important awards banquet is set to take place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00pm. As always, it will be held at the Portofino Hotel in their Latitude 36 banquet room. Officer Mike Stark heads this event and always does a great job. We are looking forward to his appearance sometime early in September to promote it to our membership at lunch.
Ali Adham is moving to Florida at the end of the month. His investments have grown so big and profitable that he needs to direct them, personally and soon. Adios, Ali. It’s been a great ride.Fine Master – Newly elected city mayor Steve Aspel was apparently in a good mood as he only singled out Chat Campbell, and that was for his birthday. Chat’s punishment? The entire club sang “Happy Birthday,” and decidedly out of key. Happy Birthday, Buddy.
Membership Month – Rotarians number about 1.2 million worldwide, and we want the membership to rise about 100,000 over the next year. We want people who are busy, successful, motivated and who care about the world and community that surrounds them. The theme is “Engage Rotary – Change Lives.” Redondo Rotary is losing 3 members: Terry Tamble and Ali (as previously noted) are moving (and joining other clubs) and Redondo mayor emeritus, Mike Gin has to resign due to work schedule conflicts. He will become an honorary member.
Karen also noted that when she joined in 2004, there were 70 members, now we are down to 60 or so. She wants all members to bring quality prospects to meetings and share your important Rotary moments with them and everyone else as well. Let’s all make our club one of the biggest and best in the district. Heck!! Why not the best in the world? We can do it!
Rotary Foundation – PDG Rick Mendoza said that the tickets are selling very well. And remember, EVERY CLUB MEMBER must sell the 12 tickets given. Heck! That’s a deal! We are given 12 tickets, but only pay for 10. That means we get to keep $20. What a deal!Speaker – Maureen Ryan: She is a retired marriage and family counselor, originally from Chico, California who moved to La Paz, Mexico a several years ago and immediately got involved with the local Rotary club. She’s part of the support structure that created the Wyland’s Whaleing wall in La Paz as member of the organizing committee and artist, former Rotary club president, Foundation Chair, Secretary, etc., She also organized two (2) Arts Festivals and is now involved in the Theatre group there. She’s committed to children’s opportunities and education.
She also thanked our Rotary club and past presidents Ron Cody, Terry Bichlmeier, Jim Chen, PDG Vickie Radel and current prez Karen Weigel for help in getting that valuable Fire Truck their city needed. Great pictures of all! If anyone reading these words ever gets down south to Baja, check out the Club Rotario Bahia de La Paz. You will be glad you did. As a Thank You for sharing your story, our Rotary club is donating a book, in your name, to the Redondo Beach Children’s Library.
Raffle Ticket – Mel Nichols won the raffle but did not pull the green marble. Donated the $10 back to the Community Foundation.
Joke Master – Chantel King gave another humorous story to one and all.