Weekly eBulletin March 12, 2014
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. |
Thanks for Scott Fellows and Dave Whitehead for providing the Meals on Wheels service this week with the Salvation Army. Next week Jeff Weigel and Chat Campbell have volunteered.
A long list of guests joined us today, including two visiting Rotarians: Connie Siegel of the Harrisburg Rotary Club and Arlyn Kruger of the Albuquerque Rotary Club. Other visitors included Greg Taylor a special guest of Rotarian Steve Scerra, Steve Diels, Sam Kartounian, Mary Crenshaw, Dr. Erin Simon, Jamie Bailey, Celeste Bailey, Drew Gamet, Sarah Stock and Shayna Stock
In a reversal of roles the club's Family of Rotary Director, past-president Pearl Davis, was not present today as she suffered a fall last week. They can be pretty serious for someone in their mid-80s, which Pearl is. In any event, she reported, "No serious injuries though I'm all black and blue all over." Get well soon Pearl.
President Karen Weigel reminded members about the upcoming District-wide Community Service Day on April 12th. Galina Gilman is heading up this hands-on in community event for our club. "We will work on greenbelt planting on 190th & Rindge Lane. It will be from 8a.m. to 3 p.m. and bring your gloves, spades, boots and wear your Rotary T-shirts. We'll work with Joe Lodinsky, the Public Works Manager Parks & Urban Forestry for Redondo Beach," she said.
The $150 in the club's raffle remained in the kitty today as the raffle ticket selectee did not draw the green marble. So remember to buy raffle tickets next week as big bucks are still available!
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President Karen introduced luncheon speaker Gem Munro. Click HERE to read more about his presentation. In the meantime, for Rotarians reading this eBulletin it is worth noting what Wilf Wilkinson, Past President of Rotary International, wrote about Amarok's work in his forward to Munro's latest book, South Asian Adventures with the Active Poor: "I found this book amazing and couldn't put it down. I salute the author and his family for their dedication and service to these poor children and their mothers. Enlisting and training uneducated mothers and making them the vehicle to teach others is almost unbelievable. However, it is happening, and that is what makes the story about this project so fascinating." |