Weekly Luncheon - April 6, 2016
(REDONDO BEACH, California) April 6, 2016 -- At today's luncheon we were treated to craft talks by two of our newest members, Andrea Mosmann and Vera Jimenez.
Andrea Mosmann, otherwise a seeming mild-manner woman, told us how she took an early interest in technology, graduating with a degree in the field. She became a teacher but after a several years decided she didn't like the field but chose to stay in research. That led her to AI or artificial intelligence. Along the way she received top secret clearance and studied decision making among the Pashtu. That's one of the ethnicities fighting for survival in the Middle East. Andrea also studied decision making in Pakistan, Yemen and Libya. Now, she is a grant writer for non-profits in the South Bay. There she met PDG Vicki Radel and before long became a Rotarian. Mild-mannered indeed!
.jpg) |
.jpg) |
| Andrea Mosmann | Vera Jimenez |
Our second speaker was Vera Jimenez. "Where there is no vision the people perish," she said, opening her craft talk. "That statement is etched on the exterior of the county center across the street from the Fish Shop." Vera and her husband own the Fish Shop Restaurant in Hermosa Beach. Vera recounted her childhood, growing up believing she was a slow learner and receiving spanking when she was "naughty" as she put it. "Plus, I wasn't born in the USA and never felt I could belong." But her life changed dramatically at age 17 when she put on a spare pair of glasses. "Oh my God, I saw crispness for the first time," she exclaimed. No longer of the belief that she was a slow learner, she soon realized that people engage in service for others and that lead her to join Rotary.
In other business, James Jackman, who heads our Youth Exchange Program, announced the club will sponsor a Japanese student next school year. "We need one more host family," he said. He also announced the club will sponsor one student overseas next year.
A city official came by an discussed the Rotary Work Day on April 15. The club will help plant 24 box trees along the new esplanade. Reservations are required.
David Henseler of South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club promoted the upcoming 3rd Annual South Bay Beer & Wine Festival. It will be held May 15, 2016 at the Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates.