Weekly Luncheon - May 22, 2013

Posted by Bill Paul 
on May 28, 2013
 

Photos by Rick Mendoza
Written by Bill Paul

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President Nancy presents Blue Badge to Chantel King

 

(REDONDO BEACH) May 22, 2013 – The Rotary Foundation, children with disabilities, a possible dues increase – it was a busy luncheon meeting.

Memorial Day: PDG Chuck Anderson opened the luncheon with a  moving innvocation  honoring America's veterans.  “This coming Monday we will celebrate Memorial Day to honor those individuals and families who served in the Military to provide us with our freedoms,”  he began.

 

“It is the Veteran not the preacher who has given us freedom of religion,
It is the Veteran not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press,
It is the Veteran not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech,
It is the Veteran not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to assemble,
It is the Veteran and not the lawyer who has given us the right to fair trial,
It is the Veteran not the politician who has given us the right to vote.
Please watch over and protect those Rotarians and friends and their families here today.
Bless this food to our nourishment so that we can carry out your will of helping the less fortunate in this world. Amen”

 

 

Congratulations are in order to Rotarian Steve Aspel whPDG Chuck Anderson gave a moving innvocation to honor America's veterans on the coming Memorial day:o was victories in the recent citywide elections.  Steve is the new mayor of Redondo Beach.  Never one to miss an opportunity to bring levity to life, to honor his victory Steve, who also serves as the club finemaster, fined his sponsor Chuck Anderson for having brought him into Rotary many years ago. “Without my joining the club I wouldn’t have gotten to know as many people in town as I have, and probably would not have won the mayor ship.  Thanks Chuck, that will be $5.00!”

 

 

 

The meeting wasn't all peaches and cream, though. President-elect Karen Weigel announced the cost for our luncheon at the Bluewater Grill will increase July 1st.  We currently pay $20.00 for a two-course meal.  Costs are scheduled to increase to $22 or $25 depending on the service we adopt.  Karen said the club will vote on these options and possibly change the bylaws at our June 5th luncheon.   The July 10th meeting will then be the first with new prices.  Click HERE for more details.

The Rotary Foundation (TRF):  Past-President Bruce Logan and PDG Rick Mendoza gave a program about our foundation activities. Bruce said members would receive a report of their contribution to TRF. He reminded members that an annual donation of $100 was required to remain a sustaining member in TRF. Meanwhile, PDF Mendoza said the annual giving by our blub averaged $136 this year for a total of $9,960.  “That’s about half of what we give annually,” he said.  He also announced that donations were being accepted to assist victims of last week’s devastating tornado in Oklahoma.  Make checks payable to Rotary Club 29 Foundation, Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, 119 N. Robinson, #360, OKC, OK 73102.  To make a credit card donation call the Rotary office at 405-235-5100.

Club President Nancy Campbell presented Chantel King with her Blue Badge today.

Coming Events:
May 19th: There will be a wine and appetizer fundraising event at the Campbell’s home for the club’s Community Foundation.  Wine tasting, potluck, bingo and more!  It is scheduled from 4-6 pm.  Nancy encouraged everyone to bring a check in the amount of $25.00 or more made out to the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach Community Foundation.

June 9, 2013 -- Downtown Sounds to benefit the South Bay Children’s Choir & El Camino Collete Chorale.  11am to 4pm.  BBQ at the Depot Restaurant in Torrance.  Cost $100pp.  See Vicki Radel

June 29, 2013 – Women’s Ministry Tea, 3pm.  125 W. Beryl St., Redondo Beach.  RSVP to Eunice 310/318-2827.

July 13th   The club will hold a combined Demotion and Installation evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This will be an “out with the old, in with the new” type event as we say goodbye to President Nancy Campbell and hello to incoming President Karen Weigel.

Program:  Judith Diamond described the work of the Pediatric Therapy Network.  Located in nearby Torrance, the PTN provides early childhood training to children with disabilities, and is one of only 12 similar organizations nationwide. “When PTN started 15 ½ years ago one in 100,000 children were identified as autistic, today it is one in 80,” she said.  With 140 employees, 80 of whom are therapists, and relying on volunteers and donations, the Network provides service to 1,200 children every week.  A significant development in the growth of the PTN is that it is merely days away, she said. “We are now going to qualify for insurance payments.  Our goal is to make the kids independent.”

Chuck Anderson, PDG, provided the invocation and Bill Paul led us in the flag salute (while holding the flag pole upright due to the missing stand.)

Visiting Rotarians:  Lester Silverman from the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club.

Guests: John Wilkerson, and Michael Payton a special guest of Rick Mendoza.

Meals-on-Wheels:  Chat Campbell and Scott Fellows; Next week Paul Hyashi and ???????

Raffle: It was Monique Waite’s turn this week to draw for the green marble.  But alas, she only received $10 for her efforts.   So next week the kitty will be well of $250.00.