ISSUE NO. 6 August 23, 2002 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
September 6th will be an important day for our Rotary Club as we host Steven B. Sample, President of the University of Southern California. In addition to Dr. Sample being the university’s first holder of the Robert C. Packard President’s Chair, he has distinguished himself as an electrical engineer, inventor, musician, outdoorsman, and author of an acclaimed book, The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership. He also has patents on digital appliance controls that have been licensed to practically every major manufacturer of appliance controls and microwave ovens in the world. It is therefore understandable that under Dr. Sample’s 11-year leadership, USC has become world-renowned in the fields of communication and multimedia technologies, has received national acclaim for its innovative community partnerships, and has solidified its status as one of the nation’s leadng research universities. We encourage you to attend what will most assuredly be an educational presentation.
Mmmm, Mmmm, Good
Never has so much attention been given to the chemical properties of beans than when LA Times Food Editor, Russ Parsons, explained why certain foods behave the way they do. For example, he debunked the myth that beans must be soaked overnight (word to the socially conscious: it doesn’t, uh, help); asserts that the only effective remedy to making your eyes tear is to cut an onion wearing a scuba mask; and, cautioned never to refrigerate tomatoes and peaches or they will lose their flavor. It was a fascinating look into the science of food and culture that left a satisfying after-taste.
The Board Report
President Bill Crookston provided an update on the recent Board meeting and how a personal goal of his is being addressed. His desire for a major project having a lasting impact on Santa Monica is nearer a reality, with the blessings of the Board and vital participation of the Boys and Girls Club. The project is to fulfill a need at the John Adams Middle School by building a youth center. The Center will keep at-risk kids off the streets, provide educational and technology resources, arts and social recreation, and some athletic programs. John Deasy produced the architectural plans and Allan Young brokered the idea through the Santa Monica Unified School District, which has similar projects at other campuses. Funding will be achieved by diverting $25,000 from the Rotary Community and Youth budget, and asking for a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation. The School and the Boys and Girls Club budgets will also be tapped. The name of this dream-to-come-true will be the SANTA MONICA ROTARY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB CENTER. Another indelible imprint in the making.
Heads Up
Lending distinction to the head table were Jay Smith to introduce guests, Klaus Mennekes to introduce speaker Russ Parsons, new member Alan Glick, and Greg Hargrave to give the invocation. From the head table members expressed condolences to Glen Ricard on the passing of his mother, June.
Of Significance
The Paul Harris Celebration Ball, “Fairy Tales Do Come True, With Rotary”, will be held on November 2nd in the Conference Room at the new Cathedral Of Our Lady Of The Angels in downtown Los Angeles. The $75 per person fee includes a tour of the new Cathedral during the pre-dinner fellowship, silent auction, dinner, and dancing. Some of the drawing prizes are a round trip for two to Sydney, Australia for seven days and six nights; a seven-day cruise for two to Mexico departing from the Port of LA; and a week in Maui for two including air, hotel and car rental. The attire is either black-tie optional, or you may dress as your favorite fairytale character. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Bonaventure Hotel at a special rate of $109 for those who wish to stay overnight. Make dinner reservations through Laura Calderwood at (310) 538-2291. Room reservations should be made directly to the hotel at (213) 624-1000, and ask for the Rotary District 5280 special rate.
Les Bronte, President of the Beverly Hills Rotary club, together with PDG Len Wasserstein, are hapy to announce that Larry King, CNN’s #1 interviewer, will become an honorary Rotary member of the Beverly Hills club. Past RI President, Rick King, will have the privilege of inducting Larry into Rotary. The ceremony will be held on Monday, September 23rd at noon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. For a reservation, please call Len at (310) 888-06138 or e-mail at Leonard.Wasserstein@CNB.com.
“Relay For Life”, a Cancer Awareness and Prevention Walk, was the recipient of Rotary’s philanthropic funds in July. Judy Neveau thanked the Club for its generosity and hoped Rotary would continue to play an influential role in future Walks.
Golfers were encouraged to contact Bill Aspinwall to sign up for the tournament in Ojai Valley. The date is October 16th and tee-time is noon.
Jim Reidy reminded the group about the immunization clinic at St. John’s on August 24th and asked for volunteers.
Card sharks and game mavens are welcome at the GARF: Games and Rotary Fun get together on August 28th. Harris Levey is taking reservations for the night, which costs $20 and includes dinner, drinks and your game of choice.
The Welcome Mat
Rotarians brought the following guests to the meeting: Anne Rimer, Rob Baumann, Rick Martin, Nina Kinsky, Linda Tisherman, Marvin Freedman, Dorothy Reinhold, Mike Russell, Maria Richardetta, Linda Straucker, and Joe Van Dyke.
Fine Time
It’s true that good deeds are their own reward. Rather than having to pay for being out of the country, Msgr. Torgerson’s fine was waived because he was in Nairobi trying to improve the living conditions of its impoverished citizens.
Gerry Smallwood was given no such consideration. He’ll ante up $150 for going to the lush and tropical Carribbean in search of off-shore tax benefits.
And despite improving airplane security in third-world countries, Steve Alexis will still be short $125 for having lofty goals.
Fred Rafeedie had a fine time winning the question of the week. He knew it was Hitler who said, “The victor will never be asked to name the truth.”
The More Things Change…
Resignations were accepted from Charlie Christensen and Steve Lehne. Thank you, gentlemen, for your past service.
Leaves of Absence were granted to Stan Johnson, Diane Margolin, and Patricia Ferris. We look forward to your return.
On The Agenda
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August 30 Dark – Labor Day Weekend |
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September 6 Steven Sample, President of University of Southern California |
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September 13 Bruce Hoffman, VP, Rand, Expert on Terrorism, “One Year Post 9-11” |
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September 20 Gary Vitti, Trainer, LA Lakers, “How An Athlete Gets Through the Season” |
To those who are desperately seeking a bright side to the stock market:
STANDARD & POOR: Your life in a nutshell.
MOMENTUM INVESTING: The fine art of buying high and selling low.
MARKET CORRECTION: What happens the day after you buy stocks.
BROKER: What your broker has made you.
-some poor guy on the Internet