ISSUE NO. 19 December 6, 2002 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
Friday the 13th will be the day a mystery is revealed when Leslie Dutton, producer and host of FULL DISCLOSURE, will speak to us. Hers is a program that’s known for uncovering the news behind the news, thanks to Mrs. Dutton’s skill as a media and government watchdog. She is renowned for her probing questions in pursuit of the truth in interviews with public officials and newsmakers. Her list of interviewees reads like a who’s who of national and local politics, which may have made them uneasy when she was awarded with an EMMY statue for her reporting on ‘LA’s War Against Terrorism.” The wife of long-time Rotarian Fred Dutton, we are sure to glean a fascinating insight into another world when Leslie Dutton gives us her full disclosure.
I Hear A Symphony
♪♫With precision and perfect posture, the Santa Monica Symphony Woodwind Quintet let us follow them into another world of harmony and grace. Sherril Wood on Flute, Dana Sundene on Oboe, Lisa Kohorn on Clarinet, Lisa Knorr on Bassoon, and John Petring on the French horn, reminded us what practice and dedication can produce…musical beauty.♫♪
Heads Up
There’s no one like Clyde Smith to get the chorus together to sing God Bless America, especially when he’s paired with Carol Jackson on the piano. Lending their expertise to the head table were Bill Aspinwall to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests; Nat Trives to introduce the performers, as well as restating the value of supporting the Santa Monica Symphony; and Hank Walther to give the invocation. It was a soulful message.
Of Significance
| Shirley Dowling gets our applause for her outstanding efforts to improve literacy in Swaziland, Africa. She went there recently with $400 (one-half of a matching grant) to purchase books. Considering the exchange rate of 10:1, this amount swelled to $4000 in books for the youngsters there. Moreover, another matching grant from International Literacy was forthcoming, which made the original $800 become $1,600…a true bonanza for these children who have absolutely nothing. So moved with Shirley’s account was Rick Mendoza, District Governor, that he said he has started speaking with Leon Bodnar regarding the issue of water for the orphanage to improve conditions for the citizens. |
| Harris Levey reminded us that the South Bay Master Chorale returns to Santa Monica tonight to celebrate with a percussion ensemble featuring a performance of John Rutter’s “Gloria”, among other notable renditions. The concert will be at the Trinity Baptist Church, 1015 California Ave., in Santa Monica. Tickets are $15. |
| Got books? Norma Barnes needs them, says Kris Andresen, especially if they’re kindergarten age and gently used. The Literacy Program and holiday book drive depend upon you. Consider your own library as a valuable resource, too. |
| Done good. Spyros Dellaportas let us know how pleased the SM Police Department and staff were with the fabulous donations made by our Rotary members on Thanksgiving day. Klaus Mennekes outdid himself with food from Casa del Mar, which went a long way toward easing the ‘working on Thanksgiving Day’ blues. |
| Kids who would otherwise get infected with something nasty will thank you for helping with the Immunization Clinic at St. John’s Hospital on December 29th. Jim Reidy requested you show up at St. John’s at 0900 to volunteer. |
| Vroom Vroom. Your automobile license plate could be a mobile testament to Rotary if you commit to purchasing one. Time’s running out to place your order. Hurry, or the whole opportunity will be lost by year end. Log on to http://www.ca-rotarylicenseplaces.org for more info. |
| An International Food Festival is being planned by the innovative Karim Jaude at the magnificent home of Tom Loo. If you like to cook, or eat, think about participating in one way or the other. Fifteen different ethnic styles are being solicited for this foodie’s fantasy on April 27th . Details to follow. |
| Frank Lavac, Jr., DVM, reminded us that Rotarians will ring the Salvation Army bell on December 13th at the location of 4th & Arizona. Rotarians are encouraged to ring with all their might and collect $$, after which a counting party will be held at Encino State Bank. (Note to the philanthropic: If you cannot attend the December 13th meeting of Rotary because you’re busy ringing the Army’s bell, it counts as an excused absence.) For those of you who’ve been in Rotary long enough to witness cycles, remember when Rotary gave the Salvation Army $$ to purchase a coin counter? Comin’ in real handy now. |
| Absentee ballots are available for those who do not think they’ll be at next week’s meeting. Change in balloting: Henry Alcanter withdrew his name from the list of candidates of Office of Director as previously stated; the printed ballot will reflect this change. |
The Welcome Mat
For some reason, all other Rotarians stayed home today. Guests were Jim Ferguson, Roy Almeida, Rob Bedell, Greg Walden, Reinhard Kargl, Cadet Martin Ross, and Dr. Mike Gruney.
Fine Time
$25 from Dick Lawrence was levied when he unabashedly announced his bank’s address for the Salvation Army counting ceremony. A little discretion was in order here.
On The Agenda
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December 13 Leslie Dutton – Election of Officers |
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December 20 Special Christmas Program – Can you guess what it is? |
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December 27 Dark – Christmas Holiday & Jon Kemp’s birthday |
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December 29 Reception for Bhichai Rattakul, RI President, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Call David Tomblin at (310) 891-0683 for a reservation. |
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January 3, 2003 Dark – New Year’s Holiday |
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January 10 Gary Small, MD – UCLA Center on Aging |
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February 4 District Breakfast (Note date change) |
As we enter yet another year, how many of these ‘golden oldies’ do you remember:
Headlight dimmer switches on the floor.
Ignition switches on the dashboard.
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.
Blackjack chewing gum.
Candy cigarettes.
Coffee shops with tableside jukeboxes.
More to follow next week, when we’ll know how old you really are!