ISSUE NO. 27 February 14, 2003 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
The one-and-only Esther Johnson has had a musical competition named for her, most likely because she was the first woman member of Rotary Club of Santa Monica, and because she still plays one heck of a piano. Come hear the community hopefuls on February 21st try to earn the distinction of an award bearing her name. The fact that she’s the Club’s sweetheart might also be why a gigantic Valentine’s Day card was signed by all of us and presented to her by Shirley Dowling. Remember that on February 21st the Riviera Country Club will be dark; we’ll hold our meeting at the Methodist Church at 11th and Washington.
A Glorious Science
Where art and science intersect is the incredible world of orchids as portrayed by George Vasquez, master of the hybrid phalaenopsis. While he tried to debunk the myth that orchids are temperamental and expensive, he nonetheless illustrated that cloning and mass producing affordable, beautiful orchids is no business for the faint of heart. From constructing hothouses in every region in the world, to painstakingly reproducing desired color, form, and fragrance, these magnificent specimens can now flourish under exacting conditions everywhere. Fortunately for humanity, there is indeed a ‘mother’s day’ in all the countries on the globe. To be able to create this living beauty is truly a gift for all the Valentines in the land.
Heads Up
Paul Leone gave a moving invocation. (We also learned he has 21 years of perfect attendance, which could be the subject of a future invocation about dedication.) Members were introduced to new member Russ Warner with a classification of Real Estate. Tom Loo introduced speaker George Vasquez, and Juan Llaro welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Hurray for Phil Tirone, whose song leading always gets our attention, and to Carol Jackson for her accomplished piano playing.
Of Significance
| Tom Loo’s office is the site of the next Board meeting on February 19th at 5:00 PM. Visitors are invited. |
| Reserve your table for February 27th, when President Bill Crookston will be honored by the NCCJ at its annual dinner. Rotarians are encouraged to attend and support our fearless leader. |
| On February 28th, Karim Jaude has reserved courts for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles to play tennis at Riviera Country Club. Call him to join in the fun. |
| Thousands of people need wheelchairs, and you can help. Each one will cost you $75 payable to the Wheelchair Foundation; the Santa Monica Rotary Foundation will match funds for each $75 check presented. Accept the challenge and help us make our goal of 100 wheelchairs. Do the right thing. Please. |
| Con Oyler is full of good ideas, especially his designating March 7th as “Bring A Guest Day” to our Rotary meeting. It should be especially enjoyable for our guests to hear featured speaker Dr. Morocco describe what it’s like behind the scenes of the TV show “ER”. |
| On March 9th, the LA Westside Rotary Club is benefiting ‘our house’, an organization that provides children and families with grief support, education, resources, and hope after the loss of a loved one. A special play will be held, with half the ticket proceeds going to this worthy cause. After the play, you can join the actors for a buffet dinner. $60 well spent, indeed. |
| Foodies are encouraged to contact Karim Jaude to help organize the International Food festival slated to take place on April 27th. |
| Robert Segal reminded us to visit HELPGuide.org website. HELPguide is your gateway to the best non-commercial links for mental health, aging well and elder care. |
The Welcome Mat
Visiting Rotarians from afar were Allen Hemmat from Everett, Washington; Jeannie Segal, from LA Westside; and Dick Winchester, from Pacific Palisades. Guests on this lovely Valentine’s Day were June Bohn, Margaret Wilson, Kathy Crookston, Kay Lehne, Dolores Fritzche, Ruth Wolf, Pat Collins, Gail, Jennifer & Michael Aspinwall, Pam & Char Lawrence, Jeannie Segal, Anne Rimer, Mary Hong, Judy Richards, Kelly Simpson, Skip Tisherman, Matt Dearing & Janet Walther.
Fine Time
| $250 should be an easy one for Ken Mirsh, considering it was the Wall Street Journal that featured him in a two-page ad. |
| Good thing Bill Fritzche looked so pitiful in his arm sling. He narrowly escaped a fine for his carpal tunnel syndrome. (Bill, you obviously weren’t seen removing the sling so you could more easily help yourself to seconds in the buffet line.) |
| There was nothing pitiful about Nancy Freedman, who just returned from Timbuktu (that’s in Mali, for those of you who didn’t know, either.) She went there for a make-up meeting. (OK, also to promote the PolioPlus efforts of Rotarians), and had to pay $150 for the honor. Geesh. Tough group. |
On The Agenda
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February 21 Esther Johnson Annual Music Competition Awards. NOTE: Riviera is dark. The program will be held at the Methodist Church at 11th & Washington |
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February 28 Richard King, Past President, Rotary International |
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March 7 Mark Morocco, MD: Behind the scenes of the TV show “ER”; also “Bring A Guest Day” |
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March 14 Joint Meeting with the Jaycees |
Note to the apathetic: Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you. Pericles. (430 BC)