ISSUE NO. 28 February 21, 2003 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
February 28th is that magical day when Rotary International Past President Richard King will speak to us wearing his hat as head honcho of the Wheelchair Foundation. Let his message hit home. More wheelchairs are needed all the time, and you can make the difference. Each Rotarian is asked to write a check for $75 payable to The Wheelchair Foundation. That Foundation will match the $75 donation you make, because wheelchairs actually cost $150. Keep in mind that our club, with matching donations by our Foundation, has already donated lots and lots of wheelchairs, and we are challenging each member to keep the tradition going. As a special treat, you can designate which country you’d like to support, and you’ll receive a photograph of the person in that country who received ‘your’ wheelchair. Who can resist?
Who is Esther Johnson And Why Is She Being Honored?
Esther Johnson has many distinctions that have led to her having a musical award named after her. After all, she was the first woman admitted to the 1.18 million-member Rotary International. She started as a pianist for the Santa Monica Rotary Club in 1951, and in 1977, was named a full time executive secretary for the Club. But it wasn’t until 1986 that she became a Rotarian herself after the international service club lifted its ban on female members. Go Esther! She’s part of our legacy, which is why it’s so rewarding to have three young, talented people play their musical instruments vying for her award. Listening to Xibei Jia on piano, Micah Schub on bass, and Scott Berens on piano, helps assuage any lingering doubts about the future of our musical leaders. Congratulations to them for their inspired playing and their well-deserved awards. (Thanks to Robert A. Gross, conductor of the Santa Monica Symphony, Nancy Freedman, and Joey Perlmutter, who served as judges.)
Heads Up
Pat Farris gave the invocation, which was a natural for her considering we were at the First Methodist Church where she is the pastor. Members were introduced to new member Bob Seldon, who welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Nat Trives made an inspiring dedication to the value of the symphony and young people with talent whose sole desire is to play their instruments. Karen Baker was the song leader today, and Carol Jackson made sure we were on key with her piano playing.
Of Significance
| 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, especially since the Kiwanians are ahead of us in the sales department. C’mon guys. |
| 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”. |
| Even though you may not have diamonds to deliver, get some good stuff to donate for the silent auction at Tom Loo’s house on April 27th. That’s when Oded Wolf needs your silent auction items, and Steve Alexis needs your menu for the International Food Festival. |
| OK, folks. You know who you are. Linda Gray needs your overdue dues NOW. Please, call her at (310) 828-3320 if you have issues, but barring that, just write the check and send it to her. |
| For music lovers, and those especially inspired by today’s performances, please remember that the Santa Monica Symphony will be playing under the conducting talents of Robert A. Gross, on March 2, 2003, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium at 7:30 PM. |
Happy Birthday To You
Rosemary Regalbuto did her usual exemplary research and came up with the names of the following birthday boy and girls who are certainly wiser, if not older:
February: Al Drusch, Rick Kennedy, Chris Lawson, Dave Rogers. In March, the birthday honorees are: Kris Andresen, Barry Bouley, Blair Brandenberg, Bill Crookston, Susan Dawson, Stan Fox, Alan Glick, Bashir Kadri, Michelle Schrader, Robert Seldon, Tim Shannon.
The More Things Change…
Los Angeles International Airport Rotary Club has moved to Pavilion, Hollywood Park, 3883 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood 90301. Same date and time.
On The Agenda
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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 |
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March 21 Stan Stahl, Computer Security, How to Keep Your Identity To Yourself |
“We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” Winston Churchill