President Dee Menzies and her husband Jim
hosted the Fireside Meeting at their home on Thursday, February 19. Using the
catchphrase, “You get out of the Club what you put into it,” Jack Siegal
and other Past Presidents presented a wealth of information about Rotary for
newer members.
As Co-Chair of the Information Committee, Dick Lawrence
(Past President 1997-98), welcomed everybody, followed by a round of
self-introductions. Bill Fritzsche (Past President 1981-82) talked about
our Club’s history and traditions. 1992-93 Past President John Bohn
explored club organization, including board makeup, budget, operations etc. Jack
Siegal (Past President 1999-2000) emphasized membership requirements and
procedures such as attendance, classifications, and how to propose a new member.
John Lehne (Past President 2000-01) described the Rotary International
Foundation and the Santa Monica Rotary Foundation, and major projects ranging
from helping to eradicate polio worldwide to our Club’s own progress towards
sponsorship of a Boys and Girls Club Annex at John Adams Middle School.
New members attending — Susan Annett, Pat
Bofird, Kathy Dodson, Brenda Katz, Rajesh Khanna, Mary
Mathews, John Pacheco, and Roy Almeida — were
provided with answers to questions they might have had about what is a Paul
Harris Fellow; the altruism behind Friday’s “math lesson;” and local
makeup opportunities. Current President, Dee Menzies, concluded with a personal
reflection on what Rotary means and admitted that she’ll know what drink not
to order on her next international makeup session.
Speaking of international relations, Bill Fritzsche,
in good jest, provided “translations” for Spyros Dellaportas (Past
President 1996-97). Those attending were urged to try some of Spyros’
delicious baklava at the next International Food tasting. Following the formal
program, new members and Past Presidents, joined by Executive Secretary, June
Doy, enjoyed good food, refreshment, and fellowship thanks to Prez Dee and
Jim!
....Susan Annett
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New member Mary Mathews (sitting next to Past President Dick Lawrence) is shown taking copious notes. She knows that President Dee may test her on Rotary's meeting make-up rules. |
| New member Roy Almeida (left) is
shown sitting next to past president Bill Fritzsche. Roy is
listening to past president Spyros Dellaportas as how to
propose a prospective member.
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President Dee was very proud of her girls and boys. Good girl Kathy Dodson is shown listening very intently to Past Pres John Bohn. |