"2004/2005"
ISSUE NO. 12 January 28, 2005 OUR 83rd YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Rotary News -- "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." – Anne Frank
Ø Rotary in People Magazine! Check out last week’s issue of People magazine that features the story, “The Lost Boys of Sudan.” The story details the return of three “Lost Boys,” who are now members of the Mid-City Lost Boys Rotaract Club in San Diego, to a refuge camp in Kenya.
Ø Rotary World Peace Scholars – Along with disaster relief, The Rotary Peace Scholars help contribute to the future of world peace and understanding. The inaugural class of Rotary World Peace Scholars graduated in 2004.
Ø “Service Above Self” documentary now available. The hour-long independent film highlights Rotary International’s first 100 years. For a copy of the video please email prtips@rotaryintl.org. For more information on the documentary go to www.rotary.org/newsroom/presscenter/releases/2005/213.html.
Once a Rotarian … Always
It was wonderful to see Bill Aspinwall back feeling and looking well. Still missing in action is Herb Rooney, we hope he is recovering and that we will be seeing him soon. It is with regret that we accept the resignations from John Deasy, Michael Rosenthal, Miguel Flores and Mijo Kim. Juan Llauro has been asked to resign due to absence. Steve Eorio won’t be seen for a while either. He is on a leave, <hmmmm, I think that is fine-able, don’t you?>
This is truly the Age of Aquarius—Happy Birthday Dear Rotarians
Rick Kennedy 02 February
Al Drysch 05 February
Dave Rogers 07 February
Russ Warner 10 February
Bill Frank 11 February
Bill Hunt January thru December
With Mercury the Messenger flying through your sign until February 16, all aspects of communication are heightened for you. Use this time to reach out to those around you, for you'll be more able to get your thoughts across with persuasive clarity. Don't be too hard on yourself. The doubts you are having may pass in a couple of days.
Steve Alexis has everyone talking. He has set up an online discussion group for the Rotary Club of Santa Monica. The purpose of this forum is to give all members a chance to voice their opinion on any issue. It is open to Santa Monica Rotary and Rotaract Club members only. To subscribe just email: SMRotary-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
FARF2005FARF2005FARF2005FARF2005FARF2005FARF2005 – What is it you wonder? Well, there seems to be some confusion there. Conductor Lionel says it is the “Finest Annual Rotary Feast” as compared to Spryros calling it the 14th (or 15th) First Annual Rotary Feast. Strange? Yes, but fun is the most integral part of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica. So please join us on Thursday, February 3rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Lower Bel Air Beach Club.
I am sure the evening will also be educational … remember the 2003 FARF when we learned that a Porterhouse Steak is really a T-Bone Steak with an extra large filet?
There are speakers and then there are Speakers - “The grand essential of happiness are: Something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” Allen Chalmers
We have been so fortunate to have excellent speakers as of late. One of them, Don Doss from the Santa Monica Police Department addressed the topic of Elder Abuse. In our city of about 84,000 at least 18% are seniors, many of who are exposed to self-neglect and physical/psychological abuse. In the financial area, there are theft, fraud and scams to combat.
One
popular scam takes place in the market parking lot on Wilshire between 14th and
Euclid. When an elderly woman is spotted going into the market, the perpetrator
will smudge some paint on his car the same color as the woman’s car. He will
follow her home, saying she hit his car and show her the paint on his car. He
tells her she will lose her license and insurance if she reports what happened.
However, he would be happy to accept payment to repair the damage.
Another swindle occurs when a couple of professional looking people go
to a home, saying they are from the insurance company and they would like to
check the homeowner’s roof. They ask that both the husband and wife come outside
to check it with them. Meanwhile, another person scampers into the house and
steals what he can.
Be aware that your credit card receipts check deposit slips or old checks imprinted with account numbers must be torn up before being thrown away. Additionally, instead of imprinting your name on your checks, consider using just initials and, never imprint your social security number or driver’s license number on your checks.
On January 28th our guest speaker was Dr. Hans J. Wendler, German General Consul. Dr Wendler helped explain why there has been tension building up between the U.S. and certain European Nations.
He reminded us how important Organizations such as the Rotary Club are. He especially likes foreign exchange programs where people of different nations can meet and exchange ideas and help create understanding and promote worldwide peace. He stated very strongly, “war is only a last resort after all efforts of diplomacy have been pursued.” The room was captivated, thanks you Petra Haffter … ummmm …or is it to be Petra Schroeder now? Thank you for bringing Dr. Wendler to us. More importantly, congratulations on your four-day marriage to Ric.
And thanks to … Dr. William Buxton your invocation was lovely, and, at this point I am dry enough to also say “thanks for the rain. “ Our “Renaissance Man” Merv Hecht, who gracing the head table, caught Prez Lionel’s eye. Not sure exactly what happened but Merv was fined $50 for some wine lesson gone awry. Clyde Smith, you kept us on key again, good job! Monte McCormick was charming as he welcomed our guests. It was great seeing Bill Randle with a new haircut and a beaming Spyros Dellaportas greeting us at the door. All in all, it was quite a wonderful meeting. Conductor Lionel left us with this command, “Go preach to the world and if necessary use words.”
That brings us logically to this week. What awaits us all? I hear it is Michael Zakian. However, I am not sure. Hank Walthers and I have been playing phone tag and this is ready to go to press.
I do know, however, that this Friday is two days after Groundhog Day and quite important. You have the opportunity to select the three local charities to as recipients from our International Food Festival. A wonderful idea presented by the committee members: Oded Wolf, Steve Alexis, Nicole Dickerson, “Tish” Tisherman, Barry Bouley, George Collins and Jon Kemp to mention just a few.
FEBRUARY 18th change of venue – Please come to the Four Points Sheraton at 530 West Pico Boulevard. There is plenty of free parking … so please join us.
Respectively Submitted,
Rosemary Regalbuto, Novice
Special thanks to my friends that helped: June Doy, Diane Margolin, Clyde Smith, Steve Litvack, Robert Siegel, Marv Levin and our number one conductor … Lionel Ruhman.