What a fabulous and challenging honor to step into the shoes of our fabulous President JoeMetoyer while chairing the March 24, 2023 Rotary Zoom Meeting. As we all know, in Rotary we never do anything alone after all Joe’s shoes are a lot to fill.
Joe’s absence was due to the Humanitarian trip to Belize. Our President and six of our Rotarians are currently in Belize helping improve the lives of people with several service projects. Kudos to outstanding Rotary Santa Monica representatives: Joe Metoyer, Ken Waltzer, Kera Blades Snell, Russ Warner, George Collins, Judy Neveau and Donna Byrd. This representation of our club reinforces the fact that Rotary is a Club of service and action! I’m sure we are all excited to hear about their adventures when they return.
A special thank you to our virtual head table. The president’s pick was vacant since I am only the Vice President. Our beautiful patriotic song was provided by our very own President Elect Elect Monika White and her twin sister Gitta. Our expert Zoom master Len Lanzi led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. An inspiring Invocation/inspiration was provided by Felix Crown. The introduction of our guests was conducted by David Rosenfeld. This was a perfect example that it takes many Rotarians partnering together to ensure success. Trust me; I am very grateful!
The introduction of our speaker was expertly provided by President Elect Monika White. Our speaker, David Pomeranz is a multi-Platinum award-wining recording artist, songwriter and concert performer. He has toured extensively as a soloist and has packed venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Kennedy Center, the Kremlin and the Olympic Stadium in Munich. David Pomeranz throughout the years has composed renowned songs for feature films and television. David joined us during the entire social times on Zoom and had wonderful conversations with our members.
From his home in Florida, David Pomeranz shared his views on “WALKING THE WALK TAKING RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH THE ARTS AND IN EVERYDAY LIFE” and sang several of his songs. He spoke on the responsibility of everyone to reach out and lift people up. That really nobody is better than anyone else, they just might need education, opportunities or a chance. He was authentic, spoke from his heart and through his music he has found a way to lift people up. He recognized that it is not the same for everyone. He encouraged us to each find our own path and accept that others might contribute differently, but in the end we all have the same goal. Using the image of an artist with a clean white pallet, David suggested that with a clean pallet we should look past all of life’s challenges and together build a new world that is fair, fun, effective and safe for all. He reminded us that art and beauty is everywhere; just open your eyes and share the vision. He commended Rotary for already “Walking the Walk” and reminded us that together there are so many possibilities to change the status quo. Live your life by sharing the beauty and have compassion for others who might not have the same opportunities, then reach out and lift them up!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Gary Odgen reminded everyone to attend the Happy Hour on April 4 at 1212 -3 rd Street on the 3 rd
Steet Promenade.
Bill Powell encouraged everyone to attend the Dethroning of President Joe Metoyer on June
24 th at Tom & Stephanie Loo’s home in Malibu
Pam Brady reminded everyone about Breakfast bags for Safe Place for Youth on April 2nd . Contact Timur Berberoghu if you want to help. Also on Friday, April 14 th you should bring lightly used clothes to the Hilton meeting for Upward Bound. Contact Sharon Perlmutter Gavin for further information.
I fined Paul Leoni $50, because he and his late wife Marilyn are being honored for their outstanding community service by the Santa Monica Breakfast Club on April 16 th at the Elk’s Lodge in Santa Monica. However, feeling guilty, I suspended the fine and said I would pay it in their honor. If you’re interested in attending; please contact me.
Meeting ended with a quote from Pablo: “Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out, and help”. Members were then asked to reach out this week to someone that might need a lift.
