I am so glad I was present at the eleventh meeting of the 101st year of our Club last Friday. We are being informed of local and important issues that shape our world by our speakers each week. Mary Sue Maurer took us inside the world of preparing “FireFighters” through the lens of individuals who want to make a “U” turn in their lives. Thanks, Dee Menzies, for introducing Rotarian Mary Sue Maurer of Calabasas, to us and thanks Mary Sue for introducing your special son, Derek to us. Len Lanzi was his usual empathic self as he invited Derek to assist in the slide presentation.
Mary Sue Maurer is the longest serving elected woman in the city of Calabasas, where she was recently sworn in for her fourth term as Mayor. “The most rewarding part of my job has been the work I’ve done on issues that aren’t advocated by interest groups but address unmet needs,” says the humble mayor.
Ms. Maurer spoke to our club as Director of the California Conservation Corps, a state agency that puts together young adults, men and women, ages 18-25 and the environment to benefit both. The California Conservation Corps is the oldest and largest state conservation corps in the United States. This agency invites parolees, foster children who are no longer in the system and others to re-establish their lives in the outdoors by offering training which leads to a career launchpad in fire fighting and disaster relief in floods and earthquakes. The young people who receive this training and join the corps spending a year in service will have the opportunity to find their future by finishing their high school diploma, earning scholarships, and experiencing new career paths. Because of the dormitory style living in the training facilities some trainees opt to train in the culinary arts providing the meals for the various teams.
This program offers a full-time career counselor to work with the young trainees and offers a second chance for re-entry while providing a safe and healthy place to rebuild the young minds and bodies. The program is further designed to lessen the chance of recidivism while focusing on an abused generation.
I’m grateful to the three past presidents who joined our head table this week: George Collins provided the invocation by reminding us of the quality and character of Vincent Edward Scully, our beloved, late Dodger Broadcaster. Mitchell Kraus was the president’s pick and Dee Menzies introduced Mary Sue Maurer. Thanks to our club’s secretary, Erik Jorgensborg for welcoming visiting Rotarians and guests. Rose Mary Regalbuto was released from cheering this week to lead our club in singing the patriotic song, leading the pledge and our special song. The cheering squad still let their presence be known. Thanks, Ken Waltzer, for providing the music and Len Lanzi for managing our Zoom and the slide show. Our Head Table crew did a wonderful job, and the Back Table team is always in place to assist. Thanks Carol Powell, Pam Brady, Karin Wallerstein and Rose Mary who did double duty. Michael Cates, thanks for greeting us all as we entered. Felix Crown, thanks for taking the photos this week.
Donna Byrd thanks for celebrating the birthdays of the members of our club with sweet treats.
Kera Blades Snell thanks for inviting all to participate in the Santa Monica History Museum’s Gala honoring our beloved Iao Katagiri. Myles Pritchard, thanks for your generosity in purchasing a table at the Gala for our membership.
Kathy Shepard thanks for announcing our Halloween Party which will be held October 29th at David Rosenfeld’s house. The fun begins at 7:00pm. There will be food, drinks and a costume contest with prizes. The cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 310-678-4427.
Immediate Past President Bill Powell, thanks for sharing the opportunity for our members to assist in the Global Grant on the environmental project with immediate Past District Governor Guity Javid. While our club, through World Community Services will give $5,000.00 to support this effort, Guity is looking for Companies and Organizations for greater sponsorships to partner with. Please reach out to Bill Powell for more information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are on Zoom this Friday; September 30th do not come to the Hilton.
Learn more about how to promote the Rotary Brand https://brandcenter.rotary.org/en-us/
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RCSM COVID Policy Adjustment
The Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica have agreed effective October 1st, 2022, The Rotary Club of Santa Monica will adjust our COVID policy to align with the COVID policy of Los Angeles County and the City of Santa Monica. The RCSM will no longer require proof of vaccination from our members and masks are optional at our gatherings. Rules established by venues we may use will supersede RCSM COVID rules.
In accordance with this policy change the RCSM will reinstate our policy on meeting make ups to the standard of practice prior to establishing a COVID policy. The RCSM’s make up policy is clearly stated in our policy and procedures manual section 3.2 as given below.
3.2: Authorized Make-ups (besides attending regular meetings of other clubs)
In accordance with Article 9 of the club constitution, the board of directors authorizes selected
activities to be counted as make-ups if attended within 14 days before or after absence from a
regular club meeting. All makeups need to be submitted by email to the attention of The Treasurer (George Pickell currently) at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the end of a quarter so they can be credited in the next quarterly billing.
• Board-authorized club events and projects, designated as opportunities arise
• Meeting of the board of directors
• One First Tuesday Happy Hour per year
• One Healthy Living Committee event per year.
• E-Club meetings are treated in the same manner as making up regular meetings at other clubs.
• Rotary International Convention or meeting
• District Convention or meeting
• Club service project
This policy is in effect as of October 1, 2022, with the authorization of a vote by the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica taken on August 25, 2022, at its regular scheduled board meeting.
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HERE ‘S WHAT’S HAPPENING!
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COMING UP: At the Heart of Gold:
Inside the US Gymnastics Scandal
Friday September 30th.
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PROGRAM PREVIEW September 30th on ZOOM
Join us as we hear from David Ulich, award-winning film producer and Trinea Gonczar, Sister Survivor and advocate, as they speak about ending the widespread issue of abuse in sport. The event will include a discussion of the film At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal, featuring Trinea Gonczar and produced by David Ulich.
Presenters: David Ulich & Trinea Gonczar
Host Rotarian Introducer: Tom Loo
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COMING UP: L.A. County Lifeguards
Friday October 7th.
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PROGRAM PREVIEW October 7th @ Hilton
The LAFD is responsible for protecting the lives and property of 4 million residents living in 1.23 housing units in 60 cities in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguards have a long-standing tradition of being one of the top ocean lifeguarding agencies in the world. Quality individuals with a strong aquatic background (swimming, surfing, etc.) to continue this tradition.
Presenters: Sean Nollan, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist
Lifeguard Administration – Recruitment
Host Rotarian Introducer: Richard Lombari
Hilton Santa Monica 1707 Fourth Street, 90401
Cost: $68 includes buffet lunch for visiting Rotarians & Guests
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REMINDERS:
Oct 13th- Book Club Meeting ” The Last White Man” by Mohsin Hamid.
Hamid pushes the boundaries of what it means to be white/black/brown. In doing so he uncovers hidden fears, horrors, ambiguities in our colour- coded, race-coded imprisoned world. The novel shatters these prisons and reveals possibilities for living beyond these codes. This is a well-written novel with interesting plot and characters.
Oct 29th- Halloween Party
MAR 4th – Wine and Food Festival 2023- more details to come.
MAR 16- 23rd -District Humanitarian Trip to Belize
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