ISSUE NO. 20 December 13, 2002 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
Prepare to marvel at the a cappella chorus that will sing for us on December 20th. The Santa Monica Oceanaires will treat us to a medley of holiday music in their distinctive “Barbershop” style. Barbershop singing consists of four male voice parts: the tenors, leads, baritones, and basses, each imparting a crucial component of the song that results in a unique and blended harmony. Our gratitude to Bill Crookston and his beloved Kathleen for donating the honorarium for the Oceanaires. Their gift of love to our Club keeps us humming.
Just the Facts…
Who knew? Until Leslie Dutton explained to us how unions and political decisions influenced the hiring of past and present L.A. Chiefs of Police, most of us didn’t know the inner workings of the beat. And it’s precisely because she gets the facts…from all sources, many of them heretofore unsolicited, that we are finally clued in on her program FULL DISCLOSURE how these men at the top are selected. The problems facing the police chiefs remain the same: work hours, slow hiring, police reform, discipline, community policing, and charter reform, but how solutions are applied may well end up being in the job description of the union boss. Her Emmy-winning program on cable access TV features the hard questions and the surprising answers.
The Count Counts
The result of voting for next year’s officers has resulted in the following winners:
Holdover Directors: Susan Dawson & Jonathan Kemp
One-Year Directors: Jim Reidy & Robert Segal
Two-Year Directors: Alonzo Hill & Rosemary Regalbuto
Treasurer: Henry Walther
Secretary: Shirley Dowling
Vice-President: Nat Trives & Allan Young
President: Dee Menzies
President Elect: Lionel Ruhman
Heads Up
Lending their expertise to the head table were Kris Andresen to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests; Jim Reidy to introduce Leslie Dutton; and, Ken Mirch to give the invocation. Linda Gray was introduced as the new Club Executive Secretary who will assume the vital role being vacated by Barbara Hopper next month. The musical duo of Carol Jackson and Karen Baker insured we sang with gusto and on key.
Of Significance
| Red Kettle Day was a resounding success. Thank Frank Lavac for the remarkable generosity exhibited by a one-day take: $4,058 was collected on behalf of the Salvation Army, which admirably exceeded last year’s total. Dick Lawrence of Encino State Bank held the counting party, so we know the total is accurate. |
| To satisfy the goal of Read by 9, Norma Barnes needs books, especially if they’re kindergarten age and gently used. For those who were unable to donate used books, checks were gently solicited to purchase new ones. |
| Barry Bouley reminded us that Friday, December 20th, is our last opportunity to brighten the holidays for needy youngsters. Please bring a wrapped gift with you to our meeting, and indicate on it whether it is for a boy or girl and the approximate age within a range of 3 to 18. The Boys & Girls Club children are depending on you. |
| An International Food Festival is being planned on April 27th by the innovative Karim Jaude at the magnificent home of Tom Loo. If you like to cook, or eat, relish in your diversity by volunteering in one way or the other. Fifteen different ethnic styles are being solicited for this foodie’s fantasy. Participants will make a contribution to cover the costs of the event. Those funds will be allocated among the volunteers who either cook or bring their authentic ethnic foods. Contact Karim at 471-4185 to volunteer. |
| The District 5280 Newsletter gave us kudos for leading the way with 14 new members. Pres Bill Crookston gave some helpful tips to other clubs about how to identify and recruit new blood. The motivation and contact route for each member was unique, but the common goal remained the same: someone was on the lookout for Rotary-quality members, recognized it, and did something about it. |
| The Board report revealed that (1) Susan Dawson & Rex Minter have requested temporary leaves; and, (2) Recognition Awards were given in large part because we took the time to fill in the forms and toot our own horn. Let Tom Loo know by February 24th if you’re eligible to win an award and he’ll follow through. |
The Welcome Mat
Lynn Morris traveled from her Rotary club in Allentown, PA., to join us in sunny CA. Guests were John Baron, Paul Joseph, Lance Bogart, Doug Abdala, Juan Llaro, Yossi Bitin, Roy Alameda, and Ann Norman.
Another Year Wiser
Despite the fact that Rosemary Regalbuto forgot her list of birthday boys and girls, she persevered and by memory recreated the list for today’s celebration (but not in alphabetical order!) Hip Hip Hurray to all of you: Dee Menzies, Jon Kemp, Petra Haffter, John Bohn, Nat Trives, Monika White, John Lehne, Frank Lavac, Ken Mirch, Joe Pundyk, Herb Roney, John Tarle, Rosemary Regalbuto, David Ross, and Bill Hunt.
Fine Time
It was barely audible, but something uttered by Bob Klein got him a $50 hit. As the Treasurer, he said we’re solvent, so he shouldn’t mind being part of the solution. And being tall and a basketball dad didn’t help Eric Jorgensborg one bit. He got himself a $120 tab because his daughter’s team lost to Bill Crookston’s future wife’s son’s team. Or something like that. Who can follow so many family trees at once?
From The Boss
Bill Crookston is thrilled with the accomplishments achieved during the first half of his presidential term, not the least of which are the camaraderie and good works of our Club members. It’s not for nothing that we got named The Best. He and Kathleen extend their sincere best wishes to all of us as we recognize the spirit of our own personal beliefs that lead us to one goal: To Sow The Seeds Of Love.
On The Agenda
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December 18 Last day to tell Barbara Hopper if you’re bringing a guest on the 20th |
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December 20 The Santa Monica Oceanaires Barbershop singing group |
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December 27 Dark – Christmas Holiday |
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December 29 Reception for Bhichai Rattakul, RI President, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Call David Tomblin at (310) 891-0683 for a reservation. |
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January 3, 2003 Dark – New Year’s Holiday |
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January 10 Gary Small, MD – UCLA Center on Aging |
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January 17 Robert Tranquada, MD, Former Dean, USC School of Medicine |
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February 4 District Breakfast (Note date change) |
This is it, folks. If you recall a majority of these oldie but goodies, you qualify for the ‘really old’ award:
Need I go on? Welcome to the grand old age of nostalgia…may it never end!