ISSUE NO. 14 November 2, 2003 OUR 82nd YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
APOLOGIES
Due to an emergency request, I was forced to be absent from the 10/24 meeting and was unable to find someone to cover for me, so I have no firsthand knowledge of how dazzling and charming DR. KATHRYN DODSON from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce was, but I am certain she was her usual dynamic self.
I apologize to Dr. DODSON and the club.
We had representatives from the far-flung ends of the country this past week when Hawaiian IAO KATAGIRI and self-proclaimed Hillbilly BRIAN WEST each gave their craft talks. They were hosted by KAREN BAKER after the gentle inspirational words of RUSS WARNER and the warm welcome by ANDREW PARKER to our guestatarian RON RIMER this week.
The PresiDEEnt kept order on that other table upfront that kept welcoming Ron throughout the day.
Iao covered her path from being a denizen of the Hawaiian beaches, to the fun and frivolity of Seattle, through the excitement of Berkeley to land 27 years ago in a “temporary job” at RAND, cause she was only going to be there a year or two.
Brian’s path from living in the Holler, to being here took him on a tour of Sin Central. Straight out of Salvation Army training, and with the dew of innocence still on his brow, he was commissioned and appointed to Las Vegas, and then to Laughlin!! I guess he’s here to take a break from all the excitement there!
They were each great Craft Talks, and a continuing testament to the versatility and quality of our club.
GO ARMY ! GO NAVY! GO AIR FORCE! GO MARINES! GO GUARD!!
Yes we have a very special VET’S DAY to honor all club members who were members of the armed services. This special Veterans Day Program will feature remarks by two Iraq war veterans, US Army Spc. SHOSHANA JOHNSON, a rescued Prisoner of War, and Marine Sgt. WILLIAM HOLODNAK, a former - and returning - Clerk at Gelsons Market in Pacific Palisades. Also speaking will be Col. JOSEPH SMITH, USMC (Ret), Los Angeles County Director of Military & Veterans Affairs, and holder of the Silver Star Medal for heroic action in Vietnam.
The club is asking that all members who are vets show up displaying their branch of service so that those of us who don’t know your history can ask about your war stories, service escapades and give proper honor and respect.
Of course, we expect that some of those uniforms have shrunk over the years so – for those who have laundry problems, you can wear a jacket or hat showing your branch of service.
BYE, BYE BARNES, BYE BYE.
The PresiDEEnt is hosting a farewell open house for NORMA BARNES this coming NOVEMBER 11TH from 6-8 p.m. at MENZIES MANOR, 102 Foxtail Drive, Santa Monica, phone is 393-2097 and all Rotarians are invited to stop by for a beverage and to chat a little as we wish Norma Bye Bye.
If you’re Boggled about what to do for your Life’s social events, and you are good at Monopolyzing the board, you don’t need to Scrabble to Twister your nights fun into an evening of Taboo fun, no it’s not a Charade, we’re pursuing Trivia with Harris Levey. Call Harris to reserve your space and let him know what type of pizza and other convenience food you like to much on.
Rotarians please take note! This year's Group Study Exchange is currently accepting applications up to November 15, 2003. Do you know anyone between the ages of 25 and 40 who could take a one month to travel and learn the culture of Parana, Brazil to act as a business and cultural ambassador for the United States? (The Editor could sure use a trip like this!)
This is an incredible opportunity and a life experience for anyone who participates. Applications are available at www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/gse, or contact David Bohn at 310.393.9688 or DavidB@Bradmore.com. The Tentative dates are April 17, 2004 to May 16, 2004. Applications are due by November 15, 2003. Point someone to this opportunity they will remember for a life time. Questions? Call David Bohn.
Evidently the FARF was quite a hit, AGAIN. But just incase you thought you might have missed this great opportunity, the PresiDEEnt has fined all those who didn’t attend a $25.00 penalty.
OTHER FINES THIS WEEK
Traveling is getting costly these days, DICK ROBBINS will be traveling from MONTECITO, site of his new home to LA, and that is costing him a $100, Perennial Jet Setter NAT TRIVES was again in Mazatlan, this time for a park dedication, and its costing him a $100, SHIRLEY DOWLING was cityhopping to five cities and that trip is costing a $125, but she can donate it to the Wall of Books at John Adams, Mr. Parker, Andrew if you please, spent a little time living with the in-laws in the French Riviera, a tough job, but someone must repair Franco American relations ( and eating Spaghetti—O’s doesn’t count!) so he’s paying $200, lastly ROBERT SEGAL has a wayward son for which he is paying $200, said son is a Kiwanian, President level.
UPCOMING SPEAKERS
NOVEMBER 7 - Veteran's Day Program featuring former POW SHOSHANA JOHNSON
NOVEMBER 14 – PDG PAUL NETZEL will be speaking on "Rotary International Programs."
NOVEMBER 21 – Business consultant BUZZ McCOY will talk on “Teaching Business Ethics”
It's pretty difficult to keep your mind and your mouth open at the same time.
The best rosebush is not the one with the fewest thorns, but that which bears the finest roses.
--- Jerry Van Dyke, Entertainer