Playa Venice Sunrise Update

Fellow Rotarians and friends,

Yesterday’s meeting found us taking an inward glance at two important functions of Rotary, the Rotary Foundation and our Club web site.

Tom Carson advised how a member can become a Paul Harris Fellow and more. Rotary International encourages the membership to contribute $100 “every Rotarian every year.” These funds can come back to Club programs via grants nationally and internationally. Tom voiced the goal of having our Club being 100% Paul Harris fellows, which, since we are now at 60/70%, is attainable.

I used the balance of the meeting to review our Club web site (Playasunrise.org) and the information and tools available for all to use. I urge the membership to sign on, update your personal information and use the web site to support your Rotary activities. Let me know if you have questions or problems.

President Armando called for brags and Gail Goldstein stepped up to speak about her recent Venice Boys and Girls Club experience. She was invited to be a judge for their Youth Awards. Gail spoke enthusiastically about the talents and achievements of the participants and dedicated $50 to our Foundation to be directed for use by President Armando.

Tom Ryan advised those present that former Venice teacher Janice Davis has contributed $300 to the Jacket program and that this year’s program has been fully funded with some surplus to apply toward next year’s effort. Congratulations to Tom, Alex and everyone else that made this longest running District program a success once again.

Speaking of District, Tori Hettinger encouraged members to “watch ABC World News Tonight this Friday, January 28 (check local listings).  In November, Rotary International sent three Rotarians to Delhi to participate in polio nation immunization day activities.  The group was joined by Dr. Richard Besser and an ABC news crew to film Rotarians in action and to tell the story of Rotary’s 25 year effort to eradicate polio.  It is our understanding that this Friday night, on ABC World News Tonight, the story will air (assuming that the world news of the day does not pre-empt regular programming.)

 Also, there will be a webcast featuring Bill Gates, Jr. and Diane Sawyer, talking about polio eradication at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Pages/home.aspx on January 31 at 9:30am ET.  Finally, it is our understanding that Good Morning America may also pick up this story, but we have yet to be notified when or if it will be done.”

Starting next week President Armando will assume the responsibility of communicating with Rotarians and friends by taking over the authorship of this weekly Bulletin. We look forward to hearing his plans for the second half of his Presidency.

Service above Self!

Be well.

Yours in Rotary,

Tony