Playa Venice Update
Fellow Rotarians and friends,
President Armando led off his last meeting beating the heck out of the bell and making it sound like a five alarm fire. No doubt his enthusiasm will be cooled as we slowly turn him over the coals at Friday evening’s Demotion Party.
We were doublely treated as Diane Pollock told us about the Venice High School organic garden program and then invited the membership to take home samples of the garden’s output. It was fascinating to learn about how what started out to be “something to do for a couple of years,” turned into a sixteen year career. The produce was as beautiful as the story.
Winning the award for the longest commute was visiting Rotarian from Sao Paulo Brazil, Ildefonso Santos. He and Gail Goldstein compared notes as Ildefonso is President Elect of his club. Also joining us, with a much more palatable commute, was Howard Pollack’s special guest, Clarence Griffin of Loyola Marymount University. Clarence is a fixture in the community actively promoting all the good things LMU does locally. Most recent is their major support of the Fourth of July Parade which starts at Westchester Park, runs down Loyola Blvd. and ends at LMU. Rotarians are invited to either come out as a volunteer to make this 12th offering of the event as successful as in the past or to ride a fire truck as the Playa Venice entry in the Parade.
Gwen Vuchsas reminded the membership that the first event of the year of “sharing smiles” is the July 23rd Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 5. We are proud to once again partner with the LAX Marriott Hotel to help raise funds for our local protectors. With a bouncy house, crafts and surprises for the kids, this is always a great family event.
The first quarterly District Breakfast will take place at the Westin Hotel (Century Blvd.) on July 26th. Food service will begin at 7:00 AM.
A reminder to all that we are dark on June 29th.
Be well.
Yours in Rotary,
Tony