Success Through Teamwork 1/16/13
Dear Fellow Rotarians and friends,
President Jim asked us to start this week's meeting with a moment of quiet reflection on the passing of our good friend, Governor Elect Jim Dyer. Jim left a rich legacy and a void not easily filled. All present signed a card for Jim's wife Sharen. Jim will be missed!
Our speakers were Westchester Rotarian Warren Bobrow who gave an excellent overview of Rotary Youth Exchange 
(RYE) and our current RYE visitor from France, Maxine Mechain. Maxine related her personal experiences as an exchange student. It was great to have them both back with us again.
Another frequently visitor who just came back from a visit home to Germany was Insa Janssen. She's like family, but
better yet, welcome family. She also brought some exciting news. She has transitioned from student to employed legal assistant and we don't hold being a lawyer against her, even after she passes the California bar to hold the official title. Congratulations Insa, we are very proud of you!
While giving a report on last Friday's Teacher Mini Grant (TMG) presentations Gwen Vuchsas thanked all who participated but especially Gail Goldstein. It was Gail who brought the Los Angeles Commercial Realtors Association (LACRA) to us and they are the gift that keeps on giving. This year their additional contribution towards supplies on top of their very generous financial contribution allowed us to fill wish lists for the 14 of 20 schools who gave lists to us. This year we took the opportunity to examine the numbers and try to determine how many students we touched. We added up the number of students in each class that won a grant and were pleasantly surprised to see that we reached 4,077 students with our $19,375 or $4.84 per student. Imagine how the numbers grow and the cost per student drops if the bought items can be used again next year. That's better bang for the buck than a five dollar foot long! TMGs, a great program!
Katie Litsey brought us up to date on the District High School Vocational contest. We will be judging entries on art, speech, dance and music on January 27th starting at 1:00 PM at the LA Arts Collective. Cash awards will be given on both the Club and District levels. Thanks to a unified push, it looks like we'll have about twenty entries. Judith Ciancimino is looking for assistance in judging the dance portion. The other indisciplines are well covered.
Judith the C stepped up to wish the January birthday celebrators a happy and to present them with their Club gift. Tammie Bean is shown getting her gift from Judith, who also sent Pam Wolf's with Tammie. Pam, make sure you get it! (smile)
While in the mood for celebration, President Jim noted that a member had be recognized over the holidays but not in appropriate Playa Venice style. The Marina del Rey Hospital took first place in the Holiday Boat Parade. Representing the hospital this week Tammie Bean ducked when she knew a fine was coming and avoided a $25 personal hit, so we'll just bill the hospital. Tore Knos stood up to report that Tore Jr.'s film Abel's Field had been picked up by Sony Studios. Go to Abelsfield.com to learn more. Then Tore sat down $20 poorer.
We started the year with $80 in our 50/50 fund. With no winner this week the total grows to $135.
Thanks again to Judith Ciancimino and Don Culton for being this week's photographers.
Save the Date:
Jan 27 Vocational Contest Judging, 1:00 PM LA Arts Collective
Mar 9 Trip to Camp Pendleton Memorial Garden
Mar 9 District Arts, speech, music and dance contest
Mar 13 Bring a Friend to Rotary
Mar 23 Ethics Forum
Apr 6 Rotary Day of Service
Apr 26 RYLA
May 4 Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 63
Be well.
Yours in Rotary service,
Tony