Success Through Teamwork 1/2/13
As President Jim opened this week's meeting he literally rang in the New Year. Our numerous holiday activities were memorialized in a video shown during breakfast. It has also been loaded on our website and on FaceBook. Photos of these events have been posted in albums on the website homepage.
President Jim asked representatives of each Adopt a Family team to report on what happened with their families. They relayed the many Rotary moments given to them by their families. No two stories were alike and each team made a difference in the lives of those they served. Another example of how Service Above Self comes back to us as service to self. Jim wrapped up the review by offering sincere thanks to Anne Algaze who once again led the Adopt a Family efforts. On top of life long memories each team enjoyed, their captains can cherish the beautiful crowns that their teams made for them. Win win all the way around!
Gwen Vuchsas reminded everyone that the Teacher Mini Grant Awards on Friday January 11 at the Playa Vista Center Pointe Club will replace the normal 1/9 meeting. As always we'll start at 7:30 AM. It appears that we will be distributing about $18,000 in Mini Grants, plus a variety of school supplies from the teacher's wish lists which Gwen had sent out via email. She remarked that every list had a request for dry eraser-able markers. As you shop between now and Jan. 11th, throw an item or six into your shopping cart and bring them on 1/11 to grow the trove. It all goes in support of our kids and their teachers. Contact Gwen if you need the list resent.
Lisa Schwab noted that her birthday (Jan. 5th) is right around the corner. After strong lobbying to get her Club birthday gift early she relented and bragged that New Years Day marked the 13th anniversary of Cantalini's opening. With the opening of Cantalini's Express in 2012 it looks like the beginning of a chain. People with businesses near Cantalini's Express are encouraged to stop in for great Italian to go! Lisa marked the anniversary with $20.
President Jim acknowledged another meeting highlight by awarding David Shapiro his member badge. David has
jumped into Club activities with both feet. He'll been contacting members as to who has what responsibility for each week's meeting. Please support David in this effort.
It was finally time to redistribute the wealth through the White Elephant Gift Exchange. As previously noted some oldies but goodies reappeared. In addition 
to Armando's glass fish, the preserved unknown food stuffs, made their way into James Frawley's hands. Charles Rosenberg logged the most miles seemingly having every gift of value "stolen" from him. I think he ended up the day with three Marriott spoons and a napkin. It was great to have 100% participation for the send straight year. As always, the White Elephant Gift Exchange was a fun event and Gail Goldstein did a super job MCing for us.
We started a new fund for the 50/50 card drawing and brought in $80. with this weeks raffle prize sales. No winner this week so we'll carry the $80 forward.
This week was a great kick off to a sparkling new year. As Rotarians, we have the opportunity to make a difference in this world. Never has there been more need for our efforts. See you at Playa Vista's Center Pointe Club!
Save the Date:
January 8 District Breakfast
January 9 No Meeting
January 11 Teacher Mini Grants, food sponsored by Playa Vista (replaces 1/9 regular meeting)
Be well.
Yours in Rotary service,
Tony