Success Through Teamwork 10/31/12

Dear fellow Rotarians and friends,

This week we were joined by several guests. Ensa Jannsen returned from NYC. Two Animo Venice Interacters came to see what we do each week.  Manhattan Beach Rotarian and congressional candidate Bill Bloomfield was also with us. Armando Diaz brought special guest, Venice HS principal Elsa Mendoza and Linda Black attended to act as the installing officer for Peter Smyth.  It is always great to have a full room and the energy it brings. 

This brought us to a special part of our meeting, the installation of a new member. Linda Black joined Peter Smyth at the podium along with Peter's sponsor President Jim Vuchsas. Linda gave a great overview of the responsibilities of a Rotarian and emphasized that from this time on, where ever Peter went he would be representing our Club.  The Club then rose as one to welcome Peter, our newest member. Peter attended last Saturday's Paul Harris Celebration and was very generous in his biding on live auction items. He won a multiple person 3 hour evening a a local yacht. This will make him a Paul Harris fellow with an additional 1500 points in his account. I've never seen a new member gain Paul Harris status so quickly. To add to his generosity he will be giving the cruise back to the Club as a fund raising opportunity. What a wonderful and gracious start, we are fortunate to have peter in our Club! Sincerest warm welcome Peter.

It was announced that the service for Gale LaBarre will be held on 11/10 at 10:30 AM Holy Cross Chapel. Details are on the website homepage. 

We got a letter from Kent Truckenbrod tendering his resignation. Kent has nee a good Rotarian both locally and long distance. His efforts brought honor to the Club. 

Gwen Vuchsas announced that the Club got another $1750 matching grant from District (max quantity we could get,) which will go towards Teacher Mini Grants. Great news!

Katie Litsey jumped in at the last minute to act as this week's speaker. She talked about, "Communication, it's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. Typically of Katie, it was well thought out, entertaining and informative. We appreciated her filling in so quickly. Since Katie's new Rotary badge came in recently, we thought it was a good time to present it to her. We avoided the temptation of having "Katie, Katie Married Lady'printed and went more my traditionally with "Katie Butler Litsey."  

As a thank you for officiating as well as bringing Peter Smyth to us, President Jim gave Linda one of our new Club logo pins. Small gift to a great friend!

For those not aware, Tore Knos has taken up the duties of Sgt. at Arms.

Using the Four Way Test, President Jim asked all present who was not wearing their pin. Five hand went up and then into their pocket for a $5 fine. Judith Wilson, Katie, Tore, Christina Davis and Armando left the meeting a little poorer.

Thanks to Christina Davis for this week's photos.

Save the Date 

November 9 Ultimate Wine Tasting

November 10 Gale LaBarre Services

December 2 Midnight Mission Food Service 

Be well.  Yours in Rotary service,  

Tony