Success Through Teamwork 2/20/13

Posted by Tony Ciancimino

on Feb 21, 2013

Each week President Jim will share his thoughts about that week's meeting with Tony Ciancimino who will pass them on to members and friends. Jim was ill this week so President Elect Tom Carson ably manned the podium for him.

Dear fellow Rotarians and friends,

As we mentioned in the above, President Jim was suffering from the flu so Tom Carson stepped in for him. We send our best to President Jim for a speedy recovery and our thanks to Tom for a job well done.

We were joined by Tore's son Tore, no I am not stuttering he is Tore Jr. He is also the producer of a film, now available at Target and Amazon called Abel's Field, which has gotten rave reviews! Also rejoining us, after a trip to Maui was special guest John Marcato. If he was a Rotarian and didn't brag about the trip we'd fine him. Maybe we should rectify that situation, but I am getting ahead of myself. John co-owns an IT company that works with larger companies. As you may recall he comes from a Rotary family with pioneer women Rotarians. Great to have John back with us. Katie Litsey also brought two Interacters to see how the old folks play.

I once attended a Santa Monica club meeting we they sang "The Craft Talk Song" to the tune of "The Jetsons Theme." We had two craft talks today and knowing how our Club sings we probably avoided bringing down a jet liner at LAX by not singing. Peter Smyth was first up and told us about growing up in Australia, traveling the world and how he ended up in Southern California. He was a full show, props and all. Once again it was open mic day at Rotary. Following Peter was David Shapiro. David grew up a "little" closer to LA, but not much, in Atlanta. He made his way around the country looking for his life's work, being educated at the University of Texas. After a few diverse employment stops he focused on law and further refined his once broad practice, to specialize trusts and estates. A Playa Vista resident, David is expecting his second daughter in 4 or 5 months (no he wasn't that vague, he knows when, it's me that can't remember.) Two great craft talks thanks to Peter and David for sharing!

The town crier, I mean Gwen reminded all of several upcoming events, with a focus on 3/16 Luck `O the Irish BingoFest. We are fortunate to have all but two bingo games (at $100 each) already sponsored. We're looking for two more generous souls. As you were notified by Rachel Sunday, each member is asked to donate a gift card worth $25 to be bundled into $100 raffle prizes and we will also have a Pot of Gold 50/50 drawing. Let Gwen know if you can help with set up, clean up or both. This will be a fun evening.

She also queried the group to see if there is enough interest in doing our own Camp Pendleton trip. The District is going down on March 9th but that conflicts with the District Arts contest where we are sponsoring 4 students. It appears we may have enough people to make it worthwhile. More to come.

There are additional events listed below which takes us through the end of the Rotary year. Naturally we'll end up with the Demotion Party on June 28th. Gail (smiley girl) Goldstein is already hard at stoking the coals to roast President Jim. Save the date!

Only one brag this week and that came from Katie. She contributed $10 to brag she had a new black Mercedes. $10, a new Mercedes, I know it doesn't compute for me either, she said it would have been more but hubby Mike "made" her get black. Doesn't everyone like to drive a Mafia staff car?

I brought the raffle prizes and the winners were sure to keep me humble. Tom Carson was first and took a stab at the cards. No win, so the pot goes to $640 for next week. David Voss was next and took the Cantalini's gift card, which meant that Tom Ryan and John Marcato got stuck with reproductions of two of my paintings. No getting a swelled head with this group!

Next week's speaker is Jay Johnstone, former Dodger currently working with the Angels. Jay is a great speaker with many fun and interesting stories.

Thanks to Judith Ciancimino for taking pictures this week.

Save the Date:

Mar 9 Trip to Camp Pendleton Memorial Garden

Mar 9 District arts, speech, music and dance contest at LMU

Mar 13 Bring a Friend to Rotary

Mar 16 Luck `O the Irish BingoFest

Mar 23 Ethics Forum

Mar 24 2nd Annual Car Rally (New date!)

Apr 6 Rotary Day of Service

Apr 26 RYLA

May 2-5 District Conference

May 11 Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 63 (New date!)

May 14 Teacher Eddy Awards

June 28 Demotion Party

Be well.

Yours in Rotary service,

Tony