Success Through Teamwork 3/20/13

Posted by Tony Ciancimino

on Mar 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. President Jim is shown exchanging gifts and banners with this week's speaker, Martina Frycova.

Dear fellow Rotarians and friends,

With our Bingo blood still hot from Saturday night we gathered this week with exciting guests and a spectacular speaker. Special guests Realtor Monica Trepany, TV producer Chris Matar and sculptor Ryan Schmidt all rejoined us for a second visit. Next week we hope to again see Wells Fargo Private Banker Margaret Kubiak, who was at BingoFest.

Early on, Czech Republic member of the Rotaract Club of Pilsen, Martina Frycova, wrote to Districts on the route of the 2013 Rail and Water Tour. She offered herself as a speaker on the clean water projects supported by the "Tour." This annual fund raiser is headed by the Rotary Club of LaBelle in Southwest Florida. Not getting the response she hoped for from Districts, Martina then wrote to Club Presidents on the tour. Solely due to President Jim's prompt reply were we able to book Martina as a speaker. Her time filled up quickly. Jim's efforts were quite worthwhile as Martina is a delightful young lady and an excellent spokesperson for the "Tour." She is visiting 24 Clubs in 50 days. It is hard to believe that when she arrived in LaBelle over a year ago, she spoke no English. She could teach it now! She gave a great overview of her background, the history of the "Tour" and this year emphasis on Afghanistan focusing on both clean water and sanitation. She gave a graphic example of the successes of the campaign. On behalf of the membership President Jim gave Marina a check for $500 to boost this year's program.

President Jim asked Gwen to give a recap of this year's Luck O the Irish BingoFest. Still bubbling with glee over the Club's level of participation, Gwen offered numerous thanks to those who made the evening special. Early looks indicate that we should end up netting approximately $2700 for our Foundation's good works. Details to follow. Photos from the evening have been posted on the Club website.

Please note, the 3/24 Car Rally has been postponed, new date to be announced.

On 3/26 we will be hosting 13 Rotaracters from the University of Oregon at Cantalini's for dinner. Lisa has offered a special $10 Rotary meal price, for the evening. RSVP to Jim for an accurate head count.

The District Conference, May 2-5 is rapidly approaching, but the deadline to secure the Rotary rate of $179 a night is coming up with lightening speed. After 3/31 the rate reverts to $445 a night! Reserve a room if you are even 50/50 about attending, it will hold the rate and there is no cancellation penalty. We want a large group to celebrate President Jim's year.

President Jim decided it was a "fine time" to call up new members Insa Janssen and John Marcato and sponsors Judith Ciancimino and Katie Litsey to present them their member badges. He subsequently fined the sponsors $5.00 each for the privilege.

April 6th is the Rotary Day of Service with the District doing a clean up at a South Central park. Donate a few hours and you'll be able to work along side 20 or 30 Animo Venice Interacters who will be participating that day. RSVP to Gwen or Jim.

Tore has forwarded his second and third reports "from the road" and they have been posted on our website as has his pledge form for those wishing to support this trek.

Be with us next week to welcome Sarah Chapman back to the Club. She'll be updating us on her efforts in Benin and how our contribution was put to work.

Once again, no one pulled the ace of spades in the 50/50 drawing, so $1145 carries over to next week.

Thanks to Don Culton, Gwen Vuchsas and Judith Ciancimino for taking pictures this week.

Save the Date:

Mar 24 2nd Annual Car Rally Postponed, new date TBA

Mar 26 Hosting 13 University of Oregon Rotaracters @ Cantalini's ($10 per person, advise Pres. Jim for reservations)

Apr 6 Rotary Day of Service

Apr 13 Family of Rotary breakfast and tour of USS Iowa

Apr 26 RYLA

May 2-5 District Conference

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

May 14 Teacher Eddy Awards

May 18 District Assembly (tentative date)

May 18 MarinaFest Fundraiser

May 19 MarinaFest Fundraiser

June 6 LAX Coastal Area ChamberFest

June 9 Serving dinner at the Midnight Mission

June 28 Demotion Party

Be well.

Yours in Rotary service,

Tony