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. This week's speaker, Alan Kerstein, describes the big fish he recently caught!

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Dear fellow Rotarians and friends, 

ImageAlan Kerstein returned this week to give the third session on, "How to Avoid a Ticket". He performed the impossible by clearing up our perceptions on the murky laws about distracted  driving and do's and don't for operating a car. Alan returns June 5th for the his last school session. President Jim marked this occasion with a book donation to a local school in Alan's name. We welcome the opportunity to have Alan with us again!

Joining us again his week was  Santa Monica Rotarian Larry Mortoff. All were happy to see him again. We were very fortunate to have three very special guests with us. Rebekah Trachsel, who come with a strong Rotary background, friend of Gwen and Mike Sarlo, Jory Rosen and former colleague of  Margaret Kubiak, John Zarchen. It was great getting to know these folks and hope to have them back with us soon!

Clarence Griffin stepped up to brag about LMU's being named one of the seven most beautiful campus' in the United States. That was worth $20. Additionally (on the same $20) he also noted the great success of the recent Race for Success road race which is a major community fund raising event. As it turns out Don Culton ran and once again won his age category, which cost Don $10. Don went on to advise of how well the second annual Animo Venice HS Festival went. Our Interact Club raised several hundred dollars by selling popcorn and lemonade. Peter Smyth, who will be a grandfather any day (it's a boy!) offered a $20 brag to highlight the this very special event. 


ImageKatie Litsey updated the Club on the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) which was held last weekend. Both she and Gail Goldstein shared stories from our four local attendees. They all came back, very enthusiastic and highly energized. Another great Playa Venice investment in our youth!

Keep Judith Wilson posted on whether or not you will be attending the 6/15 Getty Villa trip. If you are riding on the transportation (recommended) supplied by the Venice Boys and Girls Club, it is free to attend. 

Our Fire Station 63 Pancake Breakfast will take place on 5/11. Check with Tom Carson to sign up for a work shift. Mr. Generosity, Howard Pollack, is once again providing a bouncy house for the kids. This is a great program and it doesn't seem like work at all.

If you know of high school student of scholarship age, get an application for one of the four $1,000 offerings that the Club will be offering. As you might expect, there is specific criteria for each scholarship. Gail is in charge and advises the deadline for submission is 5/15. 

Next week's speaker is Capt. Peters of LAPD's Pacific Division. Here is a great opportunity to get your personal police questions and issues addressed! 

Once again, no one pulled the ace of spades in the 50/50 drawing, so $2015. carries over to next week's meeting.

Thanks to Judith Ciancimino for taking pictures this week! 

Save the Date: 

May 2-5 District Conference 

May 11 Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 63 

May 14 Teacher Eddy Awards

May 16 Member Orientation Meeting 

May 18 District Assembly 

May 22 MDR Hospital Career Fair

May 22 Venice Chamber Expo

June 2 "Build a Bear" 

June 6 LAX Coastal Area ChamberFest

June 9 Serving dinner at the Midnight Mission

June 15 Getty Villa Visit (get your art on!)

June 28 Demotion Party

July 28 On the Water With BodyGlove

Be well.

Yours in Rotary service, 

Tony