Success through Teamwork 5/8/13

Dear fellow Rotarians and friends, 

A special day opened with a full room of Rotarians and friends. Blair McBirney of the Westchester Family YMCA was with us again and Lt. David Crew accompanied speaker Capt. Jon Peters, both of the Pacific Area Division of the L.A.P.D.

Thanks to the photos taken at this past weekend's District Conference we were able to a video of the conference activities, highlights and surprises. It ended with our Club being recognized as the Club of Excellence in the "large club" category. Katie Litsey helped President Jim display our new banner. President Jim expressed thanks to all who helped us achieve this high honor. "Success Through Teamwork" won out again! 

Our sister club agreement is in place with the  Rotary Club of Ajijic, A.C. in Mexico. Don Culton suggested that we get a group together for a visit in July touch base with Don if you are interested. 

Tom Carson reminded everyone that our annual pancake breakfast at Fire Station 63 is this Sat. We'll set up at 7:00 AM for a prompt 8:00 AM start. Contact Tom if you haven't yet signed up for  shift. Alex Rosales brought "Rotarians at Work" tee shirts for those who wished to purchase them to wear Sat. We're sure that if you still want to make a tee shirt purchase ($15 each,) if you let Alex know, he"ll have one waiting for you to pick up or he can bring you a shirt on Sat.

Clarence Griffin advised the membership that the Westchester Playa Village is looking for volunteers to help drive seniors to various chores and appointments. There is a link on our homepage for more information. You can also contact Rachel Sunday or Clarence to sign up for driving duties. 

Capt. Jon Peters took to the podium to bring us up to date on the efforts of the LAPD to both keep us safe and for us to be secure in that knowledge. The division, who will celebrate its 40th anniversary this Sept., protects 26 square miles and over 206,000 residents. They are truly doing more with less. Capt. Peters said he would love to have his people attend more of our meetings and functions. That's all that Mr. Generosity, Howard Pollack, had to hear. Howard advised that he would sponsor a "corporate" membership for the Pacific Divison. If Blair and the YMCA comes on board we'll double our number of corporate members. Stayed tuned for more details. 

President Jim, ever cognizant of academic achievements, asked David Voss if he had anything he'd like to brag about. With some memory prodding, David shared that daughter Jessie was in the process of completing another straight "A's" year at WNS. Congrats Jessie, ka ching David, that will be $25! Lisa was grateful to have recuperated from bronchitis and donated $20 to acknowledge her improved health. Lucy Wegner recently returned from the Big Apple where she got to see Wicked on Broadway. She got a deal on the ticket and was able to afford a $25  brag. 

Gail Goldstein was unable to attend the District Conference, so it fell to President Jim to represent the District in thanking her for her service this year as an Assistant Governor. 

Photos and the video from the 2013 District Conference have been posted on our website. The photos were taken by Gwen Vuchsas, Margaret Kubiak and Stephanie Rondeau. Thanks to them for sharing! 

Speaking of new member Margaret Kubiak, she kicked off her membership by attending the District Conference and by all reports she had a great time. At this week's meeting we could catch up in some paperwork and award Margaret her membership certificate. Margaret, congratulations again!

There is also information for those people wishing to make donations in memory of Howard's son Roger who passed away Sunday. Funds will go towards the education of Roger's children. 

Next week's program will be a review of the activities and programs of the Animo Venice Interact Club. 

Once again, no one pulled the ace of spades in the 50/50 drawing, so $2325. carries over to next week's meeting!

Thanks to Don Culton for taking pictures this week.

Save the Date: 

May 11 Pancake Breakfast Fire Station 63 

May 14 Teacher Eddy Awards

May 16 Member Orientation Meeting 

May 18 District Assembly 

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