JOE CHEHADE
Where are you from originally? If not from LA, how did you end up here?
My parents are Egyptian. However, I was born in Ethiopia, raised in Lebanon, spent part of my college years in France and Switzerland.. I've been in Los Angeles for 28 years, 21 of them as a Westchester resident.
Tell us about your occupation.
I am a pharmacist and a diabetes educator. With my wife May, we own Playa Pharmacy in Playa del Rey. We function as a regular pharmacy, but we also have specialties such as compounding for humans and pets. We offer consultations to help manage chronic conditions with less medications and a more healthy living lifestyle, including healthful food and whole food supplements.
Why did you join Rotary and what is your favorite Rotary experience?
I've always been socially active. However, there was a missing link: serving the community where I live, worship and work. When I visited our Rotary club as an observer, I was touched by the genuine selfless spirit of the members. They were also fun and not "pushy." My priceless rotary moments are the smiles on the homeless' faces when we serve them dinner few times a year.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
Life is good in the weekend when I am able to ride my recumbent bike at the beach, have a play date with my grandchildren and... sneak a good nap in between!