The Mesh

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The VENICE MARINA ROTARY CLUB Publication for the

"FRIENDLIEST CLUB IN DISTRICT 5280"

As of July 5, 2003

Next Meeting, Thursday, July 10. Program is Past President Willie Hjorth.

Elections for the Venice Rotary Foundation are to be held. Joint Board meeting

after regular Meeting (Willie’s Board and David’s board will meet to transition in

the new Club year).

Remember if you need to make up a meeting, the Board Meeting is a good way to

do it. You also can make up meetings by the Internet now.

1. Establish the "Family of Rotary."

2. Raise the level of Ethics in our Vocation.

3.Sponsor a program of Poverty Alleviation – Feed the Hungary – Safe

Drinking Water – Clothing to the Poor

4. Raise the Awareness of Rotary’s Centennial

1.Continue and expand the development of literacy programs

2. Raise contributions of $350,000 for the programs of the Rotary

Foundation

3. Introduce and enroll members in the new District 5280 Paul Harris

Society.4. Invest financial and corporate giving in our communities through

grant programs

5. Insure our members feel good about Rotary!

Rotarian David Voss was sworn in recently as the President of the Westchester

LAX Marina del Rey Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, Mary Richert is

once again serving as President of the Venice Chamber of Commerce (she’s been

President 3 times). Way to go David and Mary. Now, I must ask, how many

Rotary Clubs in America have 2 of their members simultaneously servicing as

Presidents of Chambers of Commerce? I submit not many, if any. We, Venice

Marina Rotarians, should be and are proud of our Chamber Presidents. Let’s

continue to support them in their roles and the Chambers they serve. Let’s follow

their examples of "LEND A HAND." A copy of Voss’s installation program was

circulated for viewing by Rotarians who were not able to attend.

At her demotion party, President Willie presented each present member with a

Venice Marina Rotary "Service Above Self" Book Marker. Each of our faces and

names were on each bookmark. She also presented each member with a plaque that

also has our names and pictures on it. What great and thoughtful momentos!

THANKS WILLIE! Great thinking! Pictures of the party were availablee for

viewing at the July 3 meeting thanks to Mary and Willie. I will bring the pictures to

the next few meetings for viewing.

Carol Williamson had everyone bring a pin to give to Willie as a show of

appreciation for her year of service as Club President. Willie received many

intriguing and unusual pins. Wear them with pride, Willie. GREAT IDEA,

Emannuel Murekezi, General Manager of Champagne Bakery, corner of Barrington

and National, sponsored by David Maxwell, has attended two meetings as a

"special guest". Membership Committee Member Howard Pollack and David

Maxwell met with him before his first meeting to explain and discuss Rotary

International in general and our Club in particular. The new Board of Directors

discussed and approved the presentation of his membership to the general Club this

Thursday, July 10. If anyone has any objections to his becoming a member, please

contact Duncan Elkinson, Giselle Roberio or David Maxwell before July 10. Thank

you.

The July 3, 2003 meeting was opened by new incoming 2003-2004 President David

Maxwell. Carmen Portnoy gave the prayer, Tony Medley led the pledge and

Willie led (unsuccessfully-Sorry Admiral Willie) the Club in Anchors Away. Two

visitors from the Culver City Rotary Club attended – Bill Roscoe and Chuck

Perelman. Raffle drawing prizes were donated by Mary Richert and Dr. Gwen

Hughes. THANKS to both.

Rotarian and Assistant Club Secretary Giselle Roberio has agreed for this Rotary

Year to find Rotarians to bring raffle prizes, to lead the pledge and to render the

prayer at each meeting. THANKS GISELLE. Let’s all support her and make her

task as easy as possible. I’ve also asked her to contact each Rotarian to confirm the

accuracy of their current personal data. Please confirm your information to her.

David Voss won the bidding for the No Fine Badge and then bragged about his

recent ocean racing victory out of Long Beach. David said he has finished either

first or second since the birth of his young daughter. David Voss also thanked our

Club’s Rotarians for supporting his Chamber Presidency by attending the Chamber

inauguration dinner. Two full tables of Venice Marian Rotarians were there to

cheer on David and he appreciated it..Carmen Portnoy presented the program. She showed slides of the Rotary’s trip to

Catalina this past month. It appears that we have many fine golfers in our group.

Way to swing, Rotarians. She also showed many fine pictures of architecture,

history and other historical sites in Mexico. Thanks for the program, Carmen.

Announcements from the podium included:

Peter Escobar’s brother passed away last Friday evening June 27. Services were

held on July 3 at 10AM at Holy Cross.

Adiba Shaby was hospitalized June 30 with stomach pain.

And Bill O’Hara continues his recovery from illness at home.

The Venice Marina Rotarians send their best wishes to each of these members at

this time. Please know that we are all concerned about your situations, health and

happiness. Rotarians present Thursday July 3 signed appropriate cards for each,

which have either been personally presented and/or mailed to these 3 Rotarians.

President Maxwell presented Carmen with her President Elect Pin and a Secretary’s

pin to Duncan.

Club Program Co-Chairpersons are Carmen Portnoy and Tony Medley assisted by

President Maxwell. I’d like to see local business leaders, our Rotary members,

Rotary District leaders and local politicians present programs.

It is the hope and goal of President Maxwell to have additions made to the Club

web site whereby each of the year’s MESH articles and the year’s Club and District

Calendar is available.

Tony Medley started the new card "Drawing for Money" with 3 non-winners.

Better luck next time Tony.

Many of our members attend functions on behalf of Rotary and other Club

meetings. Our new secretaries will be contacting those who have not reported their

make ups at the end of each month to insure that each of you receive proper credit.

It would make their task easier if each of us made sure we contact either Duncan,

Giselle or David with the makeup information. Attendance reports are due at the

know the drill. Be sure that you receive proper credit. Remember you can always

make up a meeting by Internet as Rotarian George Swartz did in June.

Rotarian Liz donated her time and work talents to the Explorers of LA Police

Department Pacific Division. Some 20 explorers received their training in CPR and

life saving techniques from Liz.. THANKS, Liz for your "Lend a Hand" spirit in

representing our Rotary Club and yourself.

Your new Board of Directors held its first meeting July 3, 2003, after the regular

meeting. Attending were Carmen Portnoy, Giselle Roberio, Duncan Elkinson,

David Maxwell, Elizabeth, Gwen Hughes and others.

The Board authorized and approved President David Maxwell to hold a weekly

work session that will be open to Club Members. Attendance at this work session

will count as a makeup. Maxwell shall select the time and location of this Club

work session. Each and every Rotarian is encouraged to attend whenever they want

to or need to. The first President’s Work Session will be held at Joni’s Roaster

Coffee Shop, Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, on Tuesday, July 8, from 8-9AM

and the second will be at the Champagne Bakery on Saturday July 12, 2003, 9-

10AM, at the corner of Barrington and National. See you there.

The Board approved the requests of Filomena to become an Honorary Member and

Bill O’Hara to go to the Non Meal plan while he recovers.

The Board decided to expend money to present each new member with a Rotary

Plaque.

The Board agreed to have a house building trip to Mexico again this year.

Coordination of time and so for the will be determined by the Club President with

communication from David Voss, Tom Ryan and Jim Bovee. More later. It is

anticipated that this will occur in October..Discussion was held about our busy December. We will have the McBride

Christmas party, District Governor John Colville’s visit and our own Club

Christmas party. The Board intends to tie these dates down so that we have as few

conflicts as is possible. Please convey your comments to Maxwell or Carol

Williamson (she had agreed to head up this activity once again-THANKS

CAROL).

The Board is also going to try to do some joint meetings and activities with local

Clubs.

It also approved the expenditure of $100 for the District Directory advertising. It is

the President’s understanding that each member will be able to receive a directory.

The first District Breakfast is July 29. The speaker will be Albert Carnesale,

Chancellor at UCLA, whose topic is "Leadership in the Community." Tickets are

$22 if registered by July 18.

On October 11, the District will hold a Foundation Seminar.

November 1, 2003 is the date for this year’s Foundation Dinner. Our club has a

table of 10. We have four seats already taken. Those who want to attend should

notify Foundation Chairman Dr. Vince Scott as soon as possible. Cost for each seat

is $75.

Yours in Rotary,

David Maxwell, Venice Marina Rotary President 2003-2004.