REPORT OF November 7, 2002 MEETING

Our NOVEMBER 14, 2002 MEETING IS AT VENICE HIGH SCHOOL AT NOON FOR THE ANNUAL VENICE HIGH SCHOOL JACKET AWARD PROGRAM sponsored by Venice Marina Rotary Club.  As of November 7, Treasurer Steve Williamson has identified and obtained 23 yes to sponsor this event.  If you know of any entity that will sponsor 2 jackets for this event (cost $175), call Steve.  GREAT JOB STEVE!!!!!  Many thanks.

President Willie was on a well-deserved vacation cruising in the Caribbean.  We all wish her a happy relaxing vacation.  She has done a great job so far and she definitely deserved the rest and relaxation.  President Elect David Maxwell presided in Willie’s absence.

We had a “Special Guest” present- one of the earliest interests in becoming a Rotarian that I am aware of.  JR DZUBAK brought his lovely wife, GRACE and their soon to be born son, NOLAN.  WELCOME GRACE AND NOLAN.  Come any time.  Keep up the good work JR in recruiting new members!!! 

Other guests included Lynn Morris and Diane Margola from the Santa Monica Rotary Club.  Bill O’Hara was greeted back after his recent illness.  It was announced that Rotarian Bob Miller is now back at home and that he is making tremendous strides in his recovery.  We hope to see you soon, Bob.

The invocation was given by JR Dzubak, the pledge was led by George Swartz and Joey Baker encouraged a rousing rendition of “GOD BLESS AMERICA”.  Peter Escobar provided the raffle prizes.  We were down to 13 cards and one joker, so the raffle sales were brisk.  Many thanks to Adiba Shaby for once again handling the raffle sales.  She does a great job and can always be counted on.  Rotarian Jim Bovee was the lucky winner of the right to draw for the joker and the big money (in excess of $750).  Alas, he did not win and now we are down to 10 cards.  No drawing next week but be at the November 21 meeting to see if there is a winner (which could be you).  Once again, I was split on whether to pull for Jim to win or for the fun to continue.  The NO FINE BADGE was auctioned off for $145 to Dr. Gwen Hughes.  JR hung in there, but quit – I was sure one more bid would have won it JR.

Announcements were made, brags were accomplished and one fine was collected.  Then our own Dr. VINCE SCOTT gave a report to the Club on the Rotary International Foundation in general and about the November 2, 2002, Foundation Celebration in particular.  Dr. Vince presented such an informative presentation to the Club that Rotarian Tony Medley bragged about the speech and made a contribution to the Club in honor of Vince’s informative speech.  Way to go Vince and Tony!!!!.  THANKS, Tony!!  (An article about this event can be found in the November 8, 2202 email publication of the MESH)

Vince pointed out that the Venice Marina Rotary Club started the Annual Foundation Celebration some 18 years ago.  He brought the program booklet for that event.  We will do an article about that later this year for all to learn about the history of our Club.  MANY THANKS TO VINCE for his speech, but more importantly for his tireless annual Foundation work. More about that later. 

A good time was had by all.  See you at the Jacket Award November 14, 2002, and then at the next regular meeting, November 21, 2002 at Shanghai Red’s.  President Willie will be there next week.  Come to support the Youth at Venice High.  Our attendance lets them know that we care and that we are interested.  The money is important, but our attendance is a meaningful example to all the High School students.

Yours in Rotary,

DAVID B. MAXWELL

November 8, 2002

                   OFFICER NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION

President Willie has appointed Dr. Vince Scott to head the nominating committee for this coming year’s Club officers.  Please contact Dr. Vince with your nominations and selections and if any member wants to run for a particular office, please let your desires be known.  Election will be held in December 2002 for the year 2003-2004.

 RECEPTION

Rotary International President “BHICHAI RATTAKUL will honored by the Seven Rotary Districts in Southern California with a reception on December 29, 2002 at 5:30PM at the CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS.  Cost is $35 per person for Hors d’oeuvres by Patina Caterers.  Recognition and Photo Opportunity with Rotary international President “Bhichai Rattakul” for Major Donors and Bequest Society Members.

Letters to the Editor

    I got a note from Howard Pollack congratulating David M. on his great report on the Foundation Diner.  And while we're on the subject, thanks Dave for all of your input and updates to the Mesh.

Tom