by Rick Topping
For the third year, the Rotary Club of Irvine Spectrum has been honored to participate in the Secret SANTA program at Camp Pendleton, California. The Secret SANTA (Support And Nurture Those Americans) program serves junior enlisted ranks (E-5 and below) with children. This Christmas program was created to facilitate community members’ appreciation of service while also providing assistance to the most junior ranks of our military.
The Service Member or spouse completes a wish list form, which is then filtered by the ASYMCA to provide the community member, organization, or business the family’s basic information, e.g. rank, unit, first names of spouse and children with each child’s age and wish list. Each family receives a Family Number,
More than 1,050 families were served this year and the Rotary Club of Irvine Spectrum was honored to support two families; Lance Corporal Stefan, his wife B8-year-old have a 12 year-old daughter and 8 year- old son. Corporal Jennifer and her husband Jacob. They have a 2.5 year-old son and a 1- month old son.
Each family asked for very little other than wanting to have their children enjoy Christmas. The ASYMCA and Marine Corps would rather see gifts but we provided each family with $720 so they could purchase what they determine is best for their family.
The gifts were carefully boxed and wrapped and delivered in a driving rainstorm, with care, by Rotary elves Albert Rosenstein and Rick Topping.
Thank you Irvine Spectrum Rotarians. Your generous giving, in tough times, will show two Marine families how much we honor and respect their service to our community.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Club Holiday Party
by Peggy Stalter
We had a wonderful Holiday Party this year. We gathered on December 13, 2008 at a community center in Irvine. There were about 90 members and guests present.
It was a great time to relax and count our blessings. Our party was planned and arranged by Barry Brown and David Dostal. With help from Luana Rodberg and her magic touch with decorations.
The evening was catered by a member of our club, Diane Braasch. She did a great job and provided a fantastic dinner. We had wonderful music and danced the night away.
Warren Willard, an honorary member of our club, joined us with his harmony quartet and blessed the event with holiday songs. It is wonderful to be a part of such a wonderful group of Rotarians.
We had a wonderful Holiday Party this year. We gathered on December 13, 2008 at a community center in Irvine. There were about 90 members and guests present.
It was a great time to relax and count our blessings. Our party was planned and arranged by Barry Brown and David Dostal. With help from Luana Rodberg and her magic touch with decorations.
The evening was catered by a member of our club, Diane Braasch. She did a great job and provided a fantastic dinner. We had wonderful music and danced the night away.
Warren Willard, an honorary member of our club, joined us with his harmony quartet and blessed the event with holiday songs. It is wonderful to be a part of such a wonderful group of Rotarians.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
ISRC Ensenada Dental Clinic #8
Almost 50 children were treated to free dental care at the eighth Ensenada Dental Clinic, co-sponsored the Rotary clubs of Irvine Spectrum and Ensenada Calafia. The event, held November 8th, took place at the Emiliano Zapata primary school, located in the rural San Carlos neighborhood of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
The Irvine Rotarians responsible for this year’s dental clinic are Ray Sanford, Rick Topping, and Austin Wall. In Ensenada, the project was run by Ofelia Diaz Perea, her club’s International Service Director.
The Ensenada Dental Clinic, proposed four years ago by Ray Sanford, is an event that club members look forward to attending each year. The project’s dental portion is run by Dr. Charles Tozzer, founder of Dental Care for Children, an Irvine-based non-profit organization which coordinates dental clinics for children in Southern California, Mexico, Haiti, Africa and El Salvador. The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club has been working with Dental Care for Children and Dr. Tozzer for the past 12 years, providing dental checkups and clinics for children in Irvine schools.
Dr. Tozzer and other dental volunteers, including Rotarian Barbara Foster from the Laguna Niguel club, drove to Ensenada on Friday to get an early start on the project and to perform follow-up services for a clinic held a few weeks prior. It also gave them a chance to visit the school and preview where the clinic would be held.
Most of the Irvine area volunteers left home around 5:00am, caravanning to arrive at the school at 9:30am where they were immediately put to work They were met by members of the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia, who were by that time busy at work attending to those parents and children who had been gathering in the schoolyard since early morning.
Dr. Tozzer and his team of volunteer dentists had already converted two of the school’s classrooms into a dental clinic. The Smiles Dental Clinic van, provided with the help of a Rotary Foundation matching grant, was carefully unloaded and the equipment and supplies were set up in the classrooms. Soon, the dental team was ready to perform much needed dental services on the little children, who were lined up and waiting in nervous anticipation for their turn in the dental chair.
Children soon filled all the dental chairs, and dentists Chuck Tozzer, Xerxez Calilung, David Levitt, and Austin Wall, with the able assistance of dental students from USC began their day’s work. Allan Schechtman, an Orange County contractor, has been helping on Dental Care for Children clinics for over 10 years, making as many as 4 trips a year to assist Dr. Tozzer.
The scene became like a busy beehive. Dentists were practicing their craft, Rotarians were giving children gifts and hugs; and, those who were bi-lingual were assisting with translations between dentists and patients.
But, dentistry was not all that was on the work schedule for that day. Rotarians also got their hands dirty by helping to paint the little school. Rotarians with paint brushes and rollers in hand, were intent on the success of their school beautification project. Parents of the waiting children helped as well by painting or sprucing up the little garden in the schoolyard.
ISRC Rotarian Diane Braasch and others brought school supplies and gifts for the children while Rick Topping gave out 20 assorted soccer and volley balls donated by coach Shelly Noble of Loara High School in Anaheim.
During that Saturday’s dental clinic, 49 children received dental attention amounting to $16,825 of free services. And the approximately 30 Rotarians, from both sides of the border had the satisfaction of knowing they made all this possible.
That evening the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia hosted their club’s twelfth anniversary dinner in the Spanish style courtyard and garden of the home of Elsa Cortes a Past President of the Ensenada Califa club. The guest list included such luminaries as past and present Rotary International dignitaries, District Governors and Club Presidents. The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club volunteers were honored guests at the evening’s festivities, and ISRC President Pannkaj Kummar presented the Ensenada club with a beautiful framed picture collage of past Ensenada dental clinics in honor of their club’s anniversary. It was a magical evening, filled with emotion and the satisfaction that humanity had once again been served through Rotary.
The Irvine Rotarians responsible for this year’s dental clinic are Ray Sanford, Rick Topping, and Austin Wall. In Ensenada, the project was run by Ofelia Diaz Perea, her club’s International Service Director.
The Ensenada Dental Clinic, proposed four years ago by Ray Sanford, is an event that club members look forward to attending each year. The project’s dental portion is run by Dr. Charles Tozzer, founder of Dental Care for Children, an Irvine-based non-profit organization which coordinates dental clinics for children in Southern California, Mexico, Haiti, Africa and El Salvador. The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club has been working with Dental Care for Children and Dr. Tozzer for the past 12 years, providing dental checkups and clinics for children in Irvine schools.
Dr. Tozzer and other dental volunteers, including Rotarian Barbara Foster from the Laguna Niguel club, drove to Ensenada on Friday to get an early start on the project and to perform follow-up services for a clinic held a few weeks prior. It also gave them a chance to visit the school and preview where the clinic would be held.
Most of the Irvine area volunteers left home around 5:00am, caravanning to arrive at the school at 9:30am where they were immediately put to work They were met by members of the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia, who were by that time busy at work attending to those parents and children who had been gathering in the schoolyard since early morning.
Dr. Tozzer and his team of volunteer dentists had already converted two of the school’s classrooms into a dental clinic. The Smiles Dental Clinic van, provided with the help of a Rotary Foundation matching grant, was carefully unloaded and the equipment and supplies were set up in the classrooms. Soon, the dental team was ready to perform much needed dental services on the little children, who were lined up and waiting in nervous anticipation for their turn in the dental chair.
Children soon filled all the dental chairs, and dentists Chuck Tozzer, Xerxez Calilung, David Levitt, and Austin Wall, with the able assistance of dental students from USC began their day’s work. Allan Schechtman, an Orange County contractor, has been helping on Dental Care for Children clinics for over 10 years, making as many as 4 trips a year to assist Dr. Tozzer.
The scene became like a busy beehive. Dentists were practicing their craft, Rotarians were giving children gifts and hugs; and, those who were bi-lingual were assisting with translations between dentists and patients.
But, dentistry was not all that was on the work schedule for that day. Rotarians also got their hands dirty by helping to paint the little school. Rotarians with paint brushes and rollers in hand, were intent on the success of their school beautification project. Parents of the waiting children helped as well by painting or sprucing up the little garden in the schoolyard.
ISRC Rotarian Diane Braasch and others brought school supplies and gifts for the children while Rick Topping gave out 20 assorted soccer and volley balls donated by coach Shelly Noble of Loara High School in Anaheim.
During that Saturday’s dental clinic, 49 children received dental attention amounting to $16,825 of free services. And the approximately 30 Rotarians, from both sides of the border had the satisfaction of knowing they made all this possible.
That evening the Club Rotario Ensenada Calafia hosted their club’s twelfth anniversary dinner in the Spanish style courtyard and garden of the home of Elsa Cortes a Past President of the Ensenada Califa club. The guest list included such luminaries as past and present Rotary International dignitaries, District Governors and Club Presidents. The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club volunteers were honored guests at the evening’s festivities, and ISRC President Pannkaj Kummar presented the Ensenada club with a beautiful framed picture collage of past Ensenada dental clinics in honor of their club’s anniversary. It was a magical evening, filled with emotion and the satisfaction that humanity had once again been served through Rotary.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Pulitzer Prize Winner speaks at ISRC
On October 26th we had the pleasure of hearing and learning from Investor's Business Daily Pulitzer Prize Winner editorial cartoonist, Michael Ramirez. A two time Pulitzer winner for editorial cartoons, describes his job of being an editorial cartoonist as the opportunity to get people to really think about the important issues we face. Right from the beginning, and strangely enough, Mr. Ramirez announced that he does not like to draw! He does, however, enjoy being judge and jury by going through the drawing process.
And the process itself is demanding: He explained that in order to be in this line of work, one has to read many newspapers from both sides of the political landscape. One then has to gather the information, process it and only then begin drawing. This is essential, according to Mr. Ramirez, as the mainstream media, so he claims, is doing a very poor job reporting on the current financial situation and vetting our presidential candidates. Mr. Ramirez simply fills a void – as "an equal opportunity offender." His editorial cartoons are essentially drawings that make a political statement. He equated this to advertising – coming up with a precise image in order to "sell" a specific idea.
Describing himself as a member of the "Anti-Stupid" party, he has beamed a spotlight on such notables and ideas as Barak Obama, John McCain, George Bush, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Global Warming, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Oil and Drilling, War on Terror, Immigration, Social Security and Health Care.
Mr. Ramirez is the Editorial Cartoonist and a Senior Editor for Investor's Business Daily. Ramirez is a Lincoln Fellow and has won several awards during his career, including the 2008 and 1994 Pulitzer Prize, the UCI Medal from the University of California, Irvine and the Sigma Delta Chi Awards in 1995 and 1997.
Ramirez was named "Best Editorial Cartoonist 2006" by the National Cartoonists Society, and won the prestigious 2008 John Fischetti Editorial Cartoon Competition.
Mike showed cartoons from his new book "Everyone Has The Right To My Opinion" available from Amazon.com. Mike will sign copies of the book for club members. Simply purchase the book(s) and give them to Stella Cardoza who will take them to Mike for signature.
And the process itself is demanding: He explained that in order to be in this line of work, one has to read many newspapers from both sides of the political landscape. One then has to gather the information, process it and only then begin drawing. This is essential, according to Mr. Ramirez, as the mainstream media, so he claims, is doing a very poor job reporting on the current financial situation and vetting our presidential candidates. Mr. Ramirez simply fills a void – as "an equal opportunity offender." His editorial cartoons are essentially drawings that make a political statement. He equated this to advertising – coming up with a precise image in order to "sell" a specific idea.
Describing himself as a member of the "Anti-Stupid" party, he has beamed a spotlight on such notables and ideas as Barak Obama, John McCain, George Bush, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Global Warming, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Oil and Drilling, War on Terror, Immigration, Social Security and Health Care.
Mr. Ramirez is the Editorial Cartoonist and a Senior Editor for Investor's Business Daily. Ramirez is a Lincoln Fellow and has won several awards during his career, including the 2008 and 1994 Pulitzer Prize, the UCI Medal from the University of California, Irvine and the Sigma Delta Chi Awards in 1995 and 1997.
Ramirez was named "Best Editorial Cartoonist 2006" by the National Cartoonists Society, and won the prestigious 2008 John Fischetti Editorial Cartoon Competition.
Mike showed cartoons from his new book "Everyone Has The Right To My Opinion" available from Amazon.com. Mike will sign copies of the book for club members. Simply purchase the book(s) and give them to Stella Cardoza who will take them to Mike for signature.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
When You Can't, Don't.
On Sunday, October 26, 2008, Joanne Milo's "Shooting Stars" team that usually walks to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation instead held a Sit In Protest.
The Sit In Protest was prompted by a complication of Type 1 diabetes that Joanne is experiencing after a 42 year struggle with the disease. She is temporarily in a walking cast, and wisely decided to "sit this one out". Her long time supporters and team members joined her in a Sit In Protest with this year's theme "I Must Protest".
The sit in was held at the home of Richard and Joanne Milo in Corona del Mar and included coffee and a continental breakfast. One protester brought a guitar, but refused to play it. Another brought his American express bill, and refused to pay it. A few of the attendees protested the protest and actually walked around Balboa Island…the nerve! Civil unrest abounded, along with great fellowship and conversation.
All in all, nearly $7,000 was raised this year by the "Shooting Stars" for JDRF. Great thanks go out to the sponsors and contributors: Audrey Lane Laufer, LLC (sponsorship and shirts), Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club and its members (major sponsor), LouiseEganDesign (graphic arts), and to the dozens of friends and family members who show up each year in support.
The Sit In Protest was prompted by a complication of Type 1 diabetes that Joanne is experiencing after a 42 year struggle with the disease. She is temporarily in a walking cast, and wisely decided to "sit this one out". Her long time supporters and team members joined her in a Sit In Protest with this year's theme "I Must Protest".
The sit in was held at the home of Richard and Joanne Milo in Corona del Mar and included coffee and a continental breakfast. One protester brought a guitar, but refused to play it. Another brought his American express bill, and refused to pay it. A few of the attendees protested the protest and actually walked around Balboa Island…the nerve! Civil unrest abounded, along with great fellowship and conversation.
All in all, nearly $7,000 was raised this year by the "Shooting Stars" for JDRF. Great thanks go out to the sponsors and contributors: Audrey Lane Laufer, LLC (sponsorship and shirts), Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club and its members (major sponsor), LouiseEganDesign (graphic arts), and to the dozens of friends and family members who show up each year in support.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ed Hardenburgh joins Paul Harris Society
Ed Hardenburgh was welcomed into the Paul Harris Society by Rotary District Governor Roger McGonegal. Paul Harris Society members pledge to donate at leas $1,000 per year to The Rotary Foundation, which supports Rotary efforts and projects around the world.
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club has the highest number of Paul Harris members of any club in the district. The club also is one of the top contributors to The Rotary Foundation, but per capita and total giving.
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club has the highest number of Paul Harris members of any club in the district. The club also is one of the top contributors to The Rotary Foundation, but per capita and total giving.
District Governor Visits ISRC
Rotary District 5320 Governor Roger McGonegal was the speaker at the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club on Wednesday. Before he spoke, however, he helped promote Mody Gorsky to a "blue badge" status and welcomed the return of Janet Wang to the club after a year long absence. (from left, Pannkaj Kummar, Mody Gorsky, Toni Thomas, Janet Wang, Roger McGonegal)
Roger spoke about the coming changes within Rotary and The Rotary Foundation as well as this year's theme of "Make Dreams Real." The theme, set by Rotary International President D.K. Lee, focuses on helping children around the world.
Thousands of children die each day from a lack of access to basic needs such as clean water, health care or food. Children also don't thrive because they don't get an education, which gives them a way out of the poverty. Rotary's mission this year is to concentrate on programs and projects which can keep their dreams alive and give them hope for a better future.
Roger spoke about the coming changes within Rotary and The Rotary Foundation as well as this year's theme of "Make Dreams Real." The theme, set by Rotary International President D.K. Lee, focuses on helping children around the world.
Thousands of children die each day from a lack of access to basic needs such as clean water, health care or food. Children also don't thrive because they don't get an education, which gives them a way out of the poverty. Rotary's mission this year is to concentrate on programs and projects which can keep their dreams alive and give them hope for a better future.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Third Annual "Cash Bash" fundraiser
The 3rd Annual Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club (ISRC) $10,000 Cash Bash took place on Sunday, Oct 19, 2008 at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. All 250 tickets were sold again this year. Members and guests showed up for the
Sunday Brunch and watched as all 250 tickets were placed in a drum and pulled out one at a time.
The 250th ticket drawn was the winner of the $10,000 grand prize. This year the winner was Mody Gorsky, one of the newest members of the ISRC. Congrats to Mody on his big win. (He graciously donated part of his winnings to the Rotary Foundation and some back to the club.)
There were 14 other winners of between $100 and $500. We had a "Loser" drawing for all those who did not win (and were present at the brunch). Luana Rodberg was the winner of the $300 for the "Loser" drawing.
This event raised $12,500 for the projects and charities that ISRC supports. Some of these are:
Congratulations to the club for another successful fundraiser. Thanks to Rick Topping for his 3rd year as Master of Ceremonies (thanks also for the new jokes and friendly banter). Committee members/workers were Tom Mahony, Bob Yaap, Luana Rodberg, Rick Topping, Mary Mar, Cisca Stellhorn, Ray Sanford, Kathy White, Richard Milio, Paul Strodbeck, Ed Hardenburgh and Al Rosenstein. For the 3rd year in a row, Tom Mahony sold more tickets than anyone…55 this year. Great job, Tom… maybe next year we should name the event the 'ISRC Annual "Tom Mahony" Cash Bash'!
Sunday Brunch and watched as all 250 tickets were placed in a drum and pulled out one at a time.
The 250th ticket drawn was the winner of the $10,000 grand prize. This year the winner was Mody Gorsky, one of the newest members of the ISRC. Congrats to Mody on his big win. (He graciously donated part of his winnings to the Rotary Foundation and some back to the club.)
There were 14 other winners of between $100 and $500. We had a "Loser" drawing for all those who did not win (and were present at the brunch). Luana Rodberg was the winner of the $300 for the "Loser" drawing.
This event raised $12,500 for the projects and charities that ISRC supports. Some of these are:
- Irvine Smiles Dental Clinic
- Irvine Special Olympics
- Irvine Senior Center
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund
- StoveTeam
- Boys and Girls Club
- Boy Scouts of America
- Reading by 9
Congratulations to the club for another successful fundraiser. Thanks to Rick Topping for his 3rd year as Master of Ceremonies (thanks also for the new jokes and friendly banter). Committee members/workers were Tom Mahony, Bob Yaap, Luana Rodberg, Rick Topping, Mary Mar, Cisca Stellhorn, Ray Sanford, Kathy White, Richard Milio, Paul Strodbeck, Ed Hardenburgh and Al Rosenstein. For the 3rd year in a row, Tom Mahony sold more tickets than anyone…55 this year. Great job, Tom… maybe next year we should name the event the 'ISRC Annual "Tom Mahony" Cash Bash'!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Meet the Candidates
Today's meeting featured three speakers: George Brown an administrator for the YMCA-Armed Services, Bob Bliss, a candidate for the Saddlback College Board, and our own Pat Rodgers, a candidate for the Irvine City Council.
George Brown shared with club that the Armed Services YMCA is completely separate from the regular YMCA. He is based at Camp Pendelton and serves 43,000 people. There are special needs for grades E-5 and below on the base both for the troops and their dependents. Our club gave him a donation for his good work and we have participated in several great events at the base. He was introduced by an "OLD Marine" Rick Topping.
Bob Bliss is a retired instructor at Saddleback community college, where he taught and headed the computer instruction in the business department. He has served as a reserve in the police force and received all his college education at night as he was working full time during the day. He presented the issues of the campaign. I found it most interesting that this community college district is very well off financialy.
Pat Rodgers, a member of our rotary club, a retired policeman from Irvine wants to be a city councilman. He has served in Iraq and Afganistan after his retirement (26 years) from the IPD. He lives in the Ranch. He presented several opinions of issues facing the Irvine voters.
I salute both candidates for wanting to serve the public and go through these elections. Both men were brief! A rare trait in a politician
George Brown shared with club that the Armed Services YMCA is completely separate from the regular YMCA. He is based at Camp Pendelton and serves 43,000 people. There are special needs for grades E-5 and below on the base both for the troops and their dependents. Our club gave him a donation for his good work and we have participated in several great events at the base. He was introduced by an "OLD Marine" Rick Topping.
Bob Bliss is a retired instructor at Saddleback community college, where he taught and headed the computer instruction in the business department. He has served as a reserve in the police force and received all his college education at night as he was working full time during the day. He presented the issues of the campaign. I found it most interesting that this community college district is very well off financialy.
Pat Rodgers, a member of our rotary club, a retired policeman from Irvine wants to be a city councilman. He has served in Iraq and Afganistan after his retirement (26 years) from the IPD. He lives in the Ranch. He presented several opinions of issues facing the Irvine voters.
I salute both candidates for wanting to serve the public and go through these elections. Both men were brief! A rare trait in a politician
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Rotary Foundation
Dr. Mike Abdalla spoke to the club about the current status of The Rotary Foundation and the upcoming changes for the administration of matching grants. Mike has been a member of the Orange Club since 1971. He has been a club President, District Governor and recently served as a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
He explained about Rotary's efforts and results in combatting polio around the world. Each week we pass a pig around the room to collect funds for the Bill and Melinda Gates challenge grant for Polio Eradication. This is a great example how, by working together, we can change the world.
He explained about Rotary's efforts and results in combatting polio around the world. Each week we pass a pig around the room to collect funds for the Bill and Melinda Gates challenge grant for Polio Eradication. This is a great example how, by working together, we can change the world.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Crime Survivors
She survived only by jumping off a balcony (covered in bruises and with her face wrapped in Saran wrap), and running for help — fortunately, her son was not at home. To make matters worse, the judge was not supportive of her case, and the attacker (having been jailed for only a few months) is still at large today (the attack took place - in Irvine - in 2002).
Having been both a victim of the crime and of the legal system, and stating that "long after the external bruises heal, the 'internal bruising' continues", Patricia has dedicated herself to increasing awareness about these terrible crimes. She founded Crime Survivors (www.crimesurvivors.com) to provide tips on how to avoid being a victim, tools on how to survive the after-effects, and to advocate for changes in the laws that currently give the criminal more rights than the victim.
You can read Patricia's story (and those of other victims), learn more about the work of Crime Survivors, and learn how you can help by:
- Visiting the Crime Survivors website (www.crimesurvivors.com)
- Telling other people about this organization and arrange for a speaker to give a presentation
- Participating or sponsoring the 5th Annual Crime Survivors 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, October 11, at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, CA (www.crimesurvivorsrunwalk.org).
- Voting for Marsy’s Law: Crime Victims' Bill of Rights Act of 2008 (learn more at www.marsyslaw.org)
- Giving a donation (any amount is welcome, but $50 will provide an Emergency Survival Bag in your name for a child or adult (containing comfort items, necessities, and materials to help them through their case)
- Asking a survivor if there is anything you can do for them - don't shy away from them, nor ask them for details they may not want to share
Thursday, September 4, 2008
StoveTeam International
Nancy Hughes, founder of StoveTeam International was the speaker at today’s meeting. Nancy had just returned from a month long trip to Central America where she’s overseeing the expansion of the StoveTeam project to include El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. With the help of an International Matching Grant sponsored by the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Santa Ana Heroica, El Salvador, the factory in Sonsonate, El Salvador will produce over 1,400 stoves.
While working with the Cascade Medical Team in Guatemala, Nancy Hughes was moved after hearing an 18-year old indigenous woman's story. The woman had fallen into a kitchen fire at age two and was burned so badly she lost the use of her hands. For 16 years she prayed for a miracle. The medical team provided that miracle and restored the use of her hands.
The Problem
In the late 1980’s, medical teams reported an alarming number of children being treated for burns and respiratory problems. A number of concerned volunteers found the problem emanated from the way people cooked.
Most of the poor continue to cook over indoor fires located on the floors of unventilated homes. These fires cause debilitating burns, skin and eye problems.
Excessive smoke in homes results in respiratory problems that, according to the World Health Organization, are the leading cause of death in Central American children under the age of five. Testing of carbon monoxide, a deadly toxin, found readings in the homes to be as much as twice the level considered dangerous.
These inefficient open fires also result in massive deforestation.
The Solution
After an exhaustive investigation of the cultural and technological factors surrounding open fires, the new, fuel-efficient Ecocina stove was developed by StoveTeam International. It is economical to build and operate, saving up to 60% of the wood currently used while also reducing particulate matter and carbon output by 70%.
While working with the Cascade Medical Team in Guatemala, Nancy Hughes was moved after hearing an 18-year old indigenous woman's story. The woman had fallen into a kitchen fire at age two and was burned so badly she lost the use of her hands. For 16 years she prayed for a miracle. The medical team provided that miracle and restored the use of her hands.
The Problem
In the late 1980’s, medical teams reported an alarming number of children being treated for burns and respiratory problems. A number of concerned volunteers found the problem emanated from the way people cooked.
Most of the poor continue to cook over indoor fires located on the floors of unventilated homes. These fires cause debilitating burns, skin and eye problems.
Excessive smoke in homes results in respiratory problems that, according to the World Health Organization, are the leading cause of death in Central American children under the age of five. Testing of carbon monoxide, a deadly toxin, found readings in the homes to be as much as twice the level considered dangerous.
These inefficient open fires also result in massive deforestation.
The Solution
After an exhaustive investigation of the cultural and technological factors surrounding open fires, the new, fuel-efficient Ecocina stove was developed by StoveTeam International. It is economical to build and operate, saving up to 60% of the wood currently used while also reducing particulate matter and carbon output by 70%.
Monday, August 25, 2008
India Avoidable Blindness Update
I am Dr. Neeraja Rateria, an Ophthalmologist as well as a Rotarian. For the last 9 yrs I am doing IOL project for my Club Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan, Dist 3291. I am at present working with the MG #62155 in collaboration with your Club Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club. Here are some of the interesting cases that I have operated upon.
A young patient, 18 yrs old came to me with a traumatic cataract in one eye. He had sustained the injury about 8 yrs back and due to lack of funds could not get it operated.
On examination I found that he had a traumatic cataract in one eye with only light projection present. I was a bit reluctant as I felt he may not get very good vision but he insisted that whatever he gets he is willing to accept that.
I did his surgery and implanted an IOL in his eye. Post operatively for the first two days his vision was only 6/60 which improved to 6/9 in 10 days. He was very happy as he had as good a vision in this eye as his normal eye.
A lady, 40 yrs old was brought to my clinic, two people holding her and guiding her through to me.
On examination I found she had lost one eye to small pox and the other one had a large corneal opacity. There was a mature cataract behind the corneal opacity. She insisted that she had enough vision to carry out her normal activities before the onset of cataract.
As a last measure I agreed to operate on her but with a guarded prognosis. Surgery was a bit tough due to the corneal opacity and other complications. But to my surprise after the surgery when the bandage was taken off, she was walking on her own avoiding the furniture in my office and could recognize articles on my table. She was very happy and so was I. It is these patients who make my day.
An old man about 90 yrs old was brought by a local club boys for surgery as they found him sitting outside their club and crying his heart out that he cannot see and does not have enough money to get himself operated. On examination I found he was a frail old man with mature cataracts in both eyes.
On the operation table the man started talking to me in good English. He told me that he was an affluent man earlier and his relatives, taking advantage of his failing vision, made him sign away all his property to them. After this they threw him out of his house. For the last 2 yrs he is literally living on other people’s mercy. When I opened his bandage, he was overjoyed and said Oh! I can see everything now. Now I am capable of fighting a legal battle with my relatives and get back my property from them.
The last I heard from the club members is that he is well on his way to getting back his property and business which is enough to maintain him for the rest of his life.
These are some of the interesting anecdotes but all patients have some story or the other. Most of them cannot afford surgery in private hospitals and have to wait for a long time in Government Hospitals. Through the work that is being done by Rotary Clubs in doing these IOL projects, some of the blind people belonging to the underprivileged section of Society get relief from their suffering.
A young patient, 18 yrs old came to me with a traumatic cataract in one eye. He had sustained the injury about 8 yrs back and due to lack of funds could not get it operated.
On examination I found that he had a traumatic cataract in one eye with only light projection present. I was a bit reluctant as I felt he may not get very good vision but he insisted that whatever he gets he is willing to accept that.
I did his surgery and implanted an IOL in his eye. Post operatively for the first two days his vision was only 6/60 which improved to 6/9 in 10 days. He was very happy as he had as good a vision in this eye as his normal eye.
A lady, 40 yrs old was brought to my clinic, two people holding her and guiding her through to me.
On examination I found she had lost one eye to small pox and the other one had a large corneal opacity. There was a mature cataract behind the corneal opacity. She insisted that she had enough vision to carry out her normal activities before the onset of cataract.
As a last measure I agreed to operate on her but with a guarded prognosis. Surgery was a bit tough due to the corneal opacity and other complications. But to my surprise after the surgery when the bandage was taken off, she was walking on her own avoiding the furniture in my office and could recognize articles on my table. She was very happy and so was I. It is these patients who make my day.
An old man about 90 yrs old was brought by a local club boys for surgery as they found him sitting outside their club and crying his heart out that he cannot see and does not have enough money to get himself operated. On examination I found he was a frail old man with mature cataracts in both eyes.
On the operation table the man started talking to me in good English. He told me that he was an affluent man earlier and his relatives, taking advantage of his failing vision, made him sign away all his property to them. After this they threw him out of his house. For the last 2 yrs he is literally living on other people’s mercy. When I opened his bandage, he was overjoyed and said Oh! I can see everything now. Now I am capable of fighting a legal battle with my relatives and get back my property from them.
The last I heard from the club members is that he is well on his way to getting back his property and business which is enough to maintain him for the rest of his life.
These are some of the interesting anecdotes but all patients have some story or the other. Most of them cannot afford surgery in private hospitals and have to wait for a long time in Government Hospitals. Through the work that is being done by Rotary Clubs in doing these IOL projects, some of the blind people belonging to the underprivileged section of Society get relief from their suffering.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
ISRC & Community Service
The speakers at today's meeting were a good example of what our club is all about on the local level.
Kimberly Beeson, Executive Director of Irvine Adult Day Care Services explained the Irvine Adult Day Care Services program which provides professional care, companionship and activities for seniors that need assistance and supervision during the day. They provide a place where families can take dependent elderly loved ones to be cared for during the day. In today's world this is a much needed service. ISRC supports them with a $3,000 annual gift.
The next speaker, Allena Kaplan, was from Second Harvest Food Bank. Some of our members learned about their program by working at their facility in El Toro during Rotary work day. Second Harvest provides food to agencies that distribute it to people in need. Many people receiving this food are working families unable to make enough money to pay the high cost of rent, essentials, and buy enough groceries for the month. We learned Second Harvest receives the food through food drives, donations, and farming land.
Kimberly Beeson, Executive Director of Irvine Adult Day Care Services explained the Irvine Adult Day Care Services program which provides professional care, companionship and activities for seniors that need assistance and supervision during the day. They provide a place where families can take dependent elderly loved ones to be cared for during the day. In today's world this is a much needed service. ISRC supports them with a $3,000 annual gift.
The next speaker, Allena Kaplan, was from Second Harvest Food Bank. Some of our members learned about their program by working at their facility in El Toro during Rotary work day. Second Harvest provides food to agencies that distribute it to people in need. Many people receiving this food are working families unable to make enough money to pay the high cost of rent, essentials, and buy enough groceries for the month. We learned Second Harvest receives the food through food drives, donations, and farming land.
Irvine Spectrum Rotary Meeting August 13, 2008
Every member of our club is asked to give a “craft talk”. Its purpose is for the club members to better know each other. We find out a member's interests, their paths and how they became a part of our club. We each have a story. It is fun and amazing to learn about how life has formed a person.
This week Diane Braasch spoke about her life. Diane is also our club caterer. It was great getting to know her better and learn of her journey from Chicago to today. Diane has a great outlook on life, always making the most out of what it has given her and of helping others along the way. Thank you Diane for sharing your story with us.
It was also the club's honor to present Carl Batzanti with a Paul Harris membership at this meeting. Thank you, Carl, for your generosity and being a part of our club.
We also had a speaker from Second Harvest Food Bank. Some of our members learned about the Second Harvest program by working at their facility in El Toro during Rotary work day. Second Harvest provides food to agencies that distribute it to people in need. Many people receiving this food are working families unable to make enough money to pay the high cost of rent, essentials, and buy enough groceries for the month.
This week Diane Braasch spoke about her life. Diane is also our club caterer. It was great getting to know her better and learn of her journey from Chicago to today. Diane has a great outlook on life, always making the most out of what it has given her and of helping others along the way. Thank you Diane for sharing your story with us.
It was also the club's honor to present Carl Batzanti with a Paul Harris membership at this meeting. Thank you, Carl, for your generosity and being a part of our club.
We also had a speaker from Second Harvest Food Bank. Some of our members learned about the Second Harvest program by working at their facility in El Toro during Rotary work day. Second Harvest provides food to agencies that distribute it to people in need. Many people receiving this food are working families unable to make enough money to pay the high cost of rent, essentials, and buy enough groceries for the month.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
OC Register Publisher Speaks at ISRC
You drink your cup of coffee, read through your Orange County Register and everything seems the same as it always has been. Well, not exactly. Terry Horne, the president and publisher of the Orange County Register presented us with an overview of the newspaper publishing business and how it has changed. In fact, In the last 2 years, the newspaper business, as we have always known it has had to make drastic changes.
The newspaper industry is beginning to learn what customer service is all about. So, what do readers want? Today’s readers want news here and now and that means quick access by way of the web and cell phone. Therefore, Orange County Register has been shifting to more on line, quick information way of presenting the news. Notwithstanding, Mr. Horne emphasized the importance of the more “traditional” news reporting to our society.
It provides us with unbiased information about what is happening in the world through various investigative news reporters. We must make sure that this form of news reporting does not disappear. Indeed, Google, Yahoo, Fox news etc still get their information from news reporters, getting that information virtually free of charge and then passing it on to the end users.
Pointing out the economic dilemma facing newspapers, Mr. Horne also mentioned that advertising income has shrunk drastically due to current economic conditions and therefore newspapers must look to other sources for income. In addition, they must retain existing advertisers who, more often than not, move to web advertising. As he stated, it is less costly to retain customers than acquiring new ones.
In conclusion, this was a very insightful presentation by a very dynamic speaker who gave us all a glance into the publishing business and the challenges the current business model faces.
The newspaper industry is beginning to learn what customer service is all about. So, what do readers want? Today’s readers want news here and now and that means quick access by way of the web and cell phone. Therefore, Orange County Register has been shifting to more on line, quick information way of presenting the news. Notwithstanding, Mr. Horne emphasized the importance of the more “traditional” news reporting to our society.
It provides us with unbiased information about what is happening in the world through various investigative news reporters. We must make sure that this form of news reporting does not disappear. Indeed, Google, Yahoo, Fox news etc still get their information from news reporters, getting that information virtually free of charge and then passing it on to the end users.
Pointing out the economic dilemma facing newspapers, Mr. Horne also mentioned that advertising income has shrunk drastically due to current economic conditions and therefore newspapers must look to other sources for income. In addition, they must retain existing advertisers who, more often than not, move to web advertising. As he stated, it is less costly to retain customers than acquiring new ones.
In conclusion, this was a very insightful presentation by a very dynamic speaker who gave us all a glance into the publishing business and the challenges the current business model faces.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Reading by 9
It is always a good event when a group of Rotarians get together to accomplish a good cause. And so it was on Wednesday, July 30th, when the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club pitched in the manpower to collect thousands of new or slightly used books for Reading by Nine, which is a program designed to inspire the youth to read and enjoy books.
In 1998, the Los Angeles Times launched Reading by 9 in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Reading by 9 is a multi-year campaign aimed at helping kindergarten through third-grade students read at grade level by the age of nine.
In Southern California, four out of five third-graders cannot read at grade level. Research shows that children who fail to read by the age of nine rarely catch up later. In many cases, these children may never be able to realize their full potential or contribute and participate fully in our society.
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club enthusiastically took up the responsibility and did their part to help these children. The first team of Rotarians met at 11:30 at the main gate, and right away were collecting books. The next team began their work at 2:00 and the last team worked from 4:00 to as late as 6:45.
All enjoyed the chance to be together and some shared the experience of the OC Fair together after hours of hard work at the gates.
These hard-working Rotarians deserve a hearty thanks and pat on the back for taking on the responsibility of collecting so many books, which should help to change the lives of so many children.
In 1998, the Los Angeles Times launched Reading by 9 in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Reading by 9 is a multi-year campaign aimed at helping kindergarten through third-grade students read at grade level by the age of nine.
In Southern California, four out of five third-graders cannot read at grade level. Research shows that children who fail to read by the age of nine rarely catch up later. In many cases, these children may never be able to realize their full potential or contribute and participate fully in our society.
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club enthusiastically took up the responsibility and did their part to help these children. The first team of Rotarians met at 11:30 at the main gate, and right away were collecting books. The next team began their work at 2:00 and the last team worked from 4:00 to as late as 6:45.
All enjoyed the chance to be together and some shared the experience of the OC Fair together after hours of hard work at the gates.
These hard-working Rotarians deserve a hearty thanks and pat on the back for taking on the responsibility of collecting so many books, which should help to change the lives of so many children.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Working Wardrobes
By Al Rosenstein
Our regular weekly breakfast meeting of the Rotary Club of Irvine Spectrum was afforded the opportunity to hear a presentation from a director of "Working Wardrobes".
By collecting used mens' and womens' clothing, shoes, shirts, and all other accessories, Working Wardrobes offers an opportunity for men and women who are in need of another chance in the work-place. WW supplies these people with complete outfits to present themselves for up-coming job interviews. They also provide
Since 1990, Working Wardrobes has served nearly 40,000 men, women and teens emerging from a life crisis and committed to re-entering the workforce. They offer professional wardrobing and grooming services, career-readiness and image workshops, and a comprehensive career development center to increase their clients' confidence and success in the workplace.
Over 4500 men and women are outfitted every month. Thanks to the generous giving of donors of clothing, this wonderful enterprise can continue to progress. More information is available at their website.
Our regular weekly breakfast meeting of the Rotary Club of Irvine Spectrum was afforded the opportunity to hear a presentation from a director of "Working Wardrobes".
By collecting used mens' and womens' clothing, shoes, shirts, and all other accessories, Working Wardrobes offers an opportunity for men and women who are in need of another chance in the work-place. WW supplies these people with complete outfits to present themselves for up-coming job interviews. They also provide
Since 1990, Working Wardrobes has served nearly 40,000 men, women and teens emerging from a life crisis and committed to re-entering the workforce. They offer professional wardrobing and grooming services, career-readiness and image workshops, and a comprehensive career development center to increase their clients' confidence and success in the workplace.
Over 4500 men and women are outfitted every month. Thanks to the generous giving of donors of clothing, this wonderful enterprise can continue to progress. More information is available at their website.
Monday, July 21, 2008
We "Saw the Stars"
in LA at the Rotary International Convention, June 15-18
by Gillian Bradshaw
The stars, of course, were the 20,000 Rotarians from all over the world who attended the Convention this year! Wow, what an experience! The huge Rotary sign over the entrance of the LA Convention Center could be seen from quite a distance, and there were also flags on several of the hotels, so people definitely knew there was something important going on in town!
When I entered, I was overwhelmed by the huge stack of children's' books for the Wide World of Books project - the 242,624 books collected put us in the Guinness Book of Records, which was our goal!
House of Friendship
Taking Ed Hardenburgh's advice to get a real flavor for the convention by visiting the House of Friendship - and, as high as my expectations were, this exceeded them! First was the colorful "Birmingham, UK" booth promoting the 100th RI Convention to be held there next year - complete with a Yeoman of the Guard and Town Crier.
Then I "traveled" from "continent to continent" visiting the booths of the many countries represented (many wearing their national costume), and learning about the many "Service above Self" projects that our fellow Rotarians are doing all over the world, making a difference in the life of hundreds of thousands of people. I was particularly interested in the African exhibits, as I will be participating in the Humanitarian visit to Uganda with Outreach To Africa in October. There were choirs from far and wide performing most of the time, so it was indeed a jolly place! Thanks to Ed for making this so successful!
Rotary Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Each day focused on a different era in Rotary - I attended the Plenary Sessions for "Today" and "Tomorrow". "Today" focused on our challenge to finally eradicate polio throughout the world, and our partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to accomplish this. For the first time ever, the President of Rotary and the Executive Directors of UNICEF, CDC, and WHO were together in the same room, all of whom gave compelling speeches on this topic.
"Tomorrow" focused on the Rotary Foundation and our focus on Africa, particularly the devastating consequences of AIDS and the need for Rotary to lead the charge to educate, medicate, and ultimately eradicate this disease - if we can do it with polio, surely we can do it with AIDS! Finally, a "Birmingham Bound" presentation, featuring a Town Crier, Yeomen of the Guard, encouraged us to mark our calendars for Rotary's 100th International Convention to be held 21-24 June, 2009.
Hollywood Bowl Concert Under the Stars
Imagine the Hollywood Bowl completely full…now imagine it completely full of Rotarians from all over the world! What an amazing feeling! It was a gloriously warm night and we were treated to a performance by Burt Bacharach, followed by Hollywood movie music from films, the highlight being a fireworks finale lighting up a huge sign above the stage "Rotary International End Polio."
Best of All
Feeling the pulse of Rotary, meeting wonderful people who share the same passion to improve lives throughout the world via "Service Above Self." Many memories and great excitement about next years’ event - please try and share this experience also!
by Gillian Bradshaw
The stars, of course, were the 20,000 Rotarians from all over the world who attended the Convention this year! Wow, what an experience! The huge Rotary sign over the entrance of the LA Convention Center could be seen from quite a distance, and there were also flags on several of the hotels, so people definitely knew there was something important going on in town!
When I entered, I was overwhelmed by the huge stack of children's' books for the Wide World of Books project - the 242,624 books collected put us in the Guinness Book of Records, which was our goal!
House of Friendship
Taking Ed Hardenburgh's advice to get a real flavor for the convention by visiting the House of Friendship - and, as high as my expectations were, this exceeded them! First was the colorful "Birmingham, UK" booth promoting the 100th RI Convention to be held there next year - complete with a Yeoman of the Guard and Town Crier.
Then I "traveled" from "continent to continent" visiting the booths of the many countries represented (many wearing their national costume), and learning about the many "Service above Self" projects that our fellow Rotarians are doing all over the world, making a difference in the life of hundreds of thousands of people. I was particularly interested in the African exhibits, as I will be participating in the Humanitarian visit to Uganda with Outreach To Africa in October. There were choirs from far and wide performing most of the time, so it was indeed a jolly place! Thanks to Ed for making this so successful!
Rotary Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Each day focused on a different era in Rotary - I attended the Plenary Sessions for "Today" and "Tomorrow". "Today" focused on our challenge to finally eradicate polio throughout the world, and our partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to accomplish this. For the first time ever, the President of Rotary and the Executive Directors of UNICEF, CDC, and WHO were together in the same room, all of whom gave compelling speeches on this topic.
"Tomorrow" focused on the Rotary Foundation and our focus on Africa, particularly the devastating consequences of AIDS and the need for Rotary to lead the charge to educate, medicate, and ultimately eradicate this disease - if we can do it with polio, surely we can do it with AIDS! Finally, a "Birmingham Bound" presentation, featuring a Town Crier, Yeomen of the Guard, encouraged us to mark our calendars for Rotary's 100th International Convention to be held 21-24 June, 2009.
Hollywood Bowl Concert Under the Stars
Imagine the Hollywood Bowl completely full…now imagine it completely full of Rotarians from all over the world! What an amazing feeling! It was a gloriously warm night and we were treated to a performance by Burt Bacharach, followed by Hollywood movie music from films, the highlight being a fireworks finale lighting up a huge sign above the stage "Rotary International End Polio."
Best of All
Feeling the pulse of Rotary, meeting wonderful people who share the same passion to improve lives throughout the world via "Service Above Self." Many memories and great excitement about next years’ event - please try and share this experience also!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
President Transition Party
Approximately 75 Rotarians and guests showed up at the home of Dale & Ute Ford for the celebration of the end of a fine Rotary Year thanks to now "Past President" Cisca Stellhorn. There was much food and drink and frivolity especially the trial of the dastardly Cisca Stellhorn who wildly mistreated her fellow Rotarians through the Rotary Year with those "bells".
The famous "Hangin Judge" Mody Gorsky presiding found Cisca guilty of all charges even in the face of an excellent defense by Rotarian Mark Brubaker, Esq. However, Judge Mody let her off of all punishment after an exchange of graft and corruption as is, we think, the custom amongst the members of the bar.
Since the celebration took place on the 1st day of Summer in the west-facing rear yard of the host facility measures needed to be taken to minimize the heat generated by the late-afternoon setting sun. The host erected sun barriers to keep the 100 or so degree sunlight from baking the skin off of the guests.
Misting devices were strategically set up as well to aid in cooling of the frazzled mass of humanity. Food was provided by Diane Braash, which was another highlight and the bartender was Cisca's brother Kelly. Both Kelly and Diane significantly reduced the load on the hosts and their helpers Gillian Bradshaw and Luana Rodberg and many others not mentioned here because of a loss of brain cells of the author of this summary.
Regarding helpers, Luana must be singled out as the person who prepared all the center pieces, the gift to Cisca, balloons and gas for same and much more not mentioned here again due to the brain cell issue. Many thanks again to Luana!
The famous "Hangin Judge" Mody Gorsky presiding found Cisca guilty of all charges even in the face of an excellent defense by Rotarian Mark Brubaker, Esq. However, Judge Mody let her off of all punishment after an exchange of graft and corruption as is, we think, the custom amongst the members of the bar.
Since the celebration took place on the 1st day of Summer in the west-facing rear yard of the host facility measures needed to be taken to minimize the heat generated by the late-afternoon setting sun. The host erected sun barriers to keep the 100 or so degree sunlight from baking the skin off of the guests.
Misting devices were strategically set up as well to aid in cooling of the frazzled mass of humanity. Food was provided by Diane Braash, which was another highlight and the bartender was Cisca's brother Kelly. Both Kelly and Diane significantly reduced the load on the hosts and their helpers Gillian Bradshaw and Luana Rodberg and many others not mentioned here because of a loss of brain cells of the author of this summary.
Regarding helpers, Luana must be singled out as the person who prepared all the center pieces, the gift to Cisca, balloons and gas for same and much more not mentioned here again due to the brain cell issue. Many thanks again to Luana!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Host Hospitality Night a Huge Success
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club has always maintained active relationships with clubs and Rotary leaders from other countries. This is a reflection of the diverse membership of our club where more than 30% of the membership was born in a country other than the USA.
On June 16, during the Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles we had an evening of sharing with more than 30 Rotarians from around the world. A bus load was brought from the Convention Center, while the Japanese contingency came by van and the Indian group was brought by Pannkaj Kummar, our new club president. Almost 100% of our club membership along with spouses and the guests all met at the ranch of outgoing club president, Cisca Stellhorn. We had guests from five continents who immediately discovered how much we all have in common.
Southern California was in a heat wave, so it was a warm evening which required more than average liquid consumption prior to dinner. The advantage was this helped everybody to loosen up and explore the lives of each other. Dinner was a huge spread of meat, chicken and salmon prepared by our own club member, Diane Braasch.
The highlight of the evening followed dinner. While we were all sitting around tables on the front patio, enjoying the fragrance of the rose garden, Cisca stood on the steps of her home expressing our appreciation for our guests in taking the evening to share with us. Then one by one guests from Japan, Sweden, Kenya, Nigeria, Vermont, India, etc. each arose and stood on the steps of Cisca’s home and spoke about what a wonderful evening they had and their respect for our hospitality. Small hospitality gifts and club banners were exchanged.
It was late with the sky alight with stars when they begin to embark on the trip back to Los Angeles. The hugs and tears revealed how great an experience the evening had been. Ed Hardenburgh, who accompanied the group on the bus, said that he expected them to all fall asleep during the hour-long drive back to Los Angeles, but they continued to express how much the evening meant to them. It was an opportunity for each of them as well as for our club members to discover how much we have in common in spite of our diversity.
On June 16, during the Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles we had an evening of sharing with more than 30 Rotarians from around the world. A bus load was brought from the Convention Center, while the Japanese contingency came by van and the Indian group was brought by Pannkaj Kummar, our new club president. Almost 100% of our club membership along with spouses and the guests all met at the ranch of outgoing club president, Cisca Stellhorn. We had guests from five continents who immediately discovered how much we all have in common.
Southern California was in a heat wave, so it was a warm evening which required more than average liquid consumption prior to dinner. The advantage was this helped everybody to loosen up and explore the lives of each other. Dinner was a huge spread of meat, chicken and salmon prepared by our own club member, Diane Braasch.
The highlight of the evening followed dinner. While we were all sitting around tables on the front patio, enjoying the fragrance of the rose garden, Cisca stood on the steps of her home expressing our appreciation for our guests in taking the evening to share with us. Then one by one guests from Japan, Sweden, Kenya, Nigeria, Vermont, India, etc. each arose and stood on the steps of Cisca’s home and spoke about what a wonderful evening they had and their respect for our hospitality. Small hospitality gifts and club banners were exchanged.
It was late with the sky alight with stars when they begin to embark on the trip back to Los Angeles. The hugs and tears revealed how great an experience the evening had been. Ed Hardenburgh, who accompanied the group on the bus, said that he expected them to all fall asleep during the hour-long drive back to Los Angeles, but they continued to express how much the evening meant to them. It was an opportunity for each of them as well as for our club members to discover how much we have in common in spite of our diversity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)