Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving with Marines
by Tim Wolin
We participated in the Marines' Thanksgiving that Rick Topping proposed. It was great. I think my family enjoyed it more than the marines. My son and I picked them up early in the morning. The marines had MREs for breakfast, so we immediately went to breakfast (again). Later my wife put out a huge Thanksgiving dinner.
We ended up on the phone with both of their families (Texas and Missouri) and all exchanged contact info.
We are excited about next year as well.
This was a cool email from one of the Marine's moms:
We ended up on the phone with both of their families (Texas and Missouri) and all exchanged contact info.
We are excited about next year as well.
This was a cool email from one of the Marine's moms:
I love this pic! Thank you so much for sharing it with me. It's so nice to know there are families out there that are looking out for our boys when they are away from home on holidays. God will certainly bless you for that!
Thank goodness for those women that enjoy cooking! I know Justin and his friend really enjoyed a good home-cooked meal. Please thank your wife for that.
If you take any more pics today please don't hesitate sending them on to me.
I'm going to send this pic to everyone on my email list!
Be sure and look us up when you pass thru. We will always have a place for you and your family here @ our home.
Thanks and God Bless!
Sandy
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
OCTA
by Mody Gorsky
The Spectrum Rotary Club presented a check of $1,000 to Allison Burnigham in support of her walk for breast cancer.
Sarah Swensson and Eileen Padberg from Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) provided some education on the upcoming Metrolink increase in 2010. The link will increase service between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel.
OCTA is working with cities where enhancements are taking place to allow for safety measures. Cities along the route, such as Irvine, which has two locations to be enhanced, are being informed of details behind the pending construction.
A surprising amount of the public (80%) is unaware of train crossing safety. As a result of the research that came up with this figure, OCTA has teamed up with Operation Life Force to put together an awareness campaign focusing on: education, engineering and enforcement.
OCTA is going to schools to educate children about crossing tracks safely, and working with community leaders to build awareness.
In addition, local law enforcement will issue citations to those not follow train safety laws, emphasizing the importance of safety laws in place. “Forty five percent [of drivers] speed up to get through gates closing; 20% stop on the tracks and 7,000 pedestrians neglect to look both ways when crossing [the tracks]” Says Sarah Swensson.
OCTA is working with communities and businesses near the tracks in order to help them understand how the changes will affect their cities and businesses. One of the strategies will be to institute “Quiet Zones.” No horns will be blown [by the trains], but instead crossing will utilize lights and bells to warn those near the track.
To find out more about the OCTA upgrade, visit the updated website
The website provides information on the new project and a toll free number to lodge concerns and complaints.
The Spectrum Rotary Club presented a check of $1,000 to Allison Burnigham in support of her walk for breast cancer.
Sarah Swensson and Eileen Padberg from Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) provided some education on the upcoming Metrolink increase in 2010. The link will increase service between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel.
OCTA is working with cities where enhancements are taking place to allow for safety measures. Cities along the route, such as Irvine, which has two locations to be enhanced, are being informed of details behind the pending construction.
A surprising amount of the public (80%) is unaware of train crossing safety. As a result of the research that came up with this figure, OCTA has teamed up with Operation Life Force to put together an awareness campaign focusing on: education, engineering and enforcement.
OCTA is going to schools to educate children about crossing tracks safely, and working with community leaders to build awareness.
In addition, local law enforcement will issue citations to those not follow train safety laws, emphasizing the importance of safety laws in place. “Forty five percent [of drivers] speed up to get through gates closing; 20% stop on the tracks and 7,000 pedestrians neglect to look both ways when crossing [the tracks]” Says Sarah Swensson.
OCTA is working with communities and businesses near the tracks in order to help them understand how the changes will affect their cities and businesses. One of the strategies will be to institute “Quiet Zones.” No horns will be blown [by the trains], but instead crossing will utilize lights and bells to warn those near the track.
To find out more about the OCTA upgrade, visit the updated website
The website provides information on the new project and a toll free number to lodge concerns and complaints.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ensenada Dental Clinic
By Pat Rodgers
Good morning, friends, from beautiful Ensenada, Mexico. Have been here since Friday evening, as part of our Rotary Club Dental Clinic and work day at a local school. The hotel is a great one, overlooking the marina and Pacific ocean and light years ahead of Motel 6.
Our Rotary Club does a Dental Clinic and work project several times a year down here and this is the first one I have attended. I must say, it was a worthwhile experience.
The Dental Care for Children van and it's group of volunteer dentists, along with students from the USC dental school, were well organized and treated over 50 kids from a local elementary school. There was over $24,000 worth of dental services delivered.
Then the rest of us, the common laborers, undertook the work project of repainting the block walls of the school buildings which were adorned with graffiti. After a quick trip to Home Depot, to pick up the paint and supplies, we embarked on the project. It took about six hours of manual labor and true to the Rodgers painting form, I got as much paint on me as I did the school. Fortunately, it was water based paint and cleaned up easily.
The parents and kids from the school were great and many pitched in and helped. I had forgotten the joys of manual labor, especially painting with rollers and brushes. At the end of the day, I remembered why I have such great respect for people who do painting for a living. Stepping back and looking at the finished project however, we did a pretty god job for amateurs.
The kids got their teeth fixed and a clean new looking school building. In viewing their basketball court, I also noted that neither of the two backboards had baskets, so while we were getting paint, I also dropped into the local Wal-Mart and picked up two baskets and two new basketballs for them. The school principal was most appreciative and the kids will enjoy their basketball court again.
All in all it was a successful trip. The folks I am riding with have to leave early this morning to get to a funeral back home this afternoon. Hopefully, there will not be a long line at the border, since we are leaving early. Hope that each of you has an enjoyable Sunday and my best wishes to all.
Our Rotary Club does a Dental Clinic and work project several times a year down here and this is the first one I have attended. I must say, it was a worthwhile experience.
The Dental Care for Children van and it's group of volunteer dentists, along with students from the USC dental school, were well organized and treated over 50 kids from a local elementary school. There was over $24,000 worth of dental services delivered.
The parents and kids from the school were great and many pitched in and helped. I had forgotten the joys of manual labor, especially painting with rollers and brushes. At the end of the day, I remembered why I have such great respect for people who do painting for a living. Stepping back and looking at the finished project however, we did a pretty god job for amateurs.
All in all it was a successful trip. The folks I am riding with have to leave early this morning to get to a funeral back home this afternoon. Hopefully, there will not be a long line at the border, since we are leaving early. Hope that each of you has an enjoyable Sunday and my best wishes to all.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Jewish Family Services of OC
Though the Orange County JFS is one of the smallest in the nation it has been around since 1965. JFSOC is currently housed at the Samueli Campus in Irvine and, as stated above, serves tens of thousands of individuals throughout Orange County. Dr. Zamosky highlighted four service areas:
Older Adults
- Counseling
- Information, consultation and referral services
- Care management working with older adults and families
- Care management and health education to Woodbridge Manor retirement homes
- Bereavement and caregiver support
- Holocaust survivor group to help care for aging Holocaust survivors; social functions for Holocaust survivors (this is the ONLY service specific to Jewish community)
- Silver Streak: a transportation service (currently looking for volunteer drivers), which is creating mobility sites throughout Orange County utilizing volunteer drivers
- Individual, couple and family therapy (sliding scale) with licensed Marriage Family Therapists (MFT) and Clinical
- Social Workers (LCSW)
- Support groups
- Bereavement groups
- Counseling for anxiety and depression
- Emergency assistance providing a hand up, not just a hand out
- Employment skills counseling
- Job search skills
- "Women Forward" a program for middle aged women who are in a crisis transition served by women peer mentors
- Provides resources through JFSOC and other services in Orange County
- Rabbi services to hospitals, hospices, prisons and jails
- "Adopt a Family" providing families in need with holiday food and items (currently serves 90 to 100 families in OC)
The Special Needs Commission provides services to all individuals with special needs, and has a "No Denial" policy, from birth to death. The Commission also provides a lot of interfacing with other existing programs and has empirical evidence to support the success of the program.
Jewish Family Service of Orange County aspires for a community where no one is alone and without hope. They strive to ensure that everyone in the community has access to a lifeline of support. Their programs are open to all who ask for help.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
When the going gets tough, the tough eat cake!
By Richard Milo
Due to a foot injury, and for the second year in a row, Joanne Milo has been unable to lead her team of walkers to raise contributions for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Following her motto, “If you can’t walk, protest!”, the 2009 Shooting Stars Sit In Protest to benefit JDRF was held at the home of Joanne and Richard Milo on Sunday, Oct 25 at 9 AM. Complementary pastries were catered by Elyssa Fournier and Alexis Milo.
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club continued its co-sponsorship of the Shooting Stars family team to raise money for JDRF. 2009 marks the 9th year of the Club’s participation in the event. This year, the Club’s contributions accounted for nearly 50% of the $6,000 raised in 2009 by the Shooting Stars.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1962 by the parents of children with diabetes to specifically raise money to fund research to find a cure (not treatments) for diabetes. Joanne Milo, the Shooting Stars team captain, has had Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes for 44 years.
Friends and supporters rallied around the coffee pot and debated the politics for a cure between bites of scones, bagels and muffins while Joanne demonstrated the fine art of crystal embellishment of her blue “snakeskin” walking boot (center front of the team photo).
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club continued its co-sponsorship of the Shooting Stars family team to raise money for JDRF. 2009 marks the 9th year of the Club’s participation in the event. This year, the Club’s contributions accounted for nearly 50% of the $6,000 raised in 2009 by the Shooting Stars.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1962 by the parents of children with diabetes to specifically raise money to fund research to find a cure (not treatments) for diabetes. Joanne Milo, the Shooting Stars team captain, has had Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes for 44 years.
Friends and supporters rallied around the coffee pot and debated the politics for a cure between bites of scones, bagels and muffins while Joanne demonstrated the fine art of crystal embellishment of her blue “snakeskin” walking boot (center front of the team photo).
Friday, October 30, 2009
Jim De Boom, District Administrator
Not only can you see the information for your own club, but any other club in the district. The directory provides a search of the classifications.
Rotarians can advertise on the district website. Website banner ads are $450 for the year, which includes an ad in the district newspaper each month.
The website also provides access to district officers and resources, such as DG Bret Gerdes, and provides for downloading various forms as well as the ability to sign up for district events.
Logging in provides you with the ability to view additional information and website resources.
For assistance, or more information, contact our club secretary.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
South County Outreach
by Marla Noel
Ed Eward of the South County Outreach presented at the Irvine Spectrum Rotary meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Ed began with a compelling story about a family who'd been receiving food and assistance from South County Outreach. They wanted to come in to say thank you to the staff with beautiful flowers from their garden. He shared a picture of a child holding the flowers as his gift. To see this small boy, who was spared from going hungry because of the great work of this organization, you understand better the value of the services provided by South County Outreach. South County Outreach is a solution center for what is going on in our society. The need for emergency help is great. Only 4% of the households come to the shelter more than 8 times. Most come during a time of crisis. With the help of South County Outreach, they can move on.
According to Ed, this worthwhile organization served approximately 600 households every month. Now, as so many of our fellow Orange County residents are out of work, the number of households they serve has jumped to 1200 households per month. They are to the point where they must turn families away at the door. The households currently being helped, will continue to be supported, however, new households can no longer get help. This included a young woman who came in for help. She had two blind twins. She was turned away. Ed hopes that this is only a temporary situation for the families who need help, and that they will be able to serve new families soon. With the help of organizations like Rotary, they can work to get the funding needed to help more people.
This organization is lucky to have volunteers. They have around 163 volunteers and 6 staff. One notable volunteer who helps a great deal is Peggy Stalter, an Irvine Spectrum Rotarian, who gives her time regularly to make a difference to those in need. Also, Tom Whaling, an Irvine Spectrum Rotarian is a Board member. Tom helps the organization in providing the necessary services to families in need in Orange County.
Ed told us about a young women who approached him at an event the day before he spoke to us. She was employed by an unwed mother's shelter. She told Ed that a number of years ago, she was homeless. The South County Outreach enabled her to get on her feet, get a job and support herself. Ed talked about their vocational specialist, who worked, through training and support, to get people jobs and improve their situation.
I could see how much Ed cared about the people they serve, as he relayed the story of meeting the young woman later that day. She was the woman who had been turned away from the door, with the blind babies. He told her to return to the shelter, and they would help her. He made that commitment to help her as South County Outreach has helped so many people. With our support, they can do more good at a time when we are surrounded by people in crisis.
Ed Eward of the South County Outreach presented at the Irvine Spectrum Rotary meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2009. Ed began with a compelling story about a family who'd been receiving food and assistance from South County Outreach. They wanted to come in to say thank you to the staff with beautiful flowers from their garden. He shared a picture of a child holding the flowers as his gift. To see this small boy, who was spared from going hungry because of the great work of this organization, you understand better the value of the services provided by South County Outreach. South County Outreach is a solution center for what is going on in our society. The need for emergency help is great. Only 4% of the households come to the shelter more than 8 times. Most come during a time of crisis. With the help of South County Outreach, they can move on.
According to Ed, this worthwhile organization served approximately 600 households every month. Now, as so many of our fellow Orange County residents are out of work, the number of households they serve has jumped to 1200 households per month. They are to the point where they must turn families away at the door. The households currently being helped, will continue to be supported, however, new households can no longer get help. This included a young woman who came in for help. She had two blind twins. She was turned away. Ed hopes that this is only a temporary situation for the families who need help, and that they will be able to serve new families soon. With the help of organizations like Rotary, they can work to get the funding needed to help more people.
This organization is lucky to have volunteers. They have around 163 volunteers and 6 staff. One notable volunteer who helps a great deal is Peggy Stalter, an Irvine Spectrum Rotarian, who gives her time regularly to make a difference to those in need. Also, Tom Whaling, an Irvine Spectrum Rotarian is a Board member. Tom helps the organization in providing the necessary services to families in need in Orange County.
Ed told us about a young women who approached him at an event the day before he spoke to us. She was employed by an unwed mother's shelter. She told Ed that a number of years ago, she was homeless. The South County Outreach enabled her to get on her feet, get a job and support herself. Ed talked about their vocational specialist, who worked, through training and support, to get people jobs and improve their situation.
I could see how much Ed cared about the people they serve, as he relayed the story of meeting the young woman later that day. She was the woman who had been turned away from the door, with the blind babies. He told her to return to the shelter, and they would help her. He made that commitment to help her as South County Outreach has helped so many people. With our support, they can do more good at a time when we are surrounded by people in crisis.
Never say never to fundraising
by Richard Milo, Past President Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club
The Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club held a spectacular Gala Casino Night – Auction – Dance - Gourmet Buffet fundraiser at the Village Crean in Newport Beach on Saturday Aug 8, 2009. The “Mid Summer Nights Dreams Come True” event, which netted over $9,500 for the club’s charitable giving funds, was an inaugural fundraiser that was held in lieu of the Club’s traditional Golf Tournament.
122 people attended the $100/person event which featured hosted appetizers, a 30 foot Las Vegas style buffet, a full service dessert buffet, 15 professionally run casino tables, a DJ with dancing, a cash bar, raffle drawings and both live and silent auctions. Catering and event planning was provide by Catering for You (Dianne Braasch, an Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club member). The Club’s greatest thanks go to the Village Crean that made the venue available at no charge for the fundraising effort.
Over the past decade, the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club had built up a continually successful golf tournament that was highly leveraged with businesses in the restaurant, auto and real estate industries. The recent recession had caused over 70% of the traditional sponsors to say “no thanks” to a Spring 2009 tournament. Faced with an empty space where the golf fundraiser had been, Dianne Braasch offered to spearhead a casino night as an alternative.
The Club was then faced with the proposition of a new, $100/person fundraiser to be held during a recession. In a stand up vote, the club members overwhelmingly agreed to support the event and sell the tickets required to get the event into the black. Mary Mar, Cisca Stellhorn and Luana Rodberg led the efforts for the raffle and live/silent auctions. Mody Gorsky, Toni Kay Fenton and Richard Milo formed a management support team to help Diane with the fund raising efforts to complement her catering and event planning. Virtually all the club members stepped up to help with event details such as decorations and supplies, as well as gathering $14,000 of items and services for the auction and raffle drawings.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club members, a new fundraiser was held that netted much needed cash to help those who depend on Rotary for a helping hand.
122 people attended the $100/person event which featured hosted appetizers, a 30 foot Las Vegas style buffet, a full service dessert buffet, 15 professionally run casino tables, a DJ with dancing, a cash bar, raffle drawings and both live and silent auctions. Catering and event planning was provide by Catering for You (Dianne Braasch, an Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club member). The Club’s greatest thanks go to the Village Crean that made the venue available at no charge for the fundraising effort.
Over the past decade, the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club had built up a continually successful golf tournament that was highly leveraged with businesses in the restaurant, auto and real estate industries. The recent recession had caused over 70% of the traditional sponsors to say “no thanks” to a Spring 2009 tournament. Faced with an empty space where the golf fundraiser had been, Dianne Braasch offered to spearhead a casino night as an alternative.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club members, a new fundraiser was held that netted much needed cash to help those who depend on Rotary for a helping hand.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 5th club meeting
by Carmen Szladowski - Club PR Chair
There were several guests from other clubs, as well as others coming back to visit us. We welcomed Namey and her husband from the Rotary Club in Taiwan.
We certainly had an interesting group at our meeting. Among them were three young ladies sponsored by our club to attend the RYLA 2009 event for three days of learning teamwork, meeting new friends, and then some fun-time. They were happy to show us a video of the events offered by the camp, told us about their wonderful experiences, and their gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for sponsoring them.
Events:
The District President's meeting will be at The Double Tree Hotel in Orange, on Tuesday, August 11th at 6PM.
Cisca's beach party will be on Saturday, August 22nd. Don't miss out socializing with your club members and friends; and having cool time!
We have the Angel's baseball game coming up on August 29th; real great seat locations.
The Three District Business Leadership Awards, (2008-09) will be presented on Friday, September 25th. 2009.
There were several guests from other clubs, as well as others coming back to visit us. We welcomed Namey and her husband from the Rotary Club in Taiwan.
We certainly had an interesting group at our meeting. Among them were three young ladies sponsored by our club to attend the RYLA 2009 event for three days of learning teamwork, meeting new friends, and then some fun-time. They were happy to show us a video of the events offered by the camp, told us about their wonderful experiences, and their gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for sponsoring them.
Events:
The District President's meeting will be at The Double Tree Hotel in Orange, on Tuesday, August 11th at 6PM.
Cisca's beach party will be on Saturday, August 22nd. Don't miss out socializing with your club members and friends; and having cool time!
We have the Angel's baseball game coming up on August 29th; real great seat locations.
The Three District Business Leadership Awards, (2008-09) will be presented on Friday, September 25th. 2009.
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