It was a spectacular day in Palos Verdes, a great day for a meeting of intellectuals, artists,
and the elite of the world. As for the rest of us, we assembled in the ballroom for our weekly Rotary meeting.
It was so fitting that 50 years after the death of a man who inspired all Americans to think what they could do for our country, the four service organizations in our city would meet together and share information regarding their community service projects and their desire to make the world a better place for all.
President Suzy Zimmerman opened the meeting at 12:15 promptly, welcoming our guests and announcing the meeting theme of the Big Four on The Hill coming together. Sandy Ferrell of the P V Sunset Club provided a brief but powerful invocation, followed the pledge of allegiance. Les Fishman, Leon Nixon, and Jerry Ferrell, accompanied by John Schuricht on the piano led us in a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful (and in key).
After everyone participated in a rare epicurean delight of turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing,
the four luncheon guests were introduced. Suzy then introduced Keith Deisenroth who announced that he was still taking reservations for our annual Christmas party at Terranea on December 12. He cautioned that no reservations would be accepted after Dec 5 and that his trusted sidekick Guido would find all that fail to pay any required funds by the 5th. Suzy once again took the stand and announced that we would be dark on Nov 29 but would meet again December 6 at the Rolling Hills Country Club.
We were fortunate to hear each President of the four service Clubs present the highlights of their organizations year. Following is a brief synopsis:
Lions
President Irv discussed how the Lions raise money for their service projects by holding golf tournaments and conducting recycling campaigns. The funds are then utilized by
* A project in Mexico that provided eye tests, glasses, and eye surgery for those in need
* Local vision screening projects in the area
* Scholarships to local youth
* Donations to Lions Club International
Kiwanis
President Larry shared how a small club (35 members) with lots of energy
* Provided $16,000 in local scholarships
* Hosted a Christmas party to a local Boys & Girls Club
* Participated in a shoe drive for needy children
* Conducted a toy drive for a local children’s charity
* Raised $40,000 in the P V Marathon
P V Sunset Rotary
President Sandy outlined the major projects of their organization
* Raising dollars for victims in the Colorado and Philippines disasters
* Getting 2 grants for working with the 4H Club in the Peninsula and helping
An ex-prisoner gets a carpentry degree from a local school
* Honoring Jeff Earle at a Holiday Pop Concert at the Warner Grand
* Sponsoring Rotarians and Rotoracts going to Ecuador and Mexico
* A Chairs for Charity project
* Scholarships for local youth
Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club
President Suzy, assisted by Julia Parton and Greg O’Brien briefly described four
Activities of the Club
* Concourse Elegance participation which is a major fundraising activity
* Educator of the Year dinner honoring 10 local teachers, which funds scholarships for
Local youth
* The partnership with Chadwick school in establishing interact clubs both at Chadwick’
And their school in Songdo.
* A progressive dinner designed to “keep the club members engaged”
Next, Terry Lynn introduced a joint service project the four service clubs will undertake. The Harmony Concert will bring together the musicians of Peninsula and Palos Verdes High Schools
In a concert on April 27. The concert is designed to bring the two schools together in a collaborative effort while raising money for their music programs.
Suzy adjourned the meeting at 1:32PM with an inspirational message “find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives” followed by HAPPY THANKSGIVING
