The reference to outstanding teaching might be translated on this evening to an outstanding program. Great support from the Rotarians, phenomenal attendance from the community, a welcome from the new Superintendent, vital donor support and attendance, great staging by Julia and the PV Golf Club staff – all the elements you need for an incredibly effective program. And all this was done pretty much by the clock (which seems to fixate some Rotarians). The positive energy in the room was contagious with several people gathering at the end in groups to celebrate the program and the evening. Essentially, every recipient started their speeches by thanking the Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club for sponsoring such a great community event.

 

 

In any case the 280 people who were gathered there to express their gratitude to ten of the most outstanding educators on the Peninsula had their chance to hear from them and to thank them. And the PVP Rotary Club again raised significant funds to support the scholarship and education-related activities of the Club Foundation. Another stellar year for Harry Kitter and the Development Committee associated with this event. All Rotarians in our Club should be very proud of this program; honoring great teaching makes us a winner. Generating the support we do with this program is wonderful.

 

 

The honorees for 2014 were Beth Ann Berry from Cornerstone, Major Ivan Wild from the College for Officer Training, Eileen Mahoney from Peninsula Heritage, Scot Oschman from Ridgecrest Intermediate, Natalie Johnson from Chadwick School, Jonolyn Larson from Dapplegray Elementary, Ryan Boccuzzi from Rolling Hills Prep, Glenn Van Enk from PV Peninsula High School, Peggy Johns-Campbell from Rolling Hills Country Day and Carlos Royal from Marymount California University. Each honoree was introduced by the principal or college president or Headmaster and then had some time to comment on their teaching and to thank people in their lives who had contributed to their development and success. Several had family in the audience and could thank them publically. Some recipients talked about being teachers later in life; some talked about leaving teaching and then returning to a profession they would embrace forever. Each speaker spoke from the heart.

 

 

To listen to a Kindergarten teacher of more than 20 years reflect on what she learns each day from her kindergartners or a middle school science teacher talking about the risks in promised class explosions, or the college professor comparing his students to kindergartners in some of their sense of awe when it comes to learning. Their passion and love of students and teaching comes through loud and clear. Is reassures us that our children are in the midst of talented teachers who care about the subjects and their students. 

Please take note that:

 

Suzy Zimmerman has nominated Lara Humphreys for membership.  Her induction is scheduled for February. 

 

All comments should be directed to Keith D. and/or Jim H.

 

Please introduce yourselves to our new and potential members if you have not met each of them already.

The highlights of our meeting 10/31/14 were the many Rotarians in costume and the interesting program by Augie Bezmalinovich on the exciting events and new sites at LA Waterfront/San Pedro & Wilmington.

 

We were greeted by Galaxy Legend Jim Hartman, PV Witch Julia Parton, and Suzy Cowgirl Zimmerman.  Sgt.-at-Arms A.J. Johnson got a haircut for the occasion and looked quite dapper.  Galaxy Jim gave the invocaton, Indian Princess Inga Liden led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Choir Master Paul Rubincam directed the singing of “God Bless America.” Lucky Inga Liden won both raffle prizes.  Mel Schrier introduced Suzy Zimmerman’s guests, Greg Taylor and Sue Wang, and led us in the Welcome Song.  Greg was dressed in a Chef costume.  Special Guest Sue Wang will be inducted at our Nov. 14^th meeting. 

 

 

The tables were decorated with colorful Halloween candy, rubber rats and cockroaches, spooky eye balls, and zombie glasses.   FIRST PRIZE for BEST COSTUME went to  Pirate Captain Greg Sparkman and his pet peacock.  Tying for SECOND PRIZE were Zombie Baseball Player Chris Stillians and Alta Sea  Diver Eileen Hupp and her singing lobster.  Other Rotarians joining in the fun were Oregon Duck Bruce Attig, Where’s Waldo Joan Behrens, Contractor Juliette DeMoss, Spider Suzy Seamans, Medieval Lady Judy Maruszko, Tacky Hat Liz Fitzgerald, Halloween Diva Carolyn Lehr, and Mexican Senora Nicky Nikakhtar.  Not to be out done, several Rotarian males wore bright orange shirts:  Harry Kitter, Allan Colman, Mel Schrier and Derald Sidler (with spooky tie). 

 

 

Phyllis Pelezzare and Derald Sidler told us about the Boys & Girls Clubs of LA Harbor’s OPERATION “GIVING THANKS 2014”.  It is a Thanksgiving Food Drive for 300 of their “neediest” families.  Derald and Phyllis asked all club members to help by donating food and assembling Thanksgiving care packages for these families.  

            Friday Nov. 21^st- Bring food items to Rotary.

            Needed foods are:  1-2 lb bags of rice, beans, pasta.

            Packaged stuffing mix, instant potatoes, gravy mix, Mac & Cheese.

            Canned yams, corn, green beans, black eye peas, cranberry sauce, pasta sauce, soup.

            Mon., Nov.24 & Tues., Nov. 25- Help assemble & distribute food bags.

            Contact Phyllis if you can volunteer Pelezzare@yahoo.com or (310)377-9907.

           

Jim Hartman and Joan Behrens invited all Rotarians to attend Educator of the Year on Nov. 5^th and asked for volunteers to help with set-up the afternoon of the event.  They thanked the club members who are donating financially to EOTY, and congratulated Harry Kitter, Suzy Zimmerman and Bruce Attig for their successful recruitment of community donations to support EOTY scholarships.

President Jim announced our November 21^st meeting will be held at the Rolling Hills Country Club, since the PVGC is not available. He has two tickets ($40) for the Sunrise Torrance Rotary Club’s annual USC-UCLA Brunch on Tuesday, Nov. 18 (contact Jim).

 

 

Augie Bezmalinovich, our program speaker, spoke on the fabulous things to do and see at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro & Wilmington.  Augie, a San Pedro native, is a Community Affairs Advocate for the Port of LA.  Los Angeles is the biggest container port in America; Long Beach is the 2^nd biggest.  Together they are the 8^th-9^th biggest container port in the world.  Augie told us about the government and financial management of the port.  He gave us a interesting  brief history of the port area.  Today the Waterfront is in the midst of a redevelopment that includes beautification of existing structures; building new parks, community centers, fountains and promenades; reducing air pollution, improving  traffic flow & parking; bringing many exciting events and attractions to the Waterfront for people to enjoy.  There are too many new things to list here – check out  www.portofangeles.org  and look for key words such as “22^nd Street Park, Crafted, Brewery Festival, Alta-Sea at City Dock, Plaza Park, Tall Ships, Maritime Museum, USS Iowa, Downtown Harbor, Cars & Stripes, New Catalina Express Terminal, Front Street, Waterfall/Musical Fountain, Red Car, Banning Landing Community Center.”  There is so much to see and do.  ENJOY!

 

 

Last but not least, we celebrated our Birthday and Anniversary honorees by singing to them and sharing their chocolate cake.  October birthdays:  Max Bartoli, Norton Donner, Chris Stillians.  Wedding anniversaries:  John & Karen Cameron, Norton & Sally Donner, Derald & Ann Sidler.  Rotary induction anniversaries:  Greg Sparkman, Jonathan Udewitz, Norton Donner, Bob Gulcher.