“The last Picnic”

 

 

Les opened the meeting at 12:15 and welcomed everyone and their guests to his last meeting as our Club President. Then quickly directed everyone to the business of “Let’s Eat.”

Everyone got in line at the buffet table to pick their favorite picnic items of burgers, hotdogs, and chicken sandwiches with all the trimmings and lots of sides of beans and French fries. It was a feast indeed.

 

After everyone was settled enjoying their lunch, things proceeded to go a little backwards with the invocation next followed then by the patriotic song of My Country Tis of Thee aka “America”.    Then on to guest introductions and there were many: Jim Hartman’s guest, Charlie from Friends of the Library; John Stillo brought his wife, Brigit; Matt Kang brought his wife Katie and their two adorable children, Mason and Sophie; Hang up Moon brought his wife Julie; Jennifer Sullivan with the YMCA and prospective member joined us. David Rowe brought his wife Carol and guest, Audra Platt’s from S Coast Botanical Gardens; Julia Parton brought her two sons James and Edward; Sasha O’Hara brought her husband Mike and their adorable daughter, Kailani; Suzy Zimmerman brought her husband “Zim” and daughter Emma; Greg Sparkman brought his wife Liz and granddaughters, Sophia and Laurie;  and Greg O’Brien brought his wife Liz. After all guests were introduced, the Welcome song was sung and our hug and greet ritual ensued.

 

Next, Julia announced birthdays for June: Kelly Curtis-Intagliata, Jim Hartman. Greg O’Brien, Paul Rubincam, and Greg Sparkman. Next were the wedding anniversaries: Juliet Demoss, Henry Lee, David Rowe, and John Schuricht. Lastly, Rotary anniversaries were announced: Allen Bond 25 years, Harry Kitter 16 years, Hang up Moon 8 years, and Phyllis Pellezzare 10 years.

 

Next, Les presented a very special and deserving award to Suzy Zimmerman called, “The Eagle Award” for all of her efforts with our club. Les then announced that the Rotary Foundation received a donation of $250k from our former club members estate of Gerhart Shaver.

 

Keith Deisenroth thanked Julia Parton for her efforts with putting together today’s meeting. Les, then thanked everyone for coming.

 

Lastly, our incoming President, Allen Bond reminded everyone that there is no club meeting next week, but we will have a board meeting from 12-1 on Friday the 1^st.   

   

PVP rotary club member profile

 

 

This week’s featured member is Allen Bond. Coincidently, Allen and I went to adjacent high schools in Northeast Philadelphia (my school always beat his in football!), but we didn’t meet until almost 30 years after graduation when I joined the Club.

 

Profession – recently sold company to (redacted) and am now the manager of the (redacted) Home Loan office in Palos Verdes working in real estate financing.

 

Hobbies-  include tennis, snow skiing, good food and wine, spending time with my family

 

Last book read-   Wisdom of Our Fathers by Tim Russert

Most inspirational Rotarian-  Ed Clay- Watching him work and give tirelessly of himself is truly inspirational.  A very high quality human being.

One thing you didn't know about me – Most people would not know that I played on the professional tennis tour and went to college on a tennis scholarship.  Have played in exhibitions and practiced with tennis greats Ken Rosewall and Charlie Pasarell.

Venus vs. Serena- Well I guess since Venus just won Wimbledon she is on top right now, but Serena winning the Australian open earlier this year was a great accomplishment too.  Much better at tennis than acting though on both accounts.

Greenspan vs. Bernacke- Greenspan was one of the most influential people in the world financially as people just hung on every word.  Volker is not there yet and still a rookie.  He may get there some day.  The tough thing is that we don’t really know what a good or bad job they did until a bit further down the road.  I think Greenspan did alright with his control over monetary policy given where we are right now.  Jury is still out on Volker.

(But what about Yellen?)