One of Rotary International’s Areas of Focus is the Environment and Rotary International is “…committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources…” So far, 18.4 million dollars in Global Grant funding has been awarded to support environmental projects.
The Rotary Club of China Lake has pitched-in with our Adopt-a-Highway project along China Lake Blvd., and the upcoming Community Clean-Up on May 4th. Join us to help make our community an even better place to live!
The Rotary Club of China Lake proudly supports the John S. Ward Respect for Law Dinner. If you would like tickets, please contact Rotarian David Saint-Amand prior to March 12th. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
On Saturday, February 24th, the Burroughs High School (BHS) Interact Club held their annual Burroughs High Access Road Clean up.
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Four Interactors, their advisor Judy Dwyer, and Rotarian David Saint-Amand spent an hour and a half collecting litter, ultimately filling up a pickup truck bed!
Photo courtesy of David Saint-Amand.
Well done Interactors!
The garbage collected was taken to the local landfill.
Last Saturday, February 24th, 13 Rotarians donned the Yellow Vest and Hardhat and cleaned up a portion of China Lake Blvd.
Photo courtesy of Linda McCauley.
After three hours of work and fun their haul included 25 Caltrans garbage bags, two large dilapidated business signs, and several pieces of scrap wood and cardboard. Project Leader Linda McCauley said of the event “Rotary can be proud as our 2-mile strip of China Lake Blvd is a whole lot cleaner today.”
Photo Courtesy of Linda McCauley.
The Rotary Club of China Lake is responsible for cleaning up the two-mile stretch of Highway 178 from the N.A.W.S. Front Gate to the intersection of 178 and Ridgecrest Blvd. With today's totals, they have collected over 125 bags of garbage.
The collected waste is carried away and disposed of by Caltrans crews. Clean up events are held quarterly.
Wednesday, December 27th, Rotarians from our Club, along with friends, headed on down to Irwindale, California to help decorate the Rotary International Rose Parade Float. Their effort, and the efforts of the Interactors and their family in the previous trip down, paid off.
Esther Sires was inducted as our Club’s newest member at the December 13th luncheon meeting. Esther comes to us with the classification of Special Education Teacher (retired).
Hitting the ground running, Esther has already completed half of her Red Badge duties!
On Saturday, December 16th, Rotarian Cheryl Saint-Amand led a party of 20 Interactors from Burroughs and ICS High Schools, their Club Advisors, Teachers, and parents to Irwindale, California, where, over the course of an 8-hour shift, they prepared and applied organic materials to Rotary International’s Rose Parade float. The theme for this year’s Rotary float is “Clean Water – The Music of Life” and the float will feature a Duck and three ducklings sliding along a keyboard.
The totals are in and members of our Club, over two Saturdays of ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraiser, raised over $3,500! Rotary’s own Lt. Gina Noble when reporting the news wrote: “We are Beyond Grateful!”
Photo provided by Lt. Gina Noble.
The original goal was for $1,500 or $125 an hour. By raising more than twice that the ringers truly went above and beyond!
Well done China Lake, and a huge Thank you to Todd St. Laurent for coordinating this event!
On Tuesday the 12th of December, Rotarian Linda McCauley helped the Salvation Army prepare for food deliveries to Senior Citizens of our community. Lt. Gina Noble praised the effort saying “The loading of 40 boxes of food each weighing 25Lbs and 5Lb bags of meat for our super seniors on Tuesday is no joke. Stephanie and Linda (pictured) brought their game and we are so thankful for their strong service above self.”
Community Service Director Jill Bradford closed out this year’s Coat and Hoodie Drive. The annual collection gathered over 40 new hoodies and more than 200 gently used coats! All of these garments will be distributed to those in need this Winter Season. Thank you to Jill for coordinating the drive, and to all those who donated; Rotarians, friends, and members of the community. Thank you also to State Farm and the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital for hosting collection boxes.
Photo from Jill Bradford. Pictured are Rotarian Tera Moorehead and a co-worker.
On Saturday the 9th members of our Club rang the bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fund raiser. In three two-hour shifts Elsa Hennings, Forrest Lloyd, Steve Boster, David Saint-Amand, Jim Hoover, and Club President Pam Smith collected donations, listened to Christmas music, and greeted shoppers at the Ridgecrest Stater Bros. grocery store.
Photograph from David Saint-Amand.
If you are out shopping this coming Saturday the 16th, stop by and say hello to our second shift of Ringers and make a donation!
This Tuesday morning Rotarians and friends turned out to help sort food donations and prepare boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables for the under served members of our community. From the Salvation Army post on Facebook “Thank you Community Action Partnership of Kern food bank and Rotary Club of China Lake volunteers.” The food is to be distributed on Wednesday, 13 December, beginning at 8:00AM at the Farmers Market outside of The Salvation Army Ridgecrest Corps Center for Worship and Service Thrift Store.
Photograph from Lt. Gina Noble of the Salvation Army.
Last Friday night was the Rotary Club of China Lake's annual Christmas Party. Held at the Saint-Amand’s, the party featured great food, good beverages, and fine fellowship. To add to the festivities there was an ugly Sweater Contest and a Yankee-Swap-Gift-Exchange.
Last Saturday morning Rotarians and Interactors from Burroughs High School served hot spiced cider and hot cocoa to the participants of the Cerro Coso Community College’s First Annual Jingle Jog.
Rotary International’s December Theme is Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotary supports hundreds of health projects, both large and small: temporary clinics, blood donation centers, training facilities, and educating and equipping communities to combat life-threatening diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is also important to Rotary International, which is why they include a focus on health education and making routine hearing, vision, and dental care available to people around the world.
Youth Services Director Cheryl Saint-Amand has received a 2022-2023 Rotary International (R.I.) Avenues of Service Award for her on-going support of the two Interact Clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of China Lake, and for her leadership in the club’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program.
Earlier this Rotary Year the Rotary Club of China Lake donated $3,000 to the U.S. branch of ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity established in the United Kingdom in the year 2000. For this the Club was recognized with a ShelterBox 2023-2024 Silver Hero Award.
Every year the Salvation Army Ridgecrest Corps prepares Thanksgiving meal boxes for those in need. This last Sunday, November 19th, in only two hours, Rotarians and Interactors along with members of Kiwanis and their Key Club packed 200 boxes of food to help make this Thanksgiving bountiful for 200 families: 40 military and 160 households of our community.
People of Action, in action. Photo courtesy of Salvation Army Lt. Gina Noble.
Just a few of the two hundred boxes for distribution for Thanksgiving.
last Saturday, November 18th, twenty Rotarians and guests gathered to celebrate our the Rotary Club of China Lake being a continuous 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club (PHF).
Rotarians and Guests enjoying Fellowship prior to Dinner.
On October 28th creatures of all sorts gathered to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. Here’s a few pictures of the party goers enjoying a festive evening. The theme was American Werewolf in London, but wearing a constum was not required.
The weather out side was pleasant, so the party spilled out onto the porch.
Rotarian Jill Bradford led the recent Community Dinner and said the event went very well indeed, with 104 meals served to the community and 3 trays of lasagna donated to the Ridgecrest Women's shelter. Jill prepared the food and Bob Gould helped to package it; along with Rosemary Gilbert, an English teacher at Burroughs High School, and 8 CSF students.
Jill would like to send a special shout-out to Bob for his help! Thank you Bob!
On June 29 the Rotary Club of China Lake held its annual Step Down and Installation Dinner at the SpringHill Suites in Ridgecrest. Club President Steve Boster (2022-2023) received the thanks of the Club for his successful third term of office.
Master of Ceremonies David Saint-Amand (left) presents now Past President Steve Boster (right) with his updated Past President Plaque which lists all three of his terms as Club President.
On June 24, 2023, at the Club's annual Step Down and Installation Dinner, Rotarian Jill Bradford was announced as the Everett A Long Rotarian of the Year for 2023-2024.
As a new member, Jill Bradford joined both the Club Board of Directors as Community Service Director, and the Club Foundation Board as a Director. As the Community Service Chair, Jill has put her spin on community events and expanded our Club's impact on the community.
Jill Bradford (right) Receiving her Rotarian of the Year plaque from Past Rotarian of the Year Betty Miller (left). Photograph courtesy of Mary Lundstrom.
I’m honored to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of China Lake for the 2023 – 2024 Rotary Year.
My primary goal for the year is to continue all of the good work that the club has been doing:
We’ve donated time and money to several charitable organizations to included Animal Shelter, Mountain Rescue, Salvation Army, Safe Grad, PACE, and Shelter Box;
We’ve cleaned China Lake Blvd and painted benches;
We’ve given thousands of dollars in scholarships;
We have thriving Interact groups; and
We have a lot of energy and momentum, and I’d like to sustain that.
The international theme this year is Create Hope in the World, and the 5240 theme is Let’s Have Fun. I think our club easily represents those goals. Thank you all for everything you do for our club and community. I look forward to working with you all this year!
* NOTICE * Our May 31st 2023 meeting (Wednesday) will be a change of venue. We will meet at Charlie’s at the Clarion at 11:30am. Anticipating a larger than average attendance we've made a one-meeting change in venue. Please being a friend.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Scholarship Dinner and Auction is scheduled for 18 March 2023. The proceeds of this event go towards scholarships for High School Students in the Indian Wells and Searles Valleys. A very important part of this fundraising effort are the sponsors of the event, both Corporate and Personal.
Rotarians and Friends ! Our annual event is scheduled for March 18th. If you haven't done so already, block that evening out on your calendar and invite your friends to join us in raising money for a very worthy effort! Tickets will be available soon at $35 a person. Table sponsorships will also be available.
Come to Boise, Idaho on July 30, 2022 to learn the meat and potatoes of Food Security, which is becoming an increasingly important issue across the Western US. Join fellow Rotarians and community members to learn about current efforts and best practices to increase food security, reduce food waste, and prepare for a changing future in agriculture in our communities and around the world.
On June 29 the Rotary Club of China Lake held its annual Step Down and Installation Dinner in the garden of Rotarian Peter Brown. Club President Betty Miller (2021-2022) received the accolades of her club members and guests as she departed office.
Outgoing President Miller gives her farewell address as Master of Ceremonies David Saint-Amand looks on.
President Miller addressed the club through her simulated "Zoom" window. Photo by Peter Brown.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year committee is pleased and honored to present the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award to Cheryl Saint-Amand.
As is the Club custom, last year's recipient of the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year award, Betty Miller, presented this year's award to Cheryl Saint-Amand at the Club's 2022 Installation and Step-Down dinner. In her speech introducing Cheryl as this years awardee, Past President Miller's said to the assembly of Rotarians and guests:
President Betty Miller of Rotary Club of China Lake received these thank you letters from the students who went to RYLA this year. The Rotary Club of China Lake's commitment to youth makes a difference.
Are you interested in starting a new service project, or are you looking for support for one that already exists? The Rotary Club of China Lake may be able to help.
Every year, the Rotary Club of China Lake Rotarian of the Year committee meets to identify and honor a member of the Rotary Club of China Lake who exemplifies the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self. A nominee must demonstrate a commitment to club and community service and participation in club activities. The worthy recipient selected is presented with an Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award.
This year the selection committee was pleased and honored to present the Everett A. Long Rotarian of the Year Award to Betty Miller.
This year's honoree, for not only this year, but for the three short years she has been a member of this club, has been involved in club governance and created two new club events; Totally Tables and Gifts that Give Hope. She actively supported the annual club scholarship auction and led last year’s effort through a difficult time. She has spent countless hours assisting with other club events and encouraging and supporting Past President Cheryl Saint-Amand during her year as Club President, earning Cheryl's deepest gratitude.
Wednesday, June 30th, 2021. Utilizing the magic wand passed to her by Past President Cheryl Saint-Amand, Club President Betty Miller led the Rotary Club of China Lake's first in-person club meeting in over a year.
Photos from David Saint-Amand
President Betty working her magic to produce a successful "blended" meeting.
The 2021 Scholarship Program is open. Graduating High School Seniors may now apply for a college or technical school scholarship. The letter of introduction and application may be downloaded here:
The cost of going to a college or a technical school rises every year. More than ever, scholarships help graduating High School students get past their difficult first year by helping with those expenses.
As we all know, the pandemic has not allowed us the same opportunities to have our traditional Scholarship Dinner Auction. We are resilient and able to adapt. After significant discussion and research we have decided to hold a Virtual On Line Auction to raise funds for our Scholarship Program. So we need ALL of your help.
Every year, the Rotarian of the Year Committee meets to identify and honor a member of the Rotary Club of China Lake who exemplifies the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self.
This year, in addition to selecting a Rotarian of the Year to be awarded in a few weeks, the committee created a new award for a Rotarian who has not received Rotarian of the Year, but through steady, quiet effort over a lifetime, has upheld, supported, and promoted the Rotary Club of China Lake.
The Rotary Club of China Lake Scholarship Auction is proceeding virtually. Starting today (Wednesday, 27 May 2020) a limited number of items, those with perishable contents or time-sensitive gift certificates, will be available for bidding.
THIS WEEK'S AUCTION IS FOR BIDS FROM THE INDIAN WELLS VALLEY AREA ONLY.
Rotary District 5240 Governor Savi Bhim spoke to the Rotary Club of China Lake last Wednesday, May 6th, 2020. She reviewed the history of Rotary's survival and growth during past times of great international difficulty and spoke about the opportunities presented by the COVID-19 outbreak for Rotary to do even more good in the world.
The Salvation Army in Ridgecrest is still seeing a heavy demand for food and personal hygiene supplies, with one recent day seeing hundreds of people showing up to receive support. In normal times, the Salvation Army here might expect 20 people.
Last Saturday local Commander Turnie Wright received a shopping basket of donations from the Rotary Club of China Lake.
On September 25th, 2019, U.S. Geological Society Seismologist Dr. Susan Hough spoke at the Rotary Club of China Lake luncheon on the "Ridgecrest" earthquakes. Follow the link below for the article in the Daily Independent.
RI President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney’s theme for 2019-20, Rotary Connects the World, asks Rotarians to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World, building the connections that allow talented, thoughtful, and generous people to unite and take meaningful action through Rotary service.
DRFCC Wade Nomura was recently appointed by the Rotary Foundation to serve as the Technical Coordinator of Cadres in Water and Sanitation Worldwide. Wade was asked to serve by incoming Rotary Foundation Chair Ron Burton and approved by the Board of Directors and Trustees to serve a three year term as a Technical Coordinator of Cadres for Water and Sanitation. There are 21 Technical Coordinators worldwide in Rotary, with 3 coordinators with staggered three year terms in each of the 6 Areas of Focus, and 3 in Financial Oversight. Wade will be one of three Technical Coordinators for Water and Sanitation, and the only one from North America. The Technical Coordinators have the responsibility to evaluate the grant process, work with the Trustees in making certain the grants models are efficient, and address any concerns the current grant model and policies may have, including making recommendations on improving the current system. Wade will also be serving on two Breakout Panels in Toronto on the “Role of the TRF Cadre” and on “Community Assessments”.
How can I find out what is going on in the club. Where is information on the social events and club fundraisers?
We enter information for our events on the club calendar. The current month's calendar is on the top left of the Home Page. Just click on the date you are interested in and if there is an event, it will open to that page.
You can also use the menu bar at the top of the website. Put the mouse over the item Calendar and you will get a pull down menu for Club Events, District Events, and RI Events. Just click on the you want and it will open the full calendar.
If you see words highlighted in light blue, usually that means there is a link to a new page. Just click on the blue words and you will go to a new page or a new website.
The Rotary Club of China Lake's First Club President
L.J. "Captain Jack" Goddard Club President 1951 to 1952
May 10, 1918 to April 26, 2012
Jack was born May 10, 1918 in Marion, Illinois. His mother was Sara Jo Alsbrook, and his father was Jack Hobson Goddard. Jack went to 19 different schools, growing up in Mississippi, Texas, Panama, Philippines, and even China.
Jack graduated as a Navy Ensign from a three month program at Northwestern in Chicago dubbed "90 day wonders" in 1941. He was on the Battleship USS Maryland at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and was in charge of one of the first gun crews to return fire. The USS Maryland was parked off Ford Island, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Goddard was bossing an anti-aircraft battery of four 1.1-inch guns five decks above the main deck. Goddard was joined by two cooks, a postal clerk, and a laundryman whom he trained to operate the weapons while his own gun crewmen secured ammunition from a locked armory below deck.
Goddard then commanded a convoy of 11 ships from Pearl Harbor to Majuro, in the Marshall Islands. He captained his own vessel in the Pacific, the USS LST (Landing Ship Tank) 225, the flagship of Group 38, during the invasions of Saipan and Tinian. The ship delivered 500 marines and 18 tanks to island beachheads during the Battle of Saipan, and continued to maneuver and receive the wounded for five consecutive days and nights while under fire. As executive officer of the USS Mercury, a cargo ship commissioned by the Navy for service delivering goods and equipment to ships and stations in the war zone, Goddard was responsible for the successful organization and administration of the first transferring of complete supplies to Task Force 58, the main striking force in the Pacific theatre.
After World War II ended, Jack finished college at Claremont Men's College, now called Claremont McKenna College. He was in the original group of graduating classes there, called the "Pacesetters". Jack later served as aide to the Commanding Officer at the China Lake Naval Weapons Station, as well as Port Director in Naples, Italy.
After he left the military, he became a businessman, selling life insurance and then starting what he called "PFN" - Personal Financial Navigation". Jack continued his strong ties to CMC, establishing a CMC "4th Friday" for alumni, friends and anyone else who needed help with finding what they wanted to do for a living. Jack had a lifelong love for dogs, and rescued many dogs during his life. Prior to his death, Jack was married to Millie for 63 years. They were blessed with five sons, Larry, John, Bill, Dan and Tom, and their families as well as six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The Rotary Club of China Lake's First Club President
Our friends in the Rotary Club of Ventura have started a fundraiser to help those impacted by the Thomas Fire. We have many Rotarians and friends that have been affected and some still in harms way.
_______________________________________ Dear Rotarians, This is Ellyn Dembowski, president of the Rotary Club of Ventura. Many of our fellow Rotarians from throughout Southern California (and from throughout the nation) have reached out to ask how they can support our efforts as we respond to the devastating fire that impacted our community. I am so proud of the group of Rotarians in our Ventura Club who have their finger on the pulse of this situation. We are raising funds to help support the local agencies that will be helping families and individuals rebuild from nothing. We will also use the funds to address specific, immediate needs… needs that fall through the cracks and are not necessarily addressed by insurance claims or other relief efforts. We urge you to support our Thomas Fire Fund and help us put service above self in Ventura County.
Please share the link to our Go Fund Me page with your club members and community network. Help us as we respond with care and compassion to this horrible event.
Join the Rotary Club of China Lake and event sponsor, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, on November 15th, for an educational and informative presentation on human trafficking in the United States, the challenges for vulnerable and diverse populations, and how communities can become true allies to protect and empower the victims.
Dawn was fifteen years old in 1976 when her family moved into an apartment complex managed by 32-year-old porn star John Holmes. After grooming Dawn, Holmes began a sexual relationship with her, manipulating her with drugs and alcohol, abusing her physically and emotionally, and prostituting her on the streets of Hollywood, to brothels and drug dealers. After the famed Wonderland murders in 1981, they fled to Florida, where she ultimately broke free and turned him over to the police."
One might think this sounds like the synopsis for a Hollywood movie, but it was the reality for our speaker, Dawn Schiller.
Kern County and our valley are being used as corridors for transporting victims of human trafficking. Ignorance of the human trafficking issue coupled with the growth of the internet has allowed it to flourish. Many do know how to spot nor know how to help victims of human trafficking. The issue is so urgent that Ridgecrest is one of three communities that have formed human trafficking community response teams; Frazier Park and Bakersfield are the other two communities.
Mark your calendars, for educational and informative evening. Dawn Schiller is a survivor and an amazing woman with an incredible story to share. She is an author, educator and advocate for victims of sexual and mental abuse. As a speaker, trainer and author, she combines her personal experiences and academic studies to raise awareness about sex trafficking, domestic violence and teen victimization. After the lecture she will be available for a meet and greet and she will have her book available as well. Seating will be limited. The evening is brought to you by Rotary Club of China Lake and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital as a community service project.
Rotary Club of China Lake is sponsoring a coat drive now through January 2018. We will be collecting new and gently used coats of all sizes, including children and adult sizes. Please drop off any donations to Mary Lundstrom at Coldwell Banker, 710 North China Lake Blvd. Ridgecrest CA. Help us make the cold winter months just a little warmer for needy members of our community.
The Rotary Club of China Lake is pleased to announce the induction of three new members. Cheryl Saint Amand, Derrick Haynes and Steve Martinez joined the club on September 6th. They were sponsored by David Saint Amand, Forrest Lloyd and Elsa Hennings. We look forward to getting them involved in club activities and Rotary service projects.
Mark Daniel Maloney, of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2019-20. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2018-19. He will be declared the president-elect on 1 September 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Sam F. Owori, Rotary International president-elect, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 13th, as a result of post-operative complications from a planned surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.
We have a special guest speaker on August 2nd, 2017. The Commanding Officer of NAWS China Lake will be speaking to the club. This is a great program to bring a guest or potential Rotarian.
For more information, contact a Rotarian or use our Facebook page.
Captain Paul M. Dale, USN
Captain Dale is a 1994 graduate of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation then subsequently earned selection for lateral transfer followed ultimately by Naval Flight Officer wings in 1998.
Captain Dale’s command tour occurred from February 2012 to May 2013 as Commanding Officer of VAW-116, the “Sun Kings”, located at Naval Base Ventura County flying the E-2C Hawkeye 2000.
His at-sea tours prior to his Command tour involved duties on an Aegis Cruiser and two E-2C squadrons.
Ashore Captain Dale served as a Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructor at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) in Fallon, NV. He also attended the US Naval War College Newport Rhode Island. Joint duty occurred as a member of the NORTHMCOM J3 directorate Colorado Springs Colorado. His assignment prior to NAWSCL was as the N6 / Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) Department Head at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), which was previously known as NSAWC, located in Fallon, Nevada.
Captain Dale’s decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight, and Battle E. He has accumulated nearly 2700 E-2 flight hours and 575 carrier arrested landings on three different aircraft carriers.
Photo Source: The Rocketeer II Caption: Capt. Paul M. Dale, second from right, reads his orders assuming command of NAWS China Lake
Lunch Program Features NAWS CO Captain Paul M. Dale
This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary International Foundation. Our incredible endowment began with the grand sum of $26.50 left over after paying the expenses of the 1917 Rotary Convention. Then outgoing R.I. President Arch Klumph proposed the idea of starting a charitable foundation for “the purpose of doing good in the world.” The Foundation gave its first gift in 1929, a $500 donation to the International Society for Crippled Children. That organization, founded by Rotarian Edgar F. Allen, later grew into Easter Seals. More recently, during the Rotary year 2015-2016 alone, the Foundation gave out $25.2 million in District Grants and $68.7 million in Global Grants.
The Governor’s challenge is this: he would like each Rotarian in each Club in the District to help celebrate the Foundation’s 100th birthday by making a special donation of $26.50.
Rotarians have planted trees in the name of fellowship, friendship, and community service since the early 20th century. These trees, which can be found worldwide, have grown into enduring monuments of Rotary’s ideals.
As president emeritus, Harris traveled extensively during the 1920s and 1930s, often accompanied by his wife Jean. During these trips, the nature-loving Harris planted trees to symbolize goodwill and friendship.
In the fall of 1932, Harris embarked on a five-week tour of European Rotary clubs and planted trees along the way.
“Wednesday forenoon I planted my first tree of friendship in European soil. It seemed to me especially appropriate that it took place in Germany—in its metropolis—Berlin. The planting occurred in a sports platz formerly devoted to war purposes, and a large number including Rotarians, city officials, and others were in attendance.”
Harris also planted trees in Tallinn, Estonia, and Göteborg, Sweden, during this trip.
(Paul Harris and members of the Rotary Club of Tallinn, Estonia, plant a friendship tree in 1932.)
We had a great lunch program today. Erica Beeler, China Lake Engineer, shared information about the great program to encourage 6th, 7th and 8th grade young men the importance of math and science skills, The Young Engineers and Scientists of Ridgecrest Young Men's Conference will be held September 17th at McLean Lab on NAWCWD.
Our District has 'passed the hat' many times in support of providing relief during disasters around our globe. This time, the need is in our own back yard. We all know about the Erskine Fire in the Lake Isabella area which has resulted in the loss of life and property. Our own Immediate Past President Bill Brown lost his home in the fire.
At the July Board Meeting, it was decided that we want to set a goal of raising at least $1000 to be sent to the Erskine Fire Fund from the Rotary Club of China Lake. The board has earmarked $250 to start the pot. We will pass the hat at the next couple of meetings. Members are encouraged to be generous. You can also bring a check to include in the funds. We will be depositing all money in the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation. Members can donate directly to the RCCLCF to get a tax donation receipt if requested.
The Annual Rotary District Conference will be held October 14-16, 2016 at the Hyatt in beautiful Westlake Village, CA. Registration will be on-line soon!
RI President-elect John F. Germ chose Rotary Serving Humanity as his theme for 2016-17. Noting Rotary’s unique ability to bring together committed professionals to achieve remarkable goals, Germ believes that “now is the time to capitalize on our success: as we complete the eradication of polio, and catapult Rotary forward to be an even greater force for good in the world.”
The members of the Rotary Club of China Lake approved the change in our dues structure at the May Club Assembly. Please contact Sharon Girod or Elsa Hennings to get your 2016-17 Club Pledge Form. You will need to select one of the two dues options for the upcoming year. Members who do not submit the annual Club Pledge Form will default to Tier 1 dues structure on July 1, 2016. Tier 1 is the best option for members that attend most of the meetings. Paying for all your lunches would actually end up costing you more than the monthly dues. Tier 2 is the best option for club members that can not attend more than 2 meetings a month. Those members are encouraged to keep their attendance percentage up by attending social events, fundraisers, District events, make-ups and service projects.
Club Dues Structure - Two Tiers to Meet Member Needs
The BHS Interact Club held a Pizza Party for the Special Ed Students today. It was a big success. They handed out lots of Valentines they had made and shared Cheese, Pepperoni Pizza followed with cookies, brownies and cake.
Interact is a club for young people ages 12-18 who want to join together to tackle the issues in their community that they care most about. Every Interact club carries out two service projects a year: one that helps the school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
BHS Interact is sponsored by the Rotary Club of China Lake.
Way to go Interact!
BHS Interact Puts on Pizza Party for Special Ed. Students
Join us on 23 October for Rotary’s third annual World Polio Day event. We’ll be streaming live from New York City, so tune in at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time to watch a global status update on the fight to end polio and take part in the conversation. Guests will include Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, celebrity ambassadors, polio survivors and others.
The Rotary Global Essay Competition (ROGEC) is being organized by Rotary Club of Pune Katraj (R.I. District 3131). Through this competition, we intend share ideas and promote understanding on humanitarian issues among the Rotary fraternity.
Theme 2015 - World Understanding and Peace
"Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the result of silent repression. Peace is the generous contribution of all to the good of all." - Oscar Romero
Peace is typically described as not having violence, avoiding being in conflict and most importantly not being under constant fear of brutality. However on the other side of the coin, peace is also a way of life, it is about having constructive relationship not only every human being, but environment as whole. The concept of peaceful existence extends right from constraints of an individual's mind to that of a family and from the community that you live in to national and international levels.
The lunch program on July 22nd was Angela Marie Winters of Cultural Homestay International, a 501 (c)(3) Non-profit Educational Exchange Program. She explained how the program worked with a focus on becoming a host family.
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Cultural Homestay International
Opening your heart opens minds...host a high school exchange student for 5 or 10 months! Every year high school-aged youth from over 30 countries around the world participate in CHI's high school foreign exchange program. Host families are the backbone of the Cultural Homestay International Academic Year Program (AYP). By volunteering and opening your home and heart to the world’s young people, you are donating to them an uncommon gift: an offer of friendship, a willingness to share themselves and their way of life, and a genuine interest in learning about culture and customs.
Rotarians celebrate the opening of the House of Friendship and attend the Opening Session of the 2015 Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil.
A reminder to all members that the 2015 Vocational Services Awards Luncheon will be on June 17th. Vocational Services Director Pam Smith is asking members to please submit your nominations for this year on the form she sent previously via email and return to her by the 9th June. Hopefully you've had someone in mind all year. We have a great community with lots of hard working folks. A copy of the nomination form was attached with this week's club bulletin in case you did not receive one previously.
São Paulo feels like a museum of modernism. A single iconic image of the city might be a cityscape of endless towers fading into the horizon, or a photo of luxurious high-rise apartment blocks with pools and exotic flora on their terraces, all set against the favelas and their red roofs.
We have a very timely lunch program today. The Kern County Counsel will be speaking on the State of the County. With the Kern County Board of Supervisor's 5-0 vote to approve the Land-Use Plan last night, this is an interesting time for the legal department of Kern County.
(photo from Peter Brown's view point at the Supervisor's meeting on Tuesday)
On May 13th at the Clarion Inn, The Rotary Club of China Lake is hosting it's annual Scholarship Luncheon. Barbara Butler, New Generations Director, and members of the Scholarship Committee will welcomed the scholarship recipients, their family and members of the community at the luncheon. The program will include the presentation of over 20 academic scholarships to some very deserving young ladies and gentlemen.
This amazing scholarship program is possible, in part, due to the community's support of the Rotary Club of China Lake Charitable Foundation's Annual Dollars for Scholars Auction and Dinner. This club project will make an impact on the lives of the scholarship recipients today and has the potential to make the world a better place in the future.
Dear District 5240 Rotarians,
By now, you all know about the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal this past Saturday. More than 3,800 people are confirmed dead and that total is expected to rise. Thousands more are injured and/or displaced because their homes have been destroyed. The isolated region and damage to the roads and infrastructure are making it extremely difficult for aid supplies to get through, although headway is being made. Many relief organizations are already providing immediate aid to the affected area; however both short and long term assistance will be needed.
A casual social gathering at Charlie's at the Clarion. Members are asked to bring significant others, friends and random strangers for fellowship and fun. Our club normally hosts a 1040 Party each April. It is a chance to relax and mingle with friends and for many a chance to enjoy a breather after getting taxes done. This year the 1040 Party is being called a Spring Fling. Join members and their friends at Charlie's at the Clarion on Saturday, April 25th from 6:00pm until 8:30ish....
China Lake's own Bud Sewell will be entertaining with his singing talents on May 1st at 7:00pm at Maturango Museum. This is a fundraiser for the museum and with Bud's talents.....tickets will sell out quickly. Wear your club pin and claim a make-up!
On February 25, The Rotary Club of China Lake hosted representatives from local non-profits at the lunch meeting.
Non-Profits participated in selling tickets for the Community Dinner and Rotary was pleased to return $3600+ to those present for their portion of the ticket sales. 2014 was the 18th year Rotary hosted the Community Dinner, using it as opportunity for the community learn about services offered by local organizations. It is also an fundraiser for these local non-profit organizations.
Represented today were Daughters of Revolution (DAR), Eastern Star Cancer Comfort Station, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Habitat for Humanity, Immanuel Christian School, IVW CERT Team, IWV Concert Association, IWV Family Resource Center, IWV TV Boosters, Lions Club, Pink Ladies Volunteer AUX, Rand Museum, Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society, DCOA, Women’s Center, and the Maturango Museum. Others unable to attend today, but who will receive their funds: A Helping Hand, AAWU, BHS Boosters, Boy Scouts Troop 412, CA Turtle & Tortoise Club, Cherokee Community of CA, Exchange Club, NCMA, Pregnancy Care Center, Sage Pistol Club, Scorpions Soccer Club, Sister City, St Anns, and TOPS. Rotarian Wade Tallman, Chair for Community Dinner, was on hand to hand distribute the checks.
The Annual Dollars for Scholars Auction and Dinner is set for 7 Mar 2015. The Rotary Club of China Lake sponsors this annual event which raises funds for scholarships for our local students attending college. On a yearly basis the club awards over $17,000 in scholarships to attend CCCC and major universities around the country. Event is open to the public. Tickets are $30 and include dinner, dancing, a silent auction and a live auction.
Mark your calendar for Mar 07, 2015
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Kerr McGee Center
100 California Ave
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
United States
See
more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/2828/Event/675d1714-a008-48ab-bee7-ca2a2b90185a#sthash.NmMVwDuz.dpuf
December 13th, 6:30pm at Avalos' home at 135 E. Monte Vista
Steak/Chicken and drinks provided
Please bring a salad or dessert
Bring a gift (value $25) for a wild gift exchange
Call Mary @ 382-1991 to RSVP
It is that time of the year ........time for the Rotary Club of China Lake's Christmas Party and Gift Exchange for members, family and friends.
Please RSVP with Mary Lundstrom. Please bring your spouse or significant other.
The wild gift exchange is our club's annual tradition. Bring a wrapped present to participate in the gift exchange. If your spouse or guest will be participating, bring a wrapped present for them too. The gift value should be about $25.
This is an adult party and attire is holiday or cocktail or if you really must...your holiday pajamas. You might even be rewarded if you have on an ugly Christmas sweater!
June 27th is an important date for the Rotary Club of China Lake. It is the 63rd Birthday of our club! And it is the annual installation dinner at the Springhill Suites. We will be joined by world traveler, BMX bike legend and friend of the club PDG Wade Nomura and his equally impressive wife, Roxanne Nomura. This is a great social event to share our accomplishments of the year and to look forward to another great year for the Rotary Club of China Lake. This is a great club and is made strong by the contributions of each and every member. Register today for this fun event.
The 63rd Birthday of the Rotary Club of China Lake
Please visit our club's Facebook page. We having been using the site to share information about the club and our special events like our Dollars for Scholars Auction, the Community Dinner.
The Rotary District 5240 Facebook page is available for us to join as are many Rotary information groups, RYLA pages, and other club pages. Join today and make new friends in our Rotary family.
ifferent schools, growing up in Mississippi, Texas, Panama, Philippines, and even China.
Rotary Club of China Lake is sponsoring a coat drive now through January 2018.
Mark Daniel Maloney, of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2019-20. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2018-19. He will be declared the president-elect on 1 September 2017, if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
M. Dale, USN
Registration for the 2018 Toronto RI Convention
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A reminder to all members that the 2015 Vocational Services Awards Luncheon will be on June 17th. Vocational Services Director Pam Smith is asking members to please submit your nominations for this year on the form she sent previously via email and return to her by the 9th June. Hopefully you've had someone in mind all year. We have a great community with lots of hard working folks. A copy of the nomination form was attached with this week's club bulletin in case you did not receive one previously.
See 
