Dr. Atlas Helaire, III Joins Us From SoCal ROC—November 2, 2016 Luncheon
Posted by Andrea Mossman on Nov 06, 2016
Lots of announcements at today's luncheon.
Steve Scerra announced that the election of club officers and directors will occur in December. Nominations are being accepted, and officers and directors were announced. Foundation board secretary and president positions are vacant; Terry Bichlmeier and Vicki Radel will be on the ballot.
Alexis Sheehy announced that we will be voting on new by-laws. They were emailed to us all last week. There will also be a new constitution.
Alexis also reminded us to sign up for Amazon Smile to support Rotary this holiday season.
Bill Gard announced the need for Salvation Army Holiday Party volunteers.
The Redondo Beach Rotary Club supports Cheer for Children! Their Christmas party will be at Washington School on December 16t
The Redondo Beach Rotary Club supports Cheer for Children! Their Christmas party will be at Washington School on December 16th.
Chuck Anderson told us about an opening for a Rotarian to help with “Reading By 9” at Washington School.
Marcello Goncalves invited us to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick-off Fundraiser Banquet at 6 PM on November 10th.
Walter Campbell told us that tonight’s Casino Night meeting has been canceled in favor of the seventh game of the World Series..
Vera Jimenez reminded us of this Saturday’s Downtown LA homeless outreach.
James Jackman told us that we are still looking for a family for Shogo, our exchange student, from February 24th to June 17th. Additionally, two of our Club’s kids would like to go on an exchange. However, this means that kids would also come here; therefore, we need to find some host families. They needn’t be Rotarians.
Vicki Radel and George Schane are collecting new coats and unwrapped toys for the Domestic Violence Center throughout November.
Guests were Donna Dawick of Cheer for Children and Athena Marano of the Salvation Army.
The Flag Salute was led by George Schane. The Inspiration was given by Vicki Radel. Our greeter for the day was Jim Stickler.
Luncheon was accompanied by Eroica Symphony in E Flat major by Ludwig von Beethoven.
Jim Sheehy announced today’s speaker, Dr. Atlas Helaire, III, Executive Director of SoCal ROC, or as it is better known, SCROC, in Torrance.
SoCal ROC helps thousands of youths and adults with job training each year, said Dr. Helaire. SoCal ROC is one of only two such job-training centers in California. Their focus is on exposing students to hands-on training with experts in their fields. They also offer internships. “Over 250 business partnerships keep SoCal ROC rigorous and relevant,” he told us. SoCal ROC also boasts state of the art facilities and equipment and annual events such as a fashion show allow students to put what they have learned to practical and fun use.
Classes are offered from 7AM to 9:45PM, and are open to high school students and adults. High school students attend free of charge, and adults pay per class. About 1,500 to 2,000 students attend classes at SoCalROC, and all students are eligible for approximately $32,000 in scholarships.
Spring semester planning is underway, and Dr. Helaire distributed information packets and offered to give a tour to anyone who is interested.